Thorn walked back over to shelving unit and opened a small refrigerator containing bags of her own blood, O negative which her and Shadow had stored there just for instances like this.  Taking a bag, she pulled over an IV pole to Sam and hooked the bag onto the top.  After setting up an IV into his hand and opening the valve on the tube, Thorn began the process of hosing down the tile floor, washing away all evidence of blood and flesh.  The severed feet were thrown into the incinerator which Shadow would operate once she returned to the basement.<br/><br/>The saw was thoroughly cleaned as was the iron which had now cooled off, and after Thorn was satisfied with her janitorial work she glanced once more at Sam.  His face still held the smile which told her that he had definitely entered the part of his mind that would have him committed if he was in public; all rational thought had left him, much like herself, but she had always been able to climb out of that dark place.  One of these days though, she might not be able to and her and Shadow both agreed if that were to happen, Shadow would kill her quickly.  The thought of ever becoming a threat to Shadow made her shudder and brought back another flashback…<br/><br/><em>After they had eaten dinner, Thorn, her brother, and Shadow remained at the table.  Tim was making small talk but Thorn could not take her eyes off of Shadow.  It seemed the girl would not make eye contact with her, and she had originally chalked it up to shyness, but there was something more…fright.</em><br/><br/>Blinking back the memory, Thorn turned off the main lights and left the room in darkness behind her before entering the shower.  The hot water cleansed away the day’s adventure and the memories of her brother and Shadow and after scrubbing her skin raw, Thorn stepped out of the shower and got dressed.  One last glance into the dark room at Sam told her he would probably be unconscious for awhile longer and she pushed the heavy door shut, wrapping him once again in complete darkness.<br/><br/>Upstairs, all seemed quiet and Thorn knew that Shadow had Stine in the bedroom.  Before heading out the door, she paused to leave a short note on the kitchen counter, and then took her laptop from the closet.