.." whispered Cindy. "You were right, A'moth, about Havika I mean... Havika was right too... What a beautiful staircase..."A massive cylindrical volum... of open space spread before them, pleasantly lit from softly glowing walls. Along the wall was a great spiral staircase, making one and a half revolutions before reaching bottom four kilometers below. About every 220 meters along the spiral path, there was a small horizontal observation platform. They could dimly see the end of the great helical. Kiera Hamilton was just twenty-one when she was awarded ownership of the salon. Females no longer work in positions as laborers but was one of the last female graduated of cosmetology school before the government made being a stylist a male only position. As a male with no wife or keeper, Ben was forced to stay on at the salon and work for Kiera Hamilton. Although he felt cheated by the government, he was fond of Keira and was resolved to submit to her leadership and authority under the law.One. I laughed before I began to talk to her."Bitch, sit down! Relax, damn it's only eight!" Why I gotta be your bitch, I thought you were always my bitch."She winked as I stared her down."You know that ain't right. You want something to drink?" I know, but I thought that I could at least try. Yeah, what you got? Any coffee? I'm nervous, and it always calms my nervous."She knew I had coffee; I always have it freshly made. I got up and got her cup, doctoring it up just how she liked it. I came back. ”“What are you and Jerry doing for Christmas?” Claudia smiled, admiring Paula’s five-foot-four, 140-pound frame.“With our boys in the Marines and away from home, it’s just us two and his parents for dinner. What about you?”“Dan was really busy the past month doing book signings all over the country, and into Canada. He was visiting his Mom in Toronto the past few days, and is supposed to be flying here today for a 2 o’clock landing, but the weather isn’t looking very good for him. I’d hate to.