Then, Pam Burton came along.Pam was twice my age, plus a few, but that didn’t stop either of us from striking up a serious relationship that started...out by pure happenstance. Pam’s son was on the same football team as myself and so I kind of knew her from a distance, seeing her picking up Jack after our football practices.The one day, as I walking home from school after a hard practice, Jack and his mom pulled up beside me as I trudged along on the sidewalk. My car had broken down and I was. . Anyway, it's going to be interesting to see if you can merge with someone else, and what you can do while you're merged." What do you mean?" I mean how much control you have when it happens. You know how you used to take me over before we met?" Of course," she said. "Are you wondering if I can do that with someone else?" Among other things, I also want to know if merging with someone else can keep you safe if you have to stay away for a while, you know, extend your time limit." That would be. If they act threateningly toward me, then shoot the bastards."Andy nodded. "That's probably the best way. If I fire a shot, Jud, start shooting the bastards. I'll have a revolver and you can take Ed's revolver." Remember, Jud, it's your babies you're protecting," I said."My babies and my friends."Jud said he'd wake his family and get them ready to move out. Andy volunteered to wake M & M and Tommy, but I said I thought Sam should do that and that they should be the last to be awakened. He had. At one end were a pair of wide sliding doors leading to a parlor or dining room. The doors were closed.Sofas and chairs were arranged facing these doors. There were about twenty people already seated, waiting. There were only three other women present.There was very little conversation. Most of the people appeared ill at ease. Fifteen minutes passed, and a few more men entered and filled the remaining empty places.At about nine-thirty the lights were turned off and we sat in darkness for a.