When I rose the next night, I called my man (who would be getting a very large check) at Louisiana Mental Health Services to discover that Sookie's doctor took a smoke break at the rear of the building each evening around 9:00. That would suit my purposes just fine.

I arrived outside the facility just in time to see Dr. Meshuggah light up his little cancer stick. "Good evening Doctor. You have an important phone call to make." He looked into my eyes and nodded. The good doctor quickly put out his cigarette and led me to his office. He looked up the Stackhouse number and dialed. A woman answered on the first ring.

"Hello."

"Mrs. Michelle Stackhouse? This is Dr. Meshuggah from Louisiana Mental Health Services. I am sorry to call you so late this evening."

"Is something wrong? What has Sookie done now?" Shouldn't she have asked if Sookie was ok? My little plan was going to work out just fine.

"Sookie is not doing well here at LMHS. Being around all of the other children distresses her greatly. She really needs private care."

"Dr. Meshua, she has been with you less than a week. Are you sure? Can you change her medication? Private care sounds very expensive."

"Mrs. Stackhouse, I am very sure. We took her off of all of her medication – I am amazed she could function at all considering everything Dr. Madden had her on." Yes, I did read her medical file before meeting her. Her parents should be the ones seeing the good doctor. "I spoke with a colleague of mine earlier this evening, that is why I am calling you so late. He is very intrigued with her case and has offered to work with her pro bono. When you pick her up tomorrow, I will give you his information.

"Where is his office? Is it a long drive from Bon Temps?" Sookie's mother asked. I hoped this free treatment for her daughter didn't put her out too much.

"He makes house calls." I waited for her next objection and I wasn't disappointed.

"I can't pick her up tomorrow, Dr. Mesha. Jason's select football team is going to New Orleans this weekend. My husband and I are going along. We can pick her up Monday afternoon at the earliest." If she had been here in person I would have drained her.

"Mrs. Stackhouse, Sookie must be taken home no later than tomorrow evening. I insist upon it. Find someone else to pick her up if you are too selfish to do it personally!" Dr. Meshuggah yelled. I wondered if Dr. M yelled very much when he wasn't glamoured. Probably not. Anyone who wasn't a doormat would have a better job.

Sookie's mom yelled some about Dr. M raising his voice, continued to pronounce his name numerous incorrect ways, and finally agreed to try to find someone to pick Sookie up. Humans can be so exhausting! Dr. M and I sat staring at each other until the phone rang.

"Dr. Meshuggah? This is Adele Stackhouse, Sookie's Gran. How are you this evening?"

"I am doing well, Mrs. Stackhouse. I would like to send Miss Sookie home to you. When can you pick her up?"

"If I leave now, I can be on your doorstep by 11:00." I couldn't wait to meet this lady!

They exchanged a few pleasantries, then hung up. Dr. Meshuggah started working on Sookie's paperwork and I went to see the reason for all of this turmoil.

She was curled up on the bed like before. Sookie looked at me and grinned. She ran to the window and raised it.

"Are you taking me home with you now?"she asked.

"Better. Your Gran is coming to get you."

"Gran? Am I going to live with Gran?" She was almost jumping up and down.

"Would you like that, Sookie?"

"Oh yes, very much!" She started jumping up and down in earnest, then paused. " Where are my manners? Would you like to come in?" I hadn't planned on it, but I couldn't disappoint her, now could I? She took my hand and led me over to her tiny bed. Then she inspected my hair.

"A new braid tonight? I think I liked last night's better," she remarked.

"I was in a bit of a rush tonight, trying to bust you out and all."

"Oh, sorry." She looked down at her hands. "I guess that wasn't a very nice thing to say."

"I'll let it slide this time, " I said with a smirk. She smiled, such a beautiful smile.

"Will you braid my hair like last night? Can I ask you more questions? Let me get my brush."

"Do you need to pack anything ,Sookie?" I asked.

She pulled her brush out of a small pink bag. "I packed first thing this morning. I wanted to be ready when you came for me." I couldn't remember the last time someone placed such faith in me.

When Adele arrived I blended into the shadows. Sookie launched herself into her Gran's arms and there were tears all around. (Human tears, no vamp ones.) Adele admired Sookie's fancy braid and on their way to the car I caught Mrs. Stackhouse's attention for just a moment and used my "fancy" to have her insist that Sookie move in with her. I think she was going to anyway, but just in case. I winked at Sookie and took off. There was much to do before dawn.

Note: I am overwhelmed by all the responses to this story. Thank you for reading and for all of your kind reviews!