I had never laid eyes upon theDuke before this day and I prayed with all my soul that I could have avoidedit now. He was tall and angular with a hard,...cruel face. His head was shavenand he wore a pointed black goatee. All of his clothes which deep, shimmeringblack, as if reflecting his soul to the world. My blood ran cold. Handsbehind his back, he walked confidently to my prostrate form."Do you know who I am, boy?" he commanded. I whispered that I did. Hesignaled that I was to stand before. James merely buried his head in his hands, missing the look on Uncle Wally’s face. He seemed as shocked as the rest of us by how far events had progressed, so he stood up and said, “Excuse me, but it would seem as if I have some amends to make.” He left the room to search out Siobhan, leaving the remainder of our group to gape at each other and comment on the events of the evening.I should point out that the insult I have mentioned is most frequently attributed to an exchange between Lady Astor. Be back soon.’ The tightness in my abdomen relaxed. I took a deep breath, then released it slowly. I didn’t like the implications of my own anxiety. I decided to shower while I had the chance. I luxuriated under the warm spray, cleansed my body and hair, then stepped out of the shower. When Shug returned I was seated in front of the mirror, the dryer blowing on my hair. Shug walked in the door, his face covered with the sheen of his exertion. His T-shirt hung damply on his lean frame. I smiled. "Lesley, I know of a way to get even with your ex-boyfriend and ex-friend." Josie then whispered her plan into Lesley's ear."I love it. I will get them to come here tomorrow. But I want Johnny to the one turned into a mannequin. Judy, the bitch, deserves to be turned into the hose form. She always brags about her legs anyway."Lesley called Judy and told her that they were having a sale on swimsuits at this new store. She convinced Judy to have Johnny come along. The next day, they all met.