” Whilst she was going through the books trying to find something a tall thin girl who was one of the accounts clerks came over looking very nervous... “Can I have a private word with you.”“Do you want to chat here or would you like to have a drink after work.”“Yes please that would make me a lot happier than in here. Do you know the Swan down by the river its a bit of a walk but I would prefer nobody saw us.”“Very wise, I'll find it.”The Swan turned out to be a very nice old pub with a view out. Actually, I couldn't see anything as I suddenly blacked out and there was only... Pain. And lots of it. What the hell just happened? It felt like the side of my face had just exploded... and why was everything so dark?Wait, no. Well, yes, still lots of pain, but... colors! Yes, I could see colors again! That had to be a good thing, right? Luke wasn't looking at me like it was when I could finally focus on his face. Why was he so tall? Taller than usual, even. Wait... that was because I was. Upset at the way Mark had marched her out of the house in a very uncharacteristic way, his little speech in Julie's kitchen left her almost catatonic. Julie and Kim were upstairs, out of sight."Kathleen, Honey, you know I love you with all my heart. What I am about to do hurts me more than you can know. Things just have not been going well for you, and I have not been able to do anything to help you. As you must know, Julie has had some of the same problems. What Bud is about to do to you, he. .." If I want to? Of course I do!" Well, you can, right after the trial, anyway, just let me know when,okay? I have to change all of your documentation back."I drained off the rest of the excess gel that afternoon, then whilegetting ready to change into some jeans, the doorbell rang. Mom got it,then called my name. I quickly put on a bra and panties, jeans and asweatshirt, then walked out to see an older man standing there. He wasvery elegantly dressed in an obviously well tailored gray suit, a.