At home that evening, Perry and Ada were eating dinner. She did the cooking, so she was able to do something instead of just lying around being depressed about George's murder case.

"Mom, I want to share something with you."

"What's that?"

"Della and I were talking. What do you think of the idea of counseling?"

"Counseling? What for?"

"About not communicating in the past couple months. Della set up an appointment for Friday next week."

"I don't need to have that, Perry."

"She thinks we do and could make us both feel better and make up from not speaking for a couple months. I told her this wouldn't work out."

"I wouldn't even do it for one visit."

"That's what I told her, but now I thought about it some more, we can try it. I don't think you should drive anymore."

"You're right, Perry. I haven't done much driving since your father died. Maybe to the grocery store and a walk with the mail, but that's about it."

"Remember those people who hit my car?"

"Yes."

"They both paid for us and my car. It was pretty pricey, but they were able to write a check for that. I am going to take you over to your car if that's okay with you. I don't want to use my money for a whole new one. We'll also put your house up for sale and you can move in here."

"That house just hasn't been safe since your father was murdered, Perry. I feel safer here with you since it's not happening here."

"I understand, Mom. We can talk about the house another time."

"Good idea."

Since Ada didn't read much anymore, she now has time to catch up on it since George's murder happened. She hasn't touched a murder mystery novel since.

"What book are you reading? Della said she saw one with you when she came in."

"I was barely starting to go through a romance novel my neighbor let me borrow. I told myself I am never going to read a mystery novel ever again."

"Don't say that. I understand how you feel about Dad's murder case."

"Are you still going to reopen it?"

"Yes. I'm still waiting on how to get it started. Thanks for saving his files. The names and contact information are really helpful."

"You're welcome. They might not even remember your father since it's been so long."

"I know, but they might have heard of me because of the news on TV and in the newspapers."

"You could be right. Did your investigator find anything when I brought the paperwork?"

"He did. Only some of them are still alive, but like you, they're older."

Ada didn't say anything for a while.

"So far, we're on a good start, thanks to Paul."

"You're lucky you have somebody that stuck with you. I don't know why George had to keep getting different investigators for what he wanted to get done on his cases. Did he find any of them?"

"I think Paul said he was able to find about two or three private investigators that are still alive, but retired."

"He works fast."

"Yes, he does," Perry agreed.

"I don't know what I'd be doing if you weren't born and your father was murdered. I feel lost."

"Of course you do. Did any of your friends tell you anything?"

"Just one neighbor. We talked just the other day before I came back here when you were in court?"

"What did your neighbor say?"

"You mean Staci? She agreed with you I needed distraction and thought volunteering in your office was a good place to start."

"What else did she tell you?" Perry asked.

"I should be getting used to living alone, but now isn't the time, Perry. She said her husband has been gone for fifteen years, so she knows what it's like to to live alone, and sometimes feels that way."

He gave her a hug as Ada began to cry again. It's hard on both of them, but it would take a while, just like they have to do with reconciling. That's why she's over.