He told me your brother died, quite unconvincingly. That man wouldn’t last five minutes in a card game. So what’s the real story?”“Valon… ha... gone rogue. After a botched magic experiment, he went crazy and just disappeared. I haven’t seen him since.”“What kind of experiment?”“He was searching for the gods, using the power of Zodiac. Most people believe that the gods watch over us, existing so close to our world but beyond our reach. Valon believed that they were more nomadic, that this world. " She offered her hand and I eagerly grasped it. "I'm Bill Madden, please sit down." I figured if I got a little closer to you, you wouldn't have to stareso hard. Is there something the matter with my shoes? You seem to befascinated with something down there." She was facing away from the bar and stretched her leg out so I could get a better look." No, I uh, no, I think they're beautiful." Hmm, not too many men notice a woman's footwear. At least, I don'tfind too many men appearing to be. It probably wouldn't work, but she sure as hell was going to try it anyway.Chrissy stripped naked, turned out all the lights, and slipped into her father's bed. About an hour later Ben got home, a little tipsy from a few drinks he'd had with the cast. He found the lights out and assumed Chrissy was asleep, so he didn't peek into her room to say goodnight. He just slipped into his bedroom as quietly as possible, took off his clothes, and slipped into bed. The drinks had made him a little. Karenmeanwhile was slightly taken aback at her normally timid friend'sferociousness, but she had to admit that she liked what she saw. However,as Karen returned her gaze to Jim, she could see that his eyes hadstarted to moisten and he looked like he was about to cry at any moment.'That's better' said Maria in a calmer and more soothing voice 'Now, Idon't want to start a shouting match. I just want to sit here quietly anddiscuss what we must do about you not living up to your end of theagreement.