--3 SD 733 The Case of the Missing Secretary (08-1992) With lo e to S!

" Tracy #$a%s &th MMC' 13th C(SC(M)*lease +rite,

Chapter One
-it Morris +as ./st 0arely l/ci$ as she stor%e$ into the 1assiter Detecti e #gency' her short 0lac2 hair falling in +et strings aro/n$ her face' her 0l/e eyes h/ge an$ re$ri%%e$3 4er tall' slen$er fig/re +as cla$ in a gray s/it that ha$ 0een i%%ac/late ./st that %orning' *aire$ +ith a soft +hite 0lo/se an$ an e5tra agant sil2 0l/e-*atterne$ scarf3 6o+' the +hole o/tfit +as a $ri**ing %ess)li2e -it7s ner es3 8t +as Tess 1assiter7s $ay s/0stit/ting for her h/s0an$ Dane7s rece*tionist' so she +as the first *erson -it sa+ +hen she $ragge$ into the office3 -it an$ Tess ha$ 0een 0est frien$s for years' long 0efore Tess %arrie$ Dane 1assiter' +ho7$ 0een Tess7s 0oss at the ti%e3 -it an$ Tess ha$ a lot in co%%on3 6ot that -it ha$ a single 0al$ chance of e er %arrying her 0oss3 4er e5- 0oss' that +as3 #t the %o%ent' -it +o/l$ %/ch rather stan$ hi% /* against a %es9/ite tree an$ */t a fo/ntain *en thro/gh his 0lac2 heart than +al2 $o+n the aisle +ith hi%3 :What ha**ene$ to yo/;: Tess e5clai%e$3 :My goo$ness' -it' yo/ loo2 terri0le,: :(f co/rse 8 loo2 terri0le, 4e */t %e o/t of the car on Tra is Street,: :That7s fi e 0loc2s fro% here': Tess %/%0le$3 :4e +ho;: :Can7t yo/ g/ess;: -it +aile$3 :8t +as hi%, My 0oss, My e5-0oss': she correcte$ f/rio/sly' sha2ing her hea$ to get the hair o/t of her eyes3 :4e333he hi.ac2e$ %e fro% the */0lic safety $e*art%ent +here 8 +as getting %y $ri er7s license rene+e$,: she e5clai%e$3 :4e hi.ac2e$ yo/;: Tess ha$ to s%other a la/gh3 :<es, 8 $i$n7t +ant to go +ith hi%' 0/t he *ic2e$ %e /* an$ carrie$ %e o/t to the car3 #n$ in front of all those *eo*le': she groane$3 :8 $i$n7t e en get %y license fee *ai$, 87ll ha e to go 0ac2 again an$ stan$ in line for another ho/r,: :(h' -it': Tess 0egan sy%*athetically3 :8 resigne$ t+o +ee2s ago' after all, 8 $on7t +or2 for hi% any%ore, 4e can7t tal2 to %e li2e that,: :1i2e +hat;: Tess as2e$ soothingly' trying to cal% her 0est frien$3

-it7s eyes 0la=e$ li2e 0l/e fla%es3 :#ll these years 87 e sla e$ for hi%3: She cho2e$3 :Ta2ing his $ictation' follo+ing hi% aro/n$ the +orl$' +ithstan$ing his $isg/sting te%*er333an$ he has the gall333the gall to say that 87% not +orth the salary he /se$ to *ay %e, #s if it +as a 2ing7s ranso% or so%ething3 Can yo/ i%agine;: :Mr3 De erell sai$ that;: >1ogan De erell is a tyrant an$ a 0east3? -it f/%e$3 >The lo+est of the lo+3 # +or%, 6o3: She ca/ght herself3 :!on$ sc/%, That7s +hat he is' only %/ch' %/ch lo+er3333: :Di$ yo/ $o so%ething;: Tess *ro0e$ gently3 :6ot since 8 tol$ hi% a0o/t his ne+ con9/est' right 0efore 8 9/it': she %/ttere$' trying to hi$e her feeling of heart0rea23 1ogan De erell7s ne+ +o%an +as +hy -it ha$ 9/it her .o0 in the first *lace3 :4e7s serio/s a0o/t her' yo/ 2no+3: :@/t +hy $i$ he na0 yo/;: -it thre+ /* her gracef/l han$s3 :Who 2no+s; #ny+ay' he trie$ to coa5 %e into co%ing 0ac2 an$ 8 tol$ hi% 8 +o/l$n7t3 4e *ractically ./%*e$ $o+n %y throat +ith 0oth feet3 4e7s ne er /se$ lang/age li2e that to %e' an$ he sai$ that 8 +as +orthless as a secretary an$ he $i$n7t 2no+ +hy he +as +illing to hire %e again3: Tess +ante$ to get /* an$ */t her ar%s aro/n$ the taller +o%an an$ coa5 her to cry3 @/t -it +as st/00orn' e en in grief3 She hel$ her chin high' str/ggling to %aintain her $ignity3 Tess co/l$n7t /n$er%ine her strength3 She co/l$ only i%agine ho+ her frien$ +as h/rting3 -it ha$ 0een in lo e +ith 1ogan De erell for years3 The silly %an ne er notice$ her' e5ce*t as a *iece of office f/rnit/re3 :Why +as he offering yo/ yo/r ol$ .o0 0ac2;: Tess as2e$3 :8 $on7t 2no+3 We starte$ arg/ing 0efore he got aro/n$ to telling %e3 4e +as raging li2e a %a$%an3 8 $i$n7t e en thin2' 8 ./st got o/t of the car an$ left3: :4e */t yo/ o/t in the rain;: Tess groane$3 :4o+ co/l$ he,: :4e $i$n7t */t %e o/t as %/ch as 8 ./%*e$ o/t': -it confesse$3 :The st/*i$ 0lin$ %an, 8 lo e hi% so,: -it cho2e$3 4er heart felt as if it +ere so%ething 0rittle that ha$ ./st 0een s%ac2e$ +ith a 0at3 She +as co%ing /ngl/e$3 :8f only 8 +ere 0lon$ an$ stac2e$,: :Who is this +o%an he7s seeing;: Tess as2e$3 :@etsy Corley': she sai$ h/s2ily3

:8 $on7t 2no+ her3: :8 $o3 #t least' 8 2no+ of her3 #t one ti%e 8 +as goo$ frien$s +ith the %an in %y a*art%ent 0/il$ing that she too2 for e erything he ha$3: -it too2 a stea$ying 0reath3 :1ogan is $eter%ine$ to %arry her': she sai$ an$ la/ghe$ hoarsely3 :(h' -it': Tess groane$ sy%*athetically3 :#t least 8 ha e a .o0' than2s to yo/ an$ Dane': she sai$ %isera0ly3 :87 e 0/rne$ all %y 0ri$ges3333: :Well' in that case' it7s a goo$ thing +e7re %a2ing a $etecti e o/t of yo/': Dane 1assiter %/r%/re$ $ryly3 4e .oine$ the t+o +o%en' sli**ing an ar% aro/n$ his +ife3 4e s%ile$ at her 0efore his $ar2 eyes +ent 0ac2 to -it3 :We7re gla$ to ha e yo/ no+ that 4elen7s gone to So/th #%erica +here 4arol$7s ne5t .o0 is3 4e7s in the constr/ction 0/siness +ith his father' yo/ re%e%0er3 #n$ 4elen7s 0rother' 6ic2' is %o ing 0ac2 to Washington so that his ne+ +ife can 2ee* her ten/re at Thorn College3 4e7s starting /* his o+n agency3 87ll 0e t+o o*erati es short3 That %eans 87 e still got to hire another agent3 87% gla$ yo/ ha en7t 0een te%*te$ to go 0ac2 to yo/r ol$ 0oss3: 787$ 0e %ore te%*te$ to ste* into a lion7s %o/th than 8 +o/l$ to +or2 for 1ogan De erell again': -it %/r%/re$ $ryly' hi$ing her *ain3 :8 ho*e yo/ 2no+ ho+ %/ch 8 a**reciate yo/r gi ing %e a chance here3: She */she$ 0ac2 her hair again an$ 0r/she$ at the %oist/re on her s/it3 8t +asn7t as +et as she7$ first tho/ght' an$ see%e$ to 0e $rying slo+ly3 :We 0oth $o': Dane tol$ her' s%iling3 :@/t yo/7 e 0een 9/ite a s/r*rise' yo/ 2no+3 8f there are s/ch things as nat/ral 0orn $etecti es' then 8 thin2 yo/7re one of the%3 <o/7 e ta2en to the .o0 li2e a $/c2 ta2es to s+i%%ing3: She 0rightene$3 :<o/ really thin2 so;: :8 $o3: -it %anage$ a s%ile3 :#ct/ally 8 al+ays /se$ to thin2 87$ %a2e a goo$ $etecti e' 0eca/se 8 lo e *o2ing %y nose into things that $on7t concern %e3: She sighe$3 :<o/ really $i$ sa e %y life 0y hiring %e': she *ersiste$3 :8 $i$n7t ha e %y rent *ay%ent3 #fter 8 stor%e$ o/t of the office the $ay 8 9/it' 8 can7t e5*ect Mr3 De erell to sen$ %y se erance *ay after %e3 8 $i$n7t e en +or2 a +ee27s notice3: >8 har$ly thin2 1ogan De erell +ill $o yo/ o/t of yo/r se erance *ay' regar$less': Dane %/r%/re$ $ryly3 :4e7s not a in$icti e %an3: :8f yo/7$ seen hi% ten %in/tes ago333: -it %/ttere$3 Dane coc2e$ an eye0ro+ as he *eere$ *ast her3 :(n secon$ tho/ght': he %/se$'

:*erha*s he is): @efore he got the +or$s o/t' the $oor fle+ o*en an$ a tall' 0ig $ar2 %an in a gray raincoat stor%e$ in3 :87 e searche$ the +hole $a%ne$ city for yo/': he gr/%0le$' his $ee* oice li2e %/te$ th/n$er in the office as he glare$ at -it3 :<o/ little fool' yo/ co/l$ ha e 0een 2ille$' ./%*ing o/t of a car in the %i$$le of traffic li2e that, Where in hell ha e yo/ 0een;: :Don7t yo/ sho/t at %e,: -it rage$ 0ac23 :<o/ tol$ %e to get %y nose o/t of yo/r 0/siness' an$ 8 $i$': she sai$ +ith *ainf/l satisfaction at the gri%ace on his 0roa$ face3 :<o/ can fin$ so%eone else to yell at in yo/r office3 Dane says 87% a ery goo$ $etecti e,: 1ogan De erell lifte$ a 0/shy eye0ro+ an$ glance$ at Dane3 :Di$ yo/ say that;: :87% afrai$ so': Dane re*lie$3 :An$er the circ/%stances' it %ight 0e to yo/r a$ antage not to arg/e +ith -it any%ore3: 1ogan glance$ at -it7s face an$ his li*s thinne$3 4e +as incline$ to agree3 She loo2e$ sha2en3 That' an$ totally o/t of control e%otionally3 8n all the years she7$ +or2e$ for hi%' this +as the first ti%e he7$ seen her in s/ch a state3 She +as /s/ally cal% an$ efficient3 B5ce*t for the $ay she7$ 9/it' of co/rse' +hen she7$ set ne+ recor$s for a0/si e er0osity3 When he7$ follo+e$ her into her office' +here she +as cleaning o/t her $es2' she7$ act/ally thro+n a 0oo2 at hi% an$ acc/se$ hi% of %i5ing her /* e%otionally +ith her co%*/ter3 8t ha$ 0een the c/tting re%ar2s a0o/t @etsy 0eing %ercenary that ha$ cost 1ogan his te%*er to$ay3 4e still regrette$ so%e of the things he7$ sai$3 "oo$ secretaries +eren7t a $i%e a $o=en3 4e ha$n7t 0een a0le to re*lace -it3 4e %isse$ her %a$ly' tho/gh it +o/l$ 0e /n+ise to tell her that' of co/rse3 4e7$ ho*e$ to tal2 her into co%ing 0ac2' an$ then she7$ %entione$ so%e gossi* a0o/t @etsy3 6o +ay +as he going to let any +o%an tell hi% +hat to $o in his *ersonal life, :8 +on7t ta2e 0ac2 +hat 8 sai$': 1ogan tol$ her3 :<o/ ha$ no 0/siness %e$$ling in %y *ri ate life3 @/t 87ll a*ologi=e for letting yo/ +al2 0ac2 in the rain3: :There7s no nee$ to a*ologi=e': -it ret/rne$3 :8t +as %y fa/lt for e er getting into a car +ith yo/ in the first *lace,: 4e loo2e$ s/r*rise$3 >8 +as only going to as2 yo/ to co%e 0ac2 to +or23: :8 $on7t +ant to co%e 0ac2 to +or2 for yo/' Mr3 De erell': she sai$ icily3 :4ere' at least' 87% not *art of the office f/rnit/re3 87% a real li e' 0reathing *erson +ith talent an$ a0ility' an$ if 8 $ie$' Dane an$ Tess +o/l$ %iss %e3:

:We7 e +or2e$ together for three years': he re%in$e$ her3 :Three years too long': she sai$' regaining her lost $ignity slo+ly3 :87% s/re yo/7ll ha e no tro/0le re*lacing %e3: :6one of the te%*oraries can s*ell': he sai$ angrily3 :They can7t file' or *ro.ect a *leasant *ersonality o er the *hone3 (nly one of the% has any sense at all' an$ %y %other hire$ her 0efore 8 2ne+ it3 My 0rother hates the latest a$$ition to the office3 She act/ally tol$ hi% to get his o+n coffee,: :<o/r 0rother sho/l$ ha e 0een getting his o+n coffee for years': she re%in$e$ hi%3 :#n$ %y %other7s lost again': he a$$e$ irrita0ly' glancing at Dane3 :<o/7ll ha e to trac2 her $o+n3 She tol$ %y 0rother so%ething a0o/t a tri* to Cenice3: :6o *ro0le%': Dane sai$3 :D/st gi e %e her last 2no+n location3: 4e st/$ie$ -it3 :8 %ight let -it ha e this assign%ent3 She 2no+s Tansy3: :My %other %isse$ yo/' too': 1ogan tol$ -it +ith an angry fro+n3 :That7s *ro0a0ly +hy she anishe$3: :"o ahea$' 0la%e it on %e': -it in ite$ +ith a s+ee* of her han$3 :8 ca/se yo/r car not to start on col$ %ornings' 8 %a2e yo/r coffee*ot sto* +or2ing' 8 */t $/st on the +in$o+s an$ %a2e the chairs in the office crea23 8 *ro0a0ly ca/se *on$ sc/%' too,: :Will yo/ sto* it': 1ogan %/ttere$3 4e .a%%e$ his 0ig han$s into his *oc2ets3 1oo2ing at her $ist/r0e$ hi%3 That +as ne+' an$ it %a$e hi% irrita0le3 :6e er %in$' if yo/ $on7t +ant to co%e 0ac23 8 can %anage +itho/t yo/3 B ent/ally the te%*orary agency +ill fin$ %e one secretary +ho can s*ell' ty*e an$ ans+er the tele*hone3: :S/rely they alrea$y ha e;: she as2e$ sarcastically3 :(f co/rse3 8 ./st sai$ so' $i$n7t 8; The agency fo/n$ %e t+o %ore to go +ith the one that %y %other hire$3 #t least she can ty*e3 (f the t+o ne+ ones' only one can s*ell3 The tallest of the three can ans+er the tele*hone 0/t it ta2es her /ntil the fifth ring to fin$ it3: -it7s eye0ro+s +ent /*3 :Why;: :The $es2 is 0/rie$ in /nans+ere$ letters an$ %is*lace$ files': he sai$ si%*ly3 :Don7t let that concern yo/' Miss Morris3 8 $i$ act/ally %anage 0efore yo/ +ere first hire$3 #n$ yo/ %ight recall': he a$$e$ icily' :that it +as not 8 +ho hire$ yo/ to 0egin +ith3: :4o+ ery tr/e': she agree$3 :8t +as yo/r %other' +ho has e5cellent taste in e%*loyees,: :We can agree to $isagree on that *oint': he sai$ stiffly3

:Sho/l$ yo/ 0e getting 0ac2 to the office' 0efore any %ore files 0eco%e333%is*lace$;? she hinte$3 4is 0roa$ face har$ene$ e en %ore3 :C/te': he sai$3 :Cery c/te3 "o ahea$ an$ 0e a $etecti e3 That sho/l$ 0e right /* yo/r alley' the +ay yo/ %in$ e eryone7s 0/siness 0/t yo/r o+n,: >So%e0o$y nee$s to %in$ yo/rs,: she rage$3 >That $i==y 0lon$e is ./st o/t for +hat she can get fro% yo/)? :She gets *lenty': he interr/*te$ hotly3 >8n 0e$ an$ o/t': he a$$e$ $eli0erately' his eyes *iercing as if he 2ne+ ho+ she felt an$ +ante$ to sin2 the 2nife in as far as *ossi0le3 4e s/ccee$e$3 8t +ent straight to the heart3 @/t -it ha$ years of *ractice at hi$ing her $ee*er feelings fro% hi%3 She ./st stare$ at hi% +itho/t reacting at all' e5ce*t for the s/$$en +hiteness of her face3 The stare got to hi%3 4e felt li2e a fool3 8t +asn7t a feeling he *artic/larly en.oye$' es*ecially +ith Dane an$ Tess stan$ing there trying not to la/gh3 :87ll get 0ac2 to %y office' then': he sai$3 :1et %e ha e the 0ill +hen yo/ fin$ %y %other' Dane': he a$$e$ as he t/rne$3 4e $i$n7t loo2 at -it' either3 -it st/c2 her f/ll lo+er li* o/t as she glare$ after his 0roa$ 0ac23 4e +as as 0ig as a ho/se' she tho/ght irrita0ly3 #ll %/scle an$ te%*er3 8f only he7$ tri* on his +ay thro/gh the $oor, :8f loo2s co/l$ 2ill': Tess %/r%/re$ $ryly3 :<o/ co/l$n7t 2ill hi% +ith a loo2': -it sai$ +earily3 :8t +o/l$ ta2e a 0o%03 #n$ e en that +o/l$n7t h/rt hi% if it hit hi% in the hea$,: she sho/te$ after hi%3 4e $i$n7t react at all' +hich only %a$e her %a$$er3 The $oor close$ 0ehin$ hi% +ith a th/%*3 :8n all the years yo/ an$ Tess ha e 0een frien$s' 87 e ne er seen yo/ lose yo/r te%*er /ntil 1ogan fire$ yo/': Dane re%ar2e$3 :8 tho/ght yo/ +orshi*e$ yo/r 0oss3: :4is feet %elte$': she gr/%0le$3 :What $o yo/ +ant %e to $o this afternoon' 0oss;: she as2e$ 0rightly' changing the s/0.ect3 :<o/ hear$ +hat 8 tol$ 1ogan3 Ein$ Tansy3: She groane$3 :@/t Mrs3 De erell $isa**ears +itho/t a trace at least t+o ti%es a %onth': she *roteste$3 :She al+ays t/rns /*3:

:As/ally in the hos*ital or in .ail': he re%in$e$ her' ch/c2ling3 :1ogan7s %other is a $ye$-in-the-+ool tro/0le%a2er +ith a fatal !hiloso*hy of life3: :<es3 78f it feels goo$' $o it'7: Tess 9/ote$3 :The agency stays sol ent 0eca/se of Tansy7s +an$erl/st3: :1ast ti%e she +as %issing' she starte$ a riot in 6e+*ort 6e+s' Cirginia' clai%ing to ha e 0een 2i$na**e$ 0y a flying sa/cer': Dane recalle$3 :We 0aile$ her o/t of a sanitari/%3: 4e la/ghe$3 :Tansy ./st li2es to start tro/0le3 She7s no l/natic3: :Most se enty-year-ol$ +o%en ha e the goo$ sense to stay ho%e3 Tansy is a renega$e3 #n$ she %ay not 0e a l/natic' 0/t she $oes act li2e one': Tess sai$3 :Di$n7t she go sail0oar$ing in Mia%i year 0efore last an$ *ic2 /* so%e %i$$le-eastern *otentate +ho +ante$ her to .oin his hare%;: :<es3 #n$ +e ha$ to *ractically 2i$na* her to get her a+ay fro% hi%' to Tansy7s $is%ay3 @/t as they so%eti%es say' all the +rong *eo*le are loc2e$ /*3 Tansy is a 0reath of fresh air3 # totally /ninhi0ite$ free so/l3: :4er son isn7t': -it sai$3 :1ogan7s straitlace$3 @/t Christo*her De erell isn7t': Dane sai$3 :Chris is as n/tty as his %other' an$ 0oth of the% lo e to get 1ogan 0ehin$ the eight 0all3: :8n other +or$s': Tess sai$' rea$ing her h/s0an$7s %in$' :this co/l$ 0e a $eli0erate $isa**earance3 8f Tansy 2ne+ he7$ fire$ yo/' this %ight 0e her +ay of getting e en3 She $i$ li2e yo/3: :#l+ays': -it agree$' s%iling as she recalle$ ho+ +ell they got along3 She s/s*ecte$ Tansy 2ne+ ho+ she felt a0o/t 1ogan' too3 @/t re%e%0ering it +asn7t going to hel* things' it only %a$e her sa$ for +hat her life +as li2e +itho/t her te%*era%ental 0oss3 She %isse$ the silliest things3 She %isse$ the +ay he s*ille$ coffee on his i%*ortant *a*ers an$ raise$ the roof' yelling for her as if she +as sal ation itself +hen she ca%e r/nning +ith a roll of *a*er to+els3 She %isse$ e enings +hen she acco%*anie$ hi% to $inners3 8t +as /s/ally to ta2e notes' an$ strictly 0/siness' 0/t it felt goo$ to +ear her *rettiest clothes an$ 0e in the co%*any of a %an +ho ha$ a %in$ li2e a steel-tra* an$ still loo2e$ $e astating in a $inner .ac2et3 :-it;: Tess7s 9/ery 0ro/ght her %in$ 0ac2 to the *resent3 :Sorry3 8 +as thin2ing a0o/t +here to start loo2ing for Tansy3: :Call Chris first': Dane s/ggeste$3 :Mean+hile' 87% ta2ing Mrs3 1assiter to l/nch3:

:#ct/ally +e7re ta2ing l/nch to the 0a0y3: Tess ch/c2le$3 :87% still 0reast-fee$ing3 Don7t %in$ if +e7re a little late3 8 hate ha ing to lea e hi% at all $/ring the $ay' e en if he is fi e %onths ol$3: :8 thin2 87$ feel the sa%e +ay': -it sai$3 They left an$ she +atche$ the%' faintly en io/s of the +ay they see%e$ to 0elong together3 She7$ +ante$ that +ith 1ogan De erell' 0/t he +ante$ his sche%ing la$y frien$3 4e +as going to get ta2en to the cleaners' $i$ he 0/t 2no+ it' an$ -it +asn7t going to 0e aro/n$ to %o* hi% /* any%ore3 8f he s*ille$ coffee' or e en tears' so%e0o$y else +o/l$ ha e that chore3 She +asn7t sorry' she tol$ herself' she +asn7t sorry at all3 She +ent to +or2 at once3 4er first call +as' as Dane ha$ s/ggeste$' to Christo*her De erell3 :Mother7s gone again': he sai$ *leasantly3 4e +as only t+enty-se en' ./st t+o years ol$er than -it)0/t eight years yo/nger than 1ogan3 4e an$ -it an$ Tansy +ere li2e a $ifferent generation3 6o0o$y e er tol$ 1ogan that' of co/rse3 :<es' 8 2no+' that7s +hy 87% calling yo/': -it sai$ +ith a s%ile in her tone3 :8 ha e to fin$ her3: :1ogan7s office is a %ess': he sai$3 :1ogan screa%e$ 0loo$y %/r$er for t+o soli$ $ays an$ ref/se$ to hire any0o$y else3: :8 2no+': she sai$3 :8 +as $/e for a change3 8 +as stagnating in that office +ith the sa%e ro/tine $ay in an$ $ay o/t)? :@/ll': Chris sai$3 :<o/ +ere eaten /* +ith .ealo/sy o er the $electa0le Miss Corley3 B ery0o$y 2no+s ho+ yo/ feel a0o/t 1ogan' -it3 B ery0o$y e5ce*t 1ogan3: She $i$n7t 0other to $eny it3 Chris 2ne+ her too +ell3 :4e7s going to %arry her3: :So he says3 4e7ll fin$ her o/t in ti%e' tho/gh3 1ogan7s no fool3 Well' %ost of the ti%e he7s no fool3: :She7s ery *retty3: :So are yo/3: :87% ./st a +al2ing *iece of office f/rnit/re that he *rogra%%e$ to $o his filing an$ ty*ing': -it sai$ sole%nly3 :4e $oesn7t %iss %e3 4e7s alrea$y fo/n$ a re*lace%ent3 Three of the%' in fact3: :Mother fo/n$ hi% the 0est one3 She7s a co/sin of o/rs +ho /se$ to li e in San #ntonio'

an$ she can ty*e3 The other t+o333+ell': he sai$ nonco%%ittally3 :1et7s ./st say that they aren7t 9/ite +hat he ha$ in %in$3 Melo$y' that7s o/r co/sin' is the 0est of the% all' 0/t she can7t s*ell an$ she7s ery ner o/s trying to ans+er the tele*hone3: :8 +o/l$ 0e' too' +ith a glo+ering 0oss *eering $o+n his nose at %e': -it %/ttere$3 :Don7t yo/ ha e other relati es in San #ntonio;: she as2e$' re%e%0ering so%e eile$ references to *eo*le 1ogan $i$n7t e er go an$ isit there3 :D/st B%%ett3 Don7t e er %ention B%%ett to 1ogan': he a$$e$3 :4e has night%ares a0o/t his last isit there3: :8 +on7t see 1ogan to %ention any0o$y to hi%' than2 "o$': she sai$ c/rtly3 :<o/ ho*e3 1ogan isn7t co*ing +ell +itho/t yo/': he sai$ gently3 :4e +on7t a$%it it' 0/t life +itho/t yo/ is li2e going aro/n$ in a 0lin$fol$3: :8 ho*e he tri*s o er a *otte$ *lant an$ goes o/t the +in$o+3: :6a/ghty' na/ghty': he chi$e$3 :Don7t yo/ feel g/ilty' lea ing hi% at the %ercy of an office yo/7re not in;: :6o3 8t7s ti%e he 2ne+ +hat the real +orl$ is li2e': -it sai$3 :Ero% the ti$0its 8 get fro% Melo$y' he %ay try to toss the ne+ rece*tionist o/t a +in$o+ one $ay soon3: :Then 8 ho*e yo/ 2no+ a goo$ la+yer to $efen$ hi%3 87ll 0e a character +itness for the +o%an3 D/st call %e3: :Sha%e on yo/,: 4e la/ghe$3 :8 hate yo/r 0rother3 8 ga e hi% three of the 0est years of %y life an$ he ne er e en notice$ 8 +as aro/n$ /ntil 8 tol$ hi% his ne+ girlfrien$ +as a %iner +ho7$ 0e $igging for gol$ in his hi* *oc2et3: :<o/ sho/l$ ha e tol$ Tansy instea$3 She7$ ha e han$le$ that3: :6o' she +o/l$n7t': -it arg/e$3 :Tansy $oesn7t 0elie e in interfering3 She thin2s *eo*le sho/l$ %a2e their o+n %ista2es3 She7s right' too': she %/ttere$3 :When he loses his ho%e' his car an$ his 0/siness to his heartthro0' 87% going to *hone hi% t+ice a $ay ./st to say 8 tol$ yo/ so,: :@efore or after yo/ offer to ta2e $ictation for free to hel* hi% get 0ac2 on his feet;: She sighe$3 Chris 2ne+ her too +ell3 :Where $o yo/ thin2 Tansy7s gone;:

:To Cenice': he sai$3 :She +as seen 0oar$ing a *lane 0o/n$ for there in Mia%i3: :(2ay3 Which airline;: 4e tol$ her' along +ith the flight n/%0er an$ ti%e of $e*art/re3 She than2e$ hi%' c/tting off the con ersation 0efore he co/l$ say anything else3 She t/rne$ her attention to the tas2 at han$3 She ha$ no ti%e to +allo+ in self-*ity3 Min/tes later' she 2ne+ that Tansy De erell ha$ 0o/ght a tic2et to Cenice3 @/t the +o%an +ho 0oar$e$ the *lane +asn7t Tansy3 Whoe er 1ogan7s c/nning %other ha$ gotten to ta2e her *lace ha$ forgotten to li%* as she +al2e$ $o+n the conco/rse3 Tansy li%*e$ ./st te%*orarily 0eca/se of an acci$ent +hile she +as hang gli$ing3 -it la/ghe$3 She ha$ to 0e a nat/ral' ./st as Dane ha$ sai$3 She +as getting the hang of this in a 0ig +ay3 She +ent 0ac2 to tal2 to the s2i* tracers3 They +ere %asters at the ga%e of in ention to get infor%ation' an$ %ost of the% co/l$ fin$ a nee$le in a haystac2 +ithin fi e %in/tes3 Anfort/nately Tansy +as har$er to fin$ than a nee$le3 They $re+ a 0lan23 :87% sorry': Doris sai$' sha2ing her hea$3 :@/t she7s har$er to fin$ than a +hite 0ear in a sno+stor%3 8f she *ai$ so%eone to ta2e her *lace on that flight' she $i$ it +ith cash3 <o/7ll ha e to fin$ a flight atten$ant to as2 for a $escri*tion' an$ e en then' it +on7t 0e easy3 Those flights to Cenice are /s/ally f/ll3 8n$i i$/al faces are har$ to re%e%0er3: -it co/l$ ha e gro/n$ her teeth3 :What $o 8 $o;: she %oane$3 :Dane +ill fire %e,: :(h' not yet': Doris sai$' s%iling3 :4e ne er fires anyone 0efore Eri$ay3: 7Than2s a lot3: :8 $i$ get yo/ the na%e of a ca0$ri er at the air*ort +ho re%e%0ers an el$erly la$y +ith a li%*3: Doris ch/c2le$' han$ing her a sli* of *a*er3 ><o/ angel,: :6o 2issing': Doris sai$' +ar$ing her off3 :<o/7ll gi e #$a%s i$eas': she a$$e$ +ith a co ert glance at the 0/rly #$a%s' +ho *laying +ith a *en2nife t+o $es2s in front of her3 :There7s not a thing +rong +ith #$a%s': -it sai$' s%iling3 :4e7s a $oll3: #$a%s o erhear$ her an$ *er2e$ /*3 4e got /*' straightening his tie' an$ s%ile$ in -it7s $irection3 :4e has ho%ing instincts3 <o/7ll 0e sorry': Doris sai$ /n$er her 0reath3

:4o+ a0o/t l/nch' -it;: #$a%s $ra+le$ +ith a ho*ef/l s%ile3 :87$ lo e it' #$a%s': she re*lie$' :0/t 8 ha e to go trac2 $o+n a ca0$ri er3 Fain chec2;: 4e 0rightene$3 4e 0l/she$3 6o +o%an in the office ha$ e er offere$ hi% a rain chec23 4e lost ten years an$ his %orose e5*ression3 Doris st/$ie$ hi% +ith rene+e$ interest3 :Fain chec2': he agree$3 Doris toye$ +ith her *en3 :87% not $oing anything for l/nch': she sai$ to herself3 #$a%s tho/ght he %ight ha e a heart attac23 T+o +o%en fo/n$ hi% interesting in less than t+o %in/tes3 May0e his l/c2 +as finally changing3 -it +as *retty' an$ *etite Doris +as a$ora0le' e en +ith salt-an$-*e**er hair an$ glasses3 :4o+ a0o/t a chic2en 0/rger' Doris;: he as2e$ 9/ic2ly3 :87ll 0/y,: Doris 0ea%e$ at hi%3 :87$ lo e that,: -it ease$ o/t the $oor +ith relief an$ $elight3 Doris an$ #$a%s +ere 0oth %i$$le-age$ loners +ith no fa%ily to s*ea2 of3 Why ha$n7t anyone e er tho/ght of tossing the% together; That %a$e her thin2 of sala$s' an$ she re%e%0ere$ that she ha$n7t ha$ any l/nch3 Than2s to 1ogan De erell' she7$ *ro0a0ly star e3 8f she $i$n7t $ie of *ne/%onia fro% stan$ing aro/n$ in +et clothes3 Eirst' she +as going ho%e to change an$ eat a san$+ich3 Then she7$ fin$ that ca00ie3

Chapter Two
-it fo/n$ the ca0$ri er +itho/t great $iffic/lty3 <es' he $i$ re%e%0er an el$erly +o%an +ith a li%*3 4e7$ ta2en her to the 0/s station3 With fer ent than2s' -it r/she$ o er to the 0/s station3 (ne of the tic2et agents re%e%0ere$ a sil er-haire$ +o%an +ith a li%*3 She7$ ta2en a 0/s to San #ntonio3 -it groane$3 She sho/l$n7t ha e ta2en ti%e to change clothes an$ eat l/nch3 @y the ti%e she co/l$ get to San #ntonio' Tansy +o/l$ 0e long gone3 She +ent 0ac2 to the office' $o+ncast an$ gloo%y' to tell Dane +hat she7$ fo/n$ o/t3 :Chris %entione$ a relati e in San #ntonio na%e$ B%%ett' 0/t 8 $on7t 2no+ if he7s got the sa%e last na%e as 1ogan an$ Chris3: @/t Dane only grinne$3 :6o *ro0le%': he sai$3 :87 e got a contact in San #ntonio +ho

o+es %e a fa or3 This +ill 0e a great ti%e to collect3: :Will 8 nee$ to go o/t there;: she as2e$ hesitantly3 :(f co/rse not3 1ogan only +ants to 2no+ +here she is3 We +on7t 0e o0lige$ to follo+ her3 6ot yet' any+ay': he a$$e$ +ith a 2no+ing s%ile3 -it +as gi en a ne+ assign%ent' one +hich +asn7t 9/ite as interesting as trying to fin$ an el$erly nee$le in a haystac23 # %an +ante$ his +ife follo+e$ to see if she +as t+oti%ing hi%3 This +as relati ely easy for -it to $o' es*ecially since the +o%an see%e$ 0ent on a sho**ing s*ree3 Staying a little 0ehin$ the +o%an' -it +as ./st congrat/lating herself on her stealth +hen 1ogan De erell loo%e$ /* in her *ath an$ 0ro/ght her to a stan$still3 >Where is the Da+son file;: he $e%an$e$3 :So%e *ri ate $etecti e yo/ are' yo/ can7t e en */t things in their *ro*er *lace,: -it co/l$ ha e hit hi%3 The +o%an she7$ 0een sha$o+ing co/l$n7t *ossi0ly ha e %isse$ hearing her lo/$ e5-0oss $eno/ncing her3 S/re eno/gh' the +o%an ga e her a startle$ glance an$ $i e$ to+ar$ the nearest ca03 :There' loo2 +hat yo/7 e $one': -it crie$' e5as*erate$3 :87% on a case, 8 +as sha$o+ing a client' for hea en7s sa2e333,: :8 +ant the Da+son file': he sai$3 :6one of those +o/l$-0e secretaries ha e any i$ea ho+ to fin$ it3 <o/7 e got to co%e 0ac2 +ith %e3 87% going to lose %y %ost infl/ential client if yo/ $on7t3: :8 sho/l$ care;: she 0/rst o/t3 4e glo+ere$ $o+n at her3 4is $ar2 eyes narro+e$ +ith irritation3 :<o/7re costing %e ti%e': he %/ttere$' sla%%ing 0ac2 the i%%ac/late +hite c/ff of his shirt so that he co/l$ see the gol$ +atch i%0e$$e$ in the thic2' c/rling 0lac2 hair on his %/sc/lar +rist3 :8 +as on a case': she *ointe$ o/t3 :<o/ hi.ac2e$ %e3 S*ea2ing of hi.ac2ing): 4e +as */lling her along as she s*o2e3 :Can7t yo/ 0e 9/iet for t+o %in/tes r/nning;: he as2e$ con ersationally3 :#ll yo/ nee$ to $o is fin$ a file3 What7s so $iffic/lt a0o/t that;: While she +as trying to for%/late it in +or$s of one sylla0le that he %ight 0e a0le to /n$erstan$' he hel*e$ her into his gray 1incoln3 87% cra=y' that7s +hat 8 a%' -it tho/ght as he got in /n$er the +heel3 4e7s 0lo+n an assign%ent for %e' fire$ %e' h/%iliate$ %e an$ here 8 a% letting hi% lea$ %e to his office to +or2 for hi% on %y o+n ti%e, Well' act/ally' she a$%itte$ it +as on Dane7s

ti%e3 :4a e yo/ fo/n$ %y %other yet;: he as2e$ as he */lle$ a+ay fro% the c/r03 :We7re +or2ing on it': she sai$3 4e coc2e$ a 0/sy eye0ro+3 :8 tho/ght yo/ +ere in charge of the case;: :8 a%3 @/t 8 lost her at the 0/s station3: 4e ch/c2le$3 :My %other +o/l$n7t 0e ca/ght $ea$ on a 0/s3: :She +o/l$ an$ $i$' to esca*e s/r eillance3 Doesn7t she ha e a relati e na%e$ B%%ett in San #ntonio;: she *ersiste$' re%e%0ering only then that Chris ha$ +arne$ her ne er to %ention hi%3 :(h' yes': he sai$ +ith a icio/s glare3 :B%%ett li es in San #ntonio' as near as not3 @/t 8 g/arantee she +o/l$n7t go there3 6o0o$y in the fa%ily +ill go near the *lace3 <o/7$ ha e to 0e o/t of yo/r e er-lo ing %in$ to +ant to go an$ see B%%ett' e en if yo/ +ere hi$ing o/t fro% the *olice,: The %an %/st 0e a holy terror' she tho/ght3 4e +as 1ogan7s co/sin' of co/rse3 !ro0a0ly it ran in the fa%ily3 :Where $oes he li e;: she as2e$' an$ +hi**e$ o/t a *a$ an$ *en3 :8 tol$ yo/' she +o/l$n7t go there,: :4/%or %e3: 4e shr/gge$3 :4is na%e is B3 "3 De erell3: 4e ga e her the a$$ress3 She .otte$ it $o+n an$ st/c2 the *a$ 0ac2 into her */rse3 6o+ she ha$ so%ething concrete to go on3 She felt li2e a real $etecti e3 :<o/ can7t really li2e follo+ing *eo*le aro/n$ for a li ing': he sai$3 4e glance$ at her an$ 0ac2 at the roa$3 :87 e 0o/ght a ne+ co%*/ter for the office3 8t7s got a si5ty %ega0yte har$ $ri e an$ all sorts of soft+are' incl/$ing a /ser-frien$ly +or$ *rocessing *rogra%3 8 0o/ght a laser *rinter' too': he a$$e$3 :#n$ the syste% $oes for%s3: She7$ 0een 0egging for that sort of syste% for o er a year3 4e7$ arg/e$ that it +asn7t necessary an$ he ha$ 0etter +ays to s*en$ his %oney3 :4o+ nice': she sai$3 :Eor yo/r ne+ secretary3 Secretaries' that is': she a$$e$ +ith a s*itef/l s%ile3 :Three' isn7t it;: 4e %a$e a ro/gh so/n$ /n$er his 0reath3 :8 $on7t see +hat yo/r !ro0le% is,: he rage$3

:87 e lost %y te%*er +ith yo/ 0efore3 <o/ ne er +al2e$ o/t on %e,: ><o/ ne er allo+e$ one of yo/r +o%en to treat %e li2e an in$ent/re$ ser ant 0efore': she co/ntere$3 4e shifte$ /nco%forta0ly3 :She as2e$ for a c/* of coffee3: :B5c/se %e': she sai$3 :She $e%an$e$ a c/* of coffee' an$ then thre+ it at %e 0eca/se it +as too strong3 When 8 s/ggeste$ that she %ight li2e to go to the resta/rant on the first floor an$ get a c/* there' she fle+ into a rage an$ calle$ %e se eral na%es that 8 +on7t re*eat3 Then' the %in/te she sa+ yo/ co%ing' she $issol e$ into hel*less tears3: :She sai$ yo/ thre+ the coffee at her': he ret/rne$' narro+ing one eye3 :#n$ yo/ aren7t the %ost e en-te%*ere$ of +o%en3: :(h' 0/t 8 a%' as long as 87% not +ithin half a %ile of yo/': she re*lie$ eno%o/sly3 4e ha$ to stifle a s%ile at the +ay she +as loo2ing at hi%3 4o+ he7$ %isse$ these 0o/ts +ith -it3 The three +o%en he7$ ha$ to hire to re*lace her +ere frightene$ of hi%3 !oor Melo$y +as ho*elessly inti%i$ate$ 0y s*elling' an$ her $istant co/sin 1ogan3 She co/l$ ty*e ery 9/ic2ly' tho/gh' an$ she +as efficient3 4arriet' the tallest of the three' co/l$ file an$ $o *ayroll acco/nts' 0/t she hate$ e eryone in the office an$ s%o2e$ li2e a chi%ney3 Then there +as Margo' +ho s*elle$ li2e a $ictionary an$ +ante$ nothing %ore than to se$/ce hi%3 1ogan' tho/gh' ha$ eyes for no one e5ce*t @etsy' +ho %a$e his 0loo$ r/n hot an$ +il$ thro/gh his eins3 4e $i$n7t +ant to get %arrie$' 0/t it +as the only +ay he +as e er going to *ossess the $electa0le @etsy3 So he7$ gi en in' against his 0etter ./$g%ent' an$ nothing ha$ gone right in his life since he7$ *ro*ose$3 4e +as no nearer to coa5ing @etsy into his 0e$ an$ he7$ lost -it3 #%a=ing' he tho/ght' ho+ e%*ty the +orl$ +as +itho/t -it in it3 4e ha$ no one to tal2 to any%ore3 @etsy har$ly listene$ to hi%' an$ certainly *ai$ %ore attention to +here they +ent an$ +ho they sa+ than +hat they $i$3 :@etsy +as no threat to yo/r .o0': he tol$ her3 :8 $on7t co%0ine %y *ersonal relationshi*s +ith %y 0/siness ones3 8 tho/ght yo/ 2ne+ that3: She 2ne+ that he +as going to %arry @etsy' an$ she co/l$n7t 0ear it3 6ot only +as she losing the only %an she7$ e er lo e$' 0/t she +as losing hi% to a +o%an +ho7$ c/t his heart o/t an$ roast it o er a *ile of 0la=ing h/n$re$-$ollar 0ills3 @etsy +o/l$ ta2e hi% for e ery cent he ha$3 She glance$ o er at hi% c/rio/sly3 4o+' she +on$ere$' co/l$ a %an +ith a 0rain s/ch as his 0e so ter%inally st/*i$ +hen it ca%e to +o%en; :<o/ aren7t going to 0e ha**y +or2ing in a $etecti e agency': he *ersiste$3

:@/t 8 a%': she correcte$3 She s%ile$ s%/gly3 :87% treate$ li2e a *erson there3 When 8 $o so%ething right' 8 get *raise$ for it3 When 8 $o so%ething +rong': she a$$e$ +ith a %eaningf/l loo2' :no0o$y rages at %e in $isg/sting lang/age an$ threatens to fee$ %e %y han$0ag3: :4o+ 0oring3: She s%othere$ a la/gh an$ loo2e$ a+ay3 :<o/ %iss %e' $a%n yo/': he %/r%/re$' s%iling at her a erte$ face3 :(/r $aily 0attles 2e*t yo/ going +hen nothing else $i$3 <o/ lo e$ trying to get one /* on %e3 Fe%e%0er the $ay the @ra=ilian 0/siness%en ca%e to the office an$ yo/ s*ent thirty %in/tes trying to s*ea2 S*anish to the%;: :<o/ tol$ %e they s*o2e it3: :<o/ sho/l$ ha e 2no+n that the national lang/age of @ra=il is !ort/g/ese3 #ny+ay' yo/ got e en3: :8n$ee$ 8 $i$': she recalle$ +ith a grin3 :8 0orro+e$ one of the girls fro% the secretarial *ool +ho s*o2e no Bnglish an$ sent her in to ta2e $ictation fro% yo/ +hile 8 too2 a t+oho/r l/nch 0rea23: :8 al%ost 0ro2e yo/r nec2': he sai$ shortly3 :She sat there an$ no$$e$ an$ s%ile$ at %e for thirty %in/tes 0efore 8 reali=e$ that she $i$n7t /n$erstan$ a +or$ 8 sai$3: :The girls in the ne5t office $i$3: She ch/c2le$3 :They sai$ yo/ +ere ery elo9/ent3 8n fact' one of the% +ante$ to ha e yo/ arreste$3: :The goo$ ol$ $ays': he sai$ +istf/lly3 4e glare$ at her3 :6o+ 8 ha e t+o hel*ers +ho get $o+n on their 2nees an$ than2 "o$ +hen 8 lea e the office' an$ a thir$ +ho s*en$s her life trying to 0en$ %e 0ac2 o er %y o+n $es23: :(h' %y': she sai$3 :<o/ %ight *reten$ to 0e sy%*athetic3 8t7s /nco%forta0le to +or2 in that 2in$ of en iron%ent3: >6o+ yo/ 2no+ ho+ +o%en feel': she re*lie$3 4e glare$ at her3 :8 $on7t recall e er chasing yo/ aro/n$ the office or trying to 0en$ yo/ o er a $es2,: More7s the *ity' she +ante$ to say3 @/t she only re*lie$' :6o' sir' yo/ ne er $i$3:

:Do yo/ 2no+' 87 e act/ally tho/ght a0o/t re*orting her for harass%ent;: :8f she %a2es yo/ that /nco%forta0le' +hy not ./st fire her;: :@eca/se she can s*ell' Morris3: 4e e5*lo$e$3 :She can s*ell, That7s so%ething neither of the others can $o,: :<o/ co/l$ as2 the agency to sen$ yo/ so%eone +ith goo$ s*elling s2ills3: >8 $i$'? he re*lie$ tersely3 >They sent %e Margo of the *ee2a0oo 0oso%3: She */t her face in her han$s' 0/t she co/l$n7t ste% the la/ghter3 :Co%e 0ac2': he in ite$ ro/ghly3 :87ll gi e yo/ a raise3 <o/ can ha e a ne+ $es23 87ll fi5 the $a%ne$ +in$o+ that stic2s3: :87% ery te%*te$': she sai$' an$ %eant it3 @/t she7$ ne er 0e a0le to sto%ach @etsy at close range3 :@/t 8 li2e %y ne+ .o0 too %/ch to 9/it no+3: :8 ho*e Dane isn7t assigning yo/ anything $angero/s3: :6o+' see here': she 0egan $efensi ely3 :4ere +e are,: 4e sto**e$ the car' hel*e$ her o/t an$ escorte$ her into the 0/il$ing an$ /* the ele ator to his office3 :6o+': he sai$' o*ening the $oor for her3 :Ein$ that file,: She 0lin2e$ t+ice 0efore she +al2e$ into the l/5/rio/s car*ete$ office3 The s*ot +here @etsy ha$ thro+n coffee at her three +ee2s 0efore +as still there3 6o one ha$ co%e to clean it /*3 The coffee-%a2er +as stan$ing e%*ty an$ ery $irty3 Three $es2s +ere *ile$ high +ith file fol$ers an$ stac2s of corres*on$ence3 Dis2ettes for the co%*/ter +ere lying aro/n$' o/t of their .ac2ets3 (ne of the +o%en ha$ gray hair an$ +as ery tall3 She +as s%o2ing an$ her ashes +ere e ery+here3 #nother +as tal2ing on the tele*hone' a**arently to so%eone %ale3 She s%ile$ at 1ogan an$ $eli0erately leane$ for+ar$ to sho+ her clea age3 :4ello' Margo': -it sai$ s+eetly3 :4i, 4o+ $i$ yo/ 2no+ %y na%e;: the girl re*lie$' an$ s/$$enly +ent 0ac2 to the oice on the other en$ of the line3 :C/te': 1ogan %/ttere$3 -it +al2e$ to+ar$ the thir$ $es2' the only neat one' +here a thir$ +o%an' *lain an$ harasse$-loo2ing' +as fli**ing thro/gh files3

:6ot yet' 87% afrai$': she tol$ 1ogan in an a**rehensi e tone3 She loo2e$ a0o/t t+enty' a co/ntry-loo2ing girl +ith a *atent /lnera0ility in her face' an$ -it felt a s/rge of sy%*athy for her3 :4ere' let %e hel*': -it sai$ 2in$ly3 1aying asi$e her */rse' she 0ent o er the stac2 an$ in secon$s' e5tricate$ the one 1ogan ha$ $e%an$e$3 :4ere3: 4e too2 it an$ glare$ at the yo/ng +o%an3 :4o+ co/l$ 8 2no+ that it +o/l$ 0e file$ /n$er !ortfolios;: she as2e$ *lainti ely3 >8G% ne+333,: :87% -it Morris3: -it intro$/ce$ herself3 :87% Melo$y Cart%an': ca%e the re*ly3 She glance$ to+ar$ 1ogan' +ho +as %a2ing a tele*hone call3 :<o/ /se$ to +or2 here' $i$n7t yo/; 6o +on$er yo/ left, See 4arriet o er there; She7$ sto**e$ s%o2ing for ten years +hen she ca%e to +or2 here3 6o+ she7s gone 0ac23 She7s s%o2ing three *ac2s a $ay' an$ she7s got a 0ottle of Scotch in her $es2,: >8 can /n$erstan$ +hy': -it %/se$3 1ogan' 0/rie$ in his file' ha$n7t notice$ the% $isc/ssing hi%3 :Margo isn7t afrai$ of hi%3 She li2es %en3 Bs*ecially rich ones3 4e has a girlfrien$ an$ she7s terri0le3 She e5*ects /s to sto* e erything an$ +ait on her3 6ot to his face' of co/rse': she %/ttere$3 >She7s s+eetness an$ light the %in/te he +al2s in the $oor3: :6o+ yo/ 2no+ +hy 8 $on7t +or2 here any%ore3: >4e7s %y thir$ co/sin': Melo$y groane$' glancing at hi%3 :4e7s ./st li2e one other terri0le %e%0er of the fa%ily3 8f 87$ ha$ any i$ea he +as li2e this' 87$ ne er ha e let Tansy tal2 %e into this .o03 @/t co%*any 8 +or2e$ for +ent 0/st an$ 8 ./st co/l$n7t 0ear to go to San #ntonio3: She hesitate$3 :87% st/c2 here,: :1isten': -it sai$' raising her oice' :+e7re short one $etecti e at the agency +here 8 +or2333: :Sh/t /*' Morris': 1ogan sai$ %enacingly as he sla%%e$ the tele*hone recei er 0ac2 onto the cra$le3 :<o/ aren7t stealing any of %y *eo*le3: 4e %o e$ a+ay an$ Melo$y groane$3 :See; We7re sla es3 4e o+ns /s, 87ll ne er see %y a*art%ent again333,: >There' there' it +ill 0e all right3 87ll ta2e a fe+ %in/tes an$ e5*lain %y filing syste% to yo/3 Then yo/ +on7t ha e this *ro0le% again3:

Melo$y $a00e$ at her 0ro+n eyes an$ */she$ 0ac2 her thic2' 0lon$-strea2e$ light 0ro+n hair3 8t +as ery long' an$ she ha$ a s+eetly ro/n$e$ face an$ frec2les3 -it li2e$ her at once3 :8 thin2 4arriet carries one of those electrical +ea*ons in her */rse': Melo$y tol$ -it3 :Wo/l$n7t yo/ li2e to 0orro+ it; <o/ co/l$ $o hi% in 0efore yo/ lea e3 8 s+ear to "o$' none of /s +o/l$ e er tell on yo/,: -it ch/c2le$3 :8 0elie e yo/' 0/t he7s really not +orth the sacrifice3 1et7s get to +or23: 8t only too2 thirty %in/tes to teach Melo$y the 0asics of the filing syste%' an$ then -it ga e Melo$y her tele*hone n/%0er for f/t/re e%ergencies3 :4e $oesn7t li2e yo/ to 2no+ it': -it a$$e$' :0/t there7s a s%o2eless ashtray in the closet3 T+o of the%' in fact3 4e /se$ to s%o2e cigars3: :4e $oesn7t s%o2e cigars any %ore3: :8 2no+3: :4e s%o2es cigarettes no+3 Thin 0ro+n ones3: :Mari./ana;: -it e5clai%e$3 Melo$y la/ghe$3 :(h' no3 Those little cigars' +hat $o they call the%; Cigarillos' 8 thin2,: :6ot in here' 8 ho*e;: :<es3 @et+een hi% an$ 4arriet' 87% a stretcher case +ith %y sin/ses3: :Ase those ashtrays3: Melo$y 0rightene$3 :8f 8 s/ggest it' %ay0e he7ll fire %e,: :<o/ nee$n7t loo2 so o*ti%istic3 6o+ that yo/ 2no+ %y filing syste%' yo/7re +orth yo/r +eight in r/0ies3: :Drat,: :8f yo/ can 0eco%e an ace s*eller' he7ll get ri$ of Margo': she +his*ere$3 Melo$y7s eyes t+in2le$3 :87ll hire a t/tor,: :"oo$ l/c2,: -it +al2e$ into 1ogan7s office as she ha$ for the *ast three years' +itho/t 2noc2ing3 @/t she reali=e$ at once that she7$ %a$e a %ista2e3

So%eho+' @etsy %/st ha e gotten into the office +hile she +as occ/*ie$ +ith Melo$y3 @etsy +as there no+' 0lon$ an$ fragile' in 1ogan7s ar%s3 The sight of the% that +ay %a$e so%ething $elicate insi$e -it go 0rittle an$ shatter3 1ogan7s $ar2 hea$ 0ent o er that 0right one' his enor%o/s 0o$y sheltering hers' his ar%s co%*elling her against the *o+erf/l length of hi%' his %o/th $e o/ring an$ insistent on the +o%an7s li*s3 4e lifte$ his hea$ a0r/*tly an$ loo2e$ at -it +ith the $esire an$ *hysical ensla e%ent still glittering in his $ar2 eyes3 :Well;: he as2e$ h/s2ily3 -it $i$n7t say a +or$3 She t/rne$ an$ close$ the $oor 0ehin$ her' trying not to re%e%0er the sni$e loo2 on @etsy7s e5/ltant face as she +ent3 That ha$ 0een a set/*3 @etsy 2ne+ ho+ she felt a0o/t 1ogan3 B eryone 2ne+' e5ce*t 1ogan hi%self3 She gathere$ her */rse an$ sai$ a 9/ic2 goo$0ye to Melo$y' *a/sing only to +a e at Margo an$ 4arriet 0efore she +al2e$ to the ele ator3 The st/*i$ con eyance +o/l$ 0e on the 0otto% floor' she %/ttere$ to herself3 She .a00e$ icio/sly at the Do+n 0/tton an$ +as al%ost resigne$ to going $o+n the staircase +hen 1ogan an$ @etsy ca%e along to stan$ 0esi$e her3 :We7ll $ro* yo/ off': 1ogan sai$ carelessly3 :We ha e a l/ncheon a**oint%ent3: -it loo2e$ fro% @etsy' i%%ac/late in a gray sil2 s/it an$ an er%ine coat' to 1ogan in his 0l/e *in-stri*e$ s/it an$ han$%a$e sil2 tie3 <es' they co%*li%ente$ each other3 She7$ 0een li ing in a fool7s *ara$ise to i%agine a %an s/ch as 1ogan +o/l$ e er gi e her a secon$ loo23 She +as a teacher7s $a/ghter +ith no s*ecial 0ea/ty or talents3 4e +as relate$ to royalty so%e+here in his ancestry an$ ha$ go0s of %oney3 She hel$ @etsy in conte%*t for co eting his stat/s an$ +ealth' 0/t he7$ *ro0a0ly thin2 that -it +as eager for it as +ell if she7$ e er te%*te$ hi% $eli0erately as Margo an$ @etsy ha$3 D/st as +ell' she tho/ght' that she7$ 0een allo+e$ to get o/t +hen she $i$3 Soon' she7$ ne er ha e to see 1ogan again3 @etsy +o/l$ %a2e s/re of that3 :8 $o ho*e yo/ ha en7t 0een trying to tell 1ogan any of that silly gossi* a0o/t %e': @etsy $ra+le$ +ith a cool s%ile3 :8 $on7t chase %en for %oney3 8 $on7t ha e to3 8 ha e %oney of %y o+n3: Certainly she $i$3 @ill -ingsley7s %oney3 -it7s 0loo$ ran hot e ery ti%e she tho/ght a0o/t the *oor' 2in$ ol$ %an3 4e %/st ha e 0een easy *ic2ings in$ee$ for this 0lon$ toa$3 #n$ here +as 1ogan' +aiting in line to 0e ne5t3

:So%e +o%en $o chase %en for %oney' tho/gh': -it sai$ 9/ietly3 She st/$ie$ the other +o%an +ith col$ c/riosity3 :(ne of %y neigh0ors +as chase$ after he +on a lottery3 4is na%e +as @ill -ingsley3: @etsy7s face +hitene$3 She a erte$ it3 :87% afrai$ 8 $on7t 2no+ anyone 0y that na%e3: :Well' yo/ +o/l$n7t': -it sai$ easily3 :4e /se$ to li e in %y a*art%ent 0/il$ing' a0o/t the ti%e he +on the s%all lottery3: ><o/ sai$ he $i$ li e in yo/r 0/il$ing; 8 s/**ose he left +hen he +on the %oney;: @etsy as2e$ +ith ass/%e$ *oliteness' 0/t an /n$erlying ner o/sness that +as isi0le3 :4e left' all right3 The lottery +asn7t too %/ch' 0/t it +as %ore than he7$ e er ha$3 When he fo/n$ o/t' he cele0rate$ 0y 0/ying $rin2s for e eryone at the 0ar aro/n$ the corner3 That +as +here he %et a yo/ng +o%an +ho starte$ 0eing nice to hi% an$ let hi% ta2e her aro/n$3 She +as yo/ng an$ *retty an$ he +as a lonely ol$ %an +ith no fa%ily3 4e fell in lo e +ith her3 She re*ai$ hi% for his 2in$ness 0y ta2ing hi% for e ery *enny he ha$3 She e en %anage$ to cost hi% his sa ings3 #fter she left' he co/l$n7t 0elie e he7$ 0een s/ch a fool3 4e si%*ly co/l$n7t li e +ith it3 4e co%%itte$ s/ici$e3: -it shoo2 her hea$' her eyes ne er lea ing @etsy7s *a*er-+hite face3 :8f 8 +ere that +o%an' 87$ cho2e on %y o+n gree$3 #n$ 87$ $eser e to3: :6one of that has anything to $o +ith @etsy,: 1ogan sai$ angrily3 :6o' of co/rse not': -it re*lie$' s%iling at hi%3 :Di$ 8 say that it ha$;: :8t7s all right' 1ogan': @etsy sai$' ha ing regaine$ her co%*os/re if not her color3 :<o/ an$ 8 ha e so %/ch' an$ *oor -it has nothing3 6ot e en a %an7s lo e3: To/che' -it tho/ght3 @etsy ga e her a s%ile that +o/l$ ha e c/rle$ leather3 :Where can +e $ro* yo/' $ear;: @etsy */rre$3 :8 +o/l$n7t +ant to ta2e yo/ o/t of yo/r +ay3 87ll ./st *o* onto a 0/s $o+nstairs3 Do ha e a lo ely l/nch3 Ta' ta3: -it s%ile$ an$ +alt=e$ to the staircase3 :Morris' co%e 0ac2 here333,: She ignore$ the $e%an$ an$ 2e*t going3 She +as sha2ing insi$e +ith rage at @etsy7s 0latant *layacting3 The +o%an +as as g/ilty as sin an$ felt no re%orse at all3 She +as going to c/t 1ogan /* ./st the +ay she7$ c/t /* -ingsley3 #n$ ho+ +as -it going to sto* her; 8n 1ogan7s eyes' @etsy co/l$ $o no +rong3 @/t there ha$ to 0e a +ay to sto* @etsy an$ sa e hi% in ti%e, She +orrie$ the 9/estion all the +ay 0ac2 to the office' +here she ha$ to e5*lain to Dane +hat ha$ ha**ene$3

:87% sorry': Dane a*ologi=e$ +hen he co/l$ finally sto* la/ghing3 :@/t that7s s/ch a $an$y little tale333: :8t7s the tr/th,: -it thre+ /* her han$s3 :4e7s %y ne%esis' 8 tell yo/, #n$ one of his ery o+n e%*loyees)his thir$ co/sin' in fact,)offere$ %e an electrical $e ice an$ sai$ she7$ s+ear 8 +as innocent if 87$ ./st 0/%* hi% off for the%,: :-it' are yo/ s/re yo/7 e $one the right thing to lea e an office li2e that;: he as2e$ her3 :1ogan is ne er going to 0e the sa%e again3: :"oo$3 8 ho*e Margo gets hi% *regnant3: :Sto* that,: 4e leane$ for+ar$ an$ *ic2e$ /* a note*a$' +hi**ing off a sheet3 :Well 8 can sol e yo/r *ro0le%s for a $ay or so3 Ta2e this3: :What is it;: she %/r%/re$' rea$ing a street a$$ress3 :B%%ett7s a$$ress3 "et on the ne5t flight to San #ntonio an$ follo+ these $irections3 They sho/l$ lea$ yo/ right to Tansy De -erell3: :4allel/.ah, 87ll 2i$na* her an$ sen$ 1ogan a ranso% note3333: :6ot +hile yo/7re on %y *ayroll' *lease3: :8t +as ./st a tho/ght3: She fol$e$ the note3 :87% sorry a0o/t losing the la$y 8 +as trailing for yo/3: :That +as har$ly yo/r fa/lt3 8t7s o2ay3: She shr/gge$' fingering the note3 :8 see% to get in $ee*er all the ti%e3 8 ha$ a neigh0or +ho @etsy Corley too2 for e erything he ha$3: She loo2e$ /*3 :She7ll $o that to 1ogan' yo/ 2no+3 4e7s so 0esotte$ he +on7t 0elie e a 0a$ thing a0o/t her3 She7ll lea$ hi% right to the sla/ghter an$ %a2e hi% thin2 he7s hea en-0o/n$3 D/st li2e she $i$ *oor ol$ @ill3: :<o/ $on7t gi e 1ogan cre$it for ha ing %/ch sense' $o yo/;: he as2e$ gently3 She shr/gge$3 >4o+ can 8; #fter all' he sacrifice$ three years of loyal' sla ish $e otion an$ a$oration o er a c/* of s*ille$ coffee' $i$n7t he;: :4e +as an i$iot there': Dane ha$ to agree3 :87% sorry yo/7 e ha$ s/ch a ro/gh $eal3 May0e this .o0 +ill o*en ne+ $oors for yo/3: She s%ile$3 :May0e it +ill3 Do yo/ 2no+ any %ore a0o/t this a$$ress 0esi$es its location;:

:D/st that Tansy7s ne*he+ is so%ething of a hell-raiser3 4e an$ Tansy sho/l$ get along ./st fine3: :#nother Chris': she sai$' sha2ing her hea$3 :Well333not e5actly': he re*lie$ slo+ly3 :6e er %in$' ./st go o/t there an$ fin$ o/t3 #n$' if yo/ get in tro/0le or ha e any *ro0le%s' any at all' ./st *hone here an$ 87ll $e%an$ that yo/ co%e right ho%e to +or2 on another case3 (2ay;: That so/n$e$ ery %/ch as if he +ere 2ee*ing so%ething fro% her3 She +on$ere$ +hat3 4er eye0ro+s lifte$3 :6o+ 87% intrig/e$3: :<o/ +ill 0e3 That7s a *ro%ise3: 4e ch/c2le$3 :Ero% +hat +e ferrete$ o/t' intrig/e$ is an /n$erstate%ent for +hat %ost *eo*le thin2 +hen they %eet B%%ett: She */t a han$ on her hi*3 :B%%ett;: :Well' %ost *eo*le $on7t call hi% that if they +ant to stay o/t of e%ergency roo%s3 @etter %a2e it Mr3 De erell /ntil yo/ 2no+ hi%3: :Sho/l$ 8 in est in one of those electrical $e ices333;: :Doris +ill ha e yo/r tic2et3: :<es' sir3: She sal/te$ an$ +al2e$ o/t3 S/re eno/gh' Doris +as +a ing it at her +hen she a**roache$3 #$a%s +as near0y' grinning3 :Don7t get in ol e$ +ith the nati es': Doris tol$ her3 :Those San #ntonio %en are torna$oes +hen yo/ get the% +o/n$ /*3: :87ll try to re%e%0er that3 See yo/ +hen 8 can3 "oo$0ye' #$a%s': she a$$e$' +a ing at hi% an$ s%iling3 #$a%s see%e$ to gain height an$ %asc/line 0ea/ty as he grinne$ 0ac23 :4an$s off': Doris +his*ere$3 :4e7s all %ine3: She sai$ it ./st lo/$ eno/gh that #$a%s co/l$ hear it' +hich %a$e his s%ile e en 0roa$er3 :"oo$ l/c2': she +his*ere$ 0ac2 to Doris3 #n$ +ith a +a e of her han$' she +ent to get the necessary things o/t of her $es2 0efore she left for her tri*3 San #ntonio +as 0ig3 8t 0oaste$ a %illion in *o*/lation an$ so%e of the %ost interesting things to see an$ $o in the co/ntry' incl/$ing the #la%o an$ the !aseo Del Fio3 @efore she +ent searching for the a$$ress an$ $irections in her */rse' she chec2e$ into the nearest hotel an$ too2 ti%e to get a 0ite of l/nch an$ rest3

Then she got into her rental car an$ set o/t for the a$$ress Dane ha$ gi en her3 8t +as on the so/theastern si$e of to+n' an$ not in a s/0$i ision3 8n fact' the a$$ress +as so%ething of a ranch' co%*lete +ith oil +ells */%*ing in the *ast/res an$ +hite fences all aro/n$3 Fe$-coate$ cattle gra=e$ in thic2ets of %es9/ite' *ast flatlan$ that ha$ *atches of *ric2ly *ear cact/s to hall%ar2 it3 She loo2e$ at the a$$ress a secon$ ti%e to 0e s/re' 0/t there it +as3 6o one ha$ e er sai$ that the De erells ha$ a cattle-raising relati e o/t here in Te5as3 #s she $ro e across the cattle grate an$ $o+n the long' +in$ing $irt $ri e+ay to the elegant t+o-story Cictorian ho/se in the $istance' she +as s/$$enly assaile$ 0y three +ar-*ainte$ 0/c2s2in-cla$ %i$gets +ith 0o+s an$ arro+s an$ chic2en-feather +ar0onnets3 >4ol$ it right there' *alefacette': one of the% $ra+le$ :<o/7re o/r ca*ti e3: She sho/l$n7t ha e sto**e$' she s/**ose$' 0/t they7$ loo2e$ so c/te, 6o+ they loo2e$ %enacing an$ ferocio/s)if yo/ co/l$ call gra%%ar school 2i$s $angero/s3 They all loo2e$ li2e 0oys' 0/t one of the% t/rne$ o/t to 0e a girl3 They *ile$ into the 0ac2 seat an$ co%%an$e$ -it to $ri e3 :We7re the De erell gang': the s*o2es*erson sai$3 :87% "/y3 That7s !ol23 She7s #%y3: :<es' +e7re the reason o/r $a$$y can7t get %arrie$3: !ol2 *i*e$ /*3 :We7re sa ages' li2e o/r l/s333illl333/s333: :8ll/strio/s': #%y sai$ for hi%3 :Than2s, 8ll/strio/s ancestors' that is': !ol2 contin/e$3 :They +ere Co%anches,: #%y +his*ere$3 :(ne of the%' #%y' only one': !ol2 %/ttere$' :an$ she +as o/r three-ti%es greatgran$%other3 Eor hea en7s sa2e333,: :<o/ sai$ +e +ere 8n$ians': #%y *ersiste$3 :That7s +hy +e7re +earing these silly cost/%es,: :8t7s Than2sgi ing in t+o $ays': ca%e the re*ly fro% the s*o2es%an' "/y3 :#n$ +e7re in a school *lay to%orro+' +hich is Mon$ay' so +e7re rehearsing3: :We7re going to 2i$na* the *rinci*al' Mr3 Deere' an$ hol$ hi% for ranso%,:

8 li2e these 2i$s' -it tho/ght3 They7re %y 2in$ of *eo*le3 8 +on$er if they 2no+ anything a0o/t 2i$na**ing financial e5*erts; :Sto* here': "/y sai$3 :#n$ $on7t try anything f/nny' *ilgri%3: #%y leane$ to+ar$ hi%3 :!ilgri%ette': she correcte$3 #s Dohn Wayne i%*ersonations +ent' it left a lot to 0e $esire$' 0/t it +asn7t too 0a$' consi$ering3 S%othering a la/gh' -it got o/t of the car an$ raise$ her han$s as three ferocio/s 6ati e #%ericans +ith 0o+s raise$ her$e$ her to+ar$ the *orch an$ the front $oor3 :-noc2,: "/y sai$3 She $i$3 There +as the %/ffle$' 9/ic2 an$ hea y so/n$ of footste*s a**roaching an$ a $ee* oice as2ing so%e 2in$ of 9/estion3 The $oor o*ene$' an$ -it loo2e$ /*' +ay /*' to a %/sc/lar .ean-cla$ 0o$y into the *alest green eyes in the %ost /n+elco%ing $ar2ly tanne$ face she7$ e er seen in her life3 :Well' 87ll 0e $a%ne$': he %/r%/re$ tho/ghtf/lly' glancing at his 0roo$3 :#nother ca*ti e, @ring her in' 0oys' an$ +e7ll 0/il$ a nice +ar% fire3: The last thing -it sa+ 0efore she hit the floor +as the s/r*rise that %o%entarily softene$ those fierce feat/res3

Chapter Three
-at o*ene$ her eyes an$ there +as that lean' $ar2 face again3 White teeth glea%e$ in it3 "reen eyes glittere$ h/%oro/sly in it3 >Welco%e 0ac2': a $ee* oice sai$3 :<o/ can7t 0/rn %e at the sta2e': -it sai$ in a r/sh3 :@eg *ar$on;: :Mo e' B%%ett': an el$erly oice sai$ stri$ently3 :Don7t 0e a0s/r$' -it': Tansy De erell ch/c2le$' :of co/rse he isn7t going to 0/rn yo/ at the sta2e3 8 tell yo/' B%%ett' these chil$ren are e en +orse than yo/ +ere at their ages, <o/7 e got to $o so%ething a0o/t the%,: :<o/ +ant /s to go a+ay' $on7t yo/;: "/y as2e$ 0elligerently3 :Well' +e +on7t, This is o/r ho/se' an$ +e can stay here if +e +ant3 Tell her' Da$3:

:8 can7t arg/e +ith the 0oy3 1oo2' he7s ar%e$': B%%ett sai$ reasona0ly' gest/ring to+ar$ the 0o+ "/y +as hol$ing3 :<o/7re his father,: Tansy rage$3 B%%ett fro+ne$ an$ loo2e$ at "/y an$ then at !ol2 an$ finally at #%y3 :That7s +hat their %other sai$3: 4e sighe$3 :8 g/ess they $o loo2 li2e %e3 1a$y' are yo/ all right;: he as2e$' re%e%0ering -it' +ho +as sitting /* $i==ily3 :<es' 87% ./st getting o er the shoc23 8t isn7t e ery $ay yo/ get ca*t/re$ 0y a 0an$ of 8n$ians an$ threatene$ +ith the sta2e3: :#+' gee' la$y' +e +o/l$n7t ha e 0/rne$ yo/': !ol2 sai$3 :8t7s a lot of +or2 to c/t that %/ch +oo$3: -it stare$ at hi% 0lan2ly3 :Why $i$ yo/ faint;: Tansy as2e$ c/rtly' her 0l/e eyes so%0er in a lo ely co%*le5ion that ha$n7t age$' +ith a fra%e of 0ea/tif/lly groo%e$ sil er hair3 :4as %y son gotten yo/ in tro/0le;: she a$$e$ angrily3 :87% not *regnant': -it %/ttere$3 :#n$ if 8 +as' it +o/l$ %a2e 0iological history3 <o/r son is %/ch too 0/sy getting hi%self %arrie$ to one of the +orl$7s *ri%e gol$ $iggers3: :<es' 8 2no+': Tansy sai$ +istf/lly3 :4e +o/l$n7t listen to %e' either3 87% sorry he fire$ yo/' -it3 4e7ll 0e sorry' too3: :6o' he +on7t3 4e re*lace$ %e3: She grinne$ at Tansy3 :8t only too2 hi% three +o%en to $o it3 (ne can $o *ayroll an$ filing' 0/t she carries an electric +ea*on an$ s%o2es li2e a f/rnace3 (ne can s*ell' 0/t she7s trying to se$/ce hi%3 #n$ the thir$ one co/l$ $o all three if she +asn7t scare$ to $eath of hi%3 She7s nice3: :That +o/l$ 0e Melo$y': Tansy sai$' an$ 0it her tong/e at the 9/ic2' al%ost iolent loo2 B%%ett ga e her3 :Melo$y;: he as2e$ slo+ly3 :Melo$y Cart%an;: :<es' that7s her na%e': -it sai$' too sha2en to notice the /n$erc/rrents3 :8f the s%o2e $oesn7t 2ill her' she %ight +or2 o/t to 0e his right han$ so%e$ay3: :8 hate cigarettes': Tansy sai$ +ith a *ointe$ loo2 at B%%ett3 :Cigarettes are a c/rse': he agree$3 Then he shr/gge$ off his 0a$ %oo$' grinne$' */lle$ one o/t of his *oc2et an$ lit it' $aring the onloo2ers to say a +or$3 >(2ay' Da$3 <o/ as2e$ for it': "/y %/ttere$3 4e +hi**e$ aro/n$ to his 0ac2' */lle$ a

+ater *istol' an$ 9/ic2ly e5ting/ishe$ the glo+ing ti*3 B%%ett stare$ at it +ith a forlorn sigh an$ $ro**e$ it3 :Da%n3 That +as %y last one3: :#n$ $on7t try that again' *artner': "/y sai$ fir%ly' t+irling the +ater *istol 0ac2 into his *oc2et +hile his si0lings a**la/$e$ lo/$ly3 4e grinne$ at -it3 :4ey' la$y' +ant to co%e h/nting ra00its +ith /s;: :6o' than2s' 8 feel a 0it en$angere$ right no+3: :We +o/l$n7t ha e a *ost to tie yo/ to o/t in the 0r/sh': :@/t there7s the 0r/sh itself': #%y %/se$3 :8t7s ery $ry' an$ 8 got one of B%%ett7s ol$ lighters333: :Will yo/ sto* calling %e B%%ett;: he %/ttere$ at his chil$3 :87% yo/r father3 Sho+ a little res*ect3: :<es' B%%ett': #%y sai$ *olitely' */lling the lighter o/t of her *oc2et3 She flashe$ it an$ B%%ett gra00e$ it3 :6ot any%ore' yo/ $on7t': he sai$3 :Scat' yo/ ar%ints, #n$ $on7t 0ring 0ac2 any rattlers this ti%e,: They sca%*ere$ o/t' giggling an$ %/r%/ring a%ong the%sel es +hile -it ca/ght her 0reath3 >6o0o$y in the fa%ily e er co%es here'? Tansy sai$ as she an$ B%%ett hel*e$ -it /*3 :Can yo/ g/ess +hy;: she a$$e$ +ith a *ointe$ glare at B%%ett3 >8 co/l$ *ro0a0ly %a2e a sta0 at it'? -it %/se$3 :4e7s s*oile$ the% rotten3 They $on7t $o anything they $on7t +ant to3 The only e5ce*tion he %a$e +as school3 4e insiste$ that they get e$/cate$3: :So 8 +on7t ha e to s/**ort the% for the rest of %y life'? B%%ett e5*laine$3 4e loo2e$ $o+n at -it an$ %eas/re$ her +ith his glittering green eyes3 :4o+ $o yo/ feel a0o/t 0rief engage%ents; We co/l$ get %arrie$ right after l/nch3: -it stare$ at hi%3 :What;: :8 g/ess yo/7re one of those girls +ho 0elie e in long engage%ents' aren7t yo/; (2ay3 We can +ait /ntil to%orro+ to get %arrie$' then3: :4e $oes this all the ti%e': Tansy sai$ sa$ly' sha2ing her hea$3 :!ay hi% no attention3: :That7s the tro/0le' no0o$y $oes,: B%%ett sai$ in e5as*eration' thro+ing /* his han$s3

:87 e 0een t/rne$ $o+n fi e ti%es in one %onth3: 4e narro+e$ one eye' an$ glance$ at -it3 :May0e %y l/c27s changing' tho/gh3 <o/7re not 0a$ on the eyes an$ yo/ can ty*e3 <o/ co/l$ han$le those 2i$s an$ hel* %e o/t in the office' too3 We co/l$ 0e a ranching fa%ily3 Thin2 of it': he sai$ +ith a glea% in his eyes' :+e co/l$ fo/n$ a $ynasty here3 Se eral %ore 2i$s an$ a fe+ goo$ 0/lls333: :Wait a %in/te' *lease': -it sai$' */tting o/t a han$3 :8 ha e ./st a oi$e$ 0eco%ing a h/%an sacrifice once to$ay3 <o/ really +ill ha e to see2 a so/l %ate else+here3 8 ha e it in %in$ to 0eco%e the fe%ale Charlie Chan3: :#nother *ri ate eye3: 4e shoo2 his hea$3 :What is it +ith yo/ +o%en an$ trench coats; We ha$ a fe%ale *ri ate eye $o+n here ./st a co/*le of %onths ago' loo2ing for a %issing +o%an3: 4e glance$ to+ar$ the $oor3 >Those 2i$s again3 They na00e$ her at a rest sto* an$ tie$ her to a tree3 "oo$ thing the fire attracte$ attention fro% the high+ay3: -it $i$n7t $are as2 any %ore3 She si%*ly stoo$ an$ stare$ at hi% as if she $o/0te$ his sanity an$ her o+n3 >Do yo/ often sen$ yo/r chil$ren o/t to hi.ac2 *ros*ecti e 0ri$es' Mr3 De erell;: 7They +on7t go at all if 8 $on7t *ay the%' the %ercenary little $e ils': he tol$ her o/trageo/sly3 :They say 87% too chea* to get a really goo$ +o%an3 8 $on7t 2no+' tho/gh' yo/7re *retty easy on the eyes3 4o+ a0o/t it; 87 e got all %y o+n teeth3: 4e grinne$ to sho+ the%3 :Than2 yo/' 0/t 8 $on7t +ant to %arry yo/3: :(f co/rse not3 <o/ $on7t 2no+ %e yet3 87ll co/rt yo/ o er 0ar0ec/e$ ri0s3: 4e fro+ne$3 :<o/ $o li2e 0ar0ec/e; 8 si%*ly co/l$n7t %arry a +o%an +ho $i$n7t3: She ch/c2le$ at the sheer a0s/r$ity of it3 :<es' 8 li2e 0ar0ec/e3: :<o/ can7t %arry her': Tansy sai$ fir%ly3 :87 e got her all sta2e$ o/t for %y son3: :8 $on7t li2e Chris that %/ch': -it sai$ $e%/rely3 :<o/ 2no+ 8 +asn7t tal2ing a0o/t Chris': Tansy %/r%/re$3 :4e li2es the 0ea/teo/s @etsy': ca%e the terse re*ly3 :B5c/se %e' 0/t the t+o of yo/ are tal2ing a0o/t Co/sin 1ogan' aren7t yo/;: B%%ett as2e$3 :What7s he gotten hi%self into this ti%e;: Tansy tol$ hi% +hile -it listene$3 B%%ett shoo2 his hea$3 :8t r/ns in the fa%ily3 #ll /s De erells are fools +hen it co%es to +o%en3 1oo2 at %e3 My e5-+ife co/l$n7t +ait to %arry %e so +e co/l$ ha e 2i$s3 @/t

+hen +e starte$ ha ing the%' she got tire$ of it' so she ran off +ith a $a%ne$ %echanic3: 4is eyes narro+e$ +ith feeling3 :"o fig/re3: >Di$n7t yo/r +ife e er +ant to co%e 0ac2;: -it as2e$3 4e shr/gge$3 :She calle$ a +hile 0ac2' 0/t 8 lost the tele*hone n/%0er3 8t7s ./st as +ell': he a$$e$' for an instant' there +as so%ething not at all easygoing in the glint of his green eyes3 :She got tire$ of the 2i$s333"o$,: :There are +o%en in the +orl$ +ho ./st aren7t c/t o/t for %otherhoo$' B%%ett': Tansy sai$3 :There are others +ho +o/l$ lo e yo/r 0roo$3 (r at least there +o/l$ 0e' if yo/r horri0le re*/tation $i$n7t *rece$e yo/3 6o0o$y +ill co%e near the *lace 0eca/se of those 2i$s' an$ yo/7 e enco/rage$ the% in a %ost /nfatherly +ay to 0e hooligans3: :Straitlace$ 2i$s ne er ha e any f/n' Tansy3: 4e ch/c2le$3 :8 2no+3 8 +as raise$ in a %ilitary aca$e%y3 8t too2 %e years to sha2e off r/les an$ tra$ition an$ start ha ing f/n3: 4is eyes gre+ +istf/l3 :Do yo/ 2no+' 87 e tree$ %ore 0ars locally than the to+n $r/n2;: :<o/r sins +ill co%e 0ac2 to ha/nt yo/': Tansy *re$icte$3 :6ot 0efore 8 get a %other for those 2i$s': he sai$3 :They7re going to see$3: :<o/ *lante$ the%3: :8 ha e to +or2' $on7t 8;: :8 +o/l$n7t call ri$ing in e ery ro$eo fro% Te5as to Montana necessity3 <o/7re 0rea2ing e ery 0one in yo/r 0o$y one at a ti%e3: :8t ta2es %oney to 2ee* this *lace going3 The *l/%0ing7s half shot3 87ll ha e to 0one /* on %y calf-ro*ing3: :They7$ let yo/ %anage ol$ %an Te$ Fegan7s *lace if yo/7$ as23: :Te$ is only fi e years ol$er than 8 a%3 4e isn7t e en %i$$le-age$3: :B ery0o$y calls hi% ol$ %an Fegan': Tansy sai$3 :8 $on7t 2no+ +hy' e5ce*t that he7s got *re%at/rely sil er hair3 #ny+ay' he7$ let yo/ %anage his *lace' 0/t yo/ ./st +on7t3: :8 $on7t +ant to %o e to 4o/ston3: :Daco0s ille': Tansy correcte$3 >6ot %/ch $ifference3 #n$ ol$ Te$7s ranch is so close to 4o/ston that it co/l$ 0e calle$ a s/0/r03 8 li2e San #ntonio3:

:8t +o/l$ 0e the 0est thing in the +orl$ for the 2i$s': Tansy coa5e$3 >!lenty of fresh air' *iney +oo$s an$ green %ea$o+s' nice *eo*le3: :"irls;: he as2e$' lifting 0oth eye0ro+s3 :6o0o$y is going to %arry yo/ /ntil yo/ ci ili=e those chil$ren': Tansy +arne$3 7That7s +hy 87 e got to get %arrie$3 # %an can7t $o that 2in$ of .o0 alone': he sai$ *lainti ely3 :87% only one *erson' for "o$7s sa2e, They o/tn/%0er %e three to one,: -it ha$ 0een listening 9/ietly3 This %an +as a cross 0et+een Chris an$ 1ogan3 She li2e$ hi%' 0/t there see%e$ to 0e a lot %ore to hi% /n$er the s/rface than +as isi0le a0o e it3 :<o/ co/l$ hire a co%*anion': she 0egan3 4e s+e*t off his +hite Stetson an$ hel$ it against his heart' eyes +i$e an$ star23 :1a$y,: he e5clai%e$3 :8 can7t 0ring that 2in$ of +o%an into %y ho%e,: She 0/rst o/t la/ghing3 :<o/7re as incorrigi0le as Chris,: :4e ta/ght %e e erything 8 2no+': he agree$3 4e *erche$ the Stetson 0ac2 on his hea$3 :<es' 8 s/**ose 8 co/l$ get a n/rse%ai$ for the 2i$s' 0/t they7$ tort/re her to $eath the first night3 She7$ fin$ a sna2e in her 0e$ or a s*i$er in her 0ath' or so%ething e en +orse3 8 can7t $o that to so%e *oor /ns/s*ecting +o%an3 8 $o ha e a ho/se2ee*er' tho/gh' +ho is a+ay on sic2 lea e3: :There are +o%en +ho ha e ha$ s/r i al training': she sai$3 :8 $on7t +ant a $rill sergeant3: :#re yo/ s/re; Thin2 of all the f/n yo/7$ ha e' +atching her 0ring the% into line': Tansy s/ggeste$3 4e consi$ere$ that for a %in/te3 :6o': he sai$ finally' sha2ing his hea$3 :8t +o/l$ 0rea2 their little hearts3: :The +ay they7re hea$ing' they aren7t going to ha e hearts for %/ch longer3 <o/7 e got to $o so%ething' B%%ett,: Tansy sai$3 :6ot right no+3 Tell /s +hy yo/7re here': B%%ett sai$' t/rning to -it3 :87 e co%e to fin$ Tansy3: Tansy7s eyes +i$ene$3 :1ogan again,: :4e +orries3:

:4e7s a $a%ne$ 0/sy0o$y': Tansy %/ttere$3 :My "o$' 8 can7t go on a little 0itty *lane ri$e +itho/t hi% ha ing %e follo+e$ an$ re*orts fille$ o/t on %y co%*anions3 4e7s terrifie$ that 87ll re+rite %y +ill an$ lea e all %y %oney to so%eone7s terrier3: :That7s not tr/e3: -it ch/c2le$3 :4e7s afrai$ yo/7ll en$ /* %arrie$ to so%e t+enty-yearol$ gigolo an$ 2ill hi% +ith sheer e5ha/stion3: :4o+ flattering': the ol$er +o%an sai$ $elighte$ly3 :B%%ett' $o yo/ 2no+ any t+entyyear-ol$ gigolos +e co/l$ try;: :Sha%e on yo/': he sai$ shortly3 :# nice' $ecent +o%an li2e yo/ o/ght to 0e asha%e$ to say a thing li2e that to %e3: :8 $on7t 2no+ +hy not3 1ast year' yo/ +ere r/nning aro/n$ +ith that ro$eo gro/*ie an$ she +as s*en$ing yo/ o/t of 0e$ an$ 0oar$3: :She +as *retty': he arg/e$3 :@/t the 2i$s hate$ her3 Eirst ti%e 8 0ro/ght her o/t here' she +as going to go +al2ing +ith the%3 8 0egge$ her not to' "o$ 2no+s 8 $i$3: 4e shoo2 his hea$3 :1ast ti%e 8 sa+ her' she +as fishtailing her car all o er the roa$ trying to get 0ac2 to the high+ay' an$ those $a%ne$ 2i$s +ere rolling in the $irt la/ghing3: :What $i$ they $o to her;: -it as2e$ c/rio/sly3 :Da%ne$ if 8 2no+': he sai$3 :They ne er +o/l$ tell %e': :<o/7re staying the night' aren7t yo/' -it;: Tansy as2e$3 -it7s eyes +i$ene$3 :Well' no,: she sta%%ere$3 :87 e got a ret/rn tic2et late this afternoon for 4o/ston3: :6o *ro0le%': B%%ett sai$ easily3 :4an$ it o er an$ 87ll get yo/ a flight to%orro+ afternoon3 87ll %a2e 0ar0ec/e an$ serena$e yo/ +ith %y g/itar /n$er a ro%antic Te5as %oon3: :(h' no' not that3 #nything 0/t that,: Tansy +aile$3 :Sh/t /*': he %/ttere$ at her3 :8 too2 lessons3: :Don7t sing3 Tr/st %e': Tansy sai$' 0atting her eyelashes at hi%3 4e let o/t an e5aggerate$ sigh3 :#nother singing career r/ine$ 0y critics3 Well' 87ll *lay for yo/' -it3 -it; What7s it stan$ for;: :8 $on7t 2no+': -it sai$ 9/ietly3 She7$ ne er tal2e$ a0o/t her *arents3 The s/0.ect +as %/ch too *ainf/l' an$ the last *erson she co/l$ tell +as this +il$-eye$ Te5an3 :8 $i$n7t

0ring a 0ag333: :87ll loan yo/ one of %y *a.a%a .ac2ets': B%%ett offere$3 :<o/ can ha e one of %y go+ns' -it': Tansy sai$' el0o+ing a grinning B%%ett o/t of the +ay3 :Will yo/ sto*; 4onestly' anyone +o/l$ thin2 yo/7$ ne er seen a +o%an 0efore,: :Well' 8 ha en7t': he arg/e$3 :6ot li2e this one3 Chris is al+ays ranting a0o/t ho+ nice she is' an$ if yo/ li2e her' that7s a character reference in itself3 She7$ %a2e a *erfect %other for those 2i$s3: :She7s going to %arry 1ogan one $ay3 4e ./st $oesn7t 2no+ it yet3? >8G$ tell hi% fast if 8 +ere yo/' 0y the so/n$s of things3: :8 +o/l$n7t ha e 1ogan on toast,: B%%ett */rse$ his li*s an$ %a$e a +histling so/n$3 :That so/n$s s/s*icio/sly li2e canni0alis%3 S*ea2ing of canni0alis%' $i$ yo/ 2no+ that there7s fossili=e$ e i$ence that 4o%o erect/s +as a canni0al an$ ate his o+n 2in$; There are s%ashe$ 0ones an$ 0/rne$ 0ones in late !leistocene ca%*s333: :"o a+ay,: Tansy +aile$3 :B%%ett' $on7t start on this *oor chil$3 She7s not a *rehistoric c/lt/re a$$ict li2e yo/3: :8 $i$ a co/rse in anthro*ology an$ 8 $i$ %y %inor in *aleontology': B%%ett confesse$3 :Dinosa/r 0ones' that sort of thing3 Di$ yo/ 2no+ that there7s a fossili=e$ lin2 0et+een 0ir$s an$ li=ar$s; # fello+ calle$ archaeo*tery5)? :1ater' later' B%%ett3 6o+ +hat7s this a0o/t @etsy;: Tansy *ersiste$3 B%%ett +atche$ the% +al2 to+ar$ the li ing roo%3 4e co/l$ s/re $o +orse than that s+eet yo/ng thing3 She +as only a0o/t ten years his ./nior an$ the 2i$s ha$ alrea$y ta2en to her3 Eor an instant' he re%e%0ere$ +hat Tansy ha$ sai$ a0o/t 1ogan7s ne+ secretary' an$ his 0loo$ 0egan to 0/rn3 @/t he force$ the tho/ght of Melo$y a+ay3 4e +o/l$n7t ha e to see her' than2 "o$3 4e ne er +ent near 1ogan7s office3 (n the other han$' -it +as right here an$ he li2e$ her a lot3 4e starte$ +histling as he +ent o/t to fee$ the horses in the 0arn3333 :Well' 8 +on7t co%e %ee2ly ho%e +ith yo/ an$ that7s that': Tansy sai$ at s/**er3 ># Christian sho/l$ 0e %ee2': #%y *i*e$ /*3 She an$ the 0oys +ere cleane$ /*' 0/t they still loo2e$ *retty %/ch ali2e3 With her ery short hairc/t' #%y co/l$ ha e *asse$ for a 0oy3

:That7s right': -it sai$' s%iling at the chil$3 #%y s%ile$ 0ac2' an$ +itho/t %ischief3 :<o/7re nice3 #re yo/ going to %arry B%%ett; We ote$' an$ it7s o2ay +ith /s3 <o/7ll ha e to learn the r/les' of co/rse3: :Fight': "/y agree$3 :@e$ti%e is at ele en shar*3 6o car$ *laying on S/n$ay3 When Da$7s got a girl in the li ing roo%' no *ee2ing o er the 0ac2 of the sofa' no %atter +hat sort of noises yo/ hear333: >"/y,? B%%ett e5*lo$e$3 :#n$ %ost of all' if he7s 0een $rin2ing' $on7t get in front of hi% on acco/nt of he %ight fall on yo/': #%y finishe$3 B%%ett */t his han$s o er his face3 :<o/ sho/l$ 0e asha%e$,: Tansy %/ttere$' glancing at hi%3 :Fe*ro0ate, <o/ really are the 0lac2 shee* of the fa%ily3: :4e isn7t 0lac2' #/nt Tansy': !ol2 sai$3 :4e7s $irty3 4e al+ays loo2s li2e that +hen he7s 0een in the 0arn +ith the horses3: -it ha$ to +i*e her %o/th s/$$enly' 0/t o er it her eyes t+in2le$ +ith /nholy glee3 B%%ett loo2e$ /*' an$ the sight of those ery 0l/e eyes in %erri%ent %a$e hi% feel s/$$enly yo/nger3 4e 0lin2e$ an$ 0egan to s%ile3 Ah-oh' -it tho/ght3 She +i*e$ the s%ile off3 4ere +as one co%*lication she co/l$ $o +itho/t3 :<o/7re fighting it' -it3: B%%ett sighe$3 :8 tol$ yo/' yo/ can7t ha e her': Tansy re%in$e$ hi%3 :There are *lenty of +o%en in 4o/ston': he 0egan3 :87 e 0een +or2ing on this one for three years3 Bat yo/r 0ar0ec/e' +hich is rather goo$' 0y the +ay3 Di$ 8 e er tell yo/ a0o/t the F/ssian co/nt 8 %et at Ma5i%7s in !aris the last ti%e 8 +as there;: she a$$e$' +a5ing re%iniscent3 :4e +as one of the last of the Fo%anoffs' an$ he act/ally re%e%0ere$ the siege of the Winter !alace3: B%%ett loo2e$ at the 0ar0ec/e on his for2 an$ 0egan to *ale3 Tansy shot a co ert glance at hi% an$ contin/e$3 :There +ere fires e ery+here3 So%e of the sol$iers +ere thro+n into the%333:

B%%ett */t a han$ o er his %o/th' $ro**e$ his foo$' an$ ran fro% the roo%3 :6o g/ts': "/y sai$ $isg/ste$ly' loo2ing after hi%3 :Disgracef/l3: !ol2 no$$e$3 :Whate er are +e going to $o a0o/t hi%;: #%y sighe$3 :<o/ $i$ it last ti%e': Tansy re%in$e$ the% +hile -it sat' $/%0fo/n$e$3 :@ringing that333that 7not ali e7 thing in here on a $/st*an to sho+ hi%3: :<eah': "/y ch/c2le$3 :4e $i$n7t e en %a2e it to the 0athroo% that ti%e,: :<o/ o/ght to see hi% at the ro$eo if there7s any 0loo$': #%y *i*e$ in3 :4e goes green an$ +hite' all %i5e$ /*' an$ his sto%ach ch/rns3: :B5ce*t if it7s hi% that7s 0lee$ing': "/y *on$ere$3 :Weir$' ain7t it; 6e er 0others hi% if it7s his o+n 0loo$3 #n$ if it7s o/rs' an$ an e%ergency' he7s ne er sic23 @/t so%eti%es yo/ can t/rn hi% green real easy if yo/ tal2 a0o/t so%ething y/c2y3: :What a terri0le +ay to treat yo/r *oor father': Tansy chi$e$ the%3 @/t her eyes +ere t+in2ling3 When B%%ett ca%e 0ac2' his eyes +ere glittering +ith i%%inent retri0/tion3 :"reat 0ar0ec/e' Da$3 We7re going in to +atch that ne+ s/r i al sho+ on the e$/cational channel' o2ay;: "/y 0la00ere$3 4e an$ the others %/r%/re$ e5c/ses an$ ran for it3 :1ittle %onsters,: he calle$ after the%3 :87ll get yo/ for this,: :Why $o yo/ let the% $o it to yo/;: Tansy as2e$3 :<o/ 2no+ it7s ter%inal to sho+ +ea2ness to chil$ren3: :Well' loo2 +ho starte$ it off': he sai$' narro+ing his eyes at Tansy3 :Co/l$n7t resist it': she s*/ttere$3 :<o/ are a case' B%%ett3: 4e *ic2e$ /* his for2 an$ force$ hi%self to eat a 0ite of 0ar0ec/e3 #%a=ingly it staye$ $o+n3 -it listene$ to the con ersation +itho/t ta2ing *art in it3 This %an +as one of the %ore interesting *eo*le she7$ e er %et3 She +on$ere$ +hat +as going to 0eco%e of hi%3 1ogan De erell +as sitting on the $oorste* of the 1assiter Detecti e #gency the %in/te

it o*ene$ the ne5t %orning3 :8 +ant to see -it': he tol$ Dane3 Dane lifte$ 0oth eye0ro+s3 :<o/ can7t3 She7s o/t of to+n r/nning yo/r %other to the gro/n$3: :Where o/t of to+n;: :San #ntonio3: :(h' no, Why in "o$7s na%e $i$ yo/ let her go there;: Dane $i$n7t %o e3 :8t7s only yo/r co/sin' 1ogan3: :6o' he isn7t only %y co/sin' he7s got these three *int-si=e$ assassins an$ they hate +o%en, They7ll 0/rn her at the sta2e3 #n$ if they $on7t' B%%ett +ill ha e her in front of a %inister33387 e got to get o/t there an$ sa e her,: 4e +as gone 0efore the last +or$ hit the air' +ith a shell-shoc2e$ Dane loo2ing after hi%3 Tess ca%e to stan$ 0esi$e hi%' staring to+ar$ the close$ $oor3 :1ogan;: she as2e$3 4e no$$e$3 :Where7$ he go;: :To San #ntonio to sa e -it fro% B%%ett3: She t/rne$ an$ loo2e$ /* at hi%3 :8 0eg yo/r *ar$on;: :8t see%s that B%%ett is in a *er*et/al state of rea$iness to %arry the first a aila0le +o%an' 0/t he can7t get her *ast his three 2i$s3 1ogan7s gone to the resc/e3: :8 tho/ght he +ante$ to fin$ Tansy;: :We $i$3 She7s staying +ith B%%ett3: :#n$ so is -it' 0eca/se she *hone$ last night +ith so%e story a0o/t 0eing hi.ac2e$ 0y +hite 8n$ians an$ narro+ly esca*ing 0eing 0/rne$ at the sta2e3: 4e s%ile$ $o+n at her3 #fter a %in/te' he 0ent an$ 2isse$ her +ith slo+' lingering +ar%th3 :8 nee$ a ery strong c/* of 0lac2 coffee' an$ then yo/ can tell %e that again3 Doin %e;:

She loo*e$ her ar% thro/gh his3 :87$ 0e $elighte$3: The th/n$ero/s 2noc2ing at the front $oor +o2e -it' +ho7$ o ersle*t fro% sheer e5ha/stion3 She an$ Tansy an$ B%%ett ha$ 0een /* ery late3 B%%ett ha$ serena$e$ her3 4is oice grate$ li2e a nail file' 0/t he $i$ *lay the g/itar 9/ite +ell an$ she en.oye$ listening to hi%3 Then they tal2e$ a0o/t ro$eo)+hich +as the *assion of his life)an$ a0o/t his *lans for the f/t/re3 They $i$n7t tal2 a lot a0o/t the 2i$s' +ho +ere caref/lly conceale$ 0ehin$ c/rtains an$ /n$er chairs listening3 They7$ 0een tol$ three ti%es to go to 0e$' 0/t they ne er *ai$ any attention to their father3 #ny+ay' they +ere 0ent on fin$ing o/t e eryone7s o*inion of the%3 The 2noc2ing sto**e$' 0/t it +as follo+e$ 0y a fa%iliar 0ello+3 :Where is she;: 1ogan $e%an$e$3 :What a hell of a ner e' *ractically 0rea2ing into %y ho/se at this /ngo$ly ho/r,: B%%ett %/ttere$3 :H/iet $o+n or 87ll t/rn those 2i$s loose on yo/,: :(h' "o$' not that' anything 0/t that,: 1ogan groane$3 There +ere %/ffle$ giggles $o+n the hall3 :#ny+ay' Tansy7s aslee*3 (r she +as' /ntil yo/ trie$ to 2noc2 the ho/se $o+n aro/n$ o/r ears3: :87% not loo2ing for Tansy3 Where7s -it;: -it7s heart lea*e$ in her chest3 She co/l$n7t 0elie e that he7$ co%e all this +ay for her, 4a$ he seen Tess 1assiter an$ 0eco%e concerne$ +hen he 2ne+ she +as o/t here +ith the olatile San #ntonio De erells; 4a$ he %isse$ her; She sat /* in 0e$' ./st in ti%e for 1ogan to thro+ o*en the $oor an$ confront her3 She +as $resse$ in the concealing flannel go+n Tansy ha$ loane$ her3 :So there yo/ are,: he gro+le$3 :My' +hat a *retty *ict/re3: B%%ett sighe$ as he sa+ her3 :Dar-lin7' yo/ +o/l$ loo2 lo ely *ro**e$ /* in %y 0e$ li2e that333: :(/t,: 1ogan sho e$ his co/sin /ncere%onio/sly o/t the $oor an$ sla%%e$ it3 :<o/ lecher, She7s only a chil$,: :87% going to %arry her333: ca%e thro/gh the $oor3 :( er %y $ea$ an$ $ecaying cor*se,:

There +as a %/ttering so/n$' li2e gagging' an$ 9/ic2ly retreating footste*s3 >So %/ch for hi%': 1ogan sai$ +ith satisfaction3 4e stare$ at -it for a long %o%ent3 :<o/ can7t %arry hi%3 8t isn7t lo e3 4e ./st li2es +o%en3 There are so fe+ +ho can get *ast those 2i$s' he7ll gla$ly latch on to anyone they li2e3: :87% not 0lin$': she sai$ *ri%ly' fol$ing her slen$er han$s in her la* :Why are yo/ here; 8 tho/ght yo/ +ante$ %e to fin$ Tansy3 8 $i$3: 8 2no+ that3 @/t yo/ ha$ no 0/siness %o ing in +ith the Ea%ily fro% 4ell3: :What a +ay to tal2 a0o/t yo/r o+n co/sins,: :B ery0o$y 2no+s a0o/t the%3 6o0o$y +ill e en co%e near the *lace for fear of $isa**earing in the 0r/sh, B%%ett lets those 2i$s $o anything they +ant to since his +ife left3 4e $oesn7t care eno/gh to %a2e the 0arest atte%*t at control3 4e7s too 0/sy ri$ing in ro$eos to *ro e he7s still a %an' an$ getting his 0o$y 0ro2en to 0its in the *rocess, 4e can7t get o er the fact that his e5-+ife left hi%3: -it 0egan to see the carefree B%%ett in a ne+ light' an$ he $i$n7t see% 9/ite so carefree any%ore3 :!oor %an': she sai$ 9/ietly3 :!oor %an' the $e il3 4e isn7t yo/r *ro0le%3 "o ho%e,: 4er eye0ro+s arche$ $efiantly3 :8 $on7t +or2 for yo/ any%ore3 <o/ can7t tell %e to +al2 to the corner,: :6o; 1et %e sho+ yo/ +hat 8 can get yo/ to $o' Miss Morris': he sai$' an$ starte$ to+ar$ her3

Chapter Four
-it fro=e3 She7$ ne er 0een alone in this 2in$ of inti%ate setting +ith 1ogan' not e en +hen she7$ ha$ to acco%*any hi% o/t of the co/ntry an$ they7$ staye$ in hotel s/ites together3 Then' it ha$ 0een all 0/siness an$ he7$ ne er notice$ her' no %atter ho+ she $resse$ or loo2e$3 @/t no+' the go+n she +as +earing %ight ha e 0een trans*arent as his $ar2 eyes sli$ o er the 0o$ice an$ see%e$ to see right /n$erneath it3 4e ha$ a so*histication that +as ag/ely alar%ing3 # +o%an7s 0o$y +as no %ystery to hi%3 She7$ seen eno/gh +o%en co%e an$ go in his life in the *ast three years to 2no+ that he +as e5*erience$3

4er fingers gras*e$ the co er an$ $re+ it /* shar*ly to co er her 0reasts3 She fl/she$ as he *a/se$ 0y the 0e$ an$ loo2e$ $o+n at her3 So%ething change$ in his face3 4e lifte$ one 0/shy eye0ro+ an$ $eli0erately let his eyes fall on her softly *arte$ %o/th3 4e7$ ne er +on$ere$ +hat it +o/l$ feel li2e to taste Miss Morris7s *ert little %o/th3 @/t s/$$enly' he +ante$ the 2no+le$ge +ith a longing that cor$e$ his *o+erf/l 0o$y3 @etsy +as */she$ to the 0ac2 of his %in$ 9/ite s/$$enly +hile he gra**le$ +ith /n0elie a0le $esire for his e5-secretary3 >Will yo/ *lease get o/t of here;: she s9/ea2e$3 4e %a$e an o$$' hesitant %o e%ent an$ sat $o+n on the 0e$ 0esi$e her3 4is 0ig han$' half the si=e of a $inner *late' fol$e$ aro/n$ 0oth of hers an$ $etache$ the% fro% their $eath gri* on the co erlet3 :What are yo/ afrai$ of;: he as2e$3 8t +as a tone he7$ ne er /se$ +ith her' a $ee*' h/s2y *itch that +as li2e +ar% el et3 She loo2e$ into his eyes closer than she7$ e er seen the% an$ 0eca%e lost in their $ar2 0ro+n $e*ths3 She +asn7t 0reathing 9/ite nat/rally3 6either +as he' if the rise an$ fall of his 0roa$ chest /n$er its charcoal-gray s/it an$ +hite shirt +as any in$ication3 4e s%elle$ of so%e e5otic cologne that a**eale$ to her senses' an$ he +as clean-sha en3 The elegant Mr3 De erell +as ne er $ishe ele$ or less than i%%ac/late3 -it co/l$n7t i%agine hi% +earing .eans an$ cha%0ray shirts as B%%ett $i$3 :#ns+er %e' -it3: That +as ne+' too)her na%e on his li*s3 8t +as al+ays Morris this' Morris that3 She searche$ his eyes hel*lessly3 :87% not afrai$ of yo/': she sai$ a0sently3 4er /lnera0ility ha$ a $e astating effect on hi%3 Their fights ha$ 0eco%e legen$ in the office 0/il$ing +here he +or2e$3 -it ha$ a fiery te%*er an$ a st/00orn nat/re' an$ he en.oye$ the e5*losions that res/lte$ fro% his *ro$$ing of 0oth3 @/t she +asn7t fighting no+3 She +as sitting in his gras* li2e so%e e5otic 2itten' her 0ig 0l/e eyes +i$e an$ afrai$ an$ yet333 al%ost +elco%ing3 She ha$ a 0ea/tif/l co%*le5ion' he tho/ght' an$ a %o/th that loo2e$ as if it +o/l$ feel li2e +ar% sil23 4is 0o$y ta/tene$ +ith longing3 4e +asn7t e en thin2ing of conse9/ences or other co%%it%ents as he ca*t/re$ her face in his 0ig' +ar% han$s an$ slo+ly 0ent to her /*t/rne$ %o/th3

She gas*e$ as she felt his 0reath' coffee an$ %int scente$' an$ the tentati e 0r/sh of his %o/th on her *arte$ li*s3 4e felt her 0o$y .er2 instincti ely3 4is nose $re+ against her o+n3 #ll he co/l$ see' thin2' 0reathe +as the sha*e of her %o/th /n$er his3 :8 +on7t h/rt yo/': he +his*ere$' %o ing closer3 :8 can 0e gentle' e en if 87 e ne er gi en yo/ ca/se to 0elie e it3: She felt his %o/th to/ching hers' an$ it +as li2e electricity3 So %any $rea%s' an$ here +as the incre$i0le' */lsing reality of his %o/th against her o+n' his 0o$y so near that she co/l$ feel its heat an$ strength3 She +as floating' $ro+ning3 She hear$ his 0reath catch' a tiny 0/rst of so/n$ that she 2ne+ +as going to 0e a *rel/$e to so%ething olcanic an$ /tterly $estr/cti e3 #n$ e en as she yearne$ ho*elessly for his to/ch' she 2ne+ that she co/l$n7t gi e in to this %a$ness3 She $i$n7t $are let hi%333, She fro=e3 :What a0o/t @etsy;: she sai$ 9/ic2ly3 4is han$s tightene$ on her hea$ an$ his hea$ lifte$3 4is $a=e$ eyes stare$ into hers3 :What;: :Don7t forget @etsy,: she %anage$ /nstea$ily' fighting his */ll on her star e$ senses3 :Fe%e%0er @etsy' Mr3 De erell3: Mr3 De erell3 4e +as -it7s 0oss an$ @etsy7s +o/l$-0e lo er3 4e +on$ere$ ho+ he co/l$ ha e forgotten that3 4is hea y 0ro+s %et as his hea$ lifte$ an$ -it7s *ale face s/$$enly ca%e into star2 foc/s an$ he regaine$ his lost +its3 #0r/*tly he let her go an$ stoo$ /*' t/rning his 0ac2 +hile he str/ggle$ +ith /nfa%iliar feelings3 4e co/l$ feel his heart 0eating against his ri0s' feel the ta/tness of his 0o$y +ith +hat he recogni=e$ $i%ly +as $esire3 What +as +rong +ith hi%; 4e $i$n7t +ant -it, 4e7$ fire$ her3 @etsy +as +ar% an$ soft an$ lo ing' an$ her 0o$y *ro%ise$ hea en if he co/l$ e er %ane/ er her into 0e$3 -it +as yo/ng an$ /ntrie$' ery *ro0a0ly she7$ ne er sle*t +ith anyone3 "o$, he tho/ght' an$ his 0o$y reacte$ shar*ly to the tho/ght3 -it */lle$ the co ers 0ac2 o er her an$ a erte$ her face3 :87$ li2e to get $resse$' if yo/ $on7t %in$': she sai$ hesitantly3 :What; (h3 Certainly3: 4e +ent o/t the $oor +itho/t a *rotest' an$ -it than2e$ "o$ for s%all %iracles3 She co/l$n7t 9/ite 0elie e +hat ha$ al%ost ha**ene$3 She ha$ to 0e ery caref/l fro% no+ on3 1ogan ha$ %a$e his o*inion of @etsy 9/ite clear' along +ith his co%%it%ent to the +o%an3 Why he7$ trie$ to 2iss her' she co/l$n7t co%*rehen$3 #ll she 2ne+ +as that she %/stn7t' for her o+n sa2e' e er let hi% get close eno/gh to try again3 Anre9/ite$ lo e +as so%ething she7$ li e$ +ith for three long years3 She 2ne+ @etsy

an$ she $i$n7t +ant 1ogan to fall icti% to the +o%an' 0/t there ha$ to 0e another +ay to sto* it3 She really co/l$n7t allo+ herself to 0eco%e e%0roile$ in a ho*eless affair +ith hi%' e en to sa e hi% fro% financial r/in3 She7$ certainly lose hi% that +ay3 #n$ +hen he7$ ha$ his fill of -it7s ine5*erience' *ro0a0ly @etsy7s so*histication +o/l$ snare hi% for s/re3 The tho/ght +as $e*ressing' 0/t it ha$ to 0e face$3 She co/l$n7t let herself $rea% a0o/t hi% any%ore3 She ha$ to get /se$ to 0eing +itho/t hi% in her life' in any ca*acity3 She got $resse$ in .eans an$ a s+eatshirt' an$ +ent to the $ining roo% +here the rest of the fa%ily' 1ogan incl/$e$' +as sitting $o+n to an enor%o/s 0rea2fast3 :Can he coo2' or can7t he;: Tansy enth/se$ o er the 0isc/its3 :B%%ett' yo/7 e %isse$ yo/r real ocation3 "o$ %eant yo/ to 0e a chef3: :87$ get $ish*an han$s3: 4e ch/c2le$3 4e glare$ at 1ogan3 :That +as a lo+ 0lo+' +hat yo/ $i$ in the hall3: 1ogan $i$n7t loo2 /* fro% his scra%0le$ eggs3 :<es' it +as3 87ll 2ill %yself if yo/ li2e3: B%%ett $i$n7t 0elie e he7$ hear$ that fro% his stai$ co/sin' so he ignore$ it3 -it $i$n7t3 1ogan $i$n7t so/n$ li2e hi%self3 She stare$ at hi% /ntil he lifte$ his hea$' an$ +hat she sa+ in his eyes then %a$e her 0l/sh f/rio/sly an$ loo2 a+ay3 1ogan felt his fingers tre%0le on his for23 Da%n it' +hat +as ha**ening to hi%; (nly this %orning' he7$ 0een in co%*lete control of his life3 (r ha$ he; 4e ha$n7t *hone$ @etsy to say he +as lea ing for San #ntonio' or offere$ to 0ring her +ith hi%3 4e ha$n7t e en *hone$ the office to tell the% +here he +as3 Chris +o/l$ 0e $ragge$ in to s/0 for hi%' +hich +o/l$ %a2e his 0rother f/rio/s3 #n$ +hy ha$ he co%e $ashing o/t here in the first *lace; To sa e -it fro% B%%ett3 That threat' at least' certainly see%e$ real eno/gh3 B%%ett stare$ at her $rea%ily an$ 2e*t %a2ing eile$ references to ho+ +ell he co/l$ *ro i$e for a ne+ +ife3 The 2i$s +ante$ to ta2e her h/nting +ith the%' he a$$e$' +hich +as a real honor3 :6o' than2s3: She ch/c2le$3 :87$ loo2 sa$ +ith arro+s stic2ing o/t all o er %e3: :(h' none of that': B%%ett *roteste$3 :They h/nt +ith those electronic s*otting g/ns3 Toys' yo/ 2no+3 8 +o/l$n7t $rea% of t/rning the% loose +ith real 0/llets,: :Di$ yo/ 2no+ that if yo/ get close eno/gh +ith a ra$io signal yo/ can ignite a $yna%ite ca*;: !ol2 as2e$ con ersationally' +hich ca/se$ his father to cho2e on his 0isc/it3 :(/t,: Tansy tol$ the three' +ho ha$ finishe$ eating' +hile she hit B%%ett on the 0ac2 to $islo$ge the 0isc/it3 :8 $i$n7t say +e7$ e er $one it': !ol2 %/ttere$ $efensi ely3 :#ny+ay' +e co/l$n7t get the

%an to sell /s any $yna%ite3: :(h' %y "o$,: B%%ett +aile$3 :Wo/l$n7t yo/ li2e to enlist the% in the Marine Cor*s;: 1ogan s/ggeste$3 :<o/ co/l$ lie a0o/t their ages3: :<o/ +on7t feel li2e that +hen yo/ ha e 2i$s of yo/r o+n': ca%e the $roll re*ly3 :Elesh of yo/r flesh' 0loo$ of yo/r 0loo$333: :S*ea2ing of 0loo$' they7re after the cat again': Tansy re%ar2e$3 B%%ett %/ttere$ so%ething iolent an$ +ent to yell o/t the +in$o+3 When he ca%e 0ac2' he loo2e$ e en ol$er3 :8 can7t stan$ it3 !lease' for "o$7s sa2e' %arry %e,: he *lea$e$ +ith -it' $ro**ing to his 2nees 0y her chair an$ $ra*ing one long' %/sc/lar ar% o er her la*3 :87ll refor%3 87ll stay ho%e an$ coo2 0ar0ec/e$ ri0s an$ 0rea2fast an$ %anage ol$ %an Fegan7s ranch3 #nything3 D/st sa e %e fro% those 2i$s,: -it $o/0le$ o er la/ghing3 She ./st shoo2 her hea$3 :Than2 yo/ for the offer' 0/t 8 really can7t3 8 ha e to fin$ %issing *eo*le3: 4e loo2e$ /* at her tho/ghtf/lly' his li*s */rse$' one eye narro+e$3 :Ein$ *eo*le' $o yo/; (2ay3 4o+ are yo/ at the re erse; Co/l$n7t yo/ hi$e %e +here those 2i$s can7t fin$ %e;: :Why' yo/ cra en co+ar$': Tansy chi$e$3 :"et off yo/r 2nees an$ act li2e a *ro*er father3: :8 $i$ try' Tansy': he sai$ goo$-nat/re$ly as he got gracef/lly to his feet3 :@/t ./st as 8 0ro2e the s+itch' one yelle$ to $istract %e' the secon$ one *ositione$ hi%self 0ehin$ %y 2nees an$ the thir$ one 2noc2e$ %e o er the secon$ one into the ri er3 8 ha en7t really trie$ to hit one of the% since3: :<o/ $on7t ha e to hit the%': Tansy contin/e$' /na0ashe$3 ><o/ co/l$ $isci*line the% in other +ays3 Ta2e a+ay their tele ision *ri ileges3: 4e stare$ at her3 :We $on7t ha e a tele ision3 Those 2i$s thre+ a 0o+ling 0all thro/gh it3 Than2 "o$ +e ha e a goo$ ol/nteer fire $e*art%ent here3: :B%%ett' yo/7re not the %an 8 re%e%0er': 1ogan sai$' sha2ing his hea$3 :87% not s/re 8 e er +as3 Things ha e gone fro% 0a$ to +orse since she left %e': he sai$' o0 io/sly referring to his e5-+ife3 :Since 8 got c/sto$y' no sane +o%an +ill ha e %e3 May0e 8 co/l$ loc2 the 2i$s /* /ntil 8 got one to the altar3 Too late for yo/' of co/rse': he

sai$ +ith a +istf/l s%ile in -it7s $irection3 :8t7s got to 0e a +o%an +ho $oesn7t 2no+ they e5ist /ntil +e7re legally %arrie$,: :@/ffaloe$ 0y three chil$ren': 1ogan scoffe$3 :8%agine that3: :<o/ try $ealing +ith the%': B%%ett $are$3 :6ot %e3 87% on the first *lane to 4o/ston this afternoon3: B%%ett */t $o+n his coffee c/*3 :Why not stay /ntil to%orro+;: :<es' +hy not;: Tansy secon$e$3 :<o/ an$ 8 get no ti%e together these $ays' 1ogan3 <o/7re either too 0/sy %a2ing %oney or tra eling aro/n$ the +orl$ or escorting that taffy-0raine$ +o%an frien$ of yo/rs aro/n$ to+n3: 4e glare$ at her3 :1et7s lea e @etsy o/t of this' shall +e;: :S/it yo/rself': Tansy re*lie$3 :<o/ co/l$ fly 0ac2 to%orro+ +ith %e3 8 can7t stay aro/n$ %/ch longer3 87% only filling in for the ho/se2ee*er3: :My ho/se2ee*er': B%%ett sai$3 :The only +o%an +est of the !ecos +ho isn7t terrifie$ of those 2i$s3: :She ha$ to ha e so%e %inor s/rgery' 0/t she7ll 0e 0ac2 to%orro+3 Co%e on' son': Tansy coa5e$3 :<o/ co/l$ /se a $ay off3 @esi$es' it7s too late to go ho%e an$ try to get anything $one3: 4e $i$n7t +ant to a$%it ho+ %/ch he +ante$ to stay3 The +ay he felt a0o/t -it +as changing 0y the %in/te3 4e $i$n7t +ant to lea e her3 :<o/ stay' too' -it': Tansy co%%an$e$3 :8t7s too late for yo/ to go no+' any+ay3: :@/t 8 ha e %y tic2et333: :<o/ can /se it to%orro+': B%%ett coa5e$' s%iling at her3 :87ll ta2e yo/ to a concert3 (/r local sy%*hony has se eral this ti%e of year3 4o+ $o yo/ fancy #aron Co*lan$;: >Eanfare for the Co%%on Man,: -it sai$ enth/siastically3 :(h' 87$ lo e to go an$ hear so%e of his %/sic,: 1ogan +as %il$ly s/r*rise$3 The to*ic of %/sic in any *ersonal +ay ha$n7t co%e /* since -it ha$ starte$ +or2ing for hi% three years ago3 4e ha$ no i$ea she li2e$ Co*lan$3 So $i$ he3 :4o+ a0o/t Stra ins2y;: he as2e$3 :4is +or2 is largely of an e5*eri%ental nat/re3 # lot of *eo*le $on7t care for it3:

:8 li2e it': -it sai$3 :So $o 8': B%%ett secon$e$3 :8 thin2 The Eire0ir$ is a tri0/te to his a0ility as a co%*oser3: 4e hesitate$3 :1et %e %a2e a co/*le of tele*hone calls3 There7s a s*ecial charity concert 0eing gi en 0y a isiting orchestra' an$ 8 thin2 they %ight incl/$e Stra ins2y in their *rogra%3 1et %e fin$ o/t3: 4e ca%e 0ac2 sha2ing his hea$3 :Wrong night' 87% afrai$': he sai$ r/ef/lly3 :@/t there7s a Me5ican fol2 gro/* in the city3 Want to go see a Me5ican 0allet;: :What a0o/t the chil$ren;: -it as2e$3 :They li2e concerts an$ %/sic of any sort': B%%ett sai$3 :They7ll sit li2e %ice3 <o/ +o/l$n7t recogni=e the% *ro*erly $resse$ an$ 0eha e$3: :8 certainly +o/l$n7t3: Tansy sniffe$3 :That7s 0eca/se they /se$ %y fle5i0le ro*es to tie her to the 0e$ the first night she got here': B%%ett e5*laine$3 :She ta/ght the% so%e ne+ a$.ecti es3: :<o/' too': Tansy ch/c2le$3 4er eyes t+in2le$3 :8t7s so ali e here' -it3 <o/ really o/ght to %arry B%%ett3 <o/7$ ne er 0e 0ore$3: >6ot /ntil the 2i$s got gro+n' at least': he a$$e$3 :@e a s*ort3 T+o little +or$s)8 $o3: >87% not that %/ch of a s*ort' than2s ./st the sa%e3: She la/ghe$3 :8 $on7t +ant to get %arrie$ for years yet3: :8t7s a sha%e to +ait for so%ething that %ay ne er ha**en': Tansy sai$ gently3 -it7s eyes +ere elo9/ent as she 0egge$ Tansy not to gi e a+ay to 1ogan ho+ she felt3 :#ll right': the el$erly +o%an sai$' la/ghing softly3 :87ll 9/it *laying %atch%a2er3 8 +o/l$ li2e to *oint o/t' tho/gh' that 8 ha e a *erfectly %arriagea0le son +ho thin2s yo/7re +on$erf/l333: >8 ha e ne er sai$333,: 1ogan 0egan fiercely' color 0/rning along his high chee20ones3 :Chris' %y $ear' Chris' not yo/': Tansy scoffe$3 :<o/7 e alrea$y anno/nce$ to all an$ s/n$ry that yo/ can7t +ait to tal2 the 0ea/teo/s @etsy into letting yo/ s/**ort her for life in the %anner to +hich she7$ li2e to 0eco%e acc/sto%e$3: :@etsy has %oney of her o+n': 1ogan sai$ shortly3 :8n$ee$ she $oes': -it sai$' 0/rning insi$e at the in./stice of it3

:8f yo/ ha e so%ething to say' Morris' s*it it o/t': 1ogan challenge$3 :Cery +ell' 8 +ill3: She thre+ $o+n her na*2in an$ got to her feet3 ><o/r 0ea/tif/l 0lon$ s*i$er ca/se$ %y nice ol$ neigh0or to 2ill hi%self o er a st/*i$ lottery tic2et3 4e 2ille$ hi%self 0eca/se she *laye$ hi% for a fool an$ got hi% to sign o er e ery *enny he ha$ to her, That7s +hy she7s got %oney' Mr3 De erell3 That7s ho+ she7ll get yo/rs' too': she a$$e$ h/s2ily3 :She7ll +in$ yo/ aro/n$ her little finger an$ *ro%ise yo/ that lo ely 0o$y3 @/t yo/ +on7t get it /ntil she7s got yo/r na%e on a legal $oc/%ent of so%e sort3 #n$ then yo/ still +on7t get it3 @/t she7ll ha e yo/3 Dra+n an$ 9/artere$ an$ 0le$ to $eath' she7ll ha e yo/3: She t/rne$ an$ left the roo%3 The close$ e5*ression on 1ogan7s 0roa$' $ar2 face ha$ tol$ her that he +asn7t 0/ying a +or$ of it3 <o/ si%*ly co/l$n7t tal2 to a stone +all3 B%%ett ca/ght /* +ith her o/tsi$e a fe+ %in/tes later3 4e +as s%o2ing a cigarette an$ loo2ing all aro/n$3 :8t loo2s safe eno/gh right here': he sai$' sho ing his free han$ into his .eans *oc2et3 An$er the +i$e 0ri% of his hat' he +as s%iling as he .oine$ her in the %i$$le of the *ath that le$ into the $istant *ast/res3 The cool' $/ll 0ro+n hori=on stretche$ o/t fore er' a re%in$er that +inter +as al%ost here3 >8 ha e to *ic2 ti%es an$ *laces to s%o2e': he a$$e$ r/ef/lly3 :Those 2i$s ha e ra$ar an$ s%o2e $etectors an$ +ater g/ns in e ery sha*e an$ si=e3 8 g/ess they7re right3 8 really sho/l$ 9/it3: :8t $oesn7t $o yo/r l/ngs %/ch goo$' 8 s/**ose': she sai$3 :Mine or anyone else7s3 8 $on7t s%o2e in close$ roo%s3 8t7s too $angero/s for 0ystan$ers3: 4e flic2e$ off an ash3 :E/nny' yo/ 2no+' the 8n$ians /se$ to0acco for h/n$re$s of years' 0/t they /se$ it %ostly for cere%onial */r*oses3 Sa%e thing +ith *eyote3 Mostly those s/0stances +eren7t a0/se$ 0eca/se they consi$ere$ it sacrilege3 (/r c/lt/re a0/ses $a%ne$ near e erything3: :Bs*ecially nat/ral reso/rces3: She t/rne$ an$ loo2e$ /* at hi%3 4e see%e$ $ifferent +hen he +asn7t *reten$ing to 0e so%ething he really +asn7t3 4e loo2e$ so%0er an$ 9/iet an$ ery' ery %asc/line3 8f it ha$n7t 0een for the +ay she felt a0o/t 1ogan' she co/l$ ha e fo/n$ herself falling all o er this %an3 :Di$ 8 */t %y nose on /*si$e $o+n again;: he as2e$ +ith a cynically coc2e$ eye0ro+3 She la/ghe$3 :6o3 8 +as ./st thin2ing that yo/7re %any-facete$3 8 $on7t thin2 87 e seen the real yo/ yet3: 4e shr/gge$3 :Most *eo*le are *retty co%*le53: 4e st/$ie$ her face for a long %o%ent3

:<o/7re +itho/t g/ile' aren7t yo/; <o/ ha e an honest' o*en face3 87ll 0et yo/ ret/rn 9/arters yo/ fin$ on resta/rant floors an$ o0ey *ar2ing signs an$ ne er tell lies3: :8 try not to': she correcte$3 :8 +as raise$ not to cheat3: 4er face close$ /* as she got the +or$s o/t' an$ he sa+ her reaction3 :<o/ tense +hen yo/ get close to the s/0.ect of yo/r *arents3: :Do 8; 4o+ 0ig is this ranch;: 4e hesitate$' 0/t only for a %in/te3 4e s%ile$ an$ *rocee$e$ to $escri0e the si=e an$ o*eration of the ranch for her' /ntil a *er*le5e$ an$ irritate$ 1ogan ca%e o/t to .oin the%3 4e7$ %a$e all the necessary tele*hone calls' an$ he +as still seething at @etsy7s s*itting f/ry 0eca/se he ha$n7t *hone$ her sooner3 4e $i$n7t li2e aggressi e' snarling +o%en3 4e res*ecte$ intelligence' 0/t @etsy ha$ $is*laye$ col$' icy self-interest3 B en thro/gh his *hysical infat/ation for the +o%an' he recogni=e$ that3 :Do yo/ 2no+ +here the chil$ren are;: -it as2e$ s/$$enly3 :Sho/l$ 8 go loo2 for the%;: ><o/7ll fin$ the% in the 0arn +ith the ne+ 2ittens': B%%ett sai$3 :That7s +here they /s/ally are these $ays3 !retty little things' all $ifferent colors an$ all +ith long f/r an$ 0l/e eyes3 (l$ Walt +ante$ to get ri$ of the%' 0/t +e7 e got %ice in the 0arn' so 8 fig/re$ they %ight as +ell stay3: 4e ha$ a +ar%th a0o/t hi% that *ro0a0ly $re+ +o%en li2e flies -it tho/ght3 She7$ ne er ha$ +ar%th fro% 1ogan' not e en the t+o or three ti%es she7$ ha$ fl/ or a ir/s since she7$ +or2e$ for hi% 8t +as ne er :*oor -it3: Father' it +as :+hen the hell are yo/ co%ing 0ac2;: :87ll go +ith yo/ to loo2 for the%': 1ogan sai$' s%oothly inter*osing hi%self 0et+een -it an$ B%%ett3 :Sorry yo/7re too 0/sy to co%e +ith /s': he sai$ +ith a s%ile at his co/sin3 :@/t 8 2no+ ho+ it is3: :6ot yet' yo/ $on7t': B%%ett sai$ enig%atically' +ith a glea% in his eyes3 :@/t yo/7ll fin$ o/t3 4o+ a0o/t that 0allet;: he as2e$3 -it hesitate$3 :8 really $on7t feel 9/ite /* to it' 0/t than2s any+ay3 May0e Tansy an$ 1ogan333;: :6ot %e': 1ogan re*lie$3 :(h' +ell' %ay0e ne5t tri*': B%%ett sai$3 4e +in2e$ at -it3 :8f yo/ %arrie$ %e' +e co/l$ go to all sorts of c/lt/ral e ents3:

:Fight no+' +e7re going to loo2 at 2ittens an$ 2i$s' than2s': 1ogan tol$ hi%' ta2ing -it7s ar%3 :Co%e along3: :(2ay' 8 get the *ict/re': B%%ett sai$3 4e ti**e$ his hat at -it an$ stro$e a+ay' +histling3 :8 $on7t +ant to go any+here +ith yo/': -it snarle$ at 1ogan3 4e let go of her ar% an$ lin2e$ his 0ig han$s 0ehin$ hi% to st/$y her3 4e +as +earing a long-slee e$ +hite shirt an$ tie +ith his $ar2 gray s/it slac2s3 The shirtslee es +ere rolle$ /* to the el0o+ an$ he +as +earing 0oots instea$ of street shoes3 4is $ar2' thic2 0lac2 hair +as +in$0lo+n an$ it ga e his 0roa$ face an /nta%e$ a**earance3 #gainst the s2y' he loo2e$ as if he +ere *art of the history of the *lace3 :Who +ere yo/r ancestors;: she as2e$ /ne5*ecte$ly3 :(ne of the% +as a lie/tenant /n$er Santa #na': he %/se$' s%iling at her shoc23 :<o/ $i$ 2no+ that the ene%y troo*s so%eti%es ra*e$ an$ *illage$ in the local co%%/nities; (ne of %y ancestors +as /nfort/nate eno/gh to 0e in a ho/se alone +hen they %arche$ thro/gh3 #long +ith the Me5ican 0loo$' 87 e got so%e ery /**er cr/st Erench an$ @ritish3: 8t +as a re%in$er that his 0ac2gro/n$ +as %/ch %ore %onie$ than her o+n3 She a erte$ her eyes as they +al2e$3 :<o/7re ery $ar23: :Most of that is fro% the s/n3 8 s*en$ a lot of ti%e in the Me$iterranean': :<es' 8 2no+3: 4e follo+e$ her to+ar$ the 0arn3 8t +as +ar% for a 6o e%0er $ay3 She */lle$ off her s+eater an$ left her ar%s 0are in the long-slee e$ +hite shirt she +as +earing +ith off+hite .eans an$ 0oots3 :<o/ loo2 *retty +estern to$ay': he re%ar2e$3 :Di$n7t yo/ li e on a ranch once;: She +ince$3 :# long ti%e ago3 1oo2' there are the chil$ren333,: 4e ca/ght her ar% an$ s+/ng her 0ac2 to face hi%3 :<o/r *arents $i orce$' $i$n7t they;: he sai$ 9/ietly3 4e 2ne+3 She7$ ne er 0een 9/ite s/re +here he fo/n$ o/t' or +ho ha$ tol$ hi%3 She $i$ 2no+ that her .o0 re9/ire$ a thoro/gh 0ac2gro/n$ chec2' an$ that he7$ ha$ one $one 0efore Dane7s $etecti e agency e en o*ene$ for 0/siness3 Whoe er ha$ searche$ aro/n$ in her recor$ ha$ certainly hit *ay $irt3 She $i$n7t e en

0other to $eny it3 4is eyes tol$ her there +as no *oint3 :8t +as a ery %essy $i orce': she sai$ a erting her eyes3 :They +ere arg/ing all the ti%e3 8 $on7t li2e to re%e%0er those $ays3 They 0oth re%arrie$ after the $i orce' 0/t they only ha$ a fe+ years +ith their ne+ s*o/ses3 @oth %y *arents are $ea$ no+3: 4e */lle$ her into his 0ig ar%s3 She +as +ar% an$ soft an$ /lnera0le' an$ he lo e$ the feeling it ga e hi% to co%fort her3 That sho/l$ ha e +arne$ hi% that his e%otions +ere teetering on the e$ge' 0/t it $i$n7t3 4ere' no+': he %/ttere$3 4e $re+ o/t a han$2erchief an$ $a00e$ at her re$' +et eyes +ith it3 :@lo+3: She $i$' hicc/*ing at the sa%e ti%e3 :8 ne er cry3: :8 2no+3 6ot e en +hen 8 yell3: 4e +i*e$ the rest of her face an$ *resse$ the han$2erchief into her han$3 :-ee* it3 87 e got $o=ens3 Tansy has the% hi$$en in e ery other $ra+er in %y ho/se3 She thin2s a %an sho/l$ ha e an en$less s/**ly3? :Why $o yo/ al+ays call her Tansy instea$ of Mother;: she as2e$ c/rio/sly3 :She $oesn7t see% ol$ eno/gh to 0e %y %other at ti%es': he re*lie$ +ith a +istf/l s%ile3 :She7s /ni9/e3 6ot that she $oesn7t +orry %e o/t of %y $a%ne$ %in$ ./st 0y 0eing /ni9/e3: :6ot e ery +o%an her age +o/l$ try sail0oar$ing3: :This is tr/e3: 4e */she$ 0ac2 the $ishe ele$ hair fro% her eye0ro+s3 :<o/ ha e s2in li2e %il2' -it': he sai$' s2etching her chee20ones3 :8t7s al%ost trans*arent3: She fl/she$3 :My %other333%y %other ha$ s2in li2e that3: :Di$ she; <o/r *eo*le +ere ranchers' +eren7t they;: :<es3 Ero% o er aro/n$ Bl !aso': she sai$ +earily3 :!oor far%ers3 8 co%e fro% a long line of *oor *eo*le3: :Wealth or the lac2 of it ne er %a$e character' -it': he re*lie$3 :8t o*ens an$ closes $oors' tho/gh3: 4e $i$n7t arg/e3 :8 2no+ the %e%ories +on7t e er fa$e co%*letely': he sai$3 :@/t s/rely yo/7re $oing yo/rself no fa ors 0y 0/rying the% so $ee*ly3:

:8t see%e$ 0est3: :8 s/**ose so3 Eeel 0etter no+;: :<es3 Than2 yo/' Mr3 De erell3: 4e sighe$3 :-it' after three years' $on7t yo/ thin2 yo/ co/l$ %anage to call %e 1ogan;: She searche$ his $ar2 eyes in a long silence3 :S/rely +e 2no+ each other +ell eno/gh': he *ersiste$3 4e to/che$ her lo+er li*' startle$ 0y its softness' its +ar%th an$ f/llness3 4e co/l$n7t see% to $rag his eyes a+ay fro% it3 #s he +atche$' her li*s *arte$ an$ his 0reath lingere$ in the ery 0ac2 of his throat3 4is 0loo$ 0egan to *o/n$ in his eins3 4is han$s settle$ on her +aist an$ $re+ her to hi%3 There +as nothing in his eyes e5ce*t her %o/th an$ e en as he 0ent to+ar$ it' he 2ne+ he +as going to regret this for the rest of his life3 :There7s @etsy': she croa2e$ $efensi ely' *ressing her han$s flat against his 0roa$' har$ chest3 :Da%n @etsy': he 0it off against her soft %o/th3

Chapter Five
-it fro=e' 0/t only for an instant3 The reality of 1ogan7s har$' e5*ert %o/th on her li*s +as all of hea en3 She close$ her eyes an$ felt as if her 0o$y +as on fire fro% hea$ to toe3 4e 2ne+ +hat to $o +ith a +o%an7s %o/th' she tho/ght $i==ily' *ressing closer3 4e 2ne+ e5actly +hat to $o, <ears of ang/ishe$ longing' an$ it +as ha**ening3 8t +as act/ally ha**ening, These +ere 1ogan7s ar%s en elo*ing her' this +as 1ogan7s %o/th grin$ing so h/ngrily against her o+n3 She 2ne+ she7$ li e on this %e%ory for the rest of her life3 4er 0o$y lifte$ closer to his' an$ she %oane$3 The *ress/re of his %o/th lessene$ an$ he 0egan to tease an$ softly *ro0e her li*s' 0rea2ing thro/gh any $efenses she %ight ha e ha$ left' $e%an$ing s/rren$er3 She ga e it +illingly3 4er %o/th o*ene$ to his *enetration3 She leane$ into his 0ig' *o+erf/l 0o$y an$ let hi% 0ring her so close that she co/l$ feel the cor$e$ %/scles of his thighs' the flatness of his 0elly' the +ar%th of his 0roa$ chest against her soft 0reasts as his ar%s tightene$3

4e groane$ an$ she ans+ere$ hi%' her 0o$y so *erfectly att/ne$ to his that she %atche$ e ery single %o e%ent he %a$e3 Slo+ly her ar%s inche$ aro/n$ his +aist an$ she %o e$ hel*lessly against the %/scles of his 0o$y3 4e +as against her' aro/n$ her' sheltering an$ co%forting her3 6othing co/l$ e er har% her again3 4is tong/e tease$ lightly into her %o/th an$ then 0egan 9/ite s/$$enly to sta0 at it' *ro$/cing the %ost intensely *ri ate sensations in the lo+er *art of her 0o$y3 She tense$ an$ trie$ to */ll a+ay' 0/t his ar%s ref/se$ to release her3 The %o e%ents 0eca%e 9/ic2er' rhyth%ic' $ee*3 She %a$e a so/n$ that she7$ ne er %a$e 0efore an$ trie$ to t+ist /*+ar$ in his ar%s' see2ing 0lin$ly for a contact that +o/l$ ease the *o+erf/l nee$ he +as 0/il$ing in her /ntrie$ 0o$y3 #s if he 2ne+ +hat she nee$e$' his han$s s/$$enly $ro**e$ to her hi*s an$ lifte$ her into the cra$le of his o+n' 0ringing her into a contact that shoc2e$ e en as it aro/se$3 She *roteste$ /n$er his %o/th3 4e lifte$ his hea$ an$ +atche$ her eyes +ith sens/al %astery as his han$s contracte$' *ressing her 0elly into a %ost 0latant e i$ence of ca*a0ility3 4er eyes share$ e erything +ith hi%I her fear' her /lnera0ility' her shoc2' her $elight in his %asc/linity3 B erything3 :<es': he +his*ere$ gr/ffly3 4e no$$e$ an$ his %o/th settle$ slo+ly 0ac2 on her o+n3 She +as no longer *rotesting anything' an$ his han$s +ere %o ing her in a la=y rhyth%' +hich *ro$/ce$ cho2e$ little cries of *leas/re3 When the 0/il$ing tension +as %ore than she co/l$ 0ear' he +ra**e$ his ar%s aro/n$ her an$ all 0/t cr/she$ her' groaning into her %o/th as he felt her shi er3 4e +as 0reathing ragge$ly an$ his legs +ere /nstea$y' as +as her +hole' soft 0o$y3 4e +ante$ her3 There +as a 0arn near0y' 0/t it +as f/ll of 2i$s3 There +as a ho/se 0ehin$ the%' 0/t it +as f/ll of a$/lts3 The gro/n$ +as har$ an$ col$' an$ ery */0lic3 4e c/rse$ /n$er his 0reath in ang/ish an$ his 0ig 0o$y sh/$$ere$ in res*onse to her nee$3 4e $re+ 0ac2' his face har$ +ith *assion an$ fr/stration3 -it loo2e$ /* at hi%' 0la=ing +ith nee$s she ha$n7t e en 2no+n e5iste$3 4er legs al%ost +ent o/t fro% /n$er her' her 0o$y thro00e$ so +ith /nsatisfie$ $esire3 :8 hate yo/,: she sai$' cho2ing3 She hit his chest' har$' once' t+ice' sha2ing +ith +hat she s/**ose$ +as rage at his *res/%*tion an$ his teasing3 :4ere' it7s all right': he +his*ere$3 4is ar%s en elo*e$ her lea ing a little s*ace 0et+een

their 0o$ies as he co%forte$ stro2e$ her hair an$ +his*ere$ +or$s of soft reass/rance3 Tears ran $o+n her chee2s as she str/ggle$ for co%*os/re3 4e felt a tre%or in his o+n 0o$y3 8t ha$ 0een a near thing3 8%agine' he tho/ght' +ith -it' of all *eo*le, 4is eyes o*ene$ an$ he sa+ the 0arn3 The $oors +ere close$' than2 "o$' altho/gh there +as one 2i$ in the loft getting an eyef/l3 !ol23 The 9/iet one3 4e $arte$ 0ac2 +hen he sa+ 1ogan7s hea$ lift3 :S*ying on /s' the $e ils': he %/r%/re$ against -it7s te%*le3 :What;: 4er soft oice +as sha2en' 0ea/tif/l3 4e lifte$ his hea$ an$ s%ile$ $o+n at her3 :The 2i$s3 They7re /* in the loft +atching /s3: She 0l/she$3 :(h' %y,: 4is eyes 2in$le$ as he st/$ie$ her3 She +as /lnera0le3 6o+ he 2ne+ it' 0/t he $i$n7t 2no+ +hat to $o a0o/t it3 4is +hole 0o$y ache$ fro% the heat of hers3 :<o/ $ress li2e so%eone +ho +as raise$ in a con ent': he sai$ 9/ietly3 :@/t yo/ 2iss li2e a +il$ +o%an3: :6o+ yo/ 2no+ +hat 2in$ of night school co/rses 8 too2 year 0efore last,: she sai$ sarcastically' */shing at his chest3 4e let her go' +atching her try to get herself together3 8t a%a=e$ hi% that he co/l$ 2noc2 the logical' ery *ri% Miss Morris off her *ins3 8t $elighte$ hi%3 @etsy +as a +o%an of the +orl$' 0/t this /ni9/e little s*arro+ +asn7t /se$ to %en at all3 The contrast +as s/r*rising3 4e fo/n$ that he %/ch *referre$ teaching -it to ha ing @etsy t/tor hi% in +hat *lease$ her3 :8nnocence in these conf/se$ ti%es is a rare .e+el in$ee$': he %/r%/re$' +atching her3 She glare$ at hi%3 :My .e+el is none of yo/r 0/siness': she %/ttere$3 :#n$ ho+ $o yo/ 2no+' any+ay;: :8 $on7t': he agree$3 4e grinne$ slo+ly3 :@/t 8 co/l$ fin$ o/t in ten %in/tes flat +ith a little coo*eration': he a$$e$3 :4o+ a0o/t it;: She latche$ on to +hat he +as s/ggesting at once3 :Mr3 De er-ell,: She $i$n7t 2no+ +hether to gas* or la/gh or 2ic2 hi% ery har$3 She +al2e$ on to+ar$ the 0arn +itho/t saying anything at all3 The 0arn $oor o*ene$ an$ all three 2i$s s%ile$ at the% +ith ery 2no+ing faces3

:Where are the 2ittens;: -it as2e$3 :Fight o er here': #%y ol/nteere$' lea$ing the%3 :Ah' !ol2 an$ "/y an$ 8 ha e to go get cleane$ /*3 We7ll see yo/ later,: There +as a sc/rrying so/n$ an$ the 0arn $oor close$' 0/t -it +o/l$ ha e 0et her soc2s that the 2i$s +ere still insi$e3 She e5change$ a glance +ith 1ogan' +ho act/ally grinne$3 :#ren7t they c/te;: she as2e$' reaching $o+n to *ic2 /* a 2itten an$ stro2e an$ caress it3 :<es' they7re c/te': he %/se$' *aying %/ch %ore attention to -it7s ra*t face than the s%all felines3 4e 2nelt 0esi$e her an$ ga e the cats e9/al attention3 6othing else +as sai$ for se eral long %in/tes3 :Da%n,: ca%e a long-s/ffering e5cla%ation fro% "/y' +ho stoo$ /* along +ith his si0lings' cast a $isg/ste$ loo2 at the a$/lts an$ stal2e$ o/t of the 0arn3 The other t+o +ent +ith hi%' trying to loo2 0oth shee*ish an$ angry at the sa%e ti%e3 1ogan ch/c2le$3 :8 s/**ose they +ere e5*ecting a floor sho+3: :Those 2i$s 2no+ too %/ch alrea$y': she sai$' ref/sing to 0e 0aite$3 :@/t they7re s+eet chil$ren3: :They are not, Why $o yo/ thin2 the fa%ily a oi$s this *lace li2e the *lag/e; My co/sin @elin$a ca%e $o+n here to s*en$ the night last year an$ the little %onsters */t an ar%a$illo in the 0e$ +ith her3: She +histle$3 :87% gla$ they li2e %e,: :<o/7$ 0etter 0e3 They $efange$ a rattler an$ sho e$ it in %y roo% the first ti%e 8 +as fool eno/gh to s*en$ a night here3: :What $i$ yo/ $o;: :8 +ent o/t the +in$o+' of co/rse': he sai$3 :Star2 na2e$' 0eca/se that7s ho+ 8 slee*' an$ 8 thin2 8 too2 at least t+o-h/n$re$ $ollars +orth of *ane glass +ith %e3: She co/l$ al%ost *ict/re it3 :Weren7t yo/ h/rt;: :(nly %y *ri$e3 The glass $i$ ery little $a%age3 Eort/nately for the%3 8 ha en7t 0een 0ac2 since' /ntil no+3: 4e coc2e$ an eye0ro+ at her3 :@/t they7ll 0e nice to %e this ti%e3 They thin2 87% going to 2iss yo/' an$ they can catch /s at it an$ +e7ll 0e e%0arrasse$3

:That7s not a nice thing to say,: :Why $o yo/ thin2 they +ere hi$ing in here;: he as2e$ *atiently an$ s%ile$ at her conf/sion3 :Well' hi$e yo/r hea$ in the san$3 @/t they7re getting ol$ eno/gh to 0e c/rio/s' yo/ 2no+' an$ 87ll 0et B%%ett hasn7t tol$ the% =ilch3: >4e has so,: #%y inter.ecte$ /ntil t+o s%all han$s' one on each si$e' cla**e$ o er her %o/th3 :<o/ ar%ints,: 1ogan rage$ at the%3 They7$ ease$ 0ac2 in an$ +ere cro/che$ ./st insi$e the $oor 0ehin$ a +all3 :<o/7ll s+ing for this' yo/ si$e+in$ers,: :<o/7ll ha e to catch /s first' an$ yo/7re ol$,: "/y calle$3 The three of the% esca*e$ at a $ea$ r/n3 :They7re right': -it sai$ tho/ghtf/lly' eyeing hi%3 :<o/ are ol$3 Thirty-fi e ./st this year3: 4e glare$ at her3 :4o+ +o/l$ yo/ li2e to 0e flattene$ o/t on the hay here for a fe+ %in/tes;: he as2e$' glancing aro/n$3 :The 2i$s co/l$ sell tic2ets3: She cleare$ her throat3 :8 ta2e it all 0ac23 <o/7re yo/ng3 <o/7re in yo/r *ri%e' in fact3: :8 +as in %y *ri%e at eighteen' act/ally': he re%ar2e$3 4e s%ile$ +ic2e$ly3 :@/t 8 can still go all night3: She lea*e$ /* in the +a2e of o/trage$ e%0arrass%ent' 0r/she$ off her .eans an$ stal2e$ o/t the $oor ./st in ti%e to connect +ith three s%all' +ar% 0o$ies3 They all +ent s*ra+ling' -it incl/$e$3 :8 tol$ yo/ they +ere 0oth too ol$': "/y %/ttere$ as he hel*e$ his si0lings to their feet3 :<o/ ha e to +atch teenagers to fin$ o/t that sort of thing' not ol$ *eo*le3 Co%e on3 We7ll go $o+n to the ri er an$ s*y on Dosh 1an$ers an$ Cin$y "ail +hen they get thro/gh fishing,: El/she$ +ith glee they r/she$ off again' lea ing -it %/$$le$ an$ o/t of sorts3 >8 tol$ yo/': 1ogan sai$ fro% 0ehin$3 B%%ett *asse$ the 2i$s' +hirling aro/n$ as they +ent 0y hi% li2e cyclones3 4e $i$n7t as2 +here they +ere going3 4e +an$ere$ on $o+n to .oin -it an$ 1ogan3 >Why are yo/ sitting on the gro/n$;: B%%ett as2e$ -it con ersationally3 :8s there a s/$$en chair shortage;:

:87% ./st +here yo/r offs*ring left %e' flat in the $irt': -it tol$ hi%3 :They +ere $o+n here s*ying on /s): She 0ro2e off +hen she reali=e$ +hat she +as saying3 B%%ett lifte$ an eye0ro+ an$ loo2e$ at 1ogan' +ho ha$ a $isg/stingly s%/g an$ tri/%*hant loo2 on his face3 :(h': B%%ett sai$3 4e s%ile$ a little sa$ly' %anaging +ith one +or$ to con ey total /n$erstan$ing of the sit/ation an$ regret on his o+n acco/nt3 :They7re ./st c/rio/s': B%%ett a$$e$ after a %in/te' roc2ing 0ac2 on his heels3 :8 tol$ the% the 0asics' an$ ho+ to stay o/t of 0a$ tro/0le +ith it all3 They cleare$ their throats an$ *reten$e$ not to listen3: 4e ch/c2le$3 >Well' they +ere on their +ay $o+n to the ri er3 So%ething a0o/t a co/*le of teenagers fishing there333: -it tol$ hi%3 :(h%igo$,: B%%ett $i$ an a0o/t-face an$ r/she$ off in the general $irection the 2i$s ha$ ta2en3 :6o +on$er he7s so slen$er an$ fit': -it re%ar2e$' +atching his fig/re slo+ly gro+ s%aller in the $istance3 :8 $on7t thin2 87 e seen hi% sit for fi e straight %in/tes since 87 e 0een here3: :The 2i$s 2ee* hi% on his toes3 When he7s here3: :Fo$eo is ery $angero/s' isn7t it;: 4e no$$e$3 :#n$ for hi% %ore than %ost3 4is father $ie$ in a 0/ll ri$ing co%*etition' right in the ring3: :4o+ terri0le for hi%,: :That7s not all of it3 4is %other 2ille$ herself soon after the f/neral3 That +as +hen B%%ett got %arrie$3: 4e sai$ it *ointe$ly3 :4e +as lonely an$ grie ing' +asn7t he;: she as2e$3 :#n$ $eter%ine$ to ha e a fa%ily so that he co/l$ fill /* the ho/se an$ 0anish the 0a$ %e%ories as 9/ic2ly as *ossi0le3 @/t the +o%an he %arrie$ $i$n7t ta2e to %otherhoo$' an$ she +as really too yo/ng to settle $o+n3 She fell hea$ o er heels in lo e +ith a *retty or$inary %an +ho7$ +orshi*e$ her since high school3 B%%ett +as ne er at ho%e 0ac2 then3 4e +as *aying off the %ortgage on his father7s lan$ an$ ./st getting starte$ goo$ on the ro$eo circ/it-She sho/l$ ha e staye$ aro/n$3 (ne of o/r %ore +ell-to-$o relati es $ie$ last year an$ left B%%ett fi5e$ for life3 8 thin2 B%%ett7s e5-+ife %arrie$ too yo/ng an$ +asnGt really in lo e +ith B%%ett3? :Then he $oesn7t ha e to $o ro$eo': she sai$3

:6ot financially': he tol$ her3 :(h3 8 see3: #n$ she $i$3 B%%ett +as har0oring a +ealth of h/rt3 !erha*s the *ain an$ $anger of ro$eo %a$e it go a+ay for a +hile' or 0ro/ght hi% close to %e%ories of ha**ier ti%es +hen his father +as ali e3 :@/t it can7t 0e goo$ for his 2i$s3: :May0e he $oes it to esca*e the%': he %/r%/re$ $ryly3 :@/t they a$ore hi%3 <o/ can tell that they $o' an$ it7s %/t/al3 @/t333: :@/t he7s afrai$ to get too close3: 1ogan loo2e$ $o+n at her +ith s/$$en co%*rehension3 :4e7s afrai$ to lo e' 0eca/se he7s afrai$ of 0eing left alone again3 (ne +ay or another' he7s lost e ery single *erson he e er lo e$3: -it $i$n7t re*ly3 She 2e*t +al2ing an$ so $i$ 1ogan' 0/t the tho/ght lo$ge$ in his %in$ an$ +o/l$n7t 0e coa5e$ o/t3 Was he that +ay' afrai$ to lo e; @etsy +as te%*orary3 B en as he7$ a$%itte$ his *hysical nee$ for her' there +as ne er a ti%e +hen he7$ *ict/re$ her as a *er%anent *art of his life3 She hate$ coo2ing an$ ho/se+or2 an$ she an$ he ne er tho/ght ali2e on the i%*ortant iss/es3 They arg/e$ often on *olitics an$ religion an$ ./st a0o/t e erything else3 The only real co%%on gro/n$ they ha$ +as +hen 1ogan too2 her in his ar%s3 @/t e en that +as s/*erficial' shallo+3 There +ere ti%es +hen he +as al%ost certain that her en.oy%ent +as nothing %ore than a faca$e3 -it ha$ sai$ as %/ch3 She ha$ to care a0o/t hi%' to 0e so *rotecti e3 They7$ 0een together a long ti%e' he s/**ose$' so %ay0e she felt a *ro*rietary interest in his ha**iness3 Still' she7$ 0een /*set eno/gh to 9/it3 Was she .ealo/s; 4e st/c2 his han$s into his *oc2ets as they +al2e$' the 0ig' h/s2y %an an$ the slen$er' gracef/l +o%an3 8t felt goo$ to s*en$ ti%e +ith her3 She $i$n7t chatter or tal2 fashion an$ gossi* at the e5*ense of %ore serio/s s/0.ects3 -it only s*o2e +hen she ha$ so%ething to say3 >@etsy +as /*set 0eca/se 8 $i$n7t 0ring her +ith %e': he re%ar2e$33 She $i$nGt loo2 /*3 :<o/ co/l$ as2 her to fly o/t an$ %eet yo/3: 1ogan ga e -it a calc/late$ glance that she $i$n7t see3 :She7$ +ant to slee* +ith %e': he lie$3 :B%%ett +o/l$ go thro/gh the roof3 4e $oesn7t 0elie e in that sort of thing3: She hate$ the ery i$ea of @etsy in 1ogan7s 0e$3 4er han$ clenche$ at her si$e' 0/t she $i$n7t %a2e any re%ar2s3 She $i$n7t nee$ to3 The s%all %o e%ent $i$n7t esca*e 1ogan7s $ar2 eyes3 4e s%ile$3 :Tansy7s 0eing ery agreea0le' $on7t yo/ thin2;: she sai$' changing the s/0.ect3

:<es3 S/s*icio/s' isn7t it;: he a$$e$3 :She *ro0a0ly $i$n7t e5*ect yo/ to 0e this goo$ at trac2ing her $o+n3: 4e sto**e$' an$ the loo2 in his eyes +as tho/ghtf/l3 :8n fact' it really +as goo$ $etecti e +or23: :87% not ./st a ty*ist' yo/ 2no+': she %/r%/re$3 :8 $o ha e a 0rain an$ a fe+ s2ills3: :8f 8 ne er reali=e$ that' +hy +o/l$ 8 go off an$ lea e yo/ in charge of the office for $ays at a ti%e;: he as2e$3 :8 al+ays recogni=e$ yo/r talents' -it3: 4er heart ./%*e$ in her chest3 :<o/ ne er sai$ yo/ $i$3: :Why +o/l$ 8 $o a st/*i$ thing li2e that;: he as2e$' a%a=e$3 :8f 87$ %entione$ that yo/ +ere 0eing +aste$ in %y office' yo/7$ ha e 9/it an$ gone to +or2 for a $etecti e agency or so%ething3: 4e glo+ere$ at her3 :#s it ha**ene$' yo/ $i$ it any+ay3: :#fter yo/r 0elo e$ thre+ scal$ing coffee all o er %e an$ yo/ too2 her si$e against %e,: :(f co/rse 8 $i$' $a%n it,: 4e 0it off the +or$s3 :8 +asn7t trying to get yo/ into 0e$' +as 8;: She +ent scarlet3 4er *al% itche$ to lan$ against that %assi e .a+' 0/t she restraine$ it )0arely3 :<o/ ho*eless little *r/$e': he sai$ shortly' $ar2 eyes 0la=ing3 >To yo/' li2e B%%ett' se5 is so%ething that only ha**ens 0et+een %arrie$ *eo*le' 8 s/**ose;: :<es' it is3 (r it sho/l$ 0e': she sai$ forcef/lly3 :8 s/**ose yo/ thin2 it7s right that carelessness *ro$/ces tho/san$s of /n+ante$ 0a0ies; (r that it7s all right to slee* aro/n$ in$iscri%inately an$ s*rea$ terri0le $iseases;: 4e $i$n7t re*ly i%%e$iately3 :6o': he sai$ finally3 :8 $on7t thin2 it7s right3 8 0elie e in *re ention an$ safety' an$ 8 *ractice the%3 She $i$n7t ha e a co%e0ac2 for that3 She starte$ +al2ing again3 :4o+7s yo/r secretarial staff;: she as2e$3 :#re they co*ing +ith yo/r a0sence;: :Chris is ha ing so%ething of a *ro0le% +ith one of the%3: :Which one;: :Margo3: :The one +ith the clea age +ho can s*ell3:

4e ch/c2le$3 :That7s right3 She li2es rich %en3: She 0it her tong/e to hol$ 0ac2 a re%ar2 a0o/t another +o%an close to hi% +ho $i$' too3 :Don7t hol$ 0ac2': he tol$ her' s%iling as if he 2ne+ +hat she +as $oing an$ thin2ing3 4e stretche$ la=ily3 :The chain-s%o2er has 0ronchitis' 0/t she7s still $ragging in to +or23 The other one see%s to 0e %anaging' too' no+ that yo/7$ sho+n her +here yo/ hi$ all %y %ost i%*ortant files3: :8 $i$n7t hi$e the%3: She gritte$ her teeth3 :8 file$ the%3: :(nly an i$iot +o/l$ file an oil acco/nt /n$er T for Te5as3: She glare$ at hi%3 :8t isn7t T for Te5as' it7s T for Te5as !re%i/% (il Co%*any,: >Well' 8 ha$ the girls refile things so that 8 co/l$ fin$ the%3 (il acco/nts /n$er (il' ta5 acco/nts /n$er Ta5es an$ clients /n$er the last na%es3: :6ot /n$er the co%*any na%es;: :8t7s none of yo/r 0/siness any%ore': he sai$ s%/gly3 :<o/ 9/it3: :8 $i$ not, <o/ fire$ %e,: 4e shr/gge$ his 0roa$ sho/l$ers3 :We ha$ those *otte$ things %o e$ o/t into the hall' too3: She gas*e$3 :They7ll $ie, They +ere 0y the +in$o+ so that they co/l$ get s/nlight, They can7t li e in the sha$e3: 4e fro+ne$3 :So that7s +hy they7re +ilting3: :My *oor *lants,: :There7s *ro0a0ly still ti%e to sa e the%': he re%ar2e$ cas/ally3 4e glance$ at her3 :<o/ co/l$ co%e 0ac23 87$ gi e yo/ a raise3: :#n$ stan$ 0y +hile $arling @etsy *ractices her 6a*oleon i%-*ression3: >She is not tyrannical,: :#s2 Melo$y or Margo or 4arriet': she shot 0ac23 :8 $are yo/, She %ay 0e s+eetness an$ light to yo/' 0/t she7s *oison to e eryone else)es*ecially to her o+n se5, What she $i$ to *oor ol$ @ill -ingsley she7s going to $o to yo/' an$ 87ll 0e the last one crying +hen

yo/7re slee*ing in a $o+nto+n %ission,: 4is chest rose an$ fell ro/ghly +ith anger3 Da%n' she +as a 0ossy +o%an, 4e ha$ no intention of letting her lea$ hi% aro/n$' tell hi% +ho% to $ate' +hat to thin2, :@etsy is %y 0/siness': he sai$ harshly3 :<o/7re only .ealo/s' 0eca/se she7s 0ea/tif/l an$ yo/ aren7t,: 4e7$ ne er sai$ that 0efore' e en if he7$ al+ays tho/ght it3 -it +as /se$ to *eo*le loo2ing thro/gh her3 She 2ne+ she +asn7t *retty3 @/t that +as har$ly +hy she $isli2e$ @etsy3 She $i$n7t fight 0ac23 8t +o/l$ ha e 0een a$%itting that he +as right3 She +al2e$ on' alone' her eyes sa$ an$ 9/iet3 @ehin$ her' 1ogan sla**e$ his fist angrily against his thigh3 Da%n his tong/e, 4e7$ 0een f/rio/s' 0/t those h/rtf/l +or$s ha$ really sli**e$ o/t /nconscio/sly3 8t +as */re c/sse$ness' he 2ne+' 0/t he co/l$n7t thin2 of any +ay to ta2e it 0ac2)an$ still sa e face3 -it +ent ery 9/iet +hen she +as h/rt3 8t +as the only ti%e she $i$n7t s*it an$ cla+3 4e re%e%0ere$ ho+ she7$ res*on$e$ to hi% earlier' an$ ho+ *rotecti e she +as3 She +as *ro0a0ly in lo e +ith hi%' an$ he ha$ %ore *o+er to h/rt her than anyone else on earth3 4e +atche$ her +ith a gna+ing h/nger3 1o e +asn7t an easy thing to thro+ a+ay3 #ll the sa%e' he +as getting %arrie$ an$ -it +as off-li%its3 4e sho/l$n7t ha e 2isse$ her li2e that3 She7$ sai$ that it +as /nfair to @etsy' an$ it +as3 The *ro0le% +as that -it aro/se$ hi% e en %ore than @etsy $i$3 4e co/l$n7t let that sit/ation $e elo*3 4e ha$ *rinci*les' e en if he +as only ./st $isco ering the%3 4e %ight as +ell let -it thin2 he ha$ a lo+ o*inion of her loo2s3 !erha*s it +o/l$ s*are her any %ore h/rt at his han$s if he co/l$ t/rn her infat/ation to $isli2e3 4e +as going to %arry @etsy3 #ll he ha$ to $o +as 2ee* that in %in$' then *erha*s he co/l$ sto* ha ing these incon enient /rges to se$/ce -it3 @/t she $i$n7t hate hi%3 That +as all too a**arent +hen he stare$ at her across the s/**er ta0le an$ her eyes fell in 0l/shing conf/sion to her *late3 4is heart 0egan to race in his chest as he reali=e$ ho+ easily he co/l$ $isconcert her3 4is eyes fell to her %o/th3 4e re%e%0ere$ %/ch too i i$ly ho+ it felt to 2iss her' to hol$ her3 4e7$ trie$ for the rest of the $ay to */t that s+eet interl/$e o/t of his %in$' 0/t he co/l$n7t3 The %ore he tho/ght a0o/t it' the %ore he +ante$ it again3 With an angry %o e%ent of his han$' he reache$ for his coffee c/* an$ acci$entally hit it' sloshing hot coffee right across the ta0le onto -it7s +hite 0lo/se3 She gas*e$' gra00ing a na*2in to $a0 at it3 While 1ogan trie$ to a*ologi=e' she glare$ at

hi%3 :@een ta2ing lessons fro% @etsy' ha e +e;: she as2e$ +ith cool sarcas%3 :6o nee$ to +orry' it +ill +ash o/t3 B5c/se %e' *lease3: She +as gratef/l for the inci$ent in a +ay' 0eca/se it ga e her the o**ort/nity to esca*e3 B eryone +as loo2ing at her3 The 2i$s +ere *ro0a0ly recalling e ery l/ri$ %in/te they7$ +itnesse$ fro% the 0arn' an$ B%%ett +as s*ec/lati e an$ a little sa$3 Tansy +as hi$ing a%/se%ent3 1ogan)+ell' 1ogan +as a */==le altogether3 @/t -it ha$ felt li2e a la0 s*eci%en3 @y the ti%e she change$ an$ +ent 0ac2 $o+nstairs' s/**er +o/l$ 0e o er an$ she co/l$ esca*e3 #fter she stri**e$ off the 0lo/se' she soa2e$ it in the 0athroo% sin23 4er fli%sy 0ra +as +et' too' fro% the coffee3 That' she tho/ght resigne$ly' +o/l$ ha e to 0e +ashe$ as +ell3 #s she /nfastene$ it' her el0o+ ca/ght a 0ottle of sha%*oo an$ 2noc2e$ it across into the 0atht/0 +ith a hea y th/%*3 The noise conceale$ a 0rief 2noc2 at the $oor' an$ her o+n %o e%ents' as she retrie e$ an$ re*lace$ the sha%*oo' %as2e$ the so/n$ of footste*s3 She sli$ her 0ra into the sin2 an$ +as s+irling it thro/gh the +ater +hen a soft so/n$ 0esi$e her %a$e her t/rn her hea$3 1ogan +as hol$ing the $oor o*en' an$ he +as %a2ing no *retense of not loo2ing3 4is eyes' $ar2 +ith s/r*rise an$ fascination' sli$ o er her 0reasts as if they 0elonge$ to hi%' sa oring their fir%' ti*-tilte$ conto/rs' en.oying their $/s2y har$ ti*s an$ crea%y te5t/re3 4e ha$n7t e5*ecte$ this +hen he7$ co%e after her' al0eit rel/c-tantly' to a*ologi=e3 Seeing her half n/$e ha$ 2noc2e$ e ery sane tho/ght right o/t of his %in$3 4e +as enthralle$ 0y the /tter 0ea/ty of her3 4e leane$ against the $oor fra%e an$ ga e his eyes free rein3 :8 $on7t thin2 there7s any +or2 of art in the +orl$ that co/l$ co%*are fa ora0ly to a +o%an7s 0are 0reasts': he sai$ 9/ietly' an$ +itho/t offensi e intent3 :<o/rs are 0ea/tif/l' -it3 #0sol/tely 0reathta2ing3: They %/st ha e 0een' 0eca/se she act/ally sa+ his 0reathing change3 4er eyes fell an$ she sa+ so%ething else change' too' 0efore she 9/ic2ly lifte$ her eyes again an$ 9/ic2ly fol$e$ her ar%s o er her 0reasts3 :8 +on7t e%0arrass yo/ any %ore than 8 ha e': he sai$ softly3 :8t7s all right3 8 only ca%e after yo/ to a*ologi=e3 S*illing the coffee really +as an acci$ent3: :8 2ne+ that': she sai$3 4er oice +as h/s2y an$ she felt her 0o$y ache +ith ne+ sensations' ne+ h/ngers3 4er 0reasts 0egan to s+ell an$ tingle an$ thro03 4is han$s +ere li2e *lates' she tho/ght as she stare$ at hi%3 They +o/l$ co er her 0reasts co%*letely3 They +o/l$ 0e +ar% an$ a little ro/gh' an$ her 0o$y +o/l$ tre%0le 0eca/se it +o/l$ feel so s+eet to ha e the% on her 0are s2in3 The feelings frightene$ her3 She shi ere$' her eyes +i$e an$ a little a**rehensi e as she loo2e$ at hi%3

1ogan sa+ her h/nger an$ reacte$ to it3 4e +ante$ her3 "o$' he +ante$ her, #n$ if her /lnera0ility +as any in$ication' she +ante$ hi% ./st as %/ch3 :<o/7 e ne er 2no+n a %an7s eyes or han$s 0efore' ha e yo/' -it;: he as2e$ ery gently3 She co/l$n7t get a +or$ *ast her tight throat3 She shoo2 her hea$3 4is eyes trace$ her 0o$y +ith 9/iet' aching a**reciation3 4e ha$ to to/ch her3 4e co/l$n7t hel* hi%selfJ he ha$ to, :There is' as they say' a first ti%e for e erything' little one': he sai$3 4e so/n$e$ al%ost sole%n3 #n$ as she +atche$' he */she$ a+ay fro% the $oorfra%e' +al2e$ slo+ly insi$e an$ close$ an$ loc2e$ the $oor 0ehin$ hi%3

Chapter Six
-it co/l$n7t fin$ the right +or$s to e5*ress +hat she felt3 8t +o/l$ ha e 0een %/$$le$ if she ha$3 She +ante$ hi% to loo2 at herJ she ache$ for hi% to to/ch her3 @/t it +as +rong' 0eca/se he +as only intereste$ in the *hysical inti%acy' an$ 0eca/se he +as going to %arry @etsy3 She sho/l$ screa% her hea$ off an$ or$er hi% o/t of the roo%' an$ her 0rain +ante$ to' 0/t her 0o$y tre%0le$ hel*lessly as he +al2e$ to+ar$ her3 4er eyes tol$ hi% that he co/l$ ha e anything he +ante$3 4is o+n eyes +ere stor%y' not easily rea$ at all3 4is 0roa$ face +as +itho/t h/%or or teasing3 8t +as as sole%n as if he +ere in ch/rch3 Witho/t a +or$' he reache$ an$ $isengage$ her han$s fro% her 0reasts3 4e %o e$ the% a+ay fro% her 0o$y an$ 0ro/ght the% to her si$es3 Then he loo2e$ at her' +ith a+e an$ 9/iet $elight +hile she str/ggle$ to 0reathe nor%ally an$ faile$3 When one 0ig han$ ca%e /* an$ gently to/che$ ./st the ti* of her 0reast' a +ea2 cry esca*e$ her throat3 :This is +here yo/7re %ost sensiti e': he sai$' tracing the har$' erect ti*3 4e +atche$ her eyes +hile he to/che$ it' sa oring its heat an$ har$ness +ith his fingers an$ then +ith his *al%3 >8t frightens yo/ to 0e /lnera0le' $oesn7t it;: ><es': she +his*ere$3 :Don7t yo/ thin2 8 a%;: he as2e$ s/r*risingly3 4is fingers +ent to the Western-c/t shirt he +as +earing an$ flic2e$ o*en the *early sna*s3 4er eyes lit /* +ith */re $elight as she ga=e$ at the thic2 $ar2 hair on his 0roa$' 0ron=e$

chest3 :4ere3 To/ch %e +here 87% to/ching yo/3: 4e $re+ her fingers to his chest' an$ let her feel the har$ ti* o er his heart3 She trace$ it an$ he ca/ght his 0reath' la/ghing softly at her s/r*rise3 :When %en an$ +o%en %a2e lo e' there7s no real %aster': he sai$' %o ing so that his 0ig han$ co/l$ co%*letely co er her soft 0reast3 :@oth 0eco%e /lnera0le3 Eragile333: 4e 0ent an$ 2isse$ her *arte$ li*s +ith a ten$erness that +as in$escri0a0le3 4is han$s +ere gentle on her 0o$y' tracing' learning' e5*loring' /ntil he 2ne+ e ery centi%eter of s2in a0o e her +aist3 -it' too' +as learning3 4er han$s 0/rie$ the%sel es in that thic2 *elt an$ t/gge$ at it +ith a *leas/ra0le rhyth%3 @/t all too soon' it +as no longer eno/gh' an$ +itho/t conscio/s intent' she ste**e$ e en closer to hi% an$ rela5e$ co%*letely against his aro/se$ 0o$y3 :6o': he +his*ere$3 4is 0ig han$ $ro**e$ to her hi* an$ gently %o e$ her 0ac23 4is %o/th tease$ hers again3 :This isn7t the ti%e or the *lace3: She loo2e$ /* into his $ar2' *atient eyes3 :8t %a2es %e ache': she +his*ere$' trying to */t her feelings into +or$s3 :<es3 Me' too3: 4e $re+ his face against hers3 @oth han$s sli$ o er her 0reasts an$ gently caresse$ the%3 :<o/7re li2e sil2 all o er' aren7t yo/;: he +his*ere$3 4is %o/th sli$ $o+n her throat' o er her sho/l$ers an$ her collar0one3 8t ease$ $o+n' $o+n' /ntil it s/$$enly o*ene$ on her soft 0reast3 4e to/che$ it +ith his tong/e' *ro$/cing ne+ an$ olatile h/ngers that arche$ -it7s 0o$y li2e a 0o+3 :4ol$ on' 0a0y': he +his*ere$ ro/ghly3 While she +as trying $i==ily to co%*rehen$ +hat he %eant' his hea$ lifte$3 Eor an instant' the coolness of the roo% +as /nco%forta0le on the %oist *lace he7$ left on her s2in3 Then he 0/rro+e$ against her' fo/n$ the har$ ni**le' too2 it co%*letely into his %o/th an$ 0egan to s/c2le it3 Eor a fe+ secon$s' -it fro=e3 Then she ta/tene$ /ntil her %/scles felt in $anger of shattering3 4er 0o$y arche$ an$ $re+ in an$ she */she$ /* against his %o/th as if it +ere the so/rce of life itself3 4er han$s +ere in his thic2' $ar2 hair3 They cl/ng' tre%0ling' as the fe er he 2in$le$ 0/rne$ high an$ 0right3 She shi ere$' an$ shi ere$ again' an$ 0egan to %oan3 4e %a$e a fierce so/n$ an$ the s/ction gre+ har$er' %ore insistent3

So%ething sna**e$ in -it7s 0o$y3 She sh/$$ere$ as a +a e of *leas/re hit her right in the core of her 0o$y an$ con /lse$ her into /tter satisfaction3 She co/l$n7t sto* tre%0ling3 4er legs +ere too +ea2 to hol$ her /*3 1ogan ha$ lifte$ his hea$ an$ +as loo2ing at her' 0/t she +as too 0/sy trying to get her 0reath 0ac2 an$ sto* her heart fro% sha2ing her to 0its to notice3 "ently he *resse$ her 0are 0reasts against his e9/ally 0are chest' starting /* ne+ sensations as she felt the se5y a0rasi eness of his 0o$y hair against her +ar% s2in3 4e hel$ her chee2 there' an$ /n$er his %/sc/lar chest she co/l$ hear the irreg/lar 0eat of his heart as he s%oothe$ her hair 0ac2' an$ 0r/she$ soft 2isses against her te%*le3 She tho/ght that she co/l$ ne er loo2 hi% in the face again3 4er a0an$on ha$ e%0arrasse$ an$ sic2ene$ her3 She trie$ to */ll a+ay' finally' 0/t he +o/l$n7t let her3 4e tilte$ her sha%e$ face /* to his eyes an$ searche$ it 9/ietly3 8t +as so%eho+ %ore *rofo/n$ 0eca/se he $i$n7t s*ea23 4is fingers to/che$ her face' cherishe$ it' +hile he e5a%ine$ e ery facet of her fro% the chin /* as if he7$ ne er loo2e$ at her 0efore3 :87% *lain': she sai$ in a 0rittle tone3 :<o/ sai$ so3: :<o/ inf/riate %e at ti%es3 8 say a lot of things 8 $on7t %ean an$ yo/ 2no+ it3: 4is oice $ee*ene$3 :<o/ 2no+ %e 0etter than anyone else in the +orl$ $oes' e5ce*t in one +ay3 8n the /lti%ate +ay3: 4er chee2s 0/rne$ +ith heat3 >8 satisfie$ yo/' $i$n7t 8;: he as2e$' his oice soft an$ inti%ate3 4er eyes fell an$ she co/l$n7t s*ea23 :<es' 8 tho/ght so3 <o/7re incre$i0ly nai e' -it3 <o/ ha e no real co%*rehension of +hat se5 is all a0o/t3 !erha*s no+ yo/ /n$erstan$ a little 0etter ho+ *o+erf/l a force attraction can 0e3: 4e */t a fist /n$er her chin an$ tilte$ /* her re0ellio/s face3 :8 co/l$ ha e yo/ right here' stan$ing /*': he sai$ harshly3 :#n$ after the first fi e secon$s' yo/7$ 0e tearing the clothes a+ay fro% o/r 0o$ies for %e3 That7s ho+ %/ch yo/ +ant %e3: :That7s cr/el': she cho2e$3 :That7s the tr/th3: 4is han$s fra%e$ her face3 4e 0ent an$ 2isse$ her forcef/lly' ro/ghly' an$ .er2e$ his %o/th a+ay3 :<o/7$ +al2 to hell for %e if 8 as2e$ yo/ to3: She stiffene$ in his e%0race an$ her face t/rne$ $eathly *ale3 :This is +hy yo/ left in the first *lace': he sai$ h/s2ily3 :<o/ ha$ to get o/t 0eca/se it +as 2illing yo/ to see %e +ith @etsy, <o/ lo e %e,:

The tr/th of it +as in her +i$e' +o/n$e$ eyes' 0l/e *ools in the +hite oasis of her face3 She loo2e$ at hi% as if he7$ */t a 2nife thro/gh her3 Antil he7$ sai$ the +or$s' he ha$n7t really 2no+n3 @/t no+ he $i$' an$ s/$$enly the *ast three years fell into *lace3 So %/ch of his life +as in ol e$ +ith -it7s3 4e7$ fire$ her' 0/t he ha$n7t really +ante$ her to lea e3 4e7$ %isse$ her' ache$ for her co%*any3 6o+ he ache$ in another +ay' in a $a%ne$ incon enient +ay' an$ he7$ ./st crosse$ the 0arrier 0et+een frien$shi* an$ se53 #n$ he7$ co%*o/n$e$ the error 0y $oing it +ith a +o%an +ho +as %a$ly in lo e +ith hi%3 :8 ne er /se$ to 0e cr/el': he sai$ al%ost to hi%self3 4e +ince$ as he searche$ her face3 :B erything 8 say %a2es it +orse' $oesn7t it;: :Wo/l$ yo/ han$ %e a to+el' *lease;: she as2e$ $/lly3 :(f co/rse3: 4e t/rne$ a+ay an$ re%o e$ one fro% the rac2 to gi e her3 She +ra**e$ it aro/n$ her li2e a 0lan2et an$ stoo$ there' $efeate$' h/%iliate$' $raine$3 :8f yo/ co/l$ %a2e so%e e5c/se for %e': she sai$' her oice so lo+ that he ha$ to strain to hear it3 :# hea$ache;: :8 can $o that3: 4er eyes close$' sh/tting hi% o/t3 She +ishe$ she co/l$ go thro/gh the floor3 What %/st he thin2 of her no+; 4e $re+ her forehea$ to his chest an$ hel$ it there' his e5*ression tro/0le$3 :87% sorry3 8 ha$ no right to to/ch yo/ li2e that3: She 0it 0ac2 tears3 She $i$n7t say a +or$' or yiel$ an inch3 4is teeth gro/n$ together as sil ery +a es of *leas/re tease$ his 0o$y3 B en the s%ell of her +as eno/gh to trigger it3 :My "o$' 8 +ant to %a2e lo e to yo/' -it,: 4e cho2e$3 She +ante$ it' too' 0/t it +as i%*ossi0le3 :<o/7re engage$': she re%in$e$ hi%3 :What ha**ene$333+asn7t right3: 4e sighe$ hea ily3 :<es' yo/7re o0sesse$ +ith $oing the right thing' aren7t yo/; 8 /se$ to 0e' too' /ntil @etsy ca%e along an$ %y glan$s all e5*lo$e$3 87$ 0een so 0/sy %a2ing %oney an$ s*ec/lating on +ays to %a2e %ore that 87$ all 0/t gi en /* +o%en in the *ast si5 %onths' /ntil @etsy +al2e$ in the $oor3: 4e 0r/she$ his li*s o er her hair3 :There yo/ sat' +aiting for %e to +a2e /*3 @/t 8 t/rne$ the +rong +ay' $i$n7t 8;: :<o/ can7t hel* lo ing so%eone3:

She sho/l$ 2no+3 @/t she +as ass/%ing he lo e$ @etsy' an$ he $i$n7t3 4e +ante$ her an$ the only +ay he co/l$ get her +as to get %arrie$3 6o+' he +asn7t s/re that it act/ally +as +hat he +ante$ any%ore3 4e sco+le$ as conf/se$ tho/ghts 0egan to gna+ at hi%3 :1et %e go' 1ogan': she sai$' t/gging at his han$s3 :<o/7$ 0etter lea e no+3: 4e stare$ at her +ith /n$isg/ise$ longing3 :8f +e +ere any+here else' 87$ as2 yo/ to co%e to 0e$ +ith %e3 8 co/l$ *rotect yo/' -it3 There7$ 0e no ris2 at all3: She stare$ 0ac2' +a ering3 @/t there +as @etsy' an$ slee*ing +ith a %an she +asn7t %arrie$ to +as +rong3 6o3 She co/l$n7t $o that3 4er eyes fell3 :B en if that 2in$ of thing is right for the +hole rest of the +orl$' it isn7t right for %e3 833387% not %a$e for one-night stan$s3: 4e +atche$ her +hile he sna**e$ his shirt 0/ttons 0ac2 /*' his face ta/t an$ so%0er3 :8 $on7t thin2 one night +o/l$ 0e eno/gh': he sai$3 :<o/7re star e$ for %e' -it3 6ot ./st h/ngry3 Star e$3: >8 a% not,: she sai$ %isera0ly' lifting +il$ 0l/e eyes to his3 :8f yo/7re not': he re*lie$ 9/ietly' :then e5*lain to %e ho+ 8 %anage$ to f/lfill yo/ ./st 0y */tting %y %o/th to yo/r 0reast3 (r $o yo/ thin2 it7s a co%%on occ/rrence for +o%en;: She felt her face go e en +hiter at the charge3 >8f yo/7re i%*lying that 87% +anton333,: :(h' yes' yo/7re +anton': he sai$ h/s2ily3 :Se5y as hell an$ hea en to 2iss3 87$ gi e %y right ar% to go all the +ay +ith yo/3: 8n that %o%ent he loo2e$ as if he act/ally %eant it3 4is *ost/re +as as intense as the +ay he +as loo2ing at her3 :<o/7re engage$': she sai$ sa$ly3 :<es3: She felt col$3 :87% s/re that333that @etsy attracts yo/ ./st as %/ch3 #n$ *ro0a0ly any e5*erience$ %an co/l$ ha e %a$e %e feel the sa%e as yo/ ./st $i$3: :8 +o/l$n7t 0et on it3: :May0e 8 sho/l$ as2 B%%ett333: :87ll 0rea2 yo/r nec2 if 8 catch yo/ so %/ch as loo2ing at B%%ett,: he 0/rst o/t' 0/t ret/rne$ to nor%al in a flash' his /s/al $o%ineering' i%*atient' o/trageo/s self3

:4o+ interesting': she sai$ cal%ly3 :<o/ little fool' he7s o/t of yo/r leag/e': he *ersiste$' hating the ery tho/ght of her +ith his co/sin3 :4e +ants to %arry %e3 4e sai$ so3: 1ogan7s li*s co%*resse$3 4e glare$ at her3 :4e can7t ha e yo/3: She felt inti%i$ate$ 0y the loo2 he +as gi ing her3 4e +as 0ristling +ith 0a$ te%*er' she tho/ght' an$ felt an in ol/ntary s/rge of co%*assion for hi%3 4e +asn7t a 0a$ %an3 4e lo e$ @etsy' that +as all3 !ro0a0ly he +as %issing her' an$ -it ha$ 0een a stan$-in3 She felt sa$' 2no+ing that3 :1ogan' yo/ ha e yo/r o+n life': she sai$ gently3 :<o/r o+n *riorities3 4o+e er 8 feel' an$ yo/ $on7t really 2no+': she e%*hasi=e$' :@etsy sho/l$ 0e yo/r %ain concern right no+3: 4is eyes narro+e$ in anger3 >8 can %anage %y o+n *ri ate life than2 yo/3: :"oo$3 Why $on7t yo/ go an$ $o it;: :8 %ight as +ell': he sai$ irrita0ly3 4e ga e her one long' lingering loo2' an$ fo/n$ that he ha$ to force his legs to %o e3 SheG$ 0een so s+eet in his ar%s3 @/t she +as right3 4e ha$ @etsy to thin2 a0o/t3 To/ching -it ha$ 0een in no +ay honora0le' e en if it ha$ 0een hea en3 4e finally starte$ to+ar$ the $oor3 4e $i$n7t say another +or$3 4e /nloc2e$ the $oor an$ $i$n7t e en 0other to close it on his +ay o/t3 M/ch later' +hen -it +as in 0e$' Tansy ca%e to chec2 on her3 >1ogan7s o/tsi$e ho+ling at the %oon': Tansy sai$3 :4e7s /tterly $e%olishe$ half a glass of goo$ Scotch +his2ey3 <o/r $oing' 8 *res/%e;: :8' /h' +e ha$ a slight %is/n$erstan$ing3 4e see%s to feel that he can 0e engage$ to @etsy an$ still %a2e a gra0 for %e if he feels li2e it': she sai$ thro/gh her teeth' +itho/t ela0orating on her o+n *art in her $o+nfall3 Tansy too2 one of -it7s han$s gently in hers3 :1et %e tell yo/ so%ething yo/ %ay not reali=e3 8n three years' yo/7 e 0een all 1ogan e er tal2e$ a0o/t +hen he ca%e to see %e3 8t +as al+ays -it sai$ this' -it $i$ that3 <o/7 e 0een his +orl$ all that ti%e3: >Then +hy is he going to %arry @etsy;:

Tansy let go of her han$ an$ shr/gge$3 :Who can fatho% the %in$ of a %an;: she as2e$3 :8 thin2 *erha*s he hasn7t reali=e$ yet ho+ %/ch a *art of hi% yo/ are3 So%eti%es it ta2es a $rastic change to %a2e a %an loo2 a $ifferent +ay at so%ething3 8 $on7t 0elie e he7s e er really seen yo/' -it3 4o+7s that for irony;: 4e7$ seen her in +ays she co/l$n7t tell his %other' too3 She $i$n7t $are 0are her so/l that far3 :8f he %arries that +o%an' he7ll ne er reco er': -it sai$ sa$ly3 :@/t he +on7t listen3 4e ./st +on7t listen,: :4e7s not going to a$%it that he %a$e that 2in$ of %ista2e' 87% afrai$': Tansy sai$3 :1ogan ne er +o/l$ a$%it to 0eing in the +rong3 Too' *erha*s he resents ha ing yo/ try to n/rt/re hi%3 4e li2es to thin2 that he7s $oing the n/rt/ring3 @/t @etsy is a 0a$ +o%an' -it': she a$$e$ 9/ietly3 :# 0a$ egg3 8 2no+ the $anger 1ogan is in3 8 ./st $on7t 2no+ +hat to $o a0o/t it' short of ha ing the 2i$s 2i$na* @etsy3: She fro+ne$ tho/ghtf/lly3 :8 +on$er if 8 co/l$ get B%%ett to 0ri0e the%3333: -it la/ghe$ rel/ctantly at the tho/ght of @etsy tie$ to a sta2e3 >8t7s an i$ea3: >-it' *lease $on7t gi e /* on hi%': Tansy *lea$e$3 :Chris an$ 8 are the lo e 7e% an$ lea e 7e% ty*e3 @/t 1ogan is $ifferent3 4e7s $ee* an$ +hen he lo es' it7s +ith e erything he has' e erything he is3 # %an li2e that +ho lo es the +rong +o%an *a es the +ay to his o+n $estr/ction3: :<es' 8 2no+': she sai$3 :@/t if he lo es her333: :8f he lo e$ her' he +o/l$n7t ha e 0een sh/t /* in a 0athroo% +ith yo/ for se eral %in/tes': Tansy sai$ +ith a +ic2e$ grin3 :4o+333;: :Those 2i$s' ho+ else;: Tansy sighe$3 :They +ere /* here trying to ta2e the $oor2no0 off +ith a scre+$ri er +hen B%%ett ca/ght the%3 Don7t +orry3: She ch/c2le$ at -it7s horror3 :The +alls are t+o inches thic2' nothing gets *ast the%3 @/t if they7$ %anage$ to get the $oor2no0 off' things +o/l$ ha e gotten a 0it interesting333: -it 0/rie$ her face in her han$s3 :(h' $ear': she +his*ere$' thin2ing ho+ e%0arrassing it +o/l$ ha e 0een' e en tho/gh nothing terri0ly in$iscreet ha$ ha**ene$3 :Don7t 0e li2e this' s+eetheart': Tansy sai$ gently3 :My goo$ness' yo/ $o ta2e life so serio/sly3 4o+ $o yo/ e5*ect to li e if yo/ can7t 0en$ the r/les occasionally; 8t isn7t as if yo/7re a *ro%isc/o/s *erson +ho thri es on fla/nting herself3 <o/7re a nice' $ecent +o%an' an$ 8 $o +ish it +as yo/ instea$ of @etsy that 8 +as going to ha e for a $a/ghterin-la+3: :6othing really terri0le +ent on in there': she 0egan3

:So +hat if it ha$; Since +hen ha e yo/ 0een *erfect;: Tansy s%ile$3 :My $ear' yo/ ha e a ery rigi$ an$ rather /nflattering ie+ of "o$ if yo/ thin2 4e7s as narro+-%in$e$ an$ *etty as %ost h/%an 0eings are3 "i e 4i% cre$it for 2no+ing all a0o/t yo/' not ./st +hat sho+s3: :8 tho/ght yo/ $i$n7t go to ch/rch': -it sai$' a%a=e$3 :8 $on7t3 There are too %any $eno%inations fighting each other' +hen they sho/l$ 0e trying to *lease "o$3 Eello+shi* is nice' 0/t 1 $on7t thin2 ./st going to ch/rch alone +ill get a %ean *erson into hea en3: :May0e not': -it sai$3 :@/t +itho/t so%e 2in$ of r/les' +hat +o/l$ +e ha e;: :What +e7 e got': Tansy tol$ her3 :The %ost conf/se$ generation of 2i$s +ho e er li e$ on the *lanet3 There are no r/les' no al/es' no heroes3 4a e yo/ e er st/$ie$ ancient ci ili=ations' -it;? >6ot really3: :The first sign of a $eclining ci ili=ation is a $ecline in the arts3 #n$ 8 thin2 +e ha e a ery $efinite $ecline in c/lt/re an$ art3 8t7s 0een re*lace$ 0y i$eo ga%es an$ *lastic toys an$ tele ision an$ CCFs3: :87% gla$ the 2i$s $on7t ha e a i$eo ca%era': -it sai$ +ith faint h/%or as she 0egan to rela5 a little3 Tansy ch/c2le$3 :Fe%in$ %e to gi e the% one for Christ%as3: :!oor B%%ett, 4e7ll ne er get a 0ri$e then,: :#re yo/ feeling 0etter;: Tansy as2e$3 :# little less tor%ente$;: :<es3 <o/7re nice %e$icine3: :87 e ne er 0een calle$ that3 Well' off to 0e$3 We go 0ac2 to 4o/ston in the %orning3: 4er eyes t+in2le$ at -it3 :#fter that' +ho 2no+s;: 7Tansy' yo/ +on7t anish again,: :Dear girl' if 8 stay in one *lace ery long' 87ll $ie there3 #t %y age' one %/st 2ee* %o ing or free=e /*3 8f ol$ age catches %e' it7ll ha e to o/tr/n %e3: She got /* an$ +ent to the $oor3 :87$ loc2 this': she sai$3 :The 2i$s $on7t ha e a CCF' 0/t they $o ha e a !olaroi$ ca%era333: -it lea*e$ o/t of 0e$ +itho/t an arg/%ent3 She co/l$ i%agine the 2in$ of *hotogra*hs

she %ight a**ear in if she left that $oor /nloc2e$' e en tho/gh she $i$n7t slee* na2e$3 #t 0rea2fast the ne5t %orning' the 2i$s +ere gathere$ aro/n$ an$ snic2ering faintly as they loo2e$ fro% a h/ng o er' ery 9/iet 1ogan to a shy -it3 :8 hi$ the scre+$ri ers' -it' $on7t +orry': B%%ett sai$ +ith a +ic2e$ glance to+ar$ her an$ then 1ogan3 :<o/7re safe this %orning3 #ll the sa%e' 8 +o/l$n7t loc2 %yself in any %ore 0athroo%s +ith 1ogan aro/n$ here' if 8 +ere yo/3 They7 e got this !olaroi$ ca%era an$ a sa+333: >What scre+$ri er;: 1ogan as2e$ +ith restraine$ shoc23 >The one they +ere /sing to ta2e the $oor2no0 off -it7s 0athroo% $oor': B%%ett sai$ s%oothly3 1ogan */t $o+n his for23 :My "o$,: he e5clai%e$' staring at the chil$ren3 :4e ne er tells /s nothing,: "/y %/ttere$' an$ +hen he sco+le$ at B%%ett' it +as li2e loo2ing at a %iniat/re of the %an3 :B%%ett' ha e yo/ e er consi$ere$ gi ing /* ro$eo for a season an$ raising yo/r 2i$s;: 1ogan as2e$ c/rtly3 B%%ett glare$ at hi%3 :They7re %y 2i$s an$ it7s %y life3 8 $on7t co%e /* to 4o/ston an$ try to tell yo/ ho+ to li e' $o 8;: :So%e0o$y o/ght to': Tansy re%ar2e$ *leasantly' :0efore he r/ins it3: >Than2 yo/ ery %/ch'? 1ogan gro+le$ at his %other3 She s%ile$ acantly3 :Why' yo/7re +elco%e' $ear3 B%%ett' +o/l$n7t yo/ li2e to 0ring the 2i$s an$ co%e an$ isit 1ogan; 87$ lo e for yo/ to %eet his ne+ fiancee333,: :8 $on7t ha e s*are 0e$roo%s': 1ogan sai$ a0r/*tly3 :<o/ $o so': Tansy arg/e$3 :Three of the%3: :They7re 0eing re%o$ele$3: :They are not': she arg/e$3 :They +ill 0e 0y to%orro+': he sai$ /n$er his 0reath3 :@esi$es' B%%ett7s ri$ing in a ro$eo o/t in Montana3: :8n the sno+;: Tansy e5clai%e$3

:#ri=ona': B%%ett correcte$ la=ily3 4e glare$ at 1ogan3 :So%e co/sin yo/ are3 8 offer yo/ the hos*itality of %y ho%e an$ lo ing fa%ily' an$ yo/ $on7t e en +ant /s to stay a night +ith yo/3: :1o ing fa%ily;: 1ogan7s eyes +i$ene$3 4e loo2e$ at the 2i$s3 :The%;: :We7re lo ing': #%y sai$' glaring at hi%3 :#ll of /s': "/y secon$e$' sco+ling3 :<o/ 0etter not say +e ain7t lo ing' %ister': !ol2 a$$e$3 :That7s %y 2i$s': B%%ett sai$ s%/gly3 :1isten /*' yo/ 2i$s' ho+ +o/l$ yo/ li2e -it there for a %other;: :She ain7t *retty': "/y sai$3 :She7s nice' tho/gh': #%y interr/*te$3 :#n$ she $oesn7t ha e to fi5 her face e ery t+o %in/tes an$ *aint her fingernails li2e that la$y in the glittery $ress that yo/ 0ro/ght ho%e that night yo/ tho/ght +e +ere aslee*': she re%in$e$ B%%ett3 !ol2 fro+ne$ as B%%ett7s $ar2 face fl/she$3 :4e s/re too2 her a+ay in a h/rry +hen he sa+ /s' $i$n7t he;: :Will yo/ sto*;: B%%ett as2e$ hi%3 -it ch/c2le$ to herself3 She $i$ li2e B%%ett3 @/t not eno/gh to %arry hi%3 :<o/ co/l$ %arry that glittery la$y': !ol2 s/ggeste$3 :She sai$ she s/re $i$ li2e yo/r %oney3 She $i$n7t li2e /s %/ch' tho/gh3 What +as it she calle$ /s' "/y;: :"/y' sh/t /*,: B%%ett rage$3 :<o/ +ere so %arrie$ to o/r %a%a' +eren7t yo/' B%%ett;: #%y as2e$3 She calle$ her father 0y his gi en na%e' a ha0it he7$ rel/ctantly gotten /se$ to 0eca/se he co/l$n7t see% to 0rea2 it3 :<es' 8 +as' #%y': he sai$3 :So that %eans +e7re not): :#%y' 87% +arning yo/,: B%%ett threatene$3 :(h' ery +ell' B%%ett': she sai$ *ri%ly' $a00ing at her %o/th3 :May +e 0e e5c/se$;: :Why; #re yo/ in a r/sh to hi.ac2 a tr/c2 or so%ething;:

They glare$ at hi%3 :We7re hel*ing Mrs3 "i00s 0a2e a ca2e3 She7s the fore%an7s +ife': #%y e5*laine$ to e eryone3 :She sai$ +e co/l$3: :"o$ hel* Mrs3 "i00s3: :So%e father yo/ are': 1ogan %/ttere$ as the 2i$s esca*e$ o/t the 0ac2$oor' hea$ing for the fore%an7s ho/se3 :Mrs3 "i00s has ner es of steel an$ they listen to her': he arg/e$3 :They o/ght to 0e listening to yo/': 1ogan *ersiste$3 :Tal2 a0o/t sorehea$s,: B%%ett sai$' %a2ing a clic2ing so/n$3 :Er/stration s/re $oesn7t sit +ell +ith yo/' $oes it; #n$ yo/ o/ght to 0e asha%e$ of yo/rself' %a2ing a$ ances to -it +hen yo/7re engage$ to that @etsy +o%an3 So%ething 8 +o/l$ ne er $o if yo/ got engage$ to %e' -it' %y $ear': he a$$e$ sil2ily3 >(h' for "o$7s sa2e,: 1ogan roare$3 4e thre+ $o+n his na*2in an$ +al2e$ o/t of the roo%3 4is 0ac2 +as gro+ing ery fa%iliar to -it' +ho sa+ %ore of it lately than she e er ha$3 >8 really can7t %arry yo/' B%%ett3 87% sorry': -it sai$3 :87% *ersistent': he re%ar2e$ +ith a la=y s%ile3 :Don7t say 8 $i$n7t +arn yo/3: She s%ile$' 0/t it +asn7t an enco/raging s%ile3 T+o ho/rs later' they sai$ their goo$0yes an$ 1ogan $ro e -it an$ Tansy to the air*ort3 Their seats +ere +i$ely se*arate$' an$ for that s%all %ercy -it +as gla$3 8t +as goo$ to go ho%e an$ get a+ay fro% the enforce$ inti%acy +ith 1ogan3 4e 0arely s*o2e to her no+' an$ she +as e9/ally gla$ to a oi$ hi%3 #fter the e5*losi e interl/$e they7$ share$' she $i$n7t 2no+ ho+ to 0eha e +ith hi%3 #ll she 2ne+ +as that she $i$n7t +ant to en$ /* in his 0e$ 0eca/se he +as fr/strate$ an$ she +as +ea23 "oing 0ac2 to 4o/ston an$ 2ee*ing o/t of his +ay see%e$ the only sensi0le thing to $o3 1ogan +as thin2ing the sa%e thing3 4e7$ ./st 0eg/n to reali=e +hat a horri0le %ista2e he7$ 0e %a2ing if he %arrie$ @etsy3 @/t a$%itting it +as ne5t to i%*ossi0le3 8t +o/l$ 2ill his *ri$e3 (n the other han$' -it7s +ell-%eant interference ha$ only %a$e hi% $ig his heels in $ee*er3 #ll the +ay 0ac2 ho%e he $i$ his 0est to con ince hi%self that -it +as +rong an$ he +as right a0o/t @etsy3 @/t the $o/0ts +ere 0eginning to o/t+eigh the certainties in the relationshi*3 4e +as at a crossroa$s an$ he honestly $i$n7t 2no+ +hich +ay to t/rn3

Chapter Seven
Dane +as fascinate$ 0y the re*ort -it ga e hi% +hen she got 0ac2 to the office3 :<o/7re 2i$$ing': he re%ar2e$ +hen she finishe$3 :6o0o$y has chil$ren li2e that in real life3 #re yo/ s/re yo/ ha en7t 0een rea$ing fiction;: :Why $on7t yo/ go o/t there an$ see for yo/rself;: she s/ggeste$ $ryly3 :6o' than2s,: 4e shoo2 his hea$3 :What a fa%ily3 Tansy +ent ho%e +ith 1ogan' $i$ she;: :<es' 0/t no0o$y 2no+s ho+ long she7ll stay3 When @etsy +al2s thro/gh the $oor' 8 e5*ect Tansy +ill anish again': she sai$ $e.ecte$ly3 :That %eans %ore 0/siness for /s3: Dane ch/c2le$3 :8 s/**ose3: Dane ga e -it a ne+ case to +or2 on' trac2ing $o+n a 0ail ./%*er this ti%e3 @/t the %an +asn7t a $angero/s cri%inalJ he +as a forger +ho7$ %a$e :0/sh 0on$3: With a little hel* fro% the s2i*-tracing $e*art%ent' s*ecifically fro% Doris' -it latche$ on to an a$$ress $o+nto+n in the re$-light $istrict3 There +as only one +ay to get close to that a$$ress' an$ she $i$n7t fin$ it at all a%/sing3 The sacrifices 8 %a2e for this .o0' she tho/ght as she a$./ste$ her s2in-tight' green se9/ine$ %inis2irt an$ 0lac2 halter +ith %atching 0lac2 sil2 hose3 She o era**lie$ her %a2e/* an$ sat/rate$ herself in s+eet *erf/%e3 Then she $ro e to the a$$ress an$ starte$ to +al2 rather self-conscio/sly' along the cro+$e$ si$e+al2 0et+een t+o a$/lt 0oo2stores3 :4ey' +ho are yo/; This is %y s*ot, What $o yo/ thin2 yo/7re $oing' girl;: The 9/estioner +as the real thing' +ith 0leache$ 0lon$ hair an$ goo$ s2in' of +hich %ost +as on 0latant $is*lay3 -it glance$ aro/n$ ner o/sly an$ %o e$ closer to the 0lon$e3 :87% a $etecti e': she +his*ere$3 :87% trying to fin$ a 0ail ./%*er3 !lease $on7t gi e %e a+ay3: The +o%an loo2e$ i%*resse$3 She */rse$ her li*s an$ no$$e$3 :# $etecti e; Eor real;: :87% afrai$ so3: She eye$ the other +o%an c/rio/sly3 :8 sa+ !retty Wo%an3 <o/

aren7t333;: Delighte$ la/ghter %et her 9/ery3 :6o3 @/t 8 +o/l$n7t %in$ %eeting so%e0o$y +ith an e5*ensi e car +ho 0ro/ght %e flo+ers3 6o+ in this .o0' that7s real fantasy,: She an$ -it 0oth la/ghe$3 :Who7s this $/$e yo/7re loo2ing for;: the +o%an as2e$' glancing aro/n$3 :May0e 8 2no+ hi%3: :This is a co*y of his $ri er7s license *hoto': -it sai$' *ro$/cing it3 She $i$n7t %ention ho+ she7$ %anage$ to o0tain it' an$ the hoo2er $i$n7t as23 :87 e seen hi%,: the +o%an sai$3 :4e $oesn7t ha e %/ch ti%e for /s' 0/t he *asses here e ery night on his +ay to that a$/lts only i$eo *lace at the corner3 Matter of fact' he7ll 0e along a0o/t nine' if he follo+s his /s/al ro/tine3: -it glance$ at her +atch3 :Min$ if 8 stic2 +ith yo/;: she as2e$' ner o/s no+ that she +as attracting attention fro% %en an$ *i%*s ali2e3 The hoo2er ch/c2le$3 :This isn7t yo/r scene at all' is it' honey;: :Well' no3: The other +o%an s%ile$ at -it)really s%ile$ at her3 :<o/ ha en7t loo2e$ $o+n yo/r nose at %e once3: :8 $on7t thin2 any of /s are so goo$ that +e can loo2 $o+n on any0o$y else': -it re*lie$ +ith a shr/g' then shi ere$ a little in the col$3 :4o+ $o yo/ 2ee* +ar%;: :The street *eo*le ha e fires in 0arrels $o+n the alley3 We /s/ally ta2e a 0rea2 an$ go stan$ $o+n there3 They $on7t %in$ /s3 Society7s cast-offs stic2 together3: -it felt a s/rge of sy%*athy for the +o%an' +ho loo2e$ to 0e in her thirties3 @/t she ha$ a +orn-o/t loo2 in her eyes3 :Don7t yo/ +orry a0o/t' +ell' a0o/t $iseases;: :#ll the ti%e': she +as tol$3 :8 ha$ a frien$ +ho $ie$ of #8DS last %onth3: She shoo2 her hea$3 :We7re all caref/l no+3 Feal caref/l3: :Why $o yo/ $o this;: :8t7s all 8 2no+ ho+ to $o3 B en this +as 0etter than ho%e' +hen 8 +as thirteen': she sai$ +ith a ha/nte$ loo2 in her eyes3 She shi ere$ a little' an$ s/$$enly loo2e$ so fragile an$ *athetic that -it co/l$ ha e crie$ for her3 :Well' +o/l$ yo/ loo2 at that h/n2;: she sai$ s/$$enly' no$$ing to+ar$ an a**roaching cro+$3 :4e s/re isn7t $o+n here for a *ic2/*' 87ll 0et3:

-it follo+e$ her ga=e an$ ca/ght her 0reath3 6o' she tho/ght3 6o' 8 can7t 0e seeing this3 @/t she +as3 8t +as 1ogan' 0reathing fire in a fig/rati e sense3 #n$ not only $i$ he see -it' 0/t he o0 io/sly 2ne+ she +as here3 :Doris tol$ %e': he sai$ +itho/t *rea%0le3 :Dane %/st 0e o/t of his %in$ to let yo/ co%e $o+n here alone at night, What7s the %atter +ith yo/' are yo/ $aft; Don7t yo/ 2no+ +hat 2in$ of *eo*le these are;: -it +as offen$e$3 She glare$ at hi%3 :<es' 8 2no+': she sai$3 :@/t $o yo/; Don7t ins/lt %y frien$,: The hoo2er loo2e$ as shoc2e$ as 1ogan $i$3 ><o/ co/l$ 0e o/t here if circ/%stances ha$n7t %a$e yo/ rich': -it sai$3 :#nyone co/l$3 1oo2 aro/n$ yo/, These *eo*le $i$n7t +a2e /* one %orning an$ $eci$e to +an$er aro/n$ the 0ac2 streets of the city,: 1ogan hesitate$3 4e glance$ at the 0lon$e' +ho +as ga*ing at -it3 ><o/ 2no+ her' 8 g/ess;: the hoo2er as2e$3 :She +or2s for %e3 #t least' she $i$ 0efore 8 fire$ her3: :8f yo/ fire$ her' yo/7re *retty st/*i$ for a han$so%e' rich %an': the hoo2er sai$' 0/t she s%ile$3 So $i$ 1ogan3 :4ey' loo2' there he is,: the hoo2er sai$ /rgently' *ointing to a s%all' $ar2 %an in a ca%o/flage .ac2et3 >"lory 0e,: -it +as r/nning 0efore the other t+o co/l$ say a +or$3 When the %an reali=e$ that he +as 0eing chase$' he too2 off3 -it follo+e$ hi%3 The high heels +ere ha%*ering her3 She sto**e$ ./st long eno/gh to stri* the% off an$ 2e*t r/nning' *anting for 0reath as the s%all %an $o$ge$ cars to cross the street' +ith -it in hot */rs/it3 :Sto*,: she yelle$ after hi%3 4e loo2e$ o er his sho/l$er +hen she yelle$ an$ lost his footing3 4e +ent $o+n +ith %/ttere$ c/rses' tri**ing other *eo*le on the +ay3 -it ran to hi%' $ragging o/t the han$c/ffs she7$ 0ro/ght fro% the office3 She fli**e$ hi% o er' lin2e$ a c/ff o er one +rist' crosse$ it o er the other an$ c/ffe$ that one' too3 She la/ghe$' her senses heightene$ +ith s/ccess' still *anting for 0reath as she $ragge$

the s%all %an /*right an$ hel$ on to hi%3 4er feet +ere free=ing3 :<o/7re a $a%ne$ co*' 8 g/ess;: the %an gr/%0le$3 :6o3 87% a *ri ate $etecti e': she tol$ hi%3 4e %a$e a so/n$ an$ glare$ at her3 1ogan an$ the hoo2er ca/ght /*' 0oth la/ghing +hen they sa+ -it +ith her *ri=e in c/ffs3 :4ey' a co* co/l$n7t ha e $one any 0etter,: she sai$ enth/siastically3 :That loo2s li2e f/n,: :8t is3: -it grinne$3 She hel$ o/t her han$ an$ the hoo2er shoo2 it3 :Than2s3: The hoo2er left an$ 1ogan *ro*elle$ -it to his car' one 0ig han$ +ra**e$ co%*letely aro/n$ her ar% +hile she hel$ on to her 0ail ./%*er3 :Who7s got +ho in c/sto$y here;: the little %an as2e$3 :87 e got yo/ an$ he7s got %e' 8 g/ess3: -it sighe$3 :D/st %y l/c23 8 can7t e en go on a sta2eo/t on %ain street +itho/t e5-0osses *o**ing o/t li2e %easles3: :<o/ %ean yo/ /se$ to +or2 for hi%;: the little %an as2e$3 :What a l/c2y esca*e yo/ ha$,: 1ogan sco+le$ o er his sho/l$er at the 0ail ./%*er3 :Watch yo/r %o/th3: :(h' aren7t +e in a nasty te%*er tonight': the *risoner %/%0le$3 :There7s a *olice%an': 1ogan re%ar2e$' ha ing s*otte$ one3 :8 can7t333,: -it *roteste$' 0/t it +as alrea$y too late3 1ogan $ragge$ her' an$ there0y the 0ail ./%*er' off to confront the officer3 :This %an is a 0ail ./%*er': 1ogan sai$' *ro*elling -it an$ the %an for+ar$3 :Can yo/ tell %e +here to ta2e hi%;: :<o/ aren7t ta2ing hi% any +here333 he 0elongs to %e,: -it rage$3 :8 $o not': the 0ail ./%*er sai$ in$ignantly3 :<o/ attac2e$ %e, (fficer' this hoo2er attac2e$ %e an$ */t %e in han$c/ffs, 8 $e%an$ that yo/ arrest her for assa/lt,: :8 a% not a hoo2er' 87% a *ri ate $etecti e, 1oo2' 8 ha e %y 8D right here333/h-oh3:

She $i$n7t3 8t +as on her $resser at ho%e' +here she7$ left it3 She loo2e$ at the *olice%an' +hose eyes +ere narro+ing as he consi$ere$ action3 She loo2e$ at the 0ail ./%*er' +ho ha$ a s%/g 87ll-get-yo/-no+ loo2 on his face3 She glance$ at 1ogan' +ho +as o0 io/sly not concerne$ +ith trying to sa e her3 :6ice night': she re%ar2e$3 :Well' too$le-ooh,: She t/rne$ an$ too2 off' 0are feet an$ all3 There +as a +histle an$ se eral sho/ts' 0/t she 2e*t r/nning3 :H/ic2' in here,: She follo+e$ the oice' an$ the hoo2er that she7$ %et earlier .er2e$ her into the sha$o+s of the alley3 :6o+ 87% in real tro/0le': -it +aile$3 :87% on the la%,: :6o3 <o/7re hi$ing fro% the heat3: :(h3 Sorry3: :1isten' go aro/n$ the 0loc2 an$ $o+n the ne5t alley' 0/t go caref/l' yo/ hear; 87ll sco/t o/t the h/n2 an$ tell hi% +here to fin$ yo/3: :Than2s,: -it sai$ fer ently3 :6o *ro0le%3 F/n,: She +a e$ an$ $arte$ thro/gh the alley3 Ten %in/tes later' 1ogan *ic2e$ her /* at the corner' the *olice%an ha ing long since gi en /* an$ ta2en the han$c/ffe$ %an to hea$9/arters to ha e his story chec2e$3 That +o/l$n7t +or2 to the agency7s a$ antage' 0eca/se -it co/l$n7t no+ clai% that she7$ collare$ hi%3 @/t the client +o/l$ ha e his %oney 0ac2 ./st the sa%e' an$ %ay0e Dane +o/l$n7t fire her3 :(f all the hare0raine$' st/*i$ st/nts,: 1ogan sho/te$ the %in/te he ha$ her in the car3 4e t/rne$ the heater on f/ll 0last an$ */lle$ o/t into traffic3 :<o/7ll *ro0a0ly ha e *ne/%onia,: >"o ahea$' r/0 it in,: she %/ttere$3 :8 inten$ to' goo$ an$ har$': he ret/rne$3 :Do yo/ ha e any i$ea ho+ %/ch tro/0le yo/ co/l$ ha e fo/n$ o/t there;: :(f co/rse 8 $o' 0/t it goes +ith the .o0': she re*lie$3 :@esi$es' 87% to/gh3: She s*oile$

the *ose +ith a lo/$ snee=e' an$ +ra**e$ her ar%s close aro/n$ her shi ering 0o$y3 :To/gh' %y el0o+': he sai$ hea ily3 :<o/7re t/rning %y hair gray3: :87% not yo/r *ro0le%': she re%in$e$ hi%' e5as*erate$3 :Eor hea en7s sa2e' 8 $on7t e en +or2 for yo/,: :My %other consi$ers that yo/ $o3 So $oes %y 0rother3: :They $on7t co/nt3: :They all 0la%e %e 0eca/se yo/ left3: :#n$ yo/ $on7t thin2 they sho/l$,: she e5clai%e$3 4e %a$e an /nco%forta0le so/n$3 >8 %/st ha e 0een o/t of %y %in$ to fire yo/': he sai$ /n$er his 0reath3 :6othing7s 0een the sa%e since3 8 can7t fin$ files' 8 can7t get letters o/t the sa%e $ay 8 $ictate the%' half %y clients ha e 9/it 0eca/se they thin2 87% r/nning a 0rothel333: :# +hat;: :The one +ho can s*ell trie$ to se$/ce the last three %en +ho ca%e into the office': he sai$ icily3 :8 fire$ her,: :"oo$ for yo/3 Who7s $oing the s*elling no+;: :Co/sin Melo$y3 The s%o2er +ith ac/te 0ronchitis is no+ in the hos*ital3 She says she +on7t co%e 0ac23: :8 $on7t 0la%e her3: 4e glare$ in her $irection3 :<o/ can 2ee* 9/iet3 (ne +ay or another' yo/7 e cost %e *lenty since yo/ left3: :Since yo/ fire$ %e': she correcte$3 4e $ragge$ a 0ig han$ thro/gh his thic2 hair3 :Da%n it' -it' yo/ 2no+ 8 ne er %eant yo/ to ta2e it serio/sly, <o/ ne er $i$ 0efore, My "o$' 8 fire$ yo/ e ery other +ee2' 0/t yo/ ne er act/ally left,: :That +as 0efore @etsy ca%e along an$ %a$e anilla */$$ing o/t of yo/r 0rain': she re*lie$ stiffly3 :She $i$n7t $o anything e5ce*t %a2e %e ache3:

:While trying to *ic2 yo/r *oc2ets': she sai$ thro/gh her teeth3 :She isn7t li2e that,: he rage$' $es*ite the fact that he +as seeing @etsy +ith ne+ eyes since he7$ co%e 0ac2 fro% San #ntonio3 8n fact' he +as $isco ering for hi%self that -it +as right an$ @etsy +as e5actly :li2e that3: 4e +asn7t a$%itting it' tho/gh3 6o' sir, :The $e il she isn7t li2e that,: -it shot 0ac2' t/rning in the seat3 4er $ar2 hair +as $a%* an$ her %ascara ha$ r/n3 4er hose ha$ r/ns in the%3 She loo2e$ li2e a thir$-rate clo+n3 1ogan co/l$n7t hel* hi%self3 4e ch/c2le$3 :That7s right' la/gh at %e': she 0l/stere$3 :<o/ al+ays fo/n$ so%ething a0o/t %e to %a2e f/n of3 8f it +asn7t %y cat' it +as a %an 8 $ate$ or so%ething 8 +ore333,: :What e er 0eca%e of the cat;: She shr/gge$3 :4e %o e$ to Detroit +ith a little girl $o+n the street3: :Well' 87ll 0e3: :4e +asn7t %/ch of a cat' any+ay3 4e ate half %y *otte$ *lants 0efore he left3: 4e shoo2 his hea$' still la/ghing3 ><o/ ha e the %ost /northo$o5 life-style of anyone 8 2no+3: :<o/ $on7t 2no+ %e' Mr3 De erell': she tol$ hi% flatly3 :<o/ ne er $i$3 8 +as ./st a $ictating %achine +ith legs3: 4e glance$ at her +ith a raise$ eye0ro+3 :Cery nice legs' at that3 <o/ ne er 0othere$ to $is*lay the% at the office3: >"o$ for0i$ that 8 sho/l$ 0e acc/se$ of co%ing on to yo/': she ta/nte$3 :That +o/l$ ha e 0een the .o2e of the cent/ry3: 4e t/rne$ the corner an$ ease$ the car into the /n$ergro/n$ garage at his a*art%ent 0/il$ing3 :8 al+ays $i$ +on$er +hy yo/ +ere so ner o/s of 0eing alone +ith %e3: ><o/ +ere fore er yelling at %e': she %/%0le$3 :8 +ante$ to ha e the $oor o*en so 8 co/l$ get a hea$ start r/nning if 8 ha$ to3 #n$ +hy are +e here; 87% not going /* to yo/r a*art%ent +ith yo/,: ><o/ are': he re*lie$ gri%ly3 :87% not ta2ing yo/ ho%e loo2ing li2e that,: :8 left ho%e loo2ing li2e this,? :8 ho*e no0o$y sa+ yo/': he sai$ c/rtly3 :(r yo/ %ay not ha e a ho%e to go to3:

:8 +ent o/t the 0ac2': she sai$ in ol/ntarily3 :8 $on7t ha e anything else to +ear3333: :87ll loan yo/ a shirt an$ so%e .eans3: :<o/rs;: 4er eyes i%itate$ *ie *ans3 :"reat, 4a e yo/ got so%e string so +e can tie /* the legs333;: :Chris7s +o/l$ *ro0a0ly fit yo/3 <o/7re a0o/t the sa%e 0/il$': he sai$ +ith e5aggerate$ *atience3 >8 2ee* a change of clothing for hi% at the a*art%ent in case he nee$s it3: :Why $o yo/ ha e an a*art%ent an$ a ho/se;: she as2e$' an$ then +ent scarlet at the loo2 he ga e her3 :Don7t as2 e%0arrassing 9/estions if yo/ $on7t +ant e%0arrassing ans+ers3: :<o/ can co/nt on %e' sir3: 4e hel*e$ her o/t of the car an$ into the ele ator' caref/l to 2ee* her o/t of sight 0esi$e his for%i$a0le 0/l23 Eort/nately the hall +as e%*ty +hen they got to his floor3 4e +his2e$ her into the a*art%ent +ith an a/$i0le sigh of relief3 :6o+ ./st stay there +hile 8): :1ogan' are yo/ finally ho%e;: @etsy calle$ half angrily fro% the 0e$roo%3 :87 e 0een +aiting for ho/rs, Why $i$n7t yo/ call) (h,: @etsy +as s/$$enly stan$ing in the $oor+ay of the 0e$roo%' in a *in2 negligee3 #t the sight of -it' her eyes 0/lge$3 :<o/,: :4ello' again' @etsy $ear': -it sai$ *rettily3 :1ogan 0ro/ght %e ho%e for co%*anionshi*' 0/t since yo/7re here333: :1ogan' ho+ co/l$ yo/;: @etsy +aile$' 0/rsting into %oc2 tears3 :4o+ co/l$ yo/;: 1ogan c/rse$ ro/n$ly /n$er his 0reath3 4e thre+ off his o ercoat3 >"et into the sho+er +hile 8 fetch those clothes for yo/,: he tol$ -it3 :8n there' the g/est roo%,: 4e sho e$ her thro/gh the $oor an$ close$ it +ith a lo/$ th/$3 #fter+ar$' there +ere lo/$ oices an$ lo/$er oices an$ th/$s an$ silence an$ then a icio/s sla%3 -it got /n$er the sho+er an$ /se$ the fragrant soa* to clean off her horri$ *erf/%e an$ %a2e/*3

When she +as scr/00e$ clean' she lifte$ a thic2 +hite ro0e fro% the 0ac2 of the $oor an$ sli**e$ into it3 8t %/st 0e 1ogan7s' she tho/ght3 8t s%elle$ of the sa%e se5y cologne he fa ore$3 She $re+ it closer +hile she +on$ere$ if she $are$ o*en the $oor3 @etsy +as *ro0a0ly still o/t there' +aiting to ca/se an e en +orse scene3 1ogan +o/l$ +ant to get ri$ of -it as soon as *ossi0le' she +as s/re' +ith @etsy +aiting for hi% in all her glory3 -it co/l$ ha e screa%e$ an$ +e*t' 0/t it +o/l$n7t hel* the sit/ation3 @etsy +as in *ossession' an$ they all 2ne+ it3 1ogan %ight resc/e -it for ol$ ti%e7s sa2e' 0/t he +asn7t e%otionally in ol e$3 She +asn7t st/*i$ eno/gh to %ista2e concern for lo e3 She o*ene$ the $oor an$ *ee2e$ aro/n$ it3 1ogan +as sitting s*ra+le$ in an easy chair' his .ac2et an$ tie off' his shirt o*en at the nec23 4e +as si**ing a glass of so%ething a%0er colore$3 4e loo2e$ 0roo$y an$ o/t of sorts3 4e +as alone3 4e s*otte$ her an$ sco+le$3 :Well' co%e on o/t of there': he sai$ icily3 :<o/7 e s/re 0lo+n %y e ening to hell3: :<o/ co/l$ go after her': -it sai$ %isera0ly' her 0ig 0l/e eyes acc/sing3 :87% s/re she7ll get o er it +hen yo/ e5*lain +hat ha**ene$3: :B5*lain;: he as2e$ +ith a careless s%ile3 The e5*ression in his eyes +asn7t carelessJ they +ere 0la=ing3 :1i2e hell 8 +ill, 8f she +ants to ta2e this at face al/e' let her3 8 $on7t gi e a $a%n3: :@/t' yo/ %/st,: she *roteste$3 :<o/7re engage$,: 4e o*ene$ his *al% an$ hel$ o/t a h/ge $ia%on$ engage%ent ring3 :6ot any%ore3 6ot since fi e %in/tes ago' than2s to yo/': he a$$e$ +ith 0arely containe$ f/ry3 4e tosse$ the ring onto the coffee ta0le3 She t/gge$ the ro0e closer +ith a long sigh3 :8t7s not %y fa/lt': she sai$ %isera0ly3 :8 ne er as2e$ yo/ to co%e stor%ing into %y sta2eo/t3: 4e glare$ at her3 :<o/ thin2 8 co/l$ ha e left yo/ there +ith a clear conscience;: he as2e$' e5as*erate$3 ><es' yo/ co/l$,: she %/ttere$3 She $/g her han$s $ee* into the *oc2ets' a+are of her 0are feet an$ e en 0arer 0o$y /n$er the ro0e' her hair $a%* an$ to/sle$ fro% the 0ath3 :<o/ $on7t ha e to +an$er the city at night loo2ing for %e3 87% not yo/r res*onsi0il-ity3: 4e s+irle$ the a%0er li9/i$ in the glass' his 0ig' $ar2 eyes on her face3 :So yo/ 2ee* telling %e3: 4e loo2e$ ol$er3 There +ere $ee* lines in his 0roa$ face' an$ as she +atche$ hi% si* +hate er he +as $rin2ing' it occ/rre$ to her that she7$ ne er seen hi% this +ay3 B en

+hen she7$ tra ele$ +ith hi%' there ha$ al+ays 0een a ery for%al at%os*here3 4e7$ ne er ta2en off his .ac2et an$ tie in her *resence' or $one anything %ore than roll /* his shirtslee es3 She7$ learne$ %ore a0o/t hi% *hysically in San #ntonio than she7$ learne$ in three years3 8n the inti%acy of his a*art%ent' she +as %ore a+are of hi% than e er3 8f only he lo e$ her' +ante$ her' nee$e$ her' she tho/ght %isera0ly3 8f only there +asn7t @etsy3 #s he7$ sai$ in San #ntonio' she7$ +aite$ for years for hi% to notice her' an$ +hen he $i$' he7$ t/rne$ the +rong +ay)to+ar$ @etsy' +ho +as searching for a %eans of s/**ort' not a %an3 :<o/ loo2 as +orn as 8 feel right no+' -it': he sai$ 9/ietly' +atching her as closely as she7$ 0een +atching hi%3 :8 $on7t s/**ose yo/r e ening +as any 0e$ of roses' either' e en 0efore 8 ca%e along3: :8 $i$n7t reali=e +hat it +o/l$ 0e li2e on the streets': she confesse$' %o ing to sit on the sofa' *oise$ on the ery e$ge +ith her 0are toes c/rling into the car*et3 4er senses +ere all aro/se$' 0/t still she felt at ho%e +ith hi%' as if she 0elonge$ here3 That +as silly' an$ she *inche$ herself %entally3 :1ife is *retty terri0le for so%e *eo*le' isn7t it' 1ogan;: :8 s/**ose it is3 <o/ sho/l$n7t ha e gone that far loo2ing for yo/r 0ail ./%*er3: :8 2no+ that' no+': she a$%itte$ +ith a r/ef/l s%ile3 :8 +as g/ng ho on $oing %y .o03 Dane +ill *ro0a0ly fire %e +hen he fin$s o/t +hat 8 $i$3: >6ot Dane3 4e7ll *ro%ote yo/ for going a0o e an$ 0eyon$ the line of $/ty3: 1ogan la/ghe$ %irthlessly' his eyes slo+ an$ 9/iet on her face3 :<o/7 e al+ays gi en %ore than anyone as2e$ of yo/3 <o/ /se$ to stay late at the office night after night +hen 8 nee$e$ yo/' an$ 8 ne er hear$ yo/ co%*lain3 8 +asn7t ery 2in$ to yo/' +as 8' -it;: :Why r/in yo/r i%age on %y acco/nt;: she %/se$ $ryly3 4e ch/c2le$3 :8 s/**ose it +o/l$ ha e3 8 en.oye$ o/r $isagree%ents3 8 %iss the%3: :4ire so%eone +ho tal2s 0ac23: :8 trie$3 They r/n into the la$ies7 rest roo% +hen 8 start yelling3: 4is 0ig sho/l$ers lifte$ an$ fell3 :8 s/**ose 87ll ha e to learn to 0e *olite3: :What a co%e$o+n3: :<o/ $on7t 2no+ the half of it' honey3: 4e +asn7t a %an +ho /se$ en$ear%ents' 0/t that one so/n$e$ as if he %eant it3 8n his $ee*' s%ooth oice it +as se$/cti e3

:8 co/l$ go an$ tal2 to @etsy for yo/': she offere$ after a %in/te' 0eca/se she $i$ feel g/ilty3 4is eye0ro+ .er2e$3 :What +o/l$ yo/ tell her;: he as2e$ c/rio/sly3 :The tr/th': she re*lie$3 :8t see%s to +or2 0est3: :#fter that 0latant state%ent that yo/ ca%e 0ac2 here to entertain %e;: :Well' 87% sorry a0o/t that': she sai$ slo+ly3 :8t shoc2e$ %e to fin$ her stan$ing *ractically na2e$ in yo/r 0e$roo%3: :<o/ %ight not 0elie e it' 0/t it shoc2e$ %e' too3 Since 8 ca%e 0ac2 fro% San #ntonio' @etsy has 0een */shing %e to+ar$ a 9/ic2 cere%ony' 0/t 8 +as resisting3: 4e si**e$ his $rin23 :8 thin2 tonight +as a $ea$-en$ *lay3 She +as going to %a2e s/re of %e3: -it fl/she$ an$ loo2e$ a+ay3 >Wo/l$n7t yo/' if yo/ +ere engage$ to so%eone;: he *ersiste$3 :The ris2 of *regnancy +o/l$ certainly 0e an incenti e to an honora0le %an3: :<o/ sai$ yo/ ne er too2 that 2in$ of ris23: :6ot nor%ally3 @/t any %an can 0e */she$ off 0alance 0y a se$/cti e +o%an an$ $ri en cra=y3 Too cra=y to gi e a $a%n a0o/t *reca/tions3: She *ic2e$ at the ro0e an$ $i$n7t loo2 /*3 :<o/ $on7t see% the ty*e to lose yo/r hea$' 1ogan3: 4e s%ile$ secreti ely an$ his $ar2 eyes +an$ere$ all o er her as tho/gh they +ere caressing han$s3 :Don7t 8' -it; Well' +hy $on7t yo/ ta2e off that ro0e an$ 87ll *ro e to yo/ that 8 a%3:

Chapter Eight
-it stare$ at hi% in $is0elief3 !erha*s she7$ hear$ hi% +rong3 4e $i$n7t loo2 as if he +as 2i$$ing' tho/gh3 4is eyes +ere stea$y an$ ery $ar23 Deli0erately he */t his glass on the ta0le 0esi$e his el0o+3 4e leane$ 0ac2 an$ slo+ly one 0ig han$ +ent to the 0/ttons of his shirt an$ flic2e$ the% o*en3 An$er the shirt' his 0roa$ chest +as $ar2ly tanne$ an$ thic2 +ith c/rling 0lac2 hair3 4e */lle$ the shirt o/t of his slac2s an$ /nfastene$ his 0elt3 4e tosse$ it asi$e' too' an$ then 2ic2e$ off his shoes3 Still +atching -it' he stretche$ o/t f/ll-length on the sofa +ith a c/shion /n$er his hea$3

>Co%e here': he sai$ 9/ietly3 There +ere' of co/rse' fifty *erfectly goo$ reasons to ignore hi% an$ loc2 herself in the 0e$roo%3 She +ent cra=y trying to foc/s on any one of the%3 @/t +ith hi% lying there' sens/o/s an$ +ar% an$ +elco%ing' nothing in her 0rain see%e$ to +or23 >1ogan' 8 can7t': she sai$ hesitantly3 4e $i$n7t s*ea23 4e si%*ly hel$ o/t an ar%3 She lo e$ hi%3 8n the final analysis' there +as nothing else that %attere$' she tol$ herself3 6ot the fact that he +as on the re0o/n$ fro% @etsy' or that he $i$n7t lo e her3 She got /* an$ +ent to hi%3 @/t +hen she sat $o+n' he ca/ght her ar% an$ +o/l$n7t let her any closer3 >The ro0e': he sai$' his oice $ee* an$ 9/iet an$ $ea$ly so%0er3 >Ta2e it off' -it3: :@/t' 8 can7t333,: :8f yo/ lo e %e' yo/ $a%ne$ +ell can': he re*lie$3 4er ner e ga e o/t3 4e +ante$ %ore than she co/l$ gi e3 What ha$ she e5*ecte$' any+ay; She starte$ to get /*' 0/t his han$s ca/ght her +rists an$ hel$ her there' gently 0/t fir%ly3 ><o/ only +ant consolation': she sai$3 :8 can7t 0e an interl/$e or a $i ersion3 87% sorry3 83338 +ant %/ch %ore than that fro% a %an 0efore 8 can gi e %yself': she a$$e$ softly3 >8G% not li2e @etsy3: 4is han$s sli$ into hers' loc2ing +ith the%3 4e searche$ her eyes slo+ly3 :8 ne er ha$ @etsy': he tol$ her' his oice $ee* an$ still in the silent roo%3 She felt her chee2s going hot3 :<o/ +ere engage$ to her3: :#ll the sa%e' /ntil tonight' she +as intent on a legal cere%ony 0eforehan$3: :8 see3: :8 $on7t thin2 yo/ $o3 8 2no+ 8 $i$n7t' /ntil she *erche$ there in her negligee an$ 8 reali=e$ for the first ti%e that she +as 0argaining' not 0eing %oral3: 4is eyes narro+e$3 :<o/ +o/l$n7t 0argain +ith %e' +o/l$ yo/' -it; <o/7$ ne er /se se5 as a %e$i/% of e5change3:

:8 +o/l$n7t 2no+ ho+': she sai$ honestly3 >1ittle Miss M/ffet'? he %/r%/re$' st/$ying her *i5ie face3 4e s%ile$3 :#ll right' 8 +on7t se$/ce yo/3 8s that +hat yo/ +ant;: She $i$n7t3 4er eyes fell to his chest an$ she +ante$ to feel her 0reasts 0/rying the%sel es in that thic2et of hair3 Anfort/nately he 2ne+ eno/gh to reali=e that3 4is 0ig han$ +ent to the 2not at her +aist an$ lingere$ there3 4e searche$ her eyes slo+ly' intently3 :Des*ite all yo/r hang-/*s an$ *rinci*les' yo/ +ant %e3 8 co/l$ sli$e %y han$ insi$e this ro0e an$ to/ch yo/r 0reasts' an$ yo/7$ lie +ith %e +itho/t a *rotest3 8 2no+ that' an$ so $o yo/3 @/t 8 +on7t $o it3 8f yo/ slee* +ith %e' yo/ ha e to ha e 0oth eyes o*en an$ no coercion a0o/t it3: :8 s/**ose yo/ 2no+ that 8 +ant to': she sai$ %isera0ly3 4e no$$e$3 :8t7s *retty har$ to %iss3 What are yo/ afrai$ of3 :B erything': she sai$ /nha**ily3 :That yo/7ll thin2 87% chea*' that 8 +on7t 0e a0le to li e +ith it' that 87ll get *regnant' that e eryone +ill 2no+333: >8Gll /se so%ething': he sai$ c/rtly3 :There +ill 0e no ris2 of yo/r getting *regnant3 6o one +ill e er 2no+ e5ce*t yo/ an$ %e3 #n$ for "o$7s sa2e' ho+ can 8 thin2 yo/7re chea* +hen yo/7re a irgin;: She lifte$ her eyes to his an$ s%ile$ %irthlessly3 :Don7t %en al+ays say these things to %a2e +o%en gi e in;: :(f co/rse': he a$%itte$3 :B5ce*t that it7s /s/ally a cas/al arrange%ent +ith no strings attache$3 That isn7t the case +ith yo/ an$ %e3 <o/7re in lo e +ith %e3 8 2no+ it3 Do yo/ thin2' /n$er those circ/%stances' that 8 co/l$ as2 yo/ for a cas/al ho/r or t+o in 0e$ to satisfy a *assing /rge; Do yo/ thin2 %y conscience +o/l$ let %e;: She ha$n7t e5*ecte$ the 9/estion an$ she co/l$n7t 9/ite ans+er it3 She st/$ie$ hi% +itho/t s*ea2ing +hile her %in$ +hirle$3 :Then333then +hat $o yo/ +ant;: she as2e$3 :8 +ant yo/ to lo e %e': he sai$ h/s2ily3 :8 +ant to lie in yo/r ar%s an$ 0e lo e$ 0y yo/ /ntil 87% too e5ha/ste$ to $o anything e5ce*t slee*3: >@etsy333@etsy lo es yo/3: 4e shoo2 his hea$3 :6o3 #n$ yo/ 2no+ it3 87 e ne er 0een lo e$3 6ot li2e yo/7$ lo e %e3:

:@/t it +o/l$ only 0e one night333: :Will yo/ %arry %e' -it;: he as2e$3 4er 0o$y clenche$3 The tho/ght +as so ecstatic that her face 0/rne$ +ith color3 :<o/ $on7t +ant to %arry %e,: She la/ghe$ ner o/sly3 :6ot for ./st one night,: >8t +on7t 0e for ./st one night3 87% thirty-fi e3 <o/7re t+enty-fi e3 We 2no+ each other %/ch too +ell' in the i%*ortant +ays' not to get along3: #n ho/r ago yo/ +ere engage$ to @etsy': she sai$ thro/gh her teeth3 @eca/se yo/ +ere so $a%ne$ $eter%ine$ to sa e %e fro% her that yo/ */she$ %e right into her +e0,: he %/ttere$3 :My "o$' $onGt yo/ 2no+ anything a0o/t %en;: :8 2no+ that they7re selfish an$ %ani*/lati e an$ $o%ineering,: she shot 0ac23 >Who7 s $o%ineering;: :What $o yo/ %ean' +ho7s $o%i ) (h,: 4e .er2e$ her $o+n against hi% an$ fli**e$ her onto her 0ac2' ta2ing her %o/th +ith one slo+' s%ooth %otion3 4e groane$ as he felt her li*s *art' felt the anger 9/ic2ly trans%/te$ into *assion' an$ then into *leas/re3 4er ar%s +ere /n$er his' sli$ing aro/n$ hi%' her han$s caressing the har$' +ar% %/scles of his 0ac23 She felt his heart0eat gro+ing 9/ic2 an$ erratic against the ro0e an$ then' +itho/t +arning' against her 0are 0reasts3 The thic2 hair that co ere$ hi% also co ere$ her no+' a soft a0rasion that %a$e her %oan as he $re+ hi%self against her3 :Tell %e to sto* if yo/ li2e' 0/t $o it no+': he sai$ o er her %o/th3 :4/rry,: 4is han$s +ere on her' an$ she arche$ into the%3 :8 can7t': she +his*ere$' sha2en3 :8 $on7t +ant to, 1ogan333 !lease $on7t %a2e %e *regnant333,: :8 +on7t': he *ro%ise$ /nstea$ily3 :8 *ro%ise3 -iss %e333,: 4e $re+ her co%*letely against hi%' so that she co/l$ feel the s+ollen conto/rs of his 0o$y in *assion3 4is han$s thre+ off her ro0e an$ $re+ her hi*s into the c/r e of his 0o$y3 :Wait333: 4is %o/th fastene$ h/ngrily onto her sto%ach an$ +hile he ha$ her in thrall' he got his o+n clothing o/t of the +ay3 When he sli$ 0ac2 $o+n against her' there +as nothing 0et+een the%' not e en the air3 She +e*t' 0eca/se the *leas/re +as so s+eet an$ slo+ an$ terri0le that she tho/ght she

+o/l$n7t 0e a0le to 0ear it3 4is %o/th on her 0o$y +as hea en3 4is han$s' to/ching her' e5*loring her' +ere ecstasy3 :The sofa333 it isn7t 0ig eno/gh for +hat +e7re going to $o'? he sai$ against her %o/th3 4e %o e$ an$ %o e$ her' 0/t he sh/$$ere$ at the sil2en 0r/sh of her 0o$y an$ groane$3 :87ll ne er %a2e it to the 0e$': he +his*ere$ hoarsely3 She felt her 0ac2 against the car*et an$ 1ogan7s +eight a0o e her3 4is %o/th gro/n$ into hers as he sli$ o er her' against her' his +ar%' hair-ro/ghene$ thighs *arting hers in a sens/al %o e%ent that +as as aro/sing as his tong/e in her %o/th3 :4ere': he sai$ ro/ghly' *ressing so%ething into her han$3 >4el* %e3: 4e ta/ght her ho+' the to/ching inti%ate an$ e5*loratory as he +his*ere$ at her ear3 Then his 2iss gre+ s/$$enly $ee* an$ $e%an$ing an$ his hi*s %o e$ $o+n3 She felt hi% slo+ly in a$ing her an$ she stiffene$ instincti ely3 :Does it h/rt;: he +his*ere$3 :6ot333not really': she +his*ere$ 0ac2' e%0arrasse$ 0y the 9/estion3 :1oo2 at %e3: 4e force$ her fl/she$ face /* an$ loo2e$ $o+n into it as he %o e$ +ith $eli0erate s/reness3 She gas*e$ an$ cl/tche$ at hi%3 The e5*ression on her face aro/se$ hi% 0eyon$ 0earing3 S/0%ission +as there' an$ nee$' an$ s/$$en /n$erstan$ing of +hat ha$ 0een a %ystery 0efore3 :87% going to ta2e yo/': he sai$ h/s2ily3 4e %o e$' stilling her 0o$y +ith a fir% han$3 :87% going to ta2e yo/' -it3 Fight no+3: #s he s*o2e' he arche$ $o+n' an$ she gas*e$ as she felt hi% co%*letely *ossessing her3 She co/l$n7t %o e' or 0reathe ery +ell3 4e +as hea y' 0/t it +as other sensations that she notice$3 8t +as the heat of his s2in' the 0eat of his heart' the *leas/re that the rhyth% 0egan to 0/il$ in her 0o$y3 8t +as a tre%0ling tension that slo+ly 0loc2e$ o/t e ery single tho/ght e5ce*t the nee$ to %a2e it sto*' any +ay she co/l$3 She cl/tche$ his 0roa$ sho/l$ers an$ her hea$ thrashe$3 :1ogan333: she +his*ere$3 :8 can7t3330ear it' 8 can7t3330ear it,: she +hi%*ere$ fe erishly3 4e la/ghe$ $ee* in his throat an$ %o e$ har$er3 :1o e %e': he sai$' one 0ig han$ catching in the hair at her na*e as he force$ her to loo2 at hi%3 :1o e %e,:

>8K$o,: 4er eyes hel$ his' 0right +ith *assion an$ lo e an$ s*iraling *leas/re3 :1ogan3338 lo e yo/333%ore than %y life,: 4e 0l/rre$ s/$$enly in her eyes as the harsh %o e%ents create$ 0lin$ing re$ o0li ion3 She hear$ hi% s*ea2' 0/t her %in$ +as totally intent on achie ing satisfaction3 She %o e$ hel*lessly' her 0o$y $e%an$ing %ore than he +as gi ing her' her oice *lea$ing +ith hi%' so00ing as she cli%0e$ /* an$ /* an$ /*3 The ro/ghness of the car*et' the 9/ic2 0reathing' all 0l/rre$ into a crescen$o of %o e%ent an$ s/$$en thro00ing stillness3 She so00e$ hel*lessly as the +a es s+e*t o er her' her oice %ingling +ith 1ogan7s harsh groans3 Sh/$$ering' they cl/ng /ntil the last tre%0ling threa$ sna**e$ an$ they s*/n a+ay together3 4e +o/l$n7t let go3 That registere$ as sanity ca%e floating 0ac23 -it o*ene$ her eyes an$ sa+ the ceiling o er 1ogan7s 0roa$' $a%* sho/l$er3 8t +asn7t 9/ite stea$y3 4is heart0eat +as ro/gh against her 0reasts3 4is s2in +as +et an$ col$ +here it to/che$ her3 :<o/ %a$e %e +hole': he sai$' sha2en to his so/l3 4is li*s tra ele$ softly o er her face' her close$ eyeli$s' her nose' her %o/th' her chee2s' her chin3 :(h' "o$' -it' yo/ ga e %e ecstasy,: :<es3: She s%oothe$ 0ac2 his $a%*' /nr/ly hair' her eyes soft an$ serio/s as they %et the 0lac2 fe er in his3 :8 lo e yo/': she +his*ere$3 :8 2no+3 My "o$' ho+ 8 2no+,: 4e 2isse$ her +ith +ar%' slo+ *assion' his 0o$y %o ing sens/ally a0o e an$ +ithin her3 >8t +o/l$ 0e sacrilege to $o that +ith another +o%an no+,: he sai$ /n$er his 0reath3 :Wo/l$ it' really;: 4e lifte$ his hea$ an$ s%oothe$ 0ac2 her soft hair ten$erly3 :<o/ +ere +ith %e e ery ste* of the +ay': he sai$ h/s2ily3 :B ery ste*, Do yo/ ha e any i$ea ho+ rare that is 0et+een lo ers;: She fl/she$ an$ t/rne$ her shy face into his throat3 4e la/ghe$ gently an$ hel$ her there3 :<o/7re %y lo er': he +his*ere$ into her ear3 :#n$ 87% yo/rs3 #fter all these long years' +e %a$e lo e' -it3: :<o/ aren7t sorry;: she as2e$ +orrie$ly3 :6o3 #re yo/;: he as2e$' lifting his hea$ to st/$y her3 She *ro0a0ly sho/l$ ha e 0een' 0/t she +asn7t3 She sai$ so3 4er fingers to/che$ his har$

%o/th an$ she +atche$ in +on$er as he %o e$ an$ she felt hi%' still a *art of her3 :8 2no+': he +his*ere$ at the e5*ression on her face3 :8t a+es %e' too3: 4e 2isse$ her again' $elighte$ in the feel of her 0o$y' the softness of her hair' the *erf/%e that lay s/0tle an$ into5icating on her throat3 4e groane$ softly as the fe er 0egan to 0/rn in hi%' 0/t e en as he felt the nee$' he $enie$ it3 :6o': he +his*ere$ on a sha2en sigh3 :6o' +e can7t3: :Why;: she as2e$3 4e tol$ her' +atching her 0l/sh3 :#n$ 0esi$es that': he %/r%/re$ $ryly' :8 thin2 yo/7re *ro0a0ly going to 0e a 0it /nco%forta0le for the ne5t $ay or so3 This ta2es getting /se$ to3: :(h3: 4e lifte$ a+ay fro% her' *oising there long eno/gh to %a2e her 0l/sh 0efore he ch/c2le$ an$ rolle$ o er onto his 0ac23 >6o+ yo/ 2no+': he %/r%/re$3 She sat /*' +incing a little at the /nfa%iliar $isco%fort3 4e +atche$ her an$ s%ile$ +ith */re %asc/line tri/%*h3 >8Gll str/t for a +ee2': he %/r%/re$ as she */lle$ the ro0e fro% the co/ch an$ +ra**e$ /* in it3 :8 co/l$ ne er ha e i%agine$ the ery *ri% an$ *ro*er Miss Morris cla+ing %y 0ac2 ra+ an$ 0egging for satisfaction3: :<o/ can sto* that': she sai$' hitting his chest3 :Conceit $oesn7t 0eco%e yo/3: :<es' it $oes3: 4e sat /* an$ */lle$ her across his chest to 2iss her ro/ghly3 :87 e got yo/ an$ 87% 2ee*ing yo/': he sai$' his $ar2 eyes *ossessi e an$ /n0lin2ing3 :<o/7ll ne er get a+ay3 Eirst thing to%orro+' +e7re getting a license3 #s soon after that as *ossi0le' yo/7re %arrying %e3: 4er eyes %irrore$ her shoc23 :@/t333,: >@/t nothing3 Marriage is an honora0le instit/tion3 8 $o ha e %y re*/tation' an$ yo/rs' to consi$er3 Satisfying a *assing /rge is one thing' 0/t +hat yo/ an$ 8 ./st $i$' Miss Morris' has no relation +hatsoe er to fleeting l/st3 That' 0y "o$' +as lo e%a2ing3 The real thing3: :8 +on7t get *regnant3: She faltere$3 :<o/ too2 care of that3: :-it' that isn7t +hy 8 +ant to %arry yo/3: :(h3 8t7s 0eca/se yo/333$eflo+ere$ %e;:

:Deflo+ere$;: he tease$3 She glare$ at hi%3 :What +o/l$ yo/ call it;: :Delicio/s': he %/r%/re$ against her %o/th3 :S+eet hea en3 # taste of i%%ortality3 8 co/l$ go on' 0/t it +o/l$ ta2e +ee2s /ntil 8 ran o/t of a$.ecti es3: :1ogan': she *roteste$ +ea2ly3 :#re yo/ h/ngry;: he as2e$ softly3 :8 can coo2 0acon an$ eggs3: :8 can coo2' too': she re*lie$3 4e s%ile$ at her' his eyes so +ar% an$ affectionate that she har$ly recogni=e$ the%3 :We7ll %anage together3 Then +e7ll slee*' in %y 0e$' in each other7s ar%s3: 4er 0o$y tingle$ at the tho/ght3 4ea en see%e$ ery close3 4e got /* an$ */lle$ on his slac2s' hol$ing o/t a han$ to hel* her /*3 :Can yo/ %a2e cinna%on toast;: he as2e$' 0en$ing to 2iss her gently3 :<es3: 4e s%ile$3 :"oo$3 Co%e on3 We7ll share the +or23: @rea2fast at al%ost %i$night +asn7t at all 0a$' -it tho/ght3 They +ashe$ /* together' an$ that +as nice' too3 @/t the 0est *art +as lying +ith her hea$ *illo+e$ on 1ogan7s 0roa$ chest in the $ar2 0e$roo%' +ith the so/n$s of traffic o/tsi$e3 She c/rle$ into his 0o$y +ith a0sol/te tr/st' so %/ch in lo e' so ha**y' that she +ante$ to $ie if to%orro+ %eant gi ing it /*3 4e %eant it a0o/t %arriage3 She $i$n7t e en 9/estion his %oti es3 She lo e$ hi% too %/ch to say no3 4e +ante$ her' an$ there +as so%ething 333 so%ething 333 in his e5*ression +hen he loo2e$ at her3 8f it +as only *hysical infat/ation' it +o/l$ +ear off3 She7$ face that e ent/ality if she ha$ to3 @/t the loo2 in his eyes ga e her ho*e that it %ight 0e so%ething %ore than an affair3 She ha$ that tho/ght to cling to as she close$ her eyes an$ +ent to slee* +ith the so/n$ of 1ogan7s 0reathing /n$er her ear3 The ne5t %orning' she +as a+are of %o e%ent an$ so/n$ as her eyes o*ene$3 She fro+ne$' $isoriente$ as she loo2e$ aro/n$3 This +asn7t her a*art%ent' an$ it certainly +asn7t her ro0e that she +as slee*ing in3 She sat /* an$ loo2e$ aro/n$ the roo%' an$ the night 0efore ca%e 0ac2 to her in a flash of i i$ i%*ressions that %a$e her face go rosy3 She7$ %a$e lo e +ith 1ogan an$ sle*t in his ar%s all night3 6o+ it +as %orning an$ ti%e to *ay the *i*er3

She got /* an$ $resse$ in Chris7s things that 1ogan ha$ tho/ghtf/lly left on the chair' along +ith her fli%sy' an$ 0y no+ 9/ite $ry' /n$erthings3 :#re yo/ e er going to get o/t of the 0e$ an$ ha e 0rea2fast;: ca%e a $isgr/ntle$ oice fro% 0eyon$ the $oor3 7The eggs are congealing' for "o$7s sa2e,: :<o/7re so i%*atient,: she %/ttere$' thro+ing o*en the $oor3 4e leane$ against the .a%0' tall an$ %/sc/lar an$ $e astating in ./st slac2s an$ a T-shirt +ith #tlanta @ra es *lastere$ across the front3 :8 +asn7t last night': he re%in$e$ her +ic2e$ly3 She co/l$n7t arg/e +ith that3 She la/ghe$ /* at hi%3 :<o/ loo2 ery nice in Chris7s .eans': he re%ar2e$' st/$ying her tri% fig/re3 :!erha*s +e co/l$ rai$ his closet +hile he7s on acation an$ see ho+ yo/ fill o/t the rest of his clothes3: :4e *ro0a0ly loo2s %/ch 0etter in the% than 8 $o': she sai$3 :6ot fro% +here 87% stan$ing3 Co%e here3: 4e lifte$ her 0y the +aist onto a le el +ith his 0ig' $ar2 eyes3 :-iss %e' s+eetheart': he +his*ere$3 Tingling fro% the en$ear%ent' she leane$ for+ar$ an$ */t her soft %o/th against his +i$e' har$ one3 :"oo$ %orning': she +his*ere$ 0ac23 :"oo$ %orning yo/rself3: 4e sa ore$ her li*s' aglo+ +ith the +on$er of ha ing her this +ay' +ith the sil2y soft %e%ory of the night 0efore %a2ing hi% +ea2 all o er3 4e ha$n7t sle*t a long ti%e3 4e7$ +o2en long 0efore first light an$ lay loo2ing at -it +ith +on$er3 So %any years they7$ 0een together' an$ he7$ ne er seen ho+ lo ely she +as3 4e really ha$ 0een 0lin$3 4e 2isse$ her slo+ly' 0arely 0r/shing her %o/th +ith his li*s3 Co%e on an$ 87ll fee$ yo/': he sai$3 4e */t her 0ac2 on her feet +ith flattering rel/ctance3 :That isn7t +hat 8 really +ante$ to $o' of co/rse3 8 +ant to thro+ yo/ on the floor an$ ra ish yo/' 0/t it7s %/ch too early for that sort of thing3 @esi$es' 87% too %/ch a gentle%an to se$/ce yo/ on the floor of %y a*art%ent3: Fe%e%0ering the car*et 0/rns on her 0ac2 she +as hesitant to agree +ith hi%3 4e ch/c2le$ at her e5*ression3 >6e5t ti%e +e7ll /se the 0e$': he %/r%/re$ r/ef/lly3 :8 co/l$n7t hol$ o/t long eno/gh to get into the 0e$roo%3:

><o/ sai$ yo/ +eren7t i%*atient;: :8 see% to ha e a lo+ threshol$ +ith yo/' $on7t 8;: 4e 0r/she$ 0ac2 her short hair3 :#re yo/ sore' -it;: he as2e$ %atter-of-factly3 :# little': she sai$ ner o/sly3 :There7s nothing to 0e e%0arrasse$ a0o/t': he sai$ gently3 :8 sho/l$n7t ha e 0een 9/ite so ro/gh3 8 +ante$ yo/ ery 0a$ly3: :8 +ante$ yo/' too3: :What a scarlet 0l/sh': he re%ar2e$3 4e s%ile$3 :We7ll eat an$ then +e7ll go a**ly for a license3: :8t7s S/n$ay3: :8s it; Well' +e7ll go a**ly for a license to%orro+' then3: 4e seate$ her3 :<o/ can7t %a2e lo e again co%forta0ly to$ay' can yo/;: She co/l$ har$ly 0reathe3 :8 $on7t 2no+333: :There are +ays' an$ +ays': he +his*ere$' 0en$ing to 2iss her +ith soft ten$erness3 :87ll teach the% to yo/3: 4e sat $o+n 0esi$e her an$ *o/re$ the coffee3 #s they ate' -it +atche$ hi% an$ trie$ to i%agine that he +as the sa%e %an +ho7$ 0een yelling at her for years o er %ista2es in $ictation an$ fo/le$-/* a**oint%ents an$ %isfile$ files)%ost of +hich +ere his o+n fa/lt3 :So%ething 0othering yo/;: he as2e$3 :8t7s really yo/' isn7t it;: she re*lie$ ag/ely3 :87% ./st ha ing a little tro/0le 0elie ing it' that7s all3 We7 e +or2e$ together for a long ti%e3: :#n$ 87 e ne er loo2e$ at yo/ /ntil a fe+ $ays ago': he agree$3 4is face +ent so%0er' al%ost gri%3 >8 %ight ha e %arrie$ @etsy3 Why $i$n7t yo/ $o so%ething;: :8 $i$,: she shot 0ac23 :8 trie$ to tell yo/' an$ yo/ fire$ %e,: :8 $i$n7t 2no+ yo/ +ere in lo e +ith %e then': he sai$ 9/ietly3 :8t +o/l$n7t ha e sto**e$ yo/ if yo/ ha$': she ret/rne$3 4e $i$n7t s*ea23 4is eyes +ere on his *late3 :8 ha en7t 0een ery goo$ to yo/ o er the years3 87 e 0een selfish an$ o er0earing3 Do yo/ thin2 yo/ care eno/gh to */t /* +ith %e'

-it;: he as2e$ raising a c/rio/sly still face to hers3 :S/**ose yo/ +ere only *hysically infat/ate$; #fter all' yo/ 2ne+ nothing of %en 0efore last night3: Di$ he %ean that; (r +as he loo2ing for a +ay o/t; She *anic2e$ an$ it sho+e$ in her eyes3 :6o+ +hat7s +rong;: he as2e$ gently3 :<o/7re sorry a0o/t +hat ha**ene$' aren7t yo/;: she 0l/rte$ o/t3 :8n a +ay': he ha$ to a$%it3 :8 let yo/ go to %y hea$3 8 ha$ no right to */t yo/ in that *osition3 Des*ite the fact that 8 $i$n7t let yo/ get *regnant' yo/ ga e %e so%ething that yo/ +ere sa ing for %arriage3: :8n +hich case' yo/ +o/l$ ha e ha$ it any+ay': she tol$ hi%3 :<es3: 4e st/$ie$ his for23 :@/t in the *ro*er se9/ence3 8 fin$ that 87% %ore conser ati e than 8 reali=e$3 8 cheate$ yo/ of a *ro*er +e$$ing night3 87% sorry3: :8t +o/l$n7t ha e 0een any $ifferent' really3: She faltere$3 :87$ ha e 0een %ore ner o/s' 8 s/**ose333: :<o/7re still ner o/s3: 4e ca/ght her col$ han$ in his an$ +ar%e$ it3 :Why;: She co/l$n7t 9/ite e5*lain it3 :87% shy' that7s all3 87 e ne er sle*t +ith a %an 0efore3: 4e ch/c2le$3 :#re yo/ s/re it7s that;: She glare$ at hi%3 :<o/ $on7t ha e to %a2e f/n of %e3: :Was 8;: 4e so0ere$ at once3 :<o/7re right3 8 sho/l$n7t tease yo/ a0o/t so%ething that *rofo/n$3: 4is eyes sli$ $o+n to the shirt she +as +earing an$ lingere$ there /ntil her 0reathing 9/ic2ene$3 :8 /se$ to +atch yo/ so%eti%es an$ +on$er +hat yo/ loo2e$ li2e /n$er yo/r clothes3 8 +as caref/l not to let yo/ 2no+' of co/rse3: She s%ile$ faintly3 :8 /se$ to +atch yo/ an$ +on$er +hat yo/ loo2e$ li2e /n$er yo/r shirt3: :6o+ yo/ 2no+3: >0h' yes3: 4er eyes +ere faintly ac9/isiti e3 They %a$e his 0o$y 0egin to thro0 all o er again3 4e got /* an$ stoo$ o er her3 With a s%ooth %otion' he */lle$ the T-shirt o er his hea$ an$ tosse$ it o er a chair3

-it7s li*s *arte$3 :(h' 1ogan': she +his*ere$' her eyes as h/n-gry as the han$s she lifte$ to caress hi% +ith3 :1ogan' 8 lo e to to/ch yo/333,: 4e groane$' lifting her into his ar%s3 4is %o/th too2 hers ro/ghly' clai%ing it3 :8 +ant yo/': he sai$ harshly3 She cl/ng' not *rotesting' as he carrie$ her into the 0e$roo% an$ ca%e $o+n 0esi$e her on the 0e$3 She $i$n7t say a +or$ as he /nfastene$ the shirt an$ re%o e$ it an$ her 0ra an$ leane$ a0o e her' st/$ying her 0are 0reasts +ith hot' h/ngry eyes3 :Ma2e lo e to %e': she +his*ere$3 :8 +ant yo/' too3: :#n$ h/rt yo/;: he as2e$' forcing his eyes /* to hers3 :@eca/se it +o/l$3: :8 $on7t care': she tol$ hi%3 4er eyes s%oothe$ o er the 0roa$' hair-ro/ghene$ %/scles of his chest3 :8 lo e yo/3 8t +ill 0e all right3: :<o/ ha e a lot to learn a0o/t 0o$ies an$ inti%acy' little one': he sai$ 9/ietly3 4e hel$ her eyes an$ /nsna**e$ the .eans3 The so/n$ of the =i**er +as lo/$ in the roo%3 4e sli$ his han$ /n$er the%3 :1et %e sho+ yo/ +hat 8 %ean3: 4e to/che$ her' inti%ately' an$ +atche$ her flinch3 4e +asn7t ro/gh3 8t +as only that her 0o$y +as ne+ to *assion' an$ ery sensiti=e$3 :<o/ see' -it;: he as2e$ gently3 :Fe%e%0er ho+ +e +ere together last night' an$ try to i%agine ho+ it +o/l$ feel +hen 8 +ent into yo/3: She +ent scarlet an$ gas*e$ at the i%agery3 :8 2no+3 8t7s 0l/nt tal23 @/t this 2in$ of thing gets /n%anagea0le3 8 can7t start an$ then sto*3: :6o333: 4e loo2e$ at her +ith aching nee$' his 0reath lo$ge$ in his chest as he +ith$re+ his han$ an$ s%oothe$ it /* her 0elly to her 0reasts an$ softly caresse$ the%3 :<o/ are e ery $rea% 87 e ha$ in %y life': he +his*ere$ ro/ghly3 With tre%0ling han$s she felt for a fastening an$ fo/n$ it' %o e$ it3 4is eyes +i$ene$ an$ he gas*e$3 4is han$ ca/ght her +rist3 :6o,: he sai$ ro/ghly3 :<o/ +ant to': she 0reathe$3 She lifte$ her %o/th to his an$ 2isse$ hi%' feeling his hol$ 0egin to slac2en3 :<o/ 2no+ yo/ +ant to' 1ogan3 <o/ +ant to333,:

4e groane$ an$ ga e in to her3 There +ere ti%es' he tho/ght 0lin$ly' +hen s/rren$er +as *ositi ely a irt/e3

Chapter Nine
1ogan $ro e -it ho%e late that afternoon' rel/ctant to let her go3 @/t she7$ insiste$ that she ha$ chores to $o' to get rea$y for +or2 the ne5t $ay3 :#t l/nch' +e7ll ta2e o/t that %arriage license': he tol$ her fir%ly as he left her at her $oor3 :<o/7ll ne er get a+ay again3: She s%ile$ lo ingly3 :#s if 87$ e er +ant to': she sai$3 :#% 8 $rea%ing;: she a$$e$ so%0erly' searching his $ar2 eyes3 :8 %/st 0e3 8 co/l$n7t 0e this ha**y other+ise3 87ll +a2e /*333: 4e +as thin2ing the sa%e thing as his eyes caresse$ her ra$iant face3 :6o' yo/ +on7t': he sai$ ten$erly3 4e 0ent an$ 0r/she$ his %o/th gently o er hers3 :87ll see yo/ to%orro+3: :<o/ aren7t sorry;: she as2e$ +orrie$ly3 4e stare$ at her for a long %o%ent' seeing her +ith eyes that 2ne+ all a0o/t her3 B erything3 :6ot if 8 $ie$ in %y slee*3: :<o/7re s/re that yo/ +ant to %arry %e;: :-it' $o yo/ thin2 +e7 e ha$ eno/gh of each other yet;: he %/se$3 :8 co/l$ go to yo/ on %y $eath0e$' $on7t yo/ 2no+; 87% in o er %y hea$' an$ so are yo/3 Marriage is the only +ay for /s3: :<o/r %other an$ 0rother333: :Will 0e $elighte$3 Bs*ecially %y %other3: 4e fro+ne$3 :Which re%in$s %e3 -it' yo/ ha e to fin$ %y %other3: >Eirst thing to%orro+' 8 *ro%ise3: >My f/t/re +ife' Dane @on$3: :4o+ a0o/t Shirley 4ol%es;: 4e ch/c2le$3 :(/r 2i$s +ill 0e 0orn +earing trench coats an$ follo+ing the $octor aro/n$ the $eli ery roo%3: She fl/she$3 The tho/ght of ha ing a chil$ +as $elightf/l)in +e$loc23 :8 li2e chil$ren3:

:8 /se$ to' 0efore 8 got to 2no+ B%%ett7s': he sai$ $ryly' :8 i%agine +e +on7t 0e so inti%i$ate$ 0y o/r o+n3: 4e fro+ne$ :<o/ +ere afrai$ last night that 8 %ight acci$entally %a2e yo/ *regnant3: :<es': she agree$3 :8 $on7t +ant to 0ring a chil$ into the +orl$ +itho/t a sta0le relationshi*3 8 $on7t thin2 yo/ $o' either3: >8 $on7t s/**ose 8 $o' -it3: 4e hel$ her gently 0y the sho/l$ers3 :87% no less conser ati e than yo/ are' an$ 8 agree that chil$ren sho/l$n7t 0e acci$ents3 That7s irres*onsi0le3: She st/$ie$ his face +ith eyes that a$ore$ it3 :8t7s har$ not to gi e in +hen yo/ lo e so%eone': she sai$ 9/ietly3 :8 $on7t thin2 8 e er really /n$erstoo$ losing control /ntil last night3 8 co/l$n7t say no3 8 co/l$n7t sto*3: :Eor +hat it7s +orth' neither co/l$ 83 87ll ta2e care of yo/' -it3: :87ll ta2e care of yo/' too': she *ro%ise$3 4e starte$ to s*ea2' 0/t she */t a soft han$ o er his %o/th3 :8t7s not sha%ef/l to let a +o%an care a0o/t yo/ an$ try to *rotect yo/': she tol$ hi%3 4e 2isse$ her fingers3 :8sn7t it; #ll right3: 4e sighe$3 :87ll +or2 on it3: She s%ile$ an$ reache$ /* to 2iss his s9/are chin3 :"oo$ night' 1ogan3: :"oo$night3: The ne5t %orning' she starte$ right o/t on her 9/est to fin$ Tansy3 @/t co%*lications er/*te$ 0efore she7$ e en 0eg/n3 Tess co/l$nGt co%e in' so the office +as shorthan$e$3 #n$ +hen she trie$ to fin$ Tansy' the trail le$ to a %e$ical center on the o/ts2irts of 4o/ston3 To to* off the conf/sion' B%%ett an$ his three chil$ren ca%e careening into the office ./st 0efore 1ogan +as $/e to *ic2 /* -it3 :B%%ett sai$ +e %/st co%e an$ see yo/' -it3: #%y grinne$3 !ol2 an$ "/y gro/*e$ aro/n$ her as +ell' +hile a s%/g B%%ett stoo$ 0esi$e the $es2 +ith his +hite Stetson in han$' loo2ing rather elegant in a gray 0/siness s/it3 The chil$ren +ere less *resenta0le' tho/gh3 #%y +as +earing a staine$ an$ +rin2le$ $ress3 The 0oys ha$ on .eans +ith holes at the 2nees an$ their hair nee$e$ +ashing3 >What are yo/ $oing here;: -it as2e$' aghast3 >We ca%e to see Tansy3 She sai$ +e +ere +elco%e anyti%e': he a$$e$' his *ale green eyes t+in2ling in his lean face' :an$ 87% in to+n for a ro$eo3 We tho/ght the 2i$s co/l$ stay +ith her +hile 8 +or23: 4e fro+ne$3 :@/t she7s not at ho%e3:

:87% loo2ing for her': -it sai$' +itho/t %entioning the %e$ical center3 She +as reasona0ly certain that 1ogan $i$n7t 2no+ a0o/t it' either' an$ /ntil she fo/n$ o/t +hat the *ro0le% +as' she co/l$n7t tell hi%3 She $i$n7t +ant hi% +orrie$ /ntil there +as so%ething $efinite to +orry a0o/t3 Tansy %ight' after all' ./st 0e getting a chec2/*3 :She7s $one another flit' has she;: B%%ett %/se$' */rsing his fir% li*s3 :1oo2s li2e it3 (h' there7s 1ogan,: 1ogan ca%e in the $oor' sa+ B%%ett an$ the 2i$s an$ 0egan sco+ling3 :4i' C/=': B%%ett sai$ *leasantly3 4e ra%%e$ his han$s into his *oc2ets3 :We ca%e to stay +ith Tansy' 0/t she isn7t ho%e3: :Don7t e5*ect to stay +ith %e': 1ogan sai$ +ith no hint of +elco%e3 :8 $on7t ha e roo% for yo/3: :1ogan,: -it e5clai%e$3 :Don7t %in$ hi%': B%%ett sai$ i%*ert/r0a0ly' s%iling at -it3 :4e7s only .ealo/s 0eca/se he hasn7t got any 2i$s3 Tho/ght any %ore a0o/t %arrying %e' s+eet thing;: :She7s %arrying %e': 1ogan sai$ +ith a iolent glare3 4e %o e$ to -it7s si$e an$ ca/ght her close3 4is sheer si=e +as inti%i$ating e en +itho/t the 0lac2 sco+l he ga e B%%ett3 :So get any tho/ghts % that $irection right o/t of yo/r %in$3: :8 +as afrai$ it %ight co%e $o+n to this3: B%%ett gri%ace$3 B er since those 2i$s o erhear$ yo/ t+o in the 0athroo%' 87 e e5*ecte$ to hear +e$$ing 0ells3: -it 0l/she$ an$ 1ogan glare$ at the grinning' innocent-loo2ing chil$ren3 7Well' 87 e got to get signe$ /*3 What a% 8 going to $o +ith the 2i$s;: B%%ett groane$3 :8 +as co/nting on 0eing 3a0le to-lea e the% +ith Tansy for the afternoon3: :Can7t yo/ ta2e the% +ith yo/;: -it as2e$3 B%%ett loo2e$ h/nte$' the 2i$s snic2ere$3 :8 $i$ that last ti%e 8 ro$e in a ro$eo here3 87% afrai$ too %any *eo*le re%e%0er the%3: :8 can7t i%agine +hy': 1ogan %/ttere$ $ar2ly3 :#fter all' ha ing longhorn cattle stan$ing in the %i$$le of %ain street %/st 0e a co%%on occ/rrence3 6ot to %ention the t+o cal es that in a$e$ the local Erench 0o/ti9/e an$ trie$ on one of the $esigner $resses333: -it hi$ a s%ile3 B%%ett shr/gge$3

:-i$s +ill 0e 2i$s': he sai$' s%iling fon$ly at his 0roo$3 :Those aren7t 2i$s': 1ogan re*lie$3 :They7re a co%%an$o gro/*,: :Than2s Co/sin 1ogan,: "/y sai$ +ith a grin3 :8 ha e to lea e the% so%e+here': B%%ett re*eate$3 :Don7t loo2 at %e': 1ogan sai$ ta/tly3 :87% ta2ing -it to get a %arriage license3: B%%ett shr/gge$ an$ loo2e$ so lost that 1ogan ga e in3 :#ll right3 8 2no+ +here +e can lea e the%': he sai$' +itho/t %entioning that he +as going to ol/nteer *oor Melo$y3 8t +as *ro0a0ly a terri0le %ista2e' 0/t there really +asn7t anyone else a aila0le3 @esi$es' B%%ett ha$ to face her sooner or later' an$ she ha$ to face hi%3 To$ay +as a goo$ ti%e3 :Co%e on3: >1ogan333,: -it *roteste$ s9/ea2ily3 :-ee* 9/iet': he sai$ /n$er his 0reath' :or +e7ll get lan$e$ +ith the%,: -it 2ne+ +hen to gi e /*3 She follo+e$ hi% o/t the $oor +ith the rest of the%' +a ing $iscreetly to Doris as she left3 Melo$y +as the only one left in 1ogan7s office' +ith 4arriet in the hos*ital an$ Margo gone *er%anently3 She +as 0ent o er the co%*/ter' her long honey-strea2e$ hair hanging $o+n aro/n$ her fl/she$ face' +earing a tri% 0eige s/it that +as staine$ +ith coffee an$ ne+s*rint fro% the Wall Street Do/rnal3 :May 8 hel* yo/333;: she 0egan' lifting soft 0ro+n eyes +ith a s%ile3 She sa+ B%%ett an$ the +orl$ tilte$ on its a5is3 4er e5*ression +as a st/$y in 9/iet shoc23 B%%ett7s nor%ally *leasant' easygoing *ersonality +ent into ecli*se3 4e glare$ at her3 4e t/rne$ an$ stare$ f/rio/sly at 1ogan3 >What the hell $o yo/ %ean' 0ringing %e here +hen she7s in resi$ence;: he $e%an$e$3 Melo$y s+allo+e$' a erting her eyes3 :8 +or2 here': she sai$ stiffly3 ><o/ ne er sai$ she +as going to 0e *er%anent': B%%ett tol$ 1ogan' an$ there +as frightening i%*act in those glittery green eyes +hen he t/rne$ to the other %an3 :What a hell of a relation yo/ t/rne$ o/t to 0e' yo/ $a%ne$ t/rncoat,: 1ogan glo+ere$ at hi%3 :This is %y office': 1ogan re%in$e$ hi%3 :She7s 0right an$ ca*a0le' an$ 8 a**reciate her talent3: :4er talent for +hat;: B%%ett as2e$ sarcastically3

:That isn7t fair': Melo$y crie$' glaring at hi% o/t of a +hite face3 :8t isn7t fair at all, 8 ha$ nothing to $o +ith yo/r $i orce,: :<o/r 0rother elo*e$ +ith %y +ife,: he sai$ thro/gh his teeth3 :Do yo/ thin2 8 can stan$ the sight of yo/;: So that +as it3 6o one ha$ tol$ her +hy B%%ett cla%%e$ /* +hen Melo$y7s na%e +as %entione$' 0/t no+ she 2ne+3 -it felt a s/rge of sy%*athy for Melo$y' +ho loo2e$ as if B%%ett ha$ str/c2 her3 :8t7s har$ly Melo$y7s fa/lt': 1ogan *ointe$ o/t3 :Di$ o/r %other lea e 0eca/se of yo/' la$y;: #%y as2e$3 :6o,: Melo$y *roteste$' coloring3 :@/t it +as yo/r 0rother +ho too2 her a+ay,: "/y %/ttere$3 :#ll of yo/' sh/t /*': -it sai$' inter ening3 She glare$ at B%%ett' a little inti%i$ate$ 0y that har$' /nyiel$ing co/ntenance 0/t $eter%ine$ to *rotect Melo$y3 :6o h/%an 0eing is res*onsi0le for the acts of another3 8t7s terri0ly /nfair of yo/ to 0la%e Melo$y for so%ething her 0rother $i$3: B%%ett $i$n7t say another +or$3 4e glare$ at Melo$y3 :8 +on7t lea e %y 0a0ies +ith that +o%an3: >Who as2e$ yo/ to;: Melo$y as2e$ thro/gh n/%0 li*s3 L1et7s go' 2i$s3 <o/ can co%e +ith %e3: >8 $on7t +ant to go to the arena': !ol2 %/ttere$3 :8 hate cattle3: ><o/7re the son of a rancher': B%%ett 0egan3 >8 li2e co%*/ters' not co+s3: !ol2 +ent to the $es2 an$ stoo$ 0esi$e Melo$y' ref/sing to 0/$ge3 :8 +ant to stay here3: >There7s a tele ision': #%y enth/se$' +al2ing to the corner of the +aiting roo%3 She s+itche$ channels' :1oo2' Sesa%e Street,: She t/rne$ it /* an$ sat $o+n3 "/y glare$ at his 0rother an$ sister3 :T/rncoats3 87ll go +ith yo/' Da$': he sai$' stan$ing 0esi$e his father3 :That7s %y 0oy': B%%ett sai$3 4e ga e Melo$y a f/rio/s sco+l3 :#%y' !ol2' let7s go,: Melo$y +ante$ to *rotest' 0/t she co/l$ see that it +o/l$n7t $o any goo$3 B%%ett ha$

$es*ise$ her e er since he7$ $isco ere$ her +ith his +ife #$ell an$ her 0rother Fan$y3 She7$ hel*e$ the% *ac2 an$ +as stan$ing +ith the% +hile they ca/ght a *lane3 There ha$ 0een a terri0le scene3 #$ell ha$ c/rse$ B%%ett' an$ B%%ett ha$ c/rse$ Fan$y an$ #$ell an$ Melo$y ro/n$ly' for e eryone to hear3 8t ha$ 0een terri0ly e%0arrassing' es*ecially for eighteen-year-ol$ Melo$y3 She7$ ne er forgotten her h/%iliation or her fear of B%%ett' +hose te%*er +as legen$ary locally3 4e7$ 0eaten Fan$y to a */l* 0efore he7$ stor%e$ off' lea ing #$ell an$ Melo$y to *atch /* the c/ts3 Melo$y ha$n7t seen hi% since' an$ that +as $eli0erate3 She7$ %o e$ to 4o/ston to get clear o/t of his or0it3 She7$ ta2en the .o0 +ith 1ogan 0eca/se she 2ne+ 1ogan an$ B%%ett ne er got along an$ $i$n7t e er see each other3 What a shoc2ing $e elo*%ent this +as' to fin$ B%%ett here3 #%y an$ !ol2 re.oine$ their father3 They loo2e$ $angero/sly in$icti e3 :<o/7ll 0e sorry' B%%ett': #%y sai$ s+eetly3 :8 li2e @ig @ir$3: :<o/ can learn to li2e cattle3 @oth of yo/3 1et7s go3: B%%ett $i$n7t */t his foot $o+n often3 When he $i$' all three 2i$s sna**e$ to attention an$ $i$ +hat +as e5*ecte$ of the%3 B%%ett glare$ at Melo$y3 :4o+ long are yo/ going to +or2 here;: he $e%an$e$3 :Eor as long as she li2es': 1ogan tol$ hi%' getting 0et+een the%3 :8t7s no concern of yo/rs3 <o/ li e in San #ntonio3 Fe%e%0er;: :<o/ hire$ her 0eca/se of %e': B%%ett acc/se$3 :8 hire$ her 0eca/se Tansy as2e$ %e to': 1ogan re*lie$3 :She7s 2in to /s' yo/ %ight re%e%0er' in a re%ote +ay3 She +as alone in 4o/ston an$ nee$e$ +or23 8 hire$ her3: 4e loo2e$ at Melo$y an$ s%ile$ reass/ringly3 :#s it ha**ens' 87% gla$ 8 $i$3 She7s an asset3 6ot /* to -it7s recor$ yet' 0/t she7s goo$3: >Wor$s of *raise fro% yo/;: -it gas*e$3 :87ll faint3: :6ot yet': 1ogan ch/c2le$3 :8 +ant yo/r signat/re on a %arriage license first3: Melo$y +as fro=en at her $es23 The tele*hone rang an$ she ans+ere$ it' ca*a0ly if a little /nstea$ily3 :8t7s for yo/' Mr3 De erell': she tol$ 1ogan3 :Mr3 Da%es3: :Da%n': 1ogan %/ttere$3 :87ll ha e to ta2e it' -it3:

:That7s all right3: 4e ca/ght her han$3 :Co%e on3 8 +on7t say anything yo/ can7t hear3: 4e le$ her into the office an$ close$ the $oor3 # %in/te later' Melo$y hear$ hi% *ic2 /* an$ transferre$ the call3 B%%ett +as still glaring at her3 She ignore$ hi% an$ +ent 0ac2 to +or2' forcing her %in$ to the .o0 at han$3 @/t her han$s +ere tre%0ling3 #%y' +ho ne er li2e$ other *eo*le' sa+ that an$ shyly a**roache$ Melo$y3 :She7s tre%0ling': she sai$ softly3 She st/$ie$ Melo$y7s a erte$ face an$ ca/ght her 0reath3 She glare$ at her father3 :<o/ %a$e her cry' B%%ett,: :87% not crying': Melo$y %/ttere$' +i*ing her +et chee2s3 :@/t yo/ are,: #%y *roteste$3 :(h' yo/ %/stn7t3 B%%ett $i$n7t %ean it3 Di$ yo/' B%%ett;: :She hel*e$ yo/r %other r/n a+ay': B%%ett sai$ icily3 :That7s right': "/y re*lie$3 :Co%e 0ac2 here' #%y3: :@/t): B%%ett7s te%*er o erflo+e$3 :Da%n it' 8 sai$ let7s go,: he sho/te$' his green eyes flashing at #%y3 #%y ha$ ne er seen her *arent so enrage$3 She o0eye$ hi% at once' a little afrai$ of the fierceness in his lean face3 Melo$y $i$n7t loo2 /* as the $oor o*ene$ an$ then close$3 She reste$ her han$s on the co%*/ter 2ey0oar$ an$ $re+ in $ee* 0reaths as she fo/ght for control3 She felt sic2 all o er3 The confrontation ha$ 0een totally /ne5*ecte$ an$ shattering3 1ogan an$ -it ca%e 0ac2 o/t %in/tes later3 @y then' Melo$y +as !ale 0/t co%*ose$3 >Mr3 De erell left': she tol$ 1ogan3 :<o/ 2no+ ho+ 0itter he is a0o/t #$ell': 1ogan sai$ gently3 :Don7t let hi% /*set yo/3 4e7ll 0e 0ac2 on his +ay to San #ntonio in a fe+ $ays an$ yo/ +on7t ha e to see hi% again3 #t any rate' it7s /nli2ely that he7ll co%e to the office any%ore3: :"oo$': Melo$y sai$ stiffly3 :4e7s a 0itter %an': 1ogan sai$3 :87% sorry he too2 it o/t on yo/3 @/t it +on7t ha**en

again3: :8t7s all right': Melo$y sai$3 :4onestly3: :<o/7re $oing a goo$ .o0': 1ogan tol$ her3 :8 ho*e yo/7ll stay3: :So $o 8': -it agree$3 :B en +hen +e get %arrie$' 8 +on7t 0e co%ing 0ac2 here to +or23 <o/7re st/c23: Melo$y %anage$ a la/gh3 :Then 87% gla$3 8 en.oy the .o03 8t7s ery interesting3: She glance$ at the $oor an$ gna+e$ her lo+er li*3 :8f yo/7re s/re that he +on7t 0e 0ac23: :87ll g/arantee it': 1ogan *ro%ise$3 :87ll 0e 0ac2 a0o/t t+o3 Can yo/ co*e;: :<es' sir': Melo$y *ro%ise$ hi%3 4e s%ile$' an$ escorte$ -it o/t the $oor3 :B%%ett is a333: she 0egan hotly3 :<es': he sai$' lea$ing her to the ele ator3 :87 e ne er seen hi% 0e so sa age +ith anyone li2e that': he a$$e$3 :1east of all so%eone as yo/ng as Melo$y3 My "o$' +hat a te%*er,: :4e ta2es after the rest of the De erells': she sai$ $ryly3 4e glare$ at her3 :8 $on7t *ic2 on yo/ng +o%en3: 4er eye0ro+s raise$ o er star2 o*en eyes3 :What $o yo/ thin2 8 +as +hen 8 ca%e to +or2 for yo/' yo/ sla e-$ri ing tyrant;: :8 a% not a tyrant': he sai$' */shing the Do+n 0/tton har$3 :1 +as terrific to +or2 for3: :When;: 4e narro+e$ his eyes as he st/$ie$ her3 :Do yo/ +ant to %arry %e or not;: :(f co/rse 8 $o3: :Then 0e nice to %e3: She %o e$ close' glancing $o+n the $eserte$ hall3 :4o+ nice $o 8 ha e to 0e;: she +his*ere$' an$ s/$$enly *lastere$ herself against his 0ig 0o$y3 4e ch/c2le$ an$ */she$ her a+ay3 :6ot that nice': he tol$ her3

:6ot /ntil it7s legal' any+ay3 Ero% no+ on' +e7re $oing it 0y the 0oo23: :!arty *oo*er3: :#ll right' if yo/ really +ant to %a2e lo e on the floor of the ele ator333,: :6o,: 4e la/ghe$ $elighte$ly as she 0ac2e$ a+ay fro% hi%3 :Well' +hat $i$ yo/ e5*ect; 87% *retty /lnera0le +ith yo/3: :So 8 notice$3: She fanne$ herself +ith her han$3 :#n$ yo/ a res*ecta0le stoc20ro2er' too3: :87% an engage$ %an3 Da%n this sl/ggish ele ator333,: The $oor o*ene$ finally' an$ a 0roo$y' %/ttering B%%ett an$ three re$-face$ chil$ren stare$ o/t of it at -it an$ 1ogan3 :6o+ +hat;: 1ogan as2e$ c/rtly3 :@ig @ir$': B%%ett sai$ thro/gh his teeth3 :What;: :She incite$ the%3: 4e gest/re$ to+ar$ the other t+o3 :They7re in it all together3 They stoo$ in the %i$$le of the si$e+al2 an$ tol$ "o$ an$ the rest of the +orl$ that 8 +as st/nting their nat/ral $e elo*%ent 0y $enying the% e$/cational *rogra%%ing3 Then': he a$$e$ icio/sly' :they o ert/rne$ a fa.ita stan$ an$ $/%*e$ salsa on a fat la$y3: -it leane$ against the +all' la/ghing so har$ that she co/l$ 0arely stan$3 >Well' yo/ nee$n7t loo2 at %e': 1ogan tol$ his f/rio/s co/sin3 87% not 2ee*ing the% for yo/3 #n$ if 8 +ere yo/' 8 +o/l$n7t go near Melo$y3 She7ll *ro0a0ly thro+ a 2ey0oar$ at yo/ if yo/ so %/ch as stic2 yo/r hea$ in the $oor,: :87% not st/*i$': B%%ett re*lie$3 :"o on': he tol$ the 2i$s3 :8 ho*e she st/ffs yo/ into a $ra+er,: >8 $on7t +ant to go,: "/y %/ttere$3 :She stole o/r %other,: >This isn7t the ti%e or the *lace': 1ogan sai$3 :"o on' "/y3 Try not to /*set Melo$y any%ore' if yo/ *lease3 <o/r father7s $one a great .o0 on her ner es alrea$y3: >#ll right': "/y %/ttere$3 4e glance$ 0ac2 at his father3 :@/t 8G% on yo/r si$e' Da$3: :8 2no+ that': B%%ett re*lie$ 9/ietly3 :"o on3 Don7t333gi e her any tro/0le3: 4e shr/gge$3 :8 g/ess 8 +as *retty o0no5io/s3: :That7s an /n$erstate%ent': 1ogan sai$ as he got into the ele ator +ith -it an$ a s/0$/e$ B%%ett3 :She7s terrifie$ of yo/' co/l$n7t yo/ tell; T+o years ha e *asse$ since yo/ 0eat her 0rother to his 2nees an$ er0ally assa/lte$ her' an$ she still starts sha2ing the %in/te she sees yo/3 H/ite a feat' co/sin': he a$$e$ eno%o/sly' +atching B%%ett shift his eyes3 :<o/ $i$n7t /se to stoo* to terrori=ing chil$ren3:

:She isn7t a chil$': B%%ett sai$ stiffly3 :@/t she is3 She7s 0arely t+enty': -it sai$ 9/ietly3 :#n$ she isn7t +orl$ly at all3: B%%ett sco+le$3 :T+enty;: :<o/ $i$n7t 2no+;: -it as2e$' staring /* at hi% c/rio/sly3 4is 0roa$ sho/l$ers rose an$ fell3 :8 ne er tho/ght a0o/t it3: 4e +ent 0roo$y' a oi$ing 1ogan7s s/$$en stare3 They left hi% on the si$e+al2 an$ +ent to get into 1ogan7s slee2 1incoln3 :8s B%%ett really li2e that;: -it as2e$3 :4e see%e$ so easygoing an$ 2in$333: :4e7s a hell-raiser': 1ogan tol$ her as he */t her into the car an$ got in 0esi$e her3 :4e al+ays +as +il$' e en as a 0oy3 4e %arrie$ #$ell ./st $ays after his %other $ie$ an$ he insiste$ that they start a fa%ily right a+ay3 She see%e$ to care a0o/t hi%' an$ +e tho/ght he7$ settle$ $o+n3 @/t he too2 off ro$eoing an$ left her there alone +ith 0a0ies an$ cattle' an$ she +as ne er s/ite$ to either3 She %et Fan$y' fell in lo e for real an$ ./st too2 off3 B%%ett 0la%e$ her' 0la%e$ Melo$y' 0la%e$ the 2i$s' 0la%e$ e ery0o$y e5ce*t the real g/ilty *arty)hi%self3 4e hate$ %arriage an$ res*onsi0ility3 4e +as trying to fin$ a +ay o/t +hen #$ell *resente$ hi% +ith one3 4is *ri$e +as 0r/ise$' 0/t he ne er lo e$ her3: :4e got %arrie$ 0eca/se of +hat ha**ene$ to his %other;: :<es' 8 thin2 he $i$3 4e +as lonely an$ #$ell tho/ght she lo e$ hi%3 8t +as only infat/ation' tho/gh3: 4e sto**e$ at a traffic light an$ loo2e$ at -it +orrie$ly3 :Do yo/ lo e %e;: he as2e$ s/$$enly3 :Do yo/ lo e %e eno/gh' -it;: 4er li*s *arte$ as she st/$ie$ his 0roa$' leonine face3 :87$ $o anything in this +orl$ for yo/': she sai$ 9/ietly3 :#nything' 1ogan3: That $i$n7t so/n$ li2e infat/ation' an$ co%0ine$ +ith the loo2 in her eyes he +as con ince$3 4e too2 her han$ in his as the light change$ an$ +ra**e$ it in his fingers3 >That7s all 8 +ante$ to 2no+3: Which tol$ -it ery little a0o/t his o+n feelings3 8t +as i%*ossi0le not to 2no+ ho+ %/ch he +ante$ her3 #s he7$ sai$' they $i$ get along +ell together3 @/t +hat if he $isco ere$ one $ay that +hat he felt for -it +as only a *hysical infat/ation; What if he fell in lo e +ith so%eone else an$ too2 off; >Sto* 0roo$ing': he sai$' s%iling at her3 :We7 e got *lenty going for /s3 We7ll %a2e it' -it3 8 *ro%ise yo/' +e +ill3:

4er long fingers c/rle$ into his3 :(2ay3 8 +on7t +orry3: @/t she $i$ +orry3 They too2 o/t the license an$ she +ent 0ac2 to the office to contin/e her search for Tansy3 8t +as %/ch %ore i%*erati e no+ to fin$ her' +ith the i%*en$ing %arriage3 She +ante$ Tansy there3 More' she +ante$ to %a2e s/re that her f/t/re %otherin-la+ +as all right3 The fact that Tansy ha$ chec2e$ into a %e$ical center +as ery +orrying in$ee$3 As/ally +hen the el$erly +o%an so/ght %e$ical assistance' it +as after so%e +il$ st/nt that 0r/ise$ her3 @/t there ha$n7t 0een any +il$ st/nts3 Tansy ha$ gone in $eli0erately' on 0oth feet3 #n$ that in itself' -it tho/ght /neasily' +as ca/se for concern3

Chapter Ten
-it fo/n$ the hos*ital +itho/t a *ro0le%3 Then she sat in the car' +orrying a0o/t ho+ to *rocee$3 There +as a goo$ chance that Tansy +o/l$ 0e ery angry if -it ./st +al2e$ into her roo% an$ starte$ as2ing 9/estions3 (n the other han$' there +as little else she co/l$ $o3 1ea ing her car in the *ar2ing lot' she *rocee$e$ into the hos*ital an$ fo/n$ +hich roo% Tansy +as in3 She hesitate$ o/tsi$e the *ri ate roo%' 0/t only for a %in/te3 With a $ee* 0reath' she 2noc2e$ gently at the $oor an$ o*ene$ it3 Tansy De erell stare$ at her +itho/t s*ea2ing' her eyes ery +i$e in a thin' *ale face +hich hel$ *ain an$ +orry3 :#n$ here yo/ co%e again': Tansy %/r%/re$' +ith a hint of a t+in2le in her eyes3 :<e*': -it sai$' s%iling3 :<o/7re too goo$ a $etecti e' -it': Tansy sai$3 :This ti%e 8 $i$n7t +ant to 0e fo/n$3: :8 ha$ that fig/re$ o/t for %yself3: She %o e$ to the 0e$' an$ sat $o+n 0esi$e it' her 0l/e eyes 9/iet an$ stea$y on the +orn face in its fra%e of /nti$y sil er hair3 :Why are yo/ here;: :8 +on7t tell yo/ that3: :#re yo/ ill;: :8 +on7t 2no+ that /ntil 8 get the res/lts of the tests3: -it hel$ her 0reath3 :Tests for +hat;: Tansy co/l$n7t conceal her +orry an$ fear3 :8 $on7t 2no+' -it'? she sai$ in a cho2e$

tone3 :87 e 0een getting tire$ a lot' an$ 8 can7t see% to sto* losing +eight3 8 $on7t 2no+' 0/t it co/l$ 0e cancer3: :(h' Tansy': -it +aile$3 :#n$ if it is': she contin/e$' :8 $on7t +ant %y 0oys to ha e to s/ffer thro/gh the /ncertainty +ith %e3 When 8 fin$ o/t for s/re' then 87ll tell the%3: -it felt terri0le3 She 2ne+ she sho/l$ tell 1ogan an$ Chris' 0/t Tansy loo2e$ cr/she$ eno/gh alrea$y3 :8t isn7t fair to 2ee* it fro% the%': -it 0egan gently3 :<es' it is' $ear': ca%e the soft re*ly3 :<o/7re all heart' aren7t yo/' -it;: she as2e$3 :6othing li2e that c/r y cash register he thin2s he7s in lo e +ith3: :The $electa0le @etsy;: -it re*lie$ +ith a 9/iet s%ile3 :Chris7s $escri*tion3: Tansy no$$e$ an$ she s%ile$3 :4e7ll co%e to his senses one $ay3: :87% $elighte$ to tell yo/ that he alrea$y has': -it tol$ her3 :We ./st got a %arriage license3 87% going to 0e yo/r $a/ghter-in-la+3: Tansy hel$ o/t her ar%s an$ h/gge$ the yo/nger +o%an +ith */re $elight3 :<o/ co/l$n7t ha e 0ro/ght %e ha**ier ne+s if yo/7$ loo2e$ for years3 -it' ho+ +on$erf/l,: :4e $oesn7t lo e %e yet': -it tol$ her3 :@/t %ay0e 8 lo e hi% eno/gh for 0oth of /s3: :"i e hi% ti%e3 Co%%it%ent is ne+ to hi%3 4e7s %y son3 4e can7t 0e co%*letely st/*i$3: -it la/ghe$3 :(f co/rse he can7t3: Tansy co/l$ sy%*athi=e +ith -it3 8t +as har$ to lo e so $ee*ly an$ not ha e it ret/rne$3 8f only her el$est son +asn7t so 0lin$, She r/00e$ her col$ han$s3 :"o a+ay' -it3 8 lo e seeing yo/' 0/t this is so%ething 8 ha e to $o alone3 #n$ $on7t tell %y sons3 6ot a +or$': she sai$ sternly3 :@/t333: :6ot one +or$': Tansy re*eate$' her eyes *iercing3 :This is %y 0/siness3 Mine alone3: -it 2ne+ +hen she +as 0eaten3 :#ll right3 @/t 87ll 0e 0ac2 to see a0o/t yo/': she sai$ fir%ly3

:8 2ne+ that alrea$y': Tansy sai$' an$ s%ile$3 :<o/7re a s+eet chil$3: >6o3 8 ./st ha e goo$ taste in *eo*le': -it %/r%/re$3 Tansy la/ghe$' altho/gh her eyes $i$n7t3 >When +ill yo/ 2no+' one +ay or the other;: -it as2e$3 >To%orro+3: :Then 87ll see yo/ to%orro+3 Can 8 0ring yo/ anything;: :6ot really' -it3 @/t than2 yo/ for as2ing3: She st/$ie$ the ol$er +o%an' noticing that her han$s +ere sha2ing3 :Tansy333: :87% free=ing': Tansy sai$3 :#n$ star ing to $eath3 <o/ 2no+' no %atter ho+ %/ch 8 eat or $rin2' 8 can7t see% to get f/ll3 #ll that h/nger an$ thirst' an$ loo2 at %e3: She la/ghe$3 :S2in an$ 0ones3: She lay 0ac2 an$ close$ her eyes3 :1ife is so co%*licate$ so%eti%es3: :Don7t +e all 2no+ it': -it %/se$3 :4o+ is Melo$y +or2ing o/t;: :8 $on7t 2no+ if he7ll still ha e her 0y s/n$o+n': -it re*lie$3 :She7s 0a0y-sitting B%%ett7s 2i$s' an$ he hates her3 8 %ean hates her,: Tansy7s eyes o*ene$ an$ she loo2e$ less frail3 :(h' %y goo$ness3 !oor chil$,: :She7s a troo*er3 #%y an$ !ol2 li2e her3 "/y is his father all o er again3 8 i%agine he7s gi ing her the $e il3: :She7s too yo/ng to 0ear the 0r/nt of B%%ett7s hatre$ of her 0rother3 8 sho/l$n7t ha e reco%%en$e$ her for the .o0' 0/t she7$ ./st lost a .o0 she7$ ha$ for t+o years an$ she +as too afrai$ of B%%ett to e en li e in the sa%e city he $i$3 8 sa+ a chance to hel* 1ogan an$ Melo$y3 @/t if B%%ett is going to %a2e a ha0it of co%ing 0ac2 here' 8 %ay ha e $one %ore har% than goo$3 !oor chil$,: she re*eate$3 :B%%ett $i$n7t e en loo2 li2e hi%self': -it sai$' recalling +ith a %ental shi er3 :8 tho/ght he +as easygoing an$ f/nny3: :Di$ yo/; B%%ett +ears a %as23 Most *eo*le see thro/gh it a lot sooner than yo/ $i$3 4e has *lenty of ene%ies3: :8f he7s li2e he +as to$ay +hen he ri$es in a ro$eo' it +o/l$n7t s/r*rise %e to learn that he +ins e ery e ent': she sai$3 :4e7s r/thless3:

:4e al+ays +as3 8t7s his +ay or no +ay3: Tansy shoo2 her hea$3 :87ll ha e to a*ologi=e to Melo$y3 @/t B%%ett +on7t 0e in to+n for long' 87% s/re3 1ogan +ill *rotect her3: -it +asn7t certain a0o/t that' 0/t she $i$n7t say so3 She staye$ an$ tal2e$ for a little longer' 0efore she loo2e$ at her +atch an$ reali=e$ that she +as alrea$y *ast $/e 0ac2 at the office3 :8 ha e to go': she sai$' 0en$ing to 2iss the thin chee23 :<o/ 2no+ +here to fin$ %e if 8 can $o anything for yo/3 #n$ 8 +on7t tell 1ogan or Chris +here yo/ are3 8 *ro%ise3: Tansy st/$ie$ her face for a long %o%ent' rea$ing acc/rately the ac9/iescence in it3 :That7s a $eal3 Co%e 0ac2 to%orro+3 May0e it +ill 0e goo$ ne+s3: She $i$n7t so/n$ as if she e5*ecte$ it to 0e3 -it +as an inc/ra0le o*ti%ist' tho/gh' an$ she 2ne+ +hat a strength of +ill Tansy ha$3 :87$ 0et on yo/' no %atter +hat': she tol$ Tansy3 :<o/7re too s*ecial to lose3: She s%ile$ an$ left the roo% 0efore Tansy ha$ ti%e to re*ly3 8t $i$n7t hel* that later in the $ay Dane 1assiter +ante$ to 2no+ a0o/t her *rogress3 She consi$ere$ lying to hi%3 That $i$n7t see% *artic/larly 0right3 Dane +as a $etecti e hi%self' an$ %/ch %ore e5*erience$3 8f he +ante$ to fin$ Tansy' it +o/l$ ta2e hi% no ti%e at all3 #n$ it +o/l$ 0e $ishonest to lie3 So she as2e$ to s*ea2 to hi% *ri ately an$ tol$ hi% e erything3 :So yo/ see': she sai$ %isera0ly' :8 $on7t 2no+ +hat to $o3 8 tol$ Tansy 8 +o/l$n7t tell 1ogan a thing3 !rofessionally 87% 0o/n$ to3: 4er eyes searche$ his stern face3 :Where $o yo/ $ra+ the line;: :8n this agency' +e stan$ 0ehin$ o/r $etecti es': he sai$' s%iling gently3 :8t7s yo/r $ecision3: :Than2s for not firing %e3: She got /* fro% the chair she7$ 0een sitting in3 :Don7t 0e a0s/r$': he %/r%/re$3 :8 tr/st yo/r ./$g%ent3: 4e sighe$3 :"o$' 8 ho*e it7s not cancer3 1ogan *reten$s that his %other is a trial to hi%' 0/t he lo es her3: :So $oes Chris': she a$$e$3 :(f co/rse he $oes3 @/t 1ogan +ill ta2e it har$er3:

She no$$e$3 4e +as right a0o/t that3 The icy Mr3 De erell ha$ a s/r*risingly soft si$e' an$ he $i$ a$ore his %other3 B en if he raise$ the roof o er so%e of her antics fro% ti%e to ti%e3 :-it': Dane sai$ as she starte$ to lea e' an$ he loo2e$ sole%n' :thin2 ery caref/lly a0o/t the *osition yo/7re */tting yo/rself in3 <o/ an$ 1ogan are engage$3 -ee*ing this sort of secret 0et+een yo/ co/l$ irre*ara0ly $a%age yo/r relationshi*3 8 +on7t 0la%e yo/ if yo/ $o gi e in an$ tell hi%3 6o one +o/l$' least of all Tansy3: :8 $on7t 2no+ a0o/t that3: She cl/ng to the $oor3 :8f 8 tell 1ogan' 87ll 0e 0etraying Tansy7s tr/st3: :8t7s a har$ $ecision' 8 2no+': Dane sai$3 :D/st re%e%0er' yo/ ha e to li e +ith the conse9/ences of yo/r actions3 8 $on7t3 6either $oes Tansy3: :<es3 8 2no+': she sai$ 9/ietly3 -it ha$ ho*e$ that she +o/l$n7t ha e to lie to 1ogan3 The follo+ing $ay' after all' she7$ 2no+ for certain a0o/t Tansy3 @/t she ha$ no s/ch l/c23 1ogan tele*hone$ less than ten %in/tes 0efore she +as $/e to lea e the office that afternoon3 8n the 0ac2gro/n$' 0oistero/s yells an$ sho/ts interr/*te$ hi%3 :87ll *ic2 yo/ /* a0o/t si5 an$ +e7ll eat o/t': he sai$3 :Can yo/ 2i$s sh/t /*;: he yelle$3 :My "o$' they7re $ri ing /s n/ts, B%%ett *ro%ise$ to 0e 0ac2 0y fi e' an$ he isn7t here, 8 $on7t 2no+ +hat to $o,: :@ring the% +ith yo/': -it s/ggeste$' 0/ying ti%e3 :We can loo2 after the%3: :-it' are yo/ o/t of yo/r %in$;: he as2e$3 :8 g/ess so3 @/t +e can7t as2 Melo$y to ha e the%' not the +ay B%%ett treate$ her3: :8 2no+3: 4e *a/se$3 :4a e yo/ fo/n$ %y %other;: he as2e$ a0r/*tly3 The 9/estion shoo2 her3 She too2 a slo+ 0reath an$ stea$ie$ her ner es' *re*aring to he$ge the 9/estion3 She +as flirting +ith finishing their relationshi* 0efore it 0egan' an$ she 2ne+ it' 0/t Tansy tr/ste$ her3 She ha$ to consi$er that 0efore she consi$ere$ her *ersonal feelings3 :87 e got a goo$ lea$ that 87% follo+ing /*': she re*lie$ caref/lly' %entally crossing her fingers at the lie3 :8 sho/l$ 2no+ so%ething 0y l/nch to%orro+': she a$$e$' *raying that she +o/l$' an$ that it +o/l$ 0e goo$ ne+s3 :8 tho/ght yo/ +ere an ace $etecti e' Miss Morris3:

:Detecti e +or2 can 0e slo+' Mr3 De erell': she co/ntere$3 :#n$ yo/ %ight re%e%0er that 8 a% ery efficient3: :So yo/ +ere3: 4e ch/c2le$3 :Co%e on o er here an$ go ho%e +ith %e3 We can *ic2 /* yo/r car in the %orning3: :(2ay3 87ll 0e there in fifteen %in/tes': she *ro%ise$3 She an$ B%%ett arri e$ together3 4e +as /n/s/ally 9/iet as he ro$e /* in the ele ator +ith her' totally /nco%%/nicati e3 :Di$ yo/ get signe$ /* for the ro$eo;: she as2e$3 :<e*3: #n$ that +as all he sai$' all the +ay to 1ogan7s office3 4e +al2e$ in' sa+ the 2i$s sitting all in a ro+ on the sofa +ith their han$s angelically fol$e$ an$ $i$ a $o/0le ta2e3 # harasse$' 0lac2-eye$ Melo$y glare$ at hi%3 :<o/ can ta2e the% +ith yo/' no+' if yo/ $on7t %in$': she sai$ stiffly3 :8 hire$ on here to 0e a secretary' not a 0a0y-sitter3: :We ain7t 0a0ies': "/y %/ttere$ +ith a har$ glare in her $irection3 :#n$ +e ain7t scare$ of that electronic ga$get in yo/r $es2' neither,: :What electronic ga$get;: B%%ett sai$ +ith $ea$ly %enace3 Melo$y loo2e$ straight at hi%' o*ene$ her $es2' *ic2e$ /* a 0lac2 0o5 an$ *ointe$ it at hi%3 She *resse$ a colorf/l 0/tton3 Death ray so/n$s o/t of a "ra$e-@ science fiction %o ie fille$ the roo%3 :To%orro+ %orning +hen yo/ +a2e /*' yo/7ll ha e green s2in an$ antennae': she *ro%ise$ hi%3 :#n$ +arts3: B%%ett7s eye0ro+s lifte$3 :She trie$ to t/rn /s into Martians +ith that thing' 0/t +e +eren7t scare$ of it' B%%ett': #%y sai$ *ro/$ly3 4er ha/ghty e5*ression +a ere$ ./st a little +hen she glance$ at the 0lac2 0o53 :@/t' +e7ll go no+' +on7t +e; @efore she *oints it at /s again' 8 %ean3: :Witch': B%%ett acc/se$3 :Scaring little chil$ren3: Melo$y */t the 0lac2 0o5 0ac2 in the $ra+er3 :Those aren7t little chil$ren': she sai$ icily3 :They7re a ho%e0o/n$ terrorist /nit' co%*lete +ith har$+are3 1oo2 at this' for hea en7s sa2e,: She starte$ */lling things o/t of the $es23 When she finishe$' there +ere scre+$ri ers'

S+iss #r%y 2ni es' fingernail files an$ other assorte$ tools in a hea* 0efore her3 :D/st loo2, They co/l$ 0rea2 o*en a safe +ith this,: :6o' +e co/l$ not': !ol2 sai$ in$ignantly3 :We only trie$ one': "/y re%in$e$ his 0rother3 :#n$ it +as ol$3 8f +e +or2e$ on a ne+ one333: :That7s right,: #%y agree$3 B5as*erate$' Melo$y stare$ at B%%ett3 :Congrat/lations': she sai$3 :<o/ can isit the% all in fe$eral *rison ne5t year after yo/7re thro/gh ri$ing in ro$eo co%*etitions3: B%%ett stare$ at his chil$ren3 Co%*rehension +as $a+ning3 4e7$ s*ent t+o years hating his e5-+ife an$ 0la%ing her for all his *ro0le%s3 4e7$ s*ent an e9/ally long ti%e r/nning a+ay fro% the 2i$s3 6o+' here they +ere' an$ he +as ./st 0eginning to see +hat his neglect ha$ acco%*lishe$3 8nstea$ of nor%al' +holeso%e chil$ren' he +as raising a fa%ily of *otential secon$-story %en3 :Where $i$ yo/ 2i$s get that st/ff;: B%%ett as2e$' no$$ing to+ar$ the $es23 :We7ll ne er tell': #%y sai$' %a2ing a %otion across her li*s li2e a =i**er closing3 :That7s right': !ol2 agree$3 :We7ll see a0o/t that': B%%ett sai$ gri%ly3 :1et7s go3 87 e 0oo2e$ /s into a hotel for the night3: :"reat,: "/y sai$3 :#t least +e can esca*e the +ic2e$ +itch of the stoc2 %ar2et 0efore she %a2es Martians o/t of /s3: B%%ett her$e$ the% to the $oor3 4e *a/se$' glancing at Melo$y' +ho +as co%*ose$ an$ not ery co%%/nicati e3 :-in$ of yo/ to +atch the%': he sai$ rel/ctantly3 :87ll 9/it 0efore 8 $o it again' e en if it %eans star ing': she sai$ 9/ietly3 4is lean face har$ene$3 :6o sto%ach for chil$ren' Miss Cart-%an;: :8 li2e %ost chil$ren': she re*lie$3 :There7s not a $a%ne$ thing +rong +ith those 2i$s': he sai$ f/rio/sly3 She $i$n7t re*ly3

:B%%ett' that7s eno/gh': 1ogan sai$ +ith 9/iet %enace3 :"o a+ay3: :<o/ hire$ her to get 0ac2 at %e' $i$n7t yo/;: B%%ett acc/se$ his co/sin3 :<o/ thin2 e eryone is o/t to get yo/' $on7t yo/;: 1ogan as2e$ 9/ietly3 :<o/r 0iggest *ro0le% is yo/r o+n lac2 of tr/st3: :8 tr/ste$ #$ell3 Antil her $a%ne$ Fo%eo 0rother': he *ointe$ at Melo$y' :+alt=e$ in an$ carte$ her off,: Melo$y colore$3 4er han$s +ere sha2ing3 She clas*e$ the% together tightly' :#$ell sai$ she got tire$ of $irty $ia*ers an$ li ing alone +ith three to$$lers': she sai$ +ith */re 0ra a$o an$ a sha2ing oice' :+hile yo/ str/tte$ aro/n$ +ith *retty yo/ng girls at ro$eos3: B%%ett $i$n7t say another +or$3 4is face har$ene$ to stone3 4e t/rne$ an$ +ent o/t' sla%%ing the $oor so har$ that the +in$o+s shoo23 :Well' he $i$': Melo$y %/ttere$' sha2en3 :8 2no+': 1ogan re*lie$3 :<o/ $on7t ha e to tell %e a0o/t B%%ett3 87% sorry' Melo$y3 8 +on7t let hi% in here again3: :Than2s': she sai$ 9/ietly3 :8 see% to set hi% off3: :B erything $oes3 "et yo/r things an$ 87ll loc2 /*3 87% ta2ing -it o/t to eat3 Want to co%e along;: Melo$y s%ile$3 :Than2s' 0/t 87 e got a nice *ot f/ll of so/* +aiting3: :That so/n$s goo$ on a col$ night': -it re%ar2e$3 :Well' goo$ night' Melo$y': 1ogan sai$3 1ogan too2 -it to an elegant resta/rant an$ they $ran2 e5*ensi e +ine an$ ate *erfectly coo2e$ stea2' *aying %/ch %ore attention to each other than to the foo$3 :T+o %ore $ays': he groane$ +hen he 2isse$ her goo$-night at her $oor3 :87ll ne er %a2e it,: :<es' yo/ +ill': she sai$' s%iling +ith $elight at his h/nger for her3 :"oo$ night' 1ogan3: 4e 2isse$ her one last ti%e an$ rel/ctantly let her go3 :"oo$ night3 8f yo/ fin$ o/t anything a0o/t Tansy' call %e' all right;: he a$$e$3

She cleare$ her throat an$ a erte$ her eyes3 :Certainly 8 +ill,: 1ogan sa+ that s/s*icio/s' g/ilty loo2 an$ sco+le$3 :<o/ aren7t hol$ing anything 0ac2' are yo/;: :1ogan,: she e5clai%e$3 :(f co/rse not3: 4e st/c2 his han$s into his *oc2ets an$ stare$ $o+n at her' fro+ning3 :8 lo e %y %other' $es*ite her shenanigans': he re%in$e$ her3 :8f yo/ 2no+ so%ething' an$ yo/ $on7t tell %e' 8 +on7t forget it3: 4er conscience +as 2illing her3 She +ante$ to tell hi%3 She sho/l$ tell hi%3 @/t she co/l$n7t force the +or$s o/t3 She groane$3 :There7s nothing to tell yet': she sai$3 :When;: :Soon3 Feally3: 4e no$$e$' 0/t his eyes +ere +atchf/l3 #n$ there +as a 0latant +ith$ra+al in his %anner +hen he t/rne$ an$ +al2e$ a+ay fro% her3 She close$ the $oor 0ehin$ hi%' loc2e$ it an$ leane$ 0ac2 against it3 4er heart +as 0eating her to $eath +ith its %a$ rhyth%3 @last her o+n tong/e, She +asn7t goo$ at lying3 6o+ 1ogan +as s/s*icio/s' an$ Tansy +o/l$ ne er forgi e her if he fo/n$ o/t anything too soon3 @/t' then' ho+ co/l$ he; @y the ti%e she +ent to 0e$' she7$ con ince$ herself that he ha$ no +ay of 2no+ing that she +asn7t telling the tr/th3 #n$ Dane +o/l$n7t 0lo+ her co er3 6o' she ha$ nothing to +orry a0o/t3 1ate in the %orning' after she7$ gone thro/gh her files an$ $one so%e leg+or2 on an /nrelate$ case' she $ro e to the hos*ital an$ +ent to fin$ Tansy3 She 2ne+ 0y the e5*ression on the ol$er +o%an7s face that it +asn7t cancer3 :<o/7re all right' aren7t yo/;: she as2e$ Tansy' s%iling3 :8t +asn7t cancer after all' +as it;: :6o': Tansy sighe$' s%iling3 :Than2 "o$' it +asn7t3: The $oor o*ene$ s/$$enly an$ 1ogan De erell ca%e in' his face li2e a th/n$erclo/$3 :So here yo/ are': he tol$ Tansy3 :4i$ing o/t in a hos*ital333+hat7s +rong +ith yo/;: Tansy stare$ at -it an$ gri%ace$3 ><o/ tol$ hi%, <o/ tol$ hi%' after 8 0egge$ yo/ not to,:

:6o': -it 0egan3 :Why are yo/ here;: 1ogan $e%an$e$ fro% his %other3 Tansy glare$ /* at hi%3 :8 tho/ght 8 ha$ cancer3: 4e +ent star2 +hite3 :#n$333;: :8t7s not': she sai$ shortly3 4is $ar2 eyes' relie e$' +ent to -it7s +hite face an$ 2in$le$ again3 :<o/ lie$ to %e' $a%n yo/': he sai$ softly3 :<o/ tol$ %e yo/ $i$n7t 2no+ +here she +as, She7s 0een in here +ith the threat of cancer hanging o er her an$ 8 +o/l$n7t ha e 2no+n,: -it $i$n7t re*ly3 She co/l$n7t3 She felt as 0a$ as he %/st3 :(h' -it' 87% sorry': Tansy 0egan3 :Dane7s going to get an earf/l a0o/t this' an$ 8 $a%ne$ +ell ho*e he fires yo/,: he sai$' 0ristling +ith rage at her 0etrayal3 4e7$ tr/ste$ her' *lanne$ to %arry her3 @/t she $i$n7t tr/st hi%3 She7$ co ere$ /* his %other7s sit/ation an$ her hos*itali=ation3 She7$ $eli0erately lie$ to hi% a0o/t it, 4e +as so f/rio/s that he co/l$ 0arely s*ea23 :"et o/t of %y %other7s roo%,: he sai$ icio/sly3 :"et o/t of %y life' +hile yo/7re a0o/t it, <o/ can ta2e that $a%ne$ %arriage license an$ ri* it /*' 0eca/se 8 +o/l$n7t go fi e feet to+ar$ the altar +ith a t+o-face$' col$-0loo$e$ little liar li2e yo/,: -it felt the tears +elling in her ery so/l3 They 0oth 0l/rre$ in her 0l/e eyes as she t/rne$ an$ +ent o/t of the roo% +ith the tatters of her $ignity aro/n$ her3 :@/t it7s not her fa/lt': Tansy +as saying lo/$ly3 She $i$n7t hear +hat 1ogan sai$3 She 2e*t +al2ing3 B ent/ally she fo/n$ her car' thro/gh a %ist of hot tears3 4er eyes +ere re$ an$ s+ollen long 0efore she got 0ac2 to the office an$ +ent to tell Dane 1assiter +hat ha$ ha**ene$3 Tess +as +ith hi%3 They 0oth ga*e$ at the sight of her3 She 0l/rte$ o/t the +hole story an$ then $rie$ her eyes an$ 0le+ her nose3 :4e +ants yo/ to fire %e': she tol$ Dane3 :8 g/ess 8 $eser e it3 8 +as only trying to $o +hat Tansy +ante$ %e to' 0/t she +asn7t *aying /s' 1ogan +as3 4e sai$ he ha$ the right to 2no+3: Tess h/gge$ her +ar%ly3 :6o+' no+': she sai$ soothingly3 :8t7s all right3: :87% not going to fire yo/': Dane sai$3 :8f 1ogan +ants to ref/se to *ay' that7s his affair3

The agency +on7t lose that %/ch3 @/t he +ill': he a$$e$ c/rtly3 :The ne5t ti%e Tansy ta2es a *o+$er' he can $a%ne$ +ell trac2 her $o+n hi%self3: :6ot on %y acco/nt': -it *lea$e$3 :8 $on7t +ant any of yo/ in tro/0le 0eca/se of %e3: :<o/7re o/r e%*loyee': Dane sai$ c/rtly3 :That %a2es yo/ fa%ily3 6o0o$y' 0/t no0o$y' threatens fa%ily aro/n$ here3: -it force$ a s%ile3 :<o/7re ery 2in$3: :8t7s easy to 0e 2in$ to nice *eo*le3 <o/ go 0ac2 to +or2 an$ get yo/r %in$ on another case3 Consi$er this one close$3: :(2ay3 Than2s': she a$$e$3 :We7re going sho**ing tonight': Tess re%in$e$ her3 :8t +ill cheer yo/ /*3: :8 co/l$ really /se that no+': -it re*lie$3 She +ent 0ac2 to her $es23 #$a%s *a/se$ 0esi$e it' fro+ning3 :<o/ o2ay;: he as2e$3 :8 hear$ De erell too2 a 0ite o/t of yo/3 Don7t let it get yo/ $o+n3 We all catch hell so%eti%es' yo/ 2no+3: 4e grinne$ shee*ishly3 :Want %e to go 0ash his nose in for yo/;: She la/ghe$' her 0l/e eyes t+in2ling3 :Wo/l$ yo/ $o that for %e;: 4e 0l/she$3 :S/re3 8f yo/ +ant %e to3: She reache$ o/t an$ too2 his 0ig' ha%%y han$ in hers3 :#$a%s' yo/7re the nicest %an in the +orl$3: 4e only s%ile$' loo2ing e en %ore shee*ish3 :4o+ a0o/t s/**er;: he 0egan3 :Doris an$ 8 2no+ this *lace that %a2es great 8rish ste+': he a$$e$' glancing at Doris' +ho s%ile$ an$ no$$e$3 :<o/ co/l$ ha e s/**er +ith /s333: The so/n$ of the front $oor o*ening ca/ght their attention3 The *erson entering ha$ f/ll ie+ of #$a%s hol$ing -it7s han$ an$ s%iling at her3 1ogan De erell stare$ at the% fro% a face that +o/l$ ha e $one ./stice at a %/r$er trial3 -it7s eyes s*ar2le$ +ith anger3 4er in./re$ $ignity sat /* an$ gro+le$3 :<es' Mr3 De erell' can +e hel* yo/;: she as2e$3 :8f yo/7$ li2e to s*ea2 to Mr3 1assiter' 87% s/re he7ll 0e ha**y to o0lige yo/3 87 e alrea$y tol$ hi% that yo/7re $issatisfie$ +ith %y han$ling of yo/r case3 Sa$ly for yo/' he $oesn7t feel it +arrants firing %e3:

7This the g/y yo/ +ere telling %e a0o/t;: #$a%s as2e$ -it' loo2ing 0ig an$ */gnacio/s' an e5*ression he7$ c/lti ate$ 0ac2 in his ho%ici$e $ays on the *olice force3 1ogan glare$ at #$a%s3 :8 ho*e yo/r %e$ical ins/rance is *ai$ /*': he sai$ le elly' :0eca/se 87% a Tae -+on Do 0l/e 0elt3: :8 $on7t nee$ a 0o$yg/ar$' than2s ./st the sa%e' #$a%s': she a$$e$' gently $isengaging her han$3 :Well' if yo/ $o': #$a%s sai$' glancing to+ar$ 1ogan' :./st +histle3: 4e a%0le$ a+ay an$ 1ogan sho e$ his han$s into his *oc2ets as he %o e$ to stan$ ./st in front of -it7s $es23 4is 0roa$ sho/l$ers rose an$ fell3 :Mother tol$ %e all of it3: 4e loo2e$ /nco%forta0le3 :8 sho/l$n7t ha e ./%*e$ to concl/sions3: :8f that7s an a*ology' it isn7t necessary': -it 0egan3 :8sn7t it;: 4is $ar2 eyes sli$ o er her face3 :<o/7 e 0een crying3: :Tansy +as angry +ith %e': she he$ge$3 4e sco+le$3 :Was that the only reason;: She lo+ere$ her ga=e to her loc2e$ fingers' lying col$ on her $es2 to*3 :4o+ is she;: :Dia0etic' a**arently': he sai$3 :They7 e ha$ to */t her on ins/lin3 That e5*lains her +eight loss an$ the gna+ing h/nger an$ thirst an$ +ea2ness3 They7re s/re she7ll 0e 0ac2 in to* for% in no ti%e3: :Di$ it co%e on s/$$enly;: :#**arently not3 @/t she $i$n7t recogni=e the sy%*to%s3 She +as thin for years' an$ then she starte$ to gain +eight3 They sai$ she +as a te5t0oo2 Ty*e 88 $ia0etic +ho co/l$ 0e controlle$ +ith $iet3 4er *enchant for s+eets */t her o er the line3: 4e shifte$3 :8t %ay ha e sa e$ her life3 She ery nearly +ent into a co%a3: :!oor Tansy3: >8n %ore +ays than one3 She felt g/ilty a0o/t yo/3 8 ca/ght hell for +hat 8 sai$ to yo/': he %/se$' s%iling faintly3 She ref/se$ to rise to the 0ait3 She +as tire$ of 0eing c/t to *ieces 0y hi%3 She lifte$ a co%*ose$ face3 :Di$ yo/ +ant to see Mr3 1assiter; (/r rece*tionist is still o/t of the office' 0/t 8 can 0/== hi% for yo/3:

:6o' 8 $on7t nee$ to see Dane': he re*lie$3 :4e can 0ill %e for ser ices ren$ere$' no arg/%ent3 <o/ fo/n$ her3 8t7s her fa/lt 8 +asn7t tol$' not yo/rs3: 4e searche$ her +eary face3 :<o/7re ery loyal' -it3: She $i$n7t react3 :8f that7s all': she sai$ +itho/t e5*ression' :8 ha e another case 8 nee$ to 0e +or2ing on3: :# case' or #$a%s;: he as2e$ +ith a s*ea2ing glance in the general $irection of the office +here #$a%s ha$ $isa**eare$3 :#$a%s is333: :#s 6ic2 /se$ to say' a tic2': he sai$' lo+ering his oice3 :8f he attaches hi%self to yo/' yo/7ll ne er get ri$ of hi%3: :That7s %y 0/siness' Mr3 De erell': she re%in$e$ hi%3 :<o/ ha e no right to interfere in %y *ersonal life3: 4e recogni=e$ the 9/ote' an$ she7$ %eant hi% to3 4e */rse$ his li*s3 :Thro+ing %y o+n +or$s 0ac2 at %e;: he as2e$3 :8 s/**ose 8 $on7t $eser e any less3: She $i$n7t re*ly3 4e searche$ her 0l/e eyes for a long %o%ent' an$ $elicio/s sensations shot thro/gh his *o+erf/l 0o$y as he let the loo2 linger3 -it 0l/she$ an$ a erte$ her face' an$ his heart ./%*e$ in his chest3 Three years' he tho/ght3 4e7$ ne er really loo2e$ at her3 4e7$ ne er let hi%self loo2 at her3 6o+ she +as o/t of his office' o/t of his life' an$ he co/l$n7t see% to sto* loo2ing at her3 @etsy ha$ 0een a re%e$y for 0ore$o%' 0/t -it +as333e erything3 4e loo2e$ $o+n at her an$ lo e$ her' s/$$enly' /n0eara0ly3 4e7$ gi en her hell for so%ething that +asn7t her fa/lt' 0ro2en their engage%ent3 #n$ after all that' to $isco er that he +as in lo e +ith her333 4e shr/gge$3 4is eyes sli$ o er her 0o$y3 :Tansy +ants to see yo/3: She no$$e$3 :8 2no+ +here she is3: :8 really a% sorry': he sai$ /ne5*ecte$ly3 :8 +as thin2ing that yo/7$ 0etraye$ %e' that yo/ ha$n7t tr/ste$ %e eno/gh to 0e honest +ith %e3 8333lost %y te%*er3: :8 notice$3: >Da%n it' -it' yo/ ha e to %arry %e,: he 0/rst o/t3 :Why;: she as2e$ ha/ghtily' a+are that e eryone in the office +as staring at the%3

4e loo2e$ aro/n$ at the a/$ience an$ sighe$ f/rio/sly3 :Don7t yo/ all ha e anything 0etter to $o;: he $e%an$e$3 :6ot %e': #$a%s sai$3 :4o+ a0o/t yo/ g/ys;: The other $etecti es an$ s2i* tracers shoo2 their hea$s3 :(h' hell': 1ogan %/ttere$3 4e ra%%e$ his han$s into his *oc2ets an$ loo2e$ $o+n at -it +ith */re re*resse$ f/ry3 :What $oes it %atter to yo/ that yo/ 0ro2e the engage%ent;: -it as2e$3 :<o/ ne er +ante$ to %arry %e in the first *lace3 8 +as ./st a s/0stit/te for @etsy,: 1ogan searche$ her fl/she$ face an$ co/l$n7t $rag his eyes a+ay3 She +as so lo ely3 4e re%e%0ere$ her la/ghing' an$ crying' an$ he 2ne+ that nothing +o/l$ fill the ga* in his life if she left hi%3 :#ct/ally' -it' it +as the other +ay aro/n$': he sai$ finally3 :@etsy +as a s/0stit/te) an$ a ery *oor one' at that)for yo/3:

Chapter Eleven
>That isn7t tr/e': -it sai$ 9/ietly3 >8sn7t it;: 4e %o e$ to the $es2 an$ stoo$ o er her3 :Di$ yo/ tear /* the %arriage license;: :8 %eant to': she ret/rne$3 >Where is it;: She hesitate$3 She reache$ into her $es2 $ra+er an$ */lle$ it o/t3 They7$ ha$ the 0loo$ test the sa%e $ay they7$ ta2en o/t the license3 They co/l$ 0e %arrie$ legally to$ay3 :Co%e on': he sai$ gently3 :1et7s get %arrie$3: :@/t' 1ogan': she *roteste$3 4e $re+ her o/t of her chair3 :City hall' ele en o7cloc2': he tol$ the office3 :<o/7re all in ite$,: There +ere so %any congrat/lations an$ +ell-+ishes that -it co/l$n7t get anyone to listen +hen she sai$ it +as a %ista2e' an$ she +asn7t %arrying 1ogan3

8t $i$ no goo$ to try3 4e */t her into her coat' too2 her o/t the $oor an$ $ro e her $o+n to city hall3 :@/t +hat a0o/t Tansy;: she groane$3 :We7ll go an$ see her after+ar$': he re*lie$3 :She +as $elighte$ +hen 8 *hone$ her3: :<o/ $i$n7t 2no+ that 87$ ha e anything to $o +ith yo/ after this %orning': she sai$ icily3 :8 2ne+ that yo/ lo e$ %e': he sai$ si%*ly3 :8f 87 e learne$ nothing else in life' it7s that lo e $oesn7t +ear o/t3: :Mine %ight ha e3 <o/ star e$ it3: :<es3 #n$ no+ 87% going to fee$ it /ntil it 0eco%es o er+eight': he *ro%ise$3 >Ten %in/tes after yo/ say 8 $o 87% going to ta2e yo/ to o/r a*art%ent an$ %a2e lo e to yo/ /ntil yo/7re too +ea2 to +al2,: She fl/she$3 :4/sh,: she e5clai%e$' glancing aro/n$3 :We can %a2e lo e on the car*et' li2e +e $i$ the first ti%e': he sai$ i%*ert/r0a0ly3 :B5ce*t that this ti%e' it7s going to 0e ery' ery $ifferent3: :@eca/se yo/7 e resigne$ yo/rself to %arriage;: she as2e$ $/lly3 4e t/rne$ her face to his an$ hel$ her eyes3 :@eca/se 8 finally +o2e /* an$ reali=e$ +hat +as ha**ening to %e3 8 lo e yo/' -it': he sai$ +ith 9/iet +on$er' searching her shoc2e$ face3 :8 s/**ose 8 $i$ all along3 @/t 8 $i$n7t 2no+ it /ntil 8 0ro2e the engage%ent an$ sent yo/ r/nning o/t of Tansy7s hos*ital roo%3 8 +orrie$ that yo/ %ight ha e ta2en %e at face al/e' that 8 +o/l$n7t 0e a0le to get yo/ 0ac23: :<o/ lo e %e;: she as2e$' staring at hi% 0lan2ly3 :(h' yes': he sai$ h/s2ily' */tting %ore feeling into the +or$s than she7$ $rea%e$ anyone co/l$3 :Can7t yo/ see it; Eeel it;: She co/l$3 4er heart ran +il$3 :8 tho/ght it +as 0eca/se yo/ +ante$ %e3: :8 $o' $es*erately': he sai$3 :<o/ +ere so angry +ith %e' 1ogan': she 0egan3 :8 2no+3 87% sorry3: 4e $re+ her han$ to his %o/th3 :8 lo e Tansy' too' yo/ see3:

:8 2ne+ that3 8 +as trying to *rotect yo/': she sai$ %isera0ly3 >8 tho/ght if 8 +aite$' as Tansy +ante$ %e to' /ntil +e 2ne+ the tr/th' it +o/l$ 0e easier for yo/3: ><o/ can7t *rotect %e fro% life': he sai$ 9/ietly3 :87% a gro+n %an3 8 ha e the right to 2no+ +hat 87% /* against3 87 e ne er r/n fro% anything3: >B5ce*t %e': she %/r%/re$ +ith an atte%*t at h/%or3 ><o/ ca/ght %e' $i$n7t yo/;: he %/se$3 :Well333: :Tansy +ill 0e all right': he sai$3 :She7s sorry for +hat she tho/ght' an$ 87% sorry for +hat 8 sai$3 We7ll 0oth %a2e it /* to yo/ so%eho+3: :There7s no nee$ for that3: :<es' there is3 Want %e to tell yo/ ho+ 87% going to %a2e it /* to yo/;: he tease$ softly3 :6o': she sai$' $ro**ing her eyes to his chest3 :<o/ can +ait333 an$ sho+ %e3: 4e $i$3 8t too2 ho/rs an$ ho/rs' +hile he caresse$ her in the silence of their a*art%ent' s*ra+le$ in lo ing a0an$on +ith her on the 0ig 2ing-si=e 0e$ +ith all the lights 0la=ing a+ay3 4e la/ghe$ at her shoc2' $elighte$ in her h/ngry res*onse' lo e$ her fro% one si$e of the 0e$ to the other an$' finally' onto the floor +ith his ine5ha/sti0le ar$or3 8t +as $ar2 0efore he +as sate$ eno/gh to rest3 They sle*t3 When they a+o2e' he carrie$ her into the 0ath an$ they lay together in the Dac/==i' gently 2issing' +hile they 0athe$3 #fter+ar$' they fi5e$ stea2s an$ sala$ in the 2itchen an$ ate3 :Tansy +as gla$ to see /s': she sai$ +hen she +as c/rle$ /* in his la* on the sofa' +hen they7$ */t the $ishes into the $ish+asher3 :#n$ ha**y for /s': he agree$3 4e 0ent an$ 2isse$ her +ith soft *ossession3 :8 lo e yo/' -it': he sai$ h/s2ily3 8t +as e i$ent in the eyes that s+e*t o er her' in the ery softness of his oice3 :87ll lo e yo/ all %y life3: :That goes $o/0le for %e' Mr3 De erell': she %/r%/re$ contente$ly3 4e leane$ 0ac2 +ith a long' ha**y sigh3 :#t least' +e7re free of B%%ett': he sai$ +ith a s%ile3 :Tansy sai$ he calle$ an$ after the ro$eo tonight' he7ll 0e on his +ay to San #ntonio +ith the 2i$s3:

:Who7s 2ee*ing the 2i$s;: -it as2e$3 :# 0a0y-sitter at the hotel3: 4e ch/c2le$3 :8 e5*ect the *oor +o%an +ill retire after tonight3: :6o $o/0t3: She lin2e$ her ar%s aro/n$ his nec2 an$ lay her hea$ on his 0roa$ chest3 :87% tire$3: :So a% 83 #n$ +e 0oth ha e a .o0 to go to in the %orning': he %/r%/re$3 :87% sorry 87% not a %an of leis/re3 87$ li2e to stay in 0e$ for se eral $ays3: :Me' too3: She sighe$3 :@/t 8 g/ess life goes on3: :Than2 "o$' it $oes3: 4e tilte$ her face /* to his an$ searche$ it h/ngrily3 :87% gla$ yo/ $i$n7t gi e /* on %e' -it3: She s%ile$ an$ $re+ his face $o+n to hers3 :4o+ co/l$ 8' +hen %y life 0egan the $ay 8 %et yo/; @a$ te%*er an$ all': she +his*ere$ against his har$ %o/th3 :8 $o not ha e a 0a$ te%*er': he %/ttere$3 :<o/ $o so,: :8 ha e ne er) What the hell are yo/ $oing;: She */she$ hi% $o+n on the sofa an$ sat on hi%' la/ghing at his e5*ression3 :Sho+ing yo/ +ho7s 0oss': she +his*ere$3 She la/ghe$ +ith aching $elight as she ease$ $o+n to his %o/th an$ 2isse$ hi% +hile her han$s s%oothe$ /n$er his shirt3 :Do yo/ %in$;: :8 $on7t 2no+3 That $e*en$s on +hether yo/ can %a2e %e li2e it': he +his*ere$ +ith ar$ent *leas/re as her %o/th settle$ on his3 4e ch/c2le$ as his han$s +ent /* to hel* her +ith his shirt3 :So get 0/sy3 Sho+ %e,: #n$ se eral $elightf/lly fe erish %in/tes later' it +as *retty e i$ent that she7$ $one ./st that3 B6D