Lost... Part 2

Lost…Part 2

In the hallway. "What did the police say?" She asks David.

"They're looking for the guys right now, and they'll call us if they find them."

"Good." Nancy says. They go to the kitchen and find a family member there.

"Hi, you two." Liz says.

"Hi." David says.

"Hi Liz." Nancy says. "Shouldn't you be at school? You're not sick are you?"

"Uh...well, I sort of took the day off."

Nancy smiles. "Does Auntie V know?"

"Well......."

"Dad's home you know."

"Uh Oh." she says. "I'm out of here."

"Where are you going to go?"

"My place." David offers.

"Thanks David." she says.

"Anytime kid." They leave.

A little later Tom comes down stairs. "Any one Home?"

"Dad you're supposed to be in bed."

"I came down to get a pain pill."

She gets him one.

"Thank you." he sighs. "I wish Abby was here."

"I know."

"How are you feeling? and was that Elizabeth's voice I heard a while ago?"

"I'm ok just a little headache, and no you didn't hear her."

"Must have been my imagination, why don't you get some rest too."

"Ok," she goes to bed.

~That was too easy.~ Tom thinks but is in too much pain to worry. He then goes back to bed.

Mid-afternoon, when Abby wakes, she calls home.

Tom groans and answers the phone breathing through his mouth. "Heddo."

"Oh, no, you got my cold," Abby says.

"Yeah." Tom says not wanting to tell her differently. "How are you?"

"OK," Abby says, not wanting Tom to worry, but she knows she has to tell him the truth. "Not so OK."

"What?" he says as he sits up from the bed. "What's wrong?"

"It's probably nothing. It's just a precaution, you know? But, see, well, I was spotting a little last night, so Channing got a doctor in to see me and she told me to stay in bed, so I guess I'll have to stay out here a little longer."

"How long is a little longer?"

"A week? I don't know. Channing's trying to get the publishers to pay for it, if that's what's worrying you," Abby says, hurt by the way Tom sounds.

"No, that's not worrying me at all, I am not thinking clearly, I took a pain pill an hour ago....." He then changes the subject. "Honey, are you going to be ok?"

"Pain pill?" Abby says, picking on what Tom would rather drop. "What pain pill?"

"Well since misery enjoys company, Nancy and I were mugged earlier today. But we are fine, it's you and the baby I am worried about."

"We'll be fine," Abby says, worried about him. "Happens in a lot of pregnancies. What do you mean, you were mugged? Where? When?"

Tom tells her the story. "I didn't want to worry you."

"I always worry about you. Besides, what else do I have to do the next few days?"

"Maybe I should fly out there to be with you."

"You can't do that. You're hurt."

"If not me, one of the girls, V or your mother." he offers.

"No, really, it's OK. Channing's taking good care of me."

~Channing taking good care of me, my eye...~ Tom thinks but keeps his opinions to himself. "Channing is not family."

"You don't need to worry the kids or my mom. And V--well, if you think she's responsible enough to take care of anyone it'll be the first time."

"At least I would feel better knowing someone else is with you, now please let me send someone out." Tom begs.

"You mean you want to send someone out to make sure I behave."

"I know you Abby, as soon as you think you are feeling better, you'll be up and around. So who will it be? Mary, Joannie, Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, V or your mother."

"No, Tom. I can take care of myself and of our baby."

Tom gives up. "Abby, you are by far the most stubborn, frustrating woman I ever met...........and I love you."

"I'm only stubborn when it comes to you, Tom."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"No one else finds me stubborn and frustrating. Most people actually kind of like me."

"I like you, I adore you. Why do you think I act this way?"

~Because you're an old fashioned chauvinist who treats me like a four year old?~ "I don't want to fight. That's not why I called."

"I don't want to fight either."

"Then why are you starting? It's the last thing I need now."

~I'm not starting anything.~ Tom thinks. "When do you see the doctor again?"

"Tomorrow, unless the spotting gets worse. But it won't get worse." ~I hope.~

"Have you contacted Hilda?"

"I just woke up. You're the first person I called." ~And what a mistake that was.~

"Abby, why are you being so cross with me?"

"Because I'm scared. I'm scared and I'm far from home, and you're not helping any!"

"I know you are scared, don't you think I am too?"

Abby shrugs. "I suppose. I wish I were home."

"I do too, I could massage your feet to make you feel better."

Abby laughs. "You could just hold me."

"That too." he says. "If I didn't think you really give me a 'broken' nose, I'd be on the first plane out there."

"Don't you dare. The doctor said all this is is probably stress. Last thing I need is to have to worry about you going off the deep end, too."

Tom sighs. "I'm a husband and a father, that's my job. But don't worry, I am not going to."

"I always worry. Tom, are you angry with me?"

"No, not with you, the situation."

"But if I'd just stayed home, if I'd never have written this book..."

"You would still be spotting." Tom says trying to play the good husband. "At least there, you get decent room service."

"But not my favorite waiter. You really think it wouldn't have made a difference?"

"I don't know, besides what's important now is to take care of yourself and our baby."

"I am. Of course I am. It's just..."

"Just what?" he asks tenderly.

"It's just this feeling that I caused this. I didn't mean to, honest."

"I know that...look no one is to blame ~except Channing.~ So stop beating up yourself, OK?"

"I'll try. And I am resting. Channing said he'd reschedule everything so I don't have to get up at all."

"How considerate of him."

"Isn't it?" Abby asks, missing the tone in Tom's voice. "He's really gone way out of his way to be here for me."

~Oh, I am sure he has.~ Tom thinks. "That's nice."

This time Abby hears his tone. "I thought you'd be happy I've got someone here watching me."

"I am."

"Doesn't sound it. If I didn't know better..."

"If you didn't know better what???"

"I'd say you sound jealous."

"Is it so terrible that I wish I was there, instead of him?"

"If you were here it would have been a disaster."

"What?"

"If stress is what brought this on and if you were here, instead of just spotting I'd probably have lost the baby."

"Are you saying that I brought this on?"

"I didn't say that. But your lack of support sure didn't help."

~I'm not going to argue with you.~ "I'm trying to support you, but I don't know what you want from me."

~Sure you don't.~ "Well, then, just forget it. Forget I even called."

"Abby, please..."

"Please what?"

Tom sighs. "Tell Channing thank you."

"I will, when I see him." Abby looks at the bedside clock. "Oh, no."

"What?"

"I've got an interview in ten minutes."

"Huh? But how?"

"Channing said he'll get them to come here. As long as they don't want any pictures, I'll be fine."

"But you should be........never mind." He gives up. "I'll let you get ready then."

"I should be what? Talking to you, talking to some reporter--what's the difference?"

"You are right, just classify me with a reporter."

"No, you're right, that's not fair. You're the only reporter who picks fights with me whenever we speak."

"OK Abby you win, I'm a terrible person for worrying about you." Tom says

"Oh, no. See? This is why I didn't want you here. I shouldn't have even called you. Like you care."

Tom sighs hurt "Is that what you honestly believe in your heart?"

"Yes!" Abby sighs. "I don't know. Sometimes I can't figure you out."

~She's just scared, She's just scared.~ Tom reminds himself. "Honey, you get ready for your interview and I love you and I'll talk to you later, OK?"

"Sure. Fine. Whenever you can make time in your busy schedule."

"My schedule....." he begins, ~I am not going to argue~

"Yeah, your schedule. Who can ever find you when they need you?" There's the sound of knocking, then Abby speaks low to someone. "I've got to go. Channing's here."

"Find me?" he asks confused.

"Find you. You weren't home last night."

"I was at the office. Putting the paper together, how else do you think Nancy and I got mugged and nobody told me you called." he says in his defense.

"Well, how was I supposed to..."

"Abby, come on," Channing says, loud enough for Tom to hear. "You know the doctor told you to take it easy. Getting upset isn't good for you or the baby. Hang up; you'll talk to Tom later, when he's calmed down a little."

Tom quietly chuckles. "Is that Channing? Let me talk to him."

Abby hands Channing the phone. "Look, Tom, I don't mean to interfere, but you've got to let Abby rest."

"Rest? I am not the one scheduling interviews while she *should* be resting, and why didn't you call me last night?"

"For the record, I did call, but you weren't home. And the doctor said she could continue doing as she pleased, as long as she stayed in bed. And for another thing, if it were my wife calling with news like this, I wouldn't be trying to make things worse by arguing, I'd be on the next plane out. But since you can't be bothered, don't worry--I'll take care of her for you."

Tom face turns red. "That settles it, you tell Abby she'll see me by tonight." Tom then hangs up.

"Abby," Channing starts.

"No, I don't want to hear it. He doesn't mean to be like that--he's probably just scared. And he was mugged this morning. It was just the pain pills talking."

"But--" Channing tries to relay Tom's message.

"No. Look, I've got to get ready."

"You're supposed to stay in bed."

"I am allowed to go to the bathroom."

"Yes, you are. Remember, if you have any more spotting, you let me know and I'll call the doctor."

"Yes, Mother," Abby sighs.

In Sacramento: "V!!!!" Tom yells for as he opens the door from his bedroom.

"Shh," Joannie hushes him. "Auntie V's still sleeping. She stayed up real late last night."

"Did you know Channing called me last night?"

"Well, I know he tried. Didn't he reach you?"

"No, I've got to get out to New York, Abby's in trouble."

"She is? Dad's what's wrong? Did that Channing do anything to her?"

"Yes, he worked her too hard." he says fumbling with the suitcase and then explains what has happened.

"Let me do that. You just tell me what to pack. You're still kind of out of it," Joannie says. "Dad, is she going to be all right? Is the baby going to be OK?"

"I hope so Joannie, I do hope so." he then gives her a verbal list to pack. "I need to call the airlines and Donna."

"And Dr. Max."

"Right, I need him to recommend a specialist out there."

"No, you have to make sure it's OK for you to travel."

"Joannie, no one is going to stop me from going, is that clear?" Tom says.

"Yes Tom," V says, answering his bellow.

"Look who's finally waken." Tom says as Joannie packs his suitcase.

"Dad, be nice," Joannie whispers.

"I'm trying." Tom says.

"What's going on?" V asks.

Tom tells her. "Why didn't you tell me Channing called?"

"Because I thought he was going to call you."

"Well the jerk didn't."

"And I was supposed to know that how?"

Tom sighs. "I am sorry V."

"It's ok, now what's going on?"

He tells her what's been going on.

"Oh no."

Tom nods. "I am flying to New York."

"Do you want me to drive you to the airport?"

"Would you?" he asks.

"Of course and what happened to your nose?"

Tom tells her that story too.

"Oh my, is she all right?"

"Yes, I sent her to bed and Max checked her out."

V sighs in relief.

Tom gets the airlines on the phone. After a few minutes he hangs up. "Ok, I have a flight in two hours." Tom says as he then calls Donna.

"Mr. Bradford's office," Donna answers the phone.

"Donna, Tom." he says and tells her of the situation.

"I'll tell Mr. Randolph he needs to find some other lackey. You need me to arrange tickets?"

"No, I'm all set. Thanks Donna."

"Anything else you need, boss?"

"Yeah, a list of specialists in New York. Call them into me at the hotel." He tells her the hotel he'll be at.

"OK. Do you know who Abby's doctor is? She'd probably have a list ready."

"Hilda Krause."

"I'll call her. You have everything settled at the house?"

"Yeah." He says. "Talk to you soon."

"I'll have that list waiting for you in New York. Send Abby my best."

"Thanks and I will." he hangs up.

Meanwhile the phone rings. "Joannie can you get that?" Tom asks as he walks out the door.

"Sure." Joannie picks up the phone. "Hello?"

"This is Mr. Gillette's office may I speak with Mr or Mrs. Bradford?"

~Who's in trouble now? I can't call Dad back for this.~ "This is Mrs. Bradford."

"We were wondering when Elizabeth would be returning to school, your note was very vague about the nature of her illness."

"Well," Joannie tap-dances, "I wasn't quite sure myself. But I think she'll be back tomorrow. One of those 24 hour things, you know."

"Good, you'll call if anything changes?"

~Something's going to change all right. When I get my hands on her.~ "Of course."

"Thank you Mrs. Bradford, Good day." then there's a click.

Joannie goes looking for her sister. "Elizabeth. E-liz-a-beth!"

After school, Elizabeth leaves David's place and sneaks in the back with her books.

Joannie is waiting in Elizabeth's room. "So what did Dr. Max say?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"About why you're sick enough to miss school. What did he say?"

"Oh that." she says nonchalantly. "I just took the day off."

"And forged a note from Abby?"

"You found about that too?"

"Gillette called. You're lucky I answered and not Dad--that was the last thing he would have needed today."

"So am I. You are not going to tell him, right?"

"Definitely not. Besides, by now he's halfway to New York."

"New York? Why?"

"Well, don't tell everyone else, especially not Nicholas," Joannie says, and explains why their father flew off.

"Oh no, poor Abby."

"Really. So now you know why I couldn't have Dad handle your little note. What was up with that, anyway? A mental health day or something more?"

Elizabeth sighs. "You know that guy that attacked me? He's out."

"Oh, no, and he's back at school? Has he said anything to you?"

"No, he just stares." Liz says. "I can't go back there."

"You can't just let him win."

"That's easy for you to say." she tells her. "I was going to tell Dad, but then he's been working late and now this thing with Abby...."

"What are you going to do, run all your life? Move out of town?"

"No...."

"So what are you going to do when you see him at the store? Or the drive in?"

"I don't know Joannie, will you just leave me alone!!" she says as she runs out of the room.

"Great. I really blew that." Joannie goes to the phone and calls for some big-brother assistance.

David answers the phone, "hello."

"David, I need your help. I messed up with Elizabeth." She tells him what's been going on.

"They let that little bastard out?" David is shocked.

"Yes, and don't go getting vigilante ideas."

"Why not he has it coming to him."

"Because the last thing we need now is you in jail."

"What if he tries to hurt her again?"

"I don't know. That's why I called you."

"The only thing I can think of is to make sure she never goes anywhere alone."

"Will she stand for that?"

"Probably not but I can't think of anything else."

"So who gets to tell her?"

"I'll tell her but I'll put it as an offer if she refuses we'll have to think of something else."

"OK, but we'd better do the thinking on this--we can't rely on Dad or Abby right now."

"Why not?"

"Didn't anyone tell you? Abby might be losing her baby."

David goes pale. "What?"

"Dad said she's been spotting, He went to New York to be with her. Didn't even ask Dr. Max if it was OK."

"I'll be right over." He says.

"Thanks, David," Joannie breathes a sigh of relief.

David arrives about ten minutes later.

Joannie rushes out and hugs him, laying all her burdens at his big brother doorstep.

"Everything's going to be all right. Abby won't lose the baby, and we'll figure out something with Elizabeth." He says. ~She must not know about the mugging, well I'm not going to tell her not at a time like this.~

"If you say so." ~He must not know about Nancy and Dad being mugged. But he's got enough to worry about right now. It'll keep.~

"It will be, where's Elizabeth?"

"In her room, last I saw."

"Do you want to come with me to talk to her?"

"No. She'll think we're ganging up on her."

He nods.

Nancy awakens and goes downstairs to get some food.

David goes upstairs, and knocks on Nancy and Elizabeth's door.

"It's open." Liz says.

He walks in and sits down. "How are you doing?" He asks.

"Uh fine, and you?"

"I'm ok, Joannie told me what's going on."

Liz sighs. "Now, why'd she do that for?"

"Because she's worried about you."

"There's nothing anyone can do."

"How would you feel about one of us being with you when you go out?"

Elizabeth laughs. "Right, my own bodyguard."

~So much for that idea.~

"You were serious?" Elizabeth asks when she sees David expression.

"Yes if it makes you feel safe."

"I don't need a babysitter."

"Then what can we do to help?"

"Besides getting Dad and Abby to move?" she says. "nothing."

He sighs. ~That's what I was afraid of.~

"Do you know if Auntie V is around?"

"She went to the store but she'll be back soon."

"Great."' she sighs.

"Is Dad still asleep?" Nancy asks Joannie.

"No, he--maybe you'd better sit down."

Nancy sits down. "What happened?"

"He went to Abby." Joannie explains what her father explained to her.

"Oh no." Nancy gets up to call Abby but then stops. "Are we supposed to know about this?"

"Dad didn't say we aren't, but maybe we shouldn't tell Nicholas."

Nancy nods and calls Abby's hotel room.

Abby answers the phone.

"Hi Abby, how are you feeling?" Nancy asks.

"Better, now. How are you?" Abby says.

"Good, and I'm ok they were just a couple of punks. I have more important things and people to worry about." She says. "You're resting?"

"Like a good little girl."

"Um ok."

"Shouldn't you be resting, too?"

"I feel fine."

"Even so--it's pretty late to be calling just to say hello."

"I was worried about you, but you're really going to be ok?"

"Sure. I'm fine," Abby says, not knowing just how much the kids know.

Nancy sighs in relief. "That's a relief."

"And you're really OK?"

"Yeah I'm fine, came out without a scratch, well I'd better go and let you rest, I love you Abby."

"I love you too, Nancy."

After hanging up with Abby, Nancy gets something to drink. "She says she's fine." She tells Joannie.

"Do you believe her?"

She takes a couple of aspirin. "I don't know, I want to but something about the tone of her voice it sounded like she was keeping something from me."

"Tomorrow we should talk to Dad. He'll spill his guts."

"Yeah."

"But for tonight, you should get some sleep."

"Why I'm not hurt."

"Is that what Dr. Max said?"

"Yeah his words were, 'she's fine Tom'."

"OK, that's what he said to Dad, but what did he say to you?" Joannie frets.

"To stay in bed today, but Joannie it's not that bad and I got school work."

"And you can do that in bed. Now shoo."

Nancy gets up to move but is stopped by the headache and slight dizziness. "I need a minute or two."

Joannie pushes Nancy into a chair. "Take your time."

"Thank you." She says. "Have you told anyone about you being a clown yet?"

"No, I didn't think anyone would be in the mood."

"Why did something else happen?" Nancy asks knowing that most of the family doesn't know yet about Abby.

"Well, I suppose if I'm sending you up to bed you'll have to know. Sit down. Oh--you're already sitting." Joannie starts to pace.

"Joannie what's going on?"

Joannie tells her why Elizabeth skipped school.

Nancy is stunned and then angry. "How could they let him out like that?"

"His sentence must be over. That's the way it is when you cop a plea, I guess."

"How is she supposed to feel safe now?"

"We're going to have to make sure she does."

~But how~ "I'll do my part."

"So will I, as soon as David tells me what part that is."

"Is David here? He saved our hides this morning."

"He was up with Elizabeth; I don't know if he's still there."

"Maybe I should wait till he's done talking to her."

"Unless he slipped out without saying goodbye."

"He better not have."

"Well, go check."

"Will you go with me?"

"Sure."

"Thanks," They go upstairs. Nancy sticking close to Joannie in case she gets dizzy again.

Joannie keeps an arm around Nancy's waist, just in case.

They make it there without incident and Nancy wonders if she should knock on her own bedroom door.

Joannie decides for her and knocks.

"It's open."

"You busy?" Joannie asks, sticking her head in.

"What is this, gang up on Elizabeth day?"

"No, Nancy needs to lie down for a little. But it's ok--I'll give her my bed." Joannie beats a hasty retreat.

"No, that's OK, it's her room too."

"Yeah, but it sounds like you need your privacy."

Elizabeth shrugs. "I'll just go to the den."

Joannie looks back at Nancy for her decision.

"I don't want to drive you out of the room." Nancy says.

"It's ok. really. its getting crowded anyway." Liz says as she leaves.

"Great," Nancy says sadly as she gets in her bed.

Joannie tucks her in. "Think I should go talk to her?"

"Yeah." Nancy says.

"OK, I will."

"Thanks Joannie." She gives her a hug.

Joannie gives Nancy's forehead a kiss. "You just concentrate on getting better, OK?"

She nods and starts to drift of to sleep.

Joannie sits with her for a few minutes longer, then heads down to the den to look for Elizabeth.

David goes to see his brothers so he doesn't get in the way of Joannie and Liz's talk.

Elizabeth turns the TV up louder as Joannie walks in.

Joannie sits next to her.

"Joannie, you don't have to babysit me."

"I'm not. I'm watching TV."

"Fine."

"Fine," Joannie echoes.

Elizabeth tries to concentrate on the TV. then a tear trickles down her face.

Joannie pretends to be concentrating on the TV, but puts an arm around her sister.

Elizabeth finally breaks down.

Joannie hugs her and strokes her hair.

"What am I going to do Joannie? I can't go back there."

"I don't know. We'll figure something out. I promise."

"Really?"

"Really."

Elizabeth sighs.

Joannie hugs her tighter.

"I can't go back to school tomorrow."

"I can go with you," Joannie offers.

"What, are you going with me everyday until I graduate?"

"It'd give me another chance at a decent physics grade."

"Oh Dad'll love that."

"Hey, it'll give him a few more years to save for college for me."

Elizabeth laughs. "Thanks, but like I told David I don't need a bodyguard."

"Then how about a shoulder?"

Upstairs: "Hi David." Nicholas says.

"Hi buddy, watcha doing?"

"Just doing my math."

"Oh all right, do you need any help?"

"No, I am finished now. What are you doing here?"

David laughs, "do I need a reason to come and see my family?"

"Tommy says you have girlfriends."

"Well Tommy is somewhat right, I only have one girlfriend."

"Yuck."

"Trust me she's not yucky."

Nicholas shrugs as Tommy walks in. "Hi David."

"Hi Tommy, I hear you've been starting rumors about me." He jokes.

"Huh?" he asks confused.

"How many girlfriends do I have?" David asks.

"Oh." he says.

David laughs.

"Uh What's going on?" Tommy asks knowing David too well.

"Not a whole lot."

"Nicholas, I think your shows are on TV." Tommy says.

"I nearly forgot." Nicholas runs out of the room.

"Again, what's going?" Tommy asks.

David tells him about the mugging and about what's going on with Abby.

"Oh man, I have been out of the loop."

"Looks that way." He says not sure if he should tell him what's going on with Elizabeth. ~That's her decision if she wants him to know.~ He finally decides.

"There's more isn't there?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Elizabeth? You forget, I go to the same high school."

"So you know that he's out."

Tommy nods. "It took everything I had to not tear him from limb to limb."

"Believe me little brother I know the feeling." David says wanting to tear the punk apart himself.

"If I tell you a secret, promise you won't tell?"

"I promise no such thing." He gives him fair warning.

Tommy takes his chances. "Me and Ernie put eggs under his seat of his car, in a few days he'll wonder what that smell is."

David laughs. "I won't tell."

"He has to be stopped David."

"I know but how?"

"I don't know."

"Maybe Dad will know what to do."

"In the meantime, do you know what's for dinner?"

"I don't know, Auntie V is cooking."

"Hmm, should be interesting."

"No Kidding."

They go downstairs to check.

Joannie goes looking for her aunt.

V is in the kitchen putting groceries away.

"Auntie V, I need to talk to you."

"Sure honey what is it?"

"In private."

"Come to my office." They go into the sunroom.

Joannie tells her what's going on with Elizabeth. "I don't know how to help her."

"Oh my, that poor kid." She thinks it over. "I think I might have an idea."

"I hoped you would."

"Where is she?"

"The den."

"I'll talk to her." V says and heads for the den.

Elizabeth runs into her arms.

V holds her and tries to calm her.

"What am I going to do? I can't go back there."

"I know you can't, and I might have an idea."

"What, Boarding school in the Swiss alps?"

"Hmm," She thinks it over. "No, your father would kill me. I was thinking more along the lines of a tutor."

"You mean Abby? She can't she has her own problems."

"No, I mean someone else. There are other tutors in town."

Elizabeth sighs. "You think you can arrange it?"

"Of course, I'm Auntie V aren't I?"

Elizabeth hugs her. "thank you." she says in relief.

"You're welcome honey." She also hugs her.

"Maybe tonight I'll be able to finally sleep."

"I sure hope so, speaking of sleepers I'd better check on your roommate."

"I can do that."

"You'll tell me if she's not all right even if she swears you to secrecy?"

Elizabeth nods.

"Thank you." V says.

Elizabeth goes upstairs to her room.

Nancy awakens feeling much better than she did earlier. "What time is it?"

"About six." she says. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, Dr. Max said there might be a little dizziness today. He should have said a lot dizziness, doctors."

~Hmmm.~ she thinks. "And now?"

"I feel fine, how bout you?"

"Better." she tells her what V is arranging.

Nancy sighs in relief. "Good."

Yeah." Liz lays on her bed.

Soon Nancy and Elizabeth go downstairs when they smell food.

"What are you doing out of bed young lady?" V asks.

"I feel better now." Nancy insists.

"Ok, but if the headache or dizziness decides it wants to make a comeback and return to the limelight it's back to bed with you."

"What are you cooking?" Liz asks.

"Shrimp and lobster."

"On dad's money?"

"No, on my money."

Elizabeth laughs. "We need you to cook more often."

"That's for sure." Nancy says.

V smiles. "Not too much though or I'll ruin my reputation."

"We won't tell."

"Good, you are wonderful nieces."

Elizabeth laughs.

They soon eat dinner.

Part 3