Kei smiled at her mother. “Why?”“Well, the butler in an old movie I saw long ago had that name. Since then, I have always thought of any liverie...d, somewhat pretentious butler as being a James.”“I am not pretentious, and since I am presented as a face only, I cannot be liveried, either,” the AI said, then instantly apologized for entering the conversation without an invitation.“Oh, but you are pretentious,” Kei insisted with a giggle.Before their conversation could continue, Arlene and Ann came. His eyes closed and a smirk plastered his lips.Ven leant down and began to suck my earlobe as he lazily stroked my breast through the outside of my dress. My knees nearly buckled. I pulled my hand away from his pants and gripped his forearms. To my relief, the shrill ding announced our arrival on the top floor.We quickly broke apart. I turned away from Ven and faced the door, prepared to be the first one to step off. Before I did, I turned to check the spot where I had just been standing. I was. She swallowed hard."Ron, honey," she said uncertainly. "You know that surprise I've been telling you I need to talk to you about?" I nodded. "Well, there are actually two surprises for you in the house." She took a deep breath."Good!" I said quickly, smiling at her and hoping a smile was appropriate. "Let's go see my surprises." I got out of the SUV and Sherrie got out on her side. We met on the sidewalk beside the passenger side door."Ron!" she said sharply. She caught my arm and turned me to. "It will become clear to you one day. As for the present--that door,over there, will lead you to an elevator. When you feel ready todepart, you can go there and step in, one of you at a time. You willthen be taken to your respective destinations." And what would those be?" You'll find out," the entity said to us collectively. "Farewell,Michael, and have no fear. Perhaps we will meet again, but if not, becontented in the knowledge that you did an immeasurable favor for usand everything that is.