It is because of that fact that I will tell you in this chapter about how I entertained the pair of lorry drivers on that lovely evening in romantic P...aris when I really should have been boning up on the documents for the conference I was to attend the next day.Before I even begin with the events of that muddled evening, I should give you a better idea of my two companions.John was sort of a “happy-go-lucky” lad with absolutely no concept of the value of money. He impressed me with his grasp of. . if you can do it.”“I find it fascinating, though I have no idea how Mage Benjamin does what he does with people’s minds,” Callum admitted.“Well, Mage Benjamin is in a class of his own when it comes to that,” Arch chuckled.After that we settled down to a light lunch, as well as catching up a little with events in and around the nation of Loegria, which for the most part appeared to be going through a period of stable growth. This was also coupled with an increasing share of the export markets. Our team didn’t get a chance to interview her until the next day, so we can’t dispute her claim that she couldn’t see the woman, but our gut says that someone got to her before we did. ‘A higher power’ as Vern said.”“Why wasn’t she interviewed that day?” asked Claire.“There are more than 150 stores in Shoreline Mall,” explained Vern. “We didn’t know which ones the woman may have been in if any. We started with the larger department stores, and each of those had close to a hundred employees that. Where is she now?”“In the kitchen still, Miss, kneeling facing the wall.”“Go and bring her in here.”Jasmine stood and left. There was a sharp squeal from the kitchen and then she reappeared tugging maria behind her by her hair. The girl had been crying and there were tear tracks down her face. She was almost thrown down onto the floor at my feet and jasmine knelt more neatly next to her.“I would have every right to dismiss you, girl, but ...” I saw her open her mouth to speak. “Silence, bitch!.