I worked hard to earn the right to attend the National, held at resorts or cities around the country lasted a work week. Usually meetings lasted until... mid-day or so, followed by sightseeing trips, golfing, organized other activities or free time and, of course, parties. Naturally alcohol flowed very freely.The New Orleans trip was my 4th or 5th and I worked Saturday to make the office easier for my assistant. My husband, Gene hated these trips but knew I had (wanted) to go, this time packing. In fact, it was a nasty laugh and one that promised trouble for "Miranda" if she didn't cooperate to the fullest."Well, you can get your pretty ass up on that desk, darling and pull down those terrible black panties. I need to get some exercise beating your backside until it is nice and cherry red for me to kiss."I bent over Miranda's desk and closed my eyes not wanting to see my humiliation in the mirror that covered the entire side wall. For an older woman, Miranda's boss could really whip a. I would hate to see what that path is like after constant rain.”“Yes, Milord.”Silence was one thing, safety was something completely different. That he spoke to me at all showed just how worried he was about this crossing.The rain was already making its way down the path via a little stream. I noticed the groves in the rocks next to the cliff edge and the path that we were taking and hoped that it would be enough.I offered the ladies the carriage to change into something dry, Sister Emily. Sometimes they’d go to a fancy restaurant and sometimes they’d eat in his office. It wasn’t cold there and the rug was much nicer.Jacie would sing softly to herself when Grandpa yelled at Daddy. The mean words made her nervous and she did her best to ignore them. He never yelled back at Grandpa and she’d sometimes hug him after Grandpa left. Daddy always seemed sad except when he was reading to her or playing with Buster, the only dog they had left.The pictures hanging on his wall grew in.