Taking turns with Daniel, Paula helped Franzi through her physical therapy for a week. On the first day, her sessions went in 1 hours intervals. Everytime an hour ended, Paula sat with Franzi and chatted. Daniel didn't mind taking the time out of his day to stay with someone whom he cared for like a daughter. Franzi's arm and leg work were going smooth and well. By the fourth day, Franzi was on a treadmill with a pulse monitor.

Daniel asked, 'Would you like a replacement coach for a few minutes?'

Paula said, 'I'd like that. But right now, I have to check with my CO. They're waiting to see when I might be coming back to work.'

Daniel said, 'Then do it. I'll stay here with Franzi and save a place for you.'

Paula said, 'Thank you, Daniel.'

Daniel replied, 'You're welcome.'

Paula left Franzi in good hands. There was no limit to Daniel's generosity or kindness. With Paula on the phone, Daniel talked to Franzi.

Daniel said, 'You're looking very good for somebody who went through a fire and drama.'

Franzi said, 'Thank you. You're not too bad yourself, gramps.'

Daniel observed, 'They tell me you've been working out as though this were a regular gym.'

Franzi laughed and said, 'Yeah. Well. It helps a patient get out if they show dedication and stamina.'

Daniel said, 'Stamina is one thing. From what I am seeing, you're training to be an Olympian.'

Franzi replied, 'I'm not that good.' Then she got off the treadmill for a sit down and some water.

Daniel asked, 'Did I interrupt your thinking or your focus?'

Franzi answered, 'No. I just needed to catch my breath.'

Daniel asked, 'So I'm not bothering you or anything?'

Franzi snuffled and said, 'Are you kidding? You and Paula helped me so much that I don't know how I'm going to be able to repay you. And I really do appreciate you coming here practically everyday.'

This made Daniel do some thinking.

Daniel said, 'Actually, there is something that..um..that I've been wanting to ask you these last few days.'

Franzi said, 'Go on then.'

Daniel remembered all the events that lead up to Franzi in the fire. He wasn't overcome with guilt but his conscience wanted him to feel better.

Daniel sat closer to Franzi and asked her, 'Do you blame me for what happened to you in the fire?'

Franzi thought for a second and told Daniel at point blank, 'No.'

Daniel said, 'You don't have to play easy with me, Franzi. I can take it. Lord knows I've...I'm the one who fired you for stealing and that drove you back to....'

Franzi put her fingertips on Daniel's lips and said, 'Daniel, stop.' Then Daniel looked at Franzi's face as she said, 'You are one of the most kind, gentle, and strongest people I have ever known. And it was YOU and PAULA that helped me get my head straightened out and my act back together.'

Daniel said, 'But if I hadn't...'

Franzi interrupted, 'If you hadn't done what you did, I would have stolen from you again and again, and then I would have turned up a bigger coke head that I already was.' Eager to ease his doubts, Franzi said, 'Daniel. I am grateful for everything you have done for me. You've been like a second father to me. Do you know what I'm saying?'

Daniel said, 'Yes.'

Franzi finished, 'Then you know that I could never hold a grudge with you, of all people. It is impossible for me to blame you for anything. So don't punish yourself for what happened. It is in the past. Let's keep it that way.'

Daniel looked at Franzi and nodded "Yes". Then he kissed her knuckles out of love and gratitude.

The human conscience could do far worse things than another person. Emily was struggling with her and, very deep down, Daniel was dealing with his.

When Paula came back, Daniel asked, 'Are you staying for lunch? I asked Vivian if she could spare some apples, grape tomatoes, cauliflower, oranges, peaches, blueberries, and broccoli from the market. I also brought some Odwalla Mango Grapefruit juice.'

Paula said, 'I'm fine right now. In fact I need to report in with my colleagues. Maybe they will let me come back next week.'

Daniel said, 'That's good.' Franzi agreed, 'Yeah.'

Paula said, 'I'm not saying that I'm going to jump at the first job they give me. I still have to pass the physical and psychiatric.'

Franzi asked, 'What about the fire? Are they still investigating it?'

Paula said, 'No. Emily turned herself in after she came over here.'

Franzi asked, 'What made her go forward?'

Paula was afraid of what Franzi might think if she knew what happened between Paula and Emily. Paula did all but throw Emily out the window on top of the first Mercedes.

Daniel asked, 'Does it matter? Emily did the right thing. Maybe she wil be lucky and get a light sentence. Uh, what did your supervisor have to say about you knowing Franzi?'

Paula answered, 'He told me that I made the right move. That investigating a friend or family was a conflict of interest as far as my objectivity was concerned. He didn't ask me how I knew the victim, I didn't give him your name Franzi, except that she was a close friend of the family.'

Franzi asked, 'And Emily?'

Paula said, 'Because she turned herself in, and provided the name of the dealer, her sentence was reduced to 5,000 hours of community service and reparations to The Fasan; financial and constructional.'

Daniel asked, 'And John and Philip? How are they in all this?'