When you come in, just follow my lead and don’t say anything unless I ask a question. Okay?”Ella whispered back, “Okay.”Claudia smiled and sai...d, “Okay, you stay here until I call you, but I won’t be too long.”Claudia winked at Ella and then got up and walked back into the living room. She went and stood behind Luke again and said in a stern tone, “I hope you are ready for your punishment, lad.”Luke was ready. “Yes, Miss,” he replied obediently although a little tense now that the moment had. . " All she said was a cheerful "let's EAT". She laughed, so I laughed. We talked about her nice house, and how much she enjoyed living in the neighborhood ... I was seriously chowing down, thinking she was too, then she stopped and asked "Do you really think so?" Although I had plenty of space behind my chair, I felt suddenly pinned in the corner. I looked up and made sure that she could see me looking deep into her eyes... " I really do"She immediately looked down at her food. I had to say. I made no attempt to discuss the matter with her and she in turn did nothing to appease me. She knew that I was angry, but that did not seem to bother her at all. James and I talked and I asked if he knew anything about this trip and he confirmed that Jill had told him last Monday night. Since Amanda and I had our bust up on Sunday, I concluded that the phone lines between our two houses must have been busy. On the Friday, Amanda and Jill were talking on the phone for ages and when she. Gotta go, the boss is calling us in on them."Damn, I wish I could watch, but knew better than to get in the way. I looked around for Bud and Jim, but they were missing too. Mercy and I were still looking out the window when we saw the black Ford SUV coming our way fast. The truck pulled into our parking lot and the two front doors opened with two guys jumping out. One had what looked like a small automatic rifle in his hand.I yelled, "Mercy, stay down, get Mary and stay down." I ran for the.