We could attack them from missile range, but they could come down on our heads and blast us to the void. We just don’t have enough intel on what the...e new ships are carrying.’ Idris nodded at him. ‘I understand. I’m sorry I don’t have more to offer, Commander.’ He looked at Idris and shrugged. ‘We should have considered that they dropped you here as bait to try to pick up a bigger fish. Why else would they have let you and your crew go?’ Idris’ face filled with pain and he looked at the floor,. .. after Visa in Ottawa ... the bank called and put on the speaker ... mentioned that I was good for a multi-million dollar yacht, “She’s not buying one, is she?”“No,” the manager said, “Shopping ... Farmer’s Market.”“May I speak to her?”“Hello?”“Hello. Surprise?”“Carole! Hi!”“You made it.”“Yes.”“Okay. let me talk to the manager.”I handed back the phone ... still on speaker.“Yup ... that’s her. Whatever she wants.”“Yes, Ma’am ... anything.”Disconnect. Dial tone.“How much?”“Five grand?”He wrote. ‘Wouldn’t be the same without you. Besides, you’ll be buying me supper.’ ‘Six?’ Penny asked. ‘Make it seven, I’m not sure how I’ll be with the insurance people, or even if they will grant me an audience today. Give me a chance to freshen up.’ ‘I really need some fresh clothes, too. I’ve been wearing these for like two days now.’ Penny said. There was a long pause and Marilyn said softly, ‘perhaps you should bring a few things to leave here. I’m sure that you’ll be in and out enough.’ Penny’s. I put all my washing in the basket and checked the room was ready. Aunty looked round. “Very good,” she said “it’s a pity you didn’t manage this earlier. As this is your first punishment I have decided to be lenient with you. For being late for breakfast, coming down in your pyjamas, your bed unmade and your room untidy I should give you 12 strokes. For hitting Kate alone I should give you another 12 strokes. I have decided to give you just 12 strokes in total. You remember that all punishments.