"Hey, the history of this city is a mental hobby of mine. It's always renewing itself." She smiled. "Think about it. When developers convert industrial space to residential, we end up getting a lot of work." Then she heard the phone crackle alive. It was Van de Vliet. "Alexa, what seems to be the problem?" She told him. "Then I think it's important that you come back out here as soon as you can. I can't say anything until I've seen you. This could be something that could affect your procedure." "But what do you think--" "I don't diagnose over the phone. I was about to go home, but I'll wait for you." She listened as he clicked off. "Shit." "What did he say?" Stone asked. "He said I've got to come out." "Do you really want to do that?" "I don't know. But what's the point of going to a doctor here? They wouldn't know--" "Then at least let me drive you," Stone declared. "And I'll make damned sure they don't pull something funny." "Ally," Jennifer said ,"you look absolutely wiped out. Before you do anything, at least let me fix you a sandwich. I think there's some turkey in the fridge." "I was thinking about that." She glanced at Stone. "You want something?" "Sure. I'll have whatever you're having." "Don't be so sure. Jen can tell you I take mayo and mustard both. I know it's weird but that's the way I am." "Then I'll give it a try. I want to get to know you all over again." "Also, I hate to say it, but I think maybe I ought to swing by the apartment and get some things. Just in case." She listened to her own voice and wondered, would whatever happened to Kristen happen to me too? Maybe, she thought, what I really ought to take with me is a gun. Maybe Katherine Starr had the right idea. Jennifer finished the sandwiches and was wrapping them. "Ally, I'll go with you to your place and pick up Knickers. She can stay with me till you know what's going on." "Thanks, Jen. I was hoping you'd volunteer." She knew she could have dropped a hint and made it happen anyway, but this was nicer. She then went around and had a few last words. It felt like a good-bye and she didn't want it to. But it did. Ten minutes later, while Stone waited in her double-parked car, she and Jennifer took the elevator up to her Barrow Street apartment. "Where did you find that man?" Jennifer asked as soon as they got on. "He seems nice. Interesting. He's not a client, is he? And, pardon me for noticing, no wedding ring." "He actually found me," Ally declared, punching her floor. "It's a long story, but he was a guy I was deeply in love with for about fifteen minutes back around college. The old flame I told you about, remember? Then we started getting on each other's nerves. We're both going easy on the personal details right now, but I've got a hunch he's got nobody else percolating. Which, incidentally, goes for me too, or hadn't you noticed." They stepped off the elevator and she unlocked the door to her apartment. Knickers exploded with delight.