” ‘Valerie’ hung up before I could say anything. I went to the kitchen and made a really stiff drink. I turned on TV, but just flipped channels..., wondering what was going to happen this evening. I was thinking about trying to find the porn on Rosie’s laptop that she had mentioned, but suddenly the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, two women in long coats were waiting in the cold December air. One of them was easily recognizable as Anna, but it took me a moment to recognize my Rosie. Her. ”“Alright. Thank you, doctor.”“Good luck, Ambassador.”Kane stood outside of the hatchway that led into the Atra. He gathered his courage. This time the negotiations would be different than yesterday. He had spoken with the captain and felt that it was only fair. Ifra had agreed to this as well. It was time. He knew what was going to happen.He looked at the guards that were in place. They were the only humans that were by him, but it wouldn’t be for long. Kane wanted no escorts. Much like what. But like so many young relationships, it didn’t last past high school. The realities of college and adulthood intervened. Ron went to his father’s alma mater, never returning home to live. He found a solid job on the opposite coast, got married, and then divorced a few years later.The finances of a single parent household kept the girls at the local community college and near their hometown after they graduated. Ron’s parents sold their house and moved away shortly after Ron left for college.. "Dory nodded her agreement and followed me as we carefully made our way along the side toward the rear of the house. When we got there, I could see that most of the main floor windows were above our ability to see in. There was a large back porch that would take us up and give us a chance to see in one window, but if anyone came out on the porch, we would be immediately discovered."Stay here. I want to check something," I said as I walked away from the back, trying to see in the one well lit.