He stood there with both arms raised. The sleeves of his robe fell back exposing his bare forearms. He raised the walking stick to the sky. He shouted..., barely heard above the wind, “I give my love and my life to the Gods and Goddesses, to sanctify this area.”As his shouted died, a bolt of lightening came down from the sky and struck the walking stick. Fingers of electricity walked down the stick, enveloping John. When the lightening ended, John was gone. A small pile of ashes remained. The wind. I invited my friend to have dinner with me. At six-thirty my friend said he had to go. I figured it was safe to head home. I would avoid going anywhere near the studio until my mother told me it was safe.When I arrived home at a little after seven o’clock my mother was on the phone with one of her clients. “Yes, it is ready. I sent a photo to your phone. I will ship the original out to you tomorrow. You’re welcome, Fred”Mom put her phone away, “Arthur, You’re back.” Mom motioned to me with her. We sat down in the booth with her on the inside and me beside her. As I slid in, she stayed right up against me so our thighs were pressed tightly together. Her hand rested on the inside of my thigh under the table. Still somewhat speechless, I stammered, "Y-y-y-you want something t-t-to drink?" She said she would like a frozen Margarita. The waitress was already heading our way, no doubt to get a closer look at Suzy. I ordered her drink and another beer for me. The waitress lingered for a long. Thus, they kept to the open sea whilst the smaller ships fanned out in their usual fashion.Not that anybody expected French ships under these conditions. If they knew their business they were holed up in some secure port waiting out the bad weather. Tony decided to follow the same wisdom.“Captain Ellington, kindly have the ship wear. Course south. We’re sailing for Port Mahon. Signal lieutenant! ‘Commodore to squadron: course south, destination Port Mahon. Form line ahead.’ See that every ship.