The architectural style reminded David of drawings he had seen of some of Albert Speer's proposals. It was flanked by two smaller versions of the same... style, but one green and the other red.Close up, they looked even more massive and David realised that the yellow was caused by some form of glittering gold paint covering the exterior; he later learned that it was tiny facets of the stonework which had been given a coating of gold leaf. The red and green buildings had been treated with rubies. So I’d dive into a book, and ignore him, hoping he would go away. He always did. Then I’d always go home to my fantasies and my toy. After 6 months of this, I was desperate. Then I got a pink slip at work. Corporate merger. When they hired me, I got some stock options. After the taxes were paid, the options and the severance pay came to $85K. Enough to pay for the Bimbo Factory. Shit. I was lonely and out of work. I had the money. I had the time. But could I do it? I didn’t know. But I figured. The flat took over the whole top floor, and the sloping ceilings following the rooflines gave it an interesting appearance. The landing was spacious, off which were, clockwise, a bathroom, a kitchen, a storeroom/pantry, a very large living room with a minuscule veranda beyond two french doors, and off the living room a large bedroom with two three-quarter beds. On a foggy December night it wasn’t warm in there, in fact it was bloody cold, though the gas fire soon took the edge off the freezing. Enjoy, let me know what you think of my tale. Jb7. Part Two (more introductions and a mission) Back in his own room, Ray threw himself on his bed, in a bit of a turmoil about what had happened this afternoon. As his head hit the pillow, he brought up his hands and hit his forehead on the ring he had found and nearly forgotten. As he looked at it again, the ruby appeared to change colors, turning from deep blood red, to an almost pastel, and even ventured into the green hues briefly. `What the.