” Isabel continued. “Dad’s talking more and more of retirement and handing the reigns over to you.” “That’s why I got banished to Regina, ...o appreciate Vancouver.” Joked Gary. “Got a spot in the office ready for me?” “Right between Dad and me,” Isabel replied, “You know the big spacious office that you liked before you left.” “That’s good, always liked the view from that office.” Gary thought for a moment and asked Isabel, “You take good are of my apartment?” “Yeah, all your stuff is all in. Then it’d taken another few days trolling the places “prick filet” had recommended. But we did discover the older man’s home base. During the hunt, Alex had told me more about Petra. Her life had been even harder than Alex’s growing up on the streets. Yet even after so many years of abuse and hardship, Petra had also managed to turn her life around, had just gotten her first straight job. That night out with us was supposed to have been her last hurrah. Even so, my will for revenge had. At the time that was all I wanted and all I needed.But like I said I still had someplace in the back of my mind that I missed out on something special. The dating, the courting, the chase, it was all missing. And yes, sex with different partners. On nights like this on trips sitting around a table with the girls I would hear of getting fucked or making love. The dancing and how some guys would compete for their attention. Some would tell stories how they targeted a guy and how they finally won. ‘God, where did that come from? You’ll think I’m an absolute slut.’ Her face was crimson again and I made soothing noises. ‘I’ll be dreaming of you tonight if I’m lucky.’ I finished my coffee. ‘Well, either we finish your massage therapy or I call a cab for you. What do you think?’ She looked at me carefully. ‘Are you trustworthy enough not to let the therapy affect our working relationship? I’m your employer, after all.’ ‘You’re the one who has to decide that, Elena.’ She sat quietly for a few.