“Mr. Ashford,” Janet said.“Hello Janet,” he replied. “I have no idea how I can help you, but I will try.”“Good, I need to get some thing... out of the way first. I’m no cop, nor am I acting as an agent of any law enforcement agency. I am strictly a researcher. My partner and I are writing a TV show and we just want to get our story straight. Your name will not be used in any script of our show. You are being hired as a consultant. The fee for that is two hundred dollars. It’s our maximum fee for. I don't know how people with big families can afford to go there for a whole day. The cost of food and drinks just eats you up." You don't worry about costs today, okay? I've brought plenty of money, and I just want both of us to enjoy the day." Are you rich or something? I mean this car is kind of old, if you're rich. I didn't mean it to sound bad like that. I don't even have a car. I just meant that rich people usually drive new and expensive cars." I'm not rich. I'm still in school. My. ‘I can’t imagine what my life would have been if we hadn’t found each other. It’s like…like…’ ‘Shhhhhh. Later,’ she whispered as she kissed him again. She sat for a minute on a bench at the foot of the bed to shed her boots, then stood and unzipped her skirt, dropping it on the floor and stepping out of it. She finished removing her blouse and added it to the pile next to her, leaving her in a white lace bra and matching French-cut panties. She looked amazing and his body responded. He had arrested men of high station without fear, faced foreign armies and had not flinched, but here stood a small woman of humble carriage who could destroy him with but a look. Like a fool, thinking strength in this case was a virtue, he took the initiative. “Allow me to explain, Mademoiselle, why I have pulled you away from the festivities. Tonight is my last fete, as I am saying goodbye to the king’s service, to the court, but even more to take leave of you, how strenuous that shall.