Michael walked up to the door. He hadn't been to the house since that night. Time to take care of things. He reached up and knocked lightly.

"Michael." Amy Deluca answered the door.

"Afternoon, Mrs Deluca. Is Maria here?"

"She just got home from work," She opened the door wider and stepped back. "Come on in."

"Thanks. I just need a minute."

Amy shut the door behind him. "Have a seat. Would you like a soda or something?"

"No thanks." Michael remained standing.

"Maria, you've got a visitor. " Amy called down the hall. "I'll leave you two alone." She turned to leave the room.

"Wait, Mrs Deluca. I need to talk to you also."

"Okay."

"Hey." Maria stood in the doorway. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and carried a pair of socks in hand. "How's it going?" She was unsure of what to say.

"It's fine. There's a couple of things I need to say, to both of you."

Maria sat down at the kitchen table. She started to pull on the socks. "Okay."

Michael's face showed no emotion as he looked down at her. "Maria, I told you that I never wanted you to help me again. Remember. No attachments. No debts. I can't believe that you didn't listen to me. . ."

Maria gasped in shock. "Excuse me, Mister. I'm not the one who was standing outside . . . "

"Thank you." Michael said, cutting her off. "For not listening to me."

Maria was speechless. Did he just say, no I must be dreaming. Michael Guerin thanks no man.

"I've never been one to ask for help and I had no right to ask you for anything. Not after how I treated you. I was standing out there so sure that you would walk away. But you didn't. And I just needed, I wanted, to say thank you."

"You're welcome." Maria said, still slightly confused.

"And," Michael turned to Amy. "thank you. For helping me with the thing with the sheriff. You don't even know me."

"I know my daughter, and besides it was the least I could do. After you took a beating in that wrestling match for us."

Michael laughed. "Please don't ever mention that again. I hurt just thinking about it."

"Deal."