We, that is, George, Joe, Aerial, and I, put together a little expedition to fetch some stone suitable for a grindstone. George and I had found some n...ar the copper mine. That was a short trip and ideal for getting the kids out of the cave and looking at our surroundings. We took five horses, counting those we were riding, and four dogs from Lucy's original litter, plus Lucy. In other words, we had quite a caravan by the time we were ready to leave.Everybody had a crossbow, and George and I. None carried any names so each had to contain the same, everyone knew it was their fee and Louise’s heart fluttered with excitement at the thought that tonight she was to be a paid whore at her future husband’s stag party. The last envelope Jane opened and counted six fifty pound notes out for each girl. “That’s it, splits the last fee equally. Seems fair as we will have to look after her proportion of the guys as well.” She smiled, and her smile was echoed with giggles and winks from the. He walked from the co-op down to Partners’ on Willis off Third Street. It was late, maybe 10:45, but they might still have something. As he reached the door, he saw them. The guy was beating up on someone, pushed against the wall, and his two friends were egging him one. ‘C’mon, Billy, whack that dyke!’ ‘Yeah, man, beat her queer ass!’ The girl was bleeding, he could see that much. One or two people left the bar, but they were clearly wearing their ‘I ain’t gettin’ involved’ shirts. Zec was. "That reminds me," she said. "Zoë, we've all been invited to lunch at the Carstairs' next Sunday. Can you make it?" You bet. End of term on Friday. Whew!"Joanna rang Helen and told her. The latter was delighted."And Simon bought me the most heavenly ring this morning," Joanna bubbled on."Wonderful, my dear! Don't tell me about it though. Save it as a surprise for Sunday. I really look forward to seeing it and of course to meeting your family. It's going to be fun. See you between half past.