Overall, I would be honored.”Deke and I met at the little French restaurant just down the street from my condominium. I’d hosted him there dozens ...f times, so he knew the place and had even befriended the grand-mère, a point that had endeared him to all of our hearts and hers. He was more personable than anyone I knew. We met a five-thirty so we could talk before the others in our growing clan could join us for dinner. We had time for a glass of wine and the chat I sought.I had asked Ryan to. ********************************** Once home, Maria placed her new kitty in front of their older dog, Growl. Fuzz stared at this large monstrosity, so ugly and big and drooly. Growl stared back at Fuzz and then joyfully bounded forward, trying to lick the disgusted cat. ‘BACK OFF!’ yowled Fuzz, trying to hide behind little Maria’s legs as she giggled. Not a very good savior she was turning out to be. ‘PLAY!’ yipped Growl. He hadn’t had a playmate since Maria had adopted him out of the litter. "We discovered this artifact in Mexico City, in the ruins ofTenochtitlan. It was an Aztec artifact that allowed them to drain thepower from supernatural beings. They used it as an offering toHuitzilopochtli; we plan to use it to depose the Magister's council, andturn their sexism back on them. The age of the Magistrix is coming,Lemming. And you will be the first to help usher it in."With that, she wrapped her hands around the artifact and drew in a deepbreath. White-hot pain exploded all. Things were getting clearer now about the past. Becky took Pattie up to her room, leaving me and Fran having another coffee. "Fran, would you believe this?" You had no idea?" None at all." I suppose you'll be looking for a little extra from someone now that you know your sister is into a different lifestyle?" Not ever, Fran, and you?" Kenny, I waited for you for six years. I'm not going to throw it away. I had a lot of pain when I was dumped and abandoned the day you spoke to me the first time.