She, however, schooled her features quickly and greeted him politely.“Please place your hand in mine,” he said to Kat. Kat did so without reservat...ion to his surprise. “Did you create the ward that had you expelled?” he asked without preamble.“I adapted one of Pater’s wards and it worked,” Kat said looking him in the eyes.Bart got the feeling from his ring that she spoke the truth. “Did you set upon Dewar to get your item back?” he then asked.“No, I spoke to him and demanded the item and my. "I accept that promise. And you can be her boyfriend now."Chris laughed. "Well, thank you." That's all right," she said gravely, "someone has to look after Shahia the way she looks after everyone else."Nervously, Chris looked out the train window. There were a lot of people waiting in the park to meet them. The park was full, and he figured that there were at least both full schools present. He could also see some media, television vehicles.He turned to Shahia. "Well, here goes."She pushed. " I gestured at the assistant."Billie," she offered helpfully." ... Billie yanked me in. No checking up, no Marty, no points. Just a survey. But since I'm here maybe I could, you know, see what it's all about. I've always wondered what goes on at a movie set. I'll be a fly on the wall, I promise, a mouse. Invisible."I'd exceeded his attention span and he took the path of least resistance. With a vague hand wave he said, "Fine, whatever, just stay out of my way. No talking, no noises. Billie, if. He looked down at me. I waited. You got anything to say for yourself you filthy little cocksucker? With each word drops of spit sprayed from his mouth. He looked, and spoke, unreasonably angry for someone who didnt even know me. I kept my face as blank as I could and tried to remain calm while being scared shitless. It was a wonder I hadnt peed my pants yet. Answering him would only make him worse I thought. I kept silent. God hears you even if I cant. Let him judge me then. Shut your fucking.