I see one in the front of the room, and you were sitting next to another in the back.”, he asked sarcastically. “The officer sitting in the front ...f the room, Officer Dugas.”, I replied, pointing her out. “So, who is the officer that you were sitting next to in the back?”, he asked, turning to look at Lexie. “That’s my girlfriend….”, I answered. “So, it seems you are very popular with the female deputies of our police department.”, he stated. This caused some of the jurors to laugh which. "You were still you, just afemale you!" "Nope. Sorry. The only thing Tina has in common with meis blood relations. Her body, her memories, her personality,it's all a completely separate person. You ever read Dante'sInferno?" I strained to remember, surprised by the change of subject. "Umm, no, I don't think so. Why?" "Well, on his trip through Hell, Dante encounters severalpeople who he thought were still alive. It's explained to himthat if you do an evil enough deed, your soul goes straight. ’ ‘So basically, you’re offering me a chance to help rule the world by shopping, living well, and taking on tasks?’ ‘Well, don’t forget meeting with me a few times a year.’ ‘I’m not forgetting that, Ky. That’s the part I’m looking forward to the most. So when do I take this oath?’ ‘Later, in the room. I have to record it on video and send it to my sponsor. I’m so glad you’re willing. This will be fun.’ We dressed again that evening for dinner. Kyra looked particularly glamorous and sexy, and I. Dust and ash from cleaning, lye from soap, oak from the firewood and something else that Vala couldn’t place, a vaguely flowery, almost sweet smell that was under all the others. All common smells but somehow they instantly came together in Vala’s mind as uniquely representing this young woman. Branwen’s scent. Vala drew in a breath through her nose, savoring and the heat in her core flared. Without really thinking, Vala started lowering her face to Branwen’s, moving in, her lips parting.