"Why they don't just put it right on the McMuffin when you order it, I'll never know," he said as he kissed her cheek and opened the bag. "It's the condiment of the gods."

"So I've heard."

As she watched him carefully season his favorite breakfast, she replayed parts of his conversation with his previous visitor in her mind. Who was this woman and why was Harry supporting her? Had he gotten her pregnant? Why was he keeping it such a secret?

The more she thought, the more her mood began to fall. She knew she should interpret an unknown situation in favor of Harry, but the sight of that gorgeous, pregnant woman was burning into her heart.

Diane felt the pang of her own miscarriage again, and an unexpected surge swept over her like a cold wave. What was she feeling? Envy? Jealousy? She didn't know but it made her sick to her stomach.

"I gotta get down to the station," she stammered as she stood suddenly.

Harry coughed again, and looked up at her.

She avoided his eyes and came up with an excuse. "I agreed to take a shift today, to... to make up for some of the lost time I've put in."

"Lost time? Oh, sorry."

"I'll call you later. You, uh, get some rest, okay?"

"Yeah." He held up his food. "Thanks for breakfast. I'm starting to think the so-called 'food' they offer in this establishment in another of the Almighty's mysterious messages."

He kissed her hand, and watched her leave. Her tense expression answered the question he was thinking when Diane appeared just after Grace left. Then, as he took a big bite of his McMuffin, he muttered to himself, "Dammit."

Diane didn't call later, and she didn't call the next day either. The brief note she left at the nurses station only served as a cursory explanation. Something about a new case that was taking up her time.

Harry pulled on a black sweater and zipped his duffle bag shut. He was being discharged to recuperate at home. No work for another week, they said, and then only desk work for at least a month. He had instinctively scoffed at their recommendations at first, but now his common sense was trying to take over. Maybe he should take some time...