Alter the timbre and make whatever I say, come out so commanding that it scared the k**s. It helped to keep order, but I had received a few remarks on...it to try and not use that particular voice. I did now.Emma's reaction was not exactly what I expected. I had figured I had broken some boundary between bodyguard and client and would receive my share of the fury. But not, it seemed my forceful voice deflated her completely. She lowered the cup she had taken to the tray and turned towards me."Yes. He listened, though I'm not certain exactly how well he heard me above the bailer. I told him the events that led up to today. I told him about the emptiness of being an orphan, the bliss of thinking I was part of a family for once, and the utter rage and desolation I felt when I'd found it was a lie. There were things I held back – there always are, we can't fully share ourselves with anyone I don't think – but I shared what I could. I just had to hope it was enough.We were down on the ground;. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that people are what they are. I suppose I started thinking along those lines when I became aware that my stepdad was such a homophobe. That alone was enough to get me thinking that it was a very wrong-headed attitude." They are a strange lot, aren't they? Look, since I've announced myself to you, maybe I should add that I'm not a predator. I didn't invite you out tonight to seduce you, although I have to admit the thought has some appeal. Your purity is. It’s almost as if they already know each other?”She paused for a second before replying. “Perhaps some of them do, Mike? After all, cruising is a lifestyle for some people, so maybe you get to know people on the ships if you make regular cruises?”“Yes, I expect that’s it,” replied Mike. “Maybe we can get used to cruising, too?”“Oh, ‘‘ said Carol, breathily, “I’d like that very much.”“How long do we have before the orientation session?” asked Mike.“We have an hour,” said Carol, it’s just before.