I’d forgotten Rose wasn’t home. I was hoping she would distract her brother while I got his badge. But Isaac’s rude welcome gives me another idea. I offer what I hope is an embarrassed smile and say, “I’ve been trying to send her a message, but my phone has been acting strange so I figured I’d stop by. If nothing else, it gave me a chance to apologize again. For making you late.”

“It wasn’t that big a deal,” he mutters.

“I’d still like to make it up to you,” I say. “I was thinking maybe I could do a portrait of you in your security uniform? Your mom’s birthday is coming up.”

Playing to his vanity does the trick. “That would be really great.” He smiles and steps back, letting me into the condo. “You really don’t have to go to the trouble, but Mom would love the portrait. And it would save me from having to come up with a gift.”

“It’s no problem. Really. And since I have pictures of you to use as a reference, I just need to see your uniform and badge.” When he brings everything out to the living room, I add, “If you need to take a shower now, I can put it all back in your room when I’m done.”

“Wow. Thanks, Meri.” He grins. “Man! Mom’s going to flip. I’ll tell Rose your phone is on the blink.” And with that he’s gone.

When I hear the shower running, I pocket the identification badge, take several pictures of his uniform (since I’ll eventually have to draw the portrait I promised), then return the clothes and head out. Now I just have to use the card and get it back to Isaac before he realizes it’s missing.

By the time I bike from Rose’s house to Liberty Tower, I am feeling less confident about my plan than I was when I started. But it takes only a thought of my mother and how she died to shove my doubt aside.

I stash my bike in a rack and glance through the window at the security guard sitting half-asleep at his desk. The building is always open on weekends, since the architecture makes it a popular tour stop and wedding reception location. Today, aside from the drowsy guard the reception foyer is empty. There’s no way to get to the elevators without him seeing me.

Unless . . .

I spot a frazzled woman outside, herding a group of children. Their behavior ranges from out of control to loudly petulant. She’s turning a tablet around in her hands, a map displayed on the screen.

“Excuse me,” I say. “If you’re lost, I’m sure the guard in there will be happy to give you directions.”

The lady blinks up from the screen. “Are you sure?” she asks with desperate hope. “We’ve been going around in circles and they’re getting tired.”

“I’m positive.”

She gives me a grateful smile, then makes a beeline to the security guard. The kids follow, chasing each other at high volume.