"I did?" said Ellie with a slight frown. "I thought I asked you to bringthe girl who modelled your dress." Yes, well you see," said Josie nervously lo...king studiously at thecarpet, "Sam here was my model."There was a stunned silence in the room and it was difficult to say whowas more surprised, Ellie or Sam.Ellie's hand flew to her mouth and she stared at Sam in astonishment,while Sam stared at Josie in confusion."I'm sorry Ellie, really I am, I was so scared that if you knew Sam was aboy and. She encouraged me to wear theseoutfits in public.*********I kept thinking about sharing my 'real self' with Ann-Marie again, butwas startled when Mom again seemed to know what I was thinking."Mallory, you really need some friends you age who can help yoursocialization."I looked at her with a blank stare."Your only knowledge of how to be a girl comes from reading magazinesand imitating me. Other girls your age have friends who they shareexperiences with. Wouldn't that be nice?" What do you mean. I would love to claim you as mine, the same way that I claim her, to own both of you, if you wish it. All that you have to do is ask,” I promised Amber, who wiped some tears away from her eyes and nodded as well.“It’s all that I want, Master ... to be yours. To call you that. More than any of this, great as it is, more than anything else. As great as all of this is, no offense, guys, but I’d walk away from all of it for Master. In a New York minute, in a heartbeat, I swear it. I live to serve. They were finished when Mrs. Wallerman told Steele the police chief was on his way.Steele went out back and removed the pistol from his ankle holster. The cool metal felt comfortable in his hand. There were many large indigenous shrubs growing on the fringe of the forest. Large enough to hide behind. Thick enough not to be seen. One that was over six feet tall and four feet wide fronted a thick-trunked tree. Steele sat behind the tree, leaning against the trunk, and waited.The back door opened.