More importantly, she could keep a secret. It was only a few weeks ago that Kat had taken her on a stakeout of a drug dealer, during which Hannah had confronted the guy for no reason other than to feel the rush of dangerto feel anything really.

Later that night, when Kat had threatened to tell Jessie what happened, Hannah confessed the truth: that she only seemed capable of feeling emotions when she put herself in extreme situations, and that she worried Jessie would abandon her if she found out just how damaged she was.

It had been a relief to tell Kat the truth, something she hadnt been able to tell Jessie or even Dr. Lemmon. Kat had promised not to reveal what shed been told, as long as Hannah promised not to put herself at risk like that again.

And in the intervening weeks, theyd both followed through. Hannah had restrained her urge to push beyond safe boundaries. And Kat had listened patiently as she tried to work out the conflicts in her head. She knew that at some point, Kat would insist that she come clean with the people responsible for her, but she hadnt done so yet and Hannah was grateful.

Whats up, Hanna Barbera? Kat asked upon picking up, using a nickname that Hannah didnt understand.

Nothing much, Hannah replied. Whats up with you?

Just driving back from a weekend at my honeys.

Kat was long-distance dating a sheriffs deputy from Lake Arrowhead, a small town in the mountains about eighty miles northeast of L.A. She sounded happy. Hannah was reluctant to ruin her mood with her own problems.

Ryan arrives today, right? Kat said.

Hes actually already here, has been for a few hours now.

How that going?

Okay. Jessie had to leave for a case and the nurse left a little while ago too. So its just the two of us.

Oh, Kat said, and Hannah could almost hear the woman processing the situation. That must be fun for you.

Ive had better afternoons, she admitted.

Well, I know Jessie really appreciates what youre doing. She told me how excited she was to have Ryan coming to stay at the house. So if shes not there, this case must be serious.

Theyre all serious, Kat, Hannah said bitterly.

Its just one day, right? Kat said, skipping over her tone. Tomorrow youll be back in school and there will be a nurse available to help.

Yeah, during the day, Hannah countered irritably. What happens at night when shes working on a lead and Im the only one here?

She could sense Kat struggling for an acceptable answer. She let her squirm.