" I had a good bit of money that I had collected here and there or won, probably five or six pounds."Ten pounds, Virginia," said the whoremonger, look...ing at me with narrowed eyes."A sovereign, a gold sovereign." I said, holding up the glittering coin, the only one I had ever held. I could not recall which dead Brit I had taken it from, but it must have been an officer.The crowd made a small gasp, and the big man stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned his back, spitting in the dirt. I gave. Tifa straightened her slim shoulders back, then adjustedher green skirt and tunic one more time before leavingher new quarters to assemble with the rest of the newtoy assemblers. The young elf girl merged with the longline of elfin females quietly rushing to the gatheringchamber ahead. Tifa brushed a stray lock of red hair outof her lovely face, then moved into place in the thirdrow of the assembly. The group of elf girls stood silently at attention,their green clothing spotless and orderly. A. ‘I didn’t have to.’ At Reid’s look of disbelief he explained, ‘she came to me. Told me she was happy for me and Mad, that we belonged together.’ ‘But why does Maddy-May feel threatened?’ ‘I don’t know. I would never turn my back on her.’ ‘But?’ ‘I think she’s afraid I want someone more on the edge.’ He shook his head, ‘It’s not a competition. I don’t want anyone else. She’s perfect.’ ‘I don’t think it’s me that needs to hear that. She gave me absolute hell and all I’m doing is staying at the. I smiled. The clock was now ticking, I had exactly a week to turn myteenage son into a passable and beautiful teenage girl. We didn't havea moment more to waste."Follow me!" Jumping up from my seat, I led the way out of the frontroom and to the stairs, pausing only briefly to ensure Tim was rightbehind me. Soon we were in my bedroom, which as usual was exceptionallyclean and tidy. "Sit down on the bed," I instructed as I closed thedoor behind us.It was rare for the both of us to be in my.