Back at the lake house..

“Kim, what a nice surprise!” You say.

“I had a day off.” Kim replies. “I wanted to see you.” You lead her into the house, with your hand at the small of her back, just the way she likes it, and Kim purrs with pleasure.

“Kim, this is Penelope.” You say. “She’s staying with me until further notice.”

“Some kind of trouble?” Kim asks through a haze of arousal.

“You might say that.” You reply. Your cell phone buzzes in your pocket. “Excuse me.” You disappear into another room to take the call. “Hello?”

“It’s me.” Mr. Andersen’s voice says harshly over the phone. “My acrorectophobia’s acting up. Bob me if necessary.” Click.

“What the fuck?” You mutter. Suddenly it dawns on you. Acrorectophobia is a joke-word Mr. Andersen had read on the Internet, meaning “fear of assholes in high places.” And the last comment meant that he expected you to help him if possible. “Something’s up.” you say to yourself. You extend your consciousness, brushing Marie’s mind and issuing a compulsory summons. She appears at the door twenty minutes later with two friends in tow, hurrying them into the house while they demand to know what is going on.

“Any idea why I just felt the need to be here?” Marie asks after spending two minutes hugging you tightly.

“I’m sorry, but something’s come up and I’d prefer you to be here rather than out there with whatever-it-is.” You say.