However, Ann didn't miss when she returned the shot with automatic fire.Once I was in position, I signaled for the first of the two unarmed women to j...in me. She jumped up and ran toward me, despite the fact that she had been warned to stay low. On top of that, she got about half way and chickened out. She turned around to run back to the bedroom, and that was more temptation than fate could stand. She was hit in the head by a shot from the enemy side, and the stupid woman became somebody. .. why not?" If they were mine, I'd consider them too precious. They're heirlooms."Annie's mouth made an O. "Maybe I should keep them safe and pass them on." That's what I would do. Enjoy your dinner."Hollis watched Annie use a pair of bamboo sticks to devour a plate piled with various entrees. She pressed her hand against her belly. "I'm as full as last time."He left some bills on the table. "Let's get you home before Maude starts missing you."She sat beside him as he drove toward her house.. I didn't want to see her dead, thatwould be too easy. I wanted her to suffer as much as me, if not more.Oh yea, definitely more. I have suffered physically and I have sufferedemotionally, for her, and because of her. Oh yea, the tables will beturned, that was my new goal in life. Nothing else mattered, not untilAshley got what was coming to her.And so now I knew what my next step was...Nothing.No, I didn't do anything next, and for two very good reasons. Firstreason was I didn't want to do. He looked with reverence and eagerness towards the temple before turning to his Master. "Wanderer, I would like to attend evening devotions. I need to cleanse myself of some of the acts I did in the name of our plan." Of course," Jollis said. "And as the one who asked of you these things, I share in the shame and absolve you. May the gods reflect on this and be kind towards you."The Cohort bowed. "You honor me, Master. Thank you." He turned away and headed up the path."And I, Jollis, absolve.