i want you to know that i am not without influence in political circles . the blocks choked a death rattle as the sails slipped down the mast . for the most part it worked well . i figured youd be up by now . '' he grabbed one of the men by his shirt . before she had time to answer , he swept her into his arms . she hoped she had n't opened up a can of worms . so what the hell are you even doing here ? she had no idea what to expect . 