Am,"he replied.But Mel's trained ear had caught the tiny bit of uncertainty in hisvoice. And it was that tiny bit of uncertainty that gave her a litt...ebit of hope. She pounced on it. "But you're not sure!"Sheepishly, Chad was forced to admit. "I... Maybe," he finally conceded.Something inside of Mel gave a big sigh of relief.Since it was his last day, Mel decided to have him "help" her with hermorning bath again... one of the big pleasures she had discovered abouthim, and one that she. Still the cosy little inn that English villages do so well. I scanned the interior, praying that I didn't lay eyes on Amanda, fortunately, she was nowhere in sight. Hopefully, she'd be tucked up in equine bliss with James.I steered Lena to a small booth while I went to the bar for our drinks. I came back with a white wine for me and a vodka and tonic for Lena, and I scattered a few packets of crisps and snacks on the table. We sat contentedly sipping our drinks, eating our snacks and idly. Volunteers performed services for the Estate, frequently attended theEstate's parties, and were allowed the trappings of basic-level membership.It was the volunteer members and volunteer work slaves that provided most ofthe mundane services for the other members. Volunteer members and work slaveshandled everything from processing to cleaning to butchering and cooking. Theywere essentially the backbone that supported the elite members. The girl entered the room, closed the door, and strode a few. ***"At this time of year," the chief of the Customs and Excise branch of thedepartment of justice told Agent Trenton, "there is an increase in themanufacture and sale of forged goods across the country. Escolon ToyStores are eager to market and sell a new line of dolls across the nationthrough their outlets in many of our 50 states, and so I'll want you togo to the Escobar Toy Storevin our city and to watch over the new line ofdolls!" Will do, Chief!" Agent Trenton replied. .