�Thank you so much for letting me stay with you a while,� Diane said, gathering up her bags and heading for baggage claim. Both Jill and Diane wanted to get out of the airport as quickly as possible, and the delay was stressful and dangerous. They stood with their backs to the wall, scanning the crowds with as much interest as they scanned the luggage carousel. Diane was alarmed to notice that the proportion of Hispanic men was even higher in this city. She had not thought about the fact that San Diego is only 11 miles from the Mexican border. Diane realized this would be a good opportunity to desensitize herself. She couldn�t possibly be a good cop if she kept overreacting to one entire racial group.

Diane and Jill decided to shop at the Mission Valley Mall. Jill left the boys with a sitter, and off they went to brave the holiday crowds. Everyone who walked around them complained about the human congestion and the chilly weather. Diane and Jill just looked at them and rolled their eyes. Such wimps! These San Diegans had no idea how great they had it. They strolled casually through the mall, laughing at the fashions and notions that these sunshine-dwelling people enjoyed in December. Light cottons, thin sweaters, and no coats that any self-respecting New Yorker would dare to leave the house wearing.

�I keep thinking about that Steve Martin film, �My Blue Heaven.� I wonder when I will finally grow comfortable in this place, and I�m starving to meet more of my own kind,� Jill said. In this city of relaxation with water sports, zoos, museums and Sea World, Jill felt woefully out of place. �They even talk slower here. I wonder if they are all stoned or something.�

Diane had her first good laugh in weeks, and tears streamed down her face. Jill finally relaxed enough to join in. �I think we�re going to be okay, Jill. I really do.�

After a few hours of shopping, Jill and Diane decided a nice dinner out would be great. Jill recommended �When in Rome,� which is often recognized as the best Italian restaurant in the area. �In San Diego, you can find good Mexican food everywhere, but the Italian food leaves a lot to be desired. This place, however, is very special.� Diane and Jill went back to Jill�s house in Encinitas and washed up and dressed, checked in with the sitter, then headed over to the restaurant.

�Do you have a reservation?� The maitre d� was very formal, but very nice.

�Yes, Diane Russell.�

�Ah, yes. Right this way, please.�

Jill and Diane followed the maitre d� around some faux marble pillars to a table in the back corner of the dining area. As they approached the table, Diane saw a familiar face and stopped dead in her tracks.

�Harry?�