FOURTEEN 

Marjorie looked at the round sun shaped clock on the kitchen wall as she removed a tray of cookies from the oven. 'Half past two.' She thought. Henry would be leaving for the city in a little while. Reagan was still curled up, fast asleep on the sofa. She pushed the door opened crack just to be sure. The child whimpered a little and put a hand to her ear. Marjorie had raised six children of her own and had been a part-time mother to Payton as well, that sound set off a small alarm in that mothering part of her. She wiped her hands on her apron and tiptoed toward the girl. She placed the back of her hand against Reagan's forehead and brought it back with sudden shock. She bent and pressed her own cheek against Reagan's. The child was raging with fever. Her brow was damp with sweat. Marjorie gently shook her shoulder.

"Reagan." She called softly. "Reagan?" Reagan's eyes opened slowly, they were red rimmed and watery with fever. Marjorie placed her hands against the girl's cheeks. "Sweetie? Reagan? Are you all right, honey?" The child took a small breath and tried to stifle a sob. Marjorie sat down next to her at the edge of the couch. "Sweetie, tell me. What's wrong? What hurts?" Reagan slowly raised her hand to her ear. Her breath came in small sobs she could no longer contain. Marjorie pulled the girl into her arms and felt the heat emanate from the small body. She wasn't trained in the medical profession but in the true profession of a mother she knew the child's fever was high enough to cause considerable concern. She didn't need a thermometer to tell her that. She rocked the small form in a way of comfort. At that point, it was more likely the fever than the rocking that caused Reagan to violently begin to vomit. Marjorie was surprised but not shocked. The child cried harder causing herself to be sick again, but mothering Marjorie understood. She had clean clothing and furniture could be washed as well as the carpet beneath.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry…" Reagan repeated over and over unable to control her stomach's churning.

Marjorie continued to comfort her, whispering words of understanding. When the episode seemed to have passed she gently laid Reagan back against the pillows. The child's eyes seemed even redder than before. "I'll get us cleaned up a bit and put you to bed." She said softly as she rose and hurried to the kitchen. She returned with a basin of cool water and a wash cloth. She dabbed the child's face and cleaned her the best she could. Suddenly Reagan's eyes seemed to roll back and her body went stiff, she shook just a bit and then went very limp. Marjorie had seen this once before. Her third child, Matt had taken seizures with every fever that ever wracked his young body. She knew exactly what to do.

Henry ran breathless into the kitchen at the sound of his wife's voice. It was a sound he had not heard in many years. She stood, clad only in a slip, at the wall phone in the kitchen. "We'll be there as soon as possible, doctor." She was saying as he entered. She pushed passed him and pulled a clean uniform from her laundry basket, it was not ironed but it would do for now. "Get the car, Henry." She ordered. "We need to get Miss Reagan to the hospital as quickly as possible." He stood staring but before he could ask she answered his question. "It's like Matt used to be, Henry, PLEASE hurry." The man understood immediately. He had done the same on many dark evenings with his small son. The same small son who was now a 250 pound Marine staff sergeant. He hurried into his jacket and pulled the set of keys from the board near the kitchen door.

Marjorie quickly washed her hands and pulled the wrinkled dress over her head. She would more than likely be a bit offensive, but right now that was the least of her worries. Reagan was still in the same position propped up against the pillows on the sofa. Her breathing was quick and shallow. Marjorie pulled the ice trays from the freezer and dumped the frozen cubes into the sink. She just as quickly retrieved them and folded them into three clean washcloths. Reagan's fever was climbing higher, she had to get it down if only a little. She hurried back to her small patient and gently unclipped the buckles on the overalls she was wearing. She unbuttoned the girls blouse and placed one small ice pack under each arm. Reagan shivered just a bit. Henry entered the room carrying Marjorie's coat. He held it as she slipped her arms into the sleeves. Then the tall gray haired man gathered the child into his well-muscled arms. He knew the drill. Marjorie followed him to the waiting car. She climbed into the rear seat and he placed the girl on her lap. She held the last of her ice packs to the girl's head and face and nodded at her husband. Henry slid into the driver's seat and pulled away from the main door.

Seconds later the long black limousine was speeding toward St. Hedwig's Hospital.

Connie put the last file back into the filing cabinet and turned to survey her office. She had waded through the mess Payton had managed to make of the office the day before in between phone calls to smooth the ruffled feathers of several clients. She explained she had been out sick and the temp was just a bit inept at handling the office insanity. She smiled at her explanation knowing full well whom she was describing. Actually Payton was very capable of handling whatever was thrown in front of her. Connie found it a bit odd that her young boss had had so much difficulty yesterday. She had hinted a few times and then had come right out and asked about Reagan only to have Payton change the subject or claimed to be just too busy to discuss it at the time. Was that a bit of uneasiness she sensed in the Wall Street Warrior? Could it be that Payton McAllister was finally knocked off balance by something? She could only imagine. She did manage to get herself invited to dinner at Mac an Bhaird. She'd have a chance to hear firsthand the story of the youngster's arrival on the family estate. The small clock on her desk chimed five times. Quitting time!!

Payton exited her office carrying only the large purse she had slung over her shoulder. "I tried the house several times. I guess Henry's already on his way. There's no answer. Marjorie must have had some errands." She announced with a slightly perplexed tone. She seemed to be thinking out loud rather than speaking to anyone.

"And Reagan?" Connie tried to get information again.

Payton just looked at her in disbelief, throwing both hands into the air. "I would imagine she's with Marjorie!" She shook her head. Connie wasn't going to let go of this.

"Just checking." The secretary smiled as she slipped on her ankle length coat.

"Nice." Payton nodded in approval.

"This?" Connie smiled looking down at the garment. "Yep, treated myself yesterday. I deserve it." She turned a quarter turn to model her new wrap.

Payton shook her head again. At least someone had a 'good' day yesterday. "Better go ring for the elevator. It will probably be 10 or 20 minutes before that goof gets his ass up here for us."

Connie wrinkled her brow. "I doubt it. I already called the lobby and told them to send the car up for us."

Payton's jaw dropped.

"What?" Connie asked innocently. "How did you think he knew to be here every night when we were ready to leave?"

Payton opened her mouth to retaliate but was cut off by the phone's loud bell. Connie threw her a quick smile raising her eyebrows up and down quickly then picked up the receiver before the ring was complete. "McAllister Shipping, executive office, may I help you?"

Payton took a deep breath then exhaled loudly, saving her comments until the secretary was finished. Connie's expression turned from friendly jest to extreme concern as she listened intently to the speaker on the other end of the line. Payton moved closer sensing the uneasiness in her secretary's voice.

"Yes, this is Payton McAllister's office. Yes, she is here…when? … Is it serious? … I understand … Yes … we'll be there as soon as possible." She placed the phone back in its cradle and turned to Payton who was already apprehensive.

"Trouble." Payton stated knowing the look, the expression, the tone of Connie's voice. "Which ship?" She assumed the worst.

"Not a ship." Connie shook her head. "And Henry isn't waiting for you, Payton. Marjorie isn't running errands." Connie began. Payton raised an eyebrow, a strange feeling began at the back of her heart and crept forward slowly chilling her soul. "That was St. Hedwig's. They took Reagan. There was some sort of emergency. Come on, we'll take my car!" Connie was already heading for the door.

Payton stood still for a moment fighting the strange feeling that threatened her. Could it be worry? Concern? She had been having a lot of unfamiliar feelings since yesterday. Whatever it was it was terrifying as well as fascinating. She struggled to shake it off and bring her usual calm stoic mask into place.

"PAYTON!" Connie's shout brought her out of her daze. She hurried to catch up to the secretary at the waiting elevator.

Traffic was unbelievable during rush hour, but the trip, which would have normally taken at least an hour, was made in just under 45 minutes. After a short discussion with the stout woman at the admissions desk Payton and Connie were shown into the hospital waiting room where they joined Marjorie and Henry. They had not heard anything from anyone since the child was taken from them at the door almost two hours ago.

"Miss Payton." Marjorie gasped practically in tears. She wrung a damp hankie between her fingers. Henry stood with his arm around her shoulders. "Oh, Miss Payton. It happened so quickly. I didn't know…"

"What happened?" Connie asked not waiting for Payton to respond.

Marjorie looked to the tall secretary. "I didn't know she was sick. She never said a word. I…I thought she was just tired." She wiped her eyes quickly. "We got her here as fast as we could." She looked back to Payton who was uncharacteristically silent. "The fever went so high, so quickly…"

Payton remained stone faced, fighting the feeling of panic that was slowly growing close to overtaking her calm. She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her heavy coat and nodded her understanding toward her distraught employees. Even if she knew what to say in such a situation - (which she didn't) - she was sure the tremor in her voice would betray her. The double doors at the end of the hallway swung open and a tall balding man walked toward them. His expression was professionally objective. He stopped in front of the small group.

"Which one of you is the child's parent?" The middle aged doctor asked. All eyes turned to Payton. The doctor followed that cue and walked directly to the young dark haired woman. His expression was serious, but his voice was gentle and calm. "You seem a bit young." He reached out and put a hand on Payton's shoulder. She shook it off quickly, without thought.

"I'm her… guardian." Payton swallowed looking to Connie for support. This was not a situation Payton had ever imagined she would have to deal with alone. Part of her wanted to run as fast and as far away from this responsibility as she could. Part of her was scared and it took only a second for the anger that dwelled in the darkest part of her self-defense to throw itself between its master and this unseen threat. She clenched her teeth to keep the beast at bay.

The doctor smiled. "Ah, then you must be Payton. She asked for you several times. "

The anger stepped back confused, as a second emotion seemed to battle for control of the young woman. It was smaller and weaker, but much more terrifying in its presence. Payton clenched her fists inside her pockets and straightened her shoulders.

The doctor sensed Payton's uneasiness. He looked at the other people gathered in the room, nodding at the older couple. "Reagan is resting comfortably for the moment." He directed his words toward Marjorie and her husband knowing they had brought the sick child into the facility and were deeply concerned. "It was a good thing you brought her in when you did. It was difficult for a while in there, but she will be fine." He patted Marjorie's hand gently. "She needs her rest. You can see her for just a few minutes." He motioned to one of the nurses at the station across the hall. A young woman approached and nodded as he quietly gave her instructions. She led the older couple through the double doors.

I'd like to speak to you in private, Miss McAllister." The doctor had turned his attention back to the child's guardian. His tone was a bit more serious. Payton took a deep breath and pulled her defenses into place. She nodded. The doctor turned to the Connie, "we won't be long." He led Payton toward a small office at the end of the hall.

Connie watched as Payton disappeared into the office then turned to stare in the direction that the older couple had disappeared. She was sure someone owed her one heck of an explanation -- in full detail.

"Please sit down, Miss McAllister." The doctor began.

"I'd prefer to stand." She replied knowing that her defenses were better tuned if she were to have the upper hand. She stood at least four inches taller than the man.

The doctor stared into the startling blue eyes that seemed to flash with unspent anger. 'Perhaps this young woman was just a bit too defensive.' He thought. "You're sister has fluid built up in her ear canal. It has caused an infection in her middle ear, which in turn caused the fever. Apparently, she has had a recent accident?" He finished with a question.

"She had a bad fall." Payton explained realizing how lame it sounded as soon as it was said.

"Yes." The doctor didn't sound convinced. "Well that caused some swelling in the ear, as the swelling went down the fluid built up. I believe her eardrum has been ruptured as well. Who is her doctor? I'd like to confer with him."

Payton shook her head, "I'm afraid I don't know. She was away at school until yesterday."

"Did she see a doctor then?" He continued calmly.

"I don't think so, but she was seen by the school nurse. Her name is…" Payton searched her brain for the nurse's name. She realized just how incompetent she was making herself sound. The anger grew in strength pushing the small feeling next to it back into the shadows. She would not let this man through. She would not let him see her weakness.

"That doesn't matter, Miss McAllister." The doctor stopped her. "I've started her on a regimen of antibiotics, penicillin actually, that should clear up the infection and I'd like to keep her overnight for observation." Payton nodded. "But I am a bit concerned with the other injuries."

Suddenly all the concerns of the young teacher that visited her office a few days ago came racing back to her as Payton listened to the doctor. She recalled the large dark bruise on the girl's face and remembered she was wearing some sort of bandage on her left arm as well. She crossed her arms across her chest. "Concerned how?" She raised one eyebrow suddenly realizing where this conversation was headed.

"I had the opportunity to do a very thorough examination on your sister, Miss McAllister." He looked at her for a moment gauging her reaction. "How do you explain all of the other bruises?"

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, doctor." Payton glared at the doctor mentally debating whether to tell him exactly what she thought of him or to simply dismiss the whole situation. She'd had just about enough of this jerk. She'd insist on having her own doctor look at the kid.

"Her legs, her back, ribs and chest are peppered with bruises in various stages of healing. There are at least a dozen marks that appear to be welts of some kind. They can't be more than a week old. Does she have a lot of 'accidents'?" He asked folding his arms across his own chest.

Payton took a deep breath and resisted the urge to explode in this man's face. How dare he accuse her of… Sure she wanted nothing to do with the kid, but she'd never do anything to hurt her… She resisted also the urge to just stand up and walk out of the place. Let someone else deal with this insanity. Something stopped her. Someone had hurt Reagan. She hadn't just had an accident. Colin had been right. Someone was going to answer for this!

"My sister," she began through clenched teeth, "arrived at my home yesterday afternoon, doctor. Before that I barely knew her." She stepped closer to the man. "She was away at school. There have been some allegations of abuse. My lawyer is looking into it." She informed him in quick curt tones. She reached out one long finger and poked the man in the chest emphasizing each word. "If you think me or anyone that works for me had anything to with any injury she has you have one hell of a lot of nerve. If you think I would have knowingly allowed her to be abused by anyone at anything you are a bigger moron than I first assumed. If you think that I intend to let the person who did whatever they did to her get away with anything you had better think again. AND if you have any other questions, I would suggest you talk to my lawyer. " She stopped and drew a deep breath. "You can keep my sister here tonight and ONLY tonight. Our doctor will be taking over this case as soon as I can contact him." She stood in front of the doctor waiting for him to make a move. She smiled with satisfaction as she noticed the small beads of sweat appear on his forehead.

"If you are finished, I'd like to see Reagan. NOW!" She demanded. Inside the anger settled comfortably into place squashing the fear that had threatened the woman earlier. It fit like a glove and she wore it well.

The doctor eyed her for a moment. "Right this way." He stood and motioned for her to follow.

The room was dim. Only a small light shone over the one white bed. At St. Hedwig's children were usually placed into a ward, but McAllister money had practically built the institution. Reagan was given a small room of her own.

Payton stood at the foot of the bed watching the child sleep. Her breath rose and fell in small shallow spurts. She could tell by the faint flush on her cheeks that the fever had not completely subsided. The nurse who tended the small patient turned and smiled as she left. Connie stepped farther into the room. She walked to the side of the bed and bent down placing a kiss on the child's forehead. Reagan did not stir. Connie smiled remembering the once spunky youngster at play in her office.

"You can touch her you know." She said without looking toward Payton.

Slowly Payton moved to the opposite side of the bed. She felt out of place, at a loss, inexperienced at this sort of display. She reached out then quickly drew her hand back. Connie watched but remained silent. She brushed the girl's damp bangs off of her forehead. Payton reached again and took the pale hand that lay on the blanket into her own. It was small and soft and frighteningly warm. She tightened her grip on the small extremity for a moment silently remembering the last time it had touched her own. Remembering all the times she desperately needed someone to take her hand but never quite being able to reach far enough to make the connection. She rubbed her thumb across the thin wrist never taking her eyes off the vision of her large hand in contrast to the child's smaller one. A long lost warm sensation seemed to pour over her surrounding her with a feeling she might have once known but had forced herself to forget. For a moment she allowed her defenses to fall, allowed the strange warmth to seep between the cracks in her armor. Then just as quickly she remembered the hurt, the pain, the loneliness that feeling would leave in its wake. She pulled her hand away as if she had been burnt and quickly walked to the window of the small room.

Connie watched the strange change in Payton's actions. Reagan whimpered softly as if she too realized her sister's anguish. Connie smoothed the child's hair and shushed her, gently calming her into a deeper sleep, then walked around the bed and approached Payton. She stood next to the tall dark young executive watching the darkness of the scenery outside the window. Other than one spotlight the area below was totally black with night. Connie put an arm around the younger woman's shoulders expecting it to be thrown off immediately. "What's wrong, Payt?" She asked quietly trying to see into the other's downcast eyes.

Payton didn't push away. She simply shook her head. "I can't." She said softly, suddenly sounding very vulnerable.

"Can't?" Connie urged her to continue.

"I can't do this. I don't know how." She whispered to the button on her coat.

Connie hugged the young woman tighter pulling her head against her shoulder. She kissed the top of the warrior's head and smiled. There was a real person under all that bravado. She had always believe it were true. "Sure you can, kiddo." She squeezed again.

Payton reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek. She kept her head on Connie's shoulder. "I'm not cut out for this stuff, Connie. I don't know what the hell to do." Her attempt at defensive anger was weak. Her voice trembled with the tears that she struggled to control.

"You've been out there all alone for a long time, kid," Connie hugged her again, "looking for something and not even knowing what it was that was missing." Payton looked up for the first time. Her blue eyes swam in unspent tears. "You got dealt a real bum deal and spent your whole life making everyone pay for it, didn't you?"

Payton blinked once and the tears fell freely. Had Connie always been this understanding? Why had she kept such a distance between them all these years? Her eyes asked the questions her voice couldn't speak.

"It's a lot easier to push than it is to be pushed. Isn't it?" Connie smiled. "But, it's time to give it up Payton. You have to stop blaming Reagan for mistakes she didn't make. She needs you Payt. And even more…you need her."

Payton shook her head. "But I don't know how." She repeated.

"Then let her teach you." Connie whispered into her ear.

Payton pulled away quickly, anger once again bursting into control. Connie stepped back stung by Payton's violent reaction.

"NO!" She screamed in a strange hushed tone realizing the volume might wake the child. "He had time for HER. He had love for HER. He had room for HER. What about ME?!" Payton's tears flowed freely yet not enough to drown that anger.

Connie remained calm. "Your father made a lot of mistakes Payton. He didn't realize what he was doing."

"And that's supposed to make it okay?" Her eyes blazed.

"No, it doesn't." She reached out a hand to try to calm the younger woman. "But by the time he realized it you wouldn't let him in, Payton. He did try. Honey, he did try." Connie's voice was gentle as she stepped closer and put a hand on Payton's arm. Reagan stirred a bit making a soft mewling sound. Both women held their breath waiting for the child to awaken, but the girl relaxed as the room fell quiet.

The child had, even in sleep, brought back a bit of Payton's self control. She stood allowing her tears to subside, pulling what was left of her defenses back into place. Connie waited until she felt Payton would listen again. Payton slid her arm out of Connie's grasp and returned to the side of the bed. She sniffed away the last of her tears.

"He said she asked for me." She said quietly. Connie moved to her side. "Why would she ask for me?" She looked at the secretary clearly confused.

"Maybe she already knows something you don't." Connie suggested.

Payton took the small hand in her own again. This time it closed tightly around her fingers. She was surprised, but did not pull away.

"Whatever else you might think, she is as much a part of Jack McAllister as you are. For some reason fate has thrown you together." Connie continued.

Payton laughed a silent laugh. 'Fate?' Why did that sound so strangely familiar? "I don't know how to be a sister. I don't know how to…to l…to love anyone." She struggled even to say the word.

"Well, the beauty of that is you don't have to work very hard at it. It just happens. If you let it." Connie put a hand on Payton's shoulder again and looked down at the sleeping child. "She already has. She's waiting for you, Payt, and she won't push you away."

Payton sniffed again.

Connie smiled a silly 'I know I'm going to cry too' smile. "Come on, I'll give you a lift home."

Payton shook her head. "Something tells me the way to start is to stay put."

Connie hugged her boss again. "I'll make sure they bring you a more comfortable chair." She kissed the top of Payton's head and stepped back.

Connie's hand was on the door knob when Payton asked, "Why'd you come back Connie?"

Connie laughed. "Well I'd like to say it was your winning personality." Payton shook her head, a smile touched the edge of her mouth. "But, I guess it was actually that exorbitant salary you pay me and the excellent working environment." A real smile grew on the young executive's face. "I'll see you in the morning." Connie smiled as she left the room.

Payton watched the child sleep. It would be a long night.

The officers found Miss Thorne's cottage empty. The condition of the headmistress' home was no indication of the strict perfectionist ways she brought to the school administration office. The sink was piled with unwashed dishes. The refrigerator's contents were limited to a bottle of spoiled milk and one piece of brown fruit that might have been an apple. Magazines and newspaper littered the floor. It was hard to tell if there had been any sort of suspicious activity or struggle in the house since no one had ever been invited to Miss Thorne's private residence there wasn't a person on campus who could say if it had ever been any different.

At first it didn't seem anything the officers needed to be concerned about. After all Alexis Thorne was a mature woman. If she chose to leave the school grounds there was nothing to stop her. Her staff felt otherwise. They insisted there had been foul play. Miss Thorne was a professional, committed to her position as headmistress. She would not just disappear without so much as a word to anyone. Miss Shea pointed out that the last person the administrator had spoken to was the young lawyer who had been on the campus the day before and had returned this morning. He had been asking an awful lot of questions about Miss Thorne. It wasn't long before Colin found himself on the opposite end of the legal interview. But after he was able to dispel their suspicions and tell the story he had been pieced together from his own investigation, the officers seemed a bit more interested in the headmistress' absence. The police widened their inquiry by speaking to many of the same people Colin had spoken to earlier in the day. By mid afternoon the campus was buzzing with detectives led in a thorough investigation by Inspector Nicholas Larzy.

The Inspector was very interested in Colin's story of suspected abuse. Young Miss Lynn had no objection opening the headmistress' office for the officer. The man found the contrast of the perfectly organized office and the totally disheveled cottage quite perplexing. He was also intrigued by the stories of Julia Carson and Nancy Feeney and just a bit concerned that the women hadn't contacted his department with their concerns. He was pleased that Colin had removed Reagan from the danger she was facing, but insisted that the lawyer bring the youngster back to his office so he might question her himself. Colin explained the child's condition, but the inspector didn't budge. He expected the child in his office by noon on Friday. In the mean time he would widen the search for Alexis Thorne. He was sure that there was more to this story than he had uncovered during the afternoon.

Inspector Larzy was a big man with a large mustache that resembled one of those brooms that janitors use to sweep the walks. It was streaked with gray, a clear hint of his age. Although he was large in stature, no one dared call him overweight, stocky perhaps, but certainly not fat. He seemed more suited to the gridiron than the constabulary. He took command of his investigation like an admiral taking charge of the fleet. Colin was impressed with the man immediately, despite his implication that he had been somehow involved.

Nick Larzy was not a stranger to the halls of Brisbey, nor was he unfamiliar with the McAllister name. In his days as an officer on the local police force he had had his share of run-ins with the wild Payton McAllister. He had hauled her drunken ass to 'sleep it off' on more than one occasion when she had a 'night on the town'. Underage drinking was punishable with expulsion for most of the young women at the hallowed school, but not THE Payton McAllister. Nick's old anger flared at the mention of her name. Over and over again some fancy pants lawyer arrived from New York City and demanded to see the judge. Before he knew it, Nick was escorting the girl back to the campus as if she were some sort of royalty. The bitch never missed an opportunity to rub that in his face and insisted that he open the door for her then gave one of those wiggly fingered movie ingenue waves as she pranced toward her dormitory. Inspector Larzy was surprised to hear the McAllister name again. He was not surprised it was linked to some sort of foul play at the school. The not so legal side of his mind pictured the wretched, but older, Payton coming back to take revenge on some poor old sort that had once given her a failing grade. He did not intend to leave a stone unturned. This time there would be no chance McAllister would escape what she had coming. He would see to that.

Colin arrived at Mac an Bhaird a few minutes after 7 P.M. He found the estate in darkness. His first intention was to deliver the boxes he had retrieved from Reagan's dorm room to the girl's new and hopefully permanent home. His second was to update Payton with the information he had gathered at the school.

The young lawyer now sat in his car staring at the dark mansion. He mulled over the events of the day. A quick glance at his watch told him that Payton should have been home by this hour. It was late and he was tired. He started the engine and pulled away from the house quickly toppling one of the boxes on the seat next to him. It's contents slid onto the floor. He stopped the vehicle and let loose a few choice cuss words as he reached down to retrieve the few books that had fallen. He recognized the name Jordan Ross across the spines of two books. Reagan's mother had written several children's novels, she retained her maiden name on all of her work. The third volume was a beaten and weathered red leather scrapbook. He flipped through a few pages then placed the item back into the box. He pulled away a second time with more caution. It was a half-hour drive to his home from Mac an Bhaird. He would try the McAllister residence when he got there. If not, this could wait until tomorrow. The kid deserved at least one more good night's sleep before the real worry began.

He drove away from the main gate so deep in thought he failed to notice the dark sedan parked close to the line of pines that bordered the property. The thin woman that sat in the shadows inside that older vehicle watched him until his car disappeared from sight. She smiled an evil smile. "Soon…" she hissed, "very soon…"

"Vengeance."

Payton blinked her eyes against the bright sun that shone in the hospital window. The starch whiteness of the room intensified the glare. She turned her head a few times stretching out the kinks that formed during her night's rest in the pseudo-lounge chair two well muscled orderly drag into the room about ten minutes after Connie had left last night. Apparently, one of the nurses who had been in and out of the room throughout the night had thought to throw a blanket over the young woman. She glanced at Reagan who was still asleep and had slept despite the attentions of the various nurses during the past…she looked at her watch…twelve hours. She brushed a stray hair from her eyes. How could the kid sleep so soundly? She never slept like that, at least not that she could remember. If it weren't some major catastrophe at the office it was some other equally major dilemma on the sea. Last night she was awakened every time the duty nurse arrived to check the child's temperature. She told herself it was the noise each one made, but she made sure to ask every one how the girl was doing and if her fever had broken. She'd heard Reagan whimper twice when a rather staunch straight-backed pinched-faced nurse administered a hypodermic. She winced herself both times. The second time the woman arrived she had asked if it were really necessary only to be given a quick 'who are you to ask such a question' sneer from the woman and a curt, 'Doctor's orders' remark as she flicked a finger at the glass vile in her hand. She threw the rough wool blanket off her legs and pulled herself out of the lounge chair immediately feeling the cramped feelings in each and every limb. She attempted to stretch out those kinks as well.

"Payton?" A scratchy voice broke the early morning silence. Payton stopped mid-stretch and faced the child who had called her name. The brazen executive who could storm into a board meeting and take over any crisis with ease was speechless in front of this mere speck of a child. The door opened admitting the morning shift nurse. Payton breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good morning!" The woman greeted her in cheery contrast to her nighttime counterpart. "How's our patient today?" She smiled at the drowsy child as she made a quick check of the chart hanging at the foot of the bed. She moved to Reagan's side and lifted her wrist gently. She pulled a glass thermometer from wherever nurses hide them and motioned for the young patient to open. She turned to Payton. "There's a washroom down the hall, if you like to freshen up a bit. It's rough spending the night like that." She nodded toward the chair. She turned back to her patient and retrieved the thermometer. She looked at it and shook it immediately. "Looks good, sweetie pie." She smiled again and patted the girl's hand. "Doctor will be here in about an hour. No doubt he'll be sending you home, punkin." She pulled the blanket up on the child as she spoke. She seemed to be the kind of person who had to be busy at all times. "You think you're up to breakfast?" She asked. "I think I can swing a nice hot cup of java for your friend there too." She pointed her thumb at Payton in a hitchhiker fashion. "She looks like she might need one." She winked at the child who smiled back. Then she was gone as swiftly as she had arrived.

Payton ran her hands through her hair realizing a trip to the washroom might not be such a bad idea. She could find a phone as well. If she called Henry now he would be there by the time the doctor released Reagan. She'd call Connie as well. If she knew her secretary she probably hadn't slept at all last night either.

"I'm sorry." Reagan's small voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Huh?" She turned toward the child. "Sorry?" She shook her head. "Sorry for what?"

"This." Reagan replied never taking her eyes off the small string on the blanket in front of her. She picked at it nervously.

For a moment Payton looked there then wrinkled her brow. She moved closer to the bed. "What this?" She asked again.

Reagan took a deep breath and peeked at the tall dark woman standing next to her. For so long she had dreamed of being close to her sister, of sharing secrets and giggles, stories and dreams. Now she felt only guilt and a tiny twinge of fear. "Sorry I made so much trouble. Sorry I ruined your couch and your rug."

"My couch and my rug?" Payton was clearly confused.

"Sorry you had to come here. Sorry I got sick. Sorry I made…" Reagan continued as a tear rolled over her cheek.

"Whoa!" Payton stopped her. Reagan closed her mouth and wiped the tear quickly. "You can stop being sorry." She was trying to sound comforting, but somehow that didn't seem quite right. In fact it sounded more like an order. She paused searching her mind for the right thing to say and the right way to say it. Reagan's fingers twirled the string on the blanket. Payton started again. "You didn't make any trouble and I came because I wanted to not because I had to and what do you mean my couch and my rug?" It didn't sound much better. It was kind of lame, but it didn't sound like a command.

"I got sick on the couch in your den and I…" Reagan explained in a voice a bit louder than a whisper.

Payton stopped her again, holding up one hand and smiling with understanding. "Okay, no need to go on. I understand. But, if I know Marjorie, and I do know Marjorie, she probably has it fixed and as good as new by now." She smiled at the top of the child's head. Something made her want to just reach out and tousle that blonde head, but something else held her back. The feeling almost hurt. "Do you think you'll be okay for a couple minutes while I use that washroom?" Payton was anxious to get away, to take a breath and regroup her defenses. Reagan nodded quickly. "Okay then, I'll be right back." She nodded again.

True to her word Payton returned a few minutes later looking a bit more like herself. Her clothing seemed to be smoothed back into place loosing some of that 'slept in' look and she had definitely used more than her hands to put every strand of hair back into place. A young woman with a rolling cart had delivered a tray and a steaming cup of coffee to the room, setting on the bed table and giving the child there a strange look. She was a little young for the strong black beverage. The woman shrugged her shoulders and exited as Payton entered.

Reagan nibbled at the dry toast and sipped the cold apple juice she had been given. Payton nursed the hot black coffee, indulging in its pungent flavor.

"Stomach still bothering you?" She asked when she noticed Reagan toying with her breakfast. The girl shook her head. "Do you need to…um…a…" Payton looked toward the small lavatory next to the room.

Reagan followed her look and shook her head again.

"You know kid, if this is gonna work for either of us you're gonna have to tell me what's wrong. I'm not real good at this caring thing." Payton knew immediately that sounded wrong. "Well not yet anyway. You see I've been alone a long time and I've never really had to think about it." She couldn't believe how stupid she was sounding in front of this child.

Reagan looked up for the first time meeting her older sister's eye. "You mean I can stay? You won't send me away again?"

"Send you away?" Payton thought about how that sounded and realized that is exactly what she had done. She had sent Reagan away. Sent her right into the path of that insane headmistress. In that moment Payton realized all of Reagan's pain had been her responsibility. She placed her empty cup on the nightstand. She hadn't laid a hand on the child, but she was just as guilty. "Why would you want to stay with me?" She asked before she realized her thought became verbal.

"So you won't be all alone anymore." Reagan stated with such innocent simplicity that it actually brought a physical pang to Payton's heart. "Nobody should be all alone."

She looked at the child for a moment. "Well some people aren't very nice and they do deserve to be alone." She reasoned with the illogical thought that had formed in her mind so many years ago. "And if you're want to stay with me you're probably going to find out that I am not such a nice person."

"Maybe." Reagan answered sweetly. "But maybe you'll find out you aren't such a bad person."

"It won't be easy." Payton warned.

"I'll try very hard." Reagan promised.

Payton nodded slowly and stuck her hands into the pockets of her skirt. Her hand closed around the small object there and she drew it out slowly. "I almost forgot." She said as she held the pendant out to Reagan. "One of the nurses gave this to me last night."

"My charm!" Reagan's hand went to her neck.

Payton leaned forward and clasped the fine gold chain back around Reagan's neck. Reagan squeezed the disk in one fist. She looked up at her older sister. Payton slipped her finger around the fine chain she wore around her own neck. She gently pulled the same small charm from under her blouse and held it so that Reagan was able to see it. "I thought it looked familiar." She raised her eyebrows.

Reagan reached out to touch the charm at the end of the chain. It was identical to the one she wore. Payton leaned forward and allowed the child to take it in her hand. "It's the same." She mused noticing the strange markings on the reverse side of Payton's charm as well as her own. "Do you know what it means?"

Payton shook her head. "No, sorry I don't. Dad gave it to me on my eighth birthday. He put it around my neck and told me not to ever take it off." She laughed a little as she stood up straight. "It's probably the only thing he ever told me to do that I actually did." That not only was a revelation, but it had only just occurred to her. "He told me that when I needed to know I would find out." Reagan nodded her head. Her symbol of safety suddenly became even more of a treasure. It was a connection, a link that held together separate lines of the same family.

Both sisters looked up as the bald middle aged doctor from the night before entered the room. He looked to Payton then to Reagan. He asked Payton to step outside the room while he made a quick examination of his small patient. Payton refused. The doctor did not argue. A few minutes later he had released the small patient from her short hospital stay. Before he could insist on a follow-up visit, Payton assured him that the family physician would be taking the case and that Reagan would see him within the week. The doctor nodded and accepted Payton's thank you as he quickly exited the room.

Payton looked at the only clothing Reagan had to wear and shook her head. "The first thing we are going to do is a major wardrobe change! Yep, looks like a shopping trip is in order." Reagan shrugged her shoulders as she fumbled with the clasps on the overalls for the second say in a row. It took some work, but she managed to make it stay clipped. At least Marjorie had thought to take the garments home and launder them before returning them this morning. Reagan slid off the bed and pushed her feet into her dark oxford shoes. Marjorie had also sent a warm jacket that also must have belonged to her grandson. The child slid her arms into the soft leather airman's jacket and turned to her sister. They exited the room together and walked toward the exit. As they stepped into the early morning sun Reagan slipped her hand inside of Payton's and held tightly. Payton resisted the urge to pull away and allowed herself to actually latch on to the grip.

Reagan smiled. "Payton?"

"Yeah?" The older woman replied without stopping or looking down.

"I'm hungry." The girl replied.