"I... missed you while I was in Japan."Laura started to respond, but Makeeda stopped her, putting her hand up, palm out."But I don't think we should s...ee each other any more."Laura's heart sank. Something squirted into her stomach which, she realized, had to be what battery acid would feel like. This, of course, was what she had always feared Makeeda would say. "You can't mean that," she whispered, cut to the quick.Makeeda looked briefly dismayed, as if she had rehearsed this and now had. "Bill shook his head as he realized she was just telling the simple truth. Moments later she was back with her chambray shirt on. She stuck out the tip of her tongue because it wasn't buttoned.Bill raised an eyebrow and she said softly, "Suffer. It's what you've been making me do for months!"She sat down at her computer and dialed a number to check the prices of the stocks in her portfolio. Ali was now running $600 million of their money, and had made 10 percent while the S&P was up 4 percent.. It wasn't like SHE was going to sleep with him! He needed playmates too, just like she had Sirenia and Wendi. And, now...Amanda reached a hand up and stroked her brother's cheek."Oh, Kine ... did ... did you love her?"Knowing nothing of his little sister's inner turmoil, or that it had taken her this long to discover his loss, he sighed."I ... don't know. In some ways, yes, but ... well. She did love me, though. She told me, just before we left." He looked off into the distance again. "Nobody. "Judge Mauser continued to smile and reached over his desk and took the envelope and saying,"Well my young friend you are too late." Too late what do you mean?", demanded Ted."I mean she isn't here now," the judge replied. "She is at home and most likely is awaiting your arrival." Home, but how?", begged Ted."Don't worry how young man just be thankful you have her back and you can keep your bail money. It will not be needed."Judge Mauser stood and motioned for Ted to leave but never, never.