He took a few moments (and several aspirin) to collect himself before returning to Daphne. He couldn't let her see him in such an emotional state. True to her nature, she'd insist on knowing what was wrong and would want to help him, but he simply didn't have the energy to explain anything at the moment. However, he realized that he was now faced with an even bigger dilemma. Mel wanted to see him immediately. How was he going to tell Daphne? What would he possibly say? He couldn't lie to her. It wasn't right. But he preferred to keep his problems with Mel to himself. Daphne was happily engaged and no matter what was hurting her, he'd be damned if he'd burden her with his personal problems on top of everything else.

He picked up the phone and dialed his office. Mrs. Woodson (bless her soul) always checked his voice mails and since he hated to call her at such a late hour (even by Seattle's standards) he simply listened to his voice, prompting the caller (Normally patients and potential patients) to leave a message.

And then he heard the beep.

"Mrs. Woodson, this is Dr. Crane. I want to thank you for taking care of things while I'm away. There's been a slight change of plans and I'm going to stay here at the cabin for the rest of the week. I'm coming to Seattle today to… um… take care of some things. But first I intend to stop by the office and see if any of my patients need to be referred to my colleagues while I'm away. I'll be there as soon as I can."

He hung up, feeling a bit relieved. At least when he told Daphne that he needed to return to Seattle on business, it wouldn't be a lie. He went back to his study and retrieved his briefcase, filing it with papers and file folders that he might need. And then he hurried into his bedroom (the guest room) and packed the overnight bag with things he might need. He wasn't intending on being gone more than a few hours, but it was best to be prepared for any situation. God willing, he'd be back by nightfall at best.

The bag and his briefcase in hand, he came down the stairs.

His heart was heavy as he returned to the living room. Daphne was sitting on the sofa, thumbing though one of his books. He stood with his hand on the doorway, watching her for a moment. Oh how he hated to leave her, even for a short time. But he had no choice. Mel was insistent and he had no idea what she was capable of. Although he would never admit it out loud, he was afraid of her.

"I was wondering where you'd gone. I thought that maybe our mystery-solving had worn you out." Daphne said, keeping her eyes on her book. But when she finally turned to him, her face registered surprise.

Suddenly he was at a loss for words. "Daphne, I-."

Instantly her hand went to his arm and she was staring at him through worried eyes. "Dr. Crane is something wrong?"

"Um, no… I… Daphne, can we talk for a moment?"

"Of course." She moved over on the sofa, making room for him to sit beside her.

He stared into her beautiful brown eyes. "Daphne, I-."

"Yes?"

"I… Um… I need to go back to Seattle. Right now, in fact. That's why I was gone for so long. I was in my room, packing."

He was painfully aware of the way she turned her face away. Damn, he'd upset her again.

"I-I see…" she said, her voice unsteady. Her eyes moved to his briefcase and the overnight bag that sat at his feet. "Well, I suppose I should start packing, then."

"There's no need." He said quickly. "It's just for a little while and then I'll come right back. If we're going to stay here for the whole week, I need to make sure that my patients are taken care of. "

She nodded and when she turned her face back to him, he saw the tears in her eyes. Damn...

Damn that Mel for putting him in this predicament.