Blanton, I'm really happy I got this job. I just want you to know that I don't date anyone where I'm working and there aren't any exceptions." It was ...s straightforward a statement as I'd ever heard and it completely caught me off guard."Ah ... well fine ... I understand. I hope you didn't think that ... well ... that you got this job..."She cut me off right there. "No! I know I was the best candidate. I just want it understood that I'm not date material. I'm there to work and I'll do a damn. Going back to a physical relationship would change things again, and I’m not sure how. Until we’re sure, until we know, you have to be an intimate friend and confidante not a lover.”She sighed, “You have turned into a VERY interesting man, Steve Adams. Can I ask you a serious question? I think you’re at a point where you can handle it.”I nodded, knowing what she was going to ask.“Do you think it’s possible,” she said slowly, “that you and I could end up together?”“Possible? I suppose. Lots of. I'm starting to stink after over a week" See what I can do!" His nose wrinkled with distaste. She certainly wasn't any too fresh - to put it mildly!And the Consular visit was over. Katie was left alone, still shackled and still nude, to consider the situation."Plenty of my colleagues over here covering my plight. Great! Not financial/economic analysts like me. Just tabloid hacks after a juicy story about a naked girl facing some kind of Oriental caning. Cheap sensational exploitation stuff,. No wonder Pat had latched on to his father. He was also polite, deferential and more than once I caught him looking at my legs. I was glad I had worn a skirt.During one break in the conversation I helped Pat take some glasses and the now empty platter to the kitchen. As we stood in one corner, she leaned over to me and put her mouth to my ear."Bridget," Pat whispered to me, "I've seen other girls look at Mikie like they were going to eat him up. Since you can really do it, you behave." I.