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“What’s with the tears, Sam?” asks Allie, sipping her third glass of the good stuff. “Shoulder still hurting you?”

“Even if it did, I wouldn’t be crying about it,” I say.

“Then what gives? Why the sudden tears?”

“I’ve got some good kids,” I say. “And I love them.”

“This about Tammy not coming over?”

“It started me down that road.”

“When was the turn-off to tears?”

“They’ve had such weird lives, and they came out okay.”

“And that’s a reason for tears?” Allie shakes her head. She’s dressed in PINK sweats, thick socks, and a long sweater. She looks cozy as hell, and cute, too.

“Gee, thanks, Sam. You’re not coming onto me, are you?”

“Nope. Just appreciating your level of comfort.”

“I agree, it’s high.”

“And to answer your question... I’m not sure why the tears. When I see my kids coming out of all this craziness okay—and not hating me; in fact, quite the opposite, even wanting to hang out with me... well, it touches me deeply.”

“I’ll never get you moms,” says Allison.

“It’s not too late for you, you know,” I say. “You’re what, in your mid-thirties?”

“Late thirties. But my life isn’t exactly conducive to raising kids. You do know I work weird hours, right?”

“I do, but that’s not permanent. Having kids makes it all—”

“Worthwhile, I know, I know. You moms always say that. Okay, what about when I’m fighting monsters with you halfway across the world? Who will watch my kid then?”

“Their dad?” I offer. “What happened to that detective you’ve been seeing?”

“He’s still around, but we’re sort of stagnant. Trust me, we’re definitely not talking kids... or anything else! How you balance everything, Sam, is still a mystery to me. Kids, a boyfriend, a business—and fighting monsters halfway around this world—and other worlds!”

“Well, if I can do it, you can do it, too.”

“I’m not you, Sam. Pretty sure I can barely handle a boyfriend at this point.”

“One thing at a time, eh?”

“I suppose.”

“When was the last time you spoke to your detective friend?”

“It’s been a few days. He’s pretty busy.”

“Oh? Homicides in Beverly Hills on the rise?”

“Not really, but the ones he does have all involve the rich and famous, and very, very powerful. Tricky, to say the least.”

“Do you ever help him?”

“He won’t let me.”