Whatever thoughts of rejection in the Strip dissipates at Alex taking her into his arms, pressing her close to him. They move toward the elevator, and the man utters the basic truth of matters, and it's almost too late when Sarah notices the thickness forming in her throat.

She swallows, pushing the weight away. "Damn, Neil," she says quietly, as if addressing the child not present. Her dark eyes move upward to catch Alex's face. "What happened?"