”“We’ll meet him at the airport on Friday night, and send him back to you on Sunday evening.”“He gave you all the flight information?”“H... called yesterday. We’re all set. We’re looking forward to seeing him.”“Cool. Thanks, Abbie! You guys should come visit once the NASCAR season is over.”“We will! And you should come down for a race with Matthew!”“Someday! Things are pretty damned busy here! Talk to you on Friday after Matthew arrives.”“Sounds good!”We said ‘goodbye’ and hung up, and I went to. The voice had not penetrated John’s skull earlier, as he had been concentrating on releasing captives, now he added, “ ... madam.”He got a giggle for that, and she slowly made her way towards the outside. John continued to cut bonds until he had freed everyone he could find. One small figure did not move, even after the rope was cut, and John released that this was a teenager, and he or she was dead. He left the body, to be dealt with later, with reverence. The child deserved that respect.John. We had our camp set up before dawn, and were lazing around waiting for the daylight we needed to see what was going on in the camp. Well, as everybody knows who had ever read or heard about warfare, no plan survives contact with the enemy. As soon as they finished breakfast, the whole camp was forming up to move. Some men were already striking the tents, and soon a line of trucks drove up. Dammit, our whole plan was shot to hell! If we didn't attack right now, we were going to lose all chance. “I thought that this was your weekend with the kid,” she said.“It was supposed to be, but she didn’t show—again,” I said.“I see,” she said. “Did she call?”“No, not yet. She usually does if she’s not going to come, but this time nada so far,” I said.“Hmm, and let me guess, you’re peeved,” she said.“No, no, I’m long passed the being peeved stage. I’m kinda just going with the flow, as someone recently advised me to do,” I said.“Probably a good idea. She’s still a kid and not very responsible, as.