With the strength I had taken from the flow, I was giddy with the effortless manner with which I ran. There would be no problems finishing the run tod...y. I could only hope that there was no power hangover tomorrow. I had never felt anything like that, but the constant running was outside of my old experience as well.The Dry Mountains that gave this clan its name were one of the natural features that kept the steppes isolated from the areas that surrounded it. East beyond the mountains. They would severely punish almost anyone else for wearing it if they weren’t in the club. “Where did you go?”“Club business. If I answer ‘club business’, no questions. Just the way it is.”“I get it. Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?” She gave him puppy-dog eyes.“I was ashamed and angry I had to leave you here, for starters. Also, it was unexpected and we had to leave immediately. It happens sometimes. Just like a fireman or your dad. I apologize, but it will happen again just so. At this point, I'm not sure they will listen to me." Here his head dropped as he tried to diffuse Viola's anger.He heard heavy breathing from her direction then she said, "That's all you would have had to do back then. You are far more respected than most." Reganald could only look up in shock, him? He just did his job, that was it, there never seemed to be time for anything else.Entering the chambers, they were greeted by twelve grim-faced, grey-haired light green skinned males. An older,. “Andalusia Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Pierce’s office.”“Denise? This is Carolyn Pierce. Let me talk with him, please.” The identification was a compromise, as unsatisfying as compromises usually are. However, she would feel utterly stuffy identifying herself as ‘Mrs. Pierce,” and she didn’t want Denise to refer to her, or -- worse -- to call her ‘Carolyn.’“Carolyn,” said Bill. “How did the appointment go?”“Great. Don’t shop for take-out tonight.”“You’re ready to go out? Are you going to keep the.