.” he gestured toward the evening sky, “ . . . was shot down last night.” The older woman seemed to relax just a little and she pointed to his m...akeshift crutch. “You are hurt, yes?” “It’s just a sprain, but I need to rest for a few days. Will you help me? S’il vous plait?” he smiled again, hoping that his attempt to speak their language would endear him and help his plea. She studied him for a moment, then whispered something to the girl. She nodded, her blue eyes never leaving him, then. 'You're smart, aren't you?' Click. Just a faint one'Better than the alternative. If you think it's turnin' into smart-ass, tell me. The charge has been leveled a coupla times.' Her mouth quirked again.'Molly and Amelia will be here in a minute. I'll show you your desk, give you some passwords, set you up. Mr. McCarthy's planning to have you work some figures, come up with a first conclusion.''Figures for real or a theoretical job?' Now she smiled properly.'My lips are sealed.' I sure knew what. One of those was me." Okay, Natalia, I understand," Sarah pleaded. "But you must understand.We had laws we had to follow, and there was nothing we could do for you.The Baron Vargos was in charge, and there were the laws. Had any of ustried to defy the law and protect you from him. We would have been firedand likely sued by his family for violating the law. We could do nothingfor you." Yes, you could have, if you wanted to. You had the weapons and couldhave rescued me. But you would have. " "It is. That's why I feel kind of bad for kissing that guy tonight." The was a bit of an awkward silence before I spoke. "Don't worry about it," I said nudging her playfully with my foot."You're in college now. You have to see what's out there." "Yeah, I guess," she said quietly turning to look at me with heradorable blue eyes. "Thanks for helping me earlier by the way. That was really nice." "No problem," I stated nonchalantly. "You can pay me later." Nicole smiled at the joke but still gave.