“It’s okay Buffy, I got a lot better once I hear the news, you’re back...” Josie looked up into Buffy’s eyes with a glistening gaze, “Took...me a bit but I mustered the courage to come see for myself, and here you are.”“Thank you, Josie, I’m glad you came.” Buffy gestured to her bed, offering Josie a place by her side. Both girls sat side by side on the soft mattress.“This is awkward Buff,” Josie resumed the talk, “I’m so happy you’re back, I missed you those 5 years, how are things going for. I had used a forbidden phrase; we both knew what had taken our mother from us. Her face turned light pink as she made a visible effort to remain calm."I invited him here. He's a nice guy," she repeated defiantly. She uncrossed her arms and put her hands on her hips. "So ... you need to make yourself scarce. I want to spend time alone with him, and I don't want you interrogating him." She paused before saying pointedly, "We could've gone to his place, you know."I gasped at the implied threat. We. "Jae, I am Matt Prescott." He extended his arm taking her hand in greeting as Americans do. "This is Corporal Ramirez." The touch was light and non-threatening. "I'm a sponsor; may I see your CAP card?"Caught completely off guard, she complied. Reaching into her purse, she wondered, why do this? Could she debase herself for a slim chance of an escape? He smiled when she pressed the card into his hand. Not wanting to meet his gaze, she looked down as was customary in her culture.The young black. .. then a prolonged high pitched squealing followed by absolute silence.And then..."Hello Doctor. You've been a busy boy, haven't you?" What can I tell you? My life's a never-ending carnival ride. Just one fun filled moment after another." Some day you must tell me how you managed to destroy an entire warehouse without using explosives, or leaving anything more than blood traces in the way of evidence." He sounded as though he were genuinely impressed."It wasn't all that difficult really. Pity.