She’d worked so hard, studied so much, done so many late nights at the expense of her relationships. Charles had just had everything handed to him o... a plate. It wasn’t fair. She gnawed her thumb and looked out at the garden, not trusting herself to speak. ‘My father died last year,’ he said, playing with his napkin. ‘Sort of got me thinking, what’s it all about, really.’ All her anger disappeared like a burst balloon. ‘Oh Charles, I’m sorry.’ Then he smiled and met her eyes. ‘You never liked. Sam:Good idea.The five boys sat cross-legged in a circle, on the living room floor.Damon:Who wants to go first?The boy called Pete put his hand up.Pete:I know a good vampire story.Veronica then walked over to the boys, saying to them.Veronica:Mind if I join you. I know a good story to tell for Halloween.Damon:Yeah sure mom!!Veronica sat between her son and the boy called John. Veronica started telling her story. The four boys (and not just Damon) were glued. Not just because of the story but. "The men at the table all looked around indecisively. Then one of them, Bill Wilkins, said, "We can probably raise that. It might be worth it."Clete suppressed a smile. He had plans to collect the reward himself at the same time he was avenging himself on the dog. It would be a good start for him and Nancy, part of a down payment on a house, perhaps, or money for a nice honeymoon. He knew the girl would need it after her experience."Now wait a minute, Clete," Mark protested. "We can't have a. Brooke and I, as of recently, have been sharing a king-size bed, but not in the way that might sound on the face of things."Also, you can rest assured that whatever is happening will not interfere with her studies. Our group insists on putting academic requirements ahead of everything else. And you don't have to worry that Brooke is becoming sexually oriented in a way that would keep you from eventually having extended family and grandchildren in the conventional sense."That's about all I feel.