Tina looked into Bettes eyes and believed. She believed she would take her someplace safe. She believed she would take her someplace she would be welcome. She believed that she would not be alone through any of this.

Tina just nodded. Bette leaned her forehead into Tinas Yea..thats my girl. She said softly and with great tenderness.

Tina leaned into Bette as they both carefully and with care moved Marceys head from Tinas arms to the blood-stained carpet. As they both removed their hands, and Marceys body lay there alone and untouched for the first time, Tina burst into sobs that wracked her entire body. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around Bettes neck, closed her eyes tightly and cried.

She cried for Marcey. She cried for herself. And she cried for all the lives that would forever be changed by the tragic loss of Marcey Fleming.

The Patrol Officers and Paramedics looked on in stunned silence as they watched Bette Porter reach inside this womans soul and give her reason to go on.

They had all heard the stories about Detective Bette Porter and how she used her intelligence, creativity, attention to detail, and tenacity to break her cases. What the rumors didnt describe was just how much Bette Porter cared.

After the sobs had quieted, they watched as Bette provided all the strength to the young women to help her to her feet. She placed her arm around Tina, letting her hand cross her back and securely holding her hand around Tinas waist. To provide additional support, Bette tenderly took Tinas free hand in her own. When it seemed that Tina could walk, they took a few steps toward the door.

Bettes eyes met Jules Thompsons. Loud enough so that Tina could hear, Bette said Jules, will you please take care of Marcey personally. I, we, need to know that she is in good hands. Jules nodded, knowing that nothing else needed to be said.

Tina was leaning heavily into Bette, fearing that she might pass out. As they reached the door, Tina took one more look back at the blood spattered apartment and her lifeless friend. She shuttered and her knees began to buckle.

Bette gathered her more tightly and whispered Its all right. Ive got you, Tina. Ive got you.

Bette almost had to carry the grief-stricken Tina the last few feet to her car. As she pulled the seatbelt into place, Tina groggily said A BMW? I though police detectives were underpaid and overworked.

Bette just smiled. As she settled into the drivers seat she noticed that Tina was almost asleep, the bodys self protection finally pulling her in and protecting her from what she could no longer handle.

"Are we going to the police station? Tina asked quietly as she fought the losing battle to keep her eyes open.

Bette looked straight forward for a moment, then at Tina as she had made a decision. No. I promised you a safe place where you could stay as long as you want, she said quietly.

Tina leaned her head back and asked If its not the police station whose place are we going to?

Bette dropped her head and looked at Tina. Mine, she said simply as she pulled away from the curb.