Maria took her in her arms and held her closely. Then she whispered, “And you gave birth to a handsome son who, even now, is growing big and strong ...ike his father. Being raised in the loving home you prayed for but couldn’t possibly provide yourself. Karla Kosta, you nearly sacrificed your life for our country. You sacrificed your virginity for a hero. You care nothing for yourself. All you care about are others. And we adore you!”“And I love you both so very much, but no decent man would want. Jane would enjoy the company of other men while I was staying with her and occasionally other women, to be honest it did annoy me perhaps I was a little immature for her, not that I wanted her to be my property, probably I was a little selfish I wanted more sex with her.One evening when sharing a few drinks with her I did make my feelings known, Jane simply suggested I join her and her friends one night to see if there was any common ground "perhaps it would waken my inner self" Several days. Can't do it.Come back another day. I'll tell you all. I still got it, you know."He scrabbled about inside his jerkin and extracted a grubby, dog-earednotebook. He waved it around vaguely."Still got it. All the details. Don't let it out of my sight. The namesof all the bi-, all the wom-, all the ladies. Names and details andeverything. Come back another day, your honour, tell you all. Sorry." Andhis head slumped forward onto the tavern bench.The gentleman glared at Ramon very hard, turned on his. "I didn't look up at him. I stayed focused on my phone, trying tocomplete an e-mail to my parents. They had ridden their motorcycle downthe east coast of the United States, and would be in New Orleans in afew days. My father was perfect for the task of rooting out the moreunseemly elements of the city's mystic community. He was fearless, aswell as practical and had a sense of adventure that took him into theunderbelly of cities. He had been to Afghanistan in the late seventiesand more recently.