”I fluctuated between curiosity and self chastisement for venturing down this road. I didn’t even notice the knob turn, but the next thing I knew ...he door was opening to reveal a diminutive man of unrecognizable age in the foyer.Now you have to understand that I am barely above the 5 foot mark in the swimming pool, so when I say “diminutive” I mean TINY.“Katie?” he inquired.“Um ... Kate,” I responded.My correction didn’t faze him. He waved me in and, though he never offered his name, I followed. When he was done, he laid back, lit another cigarette and enjoyed the warm bubble bath. About the time that Paul finished his second cigarette, he could hear Marie heading toward the bathroom. She stopped just outside the bathroom and said “Time to get out of the tub and towel dry. I have a couple of more surprises for you. We have spoken of these items before and I spent several months searching on line for just the right ones.” No sooner had Paul finished drying off then Marie entered the. I’ll continue to monitor the aviation frequencies,” I told her before we both returned to listening.Just before 8:00, I picked up a transmission from a Marine helicopter asking for landing instructions at Big Bear’s airfield. Twenty minutes later, there was a transmission from a Department of Energy aircraft asking for landing instructions also.“It would appear that the participants in this little exercise are gathering,” I told Grace as 9:00 o’clock approached. “It’s time to call Mr. Hill and. Iopened the door and was rather taken aback to see our next doorneighbour, Mr Smith, carrying a large Christmas present."Oh Hi Mr Smith" I said as politely as possible "What can I do for you?"Mr Smith handed me the present "This is for you, Jeremy. As soon as I'vegone you must open it immediately and read the note I've enclosed. It'svery important indeed" "But,but ....er thank you" I replied, not knowingwhat to make of Mr Smith's gift or his words. Mr Smith had alreadyturned and left our.