Maureen viewed the tape again, shaking her head.

"Lydia--we trusted you..."

The phone rang, and she was happy to turn the damning tape off.

"Oz? Oh, honey, how are you....Jordy? Well, when he's about your age, maybe. The condition doesn't hit until late puberty...what do you mean, how long? Your mother didn't tell you? I swear to God, if my sister's chest wasn't attached, you'd have gone hungry as an infant. Well, in time, you'll find control...loved ones are tricky, hun. They can calm or trigger....No, Uncle Ken is from a like clan. Its a safety valve, and you don't have to lie quite as often....well, tell me how it turns out, and maybe bring that redhead around---no, not at this time of the month. Okay, kiddo. Who's your favorite? You're welcome."

She hung up, and shook her head.

"Hell of a detail to leave out, sis."

As Lydia prepared to leave for the day, Maureen stopped her.

"Watch this."

The day-care guardian merely shrugged at the tape that showed her slapping Jordy hard across the head--twice.

"Okay! You know how he gets. But I'll tell you what. I won't report you for spying on me, and I'll never do it again."

Outside, Ken locked the doors and turned on the stereo in the garage. Maureen saw the moon in the skylight above her.

"I know you won't."