" The corporal lowered his voice. "He doesn'tlook happy, sir."The cobwebs were suddenly gone from his mind. "Melia? He's here? Now?" Yes sir. He's in ...our office."This couldn't be good news. Melia had never set foot on this colonybefore, much less in this lab. Things must be moving faster than hethought. Without a word to the corporal, Embel got up and hurriedtoward his office.-----Melia was sitting behind Embel's desk, stone faced. "Ah, Doctor Embel.Come in, close the door please." The room. The river serves the sea.The sea also compromises and does not overwhelm the river, but in theestuary there is salt water in the river. Billie is the river, I am thesea." But our river is called La Bonne. You're not saying what I think you aresaying, are you Karen?"Karen smiled cryptically.I had an image in my head of Bill. Was this what Karen was telling me?"What do you mean about salt water in the river?" I asked."Well, the edge of the river is the sea, the edge of the sea isn't theriver." So. "That don't count. He's your husband. You two can screw each other at any time and almost any where," Orville laughed. "My wife and me have had a quick one once in a while right here in the office. Only she prefers to be on top." I don't know." Have you ever had any affairs with other men after your marriage." Chris is the only one, period." And no bribes? No sneak gifts from the lobbyists."Gabrielle laughed. "My husband is one of the richest men in Washington. What do I need someone else's. “Thank you, ladies, it was fabulous” I said with genuine gratitude.“The pleasure is all mine” both of them said simultaneously and burst out laughing.The bus was reaching the bus station and slowed down.“I have one doubt.Can I ask?” I asked Sophia.She smiled and nodded.“You are such sexy ladies,you dress in such provacative clothes.You give every man you come across a hard on.” I hesitantly asked.“Look closely.Think you are seeing us for the first time.Do you still feel the same way” Monica.