All of us had. I think it was that grade report that finally got through to Mom. She looked at it and finally realized something horrible had happened...They spent an hour in his bedroom alone. I don’t know what was said. Neither of them has ever been willing to talk about that. And I don’t think it’s because of what was actually said. I think it’s because, when they came out of that bedroom, the bad time was over. Brinn was crying, but the first thing he did was come hug me, and then he dragged. Phyllis then warned us that if we heard sonic booms, not to worry, she said, "That loud grumble you hear is my stomach," which meant is was time for lunch.We took Dean to lunch, and our chat was devoted mostly on the new software, how it worked, some of the things it would and not do, and some little secrets to make our job easier. But it wasn't the words we spoke that created the heat, it was in our eyes. We soon forgot that Phyllis was a third party. When Dean and I made eye contact we went. Getting pretty late in the year isn't it Miss Ramwell? Almost done...but that's no reason to slack off in school work. I'm looking at my records and it seems you've been slipping lately. Don't worry, it's common among seniors." He smiles disarmingly, "I know you're a bright girl and have just become restless. That's why I'm willing to help you." He sits down on his desk, a bulge apparent in his slacks. "If you were willing to stay after school on some days and do a little...extra credit, I. No one knew where she was or when she would be back. Trying to bury the resentment and disappointment he felt, Simon stepped off the porch and walked down the tree-lined street towards the temporary Officer's Club that had taken over a small restaurant.Simon ate dinner alone and then wandered into the bar. It was a loud smoky place dominated by boisterous knots of people, everyone talking and laughing too loud but still managing to be drowned out by the country music blaring from the corner. A.