AN: Yes, I know this chapter is super-mondo short. You don't have to tell me. I'll make it up to you by posting the next chapter VERY soon: when I complete the opening scene. I'd do so now, but I need sleep. It's almost 1:30 in the morning, and I tend to get crabby when I don't get enough sleep. Just ask anyone who knows me personally...
"So, it all goes back to Penny," Emily concluded. "I just know that Zack was the one who sent her, my brother's final gift to me. That's why I can't abandon her to the Rat Fangs. It would be a poor way to repay her for everything she did for me, by just existing. She helped me get past my guilt, and got me to go back to photography. And she's why I no longer have my episodes." Emily suddenly chuckled. "I kind of feel bad for Nana, considering how much she spent on therapy, and how that all went to waste after Penny entered the picture."
"You went to therapy?" Maureen laughed.
"Care to look at Emily's extensive therapy bills?" Nana replied, returning to the room. "Yes, Emily went through therapy when her episodes started getting worse, but nothing seemed to help. And that little baby succeeded where Freud, Rutter, Wolff, and Kübler-Ross failed. So, you see, it's not just a case of Penny needing Emily. Emily needs that little girl just as much."
"Is Officer Kurtz on his way, Nana?" Emily questioned.
"He'll be here in five minutes."
Officer Kurtz listened intently to the story of Penny's adoption, and how Mimi had figured out that the man who had adopted the child was actually part of the Rat Fangs. When they were finished, he sighed heavily.
"If only we'd known sooner."
"Coulda, shoulda, woulda," Emily waved away remorse.
"She's got a point," Mark pointed out. "Only thing that matters now is finding Penny before they can do anything to her."
"There's just one problem. We've been trying to find the Rat Fangs for years, but with no luck," Officer Kurtz replied. "And since they're no longer using the same hideout they had ten years ago, they must have found a new one, which is no doubt where they've taken Penny. There's just no way we can possibly find this new hideout in time." Officer Kurtz glanced over at Emily apologetically. "I'm sorry, Miss Goodhall. But it's not looking very good for Penny. We have no leads, and we don't know anyone who'd know where the Rat Fangs might be hiding." Mimi, on hearing this, bit her lower lip and began to fidget nervously. At that moment, she felt a hand squeeze her shoulder gently. Looking up, she saw Roger returning her gaze. The two lovers shared a nonverbal conversation, both agreeing simultaneously that it was the only option open.
"We do," Roger confessed softly. "We know someone who'd know where they are."