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"I had a best friend forever once, but she was a real bitch to ured—"

"Look, Tully, norrovel for an hour or so and spoon a bunch of humble pie down my throat, but I dont have time for the ritual today Im sorry Your phone call came at a bad time and I was snotty Okay?"

"Whats wrong?"

"Its Johnny Hes going to Baghdad tomorrow "

Tully should have seen this co in the Middle East Everyone at the station and around the world was trying to guess when President Bush was going to drop the first bo over there, Katie Hell be fine "

"Im scared, Tully What if—"

"Dont," Tully said sharply "Dont even think it Ill follow hiet most of the news first Ill watch for you "

"And youll tell me the truth, no matter what?"

Tully sighed Their familiar promise didnt sound as airy and hopeful as usual; suddenly it had a dark, onore "No matter what, Katie But you dont have to worry This ont last long Hell be home before Marah takes her first step "

"I pray youre right "

"Iht You know that "

Tully hung up the phone, listening to the sound of Grant turning on the shower His hu, which usuallytime she was afraid

Johnny in Baghdad

Kate received the first e from Johnny two days after he left Until then, shed walked around the house in a daze, never far from the new fax/phone theyd put on the kitchen counter As she went about the business of her day—changing diapers, reading stories, watching Marah crawl froerous piece of furniture to the next—she thought: Okay, Johnny: let me know youre alive and well Hed told her that phone calls could only be ued that her need was dire, and why didnt that count?), but that faxes were not only possible but relatively easy

And so shed waited