"What is it?"

"I... it's from Damien. He said that Shauna is dead."

"Oh no..."

"And he said that they're calling him an orphan, and are going to send him away somewhere."

"But... but everybody in the town knows you're his father!" she protested.

Aidan looked grim. "Yes they do. I'm going to have to go down there and sort it out, one way or another."

Flame looked at him, then nodded. She gave him a hug. "You should go then. I can manage without you for a little while. Hurry there, and hurry back too. Though I suppose..." she looked at him and smiled. "I suppose if it goes well the return trip will have to be a little slower. He's only nine, and I doubt he could keep up."

Aidan looked at her, a little surprised and very touched. "You... won't mind, my bringing him here?"

"No. He's your son. And I've come to care about him too, he's a wonderful boy."

"You're a wonderful person," said Aidan, "and I'll miss you while I'm gone. But you're right, I should go now." He rose, and hugged her hard. He kissed her goodbye. "I'll come back as soon as I can."

"I love you," she said as he went out the door.

"I love you too."