We cleaned up as best we could, fixed our makeup and hair,unrumpled our skirts, then walked out into the reception area and out thedoor. I didn't look...back, but I wondered how everyone in the place didn'tknow exactly what we had just done from the scent of musk and cum we bothstill exuded.We made it back to Claire’s car, and turned and started laughing thelaugh of those who got away with it. Claire squirmed a bit on the drivehome as she drove. I found myself wishing that I knew what she. I moved up toward the stage, planning to take a seat right up front, but a spindly worker put his hand on my chest before I could sit down."If you want to sit in front, you have to pay. Three coins up front — and you're expected to tip the dancers."I scowled at the guy for a moment, and then glanced down at his hand on my chest. He moved his hand, looking a little worried and apologetic.I pulled four casino coins out of my pocket, tossed them on the table, and said, "There you go. Take the. I ran back to Rory, who was holding Raylene and Roddy in his arms while trying to remain upright on his knees. He looked at me with tears in his eyes.“This was MY son.”Those were his last words before he pitched over sideways, dead.“Rory!” I yelled dropping to my knees at his side.“Paul!” A voice was screaming at me.“Paul!” Again.My body was being shaken. I turned my head, but I couldn’t see clearly. Everything was blurred. Then the voice again, “Paul!” More shaking.“He’s coming around, Opal. How decidedly odd. Still, he supposed that it was, at least, an invitation to see her again.He quickly got ready for work and went out the door, only realizing belatedly that he had been whistling happily the entire time.When he arrived at the station, Mark met him at his desk with a hot cup of the vile substance that passed for coffee at the station.As Tom accepted the cup, Mark gave him a quick double take and arched an eyebrow in suspicion, "And just what are you so friggin' happy about this.