“I believe that every gray hair I have is because of a Hardy,” said Chief Collig as he entered.

Con Riley came in behind him and looked at Joe and smiled.  Joe smiled back and turned to the Chief and said, “I thought you always had those gray hairs.”

The Chief glared at Joe and said, “I see you are still very ornery.  Well, I don’t have all night.  Let’s get on with this interview.”

“Dad is talking with Jay.  He said he wanted to talk to you before you questioned them,” said Frank stepping protectively beside his brother.

At that moment the office door opened, Jay stepped back a little when she saw the police officers.  Frank went forward and grabbed her arm.

“Mom has made a huge meal for you.  So you better come with me to the kitchen.  We don’t want to make her mad,” said Frank.

Frank escorted her into the kitchen.  He noticed Fenton signal to the Chief and Con to come into his office with Joe.  Frank stayed in the kitchen where the girls had proceeded to make a fuss over Jay.  The girls were all talking at once.  When the conversation switched yet again to Joe and Vanessa’s wedding plans, Frank decided it was time to make his exit.

Frank entered his Dad’s office quietly.  He didn’t want to interrupt their discussion. 

When Joe finally finished, he turned to Frank and gave him thumbs up.  Frank understood that meant the Chief had agreed not to press Jay.

“Thanks, Chief.  I appreciate you coming over here for this,” said Fenton walking the officers to the front door.  They shook hands and said goodnight.

Fenton turned and said to everyone, “I bet you guys are tired.  How about everyone staying here tonight?”

“I think that is a wonderful idea,” said Vanessa. 

They decided to spend the rest of the day and night watching movies and eating popcorn.  Vanessa kept watching Jay.  She noticed that whenever Frank, Fenton, and even Joe tried to touch Jay that she would flinch.  Vanessa had seen these same reactions, but where? 

Joe had gone upstairs to get the board game, Monopoly.  He slammed the closet door and then bounded down the stairs.  Jay had jumped at each sound.  Vanessa jumped when Frank put his hand on her shoulder.

“Sorry,” said Frank.  “I didn’t mean to scare you.  But I was trying to see if you wanted something from the kitchen while I was up.”

“Its okay,” said Vanessa.  “No thank you.”

“Well, I would like something to drink,” said Joe as he plopped himself down beside his beautiful fiancee.  He gave her a hug and a kiss.  He noticed she was trembling.  Worried Joe asked, “Are you okay?” 

Vanessa replied in a whisper, “Yes.  But I need to talk to Jay.”

“About what?” asked Joe.

“I’ll let you know later,” said Vanessa.  She got up and asked Jay to come with her outside to the swing. 

After they had set down, Vanessa turned and looked into Jay’s eyes.  She had not noticed until now, how sad they were.  Unfortunately, the question she going to ask was only going to make her sadder.  She had finally realized Jay’s reactions to people touching her reminded Vanessa of her own reactions to people after the rape.  She had been lucky to have Joe and family and friends.  But whom did Jay have?