" Oh, just what did she say?"I tell him the whole conversation, bringing a laugh and a tight hug. Then I add, "And you'll never guess what she wants f...r her birthday."He doesn't even try to guess and I tell him about the vibrator. He smiles at that and I add, "We're going to have to watch her. I think she's, shall I say, becoming friends with Tom."Erik smiled. "I seem to remember her mother becoming friends with someone at about that age. Seriously, she's got a good head on her shoulders. I. Yes, I was a stupid asshole. I turned to Cheryl."Cheryl, I truly apologize. My response to you was totally uncalled for, but I was already pissed off because of some comments from my so-called friends ... or ex-friends, now."Then I quietly told them about my discussion with Thomas. And when they heard my final comment - they just lost it. With equally quiet voices I was informed that I had been much more correct than I had ever expected. However, I would have been happier if I had been able to. ”“You repaired her car alright, by the way, what did you two do to Billy? I could not wake him up for the love of god last night, so I just left him here last night.”“We took him for a walk at River Lea.” Taking my backpack, I threw it over my shoulder as I made my way out. “I’ll be back at midday to start my shift.”“Steve!”“Yes, boss.”“Just be careful, don’t get too attached to this young lady, she will be gone after the summer. Ryan is different from the rest of his family; he has been. Eckert pursed his lips. I'm not so sure. There was still power for a while, Most places like this have automatic doors and they could have gotten in that way." He lay down and poked the mirror over the edge. He wiggled it this way and that, then backed away again. "I count four of them, and the doors seem to be closed." He broke open another skylight. The doors were closed, and intact. "Six of them at least."He watched them for a while, then went over to another skylight. Marla limped after him.