I should have avoided that bump that made you spill your drink," the driver said with a knowing smile. He knew what had happened, but was being diplom...tic about it. Charlotte overheard the conversation and came up to him."Thank you," she said and kissed him on the cheek."My pleasure, Miss. If you need my services again on your trip be sure and call the company. Ask for Charlie Walker. I'd be happy to drive you wherever you need to go," he said, handing her his card.Back at the hotel room,. Her career schedule could be hectic, but she always made time for him during the weekends.My mother never told me why it was so important for her to see Dr. Rossii. I was just glad that she was happy talking to someone, even though I've always been skeptical of expensive therapy. Whatever they've been doing, it seemed to be working.***Sunday morning. I came down the stairs for breakfast. I didn't see my mother the night before because she had another late night meeting with Dr. Rossii. It was. "I've some clients who would like to whip that arse, one is coming later. But first I will give you a taste of the cane." Swish, swish. I felt the bite of he cane on my behind. It seems more painful than the bite of a whip. I screamed into my gag as she gave me 20 strokes. My behind was again on fire. "I spoilt you yesterday, I won't today." I felt wads of cotton wool being pushed into my ears. Now not only could I not move see or speak now my ears were blocked up so I could not hear.I was. Emerald fell asleep in her little cubby on the ice floe and dreamt of sunnybeaches. She had hunted for days without sleeping—not difficult for amermaid—but fatigue at last had its way with her. The sun mounted thesky, then descended. At dusk, a snow storm blew out over the floe and coveredher in a soft, white sheet. Even unconscious, she felt it, and gave a contentedsigh. It was almost noon on the next day when the ice shook beneath her and herears were assailed by a grinding, crunching racket..