Eric looked to Nathan, then to the old Davis, and he said, “I want to take her away in a few days. You don’t mind, do you?”

“She’s just one of my playthings,” Nathan replied. “She’s not good enough for you, Master Bush.” As he spoke, he gave Crystal a look that was both playful and predatory.

“If you want her, you have my full support. Just take her away,” said the old Davis decisively.

Crystal thought they were all crazy. She hadn’t reached a consensus with Eric, and they were talking about her as if she were a commodity- she thought - Who do they think they are, and...