“Hey Zoe, how are you today?” Anne asked the Saturday a week after Jimmy’s funeral as she answered the door and let Zoe in. Zoe had just started taking runs again on Friday because sitting home alone was driving her crazy. “I didn’t expect to see you until our planned lunch tomorrow.”

“I’m getting by and wanted to see you. How are you doing?” Zoe replied. Zoe looked around and noticed boxes sitting everywhere and stuff not on shelves.

“About the same. I’m just trying to take things one day at a time,” Anne said gesturing to the boxes. “Mind the mess.”

“Why are you packing?” Zoe asked.

“I’m moving with my friend Hannah to Mesa, Arizona,” Aunt Anne answered as she took a seat on the coach.

“What? Why?” Zoe inquired, taking a seat beside her aunt. Seeing that Anne was having a little trouble with her thoughts, Zoe gestured around them and said, “I get not wanting to stay in this place, but not moving across the country.”

“There’s nothing here for me anymore, Zoe,” Anne said taking a deep breath. “I’m tired. And more importantly I’m tired of this city and want something else.”

“I don’t understand. I thought you liked living in the city,” Zoe countered. “And you have me.”

Anne smiled at Zoe and cupped her cheek. “You’re a sweet girl and I love you despite the trouble you keep bringing on yourself, but you have your own life. Make more friends, find someone to love, and live life to its fullest before it’s too late.”

“I…”

“Let me finish,” Anne said holding up her hands, and Zoe nodded her head. “I’ve watched friends come and go over the years, I’ve watched lovers do the same, and I stayed because of my son despite some of my own desires. I see that look on your face. I’ll spare you the details, but don’t be shocked that I have had a love life even if I lived for Jimmy for most of my years.”

“And now you want to live for yourself,” Zoe concluded.

“With what time I have left,” Anne agreed. Anne took Zoe’s hand into her own.

“But why Arizona?”

“Nicer weather than here and cheaper living than here or Florida for the most part,” Anne answered. She then grinned. “Plus, most of my friends have either already retired there or are preparing to do so and more space.”

“I guess I get it,” Zoe said after briefly thinking about it. “When were you going to tell me?”

“I tried a few times after Jimmy was shot, but…”

“You don’t have to say anymore,” Zoe said squeezing her aunt’s hand as Anne batted at her eyes with her free hand.

Zoe got up and got Anne a tissue. She gave the older woman a minute or two to wrangle her emotions. At the same time, Zoe fought down her own grief and anger. Zoe knew she could be a vengeful person, but she never considered herself a violent one. That said, she wanted to make whoever had killed Jimmy pay. She made herself a note to reach out to Claire and a few others to see what they had heard about Jimmy’s death.

“You know, it’s a good thing you got that federal courier license to go along with your federal driver’s license,” Anne said snapping Zoe out of her thoughts.

“Why is that?” Zoe asked.

“You can get paid to visit me every so often,” Anne laughed. Zoe’s laughter joined her aunt’s laughter after a few seconds. “So, want to help me pack?”

“Sure, I’d be happy too,” Zoe replied telling only a half-truth. On the one hand she was happy that her Aunt Anne was trying to move on with her life and she wanted to be happy for her aunt. On the other hand, she felt sorry for herself and knew that without Anne and Jimmy she would be without loved ones in New York.

*

“Hey Zoe,” Doc Brown greeted the courier as Zoe entered her office. “Take a seat.”

“Hey Claire,” Zoe said returning the greeting and sitting in a chair in front of Doc Brown’s desk.

“How are you doing?” Claire asked.

“So-so,” Zoe replied tilting her right hand up and down.

“I’m sorry for your loss, but you’ll get past it in time,” Claire said. “Trust me on that.”

“I guess you’re speaking from experience. I imagine you’ve lost a few friends and family members over the years,” Zoe said.

“I have,” Claire replied nodding in agreement. “Are you here to talk about getting a new upgrade?”

“No.”

“Alright. I’ve already pointed you to a specialist if you want to talk through your emotions,” Claire said.

“I know. I probably should call her, but I’m fine,” Zoe replied.

“If you feel you should call the specialist, then you’re not fine,” Claire pointed out. Zoe shrugged in reply. “Here for a social call?”

“Not really.”

“Then what do you want?” Doc Brown asked.

“I was wondering if you could help me find Jimmy’s killer,” Zoe answered. Claire gave Zoe a questioning look. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. From what I’ve seen you’re not just a respected doctor. You’re connected to the police, some corporations, and the CSA.”

“That’s true,” Zane said walking into the office.

“Zane…”

“Honey, Zoe’s not dumb,” Zane said.

“I know that” Claire replied.

“And we haven’t exactly kept that from her.”

“I know that too,” Claire replied again. Zane shrugged and fell silent. “Zoe, I think it’s best you let the police handle the investigation.”

“Claire, you know they won’t solve the case or even if they do, that justice will be served,” Zoe said. “Especially if the killer is a high-ranking member of one of the big gangs or a corporate executive.”

“And just what do you have in mind? Are you going to kill the killer yourself?” Claire retorted.

“Taking a life is not easy,” Zane pointed out. “And most people that do have a very hard time living with the guilt.”

“I…”

“I can try to make sure justice is served regardless of who did it,” Claire said after a moment. “But let this go.”

“I… Thanks for your time,” Zoe muttered and left.

“She’s not going to let this go,” Zane pointed out.

“No. That girl is going to do something stupid,” Claire agreed.

“Should we get involved and search for the killer to keep her from doing something too stupid?” Zane asked.

“No. Zoe needs to learn on her own,” Claire replied.

“Claire, are you sure?”

“Not really,” Doc Brown unhappily admitted. “But we’ll be there to pick up the pieces and put her back together if she gets in too far over her head.”

“I can agree with that,” Zane replied just as unhappy.