"Hello, my name is Michael Alverez," the voice began.

She felt a surge of anger. How do these people get my private number she wondered? She reached over to press the delete button but wasn't fast enough.

"I'm calling about your sister, Laura and her husband Scott."

Grace froze. She and Laura had long phone conversations every couple of months. It had been over a month since she last spoke with her and had planned to call her when she got back from San Diego. She wanted to make plans to get together for a day of shopping and lunch in the city. She hoped Laura would help her sort out her mixed feeling about Richard.

The voice continued, "They were involved in a serious car accident this evening. There's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to get it said" –-a slight pause, "They were both killed. I'm very sorry."

Grace felt the room begin to spin. She put her hand to her mouth in case a scream might escape. Still, the voice continued...

"I'm at their house with the girls. My mother or I will be here until you can make arrangements to come. Please call me when you get this message. Thank you and again, I'm sorry."

The click made her jump. Suddenly she was all alone with this terrible news. It tore at her, making her tremble. Tears leaked from her eyes. There was no family to call, no parents or siblings, not even an aunt or uncle to mourn with her. No one on Scott's side either. She was alone, her and her three young nieces. The silence in her apartment surrounded her, enveloping her in a claustrophobic cocoon of pain and fear. She sat down on her bed as a strong wave of nausea washed over her. What now? What was she supposed to do? It took a few minutes before she was able to move.

She picked up the phone to call Richard and then decided to call her sister's house and talk with the man who left the message – she wanted to get as much information as possible.

"Hello?"

She recognized the voice.

"Michael? This is Grace, Laura's sister. I just got your message. How are the girls?"

"They're asleep. My mother came over to help. She takes care of them during the week, so they feel comfortable with her."

"I can't believe this is happening," she confided in him. "I feel numb." She took a deep ragged breath and continued. "I plan on driving up first thing in the morning. I should be there by noon." She paused, then asked, "Can you tell me what happened?"

He cleared his throat. "They were on their way home from work. They were riding together this week because your sister's car is in the shop. I was told that the Jeep went over an embankment." He stopped, letting the words settle. After a few seconds, he added, "There may have been an impact with another car. The police are still investigating."

"An impact?" she questioned. "But it was an accident right?"

He felt a familiar chill run through him. He took a moment to answer. "Well, initially it could have been an accident, a car carelessly changing lanes, then not stopping after hitting their car..." his voice trailed off. He didn't want to tell her about what Alex had said until he talked it over with Hillman.

"A hit and run?" she asked.

"Yes, the other car didn't stop or come back to the scene. Detective Hillman wants to meet with you tomorrow to go over everything."

"I see," she said. "Well, I want to thank you and your mother for everything you're doing. I should see you around noon, I think."

She hoped she'd make it through the entire conversation without breaking down, but as she said good-bye her voice quivered betraying her calm façade. She set the receiver back in its cradle and began crying in earnest. Covering her face with her hands she sobbed helplessly for several minutes. Finally, she was able to get up and go in the bathroom to splash water on her face. Feeling somewhat revived she went back to the living room to phone Richard.

"Hello," came a groggy voice.

She realized it was almost 11:00 pm. "Richard, it's Grace."

"What time is it?" he asked sounding half asleep.

Ignoring his question she continued, "Something terrible has happened." She began to cry softly.

"Jesus, Grace, what's the matter?" he asked sounding more irritated than concerned.

Struggling to get a hold on her emotions, she confided, "My sister and her husband were killed in a car accident tonight."

"What?" When did you find out?"

Grace couldn't believe his response. Why was he asking these stupid, irrelevant questions?

"I have to drive to Agate Cove tomorrow morning. I don't know when I'll be back."

There was a pause then a heavy sigh.

"Alright. You know I have to go to San Diego. I'm in the wedding party." He softened his tone and asked, "How are you doing?"

"I don't know," she replied. "I'm in shock I think."

"Well, it will pass. Give yourself a little time," he offered.

"You don't understand. My sister and her husband have three little girls and I'm the only relative they have. I don't have any idea of what I'm going to do." She took a deep ragged breath. "I can't go into this right now. I'm too raw. I'll talk with you next week, okay?" She waited but he didn't respond. "Okay?"

"Oh yeah, we'll talk next week," he stammered.

Although traumatized, Grace realized that they were over. She knew that Richard, never too far off his game, after hearing about her plight would start trolling for a new girlfriend... Perhaps she thought, his sister's wedding would be a good place for him to start.