He’s a cruel bastard!”She froze for a moment then looked away.“Andy didn’t suggest it. It was my idea.”“Yours?”“Mine. I’m supposed t...o be the Psychologist,” she said wryly. “Andy’s not the monster you think he is.”Her voice was soft and low, but her words sent a chill through me. Even though it was exactly what Andy had told me, I still couldn’t quite believe my ears.“That’s what Andy told me, but I didn’t believe him.”“It’s the truth. We needed a hold over Pamuk, an insurance policy in case. Why?”Emma stood up without undoing the strap. She walked over to the desk and pulled a sheet of paper from our printer. Rooting through a drawer, she found a pen and started writing. Finished, she took a piece of tape from the dispenser and walked back over to Jess.She placed the sheet of paper across Jess’ back and taped it there. Then she got dressed without doing anything further to free Jess.Emma squatted one final time to kiss Jess on the lips before smiling as she patted her on the. .. that? Really. I mean, accepting that I hadto touch Sasha's naked body in the shower was one thing. Jilling myselfin the shower was another matter entirely."Uh, yeah," I responded, quickly dragging the soapy sponge between mylegs in the barest of swipes. "Just finishing up now." Okay. Just checking."I sighed, the tension draining from my muscles. Fatigue slammed intome. I'd obviously not gotten enough of a nap earlier and the momentaryrush of adrenaline that had accompanied my surprise at. Zithrusa wasn't able to find dates or figs, but a certain amount of sesame was obtained, and dried stocks were replaced, legumes and nuts, grains and dried vegetables. The travel garbanzos were secured.Eventually it was time to go, the gather had to scatter to find fodder and forage. The farewells were said, friendships sworn, troths pledged and families parted as young men and women went with their new family to make a new life. Time enough for reunions the next gathering, a year hence. The.