The Gulf Coast was suffering except for the executives in the resort areas. Gulfport was fifty miles from a tourist area, so it suffered. I sat with m... mp3 player blasting upbeat music through the amplified speakers, and it brightened my mood anyway.One thing I had going for me was my looks. I should say my lack of good looks. I found that young couples stayed longer than they had before I let myself go. The women, who controlled the discretionary funds, no longer felt threatened. They stayed. But we were wealthy now, fair compensation for an attempted murder as we both agreed."He had quite a bit of money," I confided to her. She merely blinked at that, and somehow I got the feeling she was not too interested. But her eyes still held mine from underneath her hood, and her foot returned to my knee."And why did he- Or even, how did do the fire thing? The door burst into flame like a bonfire that was bathed in oil by some enthusiastic, drunker reveler! Who can do such a thing?" He was a. "Well you are a hungry one Danielle," stated their mother as she sat downat the table with a cup of coffee.It took a moment before Darian realized that his mother was actuallytalking to him. Looking up, he said, "Yes mom, I guess I am." Going backto eating a second later."Well it is about time your appetite showed improvement. I have beenworried for a while about your eating habits. You just haven't beeneating enough Danielle," said their mother happily."Uuummm, thanks. I guess," said Darian. I couldn’t have picked out a nicer girl for him myself. ‘… anyway, Kellie’s dad said it would be all right if you came, too,’ Brandon continued. ‘It’s just going to be him, her grandparents, and her aunts, uncles and cousins. I told Kellie you make the best pumpkin pies. Could you bring some?’ It sounded as if my plans were already made. Besides, how could I turn down a chance to be with my son on Thanksgiving? I drove by myself since Brandon said he and Kellie had plans to go out after dinner..