" Mom will love that one, Sweetie! But yes, that's about the way it is."Suzy piped in, "You mean they got some mean dogs around?" Mean?" I looked at K...aitlyn, who was shaking her head, "No, not mean, I think, more like authoritative."Kay nodded, "Yeah, um, intractable." Very direct." Get yer attention."Okay," Suzy chuckled, "I got the picture! Nice puppydogs, but they turn into slavering beasts when the occasion demands it. But they can't be all that scary, if they're your mom's pets, can. She didn't have a dress and wouldn't attend without something appropriate to wear. Mom solved that quickly with a fast trip with Shelly to the new Bon Marche. There was no discussion and no debate. Shelly would have a new dress and that was final. Shelly had learned not to argue with my mother.As I heard from them later, the two walked out of the department store giggling like a pair of schoolgirls. Bags loaded with two new dresses, two blouses, several pairs of nylons, undergarments, and two. He continued to speak and it was obvious who the speech was aimed at. "My dad did the best he could for mum, maybe more than she deserved. He certainly did more for her than any of those walking around today talking behind their hands. There will be an inquest in two weeks in Penrith anybody interested is welcome to attend. In the mean time if you want to spread your rumours then you'll have to do it elsewhere because you won't be welcome around Phoebe and me."By the time he'd finished both. ”My ex said, “Good luck, Sandy. I was stupid not to appreciate him and treat him as I should have. I wish the two of you joy in your lives together.” She looked back at me. “Jack, thanks again for coming and hearing me. Have a good life. You’re a better man than I deserved. Maybe I can straighten my life out and find a good man in the future.“Did Becky tell you that I am selling the house?”“Yes.”“I’m going to get away and start over. I’m going to move somewhere I’m not known and try being a.