Potter’s Lodge is an impressive address for your headed notepaper.”“What number is it?”“Fifty-seven.”“Here’s Forty-nine ... Fifty-one ..... There it is. That’s Jack’s car on the driveway.” The black Mercedes was parked alongside a new Ford Focus. A blue BMW was parked on the road. “Looks like Tom and Annie are already here.”I parked behind Tom’s car and then we trotted up the driveway. Susan clutched a bottle of red wine. I carried a six-pack of Carlsberg. Jack greeted us at the door before we’d. ..that....emotion of that place. It was killing me...it bleedthrough my shields and....hurt." Its okay...I should have thought about your being so open to emotionsand not gone there. But I wanted to see it?.......Kyley? Our link isgone? What happened to it?" she asks me with more than concern in hervoice.I sob a little "I had to cut you off....to save you from that pain andsadness. I have....problems right now with my ability to see and feelothers. I feel far better than my shields can protect. None of us wanted things to get this complicated. But our hearts are not always ours to command. It just happened, and we must deal with it. I'm sure it will work out for the best."They sat quietly together for awhile, like old friends. Then Azalea spoke. "I have to say, your kimono and gown are lovely; you are truly beautiful. And I love your perfume though I don't recognize it. I think Darryl would find you quite irresistible tonight." Unspoken but clear was the question of why she would. “I made your coffee black,” I noted as I prepared to begin negotiations. “I’m thinking a million dollars will be about right. In return, I won’t sue you for alienation of affections, failure to adhere to your no fraternization policy, sexual harassment, and assault with a friendly weapon.”“Can you explain where or when you and I came to any agreement about my interactions with Sue?” asked the dumb bastard.“Obviously, you and I never agreed to shit, Asshole. Your company has rules in effect.