<div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px"><b><u>Mart</u>y</b></span>​</div><br/><span style="font-size: 15px">Marty briefly considered if the woman, Ericka, was telling the truth about the way the other man, Carl, was behaving.  Ericka was obviously familiar with Carl and he seemed more shaken than angry at the woman.  Also, listening to how she spoke directly to the man, Marty got the feeling that she had a greater social or professional standing and they both knew it.<br/>
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After releasing Carl's arm, Marty apologized, looking him square in the face and saying, "My apologies, sir."  Then, looking at Ericka, he faltered for a second, falling into her deep dark eyes, before saying, "Ma'am" and touching the corner of his hat with a hand.  Marty didn't imagine anything bad coming from this encounter and figured it would be best to go about his business.</span><br/><br/>The incident over, as far as Marty was concerned, he hurried to make up for the lost time and entered the government building.  Finding the directory at the entrance.  Marty made his way to the office for farming regulation and permits.  There was a bit of a line when he arrived there, but rationalized that it was okay and it could have been longer....