Fate had seemed to take a part in Ducky meeting Susan. Daniel, Susan's late husband, had to die first. Susan had fell into a deep depression that had lasted for almost a year. Not that she was morning her husband, however. She had found out that he had been having an affair the day he died, and had fathered a child. Susan had never contacted the other woman, though she did wonder if "Barbie" (the name Susan had given the other woman) would ever try to claim part of Daniel's estate for the child.

Susan's friends had started to worry about her. Which is why Ducky got a call in the lab about three months ago.

"Ducky, it's Avery Wilson."

"Avery! Hello! How's business at the hospital?"

"Brisk. But that's not why I called. I have a bit of a favor to ask. It's personal."

"Well, Avery, I'll do my best."

"Susan Burke. Ever heard of her?"

Ducky thought for a moment. "The name sounds somehow familiar, but I can't quite place it."

"She's a biologist. Does work on venoms. Anyway, she's a good friend of mine. He husband died last March. A real bastard. No one liked the guy, but you never get to pick who you friends marry. Or at least almost never," Avery went on.

"I'm sorry, I'm not following you, Avery," Ducky said a little puzzled.

"Well, to be honest, Ducky, I've always thought you and Susan would hit it off. Of course, I didn't say anything to Susan, but now that Daniel's gone…"

"What do you have planned, Avery?" Ducky sounded guarded, knowing that his friend was trying to set him up, like so many of his other friends had tried.

"Well, I was thinking of a night at the Palomino with some friends. That way it might be a little easier on her. And on you, too," Avery added quickly, but the admission that Avery was more concerned about Susan than Ducky actually made Ducky relax a bit. Avery was just trying to be kind.

And he hadn't been to the Palomino in years. "Does Susan dance?" Ducky asked.

Avery smiled. He had him. "Why yes, yes she does, in fact."

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The hospital had given little Dawniel, the name Lt. Diamond had given Daniel's child, a clean bill of health. Ducky had come over to the hospital after having loaded the Lt.'s body into the van and instructing Mr. Palmer to prep it for autopsy. Jimmy had bounced with joy at being given so much responsibility.

Susan was speaking quietly to a CPS agent when Ducky found her, cradling Dawniel in her arms. "Please let me know if you find grandparents or anyone else more appropriate as soon as possible," Susan said not unkindly.

"Of course. Thank you for taking Dawniel in, Dr. Burke," the agent smiled sadly. "I can imagine how hard this must be for you."

The agent nodded at Ducky and walked away. Ducky leaned over the baby to kiss Susan's cheek.

"Are you sure about this, my dear?" Ducky asked.

"No, I'm not," Susan replied. A tear escaped and slide down her cheek. "But it seems like the right thing to do."

Ducky nodded. "I will need to return to the lab for the autopsy on Lt. Diamond. But I want you to go straight to my house. I'll call ahead and have Sarah go fetch a few things for the baby. It will be much easier on you." He had hired a maid after putting Mother in a home. They had not been able to have servants since her mental state had required a full-time nurse: it would have been too hard on any servant to have to explain every day why they were there to a woman not inclined to believe them.

"Ducky, are you sure?" she returned his question.

"I've been meaning to ask you. Yes, I am quite sure," he said with a smile as he kissed her again.