"I..." she began. "Well, you seem to be feeling a lot better today,Mark! What brought this sudden change on?" I just realized that being sorry for my...elf just wasn't working. Istill feel a bit confused and all, and I'll probably never feel right,but I guess... I just want the best shot at a normal life that I canget. I know I'll have to deal with my issues; I think I'll go back toseeing a shrink, at least for a little bit, but I have to trysomething different. I owe it to myself to at least. "Further developments, I presume," he said."Yes, sir."Tom told Sir Nigel of Clive's restrained behaviour at the company dance and of Briony's continued misgivings."As expected," he went on, "with the news of the tender short-listing he now wants me to lead another more detailed recce up to Scotland." Ah," murmured Sir Nigel understandingly."I'm pretty certain that if he's going to make a move it's going to be while I'm away. Now, I don't doubt that Brian will do his job but Briony is going to. Not sure how much longer that'll keep up, but it's kind of fun doing the tourist thing. We've managed to avoid the worst of the crowds." Lucky you." Anyway, how are you? How are you feeling? Any symptoms still?"Brody smiled. "Bax, I'm fine. I have my own parents who check up on me, you know." Oh, I don't care how you're doing. Doreen was asking. Just passing it along." Right. Tell her thanks for asking." Brody laughed."Doreen also wanted me to invite you and Ryan over for dinner tomorrow night.. Emphasis on performing gay acts was theunmistakable message. I could see where this was going. At the same timeour work as maids increased. Even more attention had to be paid todetail. We basically learned to ?get it right? the first time or else.And the threat implied by ?Or Else? had taken on a whole new meaning.Soon the big day had arrived. Three boats had tied up at the dock alltogether. As we had been instructed, and practiced, we each ran down tothe dock from the hotel while wearing.