Both men looked at each other. This must be the hang-up. I could tell that Akio was having a hard time accommodating his daughter’s request. I would...guess she was 18 or 19, but I got the impression that Japanese fathers were very protective of their daughters. I wondered what her mom would think of this.“I understood that you normally have a chaperone travel with you,” Shiggy said.“I’ll turn 18 that week. I’d planned to make the trip alone, but my manager might think otherwise,” I said.“I would. Do you know New York?’ Cath shook her head. ‘What’s it like?’ ‘Well, now you’re asking,’ Gareth said with a smile. He launched into an enthusiastic account of a city that fascinated Cath. It certainly wasn’t only skyscrapers and car chases and Central Park. There was so much to the city. The financial district where he worked. The park where he jogged every day when he could find the time. The very many and varied restaurants. The museums and art galleries. The department stores and theatres.. What else? She’s about 5’5” tall, has natural, blond hair and blue eyes. She’s easy to converse with, and has an infectious smile. She’s cute, Jake, and I’m sure you’ll like her. I’ve overheard guys at work referring to her as a ‘sweetheart’. But, she does have a boyfriend, just to let you know.”Jake grinned. “Great, I can’t wait to meet her. Did you tell her about us, what we did yesterday?”“Nope. I’m keeping that private for now. That’s none of anyone's business, not even Amy.”“Good,” he. "Let go and let the sensation wash through you. Don't fight the pain; just let it own you. Let go, honey, and you'll feel better."Myla didn't know how she would ever feel better – she had an arrow stuck in her belly and it was poked all the way through her. She could feel where it rubbed against her backbone. And somehow, although she didn't understand it, she could actually see inside her body where a large blood vessel had been nicked and now her heart was furiously pumping blood into her.