It was a slow thing at first, a smile and a little wave when we saw each other in town, a birthday card and other little things. It progressed to a hu... when she came over for dinner and a kiss on the cheek when she left. Over time the hugs got a little tighter and the kisses on the cheek lasted a little longer than a quick peck. Traci would smile and say, "You're good for her. She needs to know that there are really nice and decent guys in the world. It helps her realize that she will find one. ’ ‘And a car and for other offences including wrecking their security door,’ Kenny grinned. After everyone had left Kenny garaged the car and went inside for late supper – very late supper. Kenny had cold pizza and coffee, Betsy had a glass of warm milk. ‘Thank your for getting my car back, that was very heroic of you.’ ‘Aw, that was nothing,’ said Kenny, looking at the floor. A few minutes later, as Kenny stood up to leave, Betsy said: ‘It’s late, stay here. Come to bed.’ She didn’t realise. By this time, I was beginning to question my sanity for coming here. These guys could take care of what needed to be done without me looking over their shoulders. But, it was too late to back out now; I was in to the finish. I wouldn't have backed out anyway. Sometimes, you just wanted to whine, without really expecting a resolution.Shortly after landing, I met with the Marine officer that I had met at the hospital where Elizabeth had been taken. I was immediately impressed, as I had been then,. . Daddy? Can Jack and his sister come with us to the game tomorrow?"I heard something in the background."He says it's OK. Why don't we pick you up around 6:15?" That will be great. And I'm sorry about your aunt. Give your father my condolences." That's sweet. I'll tell him. See you tomorrow night."That was that. No "I don't ever want to see you again," no "I don't want to talk to you, you loser," just "we can talk tomorrow night." She didn't even ask what I wanted to talk about.It was beginning.