‘It will be our little secret.’ he kissed her lips. ‘They will disown us if they found out.’ tears were already coming to her eyes. He was at...the point where he didn’t give a fuck if they knew, he wanted them to know, he was sick of hiding her, but he could never tell her, she had this irrational fear of her father and a desperate need for his love and approval. He was selfish, but he could not stand to see her so afraid. He pulled back a little but still holding her hips tight to him. ‘If. It was almost two weeks before I was sufficiently released from duties, imposed by the imminent Rebel threat, to revisit Genene’s apartment. This time I went completely sober and with a gift of flowers, the fabulous Teeheye Bride Rose, boasted by florists to be the most fragrant rose in the galaxy. I had called her ahead of time, the Flag Commandant having quietly passed me her contact number along with his suggestion of the roses, and I booked her for the whole night, to include collecting her. Somehow, their source explained, CEO Atwood had continued to secure outside financing from unknown sources. He did mention rumors of south-of-the-border connections, but he refused to elaborate further.Late that afternoon back at the motel, Mike tried calling the Brightmans. Still no answer. Worried now, he called Fr. Ambrose.“It’s not good, Mike. The federal tax people, the Internal Revenue, they took the ranch. They posted it with government ‘no trespassing’ signs, put government padlocks on. Winston, ... hope you don’t mind. There wasn’t much else for me to do after I got back from roaming around out there; so after a coffee and then staring at the ceiling I thought, fuck it; I’m getting into the sack with that Winston. Well ... I just fell asleep too ... so here I am.”Winston let out a chuckle, “Well don’t that beat all little missy; you sure are a cute English cookie ... the way you curse so politely too! You got anything on?”His hand made a cursory run over her torso. “Nearly.