I noticed an obvious change in Captain Crompton's attitude toward me. Although he still maintained his distance, he was more willing to listen to what I had to say. I seized the moment and whispered into his ear, "Zoe was also involved in Kendall's extortion. If you don't pursue this matter, it will be equivalent to letting her go as well. When you report this to Chief Jones, I am certain that he will remember you. There is everything to gain and nothing to lose for you."Captain Crompton listened intently and then snorted a few times. He then slapped my shoulder and said, "Okay, we're done here. After I go back, I'll arrange for someone to contact you in regards to those two issues you mentioned. Call me if you encounter any problems in the future, or you can get Zoe to look for me."Once again, I had to readjust my opinion of Captain Crompton. Since he was able to change his attitude and adapt to the changes to benefit his men, that meant that he was not a pedantic, old-

When Brent and the others refused to share the spoils, I was both embarrassed and extremely happy at the same time. I was not happy because I could keep more of the money to myself, but from their refusal, I had the feeling that they were with me not because of the money but because they wanted to be there. Right then and there, I was certain of their sincerity to me and our relationship had progressed beyond that of friendship.Soon the food was served and we ordered a few bottles of fine red wine, but Brent did not like red wine and ordered a bottle of Remy Martin XO instead. We dined, drank the alcohol, and chatted happily amongst ourselves.As we enjoyed the wine and XO, I began to discuss with everyone what to do in case Kendall retaliates against me.Waldor, who knew Kendall best, told me that Kendall had a sinister personality and would retaliate if he had an axe to grind. He might even send assassins to deal with me directly.I was a little shocked to hea

There happened to be a recliner in the study. Joy pulled me down and made me lie on it, then she squatted next to me and started to give me a massage.She gently massaged me with her delicate fingers. It was so comfortable that my tense muscles started to relax almost immediately. Soon after, I felt as though the weight on my shoulders had been lifted and I became drowsy. The glasses of wine that I had downed one after another during dinner also helped to knock me out.It was dawn when I woke up next. I was lying in my own bed and I was buck naked. I looked over beside me and saw a beautiful woman lying next to me. It was Kate, who must have undressed me during the night. The last thing I remembered was Joy giving me an immensely satisfying massage in the study. Why was I now in my own bed? How did I get from the study to my bed? One thing for certain was that I was definitely unconscious when they moved me.This seemed rather strange. I was not drunk at the time so w