Lauren and Adrianne were gathered in an average size room, with their graduating class, just behind the auditorium where they would be seated in just a few minutes. Lauren tried to peek out to see if she could see Mac and Danny, but it was impossible. "Laur, chill out they'll be here. Mac and Danny wouldn't miss this day for the world no matter what kind of case comes up," Adrianne said pulling her back into the room.

"I know. I know. I'm just so nervous, and bad things keep running through my head," Lauren said attempting to look out into the audience again.

Adrianne pulled Lauren back into the room again. "Lauren, stop it okay. Nothing is going to happen to them. They will be here, and we're all nervous." Lauren made a face at her best friend. "Just think, after tonight we'll be done with school and starting our life for real. No more all-nighters, no more exams, no more twenty plus page papers, no nothing except experiencing the real world. Also I think your dad is going to offer you a job at the lab."

Lauren's face brightened. "You think he will? That would be a dream job!"

"I know so. It was a couple weeks ago when I came over to study for exams. He was on the phone with someone talking about a new hire. Who else could it be but you?"

Lauren sighed. Her mood had changed. "I don't know. It could be anyone."

Adrianne looked at her friend, and could tell something was on her mind. "Lauren what's wrong?" She asked concerned.

"I haven't said anything to anyone because I thought maybe it was just stress…"

"What is it, Lauren?"

Lauren bit her lip. "A few days ago I was up in my dad's office. I saw an old tattered file on his desk. Normally I wouldn't think twice about looking at it."

"But…?"

Lauren looked around them to make sure no one was listening in. They weren't so she continued, "But I noticed the name on the file was, Casey. I didn't want to open it, but I couldn't help it. The file was my parents' murder case."

Trying to contain her emotions, Adrianne said calmly, "The case is a cold case. You said he keeps them on his desk in the corner."

"Yeah I know, but I've never seen it there… ever. I think he's keeping something from me. I think there might be some new developments in the case."

"I think he would tell you if that was the case. Maybe he's just… I don't know maybe he just wants to make sure he's got his facts right before he comes to you."

Lauren sighed again and rested her head in her hands. "Maybe. I don't know either. I actually forgot about it until you mentioned the job thing."

Adrianne wrapped her arms around her best friend and said, "Everything will work out, but for now just relax and have a good time. We're graduating in like…" She glanced at her watch to get the time then continued, "We're graduating in three minutes."

Lauren smiled and hugged Adrianne tightly. "I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you!"

Adrianne smiled. "You're welcome, Lauren. Now let's get in line and go graduate." She grabbed Lauren's hand, and led her to the line that was forming.

Danny led the way to their seats while Mac followed. They were running late by just a few minutes. Danny told Lauren they would be there on time, but a case took a crazy turn, and Mac had to finish some last minute things before leaving. They both were glad Stella told them she would take over. "Come on Mac, we're going to miss them walking in. I told her we'd be here on time," Danny said weaving in and out the crowds.

"I'm walking as fast as I can, Danny. We have a couple minutes. We'll be fine," Mac said now
walking in sync with him. "You need to relax. Everything will be fine," he added.

Danny found their seats, and carefully shuffled to his seat. "All right just in time, Mac." When he didn't hear a response from him, he turned to see his boss standing in the aisle way. "Mac, what are you doing?"

"Nothing. I thought I saw something," he said as he turned back to where he had been looking; the person was gone. "I'm coming… excuse me… thank you… sorry."

"You all right, Mac? You've been acting a little strange these past few day."

"Yeah, I'm fine, Danny. My little girl is graduating from college. Wouldn't you be nervous?" he asked as he sat down in his seat.

Danny could see his point and nodded in agreement, but it still didn't explain Mac standing in the middle of the aisle way looking for someone or something.

Soft music started to play, and the graduating class began to file in. Danny searched the line for Lauren and Adrianne. So far he didn't see her. Danny saw in his peripheral vision that Mac was looking to; his nervousness seemed to disappear. Danny was thankful.

Finally after what seemed like ages, Danny spotted Lauren. He stood up and started clapping and shouting her name. "LAUREN!" Lauren heard him and looked up in his direction. She smiled and quickly waved.

The girl behind her said, "Is that your boyfriend?"

Lauren blushed and said, "No, he's just a very good friend of mine."

"He's hot. Can I have his number?" Lauren just laughed and shook her head.