I really enjoyed chatting with him so I told him that I wouldn't mind meeting him. We decided to meet at the mall the following Saturday. He wanted to...make sure I was okay with being with him before he got a room for us. I arrived at the mall about 20 minutes early. I was very nervous and excited at the same time. As the clock got closer to 11 am my emotions were all over that place. I didn't know what to expect. A couple minutes after 11, I saw an older man walking to the spot we had agreed to. I also wondered what that meant for my future relationship with Samantha. I didn’t think we could go back to where we’d been because of Jessica and Kara, and I wasn’t sure it would be wise to do that at this point. What I didn’t know was what Samantha was thinking.“I think Samantha will have to share that with you, if she’s willing,” I said. “Is she available?”“She’s out with her mother right now. I expect them back within the hour. I’m not sure if she’ll talk to you, though. I asked her to. The long hours of nothing were the ideal time for him. He had knitted everything from socks and sweaters to ear booties for Caligula for when they rode in cold weather. He had once knitted a cardigan for a very close friend while on the trail from Abilene to Fort Dix, and in six colors to boot. He kept the yarn in the saddlebags and it fed right out, just as pretty as you please."I'm just positively parched, Cali. How bout' you?" The horse gave a snort and a nod.Jericho veered Caligula over. Rest assured, your job and your anniversary bonus is safe." That's good to know, Tom." Anything else?" Yes ... this is a biggee, Tom. I'd like a leave of absence beginning when I've got all my ducks in a row and until my divorce is final or the situation is resolved. However, as far as the outside world is concerned, I'll have resigned and left town and you have no idea when or if I might be back." That is a biggee, Dex. You run that department. I can promote Dorothy to replace you but that.