”“Are they really dead?” and that was spoken by the multitude.I spoke up, “They’re all dead ... even the banker. This is MY house now.”The... trickled in ... most of them used to be pretty for Chaos ... a few had been downright beautiful. Now it was bruises, black eyes and casts.“Where’s your master?”“He is my brother ... he was never my master ... and the wretch left me here. From the looks of things ... it might not have been all that bad.”“Who killed our owners?”“That would be me.” I said .... . I think."Her response didn't surprise me. I fully expected her to have some ambivalence about my new plan. On the one hand, she'd feel gratified that I was interested in lawyering -- of any variety. On the other, she'd worry -- some -- about what Daddy might think. Would he feel rejected? And supposing he did feel rejected? How would Mom feel about that? Good? Bad?... Both?My parents were complicated citizens.Her next question, too, was predictable. "Where would you go to law school?" she. Poor Linda blushed so badly at the time and remembered to pull up her skirt when she sat down in future. Of course, this also just was another mental reminder to make her throb even more.After 2 weeks she did eventually get the key. She took the 2.5 hour bus ride and tried to fill her mind with the pleasure she would receive, but for some reason, her mind kept returning to the possibility it wouldn't be there. Maybe it was lost in the mail and never to be seen again. Maybe it would take another. “Amanda,” I said, “fresh out of community college. Planning to finish someday?” She nodded. “Ran out of money.” “I’ve got a job if you want it. My girl quit last week. That’s why there was nobody at that desk out there, reception. Pay’s only a thousand a month to start plus three thou a year for clothes, tax free, a gift.” I smiled. “Maybe a bonus too. Depends how we do.” “You offering me a job?” I nodded. “That’s the idea.” “Great interview,” she said with a smile. “Hate to waste time. When.