The three hour drive, a check with the local police who could provide nothing new, and interview with Susan Landryʼs mother had proven fruitless. The...woman simply reiterated what was already in the police file and sobbed continuously. The only new information she had provided was that she had divorced her husband seven years ago after he had returned from a hunting trip obviously shaken. She had accused him of having been with another woman, an accusation he denied. Yet he remained secretive,. My shop was in a small strip shopping center with each unit's front consisting of glass from top to bottom. We all had floor-to-ceiling curtains but rarely bothered to pull them, especially during business hours. Christina walked in as I was running a job on the press. She sauntered over and wrapped both arms around me as we kissed enthusiastically. Christina pulled away, saying, "I really have to pee. I'll be right back," as she headed toward the bathroom. Just before she disappeared. My hand is held straight out again, my lips quivering, my eyes wet. Mum taps my hand lightly a couple of times with the cane, raises it, I hear the second swish and it hurts more than the first. I cry out again but force myself to hold out my other hand. After a couple of light taps I hear the swish and again I gasp. One left. That is all I am thinking of as I lift my hand again. This time when I hear the swish and feel the stinging I know it is over. All over. I have to hold my hands. Both hands reached out, the talons retracted for the moment, rubbing the tops of the warrior’s feet, the round protruding bones of his ankles, working his way up his legs, fingers squeezing and prodding. He leaned close, sniffing. Occasionally his long blue tongue snaked out, sliding across Hiryu’s skin, tasting.Disturbed, Hiryu tried to jerk away, but the chains allowed almost no movement. He flinched as the demon, keeping his face well away, used his thumbs to play with the young man’s knee.