"Ma petite," Jean-Claude begins without preamble, "I feel that we three need to... 'clear the air', as it were, regarding our earlier disagreement. Asher and I are prepared to admit our fault in the matter, but there is responsibility enough for all, and we feel that there are things you must answer for as well before we can all consider the matter settled and...."

He trails off, noticing the glassy-eyed look Anita is giving both he and Asher. He feels the urge to snap his fingers in front of her face, so entranced does she look.

"Ma petite, have you heard anything I have said?"