Candi knew that since her sister was friends with the McAuleys, that she could rely on them as friends also. She needed a place to hide and collect herself; and with them seemed the safest place.

Tracy, Erin's former college roommate, was almost like an aunt in Candi's eyes. The rain was gone, but the storm inside her was far from over. She knocked on the door, nervously awaiting a reply.



Tracy: "Candi! Where have you been?"

Candi: (panting) "Tracy...it all happened so fast! I..."



Tracy: "Dear gravy, child!!! What happened to you???"

Candi: "It's not so much what was done, as what almost happened, and how I escaped! This isn't my jacket!"



Tracy: "What are you babbling about?"

Candi: "I didn't go to Miriam's party! I was exercising at the old Stolly's. After I said goodbye to Donte, my good friend going off to war, Don...he..."

Tracy: "That buffoon from your grade school days?"

Candi: "Yes, that Don! He...came from...out of nowhere! The Meethlites did something to him! He tried to kill me!"



Candi: (sobbing) "We...struggled...and he...and...I didn't even mean to but...I threw him into the fire!!! I...killed him!!! It was an accident, I swear!!!"



Tracy paused with a sigh. It was very tragic news indeed, but not quite as bad as the news she'd soon share.

Candi: "I know it was self-defense...but...he tore most of my clothes off after they were burnt! He...went for...what he should not!

I had to steal his jacket to have something to wear! If he didn't completely burn up in the blaze he made...then...I'm pretty sure the police will come looking! You...won't turn me in, will you?"

Tracy: "No, Candi! Dominick might. But I won't tell him! You did well!

You have to learn to forgive yourself for mistakes like that. And if you do end up in court...I'll find you a good lawyer! Don was Meethlite scum, and they have a way of manipulating justice! If you stand trial, you won't get a fair one, so I will help you hide this tragedy! Come inside with me...I have far worse news to share with you!"



Candi: "Why the lights off?"

Tracy: "Safety. Can't be too careful right now. Hurry, to the guest room! We need to get you something more appropriate to wear, and burn that skanky evidence!"



Tracy: "You do smell like smoke! No injuries?"

Candi: "You...know I'm a quick healer!"

Tracy: "True. "



In a matter of just a minute's time, a set of evening clothes had been picked out. It didn't look much better than what she had been wearing, but was still an improvement of modesty.

Candi: (sulking) "I have to leave Gerosha...forever!"

Tracy: "You can keep that dress. Impress your husband with it some day! I have no use for it anymore! I'm getting too old for those old, rowdy days with Dom anyway!"

Candi: "Thank you."



Tracy: "Candi...I will help you with whatever you need! I am the only mother figure you..."

Candi: "Mother figure??? I thought that was Erin's job...to take over for my mom when she died!"



Candi: "Wait...what are saying?"

Tracy: "Dear young one...I know how eager you are to start your life on your own. I know how hurt you are; but I must tell you something that will hurt even more!"

Candi: "Yes?"



Tracy: "Candi...Erin's dead!"

Candi: (shaking) "What? No! When? How?"

Tracy: "While you were battling Don, I would imagine. Gunner and Skellig left their filthy marks all over the house!

Police found your sister's body. Her head is missing. MP5 bullets were found at the scene of the crime. The Meethlites wanted evidence to be left...plenty of evidence! This was an act of terror...an act of war!"



Candi: "I should have known! Don laced the building with bezeetol so that he could fight me without worrying about my reflexes. He didn't want a fair fight! I should have stayed home! Erin would be alive!"

Tracy: "Don't blame yourself for Erin's death! You could not have known they would raid your house!"

Candi: "I...got a strange phone call the night before, I should have taken that as a hint that something wasn't right!"



Tracy: "Erin would not have believed you anyway. You did all you could, child. If you ever need to come back to Gerosha..."

Candi: "I get it; but I don't want to return here! I have to move to Viron...and soon! I need to change! The Flippo name...is no longer what it once was."



Candi didn't like talking in the crowded bedroom. She walked out to the dining room table, where she turned on a light and sat at the table. Tracy joined her, knowing the two invariably had to talk.

Candi: "I don't know if I'll ever see Donte again! I'll be under tremendous pressure to marry someone else, I just know it! I...need to change may name...and the sooner I can legally do so...the better!"



Tracy: "Each of you Flippo girls will have to find her own way out of the mess the Meethlites have just made. Just remember Who is on your side, in all things, Candi! You don't have to face this alone, though you will be tempted to feel alone! Realize...that this will be your curse."

Candi: "And Miriam???"

Tracy: "Well...the party was raided by the police. She was found in her swimsuit. The police were in a panic, so they just went crazy and arrested everyone! Your sister went with little resistance. Right now, Dominick is bailing her out of jail. He won't be back until tomorrow, or maybe even the day after.

He's going with her, once she's out of jail, to Farrenville. They'll send her job hunting first of all. Next, they'll find her some housing. I know you love your sister; but I fear you two may not see each other again for a long time!"



Candi: "I understand. My family is falling apart! It is my job to stop Arfaas and his lowlifes! I won't have many friends, so I must cherish the few I have!"



Tracy: "The case of Erin's death is being considered very high-profile. Even things not directly involved in the incident are being analyzed."

Candi: "You mean, looted?"

Tracy: "That's one way of looking at it. I'll help you move to Viron. But...you're on your own in terms of men! I can help you get some clothes, since you're here! I doubt you'll even want your old clothes back by now!"

Candi: "Probably not."

Tracy: "Cheer up! You are rich, after all! Besides, you've got your whole life ahead of you."