I had known of my friend's predilection for erotic gatherings of his trusted close group. I don't remember how we got onto the conversation while he a...nd I were out for a drink one evening. But it turns out that he was the host of regular orgies, invitation-only, anything goes. Only those he knew as clean and snipped were involved. Beyond that, he wouldn't divulge. Being an open-minded and sexually charged middle-aged guy, I was fascinated as he cautiously glossed over the details of these. Jack and Nigel were figures of authority, in her mind, having a more elevated status. Hugh she simply knew as "the new man" who somehow shaped iron into such beautiful configurations.Penny must have figured that her shyness would pass somehow, because she ignored Marie and addressed the men, standing in her tub like it was a poor version of Cleopatra's barge, with the water on the inside instead of the outside."Gentlemen," she addressed them, and I smiled. They did not deserve that title, and. I wasn't able to accept it. This time I'm certain that whatever happens won't have any impact on the way I feel about you."Randi needs you to help her get past some of the decisions she's made in her life. In time, she'll move on. But I won't. I won't leave your side. I won't leave your life. You won't leave my heart. You never have. Even when I thought it had turned to stone, there was always one spot of warmth that kept me human. That spot was you. That spot was us."I told you I'd be back. "The other man, the one with the gun, spoke to her, "Tell us where your money is and you won't get hurt." I don't have any money or jewelry, either," said a frightened Ann. "All my money is in the bank. I don't keep anything in my apartment." Why don't we just look and see," said the man with the gun. "You stay here in bed and don't move."The two of them ransacked her entire apartment but they found nothing of value."I guess you weren't lying to us, said the one with the gun."We went through.