47.

   Raymond hovered above us with a grin on his face. “Claudia, I would like to introduce you to Oliver and his fellow travelers, Pat and Nanette. I’ve been giving them an introductory course on terrorism and I think it’s time for some advanced studies.”
   “It would be my pleasure.”, Claudia announced regally.
    Nannette smiled. “I’m most impressed with your balloon.”
    Claudia seemed flattered. “How about a ride?”
    “We’d be delighted.”, leered Pat. Then, with a calculated grin on his face, “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how did you get into the banker skin business?”
    “Don’t pay any attention to him.”, interrupted Nanette with a strained laugh.
    “Oh, I don’t mind at all.”, smiled Claudia. “It’s not a business, really. Some bankers ruined my country and impoverished my people. When they laughed at our despair from the heights of their grand mansions, we killed them. Simple as that. Now they no longer bleed the world dry. Now they contribute to it.”
   “They certainly do.”, said Pat with admiration. “The leather looks so soft and supple. Do you have more?”
   “That’s enough!”, commanded Nanette.
    “Well then,”, laughed Claudia. “Come fly with me!”
    The dogs sailed into the basket. As I struggled to pull myself up, I felt Claudia’s hands on my butt giving me shove and a squeeze. 

   "We're off in a magic balloon!, exclaimed Nanette.

   "A magic balloon of silky leather!", grinned Pat.

   "Be careful, children.", frowned Raymond. "The four of you make a big target".