J-Rock brought Mike to the apartment to introduce us, Mike was an MMA fighter, occasional enforcer/protection for higher ranking local Blood members, ...nd, perhaps most importantly, he had been released from county 3 hours ago, after doing a 4-month stint & needed a place to crash. We offered up our couch. All of us went in on two eight balls, which J went to pickup and bring back. Meanwhile, Sara & I had a gram of our own set aside that we decided to share with Mike. Sitting on our bed passing. The next morning we met the rest of the family, and I could see that none of them had slept well. Letty in particular seemed desperate to know that someone cared for her. She was always touching someone, usually Jason as we ate breakfast in silence. No one wanted to be the first to speak. After the depressing breakfast, we scattered to think more.I spent the rest of the weekend with Ashley. This was not a time of endless sex, but a series of sessions where we touched and talked. Ashley poured. Another woman, her hair dyed half blue and half pink, stood nearby and seemed to be writing notes."That's the Vizier," Carla shouted. "The Theocracy has arrived in force."I swallowed. "We can hold, right? We can hold for months and out last them?"Deidre stared at the shield."We can hold, right?" I demanded, seizing her arm."We can," she nodded. "Let's strengthen the shield."Sheriff Caleb Barends"That is so interesting," Sam smiled, walking back to the command tent.I scowled at the Asian woman.. . celebrated." I know. I heard." Well, you probably didn't hear much from me," Shawna explained. "I had my mouth full for most of the evening, one way or another." Your mouth ... and your throat? The night before our concert?" I've not sung for an audience like this before. I didn't make the connection, you know. Normally I just have a bit of an ache and it goes away in a day or two." We don't have a day or two. Will your voice hold up?" I don't know," Shawna admitted."You do know we have to.