He had learned early in life that she responded better to kindness than threats.“No,” he said again in a softer voice. “Let us speak privately a...d I will explain things to you. It is not something we wish to have overheard.”He wished Elena were nearby but she was in a meeting with the king for the afternoon. His sister watched as the guards and her friend were escorted to chambers where they could clean up and relax. That left Jonathan to direct his sister into a private chamber he had used as. It’s been a shitty day, so far, and I have to stay late to work with that stiff ass, tight wad boss of ours,” I replied to her. Little did I know, the stiff ass was around the corner, listening. They say hind sight is 20/20. Valerie laughed, patted my shoulder, and before she walked away, we made plans for lunch. At lunch, Valerie and I made small talk, while waiting for our salads. “ You should get laid,” Valerie remarked. “ Gee, thanks. Are you saying that I am getting a bit bitchy?”. ” Michelle’s response was accompanied by a smilie face. This was quickly followed by a perplexing addition. “Come prepared.” I leant back in my swivel chair and sighed with relief. The ill-ease I had felt about the prospect of the tour and the meeting with Clare, had seemed to have passed. I still had to consult my own family though, but that bridge could be crossed at a slightly later time. That night I could hardly sleep. Rampant thoughts of Michelle and Clare kept me awake. Added to this was. I shook my head. “No, there was a fire in my apartment. I lost everything.”Both women flashed wide eyes. “What?” Mom asked. “When?” Alyssa asked.I nodded. “A fire, this morning. I have no idea how it started, but by the time Katrina and I got out, it had engulfed every room.”Alyssa frowned, leaned forward, and sniffed at me. “You don’t smell like smoke.”“Oh, well, the manor where I went for the will had on-site dry-cleaning equipment. The staff offered to let me grab a shower and wash my.