" I replied trying to get off this slippery slope "I mean, you are good looking but I am older and cannot comment about girls under a certain age" It'...s ok Zane, I want to know what you think... Am I good looking?" She pushedKnowing far too well that look on her face of determination, I knew I was not getting away with this. I had to give her an answer...So I gave the answer I know she wanted, "Of course you are, you are going to drive some boys mad and they will be very lucky to have you. So. I know that’s fucked up, but that’s how I felt.Sometimes Dad would be out late with clients, and in the morning he’d sleep in while Huan and I went to the office. But other days he’d be out early with Huan, leaving Lian and I alone. That was good, because she liked to be somewhat vocal when we did it. Actually, we never had sex while her daughter or my father were in the apartment.And I never heard any fucking from their room either, I thought they must only do it when Lian and I were out. I thought about it and responded, “No.” Then I started feeling light headed. I put my hand on my shoulder and then pulled away. I had forgotten all about my wound. “You’re looking very pale” the woman said. She almost had a hint of concern in her voice. “I’m not feeling so good” I said sitting on the ground. “Stay right here I’ll be back” she said running off in the woods. “How do I know you’re not going to leave me here to bleed to death?” I called after her. There was no response. She. Trying to unwind and take my mind of all these many difficult things yetagain with a large glass of whisky, I suddenly felt an increasing urge totake out the small velvet box again now minus the strange powerful ring,and re-read and reflect on that old Christmas card and it's spideryhandwritten message "For Sure t'is not Finnegan"...For it had suddenly reminded me of an unusual conversation about the weefolk that I'd once had one evening long ago with Brendan, when we'd bothhad a few too many,.