I knew right then that I would not be able to get out this way. I spun and looked at the hole and then looked at the statues. I cursed as I realized I...would not be able to move one. I looked around once more and then I focused on the golden chests around the room.If I stacked them I could maybe climb out. I took a step and heard a scrape and frowned as I glanced back. A very thick column to one side of the throne had opened. I shook my head and turned and took another step. There was an echo. ”“But they can’t protect my grown children unless they uproot their whole lives. I could never do that to them,” he said.“Let me see what I can work out for you. You are going to have to do some time for Jaybird, even if I can hide your story. Would you go for that,” I asked.“If you can protect my family, I would do it,” he said. “But I will not testify.”“Tell me where the hard drives are hidden, so I know you are going to cooperate before I go to bat for you.” I demanded.He motioned me closer,. ”The guy from the get together stood up to shake my hand. He had a smirk on his face, so I did not extend mine right away.Sally then spoke up. “Please Chuck, David was my ‘beard’ last night so I did not get hit on by every ‘Romeo’ that was there. I am sorry for what you thought, but when I finally understood what you thought, you were already gone.” She continued; “I want to have a chance to know you better, especially someone who has the character that you showed that night.”I stood there for. I stood to the right of Dakota as the Prince was presented. Prince Elijah. At nineteen, he looked amazing wearing the royal garments brought for him by his guards. Too amazing; he did not look as if coming from a prison. I knew he had been bathed beforehand but a sentry had told me to expect the worst. They had thought him a supporter of the attempted usurp and treated him no less. It was the first time his guards, Dakota, or I had seen him that day and we were all amazed at his perfection..