I cannot explain why but somehow I was more comfortable with that than had it been a man. There is a vast trade in substandard drugs, even substances ...like chalk sold as real drugs, packaged as if they were the genuine article. Millions suffer or die as a consequence of this vile trade. Katherine Eleanor Porter-Haynes had been the product of a woman of high English birth and an American philanthropist whose vast wealth had derived from the slave-trading of earlier English generations and tobacco. But Sasha, what if he says he wants that red pick up truck, you going to get that for him?" No smart ass, I'm going to get myself that red pick up truck," she grins causing us both to laugh. "Come on, I think I hear the doorbell," Monica grabs her hand and they make their way down the steps to be greeted by Liam."Oh my god, my baby is home," Monica throws her arms around him causing them both to nearly tumble over. As they both pull back, Liam's eyes look to the left to see Sasha walking. Siegfried Miller, one-time respected Army major, now dishonored retiree, had had ample time to fully comprehend his altered status. Physically he was as recovered as he was going to be pending their return to Earth and its advanced reconstructive medicine. The one leg, merely broken, had healed, and he wore a carefully designed knee brace on the other that allowed him reasonable, though still significantly restricted, movement. Hours of intensive rehabilitation had brought him as close to. Carstairs wasn't with them. Brenda stood up and waved, getting Emily's attention, then pointed to an empty table only about fifteen feet away from theirs. Because of my new flexibility, I quickly amended my action plan to include Emily also. Shortly after Emily arrived, the band started playing, and the lights were dimmed throughout the room. The first song was a slow one, and the man who was playing the piano started to sing."Dance with me please, Grace?" No thank you, Kenny." I hadn't.