The applause of the crowd was strong and appreciative. I invited them to the buffet once more, and informed them of the dining facility next door where they would be able to meet the speakers and ask specific questions.

I saw Stella walk out into the crowd to help direct them; once the room was nearly empty, she came over to me and I congratulated her with a hug and kiss.

"Sweet Stella Strong as Steel, the speakers both told me what a great assistant you were, and 'Master X' was truly impressed with your courage for your first fire-play experience. I'm so very appreciative of your willingness, and proud of you for your strength!"

We snuggled as we walked to the elevator, and got off on the third floor. Chatting along the way, I filled her in about our invader and how the Don had handled his part. Next I shared the phone call, and asked her again to come with me tonight.

"I was going to ask someone from security, but I'd much rather have you on my arm instead. And with your talents and the extra training Mom has offered you, you'd likely be as good or better than most anyway."

She blushed and thanked me for the compliment. Kissing her, I told her to shower and then nap until dinner at 6, then we would get ready so we could be there at 8.

Swatting her fanny as she walked towards her suite, I stared with lust... knowing that beautiful sway was mine forever.

We dined well and fairly quickly, as I did not want to keep the Don waiting. They saved us a parking space close to the door, right next to where the Don's Caddy was parked. My Malibu looked pretty small next to his stretch limo.

Once into the hall, we were shown to our seats at one end of the head table. The chairs were comfy and padded, not like the typical convention-hall chairs. We were offered and served soft beverages, and watched as the crowd filed quietly in.

At the stroke of 8, the Don made an entrance, followed by two men with a small cart carrying Diego in his box. He was making some noise, and there was a strong odor of pee following him.

The Don stood to speak, and the room was silent.

"Tonight we are having a meeting to refresh some business principles, and to apologize to our good friend Chuck Phillips for his inconveniences today." He proceeded to share the day's events with a clarity and knowledge that bespoke careful research into exactly how things had happened.

"This man, Chuck, is my friend. I owe him for many favors. Today I found that a member of MY family had invaded Chuck's family home and threatened them all with weapons. Two of the people, button men, are in the hospital thanks to the defenses he has. The third is in this crate."

He gestured to his helpers, and they used crow-bars to quickly break apart the box. A bruised and battered Diego was inside, still well tied to the transport chair. His exposure in front of the 8 thousand or so attending the meeting was certainly humiliating.