Author's note: Okay, so Jeanne Garvis is the mother in the second family in the case in the book, but she and her whole family literally has no lines and do nothing. They're just mentioned sometimes. Well, no more! ...The lengths of these things are really all over the place, aren't they? Maybe I should've tried being more consistent, but it's organized more by the content of the chapter than a certain length...

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Deanna happily prepared the food for the barbecue she and her husband was preparing for their friends. They were at Deanna's parents' house - since they actually had a house. The parents, though, were planning on spending the afternoon at the park and maybe see a movie after. They wouldn't dream of bothering Deanna and her friends while they had their little get-together. They also took their grandchildren even though there would be kids at the barbecue. Beth said she figured that would be better since Deanna wanted to do all the cooking herself and the last thing she needed was a bunch of kids running around making her more stressed. Personally, Deanna thought having them around would make her less stressed, since she could have had them help her in the kitchen. Jeanne Garvis had offered to bring a couple side dishes, but there was something outright demonic about Jeanne's daughter being made out of fire, and Deanna couldn't trust anything that the woman might bring. She couldn't understand how dear, sweet Laura could stand being near such a monster six days out of the week. Oh, that's another thing: They don't homeschool! How can they even call themselves Christian?

While Deanna chilled the strawberries for ice cream, she thought back to the first barbecue she and Rick had been at together. There had been ice cream there too. Who was it that had hosted that time? Ah yes, the Calverts'. I wonder how Cathleen is getting on? Or, had gotten on? I guess I can always search through records for her name, but… A shiver went down her body. That would be really weird just reading about how her old girlfriends had lived their lives. And if she did ever go back… It didn't bear thinking about. What's something else I can think about? Cooper. What would he do if he found out that I'm trying to sabotage the case? Not like I need to do so. Cooper's so inept I'm sure he'll find a way to mess everything up without me. Seriously, that car? I know he got it with money that was meant for the case. That's going to hurt him. And why is he focused so much on the color? I've heard Rick enthuse about cars before, going on about horsepower and- and functions! How well the car performs. The last thing on his mind is how the car looks in the sunlight. Why didn't Cooper just give his old car a paint job if that's all he's going to talk about? …Damned idiot.

During the barbecue, Deanna got a phone call asking for Cooper. Later he told her it had been a New York Times reporter asking him whether he had gotten funding through Wasson, the Washington Star guy.

"I can't imagine how he found that out," Cooper remarked.

"Well, I didn't tell him," Deanna said quickly. No, wait, scratch that. She said it smoothly. So smooth. After all, she was telling the truth. She didn't tell him.

"There were only five people other than Mr. Wasson and me who knew this, and they are all here," Cooper said slowly. "Laura told me that you let this fact slip out in some conversation. I don't mind that much your telling her. Just as long as neither of you told anyone else."

"No, no, not a soul," Deanna replied with a clear conscience. She had told Laura. Terry had just happened to be there.

"Cooper, I want you to know that I have not told a soul about this," Laura promised him.

Laura hadn't mentioned Terry either. Deanna needed to find out what game Laura was playing.

"Did I ever send you an e-mail about Mr. Wasson?" Cooper asked.

"No," several voices said at once. "Why?"

"It's just that e-mails are not truly confidential over the Internet," he replied. "But if I didn't send one, no problem."

"If someone hacked into our emails to find out how you obtained funding, that's illegal. Unless it's a government official with a warrant, I'm pretty sure you could get them in hot water real fast for violation of privacy." Laura stated.

"Well, it's a good thing that's not how this info was leaked then, huh?" Cooper asked testily.

"Okay. I'm just pointing out how illogical you are. You really can't be logical, can you?" Laura said testing-ly. As in, saying it as a way to test him. That's a word.

"The only thing I can think of is to go back to the Center for Constitutional Litigation and ask them to take the case. I know of no other way to raise the money at this stage of the case."

"Of course you know of no other way. You know nothing, you know? What's the capital of Georgia?" Laura asked.

"Atlantis." Cooper said positively.

"Closer." Laura muttered.

"It's… Milledgeville- I mean Atlanta! Umm, Closer than what Laura?" Deanna asked.

"…We'll talk later." Laura said. She was giving her a look. Deanna didn't know what it meant, but it scared her. Calculating was the best word she could come up with to describe it.

It was later. All of the guests had gone except for Laura and Terry. Deanna and Laura were alone in the kitchen cleaning up after the barbecue – that was the excuse they gave the guys so they could talk privately. They knew they wouldn't be bothered in the kitchen. After all, they were in exclusive girl territory.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Deanna asked warily. Would Laura bring up her blunder from earlier?

"It's about Cooper. I… Found out some things about him. Have you ever tried asking him about his childhood?" Laura asked.

"No. I never thought to."

"Well, I did. He didn't seem to remember ever having a childhood. Isn't that strange?"

"That is strange. Can you skip to the part where you tell me exactly what he is? My parents are coming home soon with the kids and I don't want my kids around your Terry – no offense."

"No, no. I understand. I keep telling myself I'm going to break up with him. I have literally no idea why we're still together. He's obviously no good for me and he never helps out around the house. …Anyway, Cooper. He's actually a clone."

"What?"

"Yes! His aunt and uncle are actually scientists who cloned the body of one Peter Barron and that clone is Cooper. I know it's hard to believe, but-"

"No! That makes perfect sense! That's why he's so ignorant. He hasn't been around that long! And I guess his creators helped get him a job, too. After all Peter's a lawyer. They must have thought Cooper would be naturally gifted at it since he has the same genes. But he's so dumb… we can't have him secede the case to the Center for Constitutional Litigation. They'd actually be competent. Then Rick would never feel pressured enough to consider moving! Laura, will you help me keep Cooper as our lawyer?"

"I don't know if there's much I can do. I mean, he freaking bought a car with the money that was supposed to be used for the case! And he tried using me to deliver papers to the opposing side! Even with our combined power it might not be enough to stop Cooper from holding the idiot ball long enough to keep him on the case! Ugh, don't look at me like that. You look just like Layton asking for another snack. …Fine, I'll do what I can to help you."

"Yay! Thank you Laura!" Deanna hugged the younger woman. It felt good to have another person in her corner, supporting her. It felt foreign, but good.

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Deanna objected to looking into getting a new lawyer, but was overruled by Rick and Doug Garvis. She should have known that would happen. But, surprisingly, Jeanne had been on her side. When Laura learned that Jeanne had also wanted to keep Cooper, she suggested Deanna should ask Jeanne to help them with their cause. But Deanna wanted nothing to do with the woman or her daughter made of hellfire! Just the thought of spending any more time around them than she needed to made it feel like someone was squeezing her heart until she couldn't breathe. But then… What if, what if the reason they failed at keeping Cooper was because she didn't utilize all of the resources available to her? Deanna knew that was just the anxiety talking, but… how reliable could Jeanne as an ally? Why did Jeanne want to keep Cooper? Shouldn't she attempt to find that out? Maybe she could ask Laura to ask Jeanne. But… Laura was a full-time schoolteacher with a crazy fiancée that she still hadn't figured out how to get rid of. She already had a lot on her plate. No, Deanna was going to face her fears. Talk to Jeanne. Even if she did turn out to be some sort of fiery demon in disguise.

She approached Jeanne after their Sunday school for young mothers they both attended. "Hey, it stinks that it looks like we're not keeping Cooper. How do you feel about everything?"

Jeanne looked at Deanna with wide eyes. "You are talking to me? Why? You have never spoken to me before now."

Jeanne had an accent! How did Deanna never notice before? "Y-yes, but I realized that we are on the same side, and I really should have reached out to you sooner."

"Is that so? What made you change your mind? ...Why do you want to keep Cooper?" Jeanne asked.

"Why do you?" Deanna asked defensively.

"I asked you first." Jeanne said.

"He… I…" Deanna faltered.

"You and him? Together?" Jeanne smiled.

"God! No! I am faithful to my husband thank you very much!" Deanna gagged.

"Joudan yo! I was only teasing!" Jeanne said hurriedly. "Your head is too good for him. No, you are too smart for him!" She sighed, "Now is a bad time to speak of such things. I need to pick Emily up. Besides, I know you only spoke to me so that I could help you. How long have we known each other? Two years? Two lonely women with husbands who refuse to understand us and who have no other friends, and you look at me like I am an oni. …No, we are not on the same team even if we have the same goal. Don't think years of ignoring me can be solved with an outside conflict. Goodbye, Deanna. When I leave for good, I won't miss you." Jeanne walked off before Deanna could say another word.

Deanna stood there dumbfounded. I mean, yeah I ignored her all the times she asked to set up play dates for Layton and Emily, refused her help with the barbecue, think she's a literal demon… But I thought I was being subtle with all that! She is so good at reading people! Ah well, I can at least tell Laura that I tried. …Wonder what she meant when she said 'leave for good.' She's probably going back to hell, where she belongs. She must be a demon, after all. With that fireball daughter.

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"Miss Frasier, I need to speak to you." Jeanne said in a quiet voice.

"Yes Miss Garvis?" Laura said.

"Cooper is very mad at Terry because he is the leak. That is, he is the one who told the press about things about the case. You should know that Terry is not trustworthy. You should not be marrying such a worthless man!" Jeanne asserted.

"…Thank you for telling me. I'll be sure to keep it in mind. You're a good friend, Jeanne." Laura said.

"No, thank you. You have been the only person in America who has never been afraid of my Emily. I hope to return to Japan soon, but I will miss you." Jeanne patted Laura's hand and walked off.

Laura felt like crying. Why? Just because she was kind to me? Because she was grateful? Why do I care what she thinks of me? What's wrong with me? She swept at her eyes with her hand, and was dismayed to see tears there.

"Laura! I overheard the whole conversation! I can't believe Jeanne would just leave you when you'd obviously be in a strong emotional state after such news about Terry! Well, as your great friend, I'll stay by you!" Deanna said. She hugged Laura and rummaged in her purse for a tissue.

Laura groaned inwardly. She was so tired, and now she needed to deal with Deanna's insecurities? When would it end? I'm just going to tell the truth. No thinking about it. "No, you have it all wrong. I'm not crying over Terry. Haven't I been saying for a while now that I need to break up with him? No, I'm crying because… because I don't know! Jeanne said she'd miss me when she moved back to Japan and, I'm not used to people being that sincerely grateful, I guess? It's such a dumb thing to cry over…"

"Oh…" Deanna whispered. "Laura, what if, what if Jeanne is a demon and she's just nice because she wants something from us?"

"Because her daughter is made out of fire? I understand where you're coming from, but they're not demons. I looked into it. It's like a family curse or something." Laura said.

"Oh…" Deanna found her packet of tissues. She handed it to Laura.

Just then Laura's phone rang. "It's Cooper. Heh, it just never ends, does it?" She answered it. "Hey Cooper. What's up? …You need my dad's phone number? Why? …You're, not going to tell me. But you want it anyway? Really? …What? …Did you really just say that? …Well gee I don't know I'd better ask my daddy if it's okay for me to give his phone number out. I can't decide for myself what's fine, after all. …Well, isn't that how you see me? I'll call you back later. …No. Let me repeat that. I'll call you." Laura ended the call. "He really needs to stop projecting his childishness onto other people."

"He wants your father's phone number? Is he trying to ask for your hand in marriage?" Deanna asked.

"But, as far as he knows I'm still engaged. Also, I can't think of a time where that way of thinking wasn't outdated. But… Knowing Cooper… Ugh, I'll give him the phone number. I'm curious to hear what sort of crazy comes out of his mouth."

"Ooh! Whenever you hear from your dad what happens tell me too!" Deanna clapped her hands with glee.

"Haha! We could make a brunch of it!" Laura laughed.

"Yes! …And, I guess we can invite Jeanne too." Deanna said.

"Sounds good." Laura smiled. But as soon as Deanna left, so did the smile. What is this warmth I'm feeling? Am I really proud that my old student Deanna is finally reaching out and trying to make friends? What's wrong with me? I'm not acting at all demonic… But, I don't want to ever hurt Deanna either. I just hope father never asks me to.

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"Wanna have some fun? Cooper just asked for my father's number. Idk why." Laura texted Satan.

"...Huh. Could be a laugh. Sure, give it to him." He texted back.

"Tell me what happens!"

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It had been a while since he had checked on Paupertas, er, Cooper. Had Cooper started to remember any of his old self? Could he use Cooper at all the way he was now? How could he manipulate Cooper? It was still important for Laura to be able to teach what he willed to the children, but... No, the most important thing was learning how Rick time-traveled. Laura once said that Rick sometimes confided in Cooper, what did he know?

He spent the day in Florida with his cell phone, just in case Cooper were to track where the call was coming from. He stopped by Disney World and made children cry, he went to the Everglades and watched the horror-stricken faces of tourists as an alligator ate an injured egret, at night he walked along the beaches and stared out at the dark expanse. Even he felt small as sea and sky went on further than his eyes could track. I hate this feeling. He decided to go back to Downtown Disney and scare all the couples there however he could.

Satan called it a night around 1am. At 4am, Cooper called. Although his mind was always sharp, the physical body he had on, however, was not. His arms were too heavy to move. After a while it stopped ringing, then started again. Then it stopped, then started again. Finally he had enough energy to pick it up. "Hello. This is Laura's father speaking." He said groggily.

"Good morning! I would like to speak to you, sir, about your daughter's fiancee."

"Are you asking for his hand in marriage?" Satan asked.

"No! That is an abomination! How could you ask me such a thing?" Then Cooper whispered, "Are you a gay?"

"I could be. What do you think a gay is?"

"A happy person." Cooper whispered as if he was relaying some great secret.

"...What?"

"I am joking, of course."

"Of course." Satan never quite knew what to do with crazy people. They were too unpredictable to manipulate properly. "Is it related to the case then? The case concerning the Garvis' children?"

"Yes. That is what I wish to speak with you about."

"How are they doing?"

"I do not know. I never speak to children. I do not think they like me."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Do Rick and Deanna like you?"

Somehow, he could hear Cooper's face light up. "Yes! Rick even tells me things."

"Like secrets? It must be nice to be so trusted! No one tells me things anymore. I'm just an old man, now."

"Oh... I'm sure Laura would tell you things if you asked her to. She's very kind."

One of his demons being described as 'kind' rubbed him in all the wrong ways. But, it was part of her act, after all. "Yes, you're right. So what did you want to call me about?" There was a pause. "...Hello?"

"Peter said I should not be the one to call you. But I cannot help it. Someone close to Laura should know. Pipkin is the leaker!" Cooper cried. His voice was unbearably loud so early in the morning. Satan held the phone some distance from his face.

"Leaker? As in he leaks the bed?"

"... Huh?"

He moved the phone closer. "As in he pees...? You know what? Nevermind. It's never funny if you have to explain it."

"I hear that a lot."

"I'm sure you do." Satan sighed. "Well, thanks for telling me. But why are you telling me, a total stranger multiple states away when everything you said concerns Laura?"

"Because I love your daughter!" Cooper gasped. It was clear he didn't mean to say that.

Satan chuckled lowly to himself. He had been working since the beginning of the world to twist what people call love, and with Cooper he didn't even have to put in the effort. But how badly did Cooper not understand love? "You love my daughter, so therefore you're not talking to her? Not even to tell her how her boyfriend is misbehaving?"

"Well, no. I did not want to have selfish reasons in telling her, like if I were to tell her about Pipkin just so she might break up with him and start dating me, would that not be selfish? I do not want to be selfish with her."

You really think the only thing that's keeping Laura from dating you is some human man-baby? "That's... Some logic, Cooper."

"Thank you!"

Satan hung up. It was too much. He rolled over in his bed laughing and fell back asleep.

In the morning he texted Laura: " Coop called 4am. He said Pip was leaker & didn't tell u bc he didn't want 2 b selfish. Figured you'd date him if only u weren't with Pip. rofl"

Laura read the text to the group around the table. Four faces had equal expressions of confusion on it.

Jody spoke first. "He does realize that there are millions of men you could also date, does he not?" It had taken some convincing on Laura's part to let Jody be a part of their brunch too, but Deanna said that since she was already giving Jeanne a chance, what's one more person? Jeanne saw that she was outnumbered and didn't say anything. But she kept her daughter on the other side of her from where Jody was.

Jeanne spoke next. "Even then, you don't have to date any of them. Why is that not an option?"

"Mommy, I don't like Cooper. Laura can do better." Emily said. The others agreed.

Deanna, however, had other things on her mind. "…What is rofl?"

" 'rolling on the floor laughing,' it means Dad found the whole thing hilarious." Laura said. "I know we came out here to talk smack about Cooper, but frankly, I'm tired of him. I feel like he's always around and I just wish I could get away from him."

"Do you think he could be stalking you?" Jody asked fearfully.

"Surely he's so incompetent that Laura would notice, right?" Deanna asked.

"Have you been stalked, Miss Jody?" Emily asked.

"Emily! That's a very personal question." Jeanne admonished.

Jody paused a moment, then said, "Yes. I am being stalked. But I cannot say by who. You all cannot help me in my situation, but I could help you. I could monitor him for you and tell you if he is stalking you, Laura."

"Why can't we help you?" Deanna asked. Her mama bear protectiveness was coming out.

...I have already said too much. No, but let me help you now." Jody's eyes turned white. Deanna looked alarmed, but Jeanne just looked curious. In a moment her eyes returned to normal. "I have monitored Cooper's movements for the past week through his cell phone. He has not been stalking you, but he has been near the school in the early mornings. Just, standing still, presumably staring at it. It could be indicative of an obsessive behavior towards you, and the obvious convoluted over thinking revealed in his conversation with your father does support that hypothesis."

"Chikan!" Jeanne announced. "And spying on a children's school! The worst kind!" Her face was flushed with fury.

"That is another viable theory." Jody stated.

"I really don't think he is." Laura said hurriedly. "He's too much like a child to have such lewd inclinations."

"Can you be sure?" Jeanne asked.

"I strongly believe so. When has he even kissed anyone?" Laura asked.

"He kissed me." At the surprised looks on the other women's faces, she explained, "Well, I kissed him first. I was ordered to..." She shuddered.

"What was it like?" Deanna asked.

"I do not have much kissing experience, but I do not believe it was good. He just kept pushing his lips against mine. Also, very wet."

The others winced. "What do you mean you were ordered to?" Laura asked.

"...I cannot say. Please, do not ask me more!"

"Did the person who's stalking you order you to kiss Mr. Cooper?" Emily asked.

"Emily, she begged us to not ask her more. And what did you just do?" Jeanne asked harshly.

"...Sorry Miss Jody." Emily said quietly.

"It is okay. You are only a child." Jody said.

After that the conversation turned to lighter topics. Soon it was time for the group to disperse. They talked of having another brunch again some time, but a dispute arose over when it could happen with everyone's busy schedules. They decided to call each other sometime later to see if they could finalize a date then.

Laura and Deanna drove home to the abandoned grocery store together. "So, what did you think?" Laura asked.

"I'm glad I went, and that we're tentatively planning another get-together, even though the only person that I feel comfortable spending any time alone with is you. But it was nice to talk to other women like that all the same."

"I'm glad. I think they're good people."

"If you think so..."