Not content though she said, “You know, Mrs Bell, we are only sixteen-years-old as you said and not full adults like you. I think to make sure the l...sson is learned we should spank you for a while with our hands but then use a plimsoll. Don’t you agree Miss?” I felt Mrs Bell sigh but it was Miss Hopkins who said to the floor, “I did say they would ask, didn’t I Mrs Bell.” “Yes, yes,” Mrs Bell replied wearily as she bent one leg up so I could untie the lace and remove the plimsoll. Miss. He reached for the doorknob and a soft knock from the other side surprised him. His sister had said it was already past eight where she was, and he was three hours ahead of her. Who could be at his door this late? His heart skipped a beat as the answer whispered inside his head — Kelsey. He opened the door and blinked in surprise. Standing on the other side, barefoot, was a teenage girl with pale green eyes and tousled auburn hair that tumbled down past her shoulders. He’d never seen her before. A recent high school grad that had played football and certainly kept himself in shape. He was trimming bushes about 20 feet from me and started to move my way. I moved away from the hole and tried to act like I was checking out my yard. I heard a voice say 'hello' and it startled me. It was him... tall enough to see over the fence and see me.I said hello and we chatted about what a nice day it was. He seemed very charming for such a young guy and he was looking at me with a confident grin.... I’ve told the General that I would go back for my doctorate only if he promised me I could return as soon as I asked.”“What did he say?”“He agreed.”The Clan Queen smiled. “So, it’s a done deal. As you well know, he stands behind what he says. But, what about kids? This will be a rough life for them, and then there are the animals...”“We have rifles now, and from what your husband says, an abundance of ammunition,” Jasmine asserted. “A couple of years from now, the area will be safer. And, yes I.