This was in his service jacket when we finally dusted it off a few days ago. It's a letter to you from him."He gave it to her and helped her to a chai.... Carefully she opened it and started to read. As she read, she began to cry. Finally, she was weeping uncontrollably. She motioned in Vangie's direction.Vangie took the letter from her and began to read aloud:My darling Colleen,We're going off on what we're told will be a very dangerous mission. My darling, I will not be coming back. Just today. ‘I still like her.’ Darius drove back into his parent’s driveway and sat in the car for a moment. He was thinking about the events of the day. He felt good. As soon as they made it home from the ceremony, Momma insisted that everyone change into comfortable clothes. The girls changed in Sierra’s old room, and he and the guys changed in his room. When the girls walked out he recalled seeing Cynthia in regular clothes for the first time. All of them donned simple jeans and a tee shirt, but. “Fine, I accept your terms. Let us begin.”She raised her clawed hand, the dark scales of her avian forearm reflecting the candlelight. Before Ryan’s eyes, a white tube materialized. It was a long, ivory container about the size and shape of a tennis ball saver, with a golden band around one end that matched the adornment on her upper arm. A silver chain hung from it, obviously designed for carrying.The demon reached out and handed it to him, Ryan taking a tentative step forward to grab it. It. It might be renewed for a year. Or it might be – uh – converted to a permanent post. However, all of this is subject to available funding." Of course. Understanding all that, I accept the provisional offer and look forward to receipt of the offer letter." Excellent. It will be in duplicate. Please sign and return the original." With pleasure."Craig got off. I wondered who had been in his office or listening in. But this was wonderful. It was more money than it might have been, even though it.