Nikki pointed to the television. “Seems someone said they saw the vigilantes at the Crystal City Underground. They have it staked out—FBI, the locals, and media. That anchor, Joyce Hart, is saying the vigilantes are vain and have egos bigger than the Washington Monument, and she’s staying till we show ourselves.”

Kathryn started to laugh and couldn’t stop as she stumbled toward the bathroom.

Annie hurried after her as she voiced motherly concerns. “What’s that noise? I hope the air-conditioning isn’t going to go out on us. I’ll die if that happens.” Annie laughed.

“Will she be okay, Nikki?” Myra asked.

“Yes, some more water and Gatorade, some food, she’ll be fine. The shower is going to help. When Yoko gets here, she might give her a massage of sorts. She’ll be the old Kathryn by morning. What’s that noise? Oh, who cares?”

Myra smiled. “What about you, dear?”

“I got my second wind, Mummie. I’ll be okay. I’m going to take a shower now. Do you think you could make us a BLT? Lots of tomatoes, the bacon nice and crisp, soft, spongy bread, light on the mayo and lettuce but load on the bacon. Two glasses full of ice with orange Gatorade, and I’ll be in heaven.”

Myra practically swooned. She loved it when Nikki called her Mummie. Growing up, Barbara and Nikki had both called her Mummie. Tears blurred her vision as she made her way to the kitchen.

“Don’t cry, Mummie. Nik will be okay. Remember she likes her bacon to the point where you can snap it in two.”

“Darling girl, I wish I was making a BLT for you, too. God in Heaven, I miss you so. Do you know if…?”

“Everyone is fine. Charles is busy. Actually, he is having the time of his life right now. He pulled it off. It was really a little dicey there for a while, but it all worked out. I know you are all upset with him, but you have to get over it. And, Mummie, he wants that tulip comforter back on the bed so badly he can taste it. It’s time, Mummie.”

Myra managed a weary smile as she laid strips of bacon into the fry pan. “Yes, I guess it is. I can’t believe the time has come when the wheel has turned, and you’re giving me advice. I feel like crying, darling girl.”

“No tears, Mummie. I have to go now. Nik needs me. Love you.”

“And I love you more than you can ever know, darling girl. If Nikki needs you, go to her.”

Myra swiped at her tears. If only she could turn the clock back to the days when Barbara and Nikki were little girls. Innocent little girls with little-girl secrets. Sisters, but not blood sisters, who shared everything.