Trixie drew a deep breath in an effort to relax. It had only been a few minutes since the guard had told her that Inspector Detector would be coming to talk to her but, to her, it felt like hours. The only thing she could really think about was the pedestrian she'd struck with her car and how his family had to be coping with such a tragedy. A torrent of emotions had washed over her since the guard had told her the news, everything from anger to self-loathing. Anger at first for Speed for not attending the party with her then anger at herself for being angry with Speed. He wasn't her guardian. She knew that and she knew better than to get behind the wheel intoxicated. It wasn't Speed's fault. It was hers.

'But why isn't Speed here?' she wondered. 'He's had to have heard the news by now. He wouldn't leave me here . . . would he?'

At that moment, she didn't know. She'd been awfully harsh in her words to him last night. He didn't like to break away from plans, especially ones that he'd been working on for a month or more. Whatever his plans had been, they were important to him and she couldn't fault him for not wanting to go. Still, his plans for last night escaped her.

'It had to be something important,' she mused. 'Like a birthday or something. Otherwise . . .'

Trixie felt the blood leaving her cheeks as her thoughts took a radical turn and the realization set in. Something important. He'd made plans to go out and have dinner with his mother, something he had promised that he would do. It had become something very important for the two of them, after Rex had walked away from his family a second time. Speed had given his word and Speed wasn't one to go back on his word. She knew that.

"Oh god," she moaned, burying her face in her hands. "No wonder he hasn't come here to check on me. He's probably mad at me for forgetting about his plans."

"Are you talking about Speed?" came the light inquiry. Trixie's head shot up to see Inspector Detector standing at front of the holding cell, a very somber expression his face. Hesitantly, she nodded.

"Yeah," she murmured. "I am. I screwed up big time last night. A bit of an understatement, I know, but . . ."

"There isn't any other way to describe it?" he finished for her as the door slid open with a loud "clang." Again, Trixie nodded.

"Exactly . . ."

The tall police officer strode over towards her, sitting next to her when he reached his destination. He crossed his legs then folded his hands over his lap. For a moment, neither of them said anything, though Trixie couldn't stand the silence. She felt like she'd just been read her death sentence and she didn't even know why. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she waited for what she felt to be her impending doom. Finally, Inspector Detector drew a deep breath, breaking the silence.

"What happened last night, Trixie? Why were you driving when you shouldn't have been?"

"I went to a party . . ." she drew a deep breath then let it out raggedly. "I'd wanted Speed to go with me . . . there were supposed to be some major sponsors there and I'd wanted to cheer him up. He'd been so depressed lately, after . . . after Rex left again."

"And Speed didn't go?"

"No," she shook her head. "He said that he couldn't, that he had made plans for last night."

"Did he say what those plans were?"

"He didn't have to . . . I already knew but I'd forgotten. I got a little upset but he still refused to change his plans. So I hung up on him. Then Janine and I finished getting ready and we were on our way . . . Inspector . . ."

"Yes, Trixie?"

"Where's Janine?" she asked quietly. It was his turn to draw a deep breath.

"She called Sparky from the party. Apparently some gentleman got a little fresh with her and tried to take advantage of her in her inebriation."

"Is she okay?" Trixie's eyes widened and she turned her head to the police officer, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. Inspector Detector gave her a reassuring nod.

"Yes," he replied. "The man's been arrested and he won't be bothering anyone else for some time."

"Good," she breathed. "I'm glad she's all right . . ."

Silence fell over them once more. There was more to be talked about . . . there were some questions Trixie needed answers to. She was just too afraid to ask them. Finally, after minutes of working up her courage, she spoke once more.

"Inspector Detector . . . the pedestrian that I hit last night . . . how's he doing?"

"Not good," he sighed. "He's still in intensive care in the hospital. He's regained consciousness but he isn't out of danger yet. Not by a long shot."

"Who . . ." she swallowed hard, the question lodging itself in her throat. She knew that if she had a name, it would just add to the guilt that she already felt. It was imperative. She knew she didn't have to ask the man but she wanted to. She had to know, and she'd rather hear from him than have someone else walk up to her and tell. It was best just to ask now. That way she could figure out how to make reparations for her crime. "Who did I hit last night? The guard said that you know . . ."

"I know," he nodded solemnly. "I wish I didn't but I know . . ."

Something about the way he trailed off immediately set Trixie on edge. Whoever it was had to be a good friend of the inspector's. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated. She was sure of it.

"Who?" she croaked out. "Who did I hit?"

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. For a moment, he said nothing. It was like he was debating with himself as to whether or not he should say. Then he nodded, as if coming to a decision.

"It was Speed."