Leland didn't know what to say. That's what he hoped too. In the darkest part of the night that is what he hoped the most. But hoping wasn't enough.

He settled on saying "You'll be the first to know."

He turned so she couldn't see his face.

"I'd better get dressed."

It was raining as he went out to the car and he felt the icy drops on the back of his neck. He turned up his coat collar and walked over to unlock his car.

Monk was watching for him.

"Thanks so much for coming."

"Anytime"

They sat on Monk's sofa. He'd made some coffee and set out some bread and jam.

"I guess I get hungry at this time of night and with the stress…"

"Oh, I understand. A cup of coffee would be great."

Leland sipped the coffee and watched Monk carefully hold the bread over the plate. No crumbs on the floor, of course. He set the mug down (on the coaster naturally).

"So when you're ready, I'm ready to hear how I can help."

Adrian and Leland talked for a long time. Before they could solidify a plan, however, Randy called.

"Randy?" Leland asked, picking up the phone, "Where are you?"

"I'm in the museum of horrors," Randy said whispering.

"Um… why?" Leland asked.

"Okay well here's the thing. You remember Hayden Jacobs right?"

Leland did remember Hayden Jacobs. He was the one whose son had been executed due to Leland's arresting him and testifying at his trial. The day his son was put to death, Hayden looked at Leland and snarled, "You'll pay for this. You'll feel my pain."

"Of course I do," Leland said, "But what does he have to do with the museum of horrors and why you're in New York of all places."

"I'll explain that later. Hayden Jacobs has Jennifer in the Museum of Horrors. His family owned the museum. He has her locked in the dungeon."

"I'll be there asap Randy," Leland said.

He hung up.

"Monk," Leland said, "I'm sorry but I have to go now."

"Is something wrong," Monk asked concerned.

"No," Leland replied, "And yes. Jennifer was found."

"That's wonderful," Adrian said, "Where is she?"

Leland filled him in on the story.

"Go," Adrian said, "Go… go"

Several hours later on the road, Leland got a call from Karen.

"Honey," she said, "Is everything alright?"

"Something came up," Leland said, "I had to go to New York."

"What's in New York," Karen asked.

Leland hesitated.

"Don't say anything to the boys yet," he said.

"Leland," Karen said after a moment, "I'm getting nervous. Is something wrong?"

"Not at all," Leland replied, "Something is VERY right. Randy called me. He got a tip. Long story short we found Jennifer."

There was a long silence.

"Karen? Karen? Are you there?"

He could hear her sniffling and then taking a shaky breath.

"I didn't .. a part of me always hoped to hear you say that, but was so afraid to count on it."

Leland understood all too well.

"Where is she? Is she okay? And why didn't you tell me so I could come with you?

Leland sighed.

"She's in the dungeon at the Museum of Horrors and so I imagine that is not the greatest. But she's alive and I'm going to get to her as quickly as I can. And someone needed to stay with the boys and prepare them… and I just got the phone call and I knew I had to go quickly."

"Yes. Yes. We'll be waiting. I need to clean.. and she'll want to eat when she gets back…I don't even know where to start."

Leland said, "I think she'll just be happy to be back. I would start by getting a bit more sleep if you can."

"I don't think I'll sleep a wink"

"Yeah never mind that was not the smartest thing for me to say. Listen I'm coming to the exit so I'll let you go. But Jennifer and I will see you soon.

"I love you."

"I love you too"

Leland continued to the gas station as he needed to refuel and take a break. But he did it as quickly as possible. He felt keyed up like before a big police operation, stomach full of nerves. But his heart felt lighter than it had in a long time."

The drive to New York City took over 10 hours. Leland was feeling impatient as he hit all the red lights and a car wreck. All he wanted was to see his child. When he got to the museum of horrors he saw that it was locked by a chain lock and bolt.

"Should we shoot it open," Randy asked.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT," Leland replied firmly, "What if she gets in the way of the bullet? Also, Jennifer is terrified of loud noise."

He got out a bolt cutter and cut the chain lock and bolt off.

Jennifer did not look good at all. She was bruised, way too thin, and freezing. He could see several welts too.

Leland took his own jacket and wrapped her in it. She still shivered with her small frame but started warming up quickly. He carried her out of the museum since she was too shaky to walk.

He took her straight to the nearest hospital.

The nurse who saw them first at triage had them come through right away.

Another nurse named Lauren with straight dark hair came in and pulled the curtain. She examined Jennifer's injuries and Leland could see it getting harder for her to keep professional detachment.

She asked about what happened. Jennifer said that her abductor kept her eyes covered so she didn't know where they had gone and didn't know how long she'd been in the museum of horrors.

"It's all right honey. You've been really brave. If you remember anything later you can always let someone know. Now is it okay if we take your picture? The police need to see where you were hurt."

"Yes, I know. My dad is a policeman."

Lauren looked over at Leland. He nodded in confirmation.

Once the photos of Jennifer's injuries were done and the doctor had been in to see Jennifer and confirmed that despite what the little girl had been through she seemed to have come through very well but they would have her stay the night to be safe and to let her rest.

Lauren asked if she wanted something to eat and went to get the cherry popsicle Jennifer had requested. When she'd eaten it she fell asleep. It was time then for Leland to call Karen.

Karen picked up on the first ring.

"Have you seen her yet? How is she? Is she going to be alright?"

Leland filled Karen in on what happened.

"We'll be home tomorrow," he whispered.

Jennifer was still sleeping.

"Take care," Karen said, "I love you."

"I love you too," Leland told her.

They said goodbye and hung up.

"Mom," Jarred asked, "Where did dad go?"

"Yeah," Max asked, "Is he on a bee sting?"

Karen laughed.

"Police sting Max," Jared corrected putting an arm around his little brother, "Not bee sting."

"Boys," Karen said, "I have to tell you both something. Sit down okay?"

Jared sat on the armchair. Max sat in his brother's lap.

"Is something wrong mom," Jared asked.

"No sweetheart," Karen said, "Your dad is in New York City. Jennifer is coming home tomorrow."

It took a minute but a smile spread slowly across his face. Max whooped loudly.

"When can we see her?" Jarred asked.

"Well, she'll be coming home tomorrow."

Max jumped up and down.

"Can she play with us?"

"Well, she'll need some time sweetie to rest. But I'm sure after a little time she'll be right back ready for whichever game you choose."

Karen noticed Jarred was crying.

"Oh, buddy."

"It's just I'm so happy and I missed her so much and she must have been so scared and they hurt her and…"

"Take a breath, Jared."

He did. Karen held her son for a long moment.

"I think since we're awake now maybe it's time for us to have some ice cream. We've got some mint chocolate chip in the freezer. We'll celebrate Jennifer and wish her and Dad a safe trip back. What do you say?

The boys both agreed.

"Mom," Jared asked, "Can we go to Fun Zone tomorrow? It's Jennifer's favorite restaurant."

Karen smiled. It was also Jared and Max's favorite restaurant.

"It's okay with me," Karen said, "But we'll have to check with your dad. Jenifer's been through a lot so we have to take it one step at a time."

The next day Jennifer was released. The doctor gave her three months' worth of pain pills to take only as per needed. She took one and she was wheeled out to the car.

"I missed you all so much," Jennifer said.

"We missed you too," Leland told her, "Our lives weren't the same without you."

Jennifer fell asleep. She slept the whole ride back. Just as Leland pulled into the driveway she woke up. Leland called Karen, and both Karen and Jennifer's little brothers came running out.

Jennifer blinked.

"Dad?"

"We're home."

She looked out the window.

"Jared! Max!"

She hurried to undo her seatbelt and open the door.

Her brothers ran to her. Jared put out his arm to stop Max as he remembered what they had talked about that she'd been injured.

"W-welcome back Jennifer. We missed you." The boys said together.

She took them both in her arms.

"It's so good to be back.

Jennifer greeted her mother in the same way.

Karen stroked her hair gently.

"You've been so brave. Now you're home and you're safe. I guess you'll want to sleep."

"Actually Mom I don't feel that tired. I feel more hungry."

"Okay. Well given the circumstances you can have whatever you'd like to eat."

It was twilight, the street lights had come on and there was only a patch of lighter sky in the west.

"I know it's late but… could we go to Fun Zone?

Max and Jared cheered.

They had a great time and Jennifer had her favorite order, a big stack of pancakes with butter and blueberries.

Later Leland tried to settle in bed but couldn't get to sleep. He felt Karen turn over beside him.

"I keep thinking that I should check on her. I worry that if I go to her room she won't be there and it will all turn out to be a dream." Karen said.

Leland squeezed her hand.

"Yes, I know. I'd like to relax and just be relieved but it isn't over yet."

"Speaking as a dad or a detective?"

"Both. I can't help but feel this will be connected to what's happened with Trudy."

((Flashback ends))