"Inside?" Angela asked in a small voice, her head swaying gently back and forth, her eyes now glossy and bright.

At twenty-three minutes after midnight, Laurie knocked lightly on the door of room 250 and then pushed it open, almost bumping into Mr. Enderlander. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, backing up a step. "I wasn't sure if you were still here."

"That is quite all right," he told her. "I was, in fact, just leaving."

"Is everything all right, then?" she asked, looking past him into the room where his mother's body lay on the bed, a sheet drawn up to her chin.

Following her gaze, Enderlander smiled. "Yes. My mother's spirit is at rest and everything is finally as it should be." He turned back to face her. "I would like to extend my most sincere thanks for all of your kindness and assistance during my mother's stay." He held out his hand and Laurie took it, surprised by his show of sensitivity. She shook his hand gently, since he did not make any attempt to squeeze her own--it was more of a caress on his part than a handshake and she quickly released her grip.

"Not at all, Mr. Enderlander," Laurie told him, feeling the need to wipe her hand off, as soon as possible. "Your mother was a kind woman and seemed very sweet."

"Ah, yes. She had her moments. But, thank you, once again."

"Of course." Laurie backed up so he could get clear of the room.

"Everything is arranged, so you just go on home and get some rest, now."

"Yes. Yes, indeed I will." He had a coat draped over one arm and a small cloth bag in his hand. Laurie thought she heard a soft rattle from inside the bag as he moved past her. "Good night, then," he said and headed for the elevators.

Laurie nodded and stepped into the room, but then turned back. "Excuse, Mr. Enderlander, but have you seen Angela tonight?"

The old man slowly turned around and looked her right in the eyes. "Sorry, no," he said. "I haven't seen her tonight."

"Oh, well, it's no problem. She must be in another room, helping someone."

"Yes, I suppose. Well, if you see her, be sure to share with her my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all she did to help my mother and myself."