‘It’s nothing, Manny, I’ve just been a little under the table….I mean, whether…lately. I do appreciate your concern, though,’ Pastor said,... clearing his throat again. ‘Pastor, I don’t want these problems to work themselves out, I want to be able to intervene and solve them before the moral turpitude drives our once-fair community into the biblical annals of the living prophets and Cherry Hill becomes the new Babylon,’ Manny continued his rant, growing again. Pastor quieted him down again with a. After a few minutes, she'd gotten over him, watching as the dominant thought in her brain and she settled in to enjoy her time on the mountain. Starting a fire was always a challenge at altitude. Having learned from experience, she had thought to bring a newspaper to get a decent flame going. After a few false starts, she had it figured out and turned her attention to preparing a modest dinner. The temperature was dropping, but she didn't feel the need to put her sweatshirt back on with the. You know better.”“I know. I was curious. I’m sorry.”“Okay. Maybe...”Like she can read my mind. “Don’t make me sleep by myself. Please, Uncle Ben?”Ben, you lost that one. “I won’t. But...”“I’ll be good.” Smirk. “Bink says she touched it.”“I made Bink stop.”“Bink says you’re hot.”“Bink needs to get a life.” And I’m thinking Bink’s a clear danger now.“Are we still going out on the boat?”“If you don’t wish to sit in your darkened room, overcome by remorse.”“Don’t be silly. This is just a little. ‘You need to learn to speak a little more plainly, ‘Trine.’ ‘Go to hell! Plain enough for you?’ He hand spanks her sharply and his voice is laced with laughter. ‘Too plain. I’m only going if you’re going. Want a vacation in hell? A time share? We can probably manage.’ ‘Ow.’ Is all she has to say, icily. Swinging her down from his shoulder, he lays her on the bed and ties her hands over her head to the headboard. He tsks softly and says ‘You’re too damned stubborn.’ Her voice is icier, and her.