�It�s not that. You can�t concentrate well enough to do your job right now. You�re always looking over your shoulder, and that�s not good. Besides, if you are a target, I don�t want to keep sending you out in the field where you�re in the open. And where your partner would be in the open.�

�Lieutenant, I��

�Diane, it�s come down to this. I want you to take a vacation, and let us keep working on the case without you in the middle of everything. I want you to rest and get yourself back on track.�

Diane was stunned. She had never been forced to take a vacation before, and she took it as a great blow to her professionalism. Obviously, the fact she had been unraveling was all too clear to Fancy. Diane looked through Fancy�s windows at the squad. Judging by the furtive glances and the looks on their faces, they could see this coming, too. She felt betrayed that no one had given her the heads up. Not even Andy, who usually pulled her aside and read her the riot act when he saw her straying off course.

�Do you have family or friends anywhere, Diane? Somewhere out of town, perhaps?�

�Uh, yeah,� Diane mumbled, distracted by her musings, �I have a friend in San Diego.�

�Well, why don�t you stay with her for a month. Escape this cold New York winter. Enjoy the holidays in the sun for a change?�

Diane admired the intricate stitching on her shoes for a moment, then looked up at Fancy. His face told her that he had seen the anger and disappointment on hers. Because she didn�t trust herself not to break out in tears, thereby validating everything Fancy had just said about her weakened state of mind, Diane simply nodded and left his office.

Diane went out to the squad room and quickly summarized for everyone what was happening in her life. There were hugs all around, professions to keep in touch, and then she grabbed her coat walked out of the room. As soon as she was out of earshot, John picked up the phone and made a call.

The plane was on final approach to San Diego, and Diane was starting to feel better already. The day was bright and clear, and Diane marveled at the sea of suburbia that rolled on hills and mountains toward the Pacific Ocean. As the plane neared the airport, it flew right over Balboa Park, and she could see runners, a smattering of museums all spread out, and the Zoo. The downtown area was a tiny collection of very tall buildings, connected with a bright blue bridge over a narrow bay to Coronado on the other side. She could see Navy aircraft carriers in the bay, and dozens of pleasure craft out enjoying the afternoon breeze. The air was clean, and the water was a deep blue.