After taking one look at me she said, in that let’s-not-fuck-around Geordie voice for which she is widely known (and which, incidentally, belies a s...eetly loving and caring heart): “Christ, girl, you look a mess. You’ve done enough for now, Jo — go off home. Now! Don’t let me see you till next Monday.” After a token resistance I briefed her on the ongoing stuff I had been responsible for, used one of the Portaloos in the carpark rather than wait to use the hole that my elderly neighbour Fred. ” I confessed. He turned and looked at me kinda surprised. I shook my head, “He did.” I assured him. Brian sat there quiet and self-conscious.“I’m really sorry I came in Honey.” I whispered. {In hind-sight, I wasn’t sorry at all.} “I thought you’d be asleep. I guess wishing you a Happy Birthday would seem kinda silly now, huh?”“Yeah, thanks for the big box of ‘Embarrassed’. Just my size too.” He tells me with a forced smile. It was nice to see that he still had his sense of humor.I smiled back.. No sense in denying it. Rather, I embrace it. I live in Brockton, Massachusetts. The so-called City of Champions. Also known as Shit Town. Why? It’s simple, folks. If you don’t shit on people in Brockton, they’re going to shit on you. So you’ve got to always watch out for haters. They’ve learned not to mess with me anymore. I’m the toughest bitch you’ll ever meet. The black chick you see cussing on the subway or yelling at someone at the mall, that’s probably me. I got to express myself, you. It looks like it was dashed off in a hurry." Hand-written?" Yes." Then it's definitely not from Yonce. He has a secretary print even the smallest notes on monogrammed stationery with a fancy font from a printer." Then it might be a hoax. Or someone trying to set a trap."Cassie bit her lower lip. "What are we going to do?" I don't know yet." We really need a place to meet, Jason. I'm close to a breakthrough with Melissa. Maybe this is someone we know trying to help us?" I'd like to believe that,.