We’ve got all the troops we need, and we’ve stopped the Broot before.’ ‘That was before Doctor Randall ‘cured’ himself,’ Veena said. ‘...e cured his body, but the part of his soul that was the Broot has been raging, festering away inside him. When this creature released it,’ she said, gesturing to the Living Brain yet somehow never stopping the soft music, ‘he unleashed the pent-up fury that has been denied for years. This Broot is stronger than the one you have fought. Fury cannot be defeated by. Travis McGee. That was the boy’s name, I was informed.“So, you were a school principal?” he asked. That was close enough, and I couldn’t remember how I’d revealed that to him. “I do something similar. I’m the manager of a residential juvenile detention home.”After a few more drinks: “Oh, you mean Travis. No, he’s not my son—or my ward or anything and he’s just here temporarily, so, no, I don’t have to report someone living with me who isn’t a senior. At least I don’t have to if no one reports. And then I ... well, it was my turn to give her a hand, so to speak.”“Super hot. Was she drunk then, too?”“Completely sober. Both of us.”“Okay. So that was the moment you both decided you didn’t care about the consequences.”“I don’t know if that’s right, actually. Me, maybe. But I’m not sure about her. I was ready to keep going, but she ordered me out of the guesthouse, and while I was gone she disappeared. Left the property entirely, in fact. Eventually, I got so concerned that I had to call. Missy dropped her purse on the kitchen counter and then turned to me."I don't mean to put you off, John, but I need a shower," she said firmly."Of course. Tracey thought you might want one. Take your time and pamper yourself. There are towels and stuff on the counter. I, um, kinda bought something for you to wear too."Missy turned the light on in the bathroom and stared at what I had gotten her. "It's beautiful, John, thank you," she said as she closed the bathroom door.I heard the shower start.