Opening up her clutch bag and rummaging through it, her scarlet thong was clearly visible. Snapping it shut, she offered Nathan some cash. She looked ...t Josh and the look on his face told her everything she needed to know. “Here Nathan, go and put some tunes on. I don’t want any of that modern rap rubbish, something with a bit of soul please.” Dutifully, he turned tail and went to the jukebox. She fixed a look on Josh as Lynsey came up the bar. “Here you go Lyns, fresh ice bucket and a bottle. Loud condemnation followed, with a protest filed at the United Nations. But somehow, nobody mentioned Abu Musa. At noon there was a ceremonial transfer of command from the British Army, and by the end of the day, they’d mostly packed up and flown out. Dan and I also flew home that afternoon, leaving the place in safe hands.The next morning I staggered to school bleary eyed, but at least I was back in Britain in time to open the first door on my Advent calendar. Best month of the year!December’s. Me: “Don’t be scared… I am here… I am sorry for going away…. Don’t be scared ok….”Huang: “Sobz sobz… Ohmygod… Ohmygod….What were they doing….sobz…”Me: “Don’t think about it! It is over! I am here to protect you…”I hug her even tighter, enjoying the sensation of her soft flesh and vulnerability.I then gave her one glass of whisky which she gulped down in a flash. She was trying to drink away the shock and fear. That was when I decided to take a gambit.Me: “Did they do anything to you? Shall we. Relax, Sue, I'm getting there! The house has a pool, big enough for a decent swim. It's heated, indoors, and private. If you can survive a twenty-minute drive to get there, you're welcome to come and use it. You, too, Becky, if you want."The women looked at each other and Becky nodded. "Why not?" Joe, I would love to try your folks' pool," said Sue.He took a chance. "Come for the weekend? There are two guest rooms. I still have my own room and I can cook, so you won't starve. I don't know what.