She wasn’t thinking when she called Sybill, but she’d had time to think since. The way to play sister Sybill, she knew, was to tug on the guilt and responsibility strings.

“I know you.” She offered a watery smile. “I knew that when I told you what happened with Seth, you’d help. I tried your apartment in New York.” Which she had, more than a week ago. “And when your answering service said you were out of town, I explained how I was your sister and there was an emergency. They gave me the number of the hotel.”

“I see.” It was plausible, Sybill decided, even logical. “I’ll take care of the bail, Gloria, but there are conditions.”

“Yeah.” She gave a short laugh. “That sounds familiar.”

“I need the name of your lawyer so I can contact him. I want to be brought up to date on the status of this situation with Seth. I want you to talk to me. We’ll have dinner and you can explain to me about the Quinns. You can explain to me why they claim Ray Quinn gave you money for Seth.”

“The bastards are liars.”

“I’ve met them,” she said calmly. “And their wives. I’ve seen Seth. It’s very difficult for me to equate what you told me with what I’ve seen.”

“You can’t put everything all neat and tidy into reports. Christ, you’re just like the old man.” She started to get up, snarled at the jerk of the cuff on her wrist. “The two eminent Dr. Griffins.”

“This has nothing to do with my father,” Sybill said quietly. “And everything, I suspect, to do with yours.”

“Fuck this.” Gloria twisted her lips into a vicious smile. “And fuck you. The perfect daughter, the perfect student, the perfect goddamn robot. Just pay the fucking bail. I got money put by. You’ll get it back. I’ll get my kid back without your help, sister dear. My kid. You want to take the word of a bunch of strangers over your own flesh and blood, you go right ahead. You always hated me anyway.”

“I don’t hate you, Gloria. I never have.” But she could, she realized, as the ache began in her head and heart. She was afraid she very easily could. “And I’m not taking anyone’s word over yours. I’m just trying to understand.”

Deliberately Gloria turned her face away so Sybill wouldn’t see her smile of satisfaction. She’d found the right button to push after all, she decided. “I need to get out of here. I need to get cleaned up.” She made certain her voice broke. “I can’t talk about this anymore. I’m so tired.”

“I’ll go deal with the paperwork. I’m sure it won’t take long.”

As she rose, Gloria grabbed her hand again, pressed it to her cheek. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I said those things to you. I didn’t mean them. I’m just upset and confused. I feel so alone.”

“It’s all right.” Sybill pulled her hand free and walked to the door on legs that felt as brittle as glass.