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The next day Sabastian came into the kitchen to find Susan playing
Candyland with Claudia. As soon as he stepped in, she jumped up and
ran to him. Giving Sabastian a big hug, she said, "I'm gonna take Sol
to meet Mina tonight."

"Are you?" he asked.

"Yeah. It's important and he can't go alone."

"How about I go with him instead?"

"Nope, you've got other stuff to do."

"Do I? Like what?" he asked, carrying her back to the table. He sat
in her chair with the little girl in his lap while she took her turn at
the game.

"You gotta go see Elizabeth. She needs your help."

"Elizabeth is capable of handling her own problems, I am more concerned
with you and your safety."

"I'll be fine," Susan said. "It's Elizabeth that really needs your
help right now."

"And how, pray tell, do you know you will be fine?"

"I just do."

"Why, then, does Elizabeth need me?"

"That bad man from the other night is hurting her. She won't stop him,
and no one else can. But you.

"See, you have to go help her."

"Helping her can not wait one night?" Sabastian asked.

"No."

"I will go, but after you and I escort Sol to see Mina."

"Sabastian," Claudia interrupted, putting her hand on his. "If what
little girl has told me is true, you must go."

"What has she told you?" Sabastian asked.

"That..."

"Claudia," Susan whined, interrupting the old lady.

"You are right, Claudia promise not to tell. I not say, but I think
you listen to Susan would be better."

"Good evening all," Sol said, walking in.

"Sol! We're gonna go to see Mina tonight, right?"

"I think Sabastian has some justifiable concerns about that plan."

"I think I was overruled before you even came down," Sabastian
responded. "Susan seems to think that Elizabeth needs my help and is
dispatching me to her aid while you and she go to see Mina."

"Well, that was a quick discussion. I assumed I'd have to at least say
something about how I would protect Susan with my life," Sol said,
pinching the girl's cheek.

"You will," Susan said matter of factly, while taking her turn at the
board game. Sol's smile faded at that comment, then returned, as he
assumed Susan was just playing.

[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]