The folks who worked late had gone home. The early birds hadn’t arrived yet. The cleaning crews had finished for the night. The only people left wer... the security guards who were seated at reception desks at the entrances of the various office buildings.Officer Durand slowly drove past the Franka stock exchange making sure that all looked normal. The evening briefing had emphasized looking out for things that didn’t belong, like large delivery trucks parked outside buildings or security people. Well didn't that turn out great, he thought to himself. Still, his existence now was just as quality as before, though perhaps more dangerous. But you didn't live 7 years in the wasteland without gaining special skills. He pushed the thought from his mind, instead refocusing his mind on his task of sifting through the various plastic and metal refuse that littered the sand. Something particularly shiny caught his eye, and he felt for it in the sand. Whatever it was, it was large and very metal.. To be in his arms and to be kissed like that – well the women of the society admire him and he really is their idol. He’s such a powerful yet gentle presence and protects them all. Not once has he made a pass at any of them or dated anyone. ‘Then you arrive and it’s obvious to us all that you hold his heart in your hands and you’re too blind,’ his eyes narrowed to slits, ‘or too self-centered to notice it.’ He stared at her for a long time before proceeding. ‘Peter would be most annoyed about. ..." she said with a wink.She holstered her guns, quietly closed the door behind her and made herway to the sleeping Heather. Bayonetta stood over the prone brunette, herbody blocking out the ceiling lights and casting a shadow on her. Cereza'sperfume and the rubber scent of her costume washed over the young woman asHeather started to stir."Hello dear."Heather's eyes flew open."I'm so very glad you stayed."Heather shrieked and half-rose, half-stumbled off the couch. She recoiledfrom the dark.