M. Ministry to carry the titles, but I ask you to receive them in the interest of our good relations with Sardinia. I shall make a case with the Minis...ry to obtain that permission for you.”Thomas’s made wide eyes at hearing that. His mind also worked on the name of the order. Was this a knightly order? He would be a titled gentleman? In the end he swallowed heavily and nodded his assent when Hastings answered.“We understand, your Excellency.”“Splendid! Now where are ... Ah, there they come!. You pour yourself a glass of water, which you drink. I watch the muscles in your throat as you swallow each mouthful. A drop of water runs down your chin and you wipe it off. I could watch you all day; not doing anything, just being yourself. “I picked some thyme” you say. I take the little sprigs of it from you and lift your hand to smell the fresh scent of the herb on your fingers. I kiss them and taste it on my lips. I suck your finger into my mouth and hold it with my teeth, my tongue. What actually happened was rather different. Feeling slightly dazed, she staggered and her eyesight was at first hazy and then as the focus came back, she found herself being spoken to by a girl in a long beige night dress. She knew it wasn’t her sister. This girl had long mousy hair like her own and her voice was wrong. “What are you doing here! Are you the new girl?” Said the girl. “Who are you? Why are you in my house? Asked Lucy. “Your house? Come back to bed, Miss Haverstone will wale us. ”Mike nodded, he knew the sort of thing. Almost a brain-storming of ideas. “And?”“I mentioned it to Major Ponts and he’s set the wheels in motion.”“Yes?”The lieutenant nodded. “Basically we’re going to get a number of armed people, either Maquis or, preferably, currently deployed units to stake out the muster points from about thirty-six hours before we even announce them, right up until the muster is completed. They’ll take out anyone they suspect is one of Thorn’s thugs.”Mike Gold nodded..