I looked down through the hole at an angle as I turned, unable to see anything in the faint light below. I adjusted quickly, aligning myself over the ...ole so that I could let my delicate bits dangle through. Once I was comfortably in position, I reached behind me and adjusted the towel, making sure I was still covered. The woman turned back around and applied more oil to her hands before returning to start massaging my shoulders.For a few minutes, I began to wonder if anything was ever going to. It is a resolute banging by the time I open the door.Just as I crack the door ajar, my face is slammed by it, and tiny hands wrap around me. I look down and see my niece wrapped around me, she’s shaking and crying. In the doorway stood two police officers.Police say to me, "Mr. Reed can you come with us to South Side Hospital? Your brother and his wife have been in an accident." Uncle Gary please don't leave me alone," my niece wails.I softly touch her face and say, "Lily, Lily, look at me,. She’s five years old, and your saddle should fit her well enough. She’s in good health and mules live a long time. Have you ridden one before?”“No.”“They’re a little different than horses. Be nice to her and she’ll be nice to you. Be mean to her and she may just take it out on you when you’re not expecting it.”“I’m not going to be mean to a mule!”“I didn’t say you were,” the man said, sounding exasperated. “I was just warning you about what they’re like. I’m going to go look for someone who’s. ..” He skewered her with his eye, “Abby ... I’m proud of you. The Meade was a tremendous bargain. Good girl. And congratulations on making the Dean’s List.” “Close your mouth ... we have bug zappers and don’t need your help.”“Dean’s List? The grades don’t come out for a month!” Abby said.“You’ll be surprised, won’t you.” Not a question ... a command.“Yes, Sir.”“Time for the Auction.” He clapped his hands twice and the people who were there for the last auction filed in ... minus one. The.