"And so Baby Michael has been safely reunited with his mother, thanks to the bravery of these three musicians."
The police official concluded his statement, casting a pointedly amused look at the uncomfortable Nancy, Luca and Sadie, all of whom remembered with startling clarity the scolding they had received the night before for their vigilante actions.
"The suspect has been remanded in custody, and steps will be taken to ensure that this situation cannot happen again. Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the press...that concludes this morning's statement."
"Man, am I glad that's over."
Nancy pulled a face, linking her arm in Sadie's and pulling her away from the massing reporters that were surging towards them. "Mike's safe...that's all we did it for. Not this whole great big press splash."
"No, but I suppose it's all to do with that positive Jewel image thing you guys keep telling me about." Sadie looked thoughtful. "You know, I didn't think that my first few months in Los Angeles would be as eventful as this. Topaz hasn't even played her last show with you yet, and I'm already headlining the local press!"
"Well, you were damn brave." Nancy said with a shrug. "And yeah, I guess you're right. Positive publicity is always good...that's what Mom would say."
"The press can go to hell."
A fresh voice joined the conversation, and both girls swung around to see Sirena herself watching them. "I'm not staying long...I don't want them hounding me. I realised yesterday just how important my son was, and I intend to spend the rest of today with him, instead of cutting songs in the studio, whatever Mom says about it." She grinned. "I just wanted to come say thanks. I spoke to Luca already, but I didn't thank you two properly."
"No need. It was fun." Nancy shrugged. Then she grinned. "Okay, well, not fun, but I'm glad we were in the right place at the right time."
"Nancy? Get over 'ere a moment, will ya?"
Jetta's voice came across the conference hall, and Nancy rolled her eyes, heading off to join her mother and a group of insistant photographers who wanted a snapshot for the evening edition. Sadie eyed the singer nervously, then dropped her gaze to the floor. She was still rather intimidated by the impressive Sirena.
"Luca told me exactly what you did for Mike." Sirena eyed her companion thoughtfully. "You barely know me...why did you do it?"
"All babies should be with their Mummies." Sadie said softly. "I lost mine too young...I didn't want Mike to lose his."
"Well, I'm glad you felt strongly enough about it to help out." Sirena pursed her lips. "Listen, Sadie, from what Luca said, you pretty much talked your way into her house...then you plotted some halfbrained escape out the back...how could you know that you'd be able to get out? What if the door had been locked?"
"I...took a chance." Sadie blushed violently, and Sirena laughed.
"Mm, I think it was more than that." She remarked. "Look, first time I met you, I figured there was something else about you. You'd done that before, hadn't you? Talked your way into some poor soul's home and got away out the back?"
"I..." Sadie swallowed hard, twisting her hands together. "I just got lucky, I guess."
"Hmm." Sirena's eyes narrowed contemplatively. "If you ask me, I think you knew exactly what you were doing. Noone takes a chance on forcing their way into someone else's house to rescue the kid of a virtual stranger. Not if they aren't confident about getting away with it. Luca said you eyed up the house very carefully before you went in. Sounds like the mark of a pro to me."
"Will you tell anyone?" Sadie met Sirena's gaze with a frightened one of her own. "It was a long time ago, Sirena, I swear...I'm past that now. It was a silly, childhood phase and I've grown up. I'd die if anyone got to finding out!"
"Hey, look, I owe you my son's life. What business is it of mine what you did in England?" Sirena shrugged. She winked. "It was good that Luca had a pro on his team, who knew exactly what to do."
"Well, it's the first time anything I learnt back then has ever been put to any positive end." Sadie admitted. She smiled slightly. "Thanks, for not blowing my cover. Coming to LA was meant to be a new start, after all, and I'd never, ever have gone in there if it hadn't been for a good reason."
"Look, it's no skin off my nose." Sirena grinned. "Hey, does Mom know about this shady past of yours?"
"No, and I'd rather she didn't." Sadie bit her lip.
"Fine. Far as I'm concerned, it's our secret." Sirena promised. "You won't be the first from a troubled background to make it big in music, you know. Besides, I'm damn glad Mom and Jetta signed you. Wherever you came from, and whatever you've done, Mike and I owe you big now...and I won't forget that. Any time you need my help - in the business or out of it - let me know. Okay?"
"Okay." Sadie smiled, this time one of genuine warmth as she registered the geniality of her companion's gaze. "Thank you. I'll remember that."
"Well, I'd better be getting back to Mike. I left him with Kimber at the Foundation, but I want to spend as much time with him as possible today." Sirena remarked. "I guess I'll see you at Misfit Music, huh?"
"Bound to." Sadie nodded. She grinned. "Hey, and maybe one day, I'll have a platinum disk up there on that wall too!"
"There aren't maybes where Jewel are concerned." Sirena winked. "Garnet will be a star...count on it."