?I was under the impression you were still in business together." Of course, of course," he said, lightly. ?He had removed his gloves and shut the doo... while I failed to notice, the former placed familiarly on the table and the latter now chained and bolted again. ?"Rather cold here, don't you think? ?I suppose you have a fire in the parlor?" ?He was already guiding my gently by the arm. ?He was touching me. ?I looked sideways and up at him. ?There were the dark eyes and strong features that. You don't need to worry about that, but I'm hoping you're still interested in the business if we can make a good deal on the market." Yes. I'm interested. I really like the fellow I'm working with at Carlton, but to be honest, it isn't what I want for a permanent career. The idea of picking up another dying store and turning it around is the big draw for me." I was hoping that was the case. I'll keep you informed on what's happening, either directly or through Paul." Great. Paul's a super guy. "That's what you are to me. You're 'my honey'. You don't mind that I call you that?" No, Tom. I think it's nice. I haven't felt this safe since before my mother died," she said, with a sad smile."Don't you worry, Carrie. We'll keep you safe," he promised.Maggie and Paul looked around there family room. Counting their daughter, there were five cheerleaders and three guys. "Carrie, the Police are on their way. They said that they could take your statement here," said Paul."Thank you Mr. Turner,". By the sixth grade, before we moved away, I had been literally every place in the school, except one. It took me a full fifteen years to finally see that one last place. No, it wasn't the girls' locker room; I'd seen that in fifth grade!In the last year of graduate school I made a pilgrimage to my boyhood town. I figured that it might be the last time I would ever have chance to revisit it. That assessment was sound, for I never have had such opportunity since. On the trip I even manage to.