[29030] in linux-announce channel archive
This Laptop Stand Is The Internets Hottest Computer Item- Now Ships Free Today Only
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Emilio Caldwell)
Thu Sep 16 14:38:32 2021
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:27:33 -0400
From: "Emilio Caldwell" <emilio_caldwell@bonedensityes.com>
To: <linuxch-announce.discuss@charon.mit.edu>
------=_Part_130_1236828334.1631816464458
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Better productivity starts here! ** Free Shipping **
This laptop stand can transform any desk, table, or surface into a comforta=
ble, organized work environment. It's great for people who work from home =
and also great for virtual learning. Increased comfort! Watching movies =
on your laptop doesn=E2=80=99t have to mean craning your neck, or leaving a=
blazing hot machine on your lap. At half-height, the Rising Laptop Stand =
is perfect for sitting on the couch. The built-in cooling fan will stop yo=
u (and your laptop) from overheating. You can even deploy the mousepad win=
g and use your mouse, without the need to use your trackpad.=20
=20
Whether you=E2=80=99re working, studying, eating, or watching movies, this =
versatile laptop stand will come in handy, time and time again. =20
SHOP NOW -> http://www.bonedensityes.com/1b55dU2395Y86kQ10G54c1S941K40Bhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS5S10GF5tLsv2/limiter-noticed
Hayes, Griffen, Russell Sysop Computing
243 Cheswick Dr, Madison, AL, 35757
Adjust your preferences here http://www.bonedensityes.com/abb6u239lN5z8Lw612c54bt7ZI941l40Qhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS7ip1ROg05tpsUv/apprehensible-bifocal
------=_Part_130_1236828334.1631816464458
Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
<!--Gravel crunched under the driveway as an old Buick pulled up the farm house lane. The morning sun shone just behind the house, and the scene looked picturesque and quiet. Checking his list, Deputy Mills made sure he knew the owners? names. As he reached for the driver?s door handle, the house door disappeared in a puff of smoke and noise. Deputy Mills dove across his seat and lay flat. Sliding forward, he opened the passenger door and dropped to the ground. Moving to the rear of the car, he smelled the exhaust oozing out from the tailpipe. He checked himself for blood, but found none. The grass and rocks put off a distinct smell. It surprised him what he?d noticed as adrenaline coursed through his body and the world came to life in a whole new light. He radioed for help, then shouted to the owner of the house. ?This is the Sheriff?s department, I?m Deputy Mills. Hold your fire!?
He wanted them to know he wouldn?t hurt them, but they?d just fired at him, so he drew his weapon. Not wanting to die from a misunderstanding, he also didn?t want to die from his own misinterpretation of what could happen. The distinctive sound of someone chambering another round and then a heavy boom came again. Mills holstered his pistol and raised his hands above the trunk and called out again. ?This is Deputy Mills, Hold your fire!? For a moment the silence felt reassuring. Easing his way from his knees, he slowly rose to see the house door. It?d been closed with nobody in sight. They?d shut the window curtains. Taking in the scene, he checked every window of the house.
?Hello,? He called. ?Can you hear me?? From inside the house a shot went off, then two more. Pulling his pistol, Deputy Mills ran to the front door. He tried the handle, and it clicked open. With his back against the door frame, and his gun in his left hand, he pushed the door open and shouted his name. When the door swung open, his right hand became exposed. Another shot from inside hit him across the arm. Blood splattered on the door as bits and pieces of glass and wood shattered all around. Being shot didn?t hurt as much as he thought it might; but the shock of it all happened so quickly it surprised him. A different gun fired from inside, and a body slumped to the ground with a heavy thump. In the silence, soft moans came from beyond the door as a heavy crash hit the floor.
Deputy Mills gripped his arm as the swelling, and pain, throbbed. His fingers felt numb. Blood dripped freely on the porch and all over his clothes. He tried to imagine what happened inside, but the buckshot distracted him by awakening every nerve with searing pain. He breathed through the sensations as his eyes welled with tears. Sweat poured over his body, and he found it hard to focus. He called out in a rough voice.
?Hello, is anyone there??
No one replied. Using his left hand, he raised the gun and opened the door with the barrel. The door swung free, banging against the wall, and moved back into place halfway. ?Hello! I?m coming in.? he called. Moving from the right side of the door to the left in one swift motion, he saw two bodies lying on the floor. The image lasted long enough for him to see they weren?t dangerous. Stepping inside, pushing open the door with his foot, he saw the mess on the floor.
A scruffy-looking man in overalls, a white t-shirt, and muddy boots lay on the floor with the shotgun pointing at the door. Another man, gray-haired and barrel chested with no shirt, lay nearby on his side, holding the butt of a pistol. This man just saved Deputy Mill?s life. Kicking the shotgun away, he checked the first man for a pulse. When he found none, he moved to the second man. Nothing there either. Mills knocked the gun away and slid his own pistol on a nearby table. The blood trail he left from his arm only got heavier as he moved across the room. His eyes sight faded, and he felt faint. Grabbing the belt off his hero?s waistline, Mills pulled it over his bicep and pulled as tight as he could. The bleeding slowed, but it didn?t stop. The pain felt worse, so he sat in a chair near the dead body. Clicking his radio rapidly, he didn?t speak, he only listened to the dispatcher.
?9-12 Mike, do you copy?? Pause in transmittal. ?9-12 Mike do you copy over? Do you still need help, over??
His eyes blurred, but he knew the drill. With his right arm raised above his head, he called. ?9-12 triple?? pause. ?Triple 9, over.? He closed his eyes and rested as he breathed deeply. Drops of blood from his fingers landed on his head. He breathed shallow breaths and listened as best he could for someone to come to his aid. The dispatcher kept trying to reach him, but he felt like he?d forgotten to tell them something important. Dispatch kept calling him and repeated their request.
?9-12 Mike, do you copy, confirm your location? 9-12 Mike, do you copy, what?s your location buddy so we can come find you. Mills, do you copy??
In the 24 hours since the blackout, Sheriff Cunningham?s day comprised one constant meeting. His door remained open as his deputies, his secretary, DMPD Elford, the mayor, and the police chief all came and went. William Elford, the Disaster Management and Preparedness Director (DMPD) explained the country defiantly suffered from a solar storm. He left out the possibility of a nuclear attack for now. The first effects of the storm hit during the morning with secondary, and later effects, hitting again that evening causing electrical stations in the towns nearby to burst into flames. When Mount Pleasant set off fireworks last night, other small villages were subject to an electrical fireworks display of their own.
?Sheriff, we have a problem,? said Susan. ?We have several problems, Susan. Can you be more specific??
?Deputy Mills is missing??
?How,?
?He called for help, went offline, called triple 9. Then stopped. We?ve tried to get him on the radio but nothing.?
?Damn, do we have any idea where he was going??
?Not completely. He?d started his rounds giving them instructions you gave everyone. We don?t know where he started so we can only assume he started on the first road in his district.?
?We need to find him, get everyone out there we have, send the EMT?s.? The sheriff?s heart fluttered as he rubbed a hand over his head. Grumbling under his voice, he muttered. ?I told them not to be heroes.?
Sleeping felt awkward, and his hand was numb. Deputy Mills felt a cold rag touch his forehead as his eyes opened. A young woman held his hand and examined the wounds along his arm. Several pieces of buckshot burrowed their way deep under the skin. While some fell out after pushing them to the surface. A washrag dripped water into a bowl as she wrung it dry. The young woman knew what she was doing, as she dug out the buckshot one by one. He felt the pain but didn?t complain about it. Most of the bleeding had stopped, and she stitched up each hole in the end. After adding medicine to each spot, she wrapped the wound. ?Keep your arm elevated. You?ll need a doctor to look at it,? she said.
?Who are you?? asked Deputy Mills. ?My name is Keri. I come from the farm next door,? she said. ?Do you remember what happened?? She asked.
?I came to tell the owners they should arm themselves and contact the sheriff?s department up the road if they needed help. Then the shooting started. I don?t know why.?
?What?s your name?? Keri asked.
?I?m Deputy Jason Mills. I need to call for help?
?That?s not happening. Your radio died. My husband went to town to get a doctor and the sheriff.?
?Do you know who these guys were?? Jason asked.
?I know, Mr. Miller. He owns this farm. I don?t know the other guy but he looks familiar.?
?Did he have any ID?? Asked Jason. ?I didn?t look. John pulled the bodies out back. It was getting kind of smelly in here.?
?Where did you learn combat first aid?? asked Jason. ?Exactly where you?d expect. Combat. I was a medic in the army,? said Keri. ?What about your husband John, what does he do??
?He?s what we call a POG, personnel other than grunt. He was an engineer and did accounting for a while.?
?So you met in the army??
?No, he?s an Airman,? said Keri.
?In the Marine Corps, we call them REMF,? said Jason. Keri laughed at the reference each branch had for their non-combat soldiers. ?He was an officer. I can?t blame him. I actually met him after his helicopter went down. To see him with his clothes on, he looks alright. Underneath, he has scars, and not all of them are on the surface. He slept little last night after he helped with the plane crash yesterday morning. Today started out alright until we heard shooting. Now, we have two more bodies to add to our list.?
?Wait what? More bodies??
?Right, you weren?t there. When we got home last night, we found a man dead on our kitchen floor.?
?Just a random stranger, dead on the floor??
?I can?t make this stuff up? I work in a law firm. It?s a bad image if I do.? she said with a smile. Jason raised his eyebrows. ?I?ll see what we can do with the bodies once he gets back.?
?What was your message?? she asked. ?What??
?You said you were out delivering a message to the people in the township. What was the message, is there more than just arming yourself??
?Well, not a lot. It was simple. Arm yourself when you?re home and don?t travel alone. The Sheriff is concerned people will take advantage of the chaos and try to force their will on others. He will be lenient with self defense. We have a few cars and a few deputies. Communications are sketchy, and we really don?t have a rational idea what happened.? He cleared his throat. ?It?s not the best news, but it?s news.?
?Any idea what the lights were in the distance last night?? she asked.
?Something to do with a solar storm bouncing back and hitting the planet a second time. Maybe it was a second storm. We?re not really sure. I guess these things are invisible to the naked eye but they?ll destroy anything electric if it?s not protected. In the Marine?s they trained us to deal with EMPs so I think this is something like that.? said Jason. ?John and I were talking about that last night. It made sense, seeing as how not everything stopped working. I think if it was a nuclear attack the entire country would be dark. I read a book about it called One Second After. In fact, I read the entire series in Iraq. Freaked me out.?
?Are you still freaked out?? he asked. ?Hmm, I don?t know. I?d say I?m on full alert but not panicked. We?ve taken precautions as a family. We want to protect our family first. That?s where we start.? said Keri. ?It?s a good plan. It?d be nice if more people thought that way,? said Jason. ?So where did you serve in the Marines??
?I did 3 in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan.? The look in his eyes became distant. Keri had seen it before. In fact, she did it herself now and again. There?s always a thought or a memory, no matter how brief, that comes to mind and absorbs a veteran for a moment. The thoughts aren?t always bad, but sometimes they will be. Even those who never saw combat remember bad things from war zones. Keri remembered John saying they confined him to base much of his first tour. That never stopped the mortars from falling from the sky. Planes getting shot down. Men and women getting wounded. Then there was the overall dread of not knowing if today was your unlucky day.
?Are you married?? she asked.
?Not yet, I have a girlfriend and a little girl.?
?Looks like you?ll be seeing them soon. I think I hear a car coming up the drive.?
Keri looked out the door and saw John and another car with 3 more passengers. When they pulled up, everyone climbed out and ran to the house. EMTs still act like EMTs without the ambulance to drive them around. John and Keri waited for Sheriff Cunningham to walk back outside with Deputy Mills and the paramedics. They walked around the house to where John had taken the two dead men.
?It looks like he?ll be alright. I can?t thank you enough for patching him up. The bad news is, I can?t spare him for long.? said Sheriff Cunningham. John and Keri looked at each other with the same idea on their minds. John could help if asked, but neither volunteered this information until they?d talked.
?So, how did you know there was a problem at the Miller?s house?? asked the sheriff. ?We heard gunfire but not like normal hunting, this was a firefight.? said John.
?You know what a firefight sounds like?? he asked. ?Yes Sir, we both served in the military overseas,? said John. He looked at Keri, hoping he hadn?t overstepped his bounds.
As they reached the back door, John lifted the tarp he used to cover the bodies. The skin was grey and bruising had developed where the bullets had struck one another.
?I grew up around here and worked on the farm with Mr. Miller growing up,? said the sheriff. ?He was a good man.?
?Do you know the other man?? asked Keri.
?Yes, I do. It?s his brother. I should say it?s his half brother.? said the sheriff. John and Keri looked at him in shock. ?They killed each other? That?s terrible.? said John.
?It?s a strange world. The family kept it a secret for many years. Believe it or not, they are the same age. Their father had Samuel Miller with his wife and Erik Miller with a woman in town. She died giving birth to Erik, and they brought him to live with the family. The family resembled that of Jacob and Ishmael, born to Abraham and Sara. Samuel?s mother always treated him better than Erik. We?ve been here several times over the years breaking up fights between the two.?
?That?s a tragic story with an even more tragic ending,? said Keri. ?I don?t disagree, but even without the power outage, these two might still be dead. Their father left the farm to both of them, hoping it would bring them together. This is tragic.?
Sheriff Cunningham wiped at his forehead under his cap. ?I?ll have someone come get the bodies,? he said.
?Good, can you have them get the one at our house too?? said Keri
?What?? asked the sheriff. ?You haven?t told him yet, have you?? she said, giving John the look. ?We came home last night from the hospital. John had just returned from helping at the plane crash. There was a dead man on our kitchen floor. We don?t know who he is or where he came from other than his name was Karl Keller.?
?Yeah, I think he came from a car down the road a few miles. I think I passed him early yesterday morning. I can?t be positive.? said John.
?Let?s go have a look.? Said the sheriff. ?Jase, how are you feeling?? asked Aden. ?OK, I guess. Wish I could watch TV, this is getting boring.? Jase pointed to the television set.
?We could talk about our favorite shows. I like ?The Big Bang Theory. How about you?? asked Aden.
Just as the boys started talking about what they liked most on television, a heavy pounding came on the front door. A gruff voice called out. ?Hello.? Then it went quiet. Aden looked at Jase, terrified.
?Who do you think it is?? he whispered.
?I don?t know. Stay quiet.? Jase answered.
The handle turned, but the door remained locked. A shadow moved around the porch, looking in the windows. Aden and Jase slid down off the couch and hid on the floor. Jase peaked above the cushions to see a man with long hair looking around. The boy?s parents were at the neighboring farm but there were so many trees in the way you couldn?t see anything. Aden looked at his brother and suddenly felt the urge to pee.
?I?m scared,? he said. Jase peeked up over the couch again. But the man had disappeared. Time stood still as they waited on the floor for their parents to come home. When everything seemed quiet, the window to the back door crashed to pieces. The boy?s face went pale, and Aden peed his pants. Heavy boots thumped in the kitchen as cabinet doors opened and he pulled food out and tossed on the countertop. The man made enough noise to wake the dead guy out back. Aden trembled with fear as Jase hushed him as best he could. The banging stopped. Boots thumped across the floor and towards where the boys were hiding.
Once again, the footsteps stopped. Jase looked at Aden, who was holding his breath. He peeked over the coffee table. There he was.--->
<html>
<head></head>
<body>
<div style="display: none !important; opacity: 0; color: transparent; mso-hide: all; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;">
Better productivity starts here. </div>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#EFEFEF">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" valign="top">
<table class="wrapper" style="table-layout: fixed;" border="0" width="680" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr class="hide">
<td style="line-height: 0px; font-size: 0px;" height="1"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 20px 0;" align="center">
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<!-- Logo -->
<td style="padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 20px;" align="center" bgcolor="#fff"><a href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6666R2g39v5JB8T611i54bB5M941x40Rhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS5e10_u5Jp3sv"><img style="display: block; height: auto; border: 0;" src="http://www.bonedensityes.com/treasure-hovel/80a5m23T95SP7Ma12I54bBeIU941P40hhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQaodnS5pJ10F5jPs@v" alt="ways to use it" width="171" /></a></td>
</tr>
<!-- Navigation -->
<!-- Navigation -->
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0 20px;">
<!-- Header end -->
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<!-- MAIN CONTENT PASTE -->
<!--Content Section -->
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="mob_pad" align="center"><a href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6666R2g39v5JB8T611i54bB5M941x40Rhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS5e10_u5Jp3sv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="full_img" style="display: block; height: auto; border: 0;" src="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/c7e5W239z5NjN7a10t54bfU941K40Ehbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47GQaodnS7iHWAC105QysBv" alt="helmet" width="640" border="0" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<!-- Title -->
<td class="f18" style="font-size: 28px; line-height: 35px; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: 300; padding-top: 20px;" align="center"><a style="color: #3b444e; text-decoration: none; font-size: 28px; line-height: 35px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Adjustable Laptop Stand</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 124%; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.4px; padding: 20px 30px;" align="center">This laptop stand can transform any desk, table, or surface into a comfortable, organized work environment. It's great for people who work from home and also great for virtual learning.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<!-- CTA -->
<td style="padding-bottom: 30px;" align="center">
<table border="0" width="222" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<div>
<a style="background-color: #1e9f3d; color: #ffffff; display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 46px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 222px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6666R2g39v5JB8T611i54bB5M941x40Rhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS5e10_u5Jp3sv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SHOP NOW</strong></a>
<!-- [if mso]></center></v:roundrect><![endif]-->
</div> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="mob_pad" align="center"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<!-- Title -->
<td class="f18" style="font-size: 28px; line-height: 35px; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: 300; padding: 20px 30px;" align="center"><a style="color: #3b444e; text-decoration: none; font-size: 28px; line-height: 35px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: 300;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6666R2g39v5JB8T611i54bB5M941x40Rhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS5e10_u5Jp3sv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://www.bonedensityes.com/a256I2q3P95vG7Ga10b54c0B941L40mhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47zQaodnS7VS1Hp0s5KLzsv/obfuscate-grandpa" alt="" width="600px" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<!--Content Section -->
<tr>
<td class="mob_pad" align="center"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff">
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<!-- Title -->
<td class="f18" style="font-size: 28px; line-height: 35px; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-weight: 300; padding: 20px 30px;" align="center" height="100"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<!-- /Content Section -->
<tr>
<td class="h20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;" height="40"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="mob_pad" align="center"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<!-- /Content Section -->
<tr>
<td class="h20" style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;" height="40"> </td>
</tr>
<!-- /MAIN CONTENT PASTE -->
<!-- Footer start -->
<tr>
<td class="footer_pad" style="padding: 26px;" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<table class="wrapper" border="0" width="340" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<table class="wrapper" border="0" width="158" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 32px 0 40px 0;">
<table class="wrapper" border="0" width="480" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="font-size: 0; line-height: 0;" bgcolor="dadada" height="1"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="color: #3b444e; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; padding: 15px 0;" align="center">Hayes, Griffen, Russell Sysop Computing <br />243 Cheswick Dr, Madison, AL, 35757 <br /><a style="color: #3b444e; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/Quakerizes-citywide/1986f2j39L5eN86J12S5F4b7Px941W40yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6zm1u0s5lUsvj">Unsubscribe here</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<!-- Footer end -->
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
<!-- Content end -->
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
<!--Full width table End--> </p>
<div class="grid align-vertical-middle">
<div class="cell-sm-10 cell-md-8 grid gutter-xs-md text-center space-bottom-xs-md no-response">
</div>
<div class="cell-sm-10 cell-md-8 grid gutter-xs-md text-center space-bottom-xs-md no-response">
</div>
<div class="cell-sm-10 cell-md-8 grid gutter-xs-md text-center space-bottom-xs-md no-response">
</div>
<div class="cell-sm-10 cell-md-8 grid gutter-xs-md text-center space-bottom-xs-md no-response">
</div>
<div class="cell-sm-10 cell-md-8 grid gutter-xs-md text-center space-bottom-xs-md no-response">
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The stagecoach pulled up in a cloud of dust, the coachman reining in the steaming horses with an oath. He jumped down, spat, and opened the stagecoach door.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Ma?am,? he said, his moustaches quivering appreciatively.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Clara Belle descended into the arid atmosphere of Gorey Creek, a dewy rose in a desert.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">A lady of some twenty-five summers, her glossy chestnut hair was swept into a knot at the nape of her neck. She lifted her skirt slightly as she climbed down, to reveal starched petticoats and buttoned boots.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Clara waited as the driver swung down her trunk from the roof, her fine blue eyes surveying the town. .</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Gorey Creek was an up-and-coming township in America?s mid-west. There were several dotted around the county, becoming prosperous by the region?s rich gold seams and enormous cattle ranches. Yes, Gorey Creek would suit her very well.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">She left her trunk <em>in situ, </em>and crossed the road to a rowdy saloon bar. The noise was turned off, as if by a tap. Unperturbed, Clara walked to the bar.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Good day. Can you tell me where Mr Walter Stoner lives, please??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Cowboys, ranch-hands and saloon girls stared in astonishment, but it seemed the bartender was used to out-of-the-way questions.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Edge of town,? he replied, laconically. He nodded the direction. ?Name of Longhorn Ranch.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Thank you. May I rent a room here? My trunk is across the road.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Sure.? He brought out a register and key. ?Name and address??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Miss Clara Belle, London, England.? There was a hum of excitement.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Room 8. I?ll have your trunk brought up.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Clara, smiling sweetly at a couple of cowboys who were regarding her with open mouths, ascended the stairs. She was followed by the bartender?s assistant carrying her trunk. After testing her bed, she set off to explore.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">She located the Sheriff?s office. He was talking to his deputy, and both men jumped to their feet when they saw Clara.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">She sized them up. The tall, good-looking one is the Sheriff. His deputy looks keen ? might be after his job. She said,</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I am Clara Belle. I intend to set up business as a private investigator. I wanted to warn you ? I don?t want to step on anyone?s toes!?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Both men looked like they would love to have their feet abused by Clara, but the Sheriff merely remarked,</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I?m Bill Ferron, Miss Belle, and this is my deputy, Dan Branner. There?s no call for a private detective here.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?On the contrary, Sheriff. I?ve come to help my cousin. Walter Stoner, who?s having some trouble.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Say,? piped up the deputy. ?I?ve heard about these PIs. Aren?t you like Sherlock Holmes of London??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Clever man, by all accounts,? said Bill.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Clara saw two pairs of wary eyes boring into her blue ones. She answered coolly.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?No, I model myself on Conan Doyle, who invented him. Now, <em>there?s</em> a clever man.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?How can a lady in skirts chase criminals?? Dan scoffed.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?With her brain, of course, Deputy.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> The Sheriff bowed slightly. ?Allow me to show you around town, Miss Belle.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Clara, please. Thank you, Mr Ferron.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Bill.? He hid his embarrassment from his deputy. ?Dan, finish that report.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Dan moved quickly to open the door. There was a ping as something hit the floor. A glint of yellow rolled under the desk.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?You?ve dropped a bullet, Deputy,? said Clara.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Outside, Bill said,</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?That?s the livery stable. You can hire a horse and carriage there.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?This here?s Jeb?s store. Sells provisions, household items, anything, I guess. Here?s the man himself.? A rotund man in a white apron was introduced.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Hope the Sheriff will bring you to the dance tomorrow night.? He winked at Bill, who ignored him.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Here?s the saloon. You don?t want to be going there, a lady like you.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?On the contrary, Bill, I?m staying there.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The sheriff was horrified. ?It?s full of ruffians! There?s many a bad business conducted there, I wish I could stop it. There?s a clever brain behind it all.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Well, maybe you can be just as smart, Bill. I?ll help you.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?You??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I told you. I?m a private investigator. Think Pinkerton?s. I?m a step better than the law. I ask questions where lawmen fear to tread.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Yeah, and get yourself killed! It ain?t all cosy here like leafy England. It?s rough and tough and there?s ruthless people who?ll stop at nothing to get<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2"> what they want!?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">It was a powerful message but Clara didn?t bat one of her lusciously-lashed eyelids.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Sheriff, I can look after myself. And little old England can be just as dangerous.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Bill jutted out his jaw, but realised he had met his match.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Well, if you want to clean up this town, let?s start with this.? The saloon door burst open, and a man fell onto the street. As he pulled out his gun, cursing and pledging a bloody revenge, Bill grabbed his arm. ?C?mon, Hal, go home before you get a cell for the night!?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Hal tottered off, still muttering, and Bill said, ?There?s too many of these incidents.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?He?s just drunk, isn?t he??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Yeah, but Hal doesn?t drink. Someone is inciting trouble, though why, I can?t for the life of me guess.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">They walked on till they reached the church, where a parson stood chatting to someone. Bill turned, and gestured to the street behind them. There was dirt and dust everywhere, and people bustling back and forth, each intent on their own affairs. Overall was the wide, blue, western sky. ?I suppose this is strange to you. Tell me, what is it like in England??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?I live in a city. It?s bigger than your town, but most people are poor. I?ve inherited money from my father, and want to help people who can?t help themselves. But my country won?t give women that chance. I believe here, in the New World, I can realise my dream.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?What is that?? Bill stared at this strange, strong, beautiful woman.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2"> ?To be a female Sherlock Holmes. Will you be my John Watson??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Bill looked into her eyes, and moved closer. The parson hailed them, and the moment was spoiled.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2"> </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Next day, Clara set off early to Longhorn Ranch. Tying up her horse and carriage on the rail outside, she knocked on the door.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Walter opened it, and did a double-take when he saw his cousin. She introduced herself.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?<em>You</em> are a private detective??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?That?s right.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Clara opened her bag and took out a notebook and pencil. ?Can you tell me about your problem??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Yeah, I can do that ? though what the hell you can do, Clara, I can?t imagine ? no offence.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?None taken.? She aimed to prove him wrong ? prove them all wrong. Walter was speaking. ?It started about eight months ago. I had some cattle rustled. Then a barn burnt down. After that, I had a well and creek poisoned.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Know who did it??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?It?s the Garroway gang. Bad bunch of outlaws ? stop at nothing. Sheriff was hot on their trail one time and they were real mad. They warned him to back off but he wouldn?t ? said it was all a coincidence.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?The Sheriff said that??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Well, him or his deputy. Same thing?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?And what do you think??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Walter scratched his head.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Don?t rightly know. Seems like there?s a jinx on the place ? or me.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?That?s terrible!?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Sure is. So, be careful now, won?t you??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Clara squared her chin, gave herself a little shake, and began her tour of the ranch. She was determined to cover as much ground as possible, but it would be a daunting task to have to search every square inch. The land around the house and outbuildings stretched to several acres. Surely though, the answer must be found here, the nucleus of the ranch itself.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Clara walked round the back. Seemingly nothing unusual here, it was just a solid, wooden structure. There was a barn and several cattle sheds. She gazed across at the dusty fields, filled with steers. <em>Why</em> did those hoodlums want this ranch so badly?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">It all seemed run-down and deserted. Cattle, herded into a corral, lowed and stamped their feet. In contrast, the morning air was sweet and clean. White puffs of cloud seemed fixed into a vast sky of cerulean blue. In the distance were the fantastically-shaped rocks exclusive to the county. It was a scene far removed from anything in England, but Clara thought she had never seen anything so beautiful. She was going to settle out here, she suddenly decided. She was going to be successful, marry, raise a family in this enthralling wide-open land. But first she had to solve this case!</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">She walked to the creek. According to Walter, this had been poisoned. Why? To drive Walter out, evidently. She was turning to go when her eye caught a flash of yellow. Now what did that remind her of? Suddenly her eyes lit up.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2"> </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Later that evening, Clara arrived at Jeb?s house, a large farm to the south of the town. The dance was taking place in Jeb?s roomy barn.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Everyone, it seemed, was there. All the women had on their best dresses, mostly flower-sprigged cotton. Clara felt out of place in a sophisticated dark blue silk gown, which matched her eyes. She found herself the centre of attention as Bill performed the introductions.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">A three-piece band stamped their feet and struck up a tune, and Bill claimed the first dance. As he put his arm around Clara?s waist she felt the spark of attraction. And by the look in the lawman?s eyes, he felt it too.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">The evening progressed, with many of the men claiming dances, and Clara managed to amass a lot of information. But was any of it going to be useful? Time would tell.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Deputy Dan Branner was at her elbow. ?May I have the next dance, Miss Belle??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Clara, please. Could you get me a drink first? This dancing is thirsty work.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Sure thing.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">Dan came back with two glasses of punch.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Steady on with that, Clara! Jeb?s wife makes it keen and strong.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Just what I need.? Clara drank deeply. Dan said,</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Look, Clara. I happen to know the Sheriff really doesn?t want you around. You might be better in some other town.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?What??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Yeah, I really shouldn?t be telling you this, but I like you. He told me he thinks you?re going to put him out of a job.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Clara?s sapphire eyes flashed fire. ?That?s ridiculous. I only want to help him. Anyway, he seemed to accept me.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/apprehensible-bifocal/b8e6M23TX95vjq8611D54bl8V941_40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47SQaodnS5f1P0v6ITsvk2">?Yeah. That?s what you call male pride, I suppose. He doesn?t want to beg you to back off, or admit to being worried of being bettered by a...woman.? His eyes ran down Clara?s cle</a>avage as he spoke.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I see.? Clara?s mouth was a thin, tight line.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?If I were you, I?d go somewhere where your talents would really be appreciated. The sheriff is hidebound ? he?s got no vision. I?ve known the guy years so I can tell you this. Actually, I think it stems from him losing his wife the way he did.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?What happened ? I suppose she died??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Died, nothing! She left him for a visiting Marshall from California. The Sheriff has been against women ever since.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Later, Bill asked to accompany Clara back to her lodgings. She looked at him with cool eyes.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Alright?thank you.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">At the saloon, a brash woman overloaded with paint and powder sashayed her way over to Bill.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Howdy, Sheriff. This your new lady friend??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The woman <a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">circled Clara like a starving vulture, her eyes missing nothing; from Clara?s coiffed hair down to her buttoned boots, she devoured every detail.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">Clara, in her turn, saw a blowsy female of indeterminate years; the wrinkles on her face thickly covered in powder in a vain attempt to hide her advancing age. Her lips were heavily rouged, and the plunging neckline and raised skirt of her gown told their own story. Well, she hadn?t come over 3000 miles to let <em>this</em> madam intimidate her!</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">?I?m afraid the Sheriff is busy at the moment, Miss???</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">?Patty-Jo?s my name, I?ve got some information for him ? about this.? She held out her hand, and Clara could just discern a yellow glint.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">The woman skirted round to Bill, putting her face up close. Clara stepped between them.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">Bill turned away to hide a smile and the saloon girl flounced off.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">?Actually, I <em>had</em> better go and speak to her,? he whispered to Clara. ?She may just have picked up something interesting. Think how many men she must mix with in a week.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">Clara closed her eyes briefly. <em>Yes, ?picked up something is right?! </em>But she realised the truth of his words. Aloud she said, ?Alright. Tomorrow I?m going back out to the ranch. I think I?ve missed something.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused"> </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/d8b4i2395ci86N11j54b9UR941k40zhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47AQaodnS6MF1ZB05wzysv/bootable-perused">Next day, Clara returned from the ranch</a> and marched into the Sheriff?s office. The two men were seated at the desk as before. She faced Bill.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?The person responsible for terrorising Walter, and indeed for most of the villainy in this town, is here in this room ? aren?t you, Dan??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Bill jumped up but the deputy seemed unperturbed. He laughed and strolled over to where Clara stood with the sheriff.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?How d?you work that out, Miss <em>Holmes</em>??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?You are jealous of the Sheriff and are always attempting to undermine his authority. You even tried to turn me against him, by saying he didn?t want me around. Not content with stirring up trouble in the town by paying the Garroway boys to incite fights and rowdiness, you wanted to drive poor Walter from his ranch, so you could then buy it cheaply.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The deputy?s eyes narrowed. ?What do you mean??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?You found gold on the land. When I was up there I saw it glinting in the river bed. Then I remembered the ?bullet? you dropped. The final nail in your coffin was Patty-Jo. You owed her money and paid her with a small gold nugget.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?That old whore? Who?s gonna take her word??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I am.? Bill confronted Dan. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Bill, come on! D?you honestly think me capable of doing this??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Doubt crept in to the Sheriff?s handsome face, and in an instant Dan snatched his gun. ?get into that cell, both of you. I ain?t gonna tell you twice.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Clara and Bill walked in to the small room. Dan locked it and leered in at them from the outside.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Well now, don?t you make a pretty pair!?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Dan, what the hell has come over you? How many years have we known each other? Please, don?t do this. ? Bill made a last ditch appe<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">al to Dan ? which failed.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">?Yeah, <em>known</em> each other is right. But you never let me into your elite circle of friends, did you? It was always about you. <em>You</em> were made Sheriff, <em>you</em> knew the Marshall and his family, <em>you</em> bagged yourself the prettiest girl in the town for a wife, and now you?ve fallen for Miss Sherlock here.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">Bill looked embarrassed and Dan began pacing up and down the office. ?You didn?t know that Casey had turned me down to walk out with you, did you? Yep, I helped on her Pa?s ranch when he had his accident on the horse. I would have done anything for that girl and that?s how she repaid me ? by choosing you, Mr oh-so-perfect Ferron!? He pushed his face up to the bars, his anger crackling round the room. ?Well, you got your dues alright, didn?t you??</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">Bill Ferron leapt at Dan and managed to grab his coat through the space. Quick as a flash, Clara followed suit and she clawed the bunch of keys from the deputy?s pocket, while Bill snatched his gun.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">Dan struggled free, alarm replacing the sneer on his face. Bill said, ?Stay where you are, Dan,? as Clara hurriedly tried to unlock the cell. The deputy turned and ran as Bill fired off a shot. He missed, and didn?t know if he was sorry or glad. Quickly the pair ran outside, just in time to see Dan disappear inside the saloon.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">?Hell knows what the fool thinks he?s doing by running in there,? muttered Bill. ?He?s cornered.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">Clara looked at his set face and knew Dan wouldn?t get away.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">?Bill, be careful.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">But Bill was almost at the saloon doors. He dashed them open, his gun up and revenge in his sights.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">Bang! A shot was fired from the landing. ?Everyone get down!? Bill yelled.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/limiter-noticed/6de5jF2395Im86T11H54Zbav941F40Vhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47wQaodnS7zW10qtk6FOslTv">Clara took in the surprise on people?</a>s faces as they watched the sheriff and his deputy apparently try to murder each other. There was a scream cut short. Upstairs, Dan appeared holding a frightened Patty-Jo by her white throat.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Let me go, Bill,? he growled, ?or she gets it. You know I?ll do it.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Clara took advantage of the confusion and the crowded saloon to nip out under the swing doors. Quickly, she ran round the back of the building. Yes, there was the outside staircase. She ran lightly up and through an open window. A saloon girl and her client were cowering on the bed. Motioning silence to their astonished faces, Clara slipped out of the door onto the landing, directly behind Dan and his hostage. Creeping up, she put her pistol against his head.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Give it up, Dan,? she said, and the deputy lowered his gun in disgust.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN">A few days later, Clara and Dan were the guests of honour at another large party in Jeb Stowe?s barn.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN">?How on earth did you know Dan was behind so much of the villainy in this town, Clara?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN">With you just over from England and new to everything here? I?ve known Dan all this time and I never guessed.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN">Clara looked at him. His Stetson was tilted back on his handsome head and his grey eyes were alight with intelligence. Mmm, she could have a worse Watson, she supposed.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN">?You know my methods. Apply them!?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN">They both laughed as the sheriff whirled her round the floor. </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN"> </a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN"> The story truly began the night Lana found herself at the Medieval Times restaurant. When she had arrived in the big city, she sent her resume to everyone and anyone including the Medieval Times but she did not send just her own. She sent her friends in too, and as luck would have it, Suzanne was the one who got the job. Still, orientation meant that her friend would see the show for free and was expected to bring a guest and so here she was.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN"> They roamed around the big hall, looking at the decorations, perusing the gift shop. In the corner barred by a large, hooded figure stood the dungeon. A room full of medieval torture devices. There was a sign that read ?Entry to Museum, $5.00?. They looked at each other, dug in their pockets but came up with only bus tickets and a battered pack of cigarettes. Lana would not be deterred, She put on her sales face and took her friend by the arm.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/waterproofing-Geary/5b26V23r9M5V8FA611m54Cbby941q40ghbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47OQaodnS6a1ALt05F2svN"> ?I got this. ?She said with confidence. She wal</a>ked right up to the hooded figure, Suzanne in tow, grinned broadly and said:</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> ?Hello! I?m Lana and this,? she said bringing her friend up in front for expectation ?is Suzanne. Now Suzanne is your newest co-worker, and we are here for the free tour? the guard looked down at them, slightly menacing and after a long, pregnant pause he rolled his eyes and stepped aside.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> Suzanne smiled sheepishly and nodded at him as they passed, and Lana only laughed.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> ?Thank you!? Lana called back just before slipping behind the curtain.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> Inside the walls were painted a kind of rusty red, glass cabinets held the more delicate items, but the walls held weapons, chains, and nasty looking hooks. Suzanne made a joke about this being the worst honeymoon suite until with an evil glint in her eye Lana replied, ?for some.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> Soon t<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/panicky-Anabaptist/51c4w2395L8Tu611G5S4bcC941M40Phbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47UQaodnS5s1r0I5yNsOv">he announcement sounded that the show would begin and the two of them made it to their seats. As they climbed the stairs to the yellow section, buxom waitresses placed yellow, paper crowns on their heads. The section wasn?t so crowded and they ended up with an entire row to themselves.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/panicky-Anabaptist/51c4w2395L8Tu611G5S4bcC941M40Phbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47UQaodnS5s1r0I5yNsOv"> The food was eaten by hand, pop drunk from metal goblets, and they were grateful that of the medieval traditions, the lack of napkins was not considered. Lana clapped delightedly when the knights rode onto the stage, handsome in their costumes, atop regal horses, sporting swords, lances and other tools of the trade.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/panicky-Anabaptist/51c4w2395L8Tu611G5S4bcC941M40Phbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47UQaodnS5s1r0I5yNsOv">Just before the final battle each knight picked a lady in their section and used their Lance to give her their favor. A small slip of cloth in the knight's own color that the lady would keep as a souvenir. Lana was surprised when the yellow night passed his favor to her. She unwound the cloth and waved cheerily back at him, trying furiously not to blush. This had been a secret dream of hers since childhood. Who didn?t want to be a damsel?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/panicky-Anabaptist/51c4w2395L8Tu611G5S4bcC941M40Phbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47UQaodnS5s1r0I5yNsOv"> The yellow knight won the tournament and the crowd howled with delight, Then the princess announced that she had chosen her prince and of course put her own favor onto the yellow night.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/panicky-Anabaptist/51c4w2395L8Tu611G5S4bcC941M40Phbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47UQaodnS5s1r0I5yNsOv"> Suzanne pocked Lana in the ribs and teased her about not being able to hold onto a man and Lana shrugged and asked how she could compete with dowry the size of a princess's. Soon the show was done and everyone began to vacate the halls. In the hall while the knights had come out to greet their fans, Lana couldn?t resist approaching Mr. yellow.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/panicky-Anabaptist/51c4w2395L8Tu611G5S4bcC941M40Phbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47UQaodnS5s1r0I5yNsOv"> They chatted, flirting like mad and when Lana asked him if his princess won?t be jealous of their conversation, he told her that she was two timing him with the green knight. They laughed and when the others said they were going to the bar down the road, Marcel asked if they wanted to join</a> him. Both Lana and Suzanne agreed.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"> At 4 AM when the bar was closing, Lana invited Marcel back to their place, and he agreed. They spent the rest of the night, talking, laughing, making out, and when morning came, neither wanted it to be over. They went for coffee but soon Marcel had to go home, he had to get ready for work and Lana agreed to take the subway with him, just to get a few last moments in his company. They got off at Pape station and he took off.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Not ready to go back into the hot crowded mess of the TTC, Lana sat down for a moment on the curb, beside her sat a girl wearing a white tank top and mirror shades, a cigarette dangled from her lips.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Can I bum one of those?? asked Lana.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?this is my only one but you can have the second half.? She took one last drag and handed it to Lana. Normally Lana thought better of taking a half-smoked cigarette from anyone but this time the thought didn?t even occur to her. Instead she puffed grateful and began to chat.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I?m Lana, thank you for this. I ran out and could really use one after the night I had.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">"I?m Virginia, nice to meet you. Tell me about this night you had? she said leaning in conspiratorially. Lana began to describe her evening before, and Virginia would interject a joke here and a comment there. Soon the Cigarette was gone and a passing man who was smoking was suddenly assailed by two voices in<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/bootable-perused/1206v2T3L95c8So611H54jbdn941o40shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47zQaodnS6J1m0JJ6njXLsv"> unison asking to bum a smoke. He looked startled but handed them a cigarette which they shared as well. Virginia told Lana that she was here also because of a boy and told her own story. They figured out that they were practically neighbours, and they had a lot in common.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/bootable-perused/1206v2T3L95c8So611H54jbdn941o40shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47zQaodnS6J1m0JJ6njXLsv">?There is this dessert, It?s vanilla ice cream, dipped in hard chocolate, drizzled with raspberry sauce, surrounded by fresh raspberries on the plate. I?m telling you Lana, it's to kill for!?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/bootable-perused/1206v2T3L95c8So611H54jbdn941o40shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47zQaodnS6J1m0JJ6njXLsv">That was it, the comment that did it. A switch went off in Lana?s brain and she realized that she needed to hang out with this person again. Everyone else would have said to die for but this girl was different. The way that Lana was different. She smiled shyly and then said.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/bootable-perused/1206v2T3L95c8So611H54jbdn941o40shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47zQaodnS6J1m0JJ6njXLsv">?Can we be friends? I?ll give you my number and we can hang out sometime.? Virginia smiled and said she was just about to suggest the same thing. They talked for a bit longer, until the boy Virginia was meeting had arrived, but they had already made tentative plans involving scary movies and a pillow fort.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.bonedensityes.com/bootable-perused/1206v2T3L95c8So611H54jbdn941o40shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47zQaodnS6J1m0JJ6njXLsv">Lana walked back into the subway, smiling to herself. Little did she know that though the knight was lovely, the greatest gift he gave her was putting her in the right place at the right time. She only saw him tw</a>ice more before life got in the way and they parted on friendly terms, but Virginia, now there was a best friend for life. </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="gmailfix" style="white-space: nowrap; font: 15px courier; line-height: 0;">
</div>
<img src="http://www.bonedensityes.com/bootable-perused/a266m239tD5gG85R12I54Mcv2F941A40Ehbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47uQaodnS7GOQO1q06vOsXXv" alt=""/></body>
</html>
------=_Part_130_1236828334.1631816464458--
