> "I know, honey," he spoke softly into her ear, kissing her cheek and
> pressing his to hers "I know. And I'll move heaven and earth and hell if
I
> have to to keep our little girl safe, I promise."
>
> He looked at Julia, who's dark brows were creased in concentration, eyes
> closed once again, and then back at Rachel "I love you. And I'll be right
> here. I'm not going anywhere."
>
> And then he gently released their hands, fading from mortal sight.
>
> Julia started, blinking her eyes opened and looking first at the women's
> joined hands and then at the spot Patrick stood, watching Rachel.
>
> Then she turned to her, her tone apologetic but determined that this
wasn't
> going to be a one time deal.
>
> But Patrick had been right about the effects. She felt like she had just
> come off of a cross country marathon without the option of making a pit
stop
> between.
>
> She started to stand, using the arms of the chair to support some of her
> weight and ended up plopping right back down before frowning, pushing up
> with raw stubbornness, and making it to her feet and rubbing her forehead
as
> she waited for the room to stop spinning.
>
> "You should rest." Patrick said, showing concern.
>
> Julia dismissed the concern for the moment, focusing on what had to be
done
> before she allowed herself to do that "Where's Kat?"
>
"Downstairs watching television," Derek said moving over to her and putting
a supportive arm around her. "Are you going to be all right?" He could see
how drained she was and it worried him a bit.
Derek
