He threw the pack on his back, gave me hishand to help me up from my seat and I thought how it was funny, he'd neverdone that for Glen but it felt so ...atural to do it for Gwen! I put mypainted fingertips in the palm of his hand and accepted the totallyunnecessary gesture as if men did this for me all the time and we set off.I hadn't noticed the evening before but the area was covered with allsorts of trails. It was a perfect day, not hot, not chilly, just comfy asit could be and Mike set an. "You do what Carlos says," he growled.I looked up at Estrada from the floor. "My family," I repeated, gritting my teeth.Joe moved as if to kick me, but Estrada held up a hand at him. He stared down at me expressionlessly. "In time," he said softly, "you will learn to do as I direct."I got slowly to my feet, my eyes on Estrada the whole time. I didn't say a word.He seemed to make a decision. "Very well," he said. He pulled out a cell and hit speed dial. Then came a rapid string of Italian and he. I'll get Tom." Yes, Ma'am. Thank you, Ma'am." The phone was muffled for a moment and then Mister Ingram's voice came over the phone. I said, "Mister Ingram, I would like to meet with you tomorrow afternoon at your convenience, please, Sir." What is this about, Abe?" I just need to talk to you, Sir." May my wife be present?" Yes, Sir." What about Cents?" She will be working, Sir." Does she know what you want to meet about?" Yes, Sir. She just doesn't know that I am setting it up this soon. I. We'll probably be up talking till one. But it was too cold to be outside and ... well, you're kind of occupying the family room. We didn't want to embarrass you by cuddling in front of you." I said it tongue in cheek, but they got the message completely."Brian, come here," Dad said. As soon as I was in front of him, both Mom and Anna wrapped me in their arms. "Do we embarrass you and your friends, son?" Dad. Mom. Anna. Is that what you think? I was teasing. I'm so happy for you guys I could.