The building had used to be a Bank built in Edwardian times and had been converted into four large luxury apartments. They were on the market at a hig... price and none had sold. As an Inspector I was earning a good salary, the Police paid well as they didn't want their officers to have money troubles; a policeman with economic problems could be susceptible to bribery. I was able to bargain with the developer and got a substantial reduction in the price, add to that as a police officer I had. An elderly man dressed in a long shabby shopkeepers coat steps around a largewooden shelf, smiles and says, "Ah good afternoon, how may I help you sir?"Kevin raised the gun to the shopkeeper's head and said, "I need a disguise,your poster says they are the best. I am holding a gun and not afraid to useit, be sensible old man you won't get hurt." He was not going to tell himthat his fate had been decided and he could not blab!"I have no plan to get shot, lower the gun and I will help you out.. She was a littlestartled at how thin and light it was, and then Bridget had closed thedistance with the would be rapist.With a snarl Bridget swung the staff like a golf club with all thestrength she could generate, hitting Bob in the ribs as he crouched overBridget's prone body. Bridget underestimated her male body's strength.There was an explosion of light and sound and Bridget was tossed one wayand Bob the other. She hit the ground hard the wind knocked out of her. Then, she slowly sat. "Good afternoon, Yujiro." Martha greeted the small Japanese-American man who smiled warmly as he took her offered hand. "Ben and I were about to have tea. Do you have time to relax and join us?"Yujiro laughed, "This two-month cruise is the most idle that I've been in many decades. Not even the knowledge that less than three weeks of the trip remain gives me much relief. Even at my age another three weeks of pampering feels like a very long time. I really need something to do."Martha could tell.