This had to stop. Now. Finally, the bell rang. I quickly handed in my test and raced out of the room after Evelyn before Mr. Clark could get in a sing...le word. We were home free! At least until Monday, but that was light-years away as far as I was concerned. See you tonight, Derek? Evelyn asked me, her blues eyes showing some happiness after such a terrible week. Definitely, I said confidently, with a smile. * * * Im not much of a partier, but I do like a good time now and again, and from the. I knew that she had willingly fucked several men, but In needed to keep her talking. I just looked at her.“We…I won a large new account from a German firm. I drank way too much, and…well, they took advantage of me.” Judy truly looked heart broken. She wouldn’t meet my eyes.“and…” I prompted.“I am so ashamed, but I have to confide in you. Is that what you want?” I nodded by my wanting her to continue.Judy took a long sip of her vodka, gaining her courage to continue. “Steven, drunk and overly. Maya's hand softly caressed her shoulder."Don't take it personally, Mistress ... You know he didn't mean to insult you..."Anna reached out for the earrings on her ears. Atrus had given them to her on her birthday. She loved them. She treasured them. They were the sign of Atrus' unspoken care to her."I know, Maya..." She smiled. "I know..." Come, Mistress ... Let me tend your wound..."The courtroom was silent. King Edward sat uneasily on his throne. Lord Garth, the royal advisor, stood quietly. “I don’t know,” I replied. “You’ve almost put me in an early grave a time or two.”John glanced at Cindy.“Do you mind?”“No,” Cindy replied, “Do you mind?”Cindy glanced in my direction and I peered back in her direction.“I’m fine as long as John doesn’t mind,” I dutifully and honestly replied. John stood up and stepped past me, extending his hand towards Sandy. I guess I should have felt a tinge of jealousy, but I didn’t. I watched as they made their way to the dance floor a few feet away.Cindy.