??? ? "Socan I at least take a shower?? It wouldbe nice to rinse off." ??? ? Edlooked at me and said flatly, "No." which caused me to stomp my footin ...rotest. ??? ? "Wehave got to work on her manners."?Frank said to Ed.? "You don'twant her acting like that for the party." ??? ? Edlooked back and me and said "You're right.?You may as well tell her about it now so she doesn't pester me." ??? ? As Igot dressed Frank told me that my vacation week was going to prepare me for ourhousewarming party.?. I went through everything thoroughly. Hank, again like Daddy, didn’t interrupt, didn’t ask questions, just listened. Intently.When I wound down, handed him the scrap of paper -- showmemoney -- that’s when he started interrogating me. Question after question after question. No detail was too trivial, no nuance unexplored.He was especially interested in gorightnow. The hacker who passed along the illegal software to Anniston.Two hours later, he gave me a wan smile, “Good work, Winter.”Then he. "The boys love it when she tries to fight but be careful and keep the doors locked" Yes sir." The woman agrees then both sets of footsteps begin to retreat until the door is shut again and the bolt is slid back in place.Finally I let out a breath I hadn't realised I had been holding. So all of my attempts, all of the fighting and trying to scream was only making it worse? My sore throat and rope burned wrists and ankles were all for nothing! They want to see how much I hate it, how much pain. Heather didn't wasteone second. She jumped out of the water, grabbed her brother, and ledhim over to me, made the introductions, then left. Standing next tohim, dressed this way, gave me a whole new perspective on being agirl. He had more muscles than any of the other guys, and mostdefinitely, and nice smile. Both of us were still awkward, unsure ofwhat to do, but one glance at the other end of the pool was enough tomake up my mind. In self defense only mind you, I moved closer toBill. Mike saw.