Lord Barnabas was laid to rest with enough pomp and ceremony to please the two visiting lords. Afterwards I met with them in private."So Lord Charles,... Lord Omar began, smiling broadly as he did, "we have done our duty to the dead; now we must do it for the living. I understand from Asana and from Captain Mueller that my old friend named you his successor. That is good. Oak Hall needs a strong hand guiding it and the alliance needs a man of action behind it if it is to survive." Is there a. At first it was to tell me what to do but, as I became familiar with the routines in this busy, noisy kitchen, she began to ask me to do things. At first her expression was neutral, but then she began to smile at me when she asked me to do things, and then her hands would brush mine as I handed her plates of food. She took me into the restaurant one day to show me how to prepare for the onslaught. The tables had to be wiped clean and the salt and pepper shakers, along with a shaker of grated. “Why didn’t you call me?” “I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to travel home without you but I needed time to think. I knew you were booked on the 18.03 but I checked every train in case you left early.” I felt my eyes moisten. She looked so sad, like a little girl lost and s he lay her head on my shoulder, snuggling in to me and for a moment we were as one.We stayed that way, in silence, until the train pulled into the platform. “The train now standing at platform twelve is the 18.03 high. I don't judge others, lest they judge me." Katie tried a half smile but it didn't seem to work, she was torn between her embarrassment and her desire. Amanda however was in no doubt as to what she was going to do. She knew it was risky, but serendipity had smiled on her this late December evening, and delivered an early Christmas present she wasn't going to let go. "Look into my eyes, honey, and you will know I am telling you the truth." Amanda said, her voice soft and oozing sincerity. Katie.