They nodded to one another and Thorn left, driving his own car to the hospital. There he consulted with Dr. Becker who informed him that Katherine was awake and feeling relaxed. He asked if he might have a psychiatrist visit her and Thorn gave him the number of Charles Greer. He then went into Katherine's room, and she smiled weakly when she saw him.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," she whispered.

"Feeling better?"

"Some."

"They say you're going to be fine."

"I'm sure."

Thorn pulled up a chair and sat beside her. He was struck with her beauty, even in this condition; the sunlight streamed in through the window, gently illuminating her hair.

"You look nice," she said.

"I was thinking about you," he replied

"I'm sure I'm a vision," she smiled.

He took her hand and held it; both gazing into each other's eyes.

"Strange times," she said softly.

"Yes."

"Is it ever going to be all right?"

"I think so."

She smiled sadly, and he reached up, brushing a wisp of hair from her eyes.

"We're good people, aren't we, Jeremy?" she asked.

"I think so."

"Then why is everything going wrong?"

He shook his head, unable to answer.

"If we were terrible people," she said quietly, "then I'd say 'Okay.' Maybe this is what we deserve. But what did we do wrong? What did we ever do wrong?"

"I don't know," he whispered hoarsely.

She seemed so vulnerable and innocent, and he was flooded with emotion.

"You'll be safe here," he whispered. "I'm going away for a few days."

She had no reaction. She didn't even ask him where.

"It's business," he said. "Something I can't avoid."

"How long?"

"Three days. I'll call you every day."

She nodded, and he slowly rose, leaning over to gently kiss her bruised, discolored cheek.

"Jerry?"

"Hm?"

"They tell me I jumped."

She gazed up at him, her eyes puzzled and childlike.

"Is that what they told you" she asked.

"Yes."

"Why should I do that?"

"I don't know," whispered Thorn. "That's what we'll have to find out."

"Am I crazy?" she asked simply.

Thorn gazed at her, then slowly shook his head.

"Maybe we all are," he replied.

She reached up and he leaned down again, bringing his face close to hers.

"I didn't jump," she whispered. "Damien pushed me."

There passed a long silence, and Thorn slowly left the room.

The six-seat Lear Jet was empty save for Thorn and Jennings, and as it streaked through the darkened skies toward Rome, the atmosphere within was silent and tense. Jennings had his research books spread out around him and prodded Thorn to remember everything Tassone had told him.

"I can't," said Thorn with anguish. "It's all a blur."

"Start at the beginning. Tell me everything you can."