Gabe removed the handcuffs and led me to his patrol jeep.  I jumped in shot gun seat and in a few moments, we were on our way. 

I had a nervous flutter in my stomach, and I squeezed my eyes shut to keep my breakfast down.

I could not fail. I could not fail. I could not fail. Maybe if I repeated the words enough, they'd come true.

"Hop out kiddo," Gabe sighed and tugged on the shift stick from drive to park. I jumped out and stood in the cold rain while I waited for him to get out.

He joined me a moment later and gestured for me to walk forward into the cabin. I stepped over the threshold and glanced around. Everything seemed normal, like I hadn't been gone a day. I sure had missed the place.

Gabe pointed to my room and I went obediently. After changing into dry clothes and brushing my wet hair straight again, I trudged back out into the kitchen. 

Gabe was at the stove, making pancakes. He tossed me a plate and I caught it quickly without thinking.

"At least you didn't forget any of your skills while you were gone. C'mon, sit down," he instructed. I did as he asked and took my normal spot at the table.
After a painfully quiet meal, Gabe pushed away his glass plate and leaned back in his chair.

"So...Sweetheart.  Do you mind telling me me where you've been the last two and a half months?"

"Two and a half!" I screeched.  Why didn't Damian tell me it had been so long? Gabe nodded solemnly.

"Yup."  Gabe grabbed his phone and set it to record. I took a deep breath and began.