Ben took us to a seating area in their wing of the Palace where the wizards were gathered.When Ben checked their location after we got to Nickel City,...they had reconvened to this room. I walked in, and then I stopped to drink in the sight of the woman who had birthed me. My mother took one look at me and flew at me.She hugged me so darn hard that, she bruised my ribs, but I didn’t feel it at the time. I gathered later that it was the second big tear session for her in as many hours. We didn’t. The minders have now walked slowly over to Andrei to speak with him. There is a cocky surliness about them which spells 'trouble'."Now listen sonny", says the front seat passenger, "my Boss is taking your Boss out to lunch. Just you run along home and remember this is confidential. That is to say confidential from everyone. Can we trust you to keep your mouth shut?" He places his hands on his hips and his jacket opens to show his automatic. The message is very clear.Meanwhile Sveta and Mikhail. ”“Did you?”“I complimented her on her appearance. ‘Ms Mergan,’ I said. ‘You’re very nicely turned out today.’”“Nicely turned out? Is that any way to compliment someone who’s wearing a fuck-me dress?”“Well, propriety is important.”“Propriety! When you know from experience that Ms Mergan is the sluttiest thing to come out of secretarial college since…”“Nevertheless. It’s nice just sitting there getting a good eyeful of cleavage.”“Did you at least grab her bum?”“Patience is a virtue.”“Did you?”“Of. I was eleven when I first saw you. I had known Becky for years but her brother was a mysterious stranger. Then I met you and fell head over heels, even though I couldn't talk to you. You were so clever and everyone said you would go to University and become a Doctor. I was a complete dunce; the only thing I could do was dance, so I concentrated on the dance so that I had something I could do well and not seem such an idiot around you." So it was my fault?" I laughed."Yes, Si. Your fault.