"Ok momma" the little girl said and trotted toward her bedroom as the doorbell rang 3 more times. Whoever was at the door either needed to be taught manners or something was wrong thought T as she felt a cold chill slide up her spine. Stop it. You’re just being paranoid Tin chide herself

Reaching the door after one more ring Tina gripped the handle firmly and opened it to a sight that confirmed that something was wrong, wrong enough for a police officer standing on the doorstep!

"Ms Tina Kennard?" the tall, well muscled officer said as he remained planted on the stoop. He was joined by an equally fit female officer as T managed to steady her voice enough to say "Yes" as her mind whirled fearing she wasn’t sure what.

"May we come in?" the female officer asked stepping forward. Nodding Tina stepped back allowing the officers to enter the hallway.

"Ms. Kennard do you have some place to sit?" the first officer asked barely penetrating the numbness that was overtaking T’s being.

"Pardon me what did you say?"

"Do you have a place where we can sit MS. Kennard?" repeated the other officer as she gently guided Tina toward what appeared to be the living room.

"Oh yes, what is this about ?" Tina mumbled as she watched the officers sit.

"You are Bette Porter’s partner?" At the sound of Bette’s name panic surged from the core of Tina’s stomach as the world began to spin uncontrollably.

"Yes I am but what does that have to do…" the answer hit the blonde with the force of a truck.

"Oh my God what’s happened to Bette!!! Where is she???" T demanded as she jumped to her feet. Seconds later Angelica’s frightened face peeked around the corner of the hallway.

" What’s wrong Momma??"

Her daughter’s appearance managed to drag Tina back to some semblance of reality enough to smile and say "It’s ok baby go play in your room Momma didn’t mean to be so loud. I’ll be done soon. Satisfied Angelica turned on her heels and skipped back to her room. Thankful for the brief interruption of the torrent of emotion that had toppled her Tina turned to face the officers again.