Jim jumped. I patted his shoulder and asked: "Missy, give me a pick!"The pick came immediately. I could not help myself, saying to myself,this is for ...ot telling me your secret all these years. I rammed the pickhome into the curler and, unfortunately, into Jim's scalp. I hope hedoesn't cry. He didn't, though he did give a little sissy yelp.His eyes were firmly fixed on the mirror in front of him. I had thoughtabout turning him so he could not see what was happening to him. Butdecided that it. There was no sense complicating things."Tomorrow after school would be good," She said."Tomorrow it is. Now call Peter Gordon and invite him to the Cloak and Dagger tonight," I said."Why?" She asked."Because we are about to see how good a computer Geek he is. Also how good a horse trader." I suggested."Okay but please don't do anything to hurt him. He seems like a nice man," she said."Boy, he seems like a nice boy," I corrected her. "Vlad and Blevins are nice men." You are so mean," she said. Gerald chuckled. "Beat it," he growled.Mary smiled back and left the room. She went and washed the teacup, put on her coat and, taking a deep breath, went out to Reception. She glanced swiftly round and saw that the lobby was empty apart from one woman who was sitting opposite and rose when she saw her."Hello, Miriam!" Hello, Mary!"They embraced swiftly for the Receptionist's benefit and were quickly outside."My car," said Miriam. "It's just round the corner. Steven or Becca will bring you in. "(mumbling)"I said: hand... me... the... paddle!" Okay now... Get over that chair."(shuffling sounds)Then the paddling started. The sound of the paddle on bare skin was very distinct, which made Collen suspect that the strokes were being applied very hard.(Several strokes later)"Aaaahhhh!"(More strokes) "Aaaaahhhhh!"(The paddling continued) "Owwww! STACY!"(One hard stroke)"No, get back in position!" (pause)(The paddling resumed) "Aaaaahh!" Oh God, Stacy!" Aaaah! Stacy, I can't -" You.