.. and Herb are related, aren’t you? Brothers, in fact. Yeah, I thought so. Herb is the elder brother, you’re the younger one. Herb married into s...ciety, found himself a rather sensuous, if domineering wife who definitely has him on a short leash. Then again, yours has you on one, too, if I’m not mistaken. Which I doubt, since I’m the Prophet.“At least you got to keep your name, you tell yourself, but you’re also financially much worse off than your brother, not to mention that at least Simone. " Maybe you didn't do it. Maybe this is all a big mistake. Maybe you're a good liar."She opened her mouth to speak but I put my hand up."I like you, Kristen. I like you a lot." She would find out just how much I liked her later. "I'm willing to overlook that you are a thief, crook, and robber who deserves to go to jail for at least five years. I'm a nice man. Everything can go back to normal. Would you like that?" Yes," she said quietly."Erin, Caitlin, and Allison will do what I say. I. " I could see Gerry shudder before wrapping his arms around me and kissing me deeply.This kiss cooled off, and we got back to eating and talking like two lovers on a regular date. Full from our fabulous meal, I asked Gerry if he'd like some dessert, but he declined. "I'd rather just head home and begin our making love," he whispered as the waiter boxed out leftovers. I asked for the check and, upon its arrival, inserted the necessary cash to cover it and the tip. With Gerry's arm in mine, I. " But the powers-that-be won't let it happen without a fight," Slurry said."No," he said, shaking his head sadly. "And as they realize more clearly what a predicament they're in, they're liable to do anything in response. Absolutely anything."That thought was often in Slurry's head these days as she realized just how important she and her more experienced colleagues really were to the Martian government, how important and vital their historical advice was, how critical it was that they uncover.