Trail of the Fox: Family of the Fox, #2

By F.M. Isaacs

Is Aldous the Fox, the legendary shapeshifter whom Corinne and her relatives recently battled, really her direct ancestor?

In this second, highly-anticipated book in the Family of the Fox Trilogy, Corinne Greene and her great-uncle set out to to find the mythical "wizard"'s connection to their powerful family. Corinne must juggle this quest along with surviving her first year in college, having a new boyfriend, and dealing with her brothers' ongoing antics.

As they travel to different eras, Corinne and Uncle Jonas face growing threats. An elusive young girl shadows them through the centuries, while Corinne's professor threatens to reveal Jonas' true age and identity to the world. What begins as a journey of discovery about the past collides with events and people in the present, and the Family of the Fox could find itself endangered from plans centuries in the making...

• Language: English
• Publisher: F.M. Isaacs
• Release date: Feb 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780999840191

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

August, 2031

My brother and his girlfriend sat in the front seats of his car, screaming at each other in their latest trivial, pointless disagreement. An argument about whether Matthew’s pants were navy or black had somehow ballooned into an attack on his whole character. It was a small blessing that I huddled in the back, at least slightly removed from the strife.

Matthew had taken us into New York City to celebrate my last day of freedom before college. He’d hoped the trip would also help smooth over his rocky relationship with Deanna, but that idea had obviously failed.

A deafening bang jolted us, and our car lurched dangerously.

Matthew! I cried out. What happened?

He’s not paying attention, Deanna spat.

"You don’t need to pay attention when the car drives itself!" my brother growled.

But the vehicle skidded sideways, bouncing up and down alarmingly. Matthew shifted out of self-driving mode, fighting valiantly to keep in control.

What did you hit? Deanna’s tone was so accusatory that my brother tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.

"I didn’t hit anything! I ran over something sharp...must have blown out the tire!" He yanked the wheel sharply in a vain effort to right the car, but that only made it careen more violently.

Deanna gripped both sides of the seat. You’re going too fast! she shouted through clenched teeth.

"You’re always criticizing me, Deanna!"

Helpless, I could only watch as the next few seconds seemed to stretch on forever – the screeching of brakes, the relentless forward motion of the car, the sickening crash of shattering glass – and then we came to an abrupt stop as we collided with something hard.

Momentarily stunned and afraid to stir, I listened to the near-silence enveloping us. The smell of burning rubber permeated the cabin of the car, and here and there, a glass shard fell from the window, piercing the stillness of the night.

Avoiding any pressure on my shoulder, I leaned over the seat divider to check on Matthew and Deanna. Are you two okay? I asked.

My brother was slumped over the steering wheel, his dark hair in his face. Groaning and nodding, he straightened up, and we both turned to view the passenger side.

Deanna! Matthew’s cry came out as a strangled squeak, while I could only gasp in horror.

Her only reply was a tiny whimper of distress. Clearly she had taken the brunt of the accident. Peering outside of the car, I could just make out the outline of the tree that we'd run into. A low branch had fractured Deanna's window, punctured her shoulder, and pinned her to the seat.

Matthew lunged forward. Deanna. Let me see. Gently, he probed her bloody shoulder, squinting to determine how badly she was hurt. My God! He drew back, alarmed. It went through... Stay still! Hold on!

Deanna grimaced, her eyes widening. It's all numb... It went through? She spied the branch jutting from her torso and gagged. Oh my God...

My brother unbuttoned the top of her blouse to see the wound better, all the while promising that she'd be fine.

Fine? We have to call an ambulance! I hissed, searching my pocket for my phone. When Matthew didn't immediately speak, I looked up to see his hand pressed to a scarlet smudge on his own chest. "Are you alright?" I burst out in dismay.

Putting his finger to his lips, he nodded, glancing at Deanna. Although her eyes remained partially open, she was growing unresponsive. Matthew waved his hand in front of her face, but she didn't blink or react. I’m fine. I healed myself, he whispered, running his finger down the branch. But she’s in trouble. His brows knit together; he was deliberating something very carefully.

I waited for a long moment. Matthew, I prompted, clenching my phone with shaking fingers, we need to get help for her!

He collapsed back into his seat and stared ahead. No, he stated flatly.

No? Yet I knew his manner quite well. His jaw was set, his lips tight... Matthew had reached a decision.

Shaking his head vigorously, he announced, I'm going to heal her.

All of my family's warnings hit me at once; Deanna couldn't know about us. Not yet, anyway.

Matthew, quiet! I exclaimed.

She can’t hear a thing! She’s out of it!

He reached toward her, but I snatched his hand away. You can't heal her! She knows what happened! Just wait! We can get help here any minute!

We don’t need help. Once Matthew had determined a course of action, no one was going to change his mind. Deanna, I'm getting this thing out of you, he told her.

Matthew, they say not to pull something out if–

Motioning me away dismissively, he grasped the stick and heaved it from her chest. With a sickening pop, it extracted a chunk of tissue with it, turning my stomach. After tossing the branch through the broken window, Matthew hoisted up Deanna's shoulder, which caused fresh blood to spurt onto his hand. Deanna’s eyes rolled into the back of her head.

No, no... my brother uttered distractedly. Too much blood... I know we've had our issues, Deanna, but I can't let you die.

Matthew, wait! You don't know that she's going to die from this! Just hold on! She can't know about you!

Incredulous, he turned to me, eyes blazing. "Do you know how ludicrous that sounds? You're worried about our stupid secrets? She's losing so much blood – she totally can die! In fact, in a minute or two she'll be dead! Do you want that on your soul, knowing we could have saved her?"

He thrust his hands atop the wound, ignoring the gore that splattered onto him. I have the ability to save her life! How can I not use it?! What point is there in having it, then?

Deanna winced. Her eyes suddenly flickered open and settled on Matthew. What...what are you doing?

Does that feel any better?

You're...pressing on it... You can...save my...life? I'm going to...die?

Fighting to keep focused, my brother demanded impatiently, Deanna! Does it feel any better?

Less...pain... Help me, Matthew...

I'm trying, Deanna. I am.

DEANNA SLUMPED BACK helplessly on the car seat, unconscious. A spray of blood peppered her blonde locks, which Matthew carefully blotted with his shirt cuff. He’d mended his girlfriend’s shoulder so well that most doctors would never suspect that she'd been injured. 

Oh, Matthew, I murmured, still smarting from his rash decision. I hung over the seat divider, regarding the girl with pity. How will you explain this to her?

Who cares how I explain it? I saved her life. Now, listen. We have to get her out of here before she wakes up. Can you teleport her over to Mom and Julian's house? I'll stay and see if the car still works – we might need to get it towed.

I glanced around very quickly, concerned as to whether there were any witnesses to the accident or its aftermath. Although there were a few rickety houses nearby, the road was largely commercial. The majority of the office buildings across the street were dark and closed for the night. We seemed to be safe for the time being.

Matthew, just leave the car for now, and I'll take you with us, I said under my breath.

He got out of the vehicle and circled it, stopping here and there to observe the damage. Corinne, he poked his head through the now-glassless window, an intrigued expression on his face, can you teleport a car?

Sh, Matthew! Quiet! You never know if someone’s nearby.

He gave a half-hearted look around us and then turned back to me, his voice at the exact level as before. Can you?

Teleport a car? I don't know. It's kind of big.

Can you transform it, or just make it small, so you can bring it home with us?

Ignoring the ripping sensation in my own shoulder, I stepped out of the car. The street was still empty; not even one curious resident had come over to investigate. I faced the vehicle, exploring it with my mind, taking in its shape, its size, and its mass. I quickly realized that, with maybe a little more effort,  I could transform it almost as easily as something far smaller.

I'll try. But we should take Deanna out. I'd rather not change her with the car. That could go very wrong.

I can only imagine. Very carefully, Matthew pulled Deanna from the vehicle. Holding her against his chest, he rebuttoned her flowery shirt and tried to cover her up despite the torn fabric.

Hurry, he encouraged.

We should have called the police, I muttered in response.

Matthew's face contorted in anger. Why get them involved? Why open a can of worms? We're perfectly capable of taking care of our own problems!

Deanna stirred in Matthew's arms.

Quick, she's waking up. He ran his hands through her hair, letting piece by piece fall from his grasp. Then he looked off, his eyes bright. I saved a life. Shaking his head back and forth, he placed his free hand on his heart. I really, truly, kept someone from dying.

Matthew... I began.

No, you know what? He blushed deeply. "I feel...amazing."

Softening a bit, I let a small smile play across my lips. Even though there would be consequences, deep down, I knew he'd done the right thing.

Far off, we could hear the shrill of sirens. Were they coming this way? Had someone called the police?

Matthew grabbed my arm. Get us out of here! Quick!

How should I do this? Nervous, I placed my finger on the car's hood, pushing until it gave slightly. If I transformed the vehicle, would it be in working condition when I restored it? Was it even drivable now? Maybe I would try to miniaturize it. There would be less chance of error.

I held my hands up, slowly drawing them together while forcing the car to shrink.

Matthew squinted in the blinding light. It's working, he breathed. You need to use your hands to make things small?

I dropped them quickly, pausing the changes. No, but it helps me concentrate on what I'm trying to do.

As the glowing waned, Matthew marveled at the half-sized car. No, no – keep it up! You have to finish it!

And I’d better do it fast, I uttered. I continued my work, making it a point to keep my hands at my sides.

What's...what's that light? Deanna groaned.

Matthew covered her eyes. Sh. He glanced at me worriedly.

I let out my breath, my feat complete. Our car was officially miniaturized.

I did it– I began, beaming.

Not now! Matthew snatched up the vehicle like it was a child's toy. Just get us home!

WE LAID DEANNA OUT on my bed, just as she was starting to awaken fully. Off in the corner, Matthew quietly filled my parents in on what had occurred. Don't worry, we're all healed up. We're both fine, he reassured them in a low voice.

Mom came over, straightening my shirt and smoothing my hair as if I were four years old. Corinne, you were bleeding?

She pointed out several red streaks across my chest and shoulder, and only then did I notice that my wounds ached. I'd been so concerned with Matthew and Deanna, I hadn't paid attention to myself. I'm fine. It's minor stuff.

Mom frowned. There's no reason not to help yourself. If you're in pain, fix yourself up. No heroics.

I shrugged, reaching under my shirt and tracing my finger over each gash, which made them hurt considerably more. I had a feeling that had none of us been healers, Dad would have been suturing me up where the seat belt had sliced into my flesh. As a doctor and father, he always stored all kinds of medical supplies in the bathroom cabinet, and they'd come to good use on more occasions than I'd care to admit.

As I tended to my injuries, Dad picked the miniature car off my dresser and examined it with great interest. Is this new?

It's my car, Matthew stated matter-of-factly.

Confused, Dad flipped it over. He ran his hand through his dark hair as he studied the undercarriage. Wow! The detail is phenomenal!

That's because it really is Matthew's car. I shrank it, I explained.

Dad placed it down abruptly, but Mom fished it back up.

You really damaged it, she said, turning it around in her hands. She didn't seem impressed by my accomplishment whatsoever. I'd fix it for you, but the police are going to need to see. Wait – did you call the police?

No, Matthew mumbled.

Dad looked alarmed, but he remained silent.

Mom chewed at her lip. She gave no indication as to whether she thought we should have involved the police or not, and instead glossed over the subject entirely. Well, does the car still work? she inquired instead.

I wasn't sure if the question was aimed at me, but I answered anyway. I don't know. I just shrank it down.

Well, let's try it out. Come outside.

I trailed behind her as she located her keys, while Dad and Matthew remained with Deanna. When we stepped out onto the porch, Mom closed the front door behind us, pulling me around to face her. How much does Deanna know?

That was a good question. She’d been hovering in and out of consciousness since the accident had occurred. Just what had she retained? Well, she saw Matthew pressing down... I gaped at my mother in the glare of the porch light. Mom, are you going to wipe her memories?

She descended the two steps and walked over to the driveway. I'd prefer not to. Bending down, she set the miniature on the blacktop. I don't like playing with people's minds.

She straightened back up, and within seconds, the car grew brilliant and enlarged into a normal-sized vehicle. Mom looped around it, shaking her head. She paused by the front fender, surveying the damage that the tree trunk had caused. Not so bad after all, she said. Should be okay.

Stepping over to the passenger side window, she reached through it and ran her hand over the ruined seat. Immediately, the bloody, ripped-up upholstery brightened and repaired itself.

I poked my head in, observing her work. Why did you do that? I asked.

Getting rid of the hole makes it harder to prove Deanna was pinned to the seat by a tree branch. It’s safer all around if she doesn’t know exactly what happened.

So she'll think she imagined it?

Well, not the accident part. But now there’s no evidence of her being wounded, so she can’t say Matthew’s a healer. Somehow she had also made Deanna's blood glow and disappear from the cushion, which was probably a prudent move.

Mom got in the driver's seat, and the car started up without any problem. You did a good job shrinking the car. It's fine, she reported through the window. Just to make sure, she played with the windshield wipers and pressed a few buttons, but everything worked as it should. Satisfied, she stepped out and shut the door.

Once we're done with Deanna, I'll have my father come fix the rest of the car. He'd love that.

Grandpa Brian fixes cars?

Mom gave me a quizzical look. He's a changer, Corinne. He fixes everything.

That sounded pretty close to a comment Dad had made about Mom not long ago. I should have known you'd say that.

She smiled, taking my hand and squeezing it. Yes. You should have.

WHEN WE WENT INSIDE, we found Deanna raving about my brother not being human. Instead of bothering to argue, Matthew simply tried to prevent her from falling off the bed.

I swear to you! I was hurt, and he...he healed me! He touched me, he told me he was helping, and he healed me!

You were knocked out, I remarked.

"I was awake for that! And how the hell did we get here? She tossed aside the pink-flowered comforter that Mom had draped over her, letting it fall to the floor in a heap. We were nowhere near your house! I don't remember driving here – does that car even work anymore?"

It works, Mom replied. Placidly, she picked up the blanket and folded it up, placing it at the foot of my bed.

The car still drives? That's good to know, Dad stated in the same unconcerned manner that Mom had spoken. Had I been in Deanna's place, I would have been even angrier with them than with Matthew. Their acting skills were almost too good.

You'd passed out and I drove you here, Matthew added unevenly. He looked back and forth at Mom, probably wondering, as I had, if she planned to wipe Deanna's mind.

Frustrated, Deanna kicked at the comforter. Then why didn’t you call the police? Why didn’t you take me to the hospital? I don't believe a word you’re saying! There's something weird here!

Weird was not quite the term I would have used in this case. Miraculous was more like it, but I couldn't correct her. Instead, I found myself staring down at the fuzzy carpet that had lined the floor for years. It suddenly seemed so juvenile; my whole pink-painted bedroom was the epitome of little-girl childish. It was high time Mom redecorated. Or I could transform it all myself...

I realized I'd missed a whole chunk of the conversation, not that it was much of a loss.

We called your mother, Deanna, Matthew noted. She'll be here any minute.

She better damn well be, Deanna grumbled. She tried to fold the comforter back the way Mom had arranged it, but quickly gave up. "I'm so done with you, Matthew! Just...finished!"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. You're saying he saved your life and then you dump him? I cried indignantly.

If he did save me, he won't admit it, and I refuse to date a liar!

A short blonde woman suddenly strode in behind us. We turned, blinking at her until she stuttered, No one answered the door. It was open, so I came in.

That's fine, that's fine, I assume you're Deanna's mother, Mom said, steering the woman toward the bed. I'm Patricia, and this is my husband, Julian. Dad gave a curt wave.

I'm Corinne, I inserted, inching closer to my parents.

I'm Tonya Weisz. And I'm glad this is the right place! I don't usually walk into strangers' houses. She gave a nervous giggle and took her daughter's hand. Deanna, are you okay? I saw the car outside.

Deanna yanked her arm from her mother's grip and jumped to the floor. I'm totally fine. And I shouldn't be.

What do you mean?

She smoothed out her disheveled clothing as best as she could. Matthew healed me and he won't admit it.

Her mother's mouth fell open. Uh...healed? What do you mean, healed?

I mean healed, Deanna responded flatly.

The woman gave my brother a bewildered shrug and turned to face us. Uh, sorry... Deanna's a bit shaken up. She twisted back to her daughter and looked her over. But you seem fine, she said, sweeping the hair out of the girl's face. What exactly happened?

Deanna nudged her away. "You want to know what happened? That liar somehow healed me after I was impaled by a branch when he ran his car off the road. And he won't admit it!"

Impaled? Tonya exclaimed, searching her daughter even closer for signs of injury. She peeled away the bloodied blouse only to expose the perfect, intact skin on Deanna's shoulder. I was curious as to why Mom hadn’t mended and cleaned up her clothing, too, but she probably figured that we shouldn’t cover up everything... 

Where were you hurt? Who impaled you?

We hit a tree, was all Matthew volunteered.

Okay, but, well, did the police come?

We didn't call them. It wasn't that bad.

Pushing away her mother's hand yet again, Deanna held up her arm so the ripped part of her shirt dangled free. "Wasn't that bad? You see all the blood! There was a huge gash right here by my shoulder. Now it's gone!"

Deanna, maybe you got hurt somewhere else, and the blood is from there, or from him...

Yes, I'm hurt, Matthew muttered, displaying his own red-spattered shirt. Of course he didn't make an effort to show any actual wounds.

See, it could be his blood.

No, no! I saw the branch! It hurt like hell! Deanna scowled in exasperation. Even though she'd been mean to Matthew in the past, I really was beginning to feel sorry for her.

But she hadn't given up quite yet. Mom, you saw the car, right? Come with me. I'll show you where the branch went through the seat!

Wordlessly, we all followed her outside. The moon had come out from behind the clouds, and crickets trilled in the woods. It had become a perfect late summer evening, and I only wished I could have enjoyed my last night of freedom without having to deal with this newest disaster.

Deanna stepped over to the car's front passenger side. See? It shattered the whole window! But, upon bending down and studying the inside, she saw the seat was pristine and untouched. Shaking her head, she opened the door and rubbed her hand over the upholstery, drawing back in awe. How'd you get it fixed so quickly?

Mom didn't even look my way.

With a nod at my parents, Tonya approached her daughter. Deanna, you've had a shock.

You're damned straight I have. She turned, focusing a murderous expression on Matthew. You're paying all the doctor's bills, you know.

He gazed at her with disinterest. Unlikely that'll be an issue, he spat, and strode back into the house.

Mom placed her hand on Deanna's shoulder, but the girl shrugged it off. The reaction hardly fazed my mother, who then directed her words only to Tonya.

Let us know how she's doing, she murmured gently. I’m sorry. Mom was completely sincere now; I knew that she regretted having to handle Deanna in this way.

Thank you for taking care of her.

We took care of her, alright, I found myself thinking. She’s going to wonder about us for the rest of her life. Maybe Mom should have wiped her mind of everything that had happened on our way back from the city.

But wouldn’t that leave a gaping hole in her memories? Then she’d be even worse off, searching for those lost hours, never understanding why there was a sudden gap in an otherwise memorable day.

Tonya took her daughter's hand and led her to their own car. Deanna got in, and her mother shut the door carefully behind her. They sped away far faster than the speed limit allowed.

As we watched them drive off, I turned to Mom and Dad. I know Matthew meant well, but after what just went on, college isn't happening soon enough.

Understood, Dad said in a tired voice, and we went inside.

CHAPTER TWO

The next morning found us on our way to Cornell University. Mom fought tears for most of the trip, while Dad remained relatively quiet. When I saw a sign for Ithaca, 22 miles, the fact that college loomed around the corner finally hit home.

It was obvious that Mom detected the anxiety welling up inside of me. In a soothing voice, she told me of her own experiences as a Cornell undergraduate so many years prior. There will be ups and downs, she concluded, but you'll come away with some wonderful memories. College will be a whole new start for you, which is just what you need. She looked over at Dad, who nodded.

I just don't know if I can handle a whole other new start, I replied, finding it hard to keep my voice from wavering. All these new starts are pretty overwhelming.

Oh, Corinne, both of you are being silly. You can come home at the drop of a hat, said Dad, as the car steered into a hairpin turn. Just be careful if you do.

But, Julian, Mom tried to explain, she’s starting a whole new phase of her life. Our daughter is an adult now!

And I'm going to try not to run home every second, Dad. I have to learn to live on my own.

Mom and Dad glanced at each other. Clearly, they expected me to be visiting often.

I gulped. I just hate when I go somewhere and I don't know anybody there.

Your friends from your school are going. Lorie, Jason, and...Marta, right?

Marla. Dad, they're acquaintances. I didn't bother much with them in school, except for Jason.

Go to that new-student mixer tomorrow tonight. Make friends, my mother suggested.

Oh, Mom, that's the absolute worst for me! I hate stuff like that – walking into a whole crowd of strangers–

Dad turned to me, and my mother instinctively moved to grab the wheel in case he drove into a tree like Matthew had. After all these years of having self-driving cars, Mom still was not completely comfortable with them.  

What are you scared about? Dad exclaimed. In those words alone, I could hear him already struggling to keep from sounding arrogant.

The other kids are so superior to you, Corinne? You could control the world if you chose to! Those people should practically bow down to you!

Julian... Mom uttered.

If someone's nasty to you, just transform them! That'll teach them!

Mom rolled her eyes. You think you're the only one who feels uncomfortable around strangers? Most people do. Go in, find someone else who's alone and make conversation.

And then, if you don't like them, transform them, too, snickered Dad.

As usual, Mom swatted at him.

I TRIED TO KEEP UP a heroic front when my parents prepared to leave me. After we had lunch, they'd even stayed to help me set up my dorm room. But too soon, I followed them to the car as they readied to make the return trip home.

I have no reason to be upset, I kept telling myself. Unlike the other students, I could see my family whenever I wanted!

But there was more to my low spirits than not seeing relatives. For the first time, I would be on my own. No one would serve my meals, I wouldn’t come home from class to my own private house, and I would have a stranger for a roommate. More change was happening in my life, right on the heels of events I wasn't fully recovered from.

We have a long drive ahead of us, Dad commented, ushering Mom closer to the car. He now stood between us, blocking our view of each other so we wouldn't break down and start bawling.

The trip seemed so much longer than it did back when I came here, Mom said.

Very slightly, I moved back into her line of sight so Dad wouldn't notice. We should have teleported, I mumbled, hoping a nearby couple hadn't heard. I know I had a lot of stuff to bring, but we could have made a few trips.

Mom poked at Dad. That's not a bad idea.

Wait, with the car? I gasped.

Oh, we've done that, Dad winked. 

You shrank a car to move it, but you didn't need to. It's perfectly teleportable full-sized!

So why didn’t we? 

I expected to receive a variation on the often-repeated Keep Up Appearances speech, or maybe the We Like to Live Like Normal Human Beings talk, but instead, Mom merely hugged me. We don’t need to explain yet again. Now, come on, Corinne. She wasn't crying, but I could see the tears were not far off. No good-byes. I'm sure we'll see you very soon, and if not, well, she smiled at Dad, you might have some visitors. And I don't mean just us!

Jonas will be knocking down your door within seconds, I would think, Dad added, embracing us both. Anyway, have a good time at school. Don't change any fraternity brothers into pigs or beer.

They both laughed, but Mom quickly grew serious. "Be careful. Think," she warned.

I think too much. That’s half my problem.

They ducked into the car, waving back at me as they drove from the parking lot. I watched them weave their way down the long driveway, and then, while maneuvering around a wooded curve, the car vanished.

I was officially a college student.

CLASSES BEGAN THE NEXT day. That morning, I ran around my dorm room hysterically, having misplaced my phone. Although it was early, I didn't have to worry about waking my roommate, Samantha. Her belongings were in the room, but her bed had never been slept in. When I'd spoken to her over the summer online, she'd mentioned a boyfriend who had an apartment off-campus. If that's where she was going to stay, why had she bothered to get a dorm room?

I finally located my phone and dashed off to breakfast. The rest of the day, I probably spent more time being lost on campus than attending lectures. In hindsight, I really should have walked through my schedule the day before so I would have had a better idea where everything was.

There were some familiar faces scattered through my classes – Jason was in my Calculus section, my Biochemistry class contained two people I’d often seen at music competitions, and then, in Ecology, I met my roommate.

I almost didn't recognize her when she sat down behind me. The dyed-blonde, frizzy, flyaway hair she’d sported over the summer now was tamed back into a neat auburn ponytail. The boy next to her laughed when she leaned over and proclaimed, Hi Corinne! I'm Samantha, your roommate.

Wait, he exclaimed, you seriously haven't seen each other in your room yet? How long have you two been on campus?

I've been here for days! Samantha gushed. There's just so much going on! Who wants to stay cooped up in your room when you don't have to be?

I agree with that! the boy chuckled.

I didn't agree. After the last few trying hours, I just wanted to crawl into my bed and go to sleep. I had a great urge to ask Samantha where she had spent the night,