" he responded. "Are you interested? We really need someone out there soon." I think I'd like to go for it then. How soon do I have to be there?" I do...'t mean to pry, but I assume you've cleared this with Lynn and she's okay with your absence for six to eight weeks." Lynn and I have separated and I have the time now to look at other options for my future life." I'm sorry to hear that. I thought you and she were going to start a family soon." For reasons I'm not going into I don't think that is. "Joy's date sauntered over with a knowing smirk. The news that Rita Riley's daughter was dating – and had apparently settled on a public school student – had made the rounds from Clairborne Benedict Prep to several of the wealthiest families in the area. Robert Holmes' father and mother had made their fortune in real estate but the prices were getting higher and it was becoming tougher and tougher to add to their wealth. Robert thought plucking Rita Riley's daughter from the vine might be the. "I looked at him, mute gratitude in my eyes. He understood. He knew what it was like to make the hard no-win decisions for the good of others who you were responsible for."Feeling better?" he asked."Not really," I smiled, "but the pressure is released for now. It seems like I have been doing an awful lot of this lately." You've been under a huge strain," Darius said. "Don't sell yourself short. You've had the future of your people resting on your shoulders and nobody to share it with. . As she descended the steps of the porch, she saw Mr. Hunky from earlier strolling over to her. “Hi, I’m John. I just moved in next door,” he said in a deep, melodic voice, “I’m sorry about the noise. They didn’t wake you up, did they?” “It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” she replied, extending her hand as she smiled, “My name’s Kate.” “Nice to meet you.” She shook his hand and noted his strong, firm grip. Now that they were up close and personal she could get a proper look at him. The first.