We just got home. Mom, they did so many tests…all day. But they couldnt find anything to show that she definitively has cancer. Theres some blood work that needs to come back, but from what I understand, if what they saw today didnt show anything, we can breathe easy.

But were not one hundred percent certain yet?

No. Not one hundred percent. Well get the results of the last batch of blood work tomorrow, and they want us to come in next week for a follow-up. But the doctor in charge of her case said that hes not worried, based on what he saw today.

Thats great news.

It is. Were um…well, were very thankful. It was scary as hell, but we know it could have been a lot worse.

Will you keep me posted if anything else pops up?

Of course.

And Ill come by and visit when I get back in town. I have no idea when that will be, but

Its okay, Mom. Were good. I just wanted to give you an update so you wouldnt be worrying about us all night.

Thanks for the call. Let me know if you need anything.

They hung up, leaving Kate to look at the mound of information on the Fullers. It was the first time since coming back from Jones Field when Kate wasnt sure if she was in the right place. The right place right now felt like wherever Melissa and Michelle were.

Everything okay? DeMarco asked.

Yeah. Just feeling like a guilty grandmother.

Any particular reason why?

Kate sighed, fully prepared to keep it from DeMarco. It wouldnt have been out of any sort of secretive reasonsbut mainly because she didnt want to hinder her partner with her own personal issues. But she then recalled the conversation theyd had the previous night, where DeMarco had opened up a bit about her own personal life.

Melissa had a pretty bad scare today, she answered. With Michelle. Everything is okay now, but it was frightening for a while there.

She went on to tell DeMarco about what Melissa had been through todayand in turn, what she had been dealing with in the background while they had been hunting down answers regarding the Fullers. It didnt take long and she was surprised to find that it was easier to talk to DeMarco about it than she had originally thought.

So youve had that weight on your shoulders all afternoon? DeMarco asked.

Yeah.

DeMarco chuckled and said, Youre a stronger woman than I am, thats for sure.

Kate took the compliment, but she doubted it was a true comment. She knew DeMarco had a mean streak inside of her. It was a streak she had seen glimpses of whenever the issue of child abuse of any kind had come up in their line of work.