I'm available.'"I could tell my explanation was having an effect on her. Naturally it was stuff she never considered before. I was having a ball fucki...g with her mind. She was two years older than me but I swear she was as gullible as a child."I don't have to wear that stuff." No, you don't have to but do you think Allison will let you get away with that? She'll have you outfitted like a whore just like herself." Bernie didn't deny it. I think she realized how much sway Allison had on. "Fun or not, those are the rules of the game," he scolded, dark eyes hard as they met her bright ones. That pout intensified, and he had to resist the urge to grin. "You know what happens when you break the rules." Her head dropped, long pink curls falling forward to shadow her face."I get punished," she murmured, arms swinging by her sides. "I'm sorry, Rafe." His eyes narrowed at her repentant tone. He knew her better than that. Despite his trepidation, he lowered her to her feet, releasing. They turned toward the east in hope of finding an easy way around the problem without going too far out of their way.They had ridden about a mile when they heard shots being fired. They sounded like a small caliber pistol and were being fired in groups of three. CRACK ... CRACK ... CRACK ... This was followed by a lengthy pause, and then another set of CRACK ... CRACK ... CRACK ... This was the sort of noise one should make if he was trying to attract attention and asking for help. The noise. I think it will have little bearing on the real ones, except possibly to put them in a slightly brighter light. I also think that some of the things you imagine happening to Penny either won't happen, or she'll take care of them with no more trouble than she has before." I understand and sympathize with your concern for your daughter, Mrs. Noonan" I continued earnestly, "but have you ever sat down and listened to her talk about what goes on between her and the other kids at school? I don't mean.