Lottie sensed an unfamiliar weight on her as she was waking up. She was still fully dressed, but tucked neatly under the covers in her bed. Beside her, also fully dressed, but lying on top of the covers, was Gentleman Harry. His arm was protectively stretched across Lottie. Despite the terrifying events of the previous day, Lottie was filled with a sense of peace and safety.

Lottie watched Harry sleep for a few minutes. His face, so tense and weary the night before was relaxed in sleep. They had talked and wept and then talked some more until the clock in the sitting room downstairs struck midnight. At that point, Harry had helped Lottie up the stairs to her room. He had meant to just wish her goodnight and then go to his form to sleep, but when they had reached her bedroom door and he turned to leave, she reached out and took his hand.

"Harry, sit with me a while. I don't want to be alone tonight."

Harry looked at her skeptically.

"Please, Harry. Just sit with me."

Harry looked at Lottie's wide, pleading eyes and knew he couldn't say no.

"All right, my dear." He walked her in, led her to the bed, turned down the covers, and helped her into the bed. He leaned over and gently took off each of her shoes, lifted her legs into the bed, and tucked the blankets firmly in around her. Lottie was feeling so drowsy and peaceful. Harry bent his face toward hers and lightly kissed her cheek. He then moved to the other side of the bed, sat down on top of the covers, his back up against the headboard. He placed his hand on Lottie's arm and slowly stroked her arm in a soothing rhythm. Lottie fell asleep almost instantly, and Harry did as well.

As the sun began to rise, and Lottie had watched Harry sleep for a while, she knew they needed to get up and check on Jeremy. She gently jostled his arm.

"Harry. Harry, we need to get up."

Harry blinked his eyes sleepily and looked around, trying to figure out where he was. Realization dawned on him, and he quickly jumped out of the bed, apologizing profusely.

"I'm so sorry, Carlotta! I meant to go to my own room to sleep."

Lottie gave a laugh at that.

"Harry, I asked YOU to stay. And besides, nothing happened."

"I know, but I want you to know, I would never do anything that might embarrass you or have others think ill of you."

"Oh, Harry. I'm long past being concerned with what others think of me."

"Well, I care. I know the good people of Seattle don't exactly have a high opinion of me. And I wouldn't want our, uh... friendship... to color their opinion of you."

Lottie's face grew warm and a little flushed at Harry's concern for her. She walked over to him and lay her hand on his cheek.

"Thank you, Harry. Now let's get cleaned up and change into some clean clothes. I'll fix some breakfast and bring some with us for Candy and Jason. I'm sure they're starving. Maybe Jeremy will be awake and ready for some food, too. Lottie was feeling flushed with happiness and optimism.

Harry suddenly became somber. He had seen wounds like Jeremy's before. A bad feeling engulfed him.

"I think I'll go over now to see how the boy is doing. I'll get some breakfast a little later."

Lottie turned quickly toward him in surprise and caught the dark expression on his face.

"Give me a minute, and I'll come with you."

"No, no... as you said, Jason and Candy will need some food after their long night. I'll just go over now, and I'll let them know you're bringing them some food."

Lottie realized Harry's mood had changed. She looked at him and noticed the concerned look had returned to his face.

"All right, Harry. I'll just meet you over there in a few minutes."

Harry silently nodded and quickly turned to leave. The feeling of happiness and optimism had disappeared like a puff of smoke.