Of course." Besides, she thought, who in their right mind would say no to the Giovanni Spinelli? Maybe those who want to die tonight. So much for lega... ethics, she mused grimly. She tried to steady her hands by choking the life out of her coffee mug. Giovanni continued, "Everybody says they're fair, but sometimes people need a nudge to stay that way." He looked at her pointedly. "Look, Mr. Spinelli, I don't know what you've heard about me, but I'm not in the business of being bribed.". Linda giggled softly at my tirade, her laughter like magical music to my ears.“So how far do you think you’ll get today?” she inquired.“With a little luck, I’ll make it to Abbotsford, then lay over just before the border. I gotta watch my hours so’s I don’t get my ass locked up in a Washington jail cell. Those State Patrol guys don’t have no sense of humour, unless they’ve just gotten laid for the third time in the shift” I joked, then added, “Oh, by the way, Gordie has your car ready. He did a. I was drooling already."Where did all this come from," I asked."I picked up some groceries on the way home," Jane replied. "I hope you don't mind me using your kitchen. I'll clean up afterwards." I don't mind at all, but I was going to ask you to dinner with me." No, thanks. I have this meal all prepared. There's enough for both of us. Would you like to join me?" There wasn't any way I was going to turn down a home cooked meal. It was pretty simple; spaghetti with marinara sauce, green salad. A few seconds later the door opened a crack and I let myself in. As I closed the door behind me I could see Nikki lying on the bed, tears staining her pretty face. My heart melted instantly."Oh baby, I didn't mean to upset you," I said, sitting on the edge of the bed and putting my arms around her. She was unresponsive."Please Nikki, please understand. You're only 14 years old, and I'm 26. Those kinds of relationships are illegal, and that's why I got scared in the car back there," I said.