‘Let’s get you cleaned up, miss.’ I applied an antiseptic to the cuts on her face, then removed her tattered clothes. She was too weak to protes.... More bruises and cuts covered her upper body. I applied more antiseptics, then drew her a bath. As I settled her into the hot, relaxing water, she spoke. ‘Thanks, Will.’ That voice. It couldn’t be! ‘How’d you know my name?’ ‘You don’t remember me?’ My face broke into a huge grin. ‘Shannon! I have spent every day since you left thinking about you. I. Remember that sinking feeling? Well it was back, I didn’t want her to go. ‘I know and I care for you too, but it’s not enough for either of us. If the baby had lived we might have made a good life together. My dad is coming to pick me up and then I’m going to go live with my aunt in Washington State. Please don’t hate me James.’ Those were her final words and she kissed me on the cheek as she went to answer her father’s knock at the door. John helped her with two suitcases, gave me a little. I wrenched my eyes open--they'd closed in defense to the shove--to see an impossible sight. Patricia was holding my wrists against the wall, pushing her body against mine. She kissed me again, not releasing my limbs. "What's going on? Are you drunk?" I asked when I could breathe again. Patricia released my wrists and stepped away from me. "I did offer to help, didn't I?" "Again, what's going on?" She sighed and started pacing, "Okay, what I tell you will not reach anyone else's ears, you. ??????????? 'Stopit. You're not giving me a chance. I told you I'll do it, just let me collectmyself please.'??????????? Itwas time to play dirty.??????????? Ireadied to fire again and aimed for her crease.??????????? Shecould tell.??????????? 'No.No. You can't...' Page 9. ??????????? Justas she was about to step off the chair, I fired and it lodged in the softtissue of her outer labia, but inside. She shrieked great wails and more flewoff the chair. The nail ripped out and hung there all.