Proceed as signaled, you have the highball.”“21 has highball, proceed as signaled, do you copy 501?”“501 copies, 21 has highball proceeding as...signaled.”The big GE locomotive spooled up its traction motors, and giving its own salute, smoothly pulled its way forward out of the station.They were still sitting in the booth when the conductor came into the lounge to make do the paperwork required as part of his job.“I know you’re busy, but we are heading to Los Angeles-” George was cut off.“You. "Please Mommy?" Kelsey asked again, her voice catching a little as if she was on the verge of tears. "You're not going to be able to make it, and I really like it when someone is there to encourage me. Please?"I shook my head slightly; it always amazed me just how well my sister could act. I had no doubt whatsoever that this entire show of hers was just that: an act. I also already knew how it was going to end.Mom was quiet for a few moments, then she looked at me. "Do you want to go?"I. ’ ”The doctor let the information slip out of spite.He didn’t lose his medical license, but it was a close thing. The medical board let him keep his it, mostly so he could support his children. He got raped in the divorce.’ ‘When Eric found out she had ‘gotten fixed’ without his knowledge, it killed what little chance she had of getting him back.’ ‘It turned her into a bitter, hard woman. She played games with him, denying him the children as often as possible, asking for more money, saying the. Theo Jones' final school report had been scathing. Mr. Greenwood, hisform teacher, had severely criticised the boy's work ethic, writing thatwhile there was always potential in every student, it was clear that Theowould never amount to much unless he learned to apply himself correctly.After failing to do so in five years of secondary school he could onlyconsider that Theo's employment prospects to be dismal.Theo pondered on the words as he stood upright, hand resting on his hip,and looked at.