"Sweetie. Whatever happened in there was not your fault." Howie reached out his hand to touch her hair but she jumped down from the bunk before he was able to. She sat down at the table with her back to him, her head hung low, resting on her arms. He followed her lead and sat down opposite her at the table. "Samantha look at me!" He commanded. Samantha didn't budge. He stood up and went over to her side of the table. He sat down beside her and stroked her hair. "Sam" he said softly. "I think it is time you told me about Taryn and what happened."

Samantha didn't lift her head. "How much of the conversation did you hear?"

"Not that much actually." He replied rubbing her back. "I was in the den with Adam and Kyle. The first thing I heard was Christopher telling you to calm down. I had just gotten to your father's office when you ran out."

"I'm sorry. I almost knocked you down. I didn't see you until I ran into you."

"No harm, no foul." Howie kissed her hair. "Sam, I have put 2 and 2 together from various conversations and I am pretty sure Taryn passed away. Am I correct?" Samantha nodded but still didn't lift her head from her arms. "What happened? Why does everyone change the subject when her name is brought up?"

Samantha sniffled. "I don't even know where to begin Howard." She lifted her head and turned to face him. For the first time Howie saw her swollen eyes. She looked like she had been crying for days. His heart melted and choked back his own tears.

"Oh Samantha. Sweetheart." He stood up and pulled her up into his arms and held her tight. 'What kind of a man would reduce his daughter to tears like this?' he wondered. Howie continued to hold Samantha as tightly as possible. "Everything is going to be OK Sam. I promise you." Samantha sobbed harder in his embrace. "Shhh…Its OK Sam. I'm right here." He whispered as he rocked her gently, still holding her tightly to him. He smoothed her hair down. He wanted Samantha to answer his questions but he could see she was in no shape to do so. He guided her over to one of the bottom bunks and sat her down. He sat down next to her and then stretched out behind her, pulling her down to him. He didn't say anything. He just laid there, holding her close to him. She continued to sob softly in his arms, occasionally taking a deep breath. He smoothed her hair again and kissed her head. Finally, he felt her stop crying. He assumed she had cried herself to sleep and was startled by the sound of her voice.

"My mom designed the playhouse the second summer we lived here." She whispered. "It was supposed to be a tree house but it got to be too elaborate so she tore it down and started over again." She turned over to face Howie. "I am so sorry Howard. Please forgive me." She looked down at his chest.

Howie kissed her forehead before bringing her eyes to meet his. "Samantha, you have NOTHING to be sorry for." He kissed her lips. "NOTHING AT ALL." He shook his head.

Samantha choked back a sob. "I'm sorry for the way my father and Christopher treated you." Tears trickled down her face. "After last night, I...I thought Christopher was on my side but now…"

"Wait Sam!" Howie said wiping away her tears. "You missed Christopher's performance!"

"What? I think I caught Christopher's performance Howard!"

Howie shook his head. "No Samantha. After you left, Christopher defended me to your father. He defended BOTH of us!"

"He did?"

"Yes, he did. I owe him a debt of gratitude Sam. What he said about you and about me, brought tears to my eyes." He kissed her cheek. "He loves you very much Samantha. I think he just got caught in the middle of the conversation and didn't get the chance to explain his side of the story to you." Howie was relieved to see Samantha's entire body relax. 'So it wasn't just that her dad upset her.' He mused. 'She was more upset by the fact she thought Christopher had betrayed her.' He brought her eyes back up level with his own. "He is up there at the house right now talking to your dad."

Samantha laughed softly. "I'm glad it is him and not me!"

Howie hugged her tightly. "Are you ready to answer a few questions for me sweetie?" He asked hopefully.

Samantha nodded slowly as she arose from the bed and took a seat facing him, sitting on the table. "What do you want to know?"

Howie sat up and leaned forward; letting his clasped hands drop between his knees. He raised his head to look at Samantha. "Why does everyone change the subject when Taryn's name is brought up?"