Cornelia, be sure to ask Santa for the extra-capacity magazines in case you run into a motorcycle gang.
Elisabeth, the trapezius muscle is the one that pulls the shoulder up against the neck. When it is massaged, rubbed, nuzzled, or kissed by the right person using the proper technique, it can produce tingly sensations all up and down one's spinal column and beyond (or so I've heard).
"Kibitzing" is a Yiddish expression which refers to an observer who oversteps his or her role, like someone watching a chess match who gives unwanted advice to either or both players. "Castle, you dope! No! Not the queen's pawn!"
Ann, you've picked up on something of which I myself was unaware. Until you pointed it out, I hadn't realized just how many female characters are featured in this story.
I used Constance Hunter because she defended Superman in the episode "Whine, Whine, Whine" when that crooked musician (oh, how I hate to write that phrase!) sued Superman for ruining his career, so I can't claim her as an original. And I felt that two female laywers would mesh together better than a man and a woman, since I didn't want any sparks or gender-based conflict between them.
The Thompson girls are there because I don't like anonymous gofers, and I had an idea that they might be involved in a secondary romantic sub-plot. We'll see if that comes to pass.
I did not intend to stock this story with so many female characters, but now that you've pointed it out, I'll try to balance it out with a strong male presence in some other story. However, Superman is a pretty strong male presence all by himself, don't you think?
Thanks to everyone who's posted feedback!
Let's boogie! Next chapter coming up in a few days. And don't worry, the legal fireworks are coming soon.
