”Kara came back to the kitchen.“Shari is going to take a quick shower,” she said. “I haven’t seen her this happy or relaxed since I’ve kno...wn her!”I started making bacon, eggs, and waffles, while Kara made coffee and Jessica set out plates and utensils.“I meant to ask, how were your Lamaze classes?” Jessica asked.“Fine. I was in the room with Jennifer and Josie, so I was pretty much aware of how things went. I’m still in awe of Jennifer.”“So is it old hat now?” Elyse asked, waddling into the. Within hours, several scientists turned up at the village loaded with instruments of amazing complexity. They then plugged them into the ground at intervals. Miles of wires were laid along the roads and the geo-scientists all looked at their instruments, shook their heads and then wrapped the cables and bits up again, bundling them all into the back of a large van. ‘An unusual one-off’ they cried as they fled whence they came. Our government kept a lofty silence until the media picked it up. I can't think of another way." When are you going to do this?" I already have. I wiped the computer files — actually overwrote them with random stuff. I've got copies with me. But all my stuff that's legal is still there — I only got rid of their stuff that I'd cached. My partner in the business will be there tomorrow, and I'll just never show up again. There's a clause in our contract that leaves him the business. He'll be surprised, but he'll be glad, too. I have no idea if he'll be able to. There was a big bruise under his right eye and a long cut on his forehead."That was a neat little trick you played on me last night," he muttered.I looked at him coolly. "You're the one who plays tricks." I started out onto the porch."Wait, don't leave yet."I stopped and looked at his battered face. "How did you explain those bruises to Linda?" I asked with a smile."She just thinks Nat and I scuffled a bit," he said, digging something out of his pocket. "But unless you keep your voice down,.