Pete Ross' folks had already left town for the Orient, leaving Pete in charge of the family estate.Pete Ross' folks had already left town for the Orient, leaving Pete in charge of the family estate. Everything was being set up now. It was a beautiful late summer afternoon, but Wilbur's thoughts were in the future. "Penny for your thoughts," Lucy said, breaking his reverie. A few seconds later, she exclaimed, "Oh! I don't seem to have any cigarettes with me!" and batted her eyelashes at Wilbur. The cooing, syrupy voice she used told Wilbur that this was another of Lucy's little "tests." She knew darn well that Wilbur only had cigars with him. She was going to prove that she could be the emancipated woman, and "one of the boys." He offered her a cigarillo from his pouch. She accepted it, daring him to comment with her eyes. He said nothing, lighting it for her. Lucy exhaled quickly, surprised by the strength of the smoke. Wilbur's face remained carefully neutral. If all went well in a few hours, she would definitely _not_ be "one of the boys." He lit a cigar for himself. "Now this is a _real_ smoke," Lucy cooed, still daring him to comment. He just grinned stupidly, silently reminding his "best friend" to keep quiet. Day 4, 0235: Dr. Moriat became furious as soon as the elevator door opened. |