I said a silent prayer of gratitude to the Universe for my blessings.We'd saved 'Texas Dawn' until the end of the second set. Crystal announced the so...g and talked about how it had become a duet with me doing the lead in. I moved up next to her as the band played the opening refrain, and then started to sing, "Texas dawns comes early when you've been awake all night." I expected Crystal to join in, but she didn't. She nudged me to continue, and so without breaking stride I moved on through the. Some stores were still open and I offered to buy one for her. Amazingly, she agreed! In typical female fashion she took forever before selecting one—a rather conservative two piece. She took my arm, and we walked the few blocks to the hotel and went up to my room, where we changed and then went to the pool. She was stunning in her suit which showed off her figure well. We splashed in the pool, hugged, and since no one else was there we even kissed and my hands roamed over her body. . Until then, Xiao here is going to follow me everywhere. You don’t have any say about it. You will simply have to accept Xiao’s presence and adjust to it until my resignation takes effect. At least I gave you notice, Mac. I am running for Congress and it wouldn’t suit me to just quit my job without notice, would it? Oh, thank you, I’m done,” I said, signing the resignation paperwork.“Yes, of course, Jack. Xiao is an exception to the rules and may follow you everywhere, since you’re not here. Are you worried about Irene?”“Yes. Other people too.”She was in a controlled excited state, but stable. “Let me put my shoes back on and lock up.” I had to turn off the computer too.Having me stop before getting into the car, my friendly intelligence officer pulled out a dual looped gray wand and went over her jeep. Nothing beeped funny, only then did she let me get in the passenger side. Remaining mysteriously silent, Ronnie drove us to Route 14 and headed south.“Where are we going?”“Kent.