Story One: Mutual Conquest
Chapter Ten
By Heartfire
~*~
Ohhh…! She could punch someone's nose right now. What a great way to start a day… Just great! Nine o'clock and already seething mad!
Hilde punched the down button of the elevator instead, while her other hand opened and closed. She started her day right- with a smile, with Duo in her mind, and then he- that stupid Morley!- just had to call her and suggest that she eat breakfast with him in his suite!
"No way. Not this girl, Lawrence." Why'd he suddenly started picking on her, anyway?! It's not as if I'm beautiful. Nice, maybe, but not beautiful. "Dammit! There were more beautiful girls in that room last night! Why me?!"
The elevator door opened and she stepped in, thankful that no one was inside. She wanted to get out of her room just in case that Morley comes by in person! The… the…
"Asshole." Hilde's eyes widened and she gasped right after. "Oh Duo! Look what you've made me do!" Waitaminute… What was she complaining about?! Lawrence Morley was- is!- an asshole. One would have expected that he- the great Arche representative- would have manners and respect! But no! Not that person! He just had to suggest dinner at his suite and then breakfast!
She eyed her doorway to freedom. Escape! That is… escape until this afternoon's meeting. Ah well… she'll worry about that later. She was halfway there when an argument caught her attention.
"No! You don't understand! I had a room reserved in this hotel! I did it two weeks ago! My husband is supposed to meet me here!"
Hilde stopped and turned to the frantic voice.
"Ma'am, your name is not on the list."
"It can't be! I distinctly remember reserving a room and I even talked to one of your staff!"
Hilde took in the redhead's single luggage, baggy dress- oh! 'She's pregnant!' A beautiful visible hump! Once again, she couldn't stop herself as she walked to the registration counter to help.
"Good morning," She quickly checked his tag, "Clive. What's the problem?"
"Oh… no problem at all ma'am-"
"What do you mean no problem?! I spent six hours to get to this place!"
Hilde grinned. Serves Clive right. Hilde faced the woman, her face schooled in a mildly interested, yet concerned, look. "Ma'am, calm down. You don't want to suddenly give birth to your baby, now do you?"
"Oh!" The woman's angry face disappeared as she looked down and touched her swollen womb. "Of course."
"How far along?" She always had a soft spot for babies, both born and to be born.
All her previous anger disappeared as she smiled down at her unborn child. "Eight months. It's a he. Kevin, my husband, he's so proud…"
The smile on the woman's face showed that of one in love, and pride, that Hilde felt a bit envious. "I'm sure he is." Suddenly, she had a brainstorm… It just might work… "Clive, are you sure there aren't any more rooms?"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry ma'am. The hotel is very full. We usually have a room to spare, but for this week? Nothing."
Hilde nodded. "Oh… I see… Wasn't it that this colony experienced some electrical trouble about… oh, two weeks ago?"
Clive blushed. "Er… yes, ma'am."
She's got him cornered. From the tip of her eyes, she could see the pregnant woman's surprise. "Would you agree that the power shortage was the reason for this woman's missing reservation?"
Clive nodded. Hilde could almost see the steam rushing out of his collar! She could barely contain her amusement! "Fine. Now that we have the reason settled, when will there be an open room?" She tapped her fingers on the polished wood while the man pushed some digital buttons on the monitor.
"Er… two days, ma'am."
"Good." Hilde faced the slack jawed woman and smiled the way she had smiled at Rob just yesterday. "Hi there. My name is Hilde Schebecker." She extended her hand.
"Uh… Hi… Kelly… Kelly Remming, Ms. Schebecker." With shaking hands, she reached out for the handshake.
"Call me Hilde. May I call you Kelly?" She let her go and the woman nodded, obviously still a little bit at a lost as to why she was talking to her. "Alright, Kelly. How about if you share my room with me? I'm attending a convention for Mr. Morley here." She accentuated Morley's name so that Clive would be able to identify her as one of the 'honored' guests.
Clive's eyes widened.
She received the desired reaction. Good. He received the message. "I wouldn't be in my room half the time, so…"
Kelly blushed at the offer. "Oh… I don't want to intrude- or be a bother…"
"No. You wouldn't be. The room is large enough. I'm sure Clive would be able to accommodate you with a bed, especially since you were obviously registered, but because of technical difficulties, your record was erased. Basically, you're an unlisted customer." Hint, hint, Clive.
"O-of course, Ms. Schebecker." Clive stuttered.
"Then, you could just move into the next available room, which I'm sure Clive would instantly reserve just for you."
Clive nodded his head quickly, though he couldn't believe he was agreeing to this! "At once, Ms. Schebecker."
Kelly looked from Hilde's confident face to Clive's embarrassed one. "I… uh… I don't know what to say…!"
"Don't worry about it." Hilde turned to face the clerk once again. She found one perk for knowing the odious Morley- his name held power, else Clive wouldn't be cowering before her like this. "Ring for someone to bring the bags to my suite, Clive, while I show Mrs. Remming the way."
"Certainly, Ms. Schebecker."
Hilde turned to Kelly with a smile. "Come on. They'll take care of it." She waited until the stunned Kelly finally reigned in her locomotive skills, then started to walk back towards the elevator.
"I'm really sorry for the trouble. Thank you for the help. I… I don't know what to say!"
"It's okay, really. I just hope you wouldn't think that I'm a weirdo or something for butting in and suggesting my idea."
"Oh no! I don't think that… I'm thankful!" Kelly remembered Clive's reaction when Hilde got there and giggled softly. "That man- Clive- did you see his face when you started catching their mistake and ordering him about?"
Hilde laughed along with her. "Yep! It was so funny!" They laughed until the elevator door opened. "So, is he your first child?"
"Yes. You see, Kevin told me to reserve a room here for our little vacation. He has 10 colony flights- he's a pilot- this week so he wouldn't be here until Friday."
"Two days from now. Hey! Great timing!" Hilde stopped in front of her room and inserted her card.
"Oh! I didn't even think of that! You're right!"
Hilde opened her door and- groaned. "Oh no…" The coffee table, adjacent to the door, had another vase of flowers on it!
Kelly peeked from behind. "What is it?"
"The stupid man sent flowers again." Hilde opened the door for her. "Here, come on in."
Kelly complied and then stared at the two vases with overflowing red roses. "My…! Those roses are beautiful!"
"You can have them if you want." Hilde said indifferently as she locked her door while Kelly walked towards the table.
"So, I'm guessing you don't like this guy?"
"I only met him yesterday and he already pushed himself on me! I mean, he suggested dinner last night and breakfast in bed this morning!" She nearly screamed!!! Instead, she dropped onto the couch, in front of the two vases, very much tempted to kick them off the table.
"Oh… that kind, huh?" Kelly sat on the other couch, in front of Hilde.
"Not only that… see, he's a future customer. The head of this stupid convention."
"Ooohh… That is bad." The redhead shook her head, her shoulder length hair easily swaying back and forth with the slightest movement. "And I'm supposing that there's someone else?"
'Someone else…' Hilde sighed and she didn't know that her lips parted in a dreamy smile while her eyes held that faraway look…
"Yep… there's someone else." Kelly concluded with a quick nod and a short laugh. "What's his name? I'll tell you about my husband later."
Hilde reached for a square pillow on the couch and hugged it, wishing that it was him instead. "His name is Duo… He's my business partner, my best friend in the whole world, my housemate, and my husband."
"Sounds like my Kevin."
Hilde quickly shook her head. "Oh no… not like that. He pays half the rent and I pay the other half and we sleep in different rooms- for the past ten years, damn him! And… we're just husband and wife for a…" A blush appeared on Hilde's cheeks. "A month…" She couldn't believe she's telling a total stranger her troubles!!! Oh Lordy!
"A month? Oh!" Kelly's eyes widened. "You tried that?! How was it?"
"Not at all different from how we previously lived. Sleeping away from each other and going on with our work like usual." She made a grimace and Kelly laughed.
"Well, it seems like this Duo of yours is either dumb or he doesn't know he's in love with you."
"Heh! I wish!" Hilde quickly stood up, her throat parched. "Hey, want a drink? The fridge is packed."
"Sure. I'll go with you." The two walked to the small kitchen, chatting amiably of whatever they could think of, and a million other things. It's funny how you could find friends in such unique ways…
…
She moved quickly once the last presenter gave his speech. Ducked low, hid with the other people, and reached her room without a hitch! Until-
"Hilde."
Her nose wrinkled as if she had just smelled garbage and she gave a frustrated sigh before she turned with a tight smile. "Why, Mr. Morley. Paying a visit to your guests?"
Lawrence eased closer and his smile widened even more at how straight her back was and how her eyes were flashing with suppressed anger. She was a challenge he would win- at any cost. "Just to you, Hilde. Call me Lawrence."
"I don't recall giving you permission to use my first name." Hilde willed her feet not to take a step back when he stopped only a foot away.
"I made it my point."
"Your other guests will think that you have a favorite, Mr. Morley." She met his eyes unflinchingly.
"You are one defiant little girl."
"You're not much more than a little boy, yourself." A spoiled, rotten, little boy.
"Then that is good. A little boy could easily be forgiven… like…" Lawrence stopped as he tried to remember, "What was that child's name? Oh yes… Rob."
She couldn't believe he just used little Rob's name! She visited him this afternoon, gave a job opportunity to his father and exchanged recipes with his mother. Morley was definitely not a little Rob! She quickly stepped back when his hand reached out to touch her.
Lawrence stilled his hand. He'll touch her soon enough…
"Mr. Morley, I suggest that you stop sending me flowers."
"And I suggest that you start calling me Lawrence," His eyes took on a dangerous glint. "Or else…"
'Or else…' Or else he would take them out? Or else he'll ruin MS Industries? He could do so many 'or else's'!!! Unfair! Underhanded ass! "I don't think you understand, Mr. Morley." Oh she wasn't planning to use this little factoid, but she didn't have any other choice! "I'm married."
"So?" Lawrence shrugged. "That could easily be taken care of." He reached out and touched her shoulders… saw her defiant eyes widen and felt her grow tense as his hands slowly traveled down her arms and finally settle on her hands. She never flinched, and never stepped back, a sign of courage and headstrong stubbornness… wonderful! "I don't see a ring on your finger."
'Get your grimy hands off me, you slime!' She almost muttered those words, but she hadn't forgotten that this was Lawrence Morley in front of her… She'll suffer a bit, but if he ever go farther… "I forgot it at home." The moment she muttered her excuse, she knew that it was a bad excuse, but there's no turning back now.
"Really?"
Hilde pulled her hands away. She could tell that he didn't believe her. 'Darn it!' With the way his eyes slowly crawled over her again, she wanted to slap him! "Really." She quickly fished out her keycard and inserted it to the scanner.
He smiled when the door opened. "I see that you're about to invite me in."
"No. I already have a guest." At that moment, she thanked God that Kelly spoke.
"Hilde? Is that you? Your husband called just a few minutes ago."
She could hug Kelly for that!!! The sudden anger on Morley's face! Thank you, Lord! "Good night, Mr. Morley."
"Lawrence, Hilde." He reached out and grabbed her hand.
Hilde glared at him. He was crushing her hand! Then, his grip softened and the smile he gave her sent a chill up her spine.
"Good night, Hilde." She's on his turf right now… All he needed to do was to make sure that she stays put… He doesn't have to worry about that husband- if there was one- of hers. The husband is just a mere pebble on his path. He released her hand and walked away while Hilde instantly closed the door behind her.
"Kelly! Kelly!" Hilde could feel her body tremble as she walked to the couch.
From inside the kitchen, sandwich in hand, Kelly walked out and saw Hilde's pale face. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing… He was outside the door. I just want to say thanks." Oh she wants to talk to him so badly! "Duo called, right?"
"Yeah. I'm going to fix you some orange juice. You look like you might need it."
"Thanks." She grabbed the phone and dialed the number memorized by heart.
"By the way, Hilde. They just bought in a new couch- folding bed thingy. I'll sleep on that."
"Alright Kel- Duo! Hey you called?"
Duo frowned her breathless, nervous voice. "Hilde? Hey… you okay back there?"
"Yeah… just fine…" She pushed a hand through her hair.
"You don't sound fine to me, angel." Hell! He's got an alarm when it comes to Hilde and right now, it's ringing like there's fire!
"No… there was just some moron who's been trying to hit on me."
"Morley?" Duo cracked his knuckles in anger.
Hilde frowned. "Hey! How did you know?"
"Kelly told me. She said that you're very irritated at his," Duo grimaced, "Flowers and that he suggested some stuff to you- that asshole."
'Yep! Asshole!' Hilde felt a nice, funny sensation at Duo's reaction.
"You want me to go there and knock some senses into that guy?!" He really wants to!
"No… I think I can handle it… Besides, I want to get this deal…"
Duo's right hand turned into a shaking fist. "All right… if you say so… Just be careful, you hear? And if there's any trouble, just call."
"Yes, I will, Duo." She lay down on the couch and brought her feet on the backrest the way she did the night before.
"You know, give the phone to Kelly for a sec."
"Kelly?!" Hilde frowned and nearly shouted at the receiver. Jealousy replaced warmth. What did Duo want with Kelly?! 'She's married and pregnant!' She breathed in deeply and turned to the kitchen. "Kelly? Duo wants to talk to you."
"Coming!"
She could only watch as Kelly breezed into the room, give her a glass of orange juice, and then take the phone.
"Hey Duo! Nice to hear from you again." She nodded. "Uh huh… yes… of course, don't worry… I'll make sure… Yep… Oh, I will. Just a minute, I'm going to get a pen and paper." She reached over Hilde and grabbed for the things. "Okay, shoot."
Hilde frowned while Kelly scribbled.
"Got it. Yep. I will. You take care too! Bye now." With a wide smile on her face, Kelly handed the phone back to Hilde. "He's so sweet!" She whispered while she pressed her palm on the receiver. "He wants to make sure you eat well and your back is fine and if there's any trouble, he gave me his phone number." Kelly winked. "I think he's in love." She turned and headed back to the kitchen. "I'm still craving for some food. I'll leave you with him."
Hilde could only stare as she disappeared into the kitchen… She was jealous because Duo wanted to make sure she was fine?
"Hilde? Hilde, are you still there?"
Duo's voice jarred her back to reality and she instantly brought the phone back to her ear. "I'm here, Duo."
"Well. Sorry about that. I just gave Kelly some info, just in case." He wanted to make sure nothing happens to her.
Honey… syrup… that was how she felt… Warm syrup… or melting butter on hot toast… "You didn't have to do that…" She deposited her glass on their table and finally settled in the couch.
"So, according to Kelly, you were her hero today."
"I didn't do much."
"Yes you did."
Once again, their conversation lasted until the wee hours of the morning when Duo yelled-
"MY FLIGHT!"
They were talking for that long?! About what? She couldn't even remember! "Oh dear! Go!"
"Alright. Take care angel."
"You too, Duo."
With a silent 'I love you' only whispered in their minds, the two hung up and Duo ran around in a frenzy to locate some more things while Hilde settled comfortably in the sofa and slept in.
…
"He is such a jerk! I hate how he looks at you as if he's undressing you!" Kelly's hands tightened over the knife as she murdered her pancake.
"You noticed that too, huh?" Hilde took a huge bite into her sandwich just to stop herself from shouting a string of expletives.
"You know what? I really do think we should call Duo and make him punch the lights out of that person." She could just… she was so tempted to throw an orange at the back of that man's head! "I'm so surprised you could still keep your cool with him!"
"Tomorrow's the last day. I have a flight out in the afternoon. Tonight, I'm presenting. Then I won't have to think about him anymore!"
"Thank you Lord!"
"My sentiments exactly, Kelly." If anyone could see them now… Two women, shaking in anger… "By the way, what time is your hubby coming in?"
"Two this afternoon. And," Kelly playfully coughed. "Clive personally made sure that I have a room. Thanks Hilde."
"My pleasure. I'm just sorry I wouldn't be able to meet your husband."
"Well…" She ate her last piece then drank her juice. "What time are you going to finish tonight?"
"Eight thirty, like always, hopefully… Then I'm gonna have to slink away again. I'm praying that he wouldn't follow me this time!"
"How about we come over right after you're done? That way, you won't be alone with him and you'll meet my hubby."
Hilde's eyes showed her gratitude. "Thanks Kelly! I'll order dinner then."
"Great! I want you guys to meet each other so much!"
Hilde smiled at her… Who would have thought that they'd click so easily like this?
…
He could see through the holographic skies… the steel, gray bars above head. Those halogen lights to create dusk… the main control at the center of the colony. These were just metal and machines. Lifeless. Why was it that whenever he's with Hilde, he never noticed anything but life itself?
Duo stopped just outside that familiar office. Full circle. Just like the ring he was holding onto, inside his pocket. He's about to enter the ending. With a sigh, he opened the door and walked inside.
The person behind the counter looked up. She was the same woman they talked to four weeks ago. "Good Afternoon."
"Hi." Duo stopped by her desk. "My name is Duo Maxwell, and I just want to make sure you've got my papers all ready."
"I remember you." She typed something on her keyboard. "Didn't you get the license?"
"We did. I was wondering why it took so long, though." Without prompting, Duo took a seat.
"Well, if it was just a month, then it would only have taken us a week, but I guess you changed your mind."
"Eh?" A confused look settled on Duo's face as he leaned forward. "Run that by me again?"
The cold woman glared at Duo. "You signed the bottom line, Mr. Maxwell. You and Mrs. Maxwell signed the bottom line. Didn't I tell you not to sign below the line if you were only going for a month?"
Duo's eyes widened as she explained. "We… we're…" He was having a hard time trying to swallow. "We're married?!" Was that his voice?! It sounded squeaky.
"Yes you are. You are legally married to former Ms. Schebecker. Not only for a month but for the rest of your lives."
He could hear the irritation in her voice, but he couldn't care less… He's married to Hilde! He's really married! His dream came true! Sunshine filtered through his cloudy skies and then… thunder and lightning crashed.
"Oh no…!" Duo slumped into his chair once again. "She's going to kill me!"
"Excuse me?"
"Hilde's going to kill me! We only agreed for a month! We weren't supposed to sign the bottom line!" She would be expecting him to tell her that everything was fine… that the papers were on the way… How could he tell her… this?!
"Well, don't say I didn't warn you."
Dammit! How could such a sarcastic woman be in the wedding business?! Duo pulled out Hilde's ring and stared at it while he thought of a way out. "Do you have… do you have annulment papers?"
Shrewd eyes took in Duo's depressed state. "We do, but it has to be filled out by both sides."
"I don't want her to know…" Duo banged the heel of his hand against his forehead. "What am I going to do!"
The helplessness in Duo's voice tugged something in her heart… something she rarely showed. How come this young man was being able to bring it out of her? "Tell you what, kid." She waited until Duo looked at her. "If you could answer everything on her form, I'll turn around while you forge her signature."
Duo blinked as if the illusion in front of him would disappear, but the kindness in the cold woman's eyes didn't waver. "Th-thanks!"
With an efficient wave, she brought out the papers and handed them to him. "Here. Just fill them out and pass it to me."
"Thank you!" Duo grabbed the papers, truly thankful for her kindness, though his heart was heavy. "I'll only take a minute."
It took him longer… He was stuck! He had every single detail- her middle name, her parent's name, phone number, work number, birthday, and etcetera… but he couldn't remember whether the last two numbers of her SN was 98 or 89!
"Mr. Maxwell? Is everything fine?"
Duo looked behind him and shook his head. "I'm stuck."
"Why don't you call her?"
"She's in a meeting. Besides, she's gonna ask why… Damn!" He could kick himself!
"We're closing."
"I know." She's going to get mad because he didn't listen! Their friendship might go down the drain because of what he did! He might lose her! He is such a dumb, stupid, idiotic moron!
"Young man."
Duo stopped when he felt her hand on his shoulder. Slowly, he turned his head to look at her. It was a strict face, but her eyes belied that gentleness…
"Let me give you a little advice…"
"Fire away, ma'am… It doesn't hurt."
She smiled. It was the first time Duo had seen her smile. "You look as if you're in love with this girl."
Duo nodded. What else could he do?
"You don't want to lose her, but that's exactly what you're doing… You're letting her go by signing those papers… Actually, you're letting her go without knowing her side of the story."
"I'm only her pal…" Duo turned away and stared at Hilde's name on the paper. Just her pal…
"Or maybe more. It might hurt… a lot… but don't you think she's entitled to know the truth? Besides… if she's such a 'pal' don't you think that she would be gentle with your feelings?"
"She's always gentle… always kind." Duo whispered as he brought out the ring and placed it on top of Hilde's annulment papers. "I'm the one who's not…"
"Well then… I suggest that you tell her the truth and ask for her decision." With that said, she slowly walked away from the young man and back to her table. "We're closing in five more minutes."
Her voice was back to its indifferent, cold tone and Duo nodded. She's right… Hilde needs to know the truth… He took the ring and dropped it in his pocket then folded the papers together. After a moment's hesitation, he turned and started to walk back to the door. He stopped, the door half opened, then faced the woman once again. "By the way… Thanks."
Duo saw her nod curtly then he turned away and started to walk back to his hotel… So… he finally decided… He's going to tell Hilde… He's going to tell her when she gets back home…
He pushed his hands into his pockets while he looked around. He touched the ring just as he caught sight of the jewelry store where he bought it… An idea struck him and… he crossed the street…
…
'Nearly there!' A sigh of relief escaped her as she brought out her card.
"Hilde, you left early again."
'No! No! No!' She turned with a tight smile on her face. "Good evening, Mr. Morley."
"I liked your presentation, Hilde…"
The way his voice sounded so low and husky… it hinted more about what he truly liked and Hilde's blood just boiled once again. "Really? Thank you."
"How about dinner tonight? Just to celebrate your…" His hand reached out and caressed her face, "Winnings."
Hilde quickly moved away. Oh, she knew what he meant… "I'm not for sale, Mr. Morley. You are buying the company's services, not mine."
"You are a part of the company, Hilde." He moved forward and she stepped back… but he already knew that she couldn't go anywhere… Her back was pressed against the wall and her door. He's caught her right where he wanted her.
"I'm warning you, Mr. Morley. If you even dare try and do something…" Hilde stopped talking as he leaned forward.
"What will you do?" She couldn't possibly knock him out… Thin and fragile Hilde? She might just break her fingers. "Scream…? I think I would like to hear that… though I'd rather you do it when we're somewhere more private…"
His breath touched her lips and her hands instantly formed into fists. "Which part of no don't you understand?!" She turned her face just as he took that small distance away and her skin crawled when his lips touched her cheek. She's not going to punch him… not just yet… Oh, but she's so tempted!
Lawrence's anger erupted. He's played her game. He's been patient with her. He's had enough! His hand snaked out and grabbed her chin.
Hilde's eyes turned to dangerous slits as she glared at him.
"What you don't understand, Hilde, is that I always get what I want." Even now, she's still defiant! It was lovely and frustrating at the same time!
She was so ready to punch him right then and there but-
"Hey Hilde!"
'Kelly! Thank God!' Hilde's mind screamed in relief.
Lawrence quickly dropped his hand to his side and turned to face whoever invaded their privacy. A couple. The woman looked familiar, but the man did not.
"Kel- Kelly. Hi!" Hilde swallowed when she heard her voice crack.
"I hope we're not disturbing anything." Kelly's husband gave a withering glare at Lawrence. He could tell when a man was being too forward, and what he saw just a little while ago spoke of it.
"No… No, not at all…" Hilde gave Kelly a meaningful look. "Mr. Morley was just-"
"Seeing her off." The next time around, there wouldn't be any more disturbances. "Good night, Hilde." Soon… For now, he will settle with that thought.
"Good night, Mr. Morley." Her tone dripped with ice.
The three watched until Lawrence turned the corner then Kelly faced Hilde and hugged her.
"Hey, he didn't do anything to you, did he?"
"Nah… I was just about to punch him." Her hand went up to her jaw and slowly massaged it.
"That man is trouble."
Kelly turned to the man and nodded. "I told you. That's the one. I don't like him. Oh!" Kelly turned to Hilde and reached out for her husband. "Hilde, this is my husband, Kevin."
"You're as gorgeous as she said, then again, I'm always a sucker for men in uniforms." Hilde cheerfully greeted as she shook his hand.
Kelly laughed while Kevin blushed.
"Oh wait… did I say that? Hmmm… I abdicate that thought. The man I fell in love with hates uniforms."
At that comment, Kevin laughed along with Kelly.
"I'm sorry you had to see that…" She pushed her keycard inside and opened her door. "I'm so happy it'll be all over tomorrow."
"Oh look! Dinner's here." Kelly announced as they walked inside. "Let's eat! I'm starving!"
"Probably 'coz you're eating for two, dear." Kevin whispered as he leaned down and kissed her hair.
Hilde grinned at the obvious show of affection. "Okay. Well… let's eat, shall we?"
With a murmur of agreement from the other two, the three friends enjoyed themselves, though one of them kept an ear out for that familiar ring of the telephone…