Thepresence of chains and other restraints suggested it served as aprison when required. The majordomo and six men-at-armswatched, expecting to be en...ertained by the torture of a spy. Thechatelaine spoke to them, and they seemed disappointed. "I haveexplained," she said in English, "that only the master of the castlemay condemn a prisoner to death, and, at any rate, it requires atrial, a confession. On the other hand, we require the informationyou can give us in a timely manner, so the. He tore his eyes away from the lady and focused on her gentleman. The initial shock had worn off, he cursed his foolishness. He leveled the pistol at the man's heart. "Please relieve yourself of your possessions, sir, without heroics. No more blood need be shed this day on your account." Mutters of contempt and impotent outrage as the man fumbled with his coat. His eyes moved back to her for just a moment, but a moment was all that was needed. The fumbling man drew a small pistol and pulled. Why are you showering tonight instead of the morning like you usually do?" I told you. Woman stuff." Oh. Well, ... see you in a few minutes. Come on, Bozo."Poor guy. He looked dejected as he slumped down the hall, his shoulders stooped. I wasn't as tough on him as I could have been. Instead of woman stuff, I could have told him I was having woman trouble. That's something no man can confront.I went into the bathroom, sat on the toilet and emptied my bowels. I did a quick wipe, one Sheryl Crow. I waved back.“Some girl, huh?” Phil commented as she left. “Is she the girl you’re lookin’ at? What’s your story with her anyway, weren’t you two together not too long ago? Y’know, after the whole… ‘in a classroom’ thing?”“It’s a long and complicated story.” I replied, not daring to look Phil in the eye.“That’s what they all say.” He smiled, punching me playfully in the shoulder. The room was empty at this point and Phil got up to shut the door. “So, what do you wanna ask?”“Phil…” I waited.