Besides, Annie was the one who offered theinvitation. You wouldn't want to let down Josh's mother, would you?"I laughed this time. No, I didn't want t... let her down. I still hadhope that Josh and I would find a way to be together. Staying on hismother's good side could only help the situation."Okay," I told him. "Great!" He said excitedly. "I'm going to walk back out there. Jack hasprovided a golf cart that will shuttle you through the crowd. Whenyou're ready, come on out." I'll come out with. Maybe I'll show you some time.... but I am nowoman," she said with a measure of shame on her face."Oh.... ok but why?" Hugh asked softly, which prompted Natalie to react."Well you see, you were so lonely.... Cal couldn't do much with that. Ifelt, in order to make you happy, I would come in." Natalie spoke back,returning to her soft female voice. Hugh then walked down the path,curving down a slope towards a small pond, the moon reflected upon itssurface. His silence was palpable.She walks on,. I don't need a woman and I sure as hell don't need the domestic problems she brings with her. The girls love her so they need her, but I sure as hell don't. I don't want a repeat of her performance ever again. I will be cleared by the doctor next week so I will work for you, but don't throw her up in my face again. I have to meet the governor in a few minutes and then we are going out to that casino to do a complete search of it. I'll see you later at the cabin."When I left he was sitting there. ?Kathy wondered how things could possibly be worse. She had disappeared from her apartment, and the government was determined she should never be found. She was suddenly a non-person, no name, no address, no family, no occupation, no future. She was alone in some sort of prison cell. She got some sleep, naked on the floor, and her aches and pains subsided some. She was jolted awake by a new voice: ?Wake up the new bitch.? She scrambled to sit up, difficult with her hands cuffed behind.