He needed a drink, a cool drink, but the only liquid remaining on the table was the Tequila Sunrise. Mel hated the sickly sweet stuff but finished off...half the glass, sucking in most of the ice, holding it in his mouth and relishing the feel of the cool icy liquid as it trickled down his throat. About then Tracy returned, breathless and flushed and obviously very happy, until she took a good look at Mel. “God Mel, what’s wrong?” she asked, sitting down next to him, pulling Mel upright and. ."I'm 78 and Tired"I'm 78 Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to. "If you hurt her I'll skin you. G'night." She's pissed." Why does she think I'm going to hurt you?" She's just over-protective." I'd never hurt you, Claire." What if I hurt you?" Is this about that fat woman with the nail bar?"I snorted, I didn't want Shannon Davey's memories crowding just now. "Noand yes and no again." It sounds very complicated." Come upstairs." Are you okay with the bed, I could sleep down here?" You lovely great lump, I do love you."I hadn't meant to say it, the words just. “Interesting. That means you are indeed out of Nyssha’s protection. Gave her up, did you?”“I…”“Sofia, stand up and take off your clothes,” Harson ordered. Sofia did so, her body automatically obeying Harson’s orders. “Oh, I forgot to mention that my voice must be obeyed at all times. I do love magic.” Harson stood up, pushing the girls aside without a second thought.“Follow me, Sofia,” he ordered.Harson walked off, and Sofia followed, unable to disobey even if she’d wanted to, her body still.