He shook his head ruefully. But you cant. Shes gone, and you can either accept that fact or spend the rest of your life trying to change what cant be changed.

You dont know that, Harley replied, feeling that old anger rising up in her and fighting to keep it at bay. You dont know Kelly is gone.

Dont I? He stared hard at her, and Harley had the distinct impression he knew more about Kellys disappearance than he had told her. She just wouldnt listen sometimes, no matter what I told her. You two were alike that waystubborn as hell. He grunted.

What really happened to her, Dad? she asked, her voice softening. What do you know?

He shook his head as if it were pointless to tell her anything. Harley, however, was not going to let it go so easily. She stepped forward, her anger at her father overcome by her eagerness to learn something anything that might lead her to the truth about Kellys disappearance.

Please, she murmured, touching his hand. If not for me, then for Kellys sake. Just tell me what really happened.

She stared at her fathers haggard face. For a moment she thought his angry facade would crack and he would at last be vulnerable with her, at last recognize his failings as a father. Then his face hardened and he pulled his hand away.

Youve been stuck in the past too long, he said, his voice hard. Im not going to help you spend the rest of your life there.

The spark of tenderness Harley had felt for her father was immediately snuffed out. She turned away, hiding her face. Greg opened his mouth to say something, then thought better of it.

With an effort, Harley pushed aside all the things she wanted to say, all the things she needed to say. She just didnt have the energy for that kind of conflict, not on the heels of the OPR investigation and the discovery that Rob wanted a divorce.

Her father was staring out the window, his eyes dead to the world.

I love you, Dad, Harley said with all the goodwill she could muster. Despite everything.

She waited a few moments more, hoping he would answer. But no reply came. Realizing her father had said all he would say, Harley stepped out into the hallway. She ran a hand through her hair, overwhelmed by the emotions stirred up by the sight of her father.

Do you really think she might still be alive? Greg asked, coming up behind her. She turned around to see him standing with his hands in his pockets, staring at the floor.

Harley sighed wearily. I dont know, Greg. Its possible, but when people are missing this long… She shook her head. The statistics arent good.

They both stepped aside as a nurse pushed an elderly woman in a wheelchair past them. They heard the TV come on in their fathers room.