CHAPTER 5

It was six months later when Cal Lightman walked unannounced into her office once again.

"Dr. Lightman." she gasped as she looked up from her desk.

"Foster," Cal smiled as he quickly walked over and held out his hand to shake hers. "Don't get up."

Gillian smiled at his informality then frowned. "I was told that you left."

"Yeah, I did."

"And I didn't warrant a goodbye?"

Gillian's face had flashed a look of hurt which she quickly covered but not before Cal had seen it. He was surprised she even cared he had stopped coming to see her and he cocked his head at her. "I…uh…I'm sorry. I really am…I guess I wasn't thinking…Why would you care?"

"You were my patient, Dr. Lightman, I thought we were making headway…I thought I was helping you…"

Cal was flabbergasted. His talks with Gillian were the only reason he had found the strength to continue. He had been riddled with guilt but as they had talked about it, he was able to find a way to work through it all and get his head on straight.

"I guess I was wrong," Gillian muttered quietly.

Cal shook his head. "That's not true, Darling…you're the only reason I'm still here." Gillian's head shot up as she looked at him. "I was in a horrible place and you helped me get back…" Cal shrugged as he held up his hands in defeat. "I don't even know where to begin to thank you…I…"

Gillian smiled warmly as she leaned forward in her seat. "You don't need to thank me, it's my job to help my patients and I'm really glad I was able to help you."

Cal realized she had forgiven him for his casual dismissal of their relationship and smiled weakly. "Thank you…I could use your help now…"

Gillian frowned at the sound of frustration she heard in his voice. "You're not my patient anymore; in fact, I don't think you even work here…"

"No, I don't…but I still need help." Cal admitted.

Gillian walked around her desk and sat in a chair across from him. "Problems with your wife…is Emily okay?" she said worriedly.

Cal grinned that she had remembered his daughter's name. "No, they're fine. I…um…I started my own agency, I work for myself now. I…uh…do independent work for different agencies." Gillian nodded as Cal continued. "I have a case I need help with…"

Gillian frowned as she leaned forward in her seat. "I was serious when I told you your science fascinates but other than reading your book a few times I don't know how can I help you?"

Cal sighed. "I need your help…as a psychologist."

"Go on."

"I can't pay you much…"

Gillian could see how upset he was and knew he must be desperate to reach out to her and she waved her hand dismissively. "Dr. Lightman it's not always about money…"

Cal looked at her with relief and he took a deep breath. "A month ago, a young mum was discovered dead in her house. A police report claimed it was suicide…"

Gillian sighed as she heard the catch in his voice. "But you don't believe the report…"

"The evidence fits but…" Cal stopped as he swallowed hard.

Gillian leaned forward in her seat. "But something is making you question their findings…"

Cal started to pace the room. "She has two small girls…seven and five…I want to make sure they don't grow up thinking their mum chose checking out over being with them…"

Cal had unshed tears in his eyes as he looked at Gillian. Gillian was surprised that the case was taking this much of a toll on him. She blinked back her own tears at the thought of what these poor little girls must be going through and wondered how their dad was coping. "The father?"

Cal rolled his eyes as he looked out the window. "Showing all the appropriate signs of grief…"

Gillian cocked her head to the side as she heard the tone in his voice. "You're questioning his level of grief?"

"No, but I think his grief is for his daughters. I don't think he gives a crap whether his wife is dead or not…he's lying about something."

Gillian shook her head to dispel her own thoughts so she could take a look at the facts. "What can you tell me about the case?"

Cal looked at her with relief. "I have the file at my house…would you be willing to meet me so I can show you everything?"

"Of course…"

"My office is temporarily in my kitchen…"

Gillian smiled and shrugged indifferently. "That's okay. Everyone has to start somewhere."

Cal rattled off his address. "Look…I don't care when you come, name the time and I'll be there."

Gillian looked at her desk calendar. "Well, I'm through for the day. I could follow you right now."

"Really?!" Cal jumped up eagerly as Gillian nodded, "Let's go then."

He walked with her to her car then hopped in next to her and guided her to where he was parked.

"Follow me," he asked as he slipped from her car.

Gillian began to worry that he would be one of those agents that sped from place to place knowing that the local police would probably not issue them a ticket after being flashed Pentagon credentials.

She was pleasantly surprised to find that Cal was indeed a safe driver and she was easily able to follow him home.

Cal waited for her to get out until he escorted her inside.

"Zoe and Em aren't home yet, can I get you something to drink…tea, coffee…wine, beer, scotch…"

Gillian blinked with surprise then looked at the clock on the wall. "It's 3:30 in the afternoon…"

Cal grinned at her. "Coffee it is then…"

He quickly pushed a file folder at her then turned and started to make a fresh pot of coffee.

Gillian sat and opened the file then began to read. She frowned a few times as she read through the detailed report.

"Cream? Sugar?" Cal asked.

"Uh huh…lots…" Gillian answered distractedly.

Cal sat a steaming mug of coffee down in front of her and she sipped at it as she leafed through the pages.

Cal paced the room and remained quiet but continued to pass anxious glances her way.

She got to the last page then closed the file and looked at Cal. "The evidence strongly suggests that she killed herself."

Cal nodded. "I know that! Don't you think I know that…?" Gillian looked at him with confusion as Cal stepped closer. "Darling, I was hoping that you could maybe see something that no one else could…"

Gillian chuckled at him and when she realized he was serious she shook her head and started to reread through the files. "Well…there was this one thing, something that the husband said during questioning…"

"What…"

Gillian scanned looking for the correct words. "Here…he said that she had been depressed lately and that she had removed herself from contact with anyone."

"At's not true, her sister said she had spoken to her the day before and she seemed fine and her best friend…" Cal frowned as he glanced at the file to search for the name.

Gillian finished his thought for him. "Linda...Her best friend said that they had spoken that morning and that Marisa had outlined all the things she had to do that day as well as how she was looking forward to her daughter's dance recital."

The back door opened and Gillian grinned as a head of dark curly hair ran towards them. "Hey, Dad!"

"Hello, Luv."

The young girl noticed Gillian and blushed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, my name's Emily."

Gillian smiled warmly and extended her hand. "Hi Emily, I'm Gillian."

"Dr. Foster is helping me with a case…scram!" he stood and kissed her forehead to soften his words before he went over to grab the coffee pot.

"Wow…rude much?"

Cal rolled his eyes. "What?! We're working here…"

Emily made a disgusted face at him then turned to Gillian. "It was really nice meeting you Gillian."

"You too, Emily."

A beautiful dark haired woman walked in a few seconds later. She had on what can only be described as a power suit along with a dark gray frilly blouse that was buttoned low and showed an ample amount of cleavage as well as a peak at her bright pink bra. She was statuesque and had an air of authority about her. Gillian felt frumpy as she looked down at her practical pale blue blouse and straight black pants. She watched as the woman turned expectantly to Cal with a question in her eyes.

Cal waved his hand dismissively as he made another pot of coffee. "Wife…shrink…"

Zoe sighed in disgust as she walked over when she saw that Gillian had extended her hand. "Gillian Foster…"

Zoe smirked. "Zoe."

"It's nice to finally meet you Mrs. Lightman…" Gillian smiled warmly.

"Oh, I'm not a Lightman…I mean…I kept my maiden name…professional reasons…"

Gillian was old fashioned and felt it was a sign of respect for the sanctity of a marriage for the woman to take the man's name. She clamped down on her emotions and blushed as she looked at Zoe. "Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed…"

Zoe waved her hand dismissively. "It was also for self preservation. I work for the state department and sometimes being tied to Cal Lightman can be harmful...right honey?"

Cal blinked against the pain her words caused then quickly shut down his emotions. "Whatever you say, Luv…"

Gillian had been watching him and she could hear the pain in his voice when he spoke. She frowned and looked away and pretended to go back to reading the files.

Zoe walked towards Cal. "So what's going on?"

Cal knew she wondered what Dr. Foster was doing here. "I asked Foster to consult with me on a case…"

"You're stumped?!" Zoe raised her brows with surprise. "Which case is it?"

Cal looked down and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Williams…"

Zoe rolled her eyes. "Oh, Jesus! Give it a rest will you? That woman committed suicide…it's as simple as that…" She spat her words angrily then headed up the steps. "I'm going to change…"

Gillian swallowed hard as she felt herself feeling sympathy for Cal. "Maybe I should go."

"Don't Dr. Foster…please…look…will you come with me to talk to the husband?"

Gillian looked surprised then turned to look at him curiously. "Um…sure…when?"

"Now."

"Now?!" she glanced at the clock and realized it was at least three hours before Alec would be home. She wavered uncertainly.

"Please?"

"Um...sure."

Cal grabbed the folder. "I'm heading out; I'll be back in a few," he announced loudly up the steps.

"Okay," Emily shouted. "Will you get some milk?"

Cal rolled his eyes. "Yeah!"

Emily raced down the stairs. "Peanut Butter too…oh and some bread, the last pieces were moldy…"

Cal looked at her pointedly. "Anything else?"

Emily smiled smugly at him. "Nope unless you want something…"

"Freedom from responsibility…"

"You shouldn't have had a kid then…" Emily snorted as she turned to walk upstairs.

Cal hid his grin. "Or at least have one that's less sassy and shows her dad her appreciation!"

"I love you, Daddy!" the sarcastic reply came down.

Cal rolled his eyes and grabbed his keys. "I'll drive."

Gillian grabbed her purse and followed him to his car. She was pleasantly surprised when he held open the door for her.

"Thank you…"

Cal smiled then went around to his side.

Thirty five minutes later, they pulled up in front of a beautiful house in the suburbs. It had manicured lawns and beautifully tended flower beds.

Cal looked pointedly at Gillian. "Tell me…why would someone who is so depressed that she's bordering on suicide, care about the outside of her house?"

Gillian realized he was right but she frowned. "Maybe they have a gardener?"

Cal shook his head. "Doubt it…they were having financial troubles…"

Gillian thought about the implications as they made their way to the front porch. Cal knocked loudly then stepped back.

A handsome middle aged man opened the door. "Yes…"

No one said anything and Gillian looked repeatedly at Cal.

The man started to look aggravated. "Can I help you?"

Gillian quickly realized Cal wasn't going to say anything and she balked.

"Um…I'm Dr. Gillian Foster and this is…"

"Her partner…Cal Lightman…" Cal said as he stuck his hand out and shook ' hand.

"Partners? Are you the police?" Mr. Williams said with confusion.

"No, our firm was actually retained by the police department to aide you at this horrible time." Cal lied easily.

Gillian's eyes grew wide at his lies. He had told this man they were partners and owned a firm together. She wondered what other tricks he had up his sleeve.

"Dr. Foster is a psychologist and the police thought she might be able to help your two daughters cope with the death of their mum."

Williams' face softened as he thought of his distraught daughters. "I have had a hard time this week…"

He ushered them inside and pointed towards the kitchen.

Cal placed his hand on Gillian's back and guided her forward.

William motioned towards the chairs. "Take a seat…can I get you anything?"

"Water?" Cal asked as Gillian declined anything. She looked at Cal as he leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Take over from here, Luv."

Williams handed Cal a glass of water with ice then sat down and wrung his hands. "I wasn't expecting this…"

"Death is always hard, especially when the kids are so young." Gillian frowned, "Before I talk to them, can I ask you exactly what happened…"

"You mean why did she kill herself?"

Gillian frowned at his matter of fact tone and tried to soften her words. "I know how hard this must be for you…"

"She'd been really depressed lately, barely able to get out of bed."

"Had something happened recently to set her off?" Gillian wondered.

Williams licked his lips and swallowed hard. "I haven't told anyone this…not even the police…Marisa lost a baby recently…well we think she did…she was about three weeks late and took one of those home pregnancy tests. It showed positive and she made an appointment but two weeks later she got her…"

He blushed as he glanced at Gillian. She nodded with understanding, so he didn't need to finish the sentence.

"She was devastated…we…we were devastated. I told her we would try again in a few months but she seemed inconsolable."

"I'm sorry," Gillian commiserated.

Williams seemed to be distraught and as Gillian touched his arm, Cal nodded towards the upstairs. "Perhaps you should talk to the girls now, Dr. Foster…"

Assuming Cal was giving Williams a chance to grieve alone, Gillian smiled and nodded. "Sure..."

She headed upstairs while Cal looked over at Williams. "At's your bike in the garage? She's a beauty!"

Grateful for the change of subject, Williams stood. "Wanna see it?"

Cal stood and followed the man outside. He kept him distracted asking endless questions about the bike which gave Gillian enough time to spend with the daughters.

An hour later, Gillian made her way outside. Cal noticed she was pale and walked over to her immediately. "Foster…everything all right?"

Williams walked up worriedly. "Are my daughters all right? Did they say something to you?"

Cal noticed his nervousness and Gillian smiled weakly. "No…they seem to be coping with it well." She turned to Cal. "I must have eaten something earlier that didn't agree with me, can you take me home?"

Cal frowned when he clearly saw that she was lying. "Sure, Luv…"

Gillian nodded and went to sit in the car as he turned back to Williams. "Nice ride you got there, maybe I can hear you start her up next time…we'll stop by in a few days so Foster can check the kids again…"

"Yeah, have a good one Lightman."

Cal gave the guy a thumbs up then climbed into the car. He had barely made it out of the driveway when Gillian blew up angrily.

"That bastard! That man is a lying stinking bastard!"

"I know, Luv," he looked at her knowingly. "The girls obviously said something to you that confirmed my suspicions?"

"They both said a lot. How they loved their mother. How she had done nothing for the past month but take them to dance practice three nights a week. How she had volunteered to bring baked goods and healthy snacks to be kept backstage for everyone to share throughout the long recital day. How she was room mom to the youngest ones class and how she was gathering the supplies for the kids to make a craft at the upcoming Halloween party. Does that sound like a woman who is so depressed she can't get out of bed most days?!"

Cal's phone rang and he glanced down. "It's a detective friend of mine…" he told Gillian as he answered. "Yeah…" He listened for a moment. "Oh yeah…thanks…" He looked at Gillian. "Williams took out a two million dollar life insurance policy on his wife a year ago."

Gillian gasped. "What?!"

"He claims it was so if anything happened he could pay off all their debt and either stay home with the girls or pay for a nanny."

Gillian made a face. "So…this would be considered motive, correct?"

"Oh, yeah. The police are on their way right now to arrest Williams."

"What about the girls?"

"What about them?"

"What's going to happen to them?"

Cal blinked in confusion. "I have no idea…"

"Don't you think you should have asked?"

"I was hired to determine if Williams was lying…with your help I completed my job."

Gillian looked at angrily. "So those two little girls mean nothing to you?!"

Cal waffled under her anger. "I didn't say that! I guess they'll be taken into Child Protective Services until a relative can come." Gillian raised her brows and continued to stare at him and he rolled his eyes. "I'm guessing by that look, Foster, that answer isn't good enough? You want to go back and find out for yourself, don't you?"

Gillian nodded as Cal turned around and headed back.

"You hired me as a psychologist, in a way, I consider those girls patients, they've been through a lot and I'd just like to see that they're taken care of…"

Cal blew out a long breath as they drove up to the house. Williams was already in the back of a police car that was headed down the street.

Gillian flew from the car and ran inside to see the two girls sitting on the couch holding each other. They were crying and staring at a policeman who was pacing worriedly in front of them.

She quickly walked over and sat down on the coffee table in front of them. "Hi girls…"

The girls looked up and jumped into Gillian's arms as she immediately drew them close to offer comfort.

Maddie, the eldest at seven, leaned back with tears in her eyes. "We heard them tell Daddy he was being arrested because he killed Mommy…"

Angel, the five year old had put her thumb in her mouth and wouldn't let go of Gillian.

Cal walked up to the police officer who looked at Cal gratefully. "Thank God your partner's here…I had no idea how to help these kids…"

Cal nodded grimly. "What's going to happen to them?"

"Child Protective Services is on their way. They'll try to find someone in the family who can take them…"

Gillian overheard them and looked over at Maddie and smiled. "Maddie, honey, do you have a Grandma or Grandpa?"

Maddie nodded. "Grandma and Grandpa Williams are in Paris, Daddy showed us pictures of a big tower..."

Gillian frowned at the news. "What about your Mommy's mom and dad?"

"They're dead like my Mommy…"

"Oh…do you have and Aunt or Uncle?"

"Auntie Morgan is Mommy's sister."

"Do you know where your Auntie Morgan is?"

Maddie shook her head but pointed at the phone. "If we want to talk to her we can push the button on the phone by her picture."

Cal closed his eyes with relief that someone had the foresight to teach the girls what to do in an emergency. He walked over and grabbed the phone and pushed the button then tried to walk away so the girls wouldn't overhear him.

Gillian stood and lifted Angel to her hip. "Girls why don't we go upstairs and see if we can pack up some clothes for you…"

Angel clung desperately to Gillian while Maddie nodded then lead the way upstairs.

A short time later, Gillian was sitting on the bed while Maddie and Angel brought clothes to her from their dressers. She was folding them neatly and putting them in separate suitcases when Maddie finally realized what she was doing and stopped in her tracks and looked at Gillian.

"Why are we packing clothes? Are we going somewhere?"

Angel looked fearfully at Gillian.

"Um…" Gillian faltered at what to say to them.

Cal entered the room and sat down next to her as he looked at the two little girls.

"I just spoke to your Auntie Morgan. She's on her way over right now."

Gillian let out the breath she was holding and Cal caught her eye and smiled weakly at her as he turned back to face the girls. "She was so excited that you two are coming to stay with her for awhile!" he said with false excitement.

Maddie frowned as she looked around her room. "Auntie Morgan has a small apartment, where are we going to sleep?"

Cal frowned and shook his head. "I don't Luv, but I do know that your Auntie Morgan loves you very much and she will find a way to make this work out for you."

Gillian realized that despite his gruff exterior with adults, he was really great with kids. He must be an awesome father she thought as she smiled at him. A police officer came to the doorway and Gillian stood and squeezed Cal's arm. She looked at him and he quickly read her thoughts and nodded.

As she left the room, Cal reached down for a book on the floor. "Horton Hears A Whoo…at's my favorite book! Do you girls like it too?"

The two sisters nodded at Cal who smiled warmly. "Maybe I could read it to you?"

Maddie shrugged as she climbed onto the bed and settled against the pillows. To Cal's surprise, Angel climbed up on his lap, stuck her thumb in her mouth and leaned her head back against his chest.

Cal was reminded of the hours spent with Emily sitting in this very position and he smiled at the feeling of holding a small child in his lap again. He turned the first page and began to read.

It only took a few pages of hearing his soothing voice before Angel was asleep in his arms. Cal chanced a glance at Maddie and her eyes were open but he could tell by the slow way she was blinking that she was moments away from falling asleep herself. A few pages more and Maddie's eyes stayed closed, Cal read a few more pages slowly until he could see that she was in a sound sleep. He set the book down and gently lifted Angel from his lap then set her down next to Maddie and slipped the blanket over both of them.

With a last glance at them, he headed down the stairs.

Gillian was sitting on the couch speaking to the woman from Child Protective Services when Cal walked down. As he hit the bottom step, the front door opened and a young woman walked in.

She was visibly shaken as she saw them in the house and she rushed into the room. "Where are my nieces?!" she demanded.

Cal reached for her arm and squeezed it lightly. "They're upstairs, Darling, they're fine, I just read them a book and they're both sound asleep."

The woman sighed with relief then frowned as she looked at him. "Where's Frank?"

"The police have him in custody…"

"What? Why? Oh my God! What's going on…and who are you?"

"Cal Lightman."

"A cop?"

"No, but I work with the police department. I'm…basically a human lie detector; my firm helps the police in investigations."

"Investigations? Are you investigating my sister's death?"

"I was…"

Morgan was confused and she wondered if they had discovered something new about her sister's case.

Gillian stepped forward with her hand extended. "Morgan, my name's Dr. Gillian Foster."

Morgan smiled at the warmth in Gillian's face. "Nice to meet you…how are you involved?"

Gillian blinked as Cal answered immediately. "She's my partner…"

Gillian looked at him and frowned at his lie then shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Morgan, I'm a psychologist, Dr. Lightman asked me to come here today to speak with Maddie and Angel."

"Why? Are they having problems?"

"They seem to be doing all right."

Cal stepped forward. "I'm able to read people based on basic human gestures or facial expressions that everyone displays when they're lying…"

Morgan frowned as she shook her head with confusion. "And you saw these things in Maddie and Angel?"

"No…but I did seem them in Williams…"

"Frank was lying to you? About what?"

Cal tilted his head and was about to speak, Gillian wanted to soften the blow of the news so she brushed against him and took Morgan's hand.

"We believe your brother-in-law played a part in your sister's death…"

"Oh, God!" Morgan swallowed hard and turned to sit on the couch then buried her face in her hands.

Gillian sat down next to her and put her arm around the woman's shoulders. "I'm sorry…"

"Why? I mean…what did he get out of it?"

"A year ago, he took out a two million dollar life insurance policy..." Cal answered.

"Marisa never mentioned it…" Morgan's face contorted in disgust as a thought popped into her head. "Probably because she didn't know…that bastard!"

Cal nodded his head in commiseration. "He's also a bleeding idiot…insurance policies don't pay when a person commits suicide."

"So he killed my sister and made it look like suicide then never got the money he expected?"

"Looks that way, Luv…"

"I hope he rots in jail for a long long time…"

The woman from Child Protective Services came forward. "My name is Shirley Gray, ma'am, I understand that you're the Aunt but in the next few days I'll need you to provide me with proof of that as well as some financial records showing that you're capable of taking care of your nieces."

Morgan's eyes grew round with shock. "What? Are you telling me that there's a chance I can lose my nieces?"

"I understand that they have grandparents as well…they may be in a better position financially to take in your nieces. It's not up to me; a judge will take a look at all the information and determine who the girls are best suited to live with."

Morgan shook her head. "Frank's parents are in their mid 70's. They're basically pretty healthy but I'm not sure they could take on the care of a five and seven year old."

"Are you married?"

"No, I'm not, but I am a registered nurse and other than student loans I don't have a lot of debt…"

Gillian leaned forward in her seat. "Morgan, I could be wrong but I believe if it's proven that Frank had a part in your sister's death the insurance company will have to pay out the policy…"

Morgan gasped in surprise. "The girls would get that money?"

"Possibly…" Gillian nodded.

"It would go a long way towards financially helping whoever gets them…" Cal added.

Morgan shook her head no. "That money would belong to the girls, they can use it to when they're of age to get into college and…wow…"

Mrs. Gray stood and handed Morgan her business card. "I can see that you are quite capable of taking care of the girls until the judge can make her final ruling. Off the record, I would speak to an attorney about representing you, with that much money involved this may become a problem…"

Morgan frowned at the implications as Mrs. Gray walked out. "A lawyer…they're going to want a retainer…"

Cal's phone rang and he looked down to see it was Zoe. He went outside to speak to her. When he came back inside, Gillian and Morgan were going through the mail and Frank's checkbook to see if there was any available money to help the children.

Cal came back and sat in a chair opposite them. "At was my wife, she agreed to file whatever paperwork you need, you'll need to pay some filing fees but she'll waive her attorney's fees."

Morgan looked relieved. "That's so kind…thank you, so much!"

"She also suggested that you and she arrange a time to speak to Frank. She felt that under the circumstances, Frank might be willing to admit fault in order to speed up the payment from the insurance company."

Morgan nodded. "He was a horseshit husband but he does love his little girls…"

Gillian turned around as Maddie made her way down the steps.

"Auntie Morgan!" she cried out excitedly as she ran into her Aunt's arms.

"Hi, sweetie! Dr. Lightman said you girls just fell asleep, you didn't have a very long nap…"

"I'm seven Auntie Morgan, I don't take naps!"

"Oh!" Morgan said as she tried to hide her smile. "I forgot, I'll remember from now on."

Gillian leaned forward to brush the hair from Maddie's eyes. "Maddie helped Angel and I pack some outfits in their small suitcases. I left them upstairs…"

Morgan nodded as Maddie looked at her. "Auntie Morgan if Daddy's not coming home why do we have to live in your apartment? Why can't we stay here?"

Morgan frowned when she thought about the young girl's logical conclusion. "Well…I…didn't think about it…I don't know…I can check into it…"

Gillian smiled weakly. "I'm sure it will be all right for the next month or two. Once the legalities are taken care of you'll have a better idea how to go forward."

Morgan nodded at the logic. "Yeah." She turned to face Maddie. "As soon as Angel wakes up we'll head to my apartment and I'll get some clothes and some more of my stuff and we'll come back here."

"Can I have a cookie?"

Morgan laughed. "Mother may I?"

Maddie giggled as they played the childhood game of Mother May I. "Mother may I have a cookie?"

"Yes, you may…"

Maddie smiled and headed into the kitchen to grab a snack.

Cal stood and glanced at Gillian who took his lead. Morgan stood as well and extended her hand to Cal. "I can't thank you enough!"

"It's all right, darling, I'm glad I could help."

Morgan chuckled derisively. "I didn't even know we needed help…I mean, Frank had us all convinced it was suicide. It never sat well with me…I mean it made no sense but I never knew the police suspected otherwise."

Cal frowned as he looked away. "Suicide is nothing to be taken lightly…and when there are little kids involved it's even more troublesome…"

Morgan looked at Gillian and smiled warmly when Gillian offered her a hug. "Take care and if you need any help with the girl's call me...no charge…"

Gillian handed her a card as Morgan smiled. "I will…thank you."

Cal rested a hand on Gillian's lower back and led her towards the door. When they were seated in the car, Gillian looked over at Cal. "I can't tell you the last time I felt like my work made such a difference in someone's life!"

Cal nodded. "You saved the lives of those little girls, Darling!"

Gillian tried to shrug off his compliment. "Saved their lives? That's a little far fetched…"

"Foster…" Cal stared at her pointedly. "Those little girls were going to grow up thinking their mum didn't love them enough to stick around…you helped discover the truth, now they won't have that hovering over their heads."

Gillian fiddled with her hands. "No…instead they have to grow up with the fact that their father killed their mother for money…neither situation is ideal…"

Cal looked out the window as he sighed and blew out a long breath. "Once they're adults they'll be able to reason out why their dad did something so stupid…but a mum killing herself?"

The car grew quiet as he drove back towards his house. Gillian replayed his words and was struck by a thought. She turned to look at him. "Cal, do you know someone who committed suicide?"

Cal started to speak but changed his mind then took a deep breath. "Let's just drop it, shall we?"

Gillian heard the pain in his voice and frowned as she looked out her window.

They didn't speak until he pulled up alongside her car.

"Thanks for your help today, Foster. Send me a bill, all right?"

Gillian watched in disbelief as he drove away from her. She shook her head at his abrupt departure then climbed into her car. She drove home and thought about the case.

Pulling up to her house, she parked behind her husband's car then cleared her mind. She painted on a smile then made her way inside.

A few weeks later, Cal walked into her office again unannounced.

"Dr. Lightman," she greeted carefully.

"Foster…" Cal said as he waved a check in front of her face.

"What's this for?" Gillian wondered.

"Payment for services rendered…" at her look of confusion, Cal rolled his eyes. "At's half the fee my firm was paid for the Williams case."

Gillian glanced at the check and gasped. "I can't accept this!"

"Why the bloody hell not…you certainly earned it!"

"And this is for half?!"

Cal frowned at her lack of trust. "I can probably dig up the bill if you need me to prove it to you…"

"No…" Gillian gasped. "I…I just had no concept of how much your information was worth…"

"Truth has its own price tag…it's costly to some but priceless to others."

Gillian thought about Frank Williams and how much the truth had cost him then she thought about Morgan and how much the truth gave her in order to raise her nieces properly and she understood Cal's analogy perfectly.

"Well, thank you, it's totally unexpected and you didn't have to do this…"

"You're my partner!" Cal said dismissively as he smiled. "It seemed only fair."

Gillian chuckled as he turned to leave then looked at him curiously when he turned back to face her. "Would it be all right if I call you next time I run into a spot of trouble?"

Gillian shrugged as she smiled. "Sure, if I can help you out I have no problem with moonlighting a little bit…"

Cal nodded then whipped around. "See ya later, Foster!"