Hoot, as representative of Human Earth, had a spacious domicile provided for his use, and had invited everyone to stay with his family while they were...visiting.ET, Phoebe, and the eight kits that comprised his Pride, informed everyone that they might have to delay their attendance but everyone was hopeful that they would be able to visit.ET and Phoebe were in fact quite involved at that moment on the Feline Earth, which was located on the far side of the Alliance, almost diametrically opposed,. "I'm being transferred," I told him. "Do you want to take over?" Beforehe could answer, the music stopped and another woman spoke."Richard. Thanks for calling in. I'm really sorry about the short noticebut can you meet a client tonight? Seven thirty for eight at Mal Maison.There's also a reservation at Hotel du Vin in the name of James. Are youavailable? Please be available." Her voice was playful but insistent. Myeyes never left Richard's face, his gaze locked to mine. He shook hishead and. ?Go on, it won?t hurt you, and you?ll thank me for it in themorning.??Oh, all right," She grumped, tilting the opened vial and pouring thecontents down her throat. Moments later she blinked, shook her head andglared at the mage. ?Do you have any idea of how long it took me to getdrunk enough to stop worrying about my situation? All that effort gonefor nothing.?He actually returned her half way mournful expression with a thin smile.?Then I take it you?re sober again, M?lady???I think so.". I turned quickly, but I couldn't see the singer. From somewhere, not even aloud, I heard what I could have sworn was Harry's laugh, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose. I shivered."Did you hear that?" I spoke as quietly as I could to Persephone."What?" The six or seven notes? The laughter?"She shook her head."No, Sam. Nothing. What was it?" I don't know, and that bothers me."I stepped over to the other three and asked the same questions, but no one else had heard the notes or the.