The night sky was so dark; it felt like it was about to close in on Angie as she ran away from the park. Her mind was spinning how could she have been so foolish to lay out her heart again to Rollie he didn't even attempt to return the kiss he almost seemed to be repulsed by it. She knew at that moment that he would never think of her in that way. He was too loyal to his obligation to her father. And then the rape and Oh God! She shot him. Angie's mind kept on racing as she ran even harder. Oh God I hope Loubar is dead, he has to be after everything that happened he just had to be.

Looking over her shoulder as she neared her apartment. Angie's heart was pounding as hard as a jackhammer. She arrived at her apartment unlocked the door went in and made sure it was double bolted. In a state of still feeling everything was closing in she slipped to the floor crying until a pool of blackness enveloped her.

Some time later waking to a knock at the door. In a state of confusion and half consciousness Angie arose from the floor.

Angie are you there? Came a familiar voice. Are you okay?

Angie unlocked the door to see a look of deep concern on Mira's face. Angie's stomach tightened. She couldn't help but wonder why Mira was there. Mira realized this and immediately blurted out " Rollies all right Louber is dead! " The knot in Angie's stomach loosened with such a sense of relief. She then went over to the couch and sat down. Mira followed.

Are you sure? Angie asked. A skeptical wince came over her face.

Mira: Yeah dead as dead. Thank God! He won't be able to hurt you or anyone again. I'm sorry you had to go through so much because of that monster. After a pause Mira said " I hate to remind you that we will need a statement".

Noting the Condition that Angie was in. Mira quickly added. "Not right now later you need some time".

Angie: Yeah

Mira: Can I do anything for you?

Angie: Turn back time. *Pause* Oh Mira how could I be so stupid!

Mira could see that Angie was fighting hard to hold back the tears that started to brim out of her friends ever so blue eyes now more brilliant in color with a teary glaze.

Placing her hand on Angie's shoulder Mira then said " Angie you're not stupid. Maybe a little too loyal. but definitely not stupid".

Angie: My father used to say the same thing. He claimed that I'm a lot like my mother in that way.

Mira couldn't help but to feel a sense of deep respect for her friend. She realized that Angie was a lot stronger and wiser than she ever gave her credit for. She was actually relieved that Angie was opening up to her.

Angie excused herself. "I will be right back "she said as she went towards the bathroom.

Mira being the ever so thorough cop she was surveyed Angie's apartment and was surprised at how neat and warm it was. There was a theme of soft colors. It was not what she expected at all. On top of a light oak component stand among some other photo's there was a picture of a very attractive woman with the same stunning blue eyes as Angie's. Mira immediately speculated that it was Angie's Mother. Rollie had mentioned something about her living in Cuba.

Angie returned noticing Mira looking at her mother's picture.

Your mother? Mira asked.

Angie: Uh huh!

Mira: She is really beautiful. Do you ever see her?

Angie: No we have had no contact since she made it possible for my father and I to leave Cuba. I was very young at the time. I just barely remember her. I've wanted to so many times, but it would just make things very difficult for her. The man she is with is very dangerous and it could cost my mother her life if I tried.

Mira: That must be very hard to take.

Angie: An old friend of my father let's me know that she is okay from time to time and that’s it. You don't know how many times I have been tempted to go back.

Mira: You know I have a friend in Cuba who might be able to find out more about your mother in a very discreet way.

Angie: Really?

Mira: Yeah Really! Just say the word.

Angie: I need some time to think this over my mind is still reeling over everything that has happened.

Mira: That’s understandable. I better go so you can get some rest. I'll swing by in the morning and take you to see Rollie and then the precinct if you want.

Angie: Thanks

Mira: What are friends for. Hey get some sleep okay!!

Angie: "Okay Mira" Angie said as she smiled mildly.

Angie felt a sense of warmth from Mira that touched her giving her a some ease, that and knowing Loubar was finally dead helped as she went to bed and fell off to sleep.

The next morning Angie awoke to the sun shining so brightly that it made the glass of water on the night table loom up intensely making it possible to look through the glass in a prismatic way directly at the photo of Angie and her parents.

Angie couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign that she should take Mira up on her offer about her Mother.

Stayed tuned for a Preparing for a Cuban Adventure