I don't have much time, but I did want to say thanks for the wonderful comments.
Since I'm going to post part 17 in a couple of minutes anyway, I'm not going to try to confirm or deny your statements about what comes next. However, after seeing your various musings, I realize I need to work on my predictability a bit. Heh, I hope you enjoy it anyway.
Specifically, though, thank you Patrick, Shiela (sorry about distracting you from your test), Female Hawk, Sue (again!) and Amber for the feedback. I feel the love.
Part 17 is SOLD! to Amber for cheesecake.
Brenda