” She ventured a hand up and felt her neck. The gore from her wound fell away from her as she swooned. “He told me then I was his…He was my m...ster…” She coughed again and blood shot out of her wound as a gout spewed out her lips making a deep wet sound. “When he left, he said ‘never go east, and beware the man in black…’”She sagged now as her lifeblood and fuel retreated from her. “I…I…I…Never…” As she struggled, her voice changed to a deeper tone not of a young woman.Unable to hide its. “Real wealthy.”Wayne’s face darkened. Peter’s expression gave me a moment to clarify. It was not going to be a long moment.“Wealth isn’t just money,” I pointed out, speaking much faster. “My parents aren’t rich, but I know what it’s like when I head back home. That’s wealthy. Max and Sam might not be as well off as Alex is, but they make me better.”Wayne and Peter were both clearly taken aback by this statement. They studied me. Wayne and I ate in silence for another minute.“I think I still. It was like I had been made for this, to be a real chick. I moved seductively and with confidence, a modest sway in each step. I stopped and glanced over my shoulder at Karen."What do you think?" I asked her. "Is this what you have in mind?"When I spoke, my voice was neither too low nor too high--I had found my register. The illusion was complete, yet so real in my heart.Karen clasped her hands together. "Wow! You're a babe," said Karen. "It's like...scary even." Transfixed, I stared some more. . when these men are finished and leave you can come out and suntan to your heart's content. But until then I want you to stay inside, understand?" he said.Kiana got up and stormed off toward the house. She was mad at him–furious even, no question about it. But she knew that getting into a pissing contest with him was a waste of time and energy.When Walter's mind was set on something, nothing on heaven or earth would sway him. She went into the house, slamming the door, and plopped down.