She didn't understand at first. Perception followed by comprehension, the Freudian manifestation of consciousness, a process of deferral. He went to her home?

"It's a nice place. Real nice. I liked the little flower garden out back. I liked the way you have the house fixed up. You've got so many books in the den. All the ones I read in high school."

He went in her home?

"But you weren't there, so I called you."

"You're there now?"

"I'm not a bad person. I'm not."

"Prove it."

"I will," the voice said, eager now. "I will. I'm going to give you the bag back. Just as soon as I can get to the building. Okay. I'm not a bad person. Really."

"I believe you."

"Okay. Real soon. You'll see."

The phone clicked in her ear. She went back into her office and closed the door. She sat in her chair, drew the sweater around her, and rocked back and forth. Softly, she hummed a lullaby, and rocked.