Ned Logan watched Gauntlet. His family had more money invested in this horse than he cared to admit. And now he was falling behind on his sprints. Almost full five seconds and that was just in the last four days. He had been around horses all his life. He tried giving Gauntlet a rest for two days. But the next time he ran he was even slower than before he rested.

Now he was almost seven seconds behind his best. At this rate, he would be lucky to show much less win. He took a drag on his cigar and then stomped it out with his foot in frustration. He watched his investment turn the far turn. Now he was even slower. Damn. It was still a month to the Derby. But at this rate….it mine as well be a year from now…

Jeremy looked like he was struggling just to get Gauntlet across the finish line. The horse almost threw Jeremy off in pain. He could barely stay on as it was. Ned looked at this watch and then shook his head in failure. This was going way past frustrating and into the realm of critical.

Angelia watched the gray stallion watch her. It was almost as it they were reading each other’s mind. In a way they were.

John walked up to her from behind. He was still thinking about the brief kiss last night. How he should have made it last a little longer…or made it a little more special. Well he could think about that later. Right now, he was more worried about his employment.

"Mr. Turner. Good Morning. I thought you would be here today."

"Yes, and I was hoping I would find you here also."

"Well, then maybe I should get started. Shall I Mr. Turner?"

Angelia ducked under the fence and boldly walked up to the horse. She stopped about fifteen feet away and stood perfectly still. Turner thought that she was completely insane. She was getting close to a horse that had almost killed one of his best wranglers. He wanted to stop her…but knew better.

The stallion shook his head, his ears back, he whinnied a bit. Then he ran up to her within ten feet. She still stood her ground, unmoving. She stood there as calm as a statute waiting for the horse. She knew better than to move. Moving would get her killed.

The horse reared up on his back legs and stood above her. The stallion stood over her by at least a good five feet. She raised her head to look up at him. It was then she gently raised her right hand and whispered incoherently to him. Turner could hear the words but could not comprehend them. It did not sound like English to him—so he assumed it was her mother tongue.

The horse lowered himself to the ground, and then shook his head as if in frustration. The horse stood there in total disbelief. It was then she took a half step forward. The horse just stood there and allowed her to approach him.

John watched the goings on. If he had not seen it with his own eyes he would not have believed it.

Angelia reached out and gently touched the stallion. He took a half step back and then stopped. He then took a full step forward and nudged her a bit. Angelia laughed a bit and then looked up at John.

"So this is the horse that no man could tame."
John looked at her and laughed. For the first time in two days he felt better about his employment. But she still needed to ride him to keep their jobs.

Ned stood in his study. He needed to find a way out of his predicament with his investment. He hated to pull out this close to the Derby. His investment would be lost. Not to mention a good deal of pride. But if Gauntlet ran and didn’t even show his investment would always be known as an "also ran." That was as bad as not running at all.  No one ever remembered the name of the also ran…only the winners.

He took another drag from his cigar and sat in the chair.

Jeremy had a lot invested in Gauntlet too. Except his was emotional. And right now money spoke louder. Sure this was family. But right now he was silently debating just to cut his looses. He sat down and watched the sun slowly set on the hills.

John went over the day in his mind. He had watched a woman, who probably barely weighed 110 pounds tame a horse that had a killer instinct. He was definitely impressed. But now he looked at the setting sun and realized that he had another date with her.

Angelia looked through her closet for something to wear, not too dressy. But not something he had seen her in already. She choose a red gown with some white lace trim, not as fancy as last night. But then this was "just" a walk in the woods. She looked at her clock. He was due any minute.

She heard a gentle tap on her door it was the same as last night. She walked up and slowly opened the door. He stood in the doorway wearing the same suit from earlier.

"Good evening Angelia. Are you ready for our walk?"

"I’m ready."  She picked up her shawl and wrapped around her shoulders. He stood back and allowed her to walk through the door. She closed it behind her, then turned and placed her small hand into his elbow again. Angelia snuggled a bit closer to him this time. He looked like he was a bit more comfortable with her this evening than last.

"I wanted to tell you Angelia, that I was very impressed with your work today."

"Thank you. I will be finished by this time tomorrow. Then we can begin concentrating on the Logan situation."

"I’m sure that won’t be a problem. We have already determined the best course of action. Gauntlet will take care of the Logans for us."

"Did you tell Ms. Winters on our progress?"

"No not yet. Let her wonder for awhile. I will also take care of her as well."

"It looks like you have this well under control."
He glanced at her for a moment. The only thing he did not control was the woman walking next to him. And that was almost a lost cause. His heart had other ideas. John had forgotten what the company of another woman was like--until now. He smiled at her. "Thank you. Your job is to work with the horses. I will be in charge of everything else."

"Good. That sounds just about perfect. Now that the business is done—would you like to enjoy the sunset with me—John?"

"Yes I would." He looked up just in time to see the ball slip into the horizon. Then felt her gloved hand slip into his. John felt his hand close around it.

"You don’t look as nervous as you did last night?"

"Did I look nervous. I wasn’t aware of that."

"You did. You almost looked skittish. Like you had not had an evening out in quite awhile."

"I’m not used to the company of a beautiful woman for dinner. And I’m not used to enjoying sunsets with a woman either."

Angelia stopped and looked up into John’s eyes. "Thank you. But I’m hoping that we can enjoy each others company in the future as well."

"I would enjoy that also." He felt his hand take her other hand. He looked into her green eyes and felt himself drown in them. "This mental hold that you have with horses….does that work on people as well?"

"Not that I am aware of. Of course—I’ve never tried with people. Only with horses."

John almost breathed a sigh of relief. He watched his own hand come up and touch her bare cheek. He tried to stop himself but couldn’t. His mind tried to control his fingers from caressing her skin; his heart over rode it. He felt himself bend over and briefly touch his lips to hers. John felt her take a small step forward and gently touch his shoulders. A slight moan escaped from her. His hand went to the back of her neck and held her head. He pulled back and watched her eyes open.

It was a moment before either of them could speak. It was their first real kiss, one that spoke volumes more than last night.

"Well, John that was—"

"Yes."

"Surprising."

"And how is that Angelia." John still had his arms around her this waist and holding her to him. He could not bring himself to let go just yet. Her fingers still rested on his shoulders. Was that her perfume or the flowers?

"I was not aware that you were that passionate of a man. You seem to keep your feelings so tightly controlled, that I was caught by surprise."
John had to hold back a chuckle. She was surprised….she had no idea how his own emotions had taken him by surprise.  That was a first…her being surprised. He needed to keep that advantage, but for now he had no idea how to accomplish that.

"I think that I should sleep now. I will need to tame Puck tomorrow."

"Puck?"

"The stallion. It is a tradition in my country…the first person that rides the horse—names the horse. That is the name I have chosen."

"I see. Puck. And what exactly is a Puck?"

"It is a character in Shakespeare…a mischievous imp. He causes a lot of trouble for mortals."

"I will discuss this with Ms. Winters after you are successful. I’m sure that it won’t be a problem. May I walk you back to your quarters Angelia?"

"I would appreciate that greatly." She turned and placed her hand into his elbow again, but this time his fingers gently held it. "Shall I see you tomorrow?"

"Yes. The sooner the better."

"I was hoping that after I’m finished tomorrow that I can make us a picnic lunch to enjoy?"

"That sounds wonderful." He looked up at the small cabin with the lights on. He did not know how to end the evening. He knew how he wanted to end it….but it was to soon. He would need to settle for a kiss. He bent down and gently touched her lips with his. "Good night Angelia. I shall see you tomorrow."

PART VIII.

Angelia was no where in sight the next day. Even Vivian noticed John’s tenseness. His job was on the line…and at dusk he would need to pack. He had already checked the pasture, the stallion was gone, but there was no sign of her.
Nothing.
She had vanished like a ghost. Again.

Now he began to search her room. He needed to know where she was, but more importantly who she was. He looked through her closet. Nothing there struck him as unusual. Just rack upon rack of dresses. Most made of Irish cloth. There was very little in the way of jewelry. He thought that was unusual. He made a note of that. He pulled out a drawer and began to carefully sift through it. On top was an ages old photograph of her and a young man. They stood in front of a small home, the thatched sod roof in the background. Beside them was a huge workhorse. It towered over her, but he could tell there was no fear in her eyes, just happiness.

It was then he looked up and noticed a bit of excitement. He glanced through the lace curtains, careful not to be seen in a woman’s bedroom. Many of the servants were running towards the big house. He could tell they were happily excited about something. He carefully stepped outside after he was sure the coast was clear. John stepped down the stairs and stood there. The sun was high in the sky. It was almost noon. He took a cigar out of his jacket and began to make his way to the main house.

He stood there and saw what the commotion was about.

There sat Angelia, bright as day, riding sidesaddle on top of Puck. She reached down and gently patted her new friend and rubbed his ears. The horse responded by chewing on his bit.

Vivian stood on the front porch a shawl draped around her shoulders. John walked over. As major domo he should have been informed. But then he was just happy to have his job safe and secure. He stood next to Vivian and seethed inside.

"Well, Mr. Turner I see that you have found another outstanding employee for our horses. I am glad to see that she is as good as you claimed."

"Miss Winters, I’m better."

"Well, we will see about that. Mr. Turner you and Angelia can stay. Now if you will excuse me." With that she turned and walked off the porch. She had more important things to attend to.

On the other hand, Mr. Turner had a word or two to say to his hire. He was fuming inside. He needed to keep abreast of what was happening. She hadn’t done that. "Angelia, I would like a word with you if I may."

"Yes, Mr. Turner." She dismounted and brought the reigns over Pucks head, she slowly walked towards him. "Well, we get to keep our jobs…and next.."

"Our personal relationship aside. You will not embarrass me like that again. I am the head foreman of this estate. You will keep me informed of any changes in the horses. Puck or any other horse—is that clear."

"Very. It was not my intent to harm you Mr. Turner. But sometimes in what I do—privacy better suits the horse, not an audience. If we are going to work together to bring down the Logans’ I suggest that we begin to trust one another."

"Do not allow your discretion to interfere with my work. Or you will find your bags packed."

"Are we finished with the whips and chains now Mr. Turner."

"Yes. I don’t think that I will need to repeat myself."

"No you won’t. Now, I have lunch packed….that is if you didn’t disturb it when you were going through my room." John looked at her. Damn he hated having his hand stuck in the cookie jar—again. "I will get a horse and wait for you in the west pasture."

"I will be there in about twenty minutes. We should show some discretion. Correct?" John shook his head and wondered what he was getting himself into.

PART IX

John waited in the pasture. He checked his pocketwatch. She was due any moment. He really couldn’t afford the dalliance from his work, but then he did need to eat lunch just like any other man. And the company, oh yes, there was the company.

His mind went back over the past few days. The dinner with her, his first kiss, the sunset, the next kiss. What on earth was he doing? Everything in side of him told him to turn his back, get on his horse and ride back to the house, to get back to work. His heart on the other hand had immobilized his feet right where he stood. John turned and saw her in a slow gallop coming up the road. She rode Puck just like she had been riding him for years, rather than minutes. She wore the same gown he had seen her in earlier. Lunch was in the basket that she had attached to the saddle.

"John, it is good to see you here. This is the perfect spot."

John looked up at her. Then began to walk over to her. He offered her his hand to assist her down. He held it when she was on the ground. "I’m glad you like it. Now, where would you like to have lunch….I’m afraid Miss Winters would like to see me…."

"I figured she would…about Puck. Well, lets begin eating then. I wouldn’t want to keep you from an appointment now would I?"

He unfastened the basket and led her to a huge old oak tree, it’s limbs stretched out and made shade in the hot afternoon sun. Her hand slipped into his. He took the basket from her and led her to the shade.

"Now, we can begin concentrating on the Logans’."

"That was my sentiments exactly. There will be no more distractions. Until after the Derby when we toast with champagne over their demise."

"That sounds wonderful. I should check Gauntlet again. I’ll go over this afternoon—while you are having your meeting. I hope you like Ham, and some salad. I still don’t know what foods you like?"

"I’m more interested in the company Angelia—than in the meal." Angelia almost blushed at the response. He took note of that.

"It looks almost like rain, and the wind it looks like that will be picking up as well. I hope the horses will be all right."

"Is that what you think about…all the time."
"I’m sorry. But yes. I find horses less puzzling than the so-called human masters. They are easier for me to understand. To deal with."

John looked at her. To him it was quite the opposite. Except for now. This woman was a labyrinth of oxymoron. He found her harder to understand than any other woman he had ever known. Not that he considered himself an expert by any means. He took another bite of his ham sandwich and began to look at the sky. "You know you may be right. It does look like a bad storm is brewing."

"Maybe we should shorten our lunch John. I need to speak with Gauntlet and you have your meeting."

"I’m afraid you are correct. May I see you this evening?"

"I would love to John. That sounds nice. But right now…. we have work to do."
 

PART X

Lexy took her horse out for her usual ride. She was happiest when she was on her horse, just like any other Logan. She learned to ride at the same time she was learning to walk. She whispered to her horse, and gave her the usual pet on the neck. She started in a fast trot.

She looked up and saw a woman standing next to Gauntlet in his corral. She had never seen her before. All she knew was that a small fortune had been invested in Gauntlet, more money than her young mind could count, and now a stranger stood next to him. This was not good.

She rode up to the fence and watched for a second. "Who are you?"

Angelia was startled by the voice. She was not expecting to be caught so red handed. She looked at the child. "AAAAhhhh you must be Lexy Logan, I have heard much about you."

"Yes, well who are you? And what are you doing to our horse?"

"I’m Angelia. And I was talking to your horse. He’s a beautiful animal."

"Yes, he is. He’s in the Derby."

"So I’ve heard. He’s the favorite right now isn’t he."

Lexy looked at her. Somewhat puzzled. She knew he wasn’t but a little fib now and then wouldn’t hurt. "Yes, he is."

Angelia looked around. The air had grown deathly still. Even the birds had stopped singing. Even the horses grew nervous. Gauntlet ran off at a full tilt. Puck joined him and ran off in the direction of the Winter’s.

It was then Lexys horse reared and threw her down against the fence. The child fell off like a rag doll. Her forehead bled from hitting the fence.

Angelia thought to herself. She had a decision to make. It would be easy to leave the child and walk away. But then she had no quarrel with her, but rather with the adult Logans. She didn’t even know what a curse was. Angelia walked over to the child. She was semi-conscious. But still a little dazed by the fall. To her it was a long ways down.

It was then Angelia turned and saw what had spooked the horses so badly.

It began to descend from the clouds as an evil finger. It slowly descended to the ground and then began to swivel back and forth as if drunk. Then the god-awful roar began. The dust cloud gathered underneath as if to hide it from her eyes. But nothing could.

It was a tornado. And it was heading right for them.

Angelia began to panic. She needed to get to safety and the sooner the better. But the child in her state, couldn’t walk much less run. Angelia picked up Lexy and ran with her oversized rag doll. It was then Lexy saw the funnel cloud picking up whole trees like they were splinters. Angelia looked around. To stay in the trees would mean death. She needed to get someplace lower. Someplace where she could fasten them down and wait.

She then saw a bridge in the distance. It was about a quarter of a mile away. The storm was already closing fast. Angelia started to walk quickly to the bridge. Running would just panic the child. She could think more clearly if she were calm. She needed to think more clearly now than ever.

Lexy hid her face in her shoulder. She tried not to look at the cloud that was chasing them. But she couldn’t understand why this woman wasn’t running.

Angelia made it under the bridge. The storm was now only a few seconds behind them. The planks were already starting to be pulled from their nails. She set the small child onto the ground. "Grab on to the pole. Hold on tight. As tight as you can." Angelia took her belt from around her waist and tied it around her and the child. She pulled with all her strength and made it as taut as she could. There couldn’t be any slack at all if they were to survive.

It was then the funnel cloud hit with all its force. It seemed to dance right on top of the bridge, the roar was deafening. The only thing louder was Lexys screams. Angelia held on to the beam for her life. She wished John were there.

Angelia looked up for a brief moment; the planks above her were pulled off at three at a time. The roar grew louder.

And then silence.
Quiet.

Angelia looked up. The bridge they were under was essentially gone. All that was left was the pole they were attached to. The angels were looking after them. Angelia said a prayer of Thanksgiving to St. Patrick and then untied the knot that held their lives.

She looked down at the child. She was breathing, but unconscious. She needed a doctor, or at least her family. She looked up and saw the funnel sway across the ground and head off away from them.

Angelia picked up Lexy and gently set her on the ground. Lexy could not see what she was about to do—if John and her plan were to work.

She breathed gently. Angelia needed to be calm. She had never summoned a horse from this distance, and not after a tornado. She just remembered what her grandfather had taught her. She summoned his soul to help her.

It was then Puck came over a hill, it was as if he was checking up on his new owner. She smiled and whistled. Puck obeyed his mental call. And pranced over.

Angelia said a prayer to thank her grandfather as well as Puck. Now she would get to meet her nemesis in person….

The Logan clan.

PART XI

The storm had missed the main house of the Logans….but not by much. The tobacco crop had all but been destroyed. The roof of the main barn had also been damaged. Luckily no one had been hurt. But the main concern was Lexy…she was the only one that was missing.

It was then Ned, Alice, Sean, Clay and Jeremy looked up and saw a young woman on horseback. One they had never seen before—which said something since the Logans prided themselves on knowing everyone in Lexington. As she slowly approached the main house it was then they recognized the small frame of Lexy held in the woman’s arms. Ned started to run up the road and met the woman about half way.  Something had happened to his youngest, at this point he didn’t care who the woman was—he wanted to know what was wrong with his flesh and blood.

Sean and Clay had rode their horses towards the woman. And had beat Ned to her by about a full 200 feet.

Angelia looked at her destiny, so this was the infamous Logan family. They didn’t seem like much. But as her father told her—never underestimate your opponent. That would be a deadly mistake.

Angelia carefully handed the frail child to Clay. She glanced at his face. Clay handed her to Ned. Angelia nodded and hid her anger as best she could. "She has a rather bad head injury."

With that she turned and began to ride away from them. Clay gently took her reigns and tried to stop her. "Who are you? You just saved my sisters life, and we don’t even know your name. Who are you?"

"Mr. Logan. I am your worst nightmare."

Ned looked down at his daughter. Then up at Angelia. "Thank you. I don’t know your name—but I will find out. But thank you for saving my daughters life."

"Your welcome. My quarrel is not with your child Mr. Logan. She has no idea who I am or our families history."

"I was not aware that you had a quarrel with my family. Especially since I have no idea who you are."

"I suggest Mr. Logan—that you check your family history. You will find the answers there."

"I would like to ask you for dinner at least."
"No, Mr. Logan. I have more important things to do. I have my own work to do…good day Mr. Logan."

With that she turned sharply and began a fast trot off away from them. Lexy stirred in Ned’s arms. That was all he needed to be reminded of his responsibilities.
 

PART XII

Lexy rested comfortably in her bed. The swelling had gone down on her head. She did not remember much about the woman. Maybe that was for the best.

Ned on the other hand, looked up his family history in his Bible. He never did read it much. But right now, it was the best source of information for him.

Recorded in the deaths section was his first wife. He gently ran his fingers over her name. Almost as if it were her soft face that he had loved so much. He thought back to the war—and how he felt he had not been the best husband he could have been. Going off to fight the war, and leaving her to raise four children on her own, as almost a single parent, was difficult for her at best. But then God gave him payback. And now he was the single parent. And this would be for a whole lot longer than the war that had raged for so long.

There was the brother that had passed away when he was to young to remember. "Todd" was his name. He had not lived that long. But still he had earned a place of honor in the family Bible.

There was his father’s name, and his mother before that. Their names were written in a shaky hand--his. He could still see his own tears as they filled the page. Above that were his grandparents—including the date they came over from the "Old Country." Ireland.

He turned the page and smiled. There was the birth section on the Bible. At least there were far more listings on that page then the previous one. Lexy, Alice, Shaun, Clay…and there was Jeremy also. The date that he had become a Logan. He ran his fingers gently over the ink, and thought of each one. A smile came across his face as he reached for his Bourbon. He took a long swallow. Then gently returned it to the table.

He slowly shut the scriptures and set down on the table. There was not much to go on. Who was he kidding, there was nothing there to go on.

He thought back to the strange woman with the Gaelic accent. He had saved his daughter's life. There was no question about that. But then she hated him and his family and gave no explanation as to why.

Ned had a feeling that this woman was going to be a huge amount of trouble. But then he would need to find out exactly why.

Angelia rode back to the Winters. Their plantation was not hit as hard as the Logans. Their horses were safe. They only lost a few trees, and a small part of their tobacco crops. Still Mr. Turner wanted to know where she was with Puck. He liked having all of his ducks in a row, and he was tired of her challenging what he thought should be a womans place.

He turned and looked up to see her riding up the main road and coming through the gate. She non-challantly rode to the house and dismounted.

"Are you all right Mr. Turner?"

"I’m fine. How are you Angelia?"

"I’ve been better. How is the---"

"Now that we have the pleasantries over with….where have you been?"

"I told you—that I was looking at Gauntlet. I wanted to know how he was doing. The storm came up and I became more than a little busy. If you do not trust me Mr. Turner I can…."

"I trust you Angelia, with the horses. However, with the Logans—no."

"I see. Returning to the subject of Gauntlet, his arthritis is escalating. He will not run in the Derby….or if he does not well enough to win. If Ned Logan is as smart as he thinks he is…he will cut his looses and withdraw him from the Derby now."

John stepped forward and offered his hand to help her down. Instead, she looked at it, and helped herself down from the huge horse. "For my plan to work…"

"Your plan Mr. Turner?" Angelia turned to look at him with a look of anger that almost caused his blood to freeze in his veins.

"My apologies to you. Our plan. Gauntlet must run in the Derby."

Angelia’s face softened a bit, then she faintly smiled. "That’s better. However, my work is with the horses. Yours is with people. That is an issue you will need to resolve, not I."

"I know. I will need to work on that myself. Are you all right?"

"Yes. I’m fine and so is Puck. How is the farm?"

"We did not have that much damage, just a few trees and a loss of an acre of tobacco. That is about the most serious damage. The Winters family will have no trouble recovering."

Angelia thought back to the small little girl…and wondered how she would recover…and how much she had seen. And worse how much she would remember.

PART XIII

Ned was at a lose as to Gauntlet, and the young woman who had saved the life of his youngest. Lexy would be as good as new in a few days. She was already talking about going horseback riding. She did not remember much about the storm. And Lexy remembered even less about the woman that brought her here. Ned looked in at this sleeping daughter—well, maybe that was for the best.

He decided to take a ride into town and attempt to find out more about the strange woman that visited him. He would begin at the Jockey Club. If she was new in town, and had anything to do with horses…then someone there had to know her. At least he hoped so.

John Turner sat back in his leather chair; he needed to relax after the storm. And Angelia putting him through emotional hell. He needed to think things through. The Jockey Club was a good place to start. He took another sip of his whiskey, and lit another of his favorite cigars. There, he felt better all ready.  He had already exchanged the usual banter with a half dozen colleagues or so. Now he could allow himself the privilege of relaxing a bit.

His mind however went to Angelia. She was his worst nightmare. Every time he thought that she was under his control, she changed the rules. And damn she was now haunting his sleep. Every other woman in his life, he was able to control without much effort. This one was so independent it was scary. She did not need him--he needed her. And that was something he was not used to.

Damn this woman was beautiful. Even in close to rags she was still one of the most beautiful women in Lexington. He wanted to spend the night with her…but at this point he was to shy to ask.

John Turner, shy? Yes, he hated to admit it. He was used to hiring himself company for the evening. But this woman….

There was a slight commotion behind him. John looked up into the mirror above the fireplace to see what was going on. Ned  Logan had just walked into the room. He poured himself a brandy and sat down in a leather chair.

Ned was about ten feet behind John. John could hear the conversation and not be seen by him. Sometimes eaves dropping worked better than he had planned.

"Oh, everyone’s fine. Lexy gave me a scare, but turns out she’s going to be none the worse for wear. Do any of you know of anyone new in town…a woman…with an Irish accent?"

Johns’ ears perked up with that question. The general consensus of the members was no. That’s when John turned around to face his enemy. He could lie as much as he wanted and no one would be the wiser for it.

"The Winter’s family has just hired a young Irish woman to work with the horses. Dark hair, Dark eyes, pale complexion…."

"Yes, that sounds like her. But I didn’t think Vivian would hire another woman for the horses…I heard her say that the work was to hard for them."

"She changed her mind. Actually, she is very good with them. How did you find out about Angelia may I ask?"

"She saved Lexy’s life."

John had a very difficult time hiding his anger. Angelia was supposed to help him in his revenge against the Logans….and she saved one from death. "How did that happen?" John lit another cigar. He very seldom had been this upset, but if Angelia had been there in front of him, her face would have met the back of his hand.

"Lexy was horseback riding and fell off. Evidently her horse was spooked by something. She fell in hurt her head. Your Angelia brought her by my place and probably saved my little girls life."

John seethed inside. He could kill her for that. "How extraordinary. She didn’t tell me of that little adventure. But Lexy’s fine now you saw?"

"Yes, right as rain in a few days. I would appreciate it if you would extend my sincere gratitude to your employee."

"I will be more than happy to. If you’ll excuse me gentlemen, I have other things I need to attend to." John swallowed the last of his drink. He needed to have a rather one-sided discussion with a certain Angelia.

 
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