Lorne was in town and he hadn't let me know yet. I knew he would have some very reasonable excuse about the job and the case, but that won't float with me. His fingers aren't broke, he could have given me a ring at the very least. However, at the moment I had more pressing fires to put out.

I tried to get Loren to understand about AJ, but she wasn't in the mood to listen. To make matters worse, Lorne was at the station when she got hauled in, I am sure that he is none too happy about the whole situation. With any luck Loren would soon be my sister-in- law, it was about time for her and I to have a heart to heart.

I made my way to the kitchen, last night I tried brownies, this time I whipped up a couple of peaches-n- cream muffins, poured up a pot of hot tea and took it up to Loren's room. I knew she had been up late, so I thought she might still be asleep.

"Knock, knock, Loren are you awake?"

I heard some rustling around and...whispers? Loren opened the door just a crack, gave me a strange look then after a moment, motioned for me to enter. I was more than a little surprised to see AJ sitting on the floor, holding a cloth to the back of his head.

"AJ, what in the world are you doing in here?"

"It's a long story Miss Myna..." AJ's voice trailed off and I could see him wince. "Would it be alright if I go lay down for a bit Miss?"

"Of course, AJ. Are you alright?"

"Oh yes Miss Myna I will be fine. I will talk to you later Loren, alright?"

Loren nodded trying to hide the blush on her face. If her brother had come upon this sceneAJ wouldn't have been walking out the door.

Loren turned and closed the door, "So am I a prisoner here, Myna?"

"Of course not Loren, don't be silly. I made us some breakfast."

"Well if my brother has his way I will never see the light of day again!"

"Now really Loren, you are being ridiculous. I know Lorne is a hardheaded ol' mule, but he is only trying to protect you."

"Protect me!! Is that what you think he is doing..."

"Stop it right there Loren!! Lower your voice there is no need to shout at me. You didn't let me finish. Sit down, have a muffin and some tea, let's talk, sister to sister."

Loren's demeanor softened, and she hung her head for a moment. I started pouring the tea, as Loren sat on the edge of the bed.

"Listen Loren, I could sit here and give you all sorts of reason and excuses as to why what you did the other night was straight up stupid and dangerous, but I am not going to, because you won't listen to reason and I know this because you are just like me.

You have a fire inside, burning to get out; you have a passion and it is driving you batty not being able to pursue that passion. I was the same way. I wanted to be on my own, I wanted to make my own way, pave my own path, and I have, but I have learned something that maybe you haven't...you can't do it alone.

Don't forsake the ones that love you for your passion. Don't assume they won't understand or help you. You need to believe in them if you want them to believe in you."

Loren sat silent for a few moments and then tear began to well up in her eyes, "I told him I hated him..."

"Who, AJ?"

"No, Lorne, at the station, he said he could live with it. He doesn't even care."

"You know that's not true, he's afraid for you. Put yourself in his shoes for a moment and think about it. He is dealing with these two murders and his only sister gets hauled in on a paddy wagon."

"I know, I know, but..."

"But nothing, these are dangerous times, he loves you, so does AJ and so do I. Did you think about us...you worried all of us Loren."

"I don't, you know...I don't hate him..."

"I know you don't dear and I know he knows that too."

"It was an amazing night Myna, I wish you all could have seen me, they loved me, I brought the house down!"

"I am sure you did. Listen sweetie, let me help you, I can run interference with AJ and your bull-headed brother. I will help you with your dream. Will you let me help you?"

Finally, a smile came across Loren's face, she is such a beautiful girl and even more so when she smiles. I raised my tea cup, "A toast then...to the beginning of a beautiful partnership!"