What else? Oh, I’m following rising interest rates and the price of oil. It’s a witch’s brew.”Gertie looked at Vanessa and me, “None of that...really matters. Macklin is tanking. Probably sooner than later.”The Wizard nodded. Sagely.Gloria Allen had been in the trenches for decades. Seen a lot, accomplished a lot. Poker face. But still, I could tell she was pleased when I said, “Change of plans. I was going to meet with you in LA, but Constance Grayson said the senator would host us.”“Senator. ”“Well, maybe a kiss as well,” I joked.“Promise?” she asked, her eyes bright.“Anytime you like,” I said, being cheeky.“So,” she said finally, “decision time. Here or out?”“Your choice,” I said.“No, yours,” she replied, “come on, make one.”“I’d really like to try Chinatown,” I said, “I don’t think it’s far from here, we can ask reception.”“OK then,” she said, “I love Chinese food. I just wish I could get the hang of chopsticks.”“I’ll teach you,” I said.And I did. We got directions from reception. "You're doing great honey, but this will probably be the most painfulpart. So remember, be a good, brave little girl, you don't want to showme up in front of this gentleman do you?" N-n-no David" I whimpered"I'll be brave for you"I closed my eyes tightly and flung my head backwards to get away fromthe awful image of what was going to happen. I briefly opened them tolook up imploringly at David but I knew in my heart that it would be tono avail. The clamp was tightened on my left nipple and I. She took her coaches and managers and said her team could beat anything the American children could put together.These were fighting words and within a month we had regularly televised amateur baseball games. A hefty percentage of the royalties went to amateur sports and to the teams playing as well for uniforms and equipment. She had to eat her words publicly after the first set of games but vowed revenge. The Caucasian children took the challenge seriously and practised with a will. For the.