PART FIFTEEN: Life's Too Short

"It should have been me. I was one who was supposed to be dead. I was supposed to be the one ..." said Grace as she snuggled into her mother's embrace.

"But you are here, with me." Catherine kissed her oldest daughter's head

"But Kel is dead because of me. Her parents must hate me. It was my idea to come to Vegas in the first place."

"Honey, you didn't kill her. Why would her parents hate you? You girls have been talking about a Vegas trip since freshman year! Don't you ever believe this was your fault. Or I'll kick your ass." Catherine's last words made Grace laugh before falling into a comfortable silence.

"Life is too short. One moment you're picking on your friend for something stupid the next you realize you never told her how much you cared for her. I love you, mom." Grace's voice interrupted the silence.

"I love you too." said Catherine before kissing her daughter's head.

"Just one quick advice, mom. Life is too short. DC is too cold. Your bed needs a Detective to keep you warm."

"So, you're really moving out of the dorm?" said Catherine, avoiding the 'Lou' subject.

"Yeah. I'm gonna call Lindsey tomorrow and then after she arrives we'll start looking for an apartment. I need some place that feels more like a home and not so temporary. Mom I know..."

"I'll support you. I always will." Catherine's cell phone started ringing. "Get some sleep. I'm gonna take this outside." she said as she got up from the bed. "Willows." said Catherine while closing the bedroom door.

"Okay. I'll be there after I take my daughter to the airport. Yes, sir. I understand. I'll go to the LVPD and talk with the Detective in charge. I know who he is. No problem, sir. Goodnight." after her last words she at the couch next to Lou.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I need to stay in Vegas for a couple of more days. Apparently some day case is connected to a FBI one back in Quantico. And since I'm already here... I'm back to work. Grace is going back to LA tomorrow and after that you'll have your apartment back all to yourself."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. I'll stay at the hotel."

"Why don't you stay here?"

"Lou, I appreciate all that you've done for Grace. I really do. But I don't want to get into your way. You have your life. What if you wanna have someone over?"

"You won't be getting in the way. And Catherine, there hasn't been anyone since you." That wasn't the answer Catherine was expecting to hear. Special his last words. There hadn't been anyone since she left for DC. "Just think about it." he said before leaving her alone in the living room