I paid myself off the small bet I had made inside that this was the exact situation. Been here, seen this. Now she'll be all scared I'll kick her out! Now to heighten the tension, a reverse twist.

"Gloria, release Stella from the harness, while I make a call." I walked a few feet away, turned my back, and called the Doc upstairs. "Jan? Hi. Are you occupied at the moment? Could you step down to the basement, please? Use the back elevator... and let Tom know we might be needing his assistance. Thanks, beautiful!"

I turned back to them, still smiling, waiting.