Today, though, she had knocked off early, since Nina had taken a cab down to join her for supper. She marveled just thinking about it. Her mom taking a cab. By herself. It truly was a miracle. Their "light" repast had consisted of cold roast beef and room- temperature stout, two of Nina's favorites. She had never been much for cucumber sandwiches with the crust cut off. Afterward, she elected to have a brandy. "The trouble with having your mind back," she said as she settled onto the couch, snifter in hand, "is that sometimes you remember things you'd just as soon forget." Outside thunder boomed from an early evening rainstorm, which had blown in from the northwest. "Well, Mom, at least now you can pick and choose what you want to remember and what you want to forget." She didn't really mind the storm. Having her mother back was such a blessing. It still felt odd, though, having her rescued from what had to be an inevitable, ignominious fate. It was as though time had gone in reverse. A miracle was very much in progress. . . . She was experiencing a miracle too, though of a slightly different sort. She felt pretty much normal, if occasionally shaky and uncertain on her feet. But at unexpected times she would have bursts of energy that defied reality. They were, in fact, scary, like that thing with the steel door. Something weird would sometimes take control of her body and she didn't really know what it was. . . . Truthfully, she was feeling some of that tonight. She had joined her mother with a brandy and was thinking about taking Knickers for an early walk, downpour or not. She wanted to see the river through the mists of a storm. That was when the phone rang. She got up and made her way to the kitchen and took the receiver off the wall. "Hello." She was hoping it was Stone. He'd usually call early in the evening to see what she was doing and ask if she wanted some company. "Alexa, I need to see you," came a voice. The other end of the line was noisy, as though a loud motor was running. "Who--" "I think you know who this is. If you would come down to the river, right now, I will make it very much worth your while." For some reason, maybe it was telepathy, Knickers had begun bouncing about the kitchen, angling for a walk, even though she normally was mortally fearful of thunder. Now Ally did know who it was. What was he doing calling her here at home, in a rainstorm? After all these weeks. Well, she thought, I have nothing left to fear from him or any of them. Why not? "It's raining," she said. "This had better be fast." And she hung up the phone. "Who was that, honey?" Nina asked. "I hope it wasn't anybody I know. You were somewhat abrupt." "Mom, they deserved whatever they got, and it's no big deal. But I think I'm going to take Knickers out. She's making me nuts."