She slid into the back seat and without thinking I leaned in and whispered to her, “Be careful at West Point. I’ve heard those cadets have the qui...kest hands in the east.”She blushed and giggled. Then she turned serious for a second and touched my arm as she said, “Thanks for being so nice Joe—you’re sweet.”I should have kissed her then ... I wanted to, but with both parents standing a few feet away I just couldn’t. “Have fun,” I said to her.There might have been a trace of disappointment on. Theonly one I had was broken in one of the struggles. But with herunconscious, I just needed to get Chrissy out and fast. I could hearher heart beating, and the gentle sobbing... There she was. I rippedthe door off its hinges."Mom!" she sobbed."It's okay, I'm here." I heard... everything." She paused. "Victoria was my..."No time for that. "We are getting you out of here."Suddenly, her body went limp, as several men with guns appeared. Theystarted shooting. I put Chrissy down in the. What was she-The dratted healer was back! "What do you want, woman?!? Can you not see I am trying to decide what to do with that inconvenient ball of flesh you just removed?" she demanded hoarsely, her eyes shading deeper yellow in her anger.The healer's mouth firmed and her eyes tightened in disapproval. "I was wondering what you were going to name the ball of flesh? Documentation must be filled out for the Council and the Houses and an announcement made," the woman replied stiffly.Master. ..”Michael trailed off, and Brandi looked him in the eyes, unable to stop a slight flush entering her cheeks as she did.“ ... or maybe it’s a brand new threat.”“God knows we need another one of those.”The pair stood in silent eye contact for a few seconds, before Brandi forced herself to look away, and started striding toward her house. It was a school night, and she’d already been out for far longer than she intended.“See you tomorrow!” Michael called out after her, and Brandi half-heartedly.