The picture was cleverly hidden inside the frame of another picture. He adjusted it so that, when he had a craving to see her, he could pull the small tab and her picture would pop out to give him the satisfaction of seeing her beautiful face.

He heard movement downstairs. He quickly adjusted his tie and, placing the picture where it usually sat, he quickly closed the door to his room and walked downstairs.

Mother was fixing breakfast as he strode into the kitchen, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Are you going to the office today?" she asked as she ladled a little gravy onto the biscuits she had sitting in front of her. He peered out the kitchen window.

"I have to stop there later today, but this morning I'm going down to Old Man Ross' house. It seems he is having some trouble with chicken stealing."

"Oh, my," Mother said. "I do hope it isn't anyone we know."

He turned, smiling, picked up the plate of biscuits and gravy, placed a few strips of bacon on the side, and sat down at the table.

"I hope not either. I would hate to have to arrest any of our friends."

As he finished his breakfast, Mother came and sat down beside him.

"How's Jane been lately?" she asked, quietly.

He stiffened. Just slightly, though Mother caught it.

"I'm not sure, I haven't been at the hospital in a couple of weeks. I'm sure she is doing fine though."

He excused himself, gave his mother another forehead kiss, then, grabbing his hat that sat by the door, he walked quickly to his truck.

Jane was the last thing he wanted to think about right now.