Full Tilt. Rick Mofina

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      After sending it, Kate looked at Grace’s face, the background image on her phone, and checked the time. She should be home with Nancy.

      Kate pressed her number.

      “Hi, Nancy, it’s Kate.”

      “Hi, how’re things going up there? Did you have success?”

      Nancy was aware of Kate’s tragedy and her lifelong search for answers.

      “A bit, but it’s complicated. I’ll tell you about it when I get back.”

      “Would you like to talk to Grace—she’s right here?”

      “Yes, thanks. And, Nancy, thank you for doing this.”

      “No need to thank me, here she is.”

      “Hi, Mom!”

      “Hi, sweetie, how did school go today?”

      “It was fun. We learned about butterflies, it was so cool.”

      Kate cut a lonely figure in the corner of the restaurant. Listening to her daughter tell her about her day was a balm, briefly pulling her mind from Rampart, the death scene and the questions that troubled her.

      * * *

      The flight to La Guardia was delayed.

      Kate waited in pre-boarding, too tired to think or do much else but look at her phone and older photos of herself with Vanessa when they were children. There they were, sisters, hugging at Christmas. There was Vanessa on the sofa, looking so small and smiling so big. Her new angel necklace glinted in the flash. Kate blinked at the memories before closing the images.

      Later, as the jet finally lifted off, Kate contended with the aftershocks of self-reproach for messing up. Then she considered Brennan and his reluctance to escort her to the scene.

       Why wouldn’t he do it?

      Seasoned detectives she’d known would’ve had no trouble with her request, which indicated to her that Brennan was either a rookie or being overly cautious, or that something more was going on.

       Well, there’s no way I’m letting this go.

      When the plane leveled she shut her eyes for a few tranquil minutes.

      * * *

      When Kate got home, Grace was asleep in Nancy’s guest room, which smelled of lavender and loneliness.

      “You can let her spend the night, if you like.”

      “Thank you, Nancy, but we’ve imposed all day.”

      Kate caressed Grace’s cheek, kissed her softly. She stirred and groaned, “Hi, Mommy...love you,” as Kate hefted her into her arms.

      “Oh, you’re getting so heavy.”

      Nancy got the door, carrying Grace’s backpack, and followed Kate back to their apartment. After Kate put Grace into bed, she returned to her living room and put five crumpled twenties into Nancy’s hand.

      “What’re you doing, Kate? I can’t take money from you.”

      “You’re always helping. Take it. Please.”

      “Now, listen to me.” Nancy put the money into Kate’s hand, closed it and held her hands firmly around it. “Ever since my Burt died, I lost my way. We have no children, no family, well—you know. You and Grace arrived in my life like an answered prayer. I’m here to help you whenever you need it. You mean more to me than you’ll ever know.”

      Kate found a depth of warmth and love in Nancy’s kind face that came as close to a mother figure as she’d ever known. Kate hugged the older woman, holding on for a moment.

      “Thank you. I’d be lost, too, without you.”

      “Okay, good night. Now you get some rest and let me know if I can help with anything.”

      Kate took a hot shower and made a cup of raspberry tea, glad that she’d have another day off to recover. Still, something was niggling at her.

       I’m forgetting something.

      Before going to bed, she went through her unopened emails. Most were routine and could wait. Then she came to one from Reeka, sent only minutes before.