Though I was not in favor of such poses, I finally relented that we could. It was apparent he was happiest when talking about photographing me. And, I...wanted him to be happy. I wanted him with me as my lover for as long as possible. One afternoon, I was sewing, and the telephone rang. I rushed and answered it. The connection was crackling. The operator said I had an overseas call from South Africa. My heart skipped a beat! Was Phillip, finally, calling? Was he back to his home base and safe?I. . we ... last night was ... amazing. It may have started out just about ... about sex, but it turned into something else. I've never been happier than when I woke up with you in my arms this morning."Stacy gushed, "Oh thank you! Thank God! I feel the same way. Last night was un-fucking-believable. I mean, the sex was freakin' awesome, and afterwards ... that was like ... magical or something." Or something," I teased with a grin.Stacy smiled back, "Well ... so ... what do we tell her?" I ... I. "Well. I see my favorite client is finally awake. You keep scaring the bejesus out of me, boy. I am certain I told you not to do that anymore. Don't you listen?" Everything about him was jovial except his eyes. They wore the same sadness I saw in Colleen's."Hi, Mr. Bell," I weakly replied. The pain drugs were kicking my butt and it was an effort to speak at all, forget being energetic. "I am so sorry you have to spend so much time here at the hospital with me. I thank you but I know you have. “Where did you find that thing?” the man answered your question with a question, clearly at least somewhat confused as well.“It was underneath some boxes over there. Is it for sale?” even though you didn’t know what this mysterious artifact was, your mind immediately went to wanting to purchase it.“That thing’s bad news, but also very powerful. If you want it so badly you can have it, but I’ll make you pay.” the pawn broker’s expression turned into that of a sly smile.“H-how much?” you.