I was 7:30 pm., Friday. I was a fine night and Leia dropped her keys by the phone. She had a busy day at the bookshop, which closed at seven. She had a big delivery that afternoon so she was quite tired. She rubbed her shoulders and stretched her neck. She flopped down on the sofa and sighed.

The phone rang. It was Fred.

"Hi, honey," Leia greeted. "What time will you be home?

"I'm not sure. We're having quite an emergency. Two people shot at different locations. Three laboring ladies, an old grandma broke her hip, and I'm starving!"

Leia laughed. "Poor baby. Dinner will be heating up in the oven when you get home. I promise."

"Thanks, hon," Fred said gratefully. "You're a doll. Gotta go. I love you."

"I love you, too," Leia answered and Fred hang up.

Leia sighed again as she replaced the receiver. She knew how lucky she was to have such a wonderful husband. And two wonderful daughters.

She wondered where they were. Stacy was probably out and practicing at the school gym. She was always trying out and getting picked for a school team. As for Tricia, well, Leia was not sure where she was at the moment. Probably at the library, for it was one of Tricia's favorite places. Or by the town pond, where Trish liked to muse over things. Oh well, might as well start dinner before they all came home.

By 8:30, Stacy was home, dripping in sweat.

"What happened to you?" Leia asked. "You looked like you had just been pushed in the swimming pool."

"Coach made us run laps, Mom," Stacy answered as she gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. "Thought it might be good for our stamina."

Leia made a face. A mild one, but still a face. "Well, as long as you can handle it. I just don't want you overstraining yourself."

"I'm fine, Mom. What's for dinner?"

"Toasted bread."

"What?"

"Kidding. Meatloaf and cheese mac. You're fave."

"Where's Trish?" Stacy asked, grabbing a plate.

"I was hoping you'd tell me. The library's closed by now."

"Probably at the pond." Stacy sniffed. "Smells good, Mom. Aren't you going to eat?"

"I'll wait until your sister gets home."

"How about Dad?"

"Has some major emergencies at the hospital."

"Hmm," Stacy murmurred thoughtfully, "okay," and dug in.

By 10:00, Tricia still hadn't come home. She hadn't called either.

"Are you sure your sister never told you where she was going?" Leia asked her daughter.

"She didn't say anything to me, Mom. I last saw her at the hallway on my way to the gym. I'm sure she's fine, Mom. Just lost track of time."

"By 11:00, Tricia still hadn't come home. Stacy looked worried, too.

"I'm going to call your father. It's not like Trish to be this late and not call."