Chapter 24

The next morning, Robert is going through a list of potential employees to interview for his department when he hears a knock on the door.

“You can come in.” Robert says, not turning to look at the door.

“Time for breakfast.” Lucia says, bringing over a tray. “I hear you really enjoyed your breakfast the other morning.”

“It was definitely the most interesting breakfast I’ve had in a while.” Robert laughs, and growing serious, asks. “How are you holding up with the new girls? I’ve missed spending time with you.”

“I’m fine.” Lucia says. “But I’ve missed you too. Mei is going to finish up breakfast, so I can sit in here with you, if you are ok with that.”

“Of course.” Robert says, turning away from his screen to look at Lucia while he eats. “I always enjoy your company.”

“Good.” Lucia smiles, and then says. “Have any of the other girls been in here yet today?”

“Not yet.” Robert says. “It’s still early, I don’t know how many of them are awake.”

“Good.” Lucia says, taking off her top to reveal that she isn’t wearing a bra. “Then you won’t mind if I claim you this morning.”

Robert grins. “I’d love that.”

Lucia slips down her shorts and panties, before sitting back on the futon, playing with herself while Robert watches and eats. “Enjoying the scenery?” She asks.

“Absolutely.” Robert says. “I think I’m going to need dessert in a minute though.”

Lucia slides one finger into her pussy, before taking it out, and licking it clean. “Mmm...” She moans, maintaining eye contact with Robert.

“Damn.” Robert says, standing up to move around the desk.

“You shouldn’t waste your food.” Lucia pouts. “I made that just for you.”

“I’ll finish it afterward.” Robert says, kneeling in front of the futon, grabbing Lucia’s legs, and pulling on her until her back is against the seat, pussy facing the ceiling. Leaning in, he takes a big lick.

“Is that what you really needed?” Lucia asks, a huge grin on her face.

Robert doesn’t answer, focused completely on Lucia’s sweet little pussy.

“Mmmm...” Lucia groans. “So good.”

Robert slides first one, and then two fingers, inside of her, rubbing on her G spot.

“Holy Shit!” Lucia says, shaking, and then she seizes up, cumming hard.

Robert pulls back, occasionally moving his fingers just enough to cause a twitch, before Lucia groans. “Too much.”

Robert grins at her, and she smiles back weakly as she recovers. “Dessert was great.” He gloats. “I think I should order it again tomorrow.”

“I wish.” Lucia groans. “It wouldn’t be very fair if I took every morning, though.”

“Speaking of which.” Robert says. “I really should get back to work.”

“I haven’t gotten my breakfast yet though.” Lucia objects. “And you need to finish your actual breakfast.”

Getting up from the futon, she slips under his desk, and says. “What are you waiting for? I’m sure you can multitask, right?”

Jane sits in her chair the next morning, reading through the texts from Amber.

“We are here, Mistress.” The first reads, a few minutes later. “May I call in the morning, Mistress? The house is nearly out of food.”

Jane sighs, trying to figure out exactly what to do about that situation. She hadn’t given Amber any money, or a credit card.

“If you are awake, please call now.” Jane texts.

30 seconds later, Jane’s phone rings. “Hi, Amber.” Jane says.

“Good morning, Mistress.” Amber says.

“What is the situation?” Jane asks.

“Lindsey’s grandmother appears to be ok.” Amber says. “Just upset about being abandoned, and clearly worried about her family. The house is a mess though, and she is nearly out of food. I’ve been cleaning it while Lindsey spends time with her.”

“Lindsey can help with the cleaning, if you want help.” Jane says. “Do not overdo it. That’s an order.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Amber says. “It is easier for me if she keeps her grandmother busy though.”

“Does she have any money for groceries?” Jane asks.

“I’ll ask.” Amber says.

“If she does, get a list, and go shopping.” Jane says. “You’ll have to take Lindsey, obviously.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Amber says. “May I ask how Megan is doing?”

“I haven’t heard any complaints.” Jane says. “I’ll text Alexia in a minute to find out.”

“Thank you, Mistress.” Amber says. “I hate to ask, but is there any way she can come over to help clean? Or another girl, if you prefer? It may take me several days, it’s very dirty.”

Jane hears the weariness in Amber’s voice, and asks. “How many hours have you already spent cleaning?”

“8, I think, Mistress.” Amber says after a short pause. “I worked until midnight, and then started again at 6.”

“Stop immediately.” Jane says. “Go take a rest. I’ll find you some help, and get them there as soon as I can.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Amber says, sounding relieved. “I’m sorry, this is just a much bigger job than I expected.”

“You didn’t have to do it at all.” Jane says. “Your job was to supervise, not do it all yourself.”

“I know, Mistress.” Amber says. “But it needed to be done.”

Jane sighs. “I’ll call you back in a few minutes. Go sit down and relax until then.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Amber says.

Jane hangs up the phone, and logs into work. Seeing that no one else has called out yet, she quickly dials her bosses’ number, and when it goes to voicemail, she says. “Hi, Lisa. This is Jane. I’ve had something come up, and I’m going to be out today. I may be able to come in late. Call me if you need me to. Thanks.”

Getting up, she meets Mei in the doorway with her breakfast tray. “Good morning, Mei.” Jane says. “I’ll eat at the table, in a few minutes. I’ll be back shortly.”

“Yes, Domina.” Mei says. “I’ll stick it in the microwave to keep warm.”

Jane heads upstairs. As she gets to the top of the stairs, she looks into the hangout room, seeing Emily and Megan stretching.

“Good morning.” Jane says.

Megan immediately switching to a nadu pose, and Emily awkwardly attempts to copy her. “Good morning, Mistress.” They both say.

Jane snaps a photo for Amber, and then says. “Amber will be thrilled to see you are keeping up your practice.” Jane says. “Megan, how would you feel about spending some time with her at Lindsey’s grandmother’s this morning? She spent most of last night and this morning cleaning, and it sounds like she is completely worn out.”

“Is she ok?” Megan asks quickly, real concern in her voice, before she adds. “Mistress.”

“I think she’s just tired.” Jane says. “I told her to rest, but I’d like to run a few girls over to help, and make sure she actually rests.”

“I can help too.” Emily chimes in. “If Alexia doesn’t mind.”

“Good.” Jane says. “Let me see if I can get one more volunteer, and then we will leave. Grab an extra pair of clothes in case you get filthy, and some cleaning supplies. I don’t know what they have there, so if you are in doubt, bring it.”

“Yes, Mistress.” they say, and Jane walks out, to let Robert know the plan.

She knocks, after a moment, knocks again. “One second.” Robert says.

Jane pulls out her phone, texting. “It’s just me. Are you in a meeting?”

“You can come in.” She hears someone, not Robert, say.

She slowly pops open the door, sticking her head in to see what is going on. She sees Robert at his desk, but not anyone else. She opens the door the rest of the way before entering, and closing it behind her.

“Who was that?” Jane asks.

“Good morning, Jane.” She hears, and coming around the desk, she sees Robert is nude from the waist down, and Lucia is between his legs, hands wrapped around his dick.

“You little minx.” Jane says. “What gave you this idea?”

“Mei.” Robert says, putting his hand on Lucia’s head to encourage her to continue. “She did this on Monday. I’m surprised you didn’t hear about it from the girls.”

“Me too.” Jane says. “I’m going to have to get onto Alexia for not passing on the gossip.”

Robert moans, and Jane asks. “Do I need to wait, or can you focus enough to talk?”

“Go ahead.” Robert says. “I really need to get back to work when she’s done.”

“I spoke with Amber a bit ago, and she needs help.” Jane says. “The house is just about out of food, and is apparently filthy. I called out of work, and I’m going to take over some reinforcements. I’m probably going to take Alexia, so Lucia, I need you to keep an eye on the rest of the girls while I’m gone.”

Lucia pulls off of Robert’s dick, and says. “Yes, Mistress. I’ll get back downstairs just as soon as I’m finished.”

“Thank you.” Jane says. “I’ll probably be over there most of the day, but I’ll be back with most of the girls by dinner time.”

Lucia nods, before swallowing Robert’s dick again.

“Is she doing a good job, honey?” Jane teases Robert.

“So good.” Robert says, shifting his gaze down to Lucia, whose eyes are focused on him while she bobs her head.

Jane steps forward, kissing Robert, before whispering in his ear. “Cum for her. Look at how much she wants it.”

Robert groans, clearly getting close. “Just imagine her doing this when she’s pregnant.” Jane whispers. “You may have already knocked her up.”

“Fuck!” Robert says, and Jane can tell he’s cumming.

Lucia slows down until Robert finishes, before she quickly swallows. “What did you say to him?” She asks curiously.

Jane shakes her head. “You don’t get all of my secrets. You’ll just have to discover some of Robert’s fetishes on your own.”

Lucia pouts, sticking out her lip, and Jane laughs. “I’ve got a feeling you’ll figure it out soon.”

Lucia looks up at Robert, and he says. “Nope. I’m staying out of this.” He rolls his chair back a bit, before leaning down to help Lucia up, and then pulls her into his lap, before kissing her deeply. “Thank you. I had a great morning with you.”

“Me too.” Lucia says, resting her head against his chest with an expression of pure contentment.

“I’m going to grab the other girls and go.” Jane says. “I’m taking Emily, Megan, and probably Alexia.”

“Be safe.” Robert says.

As Jane pulls into the address, she immediately notices how dilapidated the house appears to be. “Let’s go check on Amber, and then you girls can see what needs to be brought in.” Jane says. “Alexia is in charge of the cleaning assignments once we get inside.”

“Yes, Mistress.” She hears from all 3 girls, before she opens the door, and heads to the front door. A moment after ringing the doorbell, Lindsey opens it.

“Hello, Mistress.” Lindsey says, looking slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t realize you were coming.”

“I thought it was best for me to see what was going on.” Jane says. “And I brought some cleaning help.”

Lindsey moves out of the way, and Jane enters, followed by the three girls. Spotting Amber slumped on an old settee, she immediately heads towards her, kneeling down in front of her, and asking. “Are you ok?”

“I’m just so tired.” Amber croaks. “I’m sorry, Mistress.”

“Just rest.” Jane says, helping lay her out on the settee. “If you need anything, just ask for it, but you are done working today.”

Amber just nods, closing her eyes again.

Jane turns to Lindsey, who quickly says. “I didn’t even realize she was cleaning until I went to take a shower this morning. I stayed with my grandmother last night, and Amber was so quiet, I just didn’t notice. I’m sorry.”

Jane breathes in deeply, restraining herself from lashing out at Lindsey. “Alexia, please get the girls started cleaning. Megan, I’d like you to check on Amber every 15 minutes. If she is sleeping, let her sleep though, she clearly needs rest.”

Turning back to Lindsey, she says. “Why don’t you introduce me to your grandmother?”

Lindsey leads the way to the master bedroom, where a small older woman is reclined in bed. “Grandma.” Lindsey says. “This is Jane, the lady I live with now.”

The old woman opens her eyes, struggling to sit up. “Oh, Lindsey, you should have let me know we were expecting company.”

“I’m sorry.” Jane says to her. “I dropped by unannounced to check on the girls.”

“Let me go do my hair.” The old woman says, trying to get out of bed.

“Grandma, you need to rest.” Lindsey says. “We talked about this.”

“I can’t receive company in a nightdress.” The old woman says.

“It’s ok.” Jane says. “Please, don’t think of us as company. I just wanted to introduce myself. I’ll let you rest, and spend time with Lindsey.”

“Oh, Lindsey!” The old woman says. “Thank you for sending her over. I missed her so much. She’s such a sweet girl, and I can’t find my daughter. She must have run off with her boyfriend again.”

Lindsey gives Jane a look, and Jane smiles. “I was happy to help.” Jane says. “I need to go check on the other girls, so I’ll let you rest.”

Jane steps outside, and Lindsey follows, closing the door behind her. “I’m sorry about that.” Lindsey says. “Grandma hasn’t been all there since my grandfather died, which is why my Aunt was living here.”

“We’ve had some older relatives with Dementia.” Jane says, patting Lindsey’s arm comfortingly. “I’m glad I came over, that changes what kind of care we need to look for.”

“I was hoping you might let me stay, to take care of her, at least for a while.” Lindsey says.

“If I could, I would.” Jane says. “But if you are here, then Amber, Robert, or I have to be too. And that isn’t going to work long term. I made a call last night, I’m hoping I hear something back today. We won’t leave her alone, but once we figure out something else, you can still come over and visit.”

“I understand.” Lindsey says, looking at the floor. “Is there any way we can get my aunt back to take care of her?”

“I honestly have no idea.” Jane says. “How old is she?”

“Late 40’s, I think.” Lindsey says. “She was the youngest.”

“She’ll be in a camp then.” Jane says. “I’ll let you know what I find out. Is there anyone who can watch her this weekend? We are going on our trip, and I really don’t feel comfortable leaving you or Amber behind.”

“If you are ok with it, I can call some of my mom’s cousins.” Lindsey says. “I doubt they were detained, and they or their kids may be able to help.”

“Great, please make those calls ASAP.” Jane says. “I’m going to sit with Amber for a bit.”

Jane kneels down next to Amber, listening to hear breathing for a moment, before stepping outside. Dialing Lucia’s number, a moment later she hears. “Hi, Jane.”

“Hello, Lucia.” Jane says. “Is Samira around?”

“I’ll grab her.” Lucia says.

“Thanks. I may need to talk to her for a few minutes, I’ll have her give the phone back when we are done.” Jane says.

As Lucia walks through the house, she asks. “How are things over there?”

“Amber isn’t great.” Jane says. “She’s passed out on the couch, and I’m hoping it’s just exhaustion. And Lindsey’s grandmother needs a full time caretaker, which is a bit of a problem.”

“Yeah, that’s not good.” Lucia says. “Ok, I’m passing the phone to Samira.”

“Hi.” Samira says.

“Hi, Samira.” Jane says. “I don’t know if anyone explained the situation to you, but I’m over at Lindsey’s grandmother’s house. Amber is passed out on her couch. I think she just overdid it, and needs to rest, but can you help me figure out if she is actually ok?”

“I really need to be there to be sure.” Samira says. “Do you have a blood pressure cuff? And do you know how to take her pulse?”

“I can try to take her pulse.” Jane says. “I’m not sure if there is a blood pressure cuff here, but I can check.”

“If you can get those numbers, that would be a first step. Is she sweating? Or much more pale than normal? Or flushed?” Samira asks. “I know I’m asking a lot of questions, but 30 seconds in the room with her is worth a thousand words.”

“I don’t think she was sweating.” Jane says. “I stepped out to make the call, I’ll go back inside and check.”

After examining Amber, and taking her pulse, Jane says. “Ok, she’s not sweating, and her color is normal. Pulse is 80.”

“Good.” Samira says. “Has she been staying hydrated?”

“She hasn’t really been awake much since I got here.” Jane says. “Should I wake her up to ask?”

“Probably not.” Samira says. “When she wakes up, check though. And if you can find a blood pressure cuff, take her blood pressure. Do you want me to see if Robert can just bring me over?”

“Absolutely not. He starts his new position today.” Jane says. “I’ll try to come back for you when I can. I should have brought you in the first place.”

“I’ll get my bag, and be ready for whenever you come.” Samira says.

“Thanks.” Jane says. “Can you give the phone back to Lucia now? And let her know about our conversation.”

“I will.” Samira says.

Robert is just finishing lunch, while working on finalizing his list of interviews for the positions in his department, when he hears several aggressive knocks. Before he can respond, the door cracks open, revealing Mei.

“You need to come downstairs.” She gasps, clearly out of breath. “Lucia is on the phone with Alexia, something is wrong.”

Robert stands up, grabbing his phone and practically running down the stairs. Spotting Lucia, he asks. “What happened?”

Lucia holds up her hand, and says. “He just came downstairs. Give me a second to let him know what’s going on.”

A moment later, she looks up at Robert. “Alexia called. Jane got a phone call, and she’s locked herself in the van. Alexia doesn’t know what it is about, but she said Jane seems upset.”

“Shit.” Robert says. “I need to get over there, now.”

“I should go too.” Samira says, from behind him. “Jane said Amber wasn’t doing well earlier, she was supposed to come bring me to check on her.”

“Ok.” Robert says, taking a moment to breathe. “Lucia, get Valentina, she’s going to have to drive us over in her van. I need you to come and translate.”

“Jane left me in charge here.” Lucia says. “You should take Reyna instead.”

“Fine.” Robert says. “I need to let my work know, I’ll be back in 2 minutes, please make sure everyone is ready to go then.”

As the group pulls up to Lindsey’s grandmother’s house, Robert sees Alexia standing at the van door, still on the phone. Amber is sitting on the steps, head resting on Emily’s shoulder.

Robert jumps out the moment the van slows down, and shoos Alexia away. “Take the girls inside.” He tells her.

Unlocking Jane’s door, he slowly opens it, before reaching inside to lightly touch her arm. She glances up at this, her eyes red from tears.

“What’s going on, honey?” Robert asks.

Jane tries to answer, but can’t, eventually just handing over her phone.

“Oh, honey.” Robert says. “I’m so sorry.”

He reaches inside, hugging her as best he can from outside of the van, and says. “Why don’t you move to the back seat, and then we can talk about it?”

Jane nods, getting out of the van. Robert closes the door, before helping her around to the side door.

As they sit together in the back, he asks. “Did you just get the email, or did Lisa call you?”

“She called.” Jane says quietly. “Apparently programs are being cut, and with me calling out today, it put a target on my back.”

“We should have guessed that your work might have to downsize.” Robert says. “After all, most of your clients are in urban areas, that also happen to be minority heavy.”

“I really loved that job.” Jane says, voice nearly breaking. “I felt like I was actually helping people.”

“I know.” Robert says, hugging her to him.

“It’s one step forward, two steps backwards.” Jane says. “You get promoted, and then I get fired, and we have this whole mess going on. Plus poor Amber.” Jane’s head comes up at this, and she says. “I need to check on her. I don’t know how long I’ve been in here.”

“I brought Samira.” Robert says. “She is going to take over with Amber. You are going to breathe.”

After a moment, Jane calms down, and Robert continues. “The good news is that we aren’t really in much worse of a financial situation today than last week. Plus my new benefits are pretty good. I bet the health insurance isn’t much worse than yours.”

“I’m sorry.” Jane says. “You get us a chance to get ahead, and I managed to fuck it up in one day.”

“You didn’t do anything.” Robert says. “This was going to happen, whether it was today, or next month. Your old company probably won’t exist in a few months.”

“I love you.” Jane says, burying her head in his shoulder.

“And I love you.” Robert says. “More than anything.”

Samira helps Emily get Amber into the spare bedroom of the small house, lying her out on the bed.

“I’m glad to see you are awake.” Samira tells Amber. “Jane was very worried about you when she called earlier.”

“I just need to rest.” Amber says.

“What were your symptoms?” Samira asks. “Besides fatigue. Did you get overheated?”

“A bit.” Amber says. “The place was just too dirty for me to stop cleaning last night. And once I got this room and the bathroom done, I was so hot, and so tired. And then I woke up in the morning, and went to find some food, and the kitchen was even worse.”

Samira checks her pulse, before pulling out a blood pressure cuff. “I think you are just exhausted, but let’s check you out. I think we are good now, Emily. Thank you for getting her inside.”

“Can I wait with her?” Emily says. “I want to know if she is going to be ok.”

“I think she’d rest better if she knew you were cleaning something.” Samira says. “I’ll let Master and Mistress know when I know something.”

Emily nods reluctantly, leaving the room.

After taking her vitals, Samira says. “We talked about this, Amber. I vouched for you with Jane and Robert, and you were supposed to not overdo it.”

“I’m sorry.” Amber says, looking away. “I really didn’t mean to. I am just not used to resting until chores are done, and this whole house is a chore.”

“You are going to have to learn to pace yourself.” Samira says. “And I’m going to have to suggest that you get a proper checkup, from a real doctor.”

Amber nods. “I’m really sorry. I’ll make sure they know you told me to take it slower than this.”

“You just rest.” Samira says. “When did you last have something to drink?”

“A few hours ago.” Amber says. “I am kind of thirsty.”

Robert opens the door, and leads Jane inside, before helping her get settled on the settee. Alexia immediately comes over, and quietly asks. “Mistress, are you ok?”

Jane reaches for her, and pulls her in for a hug. “I’ll be ok. I’m sorry for scaring you.”

Alexia looks at Robert, still confused. He shakes his head, and says. “Jane told me a bit about the situation here. How bad is the house?”

“This isn’t a one day clean.” Alexia says. “I think we may need to come back another day to finish. And there are some repairs that need to happen too. Valentina is looking around, and making a list.”

“Good to know.” Robert says. “Can you keep Jane company? I need to speak with Lindsey.”

“Sure.” Alexia says.

Robert stands up, looking around for Lindsey.

“She’s in her grandmother’s room.” Jane says, pointing at the closed door.

“Thank you, honey.” Robert says. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Robert knocks on the door, and a moment later, Lindsey opens it. “Oh, hi.” She says awkwardly.

“If your grandmother will be ok for a minute, I think we need to talk.” Robert says.

“Just give me one minute.” Lindsey says, ducking back into the room.

Robert waits near the front door, and when Lindsey comes out, he opens it, beckoning her outside.

“What is the situation with your grandmother?” Robert asks bluntly.

“She’s 86, and has dementia.” Lindsey says. “She really shouldn’t be alone, ever, much less for a whole week.”

“Agreed.” Robert says. “I need Jane and Amber back home tonight though. Is there anyone who can watch her tonight? And also Friday and Saturday?”

“I’ve been making calls.” Lindsey says. “Jane asked me to find someone for the weekend. I think some of my mom’s cousins might be willing.”

“Can you see if one of them can handle tonight?” Robert asks. “If they are on the fence, I’m willing to chip in a bit of cash.”

“I’ll go check now.” Lindsey says. “What do we do after that though? They might be willing to watch her occasionally, but she needs full time care.”

“I really don’t know.” Robert says. “We will do the best we can. If you have a suggestion, I’m all ears. But I can’t split the house permanently, and we just have no space in our house.”

“I know.” Lindsey says, looking at the pavement.

“Just try to figure out today, and the weekend.” Robert says. “Then Jane and I can work on the rest.”

Lindsey nods, heading back inside, followed by Robert. As he steps inside, Alexia is sitting with Jane, listening to Valentina. After she finishes, Alexia looks at Robert, and says. “Valentina says the house needs a lot of work. She found wood rot on the outside, and the roof is in really bad shape too.”

“That clarifies things a bit.” Robert says. “Ask her if the roof needs to be completely replaced?”

“She says yes.” Alexia says. “She says it’s probably already leaking into the attic.”

“So we are probably dealing with mold too.” Robert says. “I’m not sinking that kind of money into this place.”

Robert puts a hand on Jane’s shoulder, and asks. “Honey, are you ok now?”

“Yeah.” Jane says, looking up at Robert for the first time since he re-entered the house. “Sorry, my mind is going a thousand miles a minute.”

“Did you hear about the house condition?” Robert asks.

Jane shakes her head, and Robert repeats what he said. “Great.” Jane sighs. “Another problem to solve.”

“We can’t afford to fix this house up.” Robert says. “We need to find out if there is some sort of government program to help people in this kind of situation. If not, we need to see if there is a care facility, or another family member who can take her. She can’t stay by herself, and she can’t really stay here either, alone or with someone.”

“I put in a call to Rosie last night.” Jane says. “But I haven’t heard back yet.”

“I’ve asked Lindsey to find someone to watch her tonight.” Robert says. “I want you and Amber both home.”

“Do you need to go home now?” Jane asks. “What about work?”

“I cleared my calendar for a few hours.” Robert says. “But I do need to head back within an hour or so.”

“You should take Amber.” Jane says. “She needs rest, and she’ll rest easier at our house. This house is half of her issue, I think.”

“I don’t like the idea of leaving you here.” Robert says.

“I’m ok now.” Jane says.

“Mistress, what happened?” Alexia asks, one hand still rubbing Jane’s back.

“I lost my job.” Jane says.

“Oh...” Alexia says. “I’m sorry.”

“I know that doesn’t seem like anything, compared to what you girls have gone through.” Jane says. “But I really, really liked that job. And I have hated every other job I’ve ever had.”

Alexia pulls Jane to her, and says. “I’m really sorry, Mistress. I’m sure you’ll find one even better than that one.”

“When you are ready to look.” Robert interjects. “For now, collect unemployment, and take a week or two to breathe. We will be ok with you taking a bit of time off.”

“I don’t like the feeling of being unemployed.” Jane says.

“Then don’t call it that.” Robert says. “You supervise 11 girls every day. That’s plenty to do for a while. And if we end up moving, and needing to do a renovation, there will be plenty to keep you busy.”

“I guess.” Jane says, standing up. “I should go see what the girls are doing, and take a proper look around this place.”

“I’ve already done that, Mistress.” Alexia says. “Why don’t you grab some food for this place before Master has to go back home? There is basically nothing left to eat here.”

“Good idea.” Robert says. “And you should go with her.”

“I need to keep an eye on the girls.” Alexia says.

“I’ll take care of that.” Robert says. “And take Reyna with you. I’ll call if Valentina needs something translated.”

“Yes, Master.” Alexia says. “I should go see what Lindsey thinks we should get for her grandmother.”

“Thank you.” Robert says, hugging her when she stands up. “You three should probably pick up lunch for everyone except Amber, Samira, and me. We’ll eat when we get home.”

“Good idea.” Jane says. “It is about lunch time.”

As everyone gathers for dinner, Robert stands up. “Ladies, today was a bit of a rough day. I want to thank all of you who went over to help out. Thankfully we’ve found someone to take over until we are back from our trip, so we don’t have to worry about sending anyone over for the next few days. When we get back, we may need volunteers to help out over there though.”

“We can work something out.” Lucia says.

“Definitely.” Alexia says. “Nothing to worry about.”