It rained often and the ground was soft and spongy and cold. I had no shoes, no raincoat or anything, I was a bitch, a female dog, and I had come to e...joy that role even as I wondered how long it could possibly last. But I didn't really like going outside yet. There were rocks, and weeds with sharp sticklers, and twigs and insects. I had to go out though, not leastwise because it would get awfully boring in my room all the time. Besides, my three companions loved it outside and I knew they. And around them were a few women whose profession he knew by their uniform — or the lack of it. Olga wasn't there yet. He wondered if she'd be in work mode.Back at the hotel he had told Manda what was going on. She had listened and been quiet for a while. Then she told him she understood. She took him in her arms, pulling him against the softness of her chest. They had kissed. He'd asked if she wanted to go with him. "No," she'd whispered, closing his lips with a finger. "No, John, better not.". .went in,and got myself a pint...asked the landlord.were was the reception.upstairs to your right..thanks l said....l climbed the stairs...music got just a little louder...and the sound of chatting,and clinking of glasses...as l reached the room...l looked at the bar?..that looks like dad...l went closer...to get a better look...it was dad...hello son?..hope your ok.not seen you for years dad..yes,im fine...how are you keeping?...l said...let me get you a drink...and we will have a good. Duke was blaming everyone, including me.Bob Jackson was in my office almost before I got the seat of my chair warm. "Are you OK? Looks like one heck of a crash?"I unbuttoned the uniform shirt. I was not wearing a bra - not that I did that often - and I always wore the vest, but this morning I could not even stand having the bulletproof vest on.As the black and blue shoulder and breast came into view he said, "Oh my God. Why don't you go back home; things are slow, the day shift can handle it?".