The children’s voices were way off, nearer the houses. The kid still hadn’t noticed me as I weighed up the situation. She was fat but pretty, the ...ress the wrong sort to be worn in a rough wooded area. On her feet were elaborate strappy flat heeled, pink sandals. The van was four steps away; she was four steps in the opposite direction. The old red mist blurred me and I stepped to herI asked if I could help her, startling her initially, but she nodded a shy yes. I freed her dress, which just. For the next half hour or so, it seemed like a routine visit to a coffee shop. I would do some work on my laptop, and occasionally let my eyes wander around the room in order to people watch. On a few occasions, I would make eye contact with the brunette college honey. A few times, I would check out women who entered the shop as they stood in line. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the girl in the table next to me follow my gaze. I could have sworn at the time that her body language. And once it does, she’ll be safe in my bosom like all of the others, comforted and held tight to my chest, in my arms, any tears that she wishes to shed free to glisten my crimson flesh. Give the devil his due ... I’m not so bad as devils go. I’m even capable of compassion and empathy ... shocking, isn’t it? All of my playthings will get aftercare ... when it’s time for it ... when it’s indicated, as Marlon Brando would say.“Oh, my sweet Prince ... will you not make me wait so long to take. Cates." Then get going. You can finish up your notes on that job we did lastSaturday when you get back."Emma folded the paper twice and stashed it in a pocket of her skirt. Amoment later, she was out the door and headed for the printer.* * * * *Flora glanced up at the clock on the wall. "My goodness, it's almost7." She looked down at her plate for a moment. "I'm so sorry, Clyde,but I have to go get ready for the first show." She sighed. "And wewere having such a good time, too." Can't.