“Sure.”  I responded softly.  I followed his lead as he led me towards the empty corner of the kitchen.  I prepared myself for some yelling, bashing, or whatever was going to come out of his mouth.

“I want to talk to you about Spencer.”  He said flatly.  I rolled my eyes but stayed quiet.  Here it comes.

“I’m sorry.”  What?!  I stood a little straighter and searched his eyes to see if he was joking.  I couldn’t find a trace.  When I didn’t say anything he continued

“I misjudged you.”  He admitted.  But no he didn’t misjudge me he judged me for no fucking reason.

“What did I ever do to get you to not like me.”  I asked now that my voice was back.  He didn’t look offended and answered my question.

“Not much I guess but what reason’s did you give me to like you?”  He through back.  Ouch.  I shrugged.

“Ashley listen from my point ok.”  He suggested calmly and I nodded.  “You were my little girls best friend and eight years ago you stop calling, stop sending letters, and stop all contact with her.  It broke her heart.”  I instantly felt bad.  I never meant to hurt her.  I never ever want to hurt her.

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad.”  He said placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.  I think the last time he touched me he was putting hand cuffs on me.  This was very comforting.

“I know Uncle C.”  I said letting the stupid Officer Carlin thing go.  He gave me a smile letting me know I was forgiven.

“Then eight years later we find you running from the cops.  Just so happens I’m the cop.”  We laughed.  At least we were able to laugh about this.

“Then a few days later your back in Spencer’s life, and she seemed to forgive you so easily.  Ashley I just want to protect my family.”  He said.  And you know what.  I understand.  If the roles were reversed I’m sure I would have acted the same.  I just had one question.

“So what changed your mind?”  I asked curious.

He chuckled and ran his hands through his hair. “Well last night when we first brought you home I was skeptical about letting you sleep in Spencer’s room but she insisted.”  He paused to let out a rather embarrassed laugh.  “Um I checked on you guys once that night and when I opened the door I saw you taking care of her.  I saw the way you patted her back and helped her to the couch and even how you cleaned the bathroom.  I saw that you really do care.”  I smiled with the memory.  That was a crazy night.  And that explains why the door opened itself two times.