R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"I think we need to talk," I said.

Or rather. I needed to talk.

I had come to this devastatingly dingy area with strange people who think they know my children because, before anything else in my life, Angela Dominique Ames Petrelli is a mother. And a good one at that. I have to protect my "pack" as some would say. Which means that I have to deal with certain situations like no one else can, i.e. Mr.Muggles. I knew that Mr. Muggles would understand the pack mentality that dictates that the strongest must take care of her cubs no matter what they age they are or however promiscuous or emotive. Or no matter how new. Like my granddaughter Claire that I am slowly but surely coming to care for. We have a bond, now, Muggles and I: that stubborn child, just like her father, just like her grandmother. But I digress. I had a meeting with the infamous Muggles.

"Don't speak."

"I have come to propose to you a deal... I understand you are like a sibling to my recently acquired granddaughter and for your worries about her, I shall assure you that I will personally assure her health and well being. I will protect her from my darling Nathan if the need ever arises (I am absolutely positive he won't emotionally scar her and I shall protect her if the need arises. But it won't. Ever.) I think that that should allay your fears of distrust in our abilities to care for Claire emotionally. While strange...the Petrellis stick together, as best we can. "

"As for the deal portion of this particular conversation. I have it on good authority that your Mother may not be here to get you anytime soon, so I've arranged a stay at the finest canine palace in Texas.



You will have your own manicurist, your own pedicurist, a fur specialist, a dentist with assistant, and the latest in doggy couture...





...All I want from you is trust: trust that I will do whatever is in Claire's best interest. I also would like for us to be friends. You've helped me see my family quite a bit more differently that I do and I feel that may lead to some interesting tactic changes on my part."

"I am also willing to offer the role of my consultant during the straining time on our family would have the position of giving me a second opinion on certain politico-social situations."


"Regardless the hotel and its services are free of charge" I added blithely

I felt as though to truly honor the almost maniacal nature of the very slippery Muggles, there was one more thing I needed to say.

"...One last thing. It has been a joy watching how your mind deals with such class on issues that can become paparazzi fodder in the blink of an eye. I commend your style. Think of what we could do together...."

"Don't answer just yet..." I walked down the hall towards the front entrance of the jailbitten kennel and before whispering only one more thing to my former adversary



"The rest is up to you."