The Baby Brunelli Bargain

THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE CHAPTER ONE Sam took a deep sustai i !
"#eat$ a d mutte#ed% &'o &t "ott(e it o)%& to $e#se(* as s$e app#oa+$ed t$e ,ou ! )oma )$o sat "e$i d a (a#!e !(ass desk- Wit$ $e# "(o de $ai# a d $ou#!(ass *i!u#e t$e )oma $ad t$e ki d o* "eaut, t$at a()a,s att#a+ted me &s atte tio 'imi uti.e #ed$eads )it$ *#e+k(es% o t$e ot$e# $a d% )e#e ot so u i.e#sa((, (usted a*te#% at (east i Sam&s e/pe#ie +e% a(t$ou!$ it $ad seemed *o# a )$i(e t$at Wi(( $ad t$ou!$t di**e#e t(,0u ti( t$e da, s$e $ad )a(ked i a d *ou d $e# e#st)$i(e *ia +e i "ed )it$ a "eauti*u( "(o deNo#ma((, )$e Sam&s t$ou!$ts tou+$ed o t$is memo#a"(e o++asio s$e e/pe#ie +ed a )a.e o* ausea t$at tu# ed $e# se siti.e stoma+$ i side out% "ut ot t$is time- T$is time $e# stoma+$ )as a(#ead, pa#a(,sed )it$ s$ee# te##o#He# e,e(as$es "#us$ed $e# +$eeks as s$e s1uee2ed $e# e,es +(osed a d took a se+o d "#eat$% )i((i ! $e# *#a ti+a((, #a+i ! $ea#t% )$i+$ *e(t as t$ou!$ it )e#e immi e t(, a"out to "#eak t$#ou!$ $e# #i"+a!e% to s(o)- S$e *o#+ed a smi(e3 i* a pe#so a+ted as t$ou!$ t$e, e/pe+ted to "e s$o) t$e doo#% t$e, p#o"a"(, )ou(d "eS$e $ad take se.e#a( $ou#s to a+$ie.e t$e appea#a +e o* someo e )$o mi!$t +o side# st#o((i ! i to t$e $ead1ua#te#s o* a mu(ti atio a( empi#e a d dema di ! to see t$e ma )$o )as top o* t$e *ood +$ai as somet$i ! s$e did e.e#, da, o* t$e )eek% "ut% +at+$i ! si!$t o* $e# #e*(e+tio i a mi##o#ed pa e( o t$e opposite )a((% s$e k e) $e# e**o#ts $ad "ee )astedT$is )as ot !oi ! to )o#kI! o#i ! t$e .oi+e o* pessimism% o# #at$e# #ea(it,% i $e# $ead% Sam pi ed t$e smi(e "a+k o a d +(ea#ed $e# t$#oat- T$e sou d att#a+ted t$e atte tio o* t$e #e+eptio ist% "ut o (, "#ie*(, "e+ause at t$at e/a+t mome t t$e !(ass (i*t doo#s to Sam&s (e*t si(e t(, ope ed to #e.ea( a ot$e# "(o de% a ta(( .o(uptuous o e )ea#i ! a .e#, sma(( #ed d#essT$e !i#( "e$i d t$e desk sta#ed a d so did Sam3 so a(so did t$e me )it$ +ame#as )$o $ad appea#ed *#om o)$e#e as i* ", ma!i+T$e #a.is$i ! "(o de seemed tota((, u *a2ed ", t$e *(as$ p$oto!#ap$, a d t$e .o((e, o* 1uestio s t$e papa#a22i *(u ! i $e# di#e+tio - S$e simp(, "a#ed $e# pe#*e+t teet$ i a "#i((ia t smi(e a d p#o.ed t$at% e.e t$ou!$ s$e $ad made t$e t#a sitio *#om mode((i ! to Ho((,)ood% s$e sti(( k e) $o) to st#ut $e# stu**- 4(a ked ", t)o (a#!e mus+u(a# "od,!ua#ds% s$e !(ided t$#ou!$ t$e *o,e# pausi ! o +e o# t)i+e to !i.e t$e $u !#, p#ess a pose )$i(e #espo di ! )it$ a e i!mati+ smi(e a d a +o,% &No +omme t%& to t$ei# dema ds to k o) i* s$e a d Cesa#e )e#e "a+k to!et$e#As t$e doo# +(osed (ea.i ! o (, t$e $ea., s+e t o* t$e a+t#ess&s e/oti+ pe#*ume i t$e ai# Sam )as )o de#i ! mu+$ t$e same t$i !0ta(k a"out "ad timi !5 T$e (ast t$i ! a , ma )a ted to $ea# )as t$e e)s s$e $ad +ome to de(i.e#% "ut s$e ima!i ed t$at t$is )as dou"(, t#ue o* a ma )$o $ad 6ust "ee #e+o +i(ed )it$ t$e (o.e o* $is (i*eSam si!$ed a d t#ied to pus$ t$e ima!e o* t$e a+t#ess *#om $e# $ead3 s$e )as &t $e#e to +ompete *o# t$e Ita(ia &s atte tio o# $is a**e+tio s- S$e )as &t e.e s(i!$t(, i te#ested i Cesa#e B#u e((i&s (o.e (i*e a d s$e $ad o )is$ to "e pa#t o* it% somet$i ! s$e )ou(d make 1uite +(ea#-
He# o (, #easo *o# "ei ! $e#e )as simp(e7 te(( $im a d (ea.e- T$e "a(( )ou(d t$e "e i $is +ou#t a d i* $e de+ided ot to pi+k it up t$e t$at )ou(d make (i*e a (ot simp(e#A(( s$e $ad to do )as te(( $im- It )as o) o# e.e#5 At t$e mome t e.e# )as (ooki ! p#ett, dam !ood5 S$e )i +ed as $e# desi! e# s$oes pi +$ed- T$e, $ad "ee a "a#!ai % "ut )e#e a(so a pai *u( $a(* a si2e too sma((% t$ou!$ t$e +o *ide +e "oost t$e, !a.e $e# *a# out)ei!$ed a , dis+om*o#t&I&m --- & S$e stopped as s$e t#ied to i t#odu+e $e#se(* to t$e )oma "e$i d t$e desk% $e# mout$ ope % $e# +o *ide t ma e# )o""(i ! i to pessimisti+ a /iet,W$at )as s$e mea t to sa,8 I&m Sam% "ut t$at )o &t mea a ,t$i !0,ou# "oss does &t k o) m, ame% $e does &t e.e k o) t$e +o(ou# o* m, e,es% $e&s o"(i.ious to t$e *a+t I $a.e *#e+k(es% a d m, $ai# is !i !e#- But I t$ou!$t t$at !i.e t$e +i#+umsta +es it )as o (, po(ite to (et $im k o) m, e)s *a+e to *a+e as opposed to some mo#e impe#so a( met$od0I&m $a.i ! $is "a",As s$e stood i t$e #e+eptio o* Cesa#e&s o**i+es% Sam t$ou!$t o* t$e di**e#e +es "et)ee a Ita(ia "i((io ai#e a d a !i#( )$o 6u!!(ed $e# *i a +es ea+$ mo t$- S$e $ad p#o"a"(, ea# ed (ess du#i ! $e# e ti#e )o#ki ! (i*e t$a Cesa#e did i a mi ute5 Sti((% t$i !s )e#e imp#o.i ! p#o*essio a((,0s$e&d put i *ou# ,ea#s o* u !(amo#ous )o#k o t$e (o+a( e)spape# i t$e S+ottis$ ma#ket to) )$e#e s$e $ad "ee "o# % maki ! tea "e*o#e #isi ! to +o.e# t$e )eddi !s a d +$u#+$ *etes- No)% *i a((,% $e# $a#d )o#k $ad paid di.ide ds a d s$e $ad (a ded a 6o"% a(t$ou!$ a .e#, 6u io# o e% admitted(,% at a atio a( dai(, $e#e i Lo do &Yea$% t$i !s a#e "ette# t$a t$e, )e#e i m, da,%& t$e esta"(is$ed o(de# *ema(e 6ou# a(ist )$o $ad take $e# u de# $e# )i ! $ad to(d $e#- &You $a.e ta(e t% Sam%& s$e +o +eded% maki ! Sam !(o) )it$ p#ide&But%& s$e )a# ed% &,ou eed to !i.e o e $u d#ed pe# +e t i* ,ou )a t peop(e to t$i k ,ou a#e se#ious a d% )$i(e s+#up(es a#e &t a "ad t$i ! e/a+t(,% ,ou eed to "e a "it mo#e --- *(e/i"(e- O$% a d it !oes )it$out sa,i ! t$at t$e (ast t$i ! ,ou )a t at t$is poi t i ,ou# +a#ee# is a $i!$0mai te a +e #e(atio s$ip-& At t$is poi t s$e $ad (au!$ed a d Sam $ad 6oi ed i - &O# a *ami(, --- p#o*essio a( sui+ide5& Ba",5 Sam )as &t (au!$i ! o) as s$e +o side#ed t$is e) a d *#a k(, s+a#, detou# i $e# $it$e#to p#edi+ta"(e (i*e- S$e $ad "ee s+a#ed0s$e sti(( )as0"ut t$e#e $ad e.e# "ee a , to#tu#ed sou(0 sea#+$i !3 it $ad simp(, e.e# o++u##ed to $e# ot to $a.e t$is "a",U de# eat$ t$e s+a#i ess a d t$e pa i+ t$e#e )as a deep0seated a d tota((, i e/p(i+a"(e *ee(i ! o* #i!$t ess--- T$is )as ot a *ee(i ! s$e a ti+ipated t$e *at$e# o* $e# a++ide ta( "a", )ou(d s$a#e- But 6ust "e+ause $e )ou(d &t )a t a ,t$i ! to do )it$ t$e "a", did &t mea $e did &t $a.e t$e #i!$t to k o)Sam $ad stee(ed $e#se(* *o# $is i e.ita"(e a !e# a d suspi+io t$at s$e $ad to(d $e#se(* )ou(d "e o#ma( *o# a , ma i su+$ +i#+umsta +es- W$at )as (ess o#ma( )as t$e st#a !e se se o* i e# se#e it, s$e $ad tapped i to0a se#e it, s$e $ad &t k o) s$e possessed% a(t$ou!$ s$e a(so )o de#ed )$et$e# it mi!$t 6ust "e a s,mptom o* de(a,ed s$o+k-
A s$ak, si!$ (e*t $e# (u !s as Sam s$ook $e# $ead- S$e $ad o (, $ad a *o#t i!$t to !et used to t$e idea a d it sti(( $ad &t *u((, su k i ,et0i *a+t t$e )$o(e situatio $ad a su##ea( 1ua(it,He# $a d )e t to $e# "e((,% sti(( *(at u de# $e# 6a+ket a d $e# (ips +u#.ed i to a )#, smi(e- No dou"t t$e idea )ou(d sta#t to *ee( mo#e #ea( )$e $e# )aist(i e "e!a to e/pa dS$e add#essed t$e !i#( "e$i d t$e desk o +e mo#e- &I&m --- Sama t$a Mui# a d --- & T$e !i#( (ooki ! s(i!$t(, "o#ed o) t$e a+t#ess a d $e# ois, e tou#a!e $ad (e*t% (i*ted t$e p$o e s$e Sam "(i ked- T$is )as ot t$e )a, a , o* $e# me ta( .e#sio s o* t$is s+e e $ad p(a,edT$e s$oes must #ea((, $a.e )o#ked5 T$e s$oes i 1uestio )e#e at t$at mome t ai(ed to t$e *(oo#- S$e +ou(d &t mo.e% s$e )as so s$o+ked at ot e.e $a.i ! $e# ide tit, 1ue#ied o# t$e #easo *o# $e# .isit 1uestio ed&4i#st (e*t8& s$e e+$oed% i )a#d(, )o de#i ! )$, s$e )as sti(( sta di ! t$e#e- T$e )oma )a ted $e# to !o t$#ou!$ t$at doo#% s$e )as &t to k o) Sam did &t $a.e a appoi tme t so s$e s$ou(d &t u de# a , +i#+umsta +es .o(u tee# t$e i *o#matio W$at )as $o(di ! $e# "a+k8 T$ose i +o .e ie t s+#up(es% t$at a)*u( +ompu(sio to te(( t$e t#ut$ i mome ts )$e a )$ite (ie o# si(e +e )o#ked mu+$ "ette#% o# simp(, !ut(ess *ea#8 Wit$ a $i t o* impatie +e t$e #e+eptio ist odded a d )a.ed (o ! #edpai ted ai(s i t$e di#e+tio o* t$e doo# "e*o#e tu# i ! $e# atte tio "a+k to t$e p$o eT$is is too eas,% pe#sisted t$e .oi+e o* suspi+io i Sam&s $ead&Eas, is !ood%& Sam #eto#ted u de# $e# "#eat$- I* t$is )as a +ase o* +#ossed )i#es it )as )o#ki ! to $e# ad.a ta!e so s$e&d "e a dope ot to !o )it$ t$e *(o)- S$e (i*ted $e# +$i a d o +e a!ai *i/ed a +o *ide t smi(e o $e# pa(e *a+e0s$e )as tappi ! i to p#e.ious(, u e/pe+ted a+ti ! ta(e tsa d )a(ked t$#ou!$ t$e doo# )it$out k o+ki !It )as a "it o* a a ti+(ima/% as t$e #oom s$e *ou d $e#se(* i )as ot (a#!e- T$e o (, *u# itu#e )as a sma(( desk i o e +o# e# a d some eas, +$ai#s set a(o ! o e )a((- A doo# "eside t$e desk ope ed a d a s(im t$i#t,somet$i ! ma )it$ t$i i ! sa d, $ai# a d a $a#assed ma e# )a(ked i % t$e d#opped t$e *i(e o* pape#s $e )as $o(di ! )$e $e sa) $e#&You&#e a )oma -& U de# o#ma( +i#+umsta +es Sam )ou(d $a.e #espo ded to t$is a++usatio % "e+ause it )as de*i ite(, a a++usatio % )it$ i#o i+ $umou#- But $umou# a d i#o , )e#e "ot$ "e,o d $e# at t$e mome tI stead s$e odded +autious(, a d said% &He((o% I&m Sam Mui# a d I&d (ike0& &Sam5& He s(apped a $a d to $is *o#e$ead a d !#oa ed- &T$at e/p(ai s it% o* +ou#se- A d 6ust )$e I t$ou!$t t$at t$is da, +ou(d &t !et a , )o#se-& Sam% *ee(i ! i +#easi !(, "e)i(de#ed% !a.e a ot$e# .a!ue od- &I&m $e#e to see M# B#u e((i --- 8&
As s$e spoke $e# me ta( "a##ie# s(ipped a d a da#k ima!e *(i+ke#ed a+#oss $e# #eti a- T$e "(u##, (i es so(idi*ied i to *eatu#es u ti( s$e +ou(d see ea+$ st#o !(, s+u(pted (i e a d i di.idua( a !(e o* Cesa#e B#u e((i&s *a+eIt seemed ama2i ! o) t$at s$e $ad $ad o p#e+o! itio o* da !e# t$e *i#st time s$e $ad (ooked i to t$e *a+e o* t$e ta(( ma )$o $ad to)e#ed o.e# $e#T$e impa+t o* $is "eaut, $ad "ee (ike a p$,si+a( "(o) d#a)i ! t$e "#eat$ *#om $e# "u# i ! (u !s (ike t$e $eat *#om a *u# a+e "ei ! d#a) i to a .a+uumS$e $ad "ee dim(, +o s+ious o* emotio s deep i side $e# sti##i !% "#eaki ! *#ee o* se(*0imposed #est#ai ts% "ut $ad *e(t st#a !e(, dis+o e+ted *#om )$at $ad "ee $appe i ! to $e#- He# i ate a"i(it, to dista +e $e#se(* emotio a((, a d a a(,se )$at s$e )as doi ! a d )$, $ad dese#ted $e# tota((,- O* +ou#se s$e $ad &t #e+o! ised t$is u ti( it $ad "ee too (ate0t$e dama!e $ad "ee do e5 W$e s$e $ad "ee )it$ $im s$e $ad &t "ee a"(e to +o t#o( $e# pou di ! $ea#t"eat% t$e )eak ess i $e# s$aki ! (im"s o# t$e "u# i ! $eat t$at $ad )as$ed o.e# $e# ski It )as &t 6ust t$e ste# s,mmet#, a d po)e#*u( p(a es o* $is "#o 2ed pat#i+ia *eatu#es% o# t$e +u#.e o* $is mout$% it )as o i di.idua( *eatu#e "ut t$e +om"i atio t$at made $im so "eauti*u(E.e o)% t)e(.e )eeks (ate#% t$e memo#, o* $is *a+e made Sam&s t$#oat a+$e% "ut o) s$e +ou(d t$i k a"out $e# #ea+tio a d )$at $ad $appe ed (ate# mo#e o"6e+ti.e(,S$e +ou(d ot de , $e )as a !ood0(ooki ! ma )$o possessed a a##o!a t se/ua(it, s$e )as ot tota((, immu e to% "ut )$at $ad $appe ed $ad "ee t$e #esu(t o* a *#eak set o* +i#+umsta +es #at$e# t$a a ,t$i ! mo#e mome tousHe )ou(d p#o"a"(, tu# out to "e 1uite o#di a#,% s$e t$ou!$t- S$e&d p#o"a"(, 6ust "ui(t $im up i $e# mi d i to somet$i ! e/t#ao#di a#, to de*e d $e# o) "e$a.iou# "e+ause ot$i ! s$o#t o* a #ampa t% i##esisti"(e se/ !od +ou(d "e #espo si"(e *o# $e# *a(( *#om !#a+e- S$e )as (ooki ! *o# e/+usesW$e#eas t$e p(ai t#ut$ )as t$e#e )e#e o e/+uses3 s$e&d "ee #e+k(ess a d stupid- S$e&d $ad a mome t o* )eak ess0a+tua((, a e ti#e i!$t o* )eak ess% "ut t$is )as somet$i ! s$e +$ose ot to d)e(( o 0 a d o) s$e $ad to (i.e )it$ itS$e )ou(d p#o"a"(, see $im a d dis+o.e# $e "o#e o #esem"(a +e to $e# #oma ti+ised ima!e o* a "#oodi !% dama!ed $e#o i eed o* +om*o#t t$at o (, s$e +ou(d !i.e9ui+k(, s$e s$ied a)a, *#om t$e su"6e+t o* !i.i ! a d tu# ed $e# t$ou!$ts i stead to t$e p#ese t'#a!!i ! $e# atte tio "a+k to t$e sa d,$ai#ed ,ou ! ma % s$e oti+ed $e )as #i*(i ! t$#ou!$ some pape#s $e o) $ad i $is $a d&T$is mi!$t "e a p#o"(em --- It (ooks (ike ,ou# C: $as !o e )a(ka"out too% m, God5& $e e/+(aimed i dis!ust- &T$at )oma #ea((, )as a tota( (ia"i(it,5& He put aside t$e pape#s a d !(a +ed up at Sam% addi ! as a apo(o!eti+ a*te#t$ou!$t% &So##,% it&s ot ,ou# *au(t-& A+tua((, it )asA *#es$ )a.e o* dis!ust a d s$ame )as$ed o.e# SamW$o e(se )as t$e#e to "(ame8 S$e&d kissed Cesa#e *i#st% kissed a tota( st#a !e#-
T$e memo#, o* $im )as i de(i"(, stamped i to $e# +o s+ious esst$e )a, $is *a+e $ad "ee i((umi ated ", t$e sudde *(as$ o* )$ite (i!$t i ! outside t$e )i do)% a d t$e )a, t$i !s $ad t)isted pai *u((, i $e# +$est )$e s$e $ad see t$e te##i"(e "(eak ess t$at $ad s$o e deep i $is i +#edi"(e e,es a d t$e utte# *#ust#atio stamped o $is da#k *eatu#esU a"(e to .oi+e t$e )o#ds o* +om*o#t% u a"(e to *o#+e a , sou d "esides a +$oki ! si!$ past t$e emotio a( +o !estio i $e# t$#oat% s$e $ad i stead #ea+$ed out a d take $is *a+e "et)ee $e# $a dsT$e a+tio s $ad "ee spo ta eous% a d% s$e $ad #ea(ised a(most immediate(,% a mistake- He $ad sti**e ed at t$e tou+$ o* $e# mout$% $is o) (ips #emai i ! u #espo si.e u de# t$e p#essu#e o* $e#sKissi ! a !o#!eous ma )$o did &t )a t to "e kissed mi!$t "e somet$i ! t$at a , um"e# o* )ome $e# a!e +ou(d (au!$ o** )it$ a s$#u!% "ut Sam did ot possess t$at ski((S$e $ad &t )a ted to (au!$3 s$e&d )a ted to die *#om s$ee# mo#ti*i+atio - S$e $ad sta#ted to (i*t $e# $ead% sta#ted to mutte# a mo#ti*ied apo(o!,% a d )ou(d $a.e #emo.ed $e# $a ds $ad $is o) *i !e#s ot +ome up to +o.e# $e#s a d $o(d t$em a!ai st $is *a+eSam&s $ea#t t$udded a!ai as s$e #emem"e#ed $is *i !e#s ta !(i ! i $e#s% t$e *i e mus+(es a(o ! $is 6a) te si !% $is ost#i(s *(a#i ! as $e s(u##ed somet$i ! t$i+k i $is o) (a !ua!eS$e $ad *e(t #at$e# t$a $ea#d t$e !#oa t$at $ad seemed to "e d#a!!ed *#om deep i side $im "e*o#e "ei ! (ost i $e# mout$S$e $ad sta#ted it5 It )as a"so(ute(, o e/+use t$at $e $ad (ooked as i* $e eeded kissi !O* +ou#se% i* $e $ad &t kissed $e# "a+k a d t$e sto#m $ad &t k o+ked out t$e e(e+t#i+it, --- t$e#e )ou(d $a.e "ee o p#o"(em- No p#o"(em% o s+a(di ! s$ame a d o "a",5 S$e "it do) $a#d o $e# (ip a d su"dued t$e ima!es t$at #ose s$ame*u( a d !#ap$i+ i $e# $ead--- It $ad $appe ed a d it )as p#ett, poi t(ess !i.e t$e +o se1ue +es i p#ete di ! it $ad &t% "ut ot$i ! +ou(d "e a+$ie.ed ", e d(ess post0mo#temsTe sio d#a)i ! t$e so*t (i es o* $e# pa(e *a+e taut% $e# $a d )e t u +o s+ious(, to $e# stoma+$- He )ou(d ot )a t to k o)% )$i+$ suited $e# *i e- S$e +ou(d )a(k out o* t$e doo# k o)i ! t$at s$e $ad do e t$e #i!$t t$i !&Is M# B#u e((i a+tua((, $e#e8& s$e asked- Ha(* o* $e# )a ted t$e a s)e# to "e e!ati.eT$e ma si!$ed% $is !(a +e s)i.e((i ! si! i*i+a t(, to)a#ds t$e doo# "e$i d $im "e*o#e $e odded a d "e(ated(, i t#odu+ed $imse(*- &I&m Tim A d#e)s- Ca(( me Tim%& $e added )it$ a eas,0!oi ! smi(eA*te# a $esitatio Sam took t$e $a d $e e/te ded% $e# !a2e s(idi ! to t$e doo#- I* s$e mo.ed 1ui+k(, s$e +ou(d "e t$#ou!$ it "e*o#e t$is i+e ma +ou(d stop $e#&You&#e s$aki !%& t$e ma said sudde (,% +o +e# #ep(a+i ! t$e $a#assed e/p#essio o $is *a+e as Sam pu((ed $e# $a d a)a,S$e t$#ust $e# $a ds i t$e po+kets o* $e# 6a+ket a d to(d $e#se(* to #e(a/- W$at )as t$e )o#st t$e, +ou(d do8 To "e *o#+i"(, e6e+ted ", Se+u#it, )ou(d "e a e) e/pe#ie +e- A(t$ou!$ $e# (ast e) e/pe#ie +e $ad ot tu# ed out so )e((% $o)e.e# "(iss*u((, pe#*e+t it $ad "ee at t$e time-
&I&.e +ome a (o ! )a, to see M# B#u e((i-& It $ad a+tua((, 6ust "ee a +oup(e o* Tu"e #ides% "ut s$e sa) o $a#m i e/a!!e#atio !i.e t$e +i#+umsta +es- &A d I&# ot (ea.i ! u ti( I do- I mea it-& Sam )is$ed s$e *e(t $a(* as #eso(.ed as s$e sou dedT$e#e )as a sta#t(ed pause "e*o#e Tim said% &I "e(ie.e ,ou-& I )is$ I did% s$e t$ou!$t&I&(( do )$at I +a "ut- -- & He !a.e a s$#u! t$at to(d $e# to "e p#epa#ed to "e disappoi ted- &Wou(d ,ou (ike to take a seat8& Sam% )$o )ou(d $a.e 1uite (iked to "e some)$e#e e(se0a ,)$e#e e(se0)a(ked to o e o* t$e +$ai#s set a!ai st t$e )a(( a d sat do) A*te# a tap o t$e di.idi ! doo# Tim A d#e)s )a(ked t$#ou!$4#om )$e#e s$e )as sitti ! Sam +ou(d $ea# t$e sou d o* #aised .oi+es% o# at (east o e a ,)a,% a d t$at )as t$e o (, o e s$e )as $ea#i !- It "#ou!$t it a(( "a+k )it$ a #us$% o# )ou(d $a.e i* s$e $ad ot ste# (, pus$ed it a)a,% )$i+$ )as &t eas, )$e t$e o) e# o* t$e deep% !#a.e((,% a++e ted to e )as sta di ! o t$e ot$e# side o* t$at )a((Pe#$aps s$e&d "ee )#o ! to opt *o# t$e pe#so a( tou+$0a (ette# o# a emai(% i *a+t a ,t$i ! t$at did ot "#i ! $e# i to p$,si+a( +o ta+t )it$ t$is ma % mi!$t $a.e "ee "ette#It )as &t as i* s$e $ad a ,t$i ! to p#o.e to a ,o e e(se o# $e#se(*Sam )as &t +o s+ious o* !etti ! to $e# *eet o# +#ossi ! t$e #oom% "ut s$e must $a.e "e+ause t$e e/t t$i ! s$e k e) s$e )as sta di ! i t$e ope doo#)a,T$e #oom "e,o d )as .ast% "ut Sam )as o"(i.ious to t$e oak pa e((i ! a d )a(( o* !(ass t$at *#amed a .ie) o* t$e #i.e#- He# !(a +e o (, skimmed t$e e+(e+ti+ mi/ o* mode# desi! e# a d a ti1ue *u# itu#e "e*o#e !oi ! st#ai!$t to t$e ta((% (ea % "#oad0s$ou(de#ed *i!u#e sta di ! )it$ $is "a+k to $e#He tu# ed $is $ead s(i!$t(,% #e.ea(i ! t$e $i!$% i te((i!e t *o#e$ead% st#o ! (i e o* a a1ui(i e ose a d t$e s(i!$t(, s1ua#ed a !(e o* a *i#m s$a.e 6a)T$e ma s$e $ad spe t t$e i!$t )it$ $ad )o# $is $ai# +o((a#0(e !t$ a d $is 6a) $ad "ee +o.e#ed i stu""(e- He $ad "ee #a) a d ea#t$,% as e(eme ta( as t$e sto#m t$at $ad #a!ed outside as t$e, $ad made (o.eT$is ma $ad a smoot$ 6a) (i e a d $is $ai# )as +ut +(ose to $is $eadCasua( a d +#ump(ed 6ea s $ad "ee #ep(a+ed ", a "eauti*u((, tai(o#ed !#e, suit t$at s$#ieked desi! e#He (ooked t$e epitome o* mas+u(i e e(e!a +e a d sop$isti+atio Sudde (, t$is did &t *ee( (ike a po(ite *o#ma(it,0it *e(t (ike a ma6o# mistake- Sam )as !#ipped ", a u#!e t a d p#imiti.e +ompu(sio to tu# a d #u % a d s$e )ou(d $a.e o"e,ed t$is i sti +t i* $e# (e!s o# *o# t$at matte# a , ot$e# pa#ts o* $e# "od,% $ad s$o) a , i +(i atio to *o((o) i st#u+tio s&S$a(( I s$ut t$e doo#8 S$e&s out t$e#e a d0& &No% (ea.e it ope - Ca di+e does ot u de#sta d t$e +o +ept o* (ess is mo#e )$e it +omes to pe#*ume-&
As Sam sa) Cesa#e&s a#isto+#ati+ ose )#i k(e i distaste s$e )o de#ed i* t$is disp(a, )as (ess to do )it$ !e ui e #epu! a +e to t$e e/oti+ s+e t a d mo#e to do )it$ t$e pe#so it #emi ded $im o*'id it 6ust "#i ! memo#ies o* $is time )it$ Ca di+e *(oodi ! "a+k o# *i(( $im )it$ $e(p(ess (o !i !8 Neit$e# possi"i(it, made Sam *ee( pa#ti+u(a#(, +$ee#*u(- E.e# si +e s$e&d #ead a e)spape# a#ti+(e o Cesa#e&s #e(atio s$ip )it$ Ca di+e% Sam $ad "ee )o de#i ! i* it $ad "ee t$e "eauti*u( a+t#ess&s *a+e $e $ad "ee seei ! i $is $ead )$e $e $ad made (o.e to $e#- 4o# a(( Sam k e) t$ose (i1uid Ita(ia e dea#me ts t$at $ad me(ted $e# mi!$t $a.e "ee i te ded *o# someo e 1uite di**e#e t% someo e )$o #ea((, )as $is "e((a mia% $is "eauti*u( "(o de e/0*ia +ee0e/+ept0 o) t$e e/ pa#t )as i 1uestio &Look% I&# so##, a"out Ca di+e "ut s$e0& &T$e#e is o eed to e/p(ai Ca di+e to me% Tim0s$e is se satio a((, si !(e mi ded )$e s$e de+ides o somet$i !- I take it t$e e)s o* $e# p#ese +e $e#e )as (eaked8& T$e s(i!$te# ma #espo ded to t$is d#, e 1ui#, )it$ a #ue*u( !#ima+e- &I&m a*#aid so-& &S$e )as e.e# o e to )aste a !ood p$oto oppo#tu it,-& &A"out t$is !i#(% Cesa#e% s$e&s t#a.e((ed to !et $e#e0+ou(d &t ,ou 6ust see $e#8 You do &t $a.e to a+tua((, !i.e $e# t$e 6o"-& As Sam (iste ed s$e *i a((, u de#stood t$e #easo *o# t$e ope doo#s t$at s$e $ad so *a# e +ou te#ed0 t$e, t$ou!$t s$e )as a app(i+a t *o# a 6o"5 T$is #ea(isatio mi!$t $a.e made $e# (au!$ i* it $ad ot "ee *o# t$e *a+t t$at t$e o (, t$i ! Sam )as #ea((, +o s+ious o* at t$at mome t )as t$e ma )$o #espo ded to t$is +oa/i ! +omme t *#om Tim )it$ a +o temptuous s o#t;ust $e# (u+k it tu# ed out Cesa#e a+tua((, )as a #ampa t se/ !od5 &I )as 1uite spe+i*i+ I do ot )a t a *ema(e P A-& &We((% t$e a!e +, +ou(d &t sa, t$at% +ou(d t$e,8 Not )it$out "ei ! a++used o* se/ua( dis+#imi atio -& &So t$is is )$, a )oma )as i +(uded i t$e s$o#t(ist8 To pa, (ip se#.i+e to e1ua(it,8& S$e )at+$ed as Cesa#e B#u e((i )a(ked a#ou d t$e desk% $is *a+e set i (i es o* i##itatio % t$e )it$out taki ! $is e,es *#om t$e ot$e# ma $e pi+ked up a smoot$ !#ee #o+k s$ot t$#ou!$ )it$ i#ides+e t st#eaks o* !o(d a d "e!a to #u" it "et)ee $is pa(msSam% $e# e,es !(ued to $is (o ! "#o) *i !e#s% #a a to !ue o.e# $e# d#, (ips as $e# stoma+$ *i((ed )it$ a *(o+k o* "utte#*(ies at t$e t$ou!$t o* t$ose *i !e#s o $e# ski % t$e ski(*u( tou+$ (ea.i ! t#ai(s o* *i#e&Is t$at t$e same sto e ,ou "#ou!$t "a+k *#om t$e peak )$e )e did t$at Hima(a,a t#ek8& &Yes-& As $e (et t$e sto e sett(e i t$e pa(m o* o e $a d Cesa#e&s e/p#essio )as u #eada"(eIt )as o st#u!!(e *o# Sam to see $im +(i !i ! to some s$ee# +(i** *a+e- He (ooked (ike a ma )$o (iked to pus$ t$e "ou da#ies a d $imse(*-
&T$at )as some e/pe#ie +e% )as &t it8& Tim e t$used% a !#i sp#eadi ! a+#oss $is *a+e- &E.e i* I did &t make it to t$e top%& $e added #ue*u((,- &But e/t time I&m ot !oi ! to +$i+ke out- I&m !oi ! to keep up )it$ t$e "i! "o,s- T$e I&(( see t$e .ie) *o# m,se(*-& T$e sou d o* t$e sto e "ei ! set "a+k do) o t$e desk "#ou!$t t$e sa d,0$ai#ed E !(is$ma &s e,es to t$e ta(( Ita(ia &s *a+e&But I )i(( ot-& T$e mome t t$e )o#ds )e#e out o* $is mout$ Cesa#e #e!#etted t$emHe dis(iked se(*0pit, i ot$e#s a d e.e mo#e so i $imse(*Co(ou# *(ooded Tim&s *a+e- &I&m #ea((, so##,- I +a &t seem to ope m, mout$ )it$out0& &Sa,i ! somet$i ! to #emi d me t$at I&m "(i d8 T$e *a+t ,ou *o#!et it is )$, I keep ,ou a#ou d- T$at a d t$e *a+t ,ou# s+$oo("o,is$ (ooks (u(( t$e oppositio i to a *a(se se se o* se+u#it,- You&#e a"out t$e o (, pe#so )$o does &t )a(k o e!!s$e((s a#ou d me-& T$e#e $ad "ee o e ot$e#Cesa#e +(osed $is e,es% "ut it did ot stop $im $ea#i ! $e# .oi+e i $is $ead- Sometimes $e t$ou!$t s$e $ad "ee a e#oti+ *i!me t o* $is ima!i atio % "ut $is ima!i atio )ou(d ot $a.e "ee +apa"(e o* +o 6u#i ! su+$ .i.id memo#ies- He $ea#d $e# .oi+e sa,i ! t$i !s t$at o"od, e(se $ad da#ed% "ut e.e#, )o#d a d e.e#, a++usatio $ad "ee t#ue&Gut(ess )o de#& $ad pe#$aps "ee a (itt(e $a#s$% "ut a *(i+ke# o* a smi(e +#ossed $is *a+e at t$e #e+o((e+tio 0$is #espo se at t$e time o* $e# +omme ts $ad ot "ee su+$ a to(e#a t o# o"6e+ti.e o eS$e $ad "e+ome t$e i +o sumed $imo+e t0t$ou!$ p#o.o+ati.e0*o+us o* a(( t$e i e# #a!e a d impote t *u#, t$at
His e#.e e di !s $ad "ee e/posed a d st#ipped "a#e0pe#$aps 6ust ", $e# .oi+e- T$e $usk, 1ua(it, +e#tai (, $ad t$e a"i(it, to di! its )a, u de# a ma &s ski S$e $ad said t$i !s t$at o"od, e(se )ou(d% t$i !s t$at $ad eeded sa,i !- S$e $ad #ipped a)a, $is de*e +es )it$ a *e) o"se#.atio s a d made $im *ee( )$at $e $ad "ee t#,i ! ot to0pai 5 S$e $ad tapped i to t$e p#ote+ti.e $o((o) ess t$at $e $ad "ee +a##,i ! a#ou dT$e se/ $ad "ee somet$i ! e(se0a mistake% "ut t$e so#t t$at $e )ou(d (ike to make a!ai % $e mused% a #e*(e+ti.e smi(e p(a,i ! a#ou d t$e +o# e#s o* $is (ips&Peop(e a()a,s )a(k o e!!s$e((s a#ou d ,ou%& Tim #eto#ted% s appi ! Cesa#e out o* $is #e.e#ie% &"e+ause ,ou i timidate t$e $e(( out o* t$em-& T$at mu+$ at (east $ad ot +$a !ed si +e t$e a++ide t&You&#e su!!esti ! I&m ot a *ai# ma 8 T$at I&m a "u((,8& Cesa#e asked% sou di ! i te#ested #at$e# t$a o**e ded ", t$e possi"i(it,&I&m su!!esti ! ,ou&#e a ma )$o sets $imse(* $i!$ sta da#ds a d e/pe+ts ot$e#s to (i.e up to t$em% "ut ot e.e#,o e $as ,ou#0*o+us-&
It $ad take mo#e t$a me#e *o+us *o# Cesa#e to o.e#+ome t$e pe#so a( demo s t$at $ad a#ise a*te# $e&d su**e#ed (osi ! $is si!$tIt $ad take a )i(( o* stee(&A" out t IS !## ---Cesa#e&s *i !e#s d#i((ed a impatie t tattoo o t$e desk- &You k o) m, opi io o* t$is so#t o* poi t(ess po(iti+a( +o##e+t ess% so )$, )aste t$is )oma &s time a d mi e8& &S$e )as i +(uded ", mistake% $e# ame is Sam --- & Tim&s e/p(a atio t#ai(ed a)a, as $e added +oa/i !(,% &Cou(d &t ,ou 6ust see $e#8& T$e mome t t$e )o#ds (e*t $is (ips a *(us$ mou ted $is *ai#% *#e+k(ed *a+e a d $e "#oke o** "e*o#e sa,i ! a)k)a#d(,% &I mea --- & Cesa#e (i*ted a sa#do i+ "#o)- &I k o) )$at ,ou mea % Timot$,%& $e said% amuseme t i $is .oi+e- &A d I do )is$ ,ou )ou(d stop t#,i ! so $a#d to spa#e m, *ee(i !s- But% o% I )i(( ot- -- see $e#- I +a $a#d(, "e a++used o*
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THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE MILLS AN' BOON
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se/ua( dis+#imi atio to)a#ds )ome i t$e )o#kp(a+e- Is it ot a *a+t t$at )e emp(o, mo#e )ome i se io# ma a!eme t positio s t$a a , ot$e# +ompa#a"(e +ompa ,8& &Yes --- & &I $a.e o p#o"(em )it$ )ome i t$e )o#kp(a+e0it is 6ust a )oma i m, o**i+e I do ot )a t-& He *ou d t$e idea o* $a.i ! u see e,es *i((ed )it$ pit, *o((o)i ! $im a#ou d t$e o**i+e i to(e#a"(e&T$is o e mi!$t "e di**e#e t-& &You mea s$e mi!$t ot "e +a#i ! a d +ompassio ate a d s$e mi!$t ot "e u a"(e to pe#*o#m i +ide ta( tasks (ike so#ti ! m, dia#, "e+ause s$e is so "us, oo2i ! empat$, a d p#ote+ti ! me- It did &t matte# $o) #ude I )as0& &A d ,ou )e#e-& &It did &t matte#-& &S$e sti(( *e(( i (o.e )it$ ,ou5 I s$ou(d $a.e ,ou# p#o"(em%& Tim mutte#edA spasm o* distaste +o to#ted Cesa#e&s da#k (ea *eatu#es as $e s o#ted- &P(ease do ot +o *use t$at so#t o* sopp, se time ta(it, )it$ (o.e-& CHAPTER TWO &I WON&T *a(( i (o.e )it$ ,ou-& Sam *e(t p#ett, sa*e i maki ! t$is stateme t% t$ou!$ o".ious(, s$e )ou(d &t $a.e *e(t as +om*o#ta"(e i* s$e $ad "ee dis+ussi ! *a((i ! i (ust-
S$e $ad *a((e deep a d despe#ate(, i (ust )it$ t$is ma a"out te se+o ds a*te# s$e&d set e,es o $imLust $ad made $e# p#i +ip(es a d se(*#espe+t .a is$ i a $ot *(as$ o* i dis+#imi ati ! $o#mo es --PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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But (o.e )as a .e#, di**e#e t ki d o* "east3 (o.e "o#e o #esem"(a +e to a "o(t o* (i!$t i ! t$at #o""ed ,ou o* ,ou# a"i(it, to t$i k3 (o.e )as &t a"out +$emi+a(s3 it $appe ed !#adua((,% it !#e) i st#e !t$ a d it e du#edLust% o t$e ot$e# $a d% )as made o* mu+$ mo#e *(ims, mate#ia(- It $ad o sta,i ! po)e# --- )$i+$ )as )$, Sam +ou(d (ook at Cesa#e o) a d *ee( ot$i ! "ut --- o$% God% (ooki ! at $im )as ot a !ood idea5 T$e sou d o* $e# .oi+e made "ot$ me tu# t$ei# $eads III $e# di#e+tio a d Sam )as *o#+ed to #apid(, #e0e.a(uate t$e sta,i ! po)e# o* $e# (ustT$e $o#mo es )e#e sti(( t$e#e a d a+ti.e5 S$e k e) Cesa#e +ou(d &t see $e# "ut it *e(t as t$ou!$ $e )e#e sta#i ! #i!$t at $e#Sam&s $ea#t )as pumpi ! so *ast s$e +ou(d $a#d(, d#a! ai# i to $e# (u !sCesa#e (ooked so di**e#e t- Wou(d $e s$#u! o** t$e .e ee# o* +u(tu#ed sop$isti+atio as easi(, as $e mi!$t s$#u! t$at impe++a"(, tai(o#ed 6a+ket o.e# $is "#oad s$ou(de#s --- 8 We((% s$e )as &t !oi ! to $a ! a#ou d to *i d out% Sam #emi ded $e#se(* as t$e ima!e o* Cesa#e i $e# $ead "e!a to s$ed mo#e t$a $is 6a+ket5 &I&m ot $e#e a"out t$e 6o"% M# B#u e((i-& A d s$e )as &t $e#e to (ust a*te# $is "od,- Lusti ! )as )$at $ad !ot $e# i t$is mess to "e!i )it$5 His i +#edi"(e e,es% s(oe0da#k a d *#amed ", p#eposte#ous(, (o !% +u#(i ! e"o , (as$es% )e#e t#ai ed di#e+t(, o $e# *a+e- Sam *e(t as i* t$at pie#+i ! sta#e )e#e seei !% ot 6ust $e# *a+e% "ut t$e t$ou!$ts i $e# $ead% a d as t$ese t$ou!$ts i .o(.ed $im )ea#i ! .e#, (itt(e it )as a deep(, distu#"i ! *ee(i !Cesa#e sti((ed% $is $a ds +(e +$i ! i to *ists at $is sides as t$e deep (itt(e .oi+e )it$ t$e u i1ue $usk, #eso a +e $it $im (ike a s(ap i t$e *a+ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He&d sea#+$ed *o# $e# a d "ee u a"(e to *i d $e#% t$e )oma )$o $ad appea#ed i $is (i*e t$e 1uiet(, .a is$ed (ea.i ! o (, t$e s+e t o* $e# "od, o $is "ed s$eets to s$o) s$e $ad ot "ee a d#eamS$e )as $e#e- S$e $ad *ou d $im- A s(o) smi(e +u#.ed $is (ips as a ti+ipatio u +u#(ed i $is "e((,A*te# t$e a++ide t $is se/ua( appetite $ad !o e i to $i"e# atio % "ut $ad "ee #e0a)oke )it$ a .e !ea +e ", t$e o) e# o* t$is .oi+e- W$e s$e $ad .a is$ed so% i e/p(i+a"(,% $ad $is desi#e-
It )as "a+k5 Cesa#e&s deep :OI+e +ut t$#ou!$ t$e st#et+$i ! si(e +e- &Lea.e us% Tim-& Tim% )$o )as )a(ki ! a+#oss t$e #oom to Sam% stopped i $is t#a+ks at t$e +u#t #e1uest- Cesa#e +ou(d *ee( t$e ot$e# ma &s asto is$ed sta#e% "ut i! o#ed it&Lea.e ,ou8& Tim e+$oed as i* $e +ou(d &t 1uite "e(ie.e )$at $e )as $ea#i !- His !(a +e s(id to Sam&Wit$ $e#8& &Yes-& O e +o# e# o* Cesa#e&s mout$ (i*ted a d $e sket+$ed a sa#do i+ smi(eSam&s se se o* i se+u#it, deepe ed- S$e $ad me ta((, p#epa#ed $e#se(* to e/pe+t o e t$i !% "ut t$is )as &t it5 Not o (, $ad Cesa#e&s appea#a +e u de#!o e a t#a s*o#matio % so $ad $is ma e#T$e Cesa#e B#u e((i i S+ot(a d $ad "ee st#u!!(i ! )it$ demo s o* se(*0dou"t as $e +ame to te#ms )it$ )$at $ad $appe ed to $im- He $ad "ee a !#, a d *#ust#ated% $is ma e# a"#asi.e a d "e((i!e#e tT$is ma % )it$ $is ai# o* u studied aut$o#it,% (ooked as i* $e&d e.e# e/pe#ie +ed a mome t o* se(*0 dou"t i $is (i*e5 &I&(( +a(( i* I *ee( i da !e#% Tim-& A d )$at )i(( I do i* I *ee( i da !e#8 Sam t$ou!$t as s$e d#e) a deep "#eat$- S$e a(#ead, *e(t i da !e#0o* (osi ! $e# mi d i* ot$i ! e(sePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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T$is is )$at I )a ted% s$e #emi ded $e#se(*- But sudde (, "ei ! a(o e )it$ Cesa#e B#u e((i o (o !e# seemed so desi#a"(e&Ho(d o % Tim%& Cesa#e o#de#ed% a d Tim paused- &W$at does s$e (ook (ike8& &Pa#do 8& &Is s$e a "(ue0e,ed "(o de% a "#o) 0e,ed "#u ette --- 8& Cesa#e a(#ead, k e) t$at $e# *a+e )as (e.e( )it$ $is $ea#t% $e k e) t$at $e# *i!u#e )as +o##espo di !(, petite a d t$e ski t$at +o.e#ed t$ose de(i+ious s(i!$t +u#.es )as smoot$ a d si(k,- It )as a s$o+k *o# $im to #e+o! ise $o) o*te du#i ! t$e i te#.e i ! )eeks $e $ad t$ou!$t o* t$e *a+e $e $ad t#a+ed )it$ $is *i !e#s% t$e *a+e )it$ t$e sma((% dete#mi ed +$i % tipti(ted ose a d )ide% (us$ mout$- His musi ! $ad "ee *#ust#ated ", t$e i a"i(it, to put a +o(ou# to $e# e,es o# to k o) t$e s$ade o* t$e (o ! si(k, t#esses $e $ad spea#ed $is *i !e#s i to a d smoot$ed *#om $e# "#o)-
&S$e $as deep "(ue e,es0.e#, "(ue0a d au"u# $ai#%& Tim said% )it$out (ooki ! to +$e+k t$e detai(s- He t$e (ooked em"a##assed a d t$#e) Sam a se(*0+o s+ious a d apo(o!eti+ (ook- &So##,-& Sam s$ook $e# $ead- &It is &t ,ou )$o $as o ma e#s-& Neit$e# did $e $a.e a au#a o* #a) se/ua(it, t$at made it impossi"(e *o# a pe#so to #e(a/ i $is +ompa ,T$e poi ted +omme t d#e) a $asti(, +ut0o** +$u+k(e *#om Tim% )$o t$e 1ui+k(, .a is$edT$e doo# +(osed )it$ a +(i+k a d s$e took a deep "#eat$- &I&m --- & Cesa#e ti(ted $is $ead to o e side- Red $ai# e/p(ai ed t$e tempe# a d mes$ed pe#*e+t(, )it$ $is me ta( ima!e- &I k o) )$o ,ou a#e% +a#a- You seem to $a.e made 1uite a imp#essio o Timot$,%& $e stated% ot (ooki ! e ti#e(, p(eased ", t$is o"se#.atio - &So a "(ue0e,ed #ed$ead --- 8& &I $a#d(, t$i k t$e +o(ou# o* m, e,es is #e(e.a t-&
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&Possi"(,% "ut as )e a#e o su+$ i timate te#ms --- No)% I do &t t$i k )e )e#e e.e# *o#ma((, i t#odu+ed --- Sam --- 8& To $is mi d a "o,&s ame )as e ti#e(, i app#op#iate *o# t$e most *emi i e )oma $e $ad e.e# e +ou te#ed&Ho) did ,ou k o) t$at it )as me8& S$e s$ook $e# $ead a d di#e+ted $e# )a#, !a2e at $is *a+e- &You +ou(d &t% ,ou +a &t --- & U (ess --- 8 S$e took a stum"(i ! step "a+k)a#ds as $e "e!a to +#oss t$e #oom to)a#ds $e#% mo.i ! )it$ +o *ide +e as $e e!otiated $is #oute past se.e#a( o"sta+(es i +(udi ! a +$ai# t$at stood i $is )a,I* s$e $ad &t k o) a(#ead, it )ou(d e.e# $a.e +#ossed $e# mi d t$at $e )as "(i dMa,"e $e )as &t a , (o !e#8 His e/t mo+ki ! )o#ds #e.ea(ed $e $ad #ead $e# t$ou!$ts&I ma, "e "(i d% +a#a% "ut I&# ot stupid-&
But I am% s$e t$ou!$t as s$e sta#ed at $is mout$ a d t$ou!$t a"out it o $e# ski --- S$e s$i.e#ed a d )#apped $e# a#ms a#ou d $e#se(* p#ote+ti.e(,- S$e )as !(ad t$at $e +ou(d ot see t$e !i.ea)a, a+tio &T$e $o)8& &You# .oi+e is .e#, disti +ti.e-& Lo) a d smok, )it$ a se/, (itt(e #asp- T$e mus+(es a(o ! $is taut 6a) ti!$te ed as $is #ese tme t sti##ed- Like a a o,i ! tu e% $e $ad &t "ee a"(e to !et t$at $usk, sou d out o* $is $eadO# $e#Sam&s *i !e#s +(e +$ed a d s$e said 1ui+k(,% &A (ot o* peop(e $a.e a S+ottis$ a++e t-&
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Cesa#e $ad ot dou"ted *o# o e se+o d t$at t$is )as t$e )oma )$o $ad spe t t$at i!$t i S+ot(a d )it$ $im- &A d ,ou# pe#*ume --- & He s)a((o)ed $a#d% +ausi ! a .isi"(e )a.e o* +o t#a+tio "e eat$ t$e "#o) ski o* $is t$#oat- His ost#i(s *(a#ed as $is "od, #espo ded to t$e )a#m *(o#a( *ema(e s+e t i $is ost#i(s&I do &t use pe#*ume%& s$e p#otested $oa#se(,He $ad stopped +(ose e ou!$ so t$at a(( s$e $ad to do )as #ea+$ out a d s$e +ou(d tou+$ $im% a d s$e *e(t a a(most o.e#)$e(mi ! +ompu(sio to do 6ust t$atT$is )as +#a2,5 S$e $ad &t +ome $e#e to #e.isit t$is i sa it,% Sam t$ou!$t as s$e !u(ped a d t#ied to tea# $e# e,es *#om $is "eauti*u( *a+e- S$e *ai(ed0t$e ma )as tota((, +ompe((i !&A d o) t$e m,ste#, )oma $as a ame --- & T$e i de tatio "et)ee $is e,e"#o)s deepe ed- &Sam --8& T$e )a, $e )#apped $is to !ue a#ou d $e# ame se t a i((i+it s$i.e# do) $e# spi e&Sama t$a% "ut e.e#,o e +a((s me Sam-& &I p#e*e# Sama t$a-& Sam )as )o de#i ! $o) to #espo d to t$at )$e )it$out )a# i ! $e st#et+$ed out $is $a d- S$e +(osed $e# e,es a d s)a,ed as t$e se siti.e tips o* $is (o ! "#o) *i !e#s t#ai(ed s(o)(, do) t$e +u#.e o* $e# +$eek&So ,ou a#e #ea(- I )as "e!i i ! to )o de#% "ut *o# t$e s+#at+$es o m, "a+k I mi!$t $a.e de+ided ,ou )e#e a *i!me t o* m, ima!i atio -& T$e $ot% mo#ti*ied +o(ou# *(e) to Sam&s +$eeks as s$e (o)e#ed $e# !a2e% u a"(e to mai tai e,e +o ta+t e.e t$ou!$ $e +ou(d &t see $e#&Look% I e/pe+t ,ou&#e )o de#i ! )$, I&m $e#e-& S$e&d sta#ted to )o de# mu+$ t$e same t$i ! $e#se(* --T$is )as somet$i ! t$at +ou(d $a.e "ee do e at a dista +e0+(i i+a((,PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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But t$e ,ou )ou(d &t $a.e see $im% poi ted out t$e s(, .oi+e i $e# $ead% a d is &t t$at )$at ,ou #ea((, )a ted --- 8 Cesa#e s$ook $is $ead- &No% I assume ,ou )a t somet$i !- I&d (ike to *(atte# m,se(* a d t$i k it is m, "od,% "ut- -- &
A +$oki ! sou d es+aped Sam&s t$#oat- &You&#e #ea((, ot t$at *a tasti+%& s$e to(d $im as t$e e#oti+ ima!es p(a,i ! i $e# $ead stood )it ess to $e# )$oppe# o* a (ie&T$at&s ot )$at ,ou said at t$e time --- CPe#*e+t% utte#(, pe#*e+tC )e#e )o#ds me tio ed se.e#a( times% I t$i k% a d ,ou a(so appea#ed to $a.e a .e#, $i!$ opi io o* m, a"i(ities i "ed-& &I* ,ou )e#e a , so#t o* a !e t(ema ,ou )ou(d &t $a.e "#ou!$t t$at up-& &I&m ot-& S$e s$ook $e# $ead- &Not )$at8& He# stoma+$ mus+(es +(e +$ed as t$e +o# e#s o* $is (ips (i*ted i a s(o) p#edato#, smi(e- &A !e t(ema % +a#a% ot i a , se se o* t$e )o#d% "ut t$e it )as &t m, "eauti*u( ma e#s t$at made ,ou 6ump i to "ed )it$ me% )as it8& &I +a &t "e(ie.e I e.e# *e(t so##, *o# ,ou5& s$e !asped% !(a#i ! at $imHis $ead )e t "a+k as t$ou!$ s$e $ad st#u+k $im- Wit$ ost#i(s *(a#ed a d a t$i )$ite (i e et+$ed a#ou d t$e s+u(pted out(i e o* $is (ips% $e #eto#ted i a .oi+e ed!ed )it$ i+e% &So ,ou s(ept )it$ me "e+ause ,ou *e(t so##, *o# me8& Sam&s "#o) pu+ke#ed i to a *#o) as s$e #etu# ed to a m,ste#, s$e $ad sti(( ot *u((, #eso(.ed to $e# o) satis*a+tio - &I #ea((, do &t k o) )$, I did it0I&m a()a,s so se si"(e-& S$e !a.e a pe#p(e/ed s$ake o* $e# $ead a d si!$ed- &I k e) )$at I )as doi !% I k e) it )as +#a2,% "ut it )as as 'f '
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As $e (iste ed to $e# *a(te#i ! #espo se t$e $osti(it, d#ai ed *#om Cesa#e&s e/p#essio - &You 6ust $ad to i t$e same )a, ,ou $ad to take ,ou# e/t "#eat$- & Sam (ooked up% ama2ed to $ea# $e# o) *ee(i !s so simp(, "ut a++u#ate(, e/p#essed- &E/a+t(, (ike t$at5& T$e % #ea(isi ! )$at s$e $ad 6ust admitted a d to )$om s$e $ad admitted it% s$e "(us$ed to t$e #oots o* $e# $ai# a d added de*e si.e(,% &I do &t *ee( so##, *o# ,ou a , mo#e-& T$e )o(*(ike smi(e t$at #e.ea(ed $is e.e )$ite teet$ made Sam )o de# i* s$e $ad "ee too su"t(e i $e# e**o#t to make t$e poi t t$at t$e mad ess $ad passed a d s$e o (o !e# *e(t u a"(e to +o t#o( $e#se(*&But )e a#e *o#!etti ! t$e *o#ma(ities% Sama t$a-& He said $e# ame as t$ou!$ testi ! t$e taste o* it o $is to !ue "e*o#e i +(i i ! $is da#k $ead a d a ou +i ! *o#ma((,% &I am Cesa#e- But o* +ou#se ,ou a(#ead, k o) t$is --- ,ou a#e $e#e- T$e o (, 1uestio #emai i ! is sti(( )$,8& T$e )$, )as somet$i ! s$e )as sti(( )o#ki ! $e# )a, a#ou d to- &I did &t k o) ,ou# ame )$e <- -)$e )e --- &
&We t to "ed "e+ause ,ou )e#e +o sumed ", pit,0< must sa, ,ou $id it )e((-& T$e sa#do i+ i se#tio "#ou!$t a *(us$ to $e# +$eeks- &O$% I did &t *ee( it t$e % ot u ti( I sa) ,ou# pi+tu#e i a a#ti+(e-& S$e $ad ot "e(ie.ed *o# a mome t t$at t$e ma des+#i"ed as t$e *i a +ia( !e ius o* $is !e e#atio )as t$e same ma s$e $ad spe t t$e i!$t )it$- T$e s$e $ad #ead t$e "#ie* pa#a!#ap$ t$at me tio ed a a++ide t t$at $ad #o""ed $im o* $is si!$t a d t$e su"se1ue t +a((i !0o** o* $is ma##ia!e to a )e((0k o) a+t#ess&A d o) ,ou $a.e dis+o.e#ed a e) dept$ o* *ee(i ! *o# me8& Sam% "a**(ed ", t$e i#o i+ su!!estio % s$ook $e# $ead- &<- -- & &No) ,ou deep(, #e!#et% i $i dsi!$t% (ea.i ! )$i(e I )as s(eepi !8& T$e !ui(t, +o(ou# +(im"ed to Sam&s +$eeks- &T$at )as --- <- -- & Ho) +ou(d s$e e/p(ai t$e *a+t t$at s$e $ad "ee too em"a##assed to $a ! a#ou d% t$at s$e&d e.e# )oke up "eside a ma "e*o#e a d s$e $ad pa i+ked8
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&No eed *o# e/p(a atio s0< u de#sta d t$is +$a !e o* $ea#t tota((,-& &I dou"t t$at%& s$e mutte#ed d#i(,&O$% ,es% I k o) *#om e/pe#ie +e $o) peop(e&s attitudes +$a !e )$e t$e, dis+o.e# $o) mu+$ mo e, I $a.e-& It took t$e spa+e o* se.e#a( se+o ds *o# Sam&s "#ai to t#a s(ate t$e sa#+asm- Teet$ +(e +$ed% s$e (e.e((ed a a !#,% !(itte#i ! .io(et0"(ue0e,ed !(a#e at $is (ea % sa#do i+ *a+eA ma )$o $ad su+$ a 6au di+ed .ie) o* $uma *at$e#ed a +$i(d )it$ a ope mi d&4o# t$e #e+o#d% I do &t +a#e a"out ,ou# mo e,-& Cesa#e )as +o s+ious o* a *ee(i ! o* i##atio a( disappoi tme t as $e d#a!!ed a $a d t$#ou!$ $is da#k $ai#0s$e )as t$e same as e.e#,o e e(se a*te# a((W$at )as $e# a !(e8 Cesa#e $ad e.e# "ee a ma )$o i du(!ed i o e0 i!$t sta ds a d $e +o side#ed me )$o s(ipped a)a, (ike t$ie.es i t$e i!$t )e#e disp(a,i ! at t$e .e#, (east "ad ma e#s- He sa) o #easo ot to app(, t$e same #u(es to )ome A d )$i(e $e# )a(ki ! out o $im $ad i itia((, made $im as mad as $e((% o +e t$e a !e# $ad )o# o** $e $ad #ea(ised s$e $ad 6ust !i.e a d ot asked *o# a ,t$i ! i #etu# % )$i+$ i $is )o#(d made $e# p#ett, u i1ue- A(as it o) seemed t$at s$e )as ot so spe+ia(&O* +ou#se ,ou do &t-& atu#e )as ot (ike(, to !#eet t$e e)s $e $ad
His +, i+a( d#a) I made $e# )a t to $it $im- &A d i* I )as as +, i+a( as ,ou --- & S$e d#e) a deep "#eat$ a d "it "a+k t$e #eto#t% *o#+i ! $e#se(* to +o ti ue )it$ mo#e mode#atio as s$e added $o est(,% &I #ea((, $ad o idea )$o ,ou )e#e )$e <- -- )e --- at t$e time% a d 1uite $o est(, I )is$ I sti(( did &t- But I )as #esea#+$i ! *o# a a#ti+(e a d ,ou# p$oto --- &
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Sam mis#ead t$e ed!e i $is .oi+e as skepti+ism a d s$e #aised $e# +$i i de*e +e&A+tua((,% I )o#k *o# t$e C$#o i+(e%& s$e said% t#,i ! to sou d +asua( a d *ai(i !0s$e sti(( !ot a "u22 *#om peop(e (ooki ! imp#essed )$e s$e to(d t$em $e# 6o"Cesa#e did ot (ook imp#essed- I *a+t $e +ou(d &t $a.e (ooked (ess imp#essed- &You&#e a 6ou# a(ist8& &Yes --- & Hea#i ! t$e de*e si.e ote i $e# .oi+e% s$e "it $e# (ip a d added% &I $appe to "e .e#, !ood at )$at I do-& &I do ot dou"t it-& His s ee# (e*t $e# i o dou"t t$at t$is +omme t )as ot i te ded as a +omp(ime t-
&I take it ,ou $a.e a p#o"(em )it$ 6ou# a(ists-& Cesa#e "a#ed $is teet$ i a s a#(i ! smi(e% !i.i ! $imse(* a mome t to +o tai t$e *u#, $e +ou(d *ee( $amme#i ! i side $is sku(( "e*o#e $e #espo ded i a .oi+e t$at )as )iped +(ea o* a(( emotio sa.e +o tempt&I suppose it is a 6o" t$at )ou(d suit someo e )it$ o mo#a( s+#up(es-& T$e pe#so )$o $ad i te#.ie)ed t$e *ami(, o* t$e +$i(d $e $ad pu((ed *#om t$e "u# i ! +a# $ad +e#tai (, $ad ot$i ! t$at app#oa+$ed a mo#a(T$e, $ad added to t$e a !uis$ ", aski ! t$e pa#e ts )$i(e t$ei# +$i(d (a, +#iti+a((, i(( i* t$e, *e(t #espo si"(e *o# Cesa#e&s o) (oss o* si!$tT$e +a#e(ess o"se#.atio d#e) a !asp o* sta#t(ed a !e# *#om Sam&s (ips&I t#, ot to !e e#a(ise a d I admit t$at most 6ou# a(ists I k o) )ou(d stop s$o#t o* (,i ! t$ei# )a, i to someo e&s "ed to !et a 6ui+, sto#,%& Cesa#e said% s$aki ! $is $ead- &I s$ou(d $a.e% "ut ,ou k o) I did &t see t$is o e +omi ! --- I s$ou(d $a.e k o) t$e#e is o su+$ t$i ! as a *#ee (u +$-&
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A ope 0$a ded s(ap (a ded )it$ a #esou di ! +#a+k o t$e side o* $is *a+e% t$e *o#+e o* t$e "(o) se di ! $is $ead side)a,s-
S$ame a d s$o+k #o((ed o.e# Sam as s$e p#essed "ot$ $a ds to $e# $ea.i ! +$est- S$e $ad 6ust see #ed )$e $e made t$at s ide #ema#k- It mi!$t ot $a.e "ee deep a d mea i !*u( to $im% "ut $e did &t $a.e to t#i.ia(ise a d make t$e i!$t sou d so +$eap a d ast,S$e )as s$aki !- S$e $ad e.e# st#u+k a ,o e i a !e# i $e# (i*e --- it )as &t i $e# atu#e;ust as it )as &t i $e# atu#e to $a.e a o e0 i!$t sta dIt )as t$is ma 5 Tea#s o* *#ust#atio s)am i $e# e,es as $e added i su(t to i 6u#, ", (au!$i !&You t$i k t$is is *u ,8&
O e $a d (aid a!ai st t$e #ed ma#k o $is (ea +$eek% $e (i*ted $is "#oad s$ou(de#s i a e/p#essi.e s$#u!- &At (ast%& $e d#a)(ed% &I&.e *ou d a )oma )$o does &t make a , +o +essio s to m, disa"i(it,- I* o (, ,ou )e#e &t a(so a +a((ous% ma ipu(ati.e (itt(e "it+$ ,ou mi!$t )e(( "e t$e pe#*e+t PA --- o# e.e %& $e added% $is .oi+e d#oppi ! a o+ta.e to "e+ome so se/, a d su!!esti.e t$at a *(as$ o* $eat )as se t a+#oss t$e su#*a+e o* Sam&s ski % &t$e pe#*e+t mist#ess-& &I* t$at&s t$e post ,ou&#e i te#.ie)i ! *o# I +a see )$, ,ou&#e st#u!!(i ! to *i(( it5& s$e s a#(ed% t$i ki ! $o) a 6o" (ike t$at )ou(d $a.e t$em 1ueui ! a#ou d t$e "(o+k5 &No )o de# ,ou# *ia +ee (e*t ,ou5& S$e )at+$ed as $e ti(ted $is $ead s(o)(, to o e side- T$e#e )as o su!!estio i $is e/p#essio t$at t$e 6i"e $ad $u#t $im% "ut s$e *e(t a su#!e o* !ui(t a ,)a,&It )as i t$e a#ti+(e I #ead%& s$e admitted !#u**(,- A d s$e% (ike% s$e suspe+ted% most o* t$e peop(e #eadi ! it% $ad ot *o# o e se+o d "e(ie.ed t$at t$e sepa#atio "et)ee t$e !(amo#ous +oup(e $ad p#e+eded t$e a++ide t t$at $ad (e*t t$e "i((io ai#e "(i dPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&A d I )as do) stai#s )$e Ca di+e --- so a#e t$i !s a(( #i!$t "et)ee ,ou o)8& He# *is$i ! t#ip )e t u #e)a#ded- &Is t$is p#o*essio a( i te#est8& T$e#e )as t$at sa#do i+ i *(e+tio i $is .oi+e a!ai - &You# (o.e (i*e does &t i te#est me p#o*essio a((, o# ot$e#)ise-& T$ou!$ s$e seemed to "e doi ! a p#ett, !ood imp#essio o* someo e )$o did +a#e- &I&m so##,%& s$e added% *ee(i ! t$e *o+us o* $e# a !e# s$i*ti ! to t$e )oma )$o $ad (e*t t$e ma s$e (o.ed )$e $e eeded $e#W$at ki d o* )oma did t$at8 A "eauti*u( o e% s$e t$ou!$t as a ima!e o* t$e "(o de a+t#ess i t$e se/, #ed d#ess *o#med i $e# $eadSam $ad put t$e immediate st#o ! )a.e o* a tipat$, s$e $ad *e(t to)a#ds t$e a#ti+(e&s p$oto o* t$e a+t#ess smi(i ! up at Cesa#e do) to t$e st#o ! #esem"(a +e t$e )oma $ad to t$e o e Wi(( $ad dumped $e# *o#- No) Sam $ad see Ca di+e i t$e *(es$ s$e k e) t$at s$e $ad "ee doi ! t$e a+t#ess a i 6usti+e- S$e )as *a# mo#e "eauti*u( i #ea(it,% odd(, e ou!$% a(so mo#e #ea( )as t$e a tipat$, t$at Sam *e(t to)a#ds $e#T$e pit, i Sam&s apo(o!, +aused Cesa#e&s "#o)s to t)it+$ i to a st#ai!$t (i e-
&Y ou a#e so##, *o# )$at8& $e e 1ui#ed )a#i(,&We((% t$at s$e (e*t ,ou% o* +ou#se5& Sam #eto#ted% $e# .oi+e +#a+ki ! )it$ dis(ike a d a!!#a.atio as s$e immediate(, +o t#adi+ted $e#se(* ", addi !% &T$ou!$ I do &t "(ame $e#% "e+ause ,ou ma, "e "(i d "ut ,ou&#e sti(( a tota( "asta#d- You k o)% I #ea((, )is$ t$at I $ad s(ept )it$ ,ou *o# a sto#, --- "e+ause i* I $ad I )ou(d "e *ee(i ! a (ot (ess stupid o)5& s$e de+(a#ed s$#i((,&T$e i* ot *o# a sto#,% )$, did ,ou s(eep )it$ me8& Sam i! o#ed t$e 1uestio - S$e&d $ad p#a+ti+e0s$e&d "ee doi ! 6ust t$at to t$e o es i $e# o) mi d *o# t$e (ast t)e(.e )eeks- &You t$i k I&d )#ite a"out )$at $appe ed8 You t$i k I )a t to ad.e#tise t$e *a+t I s(ept )it$ ,ou5 You t$i k I )a t m, *ami(, a d *#ie ds to k o)8& S$e s$ook $e#
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$ead a d to(d $im !#im(,% &Not$i ! +ou(d "e *a#t$e# *#om t$e t#ut$- I&m as$amed o* )$at I did5& Ha.i ! (iste ed to $e# emotio a( diat#i"e )it$ a e/p#essio app#oa+$i ! "o#edom% $e (eapt o $e# (ast +omme t&Y ou t$i k se/ is somet$i ! to "e as$amed o*8& T$e su!!estio "#ou!$t a a !#, *(us$ to $e# +$eeks&O (, se/ )it$ ,ou5 I&.e $ad #e(atio s$ips0I )as e !a!ed-& He #ea((, does ot eed to k o) t$is% s$e to(d $e#se(*&E !a!ed8& 4o# some u *at$oma"(e #easo Cesa#e e/pe#ie +ed a *(as$ o* sea#i ! a !e# at t$e ima!e t$at )e t )it$ t$is stateme t&Yes% e !a!ed5 4o# ,ou# i *o#matio I $a.e a pe#*e+t(, $ea(t$, attitude to se/5 I&m ot some so#t o* #ep#essed --- & S$e stopped% 6ust ma a!i ! to +ut $e# #eto#t s$o#t o* tota( sui+ida( dis+(osu#e0it tu# ed out s$e eed &t $a.e "ot$e#edCHAPTER THREE &:IRGIN8& As Cesa#e spoke t$e memo#, o* Sam&s $oa#se +#, o* )o de# e+$oed i $is $ead% "ut as t$e memo#, d#ed!ed up *ee(i !s $e did ot )a t to e/ami e $e pus$ed it a)a,No)% t$e su!!estio d#e) a st#a !(ed +#, o* disma, *#om $e# t$#oatHe a#+$ed a da#k "#o)- &You t$ou!$t I )ou(d &t oti+e8& &Hoped-& Sam "it $e# (ip as t$e admissio es+aped u +e so#ed&So ,ou +ou(d p#ete d it did &t $appe 8 'o ,ou i te d to "e a p#o*essio a( .i#!i 8& $e !oaded- &T$e e/t time ,ou de+ide to o**e# me ps,+$o(o!i+a( ad.i+e% #emem"e# t$at ,ou a#e t$e )e((0"a(a +ed )oma )$o p#e*e##ed a o ,mous se/ )it$ a st#a !e# t$a to s(eep )it$ $e# *ia +e-&
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&I do &t p#e*e# a o ,mous se/5& S$e )as out#a!ed at t$e su!!estio &T$e ,ou did k o) )$o I )as-& A $issi ! sou d o* e/aspe#atio es+aped $e# +(amped (ips- &I keep te((i ! ,ou I $ad o idea )$o ,ou )e#e-& &T$e di+tio a#, de*i itio o* a o ,mous se/ is +a# a( #e(atio s )it$ someo e ,ou do &t k o)-& &You do &t #ead t$e same di+tio a#ies I do- Look% I #ea((, do &t k o) )$, ,ou&#e maki ! su+$ a "i! t$i ! o* t$is --- Ho est(,% to $ea# ,ou ta(k a ,o e )ou(d t$i k I d#u!!ed ,ou i to su"missio - It 6ust $appe ed% a d I&# ot !oi ! to "eat m,se(* up o.e# it-& T$at sou ded #ea((, !#o) up0i a pe#*e+t )o#(d s$e #ea((, )ou(d "e t$is )e(( "a(a +ed a d p#a!mati+- &A d *o# t$e #e+o#d I&d $a.e "ee 1uite $app, to $a.e se/% it )as Wi(( )$o --- & S$e stopped% a e/p#essio o* mo#ti*ied $o##o# sp#eadi ! a+#oss $e# *a+e as s$e #ea(ised )$at s$e $ad said&You# *ia +e )ou(d &t s(eep )it$ ,ou8& Cesa#e t$ou!$t o* $e# so*t "od, "e eat$ $im% o* $e# pu((i ! $im do) to)a#ds $e#T$e#e )as o 1uestio i $is mi d t$at a , ma )$o +ou(d $a.e $ad t$at a d #e6e+ted it )as a *oo(0a +e#ti*ia"(e (ose#&He *e(( i (o.e )it$ someo e e(se a d m, pe#so a( (i*e is o e o* ,ou# "usi ess%& s$e $issed% )is$i ! s$e $ad #ea(ised t$is "e*o#e s$e $ad "(a""ed a(( t$e em"a##assi ! detai(s&Te(( me )$at e(se am I to t$i k8 You tu# ed up out o* o)$e#e% p#ete di ! to "e a +(ea e# --- You t#ied to !et i side m, $ead --- & &Be(ie.e me% ,ou# $ead is t$e .e#, (ast p(a+e I&d )a t to "e-& &You sa, ,ou did &t )a t to "e i m, "ed "ut t$at&s )$e#e ,ou e ded up- W$e#e ,ou p(a ed to e d up8& T$e tota((, u 6usti*ied su!!estio d#e) a +#, o* p#otest *#om Sam- &I did o su+$ t$i !5 I did &t p(a a ,t$i !% it -- -it )as a a++ide t- It )as s,mpat$, se/%& s$e )as d#i.e to +(aimPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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T$e )o#ds )e#e "a#e(, out o* $e# mout$ )$e s$e )as #a+ked ", s$ame a d !ui(t- It $ad "ee a mea a d pett, t$i ! to sa,% ot to me tio a (ie% "ut t$e#e )e#e times% s$e to(d $e#se(*% )$e o (, a (ie )o#ked% a d s$e *e(t despe#ate4#ust#ati !(, $e# piti(ess asse#tio did ot e.e de t $is se(*assu#a +e% (et a(o e do i##epa#a"(e dama!e to $is se(*0esteem% )$i+$ (ooked to "e *u((, i ta+t- He e.e (au!$ed "e*o#e $e d#a)(ed% &Su#e it )as% +a#a-& S$e )at+$ed $is e/p#essi.e mout$ +u#( up)a#ds% t$e s)a((o)ed as s$e +(osed $e# e,es a d #emem"e#ed *ee(i ! t$e $ot% +a# a( +a#esses o* $is mout$ o $e#- A s$i.e# passed t$#ou!$ $e# "od, a d s$e t$ou!$t $o) it )as "ette# ", *a# ot to !o t$e#e-
&A se+o d a!o I )as +apa"(e o* s(eepi ! )it$ ,ou *o# a sto#,% "ut sudde (, I s(ept )it$ ,ou "e+ause ,ou&#e utte#(, i##esisti"(e- Ma,"e I )as 6ust +u#ious8& He !#eeted t$e su!!estio )it$ a a#+$ed "#o)- &I&d e.e# s(ept )it$ a "(i d ma "e*o#e-& &You&d e.e# s(ept )it$ a , ma "e*o#e-& &T$e I $ope it makes ,ou *ee( spe+ia(5& s$e ,e((ed- &You k o)% I do &t k o) )$, ,ou&#e so mad )it$ meU (ess it&s "e+ause ,ou #ese t t$at I sa) t$#ou!$ t$e ma+$o tou!$0!u, *a+ade- 'o &t )o##,% I k o) )$at $appe ed )as &t pe#so a(-& &Not pe#so a(8& &You eeded someo e a d I )as t$e#e-& Cesa#e *#o) ed a d pus$ed a)a, t$e i t#usi.e memo#, o* t$e *ee(i !s t$at $ad t)isted i $is +$est )$e $e&d $e(d $e# i $is a#ms i t$e "#eat$(ess a*te#mat$ o* t$ei# (o.emaki !- T$e k o) (ed!e t$at $e $ad "ee $e# *i#st (o.e# $ad s$o+ked $im% "ut it $ad a(so deep(, a#oused $im% mo#e t$a $e $ad ima!i ed possi"(e&It is t#ue t$e#e $a.e a()a,s "ee some t$i !s% +a#a% t$at I p#e*e# ot to do a(o e0&
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T$e de(i"e#ate +#udit, made $e# "(us$&It&s a *oi"(e o* mi e a d i* )e&#e ta(ki ! eeds I&d sa, t$at ,ou eeded me at (east as mu+$ as I eeded ,ou- Wi(( ,ou put t$at i ,ou# sto#,8 Is t$is is a +ou#tes, .isit to i *o#m me o* t$e immi e t a#ti+(e8 I&m i te#ested0)$at ta+k did ,ou take --- 8& &Go to $e((5& s$e +$oked&W$i+$ is )$e#e I )as )$e ,ou d#a!!ed me "a+k *#om t$e ed!e ", s$a#i ! ,ou# de(i+ious (itt(e "od, )it$ me- A i te#esti ! a !(e *o# ,ou$o) I sa.ed t$e "i((io ai#e o t$e "#i k ", !e e#ous(, s$a#i ! m, (us+ious (itt(e "od,- But I $a.e to te(( ,ou it )as o (, se/0,ou )e#e ot m, sa(.atio -& It )as somet$i ! $e $ad to(d $imse(* o mo#e t$a o e o++asio &Be(ie.e me% I )ou(d &t )a t to "e5& s$e )as a"(e to #e"ut )it$ tota( si +e#it,&W$at a#e ,ou% t$e 8& T$e )o#ds s(ipped out "e*o#e s$e +ou(d stop t$em- &P#e! a t- I&m t)e(.e )eeks p#e! a t-& I t$e a+t o* st#ai!$te i ! $is a(#ead, pe#*e+t(, s,mmet#i+a( si(k tie% Cesa#e *#o2e- 4o# se.e#a( se+o ds $e did ot$i ! at a(( i +(udi !% o# so it seemed to Sam% "#eat$e&P#e! a t8& &It )as 1uite a s$o+k-& Cesa#e&s $ea#t"eat a d t$e )o#(d a#ou d seemed to $a.e s(o)ed- &You&#e su#e8&
T$e 1uestio se t a su#!e o* a !e# t$#ou!$ $e#- &Y ou t$i k t$is is somet$i ! I )ou(d sa, i* I )as &t a"so(ute(, su#e8 You t$i k I 6ust +ame $e#e o t$e o** +$a +e8& S$e stopped a d "(i ked "a+k t$e sudde #us$ o* tea#s t$at *i((ed $e# e,es- &O* +ou#se I&m su#e5& s$e added t$i+k(,&You&#e +#,i !5& Cesa#e a++usedPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&No% I&m ot%& s$e de ied% s$aki ! $e# $ead as s$e s+#u""ed a $a d a+#oss $e# pi k ose- T$#ou!$ $e# damp (as$es s$e )at+$ed as $e spea#ed $is *i !e#s i to $is $ai# a d #ested t$e $ee(s o* $is $a ds a!ai st $is +(osed e,es&I do &t k o) a"out ,ou% "ut I do &t see a , eed *o# a post0mo#tem o.e# )$, a d $o) a d0& His $ead (i*ted- &I t$i k )e "ot$ k o) $o)-& His )#, i te##uptio "#ou!$t a du(( *(us$ to Sam&s pa(e +$eeks- S$e "it $e# (ip% (i*ted $e# +$i a d +o ti ued do!!ed(, as t$ou!$ $e $ad ot spoke &T$e )$, sti(( #emai s somet$i ! o* a m,ste#, to me% "ut%& s$e added adopti ! a "#i!$t to e% &t$ese t$i !s $appe --- & S$e stopped a d "it $e# (ip a!ai - Cou(d &t s$e sa, a ,t$i ! t$at )as &t a +(i+$e o# a p(atitude8 A mus+(e +(e +$ed i $is (ea +$eek- &Not to me-& &We((% me eit$e#% as it $appe s-& &'o ,ou t$i k I do &t k o) t$at8& He $ad &t 6ust imp#e! ated a )oma % $e $ad imp#e! ated a .i#!i 5 I some so+ieties t$at +ou(d "e a +apita( o**e +e&Look% do &t )o##,% I&m ot e/pe+ti ! a ,t$i ! *#om ,ou- I 6ust t$ou!$t ,ou mi!$t (ike to k o) --- so o) ,ou do I&(( "e o** --- & S$e s$#u!!ed t$e st#ap o* $e# "a! *i#me# o to $e# s$ou(de# a d tu# ed&You&(( "e o** --- 8& $e +$oked&Yes-& His s$ook $is $ead- &T$is is su##ea(- -- & Sam k e) )$at $e )as ta(ki ! a"out- &Ha#d to take o "oa#d a(( at o +e% I k o)% "ut I&(( 6ust (ea.e ,ou m, um"e# i +ase ,ou )a t to +o ta+t me-& He )ou(d p#o"a"(, t$#o) it i t$e )aste0pape# "i )$e s$e (e*t% "ut s$e $ad do e t$e #i!$t t$i ! i te((i ! $imPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&You k o) )$o I am% I&m Sam Mui#-& He s$ook $is $ead impatie t(,- &I mea )$o --- )$, )e#e ,ou +(ea i ! at t$at p(a+e t$at i!$t8 A +o(d% d#a*t, +ast(e i t$e midd(e o* o)$e#e-& Cesa#e $ad o (, oti+ed t$e +o(d a*te# s$e $ad !o e- &T$e )oma I spoke to t$e e/t da, --- & &C(a#e0m, siste#0i 0(a)- I asked $e# ot to0& S$e +ou(d $ea# t$e st#ide t #i ! o* a p$o e some)$e#e i t$e dista +e a d it seemed st#a !e to Sam t$at o#ma( t$i !s )e#e $appe i ! i ot$e# pa#ts o* t$e "ui(di ! )$i(e s$e )as e/pe#ie +i ! t$e most a" o#ma( mome t o* $e# (i*e- S$e )ou(d e.e# +omp(ai a"out mu da e o# #outi e a!ai &Be +oope#ati.e a"out ,ou# )$e#ea"outs8& Cesa#e *i is$ed *o# $e# su!!esti.e(,&E.e i* I $ad &t asked $e# to "e dis+#eet% s$e )ou(d &t pass o t$e detai(s o* a , emp(o,ee to a st#a !e#-& &'is+#eet8 T$e )oma i .e ted some +#a2, sto#, a"out epidemi+s-& &T$at&s ot a (ie% it&s t$e t#ut$- Look% i* ,ou must k o)% I do &t make a $a"it o* $a.i ! o e0 i!$t sta ds )it$ tota( st#a !e#s a d I (e*t "e+ause I )as --- em"a##assed- % Sam #e+a((ed t$e "u# i ! s$ame s$e $ad *e(t )$e s$e $ad a)oke )it$ a ma &s *a+e +us$io ed o $e# "#eastsHe# $ea., e,e(ids +(osed a d $e# e,e(as$es *(utte#ed a!ai st $e# *(us$ed +$eeks as t$i !s (o) a d deep i side ti!$te ed a d 1ui.e#ed- S$e )as a"(e to #e+o((e+t i e/a+t detai( $o) t$e $eat o* $is "#eat$ o $e# ski $ad *e(t a d t$e se sua(% a"#asi.e #ou!$ ess o* $is 6a) a!ai st t$e u(t#ase siti.e *(es$E.e *i((ed )it$ tota( $o##o# a d se(*0(oat$i ! at t$e situatio s$e $ad "ee u a"(e to #esist t$e temptatio to si k $e# *i !e#s i to t$e (us$ t$i+k ess o* $is $ai# a d smoot$ t$e st#a ds "a+k *#om $is "#o) "e*o#e s$e $ad +a#e*u((, e/t#i+ated $e#se(*PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&So ,ou&#e #e(ated to t$e peop(e )$o #u t$e A#mui# Estate8& Cesa#e askedSam odded% t$e #emem"e#ed $e +ou(d &t see $e#- &Yes% ", ma##ia!eC(a#e a d m, "#ot$e# #u t$e estate- He )as i(( t$at i!$t )it$ t$e *(u- So t$e#e )as a *(u epidemi+- I stepped i as a +(ea e# to $e(p t$em out-& &T$e ma ,ou spoke o* )$e )e )e#e to!et$e# t$at e.e i ! --- Ia % is it8 He is ,ou# "#ot$e#8& Cesa#e +ou(d #emem"e# *ee(i ! a i##atio a( spu#t o* $osti(it, to t$e ma s$e $ad +asua((, #e*e##ed toSam% )$o +ou(d &t #e+a(( $a.i ! me tio ed Ia at a((% said% &Yes- He a d C(a#e +a &t a**o#d to (i.e i t$e +ast(e- T$e, $a.e t)i "o,s% "ut ,ou #ea((, do &t )a t to k o) a , o* t$is% do ,ou8& I* t$e ma did &t )a t to k o) a"out $is o) +$i(d $e )as $a#d(, !oi ! to "e mu+$ i te#ested i t$e o**sp#i ! o* tota( st#a !e#sHis .oi+e% deep a d impatie t% +ut a+#oss $e#- &Look% ma,"e ,ou s$ou(d sit "a+k do) 8&
&I&m *i e as I am-& &Ma,"e I&(( sit do) % t$e -& S$e )at+$ed as $e *o(ded $is (o !% (ea (e !t$ i to a +$ai# a d sat t$e#e )it$ $is +$i #ested o steep(ed *i !e#sT$e si(e +e st#et+$ed4i a((, $e "#oke it- &T$is is &t a 6oke0,ou&#e a+tua((, p#e! a t8& Sam +au!$t $e#se(* i t$e a+t o* oddi ! a!ai a d "it $e# (ip- &Yes-& S$e )aited te se(,He (ooked pa(e% "ut% +o side#i ! t$e "om"s$e(( s$e $ad 6ust d#opped% $e appea#ed to "e taki ! it p#ett, )e((% i* ,ou dis+ou ted t$at mus+(e i $is (ea +$eek t$at )as spasmodi+a((, t$#o""i !PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&'id ,ou p(a t$is8& Sam sti**e ed- &I "e! ,ou# pa#do 8& T$e i+e +#,sta(s i $e# o#ma((, e/p#essi.e .oi+e !a.e $im a p#ett, +(ea# idea o* )$at s$e )as *ee(i !T$e *#ust#atio o* ot "ei ! a"(e to see $e# *a+e )as (ike a du(( a+$e i $is +$est- T$e#e $ad "ee ma , "itte# mome ts si +e $e&d "e+ome "(i d )$e $e $ad !#ie.ed *o# t$e (oss o* $is si!$t% "ut e.e# $ad $e *e(t it as a+ute(, as $e did at t$is mome t&You t$i k I p(a ed t$is8& &It is a possi"i(it,-& E.e as $e spoke $e #e+o! ised $is o) (a+k o* +o .i+tio &O (, i* ,ou $a.e a )a#ped mi d% "ut do &t )o##,% I do &t )a t a ,t$i ! *#om ,ou- It 6ust seemed --po(ite to (et ,ou k o)-& &Po(ite8& &I* I&d k o) ,ou )e#e some so#t o* )ei#d +o spi#a+,0t$eo#ist ut I )ou(d &t $a.e "ot$e#ed- You o".ious(, t$i k t$at a(( )ome a#e out to !et imp#e! ated ", ,ou --- We((% (et me te(( ,ou% *#om )$e#e I&m sta di ! ,ou do &t (ook (ike su+$ a "a#!ai %& s$e s o#ted +o temptuous(,- &U (ess ,ou (ike +, i+a(% mea 0mi ded a d p(ai ast,- 4o# t$e #e+o#d% i* I +ou(d $a.e +$ose a *at$e# *o# m, "a", it #ea((, )ou(d &t "e ,ou5 You )ou(d &t e.e make t$e s$o#t(ist- So !o a$ead% t$i k t$is )as a(( pa#t o* some +u i ! p(a % a d *ee( $app, "e+ause i* it )as it de*i ite(, "a+k*i#ed5& He $ea#d t$e (o+k o t$e doo# +(i+k a d #ea(ised s$e )as )a(ki ! out o $im a!ai - Ra!e #ose up i $im% +(ose(, *o((o)ed ", somet$i ! $e #e*used to #e+o! ise as pa i+&Ma##, me-&
T$e *(at stateme t0it +ou(d $a#d(, "e +a((ed a #e1uest0de(i.e#ed i t$at te#se% pe#empto#, to e e**e+ti.e(, #ui ed $e# s)eepi ! e/it a d a(most made Sam *a(( o** $e# $i!$ $ee(sPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S$e s(o)(, tu# ed $e# $ead- &You&(( (au!$% "ut0& He did &t (au!$% t$ou!$% o# e.e smi(e as s$e sta#ed% u a"(e to tea# $e# e,es *#om $is da#k *eatu#es- Not a mus+(e i $is *a+e mo.ed a d $is "eauti*u( e,es some$o) #emai ed *o+used o $e# o) *a+eSam tu# ed $e# $ead a d to(d $e#se(* t$e *ee(i ! o* somet$i ! $a#d a d $ea., (od!ed "e$i d $e# "#east"o e )as pit,- T$e so#t s$e )ou(d *ee( *o# a ,o e )$o $ad su**e#ed su+$ a t#a!ed,&4o# a mome t t$e#e I t$ou!$t ,ou said --- & &'o ot p(a, !ames- You $ea#d me% Sama t$a-& He# $eadmist#ess $ad "ee t$e o (, ot$e# pe#so to +a(( $e# Sama t$a% "ut it $ad ot made $e# e#.e e di !s p#i+k(e o# e.e (i!$t(, ti !(eS$e s)a((o)ed% $e# .oi+e #isi ! to a i +#edu(ous s1ueak as s$e asked o a ote o* $,ste#i+a( 1ue#,% &You&#e p#oposi ! )e !et ma##ied8& &Is t$at ot )$at ,ou )a ted me to sa,8& Cesa#e% )$o $ad "ee a(most as su#p#ised as s$e appea#ed to "e to $ea# $imse(* make t$e p#oposa(% +ou(d o) see t$at it )as t$e o".ious so(utio 0t$e o (, so(utio &Is t$at ot )$, ,ou +ame $e#e8& Sam&s e,es )e t sau+e#0)ide0$e sou ded so i +#edi"(, matte# o* *a+t a"out t$e su"6e+t&I e.e# i a mi((io ,ea#s e/pe+ted ,ou to su!!est t$is --- o# )a ted ,ou to%& s$e added% t$i ki ! o* a d i sta t(, dismissi ! t$ose *e) si((, *a tasies s$e $ad "ee !ui(t, o* )ea.i ! i t$e midd(e o* t$e p#e.ious i te#mi a"(, (o ! s(eep(ess i!$t- 4a tasies )e#e $a#m(ess0t$i !s o (, !ot da !e#ous )$e ,ou sta#ted t#,i ! to a+t t$em out&Look% I do &t k o) i* ,ou&#e a+tua((, se#ious0& &It is ot a su"6e+t I am (ike(, to 6oke a"out-& 'espite t$e out#a!ed ote o* o**e +e i $is i te#6e+tio % Sam )as ot so su#e- T$is ma &s pe#so a(it, a d t$e moti.es t$at d#o.e $im )e#e sti(( p#ett, mu+$ a e i!ma to $e#0i#o i+ +o side#i ! t$at $e k e) $e# mo#e
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i timate(, t$a a , ma - At $e# side $e# *ists +(e +$ed as s$e st#u!!(ed ot to t$i k a"out $o) i timate(,-
&But do &t ,ou t$i k t$is is a s(i!$t o.e##ea+tio 8& He +ou(d &t see $e# so $e )ou(d &t k o) $o) "ad(, s$e *ai(ed i $e# attempt at a smi(e0it )as +o(d +om*o#t )$e s$e )as s$aki ! $a#d *#om t$e i side outAs i* t$i !s )e#e &t a(#ead, +omp(i+ated e ou!$% $e $ad to t$#o) a +#a2, idea (ike t$is i to t$e mi/ --a d make $e# t$i k a"out $o) di**e#e t t$is )ou(d "e i* )$at t$e, $ad s$a#ed $ad ot "ee 6ust se/&To a situatio as t#i.ia( as $a.i ! m, +$i(d% ,ou mea 8& &Ou# +$i(d-& His sudde possessi.e attitude )as somet$i ! t$at made Sam u eas, a d somet$i ! s$e de*i ite(, did &t )a t to e +ou#a!eHe dismissed t$e +o##e+tio )it$ a *(uid s$#u!- &I $a.e some o(d*as$io ed idea a"out *ami(, (i*e-& &I&m su#e ,ou# !i#(*#ie d mi!$t $a.e some too- Look% I&# ot t#eati ! t$is t#i.ia((,% I&# 6ust t#,i ! to make (i*e easie# o ,ou- I&# ot maki ! a , u #easo a"(e dema ds-& &Y ou s$ou(d "e%& $e said- Sam )as sti(( st#u!!(i ! to make se se o* $is +o dem atio )$e $is disti +ti.e da#k "#o)s d#e) to!et$e# i a i##itated *#o) o* i +omp#e$e sio - &Gi#(*#ie d --- 8& Wi(( $e dismiss me *#om $is t$ou!$ts as simp(, )$e I )a(k *#om t$e #oom8 Sam )o de#ed "(eak(,&Ca di+e )as (ea.i ! as I a##i.ed-& &Ca di+e eed ot +o +e# ,ou-& &S$e mi!$t $a.e somet$i ! to sa, a"out ,ou ma##,i ! someo e e(se-& P#o"a"(, .e#, (oud(,% too- To peop(e (ike t$e a+t#ess% pu"(i+it, )as a )a, o* (i*e- To Sam t$e idea o* $e# pe#so a( (i*e "e+omi ! t$e +u##e +, o* !ossip +o(um s *i((ed $e# )it$ utte# $o##o#A e/p#essio o* "a**(ed i##itatio sett(ed o Cesa#e&s *eatu#es- He mo.ed $is #i!$t $a d i a dismissi.e a#+- &W$at $as it to do )it$ $e#8&
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&O# me% I suppose8& s$e su!!ested% utte#(, appa((ed ", $is disp(a, o* +a((ous u +o +e# *o# $is e/0 (o.e# --- ma,"e ot e.e e/ --- 8 T$e ma )as +(ea#(, as #ut$(ess i $is pe#so a( (i*e as $e )as #eputed to "e i "usi ess&'o ot "e #idi+u(ous5& T$e su!!estio d#e) a (au!$ o* s$ee# i +#edu(it, *#om $e# t$#oat- &Me #idi+u(ous8& s$e e+$oed% (a,i ! $e# pa(m *(at a!ai st $e# $ea.i ! +$est- &I&m ot t$e o e sa,i ! )e s$ou(d !et ma##ied- 4o# God&s sake% ,ou did &t k o) m, ame u ti( a *e) mi utes a!o5& S$e (i*ted a $a d to $e# "#o) a d s$ook $e# $eadT$is e ti#e situatio )as "e,o d su##ea( a d t$e s+a#, t$i ! )as t$at *o# a sp(it se+o d s$e $ad a(most sta#ted to +o side# it&But I k e) a (ot o* ot$e# t$i !s a"out ,ou% Sama t$a-& T$e se/ua( i *e#e +e i $is deep d#a)( se t a *(as$ o* $eat o.e# $e# ski - &You do &t k o) me at a((%& s$e s apped "a+k% $e# a !e# di.ided "et)ee $im a d $e#se(*- W$, did s$e (et $im do t$is to $e#8
He i! o#ed $e# stateme t a d asked% &A#e ,ou )o##ied a "(i d ma )ou(d ot make a !ood *at$e#8& T$e *#ust#ati ! t$ou!$t o* t$e ma , t$i !s $e )ou(d e.e# "e a"(e to do )it$ $is +$i(d #ose i Cesa#e&s $ead to to#me t $im- He #ea(ised $e )ou(d e.e# see $is +$i(d&s *a+e a d t$e a+k o)(ed!eme t )as (ike a k i*e t$#ust to $is $ea#t&Y ou "ei ! "(i d $as !ot ot$i ! to do )it$ it%& Sam said- &T$e, sa, t$at )ome a#e i sti +ti.e(, d#a) to a(p$a ma(es to *at$e# t$ei# +$i(d#e -& Up u ti( o) Sam $ad "ee a"(e to sa, s$e )as t$e e/+eptio to t$e #u(e- &A d as ,ou&#e a"out t$e most a(p$a ma(e o t$e p(a et --- & &A ma )$o #e1ui#es !uida +e to +#oss t$e #oad +a ot p#ote+t $is +$i(d *#om da !e#-& It )as a *at$e#&s #o(e to !ua#d $is o**sp#i ! *#om t$e pe#i(s i t$e )o#(d% a d t$e t$ou!$t o* t$is #o(e #e.e#sa( *i((ed Cesa#e )it$ a *u#ious impote +ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Sam studied $is se(*0+#iti+a( e/p#essio a d *e(t $e# te de# $ea#t t)ist as s$e #e+o! ised t$e *ea# a d dou"ts t$at (a, u de# t$e +o *ide t *#o t $e p#ese ted to t$e )o#(d&Bei ! "(i d does ot make ,ou a "ad *at$e# o# #o(e mode(-& U (ike% to $e# )a, o* t$i ki !% s(eepi ! )it$ "(o de a+t#esses )it$ (o ! (e!s- &It $as ot$i ! to do )it$ t$is situatio at a((% e/+ept% & s$e admitted% ad$e#i ! #e(u+ta t(, to $o est,% &t$at i* ,ou $ad "ee a"(e to see o e o* t$is )ou(d $a.e $appe ed-& &Y ou mea I )ou(d ot $a.e "ee i S+ot(a d t$at i!$t-& &I mea ,ou )ou(d $a.e "ee a"(e to see me%& s$e "(u#ted- I##itated ", $is "(a k *#o) % s$e spe(t it out&I&m ot ,ou# t,pe-& S$e sa) t$e *(i+ke# at t$e "a+k o* $is e,es a d )is$ed s$e $ad (et $im +o ti ue to +a##, t$e +(ea#(, u #ea(isti+ ima!e $e $ad o* $e#% "ut as tempti ! as it )as% s$e +ou(d &t&I t$i k ,ou s$ou(d (et me "e t$e 6ud!e o* t$at- I $a.e see ,ou# *a+e )it$ m, *i !e#s-& E,es $a(* +(osed% $is *i !e#s i s+#i"ed a se#ies o* so*t motio s i t$e ai#Sam *ou d t$e +o temp(ati.e smi(e t$at +u#(ed o e +o# e# o* $is mout$ deep(, distu#"i !- &You +ou(d do t$e same )it$ ,ou# +$i(d-& His $a ds *e(( a d somet$i ! s$e +ou(d ot #ead *(i+ke#ed a+#oss $is *a+e- His deep .oi+e *e(( so*t(, a d it +a##ied a ote s$e +ou(d ot i te#p#et- &So I +ou(d-& &I $a.e *#e+k(es-& T$e a"#upt i se#tio d#e) a !#i *#om $im&Se#ious(,%& s$e st#essed&T$at o* +ou#se a(te#s t$i !s%& $e said )it$ a )#, smi(e- T$e $is e/p#essio !#e) so(em "e*o#e $e #e(eased a $issi ! sou d o* *#ust#atio "et)ee $is teet$ a d )o de#ed a !#i(,% &Has t$is *ia +e )$o +$eated a d #e6e+ted ,ou !i.e ,ou su+$ a (o) opi io o* ,ou#se(*8&

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T$e su!!estio sta#t(ed Sam- &No5 I )as e.e# i (o.e )it$ Wi((-& A d s$e )as s$a#i ! )it$ $im t$e #ea(isatio t$at $ad take $e# mo t$s to #e+o ! ise "e+ause --- 8 &We((% it is t#ue- You a#e ot m, t,pe-& Sam )as !(ad $e +ou(d ot see $e# *(i +$&But ot "e+ause o* a , ima!i ed p$,si+a( temp(ate ,ou appea# to ima!i e I e/pe+t m, se/ua( pa#t e#s to +o *o#m to- You a#e ot m, t,pe "e+ause ,ou a#e i +#edi"(, $i!$ mai te a +e-& T$e a++usatio #o""ed $e# "#ie*(, o* t$e a"i(it, to speak- &Me8 Hi!$ mai te a +e8& &Yes% ,ou- A(so I do ot $a.e #e(atio s$ips )it$ )ome )$o eed me to te(( t$em t$e, a#e "eauti*u(-& &I do ot05& He +ut "a+k i "e*o#e s$e +ou(d +omp(ete $e# $ot #e"utta( o* t$is out#a!eous +(aim- &I do ot $a.e #e(atio s$ips )it$ )ome )$o e.e# (ose a oppo#tu it, to poi t out m, m,#iad *(a)s-& &A d ,et ,ou sti(( )a t to ma##, me0o (, ,ou do &t #ea((,% do ,ou-& S$e paused a d $e did &t speakS$e&d $a.e t$ou!$t (ess o* $im i* $e $ad- S$e t$ou!$t (ess o* $e#se(* "e+ause s$e )a ted $im toSt#u!!(i ! to #atio a(ise t$e i##atio a( desi#e to $ea# $im (ie% s$e (i*ted $e# +$i &Look% I&# su#e ,ou&d "e0)i(( "e0a !#eat *at$e#% "(i d o# ot% "ut ,ou&d "e a a)*u( $us"a d a d I do &t )a t to "e ma##ied to a ma )$o does &t (o.e me-& His +, i+a( smi(e deepe ed as $e $ea#d $e# out- &So (o.e +o 1ue#s a((8& &Ma,"e ot% "ut despite m, appa#e t (a+k o* se(*0esteem I&# ot sett(i ! *o# se+o d "est-&

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Cesa#e% su**e#i ! *#om t$e s$o+k o* $ea#i ! $imse(* +a((ed se+o d "est% $ea#d t$e doo# ope I $is $ead t$e memo#ies $e $ad "ee $o(di ! "a+k su#*a+ed )it$ me#+i(ess a++u#a+, to tau t $im- He #emem"e#ed #u i ! $is *i !e#s o.e# t$e su#*a+e o* $e# "e((, a d *ee(i ! t$e *i e et)o#k o* mus+(e "e eat$ t$e so*t ski 1ui.e#- T#a+i ! t$e +u#.ed a !(e o* $e# $ip )it$ $is $a ds% d#a)i ! t$e ti!$t (itt(e s)o((e "uds o* $e# de(i+ious "#easts i to $is mout$ a d $ea#i ! $e# "e! $im ot to stop- Kissi ! t$e $o((o) at t$e "ase o* $e# t$#oat )$e#e t$e e+$o o* $e# $ea#t"eat $ad passed *#om $e# to $im t$#ou!$ $is *i !e#tips a d (ipsIt )as i#o i+- S$e )as t$e o (, )oma $e $ad s(ept )it$ "ut e.e# see a d $e +a##ied a mo#e .i.id memo#, o* $e# "od, t$a a ,o e e(se&s "e*o#e-
It took se+o ds *o# t$e ima!es a d ta+ti(e se satio s t$at )e t )it$ t$em to *(as$ t$#ou!$ $is mi d% "ut it )as (o ! e ou!$ to make $is "od, "u# )it$ t$e st#e !t$ o* $is out0o*0+o t#o( a#ousa(Teet$ +(e +$ed% Cesa#e (eapt up *#om $is +$ai#% a !#o)( t$at #e!iste#ed too (o) *o# $uma ea#s .i"#ati ! i $is +$est as $e sta(ked to)a#ds t$e doo#- He )as a+tua((, i t$e a+t o* tea#i ! it ope )$e $e stopped $imse(*- W$at t$e $e(( )as $e doi !8 His "#eat$i ! s(o)ed- T$e dam ed (itt(e )it+$ )as #u i ! out o $im a!ai a d $e )as *o((o)i !0 st#ai!$t do) a stai#)e(( p#o"a"(, i t$is so#t o* tempe#- He de+ided i* s$e #a a d $e *o((o)ed it )as ot a !ood messa!e to se d out- Not i* a ma )a ted to mai tai t$e i((usio at (east o* "ei ! i +o t#o(4a+e set i a da#k s+o) (i ! mask o* dis+o te t% $e tu# ed a d )a(ked "a+k to $is +$ai#CHAPTER 4OUR IT BEGAN to #ai 6ust as t$e ta/i d#e) up o t$e ke#"- It o (, took se+o ds *o# Sam to #ea+$ t$e )aiti ! .e$i+(e% "ut ", t$e time s$e +(osed t$e
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doo# o t$e do) pou# $e# $ai# )as d#e +$ed% despite t$e "a! s$e $ad $e(d o.e# $e# $ead to s$ie(d $e#S$e (ooked out t$e )i do) a d $e# t$ou!$ts )e#e d#a) i##esisti"(, "a+k to $e# )eeke d "#eak i S+ot(a d0it $ad "ee #ai i ! (ike t$is t$at (ast da,Sam $ad #ead o si iste# po#te ts i to t$e !at$e#i ! sto#m +(ouds% s$e $ad $ad o i k(i ! t$at $e# (i*e )as a"out to +$a !e as s$e d#e) t$e La d Ro.e# up o t$e !#a.e((ed *o#e+ou#t o* t$e A#mui# Cast(eS$e $ad simp(, "ee doi ! a *a.ou# *o# $e# $a#assed siste#0i 0(a) a d a"out t$e o (, t$i ! t$at $ad "ee o $e# mi d )as a i+e $ot "at$- S$e $ad ot a ti+ipated t$at t$e +(ea i ! o* ei!$t +otta!es )ou(d "e so p$,si+a((, st#e uous- Not t$at s$e $ad $ad a , i te tio o* (etti ! o a d +o *i#mi ! $e# "#ot$e#&s mo+ki ! opi io t$at +it, (i*e $ad made $e# so*tS$e $ad s$aded $e# e,es a d ti(ted $e# $ead as s$e&d (ooked at t$e +aste((ated tu##et- T$e !#e,0sto ed (a dma#k +ou(d "e see *o# mi(es a#ou d- It $ad "ee $e# siste#0i 0Ia)&s +$i(d$ood $ome% "ut t$ese da,s Ia a d C(a#e (i.ed i o e o* t$e *a#ms a d #e ted out t$e "i! $ouse a(o ! )it$ se.e#a( +#o*ts to tou#istsSam $ad (u!!ed out a "asket +o tamm! t$e +(ea i ! mate#ia(s% t$i ki ! $o) )ie(di ! a *eat$e# duste# a d +$a !i ! "ed(i e $ad &t 1uite "ee t$e )a, s$e $ad .ie)ed spe di ! $e# $o(ida,- But s$e +ou(d $a#d(, $a.e !o e o** $iki ! i t$e $i((s )$e a .i#u(e t *(u "u! $ad $ad $e# siste#i 0(a) so s$o#t0sta**ed t$at s$e&d "ee t#,i ! to do te 6o"s as )e(( as (ook a*te# t)o0,ea#0o(d t)i sT$ou!$ Sam $ad p#o ou +ed $e#se(* )i((i ! to do a ,t$i !% s$e $ad a+tua((, "ee #e(ie.ed )$e t$e a ,t$i ! $ad ot i .o(.ed (ooki ! a*te# t$e t)i s- S$e (o.ed $e# ep$e)s dea#(,% "ut t$e #espo si"i(it, o* keepi ! t$at *ea#(ess pai# amused a d sa*e )as ot a #espo si"i(it, s$e *e(t e1uipped to dea( )it$-
I stead a !ui(t, a d !#ate*u( C(a#e $ad asked i* s$e )ou(d +(ea a d p#epa#e t$e +otta!es o +$a !eo.e# da, *o# t$e e) i take o* $o(ida,make#s a d% i* s$e $ad time% take a !#o+e#, o#de# up to t$e +ast(e a d +$a !e t$e (i e t$e#ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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W$e Sam $ad asked i* s$e s$ou(d #u a duste# a#ou d t$e p(a+e C(a#e $ad said de*i ite(, ot- It seemed t$e ma )$o $ad #e ted t$e +ast(e *o# t$e summe# did ot )a t $ousekeepi !I *a+t $e did ot )a t a ,t$i ! e/+ept tota( p#i.a+,Sam $ad "ee +u#ious- &W$at&s $e (ike8& &'o &t ask me- I&.e e.e# e.e see $im% eit$e# $as Ia - T$e "ooki ! )as take .ia t$e )e"site-& &Someo e must $a.e see $im%& Sam p#otested- T$is )as a*te# a(( a i +#edi"(, +(ose0k it +ommu it, )$e#e e.e#,o e k e) e.e#,o e&s "usi ess&O$% Hamis$ !ot a !(impse- He )as taki ! some +(im"e#s t$at )a, )$e a $e(i+opte# put do) -& &A d8& Sam p#ompted&Ou# m,ste#, ma !ot out- Hamis$ said $e )as ta((-& &Not $e(p*u(-& C(a#e odded i a!#eeme t- &No"od, $as see $im up +(ose si +e- He sta,s i t$e +ast(e% $e does &t +ome i to t$e .i((a!e- He (ea.es a !#o+e#, (ist *o# us )$e )e !o i )it$ *#es$ to)e(s a d su+$ (ike% "ut )e $a.e &t see $im eit$e#- & &Ma,"e $e&s a *u!iti.e $idi ! *#om t$e aut$o#ities o# a *i(m sta# i t$e midd(e o* a se/ s+a da( es+api ! t$e ta"(oids8& &Mo#e (ike(, $e&s a st#essed e/e+uti.e $e#e *o# t$e *is$i !- But )$oe.e# $e is !i.e $im a )ide "e#t$% Sam- T$e ma $as take t$e +ast(e *o# si/ mo t$s a d $e&s paid up*#o t so i* $e )a ts to "e i .isi"(e $e +a "e-& &So does t$e i .isi"(e ma $a.e a ame8& &I do &t #e+a(( -- -it )as *o#ei! - Spa is$ o# Ita(ia % I t$i k --- 8&
=D
B, t$e time Sam #ea+$ed t$e +ast(e it )as tu# ed si/ a d $e# i te#est i t$e ta(( Medite##a ea $ad )a ed- S$e )as s$atte#ed- S$e $ad +$a !ed t)e t, "eds a d .a+uumed a+#es o* +a#pet ot to me tio +(ea ed )i do)s a d "ee stu ! ", a )asp- A(( s$e )a ted )as to !et "a+k to t$e *a#m a d put $e# *eet up-
T$e#e )as o si! o* t$e a tiso+ia( !uest a d o #espo se )$e s$e poked $e# $ead a#ou d t$e doo# a d +a((ed out "e*o#e s$e )e t i to t$e kit+$e I side t$e kit+$e )as da#k% t$e "(i ds d#a) - S$e put t$e "o/ o* !#o+e#ies o t$e *(oo# a d a*te# a s$o#t *um"(e *ou d t$e (i!$t s)it+$&O$% m, God5& Sam&s $o##i*ied !a2e t#a.e((ed a#ou d t$e #oom- It )as a tota( disaste# 2o e% )it$ di#t, p(ates a d !(asses e.e#,)$e#e p(us ope +a#to s a d +a s- T$e#e )as ot a +(ea su#*a+e i t$e #oom- A 1ui+k e/ami atio o* t$e *#id!e )$e#e C(a#e $ad asked $e# to (ea.e t$e pe#is$a"(e items #e.ea(ed most o* t$e +o te ts )e#e eit$e# out o* date o# u #e+o! isa"(e a d !#o)i ! t$i !sSam t$ou!$t o* t$e $ot "at$ a d si!$ed as s$e #o((ed up $e# s(ee.esS$e )as o tidi ess *#eak% a d mi ima(ism )as ot $e# t$i !0s$e (iked a "it o* +os, +(utte#0"ut t$is )as somet$i ! e(se e ti#e(,I* t$e ma did &t )a t $ousekeepi !% )e((% too "ad% s$e t$ou!$t- I t$e i te#ests o* $,!ie e a(o e s$e +ou(d &t (ea.e it as it )asHa(* a $ou# (ate# t$e p(a+e sti(( )ou(d &t $a.e made a $ea(t$ i spe+to# smi(e% "ut it )as a disti +t imp#o.eme t- S$e *o(ded $e# a#ms a+#oss $e# +$est a d !a.e a sma(( od o* satis*a+tio as s$e p(a+ed t$e (ast empt, "ott(e i t$e sa+k *o# #e+,+(i ! a d said out (oud% &We((% I 6ust $ope $e app#e+iates t$is-& &W$o t$e $e(( a#e ,ou a d )$at a#e ,ou doi ! $e#e8& A *#a+tu#ed !asp o* s$o+k (e*t $e# (ips as $a ds +(osed o.e# $e# s$ou(de#s a d spu $e# a#ou d4i di ! $e#se(* *a+e to *a+e )it$ t$e midd(e "utto o* a "(ue +$am"#a, s$i#t% s$e ti(ted $e# *a+e to see t$e pe#so )$ose *i !e#s )e#e !#i di ! i to
=E
t$e se siti.e *(es$ t$at +o.e#ed $e# +o((a#"o es a d )$o )as o".ious(, ot !#ate*u( at a((- S$e *ou d $e#se(* sta#i ! )ide0e,ed i to t$e *a+e o* t$e most "eauti*u( ma s$e $ad e.e# see o# ima!i edT$e se so#, o.e#(oad o* (ooki ! at t$is mu+$ s$ee# pe#*e+tio made $e# $ead spi - S$e k e) s$e )as sta#i ! (ike a idiot% "ut s$e +ou(d &t $a.e stopped i* $e# (i*e $ad depe ded o itHe )as ta((% se.e#a( i +$es a"o.e si/ *eet% a d mus+u(a# "ut ot i a "u(k, )a,- Lea a d $a#d- He $ad Medite##a ea +o(ou#i !% a d $is $ai# )as "(a+k- It +u#(ed (o) o $is e+k a d *e(( a+#oss $is $i!$ *o#e$ead- T$e "o es o* $is *a+e )e#e st#o !(, +a#.ed% )it$ #a2o#0s$a#p +$eek"o es% a maste#*u( a1ui(i e ose% a d t$e pi#ati+a( s$ado) o $is *i#m 6a) *ai(i ! to dis!uise t$e *a+t it )as u +omp#omisi !(, ma(eI *a+t t$e o (, t$i !s t$at )e#e &t u +omp#omisi !(, ma(e a"out $im )e#e t$e e/t#a.a!a t (e !t$ o* $is (as$es a d t$e *u(( +u#.e o* $is (o)e# (ip t$at )as t$e +ompe sated ", t$e *i#m ess o* t$e uppe#% t$e e**e+t so o.e#t(, se sua( it made $e# stoma+$ mus+(es 1ui.e#-
I a "id to stop (ooki !% Sam *ou d $e#se(* !a2i ! di#e+t(, i to $is e,es i stead- S$e *ou!$t to d#a) a s$ak, "#eat$- T$e, )e#e so da#k t$e, )e#e a(most "(a+k- Looki ! i to t$em made $e# *ee( as t$ou!$ s$e )e#e *a((i !S$e 1ui+k(, #emi ded $e#se(* o* t$e mess i t$e kit+$e - &You s$ou(d "e !#ate*u(%& s$e +$oked% d#a!!i ! $e# .io(et0"(ue e,es a)a, *#om $is *a+e- B#eat$i ! *ast a d s$a((o) to +a##, some mu+$ eeded o/,!e to $e# "#ai % s$e a((o)ed $e# !(a +e to d)e(( si! i*i+a t(, o t$e $a ds +u#.ed o.e# $e# uppe# a#ms% "e*o#e ti(ti ! $e# $ead a d #iski ! a se+o d peek at $is *a+eHe did &t take t$e $i t a d it )as &t !#atitude t$at )as et+$ed o t$e s+u(pted a !(es a d p(a es o* $is ste# (, "eauti*u( *a+e% "ut a !e#- S$e +ou(d a(most see t$e #ipp(es i t$e ai# as it oo2ed *#om $imSuspi+io a d $osti(it, )e#e "ei ! aimed at $e#% a d t$e ai# "et)ee t$em a(most .isi"(, +#a+k(ed )it$ itPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&W ou(d ,ou mi d (etti ! me !o8& Sam asked as s$e (i*ted $e# +$i a d t$ou!$t $o) s$e +ou(d &t (et $im see t$at $e )as s+a#i ! $e#- T$at )as )$at $e&d )a tA *#o) *(i+ke#ed a+#oss $is *eatu#es a d a se+o d (ate# t$e !#ip o $e# s$ou(de#s (oose ed% t$ou!$ sti(( did &t d#op a)a,A si!$ o* p#ematu#e #e(ie* s a!!ed i $e# t$#oat as $e# !(a +e d#i*ted to $is mout$ a d s$e *e(t t$i !s s$i*t (o) i $e# stoma+$&W$o a#e ,OU8& $e 1uestio edSam s)a((o)ed- S$e k e) )$o s$e )as &tS$e )as &t a )oma )$o "e+ame )ide0e,ed a d i a#ti+u(ate "e+ause s$e sa) a "eauti*u( ma S$e )as de*i ite(, ot a )oma )$o )as att#a+ted to da !e#% a d i* a , ma $ad e.e# spe(t da !e# s$e )as (ooki ! at $im- Looki ! at $im a d *ee(i ! a (ot o* t$i !s s$e&d $a.e "ee $appie# ot to- Ne.e# i $e# (i*e $ad a , ma e(i+ited su+$ a st#o ! #ea+tio *#om $e#He *#i!$te ed a d #epe((ed $e#% "ut at t$e same time t$e *(ip side to t$is )as a s$ame*u( e/+iteme t t$at )as sedu+ti.e as it +ou#sed t$#ou!$ $e# .ei s (ike )i e- Sam *e(t i to/i+ated- S$e $ad e.e# i $e# t)e t,0*ou# ,ea#s e/pe#ie +ed a , *ee(i ! so p#ima( a d #a)&Speak up o# I )i(( --- & T$e t$#eat i $is deep .oi+e "#oke $e# *#ee o* t$e t$#a(( t$at $ad $e(d $e# motio (ess- T$e iso(atio o* t$e +ast(e a d t$e .u( e#a"i(it, o* $e# situatio $it $e# --- W$at )ou(d $e do --- 8 &Let me !o5& 4ea# made $e# .oi+e s$#i(( as s$e "e!a to st#u!!(e *#a ti+a((, a!ai st $is #est#ai i ! $a ds&'io mio5& $e !#itted as s$e $it out )i(d(,% o e o* $e# *(ai(i ! *ists maki ! +o ta+t )it$ $is 6a)- &Wi(( ,ou "e sti((% )oma 8&

=>
Sam )as sti((% "ut o (, "e+ause t$e e e#!, $ad d#ai ed a"#upt(, *#om $e# "od,% (ea.i ! $e# s$aki ! a d )eak0k eed&You&#e Ita(ia %& s$e stated- His (i!$t(, a++e ted .oi+e )as deep a d .i"#a t&You&#e t#espassi !-& &No% I&m o (, t$e +(ea e#% I6ust +ame to +$a !e t$e s$eets-& &T$e +(ea e# --- 8& He did &t sou d +o .i +ed% "ut s$e )as #e(ie.ed to see t$at% t$ou!$ $e sti(( #e!a#ded $e# )it$ suspi+io % some o* t$e a!!#essi.e $osti(it, $ad seeped *#om $is ma e#He st#ai!$te ed up to $is *u(( a d i timidati ! $ei!$t a d Sam e/$a(ed a s$ak, "#eat$ as $is $a ds *e(( *#om $e# s$ou(de#s- He# step "a+k)a#ds "#ou!$t t$e "a+k o* $e# (e!s i +o ta+t )it$ t$e "i! #usti+ ta"(e i t$e midd(e o* t$e #oom- S$e (ea ed i to it a d pus$ed $e# $a ds i a smoot$i ! motio o.e# $e# $ai#- T$e, )e#e sti(( s$aki !% as )as $e# .oi+e as s$e #eto#ted sa#+asti+a((,% &No% I&m a i te# atio a( 6e)e( t$ie* a d m, +a((i ! +a#d is )as$i ! t$e di#t, dis$es --- & S$e )as !(ad se.e#a( *eet o) sepa#ated t$em- Up +(ose a d dist#a+ti !(, pe#so a( $e #ea((, )as too o.e#)$e(mi !- S$e o (o !e# ima!i ed s$e )as i a , p$,si+a( da !e# *#om t$is ma % "ut $e# me ta( sa*et, )as a ot$e# matte#- W$ate.e# it )as $e p#o6e+ted s$e )as sus+epti"(e to it- E.e#, time s$e (ooked at $im $e# mi d )e t to mus$% a d t$e stu** $appe i ! to t$e #est o* $e# "od, did ot "ea# +(ose e/ami atio S$e )as deep(, as$amed o* $e# i itia( #ea+tio to t$is "#oodi !% "adtempe#ed Ita(ia )it$ $is si *u((, se/, mout$ a d +$ise((ed +$eek"o es- S$e (o)e#ed $e# e,es *#om $is *a+e% +o s+ious t$at s$e )as +(ose to d#oo(i !- 4o# God&s sake% )oma % s$o) a "it o* p#ide% s$e +$ided $e#se(* a !#i(,&O* +ou#se I&m t$e +(ea e#-& S$e mo.ed $e# $a d i a s)eepi ! motio *#om $e# tous(ed $ead do) to $e# se si"(e s$oes- &W$at do I (ook (ike8& He +ou(d sa, s$e #esem"(ed a tota( )#e+k a d $e )ou(d &t "e )#o !% s$e #e*(e+ted% t$i ki ! $o) si((, a d s$a((o) it )as to +a#e )$at $e t$ou!$t
o* $e# appea#a +e- Espe+ia((, as s$e )ou(d ot $a.e se+u#ed a se+o d !(a +e *#om $im u de# a , ot$e# +i#+umsta +es% e.e i* s$e $ad "ee )ea#i ! $e# most a((u#i ! out*itBut $e did ot take $e# i .itatio to (ook at $e#- I stead $is u "(i ki ! $ea.,0(idded #e!a#d sta,ed t#ai ed o $e# *a+e as $e o"se#.ed% &You do ot sme(( (ike a +(ea e#-& &W$at do +(ea e#s sme(( (ike8& A da#k "#o) a#+$ed sa#do i+a((,- &You% p#esuma"(,- I $a.e e.e# $e(d o e as +(ose as a (o.e# "e*o#e-&
T$e +omme t made t$e "(us$ u de# $e# ski deepe - &You&.e e.e# (i.ed%& s$e #ep(ied% t#,i ! ot to t$i k a"out (o.e#s a d t$is ma i t$e same se te +e&A tempti ! t$ou!$t%& $e said% ot (ooki ! temptedW$i+$ )as #ude&T$at )as &t a i .itatio -& As i* s$e )ou(d $a d out i .itatio s to a ma )$o (ooked (ike a da#k *a((e a !e(He a !(ed a "#o) a d (ooked e.e mo#e as t$ou!$ $e k e) *a# too mu+$ a"out kissi !&So t$at is ot pa#t o* t$e se#.i+e --- 8& &I do &t +$a#!e *o# kisses% 6ust *o# moppi !% a d I o (, kiss peop(e I (ike-& His atte tio d#i*ted to t$e )i do) as $e appea#ed to (ose i te#est i t$e +o .e#satio - Wit$out (ooki ! at $e#% $e d#a!!ed a $a d t$#ou!$ $is da#k $ai#- Sam )as used to me ot oti+i ! $e# i a se/ua( )a,% "ut most did &t a+t as t$ou!$ s$e )e#e i .isi"(eT$e si(e +e (e !t$e ed- W$e $e did speak s$e 6umped- &You #aise a ma &s e/pe+tatio s a d t$e ,ou das$ t$em do) - So% M#s C(ea e#% ,ou +a
4!
take ,ou# mop a d !o $ome- T$e estate )e#e i *o#med p#io# to m, a##i.a( t$at I do ot #e1ui#e $ousekeepi ! se#.i+es-& Sam )as tempted to pass t$e "u+k a d sa, s$e )as 6ust t$e $i#ed $e(p% "ut C(a#e $ad mo#e t$a e ou!$ to +ope )it$ )it$out +omp(ai ts *#om #i+$ !uests- I stead s$e said% &T$e, to(d me t$e same t$i !% "ut ,ou )e#e "ot$ )#o !-& A (ook o* tota( asto is$me t passed a+#oss $is (ea *eatu#es- &I )as )#o !8& A smi(e *(utte#ed o $e# (ips% t$e *aded as $e# !(a +e st#a,ed a d t$e *(utte#i ! mo.ed to (o) i $e# "e((,&Y ou )e#e%& s$e +#oaked% $e# e,es sti(( !(ued to $is mout$- &Y ou de*i ite(, eed me-& E.e "e*o#e $e a#+$ed a e/p#essi.e "#o) t$e mo#ti*ied +o(ou# $ad #us$ed to $e# +$eeks&Y ou sou d .e#, +o *ide t o* ,ou# a"i(it, to satis*, m, eeds --- & &T$e#e is o +a(( to "e +#ude a d sa#+asti+%& s$e +$oked- &A d a+tua((, I )ou(d p#e*e# ot to t$i k a"out ,ou# eeds5& But o* +ou#se s$e )as- &W$at I mea t )as ,ou de*i ite(, eed $ousekeepi ! se#.i+es u (ess ,ou a#e p(a i ! to eat )it$ ,ou# *i !e#s o# ,ou&#e kee to +o t#a+t *ood poiso i !- I t$ou!$t ,ou&d $a.e "ee !#ate*u(-& He# !(a +e t#a.e((ed a#ou d t$e #oom- &T$e p(a+e (ooks a (ot "ette# t$a it did-&
&A d I am mea t to t$a k ,ou8 I k e) )$e#e e.e#,t$i ! )as-& &S$a(( I t$#o) a *e) empt, "ott(es a#ou d t$e p(a+e to make ,ou *ee( at $ome8& &I +ou(d put m, $a d o a ,t$i ! as a d )$e I eeded it-& He s)ept $is $a d i a e/p#essi.e +i#+u(a# motio a d se t t$e #o) o* *#es$(, )as$ed !(asses s$e $ad (i ed up o t$e d#esse# *(,i ! )it$ a +#as$T$e u e/pe+ted oise o* "#eaki ! !(ass )as so (oud t$at Sam +#ied outT$e $e# mout$ *e(( ope as s$e #ea(ised t$e a+tio $ad "ee tota((, de(i"e#ate- Sam sta#ed at $im i dis"e(ie*- &I suppose ,ou e/pe+t me to +(ea# t$at up *o# ,ou8& I* so $e +ou(d t$i k a!ai PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
=A
Teet$ +(e +$ed% $e !(a#ed at $e#% $is *a+e a mask o* seet$i ! dis(ike- &< do ot #e1ui#e ,ou# assista +e" am mo#e t$a +apa"(e o* --- & To emp$asise $is +apa"i(it, $e "#ou!$t t$e *(at o* $is $a d do) o t$e d#esse# top&O$% ,ea$% it #ea((, (ooks (ike it --- & He# .oi+e *aded as $e (i*ted $is $a d- He# stoma+$ *(ipped as s$e sa) t$e "(ood d#ippi ! *#om t$e 6a!!ed +ut o $is pa(m- &O$% m, God5& s$e +#ied i $o##o#- &You stupid ma % )$at $a.e ,ou do e8& His 6a) +(e +$ed- &Not$i !-& &Y ou idiot0)$at did ,ou t$i k ,ou )e#e doi !8 You $it it di#e+t(, o t$e !(ass --- a ,o e )ou(d t$i k ,ou )e#e "(i d-& &(am-& &:e#, *u ,%& s$e "e!a % ti(ti ! $e# $ead up to)a#ds $is a d *i di ! $im sta#i ! at t$e )a(( a"o.e $e# $ead- T$e e/aspe#atio o $e# *a+e )as #ep(a+ed ", t$e $o##o# o* #ea(i2atio - It )as &t a si+k 6oke3 $e )as te((i ! t$e t#ut$&You +a &t see0,ou&#e "(i d5& S$ame a d s$o+k i e1ua( pa#ts )as$ed o.e# $e# (ike i+, )ate#- He# (ips 1ui.e#ed a d i side $e# +$est somet$i ! ti!$te ed as s$e (i*ted a $a d to $e# *a+e a d *ou d it )et )it$ i e/p(i+a"(e tea#s&I&m so so##,% < did &t #ea(ise-& Sti(( ot 1uite a"(e to "e(ie.e t$ose "eauti*u( e,es +ou(d ot see $e#% s$e passed a $a d i *#o t o* $is *a+e- He did &t "(i k% "ut #ea+$ed out )it$ di22,i ! speed a d +au!$t $e# )#ist i $is u i 6u#ed $a d&Stop t$at- I&.e $ad e ou!$ empat$, to (ast me a (i*etime5& $e s a#(ed- &< do ot #e1ui#e ,ou# s,mpat$, o# ,ou# pit,5& Sam (ooked at t$e "(ood d#ippi ! o to t$e *(oo# a d +(e +$ed $e# teet$- &< !et it-& His (ip +u#(ed +o temptuous(,- &You !et )$at8&
4#
&I !et t$at ,ou&#e mad )it$ me "e+ause I sa) ,ou "ei ! .u( e#a"(e'o &t )o##,% I do &t *ee( e/t#a spe+ia(- You&#e o".ious(, mad )it$ t$e )o#(d- T$e *a+t is ,ou&#e "(i d0& S$e stopped as s$e sa) s$o+k mo.e at t$e "a+k o* $is e,es- &You t$i k I eed some M#s Mop to #emi d me o* t$is *a+t8& Sam !#itted $e# teet$ a d +a##ied o as t$ou!$ t$e "itte# i te##uptio $ad ot o++u##ed- &So ,ou +a +a##,o i! o#i ! it i* ,ou )is$% "ut (ike t$e di#t, dis$es it&s ot !oi ! to !o a)a,- So i* I mi!$t make a su!!estio % )$, do &t ,ou stop a+ti ! (ike a !ut(ess )o de# a d !et o )it$ it8 Su#e it is &t *ai#% "ut0 s$o+k $o##o#0(i*e is &t5& S$e sa) t$e dis"e(ie* +$ase a+#oss $is *a+e a d *e(t a su#!e o* #e+k(ess ess&T$is is o e o* m, "usi ess0& &No% it is &t-& A!ai s$e a+ted as t$ou!$ $e $ad ot spoke - &W$i+$ is p#o"a"(, a !ood t$i !% "e+ause I do &t #ea((, +a#e )$at ,ou sa, to me- U (ike t$e *#ie ds a d *ami(, out t$e#e% t$e peop(e )$o (o.e ,ou a d )$o a#e o dou"t #i!$t o) )o##ied si+k a"out ,ou --- & T$e#e )ou(d "e a )i*e o# a (o.e# amo ! t$em- A ma )$o (ooked (ike $im% a ma )$o p#o6e+ted a *o#+e *ie(d o* #a) se/ua(it,% )ou(d ot (i.e t$e (i*e o* a mo kS$e d#a!!ed $e# e,es *#om t$e )ide i ! s+a#(et stai o $is s(ee.e a d st#u!!(ed to mai tai t$e #o(e o* impa#tia( st#a !e# as s$e ti(ted $e# *a+e up to $is t$i ki ! $o) "eauti*u( t$e )oma i $is (i*e must "eT$e stupid ma p#o"a"(, t$ou!$t $e )as "ei ! o"(e a d st#o ! ", !oi ! it a(o e up $e#e i t$e +ast(eHis p#o"(em )as $e )as too stu""o# a d p#oud to admit $e eeded $e(p&Mea )$i(e%& s$e +o ti ued% )a.i ! $e# *i !e# e.e t$ou!$ $e )as o"(i.ious- &You (i+k ,ou# )ou ds $e#e (ike some --- some i 6u#ed a ima(-& He&d "e a )o(*% s$e t$ou!$t% stud,i ! $is (ea % $a dsome *a+e a d *ee(i !
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t$e i e.ita"(e *(ip o* $e# se siti.e stoma+$- &M, God% ,ou&#e se(*is$5& s$e *i is$ed i dis!ustT$e#e )as a (ook o* sta#k i +#edu(it, stamped o $is $a#d pat#i+ia *eatu#es as $e ti(ted $is $ead to o e side% a e#.e +(e +$ed i $is (ea +$eek as t$ose stu i ! da#k e,es sta#ed st#ai!$t at $e#It seemed impossi"(e to Sam t$at $e )as &t seei ! $e#&Se(*is$5& T$e#e )as a *(at% ee#ie +a(m i t$e e+$o t$at se t a s$i.e# do) $e# spi e a d made $e# t$i k o* $e# #e+e t a a(o!,- Wou ded a ima(s o* a , .a#iet, )e#e da !e#ous% espe+ia((, )o(.es-
E.e )$e $is tempe# )as &t *#a,ed to t$e poi t o* s appi !% t$e#e )as somet$i ! ed!,% u p#edi+ta"(e a d a(most +om"usti"(e a"out t$is st#a !e#I* s$e $ad a , se se s$e )ou(d "e $eadi ! *o# t$e doo#% ot sta di ! $e#e )i di ! $im up;ust )$, )as s$e maki ! t$is $e# "usi ess8 T$e *(utte#i ! o* e/+iteme t (o) i $e# "e((, a d t$e (i!$t0 $eaded #e+k(ess ess "o# o* t$e e/+ess ad#e a(i e +i#+u(ati ! i $e# "(oodst#eam mi!$t "e a +(ue--- Sam *#o) ed% ot (iki ! t$e +o +(usio s t$#o) up ", $e# #apid se(*0a a(,sis% ot (iki ! t$e *ee(i !s t$is ma sti##ed i side $e#Like a d t$is ma did ot sit +om*o#ta"(, i t$e same t$ou!$t- Like )as tepid a d $e )as a pe#so )$o i spi#ed t$e mo#e e/t#eme e ds o* t$e emotio a( spe+t#um5 Sam stu+k out $e# +$i e.e t$ou!$ t$e de*ia t !estu#e )as )asted o $im- &It&s ot$i ! to me )$, ,ou&.e +ome $e#e% "ut it does &t take a !e ius to see it )as &t *o# t$e +(im"i ! o# *is$i !% a d ,ou do &t (ook (ike someo e (ooki ! *o# spi#itua( pea+e-& I* $e )as $e&d take t$e )#o ! tu# some)$e#e% s$e t$ou!$t% stud,i ! t$e u +omp#omisi ! set o* $is 6a) a d t$e +(e +$i ! e#.e t$#o""i ! i $is $o((o) +$eekPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&You speak )it$ passio *o# someo e )$o is so disi te#ested- You k o)% i m, e/pe#ie +e peop(e )$o *ee( t$e eed to so#t out ot$e# peop(e&s (i.es *#e1ue t(, $a.e o (i*e o* t$ei# o) -& &T$e, do sa, t$at atta+k is t$e "est *o#m o* de*e +e- A d a+tua((, I $a.e a pe#*e+t(, satis*a+to#, (i*e% t$a k ,ou --- ot e.e#,o e eeds a ma to *ee( *u(*i((ed-& S$e stopped% a o,a +e *(i+ke#i ! a+#oss $e# *a+e as s$e #ea(ised s$e $ad a(#ead, said too mu+$&M, (i*e is ot t$e su"6e+t $e#e-& S$e i 6e+ted i+e i to $e# #emi de#&But o et$e(ess *as+i ati !-& T$e sa#+asti+ d#a) I made $e# (ips ti!$te - S$e *ou!$t to keep t$e a tipat$,0)$i+$ )as !#o)i ! ", t$e se+o d0*#om $e# .oi+e as s$e #eto#ted "(u t(,% &I* ,ou +a##,o "(eedi ! t$at )a, ,ou )o &t $a.e a (i*e eit$e#-& S$e *#o) ed% *i di ! it p#ett, $a#d to "e o"6e+ti.e as s$e (ooked at t$e )ide i ! s+a#(et poo( o t$e *(oo#- &Ia keeps a *i#st0aid kit i t$e La d Ro.e#- <&<< !o a d !et it-& &I do ot eed a mi iste#i ! a !e(-& Sam *i/ed $im )it$ a .e#, u 0a !e(i+ !(a#e a d p#omised% &Take m, )o#d *o# it% ,ou do ot "#i ! out t$e a !e( i me-& &W$o is Ia 8& He# $a d o t$e doo#k o"% Sam% su#p#ised ", t$e 1uestio % (ooked "a+k o.e# $e# s$ou(de#- &He&s t$e ma ,ou #e ted t$is p(a+e *#om-&
His da#k(, de(i eated "#o)s set at a a !(e (i*ted to)a#ds $is $ai#(i e- &You a#e o *i#st0 ame te#ms )it$ ,ou# "oss8& &O$% )e&#e a #ea((, e!a(ita#ia (ot up $e#e-& T$e $auteu# i $is ma e# su!!ested $e )ou(d ot i .ite su+$ *ami(ia#ities )it$ $is su"o#di ates- 'espite $is p#ese t dis$e.e((ed appea#a +e% $e a+ted (ike a ma )$o )as
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used to "a#ki ! out o#de#s a d $a.i ! peop(e 6ump- &A d ,ou&d !et o )it$ Ia 0$e t$i ks I $a.e o (i*e eit$e#-& He# "(ue e,es a##o)ed as s$e +o side#ed t$e )e((0mea i ! i te#*e#e +e o* $e# si"(i !His mat+$maki ! ta+ti+s )e#e e.e# .e#, su"t(e% "ut )$at Ia a d ot$e# +o +e# ed pa#ties0s$e did &t i +(ude t$is st#a !e# amo ! t$ei# um"e#0did &t seem to app#e+iate )as t$at s$e $ad &t t$#o) $e#se(* i to )o#k "e+ause $e# "o,*#ie d $ad #u o** )it$ a ot$e# )oma S$e t$#e) $e#se(* i to )o#k "e+ause s$e e 6o,ed itS$e #ea((, )as o.e# Wi((- S$e )as &t e.e mad )it$ $im a , mo#eS$e )as mad )it$ $e#se(* "e+ause s$e $ad a()a,s k o) deep do) t$at t$is !o#!eous !u, $ad &t #ea((, "ee i (o.e )it$ $e#- It $ad &t "ee #espe+t t$at $ad stopped $im 6umpi ! i to "ed )it$ $e# "e*o#e t$e, )e#e ma##ied% "ut a tota( (a+k o* i te#est i $e# se/ua((,A d )$e s$e&d see )$at so#t o* )oma Wi(( )as i te#ested i se/ua((, s$e +ou(d s$e )$,- Gise(a% t$e di.i e(, *ai# No#di+ "eaut, $e $ad met a d ma##ied a(( i t$e spa+e o* t)o )eeks% )as a(most si/ *eet ta(( a d $ad a "od, t$at a , ma )ou(d (ust a*te#Sti(( (ooki ! o.e# $e# s$ou(de#% Sam o) )at+$ed t$e Ita(ia sea#+$ a d *i d a tea to)e( t$at $e p#o+eeded to app(, *i#m(, to $is )ou d&It&s ot$i ! to me i* ,ou )a t to $ide a)a, (ike some so#t o* "ea#ded #e+(use-& Sam )as #at$e# p(eased at $e# )oode de(i.e#,0t$i !s $ad "ee !etti ! *a# too $eated a d pe#so a(- O* +ou#se% i* $e $ad "ee a"(e to see $e# *(us$ed *a+e it )ou(d $a.e #ui ed t$e i((usio o* o"6e+ti.e "o#edom tota((,But $e +ou(d &tA!ai t$i !s $u#t i side as s$e *e(t a u )e(+ome )a.e o* empat$i+ pai *o# $is (oss- S$e $ad a(#ead, )o#ked out t$at s,mpat$, )ou(d o (, make $im mo#e pi!$eaded(, u +oope#ati.e so s$e kept $e# to e *(at as s$e admitted% &But I&m !oi ! to +(ea a d d#ess t$at )ou d )$et$e# ,ou (ike it o# ot-& &Bea#ded --- 8&
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S$e a(most )a ted to smi(e as $e (i*ted a $a d to $is *a+e a d (ooked su#p#ised as $is *i !e#s s(id a+#oss t$e stu""(e o $is $a#d 6a)(i e- It )as i#o i+ #ea((,0t$e#e )e#e ume#ous me out t$e#e )$o +a#e*u((,
u#tu#ed t$ei# desi! e# stu""(e i a e**o#t to a+$ie.e e/a+t(, t$e (ook o* da#k% da !e#ous dissipatio t$is ma $ad )it$out t#,i !&Ca(( me se(*is$% "ut it )ou(d "e "ad *o# "usi ess i* ,ou )e t $ome *eet *i#st% a d t$e estate is 6ust a"out t$e o (, emp(o,e# a#ou d $e#e-& &So ,ou )is$ to te d m, )ou ds "e+ause it )ou(d a**e+t t$e (o+a( e+o om,% ot "e+ause ,ou a#e a mi iste#i ! a !e(-& His amused s ee# made $e# see #ed- &I* "(ood,0mi ded a!!#essio a d asti ess is a de*e +e me+$a ism mea t to keep t$e )o#(d at a dista +e% I $a.e to te(( ,ou it )o#ks-& A (ook o* +omp(ete asto is$me t #ep(a+ed t$e s ee#- T$e $e t$#e) $e# tota((,- T$e !#i t$at #e.ea(ed $is e.e )$ite teet$ a d some !o#!eous +#i k(, (i es a#ou d $is e,es a(so i#o ed out t$e e !#ai ed (i es o* +, i+ism a#ou d $is mout$T$e "#eat$ s a!!ed i $e# t$#oat as s$e sta#ed at t$e t#a s*o#matio Me#+,% $e&s !o#!eous5 T$e $e +omp(eted t$e t#a s*o#matio ", t$#o)i ! "a+k $is $ead a d (au!$i !- T$e u i $i"ited sou d )as deep% )a#m a d att#a+ti.e&You $a.e 1uite a to !ue o ,ou-& T$e#e )as o mistaki ! t$e #e(u+ta t admi#atio i $is .oi+e- Sam *ou d it mo#e distu#"i ! t$a $is $osti(it,- B#o)s k itted i +o ste# atio % s$e "a+ked out o* t$e doo#% u a)a#e u ti( s$e )as i t$e ope ai# t$at s$e $ad "ee $o(di ! $e# "#eat$CHAPTER 4I:E THE *i#st spatte#s o* #ai )e#e *a((i ! *#om t$e a(#ead, da#ke i ! sk, as Sam #a to)a#ds t$e La d Ro.e# to !et t$e *i#st0aid kit- S$e $oped t$e
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sto#m )ou(d $o(d o** u ti( s$e !ot "a+k to Home 4a#m- A +$i(d$ood i +ide t $ad (e*t $e# )it$ a i##atio a( *ea# o* t$u de#% a d $ea., #ai made t$e #oad "a+k )it$ its $ai#pi "e ds a d d#amati+ d#ops a i!$tma#eS$e )as "#ie*(, tempted to !et i a d d#i.e a)a,% a d de(e!ate t$e task o* $e(pi ! t$is u !#ate*u( ma to someo e e(se- But ot !oi ! "a+k i )ou(d $a.e "ee admitti ! s$e )as a*#aid o* *ee(i ! )$ate.e# it )as t$is st#a !e# $ad +$u# ed upT$e kit+$e % )it$ its i !(e ook *i#ep(a+e a d *(a!!ed *(oo#% )as as "i! as a "a# % "ut despite t$is Sam *e(t as i* t$e sto e )a((s )e#e +(osi ! i o $e# as s$e stepped "a+k i side- T$e st#a !e# $ad a )a, o* maki ! a , spa+e seem +o *i ed&Wou(d ,ou (ike to sit do) 8& s$e asked- It )as a i .itatio t$at Sam )ou(d &t $a.e mi ded a++epti ! $e#se(*0$e# k ees $ad t$e +o siste +, o* +otto )oo( as s$e app#oa+$ed $im-
His e/p#essio )as su#(, as $e $e(d out $is a#m to)a#ds $e#% pee(ed o** t$e to)e( a d s apped% &'io mio% )oma % 6ust !et o )it$ it i* ,ou must-& &Is t$is t$e Ita(ia +$a#m I&.e $ea#d so mu+$ a"out8& He# .oi+e *aded )$e s$e sa) t$e ed!es o* t$e !api ! )ou d $e $ad e/posed o $is pa(m- &You #ea((, eed to see a do+to#- It mi!$t eed sutu#i ! --- & &W$at I eed is pea+e a d 1uiet% so eit$e# put o a Ba d0Aid o# !o-& Sam si!$ed #eadi ! t$e ote o* *i a(it, o* $is p#o ou +eme t- S$e did &t $a.e to "e ps,+$i+ to see $e )as &t a ma )$o )ou(d #e+o! ise +omp#omise i* it $it $im o $is #at$e# pe#*e+t oseS$e took $is )#ist a d $e(d $is $a d o.e# t$e Be(*ast si k as s$e +(ea ed t$e a#ea )it$ a tisepti+ *#om t$e *i#st0aid kitHe a++epted $e# mi ist#atio s i si(e +e pu +tuated o (, ", t$e #ai t$at "e!a to (as$ a!ai st t$e )i do)T$e sto#m a d t$e $ea.i ess i t$e ai# p#o"a"(, a++ou ted *o# i et, pe# +e t o* t$e )ei#d te sio t$at $e(d $e# i its !#ipPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&T$e sto#m is +omi !-& A(most "e*o#e t$e )o#ds )e#e out o* $e# mout$ (i!$t i ! *(as$ed% *i((i ! t$e #oom )it$ )$ite- Sam te sedT$e sto#m )as $e#e&W$at&s )#o !8& &Not$i ! -- -(i!$t i !- I&m ot kee o sto#ms-& I t$e dista +e Sam +ou(d $ea# t$e du(( #o(( o* t$u de# a d $e o".ious(, did too&It&s 1uite +(ose-& &I&d )o#ked t$at out *o# m,se(*%& s$e said +#a ki(,% keepi ! $e# $ead "e t o.e# $is $a d- &So##, i* t$is is $u#ti !-& S$e atta+$ed t$e *i a( st#ip o* tape to t$e "a da!e- &'o e-& S$e a !(ed a 1uestio i ! (ook at $is *a+e- S$e )as p#ett, su#e )$at $is #espo se )ou(d "e% "ut s$e *e(t o"(i!ed to ask a ,)a,- &Wou(d ,ou (ike me to +a(( someo e *o# ,ou8& &I )ou(d (ike0& At t$at mome t t$e#e )as a "a ! so (oud t$at Sam s$#ieked a d (eapt as t$ou!$ s$ot- S$e sa) t$e +o te ts o* t$e *i#st0aid "o/ $it t$e *(oo# a d a se+o d (ate# s$e +ou(d &t see a ,t$i ! at a((0t$e (i!$ts )e t out a d t$e #oom )as p(u !ed i to i k, da#k ess&Ca(m do) % )oma % it&s o (, a "it o* t$u de#-&
'espite t$e i##itatio i $is .oi+e s$e supposed t$e $a d t$at *e(( o $e# s$ou(de# )as mea t to o**e# +om*o#t&T$e (i!$ts $a.e !o e out%& s$e saidHis *a+e $ad sepa#ated itse(* out *#om t$e da#k ess% a mo#e so(id s$ado)% "ut s$e +ou(d ot make out a , detai(s o* $is *eatu#es as $e #espo ded i a .oi+e )iped +(ea o* a(( e/p#essio &T$e, )e t out *o# me *i.e )eeks a!o-&
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O (, *i.e )eeks5 He# e,es )ide ed i s$o+k a d *o# a mome t s$e )as ot +o s+ious o* t$e sto#m&W& as It !#a ua o# ---T$e *i !e#s o $e# a#m ti!$te ed- &Y ou mea did I $a.e time to p#a+tise )it$ m, )$ite +a e a d (ea# B#ai((e8 No% I did &t- It )as t$e side e**e+t o* su#!e#, *o((o)i ! a a++ide t- But (et&s (ook o t$e "#i!$t sideI& m t$e ma ,ou )a t a#ou d )$e t$e (i!$ts !o out- A d a#e ,ou s+a#ed o* t$e da#k% m, mi iste#i ! a !e(8& &A#e ,ou8& S$e #ea+$ed out *o# $is *a+e% t#ai(i ! $e# *i !e#s do) st#o ! +o tou#s% t#,i ! to t#a s(ate t$e ta+ti(e messa!es i to a ima!e --- )as t$is $o) $e sa)8 'id $e (i.e )it$ a *ea# o* t$e "(a+k ess $e o) *a+ed e.e#, da,8 T$e t$ou!$t o* $is da#k )o#(d made somet$i ! t)ist $a#d i side Sam- S$e #ea+$ed up a d !#a""ed $is $ead% d#a)i ! $is mout$ to $e#s a d p#essi ! $e# (ips a!ai st $is- S$e kissed $im )it$ a *e#o+it, "o# o*% ot 6ust (ust% "ut s$a#p% s)eet te de# essHe did ot #ea+t- T$e#e )as t$e spa+e o* se.e#a( $ea#t"eats% du#i ! )$i+$ s$e )a ted t$e *(oo# to ope up a d s)a((o) $e#% "e*o#e $e #espo ded% kissi ! $e# "a+k )it$ t$e )i(d despe#atio o* a sta#.i ! ma &Sometimes%& s$e $ea#d $e#se(* admit )$e t$e kiss e ded a d s$e )as sta di ! t$e#e s$aki !% &I&m s+a#ed o* 6ust a"out e.e#,t$i !-& But ot$i ! i $e# (i*e so *a# made $e# as s+a#ed as t$e #us$ o* p#ima( eed s$e *e(t i t$e a#ms o* t$is tota( st#a !e#&Y ou $ide it )e((-& S$e +ou(d &t $ide $e# #espo se )$e $is $a d s(id u de# $e# top% $is (o ! *i !e#s skati ! o.e# t$e $ot ski o* $e# "a+k- S$e did &t a+tua((, t#,A d )$e $e "e t $is da#k $ead a d *itted $is mout$ to $e#s% pa#ti ! $e# (ips )it$ $is to !ue% s$e met it )it$ $e# o) - As $is mout$ (i*ted a *#a+tu#ed moa es+aped past t$e emotio a( t$i+ke i ! i Sam&s a+$i ! t$#oat- T$e s$e +ou(d *ee( $is "#eat$ )a#m a!ai st $e# e+k% sti##i ! t$e do) , $ai#s o $e# +$eek as $e took $e# *a+e "et)ee $is $a ds a d #a $is
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t$um"s a+#oss t$e t#em"(i ! out(i e o* $e# (ips% s)o((e *#om $is $u !#, kisses&'io Mio% it&s "ee a (o ! time%& $e s(u##ed t$i+k(,Sam )as s$aki ! i side a d out as s$e )$ispe#ed% &You&.e ot (ost t$e k a+k% I p#omise ,ou-& He #a $is to !ue s(o)(, a(o ! t$e +u#.e o* $e# uppe# (ip% a s(o) se sua( smi(e *o#mi ! o $is o) mout$ )$e $is a+tio s d#e) a se+o d deep t$#oat, moa *#om $e#- &I $a.e &t )a ted a )oma *o# a (o ! time-& His )o#ds se t a *#es$ #us$ o* $eat t$#ou!$ $e# "od,- &But ,ou )a t me8& T$e e(e+t#i+it, i t$e (e !t$e i ! si(e +e $ad ot$i ! to do )it$ t$e sto#m #a!i ! outside- W$e $e *i a((, spoke $is .oi+e )as t$i+k a d $ea.i(, a++e ted&W$at do ,ou t$i k8& His "i! $a ds s(id to $e# $ips a d% +uppi ! $e# "ottom% $e d#e) $e# $a#d a!ai st $is "od, so t$at s$e +ou(d *ee( t$e st#e !t$ o* $is a#ousa(A )$impe#i ! sou d (e*t $e# t$#oat as s$e *e(t t$e e#oti+ imp#i t o* $is e#e+tio i t$e so*t *(es$ o* $e# "e((,&Wi(( ,ou take a(( o* me% +a#a8& Wit$out )aiti ! *o# a #espo se $e took $o(d o* t$e $em o* $e# top% a d pee(i ! it o.e# $e# $ead% *(u ! it o.e# $is s$ou(de# "e*o#e #ea+$i ! *o# t$e +(ip o $e# "#aA ti , s(i.e# o* se se su#*a+ed a d Sam s$ook $e# $ead&Not ,et-& S$i.e#i ! as t$e +oo( ai# $it $e# o.e#$eated ski % Sam )as !(ad o* t$e da#k as $e su!!ested% &4o# ,ou too% I t$i k% it $as "ee a (o ! time8& His .oi+e s$ook% t#emo#s #aki ! $is (ea *#ame as $e "e t $is $ead a d +(aimed $e# (ips a!ai PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Sam )as sta#t(ed )$e % $is $a ds sti(( a +$o#ed to $e# $ips% $e *e(( to $is k ees- He p(a+ed a $a d i t$e sma(( o* $e# "a+k a d d#e) $e# to)a#ds $im&W$at a#e ,ou --- 8& S$e "#oke o**% !aspi ! as s$e *e(t t$e *(i+ke# o* $is to !ue a+#oss $e# $a#de ed ipp(es t$#ou!$ t$e si(k o* $e# "#a- He# $ead )e t "a+k a d a (o) kee i ! +#, (e*t $e# t$#oat as t$e e#oti+ +a#ess se t a pu(se o* $eat deep i to $e# pe(.is% t$e a!ai a d a!ai as $e d#e) t$e ti!$t peak i to $is mout$&O$% God5& s$e moa ed% a d did &t #e+o! ise $e# .oi+e- He# $ead )as spi i ! a d s$e +ou(d &t *o+usHe# "od, )as o *i#e3 e.e#, e#.e e di ! )as s+#eami ! *o# $is atte tio - He# k ees sa!!ed a d s$e t$ou!$t $o) s$e +ou(d &t take a , mo#e o* )$at $e )as doi !% e/+ept ma,"e t$e )o#ds )e#e ot i $e# $ead% ma,"e s$e said t$em out (oud% "e+ause $e !#oa ed-
&Me eit$e#% +a#a-& T$e $e pi+ked $e# up% $is "i! $a ds +upped u de# $e# "ottom suppo#ti ! $e# )ei!$t as $e #ose to $is *eet i *(uid motio 4eet +(ea# o* t$e !#ou d% Sam (i ked $e# a#ms "e$i d $is $ead a d kissed $im $a#d o $is mout$- He tasted o* )$isk, a d s$e #emem"e#ed t$e empt, "ott(es&A#e ,ou d#u k8& &T$at )ou(d "e a e/+use%& $e a!#eed- &But% o% I&# "e t $is $ead to kiss $e# o +e mo#eot% t$ou!$ eit$e# do I t$i k I am tota((, sa e-& He
&Y ou taste so !ood%& $e s(u##ed t$i+k(,- &'o a(( mi iste#i ! a !e(s taste t$is !ood8& &'o &t stop5& s$e p(eaded% $e# *i !e#s ta !(i ! i $is $ai# d#a)i ! $is *a+e to $e# "od,&I )o &t -- -I +a &t-& Somet$i ! i $is .oi+e +o .e,ed $e *ou d t$e situatio i +omp#e$e si"(e% )$i+$ made t)o o* t$em% Sam t$ou!$t% +(i !i ! o ti!$t as i tota( pit+$ da#k ess $e took t$e *(i!$t o* sto e stai#s t)o a time- He a+ted as t$ou!$ s$e )ei!$ed ot$i !- T$e mus+(es i $is a#ms% a d *o# t$at matte# e.e#,)$e#e e(se% )e#e o".ious(, ot 6ust *o# s$o)PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He ki+ked ope t$e "ed#oom doo# a d "a+ked i +a##,i ! $e#- A *(as$ o* (i!$t i ! 2i!2a!!ed i t$e sk, outside t$e sto e mu((io a d *o# a mome t s$e sa) t$e #oom a d $imB, t$e time $e (aid $e# o t$e *ou#0poste# a d 6oi ed $e# t$e da#k ess $ad +(osed "a+k i a#ou d t$em (ike a "(a ket% "ut t$e memo#, o* t$e p#ima( eed et+$ed i to $is da#k *eatu#es sta,ed )it$ $e#S$e *e(t $is $a ds o $e# "od, st#ippi ! o** $e# #emai i ! +(ot$es% $is tou+$ addi ! *ue( to t$e *i#e o* *#ust#atio t$at )as !#o)i ! i side $e#S$e +ou(d $ea# $is "#eat$ +ome *aste# as $e tou+$ed $e# "#easts% )ei!$i ! a d +uppi ! t$em i $is $a ds0", )$i+$ time s$e )as ot "#eat$i ! at a((As $is $a ds s(id do) $e# "od, s$e #e+a((ed #eadi ! some)$e#e t$at a pe#so &s i $i"itio s )e#e *#eed i t$e da#k- It $ad to "e t#ue "e+ause o) s$e *ou d $e#se(* taki ! $is $a d a d p#essi ! it a!ai st t$e damp ape/ o* $e# (e!s% u#!i ! $im to tou+$ $e#&T$is is &t me%& s$e )$ispe#ed as $e s(id *i !e#s i to $e# $eat a d damp ess% +ausi ! $e# "od, to a#+$ (ike a "o)- S$e )as o *i#e% s$e )as me(ti ! --- s$e )as a+$i !&We((% )$oe.e# ,ou a#e% +a#a% ,ou&#e t$e "est t$i ! t$at $as $appe ed to me i a (o ! time-& S$e (et out a +#, o* p#otest )$e $e (e.e#ed $imse(* o** $e#% "ut (ite#a((, se+o ds (ate# $e #etu# ed a d $is +(ot$es )e#e !o e- T$e ski 0toski +o ta+t se t a s$o+k )a.e t$#ou!$ $e# "od,% "ut it a(so seemed to ki+ksta#t $e# atu#a( i sti +ts i to (i*e&You&#e "eauti*u(5& S$e *e(t $e# *i#st #us$ o* *emi i e po)e# as s$e (aid a $a d *(at o $is +$est a d a #ipp(e s$udde#ed t$#ou!$ $is "od,- &God% ,ou *ee( so !ood-&
It )as (i"e#ati ! a d )i(d(, e/+iti ! to s(ide $e# *i !e#s o.e# $is smoot$ ski a d $ea# $is $a#s$ i take o* "#eat$ as $e# *i !e#s ta !(ed i t$e $ai# o $is +$est "e*o#e s(idi ! (o)e#- T$e #ipp(i ! ma(e st#e !t$ o* $is "od, *as+i ated $e#PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He# e,es +(osed ti!$t% $e# "#eat$ +omi ! i ti , !ust, pu**s% s$e (et $e# $a d t#ai( e.e (o)e#He# !asp a d $ast, )it$d#a)a( soo a*te#)a#ds d#e) a (o) $usk, +$u+k(e *#om t$e ma "eside $e#&I said it $ad "ee a (o ! time-& He kissed $e# mout$ a d "#eat$ed t$i+k(,- &It&s )$at ,ou do to me-& Ad6usti ! $is positio so t$at t$e, (a, *a+e to *a+e% $e pu((ed $e# (e! a+#oss $is $ip- He (et $e# *ee( $is a#ousa( a!ai st $e# "e((,% t$e d#e) $e# $a d do) "et)ee t$em% +u#(i ! $e# *i !e#s a#ou d t$e $a#d s$a*tA *(as$ o* $eat )as$ed o.e# $e# "od, as t$i !s s$i*ted a d ti!$te ed (o) i $e# pe(.is- &You a#e i +#edi"(e --- & T$is time it )as Cesa#e )$o pu((ed $e# $a d a)a,% sti*(i ! $e# sma(( +#, o* p#otest )it$ $is mout$- As t$e, kissed )it$ a *e.e#is$ despe#atio t$ei# "odies p#essed i to o e a ot$e# as t$e, *ou!$t to "e o eT$e a ti+ipatio (od!ed (ike a *ist "e$i d $e# "#east"o e as $e *(ipped $e# o to $e# "a+k- He )as a da#k s$ado) a"o.e $e# as $e (aid a $a d eit$e# side o* $e# $eadA *#a+tu#ed si!$ (e*t $e# (ips as $e i se#ted a k ee "et)ee $e# (e!s a d ope ed t$em "e*o#e sett(i ! "et)ee t$em- As $e t$#ust up a d i to $e# a s$o+ked +#, )as )#e +$ed *#om Sam&s t$#oat at t$e mome t o* i timate .
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A"o.e $e# s$e )as +o s+ious o* $im speaki ! i t$e same to e as someo e mi!$t use to !e t(e a s+a#ed a ima(- His .oi+e )as (o)% a d $e mi!$t $a.e "ee sa,i ! a ,t$i !0s$e did &t u de#sta d a )o#d o* Ita(ia "ut it sou ded i +#edi"(e- He a(so *e(t i +#edi"(e a d )$i(e s$e so#t o* k e) )$at +ame e/t s$e +ou(d &t )ait to *i d outS$e !#a""ed $is s$ou(de#s% s(idi ! $e# *i !e#s do) t$e smoot$ +o tou#s o* $is mus+(ed "a+k u ti( t$e, +ame to #est o $is taut "utto+ksPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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A"o.e $e# s$e +ou(d $ea# t$e $a#s$ sou d o* $is (a"ou#ed "#eat$i !S$e !#a""ed #ea((, $a#d% a#+$ed a!ai st $im a d "e!!ed% &P(ease5&
T$e *ie#+e #e1uest d#e) a !#oa *#om $is +$est- &'o &t pus$ too $a#dI eed to sta, i +o t#o(- -- & Sam did &t eed $im i +o t#o(% s$e eeded $im out o* +o t#o(- T$e *i#e i $e# "(ood )as te((i ! $e# s$e didHe seemed to !et t$e d#i*t o* $e# *ie#+e #e1uest "e+ause a mome t (ate# $e #espo ded% a d sta#ted to mo.e% "ui(di ! a stead, #$,t$m as $e t$#ust deepe# a d deepe# i to $e#He# "od, +(osed a#ou d $im a d s$e )#apped $e# (e!s a#ou d $is )aist as t$e #a) u#!e +, t$at "oi(ed i $e# "(ood took $e# o.e# +omp(ete(,T$e a ti+ipatio "ui(t i side $e# u ti( s$e t$ou!$t s$e mi!$t e/p(ode o# i! ite0s$e did "ot$It sta#ted s(o)(, )it$ sma(( 1ui.e#s a d t$e it $it $e#% t$e st#e !t$ o* t$e +(imati+ mome t s$o+ki ! a +#, *#om $e# (ips as s$e *e(t $is $ot #e(ease i side $e#He (a, o top o* $e#% eit$e# maki ! a , e**o#t to "#eak t$e i timate +o +#us$ ,ou% +a#a%& a d #o((ed o** $e#e+tio u ti( $e !#oa ed% &I&((
Sam% )$o $ad (iked "ei ! +#us$ed ", $is $ea., ma(e "od,% (a, t$e#e ot k o)i ! )$at to do u ti( $e sudde (, #ea+$ed out a d pu((ed $e# i to $is side&You&(( !et +o(d o.e# t$e#e% a !e(-& He pu((ed t$e +o.e# up o.e# $e# a d pu((ed $e# $ead o to $is +$est&So##,% I $a.e &t s(ept i da,s% "ut I )i(( o)- 'o &t !o a ,)$e#e-& As s$e (a, i $is a#ms a d (iste ed to $im "#eat$i ! deep a d stead, s$e #emem"e#ed o.e#$ea#i ! a *#ie d sa, somet$i ! a*te# s$e $ad 6ust e ded a pa#ti+u(a#(, tu#"u(e t #e(atio s$ipPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&Se/ is ot t$e +u#e% it&s t$e d#u! a d it&s o*te )o#se t$a t$e disease t$at )as t$e#e to "e!i )it$- It&s "ette# to "e (o e(, t$a eed a ,o e t$at mu+$-& It $ad ot made se se to Sam at t$e time% "ut o) it did- S$e $ad &t *e(t (o e(, "e*o#e% s$e $ad &t *e(t $e# (i*e )as missi ! a , .ita( i !#edie t% "ut o) s$e didS$e (i*ted $e# +$i - S$e )as a !#o) 0up3 s$e )as !oi ! to mo.e o 3 s$e )as &t !oi ! to $a.e $e# (i*e de*i ed ", o e +$a +e meeti !0a d o e deep(, *(a)ed% +$a#ismati+% *as+i ati ! ma But t$e#e seemed o poi t mo.i ! o u ti( t$e sto#m did t$e sameNo)% t)e(.e )eeks (ate#% Sam +ou(d ma#.e( at $e# ai.et, )$e s$e $ad t$ou!$t mo.i ! o )ou(d "e t$at simp(e- O e e/pe#ie +e $ad tau!$t $e# t$at it )as easie# said t$a do e espe+ia((, )$e s$e $ad a +o sta t #emi de# o* t$at ma a d t$at i!$tS$e si!$ed% p#essed a $a d to $e# stoma+$ a d t$ou!$t o* $o) mu+$ s$e )ou(d (o.e t$is "a",% o matte# )$at-
&I said% (ad,% ,ou mi!$t as )e(( !et out a d )a(k *#om $e#e- T$is t#a**i+ is ot !oi ! to mo.e-& Sam (ooked at t$e ta/i d#i.e#% $e# "(a k !a2e s(o)(, +(ea#i ! *#om $e# *a+e- &T$0t$a k ,ou%& s$e stutte#ed% #ea+$i ! i $e# "a! *o# $e# pu#seT$e a"i(it, o* t$e past to d#a! $e# "a+k i t$is )a, )as somet$i ! s$e $ad to #esist- It )as tota((, poi t(ess to #e.isit it a d a mistake to assume a , +(ose ess to t$e ma "e+ause t$e, $ad s$a#ed o e i!$tS$e mi!$t $a.e (ai i $is a#ms a d (aid $e# $ead to $is $ea#t )$i(e $e s(ept% "ut $e #emai ed a tota( e i!ma- S$e sti(( did &t $a.e a +(ue )$at )e t o i $is $ead% "ut ma,"e t$at )as *o# t$e "est- T$e, "e(o !ed i di**e#e t )o#(dsPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S$e to(d $e#se(* s$e )as !(ad t$at $e $ad #e6e+ted t$e +$a +e to take a , #o(e i $is +$i(d&s (i*e- At (east t$at mea t s$e +ou(d keep $im out o* $e#s a d out o* $e# $ead too% s$e de+ided% pi i ! o a "#i!$t up"eat smi(e&Keep t$e +$a !e%& s$e said to t$e ta/i d#i.e# as s$e $a ded $im some mo e, "e*o#e .a is$i ! i to t$e mass o* ot$e# pedest#ia s- Toda, $ad "ee a "i! mistake% "ut s$e )as o.e# it% a d $im% a(#ead,CHAPTER SIG SAM !(a +ed at $e# )at+$ "e*o#e s$e k o+ked o t$e doo# o* t$e edito#&s o**i+e0dam 5 It )as te mi utes a*te# t$e time E#i+ Gi""s $ad said $e )a ted $e# to meet $im- E#i+ )as )e(( k o) *o# t)o t$i !s7 $is "ea#d% )$i+$ made $im (ook (ike a a.u +u(a# 4at$e# C$#istmas% a d $is a(most pa#a oid a.e#sio to "ei ! kept )aiti ! ", a ,o eHe $ad "ee k o) to )a(k out o Ho((,)ood #o,a(t, "e+ause t$e, )e#e (ate a d s$e )as &t a *amous a+to# o# a di.a% s$e )as a .e#, 6u io# 6ou# a(ist )$ose tempo#a#, +o t#a+t )as 6ust +omi ! to a e dIt )as a ai(0"iti ! p(a+e to "e *o# a ,o e )$o $ad $e# s$a#e o* i se+u#ities0)$i+$ Sam didA *e) )eeks ea#(ie# "ei ! o**e#ed t$is +o t#a+t $ad "ee t$e *o+us o* a(( $e# am"itio s% a d t$e possi"i(it, t$at t$e ma $imse(* mi!$t "e a"out to o**e# it to $e# )ou(d $a.e $ad $e# i a state o* *e.e#is$ a ti+ipatio No)% )$e *i a +ia( se+u#it, matte#ed mo#e t$a e.e#% Sam k o+ked o t$e doo# *ee(i ! odd(, deta+$edT$e +$a +es )e#e t$is )as ot$i ! to do )it$ $e# +o t#a+t at a((- E#i+ Gi""s $ad mo#e impo#ta t items o $is a!e da t$a t$e +o t#a+ts o* .e#, 6u io# mem"e#s o* $is sta**- O t$e t)o o++asio s t$e, $ad met *a+e to *a+e $e $ad !ot $e# ame )#o !% t$ou!$ s$e&d "ee to(d ot to take t$at pe#so a((,Appa#e t(, E#i+ )as ot !ood )it$ ames a d +a((ed e.e#,o e *#om #o,a(t, to !o.e# me t mi iste#s &mate&PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
But i* it )as &t t$e +o t#a+t )$at e(se +ou(d e/p(ai t$is a"#upt summo s o $e# da, o**8 S$e mi!$t $a.e $ad mo#e o* a +(ue i* $e# me ta( dis+ip(i e $ad &t disi te!#ated- S$e +ou(d &t st#i ! t)o t$ou!$ts to!et$e# )it$out Cesa#e mus+(i ! $is )a, i to $e# $ead&Get o.e# $im% Sam5& s$e +ou se((ed $e#se(* ste# (,- I* $e did &t )a t a ,t$i ! to do )it$ t$is "a",% t$at )as $is (oss- S$e *#o) ed% (i*ted $e# +$i a d said &His (oss5& 6ust as t$e o**i+e doo# ope ed- &S0so##,%& s$e mutte#ed% "(us$i ! to t$e #oots o* $e# $ai#&I said +ome i -& &I did &t $ea#% I&m --- & &Ne.e# mi d- Sit do) -- -I&(( !et st#ai!$t to t$e poi t-& He did a d Sam (iste ed% t$e k ot o* a /iet, i $e# stoma+$ $a.i ! !#o) i to a !api ! +$asm ", t$e time $e $ad *i is$ed speaki !&So ,ou&#e sa+ki ! me8& It )as a s$o+k0mo#e t$a a s$o+k- S$e )as i se+u#e% "ut s$e )as ot de(usio a(0s$e k e) s$e )as !oodT$e edito#&s di#e+t !a2e )a de#ed i t$e di#e+tio o* t$e potted p(a t o t$e *i(i ! +a"i et- &We $a.e to (et ,ou !o- So##, a d a(( t$at-& Sam !ot to $e# *eet st#u!!(i ! *o# di! it,- It )as $a#d )$e $e# k ees )e#e s$aki ! so $a#d- &Not as so##, as me-& &O* +ou#se% )e&(( !i.e ,ou e/+e((e t #e*e#e +es-& &W$at $a.e I do e )#o !8& &T$is is &t a"out ,ou% it&s a"out--- 'am t$em5& $e !#o)(ed% s(ammi ! $is *ist do) o t$e desk +ausi ! a pi(e o* pape#s to s(ide to t$e *(oo#Sam )at+$ed t$e i e/p(i+a"(e disp(a, o* a !e#% "ut it did &t $a.e t$e po)e# to tou+$ $e#- S$e )as um"PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&It&s a"out o#!a isatio a( +$a !es-& Sam a++epted t$e .a!ue e/p(a atio )it$ a s$#u!- &I&(( take m, t$i !s )it$ me% s$a(( I8& &No $u##, --- o $u##,%& E#i+ said% (ooki ! a)k)a#d as $e !a.e $e# s$ou(de# a s1uee2eSam ma a!ed to +o((e+t $e# t$i !s )it$out "umpi ! i to a ,o e s$e k e)- S$e )as $a(*)a, $ome "e*o#e t$e a !e# ki+ked i a d s$e )as a#ti+u(ate a*te# t$e *a+t- A $u d#ed t$i !s s$e k e) s$e s$ou(d $a.e said$au!$t,% +utti ! t$i !s0popped i to $e# $ead- B, t$e time s$e #ea+$ed $e# "edsit t$e a !e#
$ad !i.e )a, to mise#,% se(*0pit, a d tea#s t$at "(i ded $e# as s$e pus$ed t$e ke, i to t$e doo# a d (et $e#se(* i S$e d#opped t$e t$i !s s$e )as $o(di ! o to t$e *(oo# a d *(u ! $e#se(* $ead(o ! o t$e so*aT$e, $ad "ee sitti ! i t$e statio a#, +a# *o# $a(* a $ou# "e*o#e Pao(o% sitti ! i t$e d#i.i ! seat% spoke up&T$e#e is a (ad, +omi !% petite% s$e $as #ed $ai# a d s$e&s +#,i !-& T$e (ast +omme t )as t$e +(i +$e#&S$e is !oi ! i to t$e "ui(di !- & T$e t$i+kset Ita(ia +o ti ued speaki ! i $is ati.e to !ue&We )i(( *o((o) $e#%& Cesa#e said% t#,i ! ot to t$i k a"out t$e tea#sT$is )as a situatio )$e#e t$e e ds de*i ite(, 6usti*ied t$e mea sPao(o #espo ded )it$ a a**i#mati.e !#u t% "ut e/p#essed o su#p#ise at t$e a ou +eme t- He $ad )o#ked *o# Cesa#e *o# te ,ea#s a d t$e #o(e #e1ui#ed *(e/i"i(it,- He )aited u ti( Cesa#e $ad s(id *#om t$e "a+k seat a d t$e p(a+ed a (i!$t !uidi ! $a d u o"t#usi.e(, o $is emp(o,e#&s e("o) as t$e, )a(ked to)a#ds t$e "ui(di ! t$e )oma $ad !o e i to&It is t$e *i*t$ *(oo#% *(at <@"-&
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Was s$e )eepi ! i *(at <@"8 Cesa#e&s e/p#essio $a#de ed i to a mask o* #eso(utio as $e +o ti ued to #e*use to a+k o)(ed!e $is !ui(t% a d t$e pa#t $e $ad p(a,ed i $e# tea#s&T$e (i*t is out o* o#de#% si#%& Pao(o said i a to e t$at su!!ested t$is did ot su#p#ise $im&T$e "ui(di ! does ot meet )it$ ,ou# app#o.a(8 It +ou(d do )it$ a (i+k o* pai t8& Cesa#e spe+u(ated&Se.e#a(- O#% "ette# sti((% k o+ki ! do) -& Cesa#e (au!$ed- &You a#e a s o"-& T$e $is e/p#essio so"e#ed- A "ui(di ! t$at $is *astidious d#i.e# *ou d u a++epta"(e )as ot o e t$at $e $ad a , i te tio o* $is +$i(d "ei ! #aised i T$e t$i+kset Pao(o% )$o +a##ied a *e) e/t#a pou ds a#ou d $is midd(e% )as pa ti ! ", t$e time t$e, #ea+$ed t$e *ou#t$ *(oo#- Cesa#e )as ot&Y ou eed to take mo#e e/e#+ise% m, *#ie d-& Pao(o a+k o)(ed!ed t$e +omme t )it$ a !#u t "e*o#e !#.m! $is emp(o,e# a #apid t$um" ai( sket+$ o* t$ei# su##ou di !s- He k e) t$at $is emp(o,e#&s #ema#ka"(, #ete ti.e memo#, )ou(d ot #e1ui#e $im to #epeat $imse(*-
&Y ou )is$ me to )ait8& &No- I )i(( +a(( )$e I eed ,ou-& Sam )as sti(( (,i ! o t$e so*a )ea#i ! $e# damp +oat )$e t$e doo#"e(( "e!a to #i !- It )as o (, )$e t$e ma *#om t$e *(at upstai#s "e!a "a !i ! o t$e *(oo# a d it "e+ame o".ious t$at $e# .isito# )as ot !oi ! to !o a)a, t$at s$e made a , attempt to #espo dPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&A(( #i!$t% a(( #i!$t%& s$e mutte#ed% #u i ! t$e "a+k o* $e# $a d a+#oss $e# damp +$eeks a d !(a +i ! )it$ disi te#est i t$e mi##o# as s$e passed- T$e !(a +e #e.ea(ed a "(ot+$,% tea#0stai ed *a+e a d s)o((e e,es su##ou ded ", a $a(o o* )i(d% s(i!$t(, damp #ed +u#(sS i**i ! a d pus$i ! $e# $ai# "a+k *#om $e# *a+e% s$e ope ed t$e doo# a +#a+k% "ut "e*o#e s$e +ou(d eit$e# te(( $e# ois, .isito# to !o a)a, o# e.e 6ust +$e+k t$em out t$e doo# )as t$#ust ope a d s$e )as (i*ted "a+k)a#ds i to $e# +#amped $a(()a, as Cesa#e B#u e((i&s "#oad0s$ou(de#ed% si/0*oot*i.e *#ame e te#ed $e# *(at4o# t$i#t, se+o ds s$e )as too stu ed to sa, o# do a ,t$i ! at a((-
As $is $a ds *e(( *#om $e# )aist Cesa#e )as u a"(e to dispe( t$e i((o!i+a( *ee(i ! t$at t$e, $ad "e(o !ed t$e#e0t$e, *itted- S$#u!!i ! o** t$e )$imsi+a( idea% $e d#e) a $a d t$#ou!$ $is $ai# a d it +ame a)a, )et- It $ad "ee #ai i ! outside&Sa, somet$i ! o# I )i(( sta#t to t$i k I $a.e )a de#ed i to t$e )#o ! *(at- & It )as a (ie- He +ou(d $a.e pi+ked out $e# su"t(e )oma (, *#a!#a +e i a #oom +#ammed )it$ $u d#eds o* "odies% a d $e did &t t$i k t$is $ad a ,t$i ! to do )it$ some se so#, +ompe satio $e $ad de.e(oped- His si/t$ se se $ad ot +ome out o* $i"e# atio % "ut t$e#e )as% it seemed% 6ust somet$i ! a"out $e# t$at $e #ea+ted to o a a(most +e((u(a# (e.e(T$e mass o* #a) mas+u(i it, i su+$ a e +(osed spa+e se t Sam&s e#.ous s,stem a d $e# "#ai i to +$aoti+ +o *usio - S$e e/pe((ed a (o ! s$ak, si!$ as $e# )ide0e,ed !(a +e s(id do) t$e (o !% (ea (e !t$ o* $im% a )eak ess i .adi ! $e# (im"s as a deepe# s$udde#, si!$ (e*t $e# )it$ pa#ted (ips- He (ooked i +#edi"(e0t$e epitome o* ma(e "eaut, sta di ! +(ose e ou!$ *o# $e# to tou+$- O (, s$e )as &t !oi ! to0s$e sti(( $ad a !#ai o* !ood se se (e*t a d past e/pe#ie +e $ad tau!$t $e# t$at )$e a , *o#m o* p$,si+a( +o ta+t )it$ t$e Ita(ia took p(a+e t$i !s !ot da !e#ous(, u p#edi+ta"(eS$e sta#ed +o.etous(, at $im a d )o de#ed )$at to do e/t0t$e 1uestio mi!$t "e a+ademi+ i* $e# $ea#t "eat a , *aste#- T$e mo(eski 6a+ket
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$e )o#e $u ! ope to #e.ea( a +(ose0*itti ! +as$me#e s)eate#% "(a+k% (ike t$e 6ea s t$at emp$asised $is (o !% mus+u(a# t$i!$s a d s ak, $ipsS$e t#ied to d#a! $e# e,es a)a, "ut +ou(d &t stop sta#i !- T$e#e )as a s$ee o* moistu#e o $is !o(de ski maki ! it !(eam% a d t$e same moistu#e +(u ! i si(.e#, d#op(ets to t$e (o ! e,e(as$es t$at *#amed $is "eauti*u( e,esHe $ad ot $idde t$em "e$i d da#k !(asses% "ut t$e Cesa#e B#u e((i )as ot a $idi ! so#t o* ma - He )as mo#e o* a $it0o"sta+(es0$ead0o so#t o* pe#so S$e suspe+ted t$at most t$i !s mo.ed0o# e.e #a 0)$e t$e, sa) $im +omi !5 I* s$e $ad s$o) as mu+$ se se% s$e #e*(e+ted "itte#(,% s$e )ou(d &t "e i t$is mess- A(t$ou!$ s$e supposed s$e )ou(d sti(( "e out o* )o#k% o (, it )ou(d "e "e+ause s$e $ad &t made t$e !#ade% )$i+$ )as &t as "ad as out o* )o#k "e+ause s$e $ad &t made t$e !#ade a d )as p#e! a t5 S$e *i a((, ma a!ed to speak- &You did &t )a de# i % ,ou "a#!ed i u i .ited-& S$e t#ied $a#d to i 6e+t t$e e+essa#, de!#ee o* +o(d ess a d disapp#o.a( i to $e# .oi+e% "ut it )as a up$i(( "att(e "e+ause it )as $a#d to "e +o(d )$e s$e )as sta#i ! at $is mout$- &Ho) did ,ou !et $e#e8& S$e sta#ted at t$e sou d o* t$e doo# "ei ! +(osed )it$ a audi"(e +(i+k- &A d )$at a#e ,ou doi ! $e#e8& Hea#i ! t$e #isi ! ote o* es+a(ati ! pa i+ i $e# .oi+e% s$e stopped a d +(ea#ed $e# t$#oat&A+tua((, t$is is a "ad time *o# m0me --- & T$e $usk, +at+$ i $e# .oi+e $ad a simi(a# e**e+t o Cesa#e as a e#.e e di ! "ei ! e/posed to +o(d ai#- His "#o)s d#e) to!et$e# i a ste# (i e as $is *o#e$ead pu+ke#ed i to a *#o) - &You&#e +#,i !5& S+a(di ! s$ame )as$ed o.e# $im- He *i#med $is 6a)% +ausi ! t$e mus+(es a(o ! t$e st#o ! a !u(a# out(i e to 1ui.e#- T$is )as ot t$e p(a+e *o# se time t3 $e )as doi ! t$e #i!$t t$i !- It )as e+essa#,Sam s i**ed a d p(a+ed "ot$ $a ds a+#oss $e# mout$ to mu**(e t$e so" s$e *e(t )e((i ! up i $e# t$#oatPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&Wi(( ,ou 6ust !o a)a,8& s$e p(eaded&No% I +ou(d &t i* I )a ted to-& He passed a $a d a+#oss $is e,es a d smi(ed sa#do i+a((,- &I&m "(i d% #emem"e#-& &I #emem"e#-& It )as sti(( $a#d to "e(ie.e% e.e mo#e so o) t$at $e $ad +o 1ue#ed t$e demo s o* p#imiti.e *ea# $e $ad "ee )#est(i ! i S+ot(a d- 'id $e #ese t t$e *a+t s$e $ad see $im )$e $e )as ot tota((, i +o t#o(8 &I +ase ,ou did &t #e+o! ise it% t$at )as "(a+k $umou#-& &No% t$at )as "ad taste-& &I&m *amous *o# it-&
Sam +ou(d &t #espo d to t$e 1uip3 $e# *a+ia( mus+(es *e(t (o+ked i a t#a!i+ e/p#essio - &Look --- & S$e paused% )o de#i ! )$at to +a(( $im- S$e +ou(d &t +a(( t$e *at$e# o* $e# +$i(d Miste#5 &Look% Cesa#e0& Some emotio s$e +ou(d ot i te#p#et *(i+ke#ed at t$e "a+ks o* $is e,es- &Was t$at so $a#d8& $e askedHe# e,es )ide ed- E.e t$ou!$ $e +ou(d &t pi+k up o t$e +ues o* "od, (a !ua!e a d *a+ia( e/p#essio s e.e#,o e took *o# !#a ted% $e )as s+a#i(, pe#+epti.e&Was )$at so $a#d8& &Sa,i ! m, ame-& S$e )as too emotio a((, )$a+ked to p#e.a#i+ate- &Yes% it )as-& A d )$, ot8 A ,t$i ! +o $im )as $a#d )o#k5 e+ted )it$
&Cesa#e% t$e *a+t is I&.e $ad a "ad da,- T$e (ast pe#so i t$e )o#(d I )a t to see is ,ou5& U a"(e to stop t$em% s$e *e(t t$e tea#s sta#t to #o(( do) $e# +$eeks o +e mo#e a d s$e )iped t$em a)a, )it$ t$e "a+k o* $e# $a d&Sometimes it $e(ps to ta(k a"out it-&
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&4o# !ood ess& sake% do &t tu# ki d a d u de#sta di ! o)0 ot u (ess ,ou )a t me to +#, a(( o.e# ,ou% a d t$at is &t a p#ett, si!$t%& s$e )a# ed $im da#k(,Cesa#e% )$o )as )e(( a)a#e t$at e.e t$e most !e e#ous o* +#iti+s +ou(d ot $a.e te#med $is #e+e t a+tio s eit$e# ki d o# u de#sta di !% #ea+$ed out a d tou+$ed t$e side o* $e# +$eek- S$e t)isted $e# $ead a)a,% "ut ot "e*o#e t$e s$i.e# t$at #a t$#ou!$ $e# "od, +ommu i+ated itse(* to $im t$#ou!$ $is *i !e#tips&T$e ad.a ta!e o* "ei ! i t$e +ompa , o* a "(i d ma % +a#a% is ,ou +a #e(a/ a"out t$e )a, ,ou (ook a d ot )o##, a"out "ad0$ai# da,s-& He mi!$t ot "e a"(e to see $e# *a+e o# #ead $e# "od, (a !ua!e% "ut Sam #e+o! ised )it$ a se se o* disma, t$at s$e *e(t mo#e e/posed o e.e#, (e.e( )$e s$e )as ea# $im&I +ou(d e.e# #e(a/ i ,ou# +ompa ,-& S$e "it $e# 1ui.e#i ! (ips a d added "e*o#e $e +ou(d #ead somet$i ! #e.ea(i ! i to $e# #eto#t% &I t#ied to ta(k to ,ou --- Cesa#e% a d a(( it !ot me )as a $eada+$eLook% I&m so##,- I k o) ,ou )e#e o (, t#,i ! to do t$e #i!$t t$i ! ", su!!esti ! )e !et ma##ied --,ou&#e Ita(ia a d t$e *ami(, t$i ! is --- & S$e stopped as $e# s$ou(de#s "e!a to s$ake )it$ t$e e**o#t o* "iti ! "a+k t$e so"s t$at )e#e (o+ked i $e# t$#oat- He# $ead sa k to $e# +$est as s$e "e!a to so" i ea# estHe# mu**(ed +#ies to#e at Cesa#e&s $ea#t t$e )a, o )oma &s tea#s e.e# $adHe took a step *o#)a#d a d )a(ked i to a u see o"sta+(e- Steppi ! o.e# it )it$ a +u#se% $e e/te ded $is $a ds a d *e(t t$e si(k, top o* $e# $ead- S$e (i*ted it a d $is $a ds s(id to *#ame it- He mo.ed a t$um" a+#oss t$e )et ess o* $e# +$eeks-
S$e s i**ed a d +o.e#ed $is $a ds )it$ $e# o) % "ut% i stead o* pu((i ! t$em a)a,% t$e, sta,ed t$e#e $o(di ! $is i p(a+e- &So##,% t$is is &t a"out ,ou- I $a.e to *o+us-&
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Cesa#e to(d $imse(* t$e same t$i ! a $u d#ed times a da,0$e $ad to *o+us a d sta, i +o t#o(- W$e $e spoke $e did so *#om e/pe#ie +e0$e k e) t$at i! o#i ! *ee(i !s did ot make t$em !o a)a,- &No% ,ou eed to (et !o-& S$e $ad "ee t$e#e )$e $e $ad (et !o a d $ad take t$e *u(( "#u t o* $is #a!e )$e $e $adT$e #est o* $is se te +e #emai ed u said as s$e sudde (, )a(ked i to $is a#ms% "u##o)ed $e# )et *a+e i to $is +$est a d said i a .oi+e mu**(ed ", $is s)eate#% &I eed ,ou to s$ut up a d $o(d me-& 4o# a se+o d Cesa#e did &t #ea+t at a(( to t$e impe#ious +omma dI e# +o *(i+t )as tea#i ! $im apa#t% )$i+$ made o se se0t$e#e )as o (, +o *(i+t )$e someo e )as &t su#e t$e, $ad do e t$e #i!$t t$i !% a d Cesa#e% ot a ma a**(i+ted )it$ se(*0dou"t% )as su#eHe $ad "ee a"(e to .ie) t$e situatio )it$ tota( o"6e+ti.it,- T$e a"i(it, to $a.e a +(ea# o.e#.ie) )it$out !etti ! "o!!ed do) )it$ emotio a( i##e(e.a +ies +om"i ed )it$ (u+k )as a ta(e t t$at $ad $e(ped make $im a .e#, )ea(t$, ma - He )as dis+o.e#i ! t$at it )as &t eas, to #etai a !#ip o t$at o"6e+ti.it, )$e $is a#ms )e#e *i((ed )it$ a so*t% )eepi ! )oma - He# s+e t *(ooded $is se ses a d $is a#ms +(osed a#ou d $e#4ee(i !s% st#o ! a d u *ami(ia#% sti##ed as $e st#oked $e# $ai# a d *e(t $e# 1ui.e#i ! "od, #e(a/- He s(id t$e "u(k, )et +oat s$e )o#e o** $e# s$ou(de#s a d mo.ed $is $a ds i a soot$i ! motio do) $e# spi e- T$e $e p#opped $is +$i a!ai st t$e top o* $e# !(oss, $ead a d t#ied to keep t$i !s i pe#spe+ti.eT$e#e )ou(d "e ot$e# 6o"sBut t$at )as &t t$e poi t a d Cesa#e k e) it- He $ad k o) it )$e $e $ad #u ! t$e p#op#ieto# o* t$e C$#o i+(e a d +a((ed i a *a.ou#% "ut $e $ad #atio a(ised $is a+tio s0t$at )as $a#de# o) )$e $e )as seei ! t$e +o se1ue +es up +(ose a d pe#so a(:e#, +(ose5 He# +u#.es s(otted i to $is a !(es as i* t$e, $ad "ee made to +omp(eme t ea+$ ot$e#- He t#ied to t$i k a"out )$, $e )as doi ! t$is% "ut t$ou!$ts o* $a.i ! $e# so*t a d )a#m u de# eat$ $im kept i t#udi !PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He $ad "ee a !#, a d i s$o+k3 $is p#ide $ad "ee $u#t )$e s$e $ad +a((ed $im se+o d "est- He )as sti(( assai(ed ", a eed to $ea# $e# #et#a+t t$at stateme t% a odd desi#e *o# a ma )$o $ad e.e# !i.e a dam *o# a ,o e&s opi io o* $im-
W$at s$e t$ou!$t o* $im )as ot #e(e.a t% t$ou!$ $e )ou(d +(ea#(, "e mo#e +om*o#ta"(e ma##ied to someo e )$o did &t $ate $is !utsT$e, must "e ma##iedHis immediate mo.e a*te# s$e $ad (e*t $is o**i+es $ad "ee to +a +e( $is t#ip "a+k to Ita(, t$e e/t mo# i !- His e/t $ad "ee t$e +a(( to Ma#k ;ames to +a(( i a *a.ou#- T$e ma $ad ot "ee e ti#e(, $app, at t$e #e1uest to i te#*e#e )it$ )$at )as% $e poi ted out% a pu#e(, edito#ia( de+isio % "ut $e $ad o"(i!ed a ,)a,Sama t$a )ou(d ot "e o**e#ed a +o t#a+tIt seemed #easo a"(e to Cesa#e to assume t$at "ei ! )it$out a 6o" )ou(d make t$e *ie#+e(, i depe de t Sama t$a app#e+iate t$e i se+u#it, o* $e# positio - S$e )ou(d "e i a mo#e *a.ou#a"(e *#ame o* mi d to +o side# $is p#oposa(% o# at (east ot dismiss it out o* $a dT$e i#o , )as ot (ost o Cesa#e- He $ad spe t $is e ti#e adu(t (i*e es+api ! t$e +(ut+$es o* )ome )it$ desi! s o $im0o# at (east $is mo e,0a d o) $e )as "ei ! *o#+ed to emp(o, de+eptio a d di#t, ta+ti+s i o#de# to se(( $imse(* as a !ood ma##ia!e "a#!ai Cesa#e $ad pus$ed aside a , dis1uiet $e *e(t a"out emp(o,i ! su+$ met$ods3 $e )ou(d do a ,t$i ! to e su#e t$at% u (ike $imse(*% $is +$i(d )ou(d ot "e "#ou!$t up )it$out a *at$e#- T$at $is +$i(d )ou(d e.e# *ee( as t$ou!$ $e did &t "e(o !- Pa#e ts )a ted *o# t$ei# +$i(d#e t$e t$i !s t$e, $ad "ee dep#i.ed o* a d $e )as o e/+eptio W$i(e s$e !a.e .e t to $e# pe t0up emotio s Sam )as u a)a#e o* a ,t$i ! "ut t$e s$e(te# a d se+u#it, Cesa#e&s a#ms o**e#ed- S$e ou!$t to $a.e pu((ed a)a, t$e se+o d s$e "e+ame a)a#e o* a ,t$i ! e(se% (ike t$e $eat a d $a#d ess o* $is "od, a d t$e ma(e% +(ea % musk, s+e t o* $is ski %
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"ut s$e did &t- S$e sta,ed t$e#e% $e# e,es ti!$t s$ut% )a ti ! t$e mome t to (astCesa#e )as t$e +ause o*% ot t$e so(utio to% $e# p#o"(ems% )$i+$ made t$e *a+t s$e *e(t sa*e *o# t$e *i#st time i )eeks i $is a#ms a(( t$e mo#e "i2a##eS$e )as (osi ! it% s$e to(d $e#se(*Ha ds *(at a!ai st $is +$est% s$e pus$ed a)a,T$e#e )as a a)k)a#d si(e +e&S0so##, a"out t$at- You )e#e i t$e )#o ! p(a+e at t$e )#o ! time% I&# a*#aid- & He a#+$ed a "#o)% t$e #ou!$ ess i $is deep .oi+e maski ! t$e emotio s $e *e(t $ea#i ! t$e +at+$ i $e# .oi+e- &T$i !s )i(( (ook "ette# i t$e mo# i !0is t$at )$at t$e, sa,8& &Not i t$is +ase- I (ost m, 6o" toda,-& W$, )as s$e te((i ! $im t$is8
Wit$out )aiti ! *o# $im to #espo d% s$e )a(ked i to t$e sitti ! #oom a d took up a +#oss0(e!!ed postu#e o a a#m+$ai#- W$e s$e (ooked up s$e sa) $e $ad *o((o)ed $e# a d )as *ee(i ! $is )a, a(o ! t$e )a((4o# a mome t s$e )as (ost i admi#atio a d a)e *o# t$e )a, $e $ad adapted- S$e +ou(d ima!i e ot$i ! mo#e te##i*,i ! t$a )a(ki ! i to some)$e#e st#a !e a d ot $a.i ! a +(ue o* )$e#e s$e )asYet $e "et#a,ed o $esitatio - His domi ati ! p#ese +e #adiated +o *ide +e a d immediate(, made t$e sma(( #oom *ee( a (ot sma((e#T$e#e )as o dou"t Cesa#e B#u e((i )as a .e#, #ema#ka"(e ma e.e i* $e )as e/t#eme(, a!!#a.ati !&T$e#e&s a +$ai# 6ust to ,ou# (e*t-& Cesa#e a++epted t$e i *o#matio )it$ a od a d *e(t *o# t$e +$ai# "e*o#e $e (o)e#ed $imse(* i to itPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&W$, did ,ou (ose ,ou# 6o"8& &It tu# s out I&m ot as !ood at )$at I )as doi ! as I t$ou!$t- 'o ,ou dis(ike "ad 6ou# a(ists (ess t$a +ompete t o es8& He *#o) ed- &Is t$at )$at t$e, said8 T$at ,ou )e#e --- & &Hope(ess-& S$e s$#u!!ed a d sta#ed at $e# *i !e#s +(e +$ed i $e# (ap- &Not di#e+t(,%& s$e admitted )it$ a t)isted smi(e- &But it&s *ai#(, o".ious-& A pe#so $ad to a++ept *a+ts e.e )$e t$e, )e#e u pa(ata"(eCesa#e )as a o,ed ", t$e *(at a++epta +e i $e# .oi+e- He $ad ma ipu(ated t$e situatio % $e $ad )a ted $e# to *ee( .u( e#a"(e06ust ot t$is .u( e#a"(e- S$e )as a *i!$te#3 s$e&d "ee *i!$ti ! si +e t$e mome t t$e, $ad met5 Some$o) it *e(t )#o ! to $im to $ea# $e# sou d so #esi! ed a d de*eated&So ,ou&#e !oi ! to !i.e up-& Sam (i*ted $e# $ead% t$e a !e# s$e $ad $ea#d i $is .oi+e% t$e a !e# s$e assumed )as aimed at $e#% et+$ed i t$e taut (i es o* $is *a+e&I did &t $a.e ,ou do) as a de*eatist%& $e addedHis $a#s$ +o tempt stu !- &I&m ot% I&m a #ea(ist-& S$e !(a#ed at $im a d #ea(ised s$e sti(( $ad o idea )$, $e )as $e#eS$e supposed it $ad somet$i ! to do )it$ t$e "a",% "ut )$at8 He# e,es )ide ed t$e a##o)ed as a u p(easa t suspi+io took $o(d3 $e# $a ds +(e +$ed% $e# $ea#t *e(t $ea., a d +o(d (ike i+e i $e# +$estI* $e da#ed su!!est s$e !et #id o* t$e "a", --&W$at )i(( ,ou do8 Sta, )it$ ,ou# pa#e ts8& &'ad died )$e I )as te % Mum died (ast ,ea#-& &I&m so##,-&
T$e#e )as +autio i $e# e/p#essio as s$e sea#+$ed $is *a+e- His s,mpat$, seemed !e ui e- His mout$ dist#a+ted $e# as it a()a,s did- S$e
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*e(t a sta" o* !ui(t a d to#e $e# e,es a)a,- Sta#i ! t$at )a, )$e $e +ou(d &t see *e(t (ike a i t#usio S$e )as i .adi ! $is p#i.a+, (ike some so#t o* .o,eu#S$e !a.e a (itt(e o +ommitta( !#u t a d added% &It )as &t tota((, u e/pe+ted0s$e&d (i.ed )it$ i(( ess *o# ,ea#s- S$e&d "ee i #emissio "e*o#e a d "eat it )$e it +ame "a+k% "ut (ast time --- & emotio +(o!!ed i $e# t$#oat as s$e st#u!!(ed to keep $e# .oi+e (e.e( & --- s$e did &t-& T$e p#osai+ (itt(e s i** made somet$i ! ti!$te i Cesa#e&s +$est- He +ou(d ot see $e# *a+e "ut $e k e) s$e )as *#o) i !% te##i*ied t$at $e )ou(d t$i k s$e )as +ou#ti ! $is s,mpat$,Ho) did $e k o) t$at8 &A#e ,ou# pa#e ts a(i.e8& &:e#, mu+$ so-& &I suppose ,ou&#e )o##ied a"out )$at t$e, )i(( t$i k a"out t$e "a",-& &T$e, a#e "us, )it$ t$ei# o) (i.es-& His *at$e# $ad dis+o.e#ed t$e 6o,s o* pa#e t$ood t$e p#e.ious ,ea# )$e $e tu# ed si/t,- His e) )i*e )as t)e t,0t)o- His mot$e#&s atte tio )as *o+used o $is tee a!e $a(*siste#s a d keepi ! $e#se(* ,out$*u( (ooki ! *o# $e# $us"a d0s$e $ad e.e# admitted to t$e +osmeti+ su#!e#, "ut t$e (i es kept ma!i+a((, disappea#i !&Wi(( ,ou te(( t$em8& As Sam asked t$e 1uestio s$e )o de#ed )$et$e# $e )as t$i ki ! t$e#e )ou(d "e o eed i* $e pe#suaded $e# to te#mi ate t$e p#e! a +,Cesa#e smoot$(, stee#ed a)a, *#om t$e su"6e+t o* $is *ami(,- &So )$at a#e ,ou# p(a s% t$e 8& &Look *o# a e) 6o"-& S$e !(a#ed at $im a d t$ou!$t% a d keep m, "a",- &I eed to pa, t$e #e t- You e.e# k o)% m, e/pe#ie +e as a +(ea e# mi!$t "e use*u(- I mi!$t +ome to ,ou *o# a #e*e#e +e-& S$e )at+$ed $is (ips +u#( i to a smi(e a d k e) $e )as !oi ! to sa, somet$i ! t$at s$e )ou(d &t (ike0 o# ma,"e (ike too mu+$8 He# p#o"(em
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)as $e# #ea+tio s to Cesa#e )e#e so i +ompati"(e )it$ t$e +ommo se se e.e#,o e said s$e possessedHis .oi+e d#opped a o+ta.e as $e o"se#.ed smoki(,% &T$e ta(e ts I +ou(d .e#i*, mi!$t ot !et ,ou t$e so#t o* 6o" ,ou&#e a*te#% +a#a-&
S$e k e) $e )as t#,i ! to i su(t $e#% ot sedu+e $e#% so t$e t$#i(( o* e/+iteme t t$at made $e# stoma+$ mus+(es 1ui.e# )as a(( t$e mo#e i e/p(i+a"(e&I* a(( ,ou +a do is make s ide% sa#k, +omme ts (ike t$at ,ou mi!$t as )e(( (ea.e0,ou mi!$t as )e(( (ea.e a ,)a,5& s$e ,e((ed- &U (ess ,ou $a.e a , "ette# su!!estio s-& S$e "(e) $e# ose a d tu+ked a st#a, st#a d o* $ai# "e$i d $e# ea# as s$e *i/ed $im )it$ a suspi+ious sta#e&I do a+tua((,-& Sam te sed- &I&m (iste i ! --- & &'id ,ou mea it ,este#da,8& S$e e,ed $im )a#i(,- &Mea )$at8& &Mea me "ei ! "(i d $ad ot$i ! to do )it$ ,ou k o+ki ! "a+k m, p#oposa(-& &Yes% it did &t-& He )as p#o"a"(, #e(ie.ed toda, t$at s$e $ad #e*used&P#o.e it-& T$e +$a((e !e "#ou!$t a *u##o) to $e# "#o)- &Ho)8& &Sa, ,es o)-& CHAPTER SE:EN SAM 6e#ked "a+k i $e# seat as t$ou!$ someo e $ad st#u+k $e#PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&You sti(( )a t me to ma##, ,ou8& S$e !asped $oa#se(,Cesa#e !a.e a *(uid s$#u!- &W$, ot8 You a#e +a##,i ! m, +$i(d% Sama t$a- Not$i ! $as +$a !ed e/+ept ,ou# a"i(it, to suppo#t ,ou#se(*-& He a !(ed a e 1ui#i ! "#o) a d ti(ted $is $ead to o e side i a (iste i ! attitudeSam )ou(d $a.e !i.e a ,t$i ! to te(( $im it did &t matte#% t$at (osi ! $e# 6o" made o di**e#e +e0"ut it didS$e !(a +ed do) at t$e $a d (aid a!ai st $e# sti((0*(at "e((,- &'o ,ou t$i k I do &t k o) t$at8& S$e +$e)ed a"se t(, o $e# (o)e# (ip a d si!$ed- &It&s i#o i+% #ea((,0< t$ou!$t *o# a se+o d ,ou mi!$t $a.e "ee $e#e to su!!est- -- & Sam stopped% .e#, +o s+ious t$at $e )as a(e#t to e.e#, ua +e i $e# .oi+e- He seemed to possess t$e distu#"i ! a"i(it, to $ea# ot o (, )$at a pe#so said% "ut a(so )$at t$e, did &t sa,&You t$ou!$t I )as !oi ! to su!!est )$at8&
T$e admissio +ame out i a de*ia t #us$- &I t$ou!$t ,ou mi!$t ot )a t me to !o a$ead )it$ t$e p#e! a +,-& He (ooked "(a k *o# a mome t- &Not --- & T$e $e *#o2eSam )at+$ed t$e da#k +o(ou# #u up u de# $is ski % deepe i ! $is atu#a((, da#k +omp(e/io a d t$e #e+edi !% (ea.i ! $im dead(, pa(eWit$ u )i((i ! *as+i atio s$e )at+$ed $is +$est (i*t as $e st#u!!(ed to +o tai t$e out#a!e t$at )as )#itte i to e.e#, $a#d (i e o* $is e/p#essi.e *a+eW$e $e *i a((, spoke $is (o) .oi+e .i"#ated )it$ t$e st#e !t$ o* $is *ee(i !s- &'io Mio% ,ou t$ou!$t t$at I )ou(d ask ,ou to te#mi ate t$e p#e! a +,8& He "#oke o** a d s(id i to a *(ood o* e/t#eme(, a !#,0sou di ! Ita(ia Sam stu""o# (, st#u!!(ed to +(i ! to t$e s$#eds o* $e# de*ia +e i *a+e o* $is disp(a, o* i +a des+e t #a!e- &I +a see $o) it )ou(d seem (ike a
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so(utio to ,OU-& S$e )i +ed% t$i ki ! t$at s$e sou ded (ike a su(k,% petu(a t +$i(d- W$,% s$e despai#ed% did s$e a()a,s e d up *ee(i ! as t$ou!$ s$e )as at *au(t )$e#e $e )as +o +e# ed8 Cesa#e&s ost#i(s *(a#ed as $e su+ked i a deep "#eat$- It )as i+e to k o) )$at a $i!$ opi io s$e $ad o* $im- &You see ot$i !% +a#a5& $e !#ou d *#om "et)ee +(e +$ed teet$- &E/+ept )$at ,ou )is$ to see5 I am t$e "ad ma i ,ou# sto#,% "ut t$is is ot a sto#, a d i* it )as it )ou(d ot "e(o ! to ,ou a(o e-& &:e#, +#,pti+- A#e ,ou t#,i ! to make a poi t8& s$e +$a((e !edHe i +(i ed $is da#k $ead i a 6e#k, motio - &T$is is ou# sto#, --- ou# +$i(d- A d a +$i(d eeds t)o pa#e ts-& &T$e, !e e#a((, $a.e t)o- It is &t optio a(% u (ike ma##ia!e-& S$e 6umped to $e# *eet to put some dista +e "et)ee t$em a d "e!a to pa+e t$e #oom a !#i(,&T$e#e is o eed to "ou +e a#ou d i t$at emotio a( )a,-& &I&(( "e as emotio a( as I (ike%& s$e #eto#ted&T$is ma##ia!e )i(( "e a pape# a##a !eme t- -- & S$e +ut a+#oss $im s$#i((,- &You&#e ta(ki ! as i* it is i e.ita"(e a d% a ,)a,% )$at a#e ,ou ta(ki ! a"out-- pape# a##a !eme t8& &Ma##ia!es do ot $a.e to "e *o#e.e#-& His o) pa#e ts& ma##ia!e $ad ot "ee - His *at$e#0a se#ia( adu(te#e#0$ad )a(ked out o Cesa#e&s te t$ "i#t$da, a d t$e +o ta+t )it$ $is a"se t pa#e t du#i ! t$e #est o* $is +$i(d$ood $ad "ee (imited to C$#istmas +a#ds a d t$e odd "i#t$da, p#ese t0usua((, a mo t$ o# so (ate-
Cesa#e )as dete#mi ed t$at $is o) so )ou(d e.e# "e t$e (itt(e "o, i .e ti ! t$e ma#.e((ous t#ips $is *at$e# $ad take $im o to *#ie ds )$o $ad *u((0time *at$e#s- His mot$e# $ad do e $e# "est% "ut o +e s$e $ad #ema##ied $e# e) *ami(,0i +(udi ! t$#ee ,ou !e# $a(*0siste#s0$ad o".ious(, "ee t$e mai *o+us o* $e# atte tio PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Cesa#e $ad e.e# 1uite "e(o !edSam stopped )it$i a *oot o* $is +$ai# a d said )ist*u((,% &I&d #at$e# t$ou!$t m, ma##ia!e )ou(d (ast t$e test o* time- O* +ou#se a ma )$o is )i((i ! to take o a ot$e# ma &s +$i(d mi!$t ot "e so eas, to *i d-& Cesa#e )as si(e t as t$e )o#ds sa k i 0a ot$e# ma "#i !i ! up $is +$i(d- A ot$e# ma s$a#i ! a "ed )it$ Sama t$aT$e p#essu#e i $is temp(es i +#eased% t$e du(( t$#o" "e+ame a dea*e i ! pou di !But t$e#e )as o $i t o* *u#, i $is .oi+e )$e $e #espo ded +o(d(,% &I $a#d(, t$i k o) is t$e mome t to "e emotio a(-& T$e eed to !et $is poi t a+#oss )as mo#e impo#ta t t$a #e+o! isi ! t$e $,po+#is, o* t$e +#iti+ism- &I am o**e#i ! ,ou a p#a+ti+a( so(utio - Li*e as a si !(e pa#e t is ot a "ed o* #oses-& &I&m a)a#e o* t$at%& s$e s apped% a !#, "e+ause $e $ad eat(, tapped di#e+t(, i to t$e es+a(ati ! a /ieties t$at )e#e !i.i ! $e# i!$tma#es- S$e $ad o 6o"% t$e #e t o $e# *(at )as ast#o omi+a( a d t$e p(a+e )as ot suita"(e *o# a "a",% (et a(o e a sma(( +$i(d- W$at Cesa#e )as o**e#i !% as +o(d% +(i i+a( a d u pa(ata"(e as it seemed% )ou(d so(.e a(( $e# immediate p#o"(emsS$e )as )e(( a)a#e t$at most )ome i $e# situatio )ou(d ot .ie) "ei ! o**e#ed ma##ia!e ", a e(i!i"(e "i((io ai#e as a p#o"(em- S$e s$ou(d "e t$i ki ! o* t$e "a", as $e )as% ot $e#se(*- It )as &t as i* $e )a ted to "e sadd(ed )it$ a )i*e% "ut $e )as p#epa#ed to make t$at sa+#i*i+e&You +a ot suppo#t e.e ,ou#se(*-& S$e pus$ed aside $e# to#tu#ed #e*(e+tio s a d t$#e) $im a $umou#(ess smi(e- &I see ,ou p#es+#i"e to t$e ki+k0t$em0)$e 0t$e,&#e0do) s+$oo( o* t$ou!$t-& O a ,o e e(se t$e da#k (i e s+o#i ! t$e #a2o#0ed!ed a !(e o* $is i +#edi"(e +$eek"o es mi!$t $a.e "ee su!!esti.e o* em"a##assme t% "ut $e )as &t a ,o e e(se a d s$e se#ious(, dou"ted i* $e sto+ked t$e se time t- &T$a ks *o# t$e +o +e# % Cesa#e%& s$e said% (a,i ! o t$e i si +e#it, )it$ a
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t#o)e(- &But I&(( --- )e&(( ma a!e-& E.e s$e +ou(d $ea# t$e ote o* $,ste#i+a( u +e#tai t, i $e# .oi+eHis (ips +u#(ed as $e di#e+ted a "(a+k sta#e o* $auteu# i $e# di#e+tio - &I do ot )is$ m, +$i(d to ma a!e- I )is$ m, +$i(d to $a.e a sta"(e up"#i !i !% a *at$e# ---- &
&A d ,ou t$i k I do &t-& His da#k (as$es (o)e#ed% "#us$i ! $is +$eeks- &A mot$e# s$ou(d put t$e eeds o* $e# +$i(d a$ead o* $e# o) )is$es-& Sam !asped- &T$at is (o)% Cesa#e% e.e *o# ,ou-& He (ooked i##itated a d #a a $a d t$#ou!$ $is $ai#% +ausi ! it to sti+k up at t$e *#o t- &W$at do ,ou e/pe+t8 You )o &t (iste to #easo % ,ou&#e too stu""o# a d idea(isti+ a d --- 'io mio5 'o ,ou ot #ea(ise $o) ,ou# (i*e )ou(d +$a !e as a si !(e pa#e t8 ;o" satis*a+tio )ou(d "e .e#, (o) o ,ou# (ist o* p#io#ities- You )ou(d "e *o#+ed to take )o#k t$at paid% "ut did ot e+essa#i(, o**e# ,ou t$e +$a((e !es ,ou eed-& &C$a((e !es%& s$e e+$oed "itte#(,- &I do &t eed +$a((e !es% I eed0& &Se+u#it,%& $e *i is$ed *o# $e# smoot$(,&We((% i* I&m s$o#t o* +as$ I +a a()a,s do a kiss a d te((- I sti(( $a.e +o ta+ts- ;ust ima!i e%& s$e i .ited% &)$at t$e ta"(oids )ou(d pa,-& Cesa#e (ea ed "a+k i $is +$ai# a d Sam )as i##itated to see t$at $e did &t (ook too "ot$e#ed ", t$e idea o* $is ame "ei ! sp(as$ed a(( o.e# t$e ta"(oids- &Is t$at a t$#eat8& $e asked i a +o .e#satio a( to e&Cou(d "e-& &T$e t#i+k )it$ t$#eats is to e.e# make t$em i* ,ou $a.e o i te tio o* *o((o)i ! t$#ou!$-& S$e e,ed $im )it$ i te se dis(ike- &Y ou )ou(d "e t$e e/pe#t o t$#eats-&
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He smi(ed- &I* I make o e ,ou +a "e su#e t$at I )i(( *o((o) t$#ou!$-& Sam (o)e#ed $e# e,es "e*o#e t$e i#o , $it $e#- S$e )as dod!i ! t$e sta#e o* a ma )$o +ou(d &t e.e see $e#5 He +ou(d i timidate $e#% t$ou!$% )it$out e.e t#,i !- A d Sam $ad o p#o"(em "e(ie.i ! $e )ou(d *o((o) t$#ou!$ )it$ a , t$#eats $e made0 o e at a((Cesa#e )as a da !e#ous ma 0s$e $ad k o) t$at *#om t$e mome t s$e sa) $im- He# p#o"(em )as s$e $ad a s eaki ! suspi+io t$at t$at )as pa#t o* $is att#a+tio *o# $e#- He )as t$e *o#"idde *#uit a d to $e# ete# a( s$ame s$e +ou(d &t (ook at $im )it$out +o temp(ati ! taki ! a ot$e# "ite out o* $im5 &You $a.e a o#i!i a( )a, o* p#oposi !% I'll !i.e ,ou t$at-& &You )is$ me to !o do) o o e k ee a d de+(a#e u d,i ! (o.e8& T$e sa#+asm +au!$t Sam o a #a) e#.e s$e $ad &t k o) s$e $ad a d s$e +o.e#ed $e# #ea+tio )it$ a disp(a, o* *(ippa +,- &W$, ot8 I +ou(d do )it$ a !ood (au!$-& Cesa#e i! o#ed $e# mum"(ed *a+etious #eto#t a d tu# ed $is $ead so t$at a(( s$e +ou(d see )as t$e pu#e% pe#*e+t (i es o* $is pat#i+ia p#o*i(e- &Lau!$i ! )ou(d ot "e out o* t$e 1uestio - You a#e d)e((i ! o
t$e e!ati.e aspe+ts o* t$is ma##ia!e% "ut t$e#e a#e some mo#e positi.e o es- Let us "e se#ious *o# a mome t-& T$e su!!estio *i((ed Sam )it$ deep *o#e"odi !&Y ou a#e a am"itious )oma - I +ou(d $e(p ,ou-& &I* I&m !oi ! to !et a ,)$e#e it )i(( "e o m, o) me#its5& &So )e )i(( (ea.e epotism aside *o# o e mome t- Ma##ia!e to me )ou(d !i.e ,ou t$e (u/u#, o* "ei ! a"(e to pi+k a d +$oose ,ou# e/t +a#ee# mo.e0o ,ou# o) me#its0o#% o t$e ot$e# $a d% s$ou(d ,ou )is$ ,ou +ou(d take time out a d spe d time )it$ t$e "a",- T$e poi t is t$e +$oi+e )ou(d "e ,ou#s-&
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&You&#e a !ood sa(esma %& s$e +o +eded% $e# e/p#essio a"st#a+ted as s$e d#opped to $e# k ees "eside $is +$ai#- &But t$e t$i ! a"out pa+ts )it$ t$e de.i( is t$at t$e, sou d te##i*i+ u ti( ,ou #ead t$e sma(( p#i t a d t$e ,ou #ea(ise ,ou&.e si! ed ,ou# sou( a)a,- So )$at do ,ou !et out o* it8 W$, ma##ia!e8& &T$e de.i(0su#e(, t$at is t,pe+asti !8& Sam i! o#ed t$e d#, i te##uptio - &Su#e(, it )ou(d "e a )$o(e (ot simp(e# to 6ust make some *i a +ia( p#o.isio *o# t$e "a",8& &Possi"(,%& $e +o +eded- &But t$e (e!a( #i!$ts o* a *at$e# )$e $e is ot ma##ied to $is +$i(d&s mot$e# a#e% as I u de#sta d it% .i#tua((, o e/iste t% a d I% +a#a% )is$ to $a.e a e1ua( sa, i $o) ou# +$i(d is #aised-& &So t$at&s )$at t$is sudde desi#e to !et ma##ied is a"out8& It )as tota((, i##atio a( to *i d $is moti.atio $u#t*u(- It )as &t as i* s$e )a ted $im to (o.e $e# o# a ,t$i !&Pa#t(,%& $e admitted- &It is ot a "ad t$i ! eit$e# t$at )it$ a )i*e i t$e "a+k!#ou d I )i(( $ope*u((, ot att#a+t t$ose )ome )$o )is$ to $o(d m, $a d )$i(e I +#oss t$e #oad-& &So t$at )i(( "e m, 6o"-& &No% I do &t t$i k I&(( +$a !e t$e p#ese t a##a !eme t% Pao(o does ot )a t to ma##, me- Besides% I suspe+t ,ou )ou(d "e mo#e (ike(, to (ead me u de# a "us-& &'o &t !i.e me ideas%& s$e !#o)(ed "e*o#e s$e su"sided i to t$ou!$t*u( si(e +e- A(t$ou!$ s$e +ou(d ot se#ious(, +o side# $is +#a2, su!!estio % s$e )as sta#ti ! to *u((, app#e+iate t$e .u( e#a"i(it, o* $e# situatio - Losi ! $e# 6o" t$is )a, $ad se#.ed to emp$asise t$e *a+t t$at s$e 6ust +ou(d &t take a ,t$i ! *o# !#a tedW$at i* a ,t$i ! $appe ed to $e#8 W$at i* s$e "e+ame i(( o# )o#se --- 8 W$at )ou(d $appe to $e# "a", t$e 8
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T$e#e )as a()a,s $e# "#ot$e# a d $is )i*e% "ut t$e ,ou ! +oup(e )e#e st#u!!(i ! *i a +ia((, t$emse(.es a d t$e (ast t$i ! t$e, eeded )as $e# addi ! to t$ei# p#o"(ems&W$at a#e ,ou t$i ki !8& Cesa#e p#o"ed as t$e si(e +e st#et+$ed a d $e st#u!!(ed to $ide $is !#o)i ! impatie +e- It *#ust#ated $im t$at $e +ou(d ot see $e# *a+e&You usua((, seem to k o)-& Sam +$e)ed o $e# (o)e# (ip a d t$ou!$t t$at sometimes $e k e) )$at s$e )as t$i ki ! "e*o#e s$e did- &W$o is Pao(o8& &Pao(o is m, d#i.e# a d sometimes "od,!ua#d s$ou(d t$e eed a#ise-& I##itated ", t$e di.e#sio % Cesa#e added% &We a#e ot dis+ussi ! Pao(o-& &A d $as it e.e# a#ise 8& Sam *ou d t$e idea t$at Cesa#e )ou(d e.e# "e i a positio )$e#e $e eeded someo e to )at+$ $is "a+k a(a#mi !&Wi(( ,ou stop +$a !i ! t$e su"6e+t8& &I )as i te#ested-& S$e did &t add t$at a ,t$i ! a"out $im i te#ested $e#- It mi!$t !i.e $im t$e )#o ! idea0o# t$e #i!$t idea8 &A d I )as t$i ki ! t$at i* I&d ot see t$at a#ti+(e a d I&d de+ided ot to te(( ,ou a"out t$e "a", a d a ,t$i ! $appe ed --- & &Happe ed8& &We((% t$i !s do-& S$e $ea.ed a si!$ a d studied t$e patte# o t$e #u! "e eat$ $e# k ees as s$e sett(ed "a+k o to $e# $ee(s )it$ a *#o) - It )as a dep#essi ! t$ou!$t a d ot o e s$e% as a atu#a( optimist% t$ou!$t a"out o*te % "ut s$e +ou(d &t es+ape *a+ts- Cesa#e&s +omme ts $ad simp(, "#ou!$t )o##ies s$e a(#ead, $ad i to s$a#pe# *o+us- &Peop(e !et #u o.e# a d ki((ed +#ossi ! t$e #oad e.e#, da, o* t$e )eek-& T$e p#osai+ o"se#.atio +aused a "o e0deep +$i(( to sett(e o.e# Cesa#e as $is ima!i atio p#o.ided *(as$i ! ima!es o* poo(s o* "(ood o a #oad% a )a#m "od, !#o)i ! +o(d a d sti** --- A +$oki ! sou d d#a!!ed *#om some p(a+e deep i side $imPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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T$e st#a !e oise se t a +$i(( do) Sam&s spi e a d "#ou!$t $e# $ead up )it$ a s ap- &A#e ,ou a(( #i!$t8& s$e asked% deep(, a(a#med ", t$e !#e, ti !e to $is o#ma((, .i"#a t ski - T$e St,!ia "(a+k ess o* $is u seei ! sta#e as $e (ooked "a+k at $e# su!!ested t$e t$i !s $e )as seei ! i $is $ead )e#e ot p#ett,&O$% ,ou&#e t$i ki ! t$e "a", )ou(d $a.e e ded up i +a#e%& s$e said% sei2i ! o )$at s$e "e(ie.ed )as t$e +ause o* $is .isi"(e dist#ess- &'o &t )o##,% m, "#ot$e# a d $is )i*e )ou(d e.e# (et t$at $appe -& &Mad#e dio% )oma % )i(( ,ou *o+us a d stop p#att(i !8& He #aised a $a d to $is $ead3 t$e p#essu#e i $is sku(( $ad !#o) to a e/p(osi.e (e.e( as t$e t#ut$ $e $ad "ee t#,i ! $a#d to a.oid sta#ed "a+k at $im-
Sam&s e,es *(as$ed3 s$e )as o**e ded ", t$e s a#(i ! "#us1ue ess o* $is to e- &I suppose )$e ,ou make a de+isio ,ou d#a) up a +$a#t% )o#k out statisti+a( p#o"a"i(ities% )ei!$ up t$e p#os a d +o s a(( .e#, s+ie ti*i+a((,%& s$e #eto#ted sa#+asti+a((,&A+tua((, I am a !#eat "e(ie.e# i *o((o)i ! m, !ut i sti +t-& A d Cesa#e&s !ut i sti +t )as te((i ! $im #i!$t o) to kiss $e#- Ope $e# mout$ a d taste t$e s)eet ess t$at )as o o**e# )it$i He *o((o)ed up t$e t$#oat, stateme t so 1ui+k(, t$at Sam $ad o $i t o* $is i te tio u ti( $is *i !e#s +u#(ed a#ou d $e# +$i - S$e did &t t$i k o* #esista +e as $e ti(ted $e# *a+e to o e side to a((o) $imse(* *u(( a++ess to $e# mout$- S$e 6ust t$ou!$t% P(ease0p(ease kiss me5 T$e $e did- His mout$ )as o $e#s a d $is (ips )e#e mo.i ! )it$ s(o)% se sua( e/pe#tise t$at #aised t$e *e.e#is$ tempe#atu#e o* $e# o.e#$eated "(ood to a "u""(i ! simme#He d#e) "a+k *#a+tio a((,% "#eat$i ! $a#d0o# )as t$at $e# --- 8 Sam st#u!!(ed to sepa#ate $e#se(* *#om $im% ot 6ust p$,si+a((,% "ut emotio a((, too% a d *ai(edI te se0sou di ! )o#ds o* Ita(ia *e(( $a#s$(, *#om $is (ips as $e "e t $is $ead a d kissed $e# a!ai )it$ a d#i.i ! possessi.e $u !e# s$e *e(t a(( t$e )a, do) to $e# toes- Like a *i#e)o#k disp(a,% desi#e e/p(oded i side
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$e#% d#i.i ! t$e (ast s$#ed o* #esista +e o# se se to t$e *a#t$est *o!!iest #e+esses o* $e# (ust0soaked "#ai T$e kiss e ded a d $e# $ea., (ids $a(* (i*ted% a si!$ o* s$ee# (o !i ! s a!!i ! i $e# a+$i ! t$#oat as s$e t#a+ed $is (ea da#k *a+eT$e, )e#e so +(ose s$e +ou(d see t$e *i e te/tu#e o* $is ski % t$e (i es #adiati ! *#om t$e +o# e#s o* $is e,es a d "#a+keti ! $is se sua( mout$% t$e s+a# o $is *o#e$ead t$at disappea#ed i to $is t$i+k% !(ossi(, da#k $ai#(i eS$e (i*ted a $a d to t#a+e t$e p$,si+a( e.ide +e o* t$e a++ide t t$at $ad #o""ed $im +#ue((, o* $is si!$tS$e *e(t as i* a $a d $ad #ea+$ed i to $e# +$est% i+, *i !e#s ti!$te i ! a#ou d $e# $ea#t as s$e t$ou!$t o* $im $u#ti !% )aki ! up a(o e a d i t$e da#kHis (o !% tape#i ! *i !e#s skimmed $e# *a+e% d#a)i ! it up to $is as $e "#eat$ed% &Ope ,ou# mout$ *o# me% +a#a-& A d s$e did% a (itt(e !#o) I .i"#ati ! i $e# t$#oat as s$e d#e) $e#se(* up o to $e# k ees a d )#apped $e# a#ms a#ou d $is e+k- S$e met $is to !ue )it$ $e# o) % "#eat$i ! i t$e s+e t o* $im% t$e taste o* $im as $e# "#easts )e#e +#us$ed a!ai st t$e $a#d ess o* $is +$est a d $e# *i !e#s s(id o.e# mus+(es t$at )e#e $a#d a d pe#*e+t(, *o#medIt )as Cesa#e )$o d#e) "a+k so a"#upt(, t$at Sam *e(( "a+k% o (, 6ust stoppi ! $e#se(* *#om tum"(i ! o to $e# "ottom )it$ $e# $a ds-
S$e sta#ed at $im% e,es #ou d% $e# pupi(s sti(( $u!e(, di(ated% pa ti ! as s$e t#ied to su+k ai# i to $e# (u !sS$e )as *i((ed )it$ s$ame- &T$at )as --- t$at s$ou(d &t $a.e $appe ed-& &But ,ou k e) it )ou(d% )e "ot$ k e) it )ou(d --- & S$e ope ed $e# mout$ to de , t$is (udi+#ous +(aim a d stopped- S$e pu((ed $e#se(* up o to $e# $ee(s a d si!$edPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Cesa#e spoke- &You k o)% i* )e&#e !oi ! to keep o #ippi ! ea+$ ot$e#&s +(ot$es o** e.e#, time )e&#e i t$e same #oom I t$i k )e s$ou(d !et ma##ied-& Em"a##assed +o(ou# *(a#ed i Sam&s +$eeks as s$e smoot$ed do) $e# top- &I $a.e m, +(ot$es o %& s$e #ep(ied )it$ di! it,- A d so did $e% s$e t$ou!$t as $e# !(a +e d#i*ted to t$e : o* !o(de ski .isi"(e )$e#e t$e top "utto o* $is s$i#t )as u *aste ed- He# stoma+$ 1ui.e#ed&T$at situatio +a "e +$a !ed-& S$e su+ked i a audi"(e out#a!ed "#eat$% )$i+$ seemed a "it +#a2, +o side#i ! t$at $e k e) e.e#, i +$ o* $e# "od, i timate(,--- S$e t#ied ot to t$i k a"out $o) i timate(,- He )as o".ious(, o* t$e same opi io as $is #um"(e o* (au!$te# )as )i+ked a d )a#m&You&#e "(us$i !% a#e &t ,ou8& He# e,es )ide ed- &Ho) do ,ou k o)8& &Y ou $a.e a .e#, e(o1ue t #a !e o* !asps a d I +a *ee( t$e +$a !es i ,ou# "od, tempe#atu#e *#om $e#e-& Wit$out )a# i ! $e #ea+$ed out a d p(a+ed $is ope $a d a!ai st $e# +$est- &4#om $e#e it is easie#0< +a *ee( ,ou# $ea#t t#,i ! to "eat its )a, out- It&s i#o i+0I&m "(i d a d I&.e e.e# +ome a+#oss a )oma )$o is easie# to #ead t$a ,ou- Ho) do ,ou !o t$#ou!$ (i*e s$o)i ! so mu+$8& Sam sta#ed mesme#ised at $is *i !e#s sp(a,ed a!ai st $e# "#east a d s$ook $e# $ead- Sometimes t$e t#ut$ )as t$e )o#st t$i ! to sa, a d t$is )as o e o* t$ose times- S$e k e) it ,et sti(( s$e said it&It&s o (, )it$ ,ou-& His e,es da#ke ed as $e #asped% &Come $e#e-& Sam&s $ea#t )as $amme#i ! so (oud it "(o+ked out e.e#,t$i ! e(se as )it$out t$i ki ! s$e #aised $e#se(* up o $e# k ees a d (ea ed i to $im u ti( t$ei# *a+es )e#e a(most tou+$i !PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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His *i !e#s spea#ed deep i to $e# "#i!$t $ai# as $e i $a(ed t$e *#a!#a +e t$at +ame *#om t$e si(k, skei &T$is is a side to t$e a##a !eme t )$i+$ )ou(d "e most p(easu#a"(e *o# us "ot$% +a#a% % $e $usked% #esti ! $is ose "eside $e#s&T$ ki e Issm! ---His e/p#essio )as so(em "ut $is e,es *ie#+e as $e e/p(ai ed% &O"(i!ato#, *o# ma##ied peop(e-& He kissed t$e side o* $e# mout$ "e*o#e d#oppi ! $is $ead to t#ai( a (i e o* de(i+ious damp kisses do) $e# e+k&O$% God5& s$e !#oa ed- &I do &t k o) )$, ,ou +a do t$is to me-& &T$at makes t)o o* us% "ut )$o +a#es8& Sam +ou(d &t app#o.e o* t$is #e+k(ess attitude a d s$e said so% "ut $e did &t seem to take $e# se#ious(,0 possi"(, "e+ause s$e )as a(#ead, u *aste i ! t$e "utto s o* $is s$i#t )it$ s$aki ! "ut dete#mi ed *i !e#sA deep si!$ o* p(easu#e es+aped $e# t$#oat as t$e mate#ia( pa#ted a d $is !(eami ! to#so )as #e.ea(ed to $e# !#eed, !a2e- &Y ou a#e 6ust so "eauti*u(- -- W$at8& s$e asked sudde (, i $oa#se p#otest as $e !#a""ed "ot$ $e# )#ists a d (i*ted $e# $a ds *#om $is )a#m ski &Ma##, me% Sama t$a-& He# dis"e(ie* )as ti !ed )it$ i di! atio - &A#e ,ou t#,i ! to "(a+kmai( me8& &You mea )i(( I )it$$o(d m, *a.ou#s i* ,ou do &t sa, I do8& He (au!$ed% "ut u de# eat$ t$e (au!$te# t$e te sio t$at pu((ed t$e ski taut a!ai st t$e ma! i*i+e t "o e st#u+tu#e o* $is *a+e )as .isi"(e&Good idea% +a#a%& $e admitted- &O (, o e p#o"(em0I&m #ea((, ot e do)ed )it$ t$at so#t o* se(*0de ia(-& Not )$e#e s$e )as +o +e# ed a ,)a,&I do &t e.e (ike ,ou%& s$e )$ispe#ed a!ai st $is mout$&Liki ! $as ot$i ! to do )it$ it%& $e #asped% t#a+i ! t$e s$ape o* $e# *u(( uppe# (ip )it$ $is to !ue "e*o#e s(idi ! it deep i side $e# mout$- A
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!#oa )as )#e +$ed *#om Sam&s +$est as s$e ope ed $e# mout$ to i +#ease t$e se sua( pe et#atio &W$, *i!$t it8& Sam )as &t- 4i!$ti ! )as t$e .e#, (ast t$i ! s$e )a ted to do- &Is t$is supposed to "e t$e +(i +$e#8 You t$i k ,ou +a kiss me i to a!#eei ! to ma##, ,ou8 Cesa#e% ,ou&#e #ea((, ot t$at !ood-& But $e )as5 S$e *ou d $e# *i !e#s i $is $ai# a d kissed $im o t$e mout$% t$e pe t0up $u !e# s$e $ad "ee +a##,i ! a#ou d *o# )eeks *i di ! some #e(ease% "ut ot e ou!$-
&T$e#e a#e mo#e po)e#*u(% p#imiti.e i sti +ts at )o#k $e#e- We $a.e a se/ua( +o &I do &t )a t a se/ua( +o e+tio 5& s$e )ai(ed-
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His (ips +u#.ed i to a *(eeti ! smi(e% "ut $is e/p#essio #emai ed i te t as% )it$ $is $ea., (ids $a(* +(osed% $is *i !e#s s(id u de# $e# top&But ,ou do )a t t$is% do &t ,ou8& $e s(u##ed% (i*ti ! t$e +otto top s$e )o#e a d skati ! (i!$t(, a+#oss t$e smoot$ ski o* $e# mid#i** "e*o#e mo.i ! to +up o e "#east t$#ou!$ t$e t$i (i!$t (a+e +o.e#i ! o* $e# "#a- His t$um" mo.ed a+#oss $e# ipp(e3 t$e sedu+ti.e motio o* $is (ips o $e# e+k made $e# $ead spi - S$e *e(t o *i#e% out o* +o t#o( a d (o.ed itS$e )at+$ed $im as $e pee(ed t$e top o.e# $e# $ead a d *(u ! it to o e sideHe "e t $is $ead a d% )it$ o e a#m )#apped a#ou d $e# a##o) #i"+a!e% app(ied $is mout$ *i#st to o e st#ai i ! "#east% pu((i ! t$e ipp(e i to $is mout$% a d t$e admi iste#i ! t$e same e/1uisite to#tu#e to t$e ot$e#- Sam +(u ! to $im% $e# *i !e#s di!!i ! i to t$e mus+(es o* $is s$ou(de#s as $e# $ead *e(( "a+k4i !e#s sp(a,ed a+#oss $e# spi e% $e "#ou!$t $e# up#i!$t u ti( t$ei# *a+es )e#e a(most tou+$i !- T$e#e )as a *i e mist o* s)eat o.e# $is ski a d $e )as "#eat$i ! as $a#d as s$e )as- &Ma##, me%& $e said t$i+k(,PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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CHAPTER EIGHT SAM (i*ted a $a d a d #a it do) t$e $a#d +u#.e o* Cesa#e&s 6a)&Cou(d &t )e 6ust !o to "ed8& s$e su!!ested $ope*u((,O e +o# e# o* $is mout$ (i*ted i a )o(*is$ smi(e as $e #a a *i !e# s(o)(, do) t$e +u#.e o* $e# +$eek&You&#e o**e#i ! me some s,mpat$, se/% +a#a8& &I&m o**e#i ! ,ou me-& He !asped% a d s$e +ou(d *ee( a s$udde# #u t$#ou!$ $is $a#d (ea *#ame&I do &t seem to $a.e a , p#ide )$e#e ,ou&#e +o +e# ed- I&m utte#(, s$ame(ess-& S$e $ad e.e# ima!i ed t$at s$e +ou(d su##e de# $e#se(* so u +o ditio a((, to a , ma % (et a(o e a ma (ike Cesa#eS$e )as tota((, u se(*+o s+ious "ut at t$e same time mo#e a)a#e o* $e# *emi i it, t$a s$e $ad e.e# "ee i $e# (i*e- E.e#,t$i ! a"out t$is ma )as a +o t#adi+tio a d so )e#e $e# *ee(i !s *o# $im- T$e a ta!o ism a d att#a+tio s$e *e(t *o# $im "(ed i to o e +o *usi !% po)e#*u(% a((0+o sumi ! e tit,&You&#e utte#(, de(i+ious%& $e +o t#adi+ted t$i+k(,- &I $a.e "ee t$i ki ! a"out "ei ! i side ,ou-& T$e e#oti+ ima!e $is )o#ds +#eated i $e# $ead made t$e a+$e (o) i $e# pe(.is i te si*,- S$e sta#ed i to $is e,es% s$e sa) $e# #e*(e+tio % sa) t$e p#edato#, !(o) a d *e(t a e1ua((, p#ima( #espo se +(ut+$ (ike a ti!$t *ist deep i side $e#- Re+k(ess desi#e tu!!ed (ike a si(ke t$#ead at Sam&s se ses as s$e )at+$ed $e# "#a !o t$e same )a, as $e# top- S$e s$i.e#ed as t$e +oo( ai# tou+$ed $e# o.e#$eated ski -
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&Wi(( ,ou stop sa,i ! t$at8 Peop(e do &t make de+isio s 6ust (ike t$at%& s$e p#otested% p#essi ! $e# (ips to $is t$#oat a d tasti ! t$e sa(t o* $is ski &4o#!et peop(e- We&#e ot peop(e% )e&#e us- We made a "a",% Sama t$a- He eeds us-& He made a +ompe((i ! a#!ume t- 4ee(i !s st#u!!(ed a d )a##ed i side $e#3 $e# se/0soaked "#ai )ou(d &t )o#k- O o e (e.e( )$at $e )as sa,i ! made se se a d it )as att#a+ti.e% o a ot$e# it te##i*ied $e# )it(ess5 &W$at a"out me8 'oes &t it matte# )$at I eed8& &Y ou eed me-& A d #i!$t o) $e eeded $e#- T$e $u !e# #oa#ed i $is "(ood (ike a *u# a+e% d#o) i ! out t$e a!!i ! ed!e o* !ui(t o.e# $is ma ipu(atio o* t$e situatio &A pape# a##a !eme t% ,ou said8& A s(o) smi(e o* ma(e t#iump$ sp#ead a+#oss $is *a+e- &We&(( ta(k a"out it (ate#- Ri!$t o) I t$i k )e s$ou(d *i is$ t$is i t$e +om*o#t o* a "ed- You do $a.e a "ed8& &Yes% I $a.e a "ed-& He *itted $is $a d i $e#s- &T$e (ead t$e )a,% +a#a%& $e said% #isi ! to $is *eet a d pu((i ! $e# )it$ $im&I did &t sa, ,es-& &O* +ou#se ,ou did%& $e said )it$ smu! ma(e +omp(a+e +e "e*o#e $e kissed $e# a d made $e# *ee( as t$ou!$ s$e&d sa, a ,t$i ! $e )a ted $e# to-
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T$e p(us$ o**i+es o* t$e Ha#(e, St#eet +(i i+ )e#e a mi((io mi(es *#om t$e NHS depa#tme t s$e $ad e/pe+ted to "e atte di !Wat+$i ! $e# "ud!et )as too deep(, i !#ai ed i Sam *o# $e# ot to *ee( a *(i+ke# o* !ui(t at $e# (u/u#ious su##ou di !s% "ut% $a.i ! see Cesa#e&s e/p#essio )$e $e&d spoke o* t$e sa*et, a d $ea(t$ o* $is u "o# +$i(d% s$e $ad #e+o! ised t$at t$is )as ot a poi t t$at $e )as p#epa#ed to "e *(e/i"(e o It seemed "ette# to sa.e $e# e e#!, *o# "att(es s$e +ou(d )i -
Besides% s$e +ou(d &t see Cesa#e sta di ! patie t(, i a NHS0+(i i+ 1ueue0$e )ou(d p#o"a"(, "e$a.e so "ad(, t$e, )ou(d "e asked to (ea.e&W$at a#e ,ou smi(i ! at8& Sam tu# ed $e# $ead% asto is$ed- &Ho) do ,ou k o) I&# smi(i !8& He s$ook $is $ead% (ooked "#ie*(, pe#p(e/ed ", t$e 1uestio $imse(*% a d said% &But ,ou a#e8& &I )as t$i ki ! a"out ,ou "e$a.i ! "ad(,-& His .oi+e d#opped to t$e sedu+ti.e pu## t$at a()a,s made $e# stoma+$ mus+(es 1ui.e#- &I t$ou!$t ,ou (iked it )$e I "e$a.ed "ad(,% +a#a8& $e o"se#.ed )it$ a p#ett, *ee"(e disp(a, o* i o+e t su#p#ise&I )as &t t$i ki ! o* t$e "ed#oom-& His !#i deepe ed- &I #a#e(, t$i k o* a , p(a+e e(se-& He did &t eed to "e ps,+$i+ t$e to k o) s$e )as "(us$i !A *e) mi utes (ate# Sam k e) Cesa#e&s t$ou!$ts )e#e ot i t$e "ed#oomS$e tu# ed $e# *a+e "#ie*(, *#om t$e s+#ee a d t$e (ook s$e +au!$t o $is *a+e to#e at $e# $ea#t- S$e $ad "ee too e/+ited a d e t$#a((ed ", )$at s$e $ad see to !i.e a t$ou!$t to $o) Cesa#e )ou(d *ee( $ea#i ! t$e do+to# des+#i"i ! t$e ima!es o* t$ei# "a",0ima!es $e +ou(d ot see o* a +$i(d $e )ou(d e.e# seePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S)ept a)a, o a )a.e o* pai *u( empat$,% s$e +au!$t $is "i! st#o ! $a d "et)ee t)o o* $e#s% *o# o +e ot +a#i ! o* $is u(t#a se siti.it, to a , *o#m o* s,mpat$,- To $e(( )it$ $is p#ide5 His ski *e(t +o(d as s$e "#ou!$t $is $a d to $e# +$est3 s$e *e(t t$e #a) pai i $is *a+e as a p$,si+a( a+$eHe# e/p#essio !#e) dete#mi ed- S$e +ou(d ot make $im see "ut s$e +ou(d s$a#e&You +a see $is $ead a d $is $ea#t "eati ! a d t$at --- & S$e t$#e) a 1uestio i ! !(a +e to)a#ds t$e medi+- &T$e spi a( +o#d8& Cesa#e s)a((o)ed% t$e mus+(es i $is "#o) t$#oat )o#ki ! $a#d as $is *i !e#s ti!$te ed a#ou d $e# o) &You sa, $e8& &'o ,ou )a t to k o) t$e se/% Cesa#e8& T$e#e )as a pause "e*o#e Cesa#e #espo ded- &I do ot +a#e a"out t$e se/ so (o ! as $e% s$e% is st#o ! a d $ea(t$,-& &We((% t$e )a, $e s$e is mo.i ! a#ou d t$e#e seems .e#, (itt(e p#o"(em t$e#e-& S$e !(a +ed to)a#ds t$e do+to# to seek +o *i#matio a d $e odded-
&I&m $app, to sa, e.e#,t$i ! is as it s$ou(d "e-& &I a *e) )eeks ,ou&(( "e a"(e to *ee( $im mo.e% ki+k --- I 6ust eed to make some measu#eme ts to +o *i#m ,ou# dates-& &O$% t$e#e is o mistake a"out t$ose%& s$e said )it$out t$i ki !&I deed% a i!$t to #emem"e#%& Cesa#e a!#eed "(a d(,&I&m ot "(us$i !%& Sam (ied% ot (ooki ! at t$e do+to#&You a#e%& Cesa#e #ep(ied% a smi(e i $is .oi+ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S$e "(us$ed a!ai )$e t$e medi+ +o *i#med t$at $e# dates )e#e spot o "e*o#e )ipi ! t$e !e( o** $e# stoma+$ a d (ea.i ! t$em a(o e&T$a k ,ou *o# t$at-& Sam *i is$ed #ead6usti ! $e# +(ot$es a d !ot to $e# *eet- &4o# )$at8& Sam asked% a.oidi ! t$ose da#k e,es a d )is$i ! s$e +ou(d a.oid t$e i te sit, o* $e# o) *ee(i !s as easi(,&T$a k ,ou *o# (etti ! me see ou# +$i(d t$#ou!$ ,ou# e,es% Sama t$a-& A )a#m !(o) sp#ead t$#ou!$ Sam as s$e sa.ou#ed t$e i tima+, o* t$e mome t- He# t$#oat +(o!!ed )it$ emotio as s$e #ep(ied% &You&#e )e(+ome- He is% a*te# a((% t$e o e t$i ! )e $a.e i +ommo - We s$ou(d "e a"(e to s$a#e t$at mu+$ at (east-& He appea#ed a"out to speak "ut t$e stopped a d i stead #ea+$ed out a d took $e# +$i "et)ee $is *i !e#s- His a"i(it, to "e a"(e to p(a+e $e# i a #oom a()a,s asto is$ed Sam- &So ,ou )i(( (et me see ou# "a", t$#ou!$ ,ou# "eauti*u( "(ue e,es-& &T$e, a#e "(ue%& s$e admitted&Tim !ot 1uite (,#i+a( )$e $e des+#i"ed t$e +o(ou# to me0(ike .io(ets% $e te((s me- T$is is t$e poi t )$e#e ,ou #emi d me ,ou $a.e *#e+k(es-& &A d )$at do ,ou do8& &I kiss ,ou%& $e said% a d didEi!$t da,s a*te# t$e s+a t$e da, o* t$e )eddi ! da) ed0 o poi t i $a !i ! a#ou d% Cesa#e $ad said0 a d Sam $ad "ee su**e#i ! pa i+ atta+ks o a dai(, "asis- It )as as i* t$e t$i ! $ad !at$e#ed mome tum (ike a s o)"a(( a d #u a)a, *#om $e#PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S$e +ou(d $a.e stopped t$e s o)"a(( e**e+t )it$ o e )o#d "ut s$e $ad &t0"e+ause t$e a(te# ati.e )ou(d mea a (ot o* t$i !s% i +(udi ! spe di ! $e# i!$ts a(o eT$e,&d spe t e.e#, i!$t to!et$e# e/+ept t$e t)o t$at Cesa#e $ad sta,ed o.e# i Rome *o# "usi ess% a d t$e p#e.ious i!$t )$e Sam $ad #etu# ed to $e# "edsit *o# t$e (ast time- 'u#i ! t$e i!$ts o* passio s$e $ad o dou"ts3 it )as )$e da,(i!$t da) ed t$at s$e sta#ted )o de#i ! a"out $e# sa it,Ma,"e mo# i ! $ad a simi(a# e**e+t o Cesa#e% ma,"e $e )oke up )o de#i ! )$at $e )as doi !8 A*te# ea#(ie# t$at da, it seemed a disti +t possi"i(it,- W$, e(se did a ma #i ! t$e )oma $e )as ma##,i ! te $ou#s (ate# t$at da, at *i.e0t$i#t, i t$e mo# i !8 He $ad #u ! o** a*te# te mi utes a d t$e )$, )as o +(ea#e#- But s$e $ad "ee (e*t )it$ t$e a!!i ! imp#essio t$at $e $ad )a ted to sa, somet$i !0possi"(, to +a(( t$e )$o(e t$i ! o**0a d $ad +$a !ed $is mi dS$e $ad pi+ked up t$e p$o e to #i ! $im "a+k se.e#a( times "ut $ad (a+ked t$e !uts to *o((o) t$#ou!$S$e )as sti(( )o de#i ! a"out )$at $e $ad i te ded to sa, )$e t$e +a# a##i.ed to take $e# to t$e #e!iste# o**i+e&It&s ot too (ate%& s$e to(d $e# pa(e #e*(e+tio - But it )as a d s$e k e) s$e )as +ommitted- T$is )as t$e "est t$i ! *o# t$e "a",- T$e "est t$i ! *o# $e# )as &t !oi ! to $appe 0it +ou(d &t- Cesa#e did &t (o.e $e#T$e dis+o.e#, t$at s$e (o.ed $im $ad ot +ome to $e# i a "(i di ! *(as$S$e )as &t e.e su#e at )$at poi t du#i ! t$e (ast )eek s$e $ad a+tua((, #ea(ised t$e t#ut$W$e $e $ad s(id t$e "i! sapp$i#e o $e# *i !e# a d s$e $ad $ad to tu# a)a, to $ide t$e #us$ o* $ot emotio a( tea#s8
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W$e s$e $ad +ome a+#oss t$e s aps$ot o* $im +(i !i ! to a .e#ti+a( #o+k )a(( a"o.e a di22,i ! d#op a d #ea(ised t$at it )as o (, o e o* t$e t$i !s t$at $ad "ee s at+$ed *#om $im8 T$at $e *a+ed e.e#, da, )it$ a "#a.e#, a d (a+k o* se(*0pit, t$at *i((ed $e# )it$ admi#atio 8 S$e t$ou!$t o* t$e da, s$e $ad )a(ked i to a #oom a $ou# "e*o#e $e )as *(,i ! o** to Rome a d $e $ad "ee sitti ! at a desk sta#i ! i to spa+e% (ooki ! so #emote as $e&d tu# ed $is $ead i $e# di#e+tio t$at a s$i.e# o* app#e$e sio $ad +$ased its )a, do) $e# spi eW$at did ,ou e/pe+t8 t$e .oi+e i $e# $ead $ad asked- T$e ma does &t (o.e ,ou% $e is &t !oi ! to te(( ,ou $e&s +ou ti ! t$e mi utes u ti( $e sees ,ou a!ai - He is &t !oi ! to sa, $e )i(( *ee( (o e(, )$e ,ou&#e ot t$e#e --- But s$e )ou(d- Had it "ee t$e t$at s$e&d #ea(ised $e# (o.e *o# $im8 It )as a(( o* t$ose times a d o e o* t$em "e+ause s$e k e) t$at deep do) it )as somet$i ! s$e $ad a()a,s k o) "ut $ad de ied to $e#se(*- S$e )as i (o.e- Cesa#e B#u e((i% "#a.e% stu""o# % a d tota((, impossi"(e% )as t$e (o.e o* $e# (i*e-
Toda, s$ou(d $a.e "ee t$e $appiest o* $e# (i*e "ut i stead as t$e +a# a##i.ed at $e# desti atio a(( s$e *e(t )as a p#o*ou d sad ess- T$e sad ess t$at $u ! a"out $e# (ike a da#k +(oud $ad ot$i ! to do )it$ t$e *a+t t$e#e )e#e o !uests0it $ad "ee Sam&s de+isio ot to te(( $e# *ami(, o# *#ie dsHe# mise#, a#ose% ot *#om t$e a"se +e o* !uests o# a e(a"o#ate )eddi !% "ut "e+ause o* t$e a"se +e o* t$e o e t$i ! $e# $ea#t +#a.ed0to $a.e $e# (o.e #etu# ed- But it 6ust )as &t !oi ! to $appe Cesa#e did &t (o.e $e#- He )ou(d +a#e *o# $e# a d $e )ou(d% s$e "e(ie.ed% #espe+t t$e .o)s $e made "e+ause s$e $ad (ea# t t$at% u (ike t$e pe#so po#t#a,ed i t$e ta"(oids% $e )as a+tua((, a deep(, $o ou#a"(e ma - But s$e )ou(d e.e# $a.e t$at p(a+e i $is $ea#t s$e so (o !ed *o#Was s$e !#eed,% Sam )o de#ed% to )a t it so "ad(, )$e s$e $ad so mu+$8 A d )$at )ou(d $appe i* o e da, $e met someo e $e did (o.e t$e )a, $e $ad (o.ed Ca di+e8 'id $e sti(( (o.e t$e "eauti*u( "(o de8 Sam
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+ou(d &t stop to#tu#i ! $e#se(* )it$ t$e t$ou!$ts t$at $e mi!$t $a.e "ee t$i ki ! o* t$e ot$e# )oma )$e t$e, made (o.eT$e t$ou!$ts% )$e t$e, i t#uded% made $e# *ee( si+k to $e# stoma+$ a d t$e, $ad spoi(t mo#e t$a o e pe#*e+t mome t *o# $e#% a d Cesa#e% )it$ $is u +a , pe#+eptio % a()a,s seemed to pi+k up o $e# u easeW$e $e asked $e# )$at )as )#o !% s$e e.e# to(d $im% o* +ou#seS$e said ot$i !% "ut $e k e) s$e )as (,i ! a d t$e (ie (a, (ike a )a(( "et)ee t$em- It disso(.ed )$e t$ei# passio s *(a#ed a d i! ited% "ut (ate# )$e t$e, +oo(ed it )as sti(( t$e#eSam k e) t$at i* t$is ma##ia!e )as !oi ! to sta d a , +$a +e o* )o#ki ! s$e $ad to o.e#+ome $e# i se+u#ities a d a++ept t$at Cesa#e +ou(d ot !i.e $e# )$at s$e )a ted0)$at $e did !i.e $e# )as mo#e t$a most )ome e.e# $adS$e )ou(d make it )o#k% s$e said to $e#se(* as s$e (i*ted $e# ski#ts a d (e*t t$e +a#Tim% (ooki ! e#.ous as t$ou!$ $e )e#e t$e !#oom% )as )aiti ! *o# $e# i t$e *o,e# o* t$e o(d to) $a(( "ui(di !&Y ou (ook "eauti*u(%& $e !asped% $is e,es )ide i ! i s$o+k )$e $e sa) SamSam tou+$ed t$e )$ite ski#t o* $e# o,ste# sati !o) )it$ a se(*+o s+ious $a d- &You do &t t$i k it&s a "it o.e# t$e top8& Sam&s o#i!i a( i te tio $ad "ee to )ea# t$e suit s$e $ad )o# *o# $e# "#ot$e#&s )eddi !- It $ad a*te# a(( +ost a sma(( *o#tu e a d o (, "ee )o# o +eIt )as ot a su!!estio t$at $ad *ou d *a.ou# )it$ Cesa#e% )$o% i! o#i ! $e# p#otest t$at s$e $ated pos$ s$ops% $ad #u ! a$ead to some e/+(usi.e sto#e a d a##a !ed *o# it to ope out o* $ou#s *o# $e# to +$oose somet$i ! suita"(, *itti ! *o# t$e "#ide o* a "i((io ai#e-

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S$e $ad ot e te#ed t$e p(a+e )it$ a , i te tio o* pu#+$asi ! a ,t$i ! app#oa+$i ! a t#aditio a( )eddi ! !o) - A suit o# somet$i ! simp(e $ad "ee $e# .a!ue i st#u+tio to t$e $e(p*u( assista t0 peop(e "e+ame .e#, $e(p*u( )$e u (imited *u ds )e#e i .o(.ed% Sam $ad #ea(ised +, i+a((,Ma,"e s$e $ad &t "ee .e#, spe+i*i+ "e+ause t$e *i#st t$i ! t$e, $ad p#odu+ed $ad "ee a d#ess% t$e o e s$e )as o) )ea#i !It )as t$e simp(i+it, t$at $ad immediate(, att#a+ted $e#- Cut i simp(e st#ap(ess s$eat$ desi! % t$e s$imme#i ! *a"#i+ ki+ked out s(i!$t(, at t$e +a(*(e !t$ $em% "ut $u!!ed $e# )aist a d $ipsS$e $ad "ee a (itt(e u su#e a"out "a#i ! $e# s$ou(de#s a d #e.ea(i ! so mu+$ +(ea.a!e0t$e "o ed "odi+e $ad a up(i*ti ! 1ua(it,% "ut t$e sta** $ad #eassu#ed $e# it )as pe#*e+tO* +ou#se% t$e )a, t$e, $ad #a.ed mi!$t $a.e $ad somet$i ! to do )it$ t$e +ost0t$is )as ot t$e so#t o* sto#e t$at $ad a ,t$i ! as taste(ess as p#i+e ta!s0"ut% seei ! $e# #e*(e+tio i t$e mi##o#0(i ed +u"i+(e% Sam $ad $ad to admit s$e did &t (ook too "adO +e s$e $ad said ,es to t$e d#ess t$e e ti#e t$i ! $ad s o)"a((ed i to some so#t o* mad #etai(0t$e#ap, *#e 2,5 A $ou# (ate# a stu ed Sam $ad e ded up "ei ! es+o#ted "a+k to t$e +$au**eu#0d#i.e (imo t$e p#oud o) e# o* some si *u((, se/, de+ade t u de#+(ot$es% s$oes% a d most e/t#a.a!a t(, a simp(, !o#!eous a ti1ue B#usse(s (a+e .ei(&T$is is a )eddi !0,ou +a &t "e too o.e# t$e top%& Tim said as $e )at+$ed t$e spa#k(e *ade *#om $e# .io(et e,es- S$e (ooked so sad t$at% e.e t$ou!$ $e )as &t a ma i to ta+ti(e disp(a,s% $e )a ted to $u! $e#&It&s ot t$at so#t o* )eddi !-& Sam "it $e# (ip as s$e $ea#d $e# +a#e*u((, eut#a( to e #ui ed ", t$e emotio a( .i"#ato 1ui.e# i $e# #espo seTim&s e,es *e(( *#om $e# di#e+t !a2e% "ut $e did ot di#e+t(, #espo d to $e# +omme t o#% to $e# #e(ie*% (ie- I stead $e su#p#ised $e# ", p#odu+i ! a pos, *#om "e$i d $is "a+k (ike a +o 6u#o#PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&I $ope ,ou do &t mi d8 It is a )eddi ! a d ,ou s$ou(d $a.e *(o)e#s-& Tim p#essed t$e pos, o* .io(ets i to Sam&s $a ds% addi ! !#u**(,- &T$e +o(ou# #emi ded me o* ,ou# e,es-& Sam )as i +#edi"(, tou+$ed ", t$e u e/pe+ted !estu#e- S$e (i*ted t$e pos, to $e# *a+e a d i $a(ed&T$a k ,ou% ,ou&#e .e#, ki d-& &You +a &t $a.e a )eddi ! )it$out *(o)e#s- I k o)0< o**e#ed to pa, *o# t$e *(o)e#s *o# m, siste#&s )eddi !-& He (et out a si(e t )$ist(e- &I $ad o idea at t$e time $o) mu+$ t$e, +ou(d +ost i a #ea( )eddi !-& He stopped a d (ooked em"a##assed- &Not t$at t$is is &t a #ea( )eddi !%& $e added $asti(,-
&T$e#e&s o eed to p#ete d0)e "ot$ k o) t$at it is &t%& Sam #ep(ied% $e# out)a#d +omposu#e a sta#k +o t#ast to t$e mise#, +$u# i ! i $e# stoma+$Tim&s e/p#essio !#e) ea# est as $e studied $e# pa(e *a+e- &A#e ,ou su#e a"out t$is% Sam8& Sam% )$o )as &t su#e a"out a ,t$i ! e/+ept t$e *a+t Cesa#e )as t$e (o.e o* $e# (i*e a d t$e *at$e# o* $e# +$i(d% ma a!ed a teasi ! smi(e- &A#e ,ou su!!esti ! I #u 8& &I* Cesa#e )a ts t$is I dou"t ,ou +ou(d #u *ast o# *a# e ou!$ to es+ape $im --- & Tim&s e,es )ide ed )it$ disma,- &God% I make $im sou d si iste#- I did &t mea it t$at )a,% I 6ust mea t --- & T$at $e )a ts t$is "a", at a , +ost a d I +ome as pa#t o* t$e pa+ka!eSam si!$ed- S$e supposed s$e ou!$t to "e !#ate*u( t$at Cesa#e $ad ot t#ied to de+ei.e $e#- He $ad ot p#ete ded to (o.e $e#- Re+o! isi ! t$at pa#t o* $e# )is$ed $e $ad *i((ed Sam )it$ se(*0dis!ust&I k o) )$at ,ou mea t% Tim% $e&s -- -imp(a+a"(e- 'o &t )o##,% I k o) )$at <&m doi ! --- & Tim did &t (ook as t$ou!$ $e "e(ie.ed t$at +(aim a , mo#e t$a s$e didPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&A d i* I do &t% )e((% t$e#e is a pe#*e+t(, eas, so(utio %& s$e mused% #e+a((i ! Cesa#e&s +omme ts o t$e su"6e+t&'i.o#+e8& Sam +ou(d u de#sta d Tim&s s$o+ked e/p#essio - A*te# a((% it )as &t +ustoma#, *o# a "#ide to "e dis+ussi ! t$e su"6e+t 6ust "e*o#e s$e took $e# .o)sHe# s(e de# s$ou(de# (i*ted- &We(( -- -it $appe s- 'o &t )o##,% I'll t#, a d make it )o#k%& s$e addedIt o++u##ed to Cesa#e as $e stood i t$e sma(( a o ,mous #oom t$at t$is )as ot t$e so#t o* )eddi ! t$at most !i#(s d#eamed o*W$at so#t o* )eddi ! $ad Sama t$a d#eamed a"out8 Had s$e d#eamed8 He did &t k o) "e+ause $e $ad &t asked $e#% $e $ad &t !i.e $e# time to t$i k- It $ad "ee o".ious t$at s$e )as sti(( i a state o* s$o+k o.e# t$e u p(a ed p#e! a +, a d $e $ad #ut$(ess(, e/p(oited t$e situatio to +oe#+e $e# i to ma##ia!e- W$at s$e )a ted o# eeded $ad ot +ome i to t$e e1uatio - He $ad "ee tota((, *o+used o "ei ! t$e#e *o# $is +$i(d% o "ei ! a *u((0time *at$e#- T$at *o+us $ad a((o)ed $im to i! o#e o e simp(e *a+t0$e eeded $e#Cesa#e $ad e.e# eeded a )oma "e*o#e- Wa ted% ,es% "ut eeded% o-
T$e *a+t s$e )as +a##,i ! $is +$i(d $ad "ee +o .e ie t i t$at it $ad o**e#ed a su**i+ie t e/+use *o# $im to (e!itimate(, a.oid de(.i ! too deep i to t$e su#.i.a(0i sti +t me ta(it, t$at $ad take o.e# )$e $e $ad t$ou!$t o* $e# s(ippi ! out o* $is (i*eA )a.e o* se(*0dis!ust #o((ed o.e# $imPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He )as a se(*is$ "asta#d% "ut t$e #e+o! itio did ot (esse $is dete#mi atio t$at t$is +e#emo , )ou(d !o a$eadHe )ou(d "e a +o side#ate $us"a d% $e si(e t(, .o)edS$e )ou(d ot #e!#et ma##,i ! $imT$e doo# ope ed )it$ a si(e t s)is$3 t$e#e )as o a++ompa ,i ! "(ast o* musi+- No tissues )e#e (i*ted to "(ot emotio a( tea#s% o $eads tu# ed to !asp at t$e "#ideIt took e.e#, (ast ou +e o* Cesa#e&s se(*0+o t#o( ot to tu# $is o) $ead i #espo se to t$e sou d o* *ootsteps o t$e )ood0"(o+k *(oo#Sam #e+ited $e# pa#t i t$e +$a#ade i a 1uiet .oi+e t$at t$e #e!ist#a# .isi"(, st#u!!(ed to $ea#- Cesa#e i +o t#ast made $is #espo ses i a +(ea#% #eso a t to e- S$e kept $e# e,es +a#e*u((, t#ai ed o t$e #e!ist#a# t$#ou!$out t$e se#.i+e a d it )as &t u ti( Cesa#e )as !i.e t$e smi(i ! a((0+(ea# to kiss $is "#ide t$at s$e tu# ed a d ti(ted $e# $ead% $e# s$aki ! *i !e#s st#u!!(i ! to (i*t $e# .ei(Cesa#e #e(eased a si!$% !(ad o) mo#e t$a e.e# t$at $e $ad i! o#ed t$e do+to#&s ea# est ad.i+e t$at mo# i !W$o )ou(d )a t to "e (,i ! i a $ospita( "ed !a2i ! at t$e ste#i(e )$ite )a((s )$e t$e, +ou(d "e (ooki ! at t$is *a+e8 S$e )as "eauti*u(He !a2ed% i s+#i"i ! to memo#, e.e#, detai( o* $e# $ea#t0s$aped *a+eHe $ad t#a+ed ea+$ +o tou# )it$ $is *i !e#s3 $e k e) $e# ski )as smoot$ a d so*t3 $e k e) a(( a"out t$e ti , su!!estio o* a +(e*t i $e# sma((% dete#mi ed +$i a d *ai t *#o) (i e "et)ee $e# *eat$e#, "#o)s- He k e) $e# mout$ )as (us$ a d )ide a d made *o# kissi !W$at $e did &t k o) a"out u ti( o) )as t$at $e# (ips )e#e pi k (ike #oses% t$e +o(ou# o (, e $a +ed% ot dis!uised% ", t$e +(ea# !(oss s$e $ad app(ied to t$emT$at t$e#e )as t$e +#eam, !(o)i ! ti t to $e# ski % t$e de(i+ious sp#i k(i ! o* *#e+k(es a+#oss t$e "#id!e o* $e# tip0ti(ted ose% t$e !(o#ious
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Titia o* $e# P#e0Rap$ae(ite +u#(s% a d most o* a(( $e $ad &t k o) a"out t$e +o(ou# o* $e# e,es% a impossi"(e s$ade o* deep .e(.et "(ueHis t$#oat ti!$te ed as emotio s s)e((ed i $is +$est- I* $e )oke up tomo##o) "a+k i a )o#(d o* "(a+k ess $e )ou(d +a##, t$is memo#,% t$at +o(ou#% $e# *a+e )it$ $imT$e#e $ad "ee o++asio s o.e# t$e past da,s )$e $e $ad *a((e as(eep )it$ $e# i $is a#ms *a tasisi ! a"out )aki ! up i t$e mo# i ! a d seei ! $e# *a+e- He $ad e.e# a+tua((, e/pe+ted it to $appe % "ut it $ad a d s$e $ad ot "ee t$e#eNot t$e#e% "ut $is *i#st i sti +t $ad "ee to te(( $e#- He $ad pi+ked up t$e p$o e% $is i te tio to do 6ust t$at% to s$a#e t$e mi#a+(eT$e $e $ad $ea#d $e# s(eep, .oi+e t$e ot$e# e d a d t$ou!$t% W$at i* it is &t a mi#a+(e8 Ma,"e $is si!$t )ou(d .a is$ as a"#upt(, as it $ad #etu# ed- So $e $ad #emai ed si(e t a d take t$e de+isio i stead to seek medi+a( ad.i+eCHAPTER NINE &YES% ,ou# .isio $as #etu# ed% M# B#u e((i-& Cesa#e $ad st#u!!(ed to sti*(e $is impatie +e )it$ t$e do+to#- &I did ot eed ,ou to te(( me t$at- W$at I eed ,ou to te(( me is )i(( it (ast8& O# )ou(d $e )ake up tomo##o) i t$e )o#(d o* "(a+k ess o +e mo#e8 T$e medi+ )as u )i((i ! to +ommit $imse(*- &We $a.e o idea i* t$is is pe#ma e t u ti( )e do mo#e tests% M# B#u e((i-& &I* t$at is so% 'o+to#% t$e#e a#e t$i !s ot$e# t$a ,ou# *a+e t$at I )ou(d p#e*e# to spe d )$at time I $a.e (ooki ! at-& His #eto#t d#e) a t$i smi(e *#om t$e do+to#% t$ou!$ t$e ot$e# ma +(ea#(, did &t take $is o"6e+tio se#ious(,- &I u de#sta d% "ut I must #e+omme d i t$e st#o !est te#ms t$at ,ou #emai i $ospita( u ti( )e $a.e +omp(eted mo#e tests-&
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Cesa#e #eto#ted i e1ua((, st#o ! te#ms a d i +o side#a"(, mo#e #o"ust (a !ua!e t$at $e )as !etti ! ma##ied t$at a*te# oo a d ot$i ! )ou(d keep $im *#om t$at appoi tme tNo)% as t$e +e#emo , ea#ed t$e e d% $e did ot #e!#et $is de+isio He $ad see Sam&s *a+e- No o e +ou(d #o" $im o* t$atT$e e/pe+tatio amo ! t$e sma(( )eddi ! pa#t, st#et+$ed as Cesa#e *#o2e% a odd da2ed e/p#essio o $is *a+e- As i*% Sam t$ou!$t mise#a"(,% $e $ad 6ust #ea(ised t$e e o#mit, o* )$at $e $ad do e a d )as a(#ead, #e!#etti ! itS$e )as sei2ed ", t$e $umi(iati ! +e#tai t, t$at $e )as &t !oi ! to take up t$e #e!ist#a#&s i .itatio to kiss $e#- S$e )as (o)e#i ! $e# $ead )$e $e #ea+$ed out a d +upped $e# +$i i o e $a d-
&You do &t $a.e to%& s$e )$ispe#ed as $e dipped $is $ead- Sudde (, s$e +ou(d &t sta d t$e p#ete +e% t$e s$am- S$e )a ted )it$ a(( $e# $ea#t *o# it to "e #ea(% "ut s$e k e) it e.e# )ou(d "e- &T$e#e is o o e to a+t *o#%& s$e added% maki ! $e# .oi+e +o(d- T$e 1ui.e# )as a additio s$e $ad o +o t#o( o.e#E.e t$ou!$ s$e k e) it )as &t possi"(e $is e,es seemed to $o(d $e#s as $is mout$ *eat$e#ed a+#oss $e# (ips% so*t as a "utte#*(, +a#ess&I&m ot a+ti !- We&#e ma##ied% +a#a%& $e said% #u i ! t$e tip o* $is t$um" a(o ! t$e out(i e o* $e# (ips&T$is is *o# #ea(% ot a a+t-& T$e t$#oat, mu#mu# )as pit+$ed *o# $e# ea#s o (,T$e (i!$t i $is e,es da22(ed $e#% a)ake i ! t$e ! a)i ! eed a d (o !i ! t$at )as a()a,s 6ust "e(o) t$e su#*a+e )$e s$e )as a ,)$e#e ea# $im&A d I kiss ,ou "e+ause I )a t to a d ,ou )a t me to% ot to satis*, a audie +e- You do )a t me to% do &t ,ou% +a#a8& Sam $ad *o#!otte t$e, $ad a audie +e3 s$e )as utte#(, mesme#ised as s$e )$ispe#ed% &Yes-&
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He "#us$ed $is (ips a+#oss $e#s a d Sam&s e,es d#i*ted s$ut as $e# (ips pa#ted u de# t$e (i!$t p#essu#e a d $e# *i !e#s ti!$te ed a#ou d $e# pos, o* *(o)e#sT$e (i !e#i ! kiss )as so e/1uisite(, te de# t$at it "#ou!$t a #us$ o* $ot tea#s to Sam&s e,es- W$e $e (i*ted $is $ead s$e #emai ed sti((% $e# (as$es (,i ! da#k a!ai st $e# de(i+ate(, *(us$ed +$eeksCesa#e (ooked do) at $e# *a+e a d *e(t a s)e(( o* emotio s so po)e#*u( t$at *o# a mome t $e +ou(d $a#d(, "#eat$e- 4#om t$e i sta t $e&d (ea# t a"out t$e p#e! a +, $e&d "ee te((i ! $imse(* $e )as a !#eat !u, )i((i ! to make t$e sup#eme sa+#i*i+e a d ma##, t$e mot$e# o* $is +$i(dSa+#i*i+e ot$i !5 He&d "ee a+ti ! se(*is$(,- His (i*e )ou(d $a.e o mea i ! )it$out t$is i *u#iati !% !o#!eous #ed$ead5 S$e ope ed $e# e,es a d t$e, s$o e deep .io(et as s$e (ooked up at $im- He *e(t as i* someo e $ad #ea+$ed i to $is +$est a d !#a""ed $is $ea#t- W$e $e to(d $e# $e $ad !ot $e# t$e sa+k s$e )as !oi ! to $ate $imT$e #e!ist#a# +(ea#ed $e# t$#oat a d !a.e a apo(o!eti+ smi(e&I&m so##,% "ut I $a.e a ot$e# +oup(e "ooked i *o# *ou#0t$i#t, --- & Sam "(us$ed a d said% &O* +ou#se --- so##, --- & S$e p(a+ed a $a d u o"t#usi.e(, u de# Cesa#e&s e("o) a d mu#mu#ed so*t(, t$at t$e#e )e#e t)o steps&As mu+$ as I app#e+iate ,ou "ei ! se sm.e to m, *ee(i !s% Sama t$a% I t$i k it )ou(d "e a (ot easie# i* I 6ust (ea o ,ou-& Sam *(as$ed a u +e#tai (ook at $is *a+e as $e pu((ed $e# i to $is side- &Yes% I suppose it )ou(d-& Not easie# *o# $e#% t$ou!$% to mai tai a i((usio o* +oo( )$e s$e )as o.e#)$e(mi !(, +o s+ious o* t$e (ea % $a#d "od, p#essed a!ai st $e# o) -
But t$at )as a(( #i!$t "e+ause "#ides )e#e ot mea t to "e +oo(% t$e, )e#e mea t to "e !(o)i !- S$e )as &t% "ut Sa((,% Tim&s !i#(*#ie d% did &t seem to #e+o! ise t$e#e )as a ,t$i ! (a+ki ! at (eastPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S$e )as mist, e,ed as s$e kissed Sam3 Cesa#e s$e #e!a#ded )it$ e#.ous a)e&W$e#e a#e ,ou !oi ! o ,ou# $o e,moo 8& s$e asked Sam as t$e, (e*t t$e "ui(di ! $eadi ! *o# t$e )aiti ! (imo&O$% )e&#e ot $a.i ! a $o e,moo -& Sa((,&s *a+e *e((- &O$% )$at a pit,5& s$e e/+(aimedSam&s e,es s(id "#ie*(, to t$e ta(( ma at $e# side --- s$e&d $a.e to !et used to +a((i ! a d e.e t$i ki ! a"out $im as $e# $us"a d- &Cesa#e&s !ot to atte d a "usi ess meeti ! ea#(, tomo##o) a d0& &We a#e $a.i ! a $o e,moo -& Sam&s 6a) d#opped as s$e ti(ted $e# *a+e up to $is- &W$at8& &A $o e,moo - We a#e $a.i ! o e0did &t I sa,8& &I do &t u de#sta d%& Sam said )$e t$e, )e#e a(o e i t$e +a#- &It )as a!#eed )e )e#e &t $a.i ! a $o e,moo -& Ho e,moo s )e#e mea t *o# peop(e i (o.e- &You $a.e u#!e t0& &T$e#e $as "ee a +$a !e o* p(a %& Cesa#e i se#ted smoot$(,Sam&s e,es a##o)ed- &A p(a o )$i+$ I )as &t +o su(ted5& s$e #espo ded% ot #ea((, u de#sta di ! )$, s$e *e(t so +#a k, e/+ept t$at $e $ad take $e# ", su#p#ise- &I suppose t$is is $o) it&s !oi ! to "e ma##ied to ,ou- I&# supposed to *a(( o"edie t(, i (i e )it$ a ,t$i ! ,ou sa, "e+ause I&# a duti*u( )i*e-& &A ,o e )ou(d t$i k ,ou&#e #e!#etti ! it a(#ead,-& Sam )as !(ad t$e da#k e,es s+a i ! $e# *a+e +ou(d ot see t$e tea# stai s- &Is t$at t#a s*e#e +e8& &O$% m, God% t$is is )o#se t$a I t$ou!$t- You&.e take ps,+$o(o!, +(asses-&
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His sa#+asm seemed u e+essa#i(, +#ue( to Sam% )$o tu# ed $e# $ead a)a,% a u e+essa#, p#ote+ti.e !estu#e to $ide t$e e) tea#s t$at sp#a ! to $e# e,esT$e, t#a.e((ed o i si(e +e u ti( s$e $ad !o.e# ed $e# u p#edi+ta"(e emotio s e ou!$ to speak )it$out s$outi ! o# +#,i ! o# "ot$- &W$e#e a#e )e !oi !8& &I t$ou!$t it )ou(d "e app#op#iate i* )e )e t "a+k to )$e#e )e met-& He# 6a) d#opped- &S+ot(a d% t$e +ast(e5 You&#e 6oki !-& &I t$ou!$t ,ou mi!$t "e p(eased-& &But m, "#ot$e# --- & &I did ot i .ite $im%& Cesa#e i se#ted apo(o!eti+a((,S$e t$#e) $im a )it$e#i ! (ook a d a##o)ed $e# e,es- &:e#, *u ,% "ut )$at&s $e !oi ! to sa, )$e $e *i ds out )e&#e ma##ied8& &I e/pe+t $e )i(( te(( ,ou t$at ,ou +ou(d $a.e do e "ette# *o# ,ou#se(*% )$i+$ ,ou p#o"a"(, +ou(d% "ut I t$i k i* ,ou do ot mi d )e )i(( de(a, a , *ami(, #eu io s- T$e#e is o eed *o# us to see a ,o e- I $a.e a##a !ed *o# a(( t$e e+essa#, p#o.isio s to "e de(i.e#ed a d $a.e #e1uested o $ousekeepi !- O* +ou#se it is possi"(e t$at m, #e1uest )i(( "e i! o#ed ", i te#*e#i ! domesti+ $e(p --- & A!ai st $e# )i(( Sam #espo ded to $is teasi ! (opsided smi(e&T$at&s "ette#%& $e app#o.ed% (ea i ! "a+k i $is seat&W$at&s "ette#8&
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&I p#e*e# it )$e ,ou&#e smi(i ! at me to )$e ,ou&#e s+o)(i !-& He# "#o) *u##o)ed- &Ho) did ,ou k o) I )as smi(i !8& &I +a $ea# it i ,ou# .oi+e% +a#a-& Sam% )$o $oped t$at )as a(( $e +ou(d $ea#% #e(a/ed "a+k i to t$e seat "eside $im- T$e o (, t$i ! t$at made $e# situatio "ea#a"(e )as t$e *a+t t$at Cesa#e did &t "e!i to suspe+t $e# t#ue *ee(i !s- He# e/p#essio !#e) pe si.e as s$e a+k o)(ed!ed )$, it )as impo#ta t to $e# *o# $im ot to k o)- Wit$ (itt(e e(se (e*t% p#ide took o a e/t#a impo#ta +e&Come $e#e5& Cesa#e said% sudde (, #ea+$i ! out a d d#a)i ! $e# to $imNest(i ! i to $is side% Sam +(osed $e# e,es a d *e(t some o* t$e te sio t$at tied $e# mus+(es i k ots s(ip a)a,-
&A#e ,ou p(eased a"out t$e $o e,moo 8& Cesa#e asked% st#oki ! a te d#i( o* $ai# "a+k *#om $e# smoot$ "#o)&I&m su#p#ised-& He# +autious #espo se d#e) a i#o i+ smi(e *#om $imA)a#e t$at t$e, $ad d#i.e past t$e #oad t$at (ed to Cesa#e&s Lo do Geo#!ia to) $ouse% Sam st#ai!$te ed up- &W$, a#e )e !oi ! t$is )a,8& &T$e $e(ipad at t$e $ouse is u de#!oi ! #epai#s- We&#e (ea.i ! *#om 6ust sout$ o*0& &We&#e *(,i ! to S+ot(a d ", $e(i+opte#8& His e/p#essio su!!ested $e )as ama2ed s$e $ad t$ou!$t ot$e#)ise&But I +a &t !o (ike t$is5 I $a.e &t pa+ked a d0& Cesa#e disposed o* $e# p#otests )it$ a s$#u! a d a matte#0o*0*a+t e/p(a atio - &I&m su#e ,ou (ook +$a#mi ! (ike t$at a d% as t$e sto#e $ad ,ou#
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measu#eme ts% it )as simp(e to a##a !e *o# t$em to se d o.e# some +(ot$es t$is mo# i ! a d t$e e+essa#, pe#so a( items- I* t$e#e&s a ,t$i ! I $a.e *o#!otte )e +a se d do) *o# it-& &You&.e "ou!$t me a e ti#e )a#d#o"e8& He #aised a "#o) a d (ooked amused- &Is t$at a p#o"(em8& Sam% )$o )as su#e it ou!$t to "e o p#i +ip(e% s+o)(ed&A $us"a d is a((o)ed to "u, $is )i*e a *e) +(ot$es-& Sam !u(ped a d .oi+ed $e# dou"ts out (oud- &Hus"a d8 I )o de# i* t$at )i(( e.e# ot sou d st#a !e-& &T$e u *ami(ia# +a 1ui+k(, "e+ome +ommo p(a+e i* ,ou a((o) it-& T$e +omme t d#e) a (au!$ *#om SamHe i +(i ed $is $ead i a attitude o* e 1ui#,- &T$at is *u ,8&
Sam e/te ded a $a d to tou+$ $is (ea +$eek a d% "iti ! $e# (ip% d#e) "a+k at t$e (ast mome t- &T$e idea o* t$e#e "ei ! a ,t$i ! +ommo p(a+e a"out ,ou%& s$e +o *ided $uski(,% &is ot *u ,% it&s *#a k(, $i(a#ious-& T$e si(e +e "et)ee t$em st#et+$ed as Cesa#e appea#ed to stud, $e# *a+e% somet$i ! t$at Sam a()a,s *ou d i te se(, u e#.i !&I t$i k% Sama t$a% t$at mi!$t $a.e "ee a +omp(ime t- -- 8&
&It )as%& s$e admitted% t$e i a e**o#t to de*use t$e te sio t$at $ad sp#u ! up "et)ee t$em s$e added (i!$t(,% &But do &t (et it !o to ,ou# $ead-& S$e s$u**(ed a(o ! t$e seat a d (ea ed "a+k i to t$e so*t (eat$e#Cesa#e made o +omme t o t$e spa+e s$e $ad put "et)ee t$em% "ut $e did su!!est s$e +ou(d take a ap o t$e *(i!$t up to S+ot(a dSam% )$o )as o (o !e# ama2ed ", $is spook, pe#+eptio (i*ted a $a d to sti*(e a ,a) - T$e e**e+ts o* t$e (ast t)e t,0*ou# $ou#s )e#e +at+$i !
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up o $e#% "ut s$e e/p#essed $e# dou"t t$at s$e&d "e a"(e to s(eep du#i ! t$e *(i!$tS$e )as )#o !S$e +(osed $e# e,es 6ust to #est t$em s$o#t(, a*te# t$e, took o** a d t$e e/t t$i ! s$e k e) Cesa#e )as s$aki ! $e# a)ake&We&#e $e#e a(#ead,8& &Time passes s)i*t(, )$e o e is s o#i !-& &I did &t5& s$e p#otested&No%& $e +o +eded% &,ou 6ust !e t(, s(o""e#ed a(( o.e# m, s$ou(de#-& His e,es )e#e so )a#m as t$e, #ested o $e# *a+e t$at% despite t$e *a+t $e )as &t #ea((, seei ! $e#% Sam su"sided i "(us$i ! +o *usio - He% o* +ou#se% (ooked p#edi+ta"(, !o#!eous% a d Sam took t$e oppo#tu it, to sta#e- W$i(e s$e $ad to "e !ua#ded i $e# spee+$% at (east s$e did ot $a.e to dis!uise $e# *ee(i !s "e$i d +(e.e# "a te# o# $osti(it, )$e s$e (ooked at $im- A si!$ (e*t $e# (ips as $e# $u !#, !a2e sa k to $is )ide% se sua( mout$Pao(o% )$o $ad "ee t#a.e((i ! up *#o t )it$ t$e pi(ot% +a##ied t$ei# (u!!a!e i to t$e +ast(e a d spoke "#ie*(, to Cesa#e "e*o#e .a is$i ! i to t$e !at$e#i ! da#k essMome ts (ate# Sam $ea#d t$e +$oppe# taki ! o**S$e tu# ed to (ook at Cesa#e a d as t$ei# e,es +o e+ted s$e $ad to te(( $e#se(* *o# t$e umptee t$ time t$at da, t$at $e +ou(d &t a+tua((, see $e#% $e 6ust $ad .e#, e/p#essi.e e,es- U a"(e to (ook a)a,% s$e )as sudde (, o.e#)$e(med ", s$, ess&W$i+$ is #idi+u(ous-& Cesa#e (o)e#ed $is !a2e% tu!!ed $is tie o** a d asked% &W$at IS #idi+u(ous 8&
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&4ee(i ! (ike a .i#!i o m, )eddi ! i!$t is #idi+u(ous --- "e+ause I&m ot --- o".ious(,- % He# $a d )e t to $e# stoma+$Somet$i ! *(as$ed i $is e,es% a st#o ! emotio "ut o e t$at Sam +ou(d &t de*i e- &'o ,ou #e!#et it8& S$e s$ook $e# $ead% +o *used ", t$e $a#s$ ess o* $is a"#upt 1uestio &'o ,ou #e!#et s(eepi ! )it$ me t$at i!$t8& Sam s$ook $e# $ead a!ai *#om side to side- &No%& s$e admitted $uski(,- &I do &t-& Sam *e(t a *(utte# o* pa i+ i t$e pit o* $e# stoma+$- T$is )as t$e +(osest s$e $ad e.e# +ome to admitti ! t$e e/te t o* $e# *ee(i !s *o# Cesa#eS$e +(osed $e# e,es a d si(e t(, )i((ed $im ot to p#ess $e# *u#t$e# o t$e su"6e+t- I* $e did s$e did &t k o) )$at s$e&d sa,- Sometimes 6ust (ate(, s$e )as as su#p#ised as $im to $ea# t$e t$i !s t$at +ame out o* $e# mout$W$e $e did &t #espo d s$e ope ed $e# e,es% i sta t(, +o((idi ! )it$ $is da#k sta#e- T$e#e $ad e.e# "ee a ,t$i ! empt, a"out Cesa#e&s si!$t(ess e,es- T$e, )e#e a a++u#ate #e*(e+tio o* $is emotio s% a d i te((i!e +e a()a,s s$o e i t$ose o"sidia dept$sS$e e/pe#ie +ed a *(as$ o* #e+k(ess "#a.e#, a d +$a((e !ed% &'o ,ou #e!#et a ,t$i !8& I* $e )e#e )as a "ette# ma % Cesa#e #e*(e+ted% $e )ou(d&I #e!#et- -- & $e "e!a s(o)(,Sam&s *i !e#s +(e +$ed i to ti!$t *ists at $e# sides- S$e (i*ted $e# +$i a d *o#+ed a "#eat$ past t$e (ump o* despai# i $e# t$#oatWas s$e some so#t o* maso+$ist8 W$, $ad s$e asked $im8 W$, did s$e i .ite t$is8
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A d )$, )ou(d &t $e #e!#et it8 T$e o e i!$t o* se/ $ad +ost $im dea#- S(eepi ! )it$ $e# $ad t$#o) $is (i*e i to tota( +$aos0it $ad o"(i!ed $im to !i.e up $is *#eedom a d ma##, a )oma t$at $e "a#e(, k e)&4i e% I u de#sta d-& Wit$out (ooki ! at $im s$e pi+ked up a kett(e% *i((ed it *#om t$e tap a d p(a+ed it )it$ a u stead, $a d o t$e $o"&I #e!#et% Sama t$a% t$at ,ou# i t#odu+tio to (o.emaki ! )as ot- -- !e t(e# a d mo#e +o side#ate-& It )as as mu+$ t$e se(*0#e+#imi atio i $is .oi+e as t$e sti(ted de(i.e#, o* $is )o#ds t$at made $e# spi "a+k i sta#t(ed ama2eme t&I )ou(d &t +$a !e it0a , o* it5& s$e said *ie#+e(,-
&A d I #e!#et t$at I +o t#i.ed to $a.e ,ou sa+ked-& He# (ips 1ui.e#ed as s$e t#ied to smi(e% t$ou!$ it )as ot $e# idea o* a 6oke a d $e )as ot smi(i !&:e#, *u ,% "ut I t$i k ,ou o.e##ate ,ou# i *(ue +e% Cesa#e-& &'id (osi ! ,ou# 6o" ot i *(ue +e ,ou# de+isio )$e I p#oposed )e !et ma##ied8& He# ose )#i k(ed as s$e #e+a((ed t$e *#i!$t*u( da,- &I suppose it did%& s$e admitted% sti(( ot seei ! )$e#e t$is )as !oi !&It )as mea t to a d I do $a.e t$at mu+$ i *(ue +e- It took o e p$o e +a(( --- & Cesa#e k e) $e )as taki ! a #isk "ut it )as "est s$e $ea#d it *#om $im #at$e# t$a *i di ! out some ot$e# )a, some time do) t$e (i eWit$ t$e .o)s t$e, $ad made sti(( *#es$ i $is mi d $e did &t )a t to sta#t ma##ied (i*e )it$ t$is de+eit o $is +o s+ie +e&You did t$at8& He odded&W$,8&
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T$e "e)i(de#ed $u#t i $e# .oi+e made $im *(i +$- &M, *at$e# )as ot a#ou d )$e I )as !#o)i ! up- I do ot )a t t$at *o# m, +$i(d- I )ou(d $a.e mo.ed mou tai s to "#i ! a"out ou# ma##ia!e% Sama t$a- I did &t )a t to (ea.e a ,t$i ! to +$a +e-& &A d e.e# mi d )$ose d#eams ,ou t#amp(e o.e#8& A s(i!$t(, $,ste#i+a( (au!$ )as d#a) *#om $e# (ips&At (east I k o) I )as &t su+$ a (ous, )#ite#-&
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am --S$e (i*ted a $a d a d s$ook $e# $ead- &Not o)% Cesa#e-& &Sama t$a5& S$e $ea#d $e# ame% "ut did &t stop as s$e *(ed t$e #oom- T$e s$e "#oke do) a d )ept% tea#s #u u +$e+ked do) $e# *a+ei !
S$e $ad )a(ked t$#ou!$ se.e#a( #ooms o* t$e +ast(e "e*o#e s$e #e!iste#ed t$e $u!e "o)(s o* s)eet0 sme((i ! *(o)e#s t$at pe#meated ea+$ #oom )it$ t$ei# s+e t% a s+e t t$at )as i te si*ied ", t$e )a#mt$ *#om t$e ope *i#es t$at appea#ed to $a.e "ee (it i t$e sto e $ea#t$s o* a(( t$e #oomsS$e t$ou!$t a"out $e# siste#0i 0(a) !oi ! *#om #oom to #oom to i spe+t t$e p#epa#atio s *o# t$ei# impo#ta t !uests a d s$e s$ook $e# $ead- It made $e# smi(e to ima!i e t$ei# ama2eme t )$e t$e,
dis+o.e#ed t$at s$e )as o e o* t$ose !uests- T$ou!$ it )ou(d "e ot$i ! to t$ei# ama2eme t )$e t$e, dis+o.e#ed s$e )as ma##ied5 S$e "e t o.e# o e o* t$e .ases a d i $a(ed t$e $ead, *#a!#a +e% t$e $ea.ed a deep si!$ "e*o#e st#ai!$te i ! $e# s$ou(de#s- He# emotio s $ad e.e# *e(t t$is +(ose to t$e su#*a+eW$e s$e #e0e te#ed t$e kit+$e Cesa#e )as sta di ! i t$e e/a+t spot $e $ad "ee )$e s$e #a outHis e/p#essio )as i s+#uta"(e "ut t$e ai# a#ou d $im .i"#ated )it$ te sio Sam said t$e *i#st t$i ! t$at +ame i to $e# $ead- &Wou(d ,ou (ike a +up o* tea8&
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His (ips t)it+$ed% "ut to $e# #e(ie* some o* t$e te sio i t$e ai# #e+eded% maki ! it easie# to "#eat$eHe (ea ed "a+k a!ai st t$e +ou te# a d stood t$e#e% $is a#ms *o(ded a+#oss $is +$est- &W$, ot8& He !a.e a s$#u! a d added 1uiet(,% &I am ot p#oud o* )$at I did% ,ou k o)-& &I )o de# i* t$e#e&s mi(k8& T$e s$e stopped% "it $e# (ip a d *i/ed $im )it$ a )ide +a did sta#e- &It )as a .i(e t$i ! to do% "ut I suppose ,ou did &t $a.e to te(( me a d t$at at (east is somet$i !-& Cesa#e stopped $imse(* aski ! i* it )as e ou!$ as $e )at+$ed Sam ope t$e *#id!eHe# e,es ope ed )ide as s$e sa) t$e +o te ts- T$e#e )as &t 6ust mi(k a d "asi+s% it )as a A(addi &s +a.e- T$e#e )as 6ust a"out e.e#, (u/u#, item o* *ood ,ou +ou(d ima!i e p(us se.e#a( "ott(es o* +$ampa! e- S$e (i*ted o e out% (ooked at t$e (a"e( a d )$ist(ed "e*o#e putti ! it "a+k a d taki ! out a +a#to o* mi(k&It&s a pit, I&# ot a((o)ed a(+o$o(-&
&I )i(( keep ,ou +ompa , )it$ t$e o#a !e 6ui+e-& Sam +(osed t$e doo#- &You do &t $a.e to%& s$e said% )is$i ! s$e did &t $a.e to (o.e $im so utte#(, a d tota((,- &W$, did ,ou te(( me8& &I did &t )a t to sta#t t$is ma##ia!e )it$ a (ie% "ut I *o#!ot t$at t$e t#ut$% +a#a% is ot a()a,s "ette#-& I *a+t t$e t#ut$ +ou(d "e $i!$(, o.e##ated&O* +ou#se t$e t#ut$ is "ette#5& s$e e/+(aimed&T$e t#ut$% Sama t$a% is t$at ,ou ma##ied me "e+ause ,ou )e#e despe#ate a d I )as ,ou# mea( ti+ket-& T$e p#a!mati+ des+#iptio +aused t$e $ot +o(ou# to #us$ to $e# +$eeks- &Y ou t$i k t$at8& Ho) +ou(d a ma as "#i!$t as $im ot k o) s$e (o.ed $im8 His da#k "#o)s (i*ted- &I&m $a#d(, i a positio to +#iti+ise% Sama t$a-&
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No% "ut $e did 6ust t$i k s$e )as a .a#iatio o a a.a#i+ious !o(ddi!!e#- S$e $ea.ed a si(e t si!$Ma,"e t$at )as a+tua((, "ette# t$a $im k o)i ! t$e t#ut$- &You t$i k I ma##ied ,ou *o# ,ou# mo e,8& A d )as &t $e #i!$t8 But ot$i ! as Sam k e) to $e# +ost% )as as simp(e as it (ookedSi +e t$e mome t )$e s$e $ad see t$e (ook upo Cesa#e&s *a+e as s$e $ad des+#i"ed t$ei# u "o# +$i(d to $im it $ad "ee a up$i(( st#u!!(e to +o ti ue to t$i k o* Cesa#e as t$e t)o0dime sio a(% +o(d% #ut$(ess despot )it$ a +$ip o $is s$ou(de# s$e $ad o#i! i a((, (a"e((ed $imHe )as a *a# mo#e +omp(e/ ma % a *as+i ati ! ma o* st#o ! passio s )$ose )o#st si s )e#e ot (o.i ! $e# a d $is )i((i ! ess to do a ,t$i ! *o# $is u "o# +$i(d&I t$i k ,ou sadd(ed ,ou#se(* )it$ a "(i d $us"a d "e+ause ,ou )a t t$e "est *o# ,ou# +$i(d- You&#e t$e (ast )oma i t$e )o#(d I&d a++use o* "ei ! a.a#i+ious% Sama t$a-& &Y ou +ou(d $a.e to(d me "e*o#e t$e )eddi !%& s$e poi ted out&I&m ot t$at mu+$ o* a #e*o#med +$a#a+te#% Sama t$a-& &A#e ,ou# pa#e ts to!et$e#8& He s$ook $is $ead- &M, *at$e# )a(ked out )$e I )as te % m, mot$e# #ema##ied a *e) ,ea#s (ate# a d I mo.ed out )$e I )as si/tee - 4ami(, is somet$i ! I e.e# $ad-& Sam +ou(d #ead t$e $u#t a d (o e(i ess "e$i d t$e "a(d *a+ts $e out(i ed a d% )$i(e s$e did &t *o#!i.e )$at $e $ad do e% s$e +ou(d u de#sta d )$at $ad d#i.e $im to do it- His dete#mi atio to !et ma##ied made e.e mo#e se se o)% "ut t$e *a+t t$at t$is ma##ia!e $ad a()a,s "ee a"out t$e "a", made $e# sad a d $app, at t$e same timePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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I a pe#*e+t )o#(d% e.e i t$is )o#(d *o# some (u+k, o es% a (o.i ! $us"a d a d a *at$e# )i((i ! to do a ,t$i ! *o# $is +$i(d )ou(d ot "e mutua((, e/+(usi.eBut i $e# )o#(d it )as% so s$e&d "ette# !et used to it- S$e +ou(d $a.e $im "ut ot $is $ea#t- S$e +(osed $e# e,es% ot )a ti ! to e.e t$i k a"out )$at it )ou(d *ee( (ike i* $e !a.e t$at $ea#t to a ot$e# )oma o e da,T$at )as $e# i!$tma#e&We((% ,ou $a.e o e o)% so do &t "(o) it%& s$e ad.ised $im- &A d #emem"e# ,ou&#e o p#o"atio so a , time ,ou *ee( a , Ma+$ia.e((ia impu(ses take a s$o)e#-& &I do &t dese#.e ,ou%& $e said )it$ mo#e $umi(it, t$a s$e e.e# ima!i ed to see $im disp(a,&Ho(d t$at t$ou!$t%& s$e said% putti ! t$e mi(k "a+k i to t$e *#id!e-
&We )i(( +e(e"#ate to!et$e# )it$ +$ampa! e a*te# t$e "a", is "o# -& S$e tu# ed $e# $ead a d )as sta#t(ed to *i d $e )as sta di ! at $e# e("o)% +(ose e ou!$ *o# $e# to sme(( t$e +(ea ma(e s+e t o* $is "od,- A sta" o* se/ua( (o !i ! k i*ed t$#ou!$ $e# "od,% s at+$i ! t$e "#eat$ *#om $e# (u !s )it$ its i te sit,&It is a "i! t$i ! ,ou $a.e do e% Sama t$a-& &We((% I )a t t$is ma##ia!e to )o#k too- I $ad t$e t$i !s ,ou missed out o % Cesa#e- I $ad a !#eat +$i(d$ood a d I&d (ike t$at *o# m, "a",-& S$e su+ked i a deep "#eat$ a d pus$ed $e# $ai# "a+k *#om $e# *a+e&I +ou(d make somet$i ! to eat i* ,ou (ike0steak a d sa(ad --- 8& Wit$out )aiti ! *o# $is #espo se s$e added 1ui+k(,% &I do &t k o) a"out ,ou "ut I&m sta#.i ! so I&(( 6ust !o +$a !e out o* t$ese t$i !s-& S$e *(as$ed a 1ui+k smi(e i $is !e e#a( di#e+tio a d (e*t t$e #oomOutside t$e #oom s$e (ea ed a!ai st t$e doo# --- a d +(osed $e# e,esSo *a# s$e )as $a d(i ! $e#se(* )it$ a(( t$e ski(( o* a da +e# )it$ t)o (e*t *eet0a d "ot$ o* t$ose seemed to "e pe#ma e t(, i $e# mout$- S$e $ad
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"ee )it$i a $ea#t"eat o* "(u#ti ! out t$at t$e o (, #easo s$e $ad *o#!i.e $im )as "e+ause s$e (o.ed $im5 Upstai#s i t$e (a#!est o* t$e "ed#ooms s$e *ou d t$e +(ot$es t$at Cesa#e $ad p#omised (aid out i pi(es o t$e "i! *ou#0poste# "edW$at s$e eeded% s$e to(d $e#se(*% )as a +opi ! st#ate!,But )$at8 Wit$ a si!$ s$e stepped out o* $e# d#ess a d% a*te# *o(di ! it +a#e*u((, a d p(a+i ! it o t$e "ed% )a(ked to t$e "i! mu((io ed )i do) t$at !a.e a .ie) o* t$e (o+$S$e $ad a"so(ute(, o idea $o) (o ! s$e stood t$e#e (ost i t$ou!$t- It )as o (, )$e s$e "e!a to s$i.e# )it$ +o(d0t$e "as1ue s$e )o#e )as ot #ea((, i te ded *o# )ea#i ! i t$e S+ottis$ Hi!$(a ds0 t$at s$e #ea(ised t$e moo )as out a d s$i i ! its si(.e#, (i!$t o.e# t$e su#*a+e o* t$e )ate# *a# "e(o)Wit$ a si!$ s$e "e!a to pu(( t$e $ea., "#o+ade +u#tai s a+#oss t$e )i do)&Lea.e t$at-& Sam% )$o $ad &t $ea#d $im +ome i to t$e #oom% sta#ted at t$e sou d o* Cesa#e&s .oi+e- S$e tu# ed a d sa) $is ta(( *i!u#e *#amed i t$e doo#)a,% a to)e( k otted a#ou d $is midd(e a d $is 6et $ai# d#ippi ! )etHe# "#eat$ 1ui+ke ed as $e# +o.etous !a2e s(id o.e# t$e pe#*e+t de*i itio o* $is "#oad +$est "e*o#e s(idi ! (o)e# to $is *(at "e((,- S$e #a $e# to !ue a+#oss $e# d#, (ips as $e# $ea#t #ate 1ui+ke edeat
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&It is a()a,s easie# to !et m, "ea#i !s )$e I $a.e "ee some p(a+e "e*o#e%& $e #emi ded $e# s(i+k(,- &I ma a!ed o m, o) -& &So I see-& S$e )as seei ! a (ot mo#e% a d t#,i ! .e#, $a#d ot to5 T$e to)e( )as .e#, sma(( a d $is "od, )as ot$i ! s$o#t o* pe#*e+tT$e )a, s$e )as sta#i ! at $im se t *(ames o* (ust t$#ou!$ Cesa#e&s "od,- He )as seei ! Sama t$a )it$ $e# *ee(i !s "a#e o $e# *a+e- Ha.i ! $e# (ook as t$ou!$ t$e si!$t o* $im )as e ou!$ to make $e# )eak )it$ (ust )as i to/i+ati ! a d mo#e o* a tu# 0o t$a a ,t$i ! i $is (i*eI* $e to(d $e# $e +ou(d see s$e )ou(d #et#eatT$e#e )as o $u##, to te(( $e# a d tomo##o) t$e#e mi!$t "e o eedT$e k o) (ed!e t$at t$is mi!$t "e t#a sito#, a d t$at $e )ou(d "e a *oo( ot to e 6o, it )$i(e $e +ou(d s)u ! $is "#ie* i te# a( de"ate i t$e di#e+tio o* su"te#*u!e&T$e#e a#e some t$i !s% $o)e.e#% t$at I )ou(d p#e*e# ot to do a(o e-& T$e su!!esti.e )a#mt$ i $is .oi+e deepe ed t$e *(us$ i $e# +$eeks&T$e#e is "ei ! i depe de t%& s$e mu#mu#ed% *i di ! it $a#d to speak "e+ause $e (ooked so #ampa t(, ma(e a d u "e(ie.a"(, se/,- S$e )ou(d $a.e *ou d it e.e $a#de# $ad $e k o) s$e )as sta di ! t$e#e )ea#i ! t$e p#o.o+ati.e (a+, "as1ue% $ee(s a d ot a (ot e(se "ut !oose "umps5 &A d t$e t$e#e is p(ai stupidit,-& S$e #ea+$ed a!ai *o# t$e +u#tai s&'o &t-& &'o &t )$at8& &'o &t +(ose t$e +u#tai s- Let t$e moo (i!$t i -&

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He i te#+epted $e# 1ui22i+a( (ook a d added (i!$t(,% &No o e +a see i -& A d I )a t to see t$e moo (i!$t o ,ou# "od, )$e I make (o.e to ,ou% $e added si(e t(,CHAPTER TEN SAM *#o) ed- &Ho) do ,ou k o) t$e#e&s a moo --- 8& &T$ese t$i !s *o((o) a *ai#(, p#edi+ta"(e patte# a d ,ou said it )as a +(ea# i!$t-& &I did8& &Ea#(ie#-& Sam s$#u!!ed a d stepped "a+kCesa#e )a(ked past $e# to)a#ds t$e )i do)% $is +o *ide t t#ead s(o)i ! a (itt(e as $e app#oa+$ed t$e opposite e d o* t$e #oom- It )as a(most as t$ou!$ sometimes $e&d *o#!otte $e )as "(i dA )a.e o* i te se sad ess )as$ed o.e# $e#- No dou"t $e )is$ed $e +ou(d *o#!et- Ma,"e $e did i $is d#eams- Ma,"e t$e#e )e#e mo# i !s )$e $e ope ed $is e,es a d #ea+$ed *o# t$e (i!$t o (, to #ea(ise a mome t (ate# t$at t$e#e )as o (i!$t a d e.e# )ou(d "eSam )at+$ed as $e tu# ed% a d $e# "#eat$ +au!$t s$a#p(,- Sta di ! t$e#e $e )as a ma! i*i+e t +omma di ! *i!u#e% #ampa t(, ma(e% a !od o* (e!e d "#ou!$t to (i*e ", t$e si(.e#ed (i!$t *#om t$e moo % )$i+$ +ast a !(iste i ! !(o) o.e# $is "#o 2ed ski &'id ,ou ma##, me despite t$e *a+t I am "(i d o# "e+ause o* it8& Sam sat o t$e "ed% d#e) $e# k ees up to $e# +$est a d #ested $e# +$i o t$e p(ateau- &W$at so#t o* 1uestio is t$at8& &A )oma ma##ied to a "(i d ma +ou(d $ide ma , t$i !s *#om
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&I $a.e &t !ot a ,t$i ! to $ide *#om ,ou-& &W$at a#e ,ou )ea#i !8& Sam !(a +ed do) a d !u(ped- &Not$i !-& His !(eami ! e,es a##o)ed- &E/+e((e t-&
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&'es+#i"e it%& $e +omma ded'es+#i"e it5 Sam )e t $ot a d +o(d% t$e $ot a(( o.e# a!ai at t$e t$ou!$t o* des+#i"i ! t$e sedu+ti.e items s$e )as a(most )ea#i !&Be m, e,es (ike ,ou )e#e )$e ,ou s$a#ed t$e ima!es i t$e s+a )it$ me-& Bette# ot to "e )ea#i ! a ,t$i ! at a((% Sam de+ided% st#u!!(i ! *#a ti+a((, to u *aste t$e mu(tip(e e,e(et *aste e#s t$at $e(d t$e ed!es o* t$e !a#me t to!et$e#- As s$e dea(t )it$ t$e (ast o e s$e #ose to $e# *eet% stepped out o* $e# s$oes a d pee(ed o** t$e sto+ki !s- T$e s$e a((o)ed t$e !api ! "as1ue to s(ide to t$e *(oo# )it$ a so*t si(ke #us$T$e "#eat$ *#o2e i Cesa#e&s +$est as desi#e #oa#ed (ike a *u# a+e i $is "(ood- Sam stood i t$e moo (i!$t% a pa(e *i!u#e )it$ so*t(, #ou ded $ips% s(im (e!s a d sma((% tota((, pe#*e+t "#eastsS$e p(a ted $e# $a ds o $e# a##o) $ips a d (i*ted $e# +$i - &I )as )ea#i ! )$ite +otto "ut I&.e take t$em o**-& It )as o (, $a(* a (ieCesa#e did &t #ep(,% $e 6ust +a##ied o sta#i !- His $ea.,0(idded e,es seemed t#ai ed di#e+t(, o $e# "od,% a d Sam +ou(d $ea# t$e audi"(e sou d o* $is s$a((o) #espi#atio s a+#oss t$e #oom- E.e t$ou!$ s$e k e) $e +ou(d &t see $e# s$e sudde (, *e(t i te se(, +o s+ious o* $e# aked state- No) st#ippi ! o** seemed (ess o* t$e !ood idea it $ad do e mome ts "e*o#ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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S$e $ad o o++asio s )o de#ed i* $e# e/t#ao#di a#, (a+k o* i $i"itio s )it$ $im )as to do )it$ t$e *a+t $e +ou(d &t see $e#% "ut s$e $ad de+ided o #e*(e+tio t$at s$e )as a"(e to e 6o, $e# o) "od, *o# t$e simp(e #easo t$at Cesa#e so o".ious(, took p(easu#e *#om it tooS$e #a $e# to !ue a+#oss t$e out(i e o* $e# d#, (ips- &'o ,ou t$i k t$e#e&s a ot$e# sto#m +omi !8 I +a *ee( somet$i ! i t$e ai#-& &It&s +a((ed se/ua( te sio % +a#a%& $e s(u##ed- &A d a pe#so is mea t to *ee( it o $e# )eddi ! i!$t-& &Be +a#e*u(%& s$e +#ied as $e "e!a to +#oss t$e #oom to)a#ds $e# )it$ a pa t$e#0(ike speed- &You&(( --- & T$e )o#ds +(o!!ed i $e# t$#oat as $e pu((ed $e# i to $is a#ms4o#tu e )as o".ious(, o $is side as ", some *#eak o* (u+k $e&d #ea+$ed $e# )it$out tou+$i ! o e o* t$e se.e#a( o"sta+(es t$at $ad stood i t$e )a, o* $is impetuous p#o!#ess&I&(( )$at8& $e asked% d#a)i ! a (i e )it$ $is *i !e# do) $e# +$eek a d "#eat$i !% &'io mio% "ut ,ou&#e so "eauti*u(-& &You&(( $u#t ,ou#se(*%& s$e )$ispe#ed- E.e s1uee2i ! $e# e,es ti!$t(, s$ut did ot "(o+k out t$e s,"a#iti+ ima!e o* $im t$at )as p#i ted o $e# #eti a&Not$i ! +ou(d $u#t me as mu+$ as ot "ei ! i side ,ou .e#, soo -&
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He s$ou(d $a.e to(d $e#% $e t$ou!$t- T$e#e $ad "ee se.e#a( o++asio s du#i ! t$e i!$t )$e t$e +o *essio $ad "ee o t$e tip o* $is to !ue% "ut $e $ad $e(d "a+k% ot )a ti ! to spoi( t$e mome tBe+ause o e t$i ! $e )as tota((, su#e o* )as t$at )$e s$e did *i d out Sama t$a )as !oi ! to "e mad as $e((It )as +(ose to ei!$t a d s$e sti(( s$o)ed o si! o* )aki ! )$e $e de+ided to !o do) stai#s a d satis*, $is $u !e# pa !sO +e do) stai#s t$e +$a#m o* t$e *#es$ Hi!$(a d mo# i !% #a#e i its +#,sta( +(a#it,% (u#ed $im outdoo#s- T$e pea+e o* $is su##ou di !s +a(med Cesa#e&s #est(ess mood as $is #oute (ed $im o.e# $eat$e# t$at )as sp#i !, u de#*oot a d sti(( d#e +$ed )it$ de)- T$e stu i ! "a+kd#op o* t$e +#a!!, pu#p(e0topped mou tai #a !e )as mi##o#ed *ait$*u((, i t$e sti((% deep (o+$ )ate#- Respo di ! to t$e so#t o* impu(se t$at o.e# t$e past mo t$s $e $ad "ee *o#+ed to su"due% Cesa#e )$ipped o** $is )$ite tee s$i#t a d% )ea#i ! o (, $is s$o#ts% stepped i to t$e i+, )ate#He )aded to )aist dept$ a d di.ed smoot$(, "e eat$ t$e spa#k(i ! su#*a+e% s)immi ! )it$ o pa#ti+u(a# pu#pose% 6ust e 6o,i ! t$e se satio o* "ei ! t$is +(ose to t$e e(eme ts- He did &t stop u ti( $e )as se.e#a( $u d#ed met#es *#om t$e s$o#e% )$e $e *(ipped (a2i(, o to $is "a+k a d (a, t$e#e *(oati ! u ti( $is $ea#t #ate s(o)ed- It )as o (, )$e $e "e!a to t#ead )ate# i a ti+ipatio o* s)immi ! "a+k t$at $e "e+ame a)a#e o* t$e $oa#se +#ies ema ati ! *#om t$e s$o#e(i eWit$out )asti ! time o poi t(ess spe+u(atio % $e "e!a to s)im "a+k to t$e s$o#e a d t$e s$#i(( s$outs- T$e $e sa) t$at Sama t$a )as *(ou de#i ! out o* $e# dept$- &Mad#e di 'io% )$at a#e ,ou doi !8& Sam took o e (ook i to $is *a+e a d stopped *i!$ti !- S$e )ept so*t(, as $e to)ed $e# "a+k to d#, (a dHe# a#ms )e#e sti(( +u#(ed a#ou d $is e+k as $e +a##ied $e# out o* t$e )ate# a d s$e )as s$aki ! $a#dHe set $e# o $e# *eet a d )it$out a sou d s$e s(id do) o to t$e $eat$e# a d sat t$e#e $o(di ! $e# $ead i $e# $a ds% $e# s$ou(de#s $ea.i ! as s$e +o ti ued to si(e t(, )eepPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He# mise#, made o impa+t o t$e #a!e t$at #ipped t$#ou!$ Cesa#e% )$o d#opped o o e k ee "eside $e# a d dema ded #ou!$(,% &W$at i God&s ame )e#e ,ou doi !8&
He# $ead (i*ted a d $e# #ed0#immed e,es *o+used o $is *a+e- &Me8& s$e e+$oed- &W$at )as I doi !8 You +ou(d $a.e d#o) ed- O$% God% I t$ou!$t ,ou $ad5& S$e s1uee2ed $e# e,es ti!$t s$ut% "ut )as u a"(e to tu# o** t$e i!$tma#e ima!es i $e# $ead- &I k o) ,ou do &t )a t to make a , +o +essio to ,ou# disa"i(it,% Cesa#e% "ut ,ou&#e "(i d- I&m so##, i* t$at $u#ts% "ut ,ou a#e a d ,ou +a &t s)im out i to t$e midd(e o* a (o+$ a(o e t$at )a,- It )as ot$i ! s$o#t o* sui+ida(5& s$e a++used&You )e#e t#,i ! to sa.e me-& T$e sou d o* $is ama2ed (au!$te# made Sam see #ed- T$e *ai t u ease s$e $ad *e(t )aki ! up a(o e $ad !#o) i to *u((0s+a(e mi d0 um"i ! pa i+ ", t$e time s$e&d *ou d $is tee s$i#t at t$e )ate#&s ed!e0 a d $e )as (au!$i !5 &We a(( make mistakes-& S$e !(a#ed at $im as s$e t$ou!$t $o) s$e $ad e.e# see a ,t$i ! as "eauti*u( as $im o)T$#ou!$ t$e skei o* $e# )et (as$es s$e sta#ed% t$i !s t)isti ! (o) i side $e# as $e# !(a +e s(id o.e# $is (ea % mus+(e0#id!ed to#so- His ski !(iste ed )it$ t$e )ate# t$at st#eamed do) $is *a+e a d "od,% a d t$e )et *a"#i+ o* $is s$o#ts $ad s(ipped do) (o) o $is a##o) $ips- '#e +$ed% t$e, did a .e#, poo# 6o" o* +o +ea(i ! a ,t$i ! *#om $e# $u !#, !a2eHis e,es )e#e d#a) "a+k to t$e sti(( )ate# a d $is smi(e *aded as a s$udde# #a do) $is spi e- &W$at )e#e ,ou t$i ki ! o*% 6umpi ! i to t$e *#ee2i ! )ate# t$at )a,8& Sam (o)e#ed $e# e,es a d stopped )#i !i ! t$e )ate# *#om $e# $ai#3 t$e ste# #ep#oa+$ i $is to e made $e# 6a) d#op&W$at )as I t$i ki ! o*8& &You&#e p#e! a t0,ou +a &t #u a#ou d doi ! +#a2, t$i !s-&
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He# e/p#essio *#o2e i to a sti** "e((i!e#e t s+o)(- T$is )as a"out t$e "a",0o* +ou#se it )as% )$, did s$e e/pe+t ot$e#)ise8 &So I&m se(*is$- 4o# s$ee# $,po+#is, ,ou #ea((, do take t$e p#i2e% Cesa#e%& s$e #ema#ked "itte#(,- &We#e ,ou t$i ki ! a"out t$e "a", a d )$at a !#eat *at$e# ,ou )e#e !oi ! to "e )$e ,ou de+ided to pu(( t$at sui+ida( stu t8& His "#o) +#eased i +o +e# as $e tou+$ed a dis+o(ou#ed a#ea o t$e side o* $e# +$eek )it$ $is t$um"&You&#e !oi ! to $a.e a "#uise t$e#e%& $e o"se#.ed% s$aki ! $is $ead s(o)(, *#om side to side- &I )as e.e# i a , da !e#% Sama t$a- I +a see-& S$e stopped dead% t$e +o(ou# seepi ! *#om $e# ski - &See --- 8& He# )ide e,es *(e) to $is *a+eHe a#+$ed a "#o) a d said simp(,% &Yes-& He# $a d )e t to $e# mout$ a d $e# .io(et e,es !#e) sau+e#0#ou d- &You +a see8& He# i itia( i te se ;OY )as 1ui+k(, di(uted ", SuspICIO - &Ho) --- )$, --- )$e --- 8& &T$e *i#st t)o a#e ope to 1uestio % t$e (ast I +a a s)e#- I )oke up ,este#da, a d I +ou(d see-&
&Y ou )oke up ,este#da, a d ,ou +ou(d see-& Sam +ou(d do o mo#e t$a e+$o $is )o#ds i stu ed dis"e(ie* as $e# t$ou!$t p#o+esses st#u!!(ed to +at+$ up )it$ t$e i *o#matio He i +(i ed $is da#k $ead- &Yes --- & His da#k e,es s(id do) $e# s(im "od,% t$e i!$td#ess s$e )as )ea#i ! +(u ! to e.e#, de(i+ious dip a d +u#.e- &Y ou s$ou(d +ome i doo#s a d !et d#,%& $e said t$#oati(,Sam sa) t$e di#e+tio o* $is !a2e a d (i*ted a $a d to +o.e# $e# "#easts% a se(*0+o s+ious +$i(( +#a) (i ! a+#oss $e# a(#ead, i+, ski - E.e i* a +oup(e o* peop(e $ad ot a(#ead, +omme ted o t$e *a+t Sam k e) t$at Cesa#e $ad a t,pe a d s$e )as ot it0a+tua((, s$e +ou(d ot "e *a#t$e# *#om it5
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It )as &t t$at s$e $ad a p#o"(em )it$ t$e )a, s$e (ooked% "ut s$e k e) s$e )as ot$i ! spe+ia( a d Cesa#e )as a++ustomed to spe+ia(He )as spe+ia(A(t$ou!$ i* $e )as st#u!!(i ! to $ide $is disappoi tme t at $e# appea#a +e $e )as doi ! it )e((% s$e +o +eded% u a"(e to mai tai e,e +o ta+t )it$ $is "o(d "(a+k sta#e&You +a see a d ,ou did &t t$i k t$is mi!$t "e somet$i ! ,ou s$ou(d me tio i passi !8& s$e )o de#ed )it$ "iti ! sa#+asm- &You k o)% somet$i ! a(o ! t$e (i es o*0O$% ", t$e )a,% Sam% I +a see5& He# $ea.i ! "#easts st#ai ed a!ai st t$ei# )et +o *i eme t as $e# i di! atio #ose to e) $ei!$ts- &W$e )e#e ,ou !oi ! to te(( me% o# )e#e ,ou !oi ! to te(( me at a((8& &I $a.e to(d ,ou o)% $a.e I ot8& He dismissed t$e su"6e+t )it$ a auto+#ati+ )a.e o* $is $a d% pi+ked up $is tee s$i#t *#om t$e !#ou d a d d#aped it o.e# $e# s$ou(de#s- &Come o % ,ou +a &t sta, $e#e-& Sam did &t mo.e a i +$- S$aki ! (ike a (ea*% s$e 6ust sta#ed at $im- &M, God% ,ou a#e u "e(ie.a"(e5& s$e "#eat$ed- &You +a &t d#op somet$i ! (ike t$is o me a d a+t as i* ot$i ! $as $appe ed- I&m ot !oi ! a ,)$e#e u ti( ,ou --- & S$e stopped% $e# )ide ed !a2e *(,i ! to $is *a+e- &You )e t t$#ou!$ t$e )eddi ! +e#emo , p#ete di ! --- & S$e +(osed $e# e,es0t$ei# ma##ia!e )as a(( p#ete +e&I )as ot p#ete di !- I* ,ou $ad asked me I )ou(d $a.e #ep(ied $o est(,-& &T$at&s t)isti ! t$e *a+ts a d ,ou k o) it5& s$e #a!ed )$i(e #e+o! isi ! i #et#ospe+t t$at t$e#e $ad "ee se.e#a( +(ues du#i ! t$e da, a d (ast i!$t s$e mi!$t $a.e pi+ked up o T$ou!$ as $e made *e) +o +essio s to $is "(i d ess s$e sometimes +omp(ete(, *o#!ot a"out it% so ma,"e $e# "e(ated #e+o! itio )as ot t$at su#p sm!PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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He# (ips sudde (, 1ui.e#ed- &You k e) )$at I )as )ea#i ! (ast i!$t a d ,ou )e#e (au!$i ! at me-& 'esi#e #oa#ed i $is "(ood as $e t$ou!$t a"out $e# u $ooki ! t$at si *u((, p#o.o+ati.e (a+e um"e#-
&I )as ot (au!$i !%& $e p#omisedHo) did s$e ima!i e a , ma )it$ a #ed0"(ood +o#pus+(e i $is "od, +ou(d (au!$ o# e.e t$i k )$e s$e $ad stood t$e#e (ooki ! (ike t$e (i.i !% "#eat$i ! epitome o* e.e#, e#oti+ ma(e *a tas,8 &Look% I +a see% it $appe ed% a mi#a+(e% (u+k% it does ot matte# )$at ,ou +a(( it% m, si!$t $as #etu# edYou&.e !ot o s$oes o -& T$e $o##i*ied dis+o.e#, "#ou!$t a *#es$ s)e(( o* +o +e# to $is +$est- &Let me +a##, ,ou --- & &Go a)a,5& s$e s a#(ed% tu# i ! $e# "a+k o $im as s$e "e!a to t#a+e $e# steps up t$e i +(i e to)a#ds t$e +ast(eHis e,es a##o)ed o $e# s(im% #i!id "a+k- &A ,o e )ou(d t$i k *#om ,ou# attitude t$at ,ou )ou(d p#e*e# m, si!$t $ad &t #etu# ed5& T$e out#a!eous +$a#!e d#e) a !asp *#om $e# (ips as s$e )$i#(ed "a+k- &T$at%& s$e to(d $im i a s$aki ! .oi+e% &is a tota((, .i(e t$i ! to sa,5 T$is ma##ia!e is "ased o a )e" o* (ies a d de+eit a d I&.e $ad e ou!$ o* it a d ,ou-& S$e $ad o (, take t)o steps "e*o#e s$e )as s)ept 1uite (ite#a((, o** $e# *eet- S$e $e(d $e#se(* #i!id i $is a#ms a d *ou!$t t$e impu(se to "u##o) $e# *a+e i to t$e +o .e ie t !ap "et)ee $is s$ou(de# a d +$i It )as &t u ti( $e $ad ki+ked t$e kit+$e doo# s$ut "e$i d t$em t$at s$e (ooked at $im% a d e.e t$e s$e did &t a((o) $e# !(a +e to (i !e# (o ! at t$e u +omp#omisi ! a !(e o* $is stu""(e +o.e#ed 6a)0$e (ooked +om"usti"(e5 &I do &t k o) )$at ,ou&.e !ot to "e a !#, a"out%& s$e !#um"(edHe (i*ted a "#o)- &You do &t8&
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Sam )as ot *oo(ed ", $is +o .e#satio a( to e- S$e +ou(d te(( *#om t$e te sio i e.e#, mus+(e o* $is i +#edi"(e "od, t$at $e )as *u#ious&We((% (et me e/p(ai t$e *a+ts o* (i*e% Sama t$a0"ased o (ies o# ot% t$is ma##ia!e is $e#e to (ast-& &W$e#e a#e ,ou taki ! me8& s$e )ai(ed as $e "e!a to take t$e sto e stai#+ase at a #u - &You t$i k ,ou +a make me a!#ee to a ,t$i ! i* ,ou take me to "ed-& He tu# ed $is $ead% smi(ed u p(easa t(, a d said% &I&m ot taki ! ,ou to "ed-& A )a.e o* mo#ti*ied +o(ou# sp#ead a+#oss $e# ski as Sam s)a((o)ed')h.'
T$e "at$#oom doo# #espo ded to a ot$e# ki+k- &Take t$at t$i ! o**%& $e said% tu# i ! o t$e taps o* t$e "at$-
&A p(ease )ou(d "e i+e%& s$e mutte#ed% "ut did as $e su!!ested a ,)a,W$e $e tu# ed "a+k s$e )as sta di ! t$e#e )#apped i a (a#!e *(u**, "at$ to)e(&Get i 0it )i(( !et ,ou# +i#+u(atio mo.i !-& A !(itte# o* +$a((e !e e te#ed $e# .io(et e,es as t$e, +(as$ed )it$ $is "o(d da#k sta#e- &A (itt(e p#i.a+, )ou(d "e i+e-& He (ooked amused- &Ni+e% "ut it&s ot !oi ! to $appe - 'o &t )o##,% +a#a% I&.e see it a(( "e*o#e% #emem"e#% a d *o# t$e #e+o#d I (ike it a (ot-& He "#oke o** a d d#a!!ed a ot 1uite stead, $a d t$#ou!$ $is da#k $ai# "e*o#e #ea+$i ! out a d pu((i ! t$e to)e( *#om $e# !#aspHe# ski ti !(i ! )$e#e $is smou(de#i ! !a2e s(id s(o)(, do) $e# "od,% Sam (et out a ,e(p a d 6umped i to t$e )ate#% imme#si ! $e#se(* i t$e +o +ea(i ! "u""(es&I* I )ake up "(i d tomo##o) I at (east )a t to $a.e see ,ou o +e-&
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Sam sudde (, sti**e ed- He# *a+e +#eased i to te se (i es o* a /iet, as s$e pu((ed $e#se(* up#i!$t i t$e )ate#&W$at do ,ou mea C)ake up "(i dC8 Is t$at !oi ! to $appe 8 Cesa#e% te(( me t$e t#ut$%& s$e )a# ed- &I )o &t "e *o""ed o**-& 'ist#a+ted ", t$e )ate# d#ippi ! o** $e# pi k0tipped 1ui.e#i ! "#easts% Cesa#e did &t immediate(, #espo d&Mad#e di 'io5& $e "#eat$ed #e.e#e t(, "e*o#e addi ! t$#oati(,% &You&#e pe#*e+t% +a#a-& Sam st#u!!(ed to #etai $e# poise0 ot eas, )$e s$e )as sta#k aked0as it )as impossi"(e ot to "e se#ious(, a#oused ", t$e s$ake si +e#it, i $is .oi+e a d t$e (ust*u(% ea#t$, app#e+iatio i $is da#k e,esS$e stood up% )$ipped a to)e( o** t$e $ampe# a d +(oaked $e#se(* i it "e*o#e steppi ! *#om t$e )ate#&We((% ,ou do &t !et to see a , mo#e u ti( ,ou ta(k-& Cesa#e (ooked sta#t(ed ", $e# a+tio "e*o#e #e(u+ta t amuseme t sp#ead a+#oss $is *a+e- &T$at&s "(a+kmai(- -- & He stopped smi(i ! as $e# de*ia t pose s(ipped a d $e sa) t$e #ea( te##o# "e$i d $e# mask o* "#a.ado a d spiki essT$e *ea# i $e# e,es s$ook $im deep(, a d t$e *a+t $e )as #espo si"(e *o# putti ! it t$e#e did &t imp#o.e matte#s- He )as a++ustomed to maki ! de+isio s a d a++epti ! t$e +o se1ue +es% "ut $e&d e.e# p#e.ious(, $ad to +o side# $o) $is +$oi+es mi!$t a**e+t a ,o e e(seIt )as a aspe+t to ma##ia!e $e $ad ot +o side#ed&P(ease% Cesa#e ---- &
&Re(a/%& $e soot$ed- &No"od, said I&m !om! to )ake up "(i d tomo##o)-& No"od, said --- T$e disti +tio )as ot (ost o SamPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&T$at mea s i Cesa#e speak t$at o"od, said ,ou )ou(d &t- Su#e(,% t$e#e a#e tests8& s$e p#otested&T$e, +a &t e/pe+t ,ou to (i.e )it$ t$e u +e#tai t,0it&s i $uma 5 You eed to see a ot$e# do+to#-& &I u de#sta d t$e#e a#e i .esti!atio s%& $e +o +eded #e(u+ta t(,Sam )as out#a!ed a d $o##i*ied ", t$is e.ide +e o* !#oss medi+a( i +ompete +e- &T$e )$, did &t t$e, do t$em8& He sidestepped t$e 1uestio )it$ a s$#u! a d a (a+o i+% &W$at )i(( "e )i(( "e-& His *ata(isti+ take o t$e situatio made Sam )a t to $it $im&A d I $ad o time *o# tests% I $ad a )eddi ! to atte d to- Not$i !%& $e de+(a#ed% sta#i ! st#ai!$t at $e#% &)as !oi ! to keep me a)a, *#om t$at-& S$e "(i ked a d s i**ed as $e# e,es *i((ed )it$ emotio a( tea#s o* i te se 6o,- T$e#e )e#e t)o mi#a+(es5 He +ou(d see% a d $e (o.ed $e#5 Sam st#u!!(ed )it$ t$e da !e#ous u#!e to "a""(e "a+k t$at s$e *e(t t$e same )a,% "ut $e# i ate +autio i te#.e ed&It )as &t8& He s$ook $is $ead- &O".ious(, ot- I )a t e.e#,t$i ! (e!a( a d i "(a+k a d )$ite i +(udi ! ou# ma##ia!e- T$at mea t t$e (a),e#s +ou(d d#a) up t$e detai(s o* a t#ust *u d *o# t$e "a",- I do &t t$i k t$e#e )i(( "e a ,t$i ! i it ,ou )o &t app#o.e o*- -- 8& Sam&s si((, smi(e disso(.ed% "ut t$a k*u((, s$e kept $o(d o* $e# se(*+o t#o(- 4o# someo e )$o *e(t as i* t$e, $ad 6ust $ad t$ei# $ope*u( $ea#t stamped o s$e ma a!ed a .e#, +omposed% &I t#ust ,ou# 6ud!eme t o a ,t$i ! *i a +ia(-& It )as +e#tai (, "ette# t$a $e# o) 6ud!eme t o a ,t$i ! #oma ti+% s$e t$ou!$t "itte#(,Ma,"e s$e $ad &t ma a!ed to "e as +omposed as s$e t$ou!$t% "e+ause o) $e seemed to "e (ooki ! at $e# odd(,- T$e ma $ad #ead $e# mi d )$e
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$e +ou(d &t see3 o) s$e mi!$t as )e(( !i.e $im a dated #e+o#di ! o* $e# i e# dia(o!ue0t$at s$ou(d !i.e $im a (au!$ o# t)oS$e "it $e# (ip a d (o)e#ed $e# !a2e% *ee(i ! utte#(, mo#ti*ied a d (ike a )is$*u(% #oma ti+ idiot0$o) +ou(d s$e $a.e ima!i ed $e )as i (o.e )it$ $e#8
S$e eeded to !#o) Up5 T$e o (, t$i ! t$at s$e a d Cesa#e $ad i +ommo )as t$is a++ide ta( "a",T$e se/ )as !ood0a+tua((, i +#edi"(e5 But t$e Cesa#e )as a $i!$(, se/ed se sua( ma(e- It )ou(d $a.e "ee ai.e to assume t$at (o.e a d se/ )e#e +o0depe de t *o# $imI* o (, s$e +ou(d sa, t$e same5 S$e $ad ea#(, made a *ata( mistake )$e *o# t$at sp(it se+o d s$e $ad 6umped to t$e assumptio t$at it )as $is impatie +e to make $e# $is )i*e t$at $ad made $im "e$a.e )it$ su+$ #e+k(ess dis#e!a#d *o# $is $ea(t$S$e )ou(d &t do t$at a!ai &I to(d t$e do+to# t$at I'll +o ta+t $im )$e )e !et "a+k to Lo do a d )$e I $a.e time --- & Sam&s $ead +ame up a d $e# suspi+ious e,es s)ept $is *a+e- &M, God% t$e, )a ted ,ou to sta, i $ospita( a d ,ou #e*used5 Ho) +ou(d I $a.e "ee so s(o)8& Sam (i*ted $e# $a ds to $e# $ead i a a!itated motio % ot #e!iste#i ! t$at $e# to)e( s(ipped a .ita( i +$% o# t$at t$e +#eam, uppe# s(opes o* $e# "#easts d#e) $is $ot !a2e (ike a ma! et&Y ou a#e a tota( im"e+i(e%& s$e #a!ed% $e# a !e# i te si*ied ", t$e i+,+o(d *i !e#s o* pa i+ t$at +(ut+$ed at $e#- &Y ou mi!$t e.e $a.e do e i##epa#a"(e dama!e-& &'o ot "e so me(od#amati+% Sama t$a- As I said% I )i(( see t$e do+to# )$e )e !o "a+k e/t )eek-& &Me(od#amati+5 Ne/t )eek5& s$e s$#i((ed- &I* ,ou do &t stop "ei ! so dam ed (aid0"a+k% I mi!$t 6ust ki(( ,ou m,se(*5&
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T$e t$#eat d#e) a !#i *#om $im t$at Sam #espo ded to )it$ a da#k *#o) &Y ou a+tua((, t$i k I&m !oi ! to sta, $e#e o) )$e ,ou s$ou(d "e i $ospita(8& A sta" o* pa#a(,si ! *ea# d#a!!ed a $a#s$ d#, so" *#om $e# t$#oat- &You&#e t$e most se(*is$ ma I k o)5& s$e i to ed% $e# .oi+e s$aki ! as $e# (umi ous e,es !(a#ed at $imT$e st#e !t$ o* $e# passio ate +o dem atio s$ook a d "a**(ed $imT$ou!$ t$i !s "e+ame +(ea#e# )$e s$e added% &I )is$ I +ou(d *o#!et I )as a"out to "e a pa#e t t$e )a, ,ou o".ious(, +a --- 'o ,ou t$i k t$is is t$e )a, I i te ded m, (i*e to "e8 We((% it is &t5& His $ead 6e#ked "a+k as t$ou!$ s$e $ad st#u+k $im a d t$e#e )e#e da#k (i es et+$ed a(o ! $is +$eek"o es as $e #espo ded i a .oi+e o* +$i((i ! $auteu#% &You $a.e ot a+ted as t$ou!$ (i*e )it$ me is t$at distaste*u(-& &You&#e a !#eat (o.e#%& s$e admitted% $e# e,es *a((i ! *#om $is- &A d ot a()a,s impossi"(e%& s$e +o +eded !#u**(,% &)$i+$ is a p(us% "ut )e did &t !et ma##ied *o# t$e se/ o# "e+ause )e&#e i (o.e o# a ,t$i !-& T$e (au!$ s$e t$e made )as mea t to s$o) $im t$at su+$ a t$ou!$t $ad e.e# +#ossed $e# mi d- U *o#tu ate(, t$e s$#i(( ma i+ "#a, t$at +ame out su!!ested it )as a disti +t possi"i(it, s$e did &t $a.e a mi d-
&Pe#is$ t$e t$ou!$t%& $e i se#ted sa#do i+a((,T$e d#, i *(e+tio "#ou!$t $e# a##o)ed e,es to $is *a+e% "ut $is e/p#essio )as i s+#uta"(e as $e spoke&We&#e !etti ! ma##ied "e+ause o* t$e "a",0,ou k o) t$e#e a#e p#o"a"(, )o#se #easo s- I k o) pi(es o* peop(e )$o !et ma##ied *o# (o.e a d $ate o e a ot$e# "e*o#e t$e *i#st a i.e#sa#,-& &W$e#eas )e $a.e a $ead sta#t a(#ead,0,ou $ate me o)-& Sam *#o) ed at t$e *#i.o(ous #eto#t- &I do &t $ate ,ou% I&m 6ust a !#, "e+ause ,ou do &t seem to app#e+iate it&s a pa#e t&s dut, to sta, $ea(t$, *o# t$ei# +$i(d#e -&
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O* +ou#se i* t$ei#s $ad "ee a +o .e tio a( ma##ia!e s$e +ou(d $a.e s$outed a"out $o) i* $e +a#ed a"out $e# $e )ou(d &t take stupid #isks5 But $e did &t +a#e a"out $e#0+e#tai (, ot i t$e )a, $e# sou( +#a.ed&T$is "a", is )$, )e&#e !etti ! ma##ied- You seem to $a.e *o#!otte t$at%& s$e #emi ded $im a!ai His pe#*e+t mout$ t)isted i to a smi(e t$at (e*t $is spe+ta+u(a# e,es as "(eak as s$e $ad see t$em- &I do% do &t I8 'o &t )o##,% Sama t$a% I u de#stood e.e#, )o#d o* ,ou# (e+tu#e-& &So )e&#e (ea.i ! o)8& He (aid a $a d o $e# s$ou(de# a d )it$out t$i ki ! Sam tu# ed $e# $ead a d #u""ed $e# +$eek a!ai st it- &Sama t$a% )e +a &t (ea.e u ti( t$is a*te# oo - & S$e s(id $im a dist#ust*u( (ook *#om t$#ou!$ $e# (as$es- &But ,ou )i(( !o a d (et t$e do+to#s do t$ei# tests8& &I )i(( !o%& $e a!#eed- &You a#e o.e##ea+ti ! "ut I )i(( !o-& &Ho) +a ,ou $a.e "ee so stupid8& S$e s$ook $e# $ead i )ea#, dis"e(ie*&Let it !o% Sama t$a- I t$i k ,ou $a.e made ,ou# poi t-& S$e #e+o! ised t$is )as !ood ad.i+e "ut s$e +ou(d &t *o((o) it- &You&#e a i te((i!e t ma 0o# at (east I t$ou!$t so-& &M, attitude to #e!ai i ! m, si!$t )as )$, 1uestio a !i*t )$e ,ou #e+ei.e it0)$, )ait to e 6o, it8 I* (osi ! m, si!$t $as tau!$t me o e t$i !% +a#a% it is e.e# )aste a si !(e mome t- E/t#a+t t$e (ast s$#ed o* 6o,% e 6o, )$at ,ou $a.e "e*o#e *ate de+ides to s at+$ it a)a,-& He took $e# ", t$e s$ou(de#s a d *itted $e# sti**% u ,ie(di ! "od, i to $is- Pu((i ! t$e to)e( o.e# $e# s$ou(de#s a d +uppi ! t$e "a+k o* $e# $ead )it$ o e $a d% $e $e(d $e# ti!$t a!ai st $im- T$e, stood t$e#e motio (ess

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a d ot speaki !- Cesa#e *e(t t$e e/a+t mome t t$e te sio d#ai ed *#om $e# "od,% )$e $e# k ees sudde (, sa!!ed a d s$e )e t as (imp as a #a! do((Wit$ a mutte#ed imp#e+atio $e s+ooped $e# up a d +a##ied $e# "a+k to t$e "ed#oom- He pu((ed "a+k t$e du.et a d (aid $e# do) o t$e +#isp +otto s$eet "e*o#e 6oi i ! $e#His e,es tou+$ed t$e .i.id skei o* si(k, )a.es sp#ead out o t$e pi((o)- &Wit$ ,ou# $ai# t$at )a, ,ou (ook (ike a (itt(e me#maid-& A s(eep, me#maid )$o )as st#u!!(i ! to keep $e# e,es ope - &You&#e ti#ed-& &I t$i k ma,"e I 6ust eed to +(ose m, e,es *o# a "it- T$e, sa, t$e ti#ed ess is &t as "ad i t$e se+o d t#imeste#-& S$e *e(( as(eep a(most immediate(, a d Cesa#e #e*(e+ted t$at )$i(e *ate $ad "#ou!$t t$em to!et$e# it )as time t$at it took a "a+k seat- He )as !oi ! to take +$a#!e o* t$e situatio $imse(*Sam )as i t$e s$o)e# )$e t$e doo# ope ed- Cesa#e stood t$e#e (ooki ! p#eposte#ous(, se/, i 6ea s a d a )$ite ope 0 e+ked s$i#t t$at emp$asised t$e !o(de Medite##a ea !(o) o* $is ski S$e (i*ted a $a d to +o.e# $e# "#easts% )$i+$ )e#e s(ippe#, )et a d +oated )it$ suds- T$e $eat *(a#ed "et)ee $e# t$i!$s as s$e sta#ed at $im&Go a)a,5 Is &t a pe#so a((o)ed a , p#i.a+,8& T$e $a(*0$ea#ted +omp(ai t d#e) a !#i - &No% "ut i* ,ou d#op t$e soap I'll pi+k it up-& Sam (ooked at t$e soap i $e# $a d a d si!$ed- S$e )as tempted% God k e) s$e )as% "ut t$e $e(i+opte# t$at )as to *(, t$em "a+k to Lo do )as due a , mi ute a d s$e )as #u i ! (ate- Cesa#e $ad (et $e# s(eep a d )$e s$e $ad )oke i $is a#ms t$e, $ad made (o.eSam $ad (ost a(( se se o* time a d t$e o (, u#!e +, s$e $ad *e(t )as to $a.e Cesa#e i side $e#% a d make $e# *ee( +omp(etePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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His (o.emaki ! $ad "ee e/1uisite(, te de# a d a(( t$e time $e $ad $e(d $e# !a2e #i!$t up to t$e mome t t$at t$e s$atte#i ! +(ima/ $ad #ipped t$#ou!$ $e#&It&s #ude to sta#e-& A(t$ou!$ s$e +ou(d% s$e k e)% $a.e "ee a++used o* t$e same (a+k o* ma e#s $e#se(*&I&m a((o)ed to sta#e0< $a.e a spe+ia( dispe satio - I )as "(i d so I&m app#e+iati ! t$i !s I )ou(d &t $a.e !i.e a se+o d !(a +e "e*o#e-& Sam&s "od, sti**e ed- &T$i !s (ike me% ,ou mea 8& S$e immediate(, "it $e# (ip a d #ea+$ed *o# a to)e( mutte#i !% &'am %& u de# $e# "#eat$-
Cesa#e&s "#o) pu+ke#ed as $e pus$ed t$e to)e( i to $e# $a ds "ut did &t #e(ease it- &I $a.e &t t$e *ai test idea )$, ,ou *ee( so i se+u#e% Sama t$a- Ha.e I ot s$o) ,ou t$at I *i d ,ou "eauti*u(8 Ha.e I ot to(d ,ou8& His *i !e#tips "#us$ed $e#s a d t$e ti !(i ! e(e+t#i+a( +$a#!e *i22ed do) to $e# toes- Pupi(s $u!e% s$e #e(eased a *#a+tu#ed si!$ a d odded- &Yes% ,ou $a.e%& s$e admitted- He said ma , t$i !s t$at s$e )a ted to "e(ie.e a d a e1ua( um"e# t$at made $e# "(us$- Cesa#e )as ot i $i"ited )$e it +ame to su+$ matte#s- He )as .e#, e(o1ue t% t$ou!$ a (ot o* t$e Ita(ia t$at $e s(id i to i mome ts o* passio )as s(i!$t(, )asted o $e#&A d $o) o*te do I $a.e to te(( ,ou "e*o#e ,ou "e(ie.e me8& $e asked 1uiet(,&I&(( te(( ,ou )$e I k o)%& s$e said 1uiet(,Cesa#e s$ook $is $ead i a attitude o* "a**(ed #esi! atio as $e #e(i 1uis$ed $is pu#+$ase o t$e to)e(Sam immediate(, )#apped it sa#o !)ise a#ou d $e# "od,&T$e I )i(( 6ust $a.e to t#, $a#de#-& Be*o#e Sam +ou(d e/p#ess $e# app#o.a( o* t$is p(a t$e#e )as t$e u mistaka"(e di o* a $e(i+opte# outside t$e ope )i do)PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&A#e ,ou su#e t$at ,ou )a t to !o "a+k toda,8& s$e asked% "e*o#e #aisi ! a "#o) a d !i.i ! $im a (o ! mea i !*u( (ook u ti( Cesa#e s$#u!!ed a d (i*ted $is $a ds i a !estu#e o* de*eatHe )as at t$e doo# )$e s$e spoke&Cesa#e% o matte# )$at $appe s )it$ ,ou# si!$t --- )e --- )e&(( "e a(( #i!$t- & CHAPTER ELE:EN IT WAS t)e t,0*ou# $ou#s "e*o#e t$e medi+a( team $ad #e.ie)ed t$e #esu(ts o* t$e "atte#, o* i .esti!atio s Cesa#e $ad "ee su"6e+ted toIt $ad *e(t (ike a .e#, (o ! t)e t,0*ou# $ou#s to Sam0t$e (o !est i $e# (i*e- As s$e )aited *o# t$e .e#di+t $e# t$#oat *e(t d#, a d s$e *e(t p$,si+a((, si+k )it$ app#e$e sio - A d as t$e, sat i t$e do+to#&s o**i+e i#o i+a((, it )as Cesa#e )$o !a.e Sam&s $a d a #eassu#i ! s1uee2e as t$e +o su(ta t sett(ed i $is +$ai#Appa#e t(, it )as &t a mi#a+(e t$e do+to# e/p(ai ed- T$e#e )as a pe#*e+t(, sou d medi+a( e/p(a atio o* )$at $ad o++u##ed- T$e do+to# t$e )e t i to t$is i some detai(% e.e d#a)i ! a dia!#am t$at Sam st#u!!(ed to disp(a, a suita"(e de!#ee o* i te#est i Cesa#e asked a +oup(e o* i te((i!e t 1uestio s i t$e app#op#iate p(a+es- Sam )as &t su#e s$e +ou(d speak at a(( a"o.e t$e #isi ! #oa# o* pa i+ i $e# ea#sS$e $e(d o u ti( t$e do+to# sta#ted #e+ou ti ! a simi(a# +ase a +o((ea!ue o* $is $ad dea(t )it$ i t$e States% at )$i+$ poi t s$e t$ou!$t% E ou!$ is e ou!$5
S$e sp#a ! to $e# *eet )it$out )a# i !% +ausi ! t$e medi+a( ma to "#eak o** mid0a e+dote a d said (oud(,% &Yes% t$at&s .e#, i te#esti !% "ut )$at I eed to k o) is% is $e +u#ed8 Is Cesa#e !oi ! to "e a(( #i!$t- -- pe#ma e t(,8&
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T$e +o su(ta t *idd(ed )it$ $is $a(*0moo !(asses a d (ooked s(i!$t(, su#p#ised- &Let me put it t$is )a,% I )is$ I $ad ,ou# $us"a d&s .isio % M#s B#u e((i-& Sam sa k to $e# seat as $e# k ees !a.e )a,- S$e s)a((o)ed a d !#itted a "#i!$t% &Good- I&m !(ad-& Cesa#e s$ot $e# a side)a,s (ook a d added% &So am I% +a#a%& )it$ )$at Sam +o side#ed supe#0$uma #est#ai t +o side#i ! t$e +i#+umsta +esS$e took o pa#t i t$e #est o* t$e +o .e#satio a d ", t$e time t$e, depa#ted s$e $ad a(most stopped s$aki !Neit$e# spoke as t$e, d#o.e t$#ou!$ t$e $ea., t#a**i+Cesa#e )as i *u#iati !(, (aid0"a+k- T$e sudde (, a e)s#eade# o t$e #adio a ou +ed t$at t$e "i((io ai#e Cesa#e B#u e((i% )$o $ad "ee t#a!i+a((, "(i ded a*te# "#a.e(, !oi ! to t$e aid o* a +$i(d t#apped III a "u# i ! +a#% $ad #e!ai ed $is si!$t&T$e, said ,ou #es+ued a +$i(d *#om a "u# i ! +a#8& Sam pi ed $e# 1uestio i ! !a2e o Cesa#e&s p#o*i(e&'id t$e,8& &Yes% t$e, did% ,ou k o) t$e, did5 You to(d me t$at ,ou )e#e "(i d *o((o)i ! a su#!i+a( p#o+edu#e%& s$e #emi ded $im&A d so it )as- I $ad *#a+tu#ed m, sku(( a d t$e#e )as some i te#+#a ia( "(eedi !-& &Y ou *#a+tu#ed ,ou# sku(( sa.i ! a +$i(d *#om a "u# i ! +a#8& He made it sou d (ike !oi ! to t$e s$op *o# a (oa* o* "#ead&It )as "a#e(, smou(de#i !- It did &t e/p(ode u ti( I !ot $e# out-& T$at e/p(osio $ad t$#o) $im a d t$e +$i(d $e&d +a##ied to t$e ot$e# side o* t$e +a# a!e)a ,PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Sam )as &t *oo(ed *o# a mome t3 s$e k e) $e )as p(a,i ! it do) *o# a(( $e )as )o#t$- He# "(ood *#o2e )$e s$e t$ou!$t a"out t$e da !e# $e $ad u dou"ted(, "ee i - &SO a+tua((, ,ou did &t do a ,t$i ! mu+$-& &I 6ust $appe ed to "e t$e#e%& $e a!#eed% (ooki ! disti +t(, u +om*o#ta"(e- &A ,"od, )ou(d $a.e do e t$e same-&
&I dou"t t$at-& S$e p(a ted $e# +$i i $e# pa(m a d studied $is *a+e% a smi(e p(a,i ! a#ou d $e# (ips- &I #ea((, e.e# t$ou!$t I&d see ,ou (ook em"a##assed%& s$e admitted- &T$at mi!$t e.e "e a "(us$%& s$e teased% *(i+ki ! $is +$eekCesa#e tu# ed $is s+o)(i ! *a+e $e# )a, *o# a i sta t "e*o#e *o+usi ! $is atte tio o t$e #oad a d ad.isi ! $e# to stop ta(ki ! o se se- &I am ot a $e#o% I )as 6ust i t$e #i!$t p(a+e at t$e #i!$t time-& Co side#i ! t$e out+ome% Sam )ou(d $a.e t$ou!$t t$at ma , peop(e )ou(d ot $a.e +a((ed it t$e &#i!$t p(a+e&- &A(( #i!$t% i* ,ou&#e mo#e +om*o#ta"(e )it$ it <&<< +o side# ,ou a .i((ai - Ho) )as t$e (itt(e !i#(8& &It )as tou+$ a d !o *o# a )$i(e%& $e said- &But s$e&s *i e o) a d t$e media stu** $as died do) -& &Media stu**8& &Yes- T$e, (o.e (a"e(s- I )as t$e $e#o% "ut at t$e e/pe se o* t$e +Li((, )as sti(( i t$e "a+k seat% "ut t$e 6ou# a(ists e.e# me tio ed t$e *a+t t$at t$e *at$e# $ad d#a!!ed t$e mot$e# +(ea# a d t$e +o((apsed $imse(*-& We((% t$at e/p(ai ed $is dis(ike o* t$e p#ess- &T$at )as a)*u(%& s$e a!#eed- &But t$e#e is su+$ a t$i ! as #espo si"(e #epo#ti !-& Cesa#e tapped t$e #adio a d #aised a si! i*i+a t "#o)- &Like t$at-& Sam a++epted t$e poi t )it$ a #ue*u( !#i o* a+k o)(ed!me t- &But $o) o ea#t$ +a t$e, k o)8& s$e pe#sisted- &We o (, 6ust k o)0)e&.e o (, 6ust (e*t t$e $ospita(5& &C(ea#(, someo e $as (eaked t$e i *o#matio 0it +ou(d "e a ,o e-&
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S$e (ooked at $is p#o*i(e0$o) +ou(d $e ot "e *u#ious8 &Is &t medi+a( i *o#matio mea t to "e p#i.ate a d +o *ide tia(8& &I p#ote+t m, p#i.a+, as )e(( as I +a % "ut i t$is i sta +e I see o #easo to "e o.e#(, +o +e# ed-& &I&m su#p#ised t$e, $a.e &t a ou +ed ou# ma##ia!e-& &T$e, did &t eed to0I put a a ou +eme t i t$e pape#s-& &You did )$at8& Ho##i*ied% Sam "u#ied $e# *a+e i $e# $a ds a d !#oa ed&Is t$at a p#o"(em8 I $ad o idea it )as mea t to "e a se+#et-& He# $ead +ame up at t$e *#ost, ote o* a o,a +e i $is .oi+e- &Yes% it is a p#o"(em- W$at i* m, *ami(, #ead it8 I $a.e &t to(d t$em ,et% #emem"e#8& &A$5& &E/a+t(,5&
&I $ad &t t$ou!$t a"out t$at o e%& $e admitted&Y ou must "e s(ippi !%& s$e #eto#ted% ! a)i ! #e*(e+ti.e(, o $e# (o)e# (ip as s$e +o side#ed $o) "est to soot$e $e# "#ot$e#&s i 6u#ed *ee(i !s&I&(( speak to ,ou# "#ot$e# i* ,ou (ike --- e/p(ai t$i !s-& Sam po(ite(, #e*used t$e o**e#T$e i *o#matio s$e i te ded to !i.e $e# o.e#0p#ote+ti.e "#ot$e# )as !oi ! to "e +a#e*u((, +e so#edT$e (ast t$i ! s$e )a ted )as Cesa#e !i.i ! a *u(( a d *#a k a++ou tW$e t$e, did #ea+$ $ome Cesa#e #aised o o"6e+tio s )$e Sam "a is$ed $im *#om t$ei# "ed#oom so t$at s$e +ou(d speak to $e# #e(atio s% e.e t$ou!$ $e $ad $ad a .e#, di**e#e t idea o* $o) to +e(e"#ate $is "i(( o* +(ea $ea(t$PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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It )as a*te# $e (e*t $e# t$at $e $ad a e/+e((e t ideaS at+$i ! up a 6a+ket% $e i *o#med t$e $ousekeepe# t$at $e )as !oi ! out a d t$at i* $is )i*e asked te(( $e# $e&d "e "a+k .e#, soo To Sam&s utte# #e(ie* it tu# ed out t$at eit$e# Ia o# C(a#e $ad #ead t$e o**e di ! a ou +eme t-
T$e +o .e#satio )as ot t$at eas,% pa#t(, "e+ause at *i#st Ia )as i +(i ed to +o side# $e# stateme t t$at s$e )as ma##ied to a Ita(ia "i((io ai#e a )i d0up&Su#e ,ou a#e% Sam%& Ia d#a)(ed- &So )$at $a.e ,ou a+tua((, "ee up to% (itt(e siste#8& W$e s$e did +o .i +e $im s$e )as ot 6oki ! Ia &s #espo se )as *a# *#om e +ou#a!i !&A#e ,ou i sa e% Sam8& &W$, is it i sa e *o# me to !et ma##ied8& &You mea "e,o d t$e *a+t ,ou "a#e(, k o) t$e ma 8 4o# sta#te#s% $e is a mu(ti"i((io ai#e o# somet$i !-& &C(a#e )as t$e dau!$te# o* a (ai#d% ,ou )e#e t$e so o* t$e !#o+e#- I&# ot ma##,i ! $im *o# $is mo e,-&
&God k o)s% I )is$ ,ou $ad t$at mu+$ se se5& $e# "#ot$e# e/p(oded% sou di ! e/aspe#ated- &Ho) i God&s ame did ,ou meet $im to "e!i )it$8& Sam kept $e# #ep(, de(i"e#ate(, .a!ue- &He )as s(ummi ! it a d )e --- & T$e#e )as !e ui e a /iet, i $e# "#ot$e#&s .oi+e as $e said% &T$is !u, (i.es i a )o#(d )e k o) ot$i ! a"out% Sam-&

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&I&m (ea# i !- & &'id &t $e date t$at !o#!eous a+t#ess *o# a )$i(e8& &W$at ,ou&#e st#u!!(i ! so $a#d ot to sa, is I&m ot a *i(m sta# o# !(amo#ous- & &You&#e i+e0(ooki ! e ou!$ i ,ou# o) )a,-& T$is "#ot$e#(, t#i"ute "#ou!$t a )#, smi(e to Sam&s (ips&Has t$e e/p(a atio t$at $e mi!$t (o.e me o++u##ed to ,ou8& T$e si(e +e said it $ad &t&Wi(( it $e(p ,ou *at$om out t$e att#a+tio i*08& Ia i te##upted% sou di ! i##itated- &4o# God&s sake% )$at am I mea t to sa,8 He&(( !et "o#ed )it$ ,ou i a mo t$5& T$e#e )as a pause "e*o#e $e added apo(o!eti+a((,% &We((% I&m so##,% Sam% "ut it&s a *a+t-& Sam&s teet$ !#ated- &Ho) is it a *a+t8 Be+ause ,ou sa, so8 Ho) da#e ,ou 6ud!e Cesa#e8& s$e said% $e# .oi+e 1ui.e#i ! )it$ out#a!e- &You k o) ot$i ! a"out $im "ut )$at ,ou #ead i t$e p#ess-& T$e#e )as a (e !t$, pause a*te# $e# $eated de*e +e&O".ious(, I $ope I am )#o !-& T$e s$e "(u#ted% &I&m p#e! a t% Ia 5& a d $is #espo se a(most "(asted $e# ea#d#ums i to o"(i.io W$e $e $ad *i is$ed te((i ! $e# t$at s$e $ad made t$e )o#st mistake o* $e# (i*e $e $a ded $e# o.e# to C(a#e% )$o did mu+$ t$e same t$i ! o (, a (ot mo#e ta+t*u((, a d )it$ o**e#s o* suppo#t a d e 1ui#ies a"out t$e "a", t$#o) i PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Sam )as *ee(i ! 1uite dep#essed a d $e# se(*0esteem )as at a a((time (o) )$e s$e put t$e p$o e do) - He# mood )as ot up(i*ted )$e t$e $ousekeepe# i *o#med $e# t$at% ot o (, $ad Cesa#e (e*t t$e $ouse% "ut s$e $ad a .isito#W$e Sam e 1ui#ed a*te# t$e .isito#&s ide tit, M#s Ha.e#s pu#sed $e# (ips i ti!$t disapp#o.a(&It&s t$at a+t#ess% Ca di+e Ro,a(- I said ,ou )e#e &t at $ome% "ut s$e "a#!ed i as "o(d as ,ou (ike a+ti ! as i* t$e p(a+e )as $e# o) % )$i+$ s$e t$ou!$t it )ou(d "e --- a d I do &t mi d te((i ! ,ou i* it $ad I&d $a.e "ee out o* t$e doo# --- "ut- -- & T$e o(de# )oma appea#ed to #ea(ise t$at s$e )as "ei ! i dis+#eet a d +a((ed a $a(t to $e# diat#i"e-
&'id s$e +ome to see Cesa#e o# --- 8& &Yes-& T$e *ea# t$at Sam *e(t )as 1ui+k(, *o((o)ed ", a !e#Ho) da#ed t$is )oma +ome $e#e8 S$e $ad to k o) t$at Cesa#e )as e)(, ma##ied- Was s$e +omi ! to +ause t#ou"(e o# )as t$is a (et&s0a(I0"e*#ie ds .isit8 Ma,"e t$at )as t$e +i.i(ised )a, to !o a"out t$i !s% "ut Sam )as &t *ee(i ! .e#, +i.i(ised- At t$at p#e+ise mome t some .e#, u +i.i(ised t$ou!$ts )e#e passi ! t$#ou!$ $e# $ead&Pao(o is i $is *(at0I +ou(d !et $im to +ome up a d tu#* $e# out8& Sam pa#tia((, s$a#ed t$e $ousekeepe#&s o".ious e t$usiasm to see t$e a+t#ess "odi(, #emo.ed *#om t$e $ouse% "ut s$ook $e# $eadI* it )as a ,o e&s 6o" to s$o) t$e )oma t$e doo#% it )as Cesa#e&sBut ma,"e $e )ou(d &t )a t to8 Sam k e) $e# p#e! a +, )as &t dete+ta"(e ,et% "ut s$e )as e te#i ! t$e sta!e )$e#e s$e *e(t s$e simp(, (ooked *at- Ho)e.e#% s$e $ad "ee e +ou#a!ed ", Cesa#e&s +omme ts to t$i k t$at $e $ad o p#o"(em )it$ t$e idea o* $e# e/pa di ! !i#t$PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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T$e mome t s$e (aid e,es o t$e u e/pe+ted .isito# i t$e d#a)i ! #oom s$e (ost t$e !(o) o* +o *ide +e $is admi#atio $ad !i.e $e#- I t$e p#ese +e o* t$is stu i ! "(o de )it$ t$e e d(ess (e!s a d t$e ti , )aist s$e *e(t (ike a sma((% s+#u**, mo !#e(I )$i+$ +ase Cesa#e&s e/0*ia +ee )as a ta((% e(e!a t A*!$a - T$e o(de# )oma )as )ea#i ! a )$ite tai(o#ed t#ouse# suit +i +$ed i at t$e )aist a d +ut (o) a+#oss a !#a.it, de*,i ! "osomS$e *o#+ed a smi(e- &He((o- Ha.e ,ou "ee )aiti ! (o !8 Wou(d ,ou (ike tea8 M#s Ha.e#s --- 8& T$e $ousekeepe#% )$o $ad e te#ed t$e #oom i Sam&s )ake !a.e a a+1uies+e t od a d% )it$ a (ook o* #i!id disapp#o.a( i t$e di#e+tio o* t$ei# !uest% tu# ed to !oCa di+e smi(ed s,mpat$eti+a((, a d +omme ted i a .oi+e +(ea#(, i te ded to +a##,% &Good $e(p is $a#d to !et t$ese da,s-& &I #ea((, +a &t (et ,ou speak "ad(, o* a *e((o) S+ot%& Sam said% taki ! t$e sti ! out o* $e# )o#ds )it$ a ot$e# smi(e- &A+tua((,% M#s Ha.e#s $as "ee ma#.e((ous $e(pi ! me sett(e i -& Ca di+e #aised a "#o) at t$e #o"ust de*e +e- &I do &t suppose ,ou k o) a ,t$i ! a"out "ei ! mist#ess o* a (a#!e esta"(is$me t- You do #ea(ise t$at t$is p(a+e is sma(( +ompa#ed to t$e Tus+a Casti((o8 A d t$e Ne) Yo#k apa#tme t is ma! i*i+e t0t$e de+o# )as do e ",0&
It did &t take a !e ius to see t$at t$e ot$e# )oma )as t#,i ! to make Sam *ee( (ike t$e outside# a d s$e su++eeded p#ett, )e((- But Sam de+ided t)o +ou(d p(a, at t$at !ame&A+tua((, Cesa#e is t$i ki ! o* se((i ! t$e Ne) Yo#k apa#tme t a d !etti ! somet$i ! a "it mo#e +$i(d *#ie d(, --- Cape Cod% )e&d t$ou!$t%& s$e (ied *(ue t(,&Yes% I $ea#d ,ou )e#e p#e! a t- But I #ea((, +a &t see Cesa#e )it$ a *ami(,-&
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Sam&s smi(e !#e) *i/ed- I* s$e $ad a ,t$i ! to do )it$ it Ca di+e )ou(d &t "e seei ! Cesa#e at a((- S$e (i*ted $e# "#o)s a d e.i +ed su#p#ise- &Rea((,8 He e.e# me tio ed to ,ou $e )a ts *i.e8& A (ook o* $o##o# sett(ed o.e# t$e ot$e# )oma &s *a+e&Cesa#e )a ts *i.e +$i(d#e 8& &I said *ou# )as e ou!$- W$at do ,ou t$i k8& &O$% I&# o e/pe#t o +$i(d#e % "ut I ado#e m, (itt(e Edua#do-&
Sam assumed t$at s$e )as speaki ! o* a ep$e) u ti( s$e (i*ted t$e (id o* t$e "a! s$e +a##ied a d t$e sma(( $ead o* a ti , do! eme#!ed )it$ "o)s tied i its +a#e*u((, !#oomed +u#(s&T$at&s )$, it su#p#ises me t$at Cesa#e )a ts "a"ies- He e.e# (iked (itt(e Edua#do0$e )as a+tua((, 1uite +#ue( to $im-& &Ho) st#a !e%& Sam said% $o(di ! "a+k t$e (au!$te#&A d $e&s .e#, se siti.e% a#e &t ,ou8 Mumm,&s (itt(e da#(i !%& t$e a+t#ess +#oo ed "e*o#e +(osi ! t$e (id o t$e poo# u *o#tu ate +#eatu#e )it$ a +(i+k a d sa,i !% &T$e#e&s "ee a spate o* do!0 appi !s i t$e a#ea "ut I e.e# (et Edua#do out o* m, si!$t-& &:e#, )ise- S$a(( I ask M#s Ha.e#s to "#i ! some )ate# *o# $im8& &W$at "#a d8& Sam sta#ed a d #ea(ised Ca di+e )as "ei ! dead(, se#ious- &I&m ot su#e- S$a(( I ask M#s Ha.e#s8& &T$a k ,ou% "ut $e&s *i e *o# o)- I )ou(d &t put it past t$at )oma to "#i ! $im tap )ate#- You k o)% I .i#tua((, $ad to pus$ past $e# )$e I a##i.ed% e.e t$ou!$ s$e k e) )$o I )as% "ut e.e# mi d t$at-& S$e dismissed t$e su"6e+t o* t$e $ousekeepe# a d t#eated Sam to a sea#+$i ! s+#uti ,- &You&#e mu+$ "i!!e# t$a I ima!i ed-& Sam !ot t$e *ee(i ! s$e )as ta(ki ! )idt$0)a,sPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&Ha.e ,ou "ooked ,ou# pe#so a( t#ai e# ,et *o# a*te#)a#ds --- 8& Sam met t$e "(o de&s !a2e e.e (,- &I $ad &t #ea((, +o side#ed $a.i ! o e-& &Not $a.e a t#ai e#5& S$e !asped% (ooki ! tota((, "a**(ed- &Ho) )i(( ,ou !et "a+k i to s$ape8& &G#adua((,% I e/pe+t% a d (ooki ! a*te# a "a", )i(( "e somet$i ! o* a *u((0time 6o"% at (east at *i#st-& &M, *#ie d sa,s t$e t#i+k is to $a.e a i!$t u#se a d a a , a d --- & Sam (au!$ed a d )at+$ed a (ook o* s$o+k sp#ead a+#oss t$e ot$e# )oma &s *a+e as s$e e/p(ai ed s$e )as &t !oi ! to $a.e a a ,-& &Is t$e#e somet$i ! I +a do *o# ,ou% Miss --- 8& &Ca(( me Ca di+e- I $ad $oped t$at Cesa#e )ou(d "e )it$ ,ou-& S$e pouted $e# disappoi tme t- &But% o$% )e(( --- & Wit$ a smi(e a d a motio o* $e# (o.e(, $a d t$at se t t$e "a !(es o $e# a##o) )#ist 6i !(i ! a!ai st t$e !o(d o* $e# ta ed ski % Ca di+e )a.ed Sam to a seat opposite $e#As i* s$e )e#e t$e .isito#% Sam t$ou!$t% taki ! a seat at t$e opposite side o* t$e (o) ta"(e- He# *a+ia( mus+(es )e#e a+$i ! )it$ t$e e**o#t o* mai tai i ! a smi(e&It&s p#o"a"(, "ette# i* ,ou a d I $a.e a p#i.ate +$at *i#st-& Sam +ou(d &t t$i k o* a ,t$i ! (ess e 6o,a"(e t$a a p#i.ate +$at )it$ t$e (o.e o* Cesa#e&s (i*e- S$e tu# ed as t$e $ousekeepe# #etu# ed +a##,i ! a tea t#a,- La,i ! it do) o t$e ta"(e "eside Sam% M#s Ha.e#s said poi ted(,% &I&m6ust outside-& Sam smi(ed $e# t$a ks a d said% &I&(( "e *i e-& W$e t$e doo# +(osed Ca di+e (ea ed *o#)a#d III a +o *ide tia( ma *a+t s$e )as &t )ea#i ! a stit+$ "e eat$ e#% #e.ea(i ! i t$e p#o+ess t$e

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t$e tai(o#ed 6a+ket- &Is it t#ue8& s$e asked i a .oi+e t$at t$#o""ed )it$ emotio % )$i+$ Sam de+ided )as *akeSam&s )oode smi(e sta,ed i p(a+e as s$e studied t$e a+t#ess a d *e(t somet$i ! app#oa+$i ! #a!e sti# deep i side- Be*o#e s$e $ad met $e# s$e $ad *e(t !ui(t, *o# $a#"ou#i ! p#ett, ast, t$ou!$ts a"out t$e "eauti*u( )oma )$om Cesa#e $ad )a ted to ma##,% )$o $ad "ee $is *i#st +$oi+e% "ut o) s$e $ad met $e# s$e o (o !e# *e(t t$at !ui(tT$e )oma mo#e t$a 6usti*ied a *e) ast, t$ou!$ts0a d Cesa#e $ad te##i"(e taste5 So )$at i* t$e )oma )as e.e mo#e "eauti*u( i #ea( (i*e t$a o s+#ee 8 T$at $e# ski )as (ike po#+e(ai a d $e# *i!u#e .o(uptuous8 S$e oo2ed i si +e#it, t$#ou!$ e.e#, pe#*e+t po#e- S$e )as se(*is$ a d se(*+e t#ed a d --- o$% God% Sam t$ou!$t% sti*(i ! a !#oa % t$e#e )as o )a, i t$e )o#(d s$e +ou(d +ompete )it$ $e#5
&Is )$at t#ue8& &Has Cesa#e #e+o.e#ed $is si!$t8& Sam odded% )o de#i ! )$e#e t$is )as !oi !- &Yes% $e $as-& A si!$ s$udde#ed t$#ou!$ t$e ot$e# )oma as s$e (ea ed "a+k i $e# seat a d +#ossed o e s$ape(, a k(e a+#oss t$e ot$e#- &T$a k God5& s$e "#eat$ed% da""i ! at t$e +o# e#s o* $e# d#, e,es )it$ a tissue&I&m so##,% "ut ,ou $a.e o idea )$at t$is mea s to me --- You k o)% o* +ou#se% t$at )e )e#e e !a!edHas $e to(d ,ou )$, )e --- 8& &Cesa#e $as e.e# spoke o* ,ou to me% "ut I assumed t$at0& &T$at I (e*t $im a*te# t$e a++ide t- -- & S$e !a.e a sma(( (au!$- &Yes% t$at&s )$at e.e#,o e t$ou!$t% "ut a+tua((, it )as Cesa#e )$o e ded it- He said $e (o.ed me too mu+$ to "u#de me )it$ a $us"a d )$o $ad a disa"i(it,- O* +ou#se% I t#ied to dissuade $im% "ut $e said it )ou(d ot "e *ai#- & &Ho) o"(e%& Sam said d#i(,&Cesa#e is m, sou( mate%& Ca di+e stated i a t$#o""i ! to e t$at Sam *ou d as *ake as $e# su#!i+a((, e $a +ed "#eastsPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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A d I&m $is )i*e% Sam t$ou!$t% +omp#essi ! $e# (ipsS$e kept $e# e/p#essio impassi.e- T$e +#iti+ )$o $ad sa.a!ed t$e a+t#ess&s (ast *i(m a d su!!ested sa#+asti+a((, t$at Ca di+e Ro,a( +ou(d &t a+t $e#se(* out o* a pape# "a! $ad ot "ee )#o !T$is #ea(isatio )as sma(( +om*o#t )$e Sam #e+a((ed t$at t$e +#iti+ $ad a(so admitted t$at most o* $is o) se/ )ou(d *o#!i.e Ca di+e t$is tota( (a+k o* ta(e t "e+ause s$e (ooked so !ood )it$ $e# top o**0 somet$i ! s$e appa#e t(, spe t a (ot o* time doi ! i t$at *i(m&So o) ,ou see%& Ca di+e sta#ted to sa, "e*o#e s$e stopped a d (i*ted a $a d to $e# $ea.i ! a d% i* t$e +#iti+ )as to "e "e(ie.ed% p#ett, stupe dous "osom% &)$, t$e e)s o* $is #e+o.e#, a**e+ted me so mu+$-& A +oup(e o* s i**s did ot seem a pa#ti+u(a#(, st#o ! #ea+tio to Sam% "ut s$e mai tai ed $e# si(e +eT$e o(de# )oma appea#ed ot to oti+e $e# (a+k o* #espo se% "ut t$e s$e )as p#o"a"(, t$e so#t o* )oma )$o (iked to $a.e +e t#e sta!e&You +a $a.e o idea $o) I&m *ee(i ! --- o)% o* +ou#se% ot$i ! sta ds i t$e )a, o* us "ei ! to!et$e#-& &I "e! ,ou# pa#do 8& &T$e o (, #easo )e sp(it up )as $is #idi+u(ous s+#up(es% so o) t$e#e is ot$i ! i t$e )a, o* ou# $appi ess-&
Sam sta#ed- T$is )oma )as u "e(ie.a"(e5 &Ot$e# t$a a )i*e a d +$i(d%& s$e said% tou+$i ! a s$aki ! $a d to $e# "e((,&T$is must "e $a#d *o# ,ou0I&m su#e ,ou +a#e a"out Cesa#e i ,ou#
+
o) )a, ---Sam !ot s(o)(, to $e# *eet% $e# k ees *ee(i ! (ike 6e((,- &I (o.e Cesa#e%& s$e +o##e+ted% p#essi ! a +(e +$ed $a d to $e# +$est- &I (o.e $im t$e )a, a )i*e (o.es $e# $us"a d-&
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Ca di+e (ooked mome ta#i(, take a"a+k ", t$e .e$eme +e o* Sam&s $issi ! #eto#t- T$e s$e smi(ed&I* ,ou (o.e $im% t$e I&m su#e ,ou )a t $im to "e $app,-& Sam (i*ted $e# +$i - &He is $app,-& S$e +au!$t $e# 1ui.e#i ! (o)e# (ip "et)ee $e# teet$- S$e +ou(d $ea# t$e de*ia +e i $e# .oi+e a d *#om t$e *(i+ke# i t$e ot$e# )oma &s !#ee e,es s$e k e) t$at Ca di+e $ad $ea#d it tooCa di+e&s ma e# )as t$at o* someo e )$o +ou(d a**o#d to "e !e e#ous as s$e said +om*o#ti !(,% &O$% I&m su#e $e p#ete ds to "e $app,% "ut% )e((% t$i k a"out it- -- & &T$i k a"out )$at8& Sam asked% as i* s$e did &t k o) )$at t$e a+t#ess +ou(d "e ta(ki ! a"out- But s$e did k o)- S$e $ad see )ome (ook at Cesa#e% $a.e t$e usua( sa(i.ati ! #ea+tio % a d t$e (ook at $e#Sam +ou(d a(most see )$at t$e, )e#e t$i ki !0$o) o ea#t$ did s$e !et $im8 &I do &t mea to "e +#ue(-& T$e +omme t d#a!!ed Sam&s )a de#i ! t$ou!$ts "a+k to $e# .isito#&Pa#do 8& T$e smi(e )it$ 2e#o )a#mt$ #etu# ed- &I do &t mea to "e +#ue(-& Like a +at did &t mea to to#tu#e its p#e,Sam ti!$te ed $e# 6a) a d !at$e#ed $e# de*e +es a#ou d $e# ti!$t(, (ike a +(oakI* s$e )as !oi ! to *a(( apa#t% a d at t$e mome t it seemed p#ett, i e.ita"(e s$e )ou(d at some poi t% it )ou(d ot "e i *#o t o* t$is )oma O e $a d a+#oss $e# "e((,% s$e (ea ed a+#oss a d pou#ed mi(k i to $e# tea+up- Not "e+ause s$e $ad a , i te tio o* d#i ki ! a ,t$i !0$e# stoma+$ )as +$u# i !0"ut to !i.e $e#se(* spa+e to #e!ai a (itt(e
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+omposu#e- T$e % *o#+i ! $e# (ips "a+k i to a smi(e% s$e s(ipped o** $e# s$oes a d tu+ked $e# (e!s u de# eat$ $e#As s$e #e+ei.ed o e o* Sam&s +a did sta#es t$e ot$e# )oma &s ai# o* +o *ide t se(*0possessio )a.e#ed s(i!$t(,&But ,ou&#e !oi ! to "e +#ue( a ,)a,8& Sam su!!estedCa di+e&s !#ee e,es a##o)ed- &A#e ,ou t$e so#t o* )oma t$at +at+$es t$e (ike o* Cesa#e B#u e((i --- 8& He# ti k(i ! (au!$ i .ited Sam to s$a#e t$e 6okeSam did &t smi(e- S$e ope ed $e# mout$ to #e*ute t$e su!!estio a d *ou d s$e +ou(d &t- Ho) +ou(d s$e8 It )as t#ue&Let&s *a+e it% $e&s out o* ,ou# (ea!ue-& &You do &t k o) me o# a ,t$i ! a"out me% (et a(o e )$at (ea!ue I p(a, i -& &You p(a, i t$e i+e pe#so &s (ea!ue%& Cesa#e&s e/ o"se#.ed )it$ a smi(e t$at se t a !#, +o(ou# *(,i ! to Sam&s +$eeks- &You a#e i+e-& A d s$e )as su#e Ca di+e )as ot% Sam t$ou!$t- W$at o ea#t$ $ad Cesa#e see i $e#% ot$e# t$a t$e o".ious8 &But Cesa#e is a ma % a d me a#e ot i te#ested i t$e pe#so a(it, o# i+e ess o* t$e )oma $e is see )it$- A ma i Cesa#e&s positio eeds to p#ese t a +e#tai ima!e to t$e )o#(d a d $is )i*e is pa#t o* t$at ima!e-& &A t#op$, )i*e-& T$e ot$e# )oma s$#u!!ed- &I* ,ou (ike-& A *e) mo t$s "e*o#e% )$e Cesa#e B#u e((i )as 6ust a $ead(i e to $e#% Sam mi!$t $a.e e do#sed t$is .ie) )it$out 1uestio - S$e mi!$t e.e $a.e said mu+$ t$e same $e#se(* i* asked to !i.e $e# opi io o* t$e Ita(ia "i((io ai#e5
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But o) t$i !s )e#e di**e#e t- &I m, e/pe#ie +e Cesa#e does &t !i.e a dam a"out )$at a ,o e t$i ks o* $im-& Ca di+e (ooked i##itated ", $e# o"sti a+,- &I t$i k I k o) Cesa#e a (itt(e "ette# t$a ,ou-& &'o ,ou #ea((, t$i k t$at Cesa#e is t$at s$a((o)8& 4o# t$e *i#st time t$e "(o de (ost $e# ai# o* pat#o isi ! +a(m- He# (ips )e#e ti!$t as s$e s apped% &He&s a ma -&
A ma )$o $ad s1uee2ed Sam&s *i !e#s so ti!$t as s$e $ad des+#i"ed t$e ima!e o* $is u "o# +$i(d to $im t$at s$e $ad )i +ed- No% t$e ma s$e $ad ma##ied )as ma , t$i !s% "ut s$a((o) )as ot o e o* t$emSam spoke $e# e/t stateme t )it$ +o *ide +e- &You&#e ot i (o.e )it$ Cesa#e% a#e ,ou8 I do &t t$i k ,ou e.e (ike $im-& &T$e poi t is $e is &t i (o.e )it$ ,ou% is $e8 T$at&s ot )$, $e ma##ied ,ou- You t#apped $im-& &Has it o++u##ed to ,ou t$at ma,"e I&m6ust $ot i "ed8& It )as o".ious *#om t$e ot$e# )oma &s out#a!ed% s$o+ked e/p#essio t$at s$e $ad ot&Ma,"e $e ma##ied me *o# se/%& Sam +o ti ued&I +o side# t$at 6oke to "e .e#, "ad taste-& &I )ou(d &t ope up t$e su"6e+t o* !ood taste i* I )as )ea#i ! t$at 6a+ket a d o "#a- A d )$o sa,s I&m6oki !8& s$e added "e((i!e#e t(,T$e "(o de pu#sed $e# +a#mi e ti ted !(oss, (ips- &I&m su#e ,ou #ea(ise t$at $ad $e ot "ee "(i d ,ou )ou(d e.e# $a.e +au!$t $im-& It )as o (, p#ide t$at stopped Sam *(i +$i ! i #ea+tio to t$is +a(+u(ated +#ue(t,- &I )as ot t#,i ! to +at+$ $im-& &You !ot p#e! a t-&
<=A
&Not o m, o) -& T$e "(o de su+ked i a sta#t(ed "#eat$ o* out#a!e t$#ou!$ $e# +(e +$ed teet$ a d #ose )it$ #u**(ed di! it, to $e# *eetSam did (ike)ise a d *e(t at a immediate disad.a ta!e- He# "od, *e(t s1uat e/t to t$e s(e de# e(e!a +e o* t$e a+t#ess&I made t$e e**o#t- I )a ted t$is to "e ami+a"(e-& &You&#e a+ti ! as i* it&s a *o#e!o e +o +(usio t$at Cesa#e )i(( dump me *o# ,ou-& T$e "(o de s$ook "a+k $e# ma e o* si(k, st#ai!$t $ai# a d (au!$ed- &A(( I $a.e to do is0& S$e +(i+ked $e# *i !e#sSam +ut a !#i(, a+#oss $e#- &T$e !o do it%& s$e ad.ised% &"e+ause I&# CHAPTER TWEL:E ot !i.i ! up )it$out a *i!$t-&
BY THE time Sam $ea#d Cesa#e&s .oi+e i t$e $a(()a, a $ou# (ate# s$e&d de+ided s$e )as &t o (, !oi ! to !i.e $im $is di.o#+e% s$e )as !oi ! to i sist o itS$e mi!$t $a.e put o a !ood a+t i *#o t o* Ca di+e% "ut s$e did &t )a t to "e a , ma &s +o so(atio p#i2e- He +ou(d $a.e Ca di+e a d !ood #idda +e- S$e )as ot !oi ! to +ompete *o# t$e *a.ou#s o* a , ma &A d I $ope t$e, make ea+$ ot$e# mise#a"(e5& s$e !#itted t$#ou!$ +(e +$ed teet$But )$e $e )a(ked i to t$e d#a)i ! #oom t$i#t, se+o ds (ate# $e# opi io $ad u de#!o e a ot$e# (i!$t i ! +$a !e o* di#e+tio - W$, s$ou(d
<=B
s$e !i.e $im $is *#eedom so easi(,8 W$, s$ou(d s$e make t$i !s eas, *o# $im a d t$at $o##i*i+ )oma 8 S$e o)ed it to t$ei# +$i(d to at (east put up a *i!$t- Besides% as a o,i ! as Cesa#e )as% s$e #ea((, t$ou!$t $e dese#.ed mo#e t$a t$e s$a((o)% +o i.i ! "(o deIt took Cesa#e a"out t)o se+o ds to dedu+e t$at a(( )as ot )e((- I* t$e tea# stai s )e#e ot +o +(usi.e% t$e sto#m, (ook i Sam&s .io(et e,es )as0s$e )as mad as $e(( a d t$at a !e# appea#ed to "e di#e+ted at $im&O$% ,ou *i a((, de+ided to put i a appea#a +e% t$e - I suppose I s$ou(d "e !#ate*u(8& Cesa#e studied t$e +o(ou# o $e# +$eeks a d t$e !(o) i $e# e,es a d smi(ed- I* t$e audi"(e !#ati ! o* $e# teet$ )as a i di+ato#% s$e appea#ed to *i d t$e smi(e p#o.o+ati.e&W$at $a.e I do e8& $e asked% t$i ki ! a"out $o) s$e $ad (ooked )$e s$e $ad )oke t$is mo# i !% $e# $ai# o t$e pi((o)% $e# *a+e s(eepi(, *(us$ed&Not$i !- A"so(ute(, ot$i !%& Sam mutte#ed- S$e 6ust (o.ed e te#tai i ! $is mist#essW$e Cesa#e a !(ed $is $ead a d (ooked do) at $e# t$#ou!$ t$e s)eep o* $is da#k (as$es Sam #a $e# to !ue a+#oss $e# d#, (ips% pe#p(e/ed ", $is e i!mati+ e/p#essio a d ot 1uite su#e )$at to sa, e/tA , .e#sio o* $e# p#e0#e$ea#sed spee+$ $ad !o e *#om $e# $ead t$e mome t $e&d )a(ked i S$e !(a#ed at $im some mo#e a d )aited )$i(e $e "#us$ed a i .isi"(e spe+k o** $is t#ouse#s- T$e $e smi(ed t$e (opsided smi(e t$at a()a,s made $e# stoma+$ *(ipS$e )at+$ed as $e pi+ked up a "ook o** a "u#eau a d #a $is *i !e# do) t$e spi e- He put it "a+k do) )it$ e/a!!e#ated +a#e "e*o#e $e +#ossed t$e #oom to)a#ds $e# i a $a d*u( o* (o !0(e!!ed% e(e!a t st#idesPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
<>F
&I *ee( (ike I&.e )a(ked i to t$e midd(e o* a s+e e-& He a#+$ed a da#k "#o) sa#do i+a((, a d *o(ded $is a#ms a+#oss $is +$est- &Wou(d ,ou (ike to *i(( i t$e !aps *o# me% +a#a8& T$e so*t ess o* $is e 1ui#, did ot *oo( Sam *o# a se+o d- S$e +ou(d see $e )as a o,ed )it$ $e#&W$i(e ,ou )e#e out I de+ided to o**e# ,ou a di.o#+e-& His e,es a##o)ed i sta t(,% "ut t$e e/p#essio i t$e da#k dept$s )as *#ust#ati !(, i s+#uta"(e- &You $a.e m, atte tio -& It )as $a#d to t$i k )$e $is e,es )e#e t#ai ed (ike (ase#s o $e# *a+e- &I do &t )a t ,ou# atte tio % I )a t --- & He a !(ed a e 1ui#i ! "#o) a d% "iti ! $e# (ip% s$e tu# ed $e# $ead a)a,&A di.o#+e8& $e su!!ested% t$i ki ! $o) $e(( )ou(d *#ee2e o.e# "e*o#e $e )ou(d (et t$at $appe &Co side#i ! )e $a.e o (, 6ust #etu# ed *#om ou# $o e,moo % do ,ou ot *ee( t$at t$is is a (itt(e p#ematu#e8 A d )$at makes ,ou t$i k I )ou(d a++ept su+$ a o**e#8& Sam !a.e a o**$a d s$#u!- &It does &t matte# I +$a !ed m, mi d-& T$e pu(sati ! si(e +e +ou(d &t $a.e (asted mo#e t$a a $ea#t"eat "ut Sam +ou(d &t "ea# it- &So tou!$5& s$e #asped&Am I mea t to k o) )$at I $a.e do e8& 'espite $is +o .e#satio a( to e% Sam +ou(d *ee( t$e )a.es o* te sio #o((i ! o** $is (ea "od,&'o &t take t$at to e )it$ me5& s$e #eto#ted a !#i(,He +(osed t$e #emai i ! dista +e "et)ee t$em% mo.i ! )it$ a *(uidit, a d !#a+e t$at $ad t$e po)e# to make $e# stoma+$ *(ip i app#e+iatio e.e i t$is mome t o* e/t#eme emotio a( st#essHis (ea % da#k *a+e set i a mask o* da#k *u#,% $e to)e#ed o.e# $e# a d e 1ui#ed )it$ "iti ! po(ite ess% &I&m +u#ious% +a#a0)$at to e am I mea t to take )$e I a##i.e $ome a d m, )i*e a ou +es s$e i te ds to o**e# me a di.o#+e8& He a !(ed a "#o) a d studied $e# *a+e )it$ !#im i te sit,- &Ha.e ,ou a , idea )$at t$at *ee(s (ike8&
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Sam&s $a ds "a((ed i to *ists a d% #aisi ! t$em% s$e "#ou!$t t$em a!ai st $is +$est )it$ a t$ud- T$e mome t s$e made +o ta+t )it$ t$e $a#d su#*a+e $e# a !e# disso(.ed i to mise#,A +$oki ! so" )as d#a!!ed *#om $e# t$#oat as $e# +$i d#opped to $e# +$est&Sama t$a --- 8& U a"(e to *o#+e a #espo se past t$e a+$i ! +o st#i+tio i $e# t$#oat% s$e s$ook $e# $ead- He# *i !e#s ope ed a d s$e +(ut+$ed at t$e *a"#i+ o* $is s$i#t% *ee(i ! t$e )a#mt$ o* $is "od,He s(id $is (o ! *i !e#s i to $e# $ai#% (i*ti ! it o** $e# e+k- W$e s$e *e(t $is "#eat$ )a#m a!ai st $e# ski % it p#i+k(ed as t$ou!$ a e(e+t#i+a( +u##e t $ad passed t$#ou!$ $e# "od,-
&'o &t%& s$e )$ispe#ed&'o &t )$at8& He# k ees sa!!ed a d $e )#apped a suppo#ti ! a#m a#ou d $e# #i"+a!e% $au(i ! $e# to $imSam (i*ted $e# tea#, e,es to $is- He# pupi(s )e#e di(ated% $e# (ips 1ui.e#i !- S$e s i**ed (oud(, a d said% &I&m ot $app,-& Cesa#e *e(t $e# )o#ds (ike a k i*e to t$e $ea#t% a o#!a t$at $ad e.e# +aused $im pai p#e.ious(,Like $im it $ad "ee (i.i ! i a emotio a( .a+uum- A mus+(e a(o ! $is 6a) +(e +$ed as $e si(e t(, .o)ed t$at $e )ou(d do )$ate.e# it took to make t$e pe#so )$o )as #espo si"(e *o# )aki ! $is $ea#t *#om $i"e# atio $app,E.e i* t$at mea s (etti ! $e# !o8 Cesa#e% t$e *i#st to admit $e )as a ma % ot a sai t% #e*used to +o temp(ate t$is possi"i(it,- T$e t$ou!$t o* a , ot$e# ma tou+$i ! $e# made $is "(ood #oa# )it$ #a!ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
<>D
&I )i(( +$a !e-& T$e #a) emotio i $is .oi+e as mu+$ as $is )o#ds "#ou!$t $e# $ead 'I ' up ---His $a ds ti!$te ed a#ou d $e# )aist- &You do &t t$i k I +a 8& $e +$a((e !ed as $is e,es +(aimed Sam&sT$e "u# i ! i te sit, i $is "ottom(ess "(a+k sea#+$i ! sta#e made Sam&s $ead spi di22i(,- &I t$i k ,ou +a do a ,t$i ! i* ,ou )a t to%& s$e said $o est(,- &W$, )ou(d ,ou )a t to +$a !e8& He seemed to $e# a"out as pe#*e+t as it !ot a d $e )ou(d &t "e Cesa#e i* $e )e#e &t #idi+u(ous(, p#oud a d too stu""o# *o# $is o) !ood&I&m maki ! ,ou u $app,-& His (ea *a+e +o to#ted i se(*0dis!ust as $e #e(eased $e# a d $is $a ds *e(( *#om $e# )aistSam )at+$ed% )is$i ! $e $ad &t (et $e# !o a d utte#(, +o *used ", t$e st#o ! emotio s su##ou di ! $im (ike a au#aS$e )#apped $e# a#ms i a p#ote+ti.e !estu#e a#ou d $e#se(* a d s$i.e#ed- S$e&d spe t $e# e ti#e (i*e sta di ! o $e# o) *eet% so )$, )as it t$at "ei ! i (o.e made $e# *ee( so dam ed )eak a d eed,8 Cesa#e i $a(ed t$#ou!$ *(a#ed ost#i(s d#a)i ! ai# i to $is (u !s a d d#a!!i ! a $a d t$#ou!$ $is da#k $ai# t$at $ad "e!u to +u#( o to $is +o((a#- It #emi ded $e# o* t$e )a, it $ad "ee )$e s$e $ad *i#st see $im&We +a )o#k t$#ou!$ t$is%& $e said% adopti ! a to e o* +a(m #easo t$at mi!$t $a.e "ee mo#e +o .i +i ! i* it $ad &t "ee *o# t$e mus+(es +(e +$i ! a d u +(e +$i ! (ike a time "om" i $is $o((o) +$eek&You )a t to )o#k t$#ou!$ it8&
T$e *a+ade o* +a(m #easo s(ipped as $e !#itted t$#ou!$ +(e +$ed teet$% &O* +ou#se I )a t to )o#k it t$#ou!$- W$, e(se )ou(d I sa,08& He stopped% .isi"(, +a((i ! upo $is #ese#.es o* se(*0+o t#o(- &Yes% I )a t to )o#k it t$#ou!$- T$e *i#st item o t$e a!e da --- &
<>E
A s(i!$t(, $,ste#i+a( (au!$ )as )#e +$ed *#om Sam&s t$#oat- &S$a(( I take mi utes8& His da#k "#o)s d#e) i to a disapp#o.i ! (i e a"o.e $is smou(de#i ! e,esSam (o)e#ed $e# o) !a2e a d )$ispe#ed% &So##,-& &W$, a#e ,ou u $app,8& T$e 1uestio "#ou!$t $e# e,es "a+k up- Sudde (, s$e )as so a !#, )it$ $im s$e )a ted to s+#eam&W$, do ,ou t$i k8& Be*o#e $e +ou(d #espo d to $e# *u#ious 1uestio s$e poi ted a a++usi ! *i !e# at $im a d ,e((ed% &You ask me i* I k o) )$at it *ee(s (ike a d ,ou05& S$e "#oke o**% s$aki ! $e# $ead as t$e st#e !t$ o* $e# i di! atio mome ta#i(, #o""ed $e# o* spee+$His $ea.,0(idded e,es a##o)ed as $e st#u!!(ed to #ei i $is impatie +e a d a !#o)i ! se se o* despe#atio - &Pe# amo# di 'io- W$at $a.e I do e8& S$e su+ked i a deep "#eat$ a d *i/ed $im )it$ a smou(de#i ! "(ue !(a#e- &I&(( te(( ,ou )$at ,ou&.e do e%& s$e p#omised !#im(,% "e*o#e a s)e#i !- &Ha.e ,ou a , idea )$at it *ee(s (ike to $a.e ,ou# e/ a##i.e a d e/p(ai t$at s$e did &t dump ,ou "e+ause o* t$e a++ide t% a d t$at ,ou e ded t$i !s8& A (ook o* !e ui e s$o+k #e(a/ed t$e (i es o* a !#, te sio i $is (ea *a+e- &Ca di+e8& As *a# as Cesa#e k e) s$e )as sti(( t#a.e((i ! )it$ t$e A#!e ti ia po(o p(a,e# s$e $ad "e+ome i sepa#a"(e *#om a*te# t$ei# sp(itSam .e ted a "itte# (itt(e (au!$- &Ha.e ,ou a , ot$e# e/es8& &Ca di+e +ame to see ,ou8& He s$ook $is da#k $ead a d (ooked "(a kO* a(( t$e t$i !s $e $ad a ti+ipated $e# sa,i ! t$is $ad e.e# e.e +#ossed $is mi dPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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Sam&s (ips ti!$te ed% $is ma e# 6a##ed o $e#- 4o# a ma )$o )as o#ma((, se.e#a( me ta( (eaps a$ead o* t$e *ie(d $e seemed to "e "ei ! pa#ti+u(a#(, de se% a(t$ou!$ t$e .a+a t (ook o* i +omp#e$e sio mi!$t "e $is )a, o* +o +ea(i ! $is *ee(i !s *o# $is e/ *#om $e#-
Ma,"e t$e me tio o* Ca di+e&s ame made $is $ea#t #ate 1ui+ke 8 'id $e su**e# t$e a!o isi ! pa !s o* $e(p(ess +#a.i ! i t$e pit o* $is stoma+$ )$e $e t$ou!$t a"out $e#8 Was $e empt, a d a+$i ! i side )it$out $e#8 T$e i te sit, o* t$e sta" o* 6ea(ous, t$at s$ot t$#ou!$ $e# d#e) a pai ed !asp *#om $e# +$estCo +e# i $is e,es% Cesa#e #ea+$ed out% "ut Sam "a+ked a)a,% "atti ! at $is $a d- He# da#k *eat$e#, "#o)s d#e) to!et$e# a"o.e $e# s$imme#i ! e,es as s$e (e.e((ed a u *#ie d(, !(a#e at $im&'id ,ou e d t$e e !a!eme t8& s$e asked% t$i ki !% Sa, o --- sa, o --- p(ease sa, o5 Cesa#e s$#u!!ed a d +o *i#med% &I did e d it-& Sam e/pe((ed a s$ak, si!$ as $e# a##o) s$ou(de#s s(umped- S$e *e(t tota((, de*(ated emotio a((,- He# (ast $ope $ad e.apo#ated- &So s$e )as te((i ! t$e t#ut$8& &T$e#e is% I suppose% a *i#st time *o# e.e#,t$i !-& Sam (ooked at $im "(a k(,% "a#e(, #e!iste#i ! $is +omme t- Ba#e(, #e!iste#i ! a ,t$i ! "ut t$e )i(d +o *(i+t o* tu#"u(e t emotio s +$u# i ! i side $e#He studied t$e t#a!i+ *a+e uptu# ed to $im% (et out a +u#se a d took $o(d o* $e# s$ou(de#s- &;ust )$at t#ut$ did Ca di+e te(( ,ou% Sama t$a8& Sam% st#u!!(i ! to adopt a e/p#essio o* o +$a(a t disi te#est% s$ook $e# $ead a (itt(e a d t$e a+tio made t$e te sio i $e# t$#o""i ! temp(es #at+$et up a ot$e# pai *u( ot+$PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&S$e to(d me t$at ,ou )ou(d &t ma##, $e# "e+ause ,ou )ou(d &t "u#de t$e )oma ,ou (o.e )it$ ,ou# disa"i(it,-& A (ook o* "(a k asto is$me t +#ossed Cesa#e&s *a+e as $e *#o2e&S$e said t$at ,ou o (, ma##ied me "e+ause o* t$e "a", --- )$i+$% o* +ou#se% ,ou did% "ut a+tua((,%& s$e admitted% &it )as &t a(( t$at i+e to $ea# it- S$e said t$at i* ,ou $ad &t "ee "(i d ,ou )ou(d &t $a.e s(ept )it$ me i t$e *i#st p(a+e --- #i!$t a!ai --- & T$e#e )as a pu(sati ! pause "e*o#e Cesa#e #espo ded% "e*o#e $e t#usted $imse(* to #espo d- &Ca di+e appea#s to $a.e said e ti#e(, too mu+$ a d ,ou appea# to $a.e "e(ie.ed e.e#, )o#d-& T$e +o dem ato#, +omme t st#u+k Sam as too u 6ust- &I did t$i k it st#a !e t$at ,ou e.e# me tio ed $e#- No) I k o) )$,%& s$e said "itte#(,&Y ou k o) ot$i !%& $e +o t#adi+ted !#im(,- &A d t$e #easo I e.e# me tio ed Ca di+e is "e+ause s$e is ot impo#ta t- S$e is t$e past-& &Y ou admitted0& s$e "e!a % o (, to "e +ut o** ", $im-
&Admitted8& He #aised a "#o) a d *e(t $is tempe# #ise- &'oes t$is mea I am o t#ia(8& He s$ook $is $ead i dis"e(ie*- &You&#e t$e o e )$o to(d me )$at a se(*is$ )aste o* spa+e I am- I&# ama2ed ,ou t$i k me +apa"(e o* su+$ o"(e se(*0sa+#i*i+e%& $e d#a)(ed sa#+asti+a((,- &It ma, $a.e es+aped ,ou# oti+e% "ut I t$ou!$t I )ou(d "e "(i d *o# t$e #est o* m, (i*e )$e I asked ,ou to ma##, me- I $ad o 1ua(ms a"out t,i ! ,ou to a "(i d ma *o# (i*e-& I* Sam $ad ot "ee so utte#(, )#et+$ed a d mise#a"(e s$e )ou(d $a.e *ou d Cesa#e&s stee(, "(a+k sta#e u e#.i !- &You said ma##ia!e does ot $a.e to "e *o#e.e#-& &I )ou(d ot sa, a ,t$i ! so (udi+#ous-& &But ,ou did5& His s$ou(de#s (i*ted i a s$#u!- &We((% ma,"e I did%& $e a+k o)(ed!ed )it$ o".ious #e(u+ta +e- &But t$at +omme t )as mea t as a !e e#a(
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o"se#.atio - I )as ot speaki ! a"out ou# situatio - Ot$e# peop(e +a di.o#+e% t$e, do ot i te#est me4o# us ma##ia!e is *o#e.e#-& &A d%& Sam added% )a#mi ! to $e# t$eme o* #ese tme t% &,ou did &t ask me% ,ou to(d me )e )e#e !etti ! ma##ied-& Sam s i**ed a d sea#+$ed $e# po+ket *o# a tissue --- S$e )ou(d ot +#,3 s$e )ou(d ot "e!- S$e +ou(d &t make someo e (o.e $e#Cesa#e +o +eded t$e +o##e+tio )it$ a *(uid s$#u! a d a (opsided smi(e&A d ,ou&#e ot i (o.e )it$ me%& Sam de+(a#ed- He# "#i!$t smi(e $ad a $ea#t"#eaki ! 1ua(it,- &You o (, ma##ied me "e+ause o* t$e "a", a d I&# *i e )it$ t$at-& S$e stopped a d (ooked t$#ou!$ $e# (as$es at $is da#k% st#a !e(, sti(( *a+e- &We((% o% I&# ot *i e )it$ it% "ut I a++ept t$at&s t$e )a, t$i !s a#e-& T$e admissio $u#t $e# sou(0deepS$e e/pe((ed a s$ak, "#eat$ a d (i*ted a $a d to $e# $eadCesa#e took $e# *a+e "et)ee $is $a ds&We((% I +a ot a++ept t$i !s t$e )a, t$e, a#e%& $e admittedT$e (ast #emai i ! +o(ou# seeped *#om $e# ski Cesa#e +a##ied o speaki !- &I did "#eak up )it$ Ca di+e% "ut ot a*te# t$e a++ide t-& Sam "(i ked a d s$ook $e# $ead- &I do &t u de#sta d-& &I e ded m, #e(atio s$ip )it$ Ca di+e t)o )eeks "e*o#e t$e a++ide t%& $e #e.ea(ed $a#s$(,&But Ca di+e --- & &Ca di+e $as a .e#, --- *(e/i"(e #e(atio s$ip )it$ t$e t#ut$- We pa#ted t$e da, I dis+o.e#ed s$e $ad "ee s(eepi ! )it$ someo e e(se )$i(e I )as a)a, o a "usi ess t#ip-&
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&You )a t to k o) $o) t$at made me *ee(8& K o)i ! $o) $is $ea#t $ad "ee to# out ", a ot$e# )oma )as a+tua((, ot .e#, $i!$ o t$e (ist o* t$i !s Sam )is$ed to $ea# a"out- He# !(a +e s(id *#om $is- &Bet#a,ed% $u#t% $umi(iated --- 8& s$e su!!ested&No% I *e(t #e(ie.ed-& He# e,es (i*ted a d a *#o) *o#med o $e# smoot$ "#o) as s$e studied $is *a+e- &Re(ie.ed8& Cesa#e odded- &Yes% #e(ie.ed% "e+ause it made t$i !s simp(e#- I a(#ead, k e) t$at I )as e.e# !oi ! to ma##, Ca di+e- I )as ot u de# a , i((usio s +o +e# i ! $e# *ee(i !s *o# me- T$e (o.e o* Ca di+e&s (i*e is a d )i(( a()a,s "e t$e +u##e t desi! e# $a d"a! t$at e.e#,o e )$o is a ,o e )a ts to "e see +a##,i !- S$e is a p#a!mati+ )oma a d t$e (i*espa o* a a+t#ess )$ose so(e ta(e t (ies i "ei ! p$oto!#ap$ed )ea#i ! out#a!eous out*its is (imited- I )as t$e mea s *o# $e# to !o o "u,i ! t$e "a!s-& &But )$, o ea#t$ )e#e ,ou !oi ! to ma##, $e#8& &I +o *ess t$at m, moti.atio )as 6ust as se(*is$ a d t#i.ia( as $e#s-& He made a !#ima+e o* distaste- &T$e o (, time I&.e t$ou!$t o* Ca di+e si +e I met ,ou )as )$e ,ou #emi ded me I&d said t$at ma##ia!e )as ot pe#ma e t- W$e I !ot e !a!ed to $e# it e.e# e.e +#ossed m, mi d t$at )e )ou(d !#o) o(d to!et$e#- It )as +o .e ie t- I $ad (ost i te#est i t$e +$ase- A(( )ome seemed t$e same to me a d Ca di+e&s pu"(i+it, peop(e $ad "ee d#oppi ! $i ts t$e si2e o* Wa(es a"out a e !a!eme t- W$e a ma!a2i e app#oa+$ed me *o# a +o *i#matio o# de ia( I made t$e mistake o* !i.i ! a i#o i+ #espo sePeop(e )$o )o#k o t$ose so#t o* ma!a2i es $a.e a s(e de# !#asp o* i#o ,-& &Y ou +ou(d $a.e de ied it-& &I +ou(d a d I o".ious(, s$ou(d $a.e%& $e a!#eed- &But I suppose i* I&m $o est I $ad t$is u +om*o#ta"(e *ee(i ! t$at I mi!$t o e da, tu# i to m, *at$e#-& His #e.u(sio at t$e p#ospe+t )as eas, to see i $is *a+e- &Like $im I&d $ad m, s$a#e o* s$a((o) #e(atio s$ips a d I t$ou!$t i* I )as !oi ! to !et ma##ied it mi!$t as )e(( "e )it$ someo e as +o(d as me% someo e I +ou(d &t $u#t "e+ause I )as u a"(e to s$a#e t$ei# *ee(i !s-&
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&You&#e ot +o(d5& s$e p#otested $uski(,His e,es so*te ed )it$ )a#mt$ t$at made $e# "#eat$ +at+$- &Ca#a% "e*o#e I met ,ou I $ad de.e(oped +, i+ism i to a a#t *o#m- As *o# Ca di+e% I $ad o $i!$ e/pe+tatio s o* $e#% "ut I did ot e/pe+t $e# to 6ump i to "ed )it$ ot$e# me e.e#, time I )as out o* t$e +ou t#,-& Sam )i +ed-
&So )$e I )a(ked i o e da, a d *ou d $e# i "ed )it$ some p#ett, a+to# I de+ided to +ut m, (osses- I did &t mu+$ +a#e )$e s$e sp#ead t$e sto#, t$at s$e $ad dumped me% t$ou!$ )$e I $ad t$e a++ide t t$e (ie "a+k*i#ed o $e# )it$ a .e !ea +e-& &I do &t u de#sta d-& &T$e timi ! )as ot !ood- Peop(e assumed t$at s$e $ad dumped me "e+ause s$e +ou(d &t stoma+$ a $us"a d )it$ a disa"i(it,- S$e "e+ame "o/o**i+e poiso -& &It +ou(d &t $appe to a i+e# pe#so -& T$is e.ide +e o* $e# 6ea(ous, "#ou!$t a "#oad smi(e ti !ed )it$ a mi/tu#e o* smu! ess a d #e(ie* to Cesa#e&s *a+e&You k o)% ,ou ma, ot #ea(ise it o) "ut ,ou a#e i (o.e )it$ me-& Sam #e!a#ded $im )it$ *as+i atio - &You t$i k so8& &I k o) so%& $e +o##e+ted )it$ a *u(( measu#e o* t$e i *u#iati ! a##o!a +e s$e k e) s$e )ou(d a+tua((, miss i* $e tu# ed $um"(e o.e# i!$t&You&#e )#o !% ,ou k o)- I do #ea(ise it- I&.e #ea(ised *o# a (o ! time t$at I ado#e ,ou e.e i* ,ou a#e t$e most stu""o# % i *u#iati ! ma a(i.e- I (o.e ,ou% Cesa#e-& T$e#e )e#e se+o ds o* s$atte#ed si(e +e "e*o#e $e !a.e a $oa#se !#oa a d "#ou!$t $is mout$ +#as$i ! do) o $e#s- He kissed $e# u ti( $e# $ead
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)as spi i ! a d )$e $e stopped kissi ! $e# $e stood $o(di ! $e#% (ooki ! i to $e# *a+e as i* it )as t$e most pe#*e+t t$i ! $e $ad e.e# see He s(o)(, t#ai(ed a *i !e# do) t$e side o* $e# +$eek "e*o#e e/pe((i ! a s$ak, "#eat$ a d !at$e#i ! $e# to $im% i to t$e s$e(te# o* $is $a#d "od,- He +upped $e# +$i i o e $a d a d p#essed $is ose a!ai st $e#s so t$ei# "#eat$s mi !(ed&M, *ee(i !s *o# ,ou% Sama t$a --- & &You $a.e *ee(i !s *o# me8& s$e asked i $app, to e/p(o#eo+e t(,- His *ee(i !s *o# $e# )e#e a su"6e+t Sam )as mo#e t$a
&Ho) +a ,ou ask me t$at8 I +ou(d &t put a ame to t$em "e+ause t$e, )e#e *ee(i !s I $ad e.e# $ad "e*o#e- I did &t k o) )$at (o.e )as- I did &t #e+o! ise it e.e )$e it )as #i!$t t$e#e i *#o t o* me- E.e#, time I $ea#d ,ou# .oi+e% *e(t ,ou# tou+$ --- W$e I +ou(d ot see I )ou(d (ie t$e#e ima!mm! ,ou# *a+e --,ou# "eauti*u( *a+e- A d )$e I sa) it -- -I k e)% Sama t$a-& T$e #a) emotio i $is .oi+e tou+$ed $e# sou(0deep&W$e ,ou (i*ted t$at .ei(% ,ou took m, "#eat$ a)a,- I did &t k o) )$i+$ )a, up I )as sta di !- I )as *i a((, a"(e to #e+o! ise m, *ee(i !s *o# )$at t$e, )e#e0< )as i (o.e-
&You sa.ed me% Sama t$a- I ma a!ed to pus$ e.e#,o e )$o +a#ed *o# me a)a, a d e.e#,o e e(se )as too s+a#ed to te(( me )$at a tota( +o)a#d I )as "ei !0e.e#,o e e/+ept ,ou&Y ou "#ou!$t t$e (i!$t "a+k i to m, (i*e- You )e#e% ,ou a#e%& $e +o##e+ted t$i+k(,% &t$e (i!$t i m, (i*e- I )as i a da#k p(a+e a d ,ou a##i.ed (ike a "o(t o* (i!$t i !0a(most (ite#a((,- You&#e ama2i !%& $e ma#.e(ed% t#a+i ! t$e (i e o* $e# 6a)- &You (ook so de(i+ate "ut ,ou&#e so tou!$ a d "#a.e- You $a.e a !e e#osit, o* spi#it t$at m, +, i+a( sou( did &t )a t to "e(ie.e i - I t#ied ot to% e.e a*te# ,ou !a.e me ,ou# "od,- I to(d m,se(* it )as 6ust se/% "ut e.e t$e I k e) it )as mo#e-& Sama t$a )as )eepi ! ope (, ", t$is poi t- &I do &t )a t ,ou# !#atitude% Cesa#e-&
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&We((% ,ou $a.e it a ,)a,% +a#a% a d )it$ it m, (o.e- You mi!$t ot )a t t$at eit$e#% "ut it is ,ou#s-& He took o e o* $e# sma(( $a ds i $is "#o) *i !e#s% i te#)ea.i ! t$em as $e (aid it a!ai st $is +$est&As is m, $ea#t-& Sam +(osed $e# e,es- S$e +ou(d *ee( t$e $ea., t$ud o* $is stead, $ea#t"eat- He# $a d (a, o $is $ea#t% "ut it )as Cesa#e )$o )as #ea+$i ! out to $e# )it$ $is de*e +es do) - I side $e#% 6o, e/p(oded (ike a sta# "u#st- &I a++ept it% Cesa#e-& &O$% a d t$is too%& $e said% #e(easi ! $e# $a d to de(.e i t$e po+ket o* $is t#ouse#s *#om )$i+$ $e )it$d#e) a s(im .e(.et "o/- &I&m ot t#,i ! to "u, ,ou# (o.e%& $e said as $e $a ded it to $e#- &But I )a ted to !i.e ,ou somet$i ! t$at e/p#essed )$at I +ou(d &t-& &You $a.e &t do e so "ad(,%& s$e said $uski(, as s$e s(ipped t$e +(asp a d (i*ted t$e (id- I side (a, a e+k(a+e% a st#i ! o* sapp$i#es i a de(i+ate !o(d o(d0*as$io ed :i+to#ia setti !&I )a ted to do somet$i ! *o# ,ou t$at I $a.e e.e# do e *o# a ot$e# )oma - I&.e a()a,s de(e!ated t$e task%& $e admitted s$ame*a+ed(,- &I&.e e.e# "ou!$t a !i*t *o# a )oma - I k o) it&s ot t$e +#o) 6e)e(s a d i* t$ose a#e )$at ,ou )a t% +a#a% I )i(( "u, o# stea( t$em *o# ,ou- But t$e +o(ou#% t$e !(o#ious dept$% t$e, 6ust made me t$i k o* ,ou# (o.e(, e,es-& S$e sa) t$e messa!e !(o)i ! i $is mid i!$t e,es t$#ou!$ a tea#, !(a2e- A so*t si!$ #ipp(ed t$#ou!$ $e# as t$e (ast o* $e# dou"ts .a is$ed&T$e, a#e "eauti*u(% Cesa#e-& &T$e idea o* me (osi ! m, si!$t a!ai te##i*ied me% "ut it did ot e.e "e!i to +ome +(ose to t$e te##o# I *ee( at t$e t$ou!$t o* (osi ! ,ou% Sama t$a-& S$e took $is $a d a d *itted it a#ou d $e# so*t(, #ou ded "e((,- &You&#e ot !oi ! to (ose me o# t$is o e% Cesa#e%& s$e p#omised% $e# e,es s$i i ! )it$ t$e dept$ o* $e# (o.ePDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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EPILOGUE
IT WAS a ,ea# a d si/ mo t$s (ate# t$at t$e, )e#e !etti ! #ead, *o# t$e !(itte#i ! !a(a e.e t at t$e :e etia pa(a22o o* a *#ie d o* Cesa#e&sSam $ad tiptoed out o* t$e #oom )$e#e t$ei# o e0,ea#0o(d dau!$te#% Nata(ia% (a, as(eep )$e Cesa#e )a(ked a#ou d t$e +o# e# dema di ! i a (oud .oi+e )$e#e s$e $ad put $is +u**(i ks&S$us$5& Sam u#!ed )it$ a e#.ous !#ima+e- &S$e&s 6ust *a((e as(eepI&.e a(#ead, do e t$e tedd, sto#, t$#ee times +omp(ete )it$ a+tio s- A ot$e# a d I t$i k I mi!$t "#eak- & &We((% ,ou&(( 6ust $a.e to )#ite t$e e/t i sta(me t% +a#a-& &Be+ause I&.e !ot so mu+$ time o m, $a ds8& s$e su!!ested )it$ a i#o i+ t)i k(e- Si +e s$e&d !i.e "i#t$ t$e p#e.ious ,ea#% Sam $ad "a#e(, $ad a mome t to +a(( $e# o) - Cesa#e% u "ek o) st to $e#% $ad p#ese ted t$e +$i(d#e &s sto#, s$e $ad kept i a d#a)e# to a pu"(is$e# a d to $e# ama2eme t it $ad "ee a++epted- S$e $ad "ee +a((ed upo to spe d se.e#a( )eeks pu"(i+isi ! it% )$i+$% )$e ,ou )e#e u#si ! a e) "a",% #e1ui#ed some (o!isti+a( ski(( a d stami aT$e p#o"(em )as0i* su++ess +ou(d "e +a((ed t$at0$e# tedd, sto#, $ad ot 6ust p(eased $e# dau!$te#% it $ad p(eased $u d#eds o* t$ousa ds o* ot$e# +$i(d#e a d it )as &t 6ust Cesa#e )$o )as su!!esti ! s$e p#odu+e a se+o d .o(ume% it )as t$e pu"(is$e#s )$o )e#e u#!i ! $e# to $a.e a ot$e# !oBei ! Cesa#e&s )i*e )as a(most a *u((0time 6o" i itse(* a d "ei ! a a+ti.e mem"e# o* a +$a#it, aimi ! to #edu+e adu(t i((ite#a+, a(so kept $e# "us,- But s$e k e) t$at o.e# t$e e/t *e) mo t$s s$e mi!$t *i d $e# e e#!, #ese#.es dep(eted0a d it )as a su"6e+t s$e eeded to dis+uss )it$ $e# $us"a d .e#, soo 'ist#a+ted *#om $is +u**(i k sea#+$ ", t$e si!$t o* $is )i*e #esp(e de t i a G#e+ia 0i spi#ed d#ess t$at #e.ea(ed o e smoot$ s$ou(de#% Cesa#e (et out a si(e t )$ist(e a d !a.e a mo+k (ee#PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&Wo)% ,ou (ook i +#edi"(e% +a#a mia5& Sam !#i ed a d said% &You do &t (ook so "ad ,ou#se(*-& His s$i#t )as u "utto ed to t$e )aist% #e.ea(i ! $is taut mus+(ed to#so% a d (ooki ! at $is "od, se t a *ami(ia# )a.e o* $eat t$#ou!$ $e#Sam "a+ked a)a, (au!$i ! as $e #ea+$ed *o# $e#&Ha.e ,ou a , idea $o) (o ! it took to !et m, $ai# (ike t$is8& s$e said% s$aki ! $e# $ead a d +ausi ! a #ipp(i ! e**e+t i t$e a#t*u((, +asua( a##a !eme t o* +u#(i ! te d#i(s t$at *#amed $e# *a+e&I&m p#ett, su#e it )ou(d &t take me (o ! to mess it%& Cesa#e o"se#.ed )it$ a !#i &T$at&s )$at I&# )o##ied a"out%& s$e #eto#ted&T$ose +u**(i ks% Sam --- & S$e #e(eased a si!$- &Cau!$t out a!ai 0<& .e "ee )ea#i ! t$em --- &
&4u , (ad,%& $e said )a(ki ! to)a#ds t$e ope doo# o* t$ei# dau!$te#&s #oom- &I )o &t )ake $e#%& $e p#omised% tiptoei ! to t$e "ed )$e#e t$e s(eepi ! *i!u#e )as i((umi ated ", t$e !(o) o* a i!$t (i!$tSam )a(ked up "e$i d $im a d stood )it$ $im (ooki ! do) at t$ei# #os,0*a+ed dau!$te#- Cesa#e&s a#ms +ame a#ou d $e# a d s$e (ea ed "a+k i to $im )it$ a si!$&S$e&s a )o de#% is &t s$e8& $e said so*t(,- &T$e se+o d most "eauti*u( t$i ! i t$e )o#(d%& $e )$ispe#ed% kissi ! t$e top o* Sam&s !(oss, $ead- &A d t$e *a+t I ea#(, (ost ,ou "ot$ makes $e# a(( t$e mo#e p#e+ious%& $e *i is$ed $ea.i(,&You did &t ea#(, (ose us%& s$e s+o**ed% #u""i ! $e# *a+e a!ai st $is mus+(ed a#m- &T$ousa ds o* )ome $a.e a Caesa#ea - It&s o "i! dea(-& T$ou!$ admitted(, it $ad *e(t it at t$e time- S$e $ad +(u ! o to Cesa#e&s $a d so $a#d )$e t$e, $ad said t$e "a",&s $ea#t #ate $ad d#opped t$at $e $ad $ad t$e "#uises *o# )eeksPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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&A eme#!e +, Caesa#ea %& $e +o##e+ted- &A d it is a "i! dea(% a .e#, "i! dea( )$e it is m, )ome You k o) t$at i!$t took at (east te ,ea#s o** m, (i*e5& &Ne.e# mi d0t$is time t$e Caesa#ea )i(( "e s+$edu(ed- At (east it )i(( "e i* t$e e/t "a", is as "i! as t$is (itt(e e(ep$a t )as- I&.e ot !ot t$e pe(.is *o# a "i! "a",-& &Me% I am pa#ti+u(a#(, *o d o* ,ou# pe(.is%& $e said% p(a,*u((, s(appi ! $e# #ea#Sam spu a#ou d a d ti(ted $e# $ead up to $im i mo+k #ep#oa+$- &T$at%& s$e said% )a!!i ! $e# *i !e#% &is ot m, pe(.is-& &No% "ut it too is .e#, i+e i deed-& He stopped dead- &You said t$is time --- & Sam took a deep "#eat$- &I did-& His e,es d#opped to $e# stoma+$ a d $e s)a((o)ed- &'oes t$at mea --- 8& S$e odded- &I&m te )eeks- A#e ,ou $app,8& S$e a !(ed a a /ious (ook at $is da#k *a+e% "ut t$e#e )as ot$i ! mu+$ to #ead i it ot$e# t$a stu ed s$o+k- T$ou!$ s$e $ad 6oked a"out Nata(ia&s "i#t$% s$e )as )e(( a)a#e o* $o) deep(, Cesa#e $ad "ee a**e+ted ", $e# tou!$ a d p#o(o !ed (a"ou#- &I k o) )e )e#e &t p(a i ! a ot$e# 6ust ,et a d a*te# (ast time ,ou said ,ou +ou(d &t !o t$#ou!$ t$at a!ai % "ut --- 8& &Happ,8& He took $e# *a+e "et)ee $is $a ds- &Be*o#e I $ad ,ou a d ou# "a", I t$ou!$t I )as $app,- I s(ept )e(( a d I e.e# t$ou!$t a"out )$at +ou(d $a.e $appe ed- I e.e# *e(t a sta" o* s$ee# te##o# a(( *o# t$e simp(e #easo I did &t $a.e a ,t$i ! i m, (i*e t$at I +ou(d &t $a.e #ep(a+ed-& He s$ook $is $ead% ama2ed t$at $e $ad su#.i.ed so (o ! )it$out a , +e t#e to $is (i*e- &M, !i#(s a#e tota((, i##ep(a+ea"(e% t)o pe#*e+t 6e)e(s-& T$e $usk, de+(a#atio "#ou!$t a #us$ o* tea#s to $e# e,es- &O$% God% i* ,ou make me +#,0& s$e s i**ed &0 I&(( e.e# *o#!i.e ,ou- It took me $ou#s to (ook t$is !ood-&
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&No) I&m $app,5& $e said% p(a+i ! t$e *(at o* $e# $a d o $is +$est- &M, $ea#t is a(i.e a d (i*e is pai *u(% t#ue% "ut% God% it&s so s)eet- I&(( "e te##i*ied e.e#, se+o d u ti( t$is e) "a", is "o# %& $e admitted% &"ut t$is time I&(( "e "ette# p#epa#ed- I&.e a(#ead, do e some #esea#+$ so t$at )$e t$e time +omes0& &You +a te(( t$e medi+s )$at t$e,&#e doi ! )#o !%& s$e +ut i )it$ a !#i - &I +a see ,ou&#e !oi ! to "e #ea((, popu(a#-& A d s$e +ou(d see $o) t$is st#ate!, mi!$t )o#k *o# $e# $us"a d% )$o did ot (ike #e(i 1uis$i ! +o t#o(- &So as ,ou&.e a(#ead, do e #esea#+$% is it possi"(e ,ou&.e "ee t$i ki ! e.e# mi!$t "e a (o ! time to )ait *o# a ot$e# "a",8& s$e teasedA smi(e !(imme#ed i $is e,es- &It $as +#ossed m, mi d o +e o# t)i+e%& $e admitted- &E.e i* it mea s mo#e !#e, $ai#s-& Sam (au!$ed as s$e (i*ted a $a d to $is pu#e sa"(e $ead- &You do &t $a.e a , !#e, $ai#s-& &But I )i((%& $e p#edi+ted- A d it seemed to $im a sma(( p#i+e *o# t$e (o.e o* t$is )oma )$om $e +ou(d ot ima!i e (i*e )it$out- &A d )i(( ,ou sti(( (o.e me t$e 8& &I )i(( e.e# stop (o.i ! ,ou% Cesa#e% t$ou!$ o".ious(, i* ,ou (ost ,ou# $ai# --- & S$e (et $e# .oi+e t#ai( o** a d si!$ed- &A !i#( $as to d#a) t$e (i e some)$e#e-& &A d so%& added Cesa#e *i#m(,% &does a ma - A d I d#a) t$e (i e at s$a#i ! ,ou )it$ a ,o e e(se to i!$t%& $e de+ided- &Besides% i* ,ou a##i.e (ooki ! (ike t$at ,ou )i(( "#eak too ma , $ea#ts- S$a(( )e sta, $ome8& Sam *ou d t$e o**e# tempti !- &Wo &t '#a+o "e $u#t i* )e do &t tu# up8& &4o#!et a"out '#a+o a d t$i k a"out me%& Cesa#e said% !#a""i ! $e# ", $e# )aist a d kissi ! $e# deep(,Sam eme#!ed *#om t$e kiss )it$ a d#eam, smi(e o $e# *a+e- &I e.e# stop t$i ki ! a"out ,ou% Cesa#e-& S$e !a.e a deep si!$ o* +o te tme t- &A+tua((,% )$e ,ou t$i k a"out it a ma +a &t "e e/pe+ted to atte d a e.e t )it$out $is *a.ou#ite +u**(i ks --- I&m su#e '#a+o )ou(d u de#sta d-&
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&'#a+o )i(( u de#sta d pe#*e+t(,%& Cesa#e a!#eed% "e di ! $is $ead o +e mo#e to kiss $e#- &I t$i k $e&s $a(* i (o.e )it$ ,ou $imse(*% "ut $e k o)s ,ou&#e m, !i#(-& Sam smi(ed- S$e $ad *ou d #a#e 6o, a d s$e i te ded to e.e# stop #emi di ! $e#se(* o* t$e *a+t s$e )as t$e (u+kiest !i#( a(i.e0s$e )as Cesa#e&s !i#(PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
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THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE CHAPTER ONE Sam took a deep sustai i !

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&R esea#+ m! ----

&W$o a#e ,OU8&

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THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE MILLS AN' BOON

&T$e do it%& s$e )$ispe#ed&Ma##, me-&

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suite *a+i(ities a d t$e ea#est "at$#oom )as up a )i di ! stai#+ase- &Ho) did

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ot$i ! spe+ia(%& s$e said% a $i t o* despe#atio +#eepi ! i to $e# .oi+e-

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THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE MILLS AN' BOON

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