As she moved to snuggle in my arms I began to ask her questions, ‘Simone, what the hell – ‘ ‘Shh,’ she stopped me. ‘It’s a long story an... I can’t tell you anyway. There was a mix-up. That’s all.’ ‘A mix-up? Are you kidding me? A mix-up that killed people? A mix-up that treated me like a terror suspect?’ I asked her a stream of questions, getting so worked up it surprised even me. Finally, I ended my tirade, ‘Simone, you have to explain what happened today.’ ‘Ed, I don’t. I mean, I can’t. I’m. ’ ‘Diane, honey, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.’ Drawled Ashleigh, with a wink at Sharon. After promising to talk to Ashleigh at work the next day, Diane and Dave said goodnight. Ashleigh affirmed to the group that Dave was a welcome addition and that she had enjoyed her time with him. Ted added that Diane was good in bed as well and that he thought she would be a fun game player. Sharon offered that Tom had taken good care of her as well and declared the evening a success. With warm hugs and. "I am indeed," he replied, smiling."I am married you know." That hasn't slowed you down in the past," he said."And how would you know that?" Oh, a beautiful woman, looking for a little excitement. The word gets around." Hmmm, but you are wrong about one thing." Oh, what's that?" Sweetie, I'm not looking for a little excitement. I'm looking for a LOT of excitement." That can be arranged." Then suppose you call me and we'll see if we can't excite each other." It will be my pleasure."They had met. I heard this before. And there are some friends that know this to be true. And the mask is still there laughing and cursing me. I can no longer focus, everything is a blur. “Take my hand for the moment.” The masked woman began. “But only for the moment- for in life there are no guarantee’s” If this was meant as a forewarning of some apocalyptic event that is meant to tear me a sunder- I am not afraid. For I only fear what lies beneath the mask. She searched for the trepidation in my eyes and.