We want all ofyou. Your thesis is known - to Tessa's dad, to a couple Europeanconsortia, to people who matter in your field. So think, sweetheart. Weo...fered you us, you took that. Take for a change. Take us. Do what youwant, now, whenever."Here were two people I knew, suddenly knew very well, knew in their ownabandon and mine, who wanted to give me something, because they knew methe way I knew them, and there was more, and I wanted it. The whore bitsounded fun, and then I was embarrassed, and. It was still early, no later than noon. A few old men were alreadythere drinking boilermakers and they looked half stewed. I took a seatat the bar and ordered a Bud. The old bartender asked me if I was onthe way too Toonwhich and if I was there for one last drink. I told himI had no plans to go there and he cackled his laugh. "You don't want togo there."I took a seat at the window to watch the old cop. Three beers and halfan hour later a car pulled up to the gate. A young man perhaps of. I would like you to meet my helpers, Amy and Jewel."Mak, feeling more foolish by the moment, walked over to where Nurm sat crosslegged by a small fire. He had all he could do to keep from staring openmouthed at the trader's two companions. Amy was a tall blond woman with closely cropped curly hair. Slender but fullfigured, she was strikingly tanned and healthylooking, with teeth that gleamed white and even in the firelight. Otherwise, she looked much like some of the prettier girls he'd seen on. I think it’s going fine but I never know.” Looking at him, Emily thought he looked like he was coming back from someplace faraway, but there was something familiar in the way he spoke, the way their eyes met when he said, “I never know,” and suddenly, a strange, breathless feeling swelled up in her, a slight tingle that somehow thrilled her. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your work,” Emily said. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.” “No problem. I didn’t mind. I’m kind of glad you’re curious.” He.