I was about to jump up and join him when Derek came to close the door and noticed me lying there, dazed and confused on the grass beside the door. "Wh...at are you doing down there?" He asked, grinning as he helped me up."That jerk just pushed me out the way when he left" I said whilst I picked up my belongings and hobbled into his house."Oh. Yeah, Jerry is an idiot. Doesn't care about anything other than himself." And that was that, we said nothing more about Jerry.For being one of my best. Mr Jones commented ?That was a little low Michael, try and raise it a little?.?Back down! And remember you must count?Laura bent over. ?Sorry Sir. Six. Thank you?A further three strokes were delivered in quick succession.?Last one coming?. A final swish followed by the pistol crack.?Ten. Thank you Sir?.?You may now stand up and compose yourself. The caning has been completed.?Laura burst into tears, whether relief at the conclusion of her ordeal or because of the dreadful pain she felt in her. "I'll write you, Ash.I promise." I'll hold you to it." She wiped at her eyes in a very unladylikemanner, turned toward her mother and gave her another hug. "Are youcoming with us to town?" No honey. I don't think I could handle seeing you leaving." She driedher eyes and kissed Ashley's cheek. "Let us know once that baby isclose, we can come to help if you need it." She sat down at the tableand fidgeted with her kerchief.Ashley looked toward her sisters; Beth had her arm resting around. Tell me what it is you want. Do you want to carry on seeing Luther? Do you want to accept his offer to work with him?”Jill knew I wanted both the truth and also the thrill of hearing how much she wanted this thing, and she played it perfectly. Both honest and throwing it back to unmask my deceit, unmasking me just like the moment in Oz when the real nature of the Wizard is revealed. Although she was part-playing our game, the overwhelming sense I got was of Jill being totally straight with me..