"I tried to be coy, saying, "With my cousin?"The old biddy cuffed me in the face! It was a harmless smack, and it was delivered while saying, "Don't p...ay me for a fool, Vic! You know you aren't really related. She's from the in-law side of the family. She's not even really my grandchild either. Her father and your uncle's wife are siblings."I knew that, and I thought it gave me carte' blanche to return the affection Maddy had shown me, but now the proverbial ice water had been dropped on my. I quickly made myself scarce, and went and sat quietly in the solarium attached to the house.Although it was Christmas Day the winter sun still managed to warm the space, and I relaxed in a comfortable chair. Truth to tell I must have dozed off; the warmth, and the several glasses of punch I had consumed, adding to my drowsy state.I awoke with a start when a female voice said."Well Elijah, I had hoped you would find the company here livelier than you obviously have."Zinnia Teazle was looking at. Robbie swung again, it was almost painful to watch. Strike two. Vancouver just might get an out. The pitcher set for the third time. He reared back and threw.Robbie swung, catching the top third of the ball. The ball came off her bat and dribbled up the third base line. The pitcher, catcher, and third baseman all charged after it as Robbie sprinted toward first."Let it go foul! The coach yelled from the dugout. The three players left the ball alone as it rolled down the line and settled, an. She roared herresentment as Beccy jumped in suprise, managing to change it into a leaptowards the computer desk, scrabbling for the single click that wouldseal Alice's doom. Even as her mind spawned a thousand images of whatRoss' revenge would do to her, she was diving, managing to wrap a handaround the retreating girl's ankle.*** He knew what it would mean. As the horribly high-pitched squeal escapedhis lips, as her hand caught his foot, (you sound like a girl, his mindstill told him), he.