Instantly, I knew something was wrong when I approached the stable and no one was near it. I could see people surreptitiously looking at me from a dis...ance as I neared the building. It was as if they were told to not come near, and don't look, so they had to look and make it look like they were not looking.I slid my hand down, and as unobtrusively as possible loosened my sword with my left thumb before I entered.The stable was clear of people except for a little girl that was waiting for me.. And don't believe that these happy warriors won't drink when their Imam isn't around. One of 'em was a little more cooperative when we got him alone. We filled his belly with hot food and got him loosened up on booze. He was happy to boast that their new friends were promising a way to drive the godless aliens from their lands. We asked if what they'd been carrying that day was part of it. He confirmed it. And he said there was a lot more where that came from!"Michael sent a request to Pietor's. Do you think the two of us being planted side by side in the ground meant that we'd always be together? When you're dead, the body is just an empty bag. I don't care for being food for the insects and the worms. I'd rather have a quick cremation and be done with the whole decomposing business. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than all that other rigmarole anyway." We'll be dead, what do you care about the money then anyway, Charlie? I'd like a nice funeral, one with all the trimmings, so that people. " Oh would you? I'd be so grateful." Sure. So you're staying here?" I ... I don't think I can afford it." Look," said Spiker pulling out a roll of bills and plopping down enough for a couple of weeks room rent, "why don't I help you out?" Oh, I couldn't..." It's okay. You can pay me back when you get that first acting job."Kathy was torn. The man was a complete stranger but she needed a place to stay tonight and he seemed so nice, so sincere."All ... all right, but only if you let me pay you.