For her part, Ada, also cooled toward William. She didn’t do so intentionally, really, but there was a nagging worry at the back of her mind about w...hy—and under what circumstance—Pete had disappeared so abruptly. 1919 turned into 1920, and autumn on Wolf Creek turned into winter. For the first time, Ada decided to winter at Brook House, because she wanted to paint a series of winter scenes in the valley. Martha and Thaddeus were more than willing to watch after the store and run the post office. “You will receive four extra strokes,” Miss Lena said standing up and pulling out a ratten cane. She swished it in the air a couple of times. “Please not on my bare bottom, please Professor Lena,” she pleaded to her professor. “Maybe if you didn’t have such an ego, what a disgrace, doing zero work while getting perfect grades. Maybe I would have spanked you over your jeans, but you need a hard bare bottom spanking, bare your bottom now,” Miss Lena commanded. Makaela kicked off her shoes, then. She reached out and touched Akbar’s mind. There was definitely something there that he didn’t want her to know. She felt Timothy’s mind. Timothy was upset about his old friend’s predicament, but didn’t know what to do about it. Akbar was too upset to discuss it with him, other than demanding that he give up his own tractor.‘We were both drunk as skunks, you dumb bucket!’ Elaine heard in Timothy’s mind. She smiled, returning her attention to Akbar. “I understand your problem,” the goddess said,. "Maybe... I'm not sure..." He shook his head againbefore adding, "That seems kind like cheating though..."James watched Ryan for a moment and since Ryan was still thinking aboutit, he turned and looked at Samhain. "I wish I could have my idealbody..." Your requests have been heard," Samhain said, ignoring the fact thatRyan had never actually made his request. "Now it is time for Samhain todecide your fates..." Oh shit," Ryan muttered, looking worried for a moment. "I hope thisisn't as bad.