A month had passed. Candi was now able to accept that she had moved on with her life, though she still could not shake off the guilt that somehow, she had not done Donte's memory justice.

Was she ready to live as Denny's wife? She hadn't given herself much choice. She knew how, even at the expense of their intimacy, he refused to entangle himself too much in her affairs. She feared them acting too much like they were still single, but was not willing to change anything. She enjoyed the freedom for what it was worth. Nevertheless, it would take an extreme change in him before she'd convince herself to leave him. She had given her word, and that word had to count for something.

Her second year at Viron University had begun, and she was wondering how her grades would hold up alongside her night prowling as the city's centipede protector.

Denny was nothing but wonderful to her, but his past life enemies were criminals. And there were some among them who wished to frame him for crimes he didn't commit.





Laurie Pegol, Candi's best friend from forensics class, was among those who were on to the problems. However she was also very preoccupied with her own life's pursuits, and had to confess that she could not be there for Candi nearly as often as she desired.

Laurie: "Candi! Where've you been?"





Candi: "Uh...what do you mean?"

She was not certain how not to reveal too much.

Kathy: "Hey, Candi...Stella and I were off to see that new Lobsters of Atlantis movie, you wanna join?"





Candi: "Er...sounds tempting, but not today. Laurie and I have some studying to do later."





Stella: "Oh. That's cool."

Kathy: "We'll tell you how it went!"

Candi: "Sure. I'll...maybe run into you in English class."

Kathy: "Will do!"





All four girls went down the stairs, with Kathy and Stella leaving the store. Laurie could tell that Candi was unusually distant.

Laurie: "I know you tend to avoid everyone; but not this much! Is something wrong?"

Candi: "I'd...rather hear what you have to tell me."





Laurie: "Candi...about...Kelsea Linney..."

Candi: "Oh....that bitch? I remember her! She tried to sabotage Denny! He had to find a new barber because of her! And she had the nerve to approach me and tell me that I was in danger with him! I..."

Laurie: "I know what you mean! involving the police, when he did nothing wrong! Shameless! I think the police are not talking to her about her impropriety because they are in on something more..."





Candi: "What?"

Laurie: "Did Denny lose a debit card?"

Candi: "Yes!"

Laurie: "I've traced several stories together. Many claim they saw her walk away cursing at an ATM when a debit card didn't work! I think she's stolen his card, and is trying to paint him as a stalker because he's been trying to get the card back from her!"

Candi: "Figures! And of course, the police, from what I've concluded, have some sort of deal going with the Meethlites! It's going to be hard to prove her guilt and his innocence with Arfaas usurping the judiciary!"





Candi: "Denny is not a bad man! He just has a lot of enemies! What I wish I knew is why does everyone seem to cast me ugly looks for defending him?"

Laurie: "I don't! But I'm a slower judge. They're wondering why you defend him so much, I think. Any lesser woman than you wouldn't bother against these odds!"





Candi: "Wouldn't bother? It's just the right thing to do! To be interested in what's right!"

Laurie: "Indeed. It's also the Christian thing to do, and I know how serious you are about your faith! But you're a rarity! Most girls your age are so selfish and backstabbing, your attitude would make no sense to them!"

Candi: "I'll admit...I do have other reasons to support him."





Trying to keep her optimistic face, Laurie repressed her urge to show what her words were already thinking...why Candi's sudden shift from righteous rage to shameful and shy?

Laurie: "Oh no...you're not!"

Candi: "Not what?"





Laurie: "Candi...are you compromised?"

Candi: "Compromised? Now what exactly do you mean by that?"

Laurie: "You're sleeping with him, aren't you!?"





Candi realized something...her marriage would do no good if she kept hiding it from everyone! Even so...should she really be flaunting her secret wedding where the Meethlites could hear the details?

Candi: "Laurie, you're gonna think I'm a total fool..."

Laurie: "You are, aren't you?"

Candi: "I...married him...last month! We wanted to keep it a secret, because I didn't want my sister's killers to find out!"





Laurie, as Candi predicted, was in complete shock, but tried to keep her posture.

Laurie: "No! You are a fool! But you're my favorite one! I know Denny needs insiders to protect him, but...I think you may have gone just a little too far!"

Candi: "Since Donte's death, I've needed love in my life too! I'm not leaving Denny, if that's what you're suggesting."

Laurie: "Oh, don't worry. I'm not suggesting anything...yet."





Candi was more than angry enough over Kelsea Linney's antics; but the attempt on Denny's life by Gunner, the death of Erin by Gunner and Skellig, and the fact that the police seemed ever less and less interested in justice was beyond frustrating.

They hadn't yet suspected her of being the centipede prowler in the evening, but how long before they did? Still, something else was wrong, and Candi could feel it...





Laurie: "Something else is eating you, I can tell. What? I've never seen you this distressed before."





Candi: "I've...been unusually unable to handle stress. I've felt more on a roller coaster this week than I have in ages. I..."

Laurie: "Feel bad? We all feel guilty about things."

Candi: "No, nothing like that! It's..."





Candi: "I feel...weak...sick! I never get sick!"

Laurie: "Are you eating normal?"

Candi: "I...actually have been eating more...but I feel like I've lost weight!"

Laurie: "Hmm. Enough beating around the bush! Are you pregnant?"





Candi could barely stomach it! The word hit her like nothing she'd ever faced before, not even Jeff the Invisible!

Pregnant? Her? Now? This would force her to have to change all her plans...or at least to decide on a strategy! But she wanted to fight crime in secret some more! Settling down to motherhood? It was too soon!

Candi: "I...don't really know!"





Laurie: "Get yourself a test, girl! You're a great sidekick, Candi, and I hope to have you back. But I don't doubt that you'll also make a wonderful mother too."