But here the law differs from the Imperial law, after the first two years you can release her from the contract, whereas Imperial would say she belong... to you til she pays."Mark sat back in the chair, so she really did have him, at least for two years. A loud groan escaped his lips as he became frustrated even further when he heard Nissie and Sam laughing in the next room."So, what news do you have on Tantka?" Mark asked, trying to relieve the tension that he now felt."No, that's the odd thing,. Dirt and loose gravel cut into the dust and grass of the high desert. The two canyons it crossed between the point where the riders had found it and its juncture with the east-west running road it ran into had been dicey, but manageable. Washouts and steep grades didn't combine for smooth traveling. That road lead to another north-south access road, but barely a half mile later, joined up with highway 97 again. Getting back on the highway and headed for Echo Point again had been a relief, but. ”“Okay,” I said. Jo’s head was sharing the earpiece with me, so she kept track.“Hello, Stoney,” Anders said. “You gave us quite a fright. When Johanna called...”“Thank God you have an intelligent daughter,” I said. “I’d still be at the station without your help.”“And we would be at the hospital. Or worse. Without yours,” he said. “Son,” he said, “thank you for taking care of my daughter.”“She’s my wife and I am responsible for protecting her. And thank you and Bridgette for rearing a. " Ok."Jan and I went to her house. We had just gotten inside when she wrapped her arms around me and started crying. Why was this getting to be my normal routine? Everyone having something really bad happen. Jan finally told me how bad her mother was. They were talking that she may not make it. They were going to have a better prognosis in a few days. We gathered Jan's things up and headed back to my house. I helped Jan get her things into the guest room and helped her unpack. Jenny was talking.