Naturally, Kip had to find out if it was possible to resurrect the old order. I told him, “I learned something today, too. Bottom line, what it adds up to is, I don’t put up with any more attitude from you. You give me any crap, I pop you. You don’t behave like a human being, I hit you even harder than Sarge did. Sarge is a good man but he never was a Marine.”
I led Kip to Kayne Prose’s co-op. Kayne was pleased. Kayne squealed in delight, like a girl younger than her daughter. She hugged and kissed her baby. She hugged and kissed her baby’s rescuer. She refused to turn the latter loose until he promised her an opportunity to demonstrate her gratitude more fully.
But when the smoke cleared away and the emotions settled out, Kayne still had sewing to do. She asked me to take Kip home. Where I found his sister Cassie trying on a new personality. This one was much more appealing. This one was very friendly indeed. I account it a miracle that I was able to escape still wearing my trousers, trailing a “Maybe later” that started me drooling every time I thought even a little bit about Cassie Doap.
What a life.
Rhafi did get the job.