That was a men’s activity and as soon as we were in the living room with the TV turned on and afternoon snacks at hand—Dad’s hand—Mom and the ...irls went to the Mall.V1 played football back in the fifties. At least I was on the team. There were five hundred in my high school and we were allowed forty plus on the team, so pretty much any guy who wanted to play could be on the team. We didn’t take sports seriously like they do now. There were no professional teams playing on television. No. Like pee, or poop. I would put the leash on him and take him outside.But that was not the problem and trying to get the dog back inside was a chore. We had dinner in peace. See I had lock Sparky in the Basement. That way he would be out of sight, and we could barely hear him.But Linda was not too fond of this idea, and she was giving me the cold shoulder. I sat her down after dinner and ask her what I should do. I did not want to be mean to the dog, but I just did not want to be chasing him all. After Jack arrived they all formed in a circle and had a mission briefing. The Abbot spoke to them about the Stone, and what precautions they should take if the encountered it, then Karick ran through the lay of the land and the blueline plans of the house, then moved on to describe once again the security, both technological and human. They spent the rest of the afternoon in the public woods adjacent to the estate, drilling. They were to be split up into three groups. Michiko would lead Team. It was really happening. Therewere no more secrets, nothing to be ashamed of. Her dreams of being thewoman she had always wanted to be, were coming true. She had clothesand a home, but most importantly she had her man."I love you Sam, and by the way, I'd put you as at least a 6."Sam feigned disappointment."Only a 6 eh? Well maybe I should think of a way to trap you before yourun off?"Was he thinking about getting engaged she thought? Surely not?They drank wine and ate ham, bread and cheese..