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He frowned “You’re not on the list You signed up for the class?”

“Technically? No I’m here as a bench warmer to support my buddy Molly”

“I’ainst our policy”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re only allowed into the dojo if you’re a participant in the classes We do not allow spectators Or supporters”

“Ever?”

“Ever”

Airl blushed criatekeeper “You don’t allow parents or guardians inside to watch their kids beat each other to a pulp?”

“No, ma’am”

Well, that was stupid And she said so

“It’s all right, Ao” She grabbed on to Amery’s arm

“Hang on a second” Amery pulled her black-and-white cowhide wallet out of her purse “How much is the class?”

“This isn’t a movie theater where you can just show up and buy tickets at the door You have to be approved in advance before you can even register for the class Those are the rules I don’t make them I just enforce them”

Aers on the counter “I understand But these are extenuating circumstances”

He scowled

“Maybe you oughta just get your supervisor, because I’”

He hesitated about ten seconds before he reached for the phone He turned his back so they couldn’t hear the conversation Then he faced theht out”

Molly looked mortified, which made Amery more determined to make sure she took this class

Less than two uy, about mid-thirties, dressed in what resembled black pajamas, stopped in front of theeneral er How can I help you?”

A, “I would’ve officially signed up for the class ahead of time had I known that was required It’s not fair to penalize Molly” She leaned closer and whispered, “Ever since the attackshe’s ju all social situations where she doesn’t know anyone She won’t start the class if I’m not here You don’t want that on your conscience, do you, Mr Lofgren?”

TheJust as she was about to crack and back off, he said, “Fine I’ll squeeze you in But understand that you till not always be paired together in class You’ll both be expected to train with others” He focused on Molly “Will that be a problem for you?”