�Jeez, Danny. No. Why don�t you try fixing him up with that girl from anti-crime, Mary?�

�I wouldn�t do that to her. She�s a nice girl. Even if I am done with her, she don�t deserve to be treated like that. That Denby is a real piece of work.�

�Who�re you talking about?� Claire said into Danny�s ear. She was standing so close behind him, he was startled and he jumped back.

�Claire! Do you mind? I�m having a private conversation with my partner here!�

�Relax, Danny. You can trust me. Who are you setting up with Denby?�

�No one. No one. And it�s none of your business,� Danny said more crossly than he intended. His face registered his regret immediately, and Claire just shrugged it off with a chuckle. Both Andy and Danny clucked their tongues and shook their heads. Neither of them could figure that Claire out. She was sure different, that one.

Diane banged more loudly on Claire�s door. She couldn�t stand the anxiety any more, and she needed help. She needed to talk to someone. She needed to talk to Claire.

�I know you�re in there, Claire! Please! Please!� Diane banged again, then paced back and forth in front of Claire�s door. Finally, she could hear footsteps approaching, and Claire opened the door a crack, leaving the chain in place.

�Diane, now�s not a good time.�

�I need to talk to you.�

�Later,� Claire whispered hoarsely, and tried to shut the door. Diane put her hand on the door and held it open.

�Claire, I can�t reach Harry anywhere.�

�Not my problem,� Claire whispered, and pushed harder. Diane had inserted her boot in the opening, and the door wasn�t going anywhere. Diane noticed Claire was wrapped in a blanket, and she pulled it tighter around her.

�Please, I need your help.�

�Diane. Go. Away. I have someone in here with me. This is not a good time.�

Diane smelled the telltale garlic and tomato aroma of what must have been a delicious lasagna meal. Over Claire�s shoulder, she could see the plates still on the table, two cold, half-eaten meals from an interrupted dinner. Her face registered understanding at last.