Mel tightened her white belt one more time to make sure it was correctly fastened. It was hard to believe this was the ninth Sunday with Master Michael. Who knew he would remind her of her brother? And since he had the same name, she took it as one of those little signs that she was in the right place at the right time again.

Today he was presenting belts to those who tested well the week before. She knew her ability to get out of holds improved from helpless to figuring out where her opponent's weakness was and using it to get out of it. Most of the time it was a simple as using momentum to shift things to her own advantage. The trick she liked the most was getting out of a wrist hold. Broken or as least severely bruised thumbs guaranteed freedom and follow up moves to make sure her opponent was incapacitated.

She stood patiently as the rest of the class received their yellow belts. For once she knew she was good enough. Everyone cheered as she went through the moves cleanly during last week's class.

"And I saved the best for last today. Melinda Durant has shown us all exactly what hard work can accomplish. Do you all remember how helpless she was?"

Giggles erupted, including Mel's own. It really was comical. She thought it might have been hopeless, until the first time she threw an attacker to the mat when they approached her from behind.

The compliments from one of junior instructors when she was able to kip up to her feet on the first try surprised Mel. He told her, her strength training and aerobic conditioning were top notch and there was no reason she couldn't learn as quickly as the younger children in the class.

When Master Michael noticed the bandage on her right knee, she told him she was a klutz. She could trip over the grout lines on a tile floor. He said first we will give you the skills to move with confidence and with it the ability to find a way out of confrontation unless there is no other choice.

There was almost more training for her mind than for her body once she really started to pay attention to what Master Michael's instructions at the beginning of each sessions truly said.

His words now interrupted her thoughts.

"You are the most improved student, and the one who has consistently worked the hardest. Your willingness to stay for extra help and not give up until you got your moves right has impressed me. I hope you continue with us and we will have the privilege of watching you develop into a true student of our mixed Karate and Kungfu martial arts style."

Master Michael handed her the bright yellow belt, and she gave him the bow of respect she was taught. He truly deserved it for all his extra work with her. He returned it before he spoke once more.

"Those of you are moving into the next level, and working toward your orange belt, classes are later on Sundays. I hope you can make the adjustments to your day and join us." His dark eyes met hers for an extra second as he spoke.

"I will be here Master. Sunday is mine to do as I wish. And I wish to learn and grow here." She surprised herself as she spoke. Mel started out just trying to get through the nine weeks and become somewhat proficient at getting herself out of trouble. But learning here was addictive and she wanted more.

His quiet nod of approval was all she needed to know it was the right move.

"By the way everyone. The Dojo is closed next week. Enjoy your time with friends and family. Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and reflection. I will see you on the first Sunday of December."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Greg and Ralph were waiting for her as she came out into the snowy parking lot. She carried her duffel bag and decided to announce her new status by weaving the yellow belt around the handles.

Ralph jumped out to hug her and swing her around in a huge circle. Her bag went flying and laughter bubbled from Mel's throat.

Greg got out of his SUV and retrieved her bag before saying, "Congratulations, Mighty Mouse!"

She laughed harder. The nick name stuck and she kind of liked it. "I was so embarrassed when Joe called me that the first time. But he scolded me and reminded me to remember the best surprises come in small packages. I'm shorter than half the kids in the class."

"I pity the attacker who underestimates you," Ralph said as he set her back down on her feet.

Greg's hand came into her peripheral vision and she automatically pivoted to block and stepped forward to throw a punch toward his midsection. He moved back a split second before she landed it.

"Nice. You're far faster than you were the last time I tried this. I don't think much will get by you anymore. Want a ride home?"

She nodded.

"I guess it's time to face it again. I'm surprised how generous the insurance settlement was. Lana said that is what the replacement cost clause is for. Even if the stuff I had was second hand, the claims adjustor told me they have standard amounts for the average new price of the things I lost. Even with the $500.00 deductible I had a great time shopping for replacements."

"Come on, let's go see if your alarm system is working," Ralph said. "I'm glad you took Sylvia's advice and had one installed."

"I didn't expect Peggy to pay for it and put the monthly monitoring charges on the Cozy Corner account. How did I get so lucky?" Mel shook her head as she hopped up into the front passenger seat of Greg's vehicle.

"Who's car is that?" Greg said as they pulled out of the parking lot.

"One of the student's," Mel replied. "Or at least I thought it was."

"I've seen it a couple of times now. Here and parked on the street by Cozy Corner. We need to get Sylvia to check the license plate and find out who it is registered to." Greg rattled the numbers and letters off as he slowed and let it pass them.

"I've got it on my phone," Ralph said. "Nice work, Gramps."

Greg's grin was contagious, and Mel asked, "Do you mind him calling you that?"

"Not at all. Come on kids. By the way, Ralph if you hurt her, you have me to answer to. Got it?" His teasing tone didn't match the look he sent him in the mirror at all.

"I won't promise that. We'll argue and have misunderstandings, but I promise we'll never go to sleep mad at each other. It's something my mother taught me, and I really believe in. If that isn't enough, then that's tough for you, Gramps."

Mel leaned across, to give him a kiss. "That's all I can ask. Nothing worse than leaving things unresolved."

"That's an answer I can respect, son. But I'll hold you to it." Greg sped up to the speed limit

"Okay, now that that's settled, I'm texting Sylvia with that license plate number. She can look it up. Hopefully, the vehicle is properly registered."

When Greg pulled into the ally behind Cozy Corner, he spotted Herbie parked beside Elena's van. Suze wasn't in her car waiting, so he assumed she was up with the baker. Mel's friend showed a huge interest in the chocolate side of things with a very refined ability to taste the differences between the various types of chocolate beans.

"I'll bet Suze is pitching her basic chocolate bar idea," Mel said.

"Might work," Greg said as he set his parking brake and shut down his vehicle.

"Is there a market here? I mean Fort Collins isn't a mecca for well to do tourists like Aspen and Vail," Mel said.

"No, but it could work with a well organized online sales site with mail order capabilities," Ralph put in.

"And considering how many questions we're getting about the where to get the chocolates whenever we sell another brownie, there is some interest. If she starts small and is continually sold out within a few days of production, it could establish itself as a small side business for Elena." Mel added.

"Clever marketing is the key. Don't forget to make sure Suze understands it," Greg said. "Let's go see what you've done with your apartment, Mel."

As they climbed the stairs, Mel pressed her hand against her sternum. The familiar pressure was unwelcome, and she began her breathing exercises, once again repeating her mantra of one step at a time. Ralph squeezed her hand, beside her even though it was a tight squeeze for them.

"You're going to be okay. We're here with you," Ralph reminded her.

"I know. I just keep seeing that black lipstick and the message she left. I'll never understand how I became the target."

"Sick minds like Deloras' are not understandable, Mel. At least not those like hers. I'm sure Dr. Elizabeth has told you many a time," Greg said as he arrived at her door.

"I know. Let's see if I remember the code."

The shiny new keypad was right beside the lever and deadbolt between the frames of the window and the door. She took another slow long breath and let it out as she entered the eight digit code. The light turned green and she turned her key in the deadbolt. Could she live here again?

Pushing inside she looked around and sighed.

"What do you think? I picked everything out myself."