The terrace led to a set of stairs that climb up to the peak. From here, it was clear that the top level of the Ziggurat was open to the sky. Queen At...irmi must like her view. I swallowed as I followed the princess-slaves as they ascended the stairs. My sandal-clad feet smacked on the black rocks as I marched up after them.My gaze crested the top of the stairs and swept over the room, a series of columns supporting the pinnacle of the Ziggurat above her head It was larger than I thought,. You be safe.”“Always, momma! What’s new with you?”“I told you about the new lady, didn’t I?”“Remind me.”“White lady,” started salt-and-pepper-haired woman. “She’s mid-70s I think. She saw us playing gin rummy and asked to join.”“Is she any good?”“Yeah, but not as good as me,” crowed the retired educator.“I don’t doubt that,” snickered Tami. “How’s she adjusting.”“Pretty good I think. So she’s officially part of your crew now.”“I didn’t say all that, but she seems nice. Helen is a little. ” She nodded toward Axel who was barging towardthem through the crowd. He was panting like a winded bull, andhis heavy square-jawed face was all ruddy with his exertions. “Lost him, damn it all!” he growled thumping the tip of hiscane on the sidewalk. “Think anybody would try to stop him? Theyjust got in my way, that’s all. Stupid bastards!” Then suddenlyhis grim expression vanished and his face split in a charmingsmile. “Well, I’ll be. She drops the envelop in the mail box with all the others. Bob drives into town in his Restored 66 Mustang convertible. Top down, smiling as he pulls into the filling station. Old Joe is still working there, He must be ancient, he was old when Bob was in school, and had had that station as long as anybody could remember. “Fill ‘er up Joe”, he yells. Joe squints and smiles in recognition “Bob, you back for the Reunion? Nice car.” Joe fills the tank, as he and Bob talk about the time he saved.