The nurse walked to the far side of the bed and adjusted the pillows behind her head. "Detective Wallace told me he'd haul me off to the clink if we don't get you up and out of here as soon as possible."

She twisted her head back toward the nurse and forced another smile.

"I spoke with your mother, Annika. It's okay. She and your dad will be here tomorrow."

At the mention of her parents, the girl's eyes filled with tears and a guttural cry escaped from her mouth. She wanted to speak but couldn't find the strength, or the right words.

"They know you're going to be fine. They want to come over here and be with you."

I couldn't understand what she was mumbling. Her head was moving back and forth, causing all the monitors to go into high gear. It was something about what she wanted.

"I know you want to go home," Mercer said. Her hand was clasped in his and he continued to try to calm her by stroking her hair.

I bit my lip and thought of how isolated and frightened she must be. Alone in a foreign country, victim of a crime that almost took her life, and not even able to speak on the telephone to assure her family that she would survive.

"Remember the lady I told you about, my friend Alex? I've brought her here to meet you," Mercer said, stepping back from the bed that was surrounded with medical equipment so that Annika could see me.

I came in closer and she dropped his hand, gesturing toward mine. I took his place by her side, covering her cold fingers with my own, and let Mercer finish speaking. "Alex and I are going to find this man, Annika. All you have to do is get strong again. That's your only assignment."

"Mercer's right. You need to get all the rest you can. We'll be back to see you every day. We'll get you everything you need."

"Home?" This time I could hear her clearly.

"Of course you can go home as soon as you're well enough to travel," I said.