..You've got to let me go!" I heard him say, over the deep agonized rumble outside, but I clung to him tightly. Outside the protective confines of our...reinforced bathroom, an earthquake was unleashing its full might on our town. Inside the shielded refuge, rubber dampeners eased the assault, and over the years our shelter had proved its effectiveness for keeping our family from harm, nevertheless, when James spoke, I assumed the panicked edge to his voice was a reaction to the b**st outside.. He, like Josh assumed I was talking about a girl. God was he a puppy in my hands when he realized I was about to raise the stake. What married man will ever say no to a free night of fun? I am sure he found a good enough lie to convince his wife why we was stuck on 'work' for the weekend. By Thursday afternoon everything was fixed. On Friday night, Josh was to show up at the room by 10PM. Alan was supposed to get the champagne bottle, wine bottles and chocolates ordered and delivered to my room. He had a pistol at the ready, I hit him with the butt of theshotgun dislodging teeth, feeling his jaw shatter. I spun the shotgunaround pulling off a round or two at the next one, I believe I hithim - he certainly acted like he had been hit with something caustic.He turned and ran. I hoped Sally and Irene were doing okay.Sirens were heard in the distance, coming closer to the house. Carscame careening up the drive, sliding to a stop, the officers in thecar jumping out with drawn pistols.. I had kicked on the huge air fans above us hanging in the loft open areas to at least move the air around, but the heat was still oppressive. Having a brilliant idea, I led them into the horse-washing stall, and turned on the misting sprayers, designed to cool down the horses after a ride, it seemed perfect for my visitors as well. "Oh, this is wonderful. It's so hot and this mist is so refreshing," one woman commented, as she turned round and round, letting the spray flow. There was a chorus.