,,BOOK ,,JACKET ,,9=M,N               #a
  ,,HI45 ,,FIRES
  ,9 A ,TEXAS ( CATTLE & RAILROADS1
FAMILY DYNA/IES & AMBITI\S S*EM]S1 ,S&RA
,BR[N'S CLASSIC HI/ORICAL ROM.E BR+S
R1D]S A RIVET+ /ORY ''' ,! MO;T PR1*]'S
DAU<T] ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK WALK$ 96! ,TEXAS
MAN.N1 %E SUSPECT$ %E _H BE5 TRICK$4
,9/1D ( 2COM+ W1L?Y ,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT'S
SECRET>Y1 ! MATRI>* PRES5T$ H] )A
SC&AL\S (F]3 6M>RY1 9 "N ONLY1 !
,LOCKETT DYNA/Y'S HEIR--PLAYBOY REBEL
,J>$ ,LOCKETT4 ,LAUR5 CD N "K ,OLIVIA'S
R1L MOTIVE1 B %E 0 A*+LY AW>E ( H]
FEEL+S = ,J>$4 ,N[1 9 SPITE ( T]RI#
RISKS1 %E _H 6TRU/ H] RECK.S HUSB&--&
FI<T 6MAKE _! M>RIAGE Z /R;G Z H] LOVE4
  ,BOOKS 0,S&RA ,BR[N
  ,ANO!R ,DAWN ,BE/ ,KEPT ,SECRETS ,BR1?
( ,SC&AL ,*>ADE ,ELOQU5T ,SIL;E ,FR5*
,SILK ,HI45 ,FIRES ,LOVE ,2Y ,R1SON
,MIRROR ,IMAGE ,%AD[S ( ,YE/]"D ,!
,SILK5 ,WEB ,SL[ ,H1T 9 ,H1V5 ,SUNSET
,EMBRACE ,A ,TR1SURE ,WOR? ,SEEK+ ,":
,"!'S ,SMOKE
  ,S&RA ,BR[N IS ! AU?OR ( OV] A      #b
DOZ5 ,NEW ,YORK ,"TS BE/SELL]S1 9CLUD+
,": ,"!'S ,SMOKE1 ,FR5* ,SILK1 ,BR1? (
,SC&AL1 ,MIRROR ,IMAGE1 & ,! ,SILK5
,WEB4 ,H] BOOKS H BE5 PUBLI%$ 9 OV] #BA
C.TRIES4 ,%E LIVES 9 ,TEXAS ) H] HUSB& &
TWO *N4 ,PRAISE = ,S&RA ,BR[N
  8,"O ( ROM.E FIC;N'S B"RE/ />S40
--,DALLAS ,MORN+ ,NEWS
  8,S&RA ,BR[N ''' FIRES YR IMAG9,N )
IRRESI/I# "*S1 UNEXPECT$ PLOT TWI/S1
SC&AL\S SECRETS1 & SEXUAL T5.N S
ELECTRIC Y FEEL ! Z+40 --,! ,LIT]>Y
,GUILD 7,R7
  8,AU?OR ,S&RA ,BR[N PROVES H]F
TOP-NOT*40 --,ASSOCIAT$ ,PRESS
  8,:ILE ,BR[N IS "KN =! /1MY LOVE SC5ES
%E WRITES1 %E IS AL A MA/] /ORYTELL]40
--,NEWPORT ,NEWS ,DAILY ,PRESS
  8,"O ( \R "T'S MO/ TAL5T$ AU?ORS (
WOM5'S FIC;N40 --,A6AIRE DE ,COEUR
  ,? NOVEL IS A "W ( FIC;N4 ,"NS1 "*S1
PLACES & 9CID5TS RELAT+ 6NON-HI/ORICAL
FIGURES >E EI ! PRODUCT (! AU?OR'S
IMAG9,N OR >E US$ FICTITI\SLY4 ,ANY
RESEMBL.E ( S* NON-HI/ORICAL          #c
9CID5TS1 PLACES OR FIGURES 6ACTUAL EV5TS
OR LOCALES OR P]SONS1 LIV+ OR D1D1 IS
5TIRELY CO9CID5TAL4
  ,6,MI*AEL1 A WELLSPR+ ( PATI;E
  ,DE> ,R1D]1
  ,9 T]MS ( MY WRIT+ C>E]1 ,,HI45
,,FIRES HOLDS TWO IMPORTANT 4T9C;NS3 ,X
IS "O ( ONLY TWO BOOKS ,I WROTE "U !
PSEUDONYM ,LAURA ,JORDAN4 ,& X 0 MY F/
HI/ORICAL ROM.E4 ,,SUNSET ,,EMBRACE &
,,ANO!R ,,DAWN DIDN'T FOLL[ UNTIL YE>S
LAT]4
  ,SET AT ! TURN (! C5TURY 9 ! REGION (
,TEXAS "KN Z ! ,HILL ,C.TRY1 ,,HI45
,,FIRES IS ! /ORY ( DELICATE1 %ELT]$
,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK & HELL-RAIS+ CATTLEMAN
,J>$ ,LOCKETT4 ,_!S IS A PAS.NATE &
/ORMY LOVE /ORY1 P]FECTLY SUIT$ = "O (!
MO/ PROVOCATIVE1 -PELL+ SC5>IOS 9 !
ROM.E G5RE--A M>RIAGE ( 3V5I;E4
  ,L ! O!R BOOK ,I WROTE Z ,LAURA
,JORDAN1 ,,! ,,SILK5 ,,WEB1 ? HI/ORICAL
ROM.E 0 N AVAILA# 6! PUBLIC = L;G1 Z XS
9ITIAL PUBLI%] SUSP5D$ OP],NS )9 MON?S (
XS REL1SE4 ,:5 ,I REC5TLY RER1D       #d
,,HI45 ,,FIRES1 ,I 2CAME -PLETELY 5*ANT$
0! "*S &! 3TRA/S F.D 9 X & ,I WELCOME ?
OPPORTUN;Y 6%>E ,LAUR5 & ,J>$'S /ORY )
R1D]S :O H J REC5TLY 4COV]$ MY "W4
  ,PL1SE 5JOY R1D+ ,,HI45 ,,FIRES '''
,S&RA ,BR[N ,APRIL1 #AIID
  ,,SPECIAL ,,SYMBOL ,,US$ ,,9 ,,?
,,VOLUME
  @ 7#D7 ,A35T SIGN4 ,PLAC$ IMMLY 2F !
LR M>K$ ) AN A35T 9 PR9T4 ,,HI45 ,,FIRES
  ,*APT] #A
  ,! H1T F ! ,SEPTEMB] SUN 0 L A
PHYSICAL ASSAULT 6! "Y WOMAN :O /EPP$
D[N F ! TRA9 AT ! ,AU/9 DEPOT4 ,H] IVORY
*EEKS 7 SLI<TLY FLU%$1 &A FEW VAGRANT
T5DRILS ( RAV5-BLACK HAIR ESCAP$ !
*IGNON "U H] HAT4 ,%E FANN$ A LACY
H&K]*IEF 9 FRONT ( H] FACE Z %E EAG]LY
SCANN$ ! CR[D =A FAMILI> BR[N ,/ETSON1 &
! TALL1 :ITE-HAIR$ MAN :O WD 2 WE>+ X4
,A SIZA# ?R;G _H GA!R$ AT ! DEPOT =!
>RIVAL (! NOON TRA9 F ,=T ,WOR?4
,FAMILIES EMBRAC$ RETURN+ PRODIGALS1
:ILE O!RS WAV$ GDBYE 6PASS5G]S BO>D+ !
TRA94 ,-MIS.NS 6WRITE SOON & 2 C>E;L  #e
7 ISSU$ 9 A CACOPHON\S BL5D ( ,5GLI% &
,SPANI%1 )! TRA9'S HISS+ :ITE /1M & %>P
:I/LE PROVID+ ! P]CUS.N = ? 4CORDANT
OR*E/RA4 ,) AMAZ+ ALACR;Y1 PORT]S :EEL$
L;G1 FLATB$ C>TS LOAD$ ) LU7AGE1 MANAG+
6SKIRT OLD LADIES1 BUSI;SM51 & "Y *N4
,MEXICAN WOM5 DRESS$ 9 B"R1 FULL SKIRTS
/ROLL$ ! PLAT=M HAWK+ HOMEMADE C&Y1
FL[]S1 & ,TEXAS S\V5IRS4 ,VAQU]OS L1N$
LAZILY AG/ ! DEPOT WALL1 TOY+ ) L>IATS1
ROLL+ CIG>ETTES1 OR SQU9T+ AT ! TRA9 !Y
7 RELUCTANT 6BO>D1 = !Y PREF]R$ OP5
SPACES &! C]UL1N CEIL+ (! ,TEXAS SKY 6!
N>R[ 3F9ES (A RAILROAD C>4 ,_M ( ^!
C[BOYS NOTIC$ ! "Y WOMAN :O WAT*$ EA*
APPROA*+ C>RIAGE EXPECTANTLY4 ,H] GRAY
EYES1 : _H BE5 S FULL ( EXCITE;T ONLY
M9UTES AGO1 2CAME CL\D$ ) ANXIETY Z !
CR[D 2GAN 6DIM9I%4 ,! FOLDS ( H] SKIRT
SWI%$ 2H H] 5TIC+LY Z %E WALK$ ! L5G? (!
PLAT=M & BACK AG4 ,DA9TY1 HI<-BUTTON
%OES TAPP$ ON ! SMOO? BO>DS ) EA* /EP4
,"O 0"O1 ! VAQU]OS SAUNT]$ T[>D ! TRA9
B.D BACK 6,=T ,WOR?4 ,MO/ CA/ "O LA/1
L;G+ LOOK AT ! GIRL :O1 DESPITE !     #f
H1T & H] OBVI\S AGIT,N1 MA9TA9$ A COOL
APPE>.E4 ,)A SCREE* ( /EEL ON /EEL1 A
GEYS] ( /1M1 &A L;G BLA/ (! :I/LE1 !
TRA9 SL[LY 9*$ AWAY F ! DEPOT1 GA9$
MO;TUM1 & F9,Y *U7$ \ ( SI<T4 ,! PLAT=M
EMPTI$ ( P4 ,! ,MEXICAN V5DORS COV]$ !
W>ES 9 _! BASKETS1 &! PORT]S P>K$ _!
C>TS 9 ! %ADE (! BUILD+4 ,! GIRL 9 !
NAVY-BLUE S]GE SUIT1 :ITE %IRTWAI/1 &
TAN FELT HAT /OOD 2S H] M1G] LU7AGE
LOOK+ =LORN & L"OLY4 ,$ ,TRAV]S BU/L$ \
! DEPOT DOOR1 SI<T$ ! GIRL &1 TU7+ 8 VE/
OV] 8 ROTUND /OMA*1 HURRI$ T[>D H]4
8,MISS ,HOLBROOK80 HE 9QUIR$ POLITELY4
8,MISS ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK80 ,! 4MAY$ EYES
B"R5$ AT ! S.D ( H] "N & %E SMIL$1 "P+
P]FECTLY =M$ LIPS 6REV1L SMALL :ITE
TEE?4 8,YES10 %E ANSW]$ BR1?.SLY4 8,YES1
,I'M ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK4 ,DID ,B5 ''' UH
''' ,MR4 ,LOCKETT S5D Y = ME80 ,$
,TRAV]S COV]$ 8 BA6LE;T )A REASSUR+
SMILE4 8,NO1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 N EXACTLY4
,I'M ,$ ,TRAV]S1 ! DEPOT MANAG]4 ,I'M
SORRY ,I KEPT Y WAIT+1 B ! TELEGRAPH
MA*9E--0 ,HE BROKE (F1 IMPATI5T )     #g
HMF = BUNGL+ :AT 0 ALR A DELICATE
SITU,N4 8,=GIVE ME = RAMBL+ & =C+ Y 6/&
9 ? H1T4 ,-E ) ME & ,I'LL EXPLA9 "EY?+40
,HE SIGNAL$ 6A L\NG+ PORT]1 :O
RELUCTANTLY CAME =W>D 6C>RY ,LAUR5'S
LU7AGE4 ,MR4 ,TRAV]S 9DICAT$ ! 5D (!
PLAT=M 0TIPP+ 8 B[L] HAT4 ,/ ,LAUR5
HESITAT$4 8,B ,MR4 ,LOCKETT TOLD ME--0
8,MR4 ,LOCKETT DID -E = Y1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK1 B HE FELL ILL & ASK$--0 8,B5
IS ILL80 %E ASK$ QKLY1 PAL+ & CLUT*+ !
/,N MANAG]'S >M 9 AL>M4 ,H] REAC;N /UNN$
,$ ,TRAV]S4 ,:Y DID %E KEEP REF]R+ 6,B5
,LOCKETT8 ,:AT 0 ? GIRL 6T OLD BUZZ>D8
,%E 0 B1UTI;L4 ,NO "Q AB T4 ,& ,B5 _H
ALW _H AN EYE =! LADIES4 ,"EY"O 9 ,TEXAS
KNEW :AT K9D ( M>RIAGE ,B5 _H ) ,OLIVIA1
B EV5 S1 ? GIRL 0 P]PLEX+4 ,": DID %E -E
F8 ,:Y _H %E -E 6,TEXAS 6SEE ,B5
,LOCKETT8 ,%E CD 2 NO M ?AN TW5TY1 & ,B5
0 9 8 SIXTIES4 ,MAYBE %E 0 A RELATIVE4
,%E C]TA9LY DIDN'T LOOK L A DOXY4 ,& :Y
WD ,B5 2 SETT+ UP A MI/RESS8 ,HE _H--
8,MR4 ,TRAV]S1 PL1SE40 ,LAUR5 0 ANXI\SLY
WAIT+ = AN EXPLAN,N1 &! PL1SANT1      #h
K9DLY MAN 0 /UDY+ H] ) AN UNSETTL+
9T5S;Y4 ,HAV+ >RIV$ AF AN >DU\S TRIP F
H] HOME 9 ,NOR? ,C>OL9A ONLY 6F9D T ,B5
0 N "H 6MEET H] 0 4CONC]T+ 5\<4 ,(
C\RSE1 HE _H W>N$ H] T IF HE CDN'T L1VE
,CORONADO1 HE WD S5D "S"O ELSE 6GREET
H]4 8,IS ,MR4 ,LOCKETT ILL80 8,B580
,TRAV]S ASK$ 4TANTLY4 ,!N1 CLE>+ 8
?ROAT1 HE SD1 8,NO1 N ,B54 ,I GUESS HE
S5T ,J>$ AF Y1 & HE'S ! "O :O'S SICK40
,HE 0 L1D+ H] D[N ! PLAT=M ) AN 5C\RAG+
H& "U H] ELB[4 8,J>$80 %E ASK$4 ,MY
,GOD6 ,%E DIDN'T EV5 "K ,J>$6 ,B !N1 X
WD 2 4TRESS+ 6?9K T ? LOVELY "Y WOMAN _H
ANY?+ 6D ) HM4 ,X ALL CAME BACK 6,B54
,:AT 0 8 GAME ? "T8 ,HE _H A REPUT,N =
PRACTICAL JOKES & SURPRISES1 USU,Y
EMB>RASS+ =! RECIPI5T4 ,B WD ,B5'S
LEG5D>Y HUMOR EXT5D 6VICTIMIZ+ AN 9NOC5T
L ,MISS ,HOLBROOK8 ,9 ! FEW MO;TS HE _H
SP5T ) H]1 ,$ ,TRAV]S _H 9F]R$ T ,LAUR5
,HOLBROOK 0 TRU/+ & NAIVE 6A FAULT1
UNCOMMON Z T 0 9 ? ?IRD YE> (! TW5TIE?
C5TURY4 8,J>$ IS ,B5'S SON1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK10 HE ANSW]$ PATI5TLY4       #i
8,DIDN'T ,B5 "E M5;N HM 6Y80 ,LAUR5
LAU<$ EASILY4 8,OH1 YES4 ,HE TOLD ME HE
_H A SON4 ,I DON'T RECALL IF HE TOLD ME
8 "N1 ?\<40 ,H] SMILE FAD$ 96AN EXPRES.N
( G5U9E 3C]N4 8,HE'S ILL80 8,IN A MANN]
( SP1K+10 ,TRAV]S SD GRU6LY1 TAK+ H] >M
M FIRMLY Z !Y DESC5D$ ! /EPS 6! GR.D 2L4
,LAUR5 SAW A L;G1 FLATB$ WAGON P>K$
S"EAL Y>DS AH1D ( !M4 ,! GRE5 PA9T ON XS
SIDEBO>DS 0 FAD$ & PEEL+1 ! :EELS
MUD-SPLATT]$4 ,XS TWO HORSES 7 GRAZ+ AT
A TUFT ( GRASS "U ! ENORM\S PECAN TREE4
,ANO!R HORSE1 A PALOM9O ( MAGNIFIC5T
PROPOR;NS1 0 TI$ 6! 5D (! WAGON4 ,PR\DLY
HE TOSS$ 8 BLOND MANE Z IF PROTE/+ !
9DIGN;Y ( 2+ HIT*$ 6S* A L[LY VEHICLE4
8,APP>5TLY1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 ,B5 S5T "Y
,J>$ = Y1 & HE CAME F ,CORONADO LA/
NI<T4 ,? MORN+1 :5 HE 2CAME 9CAPACITAT$1
HE ASK$ ME 6ESCORT Y 6HIS HOME4 ,I'M
AFRAID ! TRIP WON'T 2 V -=TA#4 ,I
APOLOGIZE1 B ? 0 ! BE/ 3VEY.E ,I CD F9D
ON %ORT NOTICE40 8,I'M SURE ,I'LL 2
F9E40 ,%E SMIL$4 ,$ ,TRAV]S 2CAME DIZZY
"U ! RADI.E ( H] FACE & G5TLE        #aj
VOICE4 ,!N HE CURS$ HMF = 2+ AN OLD FOOL
& HA/5$ T[>D ! WAGON4 ,! DEPOT MANAG]
ASSI/$ ,LAUR5 ONTO ! RICKETY S1T4 ,Z !
PORT] DROPP$ H] BAGS UNC]EMONI\SLY ONTO
! R\< FLOOR (! WAGON B$1 %E HE>D A MU6L$
MOAN4 ,%E GASP$ 9 SURPRISE :5 %E SAW !
L;G FIGURE SPRAWL$ ON 8 BACK 9 ! WAGON4
8,MR4 ,TRAV]S60 %E EXCLAIM$4 8,IS HE
S]I\SLY 9JUR$80 8,NO10 HE ANSW]$4 8,ONLY
A LL 9DISPOS$4 ,HE'LL LIVE1 ?\< HE MAY
SOON WI% HE 7 D1D40 ,HE MUM#D ! LA/ FEW
^WS1 & 8 M1N+ ESCAP$ ,LAUR54 ,%E SETTL$
H]F Z BE/ %E CD ON ! UNCOM=TA# S1T4 ,!
BR[N L1!R 0 CRACK$4 ,AT 9T]VALS ": X _H
RIPP$ OP51 ! /U6+ POK$ "? 9 H>D LUMPS4
,! RU/$ SPR+S GROAN$ "U H] SLI<T WEI<T4
,%E KEPT H] GAZE FOCUS$ ON ! ROAD AH1D4
8,I M/ RUN BACK 9SIDE =A MO;T1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK1 & SP1K 6MY ASSI/ANT4 ,IF Y'LL
9DULGE ME1 WE'LL 2 ON \R WAY )\T FUR!R
DELAYS40 ,$ ,TRAV]S D(F$ 8 HAT AG &
TURN$ BACK T[>D ! DEPOT4 ,! PORT] %U6L$
AF HM4 ,LAUR5 SI<$4 ,WELL1 X'S N !
GREET+ ,I EXPECT$1 B X'S NOVEL1 %E ?"\4
,!N %E SMIL$ )! %E] JOY ( 2+ 9       #aa
,TEXAS & ALM AT ! 5D ( H] J\RNEY4 ,_H X
BE5 ONLY ?REE WEEKS S9CE %E LA/ SAW ,B58
,X SEEM$ L EONS4 ,S M* _H HAPP5$ S9CE HE
_H VISIT$ H] GU>DIANS & ISSU$ !
IMPULSIVE 9VIT,N = H] 6-E 6,TEXAS4 ,!Y
_H ALL BE5 9 ! P>LOR (! P>SONAGE4 ,LAUR5
0 P\R+ TEA1 : 0 "O ( H] *ORES :5 ,R"E5D
,ABEL ,PRA!R & 8 WIFE1 ,SYBIL1 5T]TA9$4
,GUE/S VISIT$ (T5 )! MI4LE-AG$ C\PLE1 :O
_H OP5$ _! HOME 6,LAUR5 :5 H] CL]GYMAN
"F DI$ EI<T YE>S AGO4 ,%E LOV$ !
,PRA!RS1 ?\< %E R1LIZ$ !Y 7 UN5LI<T5$ AB
ANY?+ \TSIDE _! SPH]E4 ,MO/ ( _! CALL]S
7 EI O!R M9I/]S OR P>I%ION]S4 ,_! GUE/
ON T "PICUL> "D _H BE5 UNIQUE4 ,B5
,LOCKETT _H S]V$ 9 ! ,3F$]ATE ,>MY )! "Y
,*APLA9 ,PRA!R DUR+ ! LA/ ?REE YE>S (!
W>4 ,_! PHILOSOPHIES DI6]$ GRTLY1 B !
TWO M5 5JOY$ EA* O!R'S -PANY & F.D
PL1SURE 9 TAK+ OPPOS+ SIDES ( ANY
DEBATE1 :E!R OV] ! /R5G? (! ,UNION ,>MY
OR PREDE/9,N4 ,AF ! W>1 ,B5 ,LOCKETT _H
LEFT 8 NATIVE ,VIRG9IA = UN"KN "PS (
,TEXAS4 ,HE 0 (A BRE$ ( AMBITI\S1 ANGRY
"Y M5 :O DEFIANTLY C>V$ EMPIRES \ (  #ab
! VA/ PLA9S ( ,TEXAS4 ,9 ! =TY YE>S S9CE
! ,W> ,2T ! ,/ATES1 ,B5 ,LOCKETT _H
2COME AN 9FLU5TIAL CATTLE B>ON4 ,LAUR5 0
9TRIGU$ 0! IMPOS+ ,TEXAN4 ,HE /OOD TALL
& L1N1 ) ONLY ! SLI<TE/ PAUN* 69DICATE 8
ADVANC+ YE>S4 ,8 HAIR 0 ?ICK & SN[Y
:ITE1 BRU%$ BACK F 8 WIDE1 DEEP =EH1D L
A CRE/4 ,BLUE EYES TW9KL$ M]RILY F "U
%A7Y :ITE EYEBR[S1 Z IF HE 7 P]PETU,Y
AW$ 0! _W4 ,B ,LAUR5 OBS]V$ T ,B5 0
CAPA# (A PI]C+1 GLACIAL />E IF 8 EMO;NS
DICTAT$ X4 ,8 VOICE 0 DEEP & MELL[ :5 HE
SD 6H]1 8,TELL ME1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 :AT
Y ?9K ( ,TEXAS4 ,L MO/ ,TEXANS1 ,I FEEL
T "EY"O %D 2 Z 5?RALL$ ) MY C.TRY Z ,I
AM40 ,HE />$ AT H] F "U ! %A7Y BR[S1 B X
0 A FRLY LOOK4 8,I ''' ,I DON'T "K T M*
AB X1 ,MR4 ,LOCKETT10 %E REPLI$ H"O/LY4
8,I'VE R1D AB ! ,ALAMO1 & ,I "K T ! /ATE
0 ONCE A REPUBLIC4 ,! RE/ ( MY K IS 3F9$
6! P5NY-NOVEL BOOK COV]S T ,I SEE ON
4PLAY AT ! G5]AL /ORE4 ,!Y DEPICT TRA9
RO2]IES1 CATTLE RU/L+1 & SALOONS4 ,I
DON'T "K IF T IS A TRUE "*IZ,N OR N40
,B5 ?REW BACK 8 H1D ) XS %OCK (      #ac
:ITE HAIR & RO>$ ) LAU<T]4 ,! BOOM+ S.D
RATTL$ ! *9A FIGUR9ES T CLUTT]$ E
3CEIVA# SPACE 9 ,SYBIL ,PRA!R'S
OV]DECORAT$ P>LOR4 8,WELL1 WE H \R %>E (
TRA9 RO2]IES1 & ,I'VE FREQU5T$ A FEW
SALOONS MYF1 BE7+ YR P>DON1 ,ABEL4 ,I'VE
EV5 *AS$ A FEW RU/L]S ALL ! WAY TO
,MEXICO40 ,HE PAUS$4 8,MAYBE ! PICTURES
Y'VE SE5 >E A3URATE AT T1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK40 ,HE /UDI$ H] =A MO;T L;G]1
!N *ALL5G$1 8,:Y DON'T Y -E BACK 6,TEXAS
) ME & SEE X = YRF80 ,"! 7 S"EAL />TL$
EXCLAM,NS4 8,B51 Y'RE JOK+1 ( C\RSE6
,I'D =GOTT5 :AT A T1SE Y >E40 ,ABEL
LAU<$4 8,LET MY ,LAUR5 G 6,TEXAS ":
,9DIANS LIVE60 ,SYBIL CRI$4 ,! RU6LES
COV]+ H] AMPLE BOSOM QUIV]$ ) 4TRESS4
8,:AT AN UTT]LY PREPO/]\S SU7ES;N60 CAME
F ,WILLIAM4 ,WILLIAM4 ,YES1 ,WILLIAM
,KELL] _H BE5 "!1 TOO4 ,LAUR5 %U4]$1 EV5
9 ! /IFL+ H1T4 ,%E PU%$ ! ?"\ ( ,WILLIAM
\ ( H] M9D4 ,%E WASN'T GO+ 6LET ! MEMORY
( HM RU9 H] REUNION ) ,B5 ,LOCKETT4
,ANO!R GROAN1 A3OMPANI$ ? "T 0A MUM#D
CURSE1 DIV]T$ H] F H] R"EIE4         #ad
,HESITANTLY %E SWIVEL$ H] H1D 6LOOK AT !
AIL+ MAN4 ,H] EYES LI<T$ F/ ON AN
ORNATELY TOOL$ SA4LE1 ) FILIGRE$ SILV]
DECOR,NS GLITT]+ AG/ ! BLACK L1!R4 ,H]
BAGS 7 AT ! BACK (! WAGON1 NE> ! MAN'S
FEET4 ,HE M/ 2 V TALL1 ,LAUR5 ?"\ Z %E
QKLY SCANN$ ! L5G? (! PR"O BODY4 ,H]
9ITIAL IMPRES.N 0 T HE 0 L1N & WELL
PROPOR;N$4 ,AF T F/ HA/Y APPRAISAL1 %E
2GAN AT 8 BOOTS & /UDI$ ! FIGURE )
9CR1S+ FASC9,N4 ,! BLACK BOOTS 7 ( SMOO?
L1!R & CAME 6J "U 8 KNEES4 ,TI<T BLACK
*9OS 7 TUCK$ 96! TOPS ( !M4 ,LAUR5 BLU%$
AT ! P]FECT FIT (! PANTS1 : 3T\R$ ! L;G1
MUSCL$ ?I<S L A SECOND SK94 ,LAUR5'S
BR1? CAU<T 9 H] ?ROAT1 & %E />$ Z "O
HYPNOTIZ$ AT ! BULGE 2T 8 ?I<S4 ,! TI<T
PANTS EMPHASIZ$ & DETAIL$ 8 ANATOMY4 ,TO
,LAUR51 :O 0 RAIS$ 9 DELIB]ATE IGNOR.E (
! OPPOSITE SEX1 X 0 A BOLD 4PLAY4 ,H[ CD
ANY"O 2 S FLAGRANTLY NON*ALANT AB 8 '''
P]SON8 %E WOND]$4 ,H] PALMS GREW MOI/ )9
H] GLOVES4 ,%E =C$ H] EYES 6MOVE F 8
CROT*4 ,! BUFF-COLOR$ %IRT 0 %OV$
SLOPPILY 96HIS BELT$ WAI/B&4 ,ONLY   #ae
! LA/ TWO BUTTONS (! %IRT 7 CLOS$1 &!
S(T FABRIC FELL AWAY F A BROAD *E/ T
ROSE & FELL ) 8 EV5 BR1?+4 ,! WIDE *E/
TAP]$ 6A FLAT BELLY & 0 COV]$ ) LI<T
BR[N HAIR T GL9T$ ) GOLD5 HI<LI<TS Z !
SUN FILT]$ "? ! BRAN*ES (! PECAN TREE &
%"O ON HM4 ,LAUR5 _H N"E SE5 A MAN
%IRT.S 2F4 ,ONCE A MEMB] ( ,R"E5D
,PRA!R'S 3GREG,N _H CAU<T A D1DLY FEV] &
%E _H GLIMPS$ 8 UPP] TORSO Z "O (! M>RI$
WOM5 9 ATT5D.E _H BA!D HM4 ,! SU6]] 0
FAT2 8 SK9 0 P9K2 & 8 *E/ 0 SMOO? &
HAIR.S4 ,NO1 HE _H LOOK$ NO?+ L ?4
,LAUR5 SWALL[$ H>D & PRESS$ H] H& AG/ !
FLUTT]+ 9 H] /OMA*4 ,J>$ ,LOCKETT GROAN$
AG1 & %E HELD H] BR1?1 AFRAID T HE WD
AWAK5 & F9D H] LOOK+ AT HM ) ? %AME;L
TEM];Y4 ,B HE ONLY SI<$1 MAK+ A DEEP
HOLL[ ( 8 /OMA* "U 8 RIB CAGE4 ,8 H&
MOV$ ONTO 8 *E/1 ": X /IRR$ RE/.SLY 2F
REMA9+ /4 ,! H& 0 TANN$ & L>GE1 ) /R;G1
SLIM F+]S4 ,! SAME SUN-BL1*$ HAIR T
COV]$ 8 *E/ SPR9KL$ ! BACK ( 8 H&4 ,A
/R;G COLUMN ( ?ROAT EXT5D$ F ! P[];L
%\LD]S4 ,LAUR5 RAIS$ H] EYES 6HIS    #af
FACE & 0 CRU%+LY 4APPO9T$4 ,8 F1TURES 7
COV]$ 0A BLACK1 FLAT-CR[N$1 WIDE-BRIMM$
HAT4 ,H] CURIOS;Y 0 PIQU$ 0? SON (
,B5'S1 & %E WANT$ 6VIEW ! FACE T 2L;G$
6? L;G1 H>D BODY4 ,LAUR5 ALM JUMP$ :5 ,$
,TRAV]S SD BRISKLY1 8,"!4 ,I ?9K WE C
L1VE N[40 ,S 5GROSS$ 0 %E ) ,J>$
,LOCKETT'S =M T %E _HN'T NOTIC$ ! MAN
RETURN+ F 8 ]R&4 8,Y >E EXTREMELY K9D 6D
?1 ,MR4 ,TRAV]S40 ,LAUR5'S LEVEL VOICE
SURPRIS$ H]4 ,! TICKL+ S5S,N 9 H] /OMA*
_H SPR1D 96H] *E/ & ?ROAT4 ,^! SYMPTOMS
( 8! VAPORS0 7 UN"*I/IC (! USU,Y S]5E
,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK4 8,NO PRO#M AT ALL10
,TRAV]S HA/5$ 6ASSURE H]4 ,HE CLUCK$ 6!
2DRA7L$ HORSES & 2GAN MANEUV]+ !M "? !
TRA6IC ON ! /REETS (! /ATE'S CAPITAL4
,!Y DODG$ TROLLEYS1 BU7IES1 & HORSEBACK
RID]S Z !Y MADE _! WAY "? ! C;Y4 ,"! 7
NO MOTORC>S1 : ,LAUR5 _H SE5 ON REC5T
TRIPS 6,RALEI<4 ,%E 5JOY$ LOOK+ AT !
CAPITOL BUILD+ F ! DI6]5T ANGLES _! R\TE
AF=D$ H]4 8,I ?9K Y'RE JU/IFIABLY PR\D (
YR CAPITOL BUILD+4 ,I'VE R1D AB X4 ,X'S
V IMPRESSIVE40 ,TRAV]S SMIL$4 8,!    #ag
R$ GRANITE CAME F A QU>RY NE> ! ,LOCKETT
RAN*40 8,KEYPO9T10 ,LAUR5 SD4 ,%E
REMEMB]$ ,B5'S PR\D VOICE Z HE TOLD H]
AB ! RAN*4 ,H] -;T ON XS CL"E "N1 : US$
A PLAY ON ^WS ) ,LOCK-ETT & ,KEY-PO9T1
CAUS$ HM 6B1M AT H] A/UTE;S4 8,Y'D 2
SURPRIS$ AT H[ FEW P CAT* T10 HE SD4 ,Z
HE GR9N$ BROADLY1 ! FURR[S ON EI SIDE (
8 M\? DEEP5$ 96FACSIMILES ( DIMPLES4
,LAUR5 SMIL$ AT ! MEMORY1 & ,TRAV]S
GL.ED AT H] \ (! CORN] ( 8 EYE4 ,S %E
KNEW AB ,KEYPO9T4 ,DID %E AL "K :O LIV$
"!8 ,3V]S,N,Y HE ASK$1 8,H Y "E BE5 TO
,TEXAS 2F1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK80 8,NO1 ,I
HAV5'T4 ,T'S :Y ,I 0 DELI<T$ 6A3EPT
,B5'S 9VIT,N 6-E & /AY ) 8 FAMILY =A
:ILE40 ,! WAGON LUR*$ :5 ,TRAV]S SU45LY
J]K$ ON ! RE9S4 ,%E 0 GO+ 6/AY ) !M86 ,9
! H\SE 9 ,CORONADO8 ,OR AT ,KEYPO9T8 ,EI
PLACE 0 9CONCEIVA#4 ,? GIRL 0 Z 9NOC5T Z
! "D 0 L;G4 ,_H ,B5 ,LOCKETT G"O MAD8
,!Y 7 \TSIDE ! C;Y N[ & H1D+ WE/ ON !
WELL-TRAVEL$ ROAD4 ,:5 ,LAUR5 PULL$ !
L;G P9S \ ( H] HAT1 ,TRAV]S W>N$ H]1 8,I
WDN'T TAKE T (F IF ,I 7 Y1 ,MISS     #ah
,HOLBROOK4 ,\R SUN IS HOT4 ,Y MI<T GET A
BURN ON T PRETTY NOSE40 ,LAUR5 AGRE$ &
READJU/$ H] HAT1 B SLIPP$ \ ( H] JACKET4
,! SLI<T BREEZE /IRR$ 0! MOVE;T (! WAGON
COOL$ H] DAMP SK9 "S:AT4 ,:5 %E 0 SETTL$
AG1 ,TRAV]S RETURN$ 6HIS ?"\S4 ,T WILD
BUCK 9 ! BACK (! WAGON 0 5 R1SON N 6KEEP
ANY DEC5T WOMAN "U ! SAME RO( ) HM4 ,J>$
,LOCKETT 0 NOTORI\S "?\T ! /ATE = :OR+ &
DR9K+4 ,:5 HE 0 "Y]1 8 ACTIVITIES _H BE5
DEEM$ 8S[+ WILD OATS10 B S9CE HE _H
PASS$ 8 ?IRTIE? BIR?"D1 !Y _H 2COME A
MATT] ( PUBLIC SCORN4 ,:5 0 ,J>$ GO+ TO
/>T ACT+ RESPONSIBLY8 ,NO "T SOON1
,TRAV]S MUS$ GLUMLY4 ,J LA/ MON?1 ,J>$
_H CAUS$ A BIG 4TURB.E AT ! ,ROS5BURG
DEPOT4 ,HE & "S ( 8 FECK.S CRONIES _H
G"O 96! ,H>VEY ,H\SE "! & _H SP5T ! AFN
DR9K+ & GAMBL+4 ,!Y _H MADE _! PRES;E
"KN 9 ! RE/AURANT 02HAV+ L A PACK ( WILD
DOGS4 ,J>$ MADE AN UNSEEMLY PROPOSI;N TO
"O (! M W9"S ,H>VEY GIRLS4 ,! GIRLS :O
"W$ Z WAITRESSES 9 ! RE/AURANT *A9 T
S]V$ ! ,SANTA ,FE ,RAILROAD 7 "KN = _!
SCRUPUL\S MORALS4 ,IF A MAN PROPOS$  #ai
ANY?+ 6"O ( ^? "Y LADIES1 X _H BETT] 2
NO?+ LESS ?AN M>RIAGE &A V9E-COV]$
COTTAGE4 ,:5 ! GIRL SUMM>ILY REJECT$ 8
SU7ES;N1 ,J>$ _H 2COME M A7RESSIVE4 ,!
MANAGE;T _H EJECT$ HM F ! PLACE1 B N 2F
,J>$1 FI<T+ L A DEMON \ ( HELL1 _H WR1K$
HAVOC ON FURNITURE1 DI%ES1 &A FEW (!
PATRONS4 ,X _H TAK5 SIX M5 6SUBDUE HM4
,WELL1 SI<$ ,TRAV]S M5T,Y1 X 0 PROBABLY
J Z WELL T ? "Y WOMAN DIDN'T "K AB ,J>$
,LOCKETT'S ANTICS4 ,!Y WD NO D\BT SC>E
H] 6D1?4 8,IS X ALW ? HOT 9 ,SEPTEMB]80
,LAUR5 ASK$1 TRY+ 6DRAW ! /,N MANAG]
96CONV]S,N4 ,%E _H _H YE>S ( PRACTICE
MAK+ SMALL TALK 9 ! ,PRA!RS' P>LOR4 ,MR4
,TRAV]S _H BE5 K9D 6H]1 B %E 0 MADE
UNEASY 0! WR9KL$ BR[ &! PUZZL$ EXPRES.N
T WD CROSS 8 FACE :5"E HE LOOK$ AT H]4
,0 %E T DI6]5T F ! WOM5 9 ,TEXAS8
8,Y1H10 HE ANSW]$1 REASSUR+ H] ) 8 EASY1
OP5 SMILE4 8,WE USU,Y GET \R F/ ,NOR!R
AB ! 5D ( ,OCTOB]4 ,MO/ YE>S1 ,SEPTEMB]
IS HOTT] ?AN ,JUNE OR EV5 ,JULY4 ,IS X ?
W>M 9 '''80 ,HE LET ! "Q TRAIL (F
SU7E/IVELY1 & %E DIDN'T 4APPO9T HM4  #bj
8,NOR? ,C>OL9A4 ,I LIV$--LIVE --IN
,CLAYTON4 ,X'S A SMALL T[N N TOO F> F
,RALEI<4 ,& NO1 X'S N ? HOT "! 9
,SEPTEMB]40 8,IS T ": Y MET ,B580 HE
ASK$ CURI\SLY4 ,AT H] A6IRMATIVE NOD1 HE
PRO4$1 8,& :AT 0 ,B5 DO+ 9 ,CLAYTON1
,NOR? ,C>OL9A80 ,LAUR5 EXPLA9$ ! FR%IP
2T H] GU>DIAN &! RAN*]4 8,= YE>S1 !Y
CORRESPOND$1 B ! LRS _H LA7$ =! PA/
DECADE OR S4 ,/1 ON 8 WAY HOME F A
BUSI;S TRIP 6,NEW ,YORK1 ,B5 DECID$ 6PAY
8 OLD FR A VISIT40 8,H[ L;G H Y LIV$ ) ?
GU>DIAN80 ,0 HE 2+ TOO NOSY8 ,HE DIDN'T
WANT 6(F5D H]1 & NO MAN 9 8 "R M9D WD
CROSS ,B5 ,LOCKETT4 ,H["E1 %E ANSW]$ HM
R1DILY 5 & )\T SELF-3SCI\S;S4 8,MY "F 0
A CL]GYMAN1 TOO4 ,ABEL ,PRA!R 0 8 BI%OP4
,I 0 TWELVE :5 MY "F DI$4 ,! ,PRA!RS
GAVE ME A HOME ) !M40 8,YR "M80 ,TRAV]S
ASK$ QUIETLY4 8,I 0 ?REE :5 %E DI$ GIV+
BIR?4 ,! BABY--A BOY--WAS /ILLBORN40 ,H]
VOICE 0 SU45LY S(T & P5SIVE4 ,TRAV]S
NOT$ T %E T\*$ ! BROO* WAT* P9N$ 6H]
%IRTWAI/ J ABV ! G5TLE SWELL ( H] BR1/4
,! SMALL BROO* 0 ALL %E _H ( H]      #ba
"M'S POSSES.NS4 ,T &A PICTURE TAK5 ( H]
P>5TS ON _! W$D+ "D4 ,%E VA9LY TRI$ TO
REMEMB] MO;TS %E _H %>$ )! PRETTY1
PETITE WOMAN 9 ! PICTURE1 B NO MEMORIES
WD -E4 ,LAUR5 _H NO 9KL+ (! P]SONAL;Y T
_H LIV$ 2H ! %Y EYES CAPTUR$ 9 !
PHOTOGRAPH4 ,9 /RESS;L "TS1 OR :5 %E
L;G$ =! P>5T %E CDN'T REMEMB]1 %E T\*$ !
WAT* ) H] F+]TIPS Z IF ! AC;N BR"\ H] 9
3TACT ) H] "M4 ,B ? 0 A HABIT ,LAUR5
WASN'T 3SCI\S (4 ,AF 8 "Y WIFE'S D1?1
,G]ALD ,HOLBROOK _H TOT,Y D$ICAT$ HMF TO
HIS "W4 ,HE DELV$ 96RELIGI\S DOGMA &
3TEMPLAT$ !OLOGICAL DOCTR9ES 9 ! H\RS :5
HE WASN'T ACTIVELY S]V+ 8 3GREG,N OR
PREP>+ 8 9SPIR$ S]MONS4 ,IF ! C>E ( 8 "Y
DAU<T] FELL 6HIS CURR5T H\SEKEEP]1 T 0 !
PRICE "O _H 6PAY = ABSOLUTE -MIT;T TO
,*RI/4 ,LAUR5 KNEW T1 9 8 WAY1 H] "F
LOV$ H] & WASN'T BITT] OV] 8
NEGLECT--?\< %E FELT X4 ,%E WD H WELCOM$
A M DEMON/RATIVE REL,N%IP1 B KNEW H] "F
LIV$ ON A HI<] PLANE--L ,GOD4 ,%E 0 A
WELL-2HAV$ *1 QUIET & UNOBTRUSIVE Z %E
SAT NE> H] "F :5 HE /UDI$ 9 8        #bb
LIBR>Y4 ,%E LE>N$ 6R1D AT AN E>LY AGE1 &
BOOKS &! "*S 9 !M 2CAME H] PLAYMATES &
3FIDANTES4 ,H] CLASSMATES W]5'T
"PICUL>LY 9CL9$ 69CLUDE ! 8PR1*]'S KID0
9 _! PRANKS4 ,\ ( L"OLI;S1 ,LAUR5
ACQUIR$ A TAL5T = CR1T+ H] [N DIV].NS4
,:5 ,G]ALD ,HOLBROOK DI$1 ,LAUR5 B>ELY
MISS$ HM4 ,%E MOV$ 96! ,PRA!RS' H\SE &
ASSUM$ _! R\T9E )\T "Q4 ,!Y 7 K9D &1 2C
( _! *ILD.S;S1 WELCOM$ ! ADOLESC5T GIRL
96_! HOME4 ,_! G5]OS;Y EXT5D$ 6GIV+
,LAUR5 PIANO LESSONS4 ,%E 0 MUSIC,Y
GIFT$1 &! PIANO 2CAME A PAS.N AL;G )
LIT]ATURE4 ,NO "O "E LEFT ! ,PRA!RS'
GAUDY1 CR[D$ H\SE )\T "K+ _! PRIDE 9
,LAUR54 ,%E _H N"E 2TRAY$ _! TRU/ OR
4APPO9T$ !M4 ,EXCEPT ) ,WILLIAM4 ,H[
UNFAIR 0 _! *ANG$ ATTITUDE T[>D H]6 ,%E
0 BLAME.S6 8,MISS ,HOLBROOK80 ,$ ,TRAV]S
ASK$ =! ?IRD "T1 & F9,Y SU3E$$ 9 GA9+ H]
ATT5;N4 8,I'M SORRY1 ,MR4 ,TRAV]S4 ,:AT
DID Y SAY80 ,LAUR5 FLU%$ "U H] HAT AT 2+
CAU<T S DEEP 9 H] [N ?"\S4 8,I ASK$ IF Y
WD L A DR9K ( WAT]10 HE SD1 R1*+ "U !
S1T =A CANTE51 : HE _H FILL$ 2F      #bc
L1V+ ! DEPOT4 8,OH1 YES1 ?ANK Y40 ,LAUR5
R1*$ =! CANTE54 ,N"E HAV+ DRUNK F "O1 %E
FELT L A PIONE] Z %E TIPP$ X BACK & TOOK
A T5TATIVE1 LADYLIKE SIP4 ,J !N1 ! WAGON
HIT A DEEP RUT 9 ! ROAD1 & "S (! WAT]
SLO%$ ONTO H] %IRTWAI/4 ,%E WIP$ H]
DRIPP+ *9 & LAU<$ DELI<T$LY4 ,H] M]RI;T
0 *ECK$ :5 ! FIGURE 9 ! BACK (! WAGON
GROAN$ & CURS$ VEHE;TLY4 8,SON(ABIT*60
,*APT] #B
  ,LAUR5 :IRL$ H] H1D >.D S QKLY T !
MO;N HURT H] NECK4 ,J>$'S H& CAME UP &
CLAMP$ ! HAT M FIRMLY OV] 8 FACE4 ,HE
ADJU/$ 8 L;G BODY 6ANO!R POSI;N1 3TRACT+
& RELAX+ MUSCLES T ,LAUR5 DIDN'T "K
EXI/$4 ,B !N1 %E _H N"E SE5 A MASCUL9E
PHYSIQUE L ? 2F4 ,8 LANGUID MOVE;TS 7
REPELL+ & ?RILL+ AT ! SAME "T4 ,X 0 L
WAT*+ "S PAGAN GOD :O 0 B1UTI;L EV5 9 8
DECAD;E4 ,%E LOOK$ AT ,$ ,TRAV]S1 :O 0
BLU%+ FURI\SLY4 8,I'M SORRY AB T1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK4 ,DON'T PAY ANY ATT5;N 6HIS
LANGUAGE4 ,HE--0 ,%E 9T]RUPT$ )A "Q4
8,:AT'S ! MATT] ) HM80 ,%E 0 AFRAID T
,B5'S SON 0 S]I\SLY ILL4 8,HE '''    #bd
UH ''' M/'VE TI$ "O ON LA/ NI<T40 ,:5
,TRAV]S R1LIZ$ H] TOTAL LACK ( -PREH5.N1
HE RELUCTANTLY EXPLA9$4 ,%E MI<T Z WELL
LE>N AB ,J>$ N[4 8,HE DRANK TOO M*1
DON'T Y SEE10 HE SD ANXI\SLY1 8& GOT--0
8,DRUNK80 %E ASK$ 9CR$UL\SLY4 8,HE'S GOT
A HANGOV]80 ,%E />$ ) FIX$ HORROR AT !
PR"O FIGURE4 ,N"E 9 H] TW5TY YE>S _H %E
WIT;S$ 9TOXIC,N4 ,A CORDIAL GLASS ( %]RY
& W9E ) ,?ANKSGIV+ & ,*RI/MAS D9N]S 7 !
EXT5T ( ALCOHOL 3SUMP;N 9 ! P>SONAGE4
,J>$ _H APP>5TLY SLIPP$ BACK 9TO
UNCONSCI\S;S4 ,G5TLE SNORES 7 -+ F "U !
BLACK HAT4 8,YES4 ,PL1SE DON'T FRET AB
X1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,X HAPP5S ALL ! "T4
,WE'RE J LUCKY ! %]IFF DIDN'T PICK HM UP
& TAKE HM 6JAIL 6SLEEP X (F4 ,=TUNATELY
HE MADE X 6MY (FICE E>LY ? MORN+ & ASK$
ME 6MEET YR TRA9 & DRIVE ! TWO ( Y TO
,CORONADO4 ,HE PASS$ \ AB AN H\R 2F Y
>RIV$40 8,B5 TOLD ME T IF HE CDN'T -E TO
,AU/9 HMF1 HE'D S5D "S"O ELSE4 ,I IMAG9E
T ,J>$ WASN'T TOO HAPPY OV] 2+ APPO9T$ !
EMISS>Y10 ,LAUR5 -;T$4 8,:E!R HE LIK$ X
OR N1 HE KNEW HE'D BETT] D :AT 8     #be
DA4Y TOLD HM TO4 ,DESPITE _! DI6];ES1
,J>$ RESPECTS 8 "F40 ,LAUR5 SNI6$ Z %E
CA/ "O LA/ REPROA*;L GL.E OV] H] %\LD]4
8,I C'T SEE T ,J>$ ,LOCKETT HAS M*
RESPECT = ANY"O OR ANY?+40 ,$ ,TRAV]S
*UCKL$ Z HE DIV]T$ ! WAGON >.D ANO!R
COLLEC;N ( DEEP RUTS4 8,Y'RE PROBABLY
"R1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK40 ,HE TURN$ 8 ATT5;N
6PRIVATE MUS+S1 & 3V]S,N 2T !M WAN$4
,LAUR5 GAZ$ AT ! L&SCAPE >.D H]4 ,B5 _H
TOLD H] HE LIV$ 9 ! HILL C.TRY1 & H]
EYES CD TE/IFY 6T4 ,G5TLY ROLL+ HILLS
COV]$ ) GRASS TURN+ BR[N 9 ! LA/ "DS (
SUMM] SURR.D$ !M4 ,!Y 7 DRIV+ WE/ \ (
,AU/91 & ON ! "R A CYPRESS TREE-L9$ RIV]
*E];LLY W5D$ XS WAY "? ! ROCKY GR.D4
,CATTLE GRAZ$ AM;G SMALL C$> TREES4 ,Z !
SUN SLIPP$ L[] ON ! HORIZON1 X 2CAME
HOTT]4 ,LAUR5 CD FEEL RIVULETS (
P]SPIR,N C\RS+ D[N H] SCALP4 ,%E L;G$ TO
:ISK (F H] HAT1 REL1SE H] H1VY HAIR F XS
RE/RICT+ P9S1 & ALL[ :AT LL BREEZE "! 0
6BL[ "? X4 ,H] HAIR _H BE5 ! SC\RGE ( E
H\SEKEEP] :O _H "W$ = ,G]ALD ,HOLBROOK4
,XS WA%+ & -B+ _H BE5 A 3/ANT S\RCE  #bf
( MUTT]$ RUMBL+S4 ,MRS4 ,DORO!A ,H>RIS1
AN EMBITT]$ WID[ :O _H BE5 H\SEKEEP] F !
"T ,LAUR5 0 SEV5 UNTIL H] "F DI$1 _H
DCLD T ! GIRL _H 5 HAIR = SIX *N4 ,EA*
MORN+1 %E R\<LY PULL$ X 96BRAIDS T 7 S
TI<T !Y BR"\ TE>S TO ,LAUR5'S EYES4
,LAUR5'S "F _H SD 9 A R>E -PLI;T T H]
?ICK BLACK HAIR 0 L H] "M'S4 ,9 ? ,LAUR5
TOOK SECRET PRIDE4 ,( C\RSE1 X 0 \ (! "Q
6TAKE H] HAIR D[N N[4 ,X WDN'T D AT ALL
6>RIVE AT ! ,LOCKETTS' H\SE )\T A HAT1
LET AL"O ) UNB.D HAIR4 ,4M,Y %E LOOK$ AT
! F9E LAY] ( DU/ ON H] NAVY SKIRT &
AGONIZ$ OV] ! DI%EVEL$ APPE>.E %E WD
PRES5T :5 %E >RIV$ AT H] DE/9,N4 ,:AT WD
,B5 ?9K8 ,WD HE 2 A%AM$ ( H] & REGRET 8
9VIT,N8 ,LAUR5 WANT$ S BADLY 6IMPRESS 8
FAMILY4 ,%E FLICK$ AWAY :AT %E CD (!
SETTL+ DU/4 ,X 0 9/ANTLY REPLAC$1 & %E
SI<$ RESIGN$LY4 ,$ ,TRAV]S SD1 8,X DOES
GET A MITE DRY & DU/Y4 ,B5 M/ H D"O Q A
SALES JOB 6GET Y 6L1VE ! GRE5 HILLS (
,NOR? ,C>OL9A & -E ALL ! WAY \ "H40 ,8
CURIOS;Y OV] ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK'S FUTURE
/ATUS 9 ! ,LOCKETT H\SEHOLD _HN'T    #bg
YET BE5 SATISFI$4 ,LAUR5 LAU<$4 8,HE DID
SELL ME ON ,TEXAS1 & ,I HAV5'T BE5
4APPO9T$4 ,X'S WOND];L40 8,H[ L;G W Y 2
"H80 ,HE CDN'T HELP ASK+4 ,%E AV]T$ H]
H1D QKLY & CL5*$ H] H&S 96FI/S4 8,I '''
,I'M N SURE40 ,%E MANAG$ 63TROL H]
9ITIAL AGIT,N & G ON4 8,X W DEP5D ON
,MRS4 ,LOCKETT4 ,Y SEE1 ,I'M 6BE H]
SECRET>Y40 ,$ ,TRAV]S ALM FELL (F 8 S1T4
,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT )A SECRET>Y8 ,:AT 0 OLD
,B5 TRY+ 6PULL8 ,HE SWALL[$ H>D 2F HE
ASK$ SQU1KILY1 8,:AT >E Y GO+ 6D = H]80
8,I'VE SP5T YE>S HELP+ MY GU>DIANS
5T]TA94 ,B5 ?"\ T ,I MI<T RELIEVE ,MRS4
,LOCKETT ( "S ( ^? RESPONSIBILITIES4 ,I
C HELP H] ) H] CORRESPOND;E1 = 9/.E4 ,!
L5G? ( MY VISIT W DEP5D ON H[ WELL WE
GET AL;G & :E!R %E LIKES ME OR N10
,LAUR5 ANSW]$4 ,Z %E EXPLA9$ H] FUTURE
6HM1 %E TRI$ 6ASSIMILATE X 9 H] [N M9D4
,POOR LASS1 ?"\ ,TRAV]S4 ,IF X 7 A CASE
( ,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT LIK+ A "Y1 PRETTY
GIRL LIV+ "U H] RO(1 !N ! 9NOC5T ,LAUR5
,HOLBROOK WD 2 ON ! NEXT TRA9 \ ( ,AU/9
H1D+ ANY":4 ,OLIVIA CD FREEZE !      #bh
BALLS (F ANY MAN ) "O ICY BLA/ F ^? H>D1
GRE5 ,CREOLE EYES ( H]S4 ,:AT WD %E D 6?
POOR *8 ,9TUITIVELY ,LAUR5 S5S$
,TRAV]S'S 2WILD];T4 ,%E _H FELT T SAME
9CR$UL;Y AT ,B5'S (F]4 ,X _H -E S
SU45LY1 & %E 0 -PLETELY UNPREP>$ = X4 99
99 99 ,!Y _H D9$ ON OV]D"O LAMB & BL&
VEGETA#S1 ! TYPICAL F>E T CAME \ (!
,PRA!RS' KIT*54 ,LAUR5 0 ALW PA9;LLY
AW>E (! UNPALATA# M1LS T ,SYBIL ,PRA!R
S]V$ H] GUE/S4 ,%E 0 GRATE;L 6,B5
,LOCKETT = DO+ JU/ICE 6HIS PLATE1 ?\< HE
GRACI\SLY DECL9$ A REFILL4 ,AF D9N]1
,LAUR5 PLAY$ ! PIANO =! GUE/S AT !
P]SI/5T URG+S ( H] GU>DIANS4 ,! RECITAL
0 WELL RCVD B1 Z USUAL1 ! ,PRA!RS' GU%+
PRAISE EMB>RASS$ _! W>D4 ,SYBIL1 H]
PLUMP FIGURE SWA!D 9 P9K RU6LES1 SAT 2S
H] HUSB& ON A G>I%LY UPHOL/]$ SETTEE4
,UN=TUNATELY ,SYBIL'S TA/E 9 CLO!S
EXT5D$ 6H] H\SE Z WELL4 ,H] MOTTO WAS3
8,M IS BETT]40 ,! H\SE 0 D>K & H1VY )
BROCADES & VELVETS4 ,*&ELI]S & VASES (
D>K-COLOR$ GLASS A4$ 6! GLOOM4 ,WALLPAP]
9 OV]GR[N PR9TS &A M>OON C>PET       #bi
SPLA%$ ) L>GE ORANGE & YELL[ FL[]S VI$ =
SUPREMACY4 ,! PA/OR'S WIFE SIMP]$ Z
,ABEL BOA/$ ( H] PRIZEW9N+ ROSES4 ,M* TO
_! SURPRISE1 ,LAUR5'S RELIEF1 & ,WILLIAM
,KELL]'S A7RAV,N1 ,B5 ASK$ ,LAUR5 6%[ HM
? NOTEWOR?Y G>D54 ,! EV5+ _H BE5 W>M &
/1 & CICADAS S]5AD$ !M Z ,LAUR5 L$ ,B5
6! SMALL ROSE G>D5 & SAT D[N ON A L[
B5*4 8,D Y GR[ ROSES 9 ,TEXAS1 ,MR4
,LOCKETT80 8,9DE$ WE D4 ,I H A ,MEXICAN
G>D5] :O T5DS 6! GR.DS >.D ! H\SE 9
,CORONADO1 & HE GR[S !M M* SWEET] & M*
L>G] ?AN ^! PRIZEW9N+ FL[]S ( ,SYBIL'S4
,I ?9K 8 SECRET IS HORSE MANURE40 ,"! 0
A MO;T>Y PAUSE4 ,LAUR5 WASN'T SURE :AT
H] REAC;N %D BE4 ,!N !Y BO? LAU<$
SPONTANE\SLY4 ,%E *ID$ H]F = 3DON+ 8
9DELICACY B1 "SH[1 X DIDN'T SEEM 6MATT]4
8,?ANK Y = 9VIT+ ME \ "H ) Y10 %E SD4
8,ABEL & ,SYBIL USU,Y 3TRIVE = ME 6BE
AL"O ) ,WILLIAM40 8,& Y DON'T WANT 6BE
AL"O ) ,WILLIAM80 ,%E %U4]$ & SD1 8,NO4
,I DON'T40 ,WILLIAM ,KELL] 0 A S]I\S1
?IRTY-FIVE-YE>-OLD PR1*] :O _H A3EPT$ !
PA/ORATE (A SMALL *UR* ON !          #cj
\TSKIRTS ( ,CLAYTON4 ,LAUR5 S5S$ T1 2N !
GUISE ( PIETY1 HE 0 AMBITI\S & %REWD4
,HE 0 3T9U,Y TRY+ 6IMPRESS ! BI%OP )!
/R5G? ( 8 MORAL FIB] & 8 UNDY+ LOVE =
HUMAN;Y4 ,M* TO ,LAUR5'S 4MAY1 ! ,PRA!RS
3SID]$ ,WILLIAM A SUP]B C&IDATE 6RELIEVE
H] (! /ATE ( SP9/]HOOD4 ,!Y EXTOLL$
,WILLIAM'S VIRTUES 6H] AT L1/ ?REE "TS A
"D1 & %E 0 =C$ 6TAKE ^! DOSES ( HM M* Z
"O IS =C$ 6TAKE BAD-TA/+ M$IC9E AT
REGUL> 9T]VALS4 ,LAUR5 _H ONLY A VAGUE
3CEP;N ( :AT ! 9TIMACIES ( M>RIAGE
IMPLI$1 B ! IDEA ( EV5 %>+ ! SAME ROOM )
! PR1*] 3V9C$ H] T SP9/]HOOD WD 2
PREF]A# 6A LIFE"T SP5T ) ,WILLIAM
,KELL]4 ,NORM,Y ,LAUR5'S IMPRES.NS ( P 7
*>ITA#1 B %E F.D ,WILLIAM PHYSIC,Y
UNATTRACTIVE1 9TELLECTU,Y BOR+1 & SOCI,Y
BIGOT$4 ,8 5TIRE P]SON REPULS$ H]4 ,HE
_H AN ANNOY+ HABIT ( TALK+ TO "O'S *E/ R
?AN "O'S EYES4 ,TALL & /OOP-%\LD]$1 HE
_H ?91 LANK BLOND HAIR : 0 P]PETU,Y
FALL+ 96COLOR.S EYES FR+$ 0EQU,Y COLOR.S
LA%ES4 ,8 NOSE 0 ! MO/ PROM95T &
UN=TUNATE F1TURE ( 8 FACE4 ,LAUR5    #ca
?"\ HE GRTLY RESEM#D ILLU/R,NS ( ,I*ABOD
,CRANE1 ,WA%+TON ,IRV+'S MA9 "* 9 ,!
,LEG5D ( ,SLEEPY ,HOLL[4 ,B5 ,LOCKETT _H
BR"\ H] ATT5;N BACK 6HM )A BRUSQUE CLE>+
( 8 ?ROAT4 ,HE DIDN'T PURSUE ! SUBJECT (
,WILLIAM4 ,9/1D1 HE ASK$ H]1 8,:AT D Y
D1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK80 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT HM1
PUZZL$ 0! "Q4 ,HE CL>IFI$1 8,:AT KEEPS Y
BUSY >.D "H8 ,>E Y HAPPY80 ,%E ANSW]$ HM
FRANKLY4 8,! ,PRA!RS >E DE> P1 & X 0 K9D
( !M 6TAKE ME 96_! HOME :5 MY "F DI$4 ,I
_H NO RELATIVES4 ,"F _H A SMALL ANNU;Y1
: !Y H REFUS$ 6A3EPT = MY EXP5SES4 ,I _H
HOP$ 6T1* MUSIC OR P]H TUTOR /UD5TS 9
LIT]ATURE OR GRAMM> & E>N MY [N M"OY1 B
! ,PRA!RS ADAMANTLY REJECT ! IDEA ( MY
"W+ \TSIDE ! H\SE40 8,S Y 5T]TA9 _!
GUE/S4 ,T'S ALL80 ,HE SMIL$ AT H] K9DLY1
& %E DIDN'T TAKE (F5SE4 8,X'S N A V
AMBITI\S "UTAK+1 IS X80 %E ASK$ RUE;LLY4
8,OH1 ,I D *>;Y "W 9 ! *UR*1 SIT )
%UT-9S & SICK P1 HELP NEW "MS )! RE/ (
_! FAMILIES :ILE !Y'RE 9 3F9E;T4 ,I PLAY
! ORGAN =! ,SUN"D S]VICES & T1* A *N'S
,SUN"D S*OOL CLASS40 ,EV5 6H] [N     #cb
E>S1 ^! A3OMPLI%;TS S.D$ DRE>Y4 8,DID Y
"E ?9K ( HAV+ A FAMILY ( YR [N8 ,M>RY+80
,HE FIX$ H] )A BLUE GAZE T 0 P5ETRAT+ &
-PELL+4 8,I ''' WELL1 N RE,Y10 %E SD
%YLY1 & %IFT$ H] EYES AWAY F HM4 8,:5
,I'M TRY+ 6MAKE "S DECI.N & SORT ?+S \1
,I RIDE ! L9E =A FEW "DS 0MYF4 ,I L 2+
AL"O ) NO -PANY EXCEPT MY HORSE & ,"M
,NATURE40 80,RIDE ! L9E080 %E ASK$ )
QK5+ 9T]E/4 8,YES4 ,WE RIDE AL;G ! F;ES
6MAKE SURE N"O H BE5 KNOCK$ D[N OR CUT
D[N4 ,"S"TS RU/L]S TRY 6/1L ,LOCKETT
C[S1 OR MAYBE A %EEP F>M] WANTS 6WAT] 8
FLOCK & N PAY = X1 S ! %EEP J MAKE !MVS
AT HOME ON ,LOCKETT L&40 ,LAUR5 DREW A
DEEP BR1? & HELD X A L;G "T 2F REL1S+ X4
8,X S.DS ''' OH ''' B1UTI;L1 PRIMEVAL1
EXCIT+4 ,I DON'T "K ! ^W 6USE40 8,X'S
ALL ^? ?+S40 ,HE /UDI$ 8 KNUCKLES =A
MO;T1 !N ASK$1 8,:Y DON'T Y -E 6,TEXAS )
ME80 ,8 T"O 0 NO L;G] BANT]+1 Z X _H BE5
:5 HE MADE ! SAME (F]1 PUBLICLY1 E>LI] T
AFN4 8,Y'RE T1S+ ME AB ?1 ,MR4
,LOCKETT40 ,! /ATE;T 3TA9$ ONLY A H9T (
QU]Y4 8,NO1 ,I'M N1 ,MISS            #cc
,HOLBROOK4 ,I'M J AN OLD C[BOY :O
2LIEVES 9 SAV+ "T & GETT+ "R 6! PO9T40
8,B :AT 9 ! _W WD ,I D 9 ,TEXAS80 ,%E _H
?"\ AT ! "T T X 0 AN IMPOSSIBIL;Y = H]
6H S* AN ADV5TURE B _HN'T WANT$ 6GIVE UP
! IDEA J YET4 8,MY WIFE IS V ACTIVE 9
SOCIAL & CIVIC A6AIRS 9 ,CORONADO4 ,T'S
! T[N WE LIVE IN4 ,X'S AB HALF A "D'S
RIDE F ,AU/94 ,I'M AT ,KEYPO9T OR AWAY
ON BUSI;S S (T5 T %E C'T ALW C.T ON ME4
,I ?9K %E CD USE "S"O ) YR ABILITIES TO
HELP H]4 ,Y'VE _H A LOT ( EXP]I;E 9
>RANG+ SOCIAL FUNC;NS4 ,Y >E AN
A3OMPLI%$ MUSICIAN & WELL R1D1 BO? ( :
WD 2 HELP;L4 ,Y CD H&LE H] CORRESPOND;E
& S*4 ,:AT D Y ?9K80 ,:5 %E DIDN'T
RESPOND1 HE PRESS$ 8 PO9T4 8,( C\RSE1 WE
WD PAY Y A SAL>Y & GIVE Y A ROOM 9 !
H\SE4 ,MY SON HAS N"E M>RI$1 S WE H A
LOT ( SPACE T ,I 0 HOP+ WD "O "D 2 TAK5
UP ) GR&*N40 ,HE PAUS$ =A L;G MO;T &1 :5
,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT HM1 HE 0 />+ UNSEE+LY AT
! ROSEBU%ES4 ,!N HE SEEM$ 6%AKE HMF
LOOSE F ! ?"\ & 3T9U$1 8,I WANT Y 6FEEL
L "O (! FAMILY4 ,Y WD 9 NO WAY 2     #cd
3SID]$ A S]VANT40 ,HE GR9N$ 5GAG+LY4 8,B
:Y >E Y ASK+ ME8 ,I'M SURE IF ,MRS4
,LOCKETT 7 LOOK+ =A SECRET>Y1 %E CD F9D
"O40 ,HE %RU7$ NEGLIG5TLY1 4MISS+ H]
LOGIC4 8,I'M SURE %E CD1 TOO1 B X WD
PROBABLY N"E O3UR 6H] 6LOOK = "O4 ,MY
R1SONS >E MY [N1 B ,I PROMISE Y T !Y >E
ABV REPROA*40 ,HE SMIL$ D[N AT H]1 & 8
EYES TW9KL$ L BLUE LI<TS "U ! BU%Y :ITE
BR[S4 8,MR4 ,LOCKETT1 ,I APPRECIATE YR
LIK+ ME 5 69VITE ME10 ,LAUR5 SD E>NE/LY1
8B MY PLACE IS "H4 ,? IS ": MY "F WANT$
ME 6BE40 8,YR "F IS D1D4 ,Y'RE ALIVE1 B
Y'LL 2 Z GD Z D1D IF Y DON'T GET \ N[40
,LAUR5 _H BE5 />TL$ :5 HE /OOD UP
ABRUPTLY1 ALM ANGRILY1 & TOOK S"EAL
IMPATI5T /EPS AWAY F H]4 ,:5 HE TURN$
BACK1 HE _H LOOK$ AT H] ) T5D];S & SPOK5
M G5TLY4 8,LAUR510 %E NOTIC$ 8 SWIT* 6H]
F/ "N1 8,I "K Y H BE5 TAU<T 6OBEY )\T
"Q+4 ,Y H A KE5 S5SE ( DUTY T IS
ADMIRA#4 ,B ,I ?9K ,I SEE 9 Y A RE/.S;S1
AN EAG];S = LIFE1 T NE$S 6BE UNL1%$4 ,Y
CD -E 6/AY A:ILE1 & IF ?+S DIDN'T "W \1
OR IF Y HAT$ ,TEXAS &! ,LOCKETTS1    #ce
,I WD SEE T Y 7 S5T HOME "R AWAY4 ,NO
HURT FEEL+S40 ,:AT A FOOL %E _H BE5 N TO
A3EPT 8 9VIT,N "R !N6 ,9/1D1 ) H] H1D
B[$1 %E _H RESPOND$ S(TLY1 8,MR4
,LOCKETT1 YR 9VIT,N IS OV]:ELM+1 & ,I WD
LOVE 6A3EPT4 ,B ,I C'T G ANY":40 ,%E
%OOK H] H1D SADLY4 8,I H BE5 TAU<T DUTY
& RESPONSIBIL;Y1 Y SEE4 ,I W PROBABLY
LIVE )! ,PRA!RS =! RE/ ( _! LIVES4 ,!Y
DEP5D ON ME4 ,X WD DE/ROY !M = ME TO
L1VE40 8,& :AT HAPP5S 6Y :5 !Y DIE8 ,IF
Y HAV5'T BE5 PAWN$ (F ON ,WILLIAM OR
"S"O L HM1 :AT W Y D !N80 8,I'M SURE T
"S PROVI.N W H BE5 MADE = ME40 ,HE SI<$
H1VILY &1 SEE+ HM S DEFLAT$1 ,LAUR5 0
ALM PROMPT$ 6*ANGE H] M9D4 ,HE SEEM$ TO
LOSE "S ( 8 VIBRANCY4 ,8 AGE 0 SU45LY M
APP>5T ON ! *ISEL$ F1TURES1 & "! 0 A
MUTE APP1L 9 ! DEEP BLUE EYES4 8,IF "!
IS "E ! SLI<TE/ POSSIBIL;Y T Y MI<T
*ANGE YR M9D1 WIRE ME IMMLY4 ,I M1N X4
,Y H A /&+ 9VIT,N40 8,?ANK Y1 ,MR4
,LOCKETT10 %E REPLI$ GRACI\SLY4 ,%E
WANT$ 8 "U/&+ & %E SD1 8,I DON'T WANT TO
2 L !M40 ,%E _H BE5 HORRIFI$ AT H]   #cf
ADMIS.N4 8,NO1 NO1 ,I DON'T M1N--0 8,I
"K :AT Y M1N1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,I'M SURE
T Y H V FEW UNK9D ?"\S1 B Y WD L 6H A
BROAD] HORIZON ?AN ! ,PRA!RS D1 AM ,I
CORRECT80 8,YES6 ,T'S :AT ,I 0 TRY+ TO
SAY40 8,REMEMB]1 IF Y "E *ANGE YR M9D
'''0 HE REIT]AT$ QUIETLY Z !Y WALK$ BACK
T[>D ! FRONT DOOR4 99 99 99 ,! SUN B1T
D[N ON ! WAGON REL5T.SLY4 ,LAUR5 0 2COM+
WE>Y4 ,! MUSCLES ( H] BACK & %\LD]S A*$
) FATIGUE F MA9TA9+ H] ERECT PO/URE ON !
UNCOM=TA# L1!R S1T4 ,?\< %E _H TAK5
NUM]\S SIPS F ! CANTE51 H] ?ROAT 0 P>*$1
& %E 0 COV]$ ) DU/ F ! ROAD4 ,J :5 %E 0
DESPAIR+ ( "E R1*+ _! DE/9,N1 ,$ ,TRAV]S
NO4$ 8 H1D =W>D & SD1 8,CORONADO40 ,!
WAGON TOPP$ A HILL1 ALL[+ ,LAUR5 A
PANORAMIC VIEW (! SMALL T[N ": ,B5 LIV$
:5 HE WASN'T AT 8 RAN*4 ,Z ! HORSES
PICK$ UP _! PACE ON ! D[NW>D SIDE (!
HILL1 %E ASK$ EAG]LY1 8,H[ _M P LIVE
"H80 8,UMMM1 AB ?REE ?\S&10 ,TRAV]S
REPLI$4 8,& H[ F> >E WE F ! RAN*8 ,F
,KEYPO9T80 8,AB A ?REE-H\R RIDE WE/40
,LAUR5'S 4APPO9T;T 0 COV]$ 0H]       #cg
9T]E/ 9 ,CORONADO Z !Y DROVE D[N ! MA9
?OR\<F>E4 ,%E R1LIZ$ T P ON ! /REET
RECOGNIZ$ ! L>GE PALOM9O TI$ 6! BACK (!
WAGON4 ,S"EAL :ISP]$ 3JECTURES 7 EX*ANG$
2H SCRE5+ H&S4 ,LAUR5 RESOLUTELY IGNOR$
! MAN 2H H] &! P]SONS SPECULAT+ ON 8
3DI;N4 ,H] ONLY PURPOSES N[ 7 6SEE ,B5
AG & 6MEET ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT4 ,EXAM9+ H]
FEEL+S =! MAN :O _H -E 6M1N S M* 6H] 9
S* A %ORT SPACE ( "T1 ,LAUR5 3CLUD$ T
,B5 ,LOCKETT REPRES5T$ ! "F %E _H N"E
_H4 ,HE 0 M]RY :ILE H] [N "F _H BE5
AU/]E2 HE 0 BIG & ROBU/ :ILE ! PA/OR _H
BE5 SLI<T & LESS ?AN HE>TY2 HE 0 W>M
:ILE ,G]ALD ,HOLBROOK _H BE5 RES]V$1 EV5
T[>D 8 [N DAU<T]4 ,B5'S DEEP VOICE & %>P
S5SE ( HUMOR _H ATTRACT$ H] 6HM1 & %E 0
BR1?.S ) EXCITE;T 6SEE HM 9 8 [N ELE;T4
,TRAV]S TURN$ ! WAGON ONTO A WIDE1 TREE
%AD$ AV5UE T L$ S\? F ! C5T] ( T[N4 ,"?
! TREES1 ,LAUR5 GLIMPS$ ! L>GE H\SE L;G
2F ,MR4 ,TRAV]S DIRECT$ ! HORSES UP !
%ELL LANE4 ,! H\SE 0 A CR$IT 6:OM"E _H
DESIGN$ X4 ,X 0 ,VICTORIAN 9 DESIGN1 B N
OV]LY ORNATE1 ) ONLY A M9IMUM AM.T   #ch
( TRIM4 ,GRACE;L B /URDY RAIL+S \TL9$ !
POR* T SURR.D$ ! H\SE ON ?REE SIDES4 ,ON
EA* (! FRONT CORN]S (! SECOND FLOOR 7
CIRCUL> ROOMS DOM$ 0ONION-%AP$ CUPOLAS4
,! TALL W9D[S1 ?REE ON EA* SIDE (! FRONT
POR*1 7 FRAM$ 9 BRICK-R$ %UTT]S : 3TRA/$
B1UTI;LLY )! CR1M-COLOR$ FRAME H\SE4 ,!
FRONT DOOR 0 ! SAME BR[NI%-R$ & FLANK$
0URNS : SPORT$ A PROFU.N ( R$ G]ANIUMS4
,! LATE;S (! SUMM] S1SON DIDN'T H9D] !
Z9NIAS1 PETUNIAS1 & ROSES F BLOOM+ 9 !
LU% B$S T L9$ ! FRONT POR*4 ,! GRASS
9SIDE ! IRON PICKET-F;ED Y>D 0 / GRE5 &
CLIPP$ 6P]FEC;N4 8,OH1 H[ LOVELY10
,LAUR5 :ISP]$ Z %E GAZ$ AT ! H\SE 9 AWE4
,%E SAT = S"EAL MO;TS RELI%+ ! FACT T %E
0 F9,Y "H AT ,B5'S H\SE4 ,TRAV]S EAS$ 8
A*+ BODY \ (! WAGON & W5T T[>D ! RE> (
X4 ,HE LIFT$ \ ,LAUR5'S BAGS & SET !M AT
! 5D (! SIDEWALK T L$ UP 6! /EPS 9 FRONT
(! H\SE4 ,HE !N RETURN$ 6! BACK (! WAGON
&1 N"O TOO G5TLY1 NUDG$ ,J>$ ,LOCKETT )
8 FI/4 8,-E ON1 ,J>$1 WAKE UP4 ,Y'RE
HOME40 ,LAUR5 B>ELY NOTIC$ ! 4GRUNTL$
GROAN T ISSU$ F "U ! BLACK HAT4 ,%E  #ci
0 4TRACT$ F H] JOY OV] ! H\SE ONLY 0,$
,TRAV]S -+ 6H] SIDE (! WAGON & (F]+ 8
ASSI/.E Z %E ALI<T$4 ,%E /RAI<T5$ H] HAT
Z BE/ %E CD )\T A MIRROR1 %OOK "S (! DU/
F H] NAVY SKIRT1 & 0 AB 6PULL ON H]
JACKET :5 ! BODY 9 ! BACK (! WAGON F9,Y
CLIMB$ D[N4 ,%E /OPP$ 6/>E AT ! RUMPL$
FIGURE4 ,X L1N$ AG/ ! SIDEBO>DS (! WAGON
& HELD XS H1D Z IF 9 AN EF=T 6KEEP ! H1D
ON XS %\LD]S4 ,IMPATI5T F+]S 7 RAK$
HAPHAZ>DLY "? SUN-BL1*$ BR[N HAIR T
4OB$I5TLY FELL BACK 96WAVY 4>RAY4 ,! MAN
B5T F ! WAI/ & SUPPORT$ 8 UPP] BODY BY
PLAC+ 8 H&S ON 8 KNEES Z HE DREW 9 S"EAL
L;G1 %U4]+ BR1?S4 ,LAUR5 0 FE>;L ( SEE+
HM PLUNG$ 96! ?ROES ( NAUSEA1 B HE SL[LY
/RAI<T5$ UP 6HIS FULL HEI<T4 ,ONLY !N
DID HE TURN & SEE ! "Y WOMAN :O 0 />+ AT
HM 9 FASC9,N4 ,! DEEP5+ AFN %AD[S
PREV5T$ ,LAUR5 F HAV+ A CLE> LOOK AT 8
FACE4 ,%E ?"\ 8 EYES M/ 2 D>K1 B 8 3/ANT
BL9K+ 6FOCUS !M MADE _! COLOR IMPOSSI#
64C]N4 ,A S>DONIC SMIRK LIFT$ "O CORN] (
8 S5SUAL M\? 2F HE /RAI<T5$ 8 %\LD]S A
TRIFLE & TOOK ?REE /UMBL+ /EPS4 ,HE  #dj
/OOD )9 AN >M'S L5G? ( H]4 ,%E 0 5TR.ED
0? MAN & 8 B>B>IC 2HAVIOR1 & CDN'T F9D X
)9 H]F 6MOVE AWAY F HM4 ,J>$ PLAC$ A H&
OV] ! LEFT SIDE ( 8 *E/1 : LAY B>E "U !
LOOSE1 UNBUTTON$ %IRT1 & SD )A SLUR1
8,YR S]VANT1 ,MISS ,HO ''' ,HOL '''
,HOLB]K40 ,HE B5T F ! WAI/ AG1 ? "T 9 A
TRAVE/Y (A C\RTLY B[4 ,EXECUT+ ! GE/URE
0 2Y HM 9 8 PRES5T /ATE4 ,TO ,LAUR5'S
HORROR1 HE 3T9U$ ON 8 WAY D[NW>D UNTIL
HE GRASP$ H] >.D ! WAI/ ) TWO /R;G H&S &
L1N$ ^U H] BOSOM 6BR1K 8 FALL4 ,%E GASP$
9 MORTIFIC,N Z HE F.D :AT HE 3SID]$ 6BE
A HAV5 ( REPOSE4 ,8 H1D NE/L$ 2T H]
BR1/S & HE SI<$ 3T5T$LY1 N "K+ OR C>+
:AT A -ICAL PICTURE HE MADE4 ,9/9CTIVELY
8 H&S SLID >.D H] N>R[ WAI/ 6H] BACK1 &
HE PRESS$ H] CLOS]4 ,8 BR1? 0 W>M ON H]
SK9 "? ! ?9 L95 ( H] %IRT4 ,= AN 9/ANT1
:5 8 NOSE NUZZL$ ! 9SIDE CURVE ( H]
BR1/1 ,LAUR5 FELT C]TA9 %E WD FA9T4 ,EV5
M /A7]+ 6H] 0 A FLEET+1 OV]P[]+ URGE TO
CLASP 8 H1D 96! S(T DEP? ( H] CL1VAGE4
,SU45LY ,MR4 ,TRAV]S CIRCL$ ! WAGON1
ANGRILY GRA2$ ,J>$ 0! %\LD]S1 &      #da
HAUL$ HM (F H]4 8,LOCKETT6 ,MY ,GOD1
MAN1 Y'RE AN ANIMAL40 ,! ANIMAL SEEM$
OBLIVI\S 6! 9SULT Z HE SLUMP$ ONCE M AG/
! WAGON1 A /UPID GR9 ON 8 FACE4 ,A
,MEXICAN MAN CAME RUNN+ F ! BACK (! H\SE
6L5D 8 ASSI/.E Z ! FRONT DOOR OP5$ &A
WOMAN /EPP$ ONTO ! POR*4 ,LAUR5'S H1D 0
SP9N+4 ,?+S 7 HAPP5+ TOO QKLY1 & %E
CDN'T TAKE !M ALL IN4 ,%E WANT$ 6SEE ,B5
& RELY ON 8 /URDY PRES;E 6RE/ORE "S
M1SURE ( SAN;Y 6? SITU,N4 ,HURRI$LY %E
%RU7$ 96H] JACKET 2F FAC+ ! WOMAN :O
/OOD ON ! $GE (! POR* LOOK+ D[N AT H]4
,LAUR5 SMIL$ %YLY & WALK$ "? ! IRON GATE
& UP ! SIDEWALK4 ,%E HALT$ 9 FRONT (!
BOTTOM /EP & LOOK$ UP AT ! WOMAN4 ,9/9CT
W>N$ H] %E %D G NO FUR!R4 ,! FIGURE AT !
TOP (! /EPS _H ! ASPECT (A S5T9EL
PROTECT+ AN 9VIOLA# DOMA94 8,MRS4
,LOCKETT1 ,I'VE BR"\--0 8,YES1 ?ANK Y1
,MR4 ,TRAV]S10 ,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT %>PLY
9T]RUPT$ ! MAN4 8,C Y F9D A3OMMOD,NS =!
NI<T8 ,WE W -P5SATE Y1 ( C\RSE1 = YR "T
& TR\#40 ,$ ,TRAV]S 0 2+ 4MISS$1 & HE
KNEW X4 ,HE NO4$ 8 SIL5T ACQUIESC;E  #db
B DIDN'T L1VE ,LAUR5'S SIDE4 8,Y >E
,MISS ,HOLBROOK10 ,OLIVIA SD4 ,! /ATE;T
0 CLIPP$1 & ,LAUR5 ANSW]$ ) L BREV;Y1
8,YES1 ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK40 ,! WOMAN
APPE>$ 6BE SLI<TLY TALL] ?AN ,LAUR54 ,H]
HAIR 0 D>K B1 >.D H] FACE1 X 0 /R1K$ MO/
ATTRACTIVELY ) SILV]4 ,%E 0 SL5D]1 B
HELD H]F /RAI<T & RIGID4 ,? MILITANT /.E
MADE H] SEEM L>G] ?AN %E WAS4 ,H] FACE 0
UNL9$2 H] -PLEXION 0 OLIVE4 ,X 0
IMPOSSI# 6SEE ! COLOR ( H] EYES 9 ! POOR
LI<T1 B ,LAUR5 0 UNCOM=TABLY AW>E ( _!
HAWKLIKE P5ETR,N4 ,%E WORE A GRE5 DRESS
( "S /IFF FABRIC1 & X WD H BE5 9CONGRU\S
) H] "* 6SEE "O WR9KLE1 "O PIECE ( L9T1
ANY FLAW T WD M> H] IMPE3ABIL;Y4 ,2C (
H] DI%EVEL$ APPE>.E1 ,LAUR5 FELT AT A
4T9CT 4ADVANTAGE4 ,! WOMAN'S FACE 2TRAY$
NEI APPROVAL NOR 4APPROVAL ( H] GUE/4
8,I'M ,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT4 ,I TRU/ YR TRIP
0 UNEV5T;L40 ,%E DIDN'T WAIT =A REPLY B
3T9U$ 9 ! SAME CRISP T"O1 8,I ?9K Y MAY
H MADE ! TRIP 9 VA91 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,I
_C 3CV :AT MY HUSB& _H 9 M9D :5 HE 9VIT$
Y "H40 ,LAUR5 0 /UNN$ 0,OLIVIA       #dc
,LOCKETT'S H>% ^WS4 ,": 0 ,B58 ,OBVI\SLY
,MRS4 ,LOCKETT _H EXPECT$ H]4 ,S :Y ?
9/ANT HO/IL;Y8 ,%E /AMM]$1 8,I ''' ,I'M
SURE T IF WE CD ALL SIT D[N & TALK AB X1
,B5 WD EXPLA9--0 8,IS ,J>$ ALL "R1
,PEPE80 ,OLIVIA 9T]RUPT$ ,LAUR5
IMP]I\SLY4 8,S@I1 ,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT10 !
MAN :O _H -E TO ,J>$'S AID ANSW]$ H]
QKLY1 / SUPPORT+ ! "Y] MAN1 :O SLUMP$
AG/ HM UNCONSCI\SLY4 8,HE RE,Y GOT DRUNK
LA/ NI<T1 ,I GUESS10 ,OLIVIA SD4 ,LAUR5
?"\ %E SAW ! H9T (A SMILE 9 ! CORN]S (
,OLIVIA'S M\?1 B !N X 0 G"O1 & %E 0 SURE
%E _H IMAG9$ X4 ,:AT "M WD 2 PL1S$ 6SEE
H] SON 9 S* A 3DI;N8 ,3T9U+ 6IGNORE
,LAUR51 ,OLIVIA A4RESS$ ,PEPE AG4 8,TAKE
,J>$ 6! /A# & SOB] HM UP40 ,H] T"O 0
CAU/IC4 8,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 ,I'LL S5D "S"O
\ = YR BAGS40 ,LAUR5 TOOK T 6BE ! ONLY
9VIT,N 65T] ! H\SE %E 0 LIKELY 6GET4 ,":
0 ,B5--AT ,KEYPO9T8 ,:Y _H HE DES]T$ H]
? WAY8 ,%E LIFT$ H] SKIRT & CLIMB$ !
/EPS UNTIL %E 0 LEVEL ) ,OLIVIA4 ,!
WOMAN LOOK$ AT H] COLDLY1 &A PREMONI;N (
4A/] COIL$ 9 ,LAUR5'S /OMA*4 ,%E     #dd
F.D ! C\RAGE 6SAY1 8,IF Y WD SUMMON ,MR4
,LOCKETT1 ,I'M SURE--0 8,T'S IMPOSSI#1
,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,MY HUSB& DI$ E>LY ?
MORN+40
  ,*APT] #C
  ,LAUR5 0 /RUCK DUMB4 ,0 ,OLIVIA
,LOCKETT MAD8 ,! >I/OCRATIC FACE LOOK+
BACK AT H] ) IMPLACA# EYES 3VEY$ NO
EMO;N4 8,T'S IMPOSSI#10 ,LAUR5 BR1!D4 ,!
^WS 7 B>ELY AUDI#4 8,I'M AFRAID X'S
TRUE1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,HE HASN'T BE5
WELL = "S "T4 ,HE TOLD ME ^U 8 RETURN F
,NEW ,YORK T HE _H G"O "! 63SULT )A HE>T
SPECIALI/40 ,%E PAUS$ =A MO;T & LOOK$
T[>D H] SON :O1 / SUPPORT$ 0,PEPE1 0
4APPE>+ >.D ! CORN] (! H\SE4 8,LA/ NI<T1
,B5 & ,J>$ >GU$4 ,AF ,J>$ LEFT1 ,B5 _H A
SEIZURE4 ,HE DI$ ? MORN+10 %E REP1T$4
,LAUR5'S EYES FILL$ ) TE>S4 8,I'M
SORRY10 %E SD4 ,:AT 0 %E GO+ 6D N[8 8,I
DIDN'T "K ANY?+ AB 8 ILL;S4 ,Y M/ 2LIEVE
T1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT40 ,OLIVIA LOOK$ AT
,LAUR5 CLOSELY & !N SD 9 ! SAME BRISK
T"OS %E _H US$ 6A4RESS ,PEPE1 8,WE C
4CUSS ? ANO!R "T4 ,=! NEXT FEW "DS1  #de
MAKE YRF -=TA# 9 YR ROOM4 ,EL5A W 2
ASSIGN$ 6Y4 ,I M/ ASK Y 6/AY 6YRF Z M* Z
POSSI#4 ,X WD 2 AWKW>D 6EXPLA9 YR 2+ "H
AT ? DI6ICULT "T4 ,D Y "U/&80 ,LAUR5
SIMPLY NO4$4 ,TURN+1 %E LOOK$ D[N AT ,$
,TRAV]S1 :O REMA9$ /&+ AT ! IRON GATE1
HOLD+ 8 HAT AT 8 *E/4 ,8 SLACK M\? &
WIDE EYES REV1L$ 8 A/ONI%;T AT ! NEWS (
,B5 ,LOCKETT'S D1?4 8,?ANK Y = YR HELP1
,MR4 ,TRAV]S4 ,Y H BE5 MO/ K9D10 ,LAUR5
CALL$ D[N 6HM4 ,! DEPOT MANAG] SD
HUMBLY1 8,I'M ALW AT YR S]VICE1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK4 ,IF "!'S "E ANY?+ ,I C D = Y1
Y H ONLY 6ASK40 ,TRAV]S RAIS$ 8 H&S
EXPRESSIVELY Z HE SPOKE4 8,?ANK Y10
,LAUR5 MUM#D4 8,MRS4 ,LOCKETT1 ) YR
P]MIS.N1 ,I'LL HELP NOTIFY ! PUBLIC (
,BE--,MR4 ,LOCKETT'S DEMISE40 8,! FUN]AL
W 2 ! "D AF TM AT TWO O'C4 ,YR HELP IS
ALW APPRECIAT$1 ,MR4 ,TRAV]S4 ,Z IS YR
4CRE;N40 ,H] LA/ ^WS S.D$ ALM L A ?R1T4
,$ ,TRAV]S NO4$ &1 REPLAC+ 8 B[L] HAT ON
8 H1D1 RETURN$ 6! WAGON4 ,LAUR5 FOLL[$
,OLIVIA 96! H\SE4 ,! IMPRES.NS %E DREW F
:AT BRIEF GL.ES ( ,B5'S HOME %E 0    #df
ALL[$ 7 DELI<T;L "OS4 ,A WIDE FOY] )
ROOMS L1D+ (F EI SIDE ( X RAN ! L5G? (!
H\SE4 ,! /AIRCASE 0 DIRECTLY OPPOSITE !
FRONT DOOR &1 AT ! TOP1 HALLWAYS EXT5D$
9 ?REE DIREC;NS4 ,LAUR5 & ,OLIVIA ASC5D$
! /AIRS1 TURN$ "R1 & PASS$ D[N A L;G1
WELL-LIT HALL ) DOORS1 PROBABLY OP5+ 9TO
B$ROOMS1 ON EI SIDE4 ,AT ! 5D (! HALL1
,OLIVIA OP5$ A DOOR4 ,L ALL (! WOOD"W 9
! H\SE1 X 0 PA9T$ A PRI/9E :ITE4 ,LAUR5
FOLL[$ ,OLIVIA 96! ROOM & LOOK$ >.D !
*AMB] 9 : %E WD 2 SEQUE/]$ =! NEXT FEW
"DS4 ,WELL1 IF ,I H 6BE IMPRISON$1 ? IS
A PL1SANT CELL1 %E ?"\4 ,! SMALL ROOM 0
"O (! R.D "OS %E _H SE5 F ! FRONT (!
H\SE4 ,X 0 B1UTI;LLY FURNI%$4 ,! FLOORS
7 /A9$ OAK1 RELIEV$ N[ & !N 0SMALL ?R[
RUGS4 ,AN 9TRICATE ECRU LACE SPR1D COV]$
! FULL-SIZ$1 F\R-PO/] B$4 ,! WALLS 7
PAP]$ )A PALE YELL[ FL[] PR9T T 0 SUBTLE
& TA/E;L4 ,"! 7 A DRESS] & WA%/&1 A
BOOKCASE1 A ROCK+ *AIR1 A R.D TA# NEXT
6! *AIR1 &A SMALL] TA# AT ! B$SIDE4
,FRE% FL[]S FILL$ S"EAL VASES SCATT]$
>.D ! ROOM &1 ?\< ! W9D[S 7 CURTA9$  #dg
N[1 ,LAUR5 KNEW ! MORN+ SUN WD FLOOD !
ROOM ) EV5 M *E];L;S4 ,"S"O _H PLANN$ ON
RCVG H] GRACI\SLY4 8,X'S LOVELY1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT4 ,?ANK Y40 8,!N Y WON'T M9D
/AY+ 9 "H =A FEW "DS UNTIL ! FUN]AL IS
OV]40 ,LAUR5 WANT$ 6ATT5D ! FUN]AL4 ,B
"S?+ 9 ! WOMAN'S MANN] CLE>LY 9DICAT$ T
%E WD /R5U\SLY OBJECT 6AN APPE>.E BY
,LAUR54 8,! BA?ROOM IS "? "!40 ,%E
9DICAT$ A DOOR4 8,"!'S A DOOR ON ! O!R
SIDE ( X1 B X REMA9S LOCK$4 ,Y NE$N'T
WORRY AB ANY"O 4TURB+ Y40 ,OR ME 4TURB+
ANY"O1 ,LAUR5 ?"\4 8,EL5A W 2 "H SOON )
YR SUPP]4 ,IF Y NE$ ANY?+1 ASK H]4 ,%E
IS SOLELY RESPONSI# 6Y40 ,%E 0 AB 6L1VE
! ROOM :5 ,LAUR5 HALT$ H]4 8,MRS4
,LOCKETT1 ,I'M SORRY AB YR HUSB&4 ,HE
WAS--0 8,YES10 ,OLIVIA BROKE IN4
8,GDNI<T1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK40 99 99 99
,LAUR5 SAT D[N 9 ! ROCK+ *AIR & TRI$ TO
ABSORB ! EV5TS T _H TAK5 PLACE S9CE H]
>RIVAL4 ,B5 ,LOCKETT D1D8 ,X WASN'T
POSSI#4 ,= WEEKS1 %E _H 5VI.N$ 8 K9D
FACE & HE>D 8 VOICE -PELL+ H] 6-E "H4
,N[1 HE 0 D1D1 & H] FUTURE WAS1 AT   #dh
BE/1 UNC]TA94 ,HAV+ SAT D[N1 %E R1LIZ$
H[ TIR$ %E WAS4 ,! 5D.S "DS & CRAMP$
NI<TS ON ! TRA9S1 ! R\<1 DU/Y DRIVE F
,AU/91 T HORRI# MAN SPRAWL$ 9 A DRUNK5
/UPOR EV5 Z 8 [N "F LAY D1D1 & !N !
3FRONT,N ) ,OLIVIA4 ,X 0 ALL TOO M*4
,LAUR5 RE/$ H] H1D ON ! SMALL PILL[
ATTA*$ 6! BACK (! ROCK+ *AIR & FELL 96A
DEEP SLEEP4 ,%E 0 AWAK5$ 0A P]SI/5T
VOICE & "S"O %AK+ H] >M4 ,G AWAY1 %E
?"\4 ,I DON'T WANT 6WAKE UP1 2C "S?+
T]RI# HAS HAPP5$4 ,I DON'T WANT TO
REMEMB]4 ,! PE/ WDN'T G AWAY4 ,LAUR5
AWAK5$ 6MEET ! BLACKE/1 MO/-LIQUID EYES
%E _H "E SE54 ,%E TOOK 9 ! RE/ (! FACE4
,X 0 D>K1 SMOO?1 UNBLEMI%$1 & B1UTI;L4
,! SMILE 0 G5TLE & W>M4 ,! VOICE 0 SOO?+
& SYMPA!TIC4 8,POOR SE@NORITA4 ,Y >E S
TIR$ T Y FALL ASLEEP 9 ! *AIR4 ,) YR HAT
ON6 ,NO SUPP]8 ,NO BA?8 ,EL5A W HELP Y1
S@I80 8,EL5A8 ,I'M ,LAUR54 ,H[ D Y D80
,LAUR5 GRASP$ ! GIRL'S FRLI;S L A
LIFEL9E4 8,Y'RE S B1UTI;L1 SE@NORITA4 ,I
?9K Y 2 PRETTI] & FEEL BETT] AF A BA?4
,I RUN ! WAT] = Y4 ,Y GET UNDRESS$1  #di
S@I80 ,EL5A /OOD BACK F ! *AIR1 & ,LAUR5
SAW H] PROTRUD+ /OMA*1 ANN\NC+ ! LATE
/AGES ( PREGNANCY4 ,0 ,OLIVIA HID+ ,EL5A
BY 8ASSIGN+0 ! MAID 6H]8 ,H] 3DI;N WD NO
D\BT 2 AN EMB>RASS;T 6! FAMILY & _!
EXPECT$ CALL]S4 ,EL5A CDN'T 2 M ?AN
SIXTE5 OR SEV5TE51 & SEEM$ UNA6ECT$ 02+
SE5 :5 H] 3F9E;T 0 S NE>4 ,H] BR1/S1 !
D>K NIPPLES R1DILY APP>5T1 7 ALM Z L>GE
Z H] /OMA*1 & HUNG UNRE/RA9$ "U AN
EMBROID]$ :ITE BL\SE4 ,%E WA4L$ 96!
BA?ROOM1 KEEP+ UP LIVELY *ATT] 9 A
MIXTURE ( ,5GLI% & ,SPANI%4 ,! TOPICS (
3V]S,N %E *OSE SWIT*$ Z QKLY Z H]
LANGUAGES4 ,:5 %E RETURN$ 6! B$ROOM &
SAW T ,LAUR5 _H N MOV$1 %E SCOLD$ H]4
8,SE@NORITA1 YR WAT] W GET COLD1 N 6M5;N
YR SUPP]4 ,-E1 LET ,EL5A HELP Y40 ,LAUR5
0 %OCK$ :5 ,EL5A TURN$ H] >.D & 2GAN
UNDO+ H] BUTTONS ) DEFT F+]S4 ,%E WANT$
6OBJECT B 0 TOO TIR$ 6=CE ! ^WS "? H]
LIPS4 ,SWIFTLY ,EL5A DIVE/$ H] ( H]
CLO!S4 ,:5 ALL T REMA9$ 7 ,LAUR5'S
PANTALETS1 CORSET1 & CAMISOLE1 ,EL5A
%OOK H] H1D F SIDE 6SIDE & MADE A    #ej
8TSK0+ S.D4 8,A CORSET6 ,& Y >E S SLIM4
,Y C'T EV5 BR1!40 ,%E LOOS5$ ! LACES1 &
SOON ! (F5D+ G>;T 0 LY+ 9 ! H1P ( SOIL$
CLO!S AT ,LAUR5'S FEET4 ,LAUR5 CAU<T
,EL5A'S H&S :5 ! MAID TRI$ 6REMOVE H]
O!R "UWE>4 ,HA/ILY %E /EPP$ 96! BA?ROOM1
: 0 DECORAT$ Z TA/E;LLY Z ! B$ROOM4 ,%E
LOOK$ GRATE;LLY AT ! BA?TUB ( SC5T$
WAT]1 /EPP$ 96X1 & EAS$ H] TIR$1 SORE
BODY 96! /1MY WAT]4 ,%E F9I%$ BA?+1 & 0
LUXURIAT+ 9 ! F/ RELAX,N %E _H "KN =
"DS1 :5 ,EL5A BU/L$ IN4 ,LAUR5 GASP$ 9
SURPRISE =1 S9CE E>LY ADOLESC;E1 NO "O
_H SE5 H] NAK$4 8,LA SE@NORITA IS R1DY =
ME 6WA% H] HAIR1 S@I80 8,NO60 ,LAUR5
PROTE/$1 DESP]ATELY TRY+ 6COV] H]F4 ,:5
%E SAW ! HURT EXPRES.N ON ,EL5A'S FACE1
%E A4$ HURRI$LY1 8,I C D X MYF40 8,B :Y
%D Y8 ,I'M "H10 ,EL5A SD ) HAPPY LOGIC4
8,SE@NOR ,LOCKETT SAY1 ,8,TAKE C>E (! "Y
LADY10' & S ,I D40 ,%E MADE ! SIGN (!
CROSS ACR H] ENORM\S BR1/S AT H] M5;N (
,B54 ,EL5A _H ALR 2GUN 6TAKE ! P9S F
,LAUR5'S HAIR1 : NE$$ NO 5C\RAGE;T TO
CASCADE D[N H] BACK 6H] WAI/4 ,!     #ea
,MEXICAN GIRL 3T9U$ 6*ATT] Z %E P\R$
PIT*] AF PIT*] ( W>M WAT] OV] ,LAUR5'S
H1D4 ,%E LA!R$ ! ?ICK TRESSES 9 A
MASSAGE T 0 HYPNOTIC4 ,LAUR5 FELT H]
N]VES 4SIPAT+ "U ,EL5A'S CAPA# H&S4
8,SE@NOR ,LOCKETT LOOK S =W>D 6Y -+4 ,HE
TELL ALL ( U AB ! PRETTY LADY :O -E TO
LIVE ) U4 ,HE ORD] ! ROOM 2 MADE R1DY4
,HE *ECK X HMF 6MAKE SURE "EY?+ OKAY40
,2F ,LAUR5 CD PROTE/1 ,EL5A PULL$ H] \ (
! TUB4 ,LAUR5'S EF=TS 6COV] H]F 7
9E6ECTUAL1 B ,EL5A DIDN'T SEEM 6NOTICE
H] EMB>RASS;T4 ,! B"R P9K BLU% T SU6US$
,LAUR5'S BODY 0 DUE ONLY 9 "P 6H] W>M
BA?4 ,X 0 NEC = H] 6*ANGE ! SUBJECT AWAY
F H]F & ,B54 ,%E CDN'T ?9K ( HM N[4 ,H]
GRIEF WD 2 SAV$ =A M PRIVATE "T4 ,%E
ASK$ -PANIONABLY1 8,:5 IS YR BABY -+80
8,QUI@EN SABE80 ,EL5A %RU7$4 8,:5 HE GET
R1DY 6-E1 HE -E40 ,%E SMIL$4 8,:AT DOES
YR HUSB& D80 8,OH1 HE "O F9E VAQU]O ON !
,LOCKETT RAN*4 ,8 "N IS ,C>LOS4 ,HE "O
F9E MAN40 ,%E ROLL$ H] EXPRESSIVE EYES
AT ,LAUR51 :O BLU%$ 9/9CTIVELY4 ,%E
DIDN'T WANT ,EL5A 6ELABORATE4        #eb
8,ISN'T X LATE = Y 6/ 2 "W+8 ,FEEL FREE
6G ANY"T40 ,EL5A'S LAU<T] BUB#D =? AG4
8,SE@NORITA1 ,I LIVE "H4 ,C>LOS /AY AT !
RAN*1 & ,I /AY "H4 ,WE GET TGR :5 WE C
AT 8 MAMMA'S H\SE 9 ,PUEBLO40 ,LAUR5 0
A<A/4 8,B SURELY Y WD R H YR [N HOME &
LIVE TGR60 8,S@I1 B WE WD AL L 6EAT4 ,)
NO M"OY1 WE CD D NEI40 ,%E GI7L$4 8,I
SEE10 ,LAUR5 MURMUR$1 AL? %E DIDN'T SEE
AT ALL4 ,?US F>1 %E "U/OOD NO?+ ( ? ALI5
L& & XS P4 ,!Y 7 BACK 9 ! B$ROOM4 ,EL5A
TOOK A NI<TG[N \ ( "O ( ,LAUR5'S BAGS &
SLIPP$ X OV] H] H1D4 ,LAUR5 /OOD 9 !
MI4LE (! ROOM FEEL+ LO/ & HELP.S Z ,EL5A
>RANG$ DI%ES ON A L>GE TRAY4 ,APP>5TLY
%E _H C>RI$ X UP ) H] & DEPOSIT$ X ON !
TA# 2F %E _H AWAK5$ ,LAUR54 ,DELICI\S
>OMAS FILL$ ! ROOM Z ,EL5A LIFT$ ! LIDS
(! DI%ES1 & ,LAUR5'S M\? 2GAN 6WAT]4 ,%E
_HN'T EAT5 S9CE ''' :58 ,EL5A SET ! TRAY
ON ,LAUR5'S LAP4 ,ON X 7 A B1UTI;LLY
GRILL$ /1K1 POTATOES1 A SALAD1 & TWO
K9DS ( BR1D4 ,"O 0 A Y1/ ROLL1 &! O!R 0
A FLAT1 R.D BR1D T 0 TOT,Y =EIGN TO
,LAUR54 ,"! 0 AL A B[L ( B1NS )A     #ec
TOMATO SAUCE LADL$ OV] !M4 8,:AT IS ?80
%E ASK$1 PO9T+ 6! BR1D4 8,TORTILLA4
,BR1D MADE ( CORN10 ,EL5A EXPLA9$4
,LAUR5 TOOK A BITE & F.D T X _H V LL
FLAVOR4 ,!N ,EL5A SCOOP$ "S BUTT] ON X1
SALT$ X LI<TLY1 & ROLL$ X L A CIG>4 ,X 0
DELICI\S4 8,TORTILLA80 ,LAUR5 REP1T$ !
^W1 & ,EL5A NO4$1 CLAPP+ H] H&S4 ,LAUR5
!N PO9T$ 6! B[L ( B1NS4 8,FRIJOLES10
,EL5A SD4 8,) PICANTE40 ,LAUR5 _H LO/ H]
TIMID;Y N[1 & TOOK A G5]\S M\?;L4 ,%E
KNEW 9/ANTLY T %E _H MADE A GRAVE ]ROR4
,H] M\? 0 ON FIRE6 ,%E QKLY SWALL[$ :AT
%E CDN'T MANAGE 6SPIT \1 APPALL$ T %E CD
D S* AN UNLADYLIKE ?+4 ,EL5A 0 LAU<+ S
H>D T H] BR1/S & /OMA* 7 B\NC+4 8,WAT]10
,LAUR5 CROAK$4 ,%E GULP$ ! GLASS T ,EL5A
GAVE H] & ASK$ = M4 ,F9,Y ! FIRE 0 \1 B
%E T5TATIVELY TA/$ ! O!R FOODS 2F TAK+
ANY M BIG BITES4 ,! RE/ (! M1L 0
DELICI\S1 & %E F9I%$ "EY?+--EXCEPT !
FRIJOLES4 ,DESPITE ,LAUR5'S OBJEC;NS1
,EL5A BRAID$ H] HAIR 96"O L;G PLAIT4 ,!
MAID !N HURRI$ 6PULL D[N ! B$COV]S4 8,G
6B$ N[1 SE@NORITA1 & RE/4 ,X HAS     #ed
BE5 A H>D "D1 S@I80 8,YES1 X HAS40 ,%E
CLIMB$ 96! B$ Z ,EL5A QUIETLY LOAD$ !
TRAY & W5T >.D ! ROOM TURN+ (F ! GAS
LAMPS4 8,BU5AS NO*ES1 SE@NORITA10 %E
:ISP]$ Z %E LEFT ! ROOM4 8,GDNI<T1
,EL5A40 ,LAUR5 BURR[$ 2T ! %EETS4 ,!
H\SE 0 QUIET1 ?\< %E CD PICK UP MUT$ &
9DIST+UI%A# VOICES T WAFT$ UP ! /AIRS4
8,B5 ,LOCKETT1 H[ CD Y D ? 6ME80 %E ASK$
96H] PILL[1 & 0 IMMLY A%AM$ ( H] ?"\S4
,AF ! DR1D;L SC5ES %E'D BE5 SUBJECT$ 62F
L1V+ ,NOR? ,C>OL9A1 ,B5'S /R5G?1 A6EC;N1
& W>M? _H BE5 H] SALV,N4 ,%E _H HOP$ TO
/>T A NEW LIFE ) ,B5'S FAMILY4 ,N[1 ALL
^? HOPES 7 DA%$4 ,B5 0 D1D4 ,? SPL5DID
H\SE SEEM$ 6SWALL[ H]4 ,& :AT (! COLD1
=MIDA# WOMAN :O DOM9AT$ X8 ,X O3URR$ TO
,LAUR5 !N T ,B5'S WID[ _HN'T %[N ANY
SIGNS ( EMO;N4 ,MAYBE ,OLIVIA 0 "O ( ^?
P :O EXPRESS$ _! GRIEF PRIVATELY4
,MAYBE4 ,! ?"\ 0 4TURB+4 ,:AT WD ,J>$
,LOCKETT ?9K :5 HE LE>N$ ( 8 "F'S D1?8
,:Y WD A MAN :O _H M"OY & POSI;N GET BL
DRUNK & MAKE A PUBLIC SPECTACLE ( HMF8
,$ ,TRAV]S _H 9TIMAT$ T X WASN'T AT  #ee
ALL UNUSUAL 6SEE ,J>$ 9 S* A 3DI;N4
,WELL1 X'S N"O ( MY 3C]N1 ,LAUR5 ?"\ Z
%E RESOLUTELY CLOS$ H] EYES4 ,%E WDN'T H
ANY D1L+S ) HM4 ,HE 0 V TALL1 WASN'T HE8
,%E WI%$ %E CD =GET ! TREMORS T _H C\RS$
"? H] :5 8 H&S _H CLOS$ >.D H] WAI/ &
C>ESS$ H] BACK4 ,! H1VY PRESSURE ( 8 H1D
AG/ H] BR1/S _HN'T BE5 AN ALT UNPL1SANT
S5S,N4 ,8 HAIR 0 LI<T BR[N4 ,DID SUNLI<T
BR+ \ /R1KS ( GOLD Z %E KNEW X DID 9 !
D[N ON 8 *E/8 99 99 99 ,LAUR5 AWOKE
LANGUIDLY1 AF T5 H\RS ( SLEEP4 ,! ROOM 0
AWA% ) SUNLI<T1 : FILT]$ "? ! AIRY1
YELL[ DRAPES 9 ! EA/ W9D[S4 ,%E FLUNG (F
! COV]S & PA4$ 96! BA?ROOM4 ,DESOL,N OV]
,B5'S D1? & UNC]TA9TY OV] H] FUTURE /
WEI<$ H1VILY ON H] M9D4 ,%E CDN'T /AY "H
N[4 ,& %E DEF9ITELY CDN'T RETURN 6,NOR?
,C>OL9A1 EI4 ,EL5A CAME 9 J Z ,LAUR5
F9I%$ DRESS+4 8,BU5OS DI@Z1 SE@NORITA10
%E GREET$ H] *E];LLY4 8,GD MORN+1
,EL5A10 SD ,LAUR51 3T9U+ 6BRU% H] ?ICK1
BLACK HAIR4 8,DID Y SLEEP WELL80 ,EL5A
ASK$ 3V]S,N,Y Z %E SPR1D ! COV]S SMOO?LY
OV] ! B$4 ,%E BUSI$ H]F ) /RAI<T5+   #ef
! SPOT.S ROOM1 WAT]+ ! PLANTS & FL[]S1 &
>RANG+ ! BR1KFA/ DI%ES ON ! SAME TRAY T
_H HELD ,LAUR5'S D9N] ! PREVI\S NI<T4
8,YES1 V WELL40 ,LAUR5 SWALL[$
UNCOM=TABLY :5 %E RECALL$ "S ( H] DR1MS4
,!Y _H BE5 UNSETTL+4 ,TALL M5 /ALK$ H]4
,"O MAN _H :ITE HAIR & ,B5'S SMIL+ FACE4
,! O!R'S FACE 0 %AD[$ 0A L>GE BLACK HAT1
B %E RECOGNIZ$ ! PHYSIQUE4 ,X 0 IMPR9T$
ON H] M9D ) 9DELI# CL>;Y4 ,AF EAT+ !
L>GE D9N] LA/ NI<T1 %E DIDN'T ?9K %E CD
2 HUNGRY4 ,B ! FRE% MELON SLICES 7
DELICI\S & JUICY4 ,%E DRANK ! HOT C(FEE1
?\< %E WD H PREF]R$ TEA4 ,TIMIDLY %E
ASK$ ,EL5A IF %E CD H TEA F N[ ON4 8,OH1
S@I1 S@I4 ,MY MAMMA1 %E IS ! COOK40 ,%E
LAU<$ AT ! />TL$ EXPRES.N ON ,LAUR5'S
FACE4 8,%E "W =! ,LOCKETTS S9CE 2F ,I 0
BORN4 ,Y CALL H] ,ROSA40 8,I HATE 6?9K (
Y C>RY+ T H1VY TRAY UP/AIRS = MY M1LS1
,EL5A1 B ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT MADE X CLE> T ,I
AM 6/AY Z CLOSE 6? ROOM Z POSSI# DUR+ !
FUN]AL PREP>,NS & :ILE !Y'RE RCVG
CALL]S40 ,H] GAZE DRIFT$ 6! OP5 W9D[S Z
ANO!R WAVE ( SAD;S E2$ OV] H]4 8,IS  #eg
! FUN]AL / S*$UL$ = TM80 8,S@I10 ,EL5A
ANSW]$ S(TLY4 8,LOTS ( P -+ F PLACES F>
AWAY40 8,WELL1 ,I GUESS ,I % BUSY MYF
"SH[10 ,LAUR5 SI<$4 ,%E MANAG$ 6:ILE
AWAY ! L;G H\RS R1D+ & EMBROID]+ A
SAMPL] %E _H BR"\ ) H] F ,CLAYTON4 ,%E 0
D5I$ ,EL5A'S -PANY2 ! GIRL EXPLA9$ T %E
0 NE$$ 6HELP H] "M 9 ! KIT*54 ,! "D
PASS$ SL[LY4 ,6,LAUR51 :O 0 A3U/OM$ TO
ACTIV;Y & WD SEEK \ *ORES IF N"O 7
APP>5T1 X SEEM$ 9T]M9A#4 ,LATE 9 ! AFN1
%E PAUS$ 9 H] R1D+ :5 %E HE>D A H1VY
TR1D 9 ! HALLWAY4 ,:O"E X 0 5T]$ A ROOM
2F R1*+ ! 5D (! HALL ": H] ROOM 0
LOCAT$4 ,SLIPP+ (F H] EYEGLASSES 6RE/ H]
EYES1 %E LI/5$ CLOSELY 6! S.DS ( DRAW]S
OP5+ & %UTT+1 ( W>DROBE DOORS SW++ BACK1
( H1VY %OES OR BOOTS DROPP+ )A ?UD ONTO
! FLOOR4 ,/OCK+$ FOOT/EPS %U6L$ BACK &
=?4 ,LAUR5 HE>D ! CL9K ( GLASS ON GLASS1
WAT] SPLA%+1 A FEW L[ MUM#D ^WS1 !
SCRAP+ ( FURNITURE AG/ WOOD FLOORS1 !
RU/LE ( CLO?+4 ,"S M9UTES LAT]1 ! P]SON
0 F9I%$ ) 8 TOILETTE & LEFT ! ROOM4 ,A
DOOR CLOS$ QUIETLY & FOOT/EPS REC$$  #eh
D[N ! HALL4 ,"S"O O3UPI$ ! ROOM ON ! O!R
SIDE (! BA?ROOM4 ,LAUR5 _HN'T BE5 AW>E (
ANY"O 2+ 9 "! S9CE %E _H MOV$ IN4 ,T
EV5+1 ,LAUR5 0 EMBROID]+ Z ,EL5A GA!R$
UP ! D9N] TRAY & SD GDNI<T4 8,EL5A10
,LAUR5 ASK$1 8:O O3UPIES T ROOM "? !
BA?ROOM80 8,AH6 ,T IS ,SE@NOR ,J>$'S
ROOM40 ,EL5A'S EYES WID5$ EXPRESSIVELY4
8,MY ,C>LOS ?R1T5 ME N"E 6G NE> X40 ,%E
GI7L$ Z %E ADJU/$ ! TRAY >.D H] EXP&$
BELLY4 8,HE SAY ,SE@NOR ,J>$ C PL1SE ANY
WOMAN40 ,%E W9K$ BROADLY Z %E CLOS$ !
DOOR4 ,LAUR5'S GRAY EYES />$ UNSEE+LY AT
! B"R B1D ( BLOOD ON H] PRICK$ F+]4
  ,*APT] #D
  ,! SUN REFUS$ 6%9E ON ! "D ( ,B5
,LOCKETT'S FUN]AL4 ,X1 TOO1 SEEM$ 6BE
M\RN+ ! MAN :O _H SP5T L;G H\RS "U XS
HOT RAYS1 WOR%IP+ ! L& & XS ELE;TS4 ,=
TWO "DS1 ,LAUR5 _H WAT*$ F H] W9D[ Z ALL
TYPES ( P CAME 6PAY TRIBUTE 6,B54 ,"! 7
W1L?Y VISITORS1 _! A6LU;E EVID;ED 0_!
CLO!S & _! 3VEY.ES4 ,O!RS LOOK$ 6BE
F>M]S OR RAN*]S WE>+ CL1N B WORN CLO!S4
,_! WIVES TA7$ AF !M />+ AT !        #ei
B1UTI;L H\SE 9 AWE4 ,VAQU]OS 9 DU/Y L1!R
*APS RODE UP 6! H\SE ON TRAIL-WE>Y
HORSES4 ,! M\RN]S CAME S+LY1 9 PAIRS1 OR
9 GR\PS1 B "! 0 A 3T9U\S P>ADE ( !M4
,LAUR5 CDN'T IMAG9E ! WOMAN :O _H GREET$
H] ) S* HO/IL;Y GRACI\SLY WELCOM+ !
HUM#/ ( ^! VISITORS4 ,! HE>SE CAME D[N !
%ELL LANE1 GLI/5+ BLACKLY4 ,) XS
TASSEL-TRIMM$1 FR+$ DRAPES1 PLUM$
HORSES1 & DRIV] :O WORE A CUTAWAY COAT &
TOP HAT1 X LOOK$ L "S SORT ( CIRCUS
VEHICLE4 ,B5 WD H>DLY H *OS5 S* AN
O/5TATI\S1 FRIVOL\S 3VEY.E 6C>RY HM 6HIS
GRAVE1 ,LAUR5 ?"\1 FEEL+ ANO!R PANG (
GRIEF =! RU7$1 VIRILE MAN4 ,LAUR5 WAT*$
F H] W9D[ Z ,OLIVIA 0 ESCORT$ D[N !
FRONT WALK 0A MAN NO TALL] ?AN %E4 ,F
,LAUR5'S P]SPECTIVE1 8 BALD H1D SEEM$ ON
A LEVEL ) ,OLIVIA'S VEIL$ BLACK HAT4 ,8
BLACK COAT FIT SNUGLY ACR A PORTLY
TORSO4 ,%YLY HE T\*$ ,OLIVIA'S ELB[ Z HE
ASSI/$ H]4 ,X 0 H>D 6TELL IF 8 HESITANCY
9 T\*+ H] 0 9 DEF];E 6H] GRIEF OR 9 FE>
T %E WD TURN ON HM4 ,8 ATTITUDE T[>D H]
SEEM$ 6BE ALM SUBS]VI5T4 ,LAUR5      #fj
9HAL$ %>PLY :5 %E SAW ! FIGURE 2H ! O!R
TWO4 ,8 HEI<T &! BR1D? ( 8 %\LD]S GAVE
AWAY 8 ID5T;Y1 ?\< %E / CDN'T SEE 8 FACE
"U ! WIDE-BRIMM$ BLACK HAT4 ,8 BLACK
SUIT BORE NO 4T+UI%+ DETAILS4 ,HE APPE>$
6BE )DRAWN1 OBLIVI\S 6! SYMPA!TIC FRS :O
WAT*$ HM ) P;Y Z HE FOLL[$ 8 "M &! O!R
MAN 6! COV]$ C>RIAGE : WAIT$ 2H ! HE>SE4
,! C(F9 0 C]EMONI\SLY LIFT$ 96! HE>SE4
,LAUR5 ?"\ ,B5 WD H SC(F$ AT ALL ? POMP
& CIRCUM/.E4 ,%E 0 SURE HE 0 "S": WAT*+
ALL ( !M1 8 BLUE EYES TW9KL+ 9 AMUSE;T4
,%E (F]$ A PRAY] = 8 S\L Z ! HE>SE L$ !
PROCES.N AWAY F ! H\SE4 ,Z ! FAMILY'S
C>RIAGE ROLL$ BY1 %E NOTIC$ A /R;G1 L1N1
TANN$ H& DANGL+ NEGLIG5TLY AG/ ! DOOR4
99 99 99 ,! SUMMONS CAME S SU45LY T
,LAUR5 0 UNPREP>$ = X4 ,EL5A _H FLUNG
OP5 ! DOOR 6! ROOM &1 ) COLOR;L SKIRTS
SWIRL+ >.D H] B>E LEGS1 & BR1/S BO2+ L
LANT]NS SUSP5D$ ON A WIRE1 %E SPUTT]$ !
MESSAGE4 8,LA SE@NORA WANTS 6SEE Y
PRONTO1 SE@NORITA4 ,QKLY %E SAY4 ,QKLY4
,%E IS ) ,SE@NOR ,WELLS 9 ,SE@NOR
,LOCKETT'S (FICE40 ,%E 0 A FLURRY (  #fa
MO;N Z %E HELP$ ,LAUR5 BUTTON H]
%IRTWAI/1 : _H BE5 4C>D$ :5 %E _H PREP>$
=A NAP4 ,H] HAIR 0 HA/ILY PULL$ 96XS
USUAL BUN4 ,EL5A KNELT D[N 6BUTTON H]
%OES4 ,LAUR5 WD H ?"\ X IMPOSSI# = ,EL5A
6FOLD H]F 96T POSI;N1 B DIDN'T H "T TO
WOND] AB X N[4 ,%E 0 BR1?+ RAPIDLY1 H]
HE>T 0 P.D+1 & H] PALMS 7 SW1T+4 ,9 ALL
H] LIFE1 %E _H N"E BE5 ? N]V\S4 ,!Y LEFT
! ROOM AF ,LAUR5 GRA2$ A LACE H&K]*IEF4
,:E!R X 0 6DRY H] H&S OR 6H "S?+ 6HOLD
ON TO1 %E DIDN'T "K4 ,EL5A AL SEEM$
JITT]Y Z %E L$ ,LAUR5 D[N ! HALL 6! WIDE
/AIRCASE4 ,!Y DESC5D$ QKLY & WALK$ T[>D
A L>GE SLID+ DOOR4 ,EL5A GAVE ,LAUR5 A
QK NOD ( 5C\RAGE;T & PULL$ ASIDE "O
PANEL (! DOOR4 ,LAUR5 DREW A DEEP BR1?4
,%E /EPP$ 96! ROOM & 0 AG SURPRIS$ AT !
SIMPLE B1UTY (! H\SE4 ,"! 7
FLOOR-TO-CEIL+ BOOK%ELVES ON "O SIDE (!
ROOM4 ,O!R %ELVES FLANK$ A L>GE
FIREPLACE4 ,! MANTEL 0 9TRICATELY &
MA/];LLY C>V$4 ,WIDE1 FULL-L5G? W9D[S
-POS$ ! F\R? WALL4 ,AN ,AUBUSSON RUG
COV]$ MO/ (! H>DWOOD FLOOR4 ,L1!R    #fb
*AIRS & SMALL TA#S1 /RATEGIC,Y PLAC$1
L5T !MVS 6PRIVATE 3V]S,NS4 ,"! 0 A L;G
SIDEBO>D LOAD$ ) DECANT]S & GLASSES (
CUT CRY/AL4 ,! W9D[ DRAPES _H BE5
-PLETELY OP5$1 ALL[+ ! AFN SUN 6/R1M 9 &
REFLECT ON ! GLASS SURFACES4 ,9 FRONT (!
W9D[S 0 A MASSIVE DESK LITT]$ ) L$G]S &
PAP]S ( V>I\S %APES1 SIZES1 & COLORS4
,OLIVIA SAT 9 ! HI<-BACK$ L1!R *AIR 2H !
DESK4 ,! %ORT1 /\T MAN ,LAUR5 _H SE5 )
H] Z %E LEFT =! FUN]AL 0 S1T$ 9 A *AIR 9
FRONT (! DESK4 ,HE /OOD & WALK$ T[>D H]4
8,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 ? IS 9DE$ A PL1SURE4
,I'M SORRY T CIRCUM/.ES H PREV5T$ ME F
MEET+ Y 2F N[4 ,I HOPE Y HAV5'T BE5 TOO
UNCOM=TA# S9CE YR >RIVAL40 ,HE SEEM$ TO
EXPECT NO ANSW] Z HE 3T9U$1 8,I AM
,C>SON ,WELLS1 AN OLD FR ( ,B5'S &
,OLIVIA'S1 & AL _! LAWY]4 ,H[ D Y D80
8,H[ D Y D1 ,MR4 ,WELLS40 ,LAUR5'S N]VES
7 CALM$ 0HIS GRACI\S;S4 ,%E REPLI$
/1DILY1 8,I H BE5 MO/ -=TA#4 ,I'M ONLY
SORRY T ,I 0 AN 9TRUD] AT AN UNHAPPY
"T40 8,NO "O BLAMES Y40 ,HE SPOKE 6H]
G5TLY1 & %E 0 GLAD = 8 PRES;E 9 !    #fc
ROOM4 ,HE 0 BALD EXCEPT =A SKIMPY FR+E (
NONDESCRIPT BR[N HAIR : ADORN$ ! BACK (
8 H1D4 ,Z IF 6-P5SATE = 8 BALD-H1D$;S1
BU%Y SIDEBURNS GREW1 9 AN \TDAT$ FA%ION1
6)9 9*ES ( 8 FLE%Y NOSE4 ,8 EYES 7 K9D &
SMIL+1 & HE SEEM$ AW>E ( H] AWKW>D
SITU,N4 ,OLIVIA _H N UTT]$ A S.D4 ,N[1
%E SD 9 LEVEL T"OS1 8,MR4 ,WELLS & ,I
WI% 6SP1K 6Y1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,W Y SIT
D[N8 ,WD Y C>E = "S %]RY80 ,LAUR5 A3EPT$
! *AIR ,MR4 ,WELLS HELD = H] & DECL9$ !
%]RY4 ,OLIVIA'S POSI;N 9 FRONT (! GL>E (
! W9D[S \TL9$ H] FRAME1 B KEPT H]
F1TURES D>K & 9SCRUTA#4 ,LAUR5 WOND]$ IF
,B5 _H ?"\ H[ ADVANTAGE\S ? PLACE;T ( 8
DESK WD 2 6! P]SON SITT+ 2H X4 ,%E ALM
_H 6SQU9T 6SEE ,OLIVIA CLE>LY4 8,I W GET
DIRECTLY 6! PO9T ( ? 4CUS.N1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK4 ,I'M IGNORANT ( MY HUSB&'S
R1SONS = 9VIT+ Y "H4 ,I _H 3/RU$ "S1 ?\<
^U MEET+ Y1 ,I R1LIZE T !Y 7 WR;G40 ,%E
DIDN'T EXPLA9 & H] M1N+ ELUD$ ,LAUR54
,OLIVIA 3T9U$1 8,IN ANY CASE1 HE 0
DET]M9$ T Y /AY = AT L1/ TWO MON?S4 ,!
NI<T HE _H 8 SEIZURE1 Z ILL Z HE     #fd
WAS1 HE ASK$ ME 6ALL[ Y 6/AY = T L5G? (
"T4 ,YR 2+ "H 0 OBVI\SLY IMPORTANT 6HM40
,LAUR5 MOI/5$ H] LIPS N]V\SLY ) H]
T;GUE4 ,%E WASN'T SURE %E CD SP1K4 8,YR
HUSB& TOLD ME T Y MI<T F9D ME HELP;L 9
H&L+ YR CORRESPOND;E1 5T]TA9+1 ?+S L T4
,I 5VI.N$ MYF Z A SORT ( SECRET>Y40
,LAUR5'S HE>T 0 P.D+ S L\DLY T %E CD
B>ELY HE> H] [N ^WS4 ,OLIVIA CAME !
CLOSE/ 6SMIL+ T ,LAUR5 _H "E SE54 ,C>SON
,WELLS R1*$ OV] & PATT$ H] H& Z HE SD
QUIETLY1 8,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 ,B5 LIK$ TO
SURPRISE FOLKS & JOKE ) !M4 ,OLIVIA IS
AN A/UTE BUSI;SWOMAN & HAS A NUMB] (
CL]KS AT ! BANK AT H] 4POSAL4 ,B5 MAY H
TOLD Y 8 WIFE NE$$ A SECRET>Y1 B HE _H
AN ULT]IOR MOTIVE1 ,I ASSURE Y40 ,BANK8
,%E DIDN'T "K ANY?+ AB A BANK4 ,%E 0
GRASP+ AT /RAWS & %E KNEW X1 B %E
/AMM]$1 8,I ''' ,I PLAY ! PIANO Q WELL4
,MAYBE HE ?"\ ,I CD GIVE SMALL 3C]TS =
YR GUE/S OR "S?+40 ,OLIVIA LIFT$ A
DERISIVE EYEBR[4 8,T WD 2 LOVELY1 ,I'M
SURE1 B WE DON'T EV5 [N A PIANO40 ,LAUR5
0 /UNN$1 & _H NO?+ ELSE 6SAY4 ,%E    #fe
LOOK$ F/ AT "O & !N ! O!R4 ,HUMILIAT$ 2Y
5DUR.E1 %E B[$ H] H1D & />$ AT ! SO7Y1
TWI/$ H&K]*IEF CL5*$ 9 H] LAP 0:ITE1
TREMBL+ F+]S4 8,I'M SORRY4 ,I DIDN'T "K
ANY ( ?4 ,Y M/ ?9K ''' ,I 0 S SURE '''
,HE DIDN'T TELL ME '''0 ,! TE>S T _H BE5
CL\D+ H] VI.N F9,Y FLOOD$ H] EYES &
SPILL$ ONTO H] *EEKS4 8,N[1 N[1 NO NE$ =
T10 ,C>SON SD QKLY4 8,I'M AFRAID OLD ,B5
0 J PLAY+ "O ( 8 NOTORI\S TRICKS ON "S"O
AT YR EXP5SE1 & DIDN'T LIVE 6SEE X "?4
,Y C /AY =A :ILE4 ,OLIVIA & ,I W TRY TO
MAKE ? AN 5JOYA# VISIT = Y4 ,-E N[1 /OP
CRY+40 ,C>SON S.D$ G5U9ELY 4TRESS$ & 0
PATT+ H] H& S VIGOR\SLY T X /UNG4 8,W Y
JO9 U 9 ! D9+ ROOM AT SEV5-?IRTY = D9N]1
,MISS ,HOLBROOK80 ,OLIVIA S.D$ ANNOY$ AT
? 4PLAY ( EMO;N4 ,LAUR5 TOOK H] CUE (
4MISSAL & /OOD Z %E SD1 8,YES1 ?ANK Y1
,MRS4 ,LOCKETT40 ,%E SUMMON$ ALL ( H]
POISE Z %E NO4$ 6!M 9 TURN & !N GLID$ 6!
H1VY PANELS (! DOOR4 ,OLIVIA CALL$ H] "N
%>PLY4 8,MISS ,HOLBROOK40 8,YES80 ,LAUR5
SD TREMUL\SLY Z %E TURN$ BACK 6FACE !M4
8,"!'S "S?+ ,I M/ "K40 8,OLIVIA1     #ff
PL1SE--0 ,C>SON 9T]JECT$4 ,HE 0 IGNOR$4
8,W]E Y MY HUSB&'S MI/RESS80 ,MI/RESS6
,! ^W SCR1M$ AT H]1 E*O+ 9 H] H1D &
RICO*ET+ (F ! WALLS (! ROOM4 ,_H ,OLIVIA
?R[N /"OS AT H]1 ,LAUR5 CDN'T H FELT M
ABUS$4 ,H] *EEKS FLAM$ ) COLOR1 B H]
:OLE BODY _H TURN$ COLD4 8,NO60 %E
GASP$4 8,:AT"E '''8 ,NO1 NO40 ,%E 0 TOO
A/ONI%$ 0! "Q 6D5Y ! ALLEG,N M
ELOQU5TLY4 8,I DIDN'T ?9K S10 0
,OLIVIA'S ONLY REPLY4 8,WE'LL SEE Y AT
D9N]40 ,RETRAC+ H] WAY 6H] ROOM1 ,LAUR5
B>ELY HELD ON 6A T5U\S ?R1D ( -POSURE4
,:5 %E 0 9 H] ROOM1 %E COLLAPS$ ON ! B$
& CRI$4 ,%E FELT MORTIFIC,N = H] NAIVETE
& ,OLIVIA'S SURMISE4 ,ALL TOO REC5TLY
SIMIL> ^WS _H BE5 FLUNG AT H]1 & _H BE5
EQU,Y UNJU/4 ,:Y 0 %E SUSPECT8 ,%E
GRIEV$ =A MAN :OM %E _H TRU/$ & :O _H
DCVD H]4 ,TREPID,N = AN OM9\S FUTURE
3SUM$ H]4 ,TWO MON?S6 ,:AT _H ,B5
EXPECT$ 6HAPP5 9 T "T8 ,& AT ! 5D ( ^?
SIXTY "DS1 :AT 0 %E 6D8 99 99 99 ,%E
DRESS$ C>E;LLY = D9N]1 WE>+ "O (! TWO
NICE DRESSES 9 H] W>DROBE4 ,X 0      #fg
MADE ( S(T LILAC VOILE4 ,SL5D] PL1TS &
T9Y PE>L BUTTONS ADORN$ ! BODICE1 &A
HI<1 LACE-L9$ COLL> R1*$ 6J "U H] JAW4
,! SKIRT FELL 9 S(T FOLDS 6! 9/EP ( H]
:ITE L1!R SLIPP]S4 ,EL5A ASSI/$ H] ) H]
TOILETTE4 ,X SEEM$ ALM NATURAL N[ =!
,MEXICAN GIRL 6HELP H] BA! & DRESS4
,LAUR5 _H ALW BE5 M OR LESS AL"O1 B ^!
LA/ FEW "DS SEEM$ ! L"OLIE/ ( H] LIFE1 &
%E 0 GRATE;L = H] NEW -PANION4 ,! D9+
ROOM 0 DECORAT$ )! SAME ELEGANT "U/AT$
TA/E EVID5T 9 ! RE/ (! H\SE4 ,IF EI
,C>SON OR ,OLIVIA NOTIC$ ,LAUR5'S R$D5$
EYES1 !Y DIDN'T M5;N !M Z !Y TOOK _!
S1TS4 ,! M1L 0 S]V$ 0AN OBESE ,MEXICAN
WOMAN :O ,LAUR5 SUPPOS$ 0 ,ROSA1 ,EL5A'S
"M4 ,EA* "T %E C>RI$ 9 A PLATT] ( FOOD1
%E LOOK$ AT ,LAUR5 & SMIL$ ) OP5 FRLI;S4
,LAUR5 SMIL$ BACK ?ANK;LLY4 ,! FOOD 0
SUMPTU\S & %E ATE "EY?+ EXCEPT ! B1NS &
PICANTE SAUCE1 : SEEM$ 6BE A /APLE AT E
M1L EXCEPT BR1KFA/4 ,! 3V]S,N 0 LIMIT$
6TRIVIAL1 "EY"D TOPICS1 & S9CE ,LAUR5 _H
SUP]VIS$ _M D9N]S SIMIL> 6? 9 ! ,PRA!RS'
P>SONAGE1 %E 0 AT EASE4 ,%E WOND]$   #fh
AT ! ABS;E ( ,J>$ ,LOCKETT1 & />T$
VIOL5TLY ! F/ "T ,C>SON MADE REF];E 6HM4
,8 N 2+ "! SEEM$ ( NO 3C]N 6!M4 ,OLIVIA
M5;N$ 6,C>SON 9 PASS+ T ,J>$ WD 2 AT
,KEYPO9T = S"EAL "DS4 ,OLIVIA 0 RELIEV$
6SEE T ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK EXHIBIT$ GD
MANN]S AT L1/4 ,IF "S"O CAME 6CALL1 %E
WDN'T H 6EXPLA9 A GAU*E1 /UPID /RUMPET1
: 0 H[ %E _H PICTUR$ ! GIRL :5 ,B5 _H F/
TOLD H] AB ,LAUR54 ,%E 0 OBVI\SLY WELL
R1D1 & MA9TA9$ H] -POSURE ? AFN EV5 :5
%E RESORT$ 6T W1K1 FEM99E TRAIT ( CRY+4
,H[ SWEET1 H[ CAPTIVAT+1 ?"\ ,OLIVIA
S>CA/IC,Y4 ,C>SON _H NATUR,Y SU3UMB$ 6!
TE>S1 Z ALL M5 DID4 ,!Y CDN'T RESI/ A
VULN]A# WOMAN4 ,C>SON ,WELLS _H 9DE$
FELT -PAS.N = ,LAUR5'S PITI;L /ATE ?
AFN4 ,%E WASN'T ! S*EM+1 DEVI\S WOMAN HE
_H FE>$ %E WD BE4 ,HE _H EXPECT$ A
FLOOZY :O WD DROP A BABY ON ! ,LOCKETTS'
DOOR/EP1 DCLG ,B5'S PAT]N;Y & DEM&+ A
SIZA# PURSE4 ,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK 0 AN
9NOC5T1 A VICTIM ( CIRCUM/.ES4 ,OLIVIA
CD H SP>$ ! GIRL ! "Q AB H] REL,N%IP TO
,B54 ,HE _HN'T WANT$ H] =A LOV]1     #fi
,C>SON 0 C]TA9 ( T4 ,B5 _H LIK$ !M LU/Y1
NAU<TY1 & BUXOM4 ,? FRAGILE1 DOE-EY$ "Y
WOMAN CD MELT A MAN'S HE>T ) H] DELICATE
B1UTY1 B %E WD N"E H /IRR$ ! LO9S ( ,B5
,LOCKETT4 ,Z = ,C>SON1 "! 0 ONLY "O
WOMAN = HM4 ,ALW _H BE54 ,B NO MAN 0 "E
GO+ 6POSSESS H]4 ,NO MAN4 ,/1 ,C>SON
LOV$ ,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT4 ,AF ALL ? "T1 AF
ALL ! PA9 %E _H PUT HM "?1 AF HAV+ 6BE>
! GUILT ( 2TRAY+ 8 BE/ FR1 ,C>SON LOV$
H]4 ,! TALK TURN$ 6BUSI;S1 & ,LAUR5
LI/5$ 4TRACT$LY1 N RE,Y GRASP+ OR C>+ AB
! SUBJECT4 ,9/1D1 %E SPECULAT$ ON : *AIR
,J>$ SAT 9 :5 HE ATE 9 ? D9+ ROOM4 ,A
FEW FACTS DID MANAGE 6>RE/ H] ATT5;N4 ,!
,LOCKETTS [N$ ! ,CORONADO ,BANK4 ,!Y 7
TRY+ 6GET A RAILROAD TRUNK 6,CORONADO1
?\< "! 7 "S OB/ACLES 9VOLV$4 ,KEYPO9T 0
MANAG$ 0"S"O "ND ,M5DEZ1 ?\< ! ,LOCKETTS
7 APPRIS$ (! PR(ITS & LIABILITIES 6!
P5NY4 ,C>SON 0 SP1K+ 9 AN EMPHATIC
VOICE4 8,WE'VE GOT 6GET ,VANDIV] \ "H &
W9E & D9E HM1 ,OLIVIA4 ,HE'S ! P[] 2H X4
,)\T HM1 WE DON'T GET ! RAILROAD4 ,N[ T
,B5 ''' WELL1 N[ IS ! "T 6APPROA*    #gj
HM AG40 8,WE'LL H 6-E 6T]MS )! WAT] "RS1
Y "K10 ,OLIVIA SD COOLLY4 8,T'S "S?+
WE'LL FACE :5 ! "T -ES4 ,! IMPORTANT ?+
N[ IS = U 6LET !M "K WE'RE 9T]E/$4 ,:AT
AB ,J>$1 ,OLIVIA8 ,D Y ?9K HE'LL
OBJECT80 8,J>$ W D :AT"E WE TELL HM TO10
%E SNAPP$4 8,"! MAY 2 "S RESI/.E B HE
KNEW T ,B5 WANT$ ! RAILROAD4 ,I ?9K T'S
! PO9T 6/RESS 6HM40 ,!Y 7 QUIET =A MO;T1
& ,LAUR5 LOOK$ TIMIDLY AT _! FACES4 ,BO?
7 WE>+ EXPRES.NS ( DEEP 3C5TR,N4 99 99
99 ,J>$ 0 TIR$1 DIRTY1 & 9 DIRE NE$ (A
DR9K Z HE TRUDG$ UP ! /AIRS4 ,! RIDE F !
RAN* _H BE5 HOT EV5 ON ? E>LY-,OCTOB]
"D4 ,! TRAILS 7 DU/Y1 *OK+ (F A MAN'S
BR1?4 ,X _HN'T RA9$ S9CE ! "D (! FUN]AL4
,HE /OPP$ ABRUPTLY 9 MID-/RIDE & =CIBLY
?RU/ T ?"\ F 8 M9D4 ,Z HE R1*$ ! TOP (!
/AIRS1 HE NOTIC$ T ! DOOR AT ! 5D (!
HALL 0 SLI<TLY AJ>4 ,= "S R1SON HE CDN'T
"N1 HE /EPP$ LI<TLY Z HE APPROA*$ 8
ROOM4 ,S /1L?Y 7 8 FOOT/EPS T 8 SPURS
DIDN'T EV5 J+LE4 ,?ORN WD 2 PR\D ( HM1
HE ?"\ )A SMILE4 ,HE /OPP$ \TSIDE 8 ROOM
& PUT 8 H& ON ! DOORKNOB1 B AN       #ga
OV]:ELM+ CURIOS;Y -PELL$ HM 63T9UE D[N !
HALL UNTIL HE /OOD 9 FRONT (! DOOR 6!
GUE/ B$ROOM4 ,:Y N OP5 X8 ,%E PROBABLY
WASN'T 9 "!4 ,& IF %E W]E1 :AT ! HELL8
,? 0 4HIS H\SE1 WASN'T X8 ,HE PU%$ OP5 !
DOOR4 ,?ANKS 6XS WELL-OIL$ H+ES1 X OP5$
SIL5TLY4 ,LAUR5 SAT AT A SMALL DESK4 ,%E
0 WRIT+ AC"KL$G;TS 6LRS ( 3DOL;E4 ,%E _H
9SI/$ ON A PROJECT1 & ,OLIVIA _H
GRUDG+LY1 &)A SECRET RESPECT =! GIRL1
ASSIGN$ H] ? T$I\S JOB4 ,WELL1 WELL4 ,!
OLD BOY _HN'T D"O S BADLY = HMF1 ,J>$
?"\4 ,ALL HE CD SEE 0 H] BACK1 B ,LAUR5
TURN$ H] H1D SLI<TLY Z %E B5T OV] ! LR
%E 0 -POS+4 ,X 0 -PLETELY SIL5T 9 ! ROOM
EXCEPT = H] P5 SCRAT*+ ACR ! PAP] &A
SMALL CLOCK TICK+ ON ! B$SIDE TA#4 ,DU/
MOTES D.ED 9 ! W>M AFN SUNLI<T T
PROJECT$ 96! ROOM AT SLANT$ ANGLES4
,LAUR5 /RAI<T5$ H] %\LD]S SLI<TLY & SI<$
DEEPLY Z %E DIPP$ H] P5 9 ! 9KWELL4 ,J>$
HELD 8 BR1? LE/ HE 2 4COV]$1 B %E B5T
OV] ! PAP] ONCE AG4 ,F 8 POSI;N AT !
DOOR1 ,J>$ _H ONLY A "PIAL VIEW ( H]
FACE--A SMOO? IVORY -PLEXION )A H9T  #gb
( BLU% AT ! *EEKB"O1 &A PAIR ( SMALL
EYEGLASSES P]*$ ON ! /RAI<T1 SL5D] NOSE4
,H] CLO!S 7 TOO PROP] 6BE TRUE1 HE ?"\4
,! :ITE1 HI<-NECK$ %IRTWAI/ &! M>OON
SKIRT CD H 2L;G$ 6A S*OOLM>M4 ,X 0 FET*+
! WAY ! BUTTONS ON H] BL\SE FOLL[$ H]
SP9E Z IF 9VIT+ A MAN 6TRACE 8 F+]S AL;G
T GRACE;L BACK UP 6A SLIM COLUMN ( NECK
ABV : 0 PIL$ A LUXURIANT MASS ( HAIR4
,GOD1 :AT HAIR6 ,X 0 COAL-BLACK ) D>K
BLUE HI<LI<TS T A4$ 6XS RI*;S4 ,A FEW
T5DRILS _H ESCAP$ ! H1VY BUN ON ! TOP (
H] H1D & LAY COYLY ON H] NECK4 ,J>$
WOND]$ :AT ^? CURLS WD FEEL L 2T 8 F+]S4
,%E 0 SL5D]4 ,MAYBE TOO SL5D]4 ,SK9NY4
,MOV+ SL[LY1 HOP+ N 6ATTRACT H] ATT5;N
UNTIL J ! "R MO;T1 HE R1*$ 96HIS BR1/
POCKET & TOOK \ A *EROOT &A MAT*4 ,HE
CLAMP$ ! *EROOT 2T 8 TEE? &1 PUTT+ ON !
FACE HE %[$ ! _W1 /RUCK ! MAT* AG/ !
DOORJAMB4 ,! S.D 0 L A CANNON %OT 9 !
SMALL1 QUIET ROOM1 & ,LAUR5 BOLT$ \ ( H]
*AIR4 ,%E DREW H]F UP %>PLY AG/ ! DESK
:5 %E SAW ,J>$1 & CLUT*$ A DA9TY1 TI<T
FI/ 6H] BR1/4 ,J>$'S EYES FLITT$ TO  #gc
H] *E/1 & HE AM5D$ 8 F/ SPECUL,N4 ,NO4
,%E WASN'T SK9NY4 ,%E LOOK$ AT HM 9
T]ROR F OV] ! TOP ( H] SPECTACLES1 &
,J>$ 0 MO;T>ILY TAK5 ABACK 0HIS F/ FULL
LOOK AT ,LAUR5'S FACE4 ,:AT 9 HELL COLOR
EYES 7 ^?8 ,BLUE8 ,NO1 GRAY4 ,GO4AM4 ,HE
_H 6H& X 6HIS OLD MAN4 ,%E WASN'T BAD AT
ALL4 ,LAUR5 FELT L A CORN]$ ANIMAL Z %E
L1N$ AG/ ! DESK = SUPPORT4 ,J>$ LIT !
CIG>1 8 EYES N"E L1V+ H]4 ,! SMOKE WR1!D
8 FACE Z HE LAZILY PU%$ ! FLAT-CR[N$ HAT
BACK (F 8 H1D ) 8 ?UMB4 ,X CAU<T ON A ?9
L1!R CORD TI$ >.D 8 NECK & HUNG AG/ 8
%\LD]S4 ,HE SQU9T$ AT H] "? N>R[$ EYES 9
AN 9SOL5T & LASCIVI\S FA%ION1 RAK+ H]
BODY UP & D[N UNTIL H] *EEKS 7 ON FIRE )
EMB>RASS;T4 ,LAUR5 DID N MOVE OR SP1K Z
%E RETURN$ ,J>$'S SCRUT9Y4 ,8 HAIR 0
BR[N1 ) SUN-BL1*$ /R&S GIV+ X ! GOLD5
HI<LI<TS %E _H EXPECT$4 ,8 -PLEXION 0
D>K1 A -B9,N ( H]$;Y & L;G H\RS 9 ! SUN4
,8 EYES1 ?\< BR[N1 7 LI<T1 AMB]-COLOR$4
,L TWO P]FECT TOPAZES4 ,"! 0 A LOT ( ,B5
9 HM1 "PICUL>LY 9 8 PHYSIQUE1 B 8 FACE
%[$ N"O ( ,B5'S M]RI;T4 ,! /.E1 !    #gd
FACE1 ! EXPRES.N -MUNICAT$ >ROG.E1
3CEIT1 & 3TEMPT4 ,HE L1N$ NEGLIG5TLY AG/
! DOORFRAME1 ANKLES CROSS$1 DRESS$ 9 M*
! SAME MANN] Z ! F/ "T %E _H SE5 HM 9 !
BACK (! WAGON1 EXCEPT ? "T "! 0 A
COLOR;L B&ANA >.D 8 ?ROAT4 ,! SILV]
SPURS ON 8 BOOTS FASC9AT$ H]1 & %E />$
AT !M =A MO;T 2F H] EYES TRAVEL$ UP !
L;G BODY 6CAT* 8 AMB] EYES1 : 7 / FIX$
ON H] 9 AN UNSETTL+ APPRAISAL4 8,MISS
,HOLBROOK1 ,I CAME 6(F] MY HUM#/
APOLOGIES4 ,I "U/& T ON \R F/ MEET+1 ,I
0 "S:AT 9DISPOS$ & 2HAV$ ABOM9ABLY40 ,8
VOICE 0 ,B5'S4 ,X HELD ! SAME S(T TIMBRE
& L[ PIT*1 B 0 FULL ( S>CASM4 ,LAUR5
WOND]$ :AT %E _H D"O 6E>N ? 4DA94 ,HE 0
! "O :O DES]V$ RIDICULE4 8,:AT C ,I D TO
REDEEM MYF80 8,Y MI<T />T 0APOLOGIZ+ =
5T]+ MY ROOM )\T 9VIT,N10 %E -;T$4 ,HE 0
SURPRIS$ AT H] APLOMB & COCK$ A
SKEPTICAL EYEBR[4 ,HE RECOV]$ QKLY1
H["E1 & SD 9 S(T1 3SPIRATORIAL T"OS1
8,WD Y 9VITE ME 96YR ROOM1 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK80 ,%E FLU%$ AT 8 EMPHASIS ON !
8MISS40 ,R1LIZ+ T %E / HELD H] FI/   #ge
AG/ H] *E/1 %E L[]$ X QKLY1 T\*+ H] WAT*
FLEET+LY4 ,AT ! SAME "T1 %E TOOK (F H]
EYEGLASSES )! O!R H&4 ,SMIL+ WICK$LY AT
H] 4COMFITURE1 ,J>$ WAT*$ H] H&S1
"PICUL>LY ! "O T FONDL$ ! WAT*4 8,X'S /
"!10 HE SD QUIETLY4 8,I'M N A ?IEF40 ,%E
0 FURI\S AT HAV+ DRAWN ATT5;N 6H] BODY4
,HE PU%$ HMF AWAY F ! DOORJAMB )A %OVE (
8 %\LD] & CROSS$ ! ROOM )! SL[1 PR$ATORY
GAIT (A /ALK+ CAT4 ,8 SPURS J+L$ ON !
H>DWOOD FLOOR4 ,LAUR5'S ?ROAT CLOS$
-PLETELY :5 HE /OOD ONLY 9*ES 9 FRONT (
H]4 ,HE T[]$ OV] H]1 & %E _H 6TILT H]
H1D BACK 6LOOK 96HIS FACE4 ,X REQUIR$ A
TREM5D\S AM.T ( C\RAGE 6D S1 B %E
9/9CTIVELY KNEW T X WD 2 6H] 4ADVANTAGE
IF HE ?"\ %E 7 AFRAID ( HM4 ,H] FALSE
BRAVADO EVAPORAT$ Z HE RAIS$ 8 H& &
EXT5D$ X T[>D H]4 ,! L;G F+]S R1*$ \ &1
0AN ACT ( W1 %E DIDN'T RECOIL4 8,:AT IS
?1 ANYWAY80 HE ASK$ S(TLY4 ,8 F+]S CLOS$
>.D ! WAT* P9N$ 6H] %IRTWAI/4 ,8 BR1?
/IRR$ ! F9E HAIRS T FRAM$ H] FACE1 & %E
CAU<T ! PUNG5T FRAGR.E ( TOBA3O4 ,HE
HELD ! WAT* 9 ! PALM ( 8 H& & />$    #gf
AT X 9 A SIL5T P5SIVE;S T 3TRA/$ )!
FI]CE EMO;NAL EXPLO.NS T ERUPT$ F DEEP
)9 ,LAUR5'S BODY4 ,%E 0 ON FIRE4 ,E CELL
BURN$ ) AN UN"ND -PUL.N 6MOVE EV5 CLOS]
6? MAN :O TOR;T$ H] ) 8 NE>;S4 ,! BROO*
0 LAID BACK 9 XS ORIG9AL POSI;N1 B N )\T
! FIRM PRESSURE ( ,J>$'S H& ON H] BR1/
6ASSURE XS SECUR;Y4 ,= L;G MO;TS1 "T
C1S$ 6EXI/4 ,AMB] EYES LOCK$ ) GRAY1 &!
CYNICISM 9 ! AMB] "OS 0 REPLAC$ BY
WOND];T4 ,J>$'S H1D DESC5D$ T[>D
,LAUR5'S ) IMP]CEPTI# MO;N4 ,= "O
HE>TB1T1 %E ?"\ HE 0 AB 6KISS H]4 ,H]
MOI/ LIPS "P$ ( _! [N VOLI;N4 ,%E DIDN'T
"K T X 0 T 9VOLUNT>Y GE/URE ( WELCOME :
J]K$ HM BACK 96! %ELL ( SCORN HE US$ =
PROTEC;N4 ,MOCK]Y COOL$ ! EYES T _H BE5
CL\D$ ) W>M?1 & ,LAUR5 0 S5SITIVE 6!
*ANGE4 ,! PRESSURE ON H] BR1/ 9CR1S$1 B
)\T ! =M] T5D];S4 ,%E SWATT$ 8 H& 9 A
LI<TN+ REAC;N4 ,HE *UCKL$ DEEP 9 8
?ROAT4 8,:AT'S ! MATT]1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK8
,I 0 ONLY *ECK+ ! "T ( "D10 HE SNE]$4
,%E IGNOR$ 8 S>DONIC ^WS & TRI$
DESP]ATELY 6RE/ORE BAL.E 6! SP9N+    #gg
_W4 ,/1 %E 0 GASP+ :5 %E SD1 8,PL1SE1
,MR4 ,LOCKETT1 ,I H A LOT ( "W 6D40 ,:Y
0 H] HE>T ?UMP+ ? WAY8 ,H] :OLE *E/ 0
HURT+ & 3GE/$4 ,%E CD NO L;G] LOOK
DIRECTLY 96HIS H&"S FACE OR ^? BR[N-GOLD
EYES4 ,:Y DIDN'T HE L1VE8 ,:Y DIDN'T %E
WANT HM TO8 ,HE /EPP$ AWAY F H] & TOOK A
L;G DRAW ON ! *EROOT : HE _H BE5 HOLD+
AT 8 SIDE 9 8 9ACTIVE H&4 8,I'LL SEE Y
AT D9N]1 ,I GUESS10 HE DRAWL$4 ,HE N"E
LOOK$ BACK Z HE SAUNT]$ D[N ! HALL 6HIS
ROOM4 ,LAUR5 WALK$1 5TR.ED1 6H] DOOR1 &
CLOS$ X4
  ,*APT] #E
  ,!Y 7 ALL 9 ! =MAL P>LOR ADJAC5T 6!
D9+ ROOM4 ,LAUR5 CD HE> _! MU6L$ VOICES
Z %E DESC5D$ ! WIDE /AIRCASE4 ,N ONLY WD
%E H 65DURE H] F/ D9N] ) ,J>$ ,LOCKETT
AT ! TA#1 B ,EL5A _H 9=M$ H] "! 7 ?REE
GUE/S TN4 ,"O 0 ,MR4 ,WELLS1 :OM %E FELT
MOD]ATELY -=TA# )4 ,%E _H %>$ MO/ D9N]S
) HM AT ,OLIVIA'S TA#4 ,! O!R TWO GUE/S
7 IMPORTANT M5 F ,AU/94 ,LAUR5'S DRESS
RU/L$ AG/ H] LEGS Z %E WALK$ ACR ! WIDE
FOY]4 ,%E DR1D$ 5T]+ ! D9+ ROOM4     #gh
,MEET+ ^! P[];L M5 F ! /ATE CAPITAL WD 2
9TIMIDAT+ 5\<1 B ! R1L CAUSE ( H] 3/]N,N
0 HAV+ 6FACE ,J>$ ,LOCKETT4 ,H] PRIVATE
9TRODUC;N 6HM 9 H] ROOM ? AFN _H LEFT H]
FLU/]$4 ,%E WORE H] BE/ DRESS1 A
P1COCK-BLUE CREPE4 ,! HI< COLL> &
/RAI<T1 TI<T SLEEVES 7 TRIMM$ )
CR1M-COLOR$ LACE4 ,! CUMM]BUND 0 (! SAME
CR1M COLOR & ADORN$ ) "O P9K SILK ROSE T
0 P9N$ 6! LEFT SIDE ( H] WAI/4 ,N]V\SLY
%E /OOD FRAM$ 9 ! DOORWAY1 WAT*+ ! O!RS4
,OLIVIA & ,C>SON 7 B5T 9 3C5TR,N OV] "S
*>TS T ! TWO M5 F ! CAPITAL _H SPR1D 2F
!M ON A L[ TA#4 ,ALL F\R 7 POR+ OV] !
DIAGRAMS ) RAPT ATT5;N4 ,J>$ 0 SL\*$ 9 A
*AIR1 8 L;G LEGS /RET*$ \ 9 FRONT ( HM )
BOOT$ ANKLES CROSS$4 ,HE 0 EXAM9+ !
3T5TS (A CRY/AL TUM#R )! EXACTITUDE (A
*EMI/4 ,! AMB] LIQUID MAT*$ ! COLOR ( 8
EYES4 ,! ROOM 0 ANO!R EXPRES.N (
,OLIVIA'S P]FECT TA/E4 ,X 0 S(TLY LIT BY
GLASS LAMPS %AD$ ) FRO/$ GLOBES4 ,! S(AS
& *AIRS1 >RANG$ 9 H>MONI\S ORD]1 7
UPHOL/]$ 9 PA/EL DAMASKS & BL5D$
B1UTI;LLY )! DRAPES T 7 DRAWN ACR !  #gi
L>GE W9D[S4 ,A ,P]SIAN RUG WOV5 )! SAME
MUT$ GRE5S1 GOLDS1 & 2IGES EVID;ED 9 !
FURNITURE COV]$ A L>GE POR;N (! FLOOR4
,EA* VASE1 A%TRAY1 & PICTURE _H BE5 *OS5
& POSI;N$ ) UTMO/ C>E4 ,X 0 A P1CE;L
ROOM4 ,B1 L ! WOMAN :O _H DECORAT$ X1 X
LACK$ W>M? & *E]4 ,C>SON ,WELLS 0 ! F/
6NOTICE ,LAUR51 & HE IMMLY JUMP$ UP F 8
*AIR & CAME T[>D H]1 BO? H&S EXT5D$4
8,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 Y >E 9DE$ LOOK+
B1UTI;L TN40 ,HE ALW MET H] ) *IVALRY T
0 Z OV]D"O & \TDAT$ Z 8 MUTTON*OP
SIDEBURNS1 B ,LAUR5 APPRECIAT$ 8 WELCOM+
SMILE & RETURN$ X TREMUL\SLY4 8,GD EV5+1
,MR4 ,WELLS40 8,-E & LET ME 9TRODUCE Y
6\R GUE/S40 ,HE TOOK H] >M & ESCORT$ H]
T[>D ! TWO M5 /&+ NE> ! TA# ": !Y _H
PREVI\SLY BE5 9VOLV$ 9 _! 4CUS.N4 8,MISS
,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK1 MAY ,I PRES5T ,MR4
,P>K] ,VANDIV] & 8 SON1 ,KURT4 ,G5TLEM51
,MISS ,HOLBROOK40 ,LAUR5 NO4$ 6EA* ( !M
Z !Y AC"KL$G$ ! 9TRODUC;N4 ,KURT
,VANDIV] TOOK H] H& 9 HIS1 RAIS$ X1 &
KISS$ ! AIR 9*ES ABV X4 8,X IS 9DE$ AN
HONOR 6MEET S LOVELY A WOMAN "H 9    #hj
,CORONADO4 ,AN HONOR &A SURPRISE10 SD
,KURT1 8 BLUE EYES GL9T+ 9 ! S(T LI<T4
,A RUDE1 DERISIVE S.D CAME F ACR ! ROOM4
,"EY"O *OSE 6IGNORE X1 B ! EMB>RASS$ T9T
9 ,LAUR5'S *EEKS DEEP5$4 8,WE'RE PR\D (
\R B1UTI;L ,TEXAS WOM51 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK1
B X SEEMS !Y'VE ALL BE5 TRANSPLANT$ F
PLACES L ,NOR? ,C>OL9A4 ,I 2LIEVE ,C>SON
SD T 0 YR HOME80 ,! "Y] ,VANDIV] _HN'T
REL1S$ H] H& &1 Z HE SPOKE ! FL[]Y
-PLI;T1 ,LAUR5 G5TLY PULL$ X AWAY F 8
FIRM GRASP4 8,YES4 ,CLAYTON1 ,NOR?
,C>OL9A4 ,I ?ANK Y1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]40 8,GD
EV5+1 ,LAUR54 ,WD Y C>E = "S %]RY80
,OLIVIA SPOKE 6H] =! F/ "T4 ,%E 0 DRESS$
9 BLACK1 ! F/ EVID;E ( M\RN+ ,LAUR5 _H
SE5 H] 4PLAY S9CE ! FUN]AL4 ,JET E>R+S
DROPP$ F H] E>S & MAT*+ B1DS GLITT]$
D>KLY F ! BODICE ( H] DRESS4 ,%E 0
B1UTI;L1 B 9 A DANG]\S SORT ( WAY4
,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT H] M* Z "O WD LOOK AT A
D1DLY B1/--) ADMIR,N1 B CAU;N4 8,YES1
?ANK Y4 ,I'LL GET X MYF10 ,LAUR5 REPLI$
TO ,OLIVIA'S "Q4 8,NO1 ALL[ ME1 PL1SE1
,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,SIT D[N & ,I'LL    #ha
BR+ X 6Y40 ,KURT LI<TLY TOOK H] ELB[1
GUID$ H] 6"O (! SMALL S(AS1 & W5T 6!
SIDEBO>D T 0 WELL /OCK$ ) LIQUOR &
GLASSES4 ,LAUR5'S EYES MOV$ 9VOLUNT>ILY
6! SIL5T MAN L\NG+ 9 ! *AIR & %E 0
4CONC]T$ :5 !Y LOCK$ 96HIS GOLD5 GAZE4
,HE _H N EV5 /OOD :5 %E CAME 96! ROOM4
,H[ V RUDE6 ,8 />E 0 ALM M5AC+4 ,%E HELD
H] BR1?1 AFRAID T HE WD MAKE REF];E 6T
AFN1 B HE ONLY HELD 8 GLASS 6! LI<T &
/UDI$ X C>E;LLY Z HE SD 9 A BOR$ FA%ION1
8,GD EV5+1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK40 ,HE MADE H]
"N S.D L AN 9SULT4 ,KURT H&$ H] ! %]RY1
& %E TOOK A QK SIP1 DET]M9$ 6DIV]T H]
ATT5;N F ,J>$4 ,KURT SAT NEXT 6H] ON !
S(A & 2GAN ASK+ "QS AB H] VISIT 6,TEXAS4
,%E KEPT H] RESPONSES Z G5]AL & VAGUE Z
%E CD4 ,KURT'S 9T]E/ MADE H] UNEASY4 ,8
H1VY BODY TOOK UP M* (! SPACE ON ! S(A1
& %E _H 6MAKE AN EF=T 6AVOID T\*+ HM4
,DEFTLY %E /E]$ ! 3V]S,N AWAY F H]F4
8,:AT L9E ( BUSI;S >E Y IN1 ,MR4
,VANDIV]80 ,_HN'T ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON
REF]R$ 6! ,VANDIV]S "O EV5+ AT D9N]8 ,%E
CDN'T REMEMB] :AT _H BE5 SD4         #hb
8,9VE/;TS40 ,%E LOOK$ PUZZL$1 & HE LAU<$
SLI<TLY4 8,ALL K9DS ( 9VE/;TS--
RAILROADS1 LUMB]1 CATTLE4 ,CURR5TLY
WE'RE 9T]E/$ 9 GETT+ ELECTRIC;Y 96^!
SMALL] T[NS40 8,I SEE10 MURMUR$ ,LAUR51
AL? %E DIDN'T SEE AT ALL4 ,C>SON PICK$
UP ! 3V]S,N 0LAUN*+ 96:AT HE 3SID]$ A
HUMOR\S TALE4 ,\ (! CORN] ( H] EYE1
,LAUR5 WAT*$ ,J>$ GET UP F ! *AIR1
SAUNT] 6! SIDEBO>D1 & P\R HMF ANO!R N1T
:ISKEY4 ,ABRUPTLY ,OLIVIA SU7E/$ !Y ALL
G 96D9N]4 ,6,LAUR51 ! SU7ES;N S.D$ L A
-M&4 ,OR A ?R1T4 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ T[>D
,OLIVIA QKLY & SAW H] GIMLET EYES BOR+
96H] SON4 ,Z IF 6BE DELIB]ATELY PROVOK+1
,J>$ GULP$ 8 DR9K & P\R$ ANO!R1 : HE
C>RI$ 96! D9+ ROOM AL;G )! CRY/AL
DECANT]4 ,IF ANY"O B ,LAUR5 _H NOT$ ?
HO/ILE EX*ANGE 2T "M & SON1 !Y DIDN'T %[
X4 ,! ,VANDIV]S LAU<$ HE>TILY AT
,C>SON'S /ORY Z !Y CROSS$ 6! D9+ ROOM4
,OLIVIA & ,C>SON SAT AT OPPOSITE 5DS (!
TA#1 ) ,LAUR5 & ,KURT ON "O SIDE1 & ,J>$
& ,P>K] ON ! O!R4 ,J>$ 0 DIRECTLY ACR F
,LAUR54 ,HE GAVE H] A SL[ APPRAISAL  #hc
Z HE TOOK 8 S1T1 B 8 FACE 0 EXPRES.N.S4
,Z D9N] 0 S]V$ 0,ROSA1 :O _H =SAK5 H]
B"R SKIRTS & LOOSE BL\SE =A />*$ :ITE
UNI=M1 ,LAUR5 /UDI$ ! ,VANDIV]S4 ,P>K]
_H A PUGNACI\S FACE1 ALM BRUTAL 9 XS
/R5G? ( F1TURE4 ,8 PI]C+ BLUE EYES D>T$
>.D ! ROOM 9 QK MOVE;TS1 Z IF LOOK+ =
HI45 SECRETS4 ,8 VOICE & MANN] 7 POLITE
& 3V]S,NAL1 ?\< ,LAUR5 SUSPECT$ T HE
ABSORB$ ONLY ! FACTS HE 3SID]$ P]T95T &
SL\<$ (F ! RE/ ( :AT 0 SD Z
9CONSEQU5TIAL4 ,8 BODY 0 ?ICK & SOLID4
,8 FAT H&S1 ) F+]S L TI<T1 P9K SAUSAGES1
RE/$ FOLD$ ON 8 /OMA* :5"E HE 0 N US+
!M4 ,? RELAX$ PO/URE 0 3TRADICT$ 0HIS
BUSY EYES4 ,KURT 0 TALL]1 ?\< BUILT 9 !
SAME SOLID WAY4 ,8 EYES 7 Z A7RESSIVE Z
8 "F'S1 B HE _H DEEP DIMPLES : APPE>$ &
4APPE>$ AT W1 RELIEV+ ! BELLIG];E ( 8
FACE4 ,! CROPP$ BLOND HAIR1 AL L 8 "F'S1
0 CRISP & WIRY1 FITT+ 8 H1D L A SNUG
CAP4 ,8 RU4Y -PLEXION MADE 8 EYEBR[S
LOOK :ITE AG/ 8 BEEFY =EH1D4 ,?\< !
,TEUTONIC-F1TUR$ ,VANDIV]S _H EXHIBIT$
P]FECT MANN]S T[>D H]1 ,LAUR5 0      #hd
9/9CTIVELY W>Y ( !M4 ,_! ETIQUETTE 0 TOO
POLI%$1 _! 3V]S,N TOO ELOQU5T1 _!
ATTITUDE TOO HUM#4 ,_! 5TIRE DEM1NOR
SEEM$ TOO REHE>S$ 6BE S9C]E4 ,:5 %E
CAU<T ,KURT'S EYES ON H]1 %E %IV]$
9VOLUNT>ILY4 ,8 RAPACI\S EXPRES.N 0
REM9ISC5T ( ,WILLIAM'S4 ,J>$ SPOKE V LL1
ATE ALM NO?+1 DRANK Q A LOT4 ,HE
RESPOND$ 9 L[1 49T]E/$ MUM#S :5 ANY"O
DIRECT$ A "Q 6HM1 & 9ITIAT$ NO 3V]S,N
HMF4 ,LAUR5 0 UNEASY AT 8 C>E;L1 P]SI/5T
SCRUT9Y ( H]4 ,X SEEM$ T 8 IMPLACA# EYES
N"E LEFT H] FACE =! H\R !Y 7 AT ! TA#4
,IF ,LAUR5 F.D ! M1L T$I\S1 6,J>$ X 0
9T]M9A#4 ,HE DESPIS$ ! ,VANDIV]S &!
GRASP+ AMBI;N T !Y UNSU3ESS;LLY TRI$ TO
CAM\FLAGE ) SLEEK 3V]S,N & C\RTLY
MANN]S4 ,J>$ HAT$ ALL =MS ( DECEP;N &
PRET5SE4 ,& ? ,*9A DOLL OPPOSITE ME IS
AN EXP]T AT X1 HE ?"\ CYNIC,Y4 ,HE TRI$
6IGNORE ,LAUR51 B F9,Y GAVE UP ! EF=T &
/UDI$ H]1 WANT+ 6FIGURE H] \4 ,HE
ADMITT$ 6HMF T %E WASN'T :AT HE _H
EXPECT$4 ,N AT ALL4 ,& ,J>$ DIDN'T L
SURPRISES4 ,T'S :Y HE _H BE5 FURI\S  #he
) ,B5 ! NI<T 2F HE DI$4 ,NO1 ,I REFUSE
6?9K ( T1 HE TOLD HMF4 ,LAUR5 H&L$ H]
CUTL]Y ) GRACE;L EASE1 & ,J>$ 0 9TRIGU$
0H] H&S4 ,!Y LOOK$ S(T & SMOO?4 ,! F+]S
7 L;G & SLIM & TAP]$ 6P9K OVAL NAILS T 7
WELL KEPT4 ,:AT _H HE EXPECT$ 6SEE8 ,R$
NAIL LACQU]8 ,:AT _H ,B5 SD8 ,OH1 YES4
,%E 0 A PIANI/4 ,J>$ *UCKL$ 6HMF & ?"\
RIBALDLY (A M PL1SANT ACTIV;Y = ^? H&S4
,!N HE WOND]$ FLEET+LY IF ? WOMAN EV5
KNEW AB ?+S L T1 & QKLY DECID$ T %E
DIDN'T4 ,HE _H SE5 ! FE>;L CAU;N 9 H]
EYES ? AFN :5 HE _H T\*$ H]4 ,X 0 G5U9E4
,T 0 ! RUB4 ,%E RAIS$ ! VELVETY LA%ES T
HID H] EYES & GL.ED 9 8 DIREC;N4 ,=A
MO;T1 %E RETURN$ 8 /1DY GAZE1 !N RAPIDLY
%IFT$ H] EYES AWAY F HM4 ,HE CD SEE :Y
,B5 _H BE5 HOODW9K$ 0! LL T>T4 ,A MAN CD
DR[N 9 ^? DOVE-COLOR$ EYES 2F HE EV5
KNEW HE 0 S9K+4 ,%E KNEW H[ 6USE !M1
TOO4 ,Y 7 N"E GRAC$ )A FULL LOOK1 ONLY
AN ELUSIVE GL.E4 ,X 0 5 6MAKE Y G CRAZY
IF %E DIDN'T LOOK AT Y DIRECTLY4 ,%E _H
TOO M* HAIR1 HE DECID$4 ,X 0 TOO H1VY =
H] F9ELY BON$ FACE & FIGURE4 ,YET !  #hf
KNOT ON TOP ( H] H1D 0 S(T5$ 0! B\6ANT
FULL;S >.D H] FACE4 ,%E DIDN'T NE$ ANY
8RATS0 L O!R WOM5 US$ 6A*IEVE ? /YLE4 ,!
WISPY T5DRILS T FRAM$ H] TEMPLES SEEM$ M
TRANSLUC5T ?AN ! *9A F : !Y ATE4 ,8 EYES
MOV$ 6! GOLD WAT* P9N$ 6H] BR1/4 ,HE
%IFT$ 9 8 *AIR UNCOM=TABLY &
UNCONSCI\SLY MOI/5$ 8 LIPS ) 8 T;GUE :5
HE LOOK$ AT ! G5TLE RISE & FALL ( H]
BOSOM4 ,:AT"E ELSE 0 FAKE AB H]--H]
QUIET VOICE1 CIRCUMSPECT MANN]S1 H]
R1SONS = TRAIL+ ,B5 HALFWAY ACR !
C.TRY--"O ?+ 0 R1L4 ,HE CD / FEEL ! FIRM
CU%ION ( H] BR1/ AG/ 8 PALM4 ,8 H&
TREM#D SLI<TLY Z HE P\R$ ANO!R GLASS (
:ISKEY1 & 8 MANHOOD REFUS$ 6RELAX4 ,HE
%D L1VE N[4 ,HE %D M.T ,*>G] & G 9TO
,PUEBLO =A NICE1 UNCOMPLICAT$ TOSS 9 !
HAY )A :ORE4 ,B HE DIDN'T RE,Y WANT TO4
,HE KNEW 8 3/ANT />+ 0 MAK+ ,LAUR5 ILL
AT EASE4 ,IF X W]5'T S* A DAMN$ 5T]TA9+
EX]CISE 9 XF1 H] 4COM=T 0 9C5TIVE 5 = HM
6/AY4 99 99 99 ,Z !Y RETURN$ 6! P>LOR AF
! M1L1 ,C>SON -;T$1 8,X'S A P;Y T Y
DON'T H A PIANO1 ,OLIVIA4 ,LAUR5 CD  #hg
PLAY = U40 8,T IS A P;Y4 ,I WD LOVE 6HE>
Y PLAY10 ,KURT SD AT ,LAUR5'S ELB[4
8,:AT BR+S Y 6,TEXAS1 ,MISS ,HOLBROOK80
,P>K] ,VANDIV] ASK$ BLUNTLY Z !Y TOOK
S1TS4 ,LAUR5 0 MO;T>ILY AT A LOSS = ^WS4
,! COLD1 9CISIVE BLUE EYES SEEM$ TO
*ALL5GE H]4 8,LAUR5 IS ! SI/] ( "O (
,J>$'S FRS AT ,H>V>D4 ,J>$ _H VISIT$ !
,HOLBROOKS ON "S ( 8 HOLI"DS F S*OOL1 &
WE WANT$ 6REPAY _! HOSPITAL;Y4 ,S9CE H]
BRO!R HAS M>RI$1 WE ISSU$ ! 9VIT,N TO
,LAUR54 ,B5 BR"\ H] BACK ) HM ON 8 WAY
HOME F ,NEW ,YORK40 ,LAUR5 />$
9CR$UL\SLY Z ,OLIVIA LI$ S GLIBLY4 ,!
OLD] WOMAN SMIL$ RADIANTLY AT ! /UNN$
GIRL Z %E 3T9U$1 8,%E HAS BE5 S* A -=T
6ME S9CE ,B5 PASS$ AWAY4 ,I DON'T "K H[
,I CD H MANAG$ )\T H]40 ,LAUR5'S
A/ONI%;T TURN$ 6ANG]4 ,H[ D>E ,OLIVIA
LIE AB H] T WAY6 ,%E _H NO?+ 6BE A%AM$ (
OR 6APOLOGIZE =6 8,I DON'T RECALL SEE+
H] AT ! FUN]AL10 ,P>K] OBS]V$ %REWDLY4
8,%E 0 OV]COME ) GRIEF4 ,%E & ,B5 _H
2COME Q ATTA*$ ON _! TRIP4 ,I WDN'T ALL[
H] 6G "? S* A PUBLIC ORD1L10         #hh
,OLIVIA SD SIMPLY4 8,T'S P]FECTLY
"U/&A#4 ,I FELT T WAY :5 MY "M DI$10
,KURT :ISP]$ Z HE R1*$ \ 6PAT ,LAUR5'S
H&4 ,%E PULL$ X BACK QKLY4 ,C>SON
REDIRECT$ ! 3V]S,N4 8,TELL U AB ? P[]
PLANT Y 5VI.N1 ,P>K]40 8,X'S NO VI.N1
,C>SON4 ,WE 9T5D 6BUILD X1 "O WAY OR
ANO!R4 ,( C\RSE1 WE WD L 6H ! HELP (!
,LOCKETTS40 8,:AT W HAPP5 6! ELECTRIC
-PANY T'S ALR "H80 9QUIR$ ,OLIVIA1 ALL
BUSI;S N[4 ,%E REF]R$ 6A SMALL P[] PLANT
[N$ & OP]AT$ 0,ORVILLE ,K5DRICK4 ,LAUR5
_H HE>D ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON 4CUSS+ X4 ,!
PLANT PROVID$ ELECTRIC P[] 6! CITIZ5S (
,CORONADO EA* EV5+ F SIX UNTIL T54 ,O4LY
5\<1 ! ,LOCKETT H\SE 0 N YET WIR$ =
ELECTRIC P[]4 8,X W NO D\BT G \ (
BUSI;S10 ,P>K] ANSW]$ ,OLIVIA'S "Q
BRUSQUELY4 8,WE W PROVIDE TW5TY-F\R-H\R
S]VICE4 ,K5DRICK WON'T 2 A# 6SURVIVE !
-PETI;N4 ,"O "D SOON1 "EY?+ W 2 P[]$ BY
ELECTRIC;Y40 ,KURT L1N$ T[>D ,LAUR5 &
ASK$1 8,:AT D Y ?9K ( ELECTRIC LI<T+1
,MISS ,HOLBROOK80 ,ALL EYES TURN$ 6H]1 &
%E HESITAT$ 2F TIMIDLY /AT+1 8,I     #hi
?9K X'S UGLY40 ,AT _! %OCK$ EXPRES.NS1
%E HA/5$ 6EXPLA94 8,I SEE ! NE$ = X1 &
,I AGREE ) ,MR4 ,VANDIV] T WE'LL 2COME M
RELIANT ON X1 B ,I D ?9K X'S UGLY4 ,I
PREF] ! S(T;S ( GAS LI<T+40 8,SPOK5 L A
TRUE ROMANTIC10 ,KURT SD1 & NO4$ 8
APPROVAL4 8,HE>1 HE>40 ,! TWO CAU/IC ^WS
FELL L /"OS 96! ROOM4 ,"EY"O LOOK$ AT
,J>$1 :O _H RESUM$ 8 SL\*+ POSI;N 9 !
*AIR4 ,? 0 8 F/ UTT].E S9CE D9N]4 8,I'M
9T]E/$ 9 YR OP9IONS ON ALL ( ?1 ,J>$10
,P>K] BROKE ! SIL;E4 8,MY OP9ION10 ,J>$
SN>L$1 8IS T WE CUT ALL ! BULL & GET 6!
HE>T (! MATT]1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]40 ,8 VOICE
0 H>D & QUIET4 8,& :AT D Y P]CV 6BE !
,8HE>T (! MATT]0'80 ,P>K] FIR$ BACK4
,J>$ UNFOLD$ HMF & /OOD UP SL[LY1 /ROLL$
6! SIDEBO>D1 P\R$ A FULL GLASS ( :ISKEY1
& ONLY !N TURN$ 6FACE ,P>K]4 ,LAUR5 NOT$
! IMPE3A# FIT (! BLACK WOOL SUIT ON 8
TRIM FRAME4 ,8 :ITE %IRT COLL> 0 A />TL+
3TRA/ 6HIS D>K FACE1 : _H H>D5$ 96A
S9I/] SC[L4 8,! HE>T (! MATT] IS T Y
WANT 6BUILD A P[] PLANT T W DE/ROY ANO!R
MAN'S BUSI;S4 ,9 ORD] 6G5]ATE T P[]  #ij
PLANT1 Y M/ H WAT]4 ,! MO/ A3ESSI# S\RCE
( WAT] IS ON ,LOCKETT L&4 ,AM ,I "R S
F>80 8,YR ASSESS;T (! FACTS IS "S:AT
4TORT$1 B X 3VEYS ! GI/ (! PLAN40 ,P>K]
SPOKE CALMLY1 ?\< 8 FACE 0 FLU%$ ONCE
AG1 & 8 FAT F+]S 7 FURI\SLY "W+ )! GOLD
WAT* FOB /RET*$ ACR 8 /OMA*4 8,:AT
HAPP5S 6ALL (! P :O DEP5D ON T WAT] = _!
LIVELIHOOD :5 Y -E AL;G & DAM X ALL UP8
,! ,LOCKETTS H PRID$ !MVS ON 2+ G5]\S )
_! WAT]4 ,X'S A S\RCE ( REV5UE1 YES1 B
"S"TS MY "F TOOK A LAMB OR TWO Z PAY;T1
"S"TS Z LL Z A BASKET ( CORN F A F>M]
:O'D _H A BAD CROP4 ,EV5 2F ! L& ACTS 7
E6ECT$ S"EAL YE>S AGO1 ,B5 ALL[$ CATTLE
OR %EEP RAN*]S ) SMALL] H]DS 6WAT] _!
/OCK ON \R L&4 ,:AT W HAPP5 6^? P :5 !
WAT] IS NO L;G] AVAILA#80 ,LAUR5 LI/5$
AVIDLY4 ,J>$'S SPEE* 0 ELOQU5T4 ,! ?ICK
BR[S T REM9D$ H] S M* ( ,B5 7 DRAWN TGR
9 DET]M9,N4 ,"! 0 NO 9SOL;E 9 8 MANN]
N[4 8,MR4 ,LOCKETT ''' ,J>$10 ,P>K] SD )
3DESC5D+ PATI;E1 8P]H ,I "U/& ! BUSI;S
_W BETT] ?AN Y D4 ,AF ALL1 ,I'VE GOT AB
?IRTY YE>S M EXP]I;E4 ,9 E BUSI;S    #ia
V5TURE1 "! >E ^? :O GA9 & ^? :O LOSE4
,X'S A BASIC FACT ( ECONOMICS40 8,I'M N
AN IDIOT1 ,VANDIV]1 S Y NE$N'T TALK 6ME
Z IF ,I W]E10 ,J>$ CUT IN4 8,I H A
BUSI;S DEGREE F ,H>V>D ( : MY "M IS V
PR\D4 ,PL1SE 3T9UE4 ,I ?9K ,I C KEEP UP
) Y40 ,J>$ MOCK$ ! O!R MAN )A SALUTE ( 8
GLASS4 8,V WELL1 ,I'LL 2 BLUNT10 ,P>K]
SD4 8,Y WANT "S?+1 & WE WANT "S?+4 ,WE
MAKE A TRADE4 ,YR RAILROAD = \R P[]
PLANT4 ,WE BO? /& 6PR(IT TREM5D\SLY40
8,P>K]1 ,I DON'T ?9K X'S NECESS--0
8,C>SON1 DON'T 9T]RUPT HM10 ,J>$ -M&$
%>PLY4 ,LAUR5 0 SURPRIS$ :5 ,C>SON OBEY$
)\T "Q4 8,WE'RE GETT+ 6! GD "P4 ,MR4
,VANDIV] & SON10 HE SD ! LA/ ^W )A SNE]1
8H -E ALL ! WAY F ,AU/9 BR++ A DETAIL$
,TRANS,PLA9S ,RAILROAD DIAGRAM %[+ A
/RAI<T TRACK 96,CORONADO40 ,J>$ PAUS$ &
TOOK A L;G DR9K (! :ISKEY4 8,I'D HATE TO
?9K !Y'VE WA/$ _! "T40 ,LAUR5 VIEW$ ?
:OLE SC5E ) FASC9,N4 ,! MAN 2CAME M ( AN
5IGMA E "T HE OP5$ 8 M\?4 ,C[BOY1 ,H>V>D
GRADUATE1 BUSI;SMAN8 8,VANDIV]10 ,J>$
3T9U$1 8! RAILROAD HAS BE5 9         #ib
,K]RVILLE = S"EAL YE>S4 ,-=T &
,FR$]ICKSBURG >E 9 ! PROCESS ( NEGOTIAT+
"O4 ,) ,LOCKETT CATTLE1 ! GRANITE
QU>RIES1 &! C$> PO/S BUSI;S1 :Y D Y
IMAG9E WE NE$ YR HELP 9 OBTA9+ A
RAILROAD80 8,%UT UP1 ,J>$4 ,Y'RE DRUNK &
Y'RE (F5D+ \R GUE/S10 ,OLIVIA B>K$4 ,H]
FACE 0 A MASK ( FURY4 8,Q ALL "R1
,OLIVIA4 ,HE ASK$ A SIMPLE "Q1 6: ,I W
GIVE A SIMPLE ANSW]40 ,P>K] B[$ 6H]
SLI<TLY 2F FAC+ ,J>$ AG4 8,B5 ,LOCKETT 0
A RESPECT$ MAN 9 ? /ATE4 ,A V P[];L MAN4
,I DON'T H 6TELL Y T4 ,YET = YE>S HE 0
UNA# 6SECURE A RAILROAD 96,CORONADO40
8,T'S 2C HE WASN'T GO+ 6EXPLOIT ! P :O
RESPECT$ HM60 ,J>$ %\T$4 8,:AT"E !
R1SONS = 8 FAILURE1 Y / H NO RAILROAD4
,I HAPP5 6H _M FRS ON ! ,RAILROAD
,-MIS.N4 ,IF ,I TELL !M T ,CORONADO IS A
BAD RISK '''0 ,HE %RU7$ EXPRESSIVELY4
8,ON ! O!R H&1 IF ,I SAY T X'S A
POT5TIAL M"OY MAK]1 !Y'LL JUMP AT ! *.E
6BUILD TRA9 TRACKS "H4 ,IF A MAN Z
9FLU5TIAL Z YR "F FAIL$ 6A*IEVE ? GOAL
)\T MY HELP1 H[ D Y PROPOSE 6D X80   #ic
,"S (! >ROG.E & FIRE W5T \ ( ,J>$ !N4
,HE PLAC$ 8 GLASS ON A SMALL TA# & FAC$
,P>K]1 />+ AT HM = S"EAL L;G1 SIL5T
MO;TS4 ,P>K] />$ BACK LEVELLY1 CLE>LY
EVALUAT+ A FOE4 ,CALMLY1 H>DLY ABV A
:ISP]1 ,J>$ PRON\NC$1 8,Y >E A
SON(ABIT*40 8,YES1 ,I AM10 ,P>K] AGRE$
GRIMLY4 ,J>$ TURN$ 8 ALCOHOL-B"R5$ EYES
ON ,KURT1 :O _H REMA9$ SIL5T "?\T !
EX*ANGE4 8,I WOND] :AT T MAKES Y10 ,J>$
SD 3TEMPTU\SLY4 ,!N 8 EYES SWEPT ACR
,LAUR5 6HIS "M & ,C>SON4 ,8 FACE REGI/]$
4GU/ & RESIGN,N 2F HE TURN$ & /RODE F !
ROOM1 ! HEELS ( 8 POLI%$ BLACK BOOTS
EMPHASIZ+ 8 ANG] ) EA* L;G1 HURRI$ /EP
ON ! P>QUET$ FLOOR4 ,A FEW SECONDS LAT]1
! FRONT DOOR SLAMM$4 ,ALW ! DIPLOMAT1
,C>SON 3CILIAT$1 8,P>K]1 ,KURT1 Y M/ 2
PATI5T )! BOY4 ,HE J LO/ 8 "F4 ,B5'S D1?
HIT HM H>D40 8,IF HE 7 A BOY1 ,I CD
TOL]ATE 8 2HAVIOR10 ,P>K] SD4 8,Z X IS1
HE'S A ?IRTY-YE>-OLD MAN ACT+ L A BOY4
,OLIVIA1 Y'D BETT] GET ?+S /RAI<T ) HM4
,IF HE C'T 2 C.T$ ON = 8 SUPPORT 9 ?
V5TURE1 !N ! D1L IS (F4 ,YR SON IS   #id
,B5'S HEIR1 & "EY"O W 2 WAT*+ 6SEE H[ HE
H&LES HMF4 ,IF ^W GETS >.D T HE C'T
3TROL 8 TEMP] & 8 P]SONAL HABITS10 HE
PAUS$ & LOOK$ SIGNIFICANTLY T[>D !
LIQUOR CAB9ET1 8!N ,I CDN'T 5DORSE A
JO9T V5TURE = FE> ( LOS+ MY [N
CR$IBIL;Y40 8,I "U/&1 ,P>K]40 ,OLIVIA'S
GRE5 EYES 7 Z COLD & H>D Z EM]ALDS4
8,J>$ W -E >.D 6\R WAY ( ?9K+4 ,HE ALW
DOES40 ,LAUR5 0 UNA3.TABLY IRRITAT$ BY
,OLIVIA'S SELF-ASSUR$ GU>ANTEE4 ,J>$ 0 A
GR[N MAN :O _H MADE "S A/UTE OBS]V,NS (
8 [N4 ,%E FELT A -PUL.N 6DEF5D HM B1 (
C\RSE1 %E CD N4 8,HE HAS A T]RI# REPUT,N
= ACTIVITIES T >E UNM5;NA# 9 ,MISS
,HOLBROOK'S PRES;E10 ,KURT 3TRIBUT$
SANCTIMONI\SLY4 8,I DON'T NE$ Y 6TELL ME
MY SON'S VIRTUES OR VICES1 ,MR4
,VANDIV]10 ,OLIVIA SNAPP$4 8,NO1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT4 ,I ONLY M1NT--0 8,I ?9K X'S "T
= U 6TAKE \R L1VE10 ,P>K] 9T]RUPT$ 8
SON4 8,WE'VE _H A ?OR\< 4CUS.N4 ,WE %D
GIVE ! PROPOSAL "S FUR!R /UDY & WEI< ALL
! ELE;TS 9VOLV$40 ,HE /OOD1 WALK$ OV] TO
,OLIVIA1 TOOK H] H&1 & HELD X 9 BO?  #ie
( HIS4 8,?ANK Y =A LOVELY EV5+1 ,OLIVIA4
,! D9N] 0 EXCELL5T4 ,T ,LOCKETT BEEF C'T
2 B1T40 8,I'M SURE WE C LOOK =W>D 6"W+
TGR 9 ! FUTURE1 ,P>K]4 ,YR PLANS W
PROCE$ )\T 9T]F];E1 ,I ASSURE Y40 8,I
HOPE S40 ,KURT MURMUR$ A P]SONAL GDNI<T
6,LAUR54 ,? "T :5 HE RAIS$ H] H&1 8
FLE%Y LIPS BRU%$ ACR ! BACK ( X4 ,X TOOK
ALL H] -POSURE N 6J]K H] H& AWAY4 ,%E 0
GRATE;L :5 ! WIDE OAK DOOR )! ET*$ &
2VEL$ GLASS CLOS$ 2H ! ,VANDIV]S4
,C>SON1 ,OLIVIA1 & ,LAUR5 /OOD 9 ! FOY]4
,! RE/ (! H\SE 0 SIL5T4 ,LAUR5 TURN$ TO
,OLIVIA & FAC$ H] SQU>ELY4 8,MRS4
,LOCKETT1 :Y DID Y LIE 6!M AB ME8 ,Y
MADE ME AN UNWILL+ A3OMPLICE 9 T LIE40
,%E 0 A/.D$ AT H] [N TEM];Y1 B H"O/Y 0
AN 9TEGRAL "P ( H] NATURE4 8,UNWILL+80
,OLIVIA ASK$4 ,H] BR[S >*$ OV] H] EYES L
TWO BLACK W+S4 8,Y CD H D5I$ X "R !N &
TOLD !M ! TRU?4 ,B Y DIDN'T4 ,I ?9K Y
SAW1 Z ,I DID1 T MY /ORY 0 M PLAUSI# &
LESS ''' -PROMIS+40 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT
,C>SON1 :O 0 />+ AT 8 %OES & (F]+ NO
HELP4 ,%E CL5*$ H] H&S TI<TLY AT H]  #if
WAI/ & GNAW$ ON H] BOTTOM LIP4 ,H]
9ITIAL 9/9CT 0 6D5Y AG ! 9S9U,N T %E &
,B5 ,LOCKETT _H M1NT ANY?+ M ?AN FRS TO
EA* O!R1 B %E REFRA9$4 ,TWO MON?S4 ,%E
M/ /AY AT L1/ TWO MON?S4 ,!N ''' ,QKLY
%E EXCUS$ H]F & W5T UP/AIRS4 99 99 99
,C>SON LAY 9 ! TE/] B$ & WAT*$ ,OLIVIA Z
%E /EPP$ F 2H ! DECORATIVE SCRE5 & WALK$
NAK$ ACR H] B$ROOM4 ,%E N"E C1S$ 6AMAZE
HM4 ,HE KNEW H] 6BE 9 H] MIDFIFTIES1 B
H] EXCELL5T BODY 2LI$ H] AGE4 ,Z %E TOOK
D[N H] HAIR1 HE CD SEE H] HI<1 FIRM1
FULL BR1/S REFLECT$ 9 ! *EVAL GLASS4 ,H]
/OMA* 0 FLAT1 & H] ?I<S 7 )\T ! H1VI;S T
CURS$ MO/ MI4LE-AG$ WOM54 ,H] HIPS 7
SL5D] & TAUT4 ,! SK9 ON H] BUTTOCKS 0
SMOO? & UNWR9KL$4 ,EA* "T HE SAW H] ?US1
HE 0 MADE PA9;LLY AW>E ( 8 [N
UNATTRACTIVE PHYSIQUE4 ,\ (! 3F9ES ( 8
TI<T VE/1 8 *E/ & /OMA* SA7$1 & 8 %ORT
LEGS _H ?ICK5$ ) AGE4 ,C>SON _H ALW 5VI$
8 FR ,B5 8 LI!1 TALL BODY4 ,T P[];L
BUILD & ?ICK :ITE HAIR _H TURN$ ! H1DS (
_M WOM5 EV5 Z 8 YE>S ADV.ED4 ,UNP]TURB$
0HIS C>E;L OBS]V.E ( H]1 ,OLIVIA     #ig
WALK$ 6! B$SIDE & TURN$ D[N ! GAS LAMP4
,%E SI<$ TIR$LY Z %E LAY D[N & RE/$ H]
H1D AG/ ! SC5T$ PILL[CASE4 8,Y 7 M>VEL\S
) !M TN1 D>L+4 ,I'M SURE ! EV5+ 0
EXHAU/+ = Y10 ,C>SON SD Z HE R1*$ OV] TO
/ROKE ,OLIVIA'S LUXURIANT HAIR ) 8 /U2Y
F+]S4 8,^? BA/>DS10 %E HISS$4 8,!Y "K !Y
H U OV] A B>REL1 & !Y'RE MAK+ FULL USE (
\R POSI;N 6KICK U :ILE WE'RE D[N4 ,IF ,I
DIDN'T WANT T RAILROAD S DESP]ATELY1
,I'D N"E GIVE T GO4AM ,G]MAN SON(ABIT* !
"T ( "D40 ,C>SON 0 US$ 6H] EXPLICIT
LANGUAGE4 ,HE 0 GRATIFI$ T %E SPOKE ?
C&IDLY ONLY ) HM4 ,HE SAW X Z AN 9DIC,N
( TRU/4 8,I "K1 MY DE>4 ,WE'LL J H 6PLAY
_! GAME =A :ILE4 ,WE'VE _H 6MAKE
SACRIFICES L ? 2F1 B !Y'VE ALW "W$ 9 \R
FAVOR40 8,YES4 ,B ? "T X'S "PICUL>LY
GALL+40 8,=GET !M = N[ & TRY 6RELAX40
,C>SON MOV$ CLOS] & SETTL$ 8 /OCKY BODY
AL;G H]S4 ,HE /ROK$ H] *EEK 2F RAIS+ HMF
6KISS H] BRIEFLY ON ! M\?2 HE KNEW %E
DIDN'T 5JOY >D5T KISSES4 ,LAY+ 8 H1D Z
CLOSE TO ,OLIVIA'S Z SPACE WD ALL[1
,C>SON TRAIL$ 8 H& D[N H] ?ROAT &    #ih
*E/ 6CUP H] BR1/4 ,H] "O PREGNANCY _HN'T
D>K5$ H] NIPPLES1 & !Y 7 ALM Z P9K Z A
"Y GIRL'S4 ,HE 3T9U$ 65JOY ! FEEL ( H]
W>M FLE% &! T5D] P1KS ( H] BR1/S UNTIL
%E %IFT$ IMPATI5TLY4 ,H] RE/.S;S 0 8
SIGNAL 6G AB 8 BUSI;S4 ,HE M.T$ H] & MET
NO RESI/.E :5 HE 5T]$ H] QKLY4 ,8 PAS.N
ROSE & CLIMAX$ 9 A MATT] ( M9UTES4 ,HE
N"E TRI$ 6SU/A9 ! PL1SURE4 ,OLIVIA _H
BE5 TAU<T 0! NUNS AT ! ,URSUL9E ,ACADEMY
9 H] NATIVE ,NEW ,ORL1NS T LADIES DIDN'T
5JOY ! SEXUAL ACT1 B TOL]AT$ X \ ( LOVE4
,C>SON "U/OOD4 ,IF HE "E WI%$ HE CD COAX
A W>M] RESPONSE F ,OLIVIA1 X 0 A FLEET+
FANCY4 ,8 [N CRIES ( EC/ASY 7 MUZZL$ 0!
?ICK PILL[ 9 : HE BURI$ 8 FACE4 ,HE 0
TR1T$ 6A BRIEF C>ESS ON 8 %\LD] &A BRU%
( H] LIPS ACR 8 2F %E EXTRICAT$ H]F F 8
EMBRACE4 ,S9CE T "D OV] TW5TY YE>S AGO
:5 %E _H UNEMO;N,Y 9VIT$ HM 6BE H] LOV]1
HE _H N"E BE5 ALL[$ 6L+] 9SIDE H] OR
5JOY H] NAK$;S AFW4 ,TN1 Z USUAL1 %E
LEFT ! B$ & W5T DIRECTLY 96H] BA?ROOM4
,HE HE>D ! S.DS ( H] WA%+4 ,:5 %E CAME
BACK 96! ROOM1 %E 0 CLAD 9 A         #ii
NI<TG[N & ROBE4 8,C>SON1 ,I H AN IDEA40
,%E PAC$ ! EXP5SIVE RUG AT ! FOOT (! B$4
,HE 0 N"E ALL[$ 6SP5D ! 5TIRE NI<T ) H]1
& HE 2GRUDG$ ! "T %E SP5T \ ( B$4 8,YES1
DE>80 HE ASK$ RESIGN$LY4 ,HE CD TELL 0H]
AGITAT$ PO/URE &! 9T5T EXPRES.N ON H]
LOVELY FACE T %E 0 5ME%$ 9 ?"\4 ,TN HE
WD H 63T5T HMF ) :AT LOVEMAK+ %E _H ALR
P]MITT$4 ,HE LI/5$ ) UNCONC1L$ A/ONI%;T
Z %E RELAT$ H] PLAN4 ,X 0 AUDACI\S &
DANG]\S1 CL"E & MANIPULATIVE1 IMPOSSI#
YET F1SI#4 ,HE OBJECT$ 6H] MOTIVES1
PROTE/$ H] M1NS1 B1 Z HE ALW DID1 HE
AGRE$ 6H] S*EME4
  ,*APT] #F
  ,:ILE ,OLIVIA \TL9$ ! PLAN T WD H A
DRAMATIC IMPACT ON ,LAUR5'S LIFE1 ! GIRL
0 9 H] [N B$ TRY+ VA9LY 6SLEEP4 ,%E
TOSS$ RE/.SLY1 MYRIAD ?"\S D>T+ "? H]
M9D & UPSETT+ ! MODICUM ( S]5;Y %E _H
MANAG$ 6PRES]VE S9CE H] >RIVAL AT !
,LOCKETT H\SEHOLD4 ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON 7 A
PUZZLE %E CDN'T DECIPH]4 ,"O MO;T %E
FELT !Y A3EPT$ H] = :AT %E WAS1 &! NEXT
MO;T %E FELT !Y POS$ A ?R1T 6H]4    #ajj
,C>SON TR1T$ H] K9DLY1 B HE 0 ,OLIVIA'S
*ATTEL4 ,& ,OLIVIA'S ATTITUDE T[>D
,LAUR5 0 RES]V$ & COOL 6SAY ! L1/4 ,!
,VANDIV]S _H F"R5$ ,LAUR54 ,%E 0
UNA3U/OM$ 6HE>+ BUSI;S D1LS 4CUSS$1 &
,P>K]'S CALL\S;S _H APPALL$ H]4 ,& ,KURT
0 NO D\BT Z GRE$Y & AMBITI\S Z 8 "F4
,?"\S ( T "Y MAN MADE ,LAUR5 %IV] EV5 "U
! W>M? ( H] B$COV]S4 ,HE 0 H&"S 9 A
BRUTAL SORT ( WAY1 B 8 ?ICK1 P[];L BODY
REPELL$ H]1 & 8 UNCTU\S VOICE &
3CILIATORY MANN] MADE H] UNEASY4 ,%E
FELT ?R1T5$ 0HM1 B X 0 A DI6]5T K9D (
AL>M ?AN %E FELT :5 %E LOOK$ AT ,J>$
,LOCKETT4 ,J>$4 ,B5'S SON 0 A RAKE &
SC.DREL1 A DRUNK>D &A WOMANIZ]1 S :Y DID
%E 3T9UE 6DWELL ON HM8 ,:Y DID ,J>$'S
L;G1 L1N BODY 9TRIGUE H] S8 ,:Y DID %E
FEEL A -PUL.N 6T\* HM8 ,S9CE %E _H BE5
9ITIAT$ 96! RITES ( WOMANHOOD AT AGE
ELEV5 & GIV5 A V RUDI;T>Y EXPLAN,N ( H]
BODY'S "W+S 0! EMBITT]$ ,DORO!A ,H>RIS1
,LAUR5'S $UC,N ON ! SUBJECT ( SEXUAL;Y
_H BE5 SADLY DEFICI5T4 ,%E 0 FIFTE5 2F
%E R1LIZ$ "S?+ MY/]I\S1 "S /RANGE   #aja
*EMI/RY1 ATTRACT$ ! BODIES ( M5 & WOM5
6EA* O!R4 ,%E 0 AT A PICNIC HELD 9 ! C;Y
P>K 9 HONOR (! VET]ANS RETURN+ HOME F !
,SPANI%-,AM]ICAN ,W> 9 ,CUBA4 ,Z %E SAT
"U A %ADE TREE1 H] ATT5;N 0 DIV]T$ F H]
BOOK 6A "Y SOLDI] & 8 PRETTY "Y WIFE4
,LAUR5 KNEW !M BO?4 ,!Y _H BE5 M>RI$
ONLY A FEW WEEKS 2F HE JO9$ ! >MY4 ,!Y 7
SITT+ CLOSE TGR "U ANO!R TREE4 ,!Y W]5'T
TALK+1 B 7 N"O!.S -MUNICAT+4 ,!Y GAZ$
/1DFA/LY 96EA* O!R'S EYES4 ,! "Y WOMAN
RE/$ H] H& ON H] HUSB&'S ?I< & LI<TLY
C>ESS$ X ) H] F+]TIPS4 ,LAUR5 WAT*$
COV]TLY F 2H H] EYEGLASSES Z HE RAIS$ H]
H& 6HIS LIPS & KISS$ ! PALM >D5TLY4 ,HE
!N RETURN$ H] H& 6HIS ?I<1 PRESS+ X
G5TLY4 ,= "S 9EXPLICA# R1SON1 ,LAUR5'S
HE>T />T$ P.D+1 & %E FELT HOT & FLU%$
ALL OV]4 ,%E NOTIC$ A /RANGE S5S,N 9 !
L[] "P ( H] BODY4 ,H] BR1/S 7 T+L+1 &!
NIPPLES 2CAME TAUT & PO9T$ "U H]
CAMISOLE4 ,%E 0 UNCOM=TA# & A%AM$ 6H S*
4T9CT PHYSICAL REAC;NS 9 ^! PRIVATE "PS
( H] BODY4 ,! MAN L1N$ D[N & :ISP]$ 9TO
HIS WIFE'S E>4 ,%E SMIL$1 NO4$4     #ajb
,HE /OOD1 EXT5D+ 8 H& 6HELP PULL H] 6H]
FEET1 !N KISS$ H] F]V5TLY ON ! M\?4
,LAUR5 0 F9D+ X DI6ICULT 6DRAW A FULL
BR1?4 ,!Y SMIL$ AT EA* O!R &1 GLANC+
>.D1 CL&E/9ELY LEFT ! PICNIC4 ,!Y SD
GDBYE 6NO "O1 & APP>5TLY ,LAUR5 0 ! ONLY
"O 6WIT;S _! L1V+4 ,^? 4TURB+ B
EXQUISITE S5S,NS %E _H EXP]I;ED YE>S AGO
:5 %E WAT*$ ! 9TIMACY 2T ! "Y C\PLE _H
ALM BE5 =GOTT54 ,!Y _H -E BACK 6H] )
/UNN+ CL>;Y :5 %E SAW ,J>$ ,LOCKETT L1N+
NEGLIG5TLY AG/ H] DOORJAMB T AFN4 ,:Y8
,%E R1D 8 SCORN = H] 9 ! AMB] LI<TS ( 8
EYES1 & 0 DEEPLY HURT4 ,:AT _H %E D"O TO
EVOKE S* 4DA98 ,N EV5 ! HATE;L1 UGLY ^WS
,WILLIAM _H FLUNG AT H] _H PI]C$ H] L T
"K+1 TWI/$ SMIRK ON ,J>$'S S5SU\S M\?4
,HE _H />$ AT H] ALL DUR+ D9N]4 ,KURT _H
WAT*$ H]1 TOO4 ,B 8 />E 0 COLD &
CALCULAT+1 :ILE ,J>$'S EYES _H BURN$ 9TO
H] L T;GUES ( GOLD5 FLAME4 ,H] :OLE BODY
TREM#D "U H] NI<TG[N4 ,%E CLOS$ H] EYES1
B ,J>$'S IMAGE 0 IMPR9T$ ON ! BACK ( H]
LIDS4 ,ONCE AG1 %E RELIV$ ! MO;T :5 8 H&
_H PRESS$ AG/ H] BR1/4 ,%E FELT 8   #ajc
BR1? ON H] FACE1 & TRI$ 6IMAG9E H[ 8
LIPS WD FEEL AG/ H]S4 ,A L;G1 %U4]+ SI<
ESCAP$ H] & %E MOAN$ 96! PILL[4 ,%E
WANT$ 6"K :AT X 0 L4 ,& %E KNEW T F9D+ \
WD BR+ H] P]IL\SLY CLOSE 6! BR9K ( HELL
''' OR H1V54 99 99 99 ,! P5DULUM WALL
CLOCK 9 ! (FICE *IM$ ! H\R ( EI<T4 ,X 0
! MORN+ FOLL[+ ! D9N] )! ,VANDIV]S4 ,TO
,LAUR5'S E>S1 ! TOLL+ *IMES S.D$ OM9\S Z
%E SAT 9 SIL;E ) ,C>SON & ,OLIVIA1 WAIT+
= ,J>$ 6JO9 !M4 ,OLIVIA LOOK$ FULL (
RESOLVE & PURPOSE Z %E SAT UP"R & GRIM 9
H] *AIR 2H ! DESK4 ,C>SON 0 N]V\S &
UNEASY1 P]IODIC,Y WIP+ 8 =EH1D )A L95
H&K]*IEF4 ,LAUR5 DA9TILY SIPP$ A CUP (
TEA4 ,%E _H AWAK5$ E>LY AF H] RE/.S
NI<T4 ,H] H1VY M>OON SKIRT & ECRU
%IRTWAI/ 7 DONN$ HURRI$LY1 & )\T ,EL5A'S
HELP4 ,LAUR5 _H P9N$ H] HAIR 96A
HAPHAZ>D *IGNON AT ! NAPE ( H] NECK &
LEFT H] ROOM4 ,H] HA/E 9 MAK+ AN APPE>.E
AT BR1KFA/ 0 PROBABLY UNNEC1 B %E DIDN'T
WANT H] HO/ESS 6?9K H] LAZY4 ,2F %E 5T]$
! D9+ ROOM1 ,C>SON 9T]CEPT$ H] & ASK$ IF
%E WD PL1SE JO9 HM & ,OLIVIA 9 !    #ajd
(FICE ": !Y _H 9T]VIEW$ H] PREVI\SLY4
,%E WD ALW ?9K ( X Z ,B5'S (FICE1 = AN
AURA (! MAN / CLUNG 6! ATMOSPH]E4 ,LAUR5
W5T 9 2H ,C>SON & QKLY P\R$ A CUP ( TEA1
SWEET5+ X LIB],Y1 9TUITIVELY GUESS+ %E
WD NE$ "S SU/5.E DUR+ ? MY/]I\S MEET+4
,C>SON'S FULL *EEKS R$D5$ 3SID]ABLY1 &
HE WDN'T LOOK H] FULLY 9 ! EYES :5 HE
EXT5D$ ! 9VIT,N1 : ,LAUR5 KNEW 0 N AN
9VIT,N AT ALL1 B A -M&4 ,C>SON'S JITT]S
7 -MUNICAT$ 6H]4 ,"S?+ 0 9 ! W9D4 ,& X
OBVI\SLY A6ECT$ H]4 ,B H[8 ,%E CDN'T
IMAG9E4 ,MAYBE 9 LI<T (! EV5TS ( LA/
EV5+1 !Y 7 GO+ 6ASK H] POLITELY 6L1VE4
,!Y WD H _! H&S FULL =A :ILE )! BUSI;S (
! RAILROAD1 & %E CDN'T BLAME !M = N
WANT+ AN \TSID] CLUTT]+ UP _! LIVES4 ,:Y
0 X NEC = ,J>$ 6HE> H] FATE8 ,%E'D PREF]
T HE DIDN'T WIT;S ! 9T]VIEW4 ,HE1 H["E1
WD UND\BT$LY RELI% ANY MIS=TUNE T 2FELL
H]1 %E ?"\ 4M,Y4 ,LAUR5 />T$ Z %E HE>D 8
BOOTS E*O+ ON ! P>QUET FLOOR 9 ! HALL4
,HE /OMP$ 96! ROOM & LOOK$ D>KLY AT 8
"M4 8,? BETT] 2 DAMN$ IMPORTANT = Y TO
ROOT ME \ ( B$ ? E>LY :5 ,I GOT 9   #aje
LATE & FEEL Z GODAW;L Z ,I D4 ,I'M GO+
6GET "S C(FEE40 ,HE /RODE \ (! ROOM & NO
"O SPOKE UNTIL HE RETURN$ A FEW MO;TS
LAT] C>RY+ A /1M+ MUG ( C(FEE4 ,HE SIPP$
X & CURS$ "U 8 BR1? :5 X BURN$ 8 T;GUE4
,9 3TRA/ TO ,OLIVIA'S MILIT>Y N1T;S1
,J>$ 0 DI%EVEL$--HIS BR[N HAIR MUSS$1 !
WR9KL$ %IRT HA/ILY & SLOPPILY /U6$ 9TO
RUMPL$ PANTS1 ! BOOTS : _H %"O LA/ NI<T
N[ SCU6$ & DULL4 ,HE SL\*$ 9 A *AIR 9 A
PO/URE ,LAUR5 0 -+ 6"K4 ,HE IGNOR$ H] &
,C>SON -PLETELY4 8,IF X W]5'T IMPORTANT1
,J>$1 ,I WD N H 4TURB$ Y40 ,OLIVIA SPOKE
Z IF NO "T _H ELAPS$ S9CE HE F/ CAME 9 &
RUDELY A4RESS$ H]4 8,C>SON & ,I _H A L;G
TALK LA/ NI<T AF ! ,VANDIV]S LEFT4 ,WE H
>RIV$ AT "S 3CLU.NS & WANT 6TELL Y \R
C\RSE ( AC;N T W RESOLVE \R PRO#MS )
,P>K]40 ,C>SON ONCE AG MOPP$ 8 P]SPIR+
BR[1 & LICK$ 8 LIPS N]V\SLY Z HE WAT*$
,J>$ F ACR ! ROOM4 ,IF !Y 7 GO+ 6REHA% !
SAME >GU;T1 ,LAUR5 WD PREF] 6RETURN 6H]
ROOM &! CORRESPOND;E %E 0 DO+ = ,OLIVIA4
,OR />T PACK+ H] BAGS4 8,:Y D ,I SUSPECT
T ,I'M N GO+ 6L \R ,8C\RSE (        #ajf
AC;N0'80 ,J>$ ASK$ /ONILY4 8,Y "K H[ ,I
FEEL AB ^? JACKASSES4 ,I DON'T WANT !M
ON "O SQU>E 9* ( ,LOCKETT L&40 8,I DON'T
"PICUL>LY L !M1 EI1 & ,I TRU/ !M LESS2 B
,I WANT T RAILROAD1 ,J>$4 ,C>SON DOES1
TOO1 & S DID YR "F40 8,B5 DIDN'T WANT X
BAD 5 6LET A ?IEF L ,VANDIV] MAKE ! D1LS
= HM40 8,J>$1 :AT YR "M IS TRY+ 6SAY IS
T WE'VE GOT 6GIVE A LL 9 ORD] 6GA9 A
LOT40 ,C>SON LOOK$ AT ! "Y] MAN ALM
PL1D+LY4 8,I "K :Y Y HESITATE AB DAMM+
UP EV5 A SMALL TRIBUT>Y ( ,RIO ,CABALLO4
,"S (! SMALL] F>M]S & RAN*]S W SU6]
SETBACKS1 B WE'LL "W ) !M ALL WE C4
,WE'RE N GO+ 6L1VE !M HI< & DRY40 ,HE
LAU<$ SKITTI%LY AT 8 [N PLAY ON ^WS1 B
,J>$ DIDN'T EV5 SMILE4 ,LAUR5 _H WAT*$
,J>$ S9CE ! 4CUS.N 2GAN & SAW ! SAME
EXPRES.N ( 3VIC;N T HE _H %[N LA/ NI<T4
,8 JAW "W$ 3VULSIVELY Z HE CL5*$ 8 TEE?4
,!N HE HUNG 8 H1D & SWIRL$ ! C(FEE >.D 9
8 MUG4 ,HE /UDI$ X H>D1 A DEEP GROOVE
=M+ 2T ! ?ICK BR[S4 ,:5 HE LOOK$ UP AG1
8 FACE _H -PLETELY *ANG$4 ,HE LOOK$ AT 8
"M ) A3US,N1 AT ,C>SON ) 4GU/1 &    #ajg
!N ASSUM$ AN ATTITUDE ( -PLETE 9DI6];E4
,HE %RU7$ 9SOL5TLY4 8,D :AT"E Y L4 ,I
DON'T GIVE A DAMN4 ,! TWO ( Y W MAKE GRT
"PN]S ) ,VANDIV]40 ,HE SET ! MUG ON !
TA# 9 FRONT ( HM & /OOD 6L1VE1 B ,OLIVIA
*ECK$ HM4 8,J>$1 WAIT4 ,I'M AFRAID X'S N
Z SIMPLE Z T4 ,SIT D[N40 ,IMPATI;E 0
WRITT5 ON 8 SURLY FACE1 B HE SLUMP$ 96!
*AIR AG & RE/.SLY PROPP$ "O ANKLE ON !
O!R KNEE4 8,X SEEMS1 ,J>$1 T "S (!
9VE/ORS 9 ? RAILROAD ( \RS >E 3C]N$ AB
YR ATTITUDE4 ,AF ^W ( YR 2HAVIOR LA/
NI<T GETS >.D1 ,I'M SURE X W 3FIRM _! L[
OP9ION ( Y4 ,Y M/ BE1 OR AT L1/ APPE> TO
BE1 2H ? PROJECT "O HUNDR$ P]C5T4 ,! P[]
PLANT1 Z WELL Z ! RAILROAD1 NE$S YR
PUBLIC 5DORSE;T N[ T Y >E TAK+ OV] YR
"F'S BUSI;SES40 8,TAK+ OV]8 ,T'S A
LAU<10 HE MUTT]$ CAU/IC,Y4 ,OLIVIA
IGNOR$ ! 9T]RUP;N4 8,( C\RSE1 ,C>SON &
,I W 2 RUNN+ ?+S = Y UNTIL Y FEEL R1DY
6ASSUME RESPONSIBIL;Y4 ,B 6! _W1 Y M/
PRES5T A CR$I# AIR ( AU?OR;Y & MATUR;Y40
,%E LET ALL ( T S9K IN1 PAUS+ DRAMATIC,Y
2F %E SD1 8,T'S :Y WE FEEL Y %D     #ajh
M>RY Z SOON Z POSSI#4 ,M>RY ,MISS
,HOLBROOK40 ,! ^WS HUNG 9 ! AIR1 SUSP5D$
ON ! PALPA# CURR5TS ( DI6]+ EMO;NS EVOK$
9 ^? :O _H HE>D !M4 ,RIV]S ( BLOOD RU%$
TO ,LAUR5'S H1D1 CAUS+ A GRT RO>+1 &A
FIRE 3SUM$ H] EYES & E>S EV5 Z P]SPIR,N
COV]$ H] BODY 9 A *ILL+ FILM4 ,OLIVIA
REMA9$ UNP]TURB$4 ,%E SAT CALMLY &
REG,Y1 WAIT+ = H] SUBJECTS 6D H] BI4+ S
%E CD GET ON )! A6AIRS ( /ATE4 ,C>SON'S
EYES D>T$ F ,LAUR5 6,J>$ 6,OLIVIA1 & !N
BACK 6,LAUR54 ,HE _H NO IDEA :AT ! GIRL
0 ?9K+4 ,%E />$ 9 FRONT ( H] Z IF %E _H
LO/ ALL H] S5SES4 ,J>$'S REAC;N SURPRIS$
!M ALL4 ,HE BUR/ \ LAU<+4 ,HE /OOD &
/UM#D >.D ! ROOM HOLD+ 8 SIDES UNTIL1
-PLETELY SP5T1 HE COLLAPS$ AG/ !
W9D[SILL4 ,DRAW+ 9 S"EAL GULPS ( AIR1 HE
SD ) TOTAL 9CR$UL;Y1 8,Y C'T 2 S]I\S6
,M>RY ,MISS ,HOLBROOK6 ,T'S ! BE/ LAU<
,I'VE _H 9 WEEKS40 ,HE WIP$ TE>S ( MIR?
F 8 EYES & ,LAUR5 0 POIGNANTLY REM9D$ (
,B54 ,ONLY T MEMORY P5ETRAT$ H] %OCK$
BRA94 ,OLIVIA /AT$ QUIETLY1 8,I'M N
JOK+1 ,J>$4 ,I'M S]I\S1 & ,I ?9K    #aji
Y'LL SEE :Y IF Y LET ME EXPLA9 X 6Y40
8,I DON'T NE$ ANY EXPLAN,NS1 ,"M4 ,X'S
ABSURD10 ,J>$ CRI$4 ,HE PO9T$ A F+] AT
,LAUR54 8,%E'S / WET 2H ! E>S40 8,MISS
,HOLBROOK IS TW5TY4 ,B5 TOLD ME40 8,I
WASN'T REF]R+ 6H] AGE1 DAMMIT1 ,I 0
REF]--0 8,I "K :AT Y M1NT10 ,OLIVIA SD4
8,X'S A F> CRY F YR E>LI] OP9ION ( H]4
,I REMEMB] YR A3US+ ,B5 ( BR++ 8 ,8S\!RN
BELLE :ORE0' 96! H\SE :5 HE TOLD U AB
H]40 ,LAUR5 SWELL$ ) ANG] AT ,J>$'S
UNJU/ & UNW>RANT$ -;T4 ,HE _HN'T EV5 MET
H]6 ,2F %E CD FILL H] 3/RICT$ LUNGS ) 5
AIR 6PROTE/1 ,OLIVIA 3T9U$1 8,WE MADE A
PLAUSI# /ORY ( H] 2+ A CLASSMATE'S SI/]4
,WE'LL EMBELLI% X & SAY T Y FELL 9 LOVE
ON "O ( YR VISITS ) H] FAMILY4 ,YR "F
SURPRIS$ Y 0BR++ H] "H1 & Y C'T BE> = H]
6G BACK4 ,Y'LL 2 M>RI$ "R AWAY40 ,%E
HELD UP A PALM 6/AVE (F ! OBJEC;N %E SAW
-+4 8,WE EXPECT Y 6BE M 4CREET 9 YR '''
O!R 9T]E/S1 ,J>$1 B Y NE$ N *ANGE YR
LIFE/YLE4 ,LAUR5 IS $UCAT$ & REF9$ & W
ADD A 3V9C+ T\* 6YR NEW1 RESPONSI#
IMAGE40 ,J>$ L1N$ AG/ ! WALL1       #aaj
CROSS$ 8 ANKLES1 & FOLD$ 8 >MS ACR 8
*E/4 ,HE S.D$ AMUS$ :5 HE DRAWL$1 8,WE
W]5'T EXACTLY A LOV+ C\PLE LA/ NI<T4 ,H[
! HELL D Y EXPECT ^? %REWD ,VANDIV]S TO
FALL = YR LL F>CE80 8,WE'LL SAY ,LAUR5
?"\ X IMPROP] 6M>RY S SOON AF ,B5'S D1?
& T Y _H QU>REL$ AB X4 ,Y 7 HAV+ A
LOV]'S SPAT40 ,!N1 4MISS+ ANY FUR!R
>GU;TS1 %E SD1 8,Y W M>RY IMMLY4 ,H ,I
MADE MYF CLE>80 ,J>$ LOOK$ AT 8 "M
LEVELLY =A FEW MO;TS4 ,:5 HE SPOKE1 ALL
TRACES ( HUMOR 7 G"O4 ,8 VOICE 0 L[ &
M5AC+4 8,E GO4AM DECI.N 9 MY LIFE1 Y H
MADE = ME4 ,I'LL G AL;G ) YR S*EME =!
RAILROAD1 B "!'S NO WAY Y'LL SA4LE ME )
AN UNWANT$ WIFE4 ,NO WAY 9 HELL40
,OLIVIA SMIL$ SMUGLY4 8,I ?9K "! IS1
,J>$4 ,I HAPP5$ 6OV]HE> YR >GU;T ) ,B5 !
NI<T 2F HE DI$4 ,D Y WI% 6TELL ,MISS
,HOLBROOK :Y ,B5 >RANG$ = H] 6-E "H80
,J>$'S FACE PAL$ AL>M+LY1 EV5 3SID]+ 8
HUNGOV] PALLOR4 ,8 EYES LOOK$ PA9$4 ,HE
/OOD UP /RAI<T & BALL$ 8 H&S 96FI/S AT 8
SIDE1 B HE DIDN'T SP1K4 8,NO80 ,OLIVIA
TURN$ 6,LAUR54 8,WELL1 ,LAUR51 X    #aaa
SEEMS T ,B5 PICK$ Y \ = ,J>$4 ,HE 0 BR++
Y "H 9 ! HOPES T 2F HE DI$1 HE WD SEE 8
SON M>RI$ & SETTL$ D[N ) Y40 ,%E FAC$ H]
SON AG4 8,X'S IRONIC T = ONCE MY
OBJECTIVES >E ! SAME Z YR "F'S1 ISN'T X1
,J>$8 ,& X 0 YR VEHE;T OBJEC;N 6HIS
MAT*MAK+ & YR PROMISE 6MAKE ,LAUR5'S
VISIT Z ABOM9A# Z POSSI# T CAUS$ YR "F'S
HE>T ATTACK4 ,I ?9K Y [E HM 8 LA/ WI%1
DON'T Y80 ,%E L1N$ BACK 9 H] *AIR &
SMIL$ DANG]\SLY4 8,YES1 ,I ?9K Y [E HM
?40 ,J>$'S JAW _H TURN$ 6IRON4 ,8 TEE?
CL5*$ & UNCL5*$2 8 H&S "W$ AT 8 SIDES4
,HE TURN$ & FAC$ ! W9D[1 LOOK+ \ ) EYES
BL9D$ 0IMPOT5T RAGE4 ,_H ,LAUR5 N BE5 S
/UNN$ 0! EV5TS (! PA/ FEW M9UTES1 %E WD
H RES5T$ 2+ 4CUSS$ Z IF %E 7 D1F & MUTE1
AN OBJECT R ?AN A P]SON4 ,B5 _H 9VIT$ H]
"H = T WA/REL 6M>RY6 ,H[ CD HE H BE5 S
CALL\S8 ,& ,OLIVIA & ,J>$ _H "KN ALL
AL;G1 PROBABLY ,C>SON _H1 TOO4 ,!Y _H
3SPIR$ 6DCV H]1 _H EV5 HUMILIAT$ H] )
SPURI\S D\BTS ( H] VIRTUE4 ,OLIVIA TURN$
A H>D1 GRE5 />E ON H] & SD1 8,LAUR51
WE'VE N HE>D YR OP9ION40 ,CLE>LY    #aab
H] /ATE;T 0 A M]E =MAL;Y4 ,OLIVIA WD
BROOK NO OPPOSI;N4 ,AT ,LAUR5'S OBVI\S
9ABIL;Y 6SP1K1 ,C>SON HESITANTLY CAU;N$1
8,OLIVIA1 MAYBE WE'RE 2+ UNR1LI/IC4
,LET'S GIVE !M "T--0 8,NO10 ,OLIVIA SD4
8,! SOON] ! BETT]1 ,C>SON4 ,I'M SURE :5
,LAUR5 HE>S ! RE/ ( \R PROPOSAL1 %E'LL
AGREE FA/ 5\<40 ,LAUR5 MET ,OLIVIA'S
EYES AG & FELT A SPURT ( C\RAGE4 ,?
WOMAN CD N"E =CE H] 96M>RIAGE4 ,N"E4 ,2F
,LAUR5 CD TELL ,B5'S WID[ EXACTLY :AT %E
?"\ (! 5TIRE FAMILY1 ,OLIVIA SD1
8,LAUR51 WE DON'T EXPECT Y 6D ? )\T
-P5S,N4 ,WE'RE ONLY ASK+ T Y /AY M>RI$
UNTIL ! RAILROAD IS -PLETE & RUNN+ 6\R
SATISFAC;N4 ,!N1 :5 ALL ! FIRE"WS >E
OV]1 Y MAY G :]"E Y WI%4 ,= YR "T &
TR\#1 WE'LL GIVE Y TW5TY ?\S& DOLL>S 9
CA% :5 Y L1VE40 8,I DON'T WANT ANY M"OY
F Y1 ,OLIVIA60 ,LAUR5 DCLD4 ,%E WASN'T
EV5 AW>E ( HAV+ US$ ,OLIVIA'S F/ "N4 ,?
F9AL 9SULT 0 TOO HUMILIAT+4 ,OLIVIA _H
ACTU,Y (F]$ H] M"OY 6M>RY ,J>$6 ,%E
IGNOR$ ! DERISIVE SNORT T CAME F !
DIREC;N (! W9D[4 ,H] EYES 7 RIVET$  #aac
ON ,OLIVIA Z %E :ISP]$ HO>SELY1 8,? IS
IMPOSSI#4 ,SURELY Y >E JOK+80 ,OLIVIA
ONLY />$ BACK AT H] /OIC,Y4 ,LAUR5 LOOK$
T[>D ,C>SON1 :O 0 WIP+ 8 MOI/ H&S ) 8
H&K]*IEF4 ,! MAN AT ! W9D[ REMA9$
MO;N.S1 BROOD+4 ,HE 0 L1V+ H] 6FI<T ?
BATTLE AL"O1 :5 !Y %D H BE5 ALLIES4
,ANG] MADE H] BRAVE4 8,I WON'T M>RY
ANY"O4 ,I DON'T WANT 6M>RY ANY"O10 %E
DCLD )A DEFIANT LIFT ( H] SMALL1 PO9T$
*94 ,OLIVIA LAU<$ 9DULG5TLY4 8,MY DE>
,LAUR51 ,I'M N SU7E/+ T Y M>RY 9 !
BIBLICAL S5SE (! ^W4 ,! M>RIAGE NE$ N"E
2 3SUMMAT$40 ,AG ,LAUR5 HE>D A SC(F+ S.D
F NE> ! W9D[4 8,I WD ?9K \R (F] WD 2
ATTRACTIVE4 ,Y DON'T WANT 6RETURN 6T
4MAL P>SONAGE "R AWAY1 D Y8 ,:5 Y L1VE
"H1 Y'LL 2 A WOMAN ( 9DEP5D5T M1NS40 8,I
WD AL 2 A M>RI$ WOMAN10 ,LAUR5 PROTE/$4
,)A H9T ( IMPATI;E 9 H] VOICE1 ,OLIVIA
REPLI$1 8,AN UNCONSUMMAT$ M>RIAGE C 2
ANNULL$ EXP$ITI\SLY4 ,DON'T WORRY AB T
N[4 ,Z ,J>$'S WIFE1 ?+S W 2 V PL1SANT =
Y "H40 ,! GRE5 EYES N>R[$ ON ,LAUR5 &
,OLIVIA ASK$ PO9T$LY1 8,WAS "!      #aad
"S"O Y 7 9VOLV$ ) 9 ,NOR? ,C>OL9A8 ,P]H
A =M] LOVE IS ! R1SON = YR RESI/.E40
8,NO10 ,LAUR5 RASP$4 ,%E %U4]$ :5
,WILLIAM'S GLOAT+ FACE 9VAD$ H] ?"\S4
8,NO10 %E SD ) F9AL;Y4 ,FEEL+ BOLD] N[1
%E *ALL5G$1 8,IF Y'VE "KN ALL AL;G :Y
,B5 BR"\ ME "H1 :Y DIDN'T Y SAY S80
8,T'S A LESSON = Y 6LE>N1 ,LAUR54 ,GA!R
:AT 9=M,N Y C1 & !N SAVE X UNTIL J ! "R
MO;T4 ,_H ? O3A.N = U 6USE Y N >IS51 Y
WD H BE5 S5T AWAY AF TWO MON?S N"O !
WIS]40 ,%E SMIL$ TI<TLY4 8,NO D\BT ,B5'S
ROMANTIC S\L HOP$ Y & ,J>$ WD DEVELOP AN
A6EC;N = EA* O!R DUR+ YR VISIT4 ,B5 0
ALW A FOOL AB S* ?+S40 ,LAUR5 0 %OCK$ 0!
HATR$ 9 ,OLIVIA'S VOICE1 & CD ONLY />E
AT ! WOMAN 9 LIEU (A RESPONSE4 ,OLIVIA
/OOD UP & BRISKLY CROSS$ ! ROOM4 8,!N IF
"! IS NO FUR!R 4CUS.N1 ,I NE$ 6/>T MAK+
PREP>,NS40 ,%E LOOK$ AT ,J>$1 !N AT
,LAUR54 ,:5 NO "O MADE AN OBJEC;N1 %E
MO;N$ = ,C>SON 6FOLL[4 ,HE PATT$ ,LAUR5
QKLY ON ! %\LD] 2F HE LEFT ! ROOM 9 !
WAKE ( ,OLIVIA'S /IFF1 RU/L+ SKIRTS4
,LAUR5'S M9D 0 9 TURMOIL4 ,:Y 0 %E  #aae
/ SITT+ "H8 ,%E %D 2 UP/AIRS FURI\SLY
PACK+4 ,%E %D RUN AWAY F ? H\SE AT ONCE4
,%E />$ VACANTLY Z H] ?"\S RAN RAMPANT4
,:AT 7 H] OP;NS8 ,%E CDN'T G BACK 6,NOR?
,C>OL9A & FACE ,WILLIAM & H] =M]
GU>DIANS4 ,%E _H CLOS$ T *APT] ( H]
LIFE4 ,OR R1 X _H BE5 CLOS$ = H]4 ,%E WD
LIVE )A LOVE.S M>RIAGE 6A /RANG]4 ,B N
="E4 ,%E WD H ! M1NS 6/>T OV] :5 %E LEFT
! ,LOCKETTS & %E WD "SH[ SURVIVE ! /IGMA
( DIVORCE4 ,MAYBE %E CD EV5 PASS H]F (F
Z A WID[ IF %E MOV$ F> 5 AWAY F ,TEXAS4
,9 ! M1N"T1 %E WD LIVE -=TABLY4 ,:AT
ELSE CD %E D8 ,BRIEFLY %E ?"\ ( ,$
,TRAV]S & 8 K9D (F] 6HELP H]4 ,MAYBE HE
CD SECURE H] A POSI;N Z A ,H>VEY ,H\SE
GIRL4 ,SWIFTLY ,LAUR5 REJECT$ ! IDEA4
,H] EXP]I;E AT 5T]TA9+ P>LOR GUE/S WD N
H PREP>$ H] =! D9+ ROOM (A RE/AURANT ":
%E WD H 6S]VE FOOD F H1VILY LAD5 TRAYS4
,& %E WD DESPISE LIV+ 9 A DORMITORY ":
MO;TS ( PRIVACY 7 SC>CE1 IF !Y EXI/$ AT
ALL4 ,! PROS & CONS P>AD$ BACK & =? 9 H]
H1D1 B ! BASIS ( H] DECI.N 0 ! SAME "O T
,OLIVIA _H S CL"ELY US$ ON ,J>$4    #aaf
,B5 _H WANT$ X4 ,X ALW CAME BACK 6T4 ,B5
_H *OS5 H] = 8 SON4 ,:Y8 ,X 0 AN AGONIZ+
?"\ T %E WD N"E "K 8 R1SONS4 ,LAUR5 _H
BE5 S 5GROSS$ 9 H] [N MUS+S T %E DIDN'T
REMEMB] UNTIL N[ T ,J>$ 0 / 9 ! ROOM4
,HE /OOD RIGIDLY AT ! W9D[ 9 ! SAME
POSI;N Z 2F1 ) 8 BACK 6H]4 ,:Y _HN'T HE
SD ANY?+8 ,%E LOOK$ AT ! MAN & TRI$ TO
ANALYZE :AT HE M/ 2 FEEL+4 ,WD M>RIAGE
6HM 2 S T]RI#8 ,OLIVIA MADE X CLE> T 8
BRIDE WD 2 ONLY A FIGUREH1D4 ,%E WD
REMA9 A BRIDE1 & N"E 2COME A WIFE4 ,=!
M>RIAGE 0 N 6BE 3SUMMAT$4 ,LAUR5'S HE>T
SKIPP$ A B1T & FLUTT]$ 9 H] BR1/4 ,!
ME*ANICS ( S* 9TIMACY / ELUD$ H]1 B %E
KNEW T ! ^W IMPLI$ A PHYSICAL AV[AL (!
M>RIAGE4 ,!Y M/ SP1K 6EA* O!R4 ,2F %E
3S5T$ 6? PREPO/]\S AC;N1 %E M/ "K 8
FEEL+S4 ,TIMOR\SLY %E VACAT$ H] *AIR &
APPROA*$ HM4 ,%E CLE>$ H] ?ROAT4 8,MR4
,LOCKETT80 ,AT ! S.D ( H] VOICE1 8 BODY
T5S$ AUTOMATIC,Y4 ,:5 ! TREMOR PASS$1 HE
/RAI<T5$ 8 %\LD]S & PIVOT$ SL[LY ON !
HEELS ( 8 BOOTS UNTIL HE FAC$ H]4 ,HE
DIDN'T SAY ANY?+1 ONLY LOOK$ AT H]  #aag
) AN ALO(1 COLD EXPRES.N 9 8 EYES4 ,!
FULL1 S5SU\S LIPS 7 SET 9 A GRIM1 H>D
L9E4 8,I ''' ,I WANT 6"K--0 %E /AMM]$ 2F
HE 9T]RUPT$ H]4 8,Y TOOK _! BAIT1 HOOK1
L9E1 & S9K]1 DIDN'T Y8 ,Y CDN'T WAIT = ?
*.E1 CD Y8 ,ALL T M"OY6 ,&A HUSB&6 ,MY1
MY1 ! OLD MAID PR1*]'S KID HAS -E A L;G
WAY UP ! LA4] TD40 ,8 ^WS 7 CRUEL &
VICI\S & DELIV]$ ) 9T5;N 6HURT4 ,IS T
:AT HE ?"\ ( H]8 ,DID HE ?9K %E _H "KN
AB ,B5'S PLANS = H]8 ,ANG] & %AME =C$
UNWANT$ TE>S 6GA!R 9 ! CORN]S ( H] EYES1
& %E LOOK$ AT HM IMPLOR+LY4 8,MR4
,LOCKETT1 Y M/--0 ,HE LUNG$1 GRA2+ H]
%\LD]S ) 8 /R;G H&S4 ,H] H1D SNAPP$ BACK
PA9;LLY &! BUN AT H] NAPE 2GAN 6UNCOIL4
,"? CL5*$ TEE?1 B )A VOICE OOZ+ FEIGN$
*>M1 HE GR[L$1 8,I ?9K T "U !
CIRCUM/.ES1 WE C 4P5SE )! ,MR4 & ,MISS4
,MY "N IS ,J>$4 ,SAY X60 HE -M&$4 ,8 H&S
7 UNREL5T+LY TI<T ON H] >MS1 & H] TEE?
*ATT]$ 9 F"R1 B %E MANAG$ 6GASP1 8,J>$10
2F "O HUGE TE> ESCAP$ H] L[] LID & ROLL$
L A SP>KL+ GEM D[N H] *EEK4 ,T "O TE>
9FURIAT$ ,J>$ FUR!R & HE HISS$1     #aah
8,I DON'T "K H[ Y S -PLETELY HOODW9K$ &
2WIT*$ A MAN Z SM>T Z MY "F1 B DON'T ?9K
Y C RESORT 6TE>S & VAPORS 6GET 6ME4 ,^?
FA?OM.S GRAY EYES WON'T "W ON ME1 "U/&80
,HE GAVE H] A LL %AKE4 8,WE'RE 9 ? TGR4
,J /AY \ ( MY WAY1 & POSSIBLY WE'LL 2 A#
6/& X4 ,OLD ,B5 0 FAM\S = 8 CL"E TRICKS1
& HE SEEMS 6H PLAY$ 8 LA/ BIG JOKE ON
ME4 ,HE SURE F.D A WILL+ "PN] 9 Y40
8,NO60 %E CRI$4 8,I DIDN'T "K :AT HE
9T5D$4 ,HE ONLY M5;N$ Y ONCE 9 PASS+4 ,I
DIDN'T--0 8,!N Y'RE M (A FOOL ?AN ,I
?"\4 ,DID Y ?9K ,B5 WANT$ Y = HMF8
,WELL1 !N1 ! JOKE'S ON Y1 TOO1 ISN'T X8
7 Y AF A NICE1 RI*1 ELD]LY HUSB& :O WD M
?AN LIKELY MAKE Y A RI* WID[ V SOON4 7
Y80 ,HE %\T$ ! LA/ TWO ^WS1 8 FACE 9*ES
F H]S4 ,HE HELD H] TI<T AG/ HM1 EA*
MUSCLE /RA9+ & PRESS+ 96H]4 ,8 AMB] EYES
FLICK]$ = AN 9/ANT :5 HE LOOK$ D[N AT H]
APP1L+ FACE4 ,8 SURPRIS$ EXPRES.N
MIRROR$ H]S Z !Y SIMULTANE\SLY R1LIZ$ T
_! BODIES 7 T\*+ *E/ 6TOES4 ,X 0 S(T;S
AG/ H>D;S1 W1K;S AG/ /R5G?1 FEM99;Y AG/
MASCUL9;Y4 ,! 3TRA/ 0 TOO -PELL+    #aai
6IGNORE4 ,J>$ _HN'T PLANN$ X1 _H N"E EV5
?"\ AB X1 B HE CDN'T 3TROL TAK+ -PLETE
POSSES.N ( H] M\? )A BRUIS+ KISS4 ,HE
WANT$ 69SULT H]1 6FUR!R HUMILIATE H]1 TO
%ATT] H] DAMN$ POISE4 ,B H] BODY 0 S
FEMALE1 H] LIPS S S(T1 W>M1 VIRG9AL1 T
:AT _H BE5 HURT;L & BRUTAL 2CAME T5D]1
SEEK+1 "Q+4 ,8 >MS W5T >.D H] SL[LY1
DRAW+ H] 96AN EV5 CLOS] EMBRACE4 ,HE
4REG>D$ ! HEELS ( H] H&S ON 8 %\LD]S
MAK+ A W1K1 FUTILE ATTEMPT 6PU% HM AWAY4
,"O H& W5T 6! BACK ( H] H1D & HELD X
IMMOBILE UNTIL H] LIPS "P$ "U ! 9CR1S$
PRESSURE ( HIS4 ,8 F+]S UNCONSCI\SLY
5TW9$ 9 ! ?ICK /R&S ( HAIR T TUM#D FUR!R
D[N H] NECK4 ,SWEETLY 8 T;GUE PL"U$ !
HOLL[S ( H] M\?1 UNIQUE 9 TA/E & FEEL F
ANY O!R HE _H KISS$4 ,8 >MS TI<T5$ >.D
H] UNTIL H] BR1/S 7 FLATT5$ AG/ 8 *E/4
,! FEEL ( H] TAUT NIPPLES "? ! S(T L95 (
H] BL\SE CL\D$ 8 JUDG;T1 & 8 M\? 2CAME
EV5 M AV>ICI\S4 ,LAUR5'S M9D F$ ON ! NEW
S5S,NS--! SCRAT*+ /UB# ( 8 BE>D1 ! C(FEE
TA/E 9 8 M\?1 ! FA9T >OMA ( TOBA3O1 !
FEEL ( 8 LIPS1 TEE?1 & T;GUE Z !Y   #abj
EXPLOR$1 ! S.D (A MOAN T CAME F ''' ":8
,J>$ PU%$ H] AWAY F HM S SU45LY T %E ALM
FELL BACKW>D4 ,%E REGA9$ H] BAL.E & TRI$
6ASSIMILATE :AT _H HAPP5$4 ,BO? H] H&S
CAME UP & COV]$ H] M\?4 ,OV] H] TREMBL+
F+]TIPS1 %E LOOK$ AT ,J>$1 :O APPE>$ N"O
TOO -POS$ HMF4 ,HE />$ AT H]1 BR1?+
RAPIDLY1 !N SWALL[$ 3VULSIVELY4 ,:5 HE 0
MOD]ATELY RE/OR$1 HE DROPP$ ! MASK (
9DI6];E OV] 8 F1TURES & SNE]$
3TEMPTU\SLY1 8,V NICE1 ,LAUR51 B ,I TOLD
Y X WDN'T "W ON ME40 ,8 LIPS CURL$
CRUELLY & 8 ?ICK-FR+$ EYELIDS L[]$
SPECULATIVELY OV] ! CYNICAL EYES4 8,Y 7
NO D\BT -P>+ MY SEXUAL PR[ESS TO ,B5'S40
,HE B>K$ A %ORT LAU<4 8,WELL1 ,I'LL 2
DAMN$ 2F ,I'LL H ANY ( MY "F'S
LEFTOV]S60 ,X SEEM$ T E BLOOD VESSEL 9
H] H1D _H BUR/1 = H] :OLE _W 0 WA%$ 9 R$
FURY4 ,%E ADV.ED ON HM L A W>RIOR B5T ON
V5GE.E & SLAPP$ HM SM>TLY ON ! *EEK4
  ,*APT] #G
  ,J>$ 0 TOO A/ONI%$ 6REACT4 ,%E GL>$ UP
AT HM1 EYES WIDE & D>K1 *E/ H1V+ )
AGIT,N4 ,AT ANY O!R "T1 HE WD H     #aba
F.D H] ANG] LUDICR\S & WD H BE5 GRTLY
AMUS$4 ,N[ HE /OOD /ATUELIKE Z %E SD
SCA?+LY1 8,Y >E 9SU6]A#1 ,J>$ ,LOCKETT4
,N"E1 N"E10 %E /AMP$ A SMALL FOOT =
EMPHASIS1 89SULT ME Z Y J H40 ,%E SPUN
>.D & M>*$ F ! ROOM1 L1V+ ,J>$
NONPLUSS$4 ,Z SOON Z %E CLOS$ ! DOOR (!
(FICE 2H H]1 ,LAUR5 RAN T[>D ! /AIRCASE
&1 Q UNLADYLIKE1 RAIS$ H] SKIRT ABV H]
ANKLES & SP$ UP ! /AIRS4 ,0! "T %E R1*$
H] ROOM1 H] FACE 0 BA!D ) TE>S4 8,I HATE
HM60 %E PROFESS$ 9 A GRAT+ :ISP]4 8,HE'S
ABOM9A#4 ,!Y ALL >E10 %E CRI$4 ,! PILL[S
CAU<T H] :5 %E FELL ACR ! B$4 ,!Y
ABSORB$ H] TE>S & MU6L$ S.DS ( FRU/R,N &
ANG]4 ,:Y68 ,:Y _H HE ?"\ S* A ?+ AB H]8
,:AT _H %E D"O 9 9NOC;E T MADE !M ALL
SUSPECT H] ( "S?+ EVIL8 ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON
_H BE5 HALF-3V9C$ T %E & ,B5 _H BE5
LOV]S4 ,J>$ M/ H ?"\ ! SAME ?+1 & EV5
ATTRIBUT$ M]C5>Y MOTIVES 6H]4 ,EV5 ,ABEL
& ,SYBIL1 :O _H LOV$ H] L A DAU<T]1 7
R1DY 6A3EPT ,WILLIAM'S VICI\S LIES AB
H]4 ,_! F/ EXPRES.NS ( %OCK$ 4BELIEF :5
,WILLIAM _H TOLD 8 TALE _H TURN$    #abb
6! SAME 3TEMPTU\S FR[N T ,J>$ _H WORN
MO;TS 2F4 ,%E _H D"O NO?+ 6W>RANT _!
SEV]E JUDG;T4 ,WILLIAM4 ,EV5 N[1 :5 8
MEMORY 0 2G9N+ 6FADE F H] M9D1 ! PA9 HE
_H 9FLICT$ CAME BACK ) T]RIFIC =CE4 99
99 99 ,! "D ,B5 ,LOCKETT LEFT E>LY AF
BR1KFA/1 ! ,PRA!RS _H DECID$ ON ! SPUR (
! MO;T 6TRAVEL 6,RALEI< =! "D4 ,ABEL _H
9VIT$ ,LAUR5 6A3OMPANY !M1 B ! PROSPECT
( SP5D+ ! "D 9 CLOSE -PANY )! P>SON & 8
WIFE1 M* Z %E LOV$ !M1 0 UNAPP1L+4
,LAUR5 GAVE ! EXCUSE (A H1DA*E & BE7$ !M
N 6*ANGE _! PLANS ON H] A3.T4 ,9DE$1
,SYBIL 0 ALR ENUM]AT+ ! /ORES %E WI%$ TO
VISIT & NAM+ POSSI# PLACES =A LATE
LUN*EON4 ,LAUR5 WAV$ 6! ,PRA!RS *E];LLY
:5 !Y F9,Y DE"P$4 ,%E 0 IMM5SELY GRATE;L
=! "D %E CD SP5D AL"O4 ,%E NE$$ 6NURSE
H] FEEL+S AB HAV+ GIV5 UP ! OPPORTUN;Y
6SEEK A NEW LIFE = H]F4 ,! "D PASS$ TOO
QKLY4 ,%E 2CAME 9VOLV$ 9 A NEW PIECE (
MUSIC & SP5T H\RS PRACTIC+ UNTIL %E
PLAY$ X 6H] SATISFAC;N4 ,%E SP5T A QUIET
H\R LY+ ON H] B$ )A NOVEL1 B F.D H] ?"\S
KEPT DRIFT+ BACK 6,B5 ,LOCKETT4     #abc
,%E WD N"E SEE HM AG1 B HE WD ="E 2 9 H]
M9D4 ,HE _H BE5 S K9D4 ,H[ %E WI%$ H] "F
_H BE5 L T4 ,RESOLUTELY1 %E %OV$ ,B5 6!
FUR!R R1*ES ( H] M9D Z %E COOK$ AN
OMELET = H] D9N]4 ,S9CE ,ABEL & ,SYBIL 7
6/AY ! NI<T 9 ,RALEI<1 %E VIEW$ !
PRIVACY Z AN UNEXPECT$ B WELCOME GIFT4
,AF H] LI<T &1 = ONCE1 WELL-S1SON$ M1L1
%E 0 ON H] WAY UP/AIRS :5 ! BELL AT !
FRONT DOOR RANG4 ,A3U/OM$ 6P CALL+ AT
ALL H\RS SEEK+ ,ABEL = "O EM]G5CY OR
ANO!R1 %E OP5$ ! DOOR )\T HESIT,N4
,WILLIAM ,KELL] /OOD ON ! POR*4 ,%E 0
TEMPT$ 6SLAM ! DOOR 9 8 PALE FACE1 B H]
9NATE GD MANN]S MADE S* AN AC;N
IMPOSSI#4 ,HOP+ 6RID H]F ( 8 -PANY1 %E
SD1 8,HELLO1 ,WILLIAM4 ,ABEL ISN'T AT
HOME40 ,%E B>R$ ! DOOR ) H] BODY &
PURPOSELY DIDN'T ASK HM IN4 ,! ,PRA!RS'
ABS;E 0 NO NEWS 6,WILLIAM4 ,ABEL _H
CALL$ HM AB A HOSPITAL PATI5T :O NE$$
VISIT+ 2F !Y LEFT = ,RALEI<1 CASU,Y
M5;N+ T ,LAUR5 0 /AY+ HOME4 ,HE LOOK$ AT
,LAUR5 SMUGLY & TOOK A /EP "? ! DOOR4
,%E 0 =C$ 6MOVE ASIDE OR H H] BODY  #abd
-E 96CONTACT ) HIS1 & T %E WD AVOID AT
ALL CO/S4 8,GD10 ,WILLIAM OOZ$4 8,I'M
GLAD T ,I'LL H A *.E 6SP1K 6Y FRANKLY &
PRIVATELY40 ,HE DEPOSIT$ 8 HAT & COAT ON
! HALL TREE & PROCE$$ 96! P>LOR1
UNA6ECT$ BY ,LAUR5'S COOL GREET+4 ,LAUR5
_HN'T BE5 9 ? ROOM ALL "D4 ,APP>5TLY NEI
_H ANY"O ELSE1 =! DRAPES REMA9$ UNOP5$ &
ONLY N>R[ SLITS ( VIOLET DUSK \TL9$ !M4
,! P>LOR 0 DIM1 /U6Y1 & CLOSE1 &
,WILLIAM'S PRES;E MADE ! ATMOSPH]E SEEM
EV5 M /IFL+4 8,:AT D Y WANT 6SP1K 6ME
AB1 ,WILLIAM8 ,I'M V BUSY10 %E SD 9 A
%AKY VOICE4 ,%E KNEW !N T ! "O EMO;N
,WILLIAM _H ALW /IMULAT$ 9 H] 0 FE>4 ,T
0 RIDICUL\S6 ,:AT DID %E H 6FE> F HM8
,%E TILT$ H] *9 HI<]1 DET]M9$ T HE WD N
SEE H] N]V\S;S AT 2+ AL"O ) HM 9 AN
EMPTY H\SE4 ,WILLIAM /OOD 9 ! MI4LE (!
ROOM ) 8 H&S AT 8 BACK Z HE FAC$ H]4
8,ABEL HAS GIV5 ME P]MIS.N 6ASK = YR H&
9 M>RIAGE10 HE /AT$ P$ANTIC,Y4 8,2F Y
F9D YRF UNA# 6RESI/ ! ADV.ES ( M5 L ?
REC5T VISIT+ C[BOY4 ,I H DECID$ T WE %D
M>RY Z SOON Z POSSI#40 ,%E 0 A<A/   #abe
AT 8 ^WS1 & H] N]V\S;S GAVE WAY 6ANG]4
8,B5 ,LOCKETT DID N MAKE ADV.ES 6ME4 ,B
:E!R HE DID OR N IS ( NO 3C]N 6Y1
,WILLIAM1 = ,I H NO 9T5;N ( M>RY+ Y40
,%E PAUS$ 6DRAW 9 A RA7$ BR1? & CLASP$
H] H&S TGR AT H] WAI/4 8,? 4CUS.N IS
OV]4 ,I'LL SEE Y \40 ,%E TURN$ & WALK$
T[>D ! PORTI]E4 ,2F %E R1*$ X1
,WILLIAM'S COLD H& GRIPP$ H] >M ABV !
ELB[ & :IRL$ H] >.D 6FACE HM4 ,%E 0 S
SURPRIS$ AT 8 A3O/+ H] 9 ? MANN] T %E
DIDN'T TRY 6EXTRICATE H]F1 B ONLY />$ AT
HM 9CR$UL\SLY4 8,N S FA/1 ,MISS ,PRISS10
HE SN>L$4 8,I'M N F9I%$ ) Y YET40 ,8
VOICE 0 A F]AL GR[L1 & %E L1N$ AWAY F HM
9 REVUL.N4 8,Y MAY H "EY"O ELSE FOOL$1 B
N ME4 ,:AT K9D ( PROPOSI;N DID ,LOCKETT
MAKE Y \ "! 9 ! ROSE G>D580 ,%E TRI$ TO
J]K H] >M AWAY1 B 8 GRIP 2CAME PA9;LLY M
RE/RICT+ & %E W9C$4 8,I DON'T "K :AT
Y'RE TALK+ AB4 ,HE ASK$ ME 6G 6,TEXAS =A
VISIT1 T'S ALL40 8,OH1 ,I J BET HE DID40
,WILLIAM SMIRK$4 8,! ONLY VISITS Y'D 2
PAY+ HM WD 2 6HIS B$ROOM40 ,LAUR5 GASP$4
8,I ''' ,I H NO IDEA :AT Y'RE       #abf
TALK+ AB40 ,? 0 TRUE4 ,%E _H ONLY A
VAGUE NO;N ( :AT 8 ^WS IMPLI$1 B %E KNEW
9/9CTIVELY T ! IMPLIC,N 0 UGLY4 ,WILLIAM
SQU9T$ AT H] C>E;LLY4 8,MAYBE Y DON'T4
,WELL1 !N1 ,I'M GO+ 6BE ! "O 6T1* Y4 ,N
"S OLD1 OV]GR[N OAF40 ,T]ROR GAVE ,LAUR5
! /R5G? 6FREE H] >M &1 TURN+1 %E TRI$ TO
RUN F HM4 ,HE 0 "R 2H H] & GRA2$ H] AG
2F %E _H TAK5 TWO /EPS4 ,8 >MS W5T >.D
H] 9 A VISELIKE GRIP & PULL$ H] >.D TO
FACE HM4 ,8 FLE%Y1 WET LIPS MA%$ AG/
H]S4 ,LAUR5 CDN'T 2LIEVE ? 0 HAPP5+4 ,H]
M9D SCR1M$ SIL5TLY :ILE 8 M\? OV] H]S
MADE ACTUAL SCR1M+ IMPOSSI#4 ,HE HELD H]
EV5 CLOS]1 8 LEGS /RA4L+ H]S Z HE B5T
OV] H]4 ,!N1 PLAC+ 8 WET M\? AG/ H] E>1
HE MUTT]$1 8,DON'T FI<T X1 ,LAUR54 ,I'VE
WAT*$ Y MOVE 9 T MA45+ WAY ( YRS4 ,I'M N
FOOL$ 0! P]FECT LADY ACT40 ,ALL ? "T1 %E
CD FEEL 8 COLD H&S "W+ )! BUTTONS ON !
BACK ( H] %IRTWAI/4 ,%E DID SCR1M :5 %E
FELT 8 BLOOD.S F+]S AG/ H] FLE%4 ,HE
/OPP$ ! SCR1M ) 8 M\? AG &1 Z ,LAUR5'S
M\? 0 OP51 HE ?RU/ 8 T;GUE 96X DEEPLY4
,%E F"\ EV5 H>D]1 SCRAT*+ 8 FACE1   #abg
PULL+ 8 HAIR1 KICK+ 8 BONY %9S4 ,AN
9/9CT ( SELF-PRES]V,N DROVE H] 6D ?+S %E
WD N"E H ?"\ H]F CAPA# (4 ,%E 0 HORRIFI$
6?9K AB :AT ALL ? AW;L PAW+ & SLO2]+
CULM9AT$ IN1 & %E KNEW %E CD N ALL[ X4
,REPUL.N & FE> GAVE H] "O LA/ SURGE (
/R5G?1 & %E %OV$ AG/ 8 *E/ ) ALL H]
MI<T4 ,HE /A7]$ & FELL BACKW>D OV] A
PETIT-PO9T CU%ION$ FOOT/OOL 9 FRONT (
,SYBIL'S EASY *AIR4 ,:ILE HE MADE AN
UNGA9LY ATTEMPT 6/&1 ,LAUR5 LUNG$ T[>D !
FIREPLACE & SEIZ$ ! IRON POK]1 BR&I%+ X
9 FRONT ( H]4 8,GET \ ( "H10 %E MANAG$
6CROAK 2T GULP+ BR1?S4 8,IF Y TRY 6T\*
ME AG1 ,I'LL KILL Y40 ,/&+ "! ) BLE$+
SCRAT*ES ON 8 FACE1 8 ?9 HAIR /ICK+ \ AT
V>Y+ ANGLES1 8 CLO!S 9 4>RAY1 ,WILLIAM
BORE LL RESEMBL.E 6! /IFF1 CIRCUMSPECT
M9I/] :O DELIV]$ HAIR-RAIS+ S]MONS 6HIS
3GREG,N ON ! 3SEQU;ES ( PURSU+ ! LU/S (!
FLE%4 8,:AT WD Y TELL "EY"O1 ,LAUR5
D>L+1 :5 !Y CAME 9 & F.D MY SKULL CRU%$
IF1 9 FACT1 Y SU3E$$8 ,YR REPUT,N WD 2
IRREP>ABLY DAMAG$4 ,P WD 2LIEVE T Y'D
9VIT$ ME "H :ILE YR WAT*DOGS 7 \ (  #abh
T[N40 ,HE TOOK A T5TATIVE /EP T[>D H]4
,HE /OPP$ :5 %E RAIS$ ! POK] HI<]4 8,I
WD N"E H ?"\ MYF CAPA# ( MURD]1 B S HELP
ME1 ,I W D X1 ,WILLIAM10 %E ?R1T5$4
8,Y'RE A HYPOCRITE &A P>ODY (A MAN4 ,N[
GET \ ( MY SI<T4 ,AT ONCE60 ,HE SNICK]$
NA/ILY4 8,I'M N GIV+ UP4 ,Y PROBABLY
DELIV]$ ! GDS 6,LOCKETT1 ANYWAY40 ,HAV+
FLUNG ? F9AL 9SULT AT H]1 HE WALK$ PA/
H] W>ILY & PAUS$ 9 ! HALL ONLY L;G 5 TO
/RAI<T5 8 CLO?+ & SLIP ON 8 COAT & HAT4
,LAUR5 HE>D ! FRONT DOOR OP5 & CLOSE
S(TLY4 ,%E /OOD )! POK] RAIS$ & ONLY :5
! WEI<T ( X 2GAN 6MAKE H] >MS A*E DID %E
L[] X4 ,%E MOV$ ) /UNN$1 DR1MLIKE SL[;S4
,AF CLIMB+ ! /AIRS Z IF %E WORE L1D
%OES1 %E OP5$ ! DOOR 6H] ROOM & !N LOCK$
X 2H H]4 ,%E CROSS$ 6H] DRESS] & LOOK$ )
4MAY AT H] REFLEC;N 9 ! MIRROR4 ,H] *9 0
/ %9Y ) ,WILLIAM'S SALIVA4 ,H] HAIR HUNG
9 TANGL$ KNOTS D[N H] BACK4 ,%E REMOV$
H] CLO?+ Z %E DREW WAT] 96! DEEP TUB4
,%E R9S$ H] M\? \ S"EAL "TS )
ANTISEPTIC1 & !N /EPP$ 96! HOT WAT] TO
SOAK AWAY ! DEGRAD,N4 ,! BRUISES    #abi
ON H] UPP] >MS 7 PA9;L4 ,LAUR5 _H AWAK5$
! NEXT MORN+ / %ATT]$ F ! EXP]I;E (!
NI<T 2F4 ,PAC+ ! FLOOR1 %E TRI$ 6>RANGE
H] ?"\S4 ,H[ 0 %E GO+ 6TELL ! GUILE.S
,PRA!RS :AT _H HAPP5$8 ,_! 4ILLU.N;T )!
"Y PA/OR WD 2 %OCK+4 ,C]TA9LY ,ABEL WD H
6RELIEVE HM ( 8 POSI;N & =BID HM 6"E 5T]
? H\SE AG4 ,LAUR5 WI%$ %E CD SP>E !M ?
HURT1 B %E CDN'T REMA9 SIL5T4 ,WILLIAM
,KELL] 0 A M5ACE4 ,X N"E O3URR$ 6H] T H]
GU>DIANS WDN'T 2LIEVE H]4 ,:5 !Y CAME
HOME1 %E WELCOM$ !M HAPPILY4 ,SYBIL'S
*ATT]+ HELP$ 4PEL ! GLOOM 9 ! H\SE1 : _H
SEEM$ 62COME EV5 M OPPRESSIVE S9CE LA/
EV5+4 ,LAUR5 0 PRES5T$ )A BOX ( LACE
H&K]*IEFS4 ,%E ?ANK$ ! ,PRA!RS PROFUSELY
:ILE 3SCI\SLY U%]+ !M 96! P>LOR4 ,!Y _H
J SAT D[N :5 ! DOORBELL RANG4 ,LAUR5 0
A/.D$ 6HE> ,WILLIAM'S VOICE :5 ,ABEL
ANSW]$ X4 ,!Y SPOKE QUIETLY =A FEW MO;TS
2F A P]PLEX$ ,ABEL /OOD "U ! PORTI]E &
SD1 8,IF Y LADIES W EXCUSE U1 ,WILLIAM
HAS AN URG5T MATT] 64CUSS ) ME4 ,WE'LL
NO D\BT JO9 Y %ORTLY40 ,HE 4APPE>$ 9 !
DIREC;N ( 8 /UDY &A "N.S PREMONI;N  #acj
PRICK$ ,LAUR5'S M9D4 ,%E 0 N]V\S &
APPREH5SIVE Z %E LI/5$ TO ,SYBIL'S
DETAIL$ A3.T (! TRIP4 ,LAUR5'S M\? W5T
DRY & H] AGIT,N GREW Z ! 9T]VIEW 9 !
/UDY /RET*$ 96A HALF-H\R4 ,H] HE>T LUR*$
:5 %E HE>D ! /UDY DOOR OP5+ &! TWO M5
CAME 96! P>LOR4 ,ABEL'S FACE 0 AN AL>M+
R$4 ,HE %OOK 8 H1D Z HE LOOK$ 4BELIEV+LY
AT ,LAUR54 ,WILLIAM /OOD S"EAL HUM# /EPS
2H HM4 ,HE SEEM$ 3TRITE1 B ,LAUR5 CAU<T
A VICTORI\S GL1M 9 8 REPTILIAN EYES :5
!Y LI<T$ ON H]4 8,ABEL1 :AT--0 ,SYBIL'S
VOICE QUIV]$ :5 %E SAW H] HUSB&'S OBVI\S
4TRESS4 8,MY DE>1 ,I WI% ,I CD SP>E Y ?1
B ,I'M AFRAID Y'LL H 6"K ( \R %AME SOON]
OR LAT]40 ,ABEL CROSS$ ! ROOM )A H1VY
TR1D & SAT D[N 2S 8 WIFE1 TAK+ H] H&4
,WILLIAM /OOD J 9SIDE ! DOORWAY & /UDI$
! UGLY C>PET "U 8 S]VICEA# %OES4 ,0 X
POSSI# ,WILLIAM ?"\ %E _H TOLD ! ,PRA!RS
AB 8 %AME;L 2HAVIOR LA/ NI<T & _H -E TO
APOLOGIZE8 ,H] SURMISE 0 REJECT$ :5 %E
SAW ! EXPRES.N ON ,ABEL'S FACE Z HE
TURN$ T[>D H]4 ,X 0 SAD4 ,X 0 C5SOR+4 ,X
0 SANCTIMONI\S4 ,HE SI<$ 2F HE SD1  #aca
8,=NIC,N IS A GRIEV\S S91 ,LAUR540 ,H]
LIPS "P$ 9 A/ONI%;T4 ,SYBIL GASP$ &
CRAMM$ A H&K]*IEF AG/ H] LIPS4 8,:AT--0
,LAUR5 />T$ 6SP1K1 B ,ABEL 3T9U$4 8,X IS
AN ABOM9,N UNTO ! ,"L4 ,WILLIAM HAS -E
6ME L A MAN & 3FESS$ T ! TWO ( Y H =
S"EAL MON?S YIELD$ 6YR LU/S40 ,SYBIL
COLLAPS$ AG/ ! BACK (! S(A1 & T9Y SOBS
ESCAP$ F H] TREMBL+ LIPS4 ,LAUR5 OP5$ H]
M\? 6PROTE/1 B AG ,ABEL ANTICIPAT$ H]4
8,A MAN'S DRIVES >E /R;G] ?AN A WOMAN'S4
,EV5 A MAN ( ,GOD L ,WILLIAM ISN'T FREE
F ! CRAV+S ( 8 FLE%4 ,H["E10 "H 8 VOICE
2CAME M /]N1 8X IS UP 6! WOMAN 6KEEP A
TI<T RE9 ON ^? CRAV+S4 ,WILLIAM TOLD ME
T Y 5TIC$ HM 6! PO9T ": HE SU3UMB$40
,SYBIL CRI$ \ L\D N[1 ! TE>S FL[+
COPI\SLY D[N H] FAT *EEKS4 ,ALL ! BLOOD
DRA9$ F ,LAUR5'S FACE4 ,! WILD P.D+ ( H]
HE>T SEEM$ 6/OP4 ,I M/ 2 DR1M+1 %E TOLD
H]F4 8,"SH[ WE1 :O LOV$ Y Z \R [N1 H
FAIL$4 ,Y 7 5TRU/$ 96\R C>E 0YR SA9T$
"F4 ,WE H 2TRAY$ T TRU/ J Z SURELY Z Y H
2TRAY$ \R LOVE40 ,LAUR5'S HE>T A*$ AT
SEE+ H] GU>DIANS SU6] S1 B %E MADE  #acb
NO EF=T 6SP1K !N4 ,%E GL.ED AT ,WILLIAM1
:O 3T9U$ 6/>E AT ! FLOOR 9 ABJECT
REP5T.E4 ,ABEL CLOS$ 8 EYES =A MO;T1 !N
SD1 8,LAUR51 ,WILLIAM TOLD ME T HE CDN'T
LIVE ) HMF ANO!R "D )\T >RANG+ = AN IMM
W$D+4 ,HE (F]S Y M>RIAGE1 N \ ( GUILT1 B
\ ( DEEP & ABID+ LOVE4 ,I1 = "O1 AM
GRATE;L--0 ,HE BROKE (F & BURI$ 8 FACE 9
8 H&S4 ,WIT;S+ 8 MIS]Y SPURR$ ,LAUR5 9TO
AC;N4 ,%E FLEW \ ( H] *AIR & CR\*$ 2S
,ABEL4 ,%E PLAC$ BO? H&S ON 8 & WAIT$
UNTIL HE RAIS$ 8 H1D 6LOOK AT H] 2F %E
SPOKE4 8,HE'S LY+1 ,ABEL10 %E /AT$
SIMPLY4 8,! ONLY "T ,I H BE5 AL"O )
,WILLIAM 0 LA/ NI<T4 ,HE CAME "H :ILE Y
7 G"O & TRI$ 6KISS & ''' T\* ME40 ,TE>S
ROLL$ D[N H] FACE Z %E REC.T$ !
9DIGNITIES %E _H EXP]I;ED4 ,:5 %E F9I%$
H] /ORY1 %E FELT ,WILLIAM'S H&S ON H]
%\LD]S Z HE PULL$ H] 3CILIATORILY 6H]
FEET4 8,LAUR51 DE>1 WE DON'T H 6HIDE
ANYMORE4 ,DON'T Y SEE8 ,WE W 2 M>RI$ &
LIVE TGR4 ,WE H S9N$4 ,B ,I'VE 3FESS$ MY
S9 6,GOD & ,MAN4 ,IF Y 3FESS YR
TRANSGRES.N1 Y1 TOO1 W FEEL ! P1CE  #acc
T N[ SU6USES MY _S40 ,%E JUMP$ AWAY F
HM1 H] EYES FLA%+4 8,>E Y MAD8 ,! ONLY
?+ ,I'LL 3FESS 6IS MY LOA?+ ( Y40
,WILLIAM SMIL$ SWEETLY AT ,ABEL4 8,I'M
AFRAID %E'S OV]WR"\4 ,%E WANT$ 6PREV5T Y
F F9D+ \ AB \R ILLICIT REL,NS4 ,%E WANT$
6SP>E Y T40 8,( C\RSE10 ,ABEL AGRE$1 />+
AT ,LAUR5 Z IF HE'D N"E SE5 H] 2F4 8,I
?9K ! W$D+ %D TAKE PLACE Z QKLY Z
POSSI#4 ,LAUR51 ,I APPRECIATE YR *>;Y 9
TRY+ 6SP>E ,SYBIL & ME4 ,I W B.S ?
M>RIAGE4 ,Y W 2 RE/OR$ 6MY FAMILY & 6!
FAMILY ( ,GOD40 ,WILLIAM _H WON4 ,)
SATANIC SUBTLETY1 HE _H 3CVD ?
C.T]ATTACK1 &! ,PRA!RS 2LIEV$ HM4 ,ABEL
_H SPOK5 ( 2TRAYAL1 B HE CDN'T "K H[
DEEPLY %E FELT 2TRAY$4 ,%E CD %[ !M !
PURPLE BRUISES ON H] >MS1 B :Y %D %E8
,IF ,WILLIAM'S SE$S ( DECEP;N _H F.D S*
F]TILE SOIL 9 ! M9DS ( ^? :O %D "K H] &
LOVE H] BETT] ?AN 6SUSPECT H] ( S*
DEPRAV;Y1 !N %E WASN'T GO+ 6PL1D H]
CASE4 ,ABEL 0 ,GOD'S S]VANT1 B HE WASN'T
,GOD4 ,& H] 3SCI;E 0 CLE>4 8,I'M N GO+
6M>RY ,WILLIAM4 ,HE IS LY+4 ,& EV5  #acd
IF HE W]5'T1 ,I WD N"E M>RY ,WILLIAM
,KELL]40 ,SYBIL %RIEK$1 & FELL BACK AG/
! CU%IONS ONCE AG4 8,LAUR51 D Y WI% 6H1P
BURN+ COALS ( %AME ^U \R H1DS8 ,*1 PL1SE
3SID] U IF Y DON'T 3SID] YR IMMORTAL
S\L10 ,ABEL PL1D$4 8,I H D"O NO?+4 ,I W
N 2 3DEMN$ 6A LIFE ( UNHAPPI;S )A MAN ,I
DESPISE10 ,LAUR5 SD FIRMLY4 8,B Y NE$N'T
DR1D ! %AME MY 3T9U$ PRES;E 9 YR H\SE W
BR+ Y4 ,I 9T5D 6L1VE40 ,& %E _H4 ,%E
LEFT )9 ! WEEK1 TAK+ \ (! BANK :AT SMALL
FUNDS 2L;G$ 6H]4 ,H] TELEGRAM 6,B5
,LOCKETT S5T ! MORN+ AF ,WILLIAM'S 3F];E
) ,ABEL CAU<T ! CATTLE B>ON J Z HE 0
>RIV+ 9 ,AU/94 ,HE HA/ILY REPLI$1 & 8
EVID5T JOY AT H] IMM95T VISIT RE/OR$ H]
HI< HOPES4 ,%E LEFT ! ,PRA!RS' P>SONAGE
S"EAL "DS LAT]1 UN=GIV51 AN ANA!MA4 ,B
%E 0 ON H] WAY 6,TEXAS1 &A NEW LIFE )!
FAMILY ( ,B5 ,LOCKETT4 99 99 99 ,!
FAMILY ( ,B5 ,LOCKETT4 ,%E 0 AB 62COME A
MEMB] ( T FAMILY4 ,0 %E DO+ ! "R ?+8
,YES1 %E TOLD H]F4 ,%E 0 DO+ ! ONLY ?+
%E CD D1 %ORT ( L1V+ P5NI.S & )\T
DIREC;N4 ,YES4 ,H] BE/ C\RSE 0 TO   #ace
M>RY ,J>$4 ,8 KISS _H /UNN$ H]1 (F5D$
H]4 ,B ": 0 ! 4GU/ %E %D 2 FEEL+8
,NAUSEA _H KEPT H] AWAKE ! NI<T ,WILLIAM
_H KISS$ H]4 ,:Y _HN'T %E BE5 SICK5$ BY
,J>$'S M\?8 ,ALL %E CD RECALL ( 8 KISS 0
! S5SU\S P]SUA.N ( 8 LIPS & T;GUE &!
PROTECTIVE W>M? ( 8 FIRM EMBRACE4 ,%E
ROLL$ ONTO H] BACK ON ! B$ & COV]$ H]
FACE ) H] H&S AG/ ! %AME %E FELT4 ,%E _H
5JOY$ T KISS4 ,& %E WD N"E =GET X4 ,CD
%E M>RY ! MAN1 LIVE ) HM1 & 3/ANTLY 2
REM9D$ ( T "O FLEET+ MO;T ( PAS.N8 ,A4$
6ALL 8 O!R 9SULTS1 CD %E TOL]ATE T F9AL
HUMILI,N1 "K+ T HE WD REMEMB] T KISS1
TOO8 ,ON ! O!R H&1 %E _H N YET ?"\ (A
PALATA# ALT]NATIVE4 ,AT L1/ 0M>RY+ ,J>$1
%E WD H A GOAL 6A3OMPLI%1 AN OBLIG,N TO
FULFILL4 ,! M"OY SEEM$ 9SIGNIFICANT N[1
B 9 TWO YE>S1 X CD 2 EXTREMELY
IMPORTANT4 ,! TW5TY ?\S& DOLL>S CD M1N !
DI6];E 2T LIV+ -=TABLY & DE/ITU;N4
,LOOK+ AT X /RICTLY F A F9ANCIAL PO9T (
VIEW1 DID %E D>E PASS UP AN OPPORTUN;Y L
?8 ,& !N "! 0 ! MAN1 ,J>$ ,LOCKETT4 ,NO6
,%E WDN'T ?9K AB HM1 = ?"\S ( HM    #acf
CL\D$ H] ABIL;Y 6R1SON LOGIC,Y4 ,"SH[ !Y
WD LE>N 6COEXI/ P1CEABLY4 ,T WD 2 A
MAJOR A3OMPLI%;T1 B %E WD TAKE X A /EP
AT A "T4 ,%E MADE H] DECI.N4 ,=! REMA9D]
(! "D1 ,LAUR5 /AY$ 9 H] ROOM1 TRY+ 6/ !
TURBUL;E ( H] M9D4 ,AT D9N]"T1 %E *ANG$
H] %IRTWAI/ & RECOMB$ H] HAIR1 SECUR+ X
BETT] ?AN %E _H T MORN+4 ,A COOL1 DAMP
CLO? PRESS$ 6H] EYES _H RELIEV$ !M (!
R$;S & PU6I;S ( WEEP+4 ,%E FELT RE/OR$1
B H] HE>T P.D$ PA9;LLY Z %E DESC5D$ !
/AIRS4 ,AT ! D9N] TA#1 ,OLIVIA /AT$1 ALM
Z AN AF?"\1 8,LAUR51 ! W$D+ W TAKE PLACE
"H A WEEK F TM4 ,"! W 2 A SELECT NUMB] (
9VIT$ GUE/S40 8,V WELL10 ,LAUR5 ANSW]$4
,J>$ WASN'T AT D9N]4 ,8 ABS;E 0 N"E
M5;N$ OR EXPLA9$ 6HIS FIANC@EE4
  ,*APT] #H
  ,=! NEXT FEW "DS1 ,LAUR5 0 ?RU/ 96S* A
BEEHIVE ( ACTIV;Y T %E _H LL "T =
9TROSPEC;N4 ,! %E] IMPORT.E (! TRANSPIR+
EV5TS PREV5T$ H] F EXAM9+ !M TOO
CLOSELY4 ,X 0 F> EASI] 6BE SWEPT AL;G ON
! TIDE4 ,S BUSY 7 ! "DS T AT NI<T %E
FELL 96B$ EXHAU/$1 HOP+ = RAPID &   #acg
-PLETE OBLIVION4 ,B H] BRA9 REFUS$ TO
SLUMB]1 & %E 0 =C$ 6DWELL ON :AT %E 0 AB
6D UNTIL H] M9D F9,Y REL9QUI%$ XS 3TROL
OV] H] BODY1 & H] BURN+1 GRITTY EYES
CLOS$ 9 RE/.S SLEEP4 ,EL5A & ,ROSA 7 AT
F/ SURPRIS$ T ,SE@NOR ,J>$ 0 M>RY+ !
LOVELY ,MISS ,HOLBROOK4 ,B SOON !Y 7
RID+ ! CRE/ ( EXCITE;T & GOT CAU<T UP 9
! FLURRY ( ACTIV;Y4 ,!Y NE>LY DROVE
,LAUR5 64TRAC;N ) _! PETT+ & FAWN+ OV]
H]4 ,J>$'S REAC;N 6_! UPCOM+ M>RIAGE 0
"O ( COOL A3EPT.E4 ,HE NEI FEIGN$
A6EC;N1 NOR TR1T$ H] )! RES5T;T %E KNEW
HE M/ FEEL4 ,EA* "T !Y 7 TGR1 HE REG>D$
H] )! SAME ALO( 9DI6];E T HE DID "EY"O
ELSE4 ,HE 0 POLITE1 B N E6USIVELY S4 ,HE
3V]S$ ) H] :5 NEC1 B DIDN'T 9ITIATE ANY
PRIVATE DIALOGUES 2T !M4 ,HE CD H LOV$
H] PAS.NATELY OR DESPIS$ H] ) EQUAL
F]VOR4 ,8 REMOTE EXPRES.N GAVE AWAY
NO?+4 ,OLIVIA ORGANIZ$ ! W$D+ 9 ! BRIEF
SPAN ( "T ALLOTT$4 ,LAUR5 0 3SULT$ ON LL
9 REG>D 6! >RANGE;TS4 ,%E 0 TOLD X WD 2
A PRIVATE CIVIL C]EMONY HELD 9 ! L>GE
P>LOR4 ,"! WD 2 A SMALL RECEP;N     #ach
AFW =! FEW 9VIT$ GUE/S4 ,! FOLL[+ "D1
,LAUR5 & ,J>$ WD G 6,KEYPO9T =A
8H"OYMOON40 ,LAUR5 0 FITT$ S"EAL "TS A
"D =! TR\SS1U : ,OLIVIA 9SI/$ ON DESPITE
,LAUR5'S PROTE/S 6! 3TR>Y4 ,OLIVIA'S
GE/URE WASN'T MOTIVAT$ 0G5]OS;Y OR ANY
BLOSSOM+ MAT]NAL A6EC;N = ,LAUR51 B BY
3C]N T "EY?+ APPE> PROP] & ABV
SUSPICION4 ,%E _H SPR1D ! ^W ( ,LAUR5'S
BACKGR.D "? S"EAL FAM$ GOSSIPS4 ,! /ORY
0 T ,LAUR5'S P>5TS CDN'T ATT5D ! W$D+ 2C
H] "F 0 SU6]+ F A HE>T 3DI;N T MADE
TRAVEL IMPOSSI#4 ,LAUR5'S DE> "M _H F>
TOO _M RESPONSIBILITIES 6OV]SEE ! W$D+1
S ,OLIVIA _H GRACI\SLY (F]$ 6H&LE X4 ,IF
ANY"O 0 SUSPICI\S1 !Y FE>$ ! 9DOMITA#
,OLIVIA TOO M* 6SAY S4 ,MRS4 ,GI2ONS1 !
S1M/RESS :O _H BE5 -MIS.N$ 6PROVIDE
,LAUR5 )A -PLETE W>DROBE 9 AN IMPOSSI#
AM.T ( "T1 REFLECT$ ! G5]AL %OCK & ?RILL
T ,TEXAS'S MO/ ELIGI# BA*ELOR1 ,J>$
,LOCKETT1 _H F9,Y BE5 SN>$4 ,LAUR5 0
AMAZ$ AT ! QUANT;Y & QUAL;Y ( CLO!S 2+
MADE = H]4 ,"! 7 SKIRTS & %IRTWAI/S (!
F9E/ FABRICS4 ,ALL (! BL\SES 7      #aci
TRIMM$ 9 DELICATE1 WEBLIKE LACE4
,DRESSES = "D"T & EV5+1 CLOAKS1 COATS1
HATS1 GLOVES 7 /REWN >.D H] ROOM 9 V>Y+
/AGES ( -PLE;N4 ,MRS4 ,GI2ONS "W$ >.D
,LAUR5 L A SCULPTOR >.D A MA/]PIECE1
M1SUR+1 TWI/+1 PULL+1 TURN+1 LIFT+1
P9*+1 ALL ! "T MURMUR+ 6H]F 9 APPRECI,N
( H] SUBJECT4 ,%E MADE "UG>;TS (! F9E/
L95 TRIMM$ ) BLUE SAT9 RI2ONS & F9E
LACE4 ,LAUR5 /OOD ) FLU%$ *EEKS Z ,MRS4
,GI2ONS DEFTLY P9N$ A NEW *EMISE ONTO
H]4 8,!Y >E V ''' %E]1 >5'T !Y80 ,LAUR5
ASK$ %YLY1 GLANC+ D[N AT H] BR1/S S
CLE>LY REV1L$ "? ! FABRIC4 ,MRS4 ,GI2ONS
*UCKL$ S(TLY4 8,MR4 ,LOCKETT W LOVE ^!
"U?+S1 B HE'LL 2 IMPATI5T 6SEE Y \ ( !M1
TOO4 ,Y H A B1UTI;L BODY1 ,LAUR54 ,AF HE
SEES Y )\T YR CLO!S1 HE MAY N"E LET Y
DRESS AG60 ,LAUR5 0 APPALL$ AT S* A ?"\4
,%E 0 / AL>M$ OV] H] REAC;N TO ,J>$'S
KISS4 ,?\< %E _H F"\ ,WILLIAM ) ALL H]
/R5G?1 %E _HN'T RESI/$ ,J>$1 AT L1/ N
/R5U\SLY4 ,( C\RSE1 "O CDN'T -P>E ! TWO
M54 ,WILLIAM 0 REPULSIVE1 :ILE ,J>$ 0
H&"S & VIRILE1 & 8 EYES ''' ,NO6    #adj
,%E WASN'T GO+ 6?9K AB HM4 ,HE OBVI\SLY
DIDN'T ?9K ( H]4 ,": 2F HE _H />$ AT H]
REL5T.SLY1 N[ HE /UDI\SLY IGNOR$ H]4 ,(!
TWO1 ,LAUR5 CDN'T H SD : 4TURB$ H] MO/4
99 99 99 ,TO ,OLIVIA'S CR$IT1 "EY?+ 0
-PLET$ 9 "T4 ,LAUR5'S NEW W>DROBE HUNG 9
H] CLOSET EXCEPT =! CLO!S ,EL5A _H PACK$
= H] 6TAKE 6,KEYPO9T4 ,ROSA & S"EAL
EXTRA HELP]S _H BE5 COOK+ & BAK+ = "DS 9
PREP>,N =! 8SMALL RECEP;N40 ,! H\SE 0
B$ECK$ ) FL[]S & POTT$ F]NS4 ,H[ ,OLIVIA
_H MANAG$ 6H !M TRANSPORT$ F ,AU/9 )\T
_! WILT+ WD REMA9 A MY/]Y 6! BRIDE4 ,%E
WAT*$ ! DAWN ( H] W$D+ "D F ! UP/AIRS
W9D[ ": ONLY WEEKS 2F %E _H WAT*$ ,B5
,LOCKETT'S FUN]AL CORT@EGE -M;E4 8,>E Y
PL1S$1 ,B580 ,LAUR5 ASK$ 9 A :ISP] J Z !
SUN BROKE OV] ! HORIZON4 ,%E TRI$ 63V9CE
H]F T ! "TLY SUNRISE 0 A GD OM54 ,EL5A
>RIV$ )A BR1KFA/ TRAY4 ,ANTICIP,N GL[$ 9
H] LIQUID EYES & %E *ATT]$ *E];LLY4 ,:5
,LAUR5 _H EAT5 ALL H] N]V\S /OMA* WD
TOL]ATE1 %E BA!D LEISURELY & ,EL5A 2GAN
HELP+ H] DRESS4 ,LAUR5'S W$D+ G[N SPURN$
TRADI;N & 0 B1UTI;L 9 XS UNIQUE;S4  #ada
,ECRU LACE 0 L9$ )A SILK SLIP (! SAME
COLOR4 ,! LEG-(-MUTTON SLEEVES &!
BODICE1 6! TOP CURVE ( H] BR1/S1 7 LEFT
UNL9$4 ,! COLL> /OOD HI< & FL>$ SLI<TLY
AT H] JAW4 ,"O DEEP FL\NCE A35T$ !
BOTTOM (! SLIM SKIRT & B>ELY BRU%$ !
VAMP ( H] B"O KID SLIPP]S4 ,%E P9N$ A
NOSEGAY ( DEEP PURPLE VIOLETS AT H]
WAI/4 ,H] BROO* WAT* 0 9VISIBLY SECUR$
6H] PETTICOAT4 ,H] HAIR 0 PULL$ UP 9 XS
USUAL POMPAD\R1 B ,EL5A 9SI/$ ON CURL+ A
FEW LOOSE T5DRILS 6HANG >.D H] FACE & ON
H] NECK4 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ BACK AT ! GIRL 9 !
MIRROR & WOND]$ IF T VI.N 9 ! CO/LY G[N1
)! PALE FACE & CAUTI\S EYES1 CD RE,Y 2
%E4 ,EL5A />$ AT H] IDOL ) R"E;E4
8,SE@NORITA ,LAUR51 Y >E B1UTI;L10 %E
:ISP]$4 8,L ! ,B.S$ ,VIRG9 ,M>Y40 ,%YLY
%E KISS$ ,LAUR5 ON ! *EEK1 H] HUGE EYES
FILL$ ) TE>S4 8,?ANK Y1 ,EL5A4 ,I WI% Y
CD 2 "! DUR+ ! C]EMONY4 ,Y'RE MY BE/
FR40 8,I WD L T1 B '''0 ,EL5A GAVE A
"*I/IC %RUG4 ,!N %E GI7L$ & SD
MIS*IEV\SLY1 8,I WD R 2 A WIT;S 6! W$D+
NI<T & SEE IF ALL ! /ORIES AB       #adb
,SE@NOR ,J>$ >E TRUE4 ,!Y SAY HE IS Z
BIG Z A /ALLION4 ,Y >E V LUCKY1 NO80 ,/
GI7L+1 %E PU%$ ,LAUR5 T[>D ! /AIRS4 ,!
BRIDE'S FACE _H :IT5$ SIGNIFICANTLY4 ,X
0 PRE>RANG$ T ,C>SON WD ESCORT H] D[N !
AISLE4 ,Z %E MET HM AT ! FOOT (! GR&
/AIRCASE1 ,LAUR5 0 T]RIFI$ T H] KNEES
WDN'T 2 A# 6SUPPORT H] M* L;G]4 ,C>SON
SPOKE 6H] S(TLY1 SMIL$1 PATT$ H] >M
REASSUR+LY1 & L$ H] T[>D ! =MAL P>LOR4
,!Y /OOD "U ! PORTI]E :ILE ! FIFTY OR M
GUE/S :O _H BE5 :ISP]+ ANIMAT$LY SU45LY
C1S$ ALL 3V]S,N4 ,! ORGAN1 BORR[$ =! AFN
F ! ,ME?ODI/ *UR*1 FILL$ ! ROOM ) S(T1
SLI<TLY :EEZ+ /RA9S4 ,? 0 ! F/ "T ANY"O
EXCEPT ,P>K] & ,KURT ,VANDIV] _H SE5 !
MY/]I\S ,MISS ,HOLBROOK1 & ALL 7 9/ANTLY
CAPTIVAT$ 0H] BR1?TAK+ B1UTY4 ,X 0 EASY
6SEE H[ %E _H LASSO$ ! MU/ANG HE>T (
,J>$ ,LOCKETT4 ,_H ! GROOM N _H YE>S (
EXP]I;E 9 KEEP+ ! RIGID MUSCLES ( 8 FACE
F %[+ ANY EMO;N1 HE MI<T V WELL H GASP$
9 PL1SURE AT ! SI<T ( 8 BRIDE4 ,HE 0
ADAMANTLY AG/ ? F>CE (A M>RIAGE1 B H[ CD
ANY R$-BLOOD$ MAN REMA9 9DI6]5T 6!  #adc
WOMAN :O WD SOON BE> 8 "N8 ,DAMMIT1 "U
DI6]5T CIRCUM/.ES HE MI<T EV5 ''' ,T K9D
( ?9K+ WON'T D1 OL' BOY1 HE CAU;N$ HMF4
,H["E1 X DIDN'T HURT 6LOOK1 DID X8
,ISN'T T :AT BRIDEGROOMS 7 SUPPOS$ 6D8
,! WOMAN WALK+ T[>D HM ON ,C>SON'S >M 0
EXQUISITE4 ,%E 0 L1 L ''' :AT8 ''' :OM8
,NO "O HE'D "E SE54 ,HE /UDI$ H] Z %E
MOV$ CLOS]1 H] GRAY EYES *A/ELY D[NCA/4
,Q DI6]5T F A FEW "DS AGO1 :5 %E _H
SLAPP$ HM4 ,!N H] EYES _H BE5 A D>K
BLUE-GRAY1 L ! MO/ OM9\S ( /ORMCL\DS T
GA!R$ OV] ! PLA9S4 ,& !Y _H BE5 J Z
?R1T5+1 J Z EXCIT+1 J Z ELECTRIC4
,LAUR5'S SLIM FIGURE 0 A35TUAT$ 0!
P]FECTLY FITT$ G[N4 ,H] FULL BU/ 0
NOTICEABLY DEF9$ ABV ! N>R[ WAI/ 5CIRCL$
0! HI< CUMM]BUND4 ,J>$ IMAG9$ HE SAW
FA9T %AD[S ": ! CR[NS ( ^? HI<1 PR\D
BR1/S WD BE1 B TOLD HMF X 0 A FOOLI%
FANTASY & CL5*$ 8 F+]S1 : L;G$ 6T\* ^?
%AD[S4 ,SWALL[+ H>D1 HE DRA7$ 8 GAZE
AWAY F H] *E/ 6H] FACE4 ,%E RAIS$ H]
EYES1 &! FE> 9 !M 0 EVID5T4 ,_H HE BE5 !
DEVIL 9C>NATE1 %E CD N H LOOK$ M    #add
APPREH5SIVE4 ,:Y DID HE FEEL A SU45 URGE
6REASSURE H]8 ,C>SON DELIV]$ ,LAUR5 TO
,J>$1 & %E GRAC$ ! OLD] MAN )A TIMID
SMILE 2F HE LEFT H] & TOOK A S1T NEXT TO
,OLIVIA ON ! FRONT R[ ( *AIRS TEMPOR>ILY
SET UP =! C]EMONY4 ,J>$ EXT5D$ 8 >M &
,LAUR5 SLIPP$ H] H& "? ! CROOK ( 8 ELB[
Z !Y FAC$ ! JUDGE4 ,J>$ _HN'T PLANN$ TO1
& ,LAUR5 C]TA9LY _HN'T EXPECT$ X1 B 8
OPPOSITE H& CLOS$ OV] H]S4 ,! W>M /R5G?
( 8 FLE% 3TRA/$ )! COLD FRAGIL;Y ( H]S4
,H] F+]S 7 FIRMLY PRESS$ AG/ ! FABRIC (
8 SLEEVE4 ,%E RISK$ LOOK+ AT HM "? H]
LA%ES1 KEEP+ H] EYES L[]$4 ,H] HE>T
TURN$ OV] :5 %E MET GL[+ AMB] EYES FILL$
) AN EMO;N %E _H N"E SE5 9 !M 2F4 ,0 X
"U/&+8 ,APPROVAL8 ,EV5 ADMIR,N8 ,%E CD
ALM IMAG9E T 8 LIPS S(T5$ 96! SEMBL.E (A
SMILE4 ,%E WANT$ 63T9UE LOOK+ AT ?
TRANS=M$ ,J>$1 B ! JUDGE 0 SP1K+4
,RELUCTANTLY %E FRE$ H] EYES F H]
BRIDEGROOM'S POSSES.N4 ,! C]EMONY 0
BRIEF & 6! PO9T1 N L ANY (! W$D+S ,LAUR5
_H ATT5D$4 ,%E FELT A TW+E ( 4APPO9T;T4
,9 ! C]EMONIES HE P]=M$1 ,ABEL _H   #ade
TALK$ AB ! SANCT;Y ( M>RIAGE & ,GOD'S
B.S+ ON ! 9/ITU;N1 AB ,JESUS P]=M+ 8 F/
PUBLIC MIRACLE DUR+ ! CELEBR,N (A W$D+
F1/4 ,( C\RSE1 ? 0 ! S]VICE =A CIVIL
C]EMONY4 ,YET :5 ! JUDGE SD1 8,I N[
PRON\NCE Y MAN & WIFE10 ! ^WS RANG HOLL[
& HELD NO M1N+ = H]4 ,JUDGE ,&REWS B1M$
8 3GRATUL,NS ON ! ATTRACTIVE C\PLE 9
FRONT ( HM4 8,Y MAY KISS YR BRIDE1
,J>$40 ,HE SMIL$4 ,J>$ >RANG$ 8 F1TURES
96A DETA*$ EXPRES.N4 ,HE PREP>$ 6FACE
,LAUR5 P]FUNCTORILY1 6PLACE 8 H&S ON H]
%\LD]S1 & 6KISS H] COOLLY ON ! *EEK4 ,8
PLAN W5T AWRY4 ,8 -POSURE SLIPP$ :5 8
EYES RIVET$ ON H] P9K1 TREMBL+ M\?4 ,HE
REMEMB]$ T O!R KISS4 ,! KISS T _H %AK5
HM 6! CORE4 ,! KISS T _H BE5 E>?%ATT]+ 9
XS VIOL;E & 5LI<T5;T4 ,! KISS ^: IMPACT
ON HM _H N YET BE5 DIM9I%$4 ,!
RECOLLEC;N T CAME UNBI45 6HIS M9D BR"\ )
X BO? 9TOL]A# PA9 & IMM5SE PL1SURE4 ,A
N[ FAMILI> H1T RADIAT$ F ! C5T] ( 8 BODY
6XS E EXTREM;Y4 ,HE L;G$ 6TA/E ^? LIPS
AG & EI QU5* ! FIRE 9 8 VE9S OR 9CR1SE X
6A PIT* ": HE CD N 2 HELD A3.TA# =  #adf
SEEK+ XS S\RCE & EXT+UI%+ X4 ,HE CALL$
^U E "PICLE ( SELF-RE/RA9T :5 HE DREW H]
6HM & WOOD5LY PLAC$ 8 LIPS AG/ ^? T
PROMIS$ S* SWEET;S4 ,HE 0 RESCU$ F FUR!R
TOR;T :5 ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON & _! FRS1 :O 7
EAG] 6MEET ,LAUR51 SURR.D$ HM ) HE>TY
3GRATUL,NS4 ,HE SURPRIS$ HMF BY
POSSESSIVELY TUCK+ ,LAUR5'S H& "U 8 >M4
,=! RE/ (! AFN1 ! ,LOCKETTS 5T]TA9$ _!
GUE/S ) AN ABUND.E ( FOOD & DR9K4 ,ONLY
A MON? AGO1 _M ( ^! GUE/S _H BE5 "H 6PAY
_! RESPECTS 6,B5 ,LOCKETT1 :O _H LA9 9
/ATE 9 ? V ROOM4 ,ALL GLOOM 0 N[ 4PELL$4
,A FE/IVE MOOD PREVAIL$4 ,C>SON MADE A
FL[]Y W$D+ TOA/1 & GLASSES ( *AMPAGNE 7
LIFT$ 9 SALUTE4 ,Z ,LAUR5 RAIS$ H] GLASS
6H] LIPS1 H] EYES MET ,J>$'S OV] !
CRY/AL RIM4 ,! LI<TS 9 8 EYES %"O )
GOLD5 E6]VESC;E & 7 M* M 9TOXICAT+ ?AN !
W9E4 ,H] SIP 0 M FRUGAL & DA9TI] ?AN
HIS1 B :5 %E WD H L[]$ H] GLASS1 HE R1*$
\ & TIPP$ X AG 6H] M\?4 ,! *AMPAGNE
TRICKL$ D[N H] ?ROAT & HEI<T5$ ! FLUTT]+
9 H] /OMA*4 ,!Y SAY HE IS Z BIG Z A
/ALLION6 ,! EXACT M1N+ ( ,EL5A'S    #adg
^WS ESCAP$ ,LAUR54 ,ALL %E KNEW 0 T Z %E
LOOK$ AT ,J>$1 ?"\S ( 8 PHYSIQUE %OCK$ &
?RILL$ H]4 ,J Z HE 0 L[]+ 8 GLASS1 "S"O
JO/L$ 8 ELB[ & *AMPAGNE DRIB#D D[N 8 *9
& ONTO 8 LAPEL4 8,OH60 ,LAUR5 EXCLAIM$1
!N CDN'T HELP ! LAU< T BUB#D \ ( H]
?ROAT4 8,Y ?9K X'S FUNNY1 D Y8 ,HAV+ A
SO7Y BRIDEGROOM80 ,HE 0 SMIL+1 TOO1 Z HE
SET D[N 8 GLASS & %OOK (F 8 WET H&4
,ACT+ 9/9CTIVELY1 ,LAUR5 :ISK$ AWAY !
DROPLETS ON 8 LAPEL4 ,OBEY+ A
SUBCONSCI\S -M&1 H] F+]S SETTL$ "U 8 *9
& H] ?UMB G5TLY REMOV$ ! DROPS ( W9E F
2N 8 LIPS4 8,"!1 T'S BETT]10 %E SD1
SMIL+1 & RAIS$ H] EYES 6HIS4 ,%E RECOIL$
F ! BITT];S %E R1D "!4 ,J>$'S BODY _H
2TRAY$ HM4 ,AT ! MO;T H] F+]S MADE 3TACT
) 8 FACE1 HE FELT HMF SWELL & H>D5 )
>\SAL4 ,HE _H 2GUN 6?9K T H] 9NOC;E 0
R1L4 ,HELL4 ,NO WOMAN CD T\* A MAN1 LOOK
AT A MAN ! WAY %E DID & N "K EXACTLY :AT
%E 0 DO+4 ,B5 %D H BE5 SM>T] ?AN 6FALL =
H] ACT4 ,J>$ 0 DET]M9$ N 6FALL = X HMF4
8,J>$ '''80 %E ASK$ WAV]+LY4 8,WE'D
BETT] M+LE ) \R GUE/S1 ,MRS4        #adh
,LOCKETT10 HE SD CURTLY Z HE GRIPP$ H]
ELB[ & GUID$ H] T[>D A GR\P (
WELL-WI%]S4 ,LAUR5'S HE>T SANK4 ,J :5 %E
?"\ %E 0 MAK+ H1DWAY1 ,J>$'S TRUE FEEL+S
= H] SURFAC$4 ,H[ CD !Y POSSIBLY SURVIVE
! NEXT TWO YE>S8 ,9W>DLY %E SI<$4 ,X 0
TOO LATE N[ 6DWELL ON T4 ,%E WD H 6COPE
)! FUTURE LAT]4 ,TD %E CD 3C5TRATE ON
NO?+ EXCEPT ! MAN 2S H]4 ,8 *>ISMA MADE
HM ALM IMPOSSI# 6IGNORE4 ,9DE$1 ,J>$
LOOK$ EXCEP;N,Y H&"S 9 8 BLACK SUIT &
:ITE %IRT4 ,8 EYES SP>KL$ ) AMB] LI<TS &
BRILLIANT TEE? FLA%$ A DAZZL+ SMILE ON 8
TANN$ FACE4 ,HE WON ! 3FID;E ( "EY"O
PRES5T4 ,HE *>M$ ! WOM5 %AME.SLY Z _!
APPROV+ HUSB&S LOOK$ ON4 ,HE DRANK ONLY
! TWO TRADI;NAL GLASSES ( *AMPAGNE1 &
US$ A6EC;NATE T]MS & GE/URES :5 9TRODUC+
,LAUR5 6P :OM HE _H "KN ALL 8 LIFE1
A3EPT+ ) APLOMB _! JIBES ON 8 CUNN+ 9
F9D+ S* A DELI<T;L BRIDE4 ,"! 0 A
NOTICEA# PAUSE 9 8 E6USIVE;S :5 !
,VANDIV]S CAME OV] 6EXPRESS _!
3GRATUL,NS4 ,LAUR5 SAW A TI<T5+ >.D
,J>$'S M\? & FELT 8 BODY1 "E NE>    #adi
H]S1 GR[ T5SE4 ,HE 0 COOLLY POLITE1 B 8
VOICE LACK$ 3VIC;N :5 HE ?ANK$ !M =
ATT5D+ ! W$D+4 8,Y SURE PULL$ A FA/ "O1
,J>$40 ,P>K] PATT$ HM ON ! %\LD] &
,LAUR5 DETECT$ ! T5.N "U ! BLACK
BROADCLO?4 8,WE _H NO IDEA T Y & ,LAUR5
7 PLANN+ 6M>RY40 ,J>$ MET ,P>K]'S PI]C+
/>E )\T FL9*+4 8,I'M AFRAID Y CAU<T U 9
! MID/ (A TIFF4 ,%E ?"\ X 0 IMPROP] 6H !
W$D+ S SOON AF MY "F'S D1?4 ,=TUNATELY1
,I 0 A# 6TALK H] \ ( H] SCRUPLES40 ,HE
PUT A POSSESSIVE >M >.D ,LAUR5'S %\LD]S
& LOOK$ DEEPLY 96H] EYES Z HE PULL$ H]
CLOS] 6HM4 ,HE 0 PLAY+ 8 "P WELL1 %E
?"\4 ,? PROXIM;Y 6HIS BODY & T PROB+
GAZE MADE BR1?+ DI6ICULT = H]4 8,MRS4
,LOCKETT1 MAY ,I WI% Y M* HAPPI;S40
,KURT LOOK$ AT ,J>$ )A *ALL5GE ON 8 SMUG
FACE4 8,I D H YR P]MIS.N 6KISS ! BRIDE1
DON'T ,I80 ,)\T WAIT+ = AN ANSW]1 ,KURT
L1N$ T[>D H] & PRESS$ ?ICK1 H>D LIPS AG/
H]S4 ,%E RECOIL$ EV5 Z ,J>$'S F+]S
GRIPP$ H] %\LD] S H>D T %E ALM CRI$ \ F
! PRESSURE4 ,KURT SMIL$ A SL[1 PROVOK+
SMILE & MOV$ AWAY4 ,J>$ WAT*$ )A    #aej
D1DLY GL9T 9 8 EYES Z ,KURT SAT D[N 2S
"O (! LOCAL GIRLS :O 0 HE>TBROK5 OV] ?
SU45 M>RIAGE4 ,! "E-WAT*;L EYES ( ,P>K]
,VANDIV] SAW ! ANIMOS;Y ON ,J>$'S FACE4
,HE *UCKL$ 6HMF & ?"\ H[ /IMULAT+ ! NEXT
FEW MON?S WD BE4 ,HE RELI%$ 4S5.N4 ,J>$
0 UNAW>E T HE / HELD ,LAUR5 9 A D1?LIKE
GRIP UNTIL %E %IFT$ H] WEI<T
UNCOM=TABLY4 ,HE )DREW 8 >M QKLY &
MUTT]$ "U 8 BR1?1 8,NO "O C RESI/ YR
*>MS1 C !Y1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT80 ,9 ! SAME
"UT"O HE W>N$ H]1 8,SMILE1 ,LAUR54 ,Y'RE
! RADIANT BRIDE & DON'T Y =GET X40 ,"O (
! O!R GUE/S CAME OV] !N & ,J>$ RESUM$ 8
"* ( LOV+ BRIDEGROOM )! EASE ( AN
EXP]I;ED ACTOR4 ,LAUR5'S H1D SPUN )!
E6ECTS (! *AMPAGNE &! EMO;NAL CLAMOR (!
PA/ WEEK4 ,%E L;G$ 6EXCUSE H]F & SEEK !
COOL S]5;Y ( H] ROOM4 ,B1 ( C\RSE1 T 0 \
(! "Q4 ,B5'S WID[ REIGN$ OV] ! RECEP;N )
H] CU/OM>Y REGAL BE>+4 ,%E LOOK$ B1UTI;L
TD1 ,LAUR5 NOT$4 ,! SILV] /R1KS 9 H] D>K
HAIR CAU<T ! AFN SUNLI<T1 & H] SMOO?
FACE 0 FLU%$ ) EXCITE;T4 ,LAUR5 SUSPECT$
T ? 0 Z CLOSE Z ,OLIVIA CD "E -E    #aea
62+ HAPPY4 ,%E WORE A DRESS ( SEA-GRE5
GEORGETTE1 & X FLOAT$ >.D H] TALL1
IMPOS+ FIGURE L A MI/4 ,C>SON PD C\RT TO
H] 9 8 PITI;L1 HUM# WAY4 ,LAUR5 FELT GRT
T5D];S & SORR[ = ? MAN4 ,HE _H N"E %[N
H] ANY?+ B K9D;S1 OBVI\SLY A R>E S5TI;T
9 ? H\SE4 ,HE 0 PA!TIC 9 8 DEVO;N TO
,OLIVIA1 :O EI IGNOR$1 PATRONIZ$1 OR
2RAT$ HM ) EQUAL APTITUDE4 ,LAUR5'S GL.E
>.D ! CR[D$ ROOM *.ED 6FALL ON ,KURT
,VANDIV]4 ,8 BLUE EYES 7 P5ETRAT+ "U !
:ITE-BLOND BR[S1 & %E FELT UNN]V$ 0HIS
/>E4 ,9/9CTIVELY1 & TOT,Y UNAW>E T %E
DID S1 %E MOV$ CLOS] 6,J>$1 WELCOM+ !
PROTEC;N 8 L>GE PHYSIQUE 9TIMAT$4 ,HE
LOOK$ D[N AT H] QKLY1 4TRACT$ 0H] T\* F
8 3V]S,N ) "O (! BANK DIRECTORS' WIVES4
,HE FOLL[$ ,LAUR5'S ANGUI%$ GAZE ACR !
ROOM 6,VANDIV]1 :O 0 L\NG+ AG/ ! WALL4
,IMPULSIVELY ,J>$ SLID 8 >M >.D ,LAUR5'S
SL5D] WAI/ & RE/$ 8 H& J "U H] BR1/4 ,!
MOVE;T WASN'T LO/ ON ,KURT4 ,L A VOYEUR
W&]+ "? A BORDELLO1 HE LICK$ 8 LIPS
LASCIVI\SLY4 ,LAUR5 %U4]$1 B DIDN'T "K
IF %E 7 REACT+ 6! LEWD EXPRES.N ON  #aeb
,KURT'S FACE OR ! W>M PRESSURE ( ,J>$'S
H& SEEM+LY BURN+ "? ! FABRIC ( H] DRESS4
,KURT W9K$ AT ,J>$1 PU%$ AWAY F ! WALL1
& /ROLL$ "? A DOOR L1D+ 6! WIDE POR*
\TSIDE4 ,J>$ & ,LAUR5 DIDN'T MOVE4 ,!
BANK]'S WIFE GU%$ & SIMP]$1 TOT,Y UNAW>E
(! DRAMA 2+ PLAY$ \ 2S H]4 ,LAUR5 CD
SMELL ! />* T KEPT ,J>$'S %IRTFRONT
CRISP1 : BL5D$ 9TOXICAT+LY ) TOBA3O &
*AMPAGNE4 ,:5 HE SPOKE 9 3FID5TIAL T"OS
6! SILLY WOMAN1 ,LAUR5 CD FEEL ! VIBR,N
( 8 VOICE 9 8 *E/4 ,! BANK DIRECTOR'S
WIFE MOV$ AWAY1 & / ,J>$ RETA9$ 8
POSSESSIVE HOLD ON H]4 ,8 H& TREM#D
SLI<TLY Z 8 ?UMB MOV$ UPW>D & LI<TLY
/ROK$ ! SIDE ( H] BR1/4 ,OR DID %E ONLY
IMAG9E X8 ,LAUR5 ?"\ %E WD DIE F !
3/RIC;N 9 H] *E/ T P.D$ UP 96H] ?ROAT &
S"\ REL1SE 9 A SMALL MOAN4 ,ANO!R GUE/
WALK$ T[>D !M4 ,SL[LY1 RELUCTANTLY1 !
/R;G F+]S 7 )DRAWN1 L1V+ 2H AN IMPR9T ON
,LAUR5'S SK9 Z SCOR*+ Z A BR&4 99 99 99
,! AFN _H WAN$ 96AN 9DIGO TWILI<T4 ,!
GUE/S 7 G"O4 ,C>SON & ,OLIVIA SAT TGR ON
"O (! S(AS4 ,!Y 7 WE>Y & RELIEV$    #aec
T1 AT LA/1 ! ORD1L 0 OV]4 8,WELL1 WE
PULL$ X (F B1UTI;LLY4 ,"EY"O 0 3V9C$ T X
0 A M>RIAGE MADE 9 H1V54 ,& ^W W GET
>.D10 ,OLIVIA GLOAT$4 8,WE [E X ALL TO
,LAUR510 ,C>SON SD G5]\SLY4 8,Y >E A
B1UTI;L BRIDE1 MY DE>40 8,YES4 ,%E'S !
P]FECT LL WIFE1 ALL "R40 ,J>$ SMIRK$ AT
,LAUR51 :O 0 HELP+ ,ROSA LOAD DI%ES ONTO
A L>GE TRAY4 ,HE TOSS$ D[N A TUM#R (
:ISKEY4 ,OLIVIA C\<$ 6COV] A MALICI\S
SMILE T ROSE UNBI45 6H] LIPS4 ,OBVI\SLY
H] SON 4LIK$ 8 WIFE4 ,T CD 2 MO/
ADVANTAGE\S 9 ! FUTURE4 8,Y P]=M$ YR "P
WELL1 TOO1 ,J>$10 %E SD4 8,TR1T ,LAUR5
C\RTE\SLY 9 PUBLIC1 & NO "O W 2 ! WIS]40
,LAUR5 KEPT H] EYES L[]$4 ,%E 0 / NO "P
( !M1 & !Y C>$ NO?+ = H] FEEL+S4 8,Y C
/AY AT ,KEYPO9T = Z L;G Z Y L4 ,WE'LL
PASS T (F Z YR H"OYMOON4 ,N V GLAMOR\S1
B IF ANY"O 9QUIRES1 WE'LL SAY T ,LAUR5 0
EAG] 6SEE ! RAN*10 ,OLIVIA REM>K$1 /IFL+
A YAWN4 8,GD10 ,J>$ SD4 8,I C'T WAIT TO
GET BACK4 ,:5 ,I LEFT--0 8,WE "K YR
UNW>RANT$ 5?USIASM =! RAN*1 ,J>$4 ,PL1SE
DON'T BORE U ) X N[10 ,OLIVIA SD    #aed
CURTLY4 ,H] LAZI;S (! MO;T 2F 0 G"O4
,J>$'S LIPS PRESS$ TGR 9 A H>D L9E 2F HE
SD BRUSQUELY1 8,LAUR51 WE'LL L1VE F/ ?+
9 ! MORN+4 ,& ,I M1N F/ ?+4 ,Y C RIDE1
C'T Y80 ,! "Q S.D$ ALM L A D>E4 8,YES1
,I C RIDE1 ,J>$10 %E SD4 ,HE SC[L$ AT
H]4 ,_H HE WI%$ %E CDN'T8 ,WD HE H LIK$
6F9D ANO!R FLAW 6RIDICULE8 8,!N WE'LL G
ON HORSEBACK10 HE SD IMPATI5TLY4
8,PEPE'LL BR+ \R BAGS 9 A FLATB$40 ,!N1
LOOK+ AT H]1 HE SD %>PLY1 8,WE'RE
TRAVEL+ LI<T1 S DON'T PACK "EY?+ Y [N40
8,I _HN'T 9T5D$ TO10 %E %OT BACK1 H] [N
IRE RIS+ "U 8 IMP]I\S;S4 ,%E 3T9U$ 9
SPITE ( 8 D>K LOOK1 8,S9CE WE >E 6L1VE
E>LY1 ,I ?9K ,I'LL G UP/AIRS4 ,GDNI<T1
,C>SON4 ,GDNI<T1 ,OLIVIA40 ,H] H1D 0
HELD HI< & H] BACK 0 /RAI<T Z %E CROSS$
! ROOM4 ,AT ! DOORWAY1 %E PAUS$ & LOOK$
AT H] "M-IN-LAW4 ,%E F.D X DI6ICULT 6SAY
:AT %E KNEW %E %D4 8,I "K Y W5T TO
TREM5D\S EF=T & EXP5SE1 ,OLIVIA4 ,?\< X
WASN'T = MY SAKE1 ,I APPRECIATE YR DO+ X
J ! SAME4 ,! FL[]S1 ! FOOD1 ! CLO!S1
"EY?+ 0 LOVELY4 ,?ANK Y40 ,! O!R    #aee
?REE DIDN'T SAY ANY?+ = S"EAL MO;TS AF
,LAUR5 LEFT !M4 ,!N ,C>SON C\<$ UNEASILY
& SD QUIETLY1 8,J>$1 TR1T H] K9DLY4 ,WE
H \R ULT]IOR MOTIVES1 B %E IS AN 9NOC5T
"PY 9 ALL ?4 ,2 G5TLE ) H]40 ,J>$ RES5T$
2+ 9/RUCT$ ON H[ 6TR1T A WOMAN4 ,9T5D+
6MAKE A RETORT 6T E6ECT1 HE TURN$ AWAY F
! LIQUOR CAB9ET ": HE 0 GETT+ A L>GE
BOTTLE ( :ISKEY4 ,C>SON'S FACE 0
GUILE.S4 ,HE _HN'T ISSU$ A DIRECTIVE2 HE
_H MADE A PLEA4 ,J>$ /IFL$ ! REJO9D] ALR
ON 8 LIPS1 MUM#D 8 GDNI<TS1 & PLO4$ UP !
/AIRS4 99 99 99 ,= AN H\R1 HE _H BE5 9 8
ROOM DR9K+ /1DILY & LI/5+ 6! LI<T TAPS T
SMALL SLIPP]S MADE ON ! FLOOR NEXT DOOR4
8,6MY W$D+ NI<T10 HE SCORN;LLY SALUT$
HMF 9 ! MIRROR OV] 8 DRESS]4 ,HE 0 %OCK$
0! REFLEC;N4 ,HE DIDN'T REMEMB] 4C>D+ 8
VE/ & COAT1 B A SWIFT GL.E OV] 8 %\LD]
REV1L$ !M 6BE C>E.SLY DRAP$ OV] ! BACK (
A *AIR4 ,:5 _H HE TAK5 \ 8 CUFF L9KS &
UNBUTTON$ 8 %IRT8 ,9 A "*I/IC GE/URE1 HE
RAK$ 8 F+]S "? 8 HAIR4 ,8 BRIDE 0
UND\BT$LY J Z IMMACULATE & COOL Z %E _H
BE5 :5 %E MET HM AT ! ALT>4 ,OR     #aef
MAYBE %E 0 ALR DRESS$ = B$4 ,:AT DID %E
SLEEP IN8 ,NO?+ PROVOCATIVE1 HE SC(F$
SIL5TLY4 ,"S?+ *A/E & ''' ,:Y N8 ,:Y N
SEE = HMF8 ,:Y %D HE 2 ! ONLY "O 6SU6]
"? ? HELLI% NI<T8 ,HE 0 H] HUSB& AF ALL
&1 0,GOD1 HE _H "S "RS6 ,HE DIDN'T
3SCI\SLY DECIDE 64TURB H] B1 PROPELL$ BY
"S MY/ICAL & OBSESSIVE =CE1 HE F.D HMF
2F ! DOOR T 3NECT$ _! ROOMS "? !
BA?ROOM4 ,HE KNOCK$ %>PLY4 ,NO ANSW]1 B
! MOVE;TS 9 ! ADJO9+ ROOM HALT$
ABRUPTLY4 ,HE KNOCK$ AG1 ? "T SAY+ H]
"N4 ,X CAME \ Z A TREMUL\S SI<4 ,HE
CLE>$ 8 ?ROAT1 %OOK 8 H1D1 & REP1T$ X )
M =CE4 ,SIL;E4 8,YES80 ,APPREH5SIVE4
,T5TATIVE4 8,OP5 ! DOOR40 ,X 0 A -M&4
,HE HOP$4 ,L;G PAUSE4 ,F9,Y1 CALMLY1
8,:AT D Y WANT1 ,J>$80 ,HE LAU<$
MIR?.SLY1 MUTT]$ A FEW UN9TELLIGI#
OBSC5ITIES1 & RAIS$ 8 VOICE ANO!R
DECIBEL4 8,OP5 ? DOOR60 ,HE HE>D H]
FOOT/EPS &! RU/LE ( H] CLO?+ -+ CLOS]
UNTIL HE KNEW %E 0 9 ! BA?ROOM J 2Y !
DOOR4 8,WE C TALK F "H1 ,J>$40 8,IF Y
DON'T OP5 ? GO4AM DOOR10 HE GR[L$1  #aeg
8,I'LL KICK X D[N4 ,D Y WANT A RUCKUS8
,X WON'T EMB>RASS ME1 2C ,I DON'T GIVE A
DAMN40 ,"! 0 A MO;T>Y HESIT,N1 !N ! KEY
0 TURN+ 9 ! LOCK MADE RU/Y 04USE4 ,!
KNOB RATTL$ Z %E PULL$ ! DOOR OP54 ,H]
HAIR 0 D[N1 FRAM+ H] FACE 9 A BLACK CL\D
& CASCAD+ D[N H] BACK 9 H1VY WAVES 6H]
WAI/4 ,%E WORE A ROSE COLOR$ DRESS+ G[N
CUT 9 A DEEP ,V 9 ! FRONT & BUTTON+ F H]
BR1/ 6H] KNEES4 ,LACE SPILL$ OV] H]
DELICATE H&S AT ! 5D (! WIDE SLEEVES4
,H] TREMBL+ LIPS 7 "P$ 6ALL[ AGITAT$1 QK
BR1?S 6ESCAPE4 ,%E TRI$ UNSU3ESS;LLY TO
MASK H] FE>4 ,! SI<T ( H] /UPEFI$ HM1 &
H] FL[]Y SC5T FILL$ 8 H1D )A GRT] V]TIGO
?AN _H ! VA/ AM.T ( ALCOHOL HE _H 3SUM$4
,HE L;G$ 6TA/E ! SMOO? SK9 AT ! BASE (
H] ?ROAT1 : FLUTT]$ )! FRANTIC B1T+ ( H]
PULSE4 ,HE WANT$ 69VE/IGATE :AT TR1SURES
LAY 2Y T F/ BUTTON ( H] DRESS+ G[N4 ,0AN
ACT ( W1 HE REGA9$ 8 SELF-3TROL & SD
?ICKLY1 8,Y NE$N'T LOOK S F"R5$1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT4 ,I H NO 9T5;N ( =C+ Y 6GIVE ME
MY 3JUGAL "RS40 ,H] ONLY RESPONSE 0 TO
MOI/5 H] LIPS )A DA9TY P9K T;GUE4   #aeh
,J>$ SWALL[$ H>D1 /IFL+ AN ANIMAL GROAN1
& SD1 8,I DEM& ONLY "O ?+4 ,"! W 2 NO
LOCK$ DOORS4 ,SEP>ATE B$ROOMS >E N T
UNCOMMON1 B A LOCK$ DOOR 9VITES
SPECUL,N4 ,MAIDS GOSSIP1 Y "K4 ,"O LOCK$
DOOR 2T U & ? :OLE F>CE IS %OT 6HELL4 ,S
NO LOCK$ DOORS4 ,IS T "U/OOD80 8,YES1
,J>$10 %E ANSW]$ LEVELLY4 ,DAMMIT6 ,:Y
DIDN'T %E SCR1M OR SWOON OR "S?+8 ,%E 0
S DAMN$ -POS$1 :ILE HE /OOD "H L AN
ADOLESC5T IDIOT ) 8 SW1T+ PALMS & P.D+
HE>T & A*+ LO9S4 ,N TRU/+ HMF ANY L;G]1
HE R1*$ =! DOOR & CLOS$ X QKLY4 ,HE
DIDN'T HE> ! KEY TURN 9 ! LOCK 2F H]
FOOT/EPS REC$$ 96! B$ROOM 2Y1 B HE LACK$
! N]VE 6TURN ! KNOB & TE/ H] OB$I;E4 8,I
GUESS ,I %[$ H] :O'S BOSS10 HE BOA/$ Z
HE FLUNG HMF ^U ! B$1 WOND]+ :Y HE FELT
NO SATISFAC;N 9 8 VICTORY4 ,ALL HE FELT
0 A DEEP L;G+ : HE TRI$ 6OBLIT]ATE )
SLEEP4
  ,*APT] #I
  ,EL5A G5TLY %OOK ,LAUR5'S %\LD] &
:ISP]$1 8,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT1 WAKE UP4
,X'S "T 6GET R1DY = YR TRIP40       #aei
,LAUR5 OP5$ H] EYES4 ,%E 0 GREET$ 0A D>K
ROOM & MUM#D A PROTE/ 96H] PILL[4 ,%E
DIDN'T WANT 6GIVE UP ! SLEEP T _H BE5 S
L;G 9 -+4 ,EL5A'S P]SI/5T NE$L+ F9,Y
P5ETRAT$ H] SLUMB]\S;S1 &) SU45 CL>;Y %E
REMEMB]$ ": %E 0 GO+ TD4 ,%E ?REW BACK !
COV]S & ROLL$ \ ( B$4 ,SOON %E 0 WIDE
AWAKE &1 9 SPITE ( H] MISGIV+S T[>D
,J>$1 0 EXCIT$ AB SEE+ ,KEYPO9T =! F/
"T4 ,Z %E P]=M$ H] TOILETTE1 ,EL5A
*ATT]$ AB H[ LOVELY ! W$D+ _H BE51 H[
B1UTI;L ,LAUR5 LOOK$ 9 H] BRIDE'S DRESS1
H[ H&"S ,J>$ WAS1 & H[ LUCKY ,LAUR5 0 6H
S* A HUSB&4 ,! MAID _H BE5 SURPRIS$ ONLY
M9UTES E>LI] :5 %E _H KNOCK$ ON ,J>$'S
DOOR 6AWAK5 HM4 8,SE@NOR ,J>$1 >E Y
AWAKE8 ,"T 6GET R1DY = YR TRIP4 ,SE@NORA
,LAUR51 D Y HE> ME80 ,ONLY SIL;E GREET$
H] UNTIL ,J>$ MUM#D A SLEEPY1 8,I'M
AWAKE40 8,SE@NORA ,LAUR51 D Y WANT ME TO
HELP Y80 ,EL5A TWITT]$1 ?9K+ T ! NEW
HUSB& WD PROBABLY TAKE OV] "S ( H] =M]
DUTIES4 ,"! 0 A RU/LE ( B$COV]S1 A
MUTT]$ CURSE1 & !N ,J>$ SD1 8,%E'S 9 H]
ROOM4 ,G WAKE H] UP40 ,EL5A _H      #afj
/OOD \TSIDE ! DOOR />+ AT X 9 A PUZZL$
FA%ION4 8,B1 SE@NOR--0 8,%E'S 9 H]
ROOM10 HE GR[L$4 ,N[1 Z %E PACK$
LA/-M9UTE A4I;NS TO ,LAUR5'S BAGS1 ,EL5A
%RU7$4 ,:Y WASN'T ,LAUR5 SLEEP+ ) H] NEW
HUSB&8 ,! WAYS (! GR+OS _H ALW BE5 A
MY/]Y 6H]4 ,! "O POSSES.N T ,LAUR5 _H T
KEPT H] F -+ 6,J>$ Z A PAUP] BRIDE 0 H]
RID+ HABIT4 ,X _H BE5 A GIFT 6H] F !
,PRA!RS1 :O _H 9SI/$ T %E ATT5D A RID+
ACADEMY4 ,! BLUE VELVET HABIT ) XS L;G1
TRAIL+ SKIRT & TI<TLY TAILOR$ JACKET FIT
H] FIGURE 6P]FEC;N4 ,X _H TAK5 UP AN
EXORBITANT AM.T ( SPACE 9 "O ( H]
VALISES1 B %E CDN'T BE> 6"P )! F9E/ G>;T
%E [N$ :5 %E LEFT ,NOR? ,C>OL9A4 ,EL5A
EY$ ! RID+ HABIT DUBI\SLY & ASK$ ,LAUR5
T5TATIVELY IF %E WDN'T PREF] WE>+ "O (!
SPLIT SKIRTS T ,MRS4 ,GI2ONS _H MADE =
H]4 8,NO10 ,LAUR5 ADAMANTLY REFUS$ Z %E
?RU/ L;G P9S 96! SM>T MAT*+ HAT ) XS
DECORATIVE VEIL4 8,I WANT ,J>$ 6SEE ME 9
"S?+ ( MY [N4 ,"S?+ 8 "M DIDN'T BUY =
ME40 ,! TWO "Y WOM5 7 SNAPP+ %UT !
FA/5+S ( H] BAGS :5 ,PEPE TAPP$     #afa
LI<TLY ON ! DOOR4 ,EL5A OP5$ X & HE B[$
SWIFTLY & SD1 8,SE@NOR ,J>$1 HE IS
WAIT+40 ,PEPE PICK$ UP ,LAUR5'S BAGS &
PREC$$ ! WOM5 D[N ! /AIRS4 ,HE LOOK$ AT
H] ATTIRE SKEPTIC,Y & MUTT]$ 6HMF 9
,SPANI%1 %AK+ 8 H1D 9 2WILD];T4 ,HE
C>RI$ H] VALISES "? ! L>GE FRONT DOOR4
,/U2ORNLY ,LAUR5 DET\R$ 9TO ,ROSA'S
KIT*5 =A QK CUP ( TEA4 ,! MORN+ 0 *ILLY1
&! TEA W>M$ H] BODY1 B NO?+ CD W>M !
*ILL 9 H] HE>T4 ,%E _H N YET SE5 ,J>$1 &
AF _! 3FRONT,N AT ! BA?ROOM DOOR1 %E
DR1D$ FAC+ HM AG4 ,:AT WD 8 MOOD 2 TD8
,ROSA 0 BU/L+ >.D ! KIT*5 EV5 AT ? E>LY
H\R4 ,Z ,LAUR5 0 EAT+ FRE%1 HOT
TORTILLAS DRIPP+ ) BUTT]1 ,ROSE SAW !
SAD;S ON ! "Y GR+A'S FACE4 ,ROSA KNEW
"EY?+ T W5T ON 9 ! H\SE1 & %E WASN'T
FOOL$ 96?9K+ ? SU45 M>RIAGE 0 BAS$ ON
LOVE4 ,MAT]N,Y %E R1*$ \ & PATT$
,LAUR5'S >M4 8,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT1 "EY?+ W
2 ALL "R4 ,SE@NOR ,J>$1 HE ''' HE HURT
9SIDE4 ,"H40 ,%E PLAC$ A PLUMP H& OV] H]
ENORM\S BR1/S4 8,B HE IS A GD MAN4 ,HE L
Y V M*40 ,LAUR5 MOV$ 6PROTE/1 B     #afb
,ROSA W5T ON QKLY1 8,ROSA "KS ! BOY S9CE
HE IS BORN4 ,I C TELL40 ,%E SMIL$
RADIANTLY1 REASSUR+LY1 & SQUEEZ$
,LAUR5'S H&4 8,VAYA CON ,DIOS10 %E
:ISP]$4 ,PEPE POK$ 8 H1D "? ! KIT*5
DOOR1 CLE>$ 8 ?ROAT1 & SD APOLOGETIC,Y1
8,SE@NOR ,J>$1 HE '''0 & 9DICAT$ ) 8 H1D
T ,LAUR5 %D FOLL[ HM )\T DELAY4 ,2F %E
LEFT ! KIT*51 ,LAUR5 TURN$ 6,ROSA & HU7$
H]1 H] >MS B>ELY 5COMPASS+ ! WOMAN'S
GIR?4 ,EL5A 0 /&+ 0! FRONT DOOR1 TE>S
GLI/5+ 9 H] EYES4 ,LAUR5 HU7$ H] Z CLOSE
Z H] PROTUB]ANT /OMA* WD ALL[4 8,I'LL 2
UPSET IF ! BABY -ES :ILE ,I'M AWAY4 ,C Y
S5D ^W 6ME8 ,I HOPE Y'LL 2 ALL "R40 8,I
W LET Y "K1 B DON'T 3C]N YRF4 ,! NI@NO1
HE W 2 BORN F9E40 ,EL5A LAU<$4 8,GDBYE1
,EL5A40 ,! TWO WOM5 CLUNG 6EA* O!R =A
FEW SECONDS1 !N ,LAUR5 /EPP$ "? ! DOOR4
,J>$ 0 SITT+ ON ! L>GE PALOM9O T _H BE5
TI$ 6! BACK (! WAGON ! "D ,LAUR5 >RIV$4
,HE 0 A VAQU]O AG4 ,HE WORE TALL BLACK
BOOTS1 ! CU/OM>Y TI<T BLACK PANTS TUCK$
96! TOPS ( !M4 ,A L1!R JACKET PROTECT$
HM AG/ ! COOL;S (! ,OCTOB] MORN+4   #afc
,A BLUE %IRT 0 "U T1 &A R$ B&ANA _H BE5
TI$ NEGLIG5TLY >.D 8 ?ROAT4 ,! BLACK HAT
0 PULL$ D[N L[ OV] 8 BR[S1 & HE 0 CASU,Y
SMOK+ "O ( 8 ?9 CIG>S4 ,J>$ LOOK$ H] UP
& D[N1 ONLY 8 EYES MOV+1 & 9 !
E>LY-MORN+ D>K;S 8 EXPRES.N 0 9SCRUTA#4
,PEPE HELD ! RE9S (A SA4L$ M>E4 ,BO? !
M>E & ,J>$'S /ALLION PR.ED SKITTI%LY :5
,J>$'S DEEP LAU< RO>$ "? ! / MORN+4 8,":
! HELL D Y ?9K Y'RE GO+ 9 T GETUP80
,LAUR5 0 /UNN$4 ,%E ?"\ %E LOOK$ Q FET*+
9 ! RID+ HABIT ) XS RI* FABRIC & MAT*+
BONNET4 8,?-? IS A RID+ HABIT10 %E
/UTT]$ LAMELY4 8,I "K :AT X IS10 ,J>$ SD
)]+LY4 8,X'S J GO+ 6BE 5T]TA9+ Z HELL TO
SEE H[ Y GET UP ON T HORSE 9 X1 T'S
ALL40 ,HE *UCKL$4 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT !
B1UTI;L SORREL M>E4 ,%E SEEM$ 6BE PLACID
5\<4 ,!N %E SAW ! SA4LE & SWALL[$
3VULSIVELY4 8,I WD PREF] A SIDESA4LE1
,J>$10 %E SD ) ALL ! POISE %E CD MU/]4
8,Y WD80 HE DRAWL$1 SECUR+ ! *EROOT 9 !
CORN] ( 8 LIPS4 8,WELL1 T'S TOO BAD1 2C
ALL WE H >E WE/]N SA4LES4 ,C'T Y RIDE
A/RIDE80 ,AG ! GAUNTLET 0 ?R[N      #afd
D[N4 8,( C\RSE ,I C10 %E RETORT$4 8,!N G
*ANGE 96"S ( ^? NEW CLO!S Y H & GET YR
''' RE> ''' \ "H QK4 ,WE'RE WA/+ "T40 ,Z
%E TURN$ BACK 6! FRONT DOOR1 HE A4$1 8,&
D "S?+ ) YR HAIR4 ,Y C'T WE> A PROP] HAT
OV] T '''0 ,HE MADE A DESCRIPTIVE MO;N )
8 H&S >.D 8 [N H1D4 8,& IF Y DON'T WE> A
HAT1 Y'LL SCOR* T BUTT]MILK -PLEXION (
YRS10 HE SD SCA?+LY4 ,LAUR5 LIFT$ H]
H1VY SKIRT & /UM#D BACK 96! H\SE4 ,EL5A1
:O _H BE5 /&+ 9SIDE ! DOOR & _H HE>D
"EY?+1 SYMPA!TIC,Y TOOK ,LAUR5'S >M & L$
H] BACK UP/AIRS4 ,SIL5TLY ! ,MEXICAN
GIRL DIVE/$ ,LAUR5 ( H] HABIT & REDRESS$
H] 9 A BR[N SPLIT SKIRT : ,LAUR5 ?"\
4GRACE;LLY TI<T ACR H] HIPS & M* TOO
%ORT4 ,A :ITE COTTON %IRT T BUTTON$ D[N
! FRONT M* L A MAN'S W5T ON NEXT4 ,EL5A
IGNOR$ ! TE>S ,LAUR5 SNI6$ BACK &!
QUIV]+ %\LD]S OV] : %E SLIPP$ A S(T L1!R
JACKET4 ,BR[N KID BOOTS MOLD$ TO
,LAUR5'S CALVES1 & %E 0 MODE/LY GRATE;L
T !Y COV]$ H] LEGS 6J 2L ! KNEE ": !Y
MET ! BOTTOM (! CULOTTES4 ,! TE>S 2GAN
6ROLL D[N H] *EEKS Z ,LAUR5 ?"\ (!  #afe
HUMILI,N ,J>$ _H SUBJECT$ H] TO4 ,HE _H
/RIPP$ H] ( ALL DIGN;Y 9 FRONT (!
S]VANTS1 H] FRS1 & HE _H 5JOY$ X4 ,9
SIL5T SYMPA?Y1 ,EL5A REMOV$ ,LAUR5'S
HAT1 TOOK ! P9S \ (! H1VY BLACK HAIR1 &
BRU%$ X HURRI$LY4 ,%E BRAID$ ! EBONY
TRESSES 96"O L;G PLAIT T HUNG TO
,LAUR5'S WAI/ L A SILK5 ROPE4 ,!N %E H&$
,LAUR5 A BR[N1 FLAT-CR[N$ HAT T LOOK$ L
! "O ,J>$ WORE1 & ,LAUR5 PLAC$ X ON H]
H1D1 SECUR+ ! ?9 L1!R CORD "U H] *94
,F9,Y ,EL5A H&$ H] A PAIR ( BR[N KID
GLOVES4 ,!Y _H BE5 9 ! ROOM NO M ?AN T5
M9UTES1 B ! TRANS=M,N 0 A/.D+4 ,Z !Y W5T
D[N ! BROAD /AIRS1 ,EL5A :ISP]$1
8,LAUR51 C Y RIDE A/RIDE80 ,9 ! CRISIS1
ALL =MAL;Y 0 DROPP$4 ,LAUR5 SWALL[$ H>D4
8,I DON'T "K4 ,I'VE N"E TRI$40 ,EL5A
LOOK$ AT H] -PAS.NATELY1 B SAW ONLY
DET]M9,N ON ,LAUR5'S FACE4 ,! TE>S _H
VANI%$4 ,LAUR5 /RODE \ ! FRONT DOOR )\T
S M* Z A GL.E 9 ,J>$'S DIREC;N4
,EXPECTANTLY %E /OOD 2S ! SORREL M>E4
,%E PLAC$ "O SMALL1 BOOT$ FOOT 9 !
/IRRUP & GRASP$ ! POMMEL4 ,PEPE     #aff
CUPP$ 8 H&S & BOO/$ H] UP 0H] O!R FOOT4
,%E L&$ 9 ! SA4LE )A PLOP1 ALM CRY+ \ 9
%OCK Z H] T5D] ?I<S SLAPP$ AG/ ! L1!R4
,%E IMMLY -POS$ H] FACE & TOOK ! RE9S
,PEPE (F]$ UP 6H]4 ,J>$ WAT*$ H] ) 9T]E/
& SMIL$ A S>DONIC1 "K+ SMILE4 ,? 0 GO+
6BE "S RIDE6 ,!Y DIDN'T SP1K Z !Y RODE \
! LANE 6! H\SE & FOLL[$ A ROAD L1D+ WE/
\ ( T[N4 ,LAUR5 SCANN$ ! C.TRYSIDE4 ,!
SUN 0 ONLY N[ RIS+ 2H !M1 & XS RAYS
GRADU,Y ILLUM9AT$ ! BR1?TAK+ SC5]Y4
,TALL CYPRESS TREES L9$ ! B5DS (! ,RIO
,CABALLO1 : P>ALLEL$ ! ROAD ON ! "R4 ,ON
! LEFT 7 G5TLY ROLL+ HILLS GLI/5+ )
FRO/1 : SP>KL$ L A MANTLE ( DIAMONDS Z !
SUN REFLECT$ (F ( X4 ,OAK & ELM TREES 7
T+$ )! RUSSET T"OS ( FALL1 &! C$>S
PROVID$ A D>K "EGRE5 3TRA/4 ,:ITE
LIME/"O =M,NS JUTT+ \ (! HILLSIDE CAU<T
! MORN+ SUN & DAZZL$ ! EYE4 ,!Y RODE
SIDE 0SIDE1 ,LAUR5 GUID+ H] HORSE AWAY F
,J>$'S ANY "T X CAME )9 A FEW FEET (!
L>G] ANIMAL4 ,H] HAT FELL BACK AG/ H]
%\LD]S1 & ,J>$ LOOK$ AT ! TOP ( H] H1D Z
! SUN CR[N$ X ) HI<LI<TS4 ,9 SPITE  #afg
( H] DECL>,N 6! 3TR>Y1 HE KNEW %E _H N"E
RI45 A/RIDE 2F4 ,%E'S GOT "S SPUNK1 HE
3C$$ SIL5TLY4 ,%E 0 RID+ WELL1 B ,GOD1
%E 0 GO+ 6HURT LAT] ON4 ,HE BROKE !
SIL;E4 8,Y DON'T LOOK Q S -ICAL N[4
,ISN'T T \TFIT M -=TA# ?AN T 3TRAP;N Y
_H ON 2F80 HE GOAD$4 8,I'M F9E1 ?ANK Y1
,J>$40 ,DAMN6 ,ALW S COOL4 ,I'LL J BET
%E'S -=TA#1 HE ?"\ SNIDELY4 ,T CUTE LL
BUTT HE'D NOTIC$ Z %E M.T$ ! HORSE 0
PROBABLY SCR1M+ 9 PA94 ,:Y DIDN'T %E
-PLA98 ,HE DELIB]ATELY SPURR$ 8 HORSE &
9CR1S$ _! PACE4 ,LAUR5 DID LIKEWISE 9
ORD] 6KEEP UP ) HM1 &! ?RO2+ 9 H] ?I<S &
BOTTOM 0 ALM UNBE>A#4 ,B %E WD R DIE ?AN
REV1L H] 4COM=T 6T SUP]IOR1 >ROGANT1
HATE;L MAN6 ,9 SPITE ( H] M.T+ ANG]1 %E
CDN'T KEEP H] EYES AWAY F ,J>$4 ,%E
WANT$ 6HATE HM1 B T 0 H>D 9 LI<T ( 8
H&"S;S4 ,NO PICTURE %E _H "E SE5 (! DA%+
WE/]N M5 DEPICT$ ANY"O Z EXCIT+ Z ,J>$
,LOCKETT4 ,TRY Z %E MI<T1 %E CDN'T =GET
H[ ! SI<T ( HM LA/ NI<T ) 8 *E/ B>E & 8
HAIR MUSS$ _H CAUS$ H] HE>T 6P.D4 ,%E _H
BE5 T]RIFI$ ( OP5+ T DOOR1 B X      #afh
WASN'T ONLY 8 ?R1T 6BR1K X D[N & R\SE !
H\SE T _H 3/RA9$ H] 6OBEY4 ,%E _H 6ADMIT
T %E 0 CURI\S AB :AT WD HAPP5 :5 %E DID4
,TREMORS _H C\RS$ "? H] BODY1 SETT+ UP
/RANGE S5S,NS Z ! TOPAZ EYES TRAVEL$ OV]
H]4 ,LAUR5 ALM IMAG9$ T ,J>$ _H BE5
UNN]V$ HMF1 B T WD 2 \ ( "* = HM4
,OBJECTIVELY %E /UDI$ HORSE & RID] N[4
,!Y MOV$ TGR Z "O 2+4 ,! /ALLION'S
H"OY-GOLD COAT 0 ALM ! SAME COLOR Z !
SUN-GILD$ HAIR T COV]$ ,J>$'S *E/4 ,!
SUN ROSE HI<] 2H !M1 & !Y 3T9U$ AT A
CANT]4 ,F9,Y1 :5 ,LAUR5 ?"\ %E CDN'T
KEEP F CRY+ 9 PA9 M* L;G]1 ,J>$ SL[$ D[N
& L$ H] (F ! ROAD T[>D ! SWIFTLY RUNN+
RIV]4 ,!Y RE9$ 9 "U ! ENORM\S CYPRESS
TREES4 8,I'M R1DY =A BR1K10 HE SD Z HE
LI!LY 4M.T$4 ,HE L$ 8 HORSE 6! /R1M &!
PALOM9O L[]$ 8 H1D 6DR9K4 ,LAUR5 / SAT
ON H] HORSE4 ,%E _H D"O EXCEP;N,Y WELL 9
RID+1 %E ?"\1 B %E 0 UNSURE AB M.T+ &
4M.T+ )\T A BLOCK 6/& ON4 ,J>$ LOOK$
BACK1 !N WALK$ OV] & (F]$ 8 H&S UP 6H]4
,PA9;LLY %E PULL$ H] LEG F ! F> SIDE (!
SA4LE & TIMIDLY PLAC$ A H& ON EA*   #afi
( 8 BROAD %\LD]S4 ,8 H&S 5CIRCL$ H]
WAI/1 & HE LIFT$ H] G5TLY 6! GR.D4 ,%E
DIDN'T LOOK AT HM1 B KEPT H] H1D L[]$
UNTIL HE REL1S$ H]4 ,%E FELT 8 BR1? AG/
H] *EEK4 ,X 0 W>M4 ,! M>E NE$$ NO
5C\RAGE;T 6JO9 ,J>$'S M.T AT ! RIV]4
,TAK+ A CANTE5 F 8 SA4LEBAG1 ,J>$
UNCAPP$ X & H&$ X 6,LAUR54 ,%E TOOK A
FEW SWALL[S & GAVE X BACK 6HM4 8,>E Y
HUNGRY80 HE ASK$4 8,YES1 A LL40 ,%E 0
TRY+ N 6W9CE Z %E SL[LY & /I6LY L[]$ H]F
ONTO A L>GE1 FLAT ROCK4 ,HE PULL$ A FEW
WRAPP$ S&WI*ES \ (! SA4LEBAG & (F]$ H]
"O4 8,I MADE ^! ? MORN+1 & ,I C'T V\* =
_! QUAL;Y40 8,X'S F9E10 ,LAUR5 SD1 BIT+
96! ?ICK1 DRY HAM S&WI*4 8,I "K H[ 6COOK
OV] A CAMPFIRE1 B A KIT*5 MAKES ME
N]V\S40 ,8 M\? QUIRK$ 9 ! SEMBL.E (A
SMILE4 ,%E _H N"E MADE SMALL TALK ) HM
2F4 ,S9CE HE _H 9ITIAT$ ! 3V]S,N1 %E 0
EAG] 63T9UE X4 ,/RA9$ ?\< X WAS1 X 0 A
2G9N+4 8,I L 6COOK4 ,MY GU>DIANS 9
,CLAYTON _H A COOK/H\SEKEEP] :O RUL$ H]
KIT*5 L A DESPOT1 B "S"TS %E WD LET ME
EXP]I;T )A RECIPE40 8,MAYBE         #agj
,GLORIA W LET Y PUTT] >.D 9 H] KIT*54
,IF Y C /& ALL ! KIDS "UFOOT40 8,:O'S
,GLORIA80 %E ASK$ ) 9T]E/4 8,%E'S
,RUDY'S WIFE40 ,HE SAW H] EYEBR[S RAISE
9 ANO!R "Q4 8,RUDY'S MY ''' UH ''' HE'S
! =EMAN AT ! RAN*4 ,HE & ,GLORIA LIVE "!
) ''' 8 "M4 ,!Y H A BABY E YE> OR S40
,HE SMIL$1 & ,LAUR5 NOTIC$ T 8 EYES
CR9KL$ AT ! CORN]S4 ,%E _H GLIMPS$ ONLY
A FEW UNGU>D$ G5U9E SMILES AT _! W$D+
RECEP;N4 ,!Y MADE HM APPE> "Y]4 8,B5
'''0 %E HESITAT$ OV] T "N4 ,:Y %D %E8
,%E 3T9U$ DO7$LY1 8,B5 TOLD ME T "O ( YR
VAQU]OS IS AN ,9DIAN40 ,J>$ LAU<$4 8,Y'D
BETT] 2LIEVE X4 ,"R D[N 6HIS BOOTS--: HE
USU,Y =SAKES = MO3AS9S4 ,?ORN IS A
,-AN*E4 ,MY "F F.D HM :5 HE &A FEW
,RANG]S RAID$ A VILLAGE 6RESCUE "S :ITE
CAPTIVES4 ,?ORN 0 HALF-D1D )A GUN%OT W.D
& />V,N1 EI ( : %D H KILL$ HM40 ,HE
SWALL[$ ! LA/ BITE ( 8 S&WI* & DU/$ 8
H&S FREE ( BR1D CRUMBS4 8,ANYWAY1 ,B5
BR"\ HM BACK 6,KEYPO9T4 ,?ORN 0 AB ELEV5
OR TWELVE1 ,I GUESS4 ,X 0 L;G 2F ,I 0
BORN4 ,HE'S BE5 "! "E S9CE & IS "O  #aga
( \R BE/ H&S4 ,HE & ,B5 7 V ATTA*$ 6EA*
O!R4 ,?ORN US$ 6TAKE U--,RUDY & ME--\ ON
! PLA9S4 ,HE TAU<T U 6/ALK DE]1 R1D !
/>S1 ! W1!R1 ?+S L T40 ,LAUR5 0 AMAZ$1 N
ONLY AT ! /ORY1 B AT ,J>$'S TELL+ X4 ,HE
_H N"E BE5 S LOQUACI\S4 8,!N Y & ,RUDY
GREW UP TGR80 %E ASK$4 ,HE 0 MADE UNEASY
0! "Q & ANSW]$ LACONIC,Y1 8,Y1H40 ,%E
TRI$ AG4 8,I ?9K YR L& IS B1UTI;L1 ,J>$4
,I RE,Y D40 ,%E SD X IMPULSIVELY1 B
EMPHATIC,Y4 ,HE LOOK$ AT H] /RANGELY1 !N
AWAY4 ,HE SQU9T$ 8 EYES AG/ ! LATE-MORN+
SUN'S GL>E Z !Y SWEPT ! PANORAMA 2F !M4
8,YES1 X IS B1UTI;L40 ,HE SEEM$ 5TR.ED )
! VIEW = L;G1 SIL5T M9UTES1 !N /OOD UP
ABRUPTLY Z IF EMB>RASS$ 0HAV+ SPOK5 S
FREELY4 8,IF Y NE$ "S PRIVACY1 G 2H ^?
ROCKS OV] "!40 ,X TOOK H] A FEW SECONDS
6-PREH5D 8 M1N+4 ,!N %E L[]$ H] H1D 9
3FU.N & /AMM]$1 8,NO1 ,I ''' ,I'M F9E40
8,!N IF Y'LL EXCUSE ME10 HE SD )
EXA7]AT$ GALLANTRY4 ,HE LOOM$ OV] H] )
"*I/IC IMPUD;E1 & %E BLU%$ 6! ROOTS ( H]
HAIR4 ,HE LAU<$ \ L\D Z HE SAUNT]$ (F1 8
SPURS J+L+ AG/ ! SMALL ROCKS L9+ !  #agb
RIV]BANK4 ,LAUR5 REWRAPP$ ! REMA9D] ( H]
S&WI* & PUT X BACK 9TO ,J>$'S SA4LEBAG1
/&+ W>ILY 2S ! HUGE PALOM9O4 ,A RIFLE 0
%1!D 9 A SCA2>D /RAPP$ 6! BACK ( 8
SA4LE4 ,%E _H NOT$ E>LI] T ,J>$ 0 WE>+ A
HOL/]$ PI/OL4 ,N"E 9 H] LIFE _H %E BE5
>.D FIRE>MS1 & !Y T]RIFI$ H]4 ,YET H]
HUSB& SEEM$ N 6?9K ANY?+ AT ALL AB HAV+
!M S CLOSE AT H&4 ,:5 HE _H -E BACK &
GA!R$ ! RE9S (! HORSES1 %E -;T$1 8,I
NOTIC$ "S UPROOT$ TREES OV] "!4 ,IS "S"O
CLE>+ T L&80 8,NO1 T'S :AT ! ,RIO
,CABALLO C D IF X GETS ANGRY 5\<4 ,T
HAPP5$ TWO YE>S AGO & 0 "O (! WOR/ FLA%
FLOODS 9 REC5T HI/ORY4 ,TREES1 CATTLE1
H\SES1 EV5 BRIDGES1 7 WA%$ AWAY40 8,B !
RIV] SEEMS S TRANQUIL40 8,MO/ (! "T1 X
IS4 ,B IF X RA9S H>D 5 & FILLS UP !
/R1MS 9 ! HILLS1 ! RIV] C 2COME AN 5T;Y
6RECKON )4 ,X TAKES BACK "S ( :AT X'S
GIV5 6! L&40 ,X 0 A POETIC PHILOSOPHY =
? USU,Y TACITURN MAN4 ,ME*ANIC,Y HE GAVE
H] A BOO/ UP 6H] HORSE4 ,%E CDN'T 3TA9 A
GASP Z %E RESUM$ T TORTUR\S POSI;N4 ,TO
COV] X1 %E ASK$1 8,:AT IS MY        #agc
HORSE'S "N80 8,"N8 ,I ?9K ! VAQU]OS CALL
H] ,FLAME 2C ( H] COLOR40 8,& YRS80 8,?
IS ,*>G]10 HE SD PR\DLY1 PATT+ ! B1UTI;L
/ALLION'S NECK4 8,HE'S N 8 USUAL SELF ?
MORN+4 ,I ?9K ''' ,FLAME HAS GOT HM
EXCIT$40 ,! GOLD5-BR[N EYES SLANT$ T[>D
,LAUR5 & 7 REW>D$ )A HI< BLU% T /A9$ H]
*EEKS4 ,9VOLUNT>ILY H] EYES 7 DRAWN 6!
"P (! /ALLION T MANIFE/$ 8 MALE;S4 ,!Y
SAY HE IS Z BIG Z A /ALLION6 ,LAUR5
NE>LY *OK$ :5 ,EL5A'S ^WS ONCE AG CAME
BACK 6H]4 ,J>$ RO>$ ) LAU<T]4 8,DON'T
WORRY1 ,LAUR54 ,HE'S TOO M* (A G5TLEMAN
6M.T H] 9 PUBLIC4 ,B ,I'LL KEEP A TI<T
RE9 ON HM1 9 CASE H] ATTRAC;N PROVES 6BE
TOO M* = HM40 ,:5 8 LAU<T] SUBSID$ HE
SD1 8,HE'S Q AN ANIMAL1 ISN'T HE8 ,B5
GAVE HM 6ME :5 ,I CAME HOME F ,CUBA40 ,9
AN 9/ANT1 ,LAUR5'S EMB>RASS;T VANI%$ & 0
REPLAC$ 0A/ONI%;T4 8,Y F"\ 9 ! W>80 %E
EXCLAIM$ 9 SURPRISE4 ,HE NO4$ CURTLY 9
A6IRM,N4 ,HE OBVI\SLY DIDN'T APPRECIATE
REM9D]S (! W>4 ,8 EYES TURN$ Z H>D &
COLD Z AGATES4 ,4TRESS$ T %E _H SPOIL$ 8
CIVIL MOOD %E TURN$ H] H1D AWAY F   #agd
HM & 2CAME 9T5SELY 9T]E/$ 9 ! HORIZON4
99 99 99 ,!Y RODE = ANO!R H\R 2F CRE/+ A
HILL & RE9+ IN4 ,ON ! O!R SIDE1 ! L&
SPR1D \ L A L>GE1 %ALL[ B[L1 CR1T+ AN
9CR$I# VI/A4 ,A SIZA# H]D ( CATTLE1
MO/LY ,H]E=D1 0 GRAZ+ 9 ! PA/URE & /&+ 9
! %ALL[S (! RIV]1 : W.D "? ! M1D[4 ,A
FEW CATTLE1 ^: CURLY R$ COATS 3TRA/$ )!
COLORS (! V]DANT PA/URE1 LAZ$ 9 ! %AD[S
(! C$> TREES DOTT+ ! VALLEY4 ,LAUR5 0 S
TAK5 0! SI<T T %E WASN'T AW>E (! ?"U+
HOOVES APPROA*+ H] & ,J>$ UNTIL ! HORSES
7 ALM ^U !M4 ,%E SCR1M$ :5 %E SAW AB T5
RID]S1 B&ANAS PULL$ UP OV] _! NOSES1
HATS PULL$ D[N L[1 BR&I%+ PI/OLS &
RIFLES & %\T+ AT ! TOP ( _! VOICES4 ,!Y
RODE T[>D H] & ,J>$ PELL-MELL1 L1N+ =W>D
OV] _! SA4LE HORNS4 ,%E :IRL$ T[>D ,J>$
9 F"R1 & 0 A/.D$ 6SEE HM ADJU/+ 8 R$
SC>F OV] 8 NOSE 9 ! SAME MANN] Z !
B&ITS4 ,FA/] ?AN %E CD FOLL[ 8 MOVE;TS1
HE :IPP$ ! RIFLE F ! SCA2>D & COCK$ X4
,!N1 SPURR+ ,*>G]1 HE GALLOP$ T[>D !
ATTACK]S GIV+ A BLOODCURDL+ ,-AN*E YELL4
,! B&ITS FIR$ _! GUNS 96! AIR &     #age
EF=T.SLY SURR.D$ ,J>$4 ,HE RE9$ 9 ON
,*>G] S H>D T ! HORSE RE>$ & PAW$ ! AIR4
,MIRACUL\SLY ,J>$ MA9TA9$ 8 S1T4
,LAUR5'S HE>T P.D$ 9 H] E>S 9 PURE
T]ROR4 ,:Y _H ,J>$ LEFT H]8 ,SURELY HE
DIDN'T ?9K HE CD FI<T (F ALL ( ^!
DESP]ADOES S+LE-H&$LY8 ,AF !Y KILL$ HM1
:AT WD !Y D 6H]8 ,FLAME PR.ED EXCIT$LY
2N H]4 ,%E CDN'T 3C5TRATE ON HOLD+ !
HORSE /1DY1 S FIX$ 0 H] ATT5;N ON ! SC5E
2+ PLAY$ \ 2F H]4 ,J>$ SLID (F ,*>G]1 &!
L1D] (! GANG 4M.T$ 8 [N HORSE )A SIMIL>
GRACE;L MO;N4 ,! O!RS REMA9$ 9 _! SA4LES
& =M$ A TI<T CIRCLE >.D _! L1D] & ,J>$1
:O FAC$ EA* O!R SQU>ELY4 ,"EY?+ 0 D1?LY
QUIET4 ,LAUR5 0 T]RIFI$ Z %E R1LIZ$ T
,J>$ &! B&IT 7 GO+ 6DRAW ON EA* O!R4 ,!
M5 /OOD A FEW FEET A"P1 _! LEGS WIDE1
>MS LOOSE AT _! SIDES1 E MUSCLE T5SE4
,!Y 7 M* ALIKE 9 BUILD & HEI<T4 ,!Y />$
AT EA* O!R OV] _! B&ANAS4 ,LAUR5 HELD H]
BR1?4 ,!Y MOV$ ) LI<TN+ SPE$1 &! PI/OLS
EXPLOD$ SIMULTANE\SLY 9 ! SIL;E1 ! BLA/
E*O+ (F ! SURR.D+ HILLS4
  ,,HI45 ,,FIRES                    #agf
  ,*APT] #AJ
  ,EI ! SU45 CRACK (! PI/OLS OR ,LAUR5'S
KNEEJ]K REAC;N 6X />TL$ ,FLAME4 ,%E
BOLT$ & RAC$ UNCONTROLL$ ACR ! PA/URE4
,LAUR5 0 TOO F"R5$ 6SCR1M4 ,ONLY 9/9CT
=C$ H] 6HOLD ON 6! SA4LE Z ! GR.D RU%$
"U H] 9 A BLUR4 ,! ?U4+ ( ,FLAME'S
HOOVES 0 JO9$ BY ANO!R'S1 B ,LAUR5
DIDN'T RISK TURN+ >.D = FE> ( UNS1T+ H]F
& GRT] FE> ( :AT %E WD SEE 9 PURSUIT4 ,F
! CORN] ( H] EYE1 %E SAW A FLA% ( BLOND
MANE SECONDS 2F %E FELT AN IRON >M GRAB
H] >.D ! WAI/ & DRAG H] F ,FLAME'S BACK4
,! M>E /R1K$ \ F "U H]4 ,LAUR5'S LEGS
D.ED 9 MIDAIR L A PUPPET'S Z %E 0 HELD
AG/ ! H1V+ SIDES (! HORSE4 ,%E CLOS$ H]
EYES TI<TLY4 ,H] >MS CLOS$ >.D ! WAI/ (!
MAN 9 ! SA4LE Z HE HAUL$ H] UP 9 FRONT (
HM4 ,AF :AT SEEM$ L AN ET]N;Y1 !Y 2GAN
6SL[ D[N1 & !N 7 -PLETELY /4 ,! HE>T 9 !
H>D *E/ 2N H] H1D B1T L\DLY AG/ H] E>4
,LAUR5 RAIS$ H] H1D & LOOK$ 96AMB] EYES
OV] A R$ B&ANA4 8,LAUR580 ,%E RECOGNIZ$
! VOICE & SLUMP$ AG/ ,J>$ 9 RELIEF T !Y
7 BO? / ALIVE4 ,HE TI<T5$ 8 >MS     #agg
>.D H]4 ,%E 0 3T5T 6L1VE H] H1D AG/ 8
*E/ ) H] EYES CLOS$4 ,S.DS ( APPROA*+
HORSES 9VAD$ H] S]5;Y4 ,%E _H =GOTT5 _!
ATTACK]S6 8,IS %E ALL "R1 ,J>$80 8,I ?9K
S4 ,J A LL %AK5 UP40 ,J>$'S REASSUR+
VOICE REV]B]AT$ 9 H] H1D4 8,LAUR510 HE
REP1T$ QUIETLY4 ,RELUCTANTLY %E OP5$ H]
EYES & RAIS$ H] H1D4 ,J>$ L[]$ 8 B&ANA &
LOOK$ D[N AT H]4 ,0 X 3C]N %E SAW 9 8
FACE8 ,*>G] IMPATI5TLY TOSS$ 8 H1D &
BR"\ H] \ (! HYPNOTIC /ATE T ? UNPLANN$
CLOSE;S 6,J>$ _H 9DUC$4 ,%E LOOK$ AT !
O!R RID]4 ,8 F1TURES 7 M* L ,J>$'S1
EXCEPT HE 0 D>K] ( -PLEXION & HAIR4 ,HE1
TOO1 _H PULL$ ! B&ANA F 8 FACE & 0 SMIL+
AT H] 3G5I,Y4 ,%YLY H] GAZE TRAVEL$ >.D
! SEMICIRCLE ( VAQU]OS NE>LY SURR.D+ !M4
,!Y APPE>$ N 9 ! L1/ MALEVOL5T1 B ONLY
CURI\S &A TRIFLE *AGR9$4 8,LAUR51 ? IS
,RUDY ,M5DEZ & ^! >E ,KEYPO9T'S
VAQU]OS--"S ( !M4 ,DID WE F"R5 Y80
,J>$'S T5D];S AMAZ$ H]4 ,%E NO4$ DUMBLY2
!N1 REMEMB]+ ! DRAW 3TE/1 SD1 8,B ,I SAW
Y %OOT EA* O!R40 ,H] LIPS TREM#D4 ,RUDY
LAU<$ & :ITE TEE? FLA%$ 9 8 SW>?Y   #agh
FACE4 8,"S"TS ,I ?9K ,J>$ NE$S %OOT+1 B
WE TRY 6MISS :5 WE'RE ONLY PLAY+40 ,HE
W9K$ AT H]4 8,RUDY ,M5DEZ AT YR S]VICE1
,MRS4 ,LOCKETT4 ,WELCOME 6,KEYPO9T4 ,J>$
%D H W>N$ Y ( \R R\< GAMES4 ,\R WELCOM+
-MITTEE GOT OV]Z1L\S TD4 ,C Y =GIVE U80
,8 SMILE 0 S 5GAG+ T ,LAUR5 SMIL$
TREMUL\SLY & MURMUR$1 8,YES4 ,I'M SORRY
,I CAUS$ S* A FUSS40 ,SU45LY %E 0 3SCI\S
T %E M/ LOOK A F"R4 ,H] HAT _H BE5 TORN
F H] H1D & 0 RE/+ ON H] %\LD]S4 ,H] HAIR
_H LOOS5$ F ! TI<T BRAID1 & WISPS ( X
BLEW >.D H] FACE4 ,WOR/ ( ALL1 %E 0 2+
HELD 9 A MO/ UNLADYLIKE WAY ACR ,J>$'S
LAP1 8 /R;G >MS SUPPORT+ H]4 ,:5 %E
R1LIZ$ %E / _H H] >MS WRAPP$ >.D HM1 %E
)DREW !M 9/ANTLY4 ,B %E _HN'T C.T$ ON
,*>G] *OOS+ T "T 6/AMP ! GR.D
IMPATI5TLY4 ,%E CAME CLOSE 62+ UNBAL.ED
MO/ IGNOM9I\SLY4 ,GRASP+ DESP]ATELY =
:AT"E H&HOLD 0 AVAILA#1 H] F+]S GROP$
>.D ! TI<T BULGE 2T ,J>$'S ?I<S4 ,8
EXPLETIVE E*O$ 9 H] E> J 2F HE HISS$
UNEV5LY1 8,= GODSAKE1 DON'T D T4 ,PUT YR
>MS >.D MY WAI/ & KEEP !M "!40 ,%E  #agi
OBEY$4 ,LUCKILY ,*>G] _H 3T9U$ 8 PRANC+1
S NO "O _H WIT;S$ H] FOLLY4 ,)A FLICK (
8 WRI/1 ,J>$ BR"\ ! HORSE >.D4 ,HE 0
UNAW>E (! SILLY GR9 ON 8 FACE T 0 S
OBVI\S 6"EY"O ELSE4 ,! VAQU]OS & ,RUDY
/>$ UNABA%$LY AT ,J>$'S BRIDE4 ,%E 0 S
B1UTI;L6 ,:5 ^W _H GOTT5 BACK 6! RAN* T
_! ,J>$ 0 HURRI$LY M>RY+ A GIRL F BACK
,EA/1 "! _H BE5 "S UNFLATT]+ SPECUL,NS
ON H] *>MS4 ,N[ !Y SAW :Y _! BOSS _H BE5
S EAG] 6GET ? GIRL 96HIS B$4 ,LAUR5 0
2COM+ 9CR1S+LY UNCOM=TA# "U _! />ES1 &
,RUDY NOTIC$ X4 8,DOESN'T ANY"O H "W TO
D80 HE ASK$ ! VAQU]OS4 ,!Y CAU<T 8 DRIFT
& "O 0"O TIPP$ _! HATS 6,LAUR5 & PULL$
_! HORSES >.D1 H1D+ BACK T[>D ! H]D4
8,I'LL FET* YR HORSE1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT40
8,NO1 ,RUDY10 ,J>$ SD4 8,I'LL TAKE H] !
RE/ (! WAY ) ME4 ,T M>E IS PROBABLY 96H]
SECOND BAG ( OATS 0N[40 8,NO TR\#1
,J>$10 ,RUDY TAUNT$4 ,J>$'S PREF];E =!
CURR5T >RANGE;T WASN'T LO/ ON HM4 ,!
VAQU]OS :I/L$ & HOOT$ BACK AT !M Z ,J>$
NUDG$ ,*>G] ) 8 KNEE & !Y />T$ ACR !
PA/URE4 8,DAMMIT10 ,J>$ MUTT]$      #ahj
CLOSE 6H] E>4 ,OH1 ,GOD1 HE GROAN$
SIL5TLY Z %E %IFT$ H] HIPS1 LOOK+ =A M
-=TA# POSI;N4 ,RUDY RODE UP 2S !M &
WAT*$ Z ,LAUR5 EAS$ H]F AWAY F ,J>$'S
*E/4 ,8 >MS SEEM$ RELUCTANT 6RELIEVE _!
FIRM HOLD ON H]1 B ,RUDY SAW ! MUSCLES
SL[LY RELAX4 ,"! APPE>$ 6BE A TANGI#
T5.N 2T ^! TWO4 ,J>$ _H CURS$ ? ,LAUR5
,HOLBROOK :5 HE CAME 6,KEYPO9T AF ,B5'S
FUN]AL4 ,HE 9SULT$ H] H]ITAGE1
9TELLIG;E1 & MORAL;Y4 ,RUDY _H T1S$ HM
AB H] !N B1 6HIS SURPRISE1 ,J>$ 9=M$ HM
HE _HN'T EV5 SE5 ! GIRL4 8,!N H[ D Y "K
%E'S S 4REPUTA#8 ,ANYWAY1 ,I ?"\ Y SD Y
_H G"O 6,AU/9 6PICK H] UP40 8,I DID60
,J>$ EXCLAIM$ ANGRILY4 8,B ,I ''' OH1
HELL4 ,J DROP X1 W Y80 ,RUDY KNEW BETT]
?AN 6PRESS FUR!R4 ,SC>CELY A WEEK LAT]1
,PEPE CAME \ 6! RAN* ) SUPPLIES &! NEWS
T ,J>$ 0 M>RY+ ! V GIRL HE _H CLAIM$ N"E
6H SE5 & YET _H CALL$ A 83NIV+ LL T>T40
,WELL1 ,RUDY ?"\1 HE'S SE5 H] N[4 ,B GD4
,GLORIA & ,MAMMA 7 ?RILL$ AB ! M>RIAGE1
S ,RUDY _H KEPT 8 RES]V,NS AB XS FUTURE
6HMF4 ,IF ,J>$ _H A BRA9 9 8 H1D1   #aha
: ,RUDY "S"TS D\BT$1 HE WD KEEP ? WOMAN
"U LOCK & KEY4 ,%E 0 GORGE\S1 &A LADY1
&1 0! TORTUR$ LOOK ON ,J>$'S FACE1 HE
WASN'T OBLIVI\S 6H] *>MS4 ,HE *UCKL$ TO
HMF4 ,GD = Y1 ,LAUR54 ,HE SPOKE \ L\D1
8,GLORIA1 MY WIFE1 IS LOOK+ =W>D 6MEET+
Y1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT4 ,%E'S BE5 M EXCIT$
?AN ! KIDS40 8,PL1SE CALL ME ,LAUR54 ,H[
_M *N D Y H1 ,MR4 ,M5DEZ80 8,I'M ,RUDY40
,HE GR9N$4 8,WELL1 LET'S SEE10 HE SD1
SIL5TLY TICK+ (F "NS ON 8 F+]S4 8,J>$1
HELP ME4 ,IS X SIX OR SEV580 ,J>$
SNORT$4 8,I ?9K :5 ,I LEFT X 0 SIX1 )
NUMB] SEV5 WELL ON ! WAY4 ,( C\RSE1 IF
,GLORIA HAS DELIV]$ E>LY1 ,I'M SURE Y'VE
ALR />T$ NUMB] EI<T40 8,DON'T 2 CRUDE 9
FRONT ( YR BRIDE10 ,RUDY SCOLD$1 B 8
EYES 7 TW9KL+4 ,HE LOOK$ S"EAL YE>S OLD]
?AN ,J>$1 & "! 0 "S?+ FAMILI> AB HM4
,LAUR5 0 TRY+ 6DECIDE :AT X 0 :5 %E SAW
! RAN* H\SE4 ,X 0 L>GE & SPRAWL+1 A
"O-/ORY BUILD+ ( LIME/"O BLOCKS )A C$>
%+LE RO(4 ,F\R C$> PO/S SUPPORT$ ! RO(
OV] A WIDE FRONT POR* RUNN+ ! BR1D? (!
H\SE4 ,"! 7 S"EAL \TBUILD+S1 ALL    #ahb
BUILT (! SAME MAT]IALS4 ,WELL-3/RUCT$
CORRALS DOTT$ ! -P.D4 ,LAU<+1 SQU1L+ *N
PLAY$ AB ! Y>D1 ! ONLY >EA ": GRASS 0
GR[+4 ,! TWO HORSES 7 L$ 96! Y>D & HALT$
2F A HIT*+ PO/4 ,RUDY 4M.T$4 ,J>$ &
,LAUR5 REMA9$ Z !Y 7 =A MO;T 2F ,J>$
LOOK$ D[N AT H] & SD S(TLY1 8,Y 7 F"R5$4
,I'M SORRY40 ,8 FACE 0 V CLOSE 6H]S4 ,"!
0 NO M1SURA# EXPRES.N ON X1 B ! VOICE 0
S UNLIKE ANY HE _H =M]LY US$ T %E 0 HELD
SPELLB.D4 ,EMO;N SWELL$ H] ?ROAT1 B %E
SD1 8,X'S ALL "R4 ,I'VE RECOV]$40 ,AG %E
WIT;S$ T QK LIFT+ (! CORN]S ( 8 M\? T
MI<T 2 3SID]$ A SMILE4 ,HE TOOK A FIRM
HOLD >.D H] WAI/ ) "O >M & L[]$ H] G5TLY
6! GR.D4 ,ON H] DESC5T1 8 H& SLID F H]
WAI/ 6H] >MPIT4 ,8 F+]S LI<TLY GRAZ$ H]
BR1/4 ,!Y 7 BO? %AK5 0! 3TACT4 ,LAUR5
TRI$ 6RECOV] H]F 0/RAI<T5+ H] CLO?+4
,J>$ SWUNG D[N F 8 HORSE Z IF IRRITAT$4
,RUDY1 :O _H SE5 ! :OLE ?+ & NOT$ !
REAC;NS1 CAU<T ,J>$'S EYE & W9K$ SLYLY4
,J>$ GL[]$ AT HM4 ,! DOOR (! H\SE 0
FLUNG OP5 & ,GLORIA FLEW \ ( X4 ,! *N1
:O _H SPOTT$ _! "F & ,J>$1 RU%$     #ahc
OV] 6!M1 GRA2+ !M >.D ! LEGS1 PU%+ &
%OV+ & VY+ = _! ATT5;N4 8,LAUR51 ,LAUR51
WELCOME4 ,I'M ,GLORIA40 ,! UN9HIBIT$
,GLORIA HU7$ ,LAUR5 9 A W>M1 5COMPASS+
EMBRACE4 ,LAUR5 LAU<$ AT ! ,MEXICAN
WOMAN'S EXUB].E4 ,%E 0 OLD] ?AN ,LAUR5
&1 ?\< %E LACK$ ! CLASSIC B1UTY ( ,EL5A1
0 V PRETTY4 ,H] OLIVE -PLEXION GL[$ )
H1L? & HAPPI;S1 : 7 AL REFLECT$ 9 H] D>K
EYES4 ,L ,EL5A1 %E 0 EXPECT+ A *1 ?\< H]
"T WASN'T Z IMM95T4 ,%E WORE A D>K
SKIRT1 )A FULL B TAILOR$ %IRTWAI/ OV] X
9 DEF];E 6H] 3DI;N4 ,H] GLOSSY BLACK
HAIR 0 PULL$ BACK F A C5T] "P 96A *IGNON
AT ! BACK ( H] H1D4 8,?ANK Y1 ,GLORIA4
,I'M HAPPY 6BE "H4 ,I HOPE \R VISIT
HASN'T PUT Y 6ANY TR\#40 8,NO1 NO4 ,2SS1
? IS ,J>$'S HOME4 ,I'M J GLAD ! SC.DREL
HAS F9,Y BR"\ A WIFE 6X4 ,I'VE BE5 AF HM
= YE>S 6GET M>RI$4 ,N[ ,I'M GLAD HE
WAIT$4 ,I BET HE IS1 TOO40 ,%E LAU<$ &
P9*$ ,J>$ ON BO? *EEKS1 HAV+ 6/& ON
TIPTOE 6R1* HM4 ,HE L1N$ D[N & KISS$ H]
S.DLY ON ! M\?1 8 >MS 5CIRCL+ H] WAI/4
8,IF ,RUDY WD LET Y \ ( B$ L;G      #ahd
5\<1 WE'D RUN (F TGR1 WDN'T WE1
,GLORIA80 ,HE HU7$ H] TI<T & PATT$ H]
BOTTOM4 ,%E PU%$ HM AWAY ) FEIGN$
ANNOY.E4 8,Y6 ,"H ) YR BRIDE1 HU7+ A
FAT1 PREGNANT LADY6 ,%AME ON Y1 ,J>$
,LOCKETT40 ,%E GR9N$ AT HM A6EC;NATELY4
,S* FAMILI>;Y APPALL$ ,LAUR51 B !N1 :AT
AB ? CULTURE _HN'T %OCK$ H]8 ,RUDY
%EPH]D$ ! *N T[>D H]4 8,LAUR51 MAY ,I
PRES5T ,JAMES1 ,JOHN1 ,M>IA1 ,ANNA1 &
,LUCY4 ,:O'S MISS+80 HE ASK$4 ,"O (!
BOYS PIP$1 8,3SUELO4 ,%E'S LL4 ,%E'S 9 !
H\SE TAK+ A NAP10 HE EXPLA9$ 6,LAUR54
8,*N1 ? IS ,J>$'S WIFE1 ,LAUR540 ,LAUR5
LOOK$ AT ! FACES TURN$ UP 6H] & MET FIVE
/1DY1 CURI\S />ES4 ,"O (! GIRLS1
FIVE-YE>-OLD ,ANNA1 :ISP]$ R"E5TLY1
8,Y'RE B1UTI;L40 ,LAUR5 SMIL$4 ,L1N+ D[N
6! *'S LEVEL1 %E SD1 8,I 0 GO+ 6SAY !
SAME ?+ AB Y40 8,LUN* IS R1DY4 ,-E ON
IN40 ,GLORIA TOOK ,LAUR5'S >M & HURRI$
H] T[>D ! H\SE4 ,LAUR5 W9C$ ) EA* PA9;L
/EP Z ! ABUS$ MUSCLES 9 H] ?I<S & BOTTOM
?RO2$4 ,!Y /EPP$ 96A L>GE ROOM T 0 Z
WIDE Z ! H\SE4 ,AT "O 5D 0 A /"O    #ahe
WALL )A FIREPLACE L>GE 5 =A MAN 6/& IN4
,AT ! O!R 5D 0 A D9+ ALCOVE 3TA9+ A TA#1
SIDEBO>D1 & *9A CAB9ET4 ,9 2T 0 A -=TA#
LIV+ >EA1 : EXUD$ AN AURA ( W>M? &
WELCOME4 ,"! 7 S"EAL L;G S(AS1 EASY
*AIRS1 & OTTOMANS1 COLOR;L RUGS SCATT]$
OV] ! QU>RY TILE FLOORS1 PA9T+S DEPICT+
,WE/]N CULTURE1 BOOKCASES FILL$ TO
CAPAC;Y1 &A ROLL-TOP DESK4 ,LAUR5 LOV$
X4 ,TWO HALLWAYS L$ (F ! BIG ROOM1 & %E
ASSUM$ !Y L$ 6B$ROOMS4 ,ANO!R DOOR (F !
D9+ >EA1 %E KNEW1 M/ L1D 6! KIT*54
,GLORIA B1M$ Z ,LAUR5 -PLI;T$ H] ON !
DECOR4 8,I'LL %[ Y TO ,J>$'S ROOM4 ,I'VE
TRI$ 6TIDY X UP = Y1 & ADD A FEW FEM99E
T\*ES4 ,Y "K H[ B>R5 A BA*ELOR'S ROOM C
LOOK40 ,LAUR5 _H NO IDEA H[ A MAN'S
B$ROOM LOOK$4 ,%E BLAN*$ AT ! ^WS
8,J>$'S ROOM40 ,!Y WALK$ D[N ! HALL &
,GLORIA OP5$ ! DOOR 6A L>GE B$ROOM )
WIDE W9D[S OP5+ ONTO A VIEW ( ROLL+
HILLS &! RIV] 9 ! 4T.E4 ,X 0 MAGNIFIC5T4
,! FURNI%+S 3SI/$ (A *E/ ( DRAW]S )A
%AV+ MIRROR ON X1 AN OV]/U6$ *AIR ) AN
OTTOMAN1 &A W>DROBE : ,GLORIA OP5$  #ahf
6%[ T %E _H PU%$ ALL ,J>$'S CLO!S 6"O
SIDE4 ,J>$'S CLO!S6 ,A D\# B$ DOM9AT$ !
ROOM4 ,A SMALL TA# /OOD 2S X4 8,I MOV$ ?
9 "H = Y1 ,LAUR510 ,GLORIA SD4 8,X 0 ALL
,I CD F9D 9 ! /ORAGE %ACK40 ,%E 9DICAT$
A SMALL VAN;Y TA# )A WA%B[L & PIT*] ON
X4 ,! MIRROR 0 WAVY & CL\DY4 8,PEPE W
PICK UP "S?+ ELSE = Y & BR+ X \ ON 8
NEXT TRIP40 ,%E TOOK ,LAUR5'S 4MAY =
4LIKE4 8,IS X ALL "R80 %E ASK$ %YLY4
8,NO6 ''' ,I M1N YES4 ,"EY?+ IS B1UTI;L1
,GLORIA4 ,Y H G"O 6A LOT ( TR\#1 & ,I
APPRECIATE X M ?AN Y "K1 B '''0 ,H]
VOICE TRAIL$ (F :5 %E DIDN'T "K :AT ELSE
6SAY4 ,%E LOOK$ HELP.SLY T[>D H] HUSB&4
,HE & ,RUDY /OOD 9 ! DOORWAY4 ,J>$ SEEM$
Z 4CONC]T$ Z %E4 ,RUDY L1N$ AG/ ! JAMB )
8 >MS & ANKLES CROSS$4 ,HE 0 5JOY+ HMF
IMM5SELY4 ,A MIS*IEV\S LI<T GL9T$ 9 8
EYES Z HE LOOK$ AT ,J>$ & SD1 8,GLORIA &
,I W L1VE Y TWO AL"O S Y C WA% UP4 ,!N
WE'LL EAT4 ,I "K Y M/ 2 />V$1 B TAKE ALL
! "T Y WANT40 8,I ''' UH ''' ?9K ,I'LL G
\ 6! BUNKH\SE & SAY HELLO 6"S (! H&S4
,I'LL WA% UP \ "!40 ,2F ANY"O CD    #ahg
OBJECT1 ,J>$ RU%$ \ (! ROOM1 L1V+ 9 8
WAKE A V SURPRIS$ ,GLORIA1 A MILDLY
SURPRIS$ ,RUDY1 &A RELIEV$ ,LAUR54
,DAMN6 ,J>$ CURS$ Z HE CROSS$ ! Y>D4 ,HE
_HN'T EV5 ?"\ AB ! B$ROOMS AT ! RAN*4
,RUDY & 8 BROOD US$ E GO4AM "O ( !M
EXCEPT HIS4 ,HE LIK$ 8 ROOM4 ,HE DIDN'T
WANT 6GIVE X UP1 B "! 0 NO WAY HE CD ASK
! ROMANTIC ,GLORIA 6MOVE 8 WIFE--HIS
BRIDE--\ ( 8 ROOM4 ,EV5 M N]VE-RACK+ TO
3SID] 0 SP5D+ ! NI<T 9 ! SAME ROOM )
,LAUR54 ,HE _H MADE A V[ 6HMF N 6T\* H]4
,B X WD TAKE A BL1 FEE# N9ETY-YE>-OLD
MONK 6/AY ! NI<T 9 S* 9TIMATE 3F9ES )
,LAUR5 & N-- ,HE'D H 6?9K ( "S?+4 ,FA/4
,:51 AF A %ORT TOILETTE1 ,LAUR5 W5T 96!
L>GE ROOM = LUN*1 %E SAW A WOMAN SITT+
AL"O AT ! D9+ TA#4 ,%E 0 B1UTI;L &(
,MEXICAN H]ITAGE1 & ,LAUR5 0 /RUCK 0H]
BE>+4 ,%E HELD H]F /RAI<T & PR\D1 YET
S]5E4 ,%E 0 SMALL1 H] FIGURE DA9TY4 ,H]
BLACK HAIR 0 /R1K$ ) GRAY & PULL$ BACK
96A GLOSSY KNOT ON ! NAPE ( H] NECK4 ,%E
WORE A HI<-NECK$ BLACK DRESS4 ,"! 0 NO
JEWELRY OR O!R ADORN;T 6RELIEVE XS  #ahh
SEV];Y4 ,H] FACE _H CAMEO P]FEC;N4
,SMOO?1 WELL-%AP$ BR[S FRAM$ D>K1 SAD
EYES4 ,H] NOSE 0 /RAI<T & N>R[4 ,ABV A
DELICATE *9 0 A SWEET1 WELL-%AP$ M\?4
,H] SMILE 0 G5U9E Z ,LAUR5 %YLY WALK$
T[>D H]4 8,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK ,LOCKETT4 ,I
AM ,M>IA ,M5DEZ4 ,WELCOME 6,KEYPO9T40
8,SE@NORA ,M5DEZ1 X IS A PL1SURE 6MEET
Y4 ,Y >E ,RUDY'S "M80 8,YES10 %E ANSW]$
AB/RACT$LY Z %E /UDI$ ,LAUR5'S FACE4 8,Y
>E J Z B1UTI;L Z HE SD4 ,HE 0 V EAG] 6H
Y "H4 ,I ?9K HE DID ! "R ?+40 8,Y M1N
,B580 ,LAUR5 0 PUZZL$ Z 6H[ ? WOMAN KNEW
S M* AB ,B5'S PLANS = H]4 ,%E NO4$4 8,HE
TOLD ME ALL AB Y ! LA/ "T ,I SAW HM40
,%E SEEM$ AB 6SAY M :5 ,J>$ CAME "? !
FRONT DOOR C>RY+ A ,M5DEZ (FSPR+ "U EA*
>M & "O ON 8 %\LD]S4 ,! "O ON TOP 0
HOLD+ ON = DE> LIFE ) TI<T FI/LS (
,J>$'S HAIR4 ,ALL 7 LAU<+ & %\T+ Z ! O!R
*N RAN 9 2H !M4 8,D X 6ME1 ,J>$60 8,NO1
6ME40 8,PL1SE1 ,J>$1 ME NEXT40 ,GLORIA
CAME "? ! DOOR T L$ 6! KIT*5 CLAPP+ H]
H&S4 8,L1VE ,J>$ AL"O4 ,HE'S J >RIV$4
,"! W 2 PL5TY ( "T 6PLAY LAT]4 ,-E  #ahi
6! TA#1 & ,I'D BETT] N SEE ANY DIRTY
H&S40 ,! *N RELUCTANTLY REL1S$ _! HOLD
ON ,J>$ & TOOK _! PLACES AT ! TA#4 ,J>$
RAK$ 8 HAIR ) 8 F+]S & TUCK$ 9 8
%IRTTAIL1 : _H -E \ DUR+ ! SCU6LE4
,LAUR5 WD N"E H IMAG9$ T ,J>$ CD 5JOY
*'S PLAY1 B HE 0 LAU<+ Z HE SMOO!D !
COTTON %IRT OV] ! MUSCLES ( 8 WIDE *E/4
,:5 HE SUCK$ 9 8 /OMA*1 9 ORD] 6%OVE 8
%IRTTAIL 96! FRONT ( 8 PANTS1 ,LAUR5'S
EYES FLICK]$ L[]4 ,%E TRI$ 6SWALL[ !
9CR1S+LY FAMILI> 3GES;N 9 H] ?ROAT4
,J>$'S H1D CAME UP )A SNAP & 8 EYES
LOCK$ ) H]S Z IF %E _H CALL$ \ 6HM4 ,H]
HAIR _H BE5 REBRAID$4 ,JACKET1 GLOVES1 &
HAT _H BE5 4C>D$4 ,! %IRT MOLD$ AG/ H]
BR1/S1 MAK+ !M LOOK S(T]1 M T\*A# ?AN
"E4 ,! TI<T FIT (! SPLIT SKIRT ANN\NC$
H] FEM99;Y L A BANN]4 ,J>$ WIP$ DAMP
PALMS D[N 8 ?I<S & LOOK$ AWAY F T
9TRIGU+ SPOT ": ! LEGS ( H] CULOTTES
CAME TGR4 ,Z HE MOV$ F>!R 96! ROOM1 HE
CURS$ 8 PHYSICAL SUSCEPTIBIL;Y4 ,8 EYES
LIT UP ) A6EC;N Z HE SI<T$ ,M>IA ,M5DEZ
AT ! TA#1 & S(T5$ Z ,LAUR5 _H N"E   #aij
SE5 !M D 2F4 8,M>IA1 H[ >E Y80 ,HE CAME
>.D ! TA# & TOOK ! LADY 9 8 >MS1 GIV+ H]
A BIG HUG4 ,HE _H N"E A4RESS$ ,OLIVIA 9
S* A W>M MANN]4 8,J>$1 ,I H J MET
,LAUR51 & ,I ?9K YR BRIDE IS LOVELY40
,J>$ D>T$ A GL.E AT ,LAUR5 & MUTT]$ "U 8
BR1?1 8,YES ''' WELL1 ?ANK Y40 ,RUDY
CAME 9 & ,GLORIA C>RI$ ! LA/ PLATT] F !
KIT*5 & PLAC$ X ON ! TA#4 ,! M1L 2GAN4
,X 0 A L\D1 3FUS+ "T1 B ,LAUR5 5JOY$ X
IMM5SELY AF ALL (! L"OLY M1LS AT H] "F'S
H\SE1 ! /U6Y1 DULL D9N]S AT ! ,PRA!RS'1
&! SIL5T1 T5SE M1LS AT ,OLIVIA'S TA#4
,"EY"O *ATT]$1 RELAT+ ?+S ( GRT IMPORT.E
OR NO IMPORT.E4 ,RUDY TOLD !M AB !
9CID5T (! 8GUNFI<T40 ,Z ! *N LAU<$ AT
,LAUR5'S MISTAKE1 ,GLORIA & ,M>IA *ID$ !
M5 ON _! RECK.S;S4 ,! TA# 0 CR[D$
DESPITE XS L5G?1 & ,GLORIA _H ASSIGN$
,LAUR5 & ,J>$ SIDE-BY-SIDE PLACES4 ,_!
ELB[S 7 3/ANTLY T\*+ Z "O OR ! O!R LIFT$
_! CUTL]Y OR GLASSES4 ,S"EAL "TS1 _!
KNEES OR ?I<S WD PRESS TGR "U ! TA#4 ,IF
ANY"O NOTIC$ TWO =KS SUSP5D$ MO;N.S EN
R\TE 6TWO SURPRIS$ M\?S1 !Y DIDN'T  #aia
M5;N X4 ,RUDY NOTIC$1 & *UCKL$ EA* "T4
,!Y 7 FI<T+ X1 ALL "R4 ,X 0 GO+ 6BE
9T]E/+ 6WAT* ?--! D[NFALL ( ,J>$ !
,GRT--AT ! H&S (A SLIP (A GIRL :O B>ELY
R1*$ 8 %\LD]4 ,:5 ! M1L 0 OV]1 ! M5 LEFT
6ATT5D 6! N"E-5D+ "W ( RUNN+ A RAN*4
,LAUR5 WAT*$ Z !Y /ROLL$ -PANIONABLY
T[>D "O (! CORRALS4 ,!Y 7 DRESS$ ALM
ID5TIC,Y & WALK$ )! SAME GRACE;L SWA7]4
,EA* SPORT$ BROAD %\LD]S1 A N>R[;S (
HIP1 & L;G1 L1N LEGS4 ,EA* _H BUCKL$ ON
FLOPP+ *AMOIS *APS & PULL$ ON L1!R
GLOVES4 8,!Y LOOK ALIKE F ! BACK10
,LAUR5 MUS$ AL\D4 ,GLORIA 0 /&+ AT H]
%\LD]4 8,YES1 ,I ?9K ANY"O CD TELL !Y >E
BRO!RS40 ,LAUR5 :IRL$ H] H1D >.D TO
,GLORIA 9 A/ONI%;T4 8,BRO!RS80 %E GASP$4
,GLORIA 0 NONPLUSS$4 8,:Y1 YES4 ,I ?"\ Y
KNEW T ,RUDY IS YR BRO!R-IN-LAW40 ,%E 0
AMAZ$ T ,J>$ _HN'T TOLD 8 WIFE (! K9%IP4
8,MRS4 ,M5DEZ & '''0 :ISP]$ ,LAUR51 /
TRY+ 6FIT ! PUZZLE TGR4 8,M>IA & ,B510
,GLORIA F9I%$ = H]4 ,AT ,LAUR5'S %ATT]$
LOOK1 ,GLORIA'S F1TURES CLOS$ COLDLY &
%E SD1 8,DON'T JUDGE !M TOO H>%LY4  #aib
,!Y LOV$ EA* O!R V M*4 ,M>IA HAS LIV$ "H
) ,B5 = ALM =TY YE>S40 8,B ''' B ,OLIVIA
0 8 WIFE10 ,LAUR5 PROTE/$ W1KLY4 ,B5 _H
LIV$ 9 ADULT]Y8 ,H] ,B58 8,Y'VE BE5 )
,OLIVIA10 ,GLORIA 0 SAY+4 8,Y "K :AT K9D
( WOMAN %E IS4 ,"E S9CE ,B5 BR"\ H] "H F
,NEW ,ORL1NS1 %E MADE 8 LIFE MIS]A#4 ,%E
9SI/$ ON LIV+ 9 ,CORONADO & REFUS$ 6H
ANY?+ 6D ) ,KEYPO9T4 ,%E ASSUM$ !
RESPONSIBIL;Y (! BANK4 ,M>IA 0 ! DAU<T]
( "O (! F/ VAQU]OS ,B5 HIR$ 6HELP HM RUN
! RAN*4 ,HE FELL 9 LOVE ) H] ON SI<T1 &
%E ) HM40 ,YES4 ,LAUR5 CD SEE H[ T CD
BE4 ,! G5TLE1 S]5E ,M>IA &! ROBU/1
VIRILE ,B54 ,!Y WD H -PLE;T$ EA* O!R4
,HE _H GIV5 H] LOV+ PROTEC;N & %E _H
GIV5 HM -=T &A SON4 ,HAPPI;S4 ,": "O C
F9D X4 ,0 T WR;G8 ,A FEW WEEKS AGO1
,LAUR5 WD H BE5 SC&ALIZ$ 6HE> ( S* A
SORDID >RANGE;T1 B "SH[1 N[ ''' ,0 ? L&
6ROB H] ( H] 3VIC;NS1 TOO8 8,! TWO SONS
( ,B5 ,LOCKETT H A DEEP A6EC;N = EA*
O!R10 ,GLORIA SD1 GLANC+ \ ! W9D[ Z !
BRO!RS RODE AWAY TGR4 8,RUDY A3EPTS !
FACT T HE _C BE> ! FAMILY "N1 & T   #aic
HE IS N ! LEGAL HEIR4 ,B5 LOV$ HM & HE
KNEW T4 ,B5'S W MADE X CLE> T Z L;G Z "!
IS A ,KEYPO9T1 ! SONS ( ,RUDOLFO ,M5DEZ
W %>E AN EQUAL "PN]%IP )! SONS ( ,J>$
,LOCKETT4 ,8,X'S SAD1 ISN'T X80' %E W5T
ON :5 ,LAUR5 REMA9$ SIL5T1 WAT*+ ! TWO
M5 ON HORSEBACK 4APPE> OV] ! HORIZON4
,8,M>IA CD N EV5 G 6,B5'S FUN]AL4 ,NOR
CD 8 F/ SON4 ,B ,B5 CAME 6! RAN* J A FEW
"DS 2F HE DI$4 ,HE SPOKE ( Y1 ,LAUR51 &
PROMIS$ 6BR+ Y 6U Z SOON Z POSSI#4 ,T 0
! LA/ NI<T HE SP5T ) ,M>IA4 ,I HOPE !Y
MADE LOVE ALL NI<T L;G4 ,HE _H BE5 G"O =
OV] A MON?1 S IF ,I "K OLD ,B51 !Y
DID40' ,8,I ''' ,I'M SURE !Y DID10'
,LAUR5 SD1 BLU%+4 ,GLORIA TOOK H] B[$
H1D Z A SIGN ( FATIGUE4 ,8,Y %D H /OPP$
MY RAMBL+S4 ,Y'RE PROBABLY TIR$4 ,:Y
DON'T Y TAKE A NAP80' ,8,I AM A LL
TIR$10' ,LAUR5 3FESS$4 ,8,B ?ANK Y =
TELL+ ME ! CIRCUM/.ES4 ,I "U/& ?+S BETT]
N[40' ,GLORIA'S FACE S(T5$ & %E L1N$
=W>D 6KISS ,LAUR5 LI<TLY ON ! *EEK4
,LAUR5 W5T 96! B$ROOM T 2L;G$ 6,J>$4 ,X
DID 2L;G 6HM4 ,8 [N]%IP 0 /AMP$ ON  #aid
"EY?+4 ,Z %E MOV$ AB ! ROOM1 ,LAUR5 CD
FEEL 8 PRES;E L A PALPA# =CE4 ,4ROB+
SL[LY1 %E ALM FELT Z IF %E 7 /RIPP+ 2F !
MAN HMF4 ,%E /RET*$ \ ON ! B$1 HAV+ !
/RANGE/ S5S,N T ,J>$ 0 ON ! B$1 TOO4 ,%E
MOV$ H] H& OV] ! H1VY SPR1D & WOND]$ H[
_M NI<TS HE _H LA9 9 ? EXACT SPOT4 ,X 0
AN UNSETTL+ ?"\4 ,H] EYES CLOS$ & %E
DROPP$ (F 96A DEEP SLEEP1 IMAG9+ T AMB]
EYES 7 WAT*+ H]4
  ,*APT] #AA
  ,LAUR5 TOOK A BA? J 2F D9N]4 ,GLORIA
TOLD H] ,B5 _H PIP$ 9 WAT] F A CI/]N
S"EAL YE>S AGO1 S ! KIT*5 & TWO BA?ROOMS
_H RUNN+ WAT]4 ,"! WAS1 H["E1 NO WAT]
H1T]4 ,A SMALL BRAZI] 0 /,N$ 9 A CORN] (
EA* BA?ROOM1 )A L>GE COPP] KETTLE KEPT
3/ANTLY SIMM]+4 ,8,! ONLY RULE10'
,GLORIA SD1 SMIL+1 ,8IS T :5 Y EMPTY !
KETTLE1 Y REFILL X =! NEXT P]SON4 ,OH1 &
,J>$ ASK$ ME 6GIVE Y ?10' %E A4$ Z %E
H&$ ,LAUR5 A BR[N BOTTLE4 ,8,:AT IS X80'
,LAUR5 ASK$4 ,8,L9I;T10' 0 ,GLORIA'S
AMUS$ REPLY4 ,PEPE _H >RIV$ E>LI] &
DEPOSIT$ H] LU7AGE 9 ! B$ROOM4      #aie
,J>$'S BAGS /OOD 2S H]S4 ,"O ( !M1 %E
NOTIC$1 _H BE5 OP5$4 ,:AT WD %E D IF HE
FOLL[$ H] 96! ROOM TN8 ,APP>5TLY !
,M5DEZES EXPECT$ HM TO4 ,%E CALM$ H]
N]VES1 & W5T 96! D9+ >EA4 ,/RANGELY1 & 9
3TRA/ 6! NOON M1L1 "EY?+ 0 QUIET4 ,! TA#
0 C&LELIT & SET ) *9A & CRY/AL1 REPLAC+
! POTT]Y : _H BE5 US$ AT ! E>LI] M1L4
,8,": >E ! *N80' ,LAUR5 9QUIR$ Z %E BR"\
9 A TRAY LAD5 ) S]V+ DI%ES4 ,8,BA!D & 9
B$10' ,GLORIA SI<$4 ,8,A QUIET D9N] IS !
"O LUXURY ,RUDY & ,I ALL[ \RVS40' ,J>$ &
,RUDY CAME 9 F ! FRONT POR* ": !Y _H BE5
5JOY+ GLASSES ( :ISKEY4 ,J>$ CRU%$ \ 8
*EROOT 9 ! NE>E/ A%TRAY4 ,HE 0 WA%$ &
BRU%$ & WE>+ A CL1N %IRT4 ,HE M/ H TAK5
X \ ( 8 SUITCASE :ILE %E 0 9 ! BA?ROOM4
,RUDY W5T 6,GLORIA & TOOK H] 9 8 >MS1
KISS+ H] 9 A ?OR\< MANN] T /UNN$ ,LAUR54
,!Y MURMUR$ 6EA* O!R PRIVATELY1 OBLIVI\S
6! O!R TWO P 9 ! ROOM4 ,J>$ /OOD LOOK+ \
! W9D[1 8 ?UMBS HOOK$ 9 ! WAI/B& ( 8
TI<T PANTS4 ,LAUR5 /OOD 9 ! C5T] (! ROOM
FEEL+ SELF-3SCI\S & N]V\SLY F+]+ ! WAT*
ON H] BR1/4 ,SEE+ ,RUDY & ,GLORIA   #aif
2 S A6EC;NATE MADE H] L;G = S* CLOSE;S )
,J>$4 ,"S?+ 9SIDE H] WANT$ 6CRY \ 6HM1
6MOVE T[>D HM4 ,%E 0 AB 6TAKE "O
T5TATIVE /EP 9 8 DIREC;N :5 ,M>IA1 :O _H
J 5T]$1 SD1 ,8,:AT IS ?8 ,! NEWLYW$S
ACT+ L /RANG]S1 &! OLD M>RI$ P LOV+ L
DOVES60' ,8,I 0 AB 6REM>K ON T MYF40'
,RUDY CROSS$ 6,LAUR5 & TOOK BO? H] H&S 9
HIS4 ,8,IF T SORRY HUSB& ( YRS ISN'T GO+
6KISS Y1 ,I W4 ,WELCOME1 ,LAUR51 96\R
FAMILY40' ,HE KISS$ H] LI<TLY ON EA*
*EEK4 ,"! 0 A T5SE1 EXPECTANT SIL;E AM;G
!M4 ,J>$1 H["E1 SEEM$ UNA6ECT$ & W5T 6!
TA#4 ,)A CURT NOD ( 8 H1D1 HE (F]$
,LAUR5 ! *AIR HE _H PULL$ \ = H]4 ,)
FLAM+ *EEKS1 %E WALK$ T[>D X4 ,! O!RS1
AWKW>DLY QUIET1 FOLL[$ H]4 ,! 3V]S,N 0
EASY2 ! ,M5DEZES 7 A# 6TALK FREELY AB
ANY?+4 ,"S ( _! TOPICS EMB>RASS$ ,LAUR54
,CA/R,N1 BR&+1 BRE$+4 ,SYBIL WD H _H
VAPORS =A MON?4 ,LAUR5 & ,GLORIA DID !
DI%ES4 ,GLORIA ADAMANTLY REFUS$ ,M>IA'S
(F] 6HELP1 B SECRETLY 3FID$ 6,LAUR5 T %E
WI%$ %E _H "S"O 6ASSI/ H] )! L>GE
H\SEHOLD &! *N4 ,:5 !Y JO9$ ! M5 &  #aig
,M>IA 9 ! L>GE LIV+ ROOM1 ,LAUR5 0 GLAD
6NOTE T ,J>$ WASN'T DR9K+4 ,8 FACE _H
LO/ ! HO/ILE >ROG.E T X USU,Y BORE L A
%IELD4 ,HE SEEM$ RELAX$ & ''' YES1
HAPPY4 ,HE 0 A DI6]5T P]SON F ! "O :O
LIV$ 9 T B1UTI;L B COLD H\SE 9
,CORONADO4 ,HE 0 /RET*$ LAZILY 9 A *AIR1
8 L;G LEGS EXT5D$ 9 FRONT ( HM4 ,%E
TRAVEL$ ! L5G? ( !M ) H] EYES1 M* Z %E
_H D"O ! F/ "T %E _H SE5 HM1 9 ! BACK (!
WAGON4 ,! BULGE AT 8 CROT* / 9TRIGU$ H]4
,%E LOOK$ AWAY QKLY4 ,GLORIA SAT D[N 2S
,M>IA ON "O (! S(AS & LAUN*$ 96A TALE AB
"O (! *N'S ESCAPADES4 ,! M5 7 TALK+ RAN*
BUSI;S4 ,LEFT 6H] [N DEVICES1 ,LAUR5 W5T
6"O (! BOOKCASES4 ,%E TOOK H] EYEGLASSES
\ ( H] SKIRT POCKET & PUT !M ON1 L1N+
D[N 69SPECT ! LOAD$ %ELVES4 ,%E F.D
S"EAL VOLUMES T 7 9T]E/+ 6H] & )DREW !M1
TAK+ A S1T 9 A *AIR "U A LAMP4 ,%E SOON
2CAME 5GROSS$ 9 A BOOK : DESCRIB$ !
LIFE/YLE (! ,-AN*E Z WIT;S$ F/H& 0A
,TEXAS ,RANG]4 ,%E 0 VAGUELY AW>E (
,RUDY GETT+ UP & GO+ T[>D ! KIT*5 ASK+
IF ANY"O ELSE WANT$ M C(FEE4 ,%E    #aih
R1D A FEW M PAGES 2F "S?+ -PELL$ H] TO
RAISE H] EYES ABV ! RIM ( H] SPECTACLES4
,)A JOLT1 %E R1LIZ$ ,J>$ 0 />+ AT H] "?
! BLUE SMOKE ( 8 CIG>4 ,HE WASN'T WE>+ 8
USUAL COLD1 IMPLACA# EXPRES.N4 ,HE 0
LOOK+ AT H] ALM T5D]LY1 )A SLI<T SMILE
ON 8 LIPS4 ,8 GAZE TRAVEL$ D[N 6H] H&1 :
0 ABS5TLY FONDL+ H] WAT*4 ,:Y DID ^?
SLIM F+]S ALW FUSS ) T WAT*8 ,:AT
SIGNIFIC.E DID X HOLD = H]8 ,HE RE,Y
KNEW V LL AB H]1 HE R1LIZ$4 ,:5 HE _H
HELD H] AG/ HM TD ON 8 HORSE1 X _H TAK5
E \NCE ( 8 WILLP[] 6KEEP F PRESS+ A KISS
ON ! NAPE ( H] NECK ": T5DRILS ( EBONY
HAIR LAY4 ,HE CD H RI45 =A HUNDR$ MILES
) H] ON 8 LAP4 ,:AT SWEET AGONY X _H BE5
E "T H] BODY _H BE5 JO/L$ AG/ HIS4 ,!
MEMORY ( T BRIEF T\* 6H] BR1/ 0 VIVID 9
8 M9D4 ,HE 3V9C$ HMF T HE _HN'T M1NT 6D
X4 ,X 0 AN A3ID5T4 ,B 8 CURIOS;Y _H BE5
GRATIFI$ 6FEEL A FIRM FULL;S "U 8 PALM4
,IF ONLY HE CD SEE ''' ,J>$ /I65$ :5 X
O3URR$ 6HM ": 8 ?"\S 7 L1D+4 ,J REMEMB]
H[ %E GOT "H1 HE CAU;N$ HMF4 ,%E'S N !
9NOC5T1 FRAIL FL[] %E LOOKS ) ^?    #aii
RIDICUL\S EYEGLASSES ON4 ,%E'S A S*EM+
LL BIT*4 ,:AT ,I NE$ IS A R\S+ ROLL 9 !
HAY ) "S OBLIG+ :ORE4 ,A PAIR ( EAG]1
"P$ ?I<S & X WDN'T TAKE L;G 6GET ?
PR1*]'S KID \ ( MY M9D4 ,LAUR5 SAW T !
S(T LOOK _H FL$ 8 FACE4 ,DI_S$LY %E PUT
! BOOK AWAY & TOOK (F H] EYEGLASSES4
,8,GDNI<T1 "EY"O40' ,M>IA /OOD Z ,RUDY
CAME BACK 96! ROOM C>RY+ A MUG ( C(FEE4
,8,I'M GO+ 6B$ & L1VE Y "Y P AL"O4
,LAUR510' %E CAME & /OOD 9 FRONT (!
GIRL1 CUPP+ H] FACE 2T H] S(T H&S1
,8,I'M S GLAD Y >E "H ) U4 ,B5 WD H LOV$
6H BE5 "H4 ,Z A MATT] ( FACT1 ,I ?9K HE
WAS40' ,%E KISS$ ,LAUR5 ON ! *EEK &
WALK$ SL[LY D[N ! HALL4 ,8,%E'LL N"E GET
OV] LOS+ HM10' ,RUDY SD QUIETLY1 Z !
SL5D] FIGURE MOV$ \ ( SI<T4 ,8,YES10'
,GLORIA SI<$4 ,8,I'M GO+ 6B$1 TOO10' %E
SD1 /&+ & GO+ TO ,RUDY'S *AIR4 ,%E L1N$
ON ! >MS ( X1 H] GAP+ BL\SE GIV+ HM AN
UNOB/RUCT$ VIEW (! G5]\S BR1/S B>ELY
3TA9$ )9 H] *EMISE4 ,!Y KISS$ L;G & H>D1
8 H&S RE/+ LI<TLY ON H] ?ICK WAI/4
,8,GET MY PLACE W>M = ME4 ,I'LL 2   #bjj
A FEW M M9UTES10' HE SD :5 %E F9,Y PULL$
AWAY4 ,8,DON'T KEEP ,J>$ UP LATE4
,REMEMB]1 ? IS 8 H"OYMOON10' ,GLORIA
T1S$1 ROLL+ H] EYES AT ,J>$4 ,HE %IFT$
UNEASILY 9 8 *AIR4 ,8,T'S ALL "R1
,GLORIA4 ,I'M JO9+ A HOT POK] GAME OV]
AT ! BUNKH\SE4 ,"S (! BOYS 9VIT$ ME1 & Y
"K ^! ?+S C G ALL NI<T "S"TS40' ,HE TRI$
6S.D JOCUL>1 B FAIL$4 ,8,A POK] GAME60'
,GLORIA EXPLOD$4 ,8,:AT 9 ! _W--0' ,A
%>P LOOK F ,RUDY HALT$ H]4 ,%E LOOK$ AT
,LAUR51 :O 0 /&+ /I6LY 9 ! %AD[S NEXT 6!
DOOR4 ,8,LAUR51 ,I'LL SEE T Y >E SETTL$
=! NI<T10' ,GLORIA SD ) -MIS],N4
,8,GDNI<T1 LADIES10' ,RUDY SD G5TLY4
,8,GDNI<T1 ,RUDY4 ,GDNI<T1 ,J>$10'
,LAUR5 :ISP]$ HO>SELY4 ,8,GDNI<T1
,LAUR510' ,J>$ SD NON*ALANTLY Z HE /UDI$
A F+]NAIL4 ,GLORIA %OT H] BRO!R-IN-LAW A
MURD]\S LOOK 2F %E W5T ) ,LAUR5 D[N !
HALL4 99 99 99 ,LAUR5 _H BE5 TOSS+ ON !
WIDE B$ = S"EAL H\RS4 ,%E _H HE>D ,RUDY
GO+ 96! ROOM ACR ! HALL & ,GLORIA'S
WELCOM+ MURMUR Z HE CLOS$ ! DOOR 2H HM4
,T _H BE5 A L;G :ILE AGO1 &! H\SE   #bja
0 SIL5T4 ,! MOON 0 B"R1 ILLUM9AT+ !
B$ROOM 9 AN E!R1L GL[4 ,%E />T$ :5 %E
HE>D FOOT/EPS /1L?ILY APPROA*+ ! DOOR 6!
ROOM4 ,%E TURN$ 6! F> SIDE (! B$ &
FEIGN$ SLEEP Z ! DOOR OP5$4 ,H] :OLE
BODY T5S$ Z ,J>$ WALK$ 96! ROOM4 ,HE
PICK$ UP "O (! BAGS LEFT /&+ 9 ! MI4LE (
! FLOOR1 = %E HE>D ! BUCKLE ON X JANGLE4
,"! 0 A L;G PAUSE1 & !N ! BAG 0 L[]$ AG
6! FLOOR4 ,HE MOV$ ON ,9DIAN-TRA9$ FEET
6! SIDE (! B$4 ,%E CD SMELL ! FA9T >OMA
( TOBA3O &! MUSKY SC5T ( L1!R Z HE L1N$
OV] H]4 ,HE /OOD "! = TORTUR\S M9UTES1
IMMOBILE & SIL5T4 ,LAUR5 0 AW>E ( EA*
BR1? Z HE 9HAL$ & EXHAL$ RHY?MIC,Y4 ,%E
FELT A BUTT]FLY T\* MADE 0/R;G1 L1N F+]S
AG/ H] *EEKB"O4 ,H] ?ROAT 3/RICT$ & H]
HE>T P.D$ Z IF X WD BUR/4 ,F9,Y HE TURN$
& W5T BACK 6! BAGS1 PICK$ !M UP1 & !N
C>RI$ !M F ! ROOM1 CLOS+ ! DOOR S(TLY4
,! SC5TS REMA9$ 6T1SE H] S5SES4 99 99 99
,8,G"O80' ,8,YES1 ,LAUR54 ,HE LEFT 2F
DAWN ? MORN+40' ,GLORIA LOOK$ PITE\SLY
AT H] NEW SI/]-IN-LAW4 ,H] HE>T W5T \ 6!
GIRL ^: HUSB& TR1T$ H] S            #bjb
ABOM9ABLY4 ,:5 ,RUDY _H JO9$ H] 9 _!
ROOM ! NI<T 2F1 !Y _H SPECULAT$ ON !
/RANGE REL,N%IP 2T ,J>$ & 8 BRIDE4 ,X
APPE>$ 6BE A M>RIAGE ( 3V5I;E1 B ,RUDY
CDN'T GUESS ! R1SONS 2H X4 ,HE ONLY KNEW
T !Y M/ 2 DAMN$ ESS5TIAL TO ,J>$'S
WELL-2+ 6H =C$ HM 96ANY M>RIAGE4 ,8,:-":
DID HE G80' ,LAUR5'S HE>T _H PLUMMET$ :5
,GLORIA TOLD H] T ,J>$ _H RI45 \ ) 5
SUPPLIES 9 8 SA4LEBAGS 6LA/ HM S"EAL
"DS4 ,8,HE W5T 6*ECK \ "S PRO#MS ON ! F>
WE/]N SIDE (! RAN*4 ,"! H BE5 REPORTS (
M>AUD+ BOBCATS KILL+ \R CATTLE4 ,DON'T
WORRY AB HM1 ,LAUR54 ,HE'LL 2 BACK SOON1
,I'M SURE40' ,%E DIDN'T TELL H] T ANY "O
(! VAGU]OS :O "W$ AT ,KEYPO9T CD H H&L$
? JOB4 ,8,YES1 ,I'M SURE HE W10' ,LAUR5
MUM#D4 ,A FEW "DS AGO1 %E _H DR1D$ !
SI<T ( ,J>$4 ,N[ ! PROSPECT ( N SEE+ HM
E FEW H\RS SEEM$ 4MAL4 ,:AT 0 ! MATT] )
H]8 ,%E FELT REJECT$1 AB&ON$4 ,? 0
SUPPOS$ 6BE H] H"OYMOON6 ,! L9I;T _HN'T
"W$ \ ALL ! SORE;S 9 H] LEGS & HIPS1 B
:5 ,RUDY ASK$ H] IF %E WD L 6RIDE ) HM T
AFN1 %E AGRE$4 ,! RAN* LIFE 0       #bjc
EXHIL>AT+4 ,%E WANT$ 6ABSORB E ASPECT (
X1 SAVOR XS 5]GY1 XS VIGOR4 ,? 0 ,B5'S
L&4 ,KEYPO9T 0 8 3CEP;N4 ,& L HM1 X 0
VITAL & ALIVE4 ,AT ,KEYPO9T ,LAUR5 FELT
EV5 CLOS] 6! MAN :O _H BR"\ H] "H WANT+
H] 62COME A "P ( X4 ,Z ,J>$'S ABS;E
L5G!N$1 X 2CAME H] HABIT 6RIDE ) ,RUDY
OR "S (! VAQU]OS 9 ! AFNS4 ,9 ! MORN+S1
%E PLAY$ )! ,M5DEZ *N1 :O 7 T1*+ H]
,SPANI%4 ,!Y WD BUR/ 96P1LS ( LAU<T] :5
%E GOT A ^W WR;G OR _H TR\# PRON\NC+ X4
,"S"TS %E R1D 6!M 2F B$"T4 ,LAUR5 AL
LOV$ 2+ ) ,GLORIA1 &! TWO WOM5 SOON %>$
A DEEP FR%IP4 ,LAUR5 _H _H S FEW WOM5
FRS 9 H] LIFE T %E TR1SUR$ ? NEW
REL,N%IP4 ,%E RELI%$ H] VISITS ) ,M>IA
,M5DEZ1 TOO4 ,! OLD] WOMAN SP5T A GRT
D1L ( "T SECLUD$ 9 H] ROOM1 Z _H BE5 H]
9CL9,N "E S9CE ,B5'S D1?4 ,EV5 :5 %E 0 )
! RE/ ( !M1 %E SEEM$ )DRAWN1 DR1MLIKE1
SEP>AT$ F R1L;Y4 ,LAUR5 ?"\ %E LOOK$ AT
P1CE DUR+ ^! "TS1 & R IMAG9$ T %E 0
-MUNICAT+ ) ,B5 ON A PLANE ": NO "O ELSE
CD 9TRUDE4 ,! F/ WEEK PASS$ QKLY4
,LAUR5'S HE>T RAC$ EA* "T %E HE>D   #bjd
P.D+ HOOVES1 B %E 3T9U$ 6BE 4APPO9T$4
,%E KEPT SE>*+ ! HORIZON = SIGNS (! L>GE
PALOM9O & 8 M.T 9 ! WIDE-BRIMM$ BLACK
HAT1 B 6NO AVAIL4 ,%E A3LIMAT$ 6! RAN*
LIFE S 5?USIA/IC,Y T ,GLORIA & ,RUDY 7
AMAZ$4 ,! VAQU]OS WD TIP _! HATS 6H] )A
HUM#1 ,8,GD MORN+1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT10' 6:
%E REPLI$1 CALL+ !M 0"N4 ,!Y ALL
RESPECT$ & LIK$ H]4 ,"O "D %E 0 TIMIDLY
APPROA*$ 0A ,MEXICAN C[BOY ) D>K1 DANC+
EYES4 ,8,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT1 ,I AM ,C>LOS
,RIVAS1 ,EL5A'S HUSB&40' ,HE SMIL$ %YLY
& TWI/$ 8 SOMBR]O 9 8 H&S4 ,8,X'S S NICE
6MEET Y1 ,C>LOS60' ,LAUR5 CRI$4 ,8,H[ IS
,EL5A80' ,8,%E ?9KS ! BABY -E SOON40'
,8,PL1SE LET ME "K :5 X DOES4 ,TELL H]
HELLO = ME40' ,8,S@I1 SE@NORA40' ,%E _H
AL SE5 ! 5IGMATIC ,-AN*E1 ,?ORN4 ,HE _H
N"E SPOK5 6H]1 B HE TIPP$ 8 HAT :5"E !Y
MET4 ,8 EXPRES.N N"E *ANG$1 B ,LAUR5
FELT T 8 EYES MISS$ NO?+4 ,%E HOP$ 8
ASSESS;T ( H] 0 FAVORA#4 ,8 D>K1 AU/]E
FACE & L;G BRAIDS 9TIMIDAT$ H]1 ?\< %E
FELT 9/9CTIVELY T HE 0 A FR4 ,T5 "DS AF
8 DE"PURE1 ,J>$ CAME HOME4 ,HE      #bje
RODE 9 "O EV5+ J 2F D9N]"T1 LOOK+ TIR$ &
DIRTY Z HE CLUMP$ "? ! L>GE FRONT DOOR4
,F 8 BOOTS 6HIS HAT1 HE 0 COV]$ )A F9E
LAY] ( TRAIL DU/4 ,8,WELL1 LOOK :AT J
DRA7$ IN40' ,RUDY /OOD ) 8 H&S ON 8 HIPS
EYE+ ,J>$ Z IF HE 7 "S?+ 4TA/E;L4 ,8,AM
,I 9 "T = D9N]8 ,I'VE RI45 L HELL =! PA/
FEW H\RS4 ,I'M SICK ( CAMP FOOD10' HE SD
%EEPI%LY4 ,8,WE'LL WAIT = Y1 ,J>$4 ,J G
WA% UP F/ & TURN ,*>G] OV] 6"S"O 9 !
/A#40' ,GLORIA SPOKE 6HM COOLLY1 & HE
LOOK$ 9 TURN AT ! FACES />+ AT HM
REPROA*;LLY4 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T LOOK AT HM AT
ALL4 ,H] D>K H1D 0 B[$ Z %E />$ D[N 96H]
PLATE4 ,HE FELT L ! \TSID]4 ,8,I'LL 2 "R
BACK10' HE MUTT]$ Z HE /EPP$ \ ! DOOR4
,LAUR5'S HE>T 0 9 H] ?ROAT4 ,HE _H B>ELY
GL.ED 9 H] DIREC;N1 YET %E FELT 8 PRES;E
9 ! ROOM Z /R;GLY Z IF HE _H T\*$ H]4
,3V]S,N W5T ON >.D H] Z "EY"O WAIT$
PATI5TLY = ,J>$ 6-E BACK4 ,HE RETURN$1
HAV+ 4C>D$ 8 *APS1 L1!R VE/1 B&ANA1 &
SPURS4 ,HE WORE A CL1N %IRT & 8 HAIR 0 /
DAMP F ! REC5T DUNK+ 9 ! BUNKH\SE
WA%B[L4 ,HE CROSS$ ! ROOM 6,M>IA &  #bjf
KISS$ H] PR(F]$ *EEK4 ,H] GREET+ 0 !
ONLY W>M "O HE RCVD4 ,8 KISS 9T5D$ =
,GLORIA'S *EEK L&$ "S": 9 ! AIR Z %E
TURN$ AWAY QKLY1 & ,RUDY %OOK 8 H& ) N"O
(! USUAL BANT] 2T !M4 ,HE TOOK 8 S1T 2S
,LAUR5 & ONLY !N DID HE TURN 6H]4
,8,HELLO1 ,LAUR540' ,8,HELLO1 ,J>$4 ,0
YR ''' TRIP ''' SU3ESS;L80' ,8,I %OT TWO
BOBCATS & VISIT$ "S (! NE/]S WE ALL[ TO
USE \R WAT]4 ,X 0 BASIC,Y UNEV5T;L40'
,"! SEEM$ 6BE NO?+ M 6SAY1 & "EY"O -M;ED
EAT+4 ,! FOOD /UCK 9 ,LAUR5'S ?ROAT4 ,%E
0 JITT]Y & BR1?.S1 & :5 "O (! *N CALL$ F
! B$ROOMS1 %E JUMP$ UP 6G 6HM1 ANXI\S TO
GET AWAY F ! DOM9AT+ 9DIVIDUAL 2S H]4
,8,I DON'T "K :AT WE'LL D :5 ,LAUR5 HAS
6G BACK 6,CORONADO ) Y1 ,J>$4 ,WE H ALL
-E 6LOVE H] S M*40' ,GLORIA WANT$ 6SLAP
H] BRO!R-IN-LAW Z HE %RU7$ 9DI6]5TLY4
,%E 3T9U$ UNDAUNT$1 ,8,! *N ADORE H] &
%E HAS BE5 S* A HELP >.D "H1 HASN'T %E1
,M>IA80' ,8,%E'S A WOND];L GIRL1 ,J>$4
,Y'RE LUCKY T ,B5 BR"\ H] "H40' ,J>$
GR[L$ DEEP 9 8 ?ROAT4 ,RUDY *UCKL$4 ,8,I
"K AT L1/ A DOZ5 (! H&S :O WD LOVE  #bjg
= Y 6H A FATAL A3ID5T1 ,J>$4 ,!Y'D :ISK
H] AWAY 9 NO "T FLAT40' ,J>$ SC[L$ AT
HM4 ,8,:5 ! HELL HAS %E BE5 >.D ANY
VAQU]OS80' ,8,E "D :5 %E GOES \ RID+4
,Y'D 2 AMAZ$ H[ EAG] !Y'VE BE5 6ANSW] H]
"QS4 ,%E'S A FA/ LE>N]40' ,8,I'LL BET10'
,J>$ GRUM#D >.D ! FOOD 9 8 M\?4 ,LAUR5
CAME BACK & SAT D[N4 ,RUDY /OOD UP = H]2
,J>$ />$ SULL5LY AT ! B[L ( *RYSAN!MUMS
9 ! C5T] (! TA#4 ,8,"O PLACE ,LAUR5
HASN'T SE5 IS ,PECAN ,CREEK4 ,Y RE,Y %D
TAKE H] UP "! 2F ! W1!R TURNS TOO
COLD40' ,GLORIA TOOK H] CUE F ,RUDY4
,8,:Y DON'T Y G TM8 ,Y CD TAKE A PICNIC
& 5JOY 2+ AL"O40' ,8,I DON'T ?9K--0'
,LAUR5 2GAN4 ,8,N TM10' ,J>$ 9T]RUPT$4
,8,I'VE GOT TOO M* "W 6D >.D "H40'
,8,NONS5SE10' ,M>IA 9T]JECT$4 ,%E WASN'T
GO+ 6SIT IDLY 0& SEE "O ( ,B5'S BE/
PLANS ?W>T$ BY ,J>$'S OB/9ACY4 ,8,Y'VE
BE5 G"O = ALM TWO WEEKS4 ,Y DES]VE A "D
(F4 ,Y'LL L1VE F/ ?+ 9 ! MORN+1 & ,I'LL
SUP]VISE PACK+ YR LUN*4 ,I "K J :AT Y L4
,8,BE SURE 6TAKE A GUNNYSACK & GA!R "S
PECANS = ME4 ,WE'LL 2 NE$+ !M =     #bjh
,?ANKSGIV+ & ,*RI/MAS BAK+4 ,REMEMB] :5
,I US$ 6S5D Y & ,RUDY "! EA* FALL8 ,B5
WD GIVE Y A P5NY = EA* NUT Y BR"\ BACK4
,^? 7 S* HAPPY "DS10' %E SD WI/LLY4 ,%E
CLE>$ H] ?ROAT4 8,YES1 Y'LL G TM40 ,!
MATT] SEEM$ SETTL$4 ,J>$ GL>$ AT ,RUDY )
A )]+ LOOK4 ,RUDY SMIL$ BACK1 ! EPITOME
( 9NOC;E4 ,M>IA & ,GLORIA SMIL$ AT EA*
O!R 3SPIRATORI,Y4 ,LAUR5 FUM#D ) H]
WAT*1 : TREM#D ON H] BR1/4 99 99 99
8,GODAMMIT1 :AT D Y EXPECT ME 6D1 ,RUDY8
,I'VE TRI$ E >GU;T4 ,!Y WANT T P[] PLANT
& WE WANT A RAILROAD4 ,!Y'VE GOT U 0!
BALLS40 8,I DON'T "K1 B Y'VE GOT 6D
"S?+6 ,B5 WD H G"O 6W> 2F LETT+ ^?
SONS(BIT*ES ON 8 L&40 ,! LADIES 9 ! MA9
ROOM LOOK$ AT EA* O!R Z ! VOICES1 RAIS$
9 FRU/R,N & ANG]1 R1*$ !M F ! FRONT POR*
": ,J>$ & ,RUDY _H RETIR$ AF D9N] 6SMOKE
A CIG>4 ,M>IA PUT ASIDE H] M5D+1 ,GLORIA
PAUS$ 9 /R++ "S B1DS %E _H PROMIS$
,LUCY1 & ,LAUR5 DROPP$ ! BOOK %E 0 R1D+
96H] LAP4 ,%E AL"O KNEW :AT SUBJECT _H
BR"\ S* AN \TBUR/ F ! BRO!RS4 ,! VOICES
\TSIDE RETURN$ 6NORMAL1 &! WOM5     #bji
RESUM$ _! ACTIVITIES4 ,E ONCE 9 A :ILE1
A ^W OR PHRASE WD C>RY BACK 6!M1
PUNCTUAT$ 9 EMPHASIS OR URG5CY4 ,:5
,RUDY & ,J>$ CAME BACK 9SIDE1 _! M\?S 7
SET & GRIM4 ,EA* LOOK$ IMMLY T[>D
,LAUR51 ,J>$ ) HO/IL;Y1 ,RUDY ) "S?+ AK9
6P;Y4 ,S1 ,LAUR5 ?"\1 ,J>$ HAS TOLD 8
BRO!R ! CIRCUM/.ES ( \R M>RIAGE4 ,=A
MO;T1 %E FE>$ T ,RUDY'S OP9ION ( H] WD
ALT]1 T HE WD 3DEMN H] =! DECI.N %E _H
MADE4 ,B "O LOOK AT 8 FACE--OP51 FRLY1
-PAS.NATE--ASSUR$ H] T ? WDN'T 2 ! CASE4
8,IF WE H 6G 6,PECAN ,CREEK TM1 2 R1DY
E>LY40 ,J>$ /ALK$ \ ! DOOR AF A4RESS+
,LAUR5 ) ALL ! 5?USIASM (A PRISON]
AWAIT+ EXECU;N AT DAWN4 ,NO "O *ALL5G$ 8
SLEEP+ >RANGE;TS ? "T4 ,GLORIA & ,RUDY
W5T 6_! ROOM4 ,LAUR5 PLAC$ H] BOOK BACK
9 ! %ELF &1 TAK+ (F H] EYEGLASSES1 WALK$
6! W9D[4 ,%E SAW ! TALL1 L1N FIGURE
/RID+ T[>D ! BUNKH\SE ) 8 BROAD %\LD]S
HUN*$ DEF5SIVELY4 ,%E DIDN'T "K T ,M>IA
0 2H H] UNTIL ! WOMAN PLAC$ A REASSUR+
>M >.D H] SL5D] WAI/4 8,B5 F"\ 8 LOVE =
ME L A MAN POSSESS$1 ,LAUR54 ,!Y    #baj
>E BO? T\<1 /R;G M54 ,T5D];S DOESN'T -E
EASY 6,J>$4 ,OR EV5 K9D;S4 ,2 PATI5T )
HM40 ,LAUR5 CDN'T SP1K = FE> ( WEEP+4
,%E TURN$ 6,M>IA & HU7$ H] QKLY 2F SEEK+
! PRIVACY ( H] ROOM4 ,J>$'S ROOM4 99 99
99 ,GLORIA HELP$ ,LAUR5 BRAID H] HAIR 9
! /YLE N[ FAMILI> 6H]4 ,%E WORE ! SAME
SUIT %E _H WORN ON ! MORN+ %E & ,J>$
LEFT ,CORONADO = ,KEYPO9T4 ,! 5SEM# T _H
SEEM$ SC&AL\SLY 9DEC5T AT ! "T N[ FELT Q
-=TA#4 ,%E _H 2COME A3U/OM$ 6_M *ANGES 9
H] LIFE4 ,M>IA 0 9 ! KIT*5 MAK+ GD H]
PROMISE 6PREP>E _! LUN*4 ,J>$ /ROLL$ 9 &
)\T A ^W H&$ ,LAUR5 A D>K BLUE B&ANA4
,%E LOOK$ AT X & !N AT HM ) PUZZLE;T4
8,X'S CL1N10 HE SD TE/ILY4 8,I BORR[$ X
F "O ( YR _M ADMIR]S & WA%$ X MYF4 ,Y
MAY NE$ X TD40 ,%E TOOK ! SC>F & FOLD$ X
96A TRIANGLE4 ,PLAC+ X >.D H] NECK1 %E
TRI$ 6TIE X Z ! VAQU]OS WORE _!S1 B H]
F+]S 7 UNA3.TABLY CLUMSY4 8,"H10 ,J>$ SD
9 EXASP],N1 BATT+ H] H&S AWAY4 ,HE /EPP$
CLOS] 6H] & W.D ! 5DS (! B&ANA 96A
P]FECT KNOT4 ,DEFT Z HE 0 AT ?1 X SEEM$
6TAKE AN 9ORD9ATE AM.T ( "T 6GET X  #baa
"R4 ,HE MOV$ CLOS] /1 & 8 F+]S F.D X NEC
6BRU% AG/ ! W>M1 SMOO? SK9 ( H] ?ROAT Z
HE ADJU/$ ! SC>F4 8,?ANK Y10 %E SD :5 HE
F9,Y /EPP$ AWAY4 ,HE ONLY %RU7$ 9
RESPONSE4 ,AF A HURRI$ BR1KFA/1 %E &
,J>$ DE"P$4 ,LAUR5 WAV$ GDBYE 6,GLORIA &
,M>IA1 :O /OOD FRAM$ 9 ! DOORWAY4 ,FLAME
_H N[ 2COME "KN Z 8,MRS4 ,LOCKETT'S
M.T10 &A RAPPORT _H DEVELOP$ 2T ,LAUR5 &
! M>E4 ,J>$ 0 MILDLY SURPRIS$ :5 HE
SPURR$ ,*>G] 96A GALLOP & ,LAUR5 FOLL[$
SUIT1 KEEP+ PACE ) HM EF=T.SLY4 ,WELL1
%E'S LE>N$ "S?+1 HE ?"\ GRUDG+LY4 ,%E _H
LO/ H] EA/]N PALLOR1 TOO1 & H] -PLEXION
_H TAK5 ON A H1L?Y1 ROSY GL[4 ,HE WDN'T
ADMIT 6ANY"O1 EV5 6HMF1 T HE _H MISS$ H]
:ILE HE _H BE5 AWAY4 ,HE WDN'T DEF9E !
S5SE ( L;G+ T _H PLAGU$ HM F ! "T HE
LEFT4 ,SCATT]$ OV] ,LOCKETT L& 7 %EEP
RAN*]S & NE/]S :OM HE VISIT$1 & _!
DAU<T]S ALW WELCOM$ A PAT ON ! BOTTOM OR
A /OL5 KISS4 ,!Y _H ALL BE5 4APPO9T$ ?
"T4 ,J>$ SP5T 8 "T 9 S]I\S 3V]S,N )!
M5FOLK4 ,HE _HN'T 3SCI\SLY AVOID$ !
WOM54 ,HE J WASN'T 9T]E/$1 & "!=E   #bab
DIDN'T GIVE !M A ?"\4 ,AT NI<T1 ROLL$ UP
9 8 BLANKETS1 HE TOSS$ & TURN$ 9 AN EF=T
6RID HMF ( 4TURB+ M5TAL IMAGES4 ,LAUR5 9
H] DRESS+ G[N1 H] HAIR SPILL+ OV] H]
%\LD]S4 ,LAUR5 SLEEP+ 9 8 B$ AT ! RAN*1
MOONLI<T C>ESS+ H] *EEKS4 ,LAUR5 9 DEEP
3C5TR,N OV] A BOOK1 H] EYEGLASSES RE/+
ON H] NOSE4 ,LAUR54 ,LAUR54 ,LAUR54 ,HE
CURS$ HMF = 2+ A FOOL Z 8 IMAG9,N DRIFT$
& HE PICTUR$ HMF LIFT+ A /RAY LOCK (
HAIR F H] %\LD] & KISS+ X4 ,HE 0 C>ESS+
H] *EEK RE/+ AG/ 8 PILL[4 ,HE 0 SLID+ !
SPECTACLES (F H] NOSE 9 ORD] 6KISS H]
S(T M\?4 ,SLEEP ELUD$ HM NI<T AF NI<T4
,HE SAT 2F 8 DY+ CAMPFIRE SMOK+ *EROOTS
& CURS+ 8 9T5SE PHYSICAL 4COM=T &! 3NIV+
W5* :O _H MANIPULAT$ 8 "F & 0 N[ TRY+ 6D
! SAME ?+ 6HM4 ,WELL1 HE'D 2 DAMN$ 2F
HE'D LET H] GET 6HM6 ,B Z HE'D APPROA*$
,KEYPO9T LA/ NI<T1 8 HE>TB1T _H A3EL]AT$
Z HE SPURR$ ,*>G] 96A MAD GALLOP4 ,J>$
SWORE T 8 EAG];S 6GET HOME _H NO?+ 6D )!
WOMAN HE _H LEFT "!4 ,N[1 Z HE WAT*$ H]
F "U ! PROTEC;N ( 8 HAT BRIM1 HE WASN'T
S SURE4 ,!Y RODE 9 SIL;E = HALF AN  #bac
H\R4 ,J>$ SL[$ ,*>G] 6A TROT & L$ ! WAY
6! RIV]BANK ": CYPRESS ROOTS SNAK$ AL;G
! GR.D1 KNOTT$ & ROPELIKE4 ,ON ! O!R
SIDE (! RIV]1 A ROCK =M,N =M$ A WALL1 A
BACKDROP1 LOOM+ UP FIFTY FEET4 ,AB
MIDWAY UP1 JUTT+ \ (! ROCK WALL1 0 !
/RANGE/ /RUCTURE ,LAUR5 _H "E SE54 ,X 0
B>ELY M ?AN A WOOD5 %+LE FA@CADE A FEW
FEET DEEP4 ,A BLACK METAL FLUE EXT5D$ A
FEW 9*ES \ (! RO(1 EMITT+ A ?9 WISP (
SMOKE4 ,! ONLY DOOR1 9 ! C5T] (!
/RUCTURE1 0 MADE ( R\< PLANKS4 ,A SQU>E
W9D[ 0 ON EI SIDE ( X4 ,OV] ^! _H BE5
NAIL$ C[HIDES1 : /IRR$ SLI<TLY 9 !
BREEZE4 ,V>I\S ANTL]S ( DE] & CATTLE
ADORN$ ! EXT]IOR WALLS4 ,! SMALL %ELF (
ROCK ON : ! H\SE 0 P]*$ 0 B>ELY WIDE 5 =
A MAN 6/& ON1 B X 0 LITT]$ ) ALL TYPES (
UT5SILS2 PAILS & WA%TUBS1 BRIDLES &
H>;SES1 ROPE1 PL[S 9 SAD 4REPAIR1 A /ACK
( NONDESCRIPT PELTS1 METAL OBJECTS T
,LAUR5 CDN'T ID5TIFY F ? 4T.E4 8,:AT IS
T80 %E ASK$ ,J>$ 9 AWE Z HE RE9$ 9 &
2GAN 64M.T4 8,J /AY ": Y >E4 ,WE'LL ONLY
2 "H A M9UTE4 ,CRAZY ,JACK DOESN'T  #bad
L -PANY40 8,:--0 8,J SIT /1 ,LAUR510 HE
SD CRISPLY4 ,%E WAT*$ HM Z HE UNTI$ A
BUNDLE F 2H 8 SA4LE & CASU,Y WALK$ 6!
RIV]BANK4 ,HE KNELT D[N & SCOOP$ S"EAL
H&;LS (! CLE> WAT] 96HIS M\?4 ,!N HE
PLAC$ ! PACKAGE ON A FLAT-SURFAC$ ROCK &
RETURN$ 6,*>G]1 M.T+ ) /UDI$ NON*AL.E4
,LAUR5 /IFL$ H] CURIOS;Y Z !Y RODE AWAY
F ! /RANGE SC5E 9 SIL;E4 ,%E GL.ED
N]V\SLY BACK OV] H] %\LD] 6/1L A F9AL
LOOK AT ! BIZ>RE SI<T4 ,!Y _H COV]$ AB A
MILE 2F ,J>$ ONCE AG L$ ! HORSES NE> !
,RIO ,CABALLO1 ? "T NUDG+ !M D[N 6! BANK
6DR9K4 ,HE H&$ ,LAUR5 A CANTE5 & CROSS$
8 LEG ACR 8 SA4LE1 LI<T+ A CIG>4 8,:AT 0
T H\SE1 ,J>$8 ,DOES "S"O LIVE "!80 ,%E
CDN'T 3TA9 H] CURIOS;Y ANY L;G]4 8,YES1
"S"O LIVES "!40 ,8 MANN] 0 IRRITAT+LY
CASUAL4 8,HIS "N IS ,JACK ,TURN]1 ?\<
"EY"O HAS NICK"ND HM ,CRAZY ,JACK4 ,HE
BUILT A FA@CADE OV] A DRY CAVE = 8 H\SE4
,HE'S A H]MIT & N AT ALL CRAZY40 8,A
H]MIT680 %E EXCLAIM$4 8,H[ L;G HAS HE
LIV$ "!8 ,": DID HE -E F8 ,IS HE
DANG]\S80 ,) ANNOY+ SL[;S1 ,J>$     #bae
RETRIEV$ 8 CANTE51 RECAPP$ X1 & TOOK A
L;G PULL ON 8 *EROOT 2F HE REPLI$4
8,JACK & 8 BRO!R ,BILL CAME 6,TEXAS 9 !
LATE FIFTIES F ,GOD "KS ": & SETTL$ 9 A
SMALL DES]T$ CAB94 ,!Y EI DIDN'T H !
9ITIATIVE OR ! CAPITAL 6RAN* OR F>M1 B
!Y GREW /APLE CROPS4 ,!Y DID ODD JOBS :5
!Y NE$$ M"OY1 O!RWISE !Y 7 PRETTY
RECLUSIVE4 ,! ,G]MAN SETTL]S >.D "H 7 S
9DU/RI\S T !Y %UNN$ ANY"O :O DIDN'T %>E
_! PROCLIV;Y = "W40 ,HE %IFT$ 9 8 SA4LE
& DREW AG ON ! CIG>4 8,IN #AHGB1 !
,-AN*E W5T ON A RAMPAGE & RAID$ ! SMALL]
F>MS4 ,JACK & ,BILL 7 BO? CAPTUR$1 _!
CAB9 BURN$4 ,!Y 7 HELD CAPTIVE = SIX
MON?S OR S1 B !N ,JACK 0 RESCU$4 ,IF !Y
_H BE5 ! ONLY HO/AGES1 NO "O WD H BO!R$1
B "S WOM5 & *N _H BE5 TAK5 AT ! SAME "T4
,S A RESCUE "PY _H BE5 =M$4 ,BRO!R ,BILL
_H BE5 KILL$ 0! ,9DIANS4 ,TORTUR$ &
KILL$4 ,JACK 0 ''' 9JUR$ ''' & :5 HE
CAME BACK 6CIVILIZ,N HE 0 SCORN$ 0ALL 8
,8,*RI/IAN0' NEI<BORS40 ,J>$'S LIP CURL$
9 A DERISIVE SNE]4 8,JACK BUILT 8 H\SE
"! 9 ! CAVE &1 ?\< X 0 ON \R L&1    #baf
,B5 LOOK$ ! O!R WAY4 ,JACK CUTS \ A
C\PLE ( BEEVES EA* YE>1 B !Y'RE N"E !
BE/ "OS1 & HE DOESN'T WA/E !M4 ,HE USES
E BIT (! C>CASS4 ,WE BR+ HM /APLES E FEW
MON?S4 ,ALL HE ASKS IS 6BE LEFT AL"O4 ,8
H\SE IS "S:AT L A =TRESS4 ,GOD "KS H[ HE
GETS 9 & \ ( X4 ,Y C BET WE 7 SI<T$ 9 8
RIFLE Z SOON Z WE GOT 96RANGE40 ,LAUR5 0
QUIET =A MO;T Z %E ABSORB$ ! /ORY4 8,:Y
0 HE %UNN$ 0"EY"O8 ,HE CDN'T HELP 2+
TAK5 0! ,9DIANS40 ,%E 0 IMMLY SYMPA!TIC
6! E35TRIC H]MIT4 ,J>$ WAT*$ H] CLOSELY
Z HE SD SL[LY1 8,HE'D _H 8 NOSE & E>S
CUT (F4 ,T'S :AT ! ,9DIANS DID 6HM :ILE
!Y MUTILAT$ & KILL$ 8 BRO!R4 ,HE'S N TOO
PRETTY 6LOOK AT1 & P DON'T L _!
S5SIBILITIES 9SULT$ 0! SI<T ( HM40
  ,*APT] #AB
  ,LAUR5'S H&S FLEW 6H] M\?4 ,! HORRORS
9FLICT$ ON ,JACK ,TURN] 0! ,-AN*E 7
9COMPREH5SI#4 ,B ! TORTURE 9FLICT$ ON HM
0HIS [N P 0 EV5 WORSE4 ,B5 & ,J>$ _H
TR1T$ HM K9DLY4 ,%E L[]$ H] EYES Z %E SD
S(TLY1 8,Y'RE V *>ITA#1 ,J>$1 6D ^! ?+S
= HM40 8,X'S N *>;Y4 ,WE'LL F9D A   #bag
J> ( 8 HOME-BREW$ CORN LIQUOR ON ! FRONT
POR* 9 A "D OR TWO4 ,X'S ALW LEFT = U AF
WE BR+ HM "S?+4 ,( C\RSE1 ,I WDN'T DR9K
X =! _W4 ,X'S PURE ROTGUT4 ,B ,I'D N"E
IGNORE X1 EI40 ,"E S9CE HE CD REMEMB]1
,B5 _H RI45 \ 6TAKE SUPPLIES 6,CRAZY
,JACK4 ,! MAN M/ 2 9 8 SEV5TIES 0N[4 8,I
WOND] IF HE "KS ,B5 IS D1D10 ,J>$ MUS$
AL\D4 8,HE PROBABLY DOES4 ,I ?9K HE "KS
"EY?+ T GOES ON >.D "H40 ,HE TOSS$ D[N 8
CIG> BUTT & PLAC$ 8 BOOT BACK 9 !
/IRRUP4 8,R1DY80 ,LAUR5 NO4$ & !Y TOOK
(F AG4 ,J>$ RAIS$ 8 B&ANA OV] 8 NOSE &
9DICAT$ T %E %D D ! SAME4 ,MOV+ AWAY F !
RIV]1 ! GRASS 2CAME SP>SE & DRY1 & _!
HORSES KICK$ UP CL\DS ( DU/4 ,LAUR5 0
GRATE;L = ,J>$'S ?"\;L;S 9 BR++ H] !
B&ANA4 ,A %ORT :ILE LAT]1 ,J>$ SL[$ _!
HORSES 6A LEISURELY WALK Z HE 5T]$ A
PECAN GROVE4 ,! OLD1 MASSIVE TREES1
GRADU,Y LOS+ _! FOLIAGE 9 ! *ANGE (
S1SONS1 UMBRELLA$ ! G5TLY RIS+ HILL4 ,AT
? PO9T1 ! RIV] 0 WIDE4 ,! BANK 6: ,J>$
N[ L$ H] 0 GRASSY 2F 2COM+ LITT]$ )
PEB#S4 ,^? T9Y ROCKS GREW 96GIANT   #bah
LIME/"O B\LD]S T ROSE L SMOO? TA#S \ (!
RIV]4 ,! SWIFT WAT] RU%$ OV] !M1
CRY/AL-CLE> & GURGL+4 8,H[ LOVELY60 %E
CRI$4 ,9 H] EXCITE;T1 %E SWUNG H] LEG (F
! SA4LE & DROPP$ 6! GR.D1 RU%+ 6!
RIV]BANK4 ,ON ! OPPOSITE SIDE (! RIV]1
"! 0 A WALL ( ROCK M* L ! "O ,CRAZY
,JACK _H BUILT 8 H\SE 9TO4 ,)! NATURAL
SCRE5+ (! ROCK WALL &! PROTECTIVE COV]+
(! PECAN TREES1 ! SETT+ 0 9TIMATE &
PRIVATE DESPITE XS PRIMITIVE NATURE4 ,%E
DIDN'T R1LIZE ,J>$ _H 4M.T$ & -E 6/& 2H
H] UNTIL HE SPOKE4 8,! WAT] "H IS F$ BY
"UGR.D SPR+S4 ,T'S :Y X'S S CLE>4 ,-E
ON40 ,%E 0 SURPRIS$ :5 HE TOOK H] H& &
PULL$ H] \ ONTO ! ROCK =M,NS 9 ! RIV]4
,! L1!R GLOVES !Y BO? WORE DID NO?+ TO
DILUTE ! W>M? (! H& TI<TLY HOLD+ H]S4
,!Y WALK$ TGR OV] ! :ITE B\LD]S1 : _H
BE5 POLI%$ SMOO? 0WAT] WA%+ OV] !M YE>
AF YE>4 ,:5 !Y R1*$ ! PO9T ": ! WAT]
RU%$ OV] ! ROCK1 ,J>$ KNELT D[N4 ,LAUR5
FOLL[$ SUIT & TOOK (F H] GLOVE 6PLACE H]
H& 9 ! WAT]4 8,OH6 ,X'S S COLD10 %E
EXCLAIM$1 LAU<+4 8,UNTIL Y GET US$  #bai
6X10 HE SD )A SMILE4 8,:5 ,RUDY & ,I 7
KIDS1 WE CAME UP "H 6SWIM4 ,B5 BR"\ U
UNTIL WE 7 OLD 5 6LOOK \ = \RVS4 ,Y SEE1
:5 X RA9S1 ? TRIBUT>Y (! ,CABALLO 2COMES
A TORR5T4 ,": WE'RE /&+ N[ WD 2 COV]$ )
WAT] -+ D[N F ! HILLS40 ,!Y _H PULL$ !
B&ANAS AWAY F _! M\?S1 & %E WAT*$ ! WAY
8 *9 C>ESS$ ! S(T CLO? 2N X Z HE SPOKE4
8,IN ! SPR+1 ? LOOKS -PLETELY DI6]5T4 ,!
R$BUDS BLOOM &! BLUEBONNETS COV] ! HILLS
L A C>PET40 ,%E LI/5$ 9T5TLY & WAT*$ 8
H&S Z HE GE/UR$4 ,HE _H SD ,B5'S "N )\T
! HAUNT$ EXPRES.N T USU,Y CROSS$ 8 FACE
:5"E 8 "F 0 M5;N$4 ,%E L1N$ OV] ! WAT] &
CUPP$ A H&;L1 BR++ X 6H] M\?4 ,! BRACKI%
TA/E 0 T]RI#4 ,%E DIDN'T "K %E _H MADE A
FACE UNTIL %E HE>D ,J>$'S *UCKLE NE> H]
E>4 8,TA/ES BAD1 DOESN'T X8 ,! WAT] IS
PURE1 B X HAS 6BE FILT]$ "? *>COAL 2F X
TA/ES GD 5 6DR9K10 HE EXPLA9$4 8,SEE ":
! WAT] IS BU2L+ UP F "U T ROCK80 ,HE
PO9T$ & %E NO4$4 8,T'S "O (! SPR+S40 ,!Y
WALK$ BACK ACR ! ROCKS UNTIL !Y REGA9$ !
RIV]BANK ": _! M.TS 7 /&+ DOCILELY1
NI2L+ ! GRASS4 ,Z ,J>$ W5T AB !     #bbj
BUSI;S ( UNPACK+ ! SA4LEBAGS T HELD _!
LUN*1 ,LAUR5 WALK$ UP ! HILL 6! CRE/4
,H] BR1? CAU<T 9 H] ?ROAT3 ,! 5TIRE
VALLEY OP5$ UP 2N H]4 ,X 0 A BR1?TAK+
SI<T4 8,LUN*EON IS S]V$1 ,MADAM10 ,J>$
CALL$ 6H] & MADE A SWEEP+ B[ OV] !
BLANKET T S]V$ Z _! TA#4 ,FEEL+ FREE &
UN9HIBIT$1 %E RAN D[N ! HILL 6JO9 HM4 ,!
FALL5 PECANS & AUTUMN L1VES ON ! GR.D
CRUN*$ "U H] BOOTS4 ,M>IA _H PACK$ 5
FOOD = AN >MY1 B ,LAUR5 0 RELIEV$ 6SEE T
= ONCE "! 7 NO B1NS4 ,?9 SLICES ( COLD
ROA/ BEEF1 POTATO SALAD PACK$ 9 A J>1
SPIC$ P1*ES1 FRE% BR1D1 TORTILLAS1 &
SUG> COOKIES -POS$ _! M5U4 ,!Y ATE (F T9
PLATES ! M5 US$ :5 ON ! TRAIL4
,9CONGRU\SLY1 ,M>IA _H AL PACK$ SN[Y
:ITE L95 NAPK9S4 8,X'S B1UTI;L "H1
,J>$10 ,LAUR5 SD AF A L;G1 AWKW>D PAUSE
: !Y FILL$ 03C5TRAT+ ON _! FOOD4 8,Y1H40
,HE MUN*$ ON A PIECE ( BR1D 2F HE SD
(FH&$LY1 8,? IS ": ,I WANT 6BUILD A H\SE
"S "D4 ,"R UP "! ON TOP (! HILL40 ,HE
9DICAT$ ! PLACE ) AN 9CL9,N ( 8 *94
8,I'D H ! H\SE FAC+ ! VALLEY1 &     #bba
?10 HE SWEPT 8 H& 9 A BROAD GE/URE1 8WD
2 MY BACKY>D4 ,EV5 IF ! RIV] OV]FL[$ !
BANKS1 ! H\SE WD 2 HI< 5 6BE PROTECT$40
8,T WD 2 P]FECT10 %E 5?US$4 8,I'D LOVE
LIV+ 9 A SETT+ L ?40 ,! MO;T ! ^WS LEFT
H] M\? %E WD H GIV5 H1V5 & E>? 6BR+ !M
BACK4 ,8 H1D :IPP$ >.D & 8 EYES BORE 9TO
H]S1 H>D & UNCOMPROMIS+4 ,%E _HN'T M1NT
6IMPLY !Y WD 2 LIV+ TGR4 ,%E _H ONLY BE5
SP1K+ RHETORIC,Y4 ,MORTIFI$1 %E L[]$ H]
H1D4 ,EA* 0 PA9;LLY AW>E (! O!R & _!
ISOLAT$ SURR.D+S4 ,! SIL;E 0 PALPA#4
,US+ H] BE/ 3V]S,NAL VOICE1 ACQUIR$ F
YE>S ( PRACTICE 5T]TA9+ GUE/S 9 !
,PRA!RS' P>LOR1 ,LAUR5 ASK$1 8,:Y DIDN'T
Y TELL ME ,RUDY 0 YR BRO!R1 ,J>$80 ,! "Q
TOOK HM -PLETELY (F-GU>D1 & HE /OPP$
*EW+ 8 M\?;L ( FOOD4 ,F9,Y HE SWALL[$1
TOOK A L;G GULP ( BE] F "O (! BOTTLES
,M>IA _H PACK$ = HM & ASK$1 8,WD X H
MATT]$80 8,HIS ILLEGITIMACY80 ,HE LOOK$
AT H] %>PLY1 B SAW ONLY "U/&+ 9 H] EYES4
8,NO4 ,T DOESN'T MATT] 6ME1 ,J>$40
8,WELL1 X DOES 6A LOT ( P4 ,T & 8 2+
HALF ,MEXICAN10 HE SD BITT]LY4      #bbb
8,NO "O "U/&S AB ,B5 & ,M>IA40 8,I D40
,AG %E _H SURPRIS$ HM1 & 8 EYES /UDI$ H]
BRIEFLY 2F HE LOOK$ AWAY4 ,HE RECL9$1
/RET*+ 8 L;G LEGS 9 FRONT ( HM &
SUPPORT+ HMF ON "O ELB[4 ,LAUR5 0 REM9D$
(! F/ "T %E _H SE5 HM & WI%$ HE WD SIT
ERECT4 ,%E F.D X H>D 6KEEP H] EYES
DIV]T$ F ! BODY S UNABA%$LY 4PLAY$4 ,TO
COV] H] FLU/]$ /ATE1 %E -;T$1 8,Y ALW
REF] 6YR "F 0HIS F/ "N4 ,:Y80 ,HE SEEM$
MO;T>ILY IRRITAT$ 0H] MYRIAD "QS1 B !N
HE LAU<$ S(TLY & SD1 8,T'S :AT "EY"O
ELSE CALL$ HM40 ,J>$ %RU7$4 8,HE DIDN'T
L TITLES4 ,DIDN'T NE$ !M4 ,I FELT ! SAME
WAY :5 ,I CAME BACK F ,CUBA & SU45LY ,I
0 ,LIEUT5ANT ,LOCKETT40 ,8 MUSCLES BUN*$
9 AGIT,N4 8,X M/ H BE5 T]RI# "!10 %E
(F]$ QUIETLY4 8,I R1D T \R >MY F"\ !
CLIMATE Z M* Z !Y DID ! ,SPANI%40 8,T'S
AN "U/ATE;T10 HE SD4 8,I N"E DREW A DEEP
BR1? ! :OLE "T ,I 0 "!4 ,X 0 GODAW;L4
,NO MATT] H[ H>D Y TRI$ 6SUCK T H1VY AIR
96YR LUNGS1 Y CD N"E GET 5\<4 ,MO/ ( U
GOT A GD CASE ( MAL>IA1 & WE W5T 9TO
BATTLE )! FEV] & SW1T+ W1K5+ U      #bbc
UNTIL X 0 AN EF=T 6CRAWL4 ,X GOT 6": ,I
DIDN'T C>E IF WE TOOK ! GO4AM HILL OR
N40 8,"! 0 A GIRL AT HOME :O 0 M>RI$ 6A
SOLDI]1 A M>9E4 ,WE PRAY$ = HM & 7 S
?ANK;L :5 HE RETURN$ ) ONLY A SLI<T LEG
W.D40 ,%E %IFT$ H] GAZE AWAY F 8 BELT
BUCKLE & PLUCK$ AT A NAPK9 SPR1D OV] H]
?I<S4 ,8 EYES1 N>R[$ 6SLITS1 TRAVEL$ F !
"P 9 H] HAIR 6! TOE ( H] S(T BOOTS4
8,:AT AB Y1 ,LAUR58 ,DIDN'T Y P9E AWAY =
"S SWEETHE>T 6-E HOME 6Y80 ,%E FLU%$ Z
M* F 8 SCRUT9Y Z F 8 ^WS4 8,NO10 %E SD
96H] LAP4 8,I _H NO ADMIR]S OR '''
ANY?+4 ,2SS1 ,I 0 TOO "Y !N40 8,OH4 ,B
:AT AB LAT]8 ,DIDN'T ANY (! D1CON'S SONS
TRY 6/1L A KISS 2H ! *UR* DOOR8 ,NO
HANKY-PANKY 9 ! *OIR L(T "U ^? VOLUM9\S
ROBES80 ,Z HE SPOKE1 8 H& MOV$ 6H] *E/4
,8 DEXTR\S F+]S "W$ ! BUTTONS ( H]
JACKET UNTIL X FELL OP54 ,%E 0 DIZZY )
EMO;N :5 %E FELT HM F+]+ ! PE>L BUTTONS
ON H] %IRT1 ?\< HE DIDN'T TRY 6UNDO !M4
8,SURELY "S"O HAS MADE A PASS AT Y40 ,8
T"O 0 T1S+4 ,HE CDN'T "K T 8 MOCK]Y
3JUR$ UP ABHORR5T MEMORIES (        #bbd
,WILLIAM ,KELL]4 ,%E SQUEEZ$ H] EYES
TI<T & %OOK H] H1D VIOL5TLY1 TRY+ 64PEL
! HATE;L RECOLLEC;N4 ,J>$ 0 AL>M$4 ,HE
_H M1NT 6%AKE H] COOL RES]VE1 B H]
REAC;N 0 F> /R;G] ?AN HE'D EXPECT$4 ,8
H& /ILL$1 ?\< HE DIDN'T )DRAW X4 ,%E
-POS$ H]F SL[LY & F9,Y RAIS$ H] EYES TO
MEET HIS4 8,NO10 %E :ISP]$1 8,I N"E _H
ANY SWEETHE>TS40 ,( XS [N VOLI;N1 8 H&
MOV$ UP S 8 F+]S CD SETTLE LI<TLY ON H]
*EEK4 ,X J WASN'T POSSI# T ANY"O CD 2 Z
9NOC5T Z %E APPE>$ 6BE4 ,NO "O T NAIVE
WD L1VE ! SECUR;Y (A P>SONAGE = AN
ADV5TURE 9 ,TEXAS )A MAN1 A /RANG]1 Z
VIRILE Z ,B5 ,LOCKETT4 ,:Y _H %E -E )
,B58 ,HE 0 ON ! V]GE ( PUTT+ ! "Q 6H]1 B
/OPP$ HMF4 ,MAYBE HE DIDN'T WANT 6"K !
ANSW]4 ,! R1LIZ,N T ! TRU? MI<T HURT
CAUS$ HM 6TURN 8 FRU/R,N ON HMF4 ,HE
LOOK$ AWAY F ! GRAY EYES T 7 N[ WAT*+ HM
CLOSELY4 ,HE WASN'T GO+ 6BE A FOOL OV] 8
OLD MAN'S DOXY4 ,HE J]K$ 8 H& AWAY Z ?\<
HE _H R1*$ = "S?+ DESIRA# & R1LIZ$ TOO
LATE T X 0 DECAY$ & HIDE\S4 ,LAUR5 FELT
8 )DRAWAL IMMLY4 ,! C\RSE _!        #bbe
3V]S,N _H TAK5 0 4TURB+1 B X 0 3V]S,N1 &
%E HAT$ 6GIVE X UP4 ,N"E!.S1 %E 0 GLAD
HE 0 NO L;G] T\*+ H]4 ,8 T\*1 NO MATT]
H[ SLI<T1 DID /RANGE ?+S 6H]1 SET (F
REAC;NS BO? AL>M+ & EMB>RASS+4 8,WE'D
BETT] />T GA!R+ ^? DAMN PECANS10 HE SD
T]SELY1 & /RODE T[>D ,*>G] 6GET !
GUNNYSACK HE _H BR"\ AL;G = T PURPOSE4
,LAUR5 PUT _! EAT+ IMPLE;TS AWAY AF R9S+
!M 9 ! RIV]4 ,!N %E REPACK$ ! REMA9+
FOOD4 ,J>$ _H ! SACK HALF-FILL$ ) PECANS
:5 %E B5T D[N 6HELP HM4 8,I C D X10 HE
SD GRU6LY4 8,NO S5SE 9 YR GETT+ DIRTY40
,%E LOOK$ UP ! L5G? ( 8 BODY & MET !
AMB] EYES GL>+ D[N AT H]4 ,:AT _H %E D"O
6MAKE HM ANGRY8 8,I WANT 6HELP10 %E SD
SIMPLY4 8,SUIT YRF10 HE ANSW]$ 9DI6]5TLY
& TURN$ AWAY1 LOOK+ = AN >EA T _HN'T BE5
H>VE/$4 ,0! "T HE CAME /AMP+ BACK 6H]1
,LAUR5 _H GA!R$ A PILE (! NUTS4 ,HE HELD
! M\? (! SACK OP5 :ILE %E SCOOP$ H] HO>D
96X4 8,ALL D"O10 %E SD *E];LLY1 DU/+ (F
H] H&S4 ,LICK+ H] LIPS QKLY1 %E ASK$1
8,D Y ?9K WE H 5 PECANS80 ,HE DIDN'T
ANSW]4 ,HE 0 TOO 9TRIGU$ 0! T;GUE   #bbf
: _H RAK$ ACR 9CR$IBLY SEXY LIPS &
4APPE>$ 2H !M 6HIDE F HM4 ,!N HE SPUN
AWAY F H]1 SAY+ OV] 8 %\LD]1 8,LET'S G4
,IF ,I R1D MY W1!R SIGNS "R1 WE'RE 9 =A
,NOR!R 2F L;G40 ,!Y M.T$ _! HORSES4 ,HE
SPOKE ONLY ONCE4 8,WE'LL G D[N ! O!R
SIDE4 ,X'S N Z SC5IC & WE H 6G 0! *>COAL
BURN]S' CAMP1 B X'S CLOS]4 ,I'M AFRAID (
GETT+ CAU<T \ "H )\T W>M] CLO!S40 ,!Y
FOLL[$ ! SPR+F$ TRIBUT>Y T TRIPP$ OV]
LIME/"O UNTIL1 AT ! BOTTOM (! HILL1 X
FL[$ 96! ,RIO ,CABALLO4 ,LAUR5 SNI6$ !
AIR & CAU<T ! SMELL ( WOOD SMOKE4 ,Z !Y
RODE >.D A B5D1 A DERELICT 5CAMP;T1 L AN
UGLY SORE M>R+ ! SC5]Y'S B1UTY1 CAME 9TO
SI<T4 ,T5TS & DILAPIDAT$ %ACKS 7 SCATT]$
>.D PITS F : ! D>K SMOKE ROSE4 ,RA7$ *N
RAN AM;G ! FIRES ) HE>T-/OPP+ RECK.S;S4
,MANGY DOGS CAME RUNN+ \ F "U V>I\S
COV]S1 B>K+ F]OCI\SLY4 ,S"EAL DIRTY1
2:ISK]$ M5 AM#D \ (! L1N-TOS 6SEE :O !
9TRUD]S W]E4 ,! WOM51 DIRTY & Z RA7$ Z
_! *N1 SC[L$ AT ,LAUR5 Z !Y SQUATT$ >.D
CAMPFIRES /IRR+ POTS ( F\L-SMELL+ /EW4
,"O (! DIRTIE/ M5 SEP>AT$ HMF F !   #bbg
RE/ & %U6L$ T[>D !M4 ,LAUR5 SUSPECT$ 8
NON*ALANT SWA7] 0 DECEPTIVE4 ,8 B1DY1
DEEPSET EYES DIDN'T MISS ANY?+1 & 7 B"R
"U %A7Y BR[S4 ,J>$ LOOK$ AT H] \ (!
CORN] ( 8 EYE1 N"E AV]T+ 8 H1D F ! MAN4
8,:AT"E HAPP5S1 DON'T GET (F YR HORSE40
,HE _H B>ELY OP5$ 8 LIPS 6SAY ! ^WS1
RASP+ !M F 2H 8 TEE?4 ,J>$ RE9$ 9 _!
HORSES & WAIT$ = HM 6AM# T[>D !M4 ,! MAN
0 %ORT & /OCKY ) P[];L-LOOK+ >MS T 7 TOO
L;G = 8 BODY1 GIV+ HM AN APELIKE
PHYSIQUE4 ,HE WORE DIRTY1 PAT*$ OV]ALLS1
) ONLY 8 R$1 FAD$ L;GJOHNS "U !M4 ,LAUR5
%RANK 9 4GU/ AT ! /A9$ & MOI/ >MHOLES (!
G>;T4 ,HE _H S"EAL "DS' /UB# ON 8 FACE1
& 8 OILY BLACK HAIR 0 MATT$ 6HIS H1D :5
HE SCOOP$ (F A BATT]$ HAT 9 FEIGN$
HUMIL;Y4 8,WELL1 LOOKEY "H4 ,IF X A9'T
,MR4 ,J>$ -E 6PAY U A CALL ) 8 NEW
LADY40 ,8 TEE? 7 YELL[ & BROK51 COV]$ )
?ICK D>K SCUM4 ,LAUR5 _H N"E SE5 ANY"O S
REPULSIVE4 ,OR M5AC+4 8,DUNCAN10 ,J>$ SD
CURTLY4 8,WE SURE 0 SORRY 6HE> AB YORE
PA1 ,MR4 ,J>$4 ,T'S A R1L %AME N[1 A9'T
X80 ,J>$ IGNOR$ ! -;T4 8,H['S YR    #bbh
BUSI;S80 8,WELL10 HE :9$1 8X CD ALW 2
BETT]4 ,IF'N Y'D LET U CLE> "S (! L& ":
!M DAMN$ NE/]S IS1 WE CD BO? 2 BETT]
(F40 8,Y "K T L& IS (F-LIMITS 6Y1 & X
ALW W BE4 ,Y /AY ON ? SIDE (! RIV]1 OR
Y'RE (F = GD1 "U/&80 8,N[1 ,MR4 ,J>$1 Y
WDN'T RUN U (F4 ,:AT ) \R FAMBLIES &
ALL40 ,HE PAUS$ & SPLIT 8 LIPS 9 A
SICK5+ P>ODY (A SMILE4 8,Y CDN'T SEE
,JUNE NO M1 EI40 ,J>$ SWUNG D[N F 8
SA4LE & /OOD FAC+ ! MAN1 8 BODY Z T5SE Z
A COIL$ SNAKE R1DY 6/RIKE4 ,ONLY -MON
S5SE &! GRIM 3SEQU;ES ( S* A /UPID AC;N
KEPT HM F GR9D+ 8 FI/ 9TO ,DUNCAN'S
9SOL5T FACE4 ,! *>COAL BURN] R1D !
HESIT,N & 3T9U$ )A LE]1 8,Y _HN'T =GOTT5
,JUNEY N[1 _HJA1 ,MR4 ,J>$80 ,HE 9CL9$ 8
H1D & ,LAUR5 FOLL[$ 8 9DIC,N 6! CAB9 ":
A "Y WOMAN L1N$ AG/ ! DOORJAMB4 ,H]
EXPRES.N 0 Z 9SOL5T Z ! MAN'S4 ,%E PU%$
AWAY F ! DOOR & SAUNT]$ CLOS] 6!M1 H]
HIPS SW++ SU7E/IVELY4 ,%E 0 B>EFOOT & H]
FEET 7 CAK$ ) DIRT4 ,H] DRESS B>ELY
COV]$ H] KNEES &! BODICE 0 /RET*$ ACR
P5DUL\S BR1/S4 ,LAUR5 R1LIZ$ T %E   #bbi
0 NAK$ "U ! ?9 COTTON DRESS & 0 /UNN$ AT
! GIRL'S IMMODE/Y4 ,H] HAIR 0 ALM :ITE &
H] EYES 7 PI]C+ BLUE4 ,%E MI<T H BE5
PRETTY1 EV5 B1UTI;L1 IF X W]5'T =! SULL5
M\? T DROOP$ AT ! CORN]S & H] LACK (
P]SONAL HYGI5E4 ,! SL9K+ WALK BR"\ H] TO
)9 A FEW 9*ES ( ,J>$4 ,%E SWAY$ SLI<TLY
Z %E SD HUSKILY1 8,HELLO1 ,J>$40 ,J>$
TURN$ ON 8 HEELS & WALK$ OV] 6,FLAME &
H] RID]4 ,HE RAIS$ 8 VOICE4 8,? IS MY
WIFE40 ,HE PLAC$ A GLOV$ H& ON ,LAUR5'S
?I<1 & IF %E _H N BE5 F"R5$ 0? /RANGE
CAMP &! GYPSYLIKE P :O LIV$ "H1 %E WD H
WOND]$ :Y %E TREM#D & FELT L MELT+ AT 8
T\*4 8,IF ANY"O F ? CAMP -ES NE> H]1
,I'LL KILL HM4 ,Y H BE5 W>N$40 ,X CD H
BE5 H] IMAG9,N T HE APPLI$ M PRESSURE TO
H] LEG J 2F HE REL1S$ X4 ,HE WALK$ >.D
,*>G] & M.T$ 9 "O FLUID MOVE;T4 8,UH '''
,MR4 ,J>$1 WE 0 WOND]9' :AT'S GONNA
HAPP5 6ALL (! GO4AM NE/]S & %EEPH]D]S :5
Y DAM UP ! RIV]40 ,DUNCAN /OOD ) 8 SQUAT
LEGS SPR1D1 >MS AKIMBO1 8 *9 ?RU/ \
BELLIG]5TLY4 ,G"O 0 ! GROVEL+ ATTITUDE
HE _H ASSUM$ AT F/4 ,J>$ RIVET$ 8   #bcj
AMB] EYES ON ! MAN4 8,": 9 HELL DID Y "E
HE> T80 8,I DON'T "RLY RECALL40 ,HE
SCRAT*$ 8 H1D 9 MOCK-PUZZLE;T1 & ,LAUR5
0 NAUS1T$ 6SEE />TL$ LICE CRAWL+ 9 8
HAIR4 8,^W J GOT >.D1 T'S ALL40 8,WELL1
X'S ONLY GOSSIP4 ,"U/&8 ,I DON'T WANT TO
HE> ANY M AB X40 8,IF'N !Y 0 6MOVE ON L1
CD WE "W T L& !N80 8,I'M GO+ 6SAY X "O M
"T40 ,J>$'S VOICE 0 H>D & EV51 Z %>P Z A
RAPI]4 8,Y "W ONLY ": ,I OR ,RUDY TELL Y
Y C4 ,NO": ELSE4 ,& ANY?+ ELSE T HAPP5S
ON ,LOCKETT L& IS N"O ( YR BUSI;S40 ,HE
RE/$ 8 H& LI<TLY ON 8 PI/OL HOL/]4 ,HE
NUDG$ ,*>G] ) 8 KNEES & ,LAUR5 DID !
SAME 6,FLAME4 ,!Y RODE \ (! CAMP SL[LY1
?\< %E WD H LIK$ 6GALLOP1 S MALEVOL5T 7
! LOOKS T ,JUNE _H GIV5 H]4 ,:5 %E _H
PASS$ CLOSE 6! GIRL1 ,LAUR5 HE>D H]
HISS1 8,BIT*60 ,:5 ! CAMP 0 WELL 2H !M1
,J>$ PULL$ UP & LI/5$ =A MO;T 2F HE
SPOKE4 8,I ?9K X'S ALL "R N[40 8,:AT 9 !
_W IS T PLACE8 ,I 0 F"R5$40 8,I WAS1
TOO40 ,HE LAU<$4 8,T RI6RAFF BACK "! >E
*>COAL BURN]S4 ,WAT ,DUNCAN IS M OR LESS
_! L1D]4 ,B5 MADE A D1L ) HM YE>S   #bca
AGO T !Y CD CUT D[N ! C$> & BURN X 9TO
*>COAL4 ,"!'S A M>KET = X 9 ,SAN
,ANTONIO4 ,!Y USE X 6PURIFY ! WAT] &
MAKE X TA/E BETT]40 ,LAUR5 REMEMB]$ !
BITT]-TA/+ WAT] %E _H DRUNK F ! SPR+ &
,J>$'S EXPLAN,N T X _H 6BE FILT]$4 8,WE
LET !M KEEP ALL _! PR(ITS &1 9 TURN1 !Y
KEEP ! RANGES CLE>$ ( EXCESS C$>4 ,!
ONLY PRO#M IS T !Y >E M1N1 4H"O/1 &
-PLETELY AMORAL40 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ AWAY F HM
Z %E MURMUR$1 8,! GIRL 0 PRETTY 9 A
WAY40 ,A GR9 TWIT*$ 8 LIPS Z HE /UDI$
H]4 ,HE SD1 8,"O "D 9 MY RECK.S Y\?1 ,B5
CAU<T ,JUNE & ME GIV+ EA* O!R A BIOLOGY
LESSON4 ,HE B1T ME 6)9 AN 9* ( MY LIFE4
,I N"E W5T NE> H] AG1 ESPECI,Y AF HE
IMPRESS$ ^U ME :AT C 2FALL A "Y MAN :O
FOOLS >.D ) SLUTS L H]4 ,%E & ,WAT M/ H
BE5 9SULT$1 2C HE N"E FAILS 6MAKE REF];E
6H] :5 ,I'M >.D40 8,>E !Y RELAT$80
8,YES4 ,%E'S 8 SI/]40 ,HE PAUS$
SIGNIFICANTLY4 8,& 8 MATE40 ,LAUR5 FELT
ILL Z %E SPURR$ ,FLAME 96A GALLOP 2H
,J>$'S L1D4 99 99 99 ,!Y 7 ONLY A FEW
MILES F ! H\SE :5 ! W9D SU45LY      #bcb
%IFT$ 6NOR!RLY &! GU/S ( COLD AIR /UNG
,LAUR5'S *EEKS4 ,H] EYES 2GAN 6WAT]4
,J>$ %\T$ = H] 6PULL H] B&ANA OV] H]
NOSE Z HE DID1 & X (F]$ A LL PROTEC;N F
! BIT+ W9D4 ,!Y RODE A FEW M M9UTES & !N
HE SIGNAL$ = H] 6FOLL[ HM4 ,HE L$ H] 6A
GR\P ( B\LD]S & RODE 96A POCKET =M$ 0!
ENORM\S ROCKS4 ,LAUR5 0 %IV]+ F ! COLD1
B AT L1/ N[ !Y 7 \ (! FI]CE W9D4 ,J>$
CAME >.D TO ,FLAME'S SIDE & (F]$ UP 8
>MS 6HELP H] D[N4 ,%E PLAC$ H] H&S ON 8
%\LD]S Z HE L[]$ H] G5TLY 6! GR.D4 ,%E
WELCOM$ ! W>M? ( 8 >MS Z !Y SL[LY 5CLOS$
H] 9 A HESITANT EMBRACE4 ,H] HAT SLIPP$
F H] H1D Z %E RE/$ H] *EEK AG/ ! H>D
*E/4 ,%E LOOK$ UP1 LAU<+ :5 %E R1LIZ$ T
%E / _H ! B&ANA PULL$ UP OV] ! L[] HALF
( H] FACE4 ,H] LAU<T] 0 *OK$ (F Z %E MET
,J>$'S EYES OV] ! TOP ( 8 SC>F4 ,!Y
IMPAL$ H] )! 9T5S;Y ( _! GAZE4 ,! BR[S 7
D>K &! LA%ES 7 TIPP$ ) GOLD4 ,! LAU<
L9ES AT ! CORN]S ( 8 EYES 7 :ITE ": 8
SQU9T+ _H KEPT !M F TANN+ L ! RE/ ( 8
FACE4 ,! BR[N IRISES 7 FLECK$ ) GOLD4
,%]RY OR AMB] OR TOPAZ4 ,SL[LY HE   #bcc
R1*$ \ & TOOK ! BOTTOM ( H] B&ANA 9 8
F+]S & L[]$ X4 ,X 0 A C>ESS4 ,HE /ROK$
H] LIPS ) 8 ?UMB4 ,ONLY !N DID HE L[] 8
GAZE F H] EYES 6/UDY H] LIPS Z 8 F+]S
TRAC$ _! %APE1 SAVOR$ _! TEXTURE1 M>VEL$
AT _! S(T;S4 ,!Y TREM#D 2N 8 T\*4
,LEISURELY HE L[]$ 8 [N B&ANA4 ,%E L1N$
96HM Z 8 >MS DREW H] CLOS]4 ,)\T 3SCI\S
?"\1 H] H&S W5T 6HIS WAI/1 !N >.D 6MEET
AT 8 BACK4 ,8 LIPS CAME 6H]S G5TLY1
S(TLY4 ,B>ELY T\*+ !M1 HE :ISP]$1
8,LAUR540 ,!N 8 M\? CLOS$ OV] H]S4 ,8
LIPS MOV$ OV] H]S EXP]TLY1 P]SUASIVELY4
,8 T;GUE T1S$ !M UNTIL !Y 7 %YLY "P$ &
%E MET ! TIP ( 8 T;GUE ) H] [N4 ,A L[
MOAN ESCAP$ ,J>$'S ?ROAT & 8 H& W5T 6!
SMALL ( H] BACK 6PRESS H] AG/ HM4 ,H]
F+]S SPLAY$ OV] ! MUSCLES ( 8 BACK4
,LOS+ ALL TIMID;Y1 %E OP5$ H] M\? 6!
HUNGRY PLEA ( HIS4 8,N[ T IS A T\*+
SI<T10 ,RUDY SD1 LAU<+4
  ,*APT] #AC
  ,LAUR5 & ,J>$ JUMP$ S VIOL5TLY AT !
S.D (! AMUS$ VOICE T _! MOVE;T />TL$ _!
HORSES4 8,HAV+ A NICE "T80 ,RUDY    #bcd
QU]I$ 9NOC5TLY4 ,HE _H SE5 !M RID+ T[>D
! B\LD]S & _H FOLL[$ !M 96! %ELT]4 ,J>$
SN>L$ AT HM4 8,LAUR5 0 COLD & ,I
REMEMB]$ T ,I _H A PON*O 9 "O ( MY
SA4LEBAGS4 ,I 0 GETT+ X \ = H]40 ,HE 0
9FURIAT$ ) HMF = EXPLA9+ _! KISS L A
GUILTY S*OOLBOY4 8,Y1H1 Y 7 W>M+ H] UP
ALL "R4 ,LOOKS L Y 7 GETT+ PRETTY HOT
YRF40 ,RUDY WD H LOV$ 63T9UE TAUNT+
,J>$1 B ,LAUR5 0 ! GRT] SU6]]4 ,:5 HE
SAW H] 4TRESS1 HE S(T5$4 8,WE'D BETT]
GET HOME4 ,GLORIA 0 WORRI$ :5 ! ,NOR!R
BLEW 9 & S5T ME \ 6*ECK ON Y40 ,J>$ _H
EXTRACT$ AN OLD1 WORN WOOL5 PON*O F 8
SA4LEBAG & UNC]EMONI\SLY PULL$ X OV]
,LAUR5'S H1D4 ,R\<LY PLOPP+ H] HAT BACK
ONTO H] H1D1 HE REM.T$ ,*>G]4 ,%E CD
TELL 0! WAY HE SAT RIGIDLY ON !
/ALLION'S BACK Z HE RODE AWAY T HE 0
ANGRY4 ,PROBABLY ) H]4 ,%E & ,RUDY
FOLL[$ HM AT A 4T.E4 ,H] BRO!R-IN-LAW
GAVE H] A REASSUR+ SMILE4 ,J>$ 0 SEE?+4
,X DIDN'T MATT] 6HM T ,RUDY _H SE5 HM 9
A T5D] EMBRACE4 ,HE WASN'T %Y4 ,HE & "S
( 8 CRONIES _H EV5 %>$ :ORES1 *E]+  #bce
EA* O!R ON4 ,:AT BO!R$ HM 0 T ,RUDY _H
WIT;S$ 8 SUSCEPTIBIL;Y 6,LAUR54 ,%E _H
LUR$ HM 96KISS+ H]4 ,^? DAMN CAPTIVAT+
EYES1 FULL ( TE>S PRODUC$ 0! COLD W9D1 7
H>D = ANY MAN 6RESI/4 ,! RAV5 T5DRILS
:IPP+ *EEKS ROSY F ! EX];N ( _! RIDE
CRI$ \ 6BE C>ESS$4 ,T BODY : _H TOR;T$
HM ALL "D ) XS NE>;S _H BE5 IMPOSSI# TO
REL1SE ONCE HE HELD X AG/ HM4 ,ABV ALL1
HE RES5T$ H] -POSURE4 ,%E RETA9$ T
SUP]IOR COOL;S NO MATT] :AT HAPP5$ 6!M4
,%E _HN'T PANICK$ AT ! *>COAL BURN]S'
CAMP4 ,%E _HN'T BE5 VIOL5TLY ILL :5 HE
TOLD H] AB ! ATROCITIES 9FLICT$ ON
,CRAZY ,JACK4 ,"EY"O AT ! RAN* ADOR$ H]4
,%E FIT "R IN4 ,DAMN H]6 99 99 99
,D9N]"T 0 SUBDU$4 ,"EY"O ATE ALM
SIL5TLY4 ,GLORIA1 ,M>IA1 & ,RUDY
RECOGNIZ$ "O ( ,J>$'S BLACK MOODS &
SPOKE 6HM )! C>E ( "O WALK+ ON ?9 ICE4
,HE GR[L$ 8 RESPONSES4 ,LAUR5 0 -PLETELY
)DRAWN4 ,%E SPOKE 6NO "O EXCEPT = AN
O3A.NAL PL1SE OR ?ANK Y4 ,H] H1D B[$1 %E
/>$ 96H] LAP Z !Y SAT 9 ! LIV+ >EA AF
D9N]4 ,H] F+]S WD W&] 6H] WAT*      #bcf
SUBCONSCI\SLY & DRAW -=T F X Z %E ALW
DID 9 "TS ( /RESS4 ,\TSIDE ! W9D H[L$1 &
! FIREPLACE1 *E];L ?\< X 0 )! CRACKL+
FIRE 9 X1 CD N LI<T5 ! ATMOSPH]E (
GLOOM4 8,WE _H VISITORS TD1 ,J>$10 ,RUDY
SD CAUTI\SLY4 8,:O 0 T80 ,J>$ APPE>$
-PLETELY BOR$4 8,! ,VANDIV]S4 ,"F &
SON40 8,GO4AMMIT10 HE CURS$4 8,:AT DID
!Y WANT80 ,RUDY _H 8 UNDIVID$ ATT5;N N[4
8,!Y SD !Y 7 OV] AT ! SITE ( _! NEW P[]
PLANT & J /OPP$ 9 6SAY HELLO40 8,L HELL4
,! P[] PLANT W 2 FIFTE5 MILES F "H40
,J>$ /OOD UP & CROSS$ 6! FIREPLACE4 ,HE
/>$ 96X = S"EAL SECONDS1 !N GL.ED SMUGLY
AT ,LAUR54 8,X'S TOO BAD WE MISS$ !M4
,LAUR5 HAS DEVELOP$ Q AN ATTRAC;N TO
,KURT40 ,! ^WS 7 DELIB]ATELY PROVOK+4
,%E J]K$ UP H] H1D & MET 8 *ALL5G+ />E4
,%E 0 ! F/ 6AV]T H] GAZE1 HUMILIAT$ &
ANGRY ) H]F = 2+ S* A C[>D & N REBUK+
HM4 ,"! 0 AN EMB>RASS$ SIL;E 9 ! ROOM =
L;G M9UTES4 ,! P5DULUM CLOCK TICK$ L\DLY
&! LOGS 9 ! FIREPLACE %IFT$1 %[]+ ,J>$'S
BOOTS ) SP>KS Z HE MA9TA9$ 8 /.E ON !
HE>?4 ,HE TOSS$ ! REMA9D] ( 8 CIG>  #bcg
96! FLAMES &1 TAK+ D[N 8 %E>L+ COAT F !
HALL TREE1 MUTT]$ A SULL5 GDNI<T4 8,J>$1
X'S COLD \ "!4 ,:Y DON'T Y /AY "H 9 !
H\SE TN80 ,GLORIA 0 VEX$ T H] S*EME 6?R[
^! TWO /U2ORN P TGR =A :OLE "D _H N
BROK5 D[N ANY B>RI]S 2T !M4 ,9/1D1 X
SEEM$ Z ?\< M _H BE5 RAIS$4 8,IF ,I CD H
MY [N ROOM BACK1 ,I WD GLADLY /AY4 ,Z X
IS1 ,I DON'T C>E 6SLEEP "!4 ,IF ,LAUR5
GETS COLD1 ,I'M SURE "O (! VAQU]OS WD 2
DELI<T$ 6W>M H] B$40 ,LAUR5 BOLT$ \ ( H]
*AIR & FLEW ACR ! ROOM S QKLY T X
SURPRIS$ EV5 H] :5 %E /OOD TREMBL+
DIRECTLY 9 FRONT ( ,J>$4 ,%E RAIS$ H] H&
Z IF 6/RIKE HM1 B ! >ROGANT TILT ( 8 *9
/OPP$ H]4 ,HE 0 D>+ H] 6%[ A BIT (
TEMP]1 & %E WD N GIVE HM ! SATISFAC;N4
,%E CL5*$ H] FI/1 B L[]$ X 6H] SIDE4
8,:Y80 %E ASK$ 9SI/5TLY4 8,:Y D Y P]SI/
9 TOR;T+ ME S8 ,I DON'T L ? ,8>RANGE;T0'
ANY BETT] ?AN Y D4 ,B ,I DON'T =GET MY
MANN]S40 ,%E TURN$ & M>*$ 96! HALL L1D+
6! B$ROOMS4 ,J>$1 9 SPITE ( 8 ANG]1
ADMIR$ ! UNDAUNT$ WAY %E HELD H] H1D4
,LAUR5'S LIMBS FELT H1VY Z %E       #bch
CLIMB$ ONTO ! WIDE B$4 ,%E 0 TIR$ F !
L;G RIDE 6,PECAN ,CREEK1 & M5T,Y FATIGU$
Z WELL4 ,%E 0 WE>Y ( TRY+ 6ADJU/ H]F TO
,J>$'S MOODS1 ( W>D+ (F 8 V]BAL ATTACKS4
,8 9CONSI/5CY _H H] TOT,Y BA6L$4 ,HE 0
V9DICTIVE & ABUSIVE "O M9UTE1 & T5D] !
NEXT4 ,%E WI%$ %E _H RESI/$ :5 HE _H
KISS$ H]4 ,:AT _H %E BE5 ?9K+8 ,NO?+4 ,T
0 ! PRO#M4 ,:5 8 >MS W5T >.D H]1 W>M+
H]1 %E _H C1S$ 6?9K4 ,%E _H ALL[$ H]
S5SES 6TAKE OV]1 REL9QUI%$ ALL 3TROL TO
!M4 ,HE _H BE5 S G5TLE ''' ALM LOV+4 ,%E
BURI$ H] FACE 9 ! PILL[--HIS PILL[--&
GROAN$ Z %E RECALL$ ! FEEL ( 8 T;GUE AG/
H]S1 ! /R;G H&S T _H J 2GUN C>ESS+ H]
BACK :5 ,RUDY 9T]RUPT$ !M4 ,:AT WD H
HAPP5$ IF !Y _H N BE5 SE58 ,X 0 NO USE
SPECULAT+1 = %E 0 / N POSITIVE ": KISSES
L$4 ,HAV+ BE5 >.D ,GLORIA & LI/5+ 6H]
TALK AB H] REL,N%IP ) ,RUDY1 ,LAUR5 _H
9F]R$ T :AT"E X WAS1 X 0 PL1SANT4 ,%E _H
F"\ T MY/]I\S CULM9,N ) ,WILLIAM4 ,%E
CDN'T Q IMAG9E X 2+ 5JOYA#4 ,B IF X _H
BE5 ,J>$'S H&S ON H] BACK PULL+ AWAY H]
CLO?+1 H[ WD %E H REACT$8 ,%E       #bci
BLU%$ 9 ! D>K;S4 ,%E 0 RE/.S & PHYSIC,Y
UNSATISFI$ & H] BODY 0 TRANSMITT+
/RANGE1 UNREL5T+ IMPULSES 6H] BRA94 99
99 99 ,RUDY & ,J>$ WD L1VE EA* MORN+ AF
BR1KFA/1 & RETURN J 9 "T 6WA% 2F D9N]4
,! MOOD 9 ! H\SE *E]$ "S:AT1 ?\< ,J>$ &
,LAUR5 / TR1T$ EA* O!R ) POLITE 9DI6];E4
,HE ASK$ H] P]MIS.N :5 HE W5T 96HIS ROOM
6RETRIEVE "O POSSES.N OR ANO!R4 ,LAUR5
FELT GUILTY AB US+ ! ROOM1 B :5 %E
SU7E/$ T ,GLORIA MAKE A B$ = H] 9 "O (!
*N'S ROOMS1 ! O!R WOMAN ADAMANTLY
REFUS$4 ,NO >GU;T CD 3V9CE H]1 S ,LAUR5
DROPP$ ! SUBJECT4 ,%E 3T9U$ 6PLAY )& R1D
6! *N1 3/ANTLY DELI<T$ 0!M4 ,) ,M>IA1
,LAUR5 %>$ _M QUIET MO;TS1 LI/5+ 6/ORIES
AB ,B5 & AB ,J>$ & ,RUDY Z BOYS4 ,M>IA
C>E;LLY /AY$ AWAY F ! SUBJECT ( ,LAUR5'S
M>RIAGE4 ,! 3DI;N ( T UNION GRIEV$ H]4
8,J>$ IS S RETIC5T AB 8 E>LY LIFE10
,LAUR5 ADMITT$ 6! OLD] WOMAN "O "D4 8,HE
R>ELY SP1KS ( 8 *ILDHOOD1 OR S*OOL+1 OR
ANY?+4 ,HE WON'T TELL ME ANY?+ P]SONAL10
%E SI<$4 8,I M5;N$ ,CUBA 6HM ONCE4 ,HE 0
RELUCTANT 6TALK AB X40 ,M>IA %OOK   #bdj
H] SMALL1 SLEEK H1D SADLY4 8,I'M GLAD Y
W]5'T "H :5 HE CAME HOME4 ,B51 ,I ?9K1 0
SECRETLY PR\D ( HM = JO9+ ! >MY4 ,OLIVIA
0 FURI\S & TRI$ 6KEEP ,J>$ F GO+4 ,%E _H
FRS ( H] FAMILY TRY+ 6PULL /R+S1 B :5
,B5 F.D \ AB X1 HE /OPP$ H]4 ,AF ! W>1
:5 ! T[N MADE ,J>$ A H]O1 %E ACT$ Z IF !
:OLE IDEA _H BE5 H]S40 ,M>IA SIPP$ ! TEA
!Y 7 5JOY+ :ILE SITT+ ON ! FRONT POR*4
8,%E'S A V SAD1 L"OLY WOMAN1 Y "K10 %E
A4$ QUIETLY4 8,DID HE CAT* MAL>IA :ILE
HE 0 "!80 8,YES1 B 8 MA9 9JURY 0
PSY*OLOGICAL4 ,HE _H A FR ^: "F [NS A
RAN* WE/ ( ,K]RVILLE4 ,ALEX ,CRAV5 &
,J>$ _H BE5 FRS S9CE BOYHOOD4 ,!Y JO9$
AT ! SAME "T & 7 9 ! SAME BATALLION4
,ALEX 0 KILL$4 ,J>$ FELT 8 D1? 0 !
RESULT ( AN ]ROR 9 JUDG;T 0! -PANY -M&]1
T 8 FR 0 SACRIFIC$ = NO R1SON4 ,HE / HAS
NI<TM>ES AB T "D 9 BATTLE4 ,ALEX'S D1?
HURT HM DEEPLY1 B ,J>$ KEEPS "EY?+
9SIDE4 ,HE REV1LS 8 TRUE SELF 6NO "O40
8,I'M 2G9N+ 6?9K HE HAS NO ,8TRUE
SELF40' ,:5"E ,I ?9K ,I'VE FIGUR$ HM \1
,I 4COV] "S NEW 5IGMATIC FACET ( 8  #bda
"*10 ,LAUR5 SD4 ,:O 0 ? MAN %E _H M>RI$8
8,A V GD MAN IS "!1 ,LAUR54 ,"O "D Y W
"K HM4 ,I'M C]TA9 ( T40 ,M>IA PATT$
,LAUR5'S H& Z %E /OOD UP & W5T 96! ROOM
%E _H %>$ ) ,B51 CLOS+ \ ! _W 0%UTT+ H]
DOOR4 99 99 99 8,OH1 NO6 ,LOOK :AT ,I'VE
D"O60 ,LAUR5 EXCLAIM$4 ,%E 0 HELP+
,GLORIA PREP>E ! EV5+ M1L4 ,OP5+ A C (
TOMATOES1 %E 0 AB 6EMPTY X 96A POT ( /EW
:5 "S (! 3T5TS SPLA%$ ONTO H] SLEEVE1
SPR1D+ A D>K /A9 ON ! F9E FABRIC ( H]
%IRTWAI/4 8,BETT] G *ANGE QKLY & LET ME
PUT T 9 COLD WAT] 6SOAK10 ,GLORIA SD
UNP]TURB$LY4 8,I'LL 2 "R BACK10 ,LAUR5
PROMIS$ Z %E HURRI$LY LEFT ! KIT*5 &
RU%$ 96H] ROOM4 ,NO SOON] _H %E
UNBUTTON$ ALL ! BUTTONS D[N H] BACK &
SLIPP$ (F ! BL\SE ?AN %E HE>D A -MO;N
\TSIDE 9 ! HALLWAY4 ,2F %E CD R1* = "S?+
6COV] H]F1 ! DOOR 6! ROOM 0 FLUNG OP5 &
,J>$ 0 2+ PU%$ 9SIDE 0,GLORIA & ,RUDY4
,LAUR5 =GOT H] /ATE ( DESHABILLE :5 %E
SAW H] HUSB&'S TORN & BLOOD-SME>$ %IRT4
,%E SUPPRESS$ A GASP ( HORROR4 8,:AT
HAPP5$80 %E ASK$ ON A HI<1 ANXI\S   #bdb
NOTE4 ,J>$ 0 />+ AT H]1 TOO /UNN$ 0H]
APPE>.E 6SP1K4 ,OR 0 HE NUMB$ 0PA98 ,X 0
LEFT 6,RUDY 6ANSW] H]4 8,J>$ & ,I 7
RE/R++ "S F;ES T _H -E D[N4 ,AN ORN]Y
L5G? ( B>B$ WIRE BACKLA%$ & CAU<T ,J>$
ACR ! *E/4 ,X NE$S 6BE SE5 TO40 8,I TOLD
Y X'S ALL "R10 ,J>$ GR[L$ Z HE 0 %OV$ F
2H 96! ROOM4 8,NONS5SE10 SD ,GLORIA 9 !
SAME T"O %E US$ 6H] *N4 8,GET \ ( T %IRT
& ,I'LL GET ! M$IC9E4 ,LAUR51 Y'D BETT]
HELP HM40 ,A 3SPIRATORIAL SMILE 0 PASS$
F HUSB& 6WIFE Z ,GLORIA RU%$ \ 6RETRIEVE
A BOTTLE ( ANTISEPTIC & COTTON4 ,LAUR5
%YLY WALK$ T[>D ,J>$'S BACK & SETTL$ H]
H&S ON 8 %\LD]S4 ,%E EAS$ ! %IRT (F 8
BACK Z HE UNBUTTON$ X & PA9;LLY PULL$ X
AWAY F ! SK9 ON 8 *E/4 ,! DRY+1 3G1L$
BLOOD MADE ! FABRIC /ICK1 &! W.DS REOP5$
& BL$ PROFUSELY4 ,GLORIA VIRTU,Y ?REW !
M$IC9E AT ,J>$ :5 %E RETURN$4 ,PULL+ A
GAWK+ ,RUDY \ (! ROOM1 %E SD1 8,TAKE YR
"T4 ,M>IA & ,I W GET D9N]4 ,J>$1 Y %D
LIE D[N & RE/4 ,Y'VE LO/ A LOT ( BLOOD40
,! DOOR 0 DRAWN %UT &! TWO 7 LEFT AL"O4
,LAUR5 DROPP$ ! BLOODSOAK$ %IRT ON  #bdc
TOP ( H] [N SOIL$ BL\SE4 ,SIL5TLY1 TGR1
!Y WAT*$ FABRIC SETTLE AG/ FABRIC4
,/IRR$ 96AC;N1 ,LAUR5 CROSS$ 6! W>DROBE1
9T5D+ 6GET ANO!R BL\SE & DON X QKLY :5
%E TURN$ H] H1D SLI<TLY OV] H] %\LD] &
ASK$1 8,DOES X HURT TOO M*80 ,%E DREW H]
BR1? 9 %>PLY :5 %E SAW ! OOZ+ PUNCTURE
M>KS ON ,J>$'S *E/ &! RIVULETS ( BLOOD T
RAN "? ! ?ICK MAT ( HAIR4 8,OH1 ,J>$10
%E CRI$1 RU%+ T[>D HM1 SU45LY N C>+ T %E
0 CLO!D F ! WAI/ UP 9 ONLY H] %E]1
LACE-$G$ *EMISE4 ,%E _H TAK5 ,EL5A'S
ADVICE & /OPP$ WE>+ A CORSET E "D4 8,"H1
SIT D[N10 %E DIRECT$1 TAK+ 8 H& & L1D+
HM 6! SMALL VAN;Y /OOL ,GLORIA _H
PROVID$ = H]4 8,LET ME WA% Y (F S WE C
SEE H[ BAD X IS40 8,X'S RE,Y NO?+10 HE
SD AG1 & %E WOND]$ AT ! L[1 UNEV5 S.D (
8 VOICE4 ,0 HE 9 T M* PA98 ,%E P\R$ FRE%
WAT] 96H] WA%+ B[L & DIPP$ A CL1N T[EL
96X4 ,H] H& PAUS$ OV] 8 NAK$ *E/4 ,%E
DREW A L;G1 %U4]+ BR1? & SQUEEZ$ H] EYES
TI<TLY %UT4 ,!N %E T\*$ HM1 DA2+ AT !
HAIR-MATT$ SK9 )! ABSORB5T T[EL4 8,I
DON'T WANT 6HURT Y10 %E MURMUR$4    #bdd
,J>$ GRITT$ 8 TEE?1 N 9 PA9 F 8 *E/
W.DS1 B 9 AGONY F HAV+ H] ? CLOSE 6HM4
,! SK9 ( H] CR1MY :ITE ?ROAT 0 SC5T$ )
LAV5D] &! FRAGR.E 9TOXICAT$ HM1 MAK+ HM
DIZZY4 ,OR 0 T LI<T-H1D$;S CAUS$ 0LOSS (
BLOOD8 ,X DIDN'T MATT]1 ! RESULT 0 !
SAME4 ,HE CD FEEL H] BR1?1 L A COOL+
BALM1 FANN+ 8 FACE Z %E EXHAL$4 ,( _! [N
VOLI;N1 8 EYES L[]$ 6H] BR1/S4 ,8 JAW
CL5*$ REFLEXIVELY :5 HE SAW !M SWAY+
SLI<TLY "U ! S(T FABRIC4 ,X TOOK E \NCE
( WILLP[] HE CD G>N] N 6R1* \ & T\* !M1
PEEL AWAY ! DIAPHAN\S CLO? & LE>N ! TRUE
COLOR ( H] NIPPLES1 : 7 ONLY VAGUE
%AD[S1 ELUSIVE & 2WIT*+4 ,8 PHYSICAL
DESIRE 0 2COM+ PA9;LLY MANIFE/$ 9 ! TI<T
PANTS4 ,HE DIV]T$ 8 EYES 6H] H&S1 :
DIPP$ ! T[EL 96! WA%BAS9 & WRUNG \ !
EXCESS WAT]1 /A9+ ! B[L ) 8 BLOOD4 ,?9K
AB ! BLOOD1 HE -M&$ HMF4 ,?9K AB ! PA9 Y
FELT :5 ! WIRE SLAPP$ 96Y4 ,?9K AB ANY?+
B-- 8,"!1 ,I ?9K T W D = N[10 %E 0 SAY+4
,H] VOICE 0 S(T & L[1 C>ESS+ 8 E>S4 8,^?
PUNCTURES >E DEEP4 ,DIDN'T Y H ON T
C[HIDE VE/ Y USU,Y WE>80 8,NO10 HE  #bde
ANSW]$1 GLAD !Y 7 TALK+4 ,ANY?+ HELP$4
8,I TOOK X (F 2C X GOT TOO HOT4 ,IF ,I
_H LEFT X ON1 ,I PROBABLY WDN'T H BE5
CUT40 8,? IS GO+ 6HURT1 TOO10 %E
APOLOGIZ$ S(TLY Z %E SOAK$ A PIECE (
COTTON )! F\L-SMELL+ M$IC9E \ (! CORK$
BLUE BOTTLE4 8,I'M T\<10 HE SD1 & LOOK$
UP AT H] )A MIS*IEV\S SMILE4 ,BO? 7
MO;T>ILY MESM]IZ$ 0! O!R'S NE>;S4 ,_!
EYES LOCK$ 9 A SIL5T -MUNIC,N &! MESSAGE
TRANSMITT$ /RUCK EA* ( !M 9 ! HE>T & 0
/>TL+ 9 XS IMPACT4 ,LAUR5 TORE H] EYES
AWAY F/4 8,I'LL TRY N 6HURT Y ANY M10 %E
SD Z %E DELICATELY T\*$ "O (! W.DS4 ,HE
%>PLY SUCK$ 9 AIR 2T 8 TEE?1 MAK+ A
:I/L+ S.D4 ,B1DS ( P]SPIR,N POPP$ \ ( 8
=EH1D4 8,I'M SORRY10 %E SD Z %E QKLY
DA2$ ! O!R PUNCTURES4 ,!N1 6HIS AGONIZ$
DELI<T1 %E 2GAN 6BL[ ON ! /++ W.DS4 ,F !
ANGLE AT : HE LOOK$ D[N AT H] Z %E L1N$
OV] HM1 H] EYES APPE>$ 6BE CLOS$4
,VIOLET %AD[S T9T$ H] LIDS1 & H] BLACK
LA%ES 3TRA/$ )! DELICATE *EEK ON : !Y
SEEM$ 6RE/4 ,HE LOOK$ AL;G ! SL5D] L5G?
( H] NOSE 6H] M\?4 ,! LIPS 7 MOI/1  #bdf
P9K1 SLI<TLY "P$1 & B[-%AP$ Z H] BR1?
PASS$ "? !M & T1S$ 8 FEV]$ SK94 ,X /IRR$
! HAIR ON 8 *E/ & COOL$ ! BURN+ S5S,N F
! PUNCTURES1 B IGNIT$ A FIRE 9 ANO!R "P
( 8 BODY4 8,OH1 ,GOD10 HE GROAN$ DEEP 9
8 ?ROAT4 ,HE /OOD UP ABRUPTLY1 UPSETT+ !
CU%ION$ /OOL1 & CLASP$ H] 9 8 >MS4 ,HE
PULL$ H] T[>D HM ) S* =CE T ! BR1? :OO%$
\ ( H] BODY F ! IMPACT4 ,! M\? T TOOK
H]S 0 AV>ICI\S1 "P+ H] SURPRIS$ LIPS )A
?RU/+ T;GUE4 ,YET :5 ! TR1SURE _H BE5
4COV]$1 T PL"U+ 9VAD] 2CAME G5TLE &
SAVOR$ :AT X _H F.D4 ,8 H&S SLID AL;G !
B>E SK9 ( H] >MS1 Z SMOO? & COOL Z SAT91
& LIFT$ !M >.D 8 [N NECK4 ,=A MO;T1 !Y
LAY "!1 UNPRACTIC$ & /4 ,J>$'S BR1? 0
EXPELL$ 9 A RELIEV$ SI< :5 HE FELT H]
H&S LOCK 2H 8 NECK & H] F+]S PL[ "? 8
?ICK1 UNRULY HAIR4 ,HE BR"\ H] CLOS] BY
APPLY+ PRESSURE )! H& ON ! SMALL ( H]
BACK4 ,8 LEGS /RA4L$ H]S1 MOLD+ !M 96AN
AGE.S POSI;N Z %E CURV$ UP AG/ HM4
,LAUR5 2CAME AW>E (A =EIGN H>D;S SPE>+
96H] BELLY & 0 BO? AL>M$ & 9TRIGU$4
,RESPONSIVELY %E MOV$ AG/ ! 9TRUD]  #bdg
& FELT A MELT+ W>M? 9 ! PIT ( H] /OMA* T
R5D]$ ! RE/ ( H] W1K4 ,J>$'S H& MOV$ 2T
_! BODIES & FE> & DESIRE -BAT$ 9 H] BRA9
:5 %E R1LIZ$ ! DIREC;N X 0 TAK+4 ,%E 0
WANT+ "S?+ %E CDN'T "N4 ,DID X H ANY?+
6D ) 8 H& T HOV]$ NE> H] BR1/8 ,HE WDN'T
T\* H] "!4 ,WD HE8 ,NO4 ,%E DIDN'T WANT
HM TO4 ,DID %E8 ,YES4 ,YES1 PL1SE1 %E
CRI$ SIL5TLY1 N EXAM9+ ": S* A WICK$ ?"\
_H ORIG9AT$1 B DIMLY AW>E T X _H "S?+ 6D
)! H>D /R5G? ( 8 BODY PRESS$ AG/ !
H>MONIZ+ S(T;S ( H]S4 ,J>$'S M9D 0
REEL+4 ,NO "O FELT L ?4 ,NO M\? _H "E
TA/$ ? GD1 HE ?"\ Z HE SAVOR$ H] LIPS4
,8 H& SLID OV] ! S(T M.D ( H] BR1/ &
PRESS$ G5TLY4 ,X 0 Z FIRM & FULL 9 8
PALM Z HE REMEMB]$ F _! BRIEF 3TACT ! "D
HE _H SURPRIS$ H] 9 H] ROOM4 ,"U ! /1DY1
COAX+ MOVE;TS ( 8 F+]S1 H] NIPPLE
RESPOND$1 2COM+ A FIRM BUD ( PAS.N1 EAG]
6BLOOM4 ,9 UNGU>D$ & 9TROSPECTIVE MO;TS1
,J>$ _H HOP$ T "S": "! WD 2 A WOMAN L ?4
,UNIQUELY HIS4 ,DI6]5T F ALL O!RS4
,_HN'T ,B5 TOLD HM-- ,B56 ,! "N SCR1M$
"? 8 M9D1 RICO*ET+ (F ! WALLS ( 8   #bdh
BRA9 )A CACOPHON\S E*O4 ,B56 ,_H 8 "F
HELD H] ? WAY8 ,_H %E RESPOND$ 9 K9D1
MURMUR+ T L[ PURR DEEP 9 H] ?ROAT8 ,HE
PU%$ H] AWAY F HM ) S* =CE T %E FELL ACR
! B$1 LOOK+ UP AT HM ) RAPIDLY BL9K+ &
UNCOMPREH5D+ EYES4 ,H] HAIR TUM#D ACR H]
%\LD]S & FELL ONTO ! CR1MY1 ROSE-TIPP$
BR1/S LEFT "PI,Y B>E F 8 C>ESS4 ,HE
PO9T$ AN A3US+ F+] AT H]4 8,I TOLD Y TO
/AY AWAY F ME60 HE %\T$4 ,8 BR1?+ 0 A
H>% RASP4 8,Y'RE B1UTI;L4 ,I'LL GIVE Y
T4 ,& Y'RE S(T] & TA/E SWEET] '''0 ,8
VOICE DW9DL$ 6AN ANGUI%$ :ISP]4 8,GOD60
,HE SLAMM$ 8 FI/ 96HIS PALM4 ,! P.D+
DEM& 9 8 LO9S 0 UNBE>A#4 ,) H] SPRAWL$
ACR ! B$1 LOOK+ UP AT HM ) S* ABSOLUTE
9NOC;E1 8 ORGAN ANSW]$ ) AN EXCRUCIAT+
?RO2+4 ,HE "\ 6TAKE H] N[1 3QU] H] ONCE
&= ALL4 ,HE L;G$ 6FLIP UP H] SKIRTS &
SEE IF H] ?I<S 7 Z SMOO? Z HE _H IMAG9$
!M 6BE4 ,!N HE WD RAM HMF 2T !M1 ?RU/+
UNTIL HE F.D REL1SE F ! DESIRE T _H
/ALK$ & HAUNT$ HM = S L;G4 ,_H ,LAUR5
"KN 8 ?"\S1 %E WD H BE5 T]RIFI$4 ,9/1D1
Z %E LAY ON ! B$1 WAT*+ ! MIS]Y     #bdi
RADIATE F E PORE ( 8 BODY1 %E KNEW ONLY
-PAS.N = H] HUSB&4 ,%E SAT UP & TIMIDLY
EXT5D$ H] H& T[>D HM1 AN (F] 6SOO! AWAY
! PA9 9FLICT$ 0:AT"E DEVIL TOR;T$ HM4
,HE RECOIL$4 8,I DON'T WANT ANY "P ( Y10
HE DCLD UN/1DILY4 8,D Y "U/&80 ,HE :IRL$
AWAY F H]1 FLUNG OP5 ! W>DROBE DOOR1
TORE A %IRT F ! HANG]1 & /AMP$ ACR !
ROOM 6! DOOR4 ,X SLAMM$ )A RES.D+ CRA%
:5 HE W5T \4 ,LAUR5 FELL BACK & ROLL$
OV] ONTO H] /OMA*1 BURY+ H] FACE 96!
MATTRESS (! B$4 ,%E SO2$ BROK5LY1 H]
TE>S ABSORB$ 0! B$SPR1D4 ,0 %E CRY+ 2C
HE _H KISS$ H] S 9SULT+LY OR 2C %E _H
RESPOND$ S WANTONLY8 ,2C HE _H /OPP$
KISS+ H]8 ,OR 2C ( 8 ABUSIVE ^WS8 ,0 H]
BI7E/ FE> T HE WD SOON GR[ TIR$ (! TRAP
HE 0 IN1 PAY H] ! TW5TY ?\S& DOLL>S1 &
S5D H] PACK+8 ,! "QS TUM#D 9 H] M9D4 ,&=
N"O ( !M DID %E H AN ANSW]4 99 99 99 ,!
NEXT MORN+1 ,LAUR5 & ,M>IA 7 RETURN+ F A
RIDE :5 !Y HE>D %\T+ F "O (! CORRALS4 ,!
VAQU]OS 7 GA!R$ >.D ! F;E4 ,LAUR5 SPOTT$
! TALL1 L1N FIGURE ( H] HUSB&4 ,%E _HN'T
SE5 HM S9CE ! "D 2F :5 %E _H T5D$   #bej
8 W.DS4 ,AF HE _H SLAMM$ \ (! ROOM1 %E
_H LA9 "! =A :ILE 2F RE/OR+ H]F 5 6G 9
6D9N]4 ,! ,M5DEZES 7 AT ! TA#1 PATI5TLY
AWAIT+ H]4 ,J>$ DIDN'T APPE>4 ,AF "EY"O
_H />T$ EAT+1 ,RUDY QUIETLY &
9CONSEQU5TI,Y /AT$ T ,J>$ 0 NE$$ AT !
BUNKH\SE4 ,NO "O -;T$1 & ,LAUR5 _H
PRET5D$ 9DI6];E 6HIS ABS;E4 ,Z !Y 4M.T$
& TI$ _! HORSES 6! HIT*+ RAIL 9 FRONT (!
H\SE1 ,LAUR5 SD 6,M>IA1 8,I ?9K ,I'LL
/AY \ =A :ILE40 ,H] CURIOS;Y 0 PIQU$ 0!
-MO;N AT ! CORRAL4 8,V WELL10 ,M>IA SD1
SMIL+4 8,I 5JOY$ \R RIDE4 ,B5 & ,I US$
6RIDE E>LY 9 ! MORN+S4 ,I'VE MISS$ !
EX]CISE40 8,WE'LL D X :5"E Y WANT40
,LAUR5 PATT$ ! OLD] WOMAN'S >M 2F ,M>IA
CLIMB$ ! /EPS 6! FRONT DOOR4 ,/ROLL+ 9 !
DIREC;N (! CORRAL1 ,LAUR5 TOLD H]F %E
WASN'T GO+ "! 6SEE ,J>$4 ,Z %E APPROA*$1
TW5TY OR S VAQU]OS 7 DRIV+ A BULL 96A
*UTE4 8,:AT'S GO+ ON1 ,RUDY80 %E ASK$ H]
BRO!R-IN-LAW Z %E R1*$ ! F;E4 ,HE J]K$ 8
H1D >.D 6FACE H]4 8,X'S ''' UH ''' WE'RE
GO+ 6''' UH ''' CA/RATE ? BULL40 8,OH10
,LAUR5 REPLI$1 R$-FAC$4 ,%E TURN$   #bea
6G1 B 0 BLOCK$ 0! SU45 APPE>.E ( H]
HUSB&4 ,HE PUT \ A RE/RA9+ >M4 8,:Y
DON'T Y /AY & WAT*8 ,YR 2+ S 9T]E/$ 9
,KEYPO9T &! RAN*+ BUSI;S & ALL1 ,I'M
SURE Y'LL 5JOY X40 8,J>$--0 ,RUDY 2GAN4
8,NO1 ,RUDY4 ,LAUR5 IS DY+ 6LE>N "EY?+
%E C AB ! CATTLE &! VAQU]OS40 ,8 ^WS 7
BIT+ & H>%4 ,LAUR5 WI%$ DESP]ATELY T %E
_H FOLL[$ ,M>IA 96! H\SE4 ,SU45LY ,J>$
GRIPP$ H] %\LD]S & TURN$ H] T[>D !
CORRAL1 HOLD+ H] AG/ HM ) DECEPTIVE
G5TLE;S4 ,8 H&S FELT L IRON B&S >.D H]
UPP] >MS4 8,:Y ''' :Y D Y D T 6A "PICUL>
BULL80 ,%E HOP$ ! "Q WD H A CALM+ E6ECT
ON HM4 ,%E RE,Y DIDN'T C>E 6"K ANY?+ AB
! PROC$URE & C]TA9LY DIDN'T WANT 6WAT*
X4 ,J>$ DRAWL$ >.D 8 CIG>1 8,WELL1 "! CD
2 ANY NUMB] ( R1SONS4 ,BETT] BEEF4 ,OR
MAYBE HE C'T PL1SE ! C[S ANYMORE4 ,X MAY
2 ONLY 2C HE'S A M1N SON(ABIT*40 8,!N
MAYBE T'S :AT WE %D D 6Y10 ,RUDY SD 9 A
D1DLY VOICE4 ,HE WASN'T AB 6LET ,LAUR5
WIT;S ! BLOODY PROC$URE4 ,J>$ SPUN >.D &
GL>$ AT 8 BRO!R4 ,HE TOSS$ 8 CIG> AWAY )
A NEGLIG5T FLICK ( 8 WRI/4 8,IS T   #beb
A FACT8 ,WELL1 J :O 9 HELL IS GO+ 6TRY80
,)\T PREAM#1 ,RUDY L[]$ 8 H1D & *>G$ 9TO
,J>$'S /OMA*1 KNOCK+ ! "Y] MAN D[N4
,LAUR5 GASP$ & C[]$ AG/ ! F;E Z !Y ROLL$
9 ! DU/1 >MS & LEGS ?RA%+1 BLOOD SPURT+
F BU/$ LIPS & SMA%$ NOSES4 ,!Y /OOD &
CIRCL$ EA* O!R W>ILY1 !N ,J>$
C.T]ATTACK$ & !Y CRA%$ 6! GR.D AG4 ,!
VAQU]OS _H /OPP$ _! "W & /OOD 9 A WIDE
CIRCLE >.D ! FI<T+ BRO!RS4 ,! ONLY S.DS
7 ! ?UDS ( L&$ BL[S &! GRUNTS ( PA9 &
EF=T4 ,GLORIA CAME RUNN+ F ! H\SE1
SKIRTS FLY+4 ,A FEW (! *N /OOD 9 AWE (!
SPECTACLE4 ,!Y _H SE5 _! "F & ,UNCLE
,J>$ FI<T 2F1 B X 0 ALW PLAY;L WRE/L+4
,_! "Y1 PRECOCI\S M9DS P]CVD T ? 0
DI6]5T4 ,GLORIA GRA2$ ! REVOLV] \ ( "O (
! C[BOY'S HOL/]S 2F HE _H "T 6REACT4
,S9CE %E KNEW T ! F/ *AMB] 0 ALW EMPTY1
%E COCK$ X TWICE & !N FIR$ 96! AIR4 ,!
TWO BODIES ON ! GR.D FELL A"P & GASP$ =
NE$$ BR1?4 ,:5 !Y _H RECOV]$ "S:AT1 !Y
%EEPI%LY WIP$ AWAY BLOOD F _! FACES &
BODIES ) DU/Y1 TATT]$ SLEEVES4 ,!
ABRA.NS ON ,J>$'S *E/ _H REOP5$ &   #bec
7 /A9+ 8 %IRT ) B"R R$ BLOOD4
,EMB>RASS$1 !Y LOOK$ AT EA* O!R4 ,J>$
GR9N$ AT ,RUDY1 GRIMAC+ )! PA9 ( MOV+ 8
SWOLL5 LIPS4 8,J Z ,I ?"\4 ,Y'RE GETT+
S(T & \ ( %APE1 OLD MAN40 8,L HELL4 ,A
FEW M SECONDS & Y WD H BE5 BE7+ = M]CY40
,J>$ ROSE PA9;LLY 6HIS FEET1 SWAY$ UNTIL
HE 0 N S DIZZY1 & !N EXT5D$ 8 H& 6,RUDY1
:O TOOK X GRATE;LLY & PULL$ HMF UP4 ,!Y
SUPPORT$ EA* O!R =A FEW MO;TS & !N BUR/
\ LAU<+4 ,"EY"O JO9$ 9 _! LAU<T]1
RELIEV$ T ! FRACAS _H BE5 9 FUN AF ALL4
,ONLY ,LAUR5 KNEW DI6]5TLY4 ,)\T ?9K+ (!
3SEQU;ES1 ONLY WANT+ 6PUT 4T.E 2T H]F &
^! B>B>IANS1 %E DA%$ T[>D ,FLAME1 :O 0 /
TI$ 6! RAIL4 ,PLAC+ H] BOOT$ FOOT 9 !
/IRRUP1 %E VAULT$ 96! SA4LE4 ,%E KNE$ !
M>E 96A GALLOP & RAC$ PA/ ! O!RS1 :O 7
/>+ AT H] 9 TEMPOR>Y /UPEFAC;N4 ,H] HAT
SAIL$ (F H] H1D & L&$ 6)9 9*ES ( ,J>$'S
FEET4 8,:AT !--0 HE />T$4 8,Y'D BETT] G
AF H]1 ,J>$10 ,RUDY SU7E/$ T5TATIVELY4
8,%E 0 UPSET40 8,:Y80 ,GLORIA DEM&$4
8,%E ''' UH ''' ,J>$ WANT$ H] 6WAT* A
CA/R,N10 ,RUDY SD4 8,MY ,GOD6 ,H[   #bed
CD Y EV5 H 3SID]$ S* A ?+80 ,GLORIA ASK$
ANGRILY4 8,G AF H]4 ,BO? ( Y40 ,! TWO M5
SAW ! WISDOM ( H] ^WS Z !Y S"\ ! HORIZON
& B>ELY MADE \ ! T9Y FIGURE ( HORSE &
RID] Z !Y W5T OV] ! HILL4 8,-E ON10 ,J>$
ORD]$ T]SELY Z HE />T$ 9 ! DIREC;N (
,*>G] AT A LOPE4 ,RUDY M.T$ 8 [N HORSE &
SOON !Y 7 ?"U+ ACR ! PLA9 9 ! DIREC;N
,LAUR5 _H TAK54 ,GLORIA MUTT]$ IMPREC,NS
"U H] BR1? AB ! IMMATURE 2HAVIOR ( M5 Z
%E GA!R$ UP H] *N & %OO$ !M 96! H\SE4
,LAUR5'S EYES 7 /++ F ! COLD W9D1 B !
W9D WASN'T RESPONSI# =! TE>S T CL\D$ H]
EYES & RAN UN*ECK$ D[N H] FACE4 ,:Y _H
%E "E 3S5T$ 6M>RY ,J>$ ,LOCKETT8 ,HE 0 A
BRUTE1 ! MO/ CALL\S1 ABUSIVE MAN %E _H
"E MET4 ,HE$.SLY1 %E RAC$ OV] ! ROCKY
GR.D4 ,USU,Y1 EV5 AT A GALLOP1 %E H&L$ !
OBLIG+ M>E ) G5TLE;S4 ,TD %E 0 TOO CAU<T
UP 9 H] [N PRO#MS 6SEE ! PRAIRIE DOG
HOLE 2F !Y 7 ^U X4 ,FLAME'S HO( CAU<T 9
! 9D5T,N & ,LAUR5 HE>D ! FATAL SNAP (!
B"O A FRAC;N (A SECOND 2F %E W5T SAIL+
"? ! AIR4
  ,*APT] #AD                        #bee
  ,%E L&$ ON H] BACK4 ,LY+ / A MO;T1 %E
TRI$ 6DET]M9E IF %E 7 9JUR$4 ,DECID+ %E
WASN'T1 %E SAT UP G+]LY4 ,NO?+ APPE>$ TO
2 BROK51 ?\< %E 0 SURE 6H BRUISES ! NEXT
"D4 ,AT ,FLAME'S PITE\S :9NY+1 ,LAUR5
/OOD UP & SCRAM#D T[>D ! M>E4 ,FLAME'S
EYES 7 GAP+ WIDE 9 F"R & PA94 ,LAUR5 SAW
! AWKW>D ANGLE AT : H] FRONT LEG LAY4
8,OH1 NO10 ,LAUR5 MURMUR$ Z %E FELL 6H]
KNEES & /ROK$ ! M>E'S NECK4 8,I'M SORRY1
GIRL10 %E SO2$4 8,I DIDN'T M1N 6PUNI% Y4
,I'LL SEE T Y'RE FIX$4 ,Y'LL GET WELL4
,Y M/40 ,TE>S RAN D[N H] FACE & %E WIP$
!M AWAY1 CR1T+ A DIRTY SME> ACR H] *EEK4
,DIMLY %E HE>D APPROA*+ HORSES1 B %E
DIDN'T TAKE H] EYES F ! M>E1 :O / SCR1M$
9 PA9 :ILE ,LAUR5 SPOKE 6H] 9 L[1 SOO?+
T"OS4 ,J>$ & ,RUDY RE9$ 9 & ASSESS$ !
SITU,N 9 AN 9/ANT4 ,J>$ DIDN'T WANT TO
AC"KL$GE ! RELIEF HE FELT :5 HE SAW T
,LAUR5 0 APP>5TLY 9TACT4 ,HE & ,RUDY
GL.ED AT EA* O!R & NO4$ 9 UNISON4 ,!Y
4M.T$ TGR1 Z ?\< *OREOGRAPH$4 ,LAUR5
LOOK$ UP :5 %E SAW _! BOOTS CLOSE TO
,FLAME'S H1D4 ,B.D+ 6H] FEET1 %E    #bef
RAN 6H] HUSB&1 GRIPP+ 8 >MS4 ,H] EYES 7
FULL ( PL1D+ TE>S4 8,J>$1 X 0 MY FAULT4
,%E /UM#D 9 A GOPH] HOLE4 ,%E'S ''' ,X W
2 ALL "R ''' ,HELP H] ''' ,%E'LL GET
WELL40 ,) D1DLY CALM1 ,J>$ IGNOR$ H]
EYES Z 8 H& S"\ 8 PI/OL 9 XS HOL/] &
)DREW X4 8,NO10 %E RASP$4 8,NO60
8,RUDY10 0 ALL HE SD4 ,LAUR5 FELT H]F
HAUL$ \ (! WAY Z ,J>$ AIM$ 8 PI/OL &
FIR$4 ,! M>E'S SCR1M C1S$ IMMLY1 ONLY TO
2 REPLAC$ 0! E*O+ (! PI/OL %OT4 ,!N
ANO!R SCR1M B\NC$ (F ! SURR.D+ HILLS1 B
,LAUR5 DIDN'T RECOGNIZE X Z H]S Z %E
FLEW 96,J>$4 8,Y MON/]6 ,Y KILL$ H]4
,B1/6 ,ANIMAL6 ,KILL]6 ,KILL]1 KILL]40
,H] SMALL FI/S PUMMEL$ 8 *E/ & H] FEET
KICK$ AT 8 %9S4 ,%E WANT$ ONLY 6HURT HM1
6AV5GE H] [N PA94 ,HE /OOD PASSIVELY &
TOOK ! PUNI%;T1 N RAIS+ A H& 6PROTECT
HMF4 8,I HATE Y60 %E SCR1M$4 8,Y'RE VILE
& SAVAGE4 ,CRUEL40 ,H] VOICE 2GAN 6LOSE
"S ( XS IMPETUS1 Z DID H] P.D+ FI/S4 8,I
HATE Y40 ,! ^WS 7 B>ELY A :ISP] N[ & !Y
CAME \ Z A SOB4 ,%E DROPP$ 6! GR.D 9 A
H1P1 L A W9D-UP TOY : _H SU45LY     #beg
W.D D[N4 ,GRT RACK+ SOBS %OOK H] %\LD]S4
,RUDY SQUATT$ D[N ON 8 HAUN*ES & LAID A
SOLICIT\S H& ON H] %\LD]4 8,HE DID :AT
HE _H 6D1 ,LAUR54 ,X 0 HOPE.S4 ,J>$ ONLY
%OT H] 6SAVE H] PA940 ,8 VOICE 2CAME M
G5TLE4 8,I ?9K Y "K T40 ,! CRY+ /OPP$1 B
H] H1D REMA9$ B[$4 ,RUDY /OOD UP4 8,I'LL
GET H] HOME10 HE SD QUIETLY4 8,Y SEE 6!
HORSE40 ,HE _H N"E FELT S IMPOT5T 9 8
LIFE4 ,HE WASN'T SURE :AT _H TRANSPIR$
2T 8 BRO!R & 8 NEW WIFE 9 ! PA/ FEW "DS4
,ALL HE KNEW 0 T BO? 7 SU6]+1 & HE 0
P[].S 6D ANY?+ = EI ( !M4 ,J>$ RAIS$ 8
EYES1 : _H BE5 RIVET$ ON ! WEEP+ FIGURE
AT 8 FEET1 6HIS BRO!R1 & SPOKE
RESOLUTELY4 8,NO4 ,%E'S MY WIFE1 & NO
MAN EXCEPT ME IS GO+ 6SEE 6H]4 ,IF %E
GOES HOME1 %E GOES ) ME40 ,RUDY BIT (F
AN >GU;T EV5 Z HE WAT*$ ,J>$ L1N D[N &
GRASP ,LAUR5 "U H] >MS1 PULL+ H] 6H]
FEET4 ,%E YANK$ H] >MS FREE & />$ UP AT
HM DEFIANTLY4 ,!N )\T A ^W1 %E WALK$
T[>D ,*>G] & PU%$ H]F UP 96! SA4LE4 ,%E
SAT /I6LY Z ,J>$ M.T$ 2H H]4 ,RUDY WAT*$
!M UNTIL !Y RODE \ ( SI<T4 ,HE      #beh
%OOK 8 H1D 9 PUZZLE;T & DESPAIR = ^! TWO
P :OM HE LOV$4 ,!N HE SET AB GA!R+ BRU%
= ,FLAME'S FUN]AL PYRE4 ,LAUR5 HELD H]F
RIGID ON ! SA4LE 9 FRONT ( ,J>$1 :O
SEEM$ Z DET]M9$ N 6T\* H] Z %E HM4 ,:AT
HE 0 FEEL+ AF H] ATTACK REMA9$ A MY/]Y4
,:5 !Y F9,Y CANT]$ 96! -P.D & UP 6!
FRONT (! RAN* H\SE1 ,J>$ SPOKE ! F/ ^WS
T _H PASS$ 2T !M4 8,! H"OYMOON IS OV]10
HE SD S>CA/IC,Y4 8,3GRATUL,NS1 ,LAUR54
,NO "O HAS "E BE5 A# 6-E 2T MY BRO!R &
ME4 ,2F Y CAUSE M FRIC;N1 ,I WANT 6L1VE
"H4 ,9 ! MORN+4 ,2 R1DY E>LY40 8,V
WELL10 %E REPLI$ Z %E SLID 6! GR.D &
/RODE 96! H\SE )\T ONCE GLANC+ BACK AT
HM4 99 99 99 ,AF ! MI/Y-EY$ GDBYES & W>M
F>EWELL EMBRACES F ! ,M5DEZES1 X 0 H>D =
,LAUR5 6RETURN TO ,OLIVIA'S H\SE 9
,CORONADO ": %E KNEW ONLY 4QUIETUDE4 ,_H
X N BE5 =! >RIVAL ( ,EL5A'S BABY GIRL1 :
A B1M+ ,C>LOS _H ANN\NC$ 6H] A FEW "DS
AGO1 L1V+ ,KEYPO9T WD H BE5 UNBE>A#4 ,^U
_! UNEXPECT$ >RIVAL1 ,OLIVIA PO9T$LY
DIDN'T ASK AB _! VISIT4 ,LAUR5 N[ KNEW
:Y %E HELD S* A GRT D1L ( 3TEMPT =  #bei
! FAMILY :O LIV$ AT ! RAN*4 ,C>SON
,WELLS POLITELY 9QUIR$ 9TO ,LAUR5'S
WELL-2+ ON _! F/ NI<T BACK4 ,HE WAS1 X
N[ SEEM$1 A REGUL> AT D9N]4 ,J>$ 0
DEF5SIVELY SULL5 & DRANK /1DILY "?\T !
M1L4 ,OLIVIA H1P$ A3LAIM ON ! ,VANDIV]S
= 2+ SU3ESS;L 9 SECUR+ A TRUNK (!
RAILROAD 6,CORONADO4 ,! DATE =!
GR.DBR1K+ 0 6BE ANN\NC$ SOON4 8,) ANY
K9D ( LUCK )! W1!R1 LABOR1 & S ON1 WE %D
H A RAILROAD 0? "T NEXT YE>40 8,SWELL10
,J>$ MUM#D 96HIS GLASS4 8,I %D ?9K T WD
MAKE Y HAPPY10 ,OLIVIA SNAPP$ AT HM4 ,HE
PU%$ 8 *AIR BACK & ROSE UN/1DILY 6HIS
FEET4 8,I'LL TELL Y :AT MAKES ME
UNHAPPY4 ,^? DAMN ,VANDIV]S 7 SNOOP+ >.D
,KEYPO9T ! O!R "D4 ,I WASN'T "! OR !Y
WDN'T H GOTT5 ANY": NE> X4 ,I WANT !M
RE/RICT$ 6! >EA DESIGNAT$ =! P[] PLANT4
,IS T CLE>80 ,8 FACE 0 FLU%$ & 8 AMB]
EYES GL[$ L ANIMAL EYES 9 ! D>K4 8,YES1
,J>$1 ,I'LL M5;N T 6!M4 ,I'M SURE !Y'LL
-PLY10 ,OLIVIA MOLLIFI$ HM4 ,HE ONLY
SNORT$ Z HE REFILL$ 8 GLASS1 SLO%+
:ISKEY OV] 8 UN/1DY H&4 ,! ONLY     #bfj
JOY 9 ! H\SE = ,LAUR5 0 ,EL5A'S BABY4
,H] 9TRODUC;N 6,ISABELA _H BE5 MADE Z !
BABY SUCK$ GRE$ILY AT H] "M'S MILK-LAD5
BR1/4 ,LAUR5 0 %OCK$ AT ,EL5A'S IMMODE/Y
Z %E B>$ H] BR1/1 B ! NEW "M WASN'T AT
ALL EMB>RASS$4 ,ROSA LOOK$ ON ) GR&"MLY
PRIDE4 ,ISABELA'S HAIR 0 COAL-BLACK & H]
BLACK EYES 7 LI<TLY FR+$ ) D>K LA%ES4 ,!
BABY /AY$ 9 ! SMALL ROOM (F ! KIT*5 T
,ROSA %>$ ) ,EL5A4 ,:5 ,EL5A 0 BUSY "S":
9 ! H\SE1 ,ROSA 0 NE>BY 6ANSW] ! DEM&+
CRIES ( H] GR&DAU<T]4 ,Z L;G Z ,OLIVIA
WASN'T 4TURB$1 "EY?+ WD 2 F9E4 ,LAUR5
HAT$ = ,C>LOS 6BE SEP>AT$ F 8 FAMILY4
,%E 9T5D$ 6TALK 6,J>$ AB !M LIV+ TGR AT
,KEYPO9T4 ,SURELY ) ANO!R ,M5DEZ BABY
-+1 ,GLORIA CD USE ,EL5A'S HELP4 ,LAUR5
0 AMAZ$ T ,EL5A RECOV]$ F H] *ILDBIR?+ S
QKLY4 ,! NEW "MS :OM %E _H ATT5D$ :ILE
LIV+ 9 ! P>SONAGE _H TAK5 WEEKS 6GET \ (
B$1 B ,EL5A RESUM$ H] DUTIES 9 ! H\SE "R
AWAY1 PAUS+ P]IODIC,Y & ONLY L;G 5 6FE$
,ISABELA4 ,S X 0 A MATT] ( DEEP 3C]N TO
,LAUR5 :5 %E F.D ,EL5A L1N+ AG/ !
BANNI/] "O AFN1 UNA# 63T9UE         #bfa
UP/AIRS4 8,EL5A1 :AT'S WR;G80 %E CRI$ Z
%E RU%$ T[>D ! GIRL & L5T H] SUPPORT4
8,I'M J TIR$1 ,I ?9K40 ,EL5A'S VOICE
3TA9$ N"O ( XS USUAL ANIM,N4 8,:Y DON'T
Y G LIE D[N =A :ILE8 ,I'LL EXPLA9 TO
,OLIVIA40 ,%E TOOK ! GIRL'S ELB[ & /E]$
H] T[>D H] ROOM4 ,H] AL>M 9CR1S$ EV5 M
:5 ,EL5A DIDN'T >GUE ) H] Z %E 0 WONT TO
D4 ,)\T PROTE/1 %E LAY ON H] B$ & ,LAUR5
COV]$ H] )A LI<T BLANKET4 ,! BABY 0
SLEEP+ QUIETLY ACR ! ROOM 9 H] CRIB4
,LAUR5 LEFT !M1 HOP+ T ,ROSA WD SOON
RETURN F H] M>KET+4 ,AF D9N]1 ,LAUR5
SURREPTITI\SLY SLIPP$ 96! KIT*5 :ILE
,OLIVIA & ,J>$ 4CUSS$ "S BANK+ BUSI;S4
,ROSA 0 SITT+ AT ! "W TA#1 H] F+]S SIFT+
"? ! B1DS ( H] ROS>Y4 ,:5 ! DOOR CLOS$
S(TLY 2H ,LAUR51 ,ROSA OP5$ H] EYES4
8,ROSA8 ,:AT'S WR;G80 %E ASK$ QKLY4 8,IS
X ,EL5A80 ,! WOMAN CLASP$ L>GE H&S OV]
H] BROAD *EEKS & BO2$ H] H1D UP & D[N 9
A6IRM,N4 ,TE>S POOL$ 9 H] *OCOLATE EYES4
8,E/@A 5F]MA4 ,%E HAS ! FEV] BAD40
,LAUR5 TIPTO$ 96! D>K5$ ROOM & KNELT D[N
6FEEL ,EL5A'S =EH1D4 ,X 0 BURN+4    #bfb
,ROSA _H UNDRESS$ H] &! "Y WOMAN LAY "U
! BLANKET CLAD ONLY 9 H] ?9 *EMISE4
,LAUR5 TURN$ UP ! GAS LI<T NE>E/ ! B$ &
IMMLY SAW ! RA%4 ,R$ ERUP;NS COV]$
,EL5A'S ?ROAT & *E/4 ,LAUR5 UNBUTTON$ H]
*EMISE1 B KNEW 2F %E LOOK$ T ! RA%
EXT5D$ D[N ,EL5A'S TORSO4 ,) AN A*+
HE>T1 %E RETURN$ 6! KIT*54 8,ROSA10
,LAUR5 SD CALMLY1 SWALL[+ ! BILE T ROSE
9 H] ?ROAT1 8DID ,EL5A VOMIT LA/ NI<T OR
? MORN+8 ,DID %E -PLA9 ( 2+ *ILL$80
8,S@I1 SE@NORA10 ,ROSA ANSW]$ 4M,Y4 ,!
WOMAN'S RAVAG$ FACE 3FIRM$ ,LAUR5'S
SUSPICIONS4 ,ROSA KNEW ! GRAV;Y ( H]
DAU<T]'S ILL;S4 8,H] ?ROAT IS SORE80
,ROSA ONLY NO4$4 ,LAUR5 CLOS$ H] EYES
BRIEFLY & PRAY$ = /R5G?4 ,! NEXT S"EAL
"DS WD 2 A TRIAL = !M ALL4 ,! TASK FAC+
H] 0 UNPL1SANT1 B %E WD D X4 ,^! P 7 H]
FRS & !Y NE$$ H]4 ,IF %E DIDN'T HELP !M1
NO "O WD4 ,H] VOICE %[$ NO TRACE (!
PANIC %E FELT Z %E 2GAN ISSU+ 9/RUC;NS4
8,BREW "S TEA & KEEP ! KETTLE ON AT ALL
"TS4 ,MOVE ! BABY \ ( T ROOM AT ONCE &
DON'T LET ANY"O ELSE NE> X4 ,SCALD  #bfc
ALL (! KIT*5 UT5SILS & DON'T G 96!
SICKROOM AG4 ,": HAS ,EL5A BE5 TD80
8,NO":1 SE@NORA4 ,%E FEELS TOO BAD 6D
M*4 ,%E 0 9 ,PUEBLO A FEW "DS AGO %[+ (F
,ISABELA40 ,ROSA'S VOICE WAV]$ Z %E
ASK$1 8,%E HAS ! SC>LET FEV]1 SE@NORA80
8,YES1 %E DOES40 ,LAUR5 REMA9$ CALM
DESPITE ! TURBUL;E 9SIDE H] Z %E W5T AG
96! DIM ROOM4 ,SC>LET FEV]4 ,ISABELA4
,%E HAT$ 6SEE4 ,PL1SE1 ,GOD1 NO4 ,! BABY
_H BE5 SLEEP+ P1CE;LLY ALL "D4 ,UNUSUAL4
,LAUR5 =C$ H]F 6G 6! CRIB4 ,%E PULL$ UP
! T9Y SACQUE & CRI$ \ 9 ANGUI% Z %E SAW
! RAPIDLY RIS+ & FALL+ *E/ COV]$ )!
TELLTALE RA%4 8,MADRE DE ,DIOS10 ,ROSA
MURMUR$ 2H H]4 8,HAS ! FEV] BE5 GO+ >.D
9 ,PUEBLO80 ,LAUR5 ASK$4 8,S@I1 SE@NORA4
,_M H BE5 SICK4 ,EL5A DIDN'T ?9K %E WD
CAT* X4 ,NO "O 9 ! FAMILY _H X :5 %E
VISIT$40 8,G D :AT ,I TOLD Y TO1 ,ROSA4
,I'LL /AY "H ) H] &! BABY40 ,:5 ! WOMAN
_H RETR1T$ 6! KIT*5 6C>RY \ H] 9/RUC;NS1
,LAUR5 SAT D[N ON ! $GE (! B$ & TOOK
,EL5A'S H&4 ,! GIRL'S EYES FLUTT]$ OP5 &
%E (F]$ A W1K SMILE4 ,:5 %E TRI$    #bfd
6SP1K1 %E CD ONLY CROAK4 8,DON'T TRY TO
TALK1 ,EL5A1 ,I'M "H 6MAKE Y FEEL
BETT]40 ,LAUR5 PU%$ BACK A FEW /R&S (
LANK HAIR RE/+ ON FEV]$ TEMPLES4
8,BABY80 ,EL5A ASK$4 8,! BABY IS '''
SLEEP+4 ,"EY?+ W 2 ALL "R4 ,Y G BACK TO
SLEEP4 ,I'LL GIVE Y "S TEA :5 X'S MADE40
,EL5A CLOS$ H] EYES APA!TIC,Y & H] BR1?+
0 SOON EV5 IF "S:AT %ALL[4 ,LAUR5 LEFT !
ROOM1 W5T "? ! KIT*51 & WALK$ 9 SL[1
M1SUR$ /EPS 96! P>LOR ": ,OLIVIA &
,C>SON 7 PLAY+ C>DS4 ,J>$ 0 SLUMP$ 9 A
*AIR1 A :ISKEY DECANT] NE> 8 H&4 ,N Q
2LIEV+ H] TEM];Y1 %E ASK$ = _! ATT5;N1 &
:5 ! ?REE _H TURN$ />TL$ EYES T[>D H]1
%E TOLD !M AB ,EL5A &! BABY4 8,Y C'T 2
S]I\S60 ,OLIVIA EXPLOD$ :5 ,LAUR5 MADE
CLE> H] 9T5;N 6NURSE !M4 8,I'M Q S]I\S1
,OLIVIA10 %E SD LEVELLY4 8,!Y NE$ 3/ANT
C>E &1 S9CE ,I H NO O!R
RESPONSIBILITIES1 ,I'M ! "O 6D X4 ,I
ONLY CAME 6TELL Y T Y MI<T WANT 6H FOOD
CAT]$ IN1 Z ! KIT*5 IS S CLOSE 6!
SICKROOM4 ,& KEEP "EY"O \ (! H\SE4 ,G
NO": T ISN'T ABSOLUTELY NEC4 ,WE    #bfe
%D QU>ANT9E \RVS =! SAKE ( O!RS40 ,%E
SPOKE ) S* AU?OR;Y T ! O!R ?REE 7
MO;T>ILY /ILL$4 ,B ! RESPITE 0 BRIEF4
,OLIVIA UNL1%$ H] FURY 9 FULL =CE4 8,IF
Y ?9K ,I'M GO+ 6LET A ,MEXICAN GIRL & H]
BRAT LIE SICK & POSSIBLY DIE 9 MY H\SE1
3TAM9AT+ ! RE/ ( U1 Y >E V M* MISTAK54
,GET ,PEPE 6REMOVE !M AT ONCE1 ,J>$4
,LET !M TAKE C>E ( _! [N40 ,LAUR5 TURN$
6,J>$1 :O _H SOB]$ 3SID]ABLY & 0 WAT*+
H] CLOSELY "? CLE> EYES4 8,J>$1 IF !Y G1
,I D1 TOO4 ,WD Y H X SD T ,J>$ ,LOCKETT
BANI%$ 8 WIFE 6,PUEBLO80 %E *ALL5G$4 ,HE
GL.ED T[>D 8 "M & SD UNEASILY1 8,LAUR51
^? P >E A3U/OM$ 6EPIDEMICS4 ,!Y DIE 0!
HUNDR$S 9 ,SAN ,ANTONIO E FEW YE>S F
YELL[ FEV]4 ,PUEBLO DOESN'T H PROP]
SANIT,N 6PROTECT !M F ^! 41SES1 & ONCE
"O GETS />T$1 X RUNS RAMPANT40 8,!N "S"O
:O HAS A LOT ( M"OY & P[] %D IMPROVE _!
SANIT,N SY/EM1 %DN'T HE80 ,H] VOICE 0 AN
A3US,N4 ,%E WOND]$ :Y ^! ,LOCKETTS _H "E
9TIMIDAT$ H]4 ,"R N[1 %E FELT V /R;G4
,J>$ TRI$ ANO!R TACK4 8,X'S HI<LY
3TAGI\S1 ,LAUR54 ,DID Y ?9K ( T8    #bff
,:AT'S 6PREV5T Y F CAT*+ X80 ,%E LOOK$
AT HM /1DILY4 8,I _H X4 ,:5 ,I 0 T5 YE>S
OLD4 ,I 0 IGNOR$ 0A "F T]RIFI$ ( 41SE &
0A H\SEKEEP] ANGRY ) ME = CAUS+ H] S M*
EXTRA "W4 ,X'S A WOND] T ,I LIV$4 ,I H N
=GOTT5 ! MIS]Y & FE>4 ,I WON'T LET ,EL5A
SU6] T WAY4 ,N[ AM ,I 6NURSE H] "H OR
"S": ELSE80 ,OLIVIA OP5$ H] M\? 6SP1K1 B
,J>$ ORD]$1 8,%UT UP1 ,"M40 ,8 EYES N"E
LEFT ,LAUR5'S FACE4 ,!Y />$ AT EA* O!R
L;G & H>D4 ,H] H& F.D XS WAY 6HIS >M &
RE/$ "! Z %E GAZ$ UP AT HM SUPPLIANTLY4
8,ALL "R10 HE SD F9,Y4 8,IS "! ANY?+ ,I
C D80 8,NO4 ,/AY AWAY F ! ROOMS 9 ! BACK
(! H\SE4 ,I'LL H ,ROSA SCRUB "EY?+ )
49FECTANT Z SOON Z POSSI#4 ,?ANK Y40 ,X
0 ONLY :5 %E TRI$ 6PULL AWAY T EI ( !M
2CAME AW>E ( 8 /R;G F+]S TRAPP+ H]S AG/
8 >M4 ,SL[LY1 REGRET;LLY1 !Y 7 REL1S$4
,%E DIDN'T LOOK AT ,OLIVIA OR ,C>SON Z
%E MOV$ \ (! P>LOR4 ,AT ! PORTI]E1 %E
TURN$ & LOOK$ BACK AT H] HUSB&4 8,I
DON'T ?9K ! BABY W LIVE40 ,HE SAW TE>S
%9+ 9 ! LUM9\S EYES4 99 99 99 ,! "DS &
NI<TS BL5D$ TGR 9 A MONTAGE ( PA91  #bfg
SU6]+1 EXHAUS;N1 & DESPAIR4 ,ISABELA DI$
! AFN (! SECOND "D4 ,LAUR5 TRI$
VALIANTLY 6SPOON SWEET5$ TEA "? ! T9Y
LIPS1 B ! SWOLL51 R$ T;GUE & OB/RUCT$
?ROAT /RANGL$ ON X1 &! BABY CDN'T GET !
FLUIDS ESS5TIAL = H] LIFE4 ,LAUR5 WAT*$
! T9Y *E/ Z X %U4]$ "O F9AL "T &1 )\T S
M* Z A CRY1 ,ISABELA 5D$ H] %ORT SOJ\RN
ON E>?4 ,LAUR5 WANT$ 6GRIEVE ! LOSS1 B
%E NE$$ 6FOCUS H] ATT5;N ON SAV+ ,EL5A4
,LAUR5 SPOON$ GALLONS ( TEA 96H] PATI5T
DESPITE ,EL5A'S UNWILL+;S 6A3EPT X4 ,H]
T;GUE 0 COV]$ ) PA9;L R$ BLI/]S T MADE X
LOOK L A /RAWB]RY4 ,H] FEV] ROSE
DRA/IC,Y EA* NI<T4 ,ROSA & ,LAUR5 WD
/RIP H] & BA! H] BODY ) COOL WAT]4 ,!Y
DIDN'T TELL H] AB ,ISABELA1 & %E 0 TOO
DELIRI\S 6ASK4 ,PEPE MADE A T9Y C(F91 &!
9FANT'S GR&"M LAID H] \ = BURIAL4 ,C>LOS
0 SUMMON$1 B HE REMA9$ 9 ! /A#S 9 -PLI.E
) ,LAUR5'S ORD]S4 ,X 0 N ONLY = 8
PROTEC;N1 B AL = ^? %E LOV$ AT ,KEYPO9T4
,PEPE RAN MESSAGES BACK & =? 6! ANXI\S
"Y MAN :O M\RN$ ! D1? ( 8 DAU<T] & FE>$
=! LIFE ( 8 WIFE4 ,LAUR5 N"E LEFT   #bfh
! SICKROOM4 ,%E S5T ,ROSA 6H] ROOM =
FRE% CLO?+1 B B>ELY _H "T 6*ANGE 96X
DUR+ H] VIGIL OV] ! SU6]]4 ,AT NI<T1 AF
!Y MANAG$ 6KEEP ,EL5A'S FEV] F RIS+
FUR!R1 %E WD SLEEP FIT;LLY 9 A *AIR NE>
! B$4 ,%E PRAY$ 3/ANTLY =! LIFE ( H] FR
&= 3T9U$ /R5G?4 ,%E PRAY$1 TOO1 T ,J>$
WD N 3TRACT ! 41SE4 ,! ^WS _H =M$ ON H]
LIPS1 -+ /RAI<T F H] S\L 2F %E GAVE !M
3SCI\S ?"\4 ,! FEV] LIT],Y BURN$ ! SK9
(F ( ,EL5A'S PALMS & F+]S &! SOLES ( H]
FEET4 ,:ILE ! GIRL SLEPT1 ,LAUR5 G5TLY
PEEL$ X AWAY S ,EL5A WD N 2 F"R5$ IF %E
%D SEE ! D1D TISSUE HANG+ L COBWEBS F H]
H&S4 ,FIVE "DS AF ,LAUR5 _H G"O 96!
/IFL+ ROOM1 %E WOKE F A CRAMP$ POSI;N 9
! *AIR 6HE> REGUL> BR1?+ 9/1D (! LABOR$1
%ALL[ RESPIR,N %E _H LI/5$ 6= L;G "DS &
NI<TS4 ,%E HURRI$ TO ,EL5A'S B$ & PUT H]
H& ON A COOL =EH1D4 ,=C+ A"P ! RELAX$
LIPS1 %E SAW T ! T;GUE 0 LESS SWOLL5 &!
BLI/]S _H ALL B 4APPE>$4 ,! RA% 0 FAD+4
,%E CD H LAU<$ AL\D4 ,9/1D1 %E SANK BACK
96! *AIR & (F]$ A PRAY] ( ?ANKSGIV+4 ,!
NEXT MORN+1 :5 %E TOLD ,ROSA !      #bfi
NEWS1 ! OLD WOMAN WEPT OP5LY4 ,=! RE/ (
T "D1 !Y ALL[$ ,EL5A 6SLEEP A H1L+
SLEEP4 ,!Y *ANG$ H] L95S &1 AT NOON1
SPOONF$ H] "S BEEF BRO? UNTIL %E SLIPP$
ONCE AG 96SLUMB]4 ,LAUR5 /AY$ ) H] 6MAKE
SURE ! FEV] WASN'T GO+ 6RETURN4 ,%E 0
EXHAU/$ B HAPPY & RELIEV$ :5 %E /UM#D
96! KIT*5 LATE T EV5+4 ,%E 0 SURPRIS$ TO
F9D ,J>$ /&+ AT ! BACK DOOR1 />+ \ OV] !
Y>D "? ! W9D[4 ,ROSA _H 9=M$ HM (
,EL5A'S RECOV]Y E>LI]4 ,HE TURN$ :5 HE
HE>D H] 5T]4 8,LAUR51 ? HAS G"O ON L;G
5\<10 HE SD )\T PREAM#4 8,I W N LET Y
QU>ANT9E YRF 9 T ROOM "O M M9UTE )\T "S
RE/40 8,I'M F9E1 RE,Y ,I AM10 ,LAUR5
SI<$4 8,I DON'T ?9K ,EL5A NE$S ME
ANYMORE1 ?\<4 ,ONLY PL5TY ( LIQUIDS &
SLEEP4 ,I'LL LET ,C>LOS SEE H] 9 !
MORN+40 8,S@I1 SE@NORA40 ,ROSA CAME TO
,LAUR5 & TOOK BO? ( H] H&S 9 H]S1 KISS+
!M 9 TURN4 8,SE@NOR ,J>$1 %E IS AN
ANGEL40 8,Y1H1 %E'S AN ANGEL ALL "R1 B
%E LOOKS L HELL "R N[10 HE SD GRIMLY4
,"? H] FATIGUE-MU4L$ M9D ,LAUR5 NOT$
ABS5TLY T HE DIDN'T LOOK ALL T      #bgj
WOND];L HMF4 ,/UB# COV]$ 8 *9 & UPP]
LIP4 ,8 *EEKS 7 GAUNT & SUNK5 "U
R$-RIMM$ EYES4 ,ROSA CD H TOLD H] T =
"DS HE _H PAC$1 CURS$1 ?R1T5$1 & PL1D$4
,HE 0 L A WILD MAN 9 8 WORRY4 ,8 ONLY
S\RCE ( N\RI%;T 0 A %OT ( :ISKEY TAK5 AT
REGUL> 9T]VALS4 ,LAUR5 TRI$ 6FOCUS H]
EYES1 B IMAGES 2GAN 6BLUR1 REC$E
9F9ITESIM,Y1 !N LOOM HUGELY4 ,! KIT*5 0
SP9N+ CRAZILY4 8,J>$--0 %E CRI$ HO>SELY
2F %E COLLAPS$ 96! /R;G >MS R1*+ \ = H]4
8,%E'S UNCONSCI\S10 HE SD4 8,& HUNGRY1 F
! FEEL ( H]4 ,I'LL BET %E'S LO/ T5 P.DS4
,F/ ?+ 9 ! MORN+1 ,ROSA1 FIX H] A BIG
BR1KFA/ & S]VE X 6H] 9 H] ROOM4 ,/AY )
H] UNTIL %E EATS E BITE4 ,I ?9K %E NE$S
RE/ F/40 ,HE SWEPT ! 9]T FIGURE 96HIS
>MS & C>RI$ H] UP/AIRS 6H] ROOM1 KICK+ !
DOOR %UT 2H HM4 ,HE /OOD =A MO;T1 ALL[+
8 EYES 6GR[ A3U/OM$ 6! D>K;S1 !N MOV$
T[>D ! B$4 ,"! 0 J 5 LI<T -+ 9 "? !
W9D[S = HM 6SEE )\T LI<T+ ! LAMP4 ,LAUR5
MURMUR$ UN9TELLIGIBLY Z HE PUT H] FEET
BACK ON ! FLOOR1 SUPPORT+ H] ) 8 BODY4
,%E L1N$ H1VILY AG/ HM & HE MUTT]$  #bga
IMPREC,NS AT H] FOOLI%;S = TOT,Y EXHAU/+
H]F L ?4 ,HE TRI$ 6KEEP 8 M9D (F ! BODY
PRESS$ CLOSE 6HIS4 ,H[ CD %E /AY 9 A
SICKROOM =A WEEK & -E \ SMELL+ L LAV5D]8
,HE DIDN'T "K T ,LAUR5 _H ASK$ ,ROSA TO
FET* A BOTTLE ( COLOGNE F H] ROOM : %E
A4$ 6! WAT] %E WA%$ ) EA* "D4 ,WELL1 ,I
C'T J DUMP H] ON ! B$1 ,J>$ R1SON$4 ,)
TREMBL+ F+]S1 HE 2GAN UNFA/5+ ! BUTTONS
ON ! BACK ( H] %IRTWAI/4 ,H] H1D LOLL$
AG/ 8 *E/4 ,X TOOK A L;G "T = HM 6GET 6!
LA/ BUTTON 2C HE US$ ONLY "O H&1
SUPPORT+ H] )! O!R4 ,8 TREMBL+ F+]S
LACK$ _! USUAL DEXT];Y4 ,HE PULL$ !
BL\SE \ (! WAI/B& ( H] SKIRT & !N 2GAN
UNDO+ ! FA/5]4 ,HE UNTI$ ! RI2ONS (
S"EAL PETTICOATS1 CURS+ Z !Y KNOTT$ 9 8
F+]S4 ,:Y D WOM5 WE> S DAMN$ _M CLO!S
ANYWAY1 HE ?"\4 ,F9,Y HE 0 A# 6PU% !
SKIRT & PETTICOATS D[N OV] H] HIPS & !Y
FELL 6! FLOOR 9 A RU6L$ FRO? AT H]
ANKLES4 ,HE PAUS$1 DRAW+ DEEP BR1?S 9 AN
EF=T 6SUPPLY OXYG5 6HIS BRA91 : 0 :IRL+
L A MAEL/ROM4 ,IF %E WOKE UP N[1 HE ?"\
RUE;LLY1 %E WD PROBABLY SCR1M !     #bgb
H\SE D[N4 ,) METICUL\S C>E1 HE SUPPORT$
H] AG/ "O ( 8 >MS &1 L1N+ H] BACK1 SL[LY
PULL$ ! %IRTWAI/ F H] %\LD]S & SLID !
SLEEVES D[N H] >MS4 ,X 0 (F4 ,%E /
SLEPT4 ,HE 0 P]SPIR+ & TREMBL+4 ,HE
PRESS$ H] AG/ HM1 PO/PON+ ! MO;T :5 HE
WD LOOK AT H]1 SAVOR+ ! ANTICIP,N4 ,HE
R1*$ UP & 2GAN HUNT+ =! P9S T HELD H]
HAIR1 REMOV+ !M G5TLY Z HE F.D !M AM;G !
?ICK TRESSES4 ,H] HAIR TUM#D D[N H] BACK
& OV] H] %\LD]S1 SPILL+ 96HIS H&S4 ,!N1
Z HE _H WANT$ 6D "E S9CE HE _H F/ SE5
H]1 HE RAN 8 H&S "? ! BLACK SILK1 C>ESS+
EA* /R&1 RU2+ ! SMOO? CURLS 2T 8 F+]S1
DELI<T+ 9 ! FEEL ( !M ! WAY A MIS] LOVES
! FEEL ( GOLD4 ,HE BURI$ 8 FACE 9 H]
HAIR & :ISP]$ A3OLADES 6XS GLORY4 ,J>$
L[]$ H] G5TLY ONTO ! B$1 SLIPP+ ! SKIRT
& PETTICOATS F >.D H] ANKLES4 ,%E LAY ON
! PILL[ & SI<$ 3T5T$LY1 H] HAIR FANN+ \
2H H] ON ! SN[Y L954 ,J>$ SAT ON ! SIDE
(! B$1 EAS+ HMF D[N 9 ORD] N 6WAKE H]4
,GOD6 ,%E 0 EXQUISITE4 ,EV5 ! L9ES (
FATIGUE >.D H] M\? &! HOLL[S 9 H] *EEKS
A4$ 6H] B1UTY4 ,L;G BLACK LA%ES     #bgc
RE/$ ON ALABA/] *EEKS4 ,HE FOLL[$ !
COLUMN ( H] NECK 6! BASE ( H] ?ROAT1 ":
HE SAW ! FLUTT] ( H] PULSE4 ,H] %\LD]S 7
:ITE & SLOP$ 96A FLAW.S BOSOM4 ,HE
HESITAT$1 B 8 F+]S MOV$ ( _! [N VOLI;N &
R1*$ \ 6! TOP ( H] CAMISOLE4 ,HE UNTI$ !
BLUE SAT9 RI2ON T 0 ?R1D$ "? ! EYELET
LACE & SL[LY1 LEISURELY UNBUTTON$ ! F/
FEW BUTTONS4 ,AG HE WANT$ 6PROL;G !
ANTICIP,N4 ,8 EYES TRAVEL$ D[N 6H] WAI/1
: 0 WASP-?91 !N 6! SLI<T FLAIR ( H]
HIPS4 ,HE USU,Y PREF]R$ M VOLUPTU\S
CURVES1 B %E 0 P]FECTLY PROPOR;N$1 HE
NOTIC$ Z HE TOOK 9 ! L;G1 SL5D] ?I<S &
%APELY CALVES4 ,DAMN6 ,HE _H =GOTT5 !
%OES4 ,! T$I\S BUTTONS 7 ALM IMPOSSI# TO
H&LE 9 ! D>K1 B HE F9,Y SU3E$$ 9 UNDO+
!M ALL4 ,:5 HE _H SLIPP$ H] %OES (F
SILK-5CAS$ FEET1 HE RETURN$ 8 GAZE 6H]
FACE Z 8 F+]S SL[LY "P$ ! CAMISOLE4 ,%E
DIDN'T /IR4 ,8 EYES W&]$ AIM.SLY1 UNTIL
HE REW>D$ 8 PATI;E & LOOK$ D[N AT H]4
,HE _H IMAG9$ H[ %E WD LOOK1 B !
FANTASIES 7 9ADEQUATE & HE WASN'T PREP>$
=! VI.N T GREET$ 8 EYES4 ,TWO       #bgd
P]FECTLY %AP$ BR1/S1 R.D1 HI<1 & FIRM1 7
4PLAY$4 ,H] SK9 0 Z CR1MY & :ITE Z A
MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM4 ,! NIPPLES T CR[N$ EA*
S(T M.D 7 VIRG9,Y P9K4 ,BOTTICELLI WD H
ADOR$ H]4 ,H] E!R1L B1UTY 0 DEF9ITELY
QUATTROC5TO4 ,ROSA WASN'T F> F WR;G4 ,9
H] NAK$ LOVELI;S1 %E APPE>$ 6BE AN
ANGEL4 ,B ,J>$ 0 MORTAL1 & HE WANT$ H] Z
HE _H N"E WANT$ A WOMAN 2F4 ,HE C>E;LLY
L[]$ 8 H1D & KISS$ ! PULSE 9 H] ?ROAT4
,!N 8 LIPS TRAVEL$ )A BLISS;L LAZI;S OV]
H] BR1/S1 NI2L+ & LICK+ LI<TLY S %E
WDN'T "E "K T HE _H WOR%IP$ AT ? TEMPLE
( H] BODY4 ,%E 0 =BI45 6HM4 ,X 0 A
SELF-IMPOS$ D5IAL1 B T MADE X EV5 M
B9D+4 ,B N[1 N[ ''' ,HE RAIS$ 8 H1D &
T\*$ "O ROSY NIPPLE4 ,G5TLY ROLL+ X 2T 8
F+]S1 HE WAT*$ 9 FASC9,N Z X RESPOND$ TO
HIS T\* & 2CAME PO9T$ & 9VIT+4 ,UNA# TO
RESI/1 8 M\? OP5$ >.D X4 ,X MELT$ AG/ 8
T;GUE L A PIECE ( SUG> C&Y1 & TA/$ EV5
SWEET]4 ,8 EYES LIFT$ ONCE AG 6! FACE T
LAY 9 P1CE;L REPOSE 9 ! CAPE ( BLACK
HAIR4 8,LAUR51 =GIVE ME10 HE :ISP]$ Z HE
L[]$ 8 M\? ONCE AG4 99 99 99 ,:5    #bge
,LAUR5 AWAK5$ N L;G 2F NOON1 %E CDN'T
REMEMB] ! EV5TS (! PA/ FEW "DS OR :Y %E
0 SLEEP+ S LATE & WE>+ H] "UWE> &
/OCK+S4 ,%E /RET*$ CRAMP$ MUSCLES Z %E
PIEC$ TGR ! FRAG;TS FLA%+ "? H] MEMORY4
,EL5A6 ,%E RECALL$ ! GIRL'S ILL;S &
JUMP$ \ ( B$1 ?R[+ BACK ! S+LE BLANKET T
COV]$ H]4 ,:Y 0 %E SLEEP+ ON TOP (!
B$SPR1D8 ,4ORI5T$1 %E /OOD 9 ! MI4LE (
H] ROOM1 H] H&S ON EI SIDE ( H] H1D1
TRY+ 6BANI% ! YELL[ SPOTS T D.ED AG/ !
BLACK CURTA9 : SEEM$ 6H FALL5 OV] H]
EYES4 ,%E REEL$ DIZZILY4 ,%E _H /OOD UP
TOO FA/ =! BLOOD 6FL[ 96H] H1D4 ,LACK (
PROP] FOOD =! PA/ SIX "DS _H R5D]$ H]
W1K4 ,ROSA BU/L$ 9 Z ,LAUR5 0 FEEL+ H]
WAY BACK 6! $GE (! B$4 8,SE@NORA ,LAUR51
Y >E AWAKE6 ,Y H BE5 SLEEP+ L A BABY40
8,H[ IS ,EL5A80 %E ASK$ QKLY4 ,! RADIANT
LOOK ON ,ROSA'S FACE 4PELL$ ANY FE>S4
8,%E IS W1K & SLEEPY1 B %E ATE "S TOA/ ?
MORN+ & TALK$ 6,C>LOS40 ,! HAPPY F1TURES
DROOP$ A LL4 8,WE _H 6TELL H] AB !
NI@NA1 & %E IS V SAD4 ,B SEE+ ,C>LOS
MADE H] FEEL BETT]4 ,%E IS GRATE;L  #bgf
6Y SE@NORA4 ,I ?ANK Y1 TOO40 ,H] LIP
2GAN 6TREM#4 8,I'M GLAD ,I CD HELP
,EL5A4 ,I ONLY WI% WE CD H SAV$ ! BABY1
?\< AF ! HI< FEV]1 ,ISABELA MI<T N"E H
BE5 -PLETELY H1L?Y40 8,S@I1 H] LL S\L IS
9 H1V5 & %E IS WELL N[4 ,IF ,I "K ,EL5A
& ,C>LOS1 !Y W MAKE ANO!R NI@NO SOON40
,%E GR9N$ BROADLY4 8,I BR"\ YR BR1KFA/40
,%E /EPP$ \ 6! HALL & RETRIEV$ A TRAY %E
_H LEFT ON A HALL TA#4 ,! DELICI\S >OMAS
EMANAT+ F ! DI%ES MADE ,LAUR5'S M\?
WAT]4 ,:5 _H %E LA/ EAT5 A -PLETE M1L8
8,SE@NOR ,J>$ TOLD ME 6SEE T Y /AY$ 9 B$
& ATE "EY?+ ON ! TRAY40 8,IS HE ''' ,I
M1N1 >E ! RE/ (! FAMILY H1L?Y8 ,I HAV5'T
SE5 !M = ALM A WEEK40 8,Y SAW ,SE@NOR
,J>$ LA/ NI<T1 SE@NORA4 ,DON'T Y
REMEMB]8 ,Y FA9T$ 9 ! KIT*54 ,HE BR"\ Y
UP 6B$4 ,C>RI$ Y 9 8 >MS40 ,! ROOM 0
SP9N+ AG & 9 H] E>S 0 A GRT RO>+4 ,%E
SIPP$ ! SCALD+ TEA & TRI$ 6KEEP H] H& F
%AK+ Z %E PLAC$ ! CUP BACK ON ! SAUC]4
8,NO ''' NO1 ,I ''' UH ''' DON'T REMEMB]
T4 ,I "K ,I 0 V TIR$40 8,HE 0 ANGRY ,I
?9K = Y 6BE S TIR$4 ,Y WD L A BA?1  #bgg
SE@NORA1 S@I80 ,)\T WAIT+ = AN ANSW]1
,ROSA WA4L$ 96! BA?ROOM1 GA!R+ UP !
4C>D$ CLO!S LY+ ON ! FLOOR 2S ! B$4 ,H]
CLO!S6 ,J>$ _H PUT H] 6B$4 ,J>$ _H
UNDRESS$ H]6 ,%E _H DR1M$ ( HM DUR+ H]
DEEP SLEEP4 ,%E RECALL$ ! DR1MS VIVIDLY
N[4 ,J>$ 0 L1N+ OV] H] & LOOK+ AT H]
T5D]LY4 ,8 H1D 0 RE/+ AG/ H] FLE%4 ,IF
ONLY H] >MS _HN'T BE5 S H1VY1 %E CD H
R1*$ UP & RUN H] F+]S "? ! SUN-BL1*$
HAIR T TICKL$ H] ?ROAT4 ,9 "O DR1M1 ,J>$
0 :ISP]+ ,SPANI% ^WS AG/ H] E>4 ,9
ANO!R1 HE _H BE5 DO+ "S?+ ) 8 M\? T
SPR1D A DELICI\S W>M? "? H]4 ,%E F9I%$
EAT+ SL[LY1 4TRACT$ 0! MEMORY ( H]
4TURB+ DR1MS4 ,:5 %E 2GAN UNDRESS+1 %E
NOTIC$ ! RI2ON F H] CAMISOLE 0 MISS+4
,%E WD H 6TELL ,ROSA 6BE M C>E;L :5
LAUND]+ H] "UWE>4 ,%E /EPP$ 96! BA?TUB &
WELCOM$ ! SOO?+ W>M? (! WAT]4 ,X _H BE5
"DS S9CE %E _H 5JOY$ ! LUXURY (A BA?4
,CUPP+ H] H&S & LADL+ A H&;L ( SUDS OV]
H]F1 %E 0 %OCK$ :5 ! SOAPY WAT] CAUS$ A
/++ S5S,N ON H] FLE%4 ,9VOLUNT>ILY %E
GASP$4 ,EXAM9+ H]F SELF-3SCI\SLY1   #bgh
%E NOTIC$ H] NIPPLES 7 SLI<TLY SORE1 ?\<
:5 %E T\*$ !M1 !Y T+L$ &A ?RILL+ %IV]
C\RS$ "? H] BODY4 ,H] BR1/S 7 *AF$1 Z IF
ABRAD$ 0"S?+ SCRAT*Y4 ,:AT"E CD H-- ,H]
EYES DILAT$ )! HORROR (! ?"\4 ,TREMBL+
F+]S CRAMM$ AG/ TI<T1 -PRESS$ LIPS G"O
:ITE ) %OCK4 ,NO6 ,NO6 ,T CD N BE4 ,H]
DR1MS & ? ACTUAL;Y _H NO?+ 6D ) EA* O!R4
,X 0 UN?9KA#4 ,/1 %E QUAK$ AT !
POSSIBIL;Y4 ,J>$1 UN%AV51 SEE+ H]1 T\*+
H]1 KISS+ ''' ,HA/ILY %E GOT \ (! TUB1
DRI$ QKLY1 & WRAPP$ A ROBE >.D H] 2F
RETURN+ 6! B$ROOM4 8,": IS ,J>$80 %E
ASK$ ,ROSA TIMIDLY Z %E PREP>$ 6G
D[N/AIRS & VISIT ,EL5A4 ,%E WANT$ 6AVOID
HM4 ,MEET+ HM FACE 6FACE ) H] SPECUL,NS
VIVIDLY 9TACT WD 2 TOO HUMILIAT+4 8,HE
W5T 6,AU/9 ? MORN+4 ,HE SAY HE MAY 2 G"O
S"EAL WEEKS4 ,"S?+ 6D ) BUSI;S4 ,HE LEFT
A PACKAGE = Y40 ,%E BU/L$ \ ! DOOR &
RETURN$ IMMLY )A SMALL BOX4 8,HE SAY Y
NE$ ? NEXT "T Y G 6,KEYPO9T40 ,LAUR5
UNTI$ ! RI2ON >.D ! BOX1 LIFT$ ! LID1 &
SAW A BLUE SILK SC>F NE/L$ 9 ! TISSUE
PAP]4 ,A B&ANA4 ,HE _H REMEMB]$ T   #bgi
%E NE$$ "O4 ,TE>S MIST$ H] EYES1 B AW>E
( ,ROSA'S KE5 P]CEP;N1 %E %OV$ ! SC>F
96"O ( H] L9G]IE DRAW]S ) FEIGN$
9DI6];E4 8,I M/ REMEMB] 6?ANK HM :5 HE
-ES HOME40 ,%E WALK$ \ H] DOOR L1V+
,ROSA %AK+ H] H1D1 BA6L$ & 4GU/$4
  ,*APT] #AE
  8,H Y HE>D F ,J>$1 ,OLIVIA80 ,C>SON
ASK$ "O NI<T AT D9N]4 8,SEEMS HE'S BE5 9
,AU/9 AN UNCOMMON L5G? ( "T40 8,-E1
,C>SON10 ,OLIVIA SD )A LAU<1 8Y "K :Y
,J>$ IS ,8DETA9$0' 9 ,AU/94 ,I'M AMAZ$ T
HE AB/A9$ Z L;G Z HE DID4 ,HAV+ A WIFE (
3V5I;E DRIVES A MAN 6F9D "S REL1SE F 8
PHYSICAL NE$S1 DOESN'T X1 ,LAUR580
,LAUR5'S =K CLATT]$ 6H] PLATE4 ,H[ D>E !
WOMAN 2 S BLATANTLY CRUDE6 8,S9CE X'S
,J>$'S ,8PHYSICAL NE$S0' Y'RE REF]R+ TO1
Y %D SAVE T "Q = HM10 %E RETORT$
ANGRILY4 ,B "ULY+ H] ANG] 0 HE>TSICK;S4
,H] "M-IN-LAW 0 MO/ PROBABLY "R4 ,:Y
ELSE WD ,J>$ EXT5D 8 /AY 9 ,AU/98 ,%E
_HN'T GUESS$ %E CD MISS HM S M*4 ,! L;G]
HE 0 G"O1 ! M ! T5.N M.T$ 9 ! H\SE4 ,!
DAILY R\T9E 9 ,CORONADO 0 DI6]5T F  #bhj
T AT ,KEYPO9T1 B 0 R\T9E N"O!.S4 ,EL5A
GA9$ /R5G? EA* "D4 ,IF ! W1!R P]MITT$1
%E WD WALK ) ,LAUR5 9 ! G>D5S1 : BOA/$
ONLY A FEW *RYSAN!MUM BLOOMS4 ,! W9D1 :5
X :I/L$ 9 UNPREDICTABLY F ! NOR?1 0 BIT+
& BITT]1 & "! 7 A FEW "DS 9 E>LY
,NOVEMB] :5 X RA9$ 9CESSANTLY & ,LAUR5
?"\ %E WD G MAD AT ! T$IUM ( H] LIFE 9 !
L>GE H\SE4 ,%E L;G$ =! HECTIC "DS AT
,KEYPO9T ) ,RUDY & ,GLORIA1 _! LOV+
BANT]1 &! *N ) _! PRANKS4 ,%E MISS$ H]
QUIET TALKS ) ,M>IA1 TOO4 ,A FEW MON?S
AGO1 ,LAUR5 WD H BE5 SC&ALIZ$ 0A WOMAN
LIV+ ) "S"O ELSE'S HUSB&1 B %E N[ 3DON$
,M>IA'S LIFE ) ,B54 ,_! LOVE _H BE5
PURE4 ,LAUR5'S UN"*I/IC BROADM9D$;S 0
DUE 9 "P 6H] K (! K9D ( LIFE ,B5 M/ H _H
) ,OLIVIA4 ,OLIVIA W5T 6! BANK MO/ "DS1
& :5 %E /AY$ AT HOME1 ,C>SON TELEPHON$
(T5 F 8 (FICE4 ,HE 0 ALW AT ! H\SE =
D9N]1 & ,LAUR5 0 GRATE;L = 8 K9DLY
PRES;E4 ,%E CD N H BORNE 2+ AL"O )
,OLIVIA4 ,! WOMAN LOOK$ AT H] ) S*
HO/IL;Y T X />TL$ ,LAUR5 EA* "T %E CAU<T
,OLIVIA'S EM]ALD GL>E ON H]4        #bha
,C>SON 3T9U$ 6BE OBSEQUI\S 6,OLIVIA4 ,!Y
TALK$ 3/ANTLY AB ! RAILROAD &! PLANS =!
P[] PLANT4 ,APP>5TLY ANY HESIT,N ,OLIVIA
_H ONCE _H AB =M+ AN ALLI.E )! ,VANDIV]S
NO L;G] EXI/$4 ,%E -M5D$ _! DECISIVE;S &
ABIL;Y 6MANIPULATE O!RS 6A*IEVE _!
GOALS4 ,OLIVIA M5;N$ ,KURT (T51 & ALW )A
SLY LOOK 9 ,LAUR5'S DIREC;N1 : MADE H]
FEEL 4T9CTLY UNCOM=TA#4 ,"O EV5+ AT
D9N]1 ,OLIVIA OBS]V$ H] DAU<T]-IN-LAW
BALE;LLY "? A =E/ ( L[]$ LA%ES4 ,%E WD
N"E =GIVE H] = 3V9C+ ,J>$ 6ALL[ T SICK
,MEXICAN & H] BABY 6REMA9 "U H] RO(4 ,!
FACT T ,LAUR5 GAVE %ELT] 6AN AIL+
,MEXICAN 0 BAD 5\<1 B H] R1L TRANSGRES.N
0 T %E _H TRIUMPH$ OV] ,OLIVIA 9 AN
>GU;T ) ,J>$4 ,M ?R1T5+ ?AN T1 %E _H =C$
,J>$ 6MAKE A DECI.N4 ,T CD 2 DANG]\S TO
,OLIVIA'S PLANS4 ,IF ,LAUR5 GA9$ ANY
3TROL OV] HM1 X CD JEOP>DIZE "EY?+4
,OLIVIA AL RES5T$ T1 = APPE>.E'S SAKE1
%E _H 6ACT ! DOT+ "M-IN-LAW4 ,GOD6 ,FRS
PRESS$ H] = NEWS ( APPROA*+ GR&*N4 ,!Y
SIMP]$ OV] _! T1CUPS AB H[ H&"S ,J>$ &
,LAUR5 LOOK$ TGR1 & LADIES -+ 96!   #bhb
BANK /OPP$ 6REM>K H[ WOND];L X 0 T ,J>$1
AF HAV+ WAIT$ S L;G1 _H F9,Y F.D !
P]FECT MATE4 ,OLIVIA BORE X ALL )A /IFF
SMILE &! PROP] RESPONSES4 ,%E DUTI;LLY
ATT5D$ *UR* ) ,LAUR5 E ,SUN"D4 ,! "Y
WOMAN 9SI/$ ON GO+1 & ,OLIVIA KNEW X WD
N"E D = ,J>$'S WIFE 6BE SE5 "! AL"O4 ,X
0 EVID5T T ,LAUR5 _H =M$ Q AN ATTA*;T 6!
FAMILY AT ,KEYPO9T4 ,:5"E ,C>SON DREW H]
96CONV]S,N1 %E 5D$ UP RELAT+ "S ANECDOTE
T _H HAPP5$ AT ! RAN*4 ,%E N"E M5;N$
"NS1 ?\< ,OLIVIA KNEW EA* "* 9 ^!
N>RATIVES 9TIMATELY4 ,:5 Y HATE "S"O = Z
L;G Z %E _H HAT$ ,M>IA ,M5DEZ1 H] SON1 &
8 BROOD1 Y -E 6"K !M Q WELL4 ,%E _H MADE
X AN OBSES.N 6LE>N ALL %E CD AB !M4
,UNA# 6PUNI% ! ,M5DEZES J YET =!
HUMILI,N !Y _H CAUS$ H]1 %E F.D A P]FECT
SCAPEGOAT 9 ,LAUR54 ,%E _H BE5 RAIS$ TO
HONOR H] ELD]S1 6RESPECT FAMILY1 & 6BE>
P]SECU;N ) =EBE>.E & =GIVE;S4 ,OLIVIA 0
Q SURE T ! M>RIAGE 2T ,J>$ & ,LAUR5 _H N
BE5 3SUMMAT$1 ?\< %E 0 WELL AW>E ( H]
SON'S /R;G SEXUAL APPETITE4 ,H] LIPS
TI<T5$ 96A BITT] L9E :5 %E EQUAT$   #bhc
X ) H] LATE HUSB&'S4 ,%E 0 C]TA9 ,J>$'S
FI]CE PRIDE WD H KEPT HM F LOV+ ANY
WOMAN *OS5 = HM 0HIS "F4 ,/1 ! GIRL _H A
LOOK1 A WAY AB H] T ,OLIVIA KNEW 0
IRRESI/I# 6M54 ,T G5TLE;S1 T VULN]ABIL;Y
%OOK !M 6_! V CORE4 ,%E H]F _H N"E _H T
QUAL;Y1 & %E LOA!D X 9 O!R WOM54 ,9 E
GL.E1 GE/URE1 & SPOK5 ^W1 ,OLIVIA TOR;T$
,LAUR54 ,%E M/ KEEP ,J>$ & 8 WIFE AT O4S
) EA* O!R4 ,6?9K T !Y MI<T REV]SE H]
:OLE S*EME & =M A LA/+ A6EC;N 0 AN
ABHORR5T POSSIBIL;Y4 ,X WASN'T J1L\SY1
,OLIVIA ASSUR$ H]F4 ,J1L\SY 0 S* A PETTY
EMO;N1 & F> 2N H] DIGN;Y4 ,ALL %E DEM&$
9 ANY REL,N%IP 0 ABSOLUTE LOYALTY4 ,B5
_H 2TRAY$ H] LOVE ) 4LOYALTY4 ,OLIVIA 0
DET]M9$ T ,J>$ WD N4 8,H[ IS ,EL5A1
,LAUR58 ,ALL WELL 0N[1 ,I HOPE40 ,D9N] 0
OV] & ,C>SON _H FOLL[$ ! LADIES 96!
P>LOR = C(FEE4 ,LAUR5 KNEW T ,OLIVIA'S
"Q DIDN'T /EM F 3C]N4 ,X 0 M]ELY 6REM9D
H] AG T %E _H G"O AG/ ,OLIVIA'S -M&S4
8,YES1 %E'S RECOV]$4 ,! D1? ( H] BABY 0
A BL[ %E'LL N SOON GET OV]1 B T IS 6BE
EXPECT$40 8,MO/ UN=TUNATE T ! *     #bhd
CDN'T LIVE1 ,LAUR54 ,Y DID A MIRACUL\S
JOB ( PULL+ ! "Y WOMAN \ ( X40 8,?ANK Y1
,C>SON1 B ,I _H SELF-9T]E/$ MOTIVES4
,SC>LET FEV] NE>LY CO/ ME MY LIFE4 ,? 0
MY ONLY OPPORTUN;Y 6FI<T BACK40 8,X'S A
%AME ^? ,MEXICANS 9 ,PUEBLO C'T KEEP _!
-MUN;Y CL1N & SANIT>Y40 ,OLIVIA'S FACE 0
UGLY4 8,I'M SURE !Y D _! BE/4 ,I DON'T
?9K !Y *OOSE = _! *N 6DIE10 ,LAUR5 SD
QUIETLY B ) 3VIC;N4 8,NONS5SE4 ,Y HAV5'T
BE5 "H L;G 5 6"K H[ DIRTY ^? P >E4
,!Y'RE VILE40 8,H[ C Y SAY T ,ROSA IS
VILE & !N EAT ! M1LS %E PREP>ES8 ,%E'S !
CL1NE/ P]SON ,I'VE "E MET10 ,LAUR5 SD
H1T$LY4 ,OLIVIA TOSS$ H] H1D 9 ANG]4 ,H]
GRE5 EYES 7 BRILLIANT & H] SL5D] F+]S
GRIPP$ ! >MS (! *AIR L TALONS4 8,X WON'T
2 L;G UNTIL WE W 2 A# 6RELIEVE "S ( _!
WORRIES 9 ,PUEBLO4 ,I C'T WAIT--0
8,OLIVIA60 ,C>SON 9T]RUPT$ ABRUPTLY4 8,I
DON'T ?9K WE %D 4CUSS ? ANY FUR!R4 ,I C
SEE T X UPSETS Y40 ,HE GAVE H] A TELL+
LOOK4 ,OLIVIA DREW H]F UP %>PLY1 !N LET
H] BR1? \ SL[LY4 ,%E _H ALM MADE A BL"U
& 0 GRATE;L T %E _H BE5 /OPP$4 8,Y  #bhe
>E Q "R1 ,C>SON1 X DOES UPSET ME4 ,M
C(FEE80 ,LAUR5 EXCUS$ H]F & W5T UP/AIRS4
,UNA# 6/OP H]F1 %E PAUS$ \TSIDE ! DOOR (
,J>$'S ROOM1 />+ AT X 9T5TLY4 ,:AT DID
%E EXPECT 6SEE8 ,WD ! DOOR 4SOLVE &
REV1L HM SITT+ 9 A *AIR SMOK+ "O ( 8
9EVITA# *EROOTS8 ,WD HE MAT]IALIZE 2F H]
Z HE DID 9 H] DR1MS NI<T AF NI<T8 ,NO4
,HE WASN'T "H4 ,HE 0 9 ,AU/9 ON
8BUSI;S40 ,SURMIS+ :AT K9D ( BUSI;S HE 0
9VOLV$ 9 BR"\ A H1VY PA9 6H] HE>T4 ,0 HE
) ANO!R WOMAN8 ,WOM58 ,:Y %D %E C>E8
,YET %E DID4 ,H] H& W5T 9/9CTIVELY 6!
WAT* P9N$ ON H] BR1/4 ,)\T 3SCI\S ?"\1
H] F+]S L[]$ & LI<TLY BRU%$ H] NIPPLE "?
! S(T COTTON ( H] BL\SE4 ,H] :OLE BODY
FLU%$ HOTLY & %E CAU<T H] BR1? AT !
S5S,NS T ASSAIL$ H]4 ,DID Y RE,Y T\* ME
"H1 ,J>$8 %E ASK$ ! D>K;S4 ,%E DIDN'T
WANT 6"K1 DIDN'T WANT 6C>E1 B CDN'T
REFRA9 F A4+1 ,:AT DID Y ?9K ( ME8
,ANGUI% & L"OLI;S A3OMPANI$ H] 96H]
ROOM4 99 99 99 ,J>$ CAME HOME ! "D 2F
,?ANKSGIV+4 ,LAUR5 0 9 H] ROOM R1D+4 ,H]
HE>T L1P$ 9 H] *E/ :5 %E HE>D !     #bhf
FAMILI> CLUMP ( BOOTS &! R+ ( SPURS 9 !
HALLWAY4 ,%E GRIPP$ ! BOOK TI<TLY & HELD
X AG/ H]4 ,! DOOR 6HIS ROOM OP5$ & CLOS$
QUIETLY1 & %E HE>D ! ?UMP ( VALISES ON !
FLOOR4 ,HE MOV$ >.D ! ROOM A:ILE1 !N !
B$ CR1K$ Z 8 WEI<T 0 L[]$ ONTO X4 ,ALL
2CAME QUIET4 ,TRY Z %E MI<T1 ,LAUR5
CDN'T REGA9 H] 9T]E/ 9 ! BOOK4 ,%E TOOK
A GRT D1L ( C>E 9 DRESS+ = D9N]1 DONN+ A
FLATT]+ DRESS & S(T KID SLIPP]S4 ,H]
HAIR _H BE5 WA%$ & BRU%$4 ,%E _H A WILD
IMPULSE 6L1VE X HANG+ LOOSE B1 ( C\RSE1
T WD 2 UNSEEMLY4 ,9/1D1 %E LET ,EL5A
>RANGE X 9 A GLOSSY POMPAD\R4 ,%E HE>D
,J>$ L1VE 8 ROOM & G D[N/AIRS1 & FOLL[$
A FEW M9UTES LAT]4 ,%E 0 9CR$IBLY N]V\S4
,H[ CD %E FACE HM AF HE _H TAK5 H] 6H]
ROOM1 UNDRESS$ H]1 & PUT H] 6B$8 ,& IF
HE _H ''' ,%E WALK$ 96! P>LOR & H] HE>T
TURN$ OV] :5 %E SAW 8 TALL1 BROAD BACK
L1N+ OV] ! SIDEBO>D Z HE P\R$ A DR9K4
8,LAUR51 Y MAKE ! EV5+ GL[4 ,H[ >E Y1 MY
DE>80 ,C>SON CAME 6H] & KISS$ H] *EEK4
,%E WAT*$ ,J>$ OV] ,C>SON'S %\LD]4 ,8
BACK /I65$ & HE TOOK A L;G GULP (   #bhg
:ISKEY 2F HE TURN$ >.D4 ,HE IS S H&"S1
%E ?"\ M\RN;LLY4 ,%E CD BE> 8 9DI6];E &
CRUELTY1 8 DES];N1 IF HE 7 UGLY OR
REPELL5T 6H]4 ,B F ! F/ %E _H FELT A
/RANGE *EMICAL ATTRAC;N 6? MAN4 ,HE MET
H] EYES OV] ,C>SON'S PUDGY =M & LIFT$ 8
GLASS 9 A MOCK+ SALUTE4 8,J>$1 WD Y P\R
,LAUR5 A %]RY1 PL1SE1 & ,I'LL H ANO!R40
,LAUR5 NOTIC$ T ,OLIVIA'S EYES 7
ESPECI,Y BRILLIANT4 ,! NEWS T ,J>$ _H
BR"\ F ,AU/9 M/ H PL1S$ H]4 8,I'M S GLAD
! ,VANDIV]S >E -+ = ,?ANKSGIV+ TM4 ,?ANK
Y = DELIV]+ MY 9VIT,N1 ,J>$40 ,OLIVIA
WAT*$ CLOSELY Z ,J>$ H&$ ,LAUR5 H] GLASS
( %]RY4 8,Y'RE WELCOME10 HE REPLI$4 ,HE
LOOK$ D[N AT ,LAUR5 F 8 T[]+ HEI<T Z %E
TOOK ! DR9K4 ,_! F+]S T\*$ BRIEFLY4 ,!
3TACT 0 ELECTRIFY+ & %E ?"\ %E HE>D 8
BR1? RU% PA/ 8 TEE? 9 A S(T GASP4 ,B Z
H] EYES TRAVEL$ UP ! L;G BODY 6MEET 8
GL[+ EYES1 %E SAW !M FRO/ OV] IMMLY4 8,I
KNEW ,LAUR5 WD WANT 6SEE ,KURT AG4 ,X'S
BE5 S* A L;G "T40 ,! SLURR+ ^WS 7 SD L[
&= H] HE>+ ONLY4 ,:Y 0 HE DO+ ? AG8 ,HE
0 Z >ROGANT & HATE;L Z ! F/ NI<T    #bhh
%E _H SE5 HM 9 ? ROOM4 ,ALL H] EXCITE;T
AT SEE+ HM DRA9$ AWAY Z D9N] DRA7$ ON
9T]M9ABLY4 ,J>$ DRANK M ?AN HE ATE4 ,:AT
_H HAPP5$ 6! H1L?Y APPETITE T CDN'T 2
APP1S$ AT ,KEYPO9T8 ,M>IA & ,GLORIA 7
ALW T1S+ HM AB 8 HOLL[ LEG4 ,HE 0 SULL5
& ]RATIC4 ,"O M9UTE HE 0 /R5U\SLY
CRITICIZ+ ! ,RAILROAD ,-MIS.N & _!
9EPTITUDE1 &! NEXT M9UTE1 HE 0 MUTT]+
96HIS GLASS4 ,LAUR5 W5T 96! LIBR>Y 6R1D
0! FIRE AF D9N]4 ,%E _H /OOD ALL ! T5.N
%E CD 9 "O EV5+4 ,! O!RS RETIR$ 6! (FICE
64CUSS ! RESULTS ( ,J>$'S TRIP 6!
CAPITAL4 ,H\RS LAT]1 ,LAUR5 0 / 9 !
LIBR>Y1 S1T$ 9 AN OV]/U6$ *AIR ) H] %OES
LY+ ON ! HE>? & H] FEET CURL$ UP "U H]
LEGS4 ,%E DIDN'T "K H[ L;G HE _H BE5 "!
2F %E NOTIC$ ,J>$ /&+ 9 ! DOORWAY4 ,:5
%E LOOK$ UP AT HM1 HE /UM#D WE>ILY 96!
ROOM & COLLAPS$ 96! TW9 *AIR 2S H]S4 ,8
H1D FELL BACK AG/ ! PLUMP CU%IONS & HE
CLOS$ 8 EYES4 ,LAUR5 SAT /4 ,Z ! M9UTES
TICK$ BY1 %E ?"\ T HE M/ H FALL5 ASLEEP1
B EV5TU,Y HE OP5$ 8 EYES1 ?\< HE DIDN'T
MOVE 8 H1D OR BODY4 8,X'S AW;LLY    #bhi
LATE1 ,LAUR54 ,:Y >E Y / UP80 ,HE S.D$
EXHAU/$4 8,I GOT ABSORB$ 9 MY BOOK4
,"S"TS ,I C R1D WELL 96! NI<T IF A BOOK
IS "PICUL>LY 9T]E/+40 ,OR IF ,I C'T GET
Y (F MY M9D1 %E A4$ 6H]F4 ,%E LOOK$ L A
VI.N 9 ! FIRELI<T4 ,XS %IMM] CAU<T ON !
BLACK HAIR & SEEM$ 6IGNITE EA* /R&4 ,H]
DRESS 0 A S(T ROSE WOOL ) PE>L BUTTONS
AT ! NECK4 ,)! FIRELI<T1 X 5H.ED ! 5TIC+
BLU% ON H] *EEKS1 : HE KNEW 7
VELVET-S(T4 ,2H H] EYEGLASSES1 H] EYES 7
WIDE & DEEP & CLE>4 ,J>$ CLE>$ 8 ?ROAT1
R\S+ HMF F 8 P]USAL4 8,:AT D Y R1D8 ,Y
>E Q A BOOKWORM1 Y "K10 HE T1S$ S(TLY4
8,"EY?+10 %E SD LI<TLY1 9DULG+ 8 NE$ =
SMALL TALK4 8,BOOKS 7 MY BE/ FRS :5 ,I 0
GR[+ UP4 ,O!R *N DIDN'T WANT 6PLAY )!
M9I/]'S DAU<T]4 ,X MADE !M UNCOM=TA#1 Y
SEE4 ,MY "M DI$ :5 ,I 0 ?REE40 ,HE
NOTIC$ H] R1* UP & T\* H] WAT*4 8,S MY
FRS 7 ! "*S ,I F.D 9 PR9T4 ,I R1D !
CLASSICS1 HI/ORY1 & PHILOSOPHY4 ,B =
FUN1 ,I L ,DICK5S1 ! ,BRONT@ES1 & ,JANE
,AU/540 ,8 EYES 7 CLOS$ AG1 & X SURPRIS$
H] :5 HE PICK$ UP ! 3V]S,N4 8,:5    #bij
,I 0 A BOY1 ,I 0 5?RALL$ ) ,POE4 ,B5 US$
6RILE ME AB R1D+ S* ,8RU2I%10' Z HE
CALL$ X4 ,8,IF Y WANT 6HE> <O/ /ORIES1 H
,?ORN TELL Y "S40' ,?ORN'S 7 PRETTY GD1
TOO40 ,HE LAU<$4 8,HE US$ 6RAISE ! HAIR
ON MY NECK TELL+ ME AB ,9DIAN LEG5DS1
TABOOS1 & SECRET RITES40 ,HE />$
REFLECTIVELY 96! FIRE1 ! FLAMES DANC+ 9
8 AMB] EYES4 ,PUTT+ 8 ?UMB & MI4LE F+]
AG/ 8 LIDS1 HE RU2$ !M 9 FATIGUE4 8,I
DON'T H "T 6R1D ANYMORE40 ,%E HESITAT$
ONLY A MO;T 2F ASK+ G5TLY1 8,WAS YR TRIP
A TAX+ "O80 ,HE SI<$ H1VILY4 8,YES4 ,"S
(! M5 9 PUBLIC (FICE >E F"R5+LY /UPID4
,I'M SICK 6D1? ( HAV+ 6P&] 6!M4 ,I WANT
'''0 ,:5 HE DIDN'T 3T9UE1 %E URG$ HM
S(TLY4 8,YES4 ,Y WANT '''80 ,X 0 ! ONLY
PRO4+ HE NE$$ 6VOICE 8 9N]MO/ ?"\S4 8,I
WANT ! RAILROAD 2C X'S ! ONLY WAY WE C
OP]ATE A SU3ESS;L1 PR(ITA# RAN* 9 !
TW5TIE? C5TURY4 ,B5 WANT$ X S BAD HE CD
TA/E X1 B ,I HATE HAV+ 6G "? S M* R$
TAPE & CAT]+ 6IDIOTS 9 ORD] 6GET X40 ,HE
L1N$ =W>D & CLASP$ 8 H&S 2T 8 KNEES4
,LAUR5 REMA9$ QUIET4 ,? 0 A "T =    #bia
LI/5+4 8,I WANT 6LIVE ON ,KEYPO9T & RIDE
! F;ES L ANY O!R VAQU]O & LET "S"O ELSE
D ALL ( ? POLITICK+40 ,LAUR5 SWALL[$ H]
CAU;N1 /OOD1 & W5T 6HM TIMOR\SLY4 ,%E
PLAC$ H] H&S LI<TLY ON 8 %\LD]S &
MASSAG$ ! KNOTT$1 T5SE MUSCLES4 8,MAYBE
:5 ! RAILROAD IS F9I%$1 Y C D T1 ,J>$4
,I HOPE S1 = YR SAKE40 ,HE L1N$ BACK 9 !
*AIR AG1 NOTICEABLY RELAX+ "U ! MAGIC
T\* ( H] F+]S4 ,AF A FEW MO;TS1 %E SD1
8,?ANK Y =! SC>F4 ,X'S LOVELY40 ,HE
LOOK$ UP AT H] /&+ 2H HM4 ,8 EYES 7 TIR$
& BLOOD%OT1 B HE R1D ! 5C\RAGE;T &
-PAS.N 9 H]S Z %E SMIL$ D[N AT HM4 ,HE
COV]$ "O SMALL H& ON 8 %\LD] ) HIS1 !N
GRASP$ X & SQUEEZ$ TI<TLY4 ,HE BR"\ X UP
6HIS FACE & PRESS$ H] PALM AG/ 8 H>D
*EEK4 8,YR H&S >E B1UTI;L1 ,LAUR54 ,I
NOTIC$--0 ,HE BROKE (F1 FEEL+ T HE 0
PROBABLY MAK+ A FOOL ( HMF1 B !N W5T ON1
8,I NOTIC$ !M T F/ NI<T WE 7 AT D9N]
TGR40 ,8 F+]S SMOO!D D[N H] SL5D]
C.T]"PS4 8,IF !Y >E1 X'S F H\RS AT !
PIANO1 ,I SUPPOSE4 ,MY "F ONCE TOLD ME
MY H&S 7 L MY "M'S4 ,%E PLAY$1      #bib
TOO40 8,D Y MISS X80 8,YES10 %E ADMITT$
R1DILY4 8,I SUPPOSE MY MUSIC IS = ME :AT
RID+ ! L9E IS = Y40 ,HE /UDI$ ! H& 9 8 )
! APPRECI,N ( AN >T 3NOISSEUR =A
MA/]PIECE4 ,BR++ X BACK 6HIS M\?1 8
T;GUE BRU%$ EA* F+]TIP4 ,LAUR5'S EYES
CLOS$4 ,8 LIPS MOV$ 6H] WRI/1 & :5 H]
RU6L$ CUFF OB/RUCT$ HM1 8 ?UMB SLIPP$ 2T
! BUTTONS & BUTTONHOLES & LAID B>E H]
TRANSLUC5T SK94 8,Y'RE S S(T10 HE
MURMUR$ Z 8 LIPS C>ESS$ H] WRI/4 8,Y
MAKE "EY?+ SEEM S UNCOMPLICAT$1 S '''0
,8 ^WS TRAIL$ (F Z HE BURI$ 8 LIPS 9 !
S(T CU%ION ( H] PALM4 ,H] HE>T FLUTT]$
]RATIC,Y :5 %E FELT ! MOI/ W>M? ( 8
T;GUE SLID+ S5SU\SLY OV] H] FLE%4 ,HE
RAIS$ 8 H& & TRAIL$ A F+] D[N H] *EEK Z
8 EYES TRAVEL$ H] FACE 2SEE*+LY4
8,LAUR51 ;,I--0 8,J>$40 ,:AT"E HE 0 GO+
6SAY 0 >RE/$ BY ,OLIVIA'S IMP]I\S
9T]RUP;N4 8,C>SON IS WAIT+ 6G OV] T LA/
GR\P ( FIGURES 2F WE CALL X A NI<T4
,LAUR51 DE>1 "!'S NO NE$ = Y 6WAIT UP40
,J>$'S M\? T5S$ 96A ?91 H>D L9E &!
MUSCLES ( 8 FACE 2CAME RIGID Z HE   #bic
PU%$ HMF \ (! *AIR & /RODE F ! ROOM4
,LAUR5 RETRIEV$ H] %OES & H] BOOK &1 AF
TURN+ (F ! LAMP1 FAC$ ! DOOR4 ,OLIVIA'S
TALL FIGURE 0 / SILH\ETT$ 9 ! DOORWAY4
,Z ,LAUR5 CAME CLOS]1 %E SAW T "O (
,OLIVIA'S BLACK EYEBR[S 0 RAIS$
SPECULATIVELY4 8,GDNI<T1 ,LAUR510 %E SD
COLDLY4 8,GDNI<T40 ,Z %E M.T$ ! /AIRS1
,LAUR5 CD FEEL H] "M-IN-LAW'S PI]C+ EYES
BOR+ 96H] BACK4 99 99 99 ,LAUR5 W5T D[N
6! KIT*5 ! FOLL[+ MORN+ 6ASK IF %E CD
HELP ,ROSA ) H] PREP>,NS =! ,?ANKSGIV+
M1L4 ,%E 0 ASSUR$ T ?+S 7 WELL "UWAY4
,EL5A 0 SORT+ LAUNDRY AT A "W TA#4 ,:5
,LAUR5 0 AB 6L1VE ! KIT*51 %E (F]$ 6TAKE
H] ?+S UP/AIRS & SAVE ! GIRL ! /EPS4
8,I'LL TAKE ,J>$'S ?+S1 TOO10 %E (F]$ Z
,EL5A PIL$ H] >MS ) FRE%-SMELL+ CLO!S4
,! /IFF1 />*$ :ITE DRESS %IRTS &!
S(T-COLOR$ "OS ,J>$ WORE ON ! TRAIL 7
A4$ TO ,LAUR5'S LOAD4 ,%E W5T UP ! /AIRS
QKLY & TAPP$ ON ,J>$'S DOOR4 ,"! 0 NO
RESPONSE4 ,%E 0 AB 6CALL \ 6HM1 :5 %E
HE>D SPLA%+ S.DS -+ F "O (! BA?ROOMS D[N
! HALLWAY4 ,6H] K1 HE _H N"E US$ !  #bid
BA?ROOM T 3NECT$ _! ROOMS4 ,9DECISIVELY
%E /OOD \TSIDE 8 SLI<TLY OP5$ DOOR4 ,:AT
CD X HURT8 %E ASK$ H]F Z %E EAS$ ! DOOR
AJ> F> 5 = H] 6SLIP 9SIDE4 ,! ROOM 0
SIMPLY FURNI%$4 ,A B$ )A TALL OAK
H1DBO>D O3UPI$ "O WALL4 ,A MASSIVE
W>DROBE FILL$ ANO!R4 ,A BUR1U1 -PLETE )
%AV+ MIRROR1 WA%B[L1 & PIT*]1 /OOD 9 !
CORN]4 ,! ONLY O!R PIECE ( FURNITURE 0 A
TALL W+ *AIR4 ,! BR[N /RIP$ CURTA9S AT !
W9D[ _H BE5 PU%$ ASIDE 6LET 9 ! SUNLI<T4
,! B$ _H BE5 N1TLY MADE )A SPR1D T MAT*$
! CURTA9S4 ,"! 0 NO SIGN ( 4ORD] >.D H]
Z %E CROSS$ ! DECID$LY MASCUL9E ROOM
T[>D ! BUR1U4 ,%E C>E;LLY L[]$ ! /ACK (
%IRTS ONTO XS GLOSSY SURFACE & 0 TURN+
6L1VE :5 "S?+ CAU<T H] EYE4 ,APP>5TLY
,J>$ _H EMPTI$ 8 POCKETS ONTO ! TOP (!
BUR1U ! NI<T 2F4 ,%E /UDI$ ! ITEMS
CURI\SLY4 ,A TORTOISE%ELL POCKET -B4
,DID HE "E USE X8 %E ASK$ H]F )A FOND
SMILE4 ,CO9S ( E DENOM9,N4 ,A ROLL (
BILLS4 ,%E RECOGNIZ$ 8 POCKET WAT* ) XS
GOLD *A94 ,?REE PIECES ( PAP]1 D\BT.S
RECEIPTS ( "S K9D1 EA* FOLD$ N1TLY  #bie
9 TWO4 ,A KEY R+ ) SIX BRASS KEYS4 ,A
T9Y BOX ( MAT*ES4 ,&-- ,H] HE>T /OPP$ =A
MO;T4 ,:5 X />T$ AG1 X B1T S RAPIDLY T
%E COV]$ X ) H] H&1 5FOLD+ H] WAT* 9
TREMBL+ F+]S4 ,"!1 W9D+ XS WAY "? ! O!R
ITEMS1 GL>+LY \ ( PLACE1 0 A SL5D]1 BLUE
SAT9 RI2ON4 ,A RI2ON M* L ! "OS : LAC$
"? ! *EMISES T ,MRS4 ,GI2ONS _H MADE =
H] 2F H] W$D+4 ,M* L ! "O %E _H LO/ ONLY
A FEW WEEKS AGO1 ! NI<T ,J>$ _H UNDRESS$
H] & PUT H] 6B$4 ,%E DIDN'T "K %E _H
SPOK5 8 "N UNTIL ! S(T1 WOND]+ :ISP]
VIBRAT$ "? ! / ROOM & J>R$ H] \ ( H]
/UPOR4 ,J Z WELL X DID1 = %E HE>D !
BA?ROOM DOOR D[N ! HALL OP5+4 ,SP9N+
>.D1 %E />$ AT ! DOOR "? : HE WD WALK
ANY MO;T4 ,%E M/N'T LET HM SEE H]6 ,%E
DA%$ T[>D ! DOOR OP5+ 96! BA?ROOM 3NECT+
6H] ROOM & PULL$ X OP54 ,%E _H J CLOS$ X
AF H] :5 %E HE>D HM 5T] 8 ROOM4 ,HE 0
HUMM+ S(TLY1 Q UNAW>E T HE _H CAUS$ AN
EMO;NAL AVALAN*E 9 ! BR1/ ( 8 "Y WIFE4
  ,*APT] #AF
  8,OLIVIA1 YR B.TI;L TA# N"E C1SES TO
AMAZE ME10 B1M$ ,P>K] ,VANDIV]4     #bif
,HE _H EAT5 S"EAL HELP+S ( TRADI;NAL
,?ANKSGIV+ FOOD1 & 0 5JOY+ "O LA/ GLASS
( W9E4 ,!Y 7 SITT+ AT ! TA# 9 ! SAME
>RANGE;T Z ON ! F/ O3A.N ! ,VANDIV]S _H
TAK5 A M1L )! ,LOCKETTS4 ,OLIVIA &
,C>SON SAT AT EI 5D1 ,P>K] & ,J>$ ON "O
SIDE1 ,LAUR5 & ,KURT ON ! O!R4 8,YES10
,KURT *IM$ IN4 8,"EY?+ 0 DELICI\S1 MADE
EV5 M 5JOYA# 0! B1UTI;L -PANY40 ,! H&
WRAPP$ >.D ,J>$'S W9EGLASS CL5*$1 !
KNUCKLES TURN$ :ITE1 & ,LAUR5 0 AMAZ$ T
! GLASS DIDN'T %ATT] "U ! PRESSURE4 ,%E
MOV$ AWAY F ,KURT1 8 PRES;E AT H] SIDE
2COM+ M UNBE>A# EA* M9UTE4 ,S9CE !Y _H
TAK5 _! *AIRS AT ! TA#1 8 ?ICK1 H1VY ?I<
_H PRESS$ AG/ H]S1 & HE US$ E OPPORTUN;Y
6L1N T[>D H]1 T\*+ H] 9 "S WAY4 ,%E
_HN'T LO/ H] AV].N =! ,VANDIV]S4 ,BO? "F
& SON REPELL$ H] )! BRUTAL /R5G? APP>5T
9 EA* MOVE ( _! HUSKY BODIES4 ,_! POLITE
3V]S,N & DEM1NOR1 %E 0 SURE1 /EMM$ F "S
SECRET ULT]IOR MOTIVE4 ,%E 0 GRATE;L TO
,C>SON :5 HE SU7E/$ !Y RETIRE 6! P>LOR =
C(FEE1 "!BY RELIEV+ H] ( SITT+ NEXT TO
,KURT4 8,WE 7 SORRY WE MISS$ Y :5   #big
WE VISIT$ ,KEYPO9T1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT10
,KURT SD Z "EY"O 0 S1T$ 9 ! =MAL ROOM4
,LAUR5 _H TAK5 A *AIR NEXT 6! FIREPLACE1
=SAK+ ! C\*ES = FE> T ,KURT WD SIT 2S
H]4 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T WANT 6LIE & SAY %E 0
SORRY %E _H MISS$ SEE+ !M1 TOO4 ,N "K+
:AT ELSE 6SAY1 %E REPLI$ TRU?;LLY1 8,J>$
& ,I W5T ON AN \T+ T "D40 ,NO "O NOTIC$
,OLIVIA'S %OCK$ FACE1 = ,J>$ 0 SAY+
CAU/IC,Y1 8,X 0 \R H"OYMOON1 REMEMB]80
,KURT MA9TA9$ 8 POISE4 8,YES1 S X WAS4
,DID Y L LIFE ON ! RAN*1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT80 8,X 0 A DI6]5T EXP]I;E = ME1
,MR4 ,VANDIV]4 ,I 5JOY$ ! UNIQUE;S ( X40
,:ILE %E RESPOND$ TO ,KURT'S "Q1 %E 0
REMEMB]+ ! NI<T 2F )A PANG ( WI/L;S4 ,%E
_H FELT S CLOSE 6H] HUSB& =! F/ "T4 ,:AT
_H HAPP5$ S9CE !N 6MAKE HM COLD &
UNAPPROA*A#8 ,2C X 0 A HOLI"D1 %E _H
WORN A NEW DRESS 9 A VIOLET-GRAY %ADE (
GEORGETTE1 "K+ T ! COLOR HI<LI<T$ H]
EYES4 ,IF ,J>$ _H TAK5 NOTE ( H]
APPE>.E1 HE _HN'T DEIGN$ 6-;T4 8,Y
OBVI\SLY L RAN*+1 ,J>$40 ,P>K] /UDI$ HM
%REWDLY4 8,YES10 ,J>$ RETORT$       #bih
%ORTLY & W5T 6! SIDEBO>D4 ,HE P\R$ A
L>GE GLASS ( :ISKEY & WALK$ 6! WIDE
W9D[S1 />+ \TSIDE1 8 ATTITUDE "O ( TOTAL
9DI6];E 6! RE/ ( !M4 ,YET ALL "? D9N]1 8
MOOD _H BE5 "O ( 3/RA9$ VIOL;E1 & ,LAUR5
0 APPREH5SIVE4 8,I'VE N"E _H ! "T 6LE>N
! 9S & \TS ( RAN*+4 ,MAYBE Y CD T1* ME
ALL AB X "S"T1 ,J>$40 ,J>$ TOOK A SWALL[
( 8 DR9K4 8,I'VE N"E _H "T =! 9S & \TS (
S*OOLT1*+1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]4 ,IF Y WANT TO
LE>N AB RAN*+1 ,I SU7E/ Y LE>N ! WAY
"EY"O ELSE DOES--0TRIAL & ]ROR4 ,T'S !
WAY ,B5 DID1 & X SEEM$ 6"W = HM40 ,HE
TURN$ ON 8 HEELS & FIX$ ,P>K] )A M5AC+
/>E4 8,& LE>N 6RAN* "S PLACE O!R ?AN
,KEYPO9T10 HE W>N$4 8,J>$1 H[ RUDE60
,OLIVIA *ID$ HM4 8,WE'RE BUSI;S "PN]S )!
,VANDIV]S N[40 ,%E SMIL$ REASSUR+LY AT
,P>K]4 8,N 9 RAN*+ WE'RE N40 ,J>$ TOSS$
D[N ! LA/ (! :ISKEY & TURN$ 6! W9D[1
PUTT+ 8 BACK 6!M AG4 ,AN AWKW>D SIL;E
DESC5D$ OV] ! ROOM4 ,OLIVIA FIDGET$ ) H]
C(FEE CUP4 ,C>SON COV]$ A PRET5D YAWN4
,LAUR5 LOOK$ BL1KLY AT ,J>$4 ,%E KNEW HE
FELT T ,KEYPO9T1 8 TRUE LOVE1 0     #bii
?R1T5$ 0^! UNSCRUPUL\S M54 8,I1 = "O1 AM
LOOK+ =W>D 6! GR.DBR1K+ C]EMONIES10
,C>SON 9T]JECT$ HE>TILY4 8,WE'VE >RANG$
FE/IVITIES =! 5TIRE POPUL,N 65JOY4 ,X %D
2 Q A CELEBR,N40 8,T'S ! _S1 ,C>SON10
,P>K] AGRE$4 8,WE WANT ! T[NSPEOPLE 6"K
T ? RAILROAD IS "S?+ !Y C ALL 2 PR\D (40
8,W Y 2 GO+ 6! C]EMONIES1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT80 ,KURT ASK$4 ,LAUR5 FL.D]$4
8,WELL1 ,I SUPPOSE S40 ,!N %E A4$4 8,)
MY HUSB&1 ( C\RSE40 ,NO "O _H A REJO9D]
6T1 S SIL;E DESC5D$ AG4 8,I WD LOVE A
GAME ( BRIDGE4 ,WD ANY"O ELSE 2 9T]E/$80
,OLIVIA'S GRE5 EYES SP>KL$1 & %E LOOK$
"Y] & GAY] ?AN ,LAUR5 _H "E SE5 H]4 ,%E
M/ H /OPP$ ! HE>T ( _M A ,NEW ,ORL1NS
BLADE :5 %E TURN$ ON ! *>M4 8,T WD 2
WOND];L4 ,LAUR51 WD Y 2 MY "PN]80 ,KURT
WALK$ OV] 6H] & EXT5D$ 8 BEEFY H&4 ,LOA?
6T\* X1 ,LAUR5 %RANK F HM4 ,& :5 _H HE
/>T$ CALL+ H] 0H] F/ "N8 ,)A BROAD YAWN1
,C>SON SD1 8,G AH1D1 ,LAUR54 ,OLIVIA W
PLAY ) ,P>K]4 ,I 4LIKE BRIDGE MYF40 ,HE
WALK$ T[>D ! DOOR1 SAY+ OV] 8 %\LD]1
8,I'M GO+ 96! LIBR>Y =A NAP4 ,WAKE  #cjj
ME :5 ! GAME IS OV]40 ,LAUR5 LOOK$
HELP.SLY T[>D ,J>$ Z HE /ORM$ \ (! ROOM
)\T SP1K+ 6ANY"O4 ,OLIVIA SMIL$ 6H]F4
,%E HAT$ 6ADMIT 6A FLA% ( 3C]N :5 ,LAUR5
_H M5;N$ _! 8\T+40 ,SURELY ,J>$ 0 SM>T 5
N 6GET 9VOLV$ )! *IT ANY M ?AN NEC4 ,B
IF HE WASN'T1 ,OLIVIA PLANN$ 6MAKE S* AN
9VOLVE;T DI6ICULT1 IF N 5TIRELY
IMPOSSI#4 ,!Y GA!R$ >.D ! GAME TA# 9 !
CORN] (! ROOM &! RU2] 0 SOON />T$4
,LAUR5 0 A# 6G "? ! MO;NS )\T 3C5TRAT+
TOO H>D4 ,H] M9D 0 ON ,J>$ & 8 ":ABS4
,%E DIDN'T ?9K HE _H LEFT ! H\SE4 ,:AT 0
HE DO+8 ,! RU2] W5T ON = H\RS4 ,C>SON
EV5TU,Y JO9$ !M &1 DIPLOMATIC,Y1 *E]$ F/
"O T1M & !N ! O!R4 ,:5 ,ROSA ANN\NC$ A
COLD BU6ET _H BE5 LAID \ 9 ! D9+ ROOM1
"EY"O PROTE/$ B /ROLL$ 96! ROOM & 2GAN
FILL+ _! PLATES ) LEFTOV] TURKEY1 SALAD1
& RELI%ES4 ,OLIVIA ASK$ ,ROSA 6FET*
,J>$4 ,!Y MOV$ BACK 96! P>LOR TOT+ _!
PLATES4 ,LAUR5 SAT ON "O (! SMALL C\*ES
9 ! %AD[S (! ROOM4 ,R1LIZ+ H] MISTAKE
TOO LATE 6MOVE1 %E SAW ,KURT /RID+ OV]
6H]4 8,Y DIDN'T GET M* 6EAT1        #cja
,LAUR510 HE SD Z HE SAT CLOSE 2S H]4 ,%E
MURMUR$1 8,I'M N V HUNGRY40 ,8 LOOM+
CLOSE;S WD H TAK5 AWAY ANY APPETITE %E
MI<T H _H4 8,Y DIDN'T GET ANY (! PICKL$
PEPP]S4 ,"H1 TRY "O40 ,HE LIFT$ "O (!
PEPP]S F 8 PLATE & (F]$ X 6H]4 ,%E
REMEMB]$ VIVIDLY ! F/ NI<T %E SP5T 9
,CORONADO &! 9NOC5T-LOOK+ TOMATOES
G>NI%+ ! B1NS4 8,NO1 ?ANK Y4 ,I DON'T L
!M40 ,%E %OOK H] H1D4 8,? ISN'T "O (!
HOT V>IETY4 ,X'S V MILD4 ,LOOK40 ,HE BIT
96! PEPP] & *EW$ X SL[LY & DELIB]ATELY
6%[ H] T HE SU6]$ NO ILL E6ECTS4 8,-E
ON1 ,LAUR540 ,HOP+ HE WD G AWAY IF %E
-PLI$1 %E L1N$ =W>D & TOOK A T9Y BITE 2T
H] TEE?4 ,%E SAT UP & PULL$ AWAY F HM Z
HE SMIL$ D[N AT H]4 ,:5 %E LOOK$ AWAY F
T VICTORI\S SMILE1 %E SAW ,J>$ /&+ "U !
PORTI]E WAT*+ !M4 ,8 FI/S 7 CL5*$ AT 8
SIDES1 ! MUSCLES ( 8 JAW "W+ FURI\SLY4
,8 EYES HELD A DEMONIC GL1M Z HE TOOK 9
! SC5E4 ,%E R1LIZ$ H[ 9TIMATE %E & ,KURT
M/ LOOK 6HM1 SITT+ TGR ON A C\* 9 !
%AD[S4 8,J>$40 ,H] VOICE 0 A /RANGL$
:ISP]4 ,KURT :IPP$ 8 H1D >.D1       #cjb
FOLL[+ H] GAZE4 ,HE SPOTT$ ,J>$ & NOT$ 8
FURY4 ,TURN+ BACK 6,LAUR51 HE *UCK$ H]
"U ! *9 PLAY;LLY4 8,SEE1 X DIDN'T HURT A
BIT40 ,%E PRACTIC,Y PU%$ HM F H] Z %E
/OOD & HURRI$LY FOLL[$ ,J>$1 :O _H SPUN
ON 8 HEELS & /ALK$ \ (! ROOM4 ,%E CAU<T
UP ) HM 9 ! HALL & R1*$ \ A H& 6RE/RA9
HM4 8,J>$40 ,%E CLE>$ H] ?ROAT4 8,J>$1
;,I--0 8,%UT UP60 HE B>K$ AT H] & J]K$ 8
>M AWAY4 ,8 FACE 0 3TORT$ ) RAGE4 ,%E
WANT$ 6%\T AT HM1 PL1D ) HM1 & /RIKE HM
ALL AT ! SAME "T4 ,ANY?+ 6ERASE ! ANGRY1
A3US+ LOOK ON 8 FACE4 ,ROSA 0 C[]+ AG/ !
WALL WI%+ %E CD ESCAPE UNSE54 ,LAUR5 SAW
H] &1 "K+ T 3CILI,N 0 HOPE.S1 W5T 6H]4
8,ROSA1 ,I'M GO+ UP 6MY ROOM4 ,I H A
H1DA*E4 ,WD Y PL1SE EXT5D MY APOLOGIES
6\R GUE/S80 8,S@I1 SE@NORA10 ,ROSA
:ISP]$1 HOP+ T ,J>$ WDN'T SAY ANY?+4 ,HE
DIDN'T1 B ONLY GL>$ AT 8 WIFE Z %E
RETR1T$4 99 99 99 ,J>$ LIT ANO!R CIG> &
FANN$ \ ! MAT* Z HE /OOD AT ! W9D[ ( 8
UP/AIRS ROOM4 ,HE WAT*$ ,LAUR5 Z %E
WALK$ SL[LY AL;G ! F;E T 5CIRCL$ ! FRONT
Y>D4 ,WASN'T %E COLD \ "!8 ,YES1    #cjc
%E WAS1 HE 3CLUD$ :5 HE SAW H] %IV]
SLI<TLY4 ,:AT 9 HELL 0 %E DO+ WALK+ >.D
9 ! FRONT Y>D 9 ! MI4LE (! NI<T8 ,!
,VANDIV]S _H F9,Y DE"P$4 ,X _H TAK5 E
\NCE ( SELF-3TROL ,J>$ POSSESS$ N 6KILL
,KURT ,VANDIV] ) 8 B>E H&S4 ,HE DIDN'T
REMEMB] "E 2+ S 3SUM$ ) ANG] & HATR$ J
AT ! M]E SI<T (A P]SON4 ,Z HE LEFT1
,KURT _H TURN$ 6,J>$ & SD1 8,I'LL LOOK
=W>D 6SEE+ Y AT ! GR.DBR1K+4 ,I HOPE
,LAUR5 IS FEEL+ BETT] 0!N4 ,I WD HATE =
H] N 6BE "!40 ,8 SMILE 0 MOCK+1 & ,J>$'S
FI/S CL5*$ AT 8 SIDES 6KEEP F SMA%+ !M
96T SMIRK+ FACE4 ,AF T1 HE _H SP5T S"EAL
H\RS GETT+ PROGRESSIVELY DRUNK]4 ,! S.D
( ,LAUR5'S SLIPP]S TAPP+ ON ! FLOOR (!
HALL _H P5ETRAT$ 8 ALCOHOL-2FU4L$ M9D1 &
HE LI/5$1 FOLL[+ _! PROGRESS4 ,X
SURPRIS$ HM :5 HE HE>D ! FRONT DOOR OP5+
& CLOS+4 ,F 8 FRONT W9D[1 HE SAW H] /EP
F ! POR* & WALK T[>D ! IRON GATE4 ,%E 0
WE>+ ! DRESS+ G[N HE _H SE5 2F1 H] HAIR
TRAIL+ D[N H] BACK4 ,%E FOLD$ H] >MS
TI<TLY 6W>D (F ! *ILL ,NOVEMB] AIR4
,BIT*6 HE ?"\ V9DICTIVELY4 ,%E 0    #cjd
PLAY+ X S COZY ) T ,VANDIV] BU6OON4 ,HE
_H BE5 "R AB H] ALL AL;G4 ,%E 0 A S*EM]1
AN OPPORTUNI/1 A :ORE :O T1S$ & TOR;T$ B
N"E CAME ACR4 ,WELL1 ,I DON'T GIVE A
DAMN1 HE SWORE4 ,B HE DID4 ,T 0 :AT
RANKL$4 ,HE DID C>E1 & X ATE AT 8 GUT E
"T HE SAW T ,VANDIV] BA/>D G ANY": NE>
H]4 ,J>$ WAT*$ H] N[ )! MOONLI<T %9+
SILV] ON H] HAIR4 ,%E L1N$ WE>ILY ON !
GATE & B[$ H] H1D1 "S ( H] HAIR FALL+
=W>D OV] H] *EEKS4 ,H] SL5D] BACK 0
\TL9$ 0! TRIM1 SNUG FIT (! DRESS+ G[N1
&)A GR[+ A*E 9 8 GRO91 ,J>$ REMEMB]$ H[
H] BODY LOOK$ "PI,Y CLO!D4 ,HE GULP$ !
:ISKEY 9 8 GLASS4 ,IF HE _H 6H A WIFE (
3V5I;E1 :Y CDN'T %E 2 UGLY8 ,:Y DID %E H
6BE ,LAUR58 ,8 SEXUAL EXPLOITS 7 WELL
"KN 9 ! CAPITAL C;Y1 & 9 O!RS Z WELL4
,:ORES VI$ =! *.E 6(F] HM _! S]VICES4 ,8
>D5T LOVEMAK+ 0 FOLL[$ 0A NON*ALANT1
TAKE-X-OR-L1VE-X ATTITUDE T *ALL5G$ E
WOMAN'S 9NATE FEM99E 9/9CTS4 ,P]V]SELY
!Y LOV$ HM = X4 ,B :5 HE _H BE5 9 ,AU/91
HE _H _H NO DESIRE 6FREQU5T ANY ( 8
USUAL HAUNTS4 ,LAUR5'S IMAGE 0      #cje
3/ANTLY 9 8 M9D1 L1V+ NO ROOM = O!RS4
,H] BODY 0 ! "O HE SAW 9 8 FANTASIES1 !
"O HE CRAV$4 ,FURI\S )! MONKLIKE EXI/;E
HE 0 L1D+1 HE _H F9,Y =C$ HMF 6G 6"O (!
MO/ EXCLUSIVE 8CLUBS0 9 ! C;Y4 ,HE 0
GREET$ 5?USIA/IC,Y4 ,"EY"O _H MISS$ HM4
,_H M>RIAGE SPOIL$ ,J>$ ,LOCKETT8 !Y
ASK$4 ,HE _H DRUNK :ISKEY4 ,HE _H GAM#D4
,B :5 X CAME "T 6*OOSE A WOMAN & RETIRE
) H] UP/AIRS1 HE 0 TIR$ ( PRET5D+ 65JOY
HMF4 ,/RIV+ = OBJECTIV;Y1 HE SURVEY$ !
WOM5 4PLAY$ PROVOCATIVELY 2F HM4 ,? "O 0
TOO H1VY4 ,T "O'S HAIR 0 TOO BRASSY4
,ANO!R "O 0 TOO CO>SE4 ,& S X W5T4
,F9,Y1 4GU/$ )! PLACE & M S ) HMF1 HE
MUM#D "S LAME EXCUSE & RETURN$ 6HIS
HOTEL ROOM4 ,LY+ AL"O ON ! B$1 ! H>D
?RO2+ 2T 8 ?I<S PA9;LLY DEM&$ ASSUAGE;T4
,HE RESORT$ 6A M1NS T _H BE5 UNNEC S9CE
E>LY ADOLESC;E4 ,AFW1 Z HE 0 DRIFT+ (F
6SLEEP1 HE 3V9C$ HMF T X 0 PURELY AN
A3ID5T T X _H BE5 ,LAUR5'S "N HE _H CRI$
96HIS PILL[ :5 ! TUMULT CAME4 ,I "\ TO
L1VE "R N[4 ,IF ,I DID1 ,I CD TUM# S"EAL
GD :ORES 2F MORN+4 ,B HE DIDN'T     #cjf
WANT ANY"O ELSE4 ,NO1 HE DECID$4 ,:AT ,I
"\ 6D IS ACT L A MAN & TUM# MY [N WIFE4
,LAUR5 0 WALK+ SL[LY BACK T[>D ! H\SE4
,:Y N8 HE ?"\4 ,%E IS MY WIFE1 ISN'T %E8
,%E FLIRTS ) "EY"O F ! L[LIE/ VAQU]O AT
,KEYPO9T 6,KURT ,VANDIV]1 & ,GOD "KS H[
_M O!RS :5 ,I'M N >.D4 ,:Y N8 ,HE TOOK
"O LA/ L;G SWALL[ (! LIQUOR 2F HE /A7]$
\ 96! HALL4 99 99 99 ,LAUR5 _H BE5
MIS]A# :5 %E RETIR$ 6H] ROOM PL1D+ A
H1DA*E4 ,%E ?REW H]F ACR H] B$ & CRI$ Z
%E _H N D"O 9 A L;G "T4 ,! TE>S 7 BITT]1
ANGRY "OS1 & _H NO H1L+ PROP]TIES4 ,%E
_H DR5*$ H] H&K]*IEF &! PILL[CASE 2F !
TE>S RAN \ & !N %E CRI$ 9 DRY SOBS4
,EL5A _H KNOCK$ & 9QUIR$ AB H]1 B ,LAUR5
S5T H] AWAY ) REASSUR.ES T %E 0 FEEL+
BETT]1 & ONLY NE$$ A GD NI<T'S SLEEP4
,%E HE>D ,J>$ :5 HE CAME UP/AIRS & W5T
96HIS ROOM4 ,! H\SE _H BE5 QUIET = "S "T
:5 %E UNDRESS$ & CLIMB$ 96B$4 ,SLEEP
ELUD$ H]4 ,E "T %E CLOS$ H] EYES1 ,J>$'S
ANGRY FACE ROSE UP 2F H]4 ,! LIPS T _H
CURL$ 9 3TEMPT 7 S DI6]5T F ^? T _H
KISS$ H]4 ,! EYES T _H LOOK$ AT H]  #cjg
) S* 5M;Y 7 N ! SAME "OS T _H LOOK$ AT
H] T5D]LY OV] ! TOP ( 8 R$ B&ANA4 ,SEEK+
RESPITE F ! AGONIZ+ IMAGES1 %E DONN$ H]
ROBE & CREPT D[N/AIRS & \TSIDE 6GET "S
FRE% AIR4 ,! NI<T 0 QUIET & B1UTI;L4
,"EY?+ 0 BA!D 9 SILV] MOONLI<T4 ,! />S 7
BRILLIANT & CLOSE4 ,LAUR5 0 N"E SURE :5
! ?"\ TOOK =M & SOLIDIFI$ 9 H] M9D1 B
ALL (A SU45 X 0 "!4 ,I AM 9 LOVE ) ,J>$
,LOCKETT4 ,I LOVE ,J>$4 ,N"E 2F _H %E
"KN ! M1N+ (! ^W 9 ALL XS SCOPE4 ,N"E _H
%E EXP]I;ED ? ALL-3SUM+ PAS.N4 ,E ?"\
RELAT$ 6,J>$4 ,EA* ^W %E SPOKE 0 WEI<$
AG/ :AT HE WD ?9K ( X4 ,) "EY?+ %E DID1
NO MATT] H[ TRIVIAL1 %E SECRETLY S"\ 8
APPROVAL4 ,HE DOM9AT$ H] M9D4 ,%E WANT$
6%>E 8 TOR;TS Z WELL Z 8 JOYS4 ,0 ?
LOVE8 ,DID X ALW BR+ S M* PA98 ,%E LOV$
,J>$4 ,SMIL+ 6H]F1 %E BASK$ 9 H] SECRET
K Z %E W5T BACK 96! H\SE & CLIMB$ !
/AIRS4 ,J>$ 0 /&+ 2H ! DOOR 9 H] ROOM1 S
%E DIDN'T SEE HM UNTIL %E %UT X4 ,%E
/IFL$ A />TL$ SCR1M4 8,J>$1 Y SC>$ ME \
( MY WITS10 %E GASP$1 HOLD+ A H& AG/ H]
?UMP+ HE>T4 8,:AT D Y WANT80 ,HE 0  #cjh
BAL.ED ON ! BALLS ( 8 FEET Z IF AB TO
P\NCE4 ,%E NOTIC$ =! F/ "T T HE REEK$ (
:ISKEY & 8 GOLD5 EYES %"O MANIAC,Y4 ,8
%IRT 0 OP5$ &! %IRTTAIL HUNG >.D 8 HIPS4
8,J>$80 %E SD TREMUL\SLY1 & TOOK A /EP
BACKW>D4 8,:AT D Y ?9K ,I WANT1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT80 ,8 VOICE 0 RASPY & H>%1 !
9FLEC;N ON H] "N UGLY4 ,HE LUNG$ AT H]1
CORN]+ H] AG/ ! WALL4 ,8 LIPS SWOOP$ D[N
ON H]S 9 A BRUTAL KISS T TORE H] LIPS
A"P4 ,A RAPACI\S T;GUE PLUNG$ 96H] M\? Z
HE PRESS$ 8 H>D BODY AG/ H]S4 ,! BUCKLE
ON 8 BELT G\G$ H] /OMA*4 ,8 KNEE PL[$ 2T
H] ?I<S1 ?RU/+ !M A"P4 ,LAUR5 _H BE5 S
/UNN$ AT F/ T %E _HN'T REACT$4 ,N[ %E
PANICK$4 ,%E F"\ HM 9E6ECTU,Y ) H] FI/S1
B1T+ HM AB 8 H1D & %\LD]S4 ,%E TWI/$ H]
FACE FREE1 SO2+1 8,NO1 ,J>$4 ,PL1SE1
NO60 8,NO8 ,:Y N80 HE GR[L$ "? CL5*$
TEE?4 8,Y >E MY WIFE1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT4 ,S
D YR DUTY 0ME4 ,Y'VE GIV5 X AWAY 6"EY"O
ELSE1 & ,I WON'T 2 D5I$ ANY L;G]40 ,%E
RECOGNIZ$ ! ILLOGICAL R1SON+ 9DUC$ BY
ALCOHOL1 B "P ( :AT HE SD 0 ! TRU?4 ,%E
0 8 WIFE4 ,8 ^WS REV]B]AT$ 9 H]     #cji
H1D L AN E*O4 ,%E 0 8 WIFE4 ,%E /OPP$
/RU7L+ IMMLY1 & HE ALM LO/ 8 BAL.E4 ,%E
MADE NO EF=T 6/OP HM Z HE J]K$ OP5 H]
ROBE & RIPP$ ! %E] NI<TG[N F NECK 6WAI/4
,HE F1/$ 8 FEV]$ EYES ON H] BR1/S1 COV]+
!M R\<LY ) 8 H&S & SQUEEZ+ )! 9T5;N (
HURT+ H]4 ,EXPECT+ A REAC;N & GETT+ N"O1
X F9,Y REGI/]$ ) HM T %E WASN'T FI<T+4
,HE LOOK$ 96H] EYES4 ,%E RETURN$ 8 GAZE
/1DILY1 LEVELLY1 )\T FE>4 ,X 0 ! LOOK (A
SMALL ANIMAL T (F]S UP ! JUGUL> 6XS
PR$ATOR :5 X ADMITS T /RU7L+ IS FUTILE4
,IF %E _H P\R$ COLD WAT] ON HM1 %E CDN'T
H EXT+UI%$ ! FIRES ( PAS.N M ?OR\<LY4
,HE /OOD MO;N.S 2F H]1 BR1?+ H1VILY4 ,AF
L;G MO;TS RIFE ) SUPPRESS$ EMO;N1 HE RAN
8 H& "? 8 HAIR1 MAK+ A VALIANT EF=T TO
REGA9 A MODICUM ( DIGN;Y4 ,HE L1N$ AG/
H]1 B N )! LU/ (A MO;T 2F4 ,8 H1D RE/$
AG/ ! WALL ABV H]S & HE ROLL$ 8 =EH1D F
"O SIDE 6ANO!R Z IF 9 AGONY4 ,%E FELT 8
H&S AT H] BR1/S1 B R1LIZ$ HE 0 PULL+ TGR
! FRONT ( H] DRESS+ G[N 6HIDE H] NAK$;S4
,:5 8 BR1?+ _H RETURN$ 6NORMAL1 HE BACK$
AWAY1 HOLD+ A LOCK ( H] HAIR 2T 8   #caj
F+]S4 ,Z HE MOV$ BACKW>D1 HE KEPT ! /R&
9 8 H& UNTIL X 0 EXT5D$ XS FULL L5G?1 &
!N HE LET X FALL F 8 F+]S A LL AT A "T4
,HE WAT*$ E HAIR Z X FILT]$ "? 8 F+]S1
FALL+ 6LIE AG/ H] %\LD]4 ,!N HE TURN$ &
LEFT ! ROOM1 CLOS+ ! DOOR S(TLY 2H HM4
,LAUR5 SLUMP$ 6! FLOOR & MU6L$ H] SOBS )
! FABRIC ( H] G[N4 ,J>$ 0 G"O ! NEXT
MORN+4 ,HE _H RETURN$ 6,AU/94 ,A WEEK
LAT]1 ,LAUR5 A3EPT$ ! DELIV]Y (A
BR&-NEW1 BABY GR& PIANO4 ,X _H BE5
PUR*AS$ = H] 0"O ,MR4 ,J>$ ,LOCKETT4
  ,*APT] #AG
  ,! DATE (! GR.DBR1K+ C]EMONY =! NEW
RAILROAD 0 SET = ,DECEMB] FIFTE5?4
,"EY"O HOP$ T ! ,TEXAS W1!R WD COOP]ATE4
,! COLLECTIVE _S (! T[NSPEOPLE 0 SO>+ )
EXCITE;T & ANTICIP,N4 ,! MUNICIPAL B&
GA!R$ = JO9T REHE>SALS )! HI< S*OOL B&4
,SPEE*MAK]S WROTE & REWROTE _! SPEE*ES4
,GAMES 7 ORGANIZ$ & Y>DS ( BUNT+ 7 TAK5
\ ( /ORAGE 6BE US$ 9 DECORAT+ ! PLAT=M T
0 2+ ERECT$ 9 ! C5T] (! P>K4 ,LAUR5 _H
SP5T 3SID]A# "T AL"O :ILE ,J>$ 0 AWAY4
,%E _HN'T YET RECOV]$ F ! %OCK ( 8  #caa
ATTACK ,?ANKSGIV+ NI<T4 ,AG HE _H %[N H]
T SIDE ( 8 "* T 0 VIOL5T & F"R5+4 ,%E
KNEW T MO/ ( 8 ANG] T NI<T _H BE5 BR"\
ON 0! ,VANDIV]S' PRES;E 9 8 H\SE4 ,-P.D
T ) 8 SEE+ H] ) ,KURT1 & !N 0! ALCOHOL
HE _H 3SUM$1 &! RESULTS W]5'T TOO
SURPRIS+4 ,LAUR5 / TREM#D Z %E RECALL$ 8
FACE Z HE L[]$ X 6H]S 9 A P>ODY (
ROMANTIC PAS.N4 ,HE _H 9T5D$ 6PUNI% H]
PHYSIC,Y1 B _H W.D$ H] _S 9/1D4 ,IF %E
CD HATE HM1 ?+S WD 2 EASI]4 ,B LOV+ HM1
8 9SULTS HURT EV5 M4 ,! T5D] WAY HE _H
T\*$ H] HAIR 2F HE LEFT T NI<T _H ALM
BE5 H] UNDO+4 ,! ANGUI% & SU6]+ %E _H
R1D 9 8 EYES 7 M ?AN %E CD BE>4 ,_H HE
WANT$ 6APOLOGIZE8 ,DID MASCUL9E PRIDE
PREV5T HM F EXPRESS+ 8 REGRET8 ,:5 !
PIANO 0 2+ UNLOAD$ F ! WAGON S5T 6DELIV]
X1 %E _H CRI$4 ,0 ? SUPPOS$ 6BE A
SUB/ITUTE = 8 RESPECT & A6EC;N8 ,X 0 A
G5]\S1 B1UTI;L GIFT1 B %E WD H PREF]R$
"O K9D1 G5TLE1 C>+ ^W F ,J>$'S LIPS4 ,AF
%E _H ?"\ AB X =A L;G :ILE1 %E R1LIZ$ T
,J>$ DIDN'T "K H[ 6ASK H] =GIVE;S4 ,%E1
M ?AN ANY"O1 _H -E 6"K H[ FI]CE 8   #cab
PRIDE WAS4 ,HE WD N"E V]BALIZE AN
APOLOGY1 S HE _H S5T H] ! EXP5SIVE PIANO
Z 8 P1CE (F]+4 ,LAUR5 PLAY$ ! 9/RU;T E
"D4 ,HAV+ N PLAY$ = MON?S1 H] F+]S _H
2COME /IFF & H] T\* LACK$ ! FLUID;Y T %E
_H BE5 CAPA# ( 2F4 ,%E PRACTIC$ =A WEEK
2F %E FELT %E _H REGA9$ "S SEMBL.E ( H]
=M] TAL5T4 ,%E 0 PLAY+ ON ! AFN ,J>$
RODE 96! Y>D ON ,*>G]4 ,HE SL[$ 8 HORSE
:5 HE F/ HE>D ! MUSIC4 ,HE SLIPP$ F !
SA4LE & NO4$ ABS5TLY Z ,PEPE CAME RUNN+
F ! /A#4 ,HE REL9QUI%$ C>E (! ANIMAL TO
,PEPE & WALK$ ON LI<T FOOT/EPS UP ! /EPS
6! FRONT DOOR4 ,HE DIDN'T WANT 64TURB H]
PLAY+1 & HE 0 ANXI\S Z 6:AT H] ATTITUDE
T[>D HM WD BE4 ,HE _H N"E _H 6RESORT TO
RAPE 9 8 LIFE4 ,& !N 6TRY 6RAPE 8 [N
WIFE6 ,GODALMI<TY6 ,HE 0 BRIMM+ )
SELF-LOA?+ & 4GU/4 ,:AT WD %E D :5 %E
SAW HM8 ,PROBABLY CLUT* H] CLO!S 6H]
BODY & FLEE 9 T]ROR4 ,HE CDN'T BLAME H]4
,SLIPP+ QUIETLY 96! HALL & %UTT+ ! FRONT
DOOR1 HE CREPT ON TIPTOE T[>D ! P>LOR1
RAIS+ 8 HEELS HI< (F ! FLOOR 6KEEP 8
SPURS F J+L+4 ,LAUR5 SAW HM !       #cac
9/ANT HE /OOD "U ! PORTI]E4 ,HE LOOK$ M*
Z HE _H :5 HE _H 9VAD$ H] B$ROOM T F/
"T4 ,! CLO!S1 HAT1 HOL/]1 BOOTS1 "EY?+ 0
! SAME EXCEPT = 8 DEM1NOR4 ,!N HE _H BE5
S>DONIC & >ROGANT4 ,TD HE LOOK$ L A %Y
LL BOY4 ,HE MELT$ H] HE>T1 BANI%$ H]
FE>;L RES]VE4 8,J>$60 %E CRI$4 ,H] FACE
0 WR1!D 9 SMILES Z %E /OOD QKLY & W5T TO
HM4 8,?ANK Y =! PIANO4 ,I C'T TELL Y H[
M* ,I LOVE X4 ,?ANK Y40 ,%E /OOD ON H]
TOES & KISS$ 8 *EEKS 9 TURN1 LI<TLY4 ,HE
0 S TAK5 ABACK 0H] RECEP;N T HE /OOD
MUTE1 />+ 96! SP>KL+ GRAY EYES4 ,!Y HELD
NO A3US,N1 NO ANG]1 NO REVUL.N4 ,HE 0
-PLETELY BA6L$4 ,H] H&S / RE/$ LI<TLY ON
8 %\LD]S4 ,! FRAGR.E HE _H -E 6ASSOCIATE
) H] WAFT$ UP 6HM4 ,H] -PLEXION LOOK$
W>M & ROSY4 ,H] LIPS 7 S(TLY "P$1 9VIT+1
EXPECTANT4 ,X 0 ALL TOO M*4 ,:5 HE DREW
H] 6HM1 X 0 ) EXTREME CAU;N1 Z ?\< %E
MI<T REBUFF 8 EMBRACE4 ,HE MOAN$ )
GRATITUDE :51 ALL TOO WILL+LY1 %E FIT H]
BODY AL;G HIS4 ,8 >MS W5T >.D H] C>E;LLY
Z HE BURI$ 8 FACE 9 ! RI* GLOSSI;S ( H]
HAIR4 ,:5 8 LIPS MET H]S1 !Y 7      #cad
SUPPLIANT4 ,AT H] IMM1 SWEET1 ACQUIESC5T
RESPONSE1 HE GREW BOLD] & TRAC$ H] L[]
LIP )! TIP ( 8 T;GUE4 8,J>$10 %E BR1!D1
2F 8 9VAD+ T;GUE PROHIBIT$ SPEE*4 ,HE
KISS$ H] FRANTIC,Y1 L A MAN :O _H BE5
DOOM$ 6DIE & !N _H BE5 GRANT$ A
REPRIEVE4 ,?IR/ILY HE DRANK ( H] M\?4
,F9,Y !Y DREW A"P1 REGRET;LLY4 8,:Y
DON'T Y TAKE (F YR HAT & /AY A:ILE80 %E
ASK$ %AKILY4 ,%E R1*$ UP & PULL$ ! HAT F
8 H1D1 CLUT*+ X QKLY & TI<TLY 6H] BOSOM
2F H&+ X BACK 6HM4 8,WD Y L "S?+ 6DR9K80
8,N-NO1 ?ANK Y1 ,LAUR54 ,I'M N ''' N
?IR/Y40 8,WD Y L 6HE> ME PLAY "S?+8
,MAYBE Y DON'T ?9K MY TAL5TS W>RANT S* A
MAGNIFIC5T PIANO40 8,I HE>D Y F \TSIDE4
,X 0 ''' ,Y PLAY V WELL40 8,SIT D[N &
RELAX10 %E 9VIT$ G5TLY Z %E RETURN$ 6!
PIANO4 ,HE SAT ON ! $GE (! S(A1 AW>E ( 8
DU/Y CLO!S4 ,HE FELT GAU*E & AWKW>D4
,:AT ! HELL 0 ! MATT] ) HM8 ,%E PLAY$
S"EAL SELEC;NS1 & HE />$ 9 FASC9,N AT H]
H&S Z !Y FLITT$ OV] ! IVORY KEYS4 ,H]
BACK 0 /RAI<T1 H] H1D TILT$1 T5DRILS (
BLACK CURLS _H ESCAP$ ! 3F9ES ( H]  #cae
*IGNON DUR+ _! KISS & 7 RE/+ ON H] *EEKS
& NECK4 ,= J A MO;T1 ,J>$ FELT A H>D
LUMP =M+ 9 8 ?ROAT4 ,HE 0 GO+ 6MAKE A
DAMN FOOL ( HMF IF HE DIDN'T GET \ ( "H4
,HE /OOD ABRUPTLY & SD1 8,X'S B1UTI;L1
,LAUR54 ,Y PLAY BETT] ?AN ANY"O ,I'VE "E
HE>D4 ,I'VE GOT 6G UP/AIRS N[4 ,CL1N UP
& ALL40 ,HE FL$ ! ROOM4 ,LAUR5'S F+]S 7
POIS$ OV] ! KEYS ": !Y _H HALT$ :5 HE
TOOK 8 HA/Y EXIT4 ,?"\;LLY %E 2GAN 6PLAY
AG4 ,! MUSIC FOLL[$ ,J>$ UP/AIRS & 96HIS
ROOM4 99 99 99 ,"O ADAGE ,LAUR5 _H HE>D
(T5 S9CE %E _H -E 6,TEXAS 0 T IF "! 0
ANY?+ PREDICTA# AB ,TEXAS W1!R1 X 0 T X
0 UNPREDICTA#4 ,NO "O WD H BET T A
,DECEMB] "D 9 ,CORONADO WD H DAWN$ CLE>
& CRISP1 P]FECT =! ACTIVITIES PLANN$ = T
AUSPICI\S "D4 ,= ,C>SON ,WELLS'S SAKE1
,LAUR5 0 GLAD ? 0 S4 ,HE _H WORRI$1 "W$1
& PLANN$ UNTIL %E ?"\ HE WD EXPLODE 2F !
"D (! GR.DBR1K+ C]EMONIES F9,Y >RIV$4 ,!
,LOCKETTS & ,C>SON GA!R$ 9 ! D9+ ROOM TO
%>E AN ENORM\S BR1KFA/ 2F !Y LEFT =!
SITE (! NEW DEPOT4 ,J>$ LOOK$ DA%+ 9
BLACK BRIT*ES TUCK$ 96HIS HI<1      #caf
BLACK BOOTS1 BLACK COAT OV] A :ITE %IRT1
& BUTT]-COLOR$ L1!R VE/4 ,8 BLACK HAT _H
BE5 BRU%$ & HUNG ON ! HALL TREE4 ,OLIVIA
MURMUR$ T %E WI%$ HE _H WORN DRESS
CLO!S4 ,HE IGNOR$ H]4 ,LAUR5 WORE A WOOL
SUIT ( DEEP BURGUNDY )A CR1M LACE BL\SE
"UN1?4 ,! SKIRT _H A HI< WAI/B& T CAME
6A PO9T 9 ! C5T] J "U H] BR1/S4 ,J>$ F.D
X H>D 6KEEP F />+ AT ! SPOT & WI%$ %E CD
L1VE (F ! JACKET 6! SUIT4 ,C>SON 0 N]V\S
& KEPT CLATT]+ 8 *9A & CUTL]Y UNTIL
,OLIVIA 2RAT$ HM & SD T HE 0 DRIV+ H] TO
4TRAC;N4 ,HE HUMBLY APOLOGIZ$ & SETTL$
D[N "S:AT4 ,LAUR5 P9N$ ON H] VEIL$ HAT4
,"! 0 A FLURRY ( GA!R+ UP GLOVES1 EXTRA
COATS 9 CASE A ,NOR!R %D BL[ IN1
BLANKETS1 FLASKS1 &1 AT ,ROSA'S 9SI/;E1
A BASKET ( S&WI*ES4 ,AT LA/1 !Y DE"P$4
,J>$ H&$ ,LAUR5 & 8 "M UP 96! BU7Y1 :ILE
,C>SON CLIMB$ 9 ) !M4 ,J>$ M.T$ ,*>G]1
^: GOLD5 COAT GL1M$ F ! BRISK BRU%+
,PEPE _H GIV5 HM T MORN+ AT ,J>$'S
9/RUC;NS4 8,:Y DON'T Y RIDE ) U1 ,J>$80
8,& LET ,*>G] MISS ALL ! FUN TD8 ,NO1
?ANK Y1 ,"M40 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT HM &  #cag
HE MET H] GAZE4 ,%E "U/OOD 8 PURPOSE4
,HE 0 %[+ "EY"O T DESPITE ! NEW BUSI;S
"UTAK+1 ,J>$ ,LOCKETT1 L 8 "F1 0 F/ &
=EMO/ A RAN*]4 ,PEPE GUID$ _! BU7Y "? !
TRA6IC4 ,"! 0 ALR A L>GE GA!R+ ( P AT !
GR.DBR1K+ SITE B !Y MOV$ ASIDE &
DEF]5TI,Y MADE ROOM =! PROM95T FAMILY :O
_H MADE ! DR1M (A RAILROAD A R1L;Y4
,LAUR5 0 AW>E ( CURI\S />ES4 ,%E FELT
SELF-3SCI\S Z ,J>$ CAME >.D 6H] SIDE (!
BU7Y & LIFT$ H] D[N1 TAK+ H] H& LI<TLY Z
HE L$ H] 6": ,C>SON & ,OLIVIA _H JO9$ !
O!R DIGNIT>IES4 ,! MAYOR ( ,CORONADO 0
"!1 A C.TY JUDGE1 ! /ATE REPRES5TATIVE F
! 4TRICT1 S"EAL CL]GYM51 &! ,VANDIV]S4
,J>$ HELD ,LAUR5'S H& "?\T ! MAYOR'S
SPEE*1 & REL1S$ X ONLY :5 X 0 8 TURN TO
SPADE A %OVEL;L ( DIRT4 ,LAUR5 0 PR\D TO
2 /&+ NEXT 6HM4 ,HE 0 PLAY+ 8 "P WELL1
%E ?"\ RUE;LLY4 ,IF %E 0 AW>E T !
T[NSFOLK WAT*$ E MOVE ( _! FAVORITE SON
& 8 NEW WIFE1 %E 0 C]TA9 T HE 0
COGNIZANT ( X1 TOO4 ,HE TR1T$ H] )
RESPECT;L POLITE;S1 B "! 0 NEW W>M? 9 !
AMB] EYES T GL.ED AT H] )           #cah
EMB>RASS+ FREQU5CY4 ,%E /IFL$ A S(T GASP
:5 8 ELB[ PRESS$ AG/ H] BR1/ Z HE HELD
H] H& "U 8 >M4 ,HE LOOK$ D[N AT H] QKLY1
B HE MADE NO EF=T 6REMOVE 8 >M4 ,MOV+ EN
MASSE 6! P>K1 !Y FIL$ ONTO ! PLAT=M T _H
BE5 ERECT$ 9 ! C5T] ( X =! (FICIAL
PROCE$+S4 ,! /ATE REPRES5TATIVE 9TRODUC$
,P>K] ,VANDIV]1 :O /EPP$ =W>D 6DELIV] A
FL[]Y SPEE* : EXTOLL$ ! ADVANTAGES (A
-MUN;Y -MITT$ 6GR[? & EXPAN.N4
,CORONADO1 HE PROCLAIM$1 0 S* A -MUN;Y4
8,? RAILROAD W PAVE ! WAY = M -M]CE1 M
OPPORTUN;Y1 M PR(ITS = ALL ! CITIZ5S ( ?
GRT C;Y4 ,WE >E PR\D 6H A SMALL "P 9
BR++ ? AB4 ,WE W WAT* ) EAG] 9T]E/ 6SEE
! PROGRESS Y MAKE4 ,WE WANT EA* "O ( Y
6R1LIZE ! POT5TIAL ? (F]S Y1 YR BUSI;S1
YR FAMILY4 ,WE W 2 EV5 M PL1S$ :5 WE C
RETURN 6ANN\NCE ! -PLE;N (! TRACK40 ,"!
0 A SMATT]+ ( APPLAUSE &A *UCKLE OR TWO4
8,"! IS A MAN N ) U TD :O ,I'M SURE WD H
%>$ 9 ? CELEBR,N4 ,MR4 ,B5 ,LOCKETT MADE
/RIDES = YE>S 6BR+ ? RAILROAD 6HIS
-MUN;Y40 ,LAUR5 RISK$ A QK GL.E AT ,J>$1
^: FACE _H TURN$ Z H>D Z /"O4 ,%E   #cai
PRAY$ HE CD RE/RA9 HMF4 8,B5 ,LOCKETT WD
H BE5 PR\D 6H /OOD "H TD & SE5 ! FRUITS
( ALL 8 LABORS4 ,WE GRIEVE 8 PASS+ & >E
GRATE;L 6HIS WID[ & SON1 :O 5DORSE ?
V5TURE :OLEHE>T$LY40 ,"! 0 A BUR/ (
APPLAUSE & *E]S F ! CR[D = ,B5 ,LOCKETT
& 8 FAMILY4 ,AF A FEW M M9UTES ( OV]BL[N
ORATORY1 ,P>K] ,VANDIV] TOOK 8 S1T4 ,!
MAYOR GRACI\SLY (F]$ ! PODIUM 6,J>$4 ,HE
POLITELY REFUS$4 ,! AUDI;E 0 4APPO9T$1 B
"S REMEMB]$ :5 HE _H BE5 HONOR$ AF ! W>4
,HE _H REFUS$ 6SP1K !N \ ( SORR[ = ^? N
=TUNATE 5 6-E HOME4 ,"! 7 MURMURS (
APPROVAL & NODS ( "U/&+4 ,!Y _H BE5
WORRI$ OV] "S ( 8 WILD ESCAPADES1 B
ANY"O ) EYES CD SEE T HE _H M>RI$ A R1L
LADY & 0 DEVOT$ 6H]4 ,M>RIAGE _H SETTL$
HM D[N4 ,NO D\BT AB X4 ,X 0 A GD ?+ T !
ATT5;N (! CR[D 0 RIVET$ ON ,J>$ & 8
WIFE1 = _H !Y BE5 WAT*+ ,OLIVIA1 !Y WD H
SE5 ! P]TURB$ EXPRES.N ON H] FACE4 ,%E 0
ANGRY ) H] SON = N PUBLICLY -M5D+ !
,VANDIV]S &! RAILROAD V5TURE4 ,!
=MALITIES 7 \ (! WAY1 & "EY"O 0 R1DY 6H
A GD "T4 ,B>RELS ( IC$-D[N BE] 7    #cbj
H1V$ ONTO WAGON B$S1 RELAY RACES 7
ORGANIZ$1 ! B& ASSEM#D 9 ! B&/& & 2GAN
PLAY+ _! LIMIT$ REP]TOIRE4 ,Z ,J>$ 0
HELP+ ,LAUR5 (F ! PLAT=M1 "O (! LOCAL
Y\?S CAME RU%+ UP 6HM4 ,! BOY'S FRECKL$
FACE 0 FLU%$1 & 8 C>ROT-R$ HAIR RADIAT$
F 8 H1D L A BURNI%$ HALO4 8,J>$1 ,J>$1
"!'S GONNA 2 A %OOT9' 3TE/ & !Y S5T ME
6FET* Y4 ,-E ON4 ,!Y'RE WAIT9'40 ,J>$
SMIL$ AT ! BOY'S EXUB].E4 8,LAUR51 MAY
,I PRES5T ,BILLY ,HOLT4 ,BILLY1 ,MRS4
,LOCKETT40 ,! BOY GAVE H] A P]FUNCTORY
NOD4 8,%OOT+ 3TE/1 HUH80 ,J>$ 3T9U$4
8,:Y DID !Y S5D Y AF ME1 ,BILLY80 8,AH1
HELLFIRE & DAMN,N6 ,Y "K--0 ,R1LIZ+ :AT
HE'D SD1 ,BILLY TURN$ SC>LET *EEKS T[>D
,LAUR54 8,OH1 P>DON ME1 ,MIZ ,LOCKETT10
HE GULP$4 ,N A# 6MEET H] EYES1 HE TURN$
BACK 6,J>$4 8,HELL1 ,J>$1 Y "K Y'RE !
BE/ GO4AM %OT ANY": >.D4 ,X WON'T 2 NO
K9DA 3TE/ ATALL IF Y A9'T 9 X40 ,HE 0 S
EXCIT$ T ! O!R EXPLETIVES ESCAP$
UNNOTIC$4 8,LAUR51 :AT D Y ?9K8 ,WD Y L
6SEE A %OOT+ 3TE/80 ,%E SMIL$ UP AT
,J>$4 8,X S.DS Z ?\< "EY"O W 2      #cba
4APPO9T$ IF Y DON'T 5T] X40 8,I'LL D X
ONLY IF Y'LL G ) ME & WAT*40 ,BILLY 0
HOPP+ F/ ON "O FOOT & !N ! O!R1 B>ELY A#
63TA9 8 5?USIASM4 8,PL1SE1 ,MIZ
,LOCKETT80 8,YES6 ,L1D ! WAY40 ,%E
LAU<$4 ,BILLY L1PT 96! AIR & :OOP$1 !N
RAC$ (F 6LET ! O!RS "K T ! /> ATTRAC;N 0
ON 8 WAY4 ,J>$ YELL$ = ,PEPE 6BR+ 8
HOL/] & PI/OL F ! BACK (! BU7Y4 ,LAUR5
LOOK$ UP AT HM 9 FEIGN$ EXASP],N4 8,Y
KNEW ALL AL;G "! WD 2 A 3TE/1 DIDN'T Y8
,& Y PLANN$ 65T] X40 8,WELL1 X'S NICE TO
2 BE7$ E ONCE 9 A :ILE40 ,HE GR9N$
5GAG+LY4 8,I J HOPE ,I DON'T HUMILIATE
MYF4 ,OBVI\SLY ,I H A REPUT,N 6MA9TA940
,!Y /ROLL$ OV] 6! M5 :O 7 GA!R+ =! 3TE/4
,"S 7 *ECK+ \ _! REVOLV]S & O!RS 7 PLAC+
BETS ON ! \TCOME (! MAT*4 ,! O4S 7
/R;GLY 9 ,J>$'S FAVOR4 ,BILLY & "S ( 8
COHORTS _H ASSEM#D BOTTLES & CANS =
T>GETS1 & 7 L9+ !M UP ON A F;E RAIL AB
?IRTY Y>DS AWAY F ! L>GE OAK TREE T S]V$
Z ! BASE4 ,J>$ TOOK (F 8 COAT & H&$ X TO
,LAUR5 Z ,PEPE BR"\ HM 8 HOL/]4 ,HE
*ECK$ ! ,COLT PI/OL1 TWIRL+ !       #cbb
*AMB]S & NO4+ 9 SATISFAC;N4 ,LAUR5
REMEMB]$ 2+ TOLD T VAQU]OS LOAD$ ONLY
FIVE (! *AMB]S 9 ! ,COLTS : MO/ ( !M
TOT$4 ,! F/ *AMB] 0 ALW KEPT EMPTY1
PREV5T+ EXCIT$ C[BOYS F %OOT+ _! [N
KNEES1 TOES1 OR FRS 9 A /RESS;L SITU,N4
,! GR.D RULES 7 LAID D[N 0,C>SON :OM1 X
APPE>$1 0 ! A3EPT$ REF]EE4 8,EA* MAN
TAKES ?REE %OTS4 ,"O MISS & HE'S
4QUALIFI$10 HE 9TON$4 ,! T5 M5 5T]+ !
3TE/ L9$ UP4 ,J>$ 0 LA/ 9 L9E 6%OOT4 ,HE
CAU<T A GLIMPSE ( ,KURT ,VANDIV] L1N+
NEGLIG5TLY AG/ A TREE4 ,HE WASN'T WAT*+
! 3TE/4 ,HE 0 WAT*+ ,LAUR54 ,J>$ LOOK$
T[>D H] & %E GAVE HM AN 5C\RAG+ SMILE4
,HE TURN$ 8 ATT5;N BACK 6! 3TE/4 ,X
2CAME BOR+ Z ALL (! GUNM5 PROV$ 6BE
EXP]T M>KSM54 ,B SL[LY1 "O 0"O1 !Y 2GAN
6MISS %OTS4 ,"! 7 ?REE 5TRIES LEFT1 ,J>$
AM;G !M1 :5 "S"O SU7E/$ T !Y 8FAN0 _!
HAMM]S & TRY 6HIT ?REE (! T>GETS4 ,! F/
MAN /EPP$ 6! L9E T _H BE5 DRAWN ON !
GR.D &1 :5 GIV5 ! SIGNAL1 FIR$ RAPIDLY
:ILE FANN+ ! HAMM] ( 8 PI/OL4 ,HE HIT
?REE (! T>GETS4 ,! SECOND MAN ONLY  #cbc
HIT TWO (! BOTTLES4 ,J>$ /EPP$ 6! L9E4
,HE PICK$ A *EROOT \ ( 8 BR1/ POCKET1
NON*ALANTLY /RUCK A MAT*1 & LIT ! CIG>1
DRAW+ ON X = S"EAL SECONDS :ILE "EY"O
/OOD /OCK-/ 9 ANTICIP,N & AWE AT 8
9SOUCI.E4 ,8 PI/OL 0 9 8 HOL/]1 ?\<
,LAUR5 _H SE5 HM LOAD+ X :ILE ! O!RS 7
%OOT+4 8,CALL X :5 Y'RE R1DY1 ,C>SON10
HE SD OV] 8 %\LD]4 8,Y'RE GO+ 6DRAW80
,C>SON ASK$ 9 AMAZE;T4 8,YES4 ,CALL X40
,HE SPOKE CALMLY1 ?\< ,LAUR5 CD S5SE 8
EXCITE;T4 ,C>SON %RU7$ & GAVE ! CALL4
8,DRAW60 ,)! SPE$ ( LI<TN+1 ,J>$ :IPP$ 8
PI/OL F ! HOL/] & L\D RETORTS SPEW$ F !
B>REL S FA/ T !Y S.D$ L "O 3T9U\S BLA/4
,:5 ! SMOKE CLE>$1 ! WIT;SES SAW ONLY "O
BOTTLE LEFT ON ! F;E4 ,HE _H HIT FIVE \
( SIX6 ,A GRT RO> W5T UP F ! ONLOOK]S &
O!R 3TE/ANTS4 ,BILLY 0 TURN+ SOM]SAULTS
9 ! W9T] GRASS4 ,LAUR5 CLAPP$ H] H&S 9
DELI<T4 ,J>$ TOOK ALL (! SLAPS ON 8 BACK
) CASUAL APLOMB4 8,GO4AM %OOT9' MA*9E1
T'S :AT40 8,QK]'N A MAD RATTL]40 8,HE>D
T ,RUDY ,M5DEZ IS J Z FA/4 ,Y C TELL T
SON(ABIT*9' ,B5 TAU<T !M BOYS H[    #cbd
6%OOT40 ,LAUR5 0 S WRAPP$ UP 9 ! -MO;N T
%E DIDN'T NOTICE ,KURT /&+ NE> H]4 8,X'S
A P;Y HE C'T 3TROL 8 DR9K+ Z WELL Z HE C
T ,COLT40 ,%E :IRL$ ON HM1 FURI\S4 ,B
,J>$'S APPROA* PREV5T$ H] F SNAPP+ A
REJO9D] TO ,KURT'S PETTY OBS]V,N4 ,9/1D
( WA/+ ?"\ ON HM1 %E 3GRATULAT$ ,J>$ Z
%E HELP$ HM PUT ON 8 COAT4 8,J>$1 Y 7
BRILLIANT40 ,UNDAUNT$1 ,KURT 9T]RUPT$
ANY RESPONSE ,J>$ MI<T H MADE4 8,LAUR51
,I H A SURPRISE = Y4 ,-E OV] "H4 ,I WANT
6%[ Y "S?+40 8,J>$80 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ UP AT
HM4 ,%E DIDN'T "K H[ 6REBUFF ,KURT )\T
MAK+ A SC5E = "EY"O 9 T[N 6SEE4 8,X'S
ALL "R1 ,LAUR54 ,I'D L 6SEE ? SURPRISE1
TOO40 ,J>$ TOOK H] >M POSSESSIVELY &
FOLL[$ ,KURT'S /OCKY FIGURE Z HE PL[$ 8
WAY "? ! ?R;G4 ,"! 0 A SMALL CLU/] ( P
GA!R$ >.D "S?+1 & ONLY :5 ,KURT RUDELY
%OV$ !M ASIDE DID ,LAUR5 SEE X 0 A
MOTORC>4 ,%E _H SE5 !M 9 ,NOR? ,C>OL9A1
"PICUL>LY ON H] TRIPS 6,RALEI<1 B %E _H
N"E SE5 "O 9 ,CORONADO4 ,APP>5TLY NO "O
ELSE _H EI1 2C ! AUTOMOBILE 0 CAUS+ Q A
/IR4 8,X'S AN ,OLDSMOBILE4 ,"O (!   #cbe
GASOL9E-P[]$ MODELS10 ,KURT BOA/$4 8,I
WANT 6TAKE Y =A RIDE 9 X1 ,LAUR540 ,!
AUTOMOBILE 0 B1UTI;L4 ,! SIDES & MOTOR
CAS+ 7 GLOSSY BLACK1 TRIMM$ 9 R$4 ,!
TIRES _H :ITE SIDES1 &! HUBS (! :EELS 7
R$4 ,! UPHOL/]Y 0 BLACK L1!R4 ,"! 7 TWO
BRASS LANT]NS M.T$ ON ! FRONT (! C>1 &
BRASS A35TS %"O ON ! /E]+ /ICK &A M.T$
HORN4 8,I ''' UH--0 8,I'M SURE YR
HUSB&10 HE /RESS$ ! ^W1 8WON'T M9D4 ,WD
Y1 ,J>$80 ,AW>E (! P /&+ 0LI/5+ 6E ^W1
,J>$ SMIL$ EXPANSIVELY & SD1 8,I ?9K
,LAUR5 WD 5JOY T V M*4 ,"H1 DE>1 LET ME
HELP Y40 ,%E SAW ! TI<T L9ES >.D 8 M\? Z
HE LIFT$ H] C>E;LLY 96! VEHICLE4 ,%E
WANT$ 6PROTE/1 B KNEW %E CDN'T4 ,KURT
W5T 6! FRONT (! C> & MADE A BIG %[ (
CRANK+ ! MOTOR4 ,X *URN$ 6LIFE )A
T]RIFIC RACKET4 ,RUNN+ >.D 6! DRIV]'S
SIDE1 HE VAULT$ 96! S1T 2S ,LAUR54
,UNCONSCI\SLY %E MOV$ H] SKIRT AWAY F 8
H1VY ?I<4 ,! GE>S 7 5GAG$ &! AUTOMOBILE
MOV$ =W>D4 ,LAUR5 CA/ AN ANXI\S LOOK
BACK AT ,J>$1 B HE 0 />+ AT ,KURT'S BACK
)A ?R1T5+ SC[L4 ,KURT TOOK ! ROAD   #cbf
T L$ D[N 6! RIV] & FOLL[$ NE> XS BANKS4
,!Y CROSS$ A N>R[ BRIDGE & 3T9U$ ON !
ROAD 6! OPPOSITE SIDE4 ,!Y 7 VIRTU,Y \ (
SI<T1 HI45 0! TREES T GREW AL;G !
RIV]BANK ON BO? SIDES4 ,"U O!R
CIRCUM/.ES1 %E WD H 5JOY$ ! RIDE1 B !
OM9\S PRES;E ( ,KURT MADE ,LAUR5 T]RIBLY
UNCOM=TA#4 8,>E Y HAV+ A GD "T80 HE ASK$
CLOSE 6H] E>4 8,X'S V PL1SANT40 ,%E
%IFT$ F>!R AWAY F HM ON ! N>R[ S1T4 ,HE
3T9U$ 6MANEUV] ! C> AL;G ! R\< ROAD1 &
,LAUR5 0 RELIEV$ T HE DIDN'T TRY 65GAGE
H] 9 3V]S,N4 8,I'D L 6G BACK N[10 %E SD4
8,J>$ W 2 WORRY+ AB ME40 ,HE LAU<$
HUMOR.SLY4 8,I'M N FOOL$ 0? S-CALL$
M>RIAGE1 ,LAUR54 ,SEP>ATE B$ROOMS1 ISN'T
X80 8,MY M>RI$ LIFE IS N"O ( YR BUSI;S1
,MR4 ,VANDIV]40 ,H] VOICE 0 H>D & COLD1
B H] *EEKS FLU%$ HOTLY4 ,8 SWIFT1
DERISIVE LOOK TOLD H] HE 0 N 3V9C$4 ,HE
DID1 H["E1 TURN ! AUTOMOBILE >.D1
RECROSS ! BRIDGE1 & RETRACE _! WAY BACK
6": !Y _H />T$4 ,! CR[D 0 / "!4 ,J>$ 0
L1N+ AG/ A TREE1 CASU,Y SMOK+ A CIG>4
,ONLY 8 FLA%+ EYES 9DICAT$ 8 ANG]4  #cbg
,9 8 HA/E 6GET \ & HELP ,LAUR5 D[N1
,KURT DIDN'T TAKE "T 6CUT ! MOTOR4 ,J>$
/ROLL$ 6! C> ) /UDI$ LEISURE1 !N JUMP$
ONTO ! S1T VACAT$ 0,KURT4 8,Y CALL T A
RIDE1 ,VANDIV]80 ,HE RAMM$ ! C> 96GE>4
,LAUR5 CLUT*$ ! S1T Z ! C> LUR*$1 ALM
RUNN+ OV] ,KURT1 :O SCRAM#D \ (! WAY J 9
"T4 ,X _H ALL HAPP5$ S QKLY T HE 0 /UNN$
Z 8 ,OLDSMOBILE SP$ AWAY AT A SPE$ HE WD
N"E H D>$ 6PU% X4 ,! CR[D W5T WILD )
HY/]ICAL LAU<T] AT 8 EXP5SE4 ,J>$ H&L$ !
/E]+ /ICK L A MAGIC W&1 TURN+ CORN]S AT
BR1KNECK SPE$1 MANAG+ 6HIT E *UCKHOLE 9
! ROAD4 ,!Y DROVE >.D ! SQU>E 9 ! MI4LE
( T[N S"EAL "TS1 UNTIL ,LAUR5'S H1D 0
SP9N+4 ,%E CLUNG TO ,J>$'S >M = FE> ( 2+
?R[N (F ! S1T Z ! C> B\NC$ OV] ! /REETS4
,F9,Y !Y LEFT ! C5T] ( T[N1 TAK+ "O (!
LANES T L$ AWAY F ! C;Y4 ,! W9D LA%$ H]
FACE1 & H] BONNET BLEW BACK1 PA9;LLY
PULL+ AG/ ! P9S T HELD X ON4 ,%E WD H
R1*$ UP 6TAKE X (F1 B D>$ N REL1SE H]
GRIP ON ,J>$4 ,HE 0 LAU<+ UPRO>I\SLY1 L
A NAU<TY * :O _H PULL$ (F A TREM5D\SLY
FUNNY JOKE ON 8 S*OOLT1*]4 8,DID Y  #cbh
SEE 8 FACE1 ,LAUR58 ,DID Y8 ,T
SON(ABIT*6 ,I'LL %[ HM H[ 6DRIVE A C>40
,8 HAT _H BL[N (F1 & 8 HAIR TUM#D >.D 8
H1D4 ,8 FACE 0 FLU%$ & 8 EYES GLITT]$ 9
DELI<T OV] 8 [N DEVILRY4 ,2F %E R1LIZ$
X1 ,LAUR5 0 JO9+ 8 LAU<T]4 ,!Y 7 L TWO
*N LET LOOSE F RE/RIC;NS =! F/ "T4 ,J>$
RISK$ LOOK+ AT H] :5 HE HE>D H] LAU<4
,HE R1LIZ$ 8 ]ROR :5 8 EYES RETURN$ 6!
ROAD4 ,X _H CURV$ & !Y 7 H1D$ =! DIT*4
8,HOLD ON60 HE %\T$ Z HE APPLI$ !
BRAKES4 ,!Y SL[$ !N1 B ! AUTOMOBILE 0
GO+ TOO FA/4 ,! :EELS LOCK$ &! C> SPUN
CRAZILY UNTIL X SLID (F ! ROAD &! FRONT
:EEL ON ! DRIV]'S SIDE SANK UP 6! HUB 9
! S(T GR.D4 ,J>$ CUT ! *U7+1 *OK+ MOTOR4
,!Y 7 GASP+ = BR1?1 MO;T>ILY %AK5 OV] _!
N>R[ ESCAPE F D1? OR SEV]E 9JURY4 ,! C>
SAT AT A P]IL\S ANGLE & ,LAUR5 _H BE5
?R[N AG/ ,J>$4 ,HE LOOK$ D[N AT H] &
ASK$1 8,>E Y ALL "R80 ,%E TOOK /OCK (
H]F4 8,YES1 ,I'M F9E10 %E ANSW]$
BR1?.SLY4 8,I'M N S SURE AB ,KURT'S
,OLDSMOBILE40 ,!N !Y BUR/ 96SPONTANE\S
LAU<T]4 ,!Y LAU<$ S H>D T TE>S      #cbi
GA!R$ 9 _! EYES4 ,X 0 ! F/ "T !Y _H "E
LAU<$ TGR4 ,"! _H BE5 "TS :5 "O (!
,M5DEZ *N _H REDUC$ ! FAMILY 6LAU<T] )
AN ANTIC1 B ? 0 DI6]5T4 ,? 0 A P]SONAL
MO;T T !Y 7 %>+4 ,LAUR5 DA2$ AT H] EYES
) H] GLOV$ H&S & DREW ! L;G1 LE?AL-LOOK+
HATP9S F H] HAIR4 ,! HAT CAME (F & H]
H1VY BUN DROOP$ ALM 6H] %\LD]S2 /R&S (
HAIR ESCAP$ X -PLETELY4 ,J>$'S M]RI;T
SUBSID$ &1 ( XS [N VOLI;N1 8 H& T\*$ !
KNOT ( HAIR RE/+ AG/ H] NECK4 ,%E RAIS$
H] EYES 6HIS & !Y HELD ONLY BRIEFLY 2F
%E 0 9 8 >MS4 ,X HAPP5$ QUIETLY1
NATUR,Y1 9/9CTIVELY4 ,HE HELD H] 6HM &
:ISP]$ H] "N REP1T$LY AG/ H] E>1 8 BR1?
S5D+ %IV]S ( PL1SURE D[N H] SP9E4 ,HE
DREW BACK & SE>*$ H] EYES = "S SIGN (
REJEC;N1 B SAW ONLY 9VIT,N4 ,8 M\? TOOK
H]S 9 A TELL+ KISS4 ,_! LIPS S"\ & F.D &
CELEBRAT$ EA* O!R4 ,! KISS 0 T5D]1 B
HELD PROMISE ( RE/RA9$ PAS.N4 ,X 0
-MITT+1 B LEFT ROOM = RES]V,N1 = CAU;N4
,X 0 A KISS =! MO;T4 ,= N[4 ,ONLY N[4
,J>$ PULL$ AWAY F H] & /UDI$ H] FACE1
/>TL$ 0! 9T5S;Y ( 8 FEEL+S4 ,!Y     #ccj
/>$ AT EA* O!R 9 A SIL5T -MUNIC,N4 ,!N
,J>$ RASP$1 8,LAUR51 KISS ME AG4 ,KISS
ME--0 8,LAUR51 >E Y 9JUR$80 ,KURT 0
GALLOP+ T[>D !M PELL-MELL4 ,HE RE9$ UP
2F 8 C> & 4M.T$1 RUNN+ TO ,LAUR5'S SIDE
& (F]+ 8 H&S UP 6H]4 ,2F %E CD ASSURE HM
%E DIDN'T WANT 6BE RESCU$ F ,J>$'S
EMBRACE1 8 BEEFY H&S GRIPP$ H] >.D !
WAI/ & SWUNG H] D[N 6! GR.D4 8,LAUR51 >E
Y ALL "R8 ,T IDIOT CD H KILL$--0 ,! BR1?
GU%$ \ ( ,KURT'S BODY :5 ,J>$'S FI/ L&$
SQU>ELY 9 8 /OMA* AF F/ SP9N+ HM >.D4
,KURT L&$ ON 8 BACK 9 ! DIT* &1 2F HE CD
REGA9 8 BR1?1 ,J>$ _H /RA4L$ 8 *E/ &
PU%$ ! B>REL ( 8 PI/OL AG/ ,KURT'S NOSE4
8,IF Y "E1 "E1 T\* MY WIFE AG1 ,I'LL
KILL Y1 ,VANDIV]40 ,8 FACE 0 AN 9* F
,KURT'S &! ^WS 7 /RA9$ "? 8 TEE?4 8,IF Y
EV5 LOOK L Y'RE ?9K+ ( T\*+ H]1 ,I'LL
KILL Y4 ,D Y "U/& ME80 8,GET T GO4AM GUN
\ ( MY FACE10 ,KURT SD ) MISPLAC$
BRAV]Y4 8,X'S N LOAD$4 ,Y EMPTI$ X ON T
LA/ R.D40 ,HE /RU7L$ B CDN'T BUDGE ,J>$4
,! CLICK+ S.D ( METAL ON METAL Z ,J>$
COCK$ ! PI/OL >RE/$ ,KURT'S FUTILE  #cca
MOVE;TS4 8,>E Y S SURE X'S EMPTY1
,VANDIV]80 ,J>$ TAUNT$4 ,KURT LAU<$
N]V\SLY4 8,"!'S NO WAY 9 HELL Y CD H
KEPT F FIR+ T SIX? %OT Z FA/ Z Y 7
FANN+40 8,Y =GOT T "! 0 "O T>GET LEFT10
,J>$ SD SMOO?LY4 8,EV5 S10 ,KURT P]SI/$1
?\< 8 VOICE 0 2G9N+ 6WAV] & HE 0 P]SPIR+
PROFUSELY1 8"EY"O "KS C[BOYS L1VE ! F/
*AMB] EMPTY40 ,J>$ %RU7$ NEGLIG5TLY4
8,"S D4 ,^? N 3FID5T 9 _! ABILITIES4 ,9
ALL HUMIL;Y1 ,I'M N "O ( ^?40 8,! DAMN
GUN ISN'T LOAD$60 ,KURT SCR1M$ Z ,J>$
%OV$ ! B>REL FUR!R 96HIS FLE%Y NOSE4
8,WANNA BET80 ,J>$ DRAWL$4 ,)! M]E/
MOVE;T1 HE TURN$ 8 H& & FIR$ ! PI/OL
ONLY 9*ES F ,KURT'S H1D4 ,! BULLET
EMB$D$ XF 9 "O (! RU2] TIRES (! C>4 ,!
BLOOD DRA9$ F ,KURT'S FACE & HE 2GAN
MAK+ A :IMP]+ S.D4 8,I CD H HIT T LA/
T>GET1 ,VANDIV]1 B NO FOOL C>RIES >.D AN
UNLOAD$ PI/OL40 ,) 4DA91 ,J>$ /OOD UP &
/EPP$ OV] ! GROVEL+1 9]T =M4 8,SE@NOR
,J>$60 ,PEPE CAME RID+ UP ON ,*>G] )
S"EAL O!R RID]S TRAIL+ HM4 8,>E Y ALL
"R8 ,IS ! SE@NORA ALL "R80 ,HE      #ccb
RE9$ 9 ! PALOM9O /ALLION & SLID (F 8
BACK1 RUNN+ UP 6!M4 8,YES1 YES1 WE'RE
F9E10 ,J>$ ASSUR$ HM4 8,_H A HELLUVA GD
"T1 TOO4 ,C'T SAY M* =! C>40 ,LAUR5 KNEW
T HE 0 SP1K+ =! B5EFIT (! CURIOS;Y
SEEK]S :O _H FOLL[$ !M4 8,I DON'T ?9K
X'LL "E 2 Z ?RILL+ Z GALLOP+ ON ,*>G]4
,& HE SURE Z HELL HAS BETT] S5SE ?AN 6G
(F 9 A DIT*40 ,ALL ( !M LAU<$1 RELIEV$ T
NO "O 0 HURT4 ,MR4 ,VANDIV] LOOK$ A LL
P1K$1 B HE 0 J WORRI$ AB 8 C>1 !Y ?"\4
8,LAUR540 ,J>$ EXT5D$ 8 H& & %E TOOK X4
,HE L$ H] 6,*>G] & LIFT$ H] 6! SA4LE4
,HE M.T$ 2H H]1 PUTT+ 8 >MS FIRMLY >.D
H]4 8,PEPE1 C Y RIDE ) "S"O BACK 6!
P>K80 8,S@I1 ,SE@NOR ,J>$40 8,F9E4
,G5TLEM540 ,HE TIPP$ 8 HAT1 : ,PEPE _H
RETRIEV$ = HM1 TURN$ ,*>G] >.D1 & H1D$ =
T[N AT A SL[ TROT4
  ,*APT] #AH
  ,_! ESCAPADE _H CR1T$ Q A -MO;N4 ,!Y 7
ASK$ HUNDR$S ( "TS AB _! WELL-2+1
DESPITE _! 3T9U$ ASSUR.ES 6"EY"O T !Y 7
F9E4 ,SITT+ AT A PICNIC TA# ) ,OLIVIA &
,C>SON1 !Y ATE ! S&WI*ES T ,ROSA    #ccc
_H PACK$ = !M4 ,J>$ DRANK LOC,Y BREW$
BE] )! M5 GA!R$ >.D ! B>RELS4 ,LAUR5
WAT*$ HM F H] PLACE NE> ,OLIVIA1 & 0
?RILL$ :5 HE GL.ED H] WAY & SMIL$4 ,%E
TRI$ H>D 6KEEP H] M9D ON ! 3V]S,NS GO+
ON >.D H] & 6GIVE ! PROP] ANSW]S 6!
MYRIAD "QS 2+ ASK$ 0! LADIES ( ,CORONADO
AB H[ %E LIK$ H] NEW LIFE 9 ,TEXAS4 ,B
H] M9D 0 ON ,J>$'S M\?1 H[ W>M X 0 AG/
H]S4 ,8 H&S1 /R;G1 DEM&+1 YET G5TLE4
,:ILE ! B& PLAY$ A ,*RI/MAS 3C]T 6M>K !
3CLU.N (! FE/IVITIES1 ,J>$ SAT CLOSE 2S
H] ON ! BLANKET HE _H SPR1D ON ! GRASS4
,8 BR1? 0 ON H] *EEK4 ,%E CD SMELL !
>OMA ( 8 *EROOTS1 ! L1!R ( 8 VE/4 ,IF
ONLY WE CD /AY L ? ="E1 %E ?"\4 ,OLIVIA
_HN'T MISS$ ! LOOKS &! 8A3ID5TAL0 T\*ES
2T !M AF ! MADCAP DRIVE 9 ! C>4 ,AF !
,VANDIV]S _H LEFT1 PL1D+ T !Y _H -MIT;TS
9 ,AU/91 %E FOCUS$ ALL H] ATT5;N ON ,J>$
& 8 WIFE4 ,%E DIDN'T L :AT %E SAW4 ,"S?+
0 SIMM]+1 & X M/ 2 COOL$ 2F X CAME 6A
BOIL4 ,X 0 DANG]\S 6ALL ( H] PLANS4 ,X
M/ N HAPP56 ,!Y LEFT LATE 9 ! AFN4 ,ROSA
_H *ILI & CORNBR1D WAIT+ = !M :5    #ccd
!Y GOT HOME4 ,!Y ATE TIR$LY1 B TWO (! P
AT ! TA# 7 TOO EXHIL>AT$ 6H M* ( AN
APPETITE4 ,C>SON LEFT DIRECTLY AFW1 &
,OLIVIA PL1D$ FATIGUE & SU7E/$ !Y RETIRE
E>LY4 ,LAUR5 & ,OLIVIA WALK$ UP ! /AIRS
TGR1 L1V+ ,J>$ 9 ! LIBR>Y )A NI<TCAP4 99
99 99 ,"S"T DUR+ ! NI<T1 ,LAUR5 AWOKE )A
/>T4 ,X TOOK A MO;T = H] 6GET H] BE>+S4
,%E LI/5$4 ,! H\SE 0 /4 ,%E LAY BACK D[N
&1 J Z %E DID1 %E HE>D A GROAN4 ,:5 A
%>P CRY FOLL[$ X1 %E JUMP$ \ ( B$1
AL>M$4 ,! S.D CAME F ,J>$'S ROOM4 ,)\T
EV5 PAUS+ 6PUT ON A ROBE1 %E CREPT "? !
BA?ROOM & T5TATIVELY KNOCK$ ON ! 3NECT+
DOOR4 ,HE DIDN'T ANSW]1 B AG %E HE>D !
RASP+ CRY & L\D] MOANS4 ,:AT IF HE 7
ILL8 ,%D %E G IN8 ,%E PAUS$ ONLY AN
9/ANT 2F %E OP5$ ! DOOR A CRACK & PE]$
96! ROOM4 ,J>$ 0 ?RA%+ ON 8 B$1 TWI/+ &
TOSS+ 9 ! AGONY (A NI<TM>E4 ,LAUR5 QKLY
CROSS$ 6! B$ & SAW 8 B>E *E/ H1V+1 8
FACE B1D$ ) P]SPIR,N4 ,! ^WS -+ \ ( 8
M\? 7 UN9TELLIGI#1 B 3VEY$ A T]RI#
TOR;T4 ,HE MURMUR$ ! "N ,ALEX OV] & OV]4
8,J>$1 WAKE UP40 ,R1*+ \ A CAUTI\S  #cce
H&1 %E T\*$ 8 %\LD] & %OOK HM SLI<TLY4
8,J>$1 PL1SE WAKE UP4 ,Y'RE HAV+ A
NI<TM>E40 ,HE ONLY 2CAME M VIOL5T4 ,HE
?RA%$ 8 >MS & TOSS$ 8 H1D ON ! PILL[1 8
TEE? B>$ Z HE GNA%$ !M4 ,LAUR5 DODG$ !
FLAIL+ >MS1 B MANAG$ 6CAPTURE BO? WRI/S
&1 L1N+ OV]1 P9ION$ !M ON EI SIDE ( 8
H1D4 ,HE /RU7L$ = REL1SE1 B "SH[ %E 0 A#
6HOLD HM4 8,J>$1 WAKE UP40 ,HE OP5$ 8
EYES &1 Z IF H+$ AT ! WAI/1 BOLT$ UP"R4
,! %EET FELL >.D 8 MI4LE4 ,OH1 MY ,"L1
HE'S NAK$6 ,LAUR5 R1LIZ$4 ,HE GULP$ 9
GRT AM.TS ( AIR & %OOK 8 H1D 9 AN EF=T
6CLE> X (! TOR;T+ DR1M4 ,%AKY F+]S RAK$
"? DAMP1 T\SL$ HAIR 2F COV]+ 8 FACE4
,LAUR5 SLIPP$ "? ! D>K;S 6HIS %AV+
MIRROR ON ! BUR1U & P\R$ FRE% WAT] F A
PIT*] 96! BAS94 ,%E MOI/5$ A T[EL & BR"\
X BACK 6! B$4 8,J>$1 Y 7 HAV+ A
NI<TM>E10 %E SD S(TLY1 -=T+LY4 8,>E Y
ALL "R N[80 ,HE NO4$ DUMBLY Z %E SP;G$ 8
=EH1D )! COOL CLO?4 ,:5 HE L[]$ 8 H&S1
%E BA!D ! RE/ ( 8 FACE & NECK4 8,?ANK Y1
,LAUR54 ,I'M F9E N[40 ,HE MOV$ AWAY F H]
H&S4 8,W]E Y DR1M+ AB ,CUBA8        #ccf
,ALEX80 ,HE LOOK$ AT H] %>PLY1 !N AWAY4
8,YES10 HE SD HO>SELY4 ,0 HE TREMBL+8
8,WD Y L 6TALK AB X80 ,H] VOICE 0 A FA9T
:ISP]4 ,UNTIL H] F+]S T\*$ ! SUN-BL1*$
CURLS ON 8 H1D1 %E _HN'T R1LIZ$ %E _H
R1*$ = !M4 8,NO10 HE ANSW]$ GRU6LY4 ,!N1
DESP]ATELY1 8,YES4 ,LAUR580 ,8 >MS W5T
>.D H] WAI/ 9 A VISELIKE CLASP1 & HE
DREW H] 6HM1 BURY+ 8 FACE 2T H] BR1/S4
,H] KNEES BUMP$ AG/ ! B$ FRAME4 ,%E
HESITAT$ ONLY A MO;T 2F CRADL+ 8 H1D 9
H] >MS4 ,8 RA7$ BR1? 0 W>M & MOI/ ON H]
SK9 "? ! ?9 BATI/E NI<TG[N4 ,%E 0
GRATE;L 6! D>K;S = L5D+ H] A MODICUM (
MODE/Y4 ,MURMUR+ ^WS ( -=T1 %E /ROK$ 8
H1D1 W1V+ ! CO>SE CURLS "? H] F+]S4 ,8
H&S MOV$ OV] H] BACK1 TRAC+ H] SP9E )
S5SITIVE F+]S4 ,L;G M9UTES PASS$1 & / HE
DIDN'T REL1SE H]4 ,ALM IMP]CEPTIBLY1 HE
MOV$ 8 H1D 2T H] BR1/S1 & 2GAN NUZZL+ H]
) 8 NOSE & M\?1 PRESS+ SMALL1 HOT KISSES
ON H] FLE%4 ,A L;G+ DEEP] & M POT5T ?AN
ANY EMO;N %E _H FELT 9 H] LIFE PI]C$ H]
6! CORE4 ,A W>M FLU% WA%$ OV] H] SK9 Z
H] HE>TB1T A3EL]AT$4 ,H] LIMBS      #ccg
SEEM$ 6H TURN$ 6WAT]1 B ) SURPRIS+
/R5G?1 %E DREW 8 H1D CLOS] YET4 ,A S(T1
EC/ATIC CRY ESCAP$ H] OP5 LIPS :5 HE
TOOK H] NIPPLE 96HIS M\?4 ,HE TU7$ ON X
G5TLY )A SWEET W>M? 2F 8 T;GUE SWEPT ACR
X1 WETT+ ! FABRIC ( H] G[N4 ,LAUR5'S
BODY 0 SWIMM+ ) S5S,NS & %E ALM MELT$ 6!
FLOOR :5 ! /R;G SUPPORT ( 8 >MS 0 SU45LY
)DRAWN4 ,J>$ SAT ) 8 KNEES RAIS$1 8 H1D
HANG+ 2T !M1 8 FACE 9 8 H&S4 8,L1VE ME1
,LAUR510 HE GRAT$4 ,8 VOICE 0 S L[ T %E
CD B>ELY HE> ! ^WS4 8,J>$1 ;,I--0 8,L1VE
ME1 PL1SE10 HE REP1T$ )A GROAN4 8,:Y8
,:Y M/ ,I L1VE Y ''' N[80 ,%E 0 ON !
V]GE ( TE>S4 ,H] EMO;NS 7 RUNN+ S HI<1
H] VOICE CRACK$ "U ! PRESSURE4 8,2C1
DAMMIT10 HE SWORE VEHE;TLY1 8,I C'T /&
HAV+ Y ? CLOSE1 ? WILL+1 ? ''' NAK$ '''
& N ''' ,J G BACK 6YR ROOM1 PL1SE40
8,NO1 ,J>$10 %E BR1!D4 ,HE LOOK$ UP !N4
8,NO80 ,%E SWALL[$ H>D4 8,I ''' ,I WANT
6BE A R1L WIFE 6Y1 ,J>$40 ,%E CDN'T HELP
! TE>S T SPILL$ D[N H] *EEKS4 8,I WANT
6/AY ) Y40 8,LAUR510 HE SD1 %AK+ 8 H1D4
,8 VOICE 0 SYMPA!TIC1 L AN ADULT    #cch
SP1K+ 6A *4 8,Y DON'T "K :AT Y'RE SAY+40
8,I R1LIZE T6 ,I DON'T "K ANY?+ AB '''
?4 ,B ,I WANT 6"K4 ,I WANT 6BE A WIFE L
,GLORIA IS 6,RUDY4 ,L ,M>IA 0 6,B540
,NEI ( !M NOTIC$ ! 9CONGRU;Y ( T /ATE;T4
8,PL1SE LET ME /AY ) Y TN40 ,HE LOOK$ AT
H]4 ,TE>S 7 ROLL+ D[N H] FLAW.S *EEKS1
H] HAIR 0 TUMBL+ OV] H] %\LD]S ONTO !
BR1/S HE L;G$ 6C>ESS AG1 H] SLIM FIGURE
0 \TL9$ "U ! %E] NI<TG[N1 &! P.D+ ( 8
HE>T ?"U$ "? 8 H1D4 ,8 BODY 0 ON FIRE )
DESIRE = H]1 & 8 MANHOOD /OOD PR\DLY1
PA9;LLY4 ,HE DIDN'T D>E MOVE :5 %E RAIS$
"O KNEE ONTO ! B$ & SAT D[N CLOSE 6HM4
,%E L1N$ =W>D &1 RE/+ TIMID H&S ON 8
%\LD]S1 PLAC$ H] LIPS AG/ HIS4 ,HE MOAN$
9 HELP.S;S Z HE CLASP$ H] 6HM & FELL
BACK AG/ ! PILL[S ON ! WIDE B$4 ,DRAW+
H] 2N HM1 HE KISS$ H] )A SE>+ F]VOR1
?RU/+ 8 T;GUE 96H] M\? & EXPLOR+ X )
UNL1%$ PAS.N4 ,FRANTIC,Y HE FUM#D )!
BUTTONS ( H] NI<TG[N4 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T H "T
6BE EMB>RASS$ 0H] NAK$;S Z HE FLUNG !
(F5D+ G>;T OV] H] H1D1 & QKLY COV]$ H]
BODY ) HIS4 ,DI6ICULT Z X WAS1 HE   #cci
=C$ HMF 6PRACTICE SELF-3TROL4 ,? WASN'T
A :ORE4 ,? 0 ,LAUR54 ,8 WIFE4 ,HE M/ G
SL[LY1 M/N'T F"R5 H]4 ,LAUR5 FELT ! L;G1
H>D BODY AG/ H]S RELAX "S:AT Z ,J>$
KISS$ H] AG1 LEISURELY ? "T1 Z IF
MEMORIZ+ H] LIPS & T;GUE & TEE?4 ,HE
TRAC$ KISSES OV] H] *EEKS1 & NIB#D AT H]
E>LOBE UNTIL %E FELT H] [N BODY TURN+
LANGUOR\S & PLIANT 2N HM4 ,"O L>GE1
TANN$ H& MOV$ OV] ! TOPS ( H] BR1/S4 ,HE
CUPP$ "O G5TLY4 ,H] NIPPLE 2CAME H>D Z !
PALM MOV$ 9 SL[1 EASY CIRCLES OV] X4 ,HE
TOOK ! SWOLL5 BUD 2T 8 F+]S & C>ESS$ X
T5D]LY UNTIL ,LAUR5 WANT$ 6CRY \ F !
PL1SURE HE BR"\ H]1 PL1SURE %E _H N"E
"KN EXI/$4 ,!N HE 5FOLD$ H] NIPPLE 9 8
WET1 W>M M\?1 & DREW ON H] ) EXQUISITE
T5D];S4 ,Z HE MOV$ 6! O!R BR1/1 8 BE>D
/UB# SCRAP$ AG/ H] SMOO?;S1 HEI<T5+ H]
AW>E;S ( _! PHYSICAL DI6];ES4 ,HE GAVE !
SAME ATT5;N 6H] O!R BR1/ Z 8 H&S MOV$ TO
H] ABDOM51 /ROK+1 C>ESS+1 >\S+4 ,X 0 A
S5S,N L W>M LIQUID 2+ P\R$ OV] H] Z HE
L[]$ 8 H1D & KISS$ H] NAVEL ) AN >D5T1
HUNGRY M\?4 ,8 PALM RE/$ LI<TLY ON  #cdj
! TI<T NE/ ( RAV5 CURLS AT ! TOP ( H]
LEGS & %E WOND]$ :Y %E WASN'T REPULS$ OR
AFRAID4 ,! FEEL+S 7 S ''' :AT8 ,%E _H
NO?+ 6-P>E ? TO4 ,8 H& MOV$ 2T H] ?I<S1
& ,LAUR5 0 AL>M$ :5 HE 5C.T]$ A MOI/S4
,APP>5TLY HE F.D T /RANGE WET;S
GRATIFY+4 ,HE SI<$ & :ISP]$1 8,GOD1
,LAUR51 Y'RE R1DY = ME4 ,OH H[ SWEET Y
>E40 ,! MOVE;T ( ,J>$'S H& !N TOOK AWAY
ALL 3SCI\S ?"\4 ,! DELICI\S EXPLOR,NS (
8 F+]S REL1S$ A PRIMITIVE 9/9CT & %E
ROTAT$ H] HIPS AG/ 8 P[];L BODY4 ,:5 ,I
?9K ( ? LAT]1 ,I'LL 2 S A%AM$1 %E ?"\1 B
N[1 ,I C'T HELP X4 ,HE 0 KISS+ H] M\?
AG1 T5D]LY1 DEEPLY1 MURMUR+ AG/ H] LIPS
A MIXTURE ( ,5GLI% & ,SPANI%4 ,HE MOV$
ON TOP ( H] & %E WELCOM$ ! CRU%+ WEI<T
0WRAPP+ H] >MS >.D ! BR1D? ( 8 BACK4 ,8
KNEES G5TLY URG$ H] ?I<S A"P Z HE SETTL$
HMF 2T !M4 ,%E FELT 8 MASCUL9E /R5G? Z
HE PROB$ ! OP5+ ( H] BODY4 ,A FLA% (
PANIC SEIZ$ H]1 & HE 0 9/ANTLY AW>E ( X4
,HE RAIS$ 8 H1D & LOOK$ 96H] WIDE1 FE>;L
EYES1 SE>*+ =! ANSW] HE HOP$ 0 "!4 8,X'S
TRUE !N8 ,Y'VE N"E BE5 )A MAN80 ,8  #cda
9FLEC;N 0 "O ( AWE & C>RI$ ) X A NE$ TO
"K4 ,& %E KNEW :Y H] REPLY WD 2 S
IMPORTANT 6HM4 ,B54 ,%E DIDN'T SP1K1 B
H] LIPS =M$ ! ^W NO Z %E %OOK H] H1D4
8,LAUR540 ,E TRACE ( EMO;N T MADE UP !
_S ( ,J>$ ,LOCKETT W5T 96T SP1K+ ( H]
"N4 ,HE KISS$ H] QKLY1 HOTLY1
PAS.NATELY4 ,!N HE 2SEE*$ H]1 8,=GIVE
ME4 ,I'M GO+ 6HURT Y1 ,LAUR54 ,I'M
SORRY40 ,HE ?RU/ HMF 9SIDE H] & %E WD H
SCR1M$ IF HE _HN'T HELD H] H1D
PROTECTIVELY AG/ ! HOLL[ ( 8 %\LD]4 ,!
BURN+ PA9 0 RIPP+ H] A"P1 SE>+ H]
9SIDES4 8,I'M SORRY1 MY D>L+4 ,RELAX Z
M* Z Y C40 ,! ^WS 7 HUSKY AG/ H] E>1 &
%E =C$ MUSCLES %E DIDN'T "K %E _H 6RELAX
96A3EPT.E4 ,! PA9 ABAT$1 B H[ L;G DID ?
LA/8 ,J>$ _HN'T MOV$4 ,%E HE>D 8 BR1?
RU%+ 9 H] E> L A /R;G W9D4 ,%E %IFT$ "U
HM1 SEEK+ A M -=TA# POSI;N1 & HE>D 8 %>P
9TAKE ( BR1?4 8,OH1 ,GOD1 Y FEEL S GD10
HE GR.D \1 PRESS+ 8 FACE 96! PILL[4 8,S
TI<T4 ,P]FECT1 P]FECT40 ,SL[LY HE 2GAN
6MOVE 9SIDE H]4 ,! PA9 CAME BACK 9
RHY?MIC WAVES 6MAT* 8 ?RU/S1 B      #cdb
"S": AMID/ ! PA9 0 A PROMISE ( PL1SURE4
,J>$'S MURMUR+S 9 H] E> 7 9DISC]NI#1 B
_! M1N+ 0 CLE>4 ,J>$ 0 9SIDE H]6 ,X 0 A
?RILL+ ?"\-- 8 BODY & H]S FUS$ TGR 9 !
MO/ 9TIMATE & UNIFY+ WAY4 ,)\T H] "K+ X1
H] BODY _H TAK5 3TROL & %E 0 RESPOND+ TO
HIS ?RU/S ) ANSW]+ MOVE;TS4 ,SU45LY 8
:OLE BODY T5S$ & %E FELT A %[] ( LIFE
FL[+ 96H]4 ,9/9CTIVELY %E SQUEEZ$ H]
KNEES AG/ 8 HIPS4 ,HE LAY SP5T ON TOP (
H] UNTIL 8 BR1?+ RETURN$ 6NORMAL4 ,%E
RAN H] H&S OV] 8 BROAD BACK1 M>VEL+ AT !
3T\R ( MUSCLES1 B"O1 & SK94 ,EV5TU,Y HE
RAIS$ HMF ONTO 8 ELB[S & LOOK$ 96H]
EYES4 8,MY ,GOD1 ,LAUR510 HE :ISP]$ 9
WOND]4 8,:AT DID Y D 6ME80 ,HE ROLL$ (F
H] & DREW H] 6HM1 NE/L+ H] AG/ 8 *E/4
,!Y LAY =A L;G :ILE )\T SP1K+4 ,8 H&S
TRAVEL$ LAZILY OV] H] BACK1 HIPS1 &
LEGS4 ,! PLACE 2T H] ?I<S 0 / ON FIRE1 B
%E 0 3T5T4 ,%E SI<$4 ,PLAC+ A F+] "U H]
*91 HE LIFT$ H] FACE 6HM4 8,MY LL VIRG94
,DID X HURT TOO M*80 8,NO10 %E LI$4 ,HE
TRI$ 6KEEP F SMIL+1 CDN'T1 & EV5 LAU<$
QUIETLY4 8,L HELL4 ,Y >E A LADY 6!  #cdc
BITT] 5D1 >5'T Y80 ,HE L[]$ 8 H1D &
KISS$ H] SWEETLY1 ALM *A/ELY4 ,HE SWUNG
8 L;G LEGS OV] ! SIDE (! B$ & WALK$
UNABA%$LY ACR ! ROOM 6! DRESS]4 ,LAUR5
/UDI$ 8 PHYSIQUE4 ,NO >TI/ CD H CAPTUR$
! S5SUAL GRACE ( ,J>$'S WALK OR !
TEXTURE ( 8 SK9 COV]$ LI<TLY ) S(T1
TAWNY HAIR4 ,HE 0 A B1UTI;L MALE ANIMAL
&1 9 SPITE ( H] NEW AW>E;S1 %E BLU%$4
,HE CAME BACK 6! B$ C>RY+ A DAMP CLO?4
,KNEEL+ 2S H]1 HE MOV$ 6OP5 H] LEGS4 ,%E
%RANK BACK 9/9CTIVELY4 8,I'M N GO+ 6HURT
Y10 HE SD G5TLY4 8,? MAY MAKE Y FEEL M
-=TA#40 ,8 VOICE 0 S SOO?+ & 8 H&S S
T5D] T %E ALL[$ HM 6SEP>ATE H] LEGS &
PRESS ! CLO? 6H]4 ,AVOID+ 8 EYES1 %E />$
UP AT ! CEIL+1 A/ONI%$ T ^! ?+S 7
TRANSPIR+4 ,N"E 9 H] UN$UCAT$ FANTASIES
_H %E IMAG9$ T S* FAMILI>;Y CD EXI/ 2T A
MAN &A WOMAN4 ,OR MAYBE S* ?+S ONLY
HAPP5$ ) ,J>$4 ,%E RISK$ A GL.E AT H]
HUSB&4 ,HE 0 GAZ+ AT H] Z ?\< HE CD R1D
H] M9D & KNEW EA* P]SONAL ?"\4 8,I
PROMISE1 ,LAUR51 T X W N"E HURT Z M*
AG40 ,HE SMIL$ SLI<TLY4 8,Y MAY     #cdd
EV5 LE>N 65JOY X40 ,! COOL+ CLO? _H
REDUC$ ! /++ 3SID]ABLY1 & %E :ISP]$1
8,?ANK Y10 Z HE TOOK X BACK 6! DRESS]4
,%E SAT UP1 CLUT*+ ! TWI/$ %EET 6H]1 &
R1*$ = H] NI<TG[N LY+ AT ! FOOT (! B$4
8,:AT >E Y DO+80 HE ASK$ Z HE CRAWL$
BACK 2S H]4 8,I ?"\--0 8,Y ?"\ :AT80 HE
9T]RUPT$1 TAK+ ! G>;T AWAY F H] & TOSS+
X \ ( H] R1*4 ,HE 2GAN NI2L+ AT H] %\LD]
Z HE DREW H] BACK ONTO ! PILL[S4 8,:AT
DID Y ?9K1 ,LAUR580 HE ASK$ ?ICKLY4 ,8
LIPS 7 AT H] BR1/S N[1 & %E CDN'T ?9K AT
ALL4 8,I ?"\ ''' UH '''0 ,OH1 ,"L4 ,HE
*UCKL$ S(TLY4 8,G 6SLEEP40 ,LAY+ 8 H1D
CLOSE 6H]S ON ! SAME PILL[1 HE CLOS$ 8
EYES4 ,8 >M RE/$ H1VILY ON H] /OMA*4 ,8
H& CUPP$ H] BR1/ LI<TLY4 ,SLEEP8 ,N TN4
,%E _H TOO M* 6?9K AB4 ,%E & ,J>$1 :O _H
F"\1 >GU$1 IGNOR$ EA* O!R1 & HURT EA*
O!R1 7 LY+ "H SIDE 0SIDE -PLETELY NAK$ 9
8 B$ AF EXP]I5C+ ! MO/ SPL5DID C\PL+1 &
HE WANT$ H] 6SLEEP4 ,IMPOSSI#4 ,%E WD
N"E 2 A# 6SLEEP4 ,B %E DID4 99 99 99
8,GD MORN+40 8,HMM80 8,I SD ,8GD
MORN+10' ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT40 ,LAUR5    #cde
SLEEPILY OP5$ "O EYE & SAW H] HUSB&'S
SMIL+ FACE CLOSE 6H]S4 ,! ROOM 0 /
WRAPP$ 9 D>K GRAY %AD[S4 8,J>$10 %E
MUM#D 9 -PLA9T1 8X'S N MORN+4 ,X'S / !
MI4LE (! NI<T40 ,%E BURI$ H] FACE AG/ 8
HAIRY *E/ & YAWN$ BROADLY4 8,I LOVE
GETT+ UP F/ ?+ 9 ! MORN+40 ,HE LAU<$ AT
8 [N D\#-5T5DRE1 B ,LAUR5 LOOK$ UP AT HM
) NAIVE EYES4 ,HE R1LIZ$ AG J H[ 9NOC5T
%E WAS4 ,/4 8,LAUR540 ,HE /ROK$ H] *EEK
& L1N$ D[N 6KISS H] S(TLY ON ! LIPS4 ,%E
SNU7L$ AG/ 8 W>M? Z HE PULL$ A BLANKET
HI<] OV] !M4 ,HE C>ESS$ ! HAIR T SPILL$
ACR 8 *E/4 ,Z 8 EYES ROAM$ ! S(T =M
CU4L$ AG/ HM1 HE LAU<$ RUE;LLY 6HMF4 ,:O
WD H ?"\ ? ( ,J>$ ,LOCKETT8 ,T HE _H
SP5T ! 5TIRE NI<T )A WOMAN 0 UNUSUAL 9
XF4 ,Z SOON Z HE _H SATISFI$ 8 9ITIAL
LU/1 HE 0 ALW ANXI\S 6L1VE ANY WOMAN HE
_H BE5 ) 2F4 ,LA/ NI<T HE _H WANT$ 6/AY4
,) ? WOMAN4 ,N"E _H HE LO/ HMF S
-PLETELY )A FEMALE Z HE _H ) ,LAUR54 ,HE
ALW 5JOY$ ! ACT1 C]TA9LY4 ,B 8 ?"\S 7
(T5 ELSE":3 ON A C>D GAME1 BUSI;S1 ANO!R
WOMAN4 ,LA/ NI<T1 H["E1 HE _H BE5   #cdf
AW>E ONLY (! WOMAN 2N HM1 RESPOND+ )
ONLY A TRACE ( VIRG9AL %Y;S4 ,! FEEL (
H]1 ! SC5T1 ! TEXTURE1 ! TA/E _H ALL
-B9$ 6TOT,Y CAPTURE 8 S5SES4 ,8 ABSORP;N
_H BE5 S TREM5D\S T HE _HN'T WANT$ X TO
5D4 ,9 A MILLION YE>S1 HE WD N"E ADMIT T
LA/ NI<T _H BE5 A F/ = HM1 TOO4 ,X 0 H]
9ITI,N 96! RITES ( LOV+4 ,%E _H BE5 A
VIRG94 ,& X 0 ! F/ "T ,J>$ ,LOCKETT _H
"E BE5 )A VIRG94 ,X 0 A GIFT HE _H N"E
EXPECT$ 6RCV & "O HE DIDN'T FEEL HE
DES]V$1 YET %E _H GIV5 H]F 6HM4 ,:Y8 ,AF
! ABUSE HE _H H1P$ ON H]1 :Y _H %E -E TO
HM1 (F]+ H]F8 ,HE B5T 8 H1D & BRU%$ 8
LIPS ACR H] =EH1D Z ! "Q 3T9U$ 6HAUNT
HM4 ,H] F+]TIPS SMOO!D ! CR1SE 2T 8
?ICK1 BR[N BR[S4 ,!Y'LL 2 %A7Y L ,B5'S
:5 HE GETS OLD]1 %E ?"\4 ,TW5TY-F\R H\RS
AGO1 %E _HN'T EV5 "KN T X 0 POSSI# 6BE Z
9TIMATE ) ANO!R HUMAN BODY Z !Y _H BE54
,N[ !Y 7 LY+ ) >MS & LEGS 5TW9$1 & %E
FELT NO %Y;S OR MODE/Y OR GUILT4 ,:AT _H
HAPP5$ 6ALL H] RIGID SCRUPLES8 ,NO
MATT]4 ,%E DIDN'T WANT !M BACK4 ,EV5 N[1
%E WANT$ 64COV] :AT FUR!R DELI<TS   #cdg
8 BODY CD (F] H]S4 8,J>$1 :58 ''' ,I
M1N1 H[ L;G8 ''' ,DOES X8 '''0 ,HE
SMIL$4 ,9 ANSW] 6! "Q %E CDN'T Q BR+ H]F
6ASK1 8 M\? S"\ H]S4 ,T F/ R1L KISS S9CE
! NI<T 2F G5]AT$ ! SAME /IRR+S1 ! SAME
EXCIT+ ANTICIP,N ( ?+S 6FOLL[4 ,%E ALL[$
HM UNLIMIT$ A3ESS 6H] BODY4 ,HE F.D H]
SECRET PLACES & C>ESS$ OR KISS$1 ELICIT+
MOANS ( PL1SURE F !M BO?4 ,%YLY AT F/1
!N 5C\RAG$ 0HIS S(T GROANS ( EC/ASY1 H]
F+]S TRAV]S$ ! =E/$ *E/4 ,LI<TLY %E
FANN$ ! CR9KLY HAIR4 ,8 SK9 0 W>M &
/RET*$ TAUTLY OV] 3T\R$ MUSCLES : %E
MASSAG$ ) F+]S SU45LY GR[N TAL5T$ 9 !
>T4 ,AIR HISS$ "? 8 TEE? :5 %E 5C.T]$ !
TURGID BR[N NIPPLES4 ,%E )DREW QKLY1 B 8
H& W5T 6! BACK ( H] H1D & BR"\ H] BACK4
,NUZZL+ H] FACE 9 8 NECK1 %E TRAC$ X )
H] T;GUE4 ,Z %E L1N$ OV] HM1 8 /R;G F+]S
SPLAY$ OV] H] HIPS & PRESS$ H] AG/ HM TO
MEET 8 VIRILE =CE4 8,I WANT Y AG1
,LAUR54 ,B ,I DON'T WANT 6HURT Y10 HE
SD1 ANGUI%$4 8,Y WON'T1 Y WON'T40 ,/R&S
( H] HAIR 7 / W.D >.D 8 NECK Z HE ALM
FI]CELY ROLL$ H] 6H] BACK4 ,POIS$   #cdh
ABV H]1 HE S"\ H] EYES & DEM&$1 8,SAY MY
"N1 ,LAUR54 ,LET ME SEE MY "N ON YR
LIPS4 ,SAY MY "N1 PL1SE40 ,R1*+ UP1 H]
F+]TIPS PLAY$ ^U 8 *EEKB"OS Z %E :ISP]$1
8,J>$4 ,J>$4 ,J>$40 ,! LA/ SYLLA# 0 A
PLEA4 ,:5 HE 5T]$ H]1 X 0 SL[LY &
DELIB]ATELY4 ,"! 0 A REMNANT ( SORE;S1 B
N"O (! BURN+ PA9 %E _H EXP]I;ED 2F4 ,J>$
MOV$ AG/ H] L A WELL-TRA9$ MA*9E ^: ONLY
PURPOSE 0 6BR+ S5SU\S PL1SURE4 ,8 H&S
G5TLY KN1D$ ! FULL;S ( H] HIPS Z HE
LIFT$ H] UP & =W>D 6MEET 8 SUBLIME
9VA.N4 ,HE PLUNG$ M DEEPLY ?AN "E 2F1
/ROK+ ! WALLS ( H] FEM99;Y1 ! GATE ( H]
WOMB1 )DRAW+ 6T1SE & TANTALIZE ! PORTAL1
ONLY 6BURY HMF )9 H] AG4 ,LAUR5 FELT H]
_S RIS+1 FLOAT+ ABV ! SURFACE (! B$1
CLIMB+ HI<] & HI<] T[>D "S P9NACLE /
NEBUL\S & MY/]I\S B DESIRA#4 ,X F"R5$
H]1 ? ABYSS %E HOV]$ OV]4 ,%E SQUEEZ$ H]
EYES %UT4 8,NO4 ,LAUR51 -E ) ME10 HE
URG$ BR1?.SLY4 8,-E ''' ) ''' ME4 '''0
,HE HELD H] TI<T Z 8 PAS.N1 2Y ! PO9T (
RE/RA9T1 EMPTI$ 9SIDE H]1 LAV+ H] ) LIV+
FIRE4 ,HE RE/$ ONLY A MO;T4 ,!N1 )  #cdi
A H& ON ! SMALL ( H] BACK1 HE EAS$ !M TO
_! SIDES4 ,/ 5TRAPP$ )9 T H"OY$ CAVE1
,J>$ /IRR$ HMF >\S+LY4 8,C Y FEEL ME1
,LAUR580 8,YES10 %E :ISP]$4 8,YES40 8,D
,I HURT Y80 ,HE MOV$ 9SIDE H] AG4 ,OH1
,"L4 8,NO1 X'S ''' X FEELS NICE40 8,!N
:Y DID Y /OP80 HE ASK$ 9 A SOLICIT\S
:ISP]4 8,Y 7 ON ! BR9K ( 9CR$I# JOY4 ,>E
Y AFRAID ( X80 ,UNA# 6MEET 8 PROB+ EYES1
%E NO4$ 96HIS %\LD]4 8,I SEE10 HE SD
QUIETLY4 ,3FID5T ( 8 [N ABILITIES1 HE
KNEW HE CD BR+ H] 6-PLE;N EV5 N[1 B
DECID$ %E WASN'T R1DY 6A3EPT X4 ,HE EAS$
HMF AWAY F H]1 AW>E T1 9 SPITE ( H]
D5IAL1 %E M/ FEEL BRUIS$ & BATT]$4 ,HE
BRU%$ ! HAIR AWAY F H] TEMPLES & KISS$
H] =EH1D & EYELIDS4 8,LET'S TAKE ANO!R
NAP40 ,TURN+ H] AWAY F HM1 HE DREW H]
BACK AG/ 8 *E/4 ,HE FELL ASLEEP BR1?+ 9
! P]FUME ( H] HAIR4
  ,,HI45 ,,FIRES
  ,*APT] #AI
  ,OLIVIA KNEW IMMLY ^U SEE+ ,J>$ &
,LAUR5 TGR AT LUN* T H] WOR/ FE> _H -E
AB4 ,! H\SEHOLD /AFF 0 BUZZ+ AB     #cej
"S?+1 B %E _H N"E TAK5 X ^U H]F 6LE>N
,SPANI%4 ,%E DIDN'T "U/& _! EXCIT$
:ISP]S4 ,AT ! M1L1 H["E1 ! SECRET
SMILES1 ! OBLIVION 6"EY?+ >.D !M1 &! D>K
SMUDGES "U _! EYES TE/IFI$ 6H] H[ ,J>$ &
,LAUR5 _H SP5T ! NI<T4 ,DAMN6 ,H[ CD H]
SON SU3UMB 6T HOTH\SE FL[]8 ,HE ALW
PREF]R$ BOI/]\S1 BL[SY GIRLS1 GIRLS )
SC&AL\S REPUT,NS4 ,:AT DID HE SEE 9 ?
FRAGILE1 LADYLIKE P>AGON ( VIRTUE8
,WELL1 X DIDN'T MATT] IF HE SLEPT )! *IT
Z L;G Z HE DIDN'T =M A LA/+ A6EC;N4
,OR--,GOD =BID--IF %E %D 3CV A *4
,HOPE;LLY1 ,J>$ 0 SM>T 5 6PREV5T ? F
HAPP5+4 ,%E WAT*$ !M Z !Y EXCUS$ !MVS &
/>T$ UP/AIRS =A 8NAP40 8,J>$1 CD ,I H A
^W ) Y80 %E ASK$ QKLY1 FOLD+ H] NAPK9 2S
H] PLATE Z %E /OOD4 8,YE/]"D ,P>K] & ,I
TALK$ OV] "S PLANS AMID/ ALL T 9SAN;Y AT
! GR.D-BR1K+1 & ,I ?9K Y %D 2 KEPT
APPRIS$ (! DEVELOP;TS40 ,J>$ LOOK$
WI/LLY T[>D ,LAUR51 B 2GRUDG+LY -PLI$4
8,ALL "R1 ,"M4 ,I'LL SEE Y LAT]1
,LAUR540 ,AF H] DAU<T]-IN-LAW LEFT ! D9+
ROOM1 ,OLIVIA SU7E/$ T ,J>$ FOLL[   #cea
H] 96! (FICE4 ,:5 HE 0 RELAX$ & S1T$ 9 A
DEEP L1!R *AIR & SMOK+ A CIG>1 %E TOLD
HM _! NEW S*EME4 99 99 99 8,RE,Y1 ,J>$1
,I ?9K Y OV]REACT$ ? AFN40 ,!Y 7 AT
D9N]1 & ,OLIVIA 0 SP1K+ 9 WELL-MODULAT$
T"OS T 2LI$ ! "ULY+ TURBUL;E 9 ! ROOM4
8,I'D R N 4CUSS BUSI;S N[1 ,"M40 ,J>$'S
VOICE 0 CLIPP$ & T]SE4 ,LAUR5 _H BE5
4MAY$ 6F9D T ALL 8 LI<THE>T$;S (! MORN+
_H 4APPE>$ AF ! MEET+ ) 8 "M4 ,!Y _H BE5
SEQUE/]$ 9 ! (FICE = OV] AN H\R &1 :5
,J>$ _H RETURN$ UP/AIRS1 HE MADE NO EF=T
6SEE H]4 ,HE _H G"O /RAI<T 6HIS ROOM &
!N LAT] LEFT ! H\SE4 ,HE _H RETURN$ J 2F
D9N]4 ,%E _HN'T SE5 HM AL"O S9CE 2F
LUN*4 8,WE C]TA9LY H NO SECRETS F
,LAUR51 D WE80 ,OLIVIA ASK$ SWEETLY1
GLANC+ AT H] DAU<T]-IN-LAW4 8,AF ALL1 %E
IS YR WIFE1 ,J>$40 ,LAUR5 BLU%$ & LOOK$
UNSEE+LY AT H] PLATE4 ,DID ,OLIVIA "K AB
LA/ NI<T8 ,H[ WD %E REACT 6! 3SUMM,N (
_! M>RIAGE8 8,D Y ?9K "S ( \R PLANS W
%OCK H]80 ,OLIVIA ASK$ H] SON COOLLY4
8,DAMMIT1 ,"M60 ,! L9ES >.D ,J>$'S M\?
SEEM$ 6BE C>V$ ( GRANITE4 8,Y SEE1  #ceb
,LAUR510 ,OLIVIA 3T9U$1 UNDISTURB$ BY
,J>$'S ANG]1 8! ,VANDIV]S & ,I H
RECONSID]$ ! OPTIMUM LOC,N =! P[] PLANT4
,! NEW SITE W REQUIRE DAMM+ UP ! RIV]
ABV ,PUEBLO 9/1D ( 2L X4 ,NATUR,Y ? W
GRTLY A6ECT ! -MUN;Y4 ,WE FE> AN \TCRY (
PUBLIC 4APPROVAL1 S9CE ! -MUN;Y'S S\RCE
( WAT] W 2 CUT (F4 ,"!=E1 WE H TAK5
M1SURES 6ASSURE T ,PUEBLO'S DE/RUC;N 2
SE5 Z A B.S+40 ,LAUR5 _H PLAC$ H] =K ON
H] PLATE & 0 />+ F "M 6SON ) BLANK1
UNCOMPREH5D+ EYES4 ,OLIVIA RETURN$ H]
/>E LEVELLY4 ,J>$ WDN'T LOOK AT H]4 8,I
DON'T ?9K ,I "U/&40 ,LAUR5 LICK$ H]
LIPS4 8,:AT M1SURES >E Y TAK+80 ,%E
DIDN'T WANT 6"K4 ,B %E _H 6"K4 8,LAUR51
/AY \ ( ?4 ,X'S N"O ( YR 3C]N10 ,J>$
B>K$4 8,( C\RSE X 3C]NS H]1 ,J>$4 ,MY
DE>10 ,OLIVIA SD1 A4RESS+ H] AG 9 T
PL1SANT1 3V]S,NAL VOICE1 8WE >E GO+ 6R.D
UP A GANG ( DESP]ADOES1 M]C5>IES1 :AT"E
"N Y *OOSE 6CALL !M4 ,I ?9K Y GET !
IDEA4 ,!Y W G 96,PUEBLO &1 POS+ Z
CITIZ5S1 CAUSE A RUCKUS4 ,!Y W 2 9/RUCT$
6BURN1 LOOT1 9JURE1 ANY?+ !Y DEEM   #cec
NEC 6BR+ AB A RIOT4 ,! <ETTO W DE/ROY
XF4 ,\R M]C5>IES W HELP X AL;G 0IGNIT+
"S WELL-SET FIRES4 ,I ?"\ X UP1 ( C\RSE4
,P>K] ?9KS X'S A BRILLIANT IDEA4 ,HE'S
ASK$ ,J>$ 6-E 6,AU/9 6ORGANIZE ! M54
,J>$ FREQU5TS PLACES ": S* "*S MI<T 2
F.D40 ,LAUR5'S FACE _H DRA9$ ( COLOR4
,%E CDN'T 2LIEVE :AT %E 0 HE>+4 ,:5 %E
SPOKE1 H] VOICE 0 B>ELY M ?AN A HO>SE
CROAK4 8,B P CD GET KILL$6 ,& ?9K ( ALL
! HOMES T WD 2 DE/ROY$40 ,OLIVIA %RU7$4
8,I SUPPOSE !Y W1 B X W 2 NO GRT LOSS1 W
X80 8,B X'S UNNEC6 ,:Y C'T ! P[] PLANT 2
BUILT ": ORIG9,Y PLANN$80 8,X CD4 ,X'S J
T ,I DON'T WI% X "!40 8,!N X IS UNNEC4
,Y WD H A :OLE T[N DE/ROY$ ON A :IM4
,:Y80 ,%E SLUMP$ BACK 9 H] *AIR & />$ AT
! WOMAN ACR ! TA# F H] ) P]PLEX;Y4
,OLIVIA'S FACE 0 H>D & UGLY1 FILL$ )
HATE4 ,SU45LY ,LAUR5 "U/OOD4 8,REV5GE10
%E :EEZ$4 8,Y'RE TAK+ \ YR HATE ( "O
WOMAN ON A :OLE P40 ,OLIVIA GL>$ AT H]4
8,I DON'T "K :AT Y'RE BA2L+ AB1 ,LAUR510
%E SD4 8,( C\RSE Y D4 ,M>IA ,M5DEZ4 ,Y
C'T BE> X T ,B5 LOV$--0 8,%UT UP60  #ced
,OLIVIA SCR1M$ & ?UMP$ H] FI/S ON ! TA#4
,GLASSW>E & *9A CLATT]$4 8,NO1 ,I W N
%UT UP4 ,Y WD H LET ,EL5A & ,ISABELA DIE
9 ! /REETS 2F C>+ = !M4 ,AT ! "T1 ,I ?"\
X 0 ! EPITOME ( HE>T.S;S & CRUELTY1 B N[
Y SURPASS EV5 T4 ,P]H ,I C SEE :Y Y WD
FEEL ! WAY Y D AB ,M>IA1 B TO
UNNECESS>ILY--0 8,X'S NEC IF ,I SAY X
IS10 ,OLIVIA BROKE IN4 ,H] *E/ 0 H1V+ )
EMO;N4 8,I DON'T H 6JU/IFY MYF 6Y1 OR TO
ANY"O ELSE ON E>?40 ,LAUR5 0 /RUCK !N 0!
PAS.N 9 ! WOMAN4 ,%E 0 DRIV5 6HATE1 TO
DE/ROY4 ,X 0 USE.S 6TRY 6R1SON ) "S"O S
OBSESS$4 8,NO1 Y DON'T H 6JU/IFY YRF TO
ANY"O ON E>?10 ,LAUR5 SD1 /RESS+ ! LA/
^W4 ,%E KNEW !N T %E WD N"E FE> ,OLIVIA
AG4 ,4TRU/ H]1 4LIKE H]1 B N"E FE> H]4
,OLIVIA 0 A LO/ CAUSE1 B "! 0 / HOPE =
,J>$4 ,DUR+ ! H1T$ EX*ANGE 2T 8 WIFE & 8
"M1 HE _H 3T9U$ 6/>E 96! C&LE FLAME
LI<T+ ! D9+ TA#4 ,LAUR5 TURN$ T[>D HM4
8,J>$8 ,J>$1 Y C'T 5DORSE S* A HORR5D\S
S*EME80 ,! ^WS CAME \ Z AN 9CR$UL\S "Q4
8,I TOLD Y 6/AY \ ( X1 ,LAUR510 HE
GR[L$4 8,Y DON'T "U/& ^! ?+S40 8,I  #cee
"U/& "EY?+60 %E %\T$4 8,I "U/& T :AT Y
PROPOSE IS HE9\S & CRIM9AL &--0 ,J>$
JUMP$ F 8 *AIR1 KNOCK+ X OV] & UPSETT+ A
GLASS ( R$ W9E ONTO ! TA#4 8,GO4AMMIT1
GET (F MY BACK40 ,HE /RODE T[>D ! DOOR
L1D+ 96! HALL1 B ,LAUR5 0 "R 2H HM4 ,%E
/EPP$ 9 FRONT ( HM1 PLAC+ BO? H&S ON 8
*E/1 SE>*+ 8 EYES4 8,TELL ME T Y W H NO
"P 9 ?4 ,PL1SE TELL ME T40 ,:5 HE DIDN'T
MOVE1 %E W5T ON1 8,J>$1 ?9K4 ,"! >E
FAMILIES "! :O W 2 HURT4 ,EL5A1 ,ROSA1 &
,GLORIA H FRS & RELATIVES :O LIVE "!4
,SURELY Y WD N 3D"O ANY?+ T WD H>M !M80
,ON TOP ( :AT 8 "M _H ORD]$ HM 6D1 HE
DIDN'T NE$ ?4 ,HE DIDN'T NE$ ,LAUR5
LOOK+ UP AT HM ) AN EXPRES.N T 0 BO?
PL1D+ & A3US+4 ,LA/ NI<T HE _H WANT$ H]
)A PAS.N T SURPASS$ ANY?+ HE _H "E
EXP]I;ED 2F1 &! CULM9,N _H BE5 E>?MOV+4
,MEMORIES (! H\RS !Y _H SP5T 9 8 B$ /
/IRR$ HM4 ,HE DIDN'T NE$ T1 EI4 ,HE
DIDN'T WANT H] 6BE SPECIAL4 ,6FEEL ! WAY
HE 0 -+ 6FEEL T[>D H] WD 2 DANG]\S ) ANY
WOMAN1 B ) H]1 X 0 9SAN;Y4 ,%E _H -E TO
,TEXAS = ,B5 ,LOCKETT1 N 8 SON4 ,&  #cef
%E _H ONLY M>RI$ HM =! TW5TY ?\S&
DOLL>S2 NO D\BT %E'D L1VE Z SOON Z %E
GOT ! M"OY4 ,8 FACE 2CAME AN UGLY SNE] &
HE ?REW (F H] H&S1 S5D+ H] REEL+
BACKW>D4 8,:O ! HELL >E Y 6TELL ME ANY?+
AB X8 ,H Y LIV$ "H ALL YR LIFE8 ,H Y "E
BE5 D[N 6SEE ! WAY ^? P LIVE8 ,X'S A
CESSPOOL1 ,LAUR54 ,! DREGS ( SOCIETY4
,:ORES & GAM#RS & ?IEVES4 ,Y DON'T "K
:AT Y'RE TALK+ AB :5 Y PL1D ) ME 6SAVE
X40 8,I'M SURE T ELE;T ( SOCIETY IS "!4
,B "! >E 9NOC5T P :O W SU6] NE$.SLY40
,6EMPHASIZE H] ^WS1 %E GRIPP$ 8 UPP] >MS
AG4 8,DON'T PRESUME 69T]F]E 9 MY LIFE10
HE HISS$ & IMPATI5TLY FLUNG (F H] H&S4
,8 GE/URE C>RI$ M IMPETUS ) X ?AN HE _H
9T5D$ & HE WAT*$ 9 BITT] REMORSE :5 8 H&
FLEW UP & CAU<T H] 9 ! LIP1 CUTT+ ! T5D]
FLE% ON H] TEE? & DRAW+ BLOOD4 ,!Y 7
HELD SUSP5D$ 9 SURPRISE1 /UNN$ 0:AT _H
HAPP5$4 ,J>$ 0 ! F/ 6R\SE HMF4 ,HE R1*$
96HIS BR1/ POCKET & )DREW A H&K]*IEF1
EXT5D+ X T[>D H]4 8,I'M SORRY1 ,LAUR54
,"H--0 ,HE R1*$ 6BLOT UP ! ?R1D ( BLOOD4
8,DON'T T\* ME60 ,%E J]K$ AWAY F    #ceg
HM & SLAPP$ 8 H& AWAY4 ,! H&K]*IEF
FLUTT]$ 6! FLOOR4 8,I DON'T WANT ANY?+ F
Y4 ,Y'RE J L ! RE/ ( !M4 ,L1VE ME AL"O40
,ANIMOS;Y LAY 2T !M L A GRT GULF4 ,H]
GRAY EYES1 /ORMY & HO/ILE1 MET 8 H>D &
UNYIELD+ GAZE4 8,S 2 X10 HE SD AF A L;G
SIL;E4 8,Y WON'T 2 BO!R$ ) MY T\*+ Y "E
AG40 ,%E FL$ ! ROOM & RU%$ =! /AIRS4 ,%E
0 HALFWAY UP :5 ,J>$ HALT$ H]4 8,I'M GO+
6,AU/9 TM4 ,I DON'T "K :5 ,I'LL 2 BACK40
,%E LOOK$ D[N AT HM4 ,9 SPITE ( H]
4ILLU.N;T1 %E LOV$ HM4 ,DUR+ _! >GU;T1 8
HAIR _H 2COME MUSS$ & HUNG OV] 8 =EH1D1
%AD[+ 8 EYES1 MAK+ _! EXPRES.N
9DISC]NI#4 ,8 BOOT$ FOOT 0 RE/+ ON !
BOTTOM /EP1 8 >M DRAP$ OV] ! BANNI/]4 ,8
DI%EVEL;T ONLY A4$ 6HIS H&"S;S4 ,H] HE>T
CRI$1 8,J>$1 ,I LOVE Y60 ,B %E SD NO?+4
,N EV5 GDBYE4 99 99 99 8,I'M L1V+ =
,KEYPO9T TM & ,I'M TAK+ ,EL5A ) ME40
,LAUR5 FAC$ ,OLIVIA ACR ! WIDE EXPANSE (
,B5'S DESK4 ,%E _H MADE A DECI.N & 0 N[
D>+ ,OLIVIA 6PROTE/ H] AC;N4 8,I ?9K
,GLORIA W NE$ ALL ! HELP %E C GET ) H]
NEW BABY -+4 ,EL5A & ,C>LOS NE$ TO  #ceh
LIVE TGR1 L ! FAMILY !Y >E4 ,I % ASK
,RUDY 6GIVE !M "O (! CAB9S ON ! RAN*40
8,! =EMAN DOESN'T MAKE DECI.NS =
,KEYPO9T1 ,LAUR540 ,OLIVIA 0 SEE?+4 ,H[
D>E %E M5;N T BA/>D & 8 BROOD 6H]8
,LAUR5 0 DELIB]ATELY PROVOK+ H] Z %E _H
D"O =! PA/ S"EAL "DS4 ,! MORN+ ,J>$
LEFT1 ,LAUR5 _H LAUN*$ H] CAMPAIGN4 ,2F
,OLIVIA 0 PRIVY 6H] 9T5;NS1 ,LAUR5 _H
ORGANIZ$ A *UR* -MITTEE /RICTLY =!
PURPOSE ( AID+ & ABETT+ ! -MUN;Y (
,PUEBLO4 ,LAUR5'S H1D WASN'T 9 ! CL\DS4
,%E R1LIZ$ T IF ! CITIZ5RY ( ,CORONADO
_H RE,Y BE5 3C]N$ AB _! ,MEXICAN
C.T]"PS1 !Y WD H D"O "S?+ L;G 2F N[4 ,%E
US$ H] NEW LA/ "N 6XS FULL EXT5T4
,SWEETLY %E ASK$ = HELP Z ,J>$
,LOCKETT'S WIFE ON A PROJECT !Y _H 3CVD4
,H] VICTIMS 7 P[].S 6REFUSE4 ,%E _H
COAX$ A RELUCTANT ,PEPE 6DRIVE H] "? !
/REETS (! T[N & %E _H BE5 APPALL$ AT :AT
%E SAW4 ,9 ! B"R SUNLI<T1 ALL (
,PUEBLO'S UGLI;S & DEPRIV,N 7 4PLAY$ L
OP5 W.DS4 ,LAUR5 _H BE5 %OCK$ AT ! LACK
( SANIT,N1 ! POV]TY1 ! SICK;S1 !    #cei
SQUALOR4 ,"U ,LAUR5'S DIREC;N1 ! *UR*
LADIES -MIS.N$ O!R SOCIAL GR\PS 6/>T
*>ITA# PROJECTS ( _! [N4 ,OLD CLO?+ 0
COLLECT$ & 4TRIBUT$4 ,LUMB]--ALBEIT
US$--WAS DONAT$ = 3/RUC;N PROJECTS4 ,&
,LAUR5 WROTE 6! UNIV]S;Y 9 ,AU/91 ASK+
!M IF M$ICAL /UD5TS WD 3SID] E/ABLI%+
CL9ICS =! TR1T;T (! SICK & 6T1* BASIC
LESSONS ON HYGI5E4 ,:5 ,OLIVIA HE>D AB
,LAUR5'S EF=TS F A GUILE.S BANK CU/OM]1
%E B>ELY MADE X HOME 2F H] TEMP] ERUPT$
)! IMPETUS (A VOLCANO4 ,%E 2GAN !
9T]VIEW 9 ! (FICE )1 8,Y W DESI/ F YR
RIDICUL\S PROJECT IMMLY40 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T
PRET5D 6MIS"U/&4 ,%E _H -E 96! (FICE
WELL >M$ = -BAT4 8,I W N SIT "H & 4CUSS
ANY?+ ) Y UNTIL ! DRAPES 2H ! DESK >E
DRAWN40 ,:E!R ,OLIVIA 0 %OCK$ BY
,LAUR5'S BRAV]Y OR TOO /UNN$ 0ANG] TO
OBJECT1 %E SAT SIL5TLY :ILE ,LAUR5
CALMLY W5T 6! W9D[S & DREW ! DRAPES4 ,:5
%E RETURN$ 6! *AIR OPPOSITE ! DESK %E
SD1 8,N[1 ,OLIVIA1 ,I 2LIEVE Y H AN
OP9ION ON MY ACTIVITIES 9 ,PUEBLO40 8,YR
9T]F];E 9 T -MUN;Y IS %E] LUNACY60  #cfj
,OLIVIA FAIRLY SCR1M$4 8,:AT"E
,8-MITTEES0' Y H ORGANIZ$ W DIE A SU45
D1?1 />T+ N[4 ,AM ,I "U/OOD80 8,Y >E1 B
NO1 N"O (! PROJECTS ,I'VE />T$ W 2
/OPP$40 8,I'LL SEE 6X T !Y >E10 %E
?R1T5$ )A T"O ( VOICE T WD H 9TIMIDAT$
_M A BRAWNY MAN4 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T EV5 BL9K4
8,I DON'T ?9K Y W10 %E /AT$ CALMLY4
8,:AT WD "EY"O ?9K IF MY ,8NO#0' EF=TS 7
HALT$ 0MY [N "M-IN-LAW80 8,NO "O WD "K10
,OLIVIA SD )A TRACE ( AMUSE;T4 ,0 ! GIRL
SIMPLE8 8,YES !Y WD4 ,I'D TELL !M40
8,OH1 ,I SEE4 ,X'S YR 9T5;N 64GRACE ME80
8,S9CE :5 IS X A 4GRACE 6AID "O'S FELL[
MAN80 ,LAUR5 3SID]$ ! 9T]VIEW OV] !N1 &
LEFT ,OLIVIA AL"O ) H] HATR$4 ,IF
,OLIVIA PLANN$ 6/YMIE ,LAUR5'S AC;NS1 %E
F.D H]F ILL-EQUIPP$ & ILL-TRA9$ 6D S4 ,?
0 ! TYPE ( "W ,LAUR5 _H D"O ALL H] LIFE4
,%E 0 A GD ADM9I/RATOR4 ,X 0 A R>E TAL5T
6BE A# 6TALK "S"O 96DO+ AN UNPL1SANT
TASK & L1VE !M ?9K+ T X _H BE5 _! IDEA 9
! F/ PLACE4 ,"EY"O 0 5AMOR$ )! C\RAGE\S
,MRS4 ,LAUR5 ,LOCKETT4 ,OLIVIA'S SUBTLE1
T5TATIVE SU7ES;NS T H]              #cfa
DAU<T]-IN-LAW MI<T 2 A BIT AMBITI\S MET
ONLY HI< PRAISE & 5?USIASM =! PROJECTS4
,:5 ALL H] -MITTEES 7 9 FULL SW+ &
,PUEBLO ALR %[$ SIGNS ( IMPROVE;T1
,LAUR5 DECID$ 6RETURN 6,KEYPO9T4 ,=!
PRES5T1 %E _H D"O ALL %E CD D4 ,! COLD
HO/IL;Y 9 ! H\SE 9 ,CORONADO _H 2COME
UNT5A#4 ,N[1 Z %E FAC$ ,OLIVIA
PURPOSE;LLY1 UNAFRAID (! WOMAN'S IMPOS+
MI51 %E SD1 8,I SPOKE 6,J>$ AB ,EL5A &
,C>LOS1 & HE AGRE$40 ,T 0 ! F/ "T T
,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK ,LOCKETT _H TOLD A LIE1
B %E FELT T %E WD 2 =GIV54 8,2SS1 ) BO?
,J>$ & ME AWAY1 ,I'M SURE Y C SP>E H]4
,PEPE C ESCORT U 6,KEYPO9T & BR+ ! WAGON
BACK4 ,HE %D 2 A# 6RETURN ! "D AF TM40
8,Y H X ALL PLANN$1 ,I SEE4 ,:AT D Y
HOPE 6A3OMPLI% ) ? LL ESCAPADE8 ,D Y
9T5D 6TELL C]TA9 P]SONS \R PLANS 9 HOPES
T !Y W 2 ABORT$80 ,OLIVIA'S GRE5 EYES 7
DA7]S Z %E GL>$ AT ,LAUR54 8,IF ,I TOLD
,RUDY10 %E PAUS$ AF EMPHASIZ+ 8 "N1 8X
CD 5DANG] HM & 8 FAMILY4 ,I WDN'T D
ANY?+ 6JEOP>DIZE _! SAFETY40 8,H[
?"\;L40 ,LAUR5 IGNOR$ ! S>CASM &    #cfb
3T9U$1 8,I DON'T ?9K YR B>B>\S PLANS W
"E SEE FRUI;N1 ,OLIVIA4 ,I DON'T ?9K
,J>$ W TAKE "P4 ,I'VE -E 6"K HM1 & X WD
2 AG/ 8 NATURE 6D S* A DESPICA# ?+4 ,X'S
YR S\L ,I FE> =1 ,OLIVIA1 N ,J>$'S40
,OLIVIA LAU<$ ) G5U9E PL1SURE4 8,:AT A
FOOL Y >E4 ,Y ?9K Y H REDEEM$ MY SON4 ,I
W>RANT T HE WD 2 A *ALL5GE = ANY MIS.N>Y
6TRY 6SAVE40 ,!N ALL AMUSE;T LEFT H]
COLD1 B1UTI;L FACE4 8,DON'T C.T ON ,J>$4
,HE 2L;GS 6ME & W ALW D Z ,I TELL HM
TO40 ,LAUR5 ROSE GRACE;LLY F H] *AIR &1
TOT,Y -POS$1 LEFT ! ROOM4 99 99 99 ,!
NEXT MORN+ DAWN$ COLD1 RA9Y1 & DRE>Y1 9
P]FECT H>MONY ) ,LAUR5'S MOOD4 ,ROSA BID
A TE>;L GDBYE 6,EL5A1 B ! "Y] GIRL 0
JUBILANT4 ,:5 ,LAUR5 _H TOLD H] AB TAK+
H] 6,KEYPO9T S %E CD LIVE ) ,C>LOS1
,EL5A _H BE5 OV]COME ) GRATITUDE4 ,%E
CDN'T 2LIEVE T X 0 RE,Y GO+ 6-E AB4
,DESPITE ! DR1D;L W1!R1 %E 0 *ATT]+
M]RILY :5 !Y LEFT4 ,! TRIP TOOK L;G] ?AN
USUAL 2C (! RA9 &! MU4Y ROADS4 ,LAUR5
SAT ON ! S1T (! WAGON ) ,PEPE1 :ILE
,EL5A SAT HU4L$ "U A T>P 9 ! WAGON  #cfc
B$4 ,!Y 7 COLD & TIR$ & HUNGRY :5 !Y
F9,Y R1*$ ! RAN* H\SE LATE 9 ! AFN4
,GLORIA RAN \ 6MEET !M & HU7$ ,LAUR5 6H]
9 A SI/]LY EMBRACE4 8,WE'VE MISS$ Y S
M*4 ,X'S GD 6SEE Y4 ,": IS ,J>$8 ,IS HE
-+ LAT]80 ,! M5;N ( 8 "N BR"\ A LUMP TO
,LAUR5'S ?ROAT1 B %E ANSW]$ CALMLY 5\<1
8,I DON'T ?9K HE'S -+ \ ? "T4 ,HE HAS
BUSI;S 9 ,AU/940 ,GLORIA WD H SD M1 B
,LAUR5'S OBVI\S RELUCT.E 6TALK AB H]
HUSB& /IFL$ ANY "QS %E WD H ASK$4 ,WD ^!
TWO N"E GET _! DI6];ES SETTL$8 8,GLORIA1
? IS ,EL5A1 ,C>LOS ,RIVAS'S WIFE & MY
FR4 ,I'VE BR"\ H] ) ME 6HELP Y "H 9 !
H\SE4 ,I HOPE ,RUDY C >RANGE = !M 6LIVE
9 "O (! CAB9S4 ,D Y ?9K T'S POSSI#80
8,WE'LL MAKE X POSSI#4 ,WELCOME1 ,EL5A10
,GLORIA SD1 TAK+ BO? (! GIRL'S H&S 9 H]
[N4 8,WE ?9K A LOT ( ,C>LOS & ,I'M HAPPY
6F9,Y MEET Y4 ,WE 7 SORRY 6HE> AB YR
BABY4 ,W Y HELP ME TAKE C>E ( MY *N8 ,!Y
>E M ?AN ,I C H&LE40 ,GLORIA 0 REACT+ J
Z ,LAUR5 KNEW %E WD4 ,EL5A WD 2 HAPPY
"H4 ,LAUR5 SI<$ & W5T 96! H\SE 6GREET !
*N & ,M>IA4 ,Z EA* * 0 HU7$1 HE OR  #cfd
%E _H A SPECIAL /ORY 6RELATE 6,AUNT
,LAUR54 ,%E LI/5$ 6!M AVIDLY1 J1L\S ( _!
C>EFREE 9NOC;E4 ,!Y 7 FULL ( "QS AB _!
H]O1 ,UNCLE ,J>$1 & %E TOLD !M AB 8 W9N+
! %OOT+ 3TE/4 ,!Y LI/5$ ) WIDE1 R.D EYES
6! 5TIRE EPISODE )! AUTOMOBILE4 ,GLORIA
%OO$ !M 96_! ROOMS & ,M>IA /EPP$ =W>D TO
EMBRACE ,LAUR51 :O WELCOM$ ! SU3OR %E
F.D 9 ^? SL5D] >MS4 ,M>IA PULL$ AWAY F
H] & LOOK$ DEEPLY 96! SAD GRAY EYES4 8,I
?9K Y >E UNHAPPY1 ,LAUR51 NO80 ,LAUR5
HUNG H] H1D & NO4$ MIS]ABLY4 8,WE'LL
TALK LAT]40 ,M>IA PATT$ H] >M & TURN$ TO
WELCOME ,EL5A4 ,:5 HE CAME 9 T EV5+1
,RUDY GAVE H] A HE>TY KISS4 ,AT A SIGNAL
F ,GLORIA1 HE REFRA9$ F ASK+ TOO _M "QS
AB ,J>$ OR ! SITU,N 9 ,CORONADO4 ,PL1D+
EXHAUS;N1 ,LAUR5 RETIR$ E>LY 6H] ROOM4
,X 0 PA9;LLY REM9ISC5T ( ,J>$--HIS ?+S1
8 CLO!S1 8 SC5T4 ,"EY?+ 0 A GRIM REM9D]
( _! "P+4 ,%E KNEW HE _HN'T M1NT 6/RIKE
H]4 ,T _H BE5 AN A3ID5T4 ,:AT %E 3SID]$
6BE 8 2TRAYAL 0 ! H>%1 ANGRY ^WS HE _H
FLUNG AT H]4 ,CD ^? ^WS H -E F ! SAME
M\? T _H KISS$ H] ) S* T5D];S8      #cfe
,KISSES T EV5 N[ Z %E REMEMB]$ !M MADE
H] BODY TREM#8 ,X 0 FUTILE 6D5Y ! S5S,NS
T ROCKET$ "? H] :5"E %E RECALL$ 8
LOVEMAK+4 ,H] BODY 2CAME Z MALLEA# Z
MELT+ BUTT] :5 %E RECALL$ 8 H&S & LIPS &
H[ !Y _H >\S$ & PL1S$ H]4 ,! 9TRICACIES
( H] BODY & 8 _H BE5 REV1L$ 6H] "U
,J>$'S PRACTIC$ T\*1 YET %E L;G$ 6"K M4
,%E WANT$ 6FEEL AG T SUBLIME EC/ASY T _H
5COMPASS$ H] ! MO;T 8 MASCUL9;Y FILL$ H]
& MADE H] -PLETE4 ,LOVE ^WS HE _H *ANT$
9 H] E> CAME BACK 6HAUNT & MOCK H] Z %E
TOSS$ RE/.SLY ON H] PILL[1 : 0 ALR DAMP
) TE>S4 99 99 99 ,RUDY GAVE ! USE (A
CAB9 AB A MILE AWAY F ! L>GE H\SE TO
,C>LOS & ,EL5A4 ,HE EV5 P]MITT$ ,C>LOS
6TAKE A "D (F 6SET UP H\SEKEEP+4 ,V LL
GOT A3OMPLI%$1 B ,EL5A 0 RADIANT ! NEXT
MORN+ :5 ,C>LOS DROPP$ H] (F AT ! RAN*
H\SE 2F HE REPORT$ 6"W4 ,%E FELL "R 9 )!
R\T9E 9 ! KIT*5 & H]D$ ! *N >.D )!
PATI;E ( AN EXP]I;ED S*OOLM>M4 ,! *N
ADOR$ H] & M9D$ H] F> BETT] ?AN !Y DID
EI _! "M OR _! 9DULG5T ,AUNT ,LAUR5 OR
_! GR&"M1 :OM !Y MANIPULAT$         #cff
UNM]CI;LLY4 ,LAUR5 WASN'T 9 ! ,*RI/MAS
_S1 B ! HOLI"D CAME N"O!.S4 ,ON ,*RI/MAS
MORN+1 ,JAMES & ,JOHN 7 DELI<T$ )A NEW
PAIR ( SUSP5D]S & PLAY GUNS ) HOL/]S4 ,!
GIRLS SQU1L$ :5 !Y F.D NEW PETTICOATS &
HAIR RI2ONS 9 _! BOXES F ,AUNT ,LAUR54
,"! 0 S M* 3FU.N AMID/ ! PACKAGES &
PRES5TS T ,SANTA ,CLAUS _H LEFT 2H1 T NO
"O NOTIC$ :5 ,LAUR5 SLIPP$ BACK 96H]
B$ROOM & %UT ! DOOR4 ,"S -PUL.N %E CDN'T
"N MOV$ H] T[>D ! CLOSET & %E OP5$ X
SL[LY4 ,%E LOOK$ AT ,J>$'S CLO!S HANG+
"!1 AN OLD PAIR ( BOOTS FLUNG NEGLIG5TLY
ONTO ! FLOOR1 A L1!R VE/ HANG+ ON A NAIL
9SIDE ! DOOR4 8,J>$10 %E GROAN$1 &
PRESS$ H] FACE 96"O (! %IRTS T1 EV5 ?\<
X _H BE5 LAUND]$1 / RETA9$ 8 SC5T1 !
>OMA ( 8 TOBA3O &! FA9T SMELL ( L1!R4
,%E SO2$ = S"EAL M9UTES 96! CLO? UNTIL
%E FELT G5TLE H&S ON H] %\LD]S4 8,LAUR51
>E Y R1DY 6TALK AB X N[8 ,I'LL LI/5 IF Y
>E40 8,OH1 ,M>IA1 ,I DON'T WANT 6BURD5
ANY"O ) MY PRO#MS1 ESPECI,Y N Y1 :5
,B5'S D1? IS S H1VY ON YR M9D40 ,M>IA L$
H] 6! B$ & !Y BO? SAT D[N4 ,! *N'S  #cfg
EXUB]ANT EXCLAM,NS CAME F ! NEXT ROOM4
,M>IA PATT$ ,LAUR5'S H&1 GIV+ H] "T TO
ASSEM# H] ?"\S4 8,I ''' ? ''' MY M>RIAGE
IS A F>CE10 %E BLURT$ \4 ,UNEV5LY1
BROK5LY1 %E TOLD ! :OLE /ORY F ! "T %E
_H MET ,B5 6,WILLIAM ,KELL]'S ATTEMPT$
RAPE &! ,PRA!RS' C5SORI\S A3EPT.E ( 8
LIES4 ,%E 0 A%AM$ 6TELL ,M>IA AB ! T]MS
( H] D1L ) ,OLIVIA1 B %E RELAT$ !M
4PAS.NATELY1 OMITT+ ANY M5;N (!
,VANDIV]S4 8,Y PROBABLY ?9K ,I'M T]RI#
6SELL MYF T WAY40 8,I'M 9 NO POSI;N TO
PASS JUDG;T ON ANY"O1 ,LAUR54 ,B "U !
SAME CIRCUM/.ES1 ,I WD H D"O ! SAME ?+4
,"S"TS \R *OICES 9 LIFE >E 2T ! LESS] (
TWO EVILS4 ,Y DID :AT Y HOP$ WD 2 ! "R
?+4 ,NO "O C 3DEMN Y = T4 ,2SS1 ,I ?9K
YR MOTIV,NS 9CLUD$ "S?+ 2SS ,B5'S WI%ES
&! M"OY1 DIDN'T !Y80 ,? 0 ! "Q T ,LAUR5
_H ASK$ H]F "T & AG4 ,_H %E BE5 9 LOVE )
,J>$ EV5 !N8 ,0 T :Y %E _H G"O AL;G ) ?
\TL&I% S*EME8 ,NO?+ 0 CLE> 6H] ANYMORE4
8,Y FELL 9 LOVE ) ,J>$1 DIDN'T Y80 ,M>IA
ASK$ S(TLY4 ,LAUR5 NO4$ & ,M>IA 3T9U$1
8,& ? M>RIAGE ( 3V5I;E HAS 2COME    #cfh
"S?+ ELSE1 HASN'T X8 ,Y'VE ''' BE5 )
,J>$80 ,LAUR5 COV]$ H] FACE ) H] H&S &
SO2$1 8,YES1 OH1 YES4 ,N UNTIL J A FEW
"DS AGO & ''' OH1 ,I DON'T "K1 ,M>IA4
,ALL MY LIFE ,I'VE BE5 3DI;N$ 62LIEVE T
M5 DID ,8BAD0' ?+S 6WOM5 & T LADIES
PROTECT$ !MVS F T DEBASE;T4 ,EV5 ?\<
WE'RE M>RI$1 ,I "K T ,J>$ DOESN'T LOVE
ME4 ,IS X S9;L = ME 6FEEL :AT ,I D8 ,TO
F9D PL1SURE 9 '''0 8,DID Y ?9K X 0
,8BAD0'80 8,NO10 ,LAUR5 ANSW]$ VEHE;TLY1
& ,M>IA SUPPRESS$ A SMILE4 8,:5 ,I F/
CAME 6,B51 ,I 0 "Y & UNSURE1 TOO4 ,I
TRI$ 6D5Y ! JOY HE CD BR+ ME4 ,B :5 ,I
SAW T ,I 0 GIV+ HM GRT HAPPI;S1 ,I CD
%>E X )\T GUILT OR %AME4 ,I1 TOO1 0 BR"\
UP 6?9K T ! WOMAN %D EXPECT NO?+ B PA9 &
DEGRAD,N F LOVEMAK+4 ,GOD1 N ,MAN1 CR1T$
SEX1 ,LAUR54 ,& EV5 ?\< ,MAN P]V]TS X &
MISUSES X1 X IS / A GIFT 6TWO P :O LOVE
EA* O!R40 8,B ,J>$ DOESN'T LOVE ME4 ,I'M
T]RIFI$ (! "D HE'LL GR[ TIR$ ( ? F>CICAL
M>RIAGE & S5D ME AWAY40 8,I ?9K ,J>$ IS
FI<T+ 8 [N BATTLE ( FEEL+S1 ,LAUR54 ,I
DON'T 2LIEVE HE CD H BE5 CO]C$ 9TO  #cfi
M>RY+ ANY"O1 NO MATT] H[ HI< ! /AKES1 IF
HE _HN'T BE5 ATTRACT$ 6H]4 ,HE'S F> TOO
H1D/R;G4 ,& ,I ?9K S5D+ Y AWAY IS ! LA/
?+ HE WANTS 6D40 ,%E LOOK$ AT ! TE>;L "Y
WOMAN & H] HE>T W5T \ 6H]4 ,B5 _H WANT$
!M 6BE HAPPY4 ,HE'D _H S* HI< HOPES T _!
REL,N%IP WD BLOOM 96LOVE4 8,LAUR510 %E
SD G5TLY1 8DON'T 2 AFRAID ( LOV+ ,J>$4
,IF ,I _HN'T LOV$ ,B51 ?9K (! USE.S LIFE
,I WD H _H4 ,?9K (! MIS]Y HE WD H _H TO
BE> AL"O4 ,I DON'T ?9K Y W REGRET LOV+
YR ,LOCKETT ANY M ?AN ,I D HAV+ LOV$
M9E4 ,! ONLY REGRET ,I "E _H 0 N 2+ A#
6GIVE ,B5 M *N40 ,LAUR5 SNI6$ & DA2$ AT
H] EYES )A LACE-$G$ H&K]*IEF ,M>IA _H
EXT5D$ H]4 8,?ANK Y1 ,M>IA4 ,Y G ON &
JO9 YR ''' \R ''' FAMILY4 ,I'LL 2 \
LAT]40 ,%E SMIL$ TREMUL\SLY4 ,M>IA /ROK$
! TE>-/A9$ *EEK & !N LEFT ,LAUR5 AL"O TO
WOND] ": ,J>$ 0 SP5D+ ,*RI/MAS4
  ,*APT] #BJ
  ,TWO WEEKS AF ,*RI/MAS1 ! RESID5TS (
,KEYPO9T 5JOY$ A FEW "DS ( UNS1SONABLY
MILD W1!R4 ,! OLD-"TRS PREDICT$ T ! WOR/
(! W9T] WASN'T OV] IF ! W1!R 0 ?    #cgj
W>M 9 ,JANU>Y1 B "EY"O 0 GLAD 6SEE A
RESPITE F ! H[L+ W9DS T "S"TS BR"\ ICY
RA9S & SLEET4 ,"O MORN+1 ,LAUR5 RODE \
0H]F4 ,M>IA _H A COLD & %E _HN'T WANT$
6BO!R ,RUDY OR "O (! VAQU]OS4 ,X 0 AMAZ+
H[ M* %E MISS$ ,FLAME4 ,B ANY RECOLLEC;N
(! M>E REM9D$ H]1 TOO1 ( ,J>$4 ,A ,J>$
VICI\S & VIOL5T4 ,%E PU%$ ^? ?"\S F H]
M9D4 ,N"E LOS+ SI<T (! -P.D & JUDG+ H]
DIREC;N 0! ,RIO ,CABALLO1 %E CANT]$ UP &
D[N S"EAL HILLS1 GRATE;L =! EX]CISE4 ,%E
_H BE5 G"O AB AN H\R & 0 ON H] WAY BACK
6! H\SE :5 %E NOTIC$ H] M.T'S E>S PULL
BACK %>PLY4 ,AB ! SAME "T1 ,LAUR5 HE>D A
MUM#D CURSE FOLL[$ 0A MOAN4 ,%E RE9$ 9 !
GELD+ & LI/5$4 ,! MOAN 0 REP1T$1 -+ F !
DIREC;N (A CLUMP ( C$>S4 ,%E NUDG$ !
HORSE NE>]4 ,:5 %E 0 A FEW FEET F !
GROVE1 %E CD B>ELY MAKE \ A =M LY+ ON !
GR.D4 ,%E 4M.T$ CAUTI\SLY & TOOK A
T5TATIVE /EP =W>D4 8,/AY "R ": Y'RE AT40
,%E HE>D ! UNMI/AKA# CLICK (A RIFLE 2+
COCK$ & %E FROZE1 H] HE>T JUMP+ 6H]
?ROAT4 8,DON'T*A -E NO CLOS]40 ,! VOICE
0 S9I/]1 B CLIPP$ Z IF ! EF=T TO    #cga
SP1K 0 PA9;L4 8,>E Y HURT8 ,I HE>D Y
MOAN+40 ,LAUR5 0 QUAK+ ON ! 9SIDE1 B %E
FELT ? P]SON NE$$ HELP4 8,Y ,J>$
,LOCKETT'S WOMAN80 8,YES1 ,I'M ,MRS4
,LOCKETT4 ,:O >E Y80 ,%E TOOK "O M /EP
=W>D4 8,I SD DON'T -E NO CLOS]40 ,! LA/
^W RAIS$ AN OCTAVE Z ! S5T;E 4SOLV$ 96A
L;G1 HE>T-3/RICT+ WAIL4 ,?R[+ CAU;N
ASIDE1 ,LAUR5 RAN 96! ?ICKET4 ,%E PULL$
UP %>PLY & COV]$ H] M\? 6/IFLE ! SCR1M T
ROSE F H] ?ROAT4 ,! MAN 0 RA7$ & DIRTY1
8 ANKLE CAU<T GROTESQUELY 9 A TRAP ( "S
K9D1 BLOOD OOZ+ \ >.D ! /EEL TEE? T 7
BIT+ 96HIS FLE%4 ,8 FACE 0 A HIDE\S
NI<TM>E4 ,? 0 ,CRAZY ,JACK1 ! H]MIT4 ,X
0 A D1? MASK ? POOR CR1TURE WORE 9/1D (A
FACE4 ,R$ UGLY SC>S ADORN$ ! SIDES ( 8
H1D ": 8 E>S %D H BE54 ,TWO OP5 HOLES T
GAP$ E]ILY S]V$ Z 8 NOSE4 ,LAUR5 SWALL[$
! BILE T FLOOD$ 96H] M\?4 8,MR4 ,TURN]1
LET ME HELP Y40 ,%E CREPT CLOS] 6HM4
,:AT 0 LEFT ( 8 FACE 0 3TORT$ 9 PA94 ,8
LIPS 7 PULL$ BACK 9 AGONY OV] A SC>C;Y (
TEE?1 & 8 EYES 7 SQUEEZ$ %UT4 ,LAUR5
NOT$ T ! F+]S : _H HELD ! RIFLE 7   #cgb
N[ CL5*$ >.D ! 9JUR$ LEG4 ,! FIRE>M _H
BE5 AB&ON$ ON ! GR.D4 8,DON'T WANT NO
HELP10 HE HISS$4 8,Y MAY N WANT X1 B ,I
?9K Y %D H "S40 ,! FIRM;S 9 H] VOICE
SURPRIS$ HM4 ,HE OP5$ 8 EYES & LOOK$ AT
H] SUSPICI\SLY1 SE>*+ = "S ?R1T4 ,HE SAW
N"O4 8,C Y GET ? GO4AM 3TRAP;N (F MY
LEG80 8,I ''' ,I DON'T "K40 ,%E LOOK$ AT
! OM9\S ?+ & %U4]$4 8,I C TRY40 8,WELL1
QUIT JAW9' !N & D X A=E ,I BLE$ 6D1?10
HE GRUM#D4 8,TAKE AHOLT ON EI SIDE &
PULL Z H>D Z Y C40 8,WON'T X HURT :5 ,I
LIFT UP YR FOOT80 %E ASK$ TIMOR\SLY4
8,YES1 GO4AMMIT1 B X'S HURT9' L HELL N[1
& ,I GOT 6GIT X (F1 A9'T ,I80 8,V WELL10
SD ,LAUR5 DECISIVELY1 REMOV+ H] GLOVES4
,OBVI\SLY ! MAN 0 DET]M9$ 6BE RUDE4 ,H]
HE>T 0 ?U4+ Z %E KNELT D[N 2S ! 4FIGUR$
H]MIT & G5TLY CLOS$ H] F+]S >.D 8 %9 ABV
": ! TRAP _H SPRUNG ON 8 ANKLE4 ,HE
GASP$ EV5 AT ? SLI<T PRESSURE & %E LOOK$
AT HM ) P;Y4 8,I'M SORRY1 ,I "K X'S
EXCRUCIAT+40 8,G ON & GIT X OV] )10 HE
RASP$4 ,%E PLAC$ H] F+]S ON EI SIDE (!
TRAP1 F9D+ Z GD A HOLD Z %E CD ON   #cgc
! BLOOD-SLICK METAL4 ,T5TATIVELY %E TRI$
6PULL ! TRAP A"P4 ,X DIDN'T BUDGE &
,CRAZY ,JACK'S BR1? SUCK$ 96! VACUUM ( 8
M\? Z ! PA9 9CR1S$4 8,H>D]1 LADY40
,LAUR5 TRI$ AG1 EX]T+ TREM5D\S PRESSURE4
,J Z %E 0 AB 6GIVE UP1 %E FELT ! METAL
2N H] F+]S GIVE WAY A FRAC;N4 ,! MUSCLES
( H] >MS A*$ )! EF=T %E 0 DEM&+ ( !M4
,F9,Y ! SIDES (! TRAP SPRANG A"P1 TE>+
96! POOR VICTIM'S FLE% 2F -+ FREE ( X4
,JACK SCR1M$4 ,! TRAP'S TEE? _H LEFT
DEEP PUNCTURE W.DS >.D 8 ANKLE4 ,!Y 7
BLE$+ PROFUSELY4 ,LAUR5 W5T 6H]
SA4LEBAGS & RETRIEV$ A CANTE5 ( WAT]4
,%E KNELT D[N AG 2S HM & P\R$ ! LIQUID
ONTO ! W.DS4 ,JACK ACTU,Y LAU<$ AT H]4
8,WAT] WON'T D NO GD1 ,MISSY4 ,GET T
CANTE5 (F MY HORSE4 ,HE'S >.D "H "S":S40
,%E LOOK$ >.D UNTIL %E SAW A MANGY
ANIMAL NI2L+ ON ! %ORT GRASS "U ! TREES4
,%E APPROA*$ HM TIMIDLY1 AFRAID T HE
MI<T 2 Z %Y ( P Z 8 [N]1 B HE /OOD
DOCILELY Z %E LIFT$ ! CANTE5 F ": X HUNG
>.D ! SA4LE HORN4 ,%E UNCAPP$ X &!
UNMI/AKA# ODOR ( :ISKEY ASSAIL$ H]  #cgd
NO/RILS4 ,? M/ 2 ! ROTGUT T ,J>$ _H TOLD
H] ! OLD RECLUSE 4TILL$4 ,%E PAUS$ ONLY
AN 9/ANT 2F G5]\SLY BA?+ ! PUNCTURES )!
LIQUOR4 ,JACK W9C$ & 8 EYES 2GAN 6WAT]1
B HE DIDN'T SCR1M AG4 ,HE GE/UR$ = H] TO
TAKE ! SC>F F 8 NECK & WRAP X >.D 8 LEG4
,X 0 GRIMY & D>K ) GR1SE4 8,:Y ''' :Y
DON'T ,I USE M9E8 ,X'S '''0 %E SUPPRESS$
! ^W CL1N] & SUB/ITUT$1 8L>G]40 8,A9'T
TAK9' NO *>;Y--0 8,NO1 NO1 NO?+ L T40
,%E DIDN'T GIVE HM "T 6PROTE/ FUR!R Z %E
:IPP$ H] B&ANA F >.D H] NECK4 ,%E =M$ A
SIL5T1 SELFI% PRAY] ( ?ANKSGIV+ T %E
WASN'T WE>+ ! BLUE SILK "O ,J>$ _H GIV5
H]1 B "O ( COTTON PR9T %E _H B"\ = H]F 9
,CORONADO4 ,N ALL[+ H]F 6?9K (! PA9 %E
M/ 2 CAUS+ ! POOR MAN1 %E HA/ILY TI$ !
SC>F >.D 8 OOZ+ W.DS4 8,"!4 ,T %D HOLD Y
UNTIL WE C GET Y BACK 6,KEYPO9T & SUMMON
! DOCTOR4 ,C Y RIDE80 8,HOLD ON J A
GO4AM M9UTE1 ,MISSY4 ,I A9'T AGO9' NO":
B 6MY H\SE1 & NO /9K9' SAWB"OS IS GO9'
6T\* ANY "P ( ,JACK ,TURN]40 8,B1 ,MR4
,TURN]1 ^? W.DS >E S]I\S4 ,YR ANKLE MAY
2 BROK540 ,%E CDN'T LET HM RETURN   #cge
6T CAVE HE LIV$ 9 )\T M$ICAL ATT5;N4
8,PL1SE1 IF Y DON'T WANT 6G 6,KEYPO9T1
LET ME GET ,RUDY1 Y "K ,RUDY ,M5--0
8,HELL1 YES1 ,I "K :O ,RUDY ,M5DEZ IS1 &
HE OR NO "O ELSE IS GO9' 6TAKE C>E ( ?
ANKLE ,8CEPT9' ME4 ,I'VE _H M BROK5 B"OS
?AN Y'VE _H YE>S40' ,8,B Y MAY NE$ 6BE
SUTUR$40' ,HE RAIS$ 8 SCORN;L EYES 6H]
!N & CURS$ IMAG9ATIVELY4 ,8,:O Y ?9K
SEW$ UP MY FACE :5 !M ,9JUNS DID ? 6X1
HUH80' ,HE DIDN'T EXPECT AN ANSW] &
,LAUR5 0 TOO MORTIFI$ 6MAKE "O4 ,8,N[
GET \TA0' MY WAY40 ,JACK /RU7L$ 6HIS
FEET & %RU7$ (F H] ATTEMPTS 6HELP HM4
,HE L1N$ D[N & PICK$ UP 8 TRAP1 3DEMN+ X
= 2+ EMPTY4 ,HE DAMN$ Z WELL 8 [N
CLUMSI;S AT HAV+ /EPP$ ON X4 ,HE LIMP$
6HIS HORSE & TOOK A L;G PULL ON ! CANTE5
2F HE HOI/$ HMF 96! SA4LE4 8,WD Y L = ME
6FOLL[ Y & SEE Y HOME8 ,Y MAY NE$ "S
HELP40 8,NO1 MA'AM4 ,Y SE5 M ( ,JACK
,TURN] ?AN ANY O!R HUMAN HAS 9 TW5TY
YE>S OR S4 ,I'D 2 OBLIG$ IF Y 0 6=GET
:AT Y SE540 ,HE LOOK$ AWAY %YLY & SD1
8,Y SEEM L A R1L DEC5T SORT (       #cgf
WOMAN1 ,MIZ ,LOCKETT40 ,LAUR5 KNEW T HE
WD RES5T ! P;Y %E FELT 9CL9$ 6%[ HM1 S
%E SD1 8,?ANK Y4 ,X HAS BE5 A PL1SURE TO
MEET Y1 ,MR4 ,TURN]40 ,HE TIPP$ 8 HAT TO
H] & RODE AWAY4 ,%E DIDN'T FOLL[ HM S Z
N 69VADE ! PRIVACY HE COVET$4 ,%E WAIT$
UNTIL HE 0 \ ( SI<T 2F %E M.T$ H] HORSE
& RODE BACK 6! RAN* H\SE1 AF /OPP+ ONCE
AT ! RIV] 6WA% ! BLOOD F H] H&S4 ,%E W5T
96! KIT*5 & GA!R$ UP A BASKET ( FOOD1 !N
RETURN$ SWIFTLY 6! RIV]BANK ACR F ! H\SE
GR[+ \ (! ROCK WALL4 ,%E LEFT ! BASKET
ON ! FLAT ROCK Z %E _H SE5 ,J>$ D4 ,%E
DIDN'T T>RY1 B RODE AWAY )\T LOOK+ BACK4
99 99 99 ,Z ,GLORIA'S DELIV]Y DATE DREW
NE>1 ! WOM5 SEW$ & KNITT$1 TALK+ OV]
"NS1 DECID+ F/ ON "O & !N 4C>D+ X =
ANO!R4 ,EL5A HAPPILY ANN\NC$ "O MORN+ T
%E1 TOO1 0 PREGNANT AG4 ,%E RADIAT$ GD
H1L? & 5]GY1 :ILE ,C>LOS WORE A P]PETU,Y
SAPPY GR94 ,LAUR5 0 T\*$ 0_! OBVI\S
HAPPI;S ) EA* O!R & _! NEW HOME4 ,!
,M5DEZ BABY *OSE ! TW5TY-?IRD "D (
,JANU>Y 6MAKE XS APPE>.E4 ,GLORIA _H BE5
LI/.S S9CE GETT+ UP T MORN+4 ,%E1   #cgg
,LAUR51 & ,M>IA 7 SITT+ 9 ! L>GE LIV+
ROOM NE> ! FIRE 5JOY+ A CUP ( MIDMORN+
TEA :5 %E CLUT*$ ! >MS ( H] *AIR4 8,I
?9K ,I'M GO+ 96LABOR4 ,T'S AB ! ?IRD
PA91 & X'S ! /R;GE/40 ,LAUR5 NE>LY
DROPP$ H] CUP1 B ,M>IA W5T 6H]
DAU<T]-IN-LAW & SUPPORT$ H] Z !Y WALK$
96! B$ROOM %E %>$ ) ,RUDY4 8,LAUR51 W Y
-E HELP ,GLORIA 96B$1 PL1SE80 ,LAUR5
JUMP$ 9 AL>M1 B %E FOLL[$ ! O!R TWO 96!
ROOM4 ,AT ,M>IA'S 9/RUC;NS1 ,LAUR5 TURN$
D[N ! SPR1D & COV]S ON ! B$1 & ,M>IA
EAS$ ,GLORIA D[N ONTO ! %EET4 8,I'LL
UNDRESS H]1 ,LAUR51 IF Y'LL G TELL ,EL5A
6TAKE C>E (! *N =! RE/ (! "D10 ,M>IA SD
PLACIDLY4 8,S5D ^W 6,RUDY 0"O (!
VAQU]OS4 ,!Y'LL "K ": HE IS4 ,!N -E
BACK4 ,I'M SURE WE C USE ANO!R PAIR (
H&S40 ,LAUR5 SP$ \ (! ROOM1 GRATE;L =
ANY TASK T TOOK H] AWAY F ! BIR?+ B$4
,%E DIDN'T RELI% WIT;S+ T SECRET RITE :
_H KILL$ H] [N "M4 ,EL5A 0 ELAT$1 &
ASSUR$ ,LAUR5 T %E WD TAKE C>E (! H\SE &
! *N & WD /& 0IF NE$$ = ANY?+ ELSE4
,RUDY CAME B.D+ 96! H\SE A FEW      #cgh
M9UTES LAT]1 LOOK+ GRAY "U 8 D>K
F1TURES4 8,RUDY10 ,LAUR5 CRI$4 8,I 0
C.T+ ON Y 6CALM MY N]VES4 ,I ?"\ Y'D 2
US$ 6? 0N[4 ,Y LOOK L A NEW "F40 ,HE
GR9N$ ABA%$LY4 8,I GUESS E "T IS L ! F/
"T4 ,IS %E ALL "R8 ,C ,I G SEE H]80
8,WELL1 ,I SUPPOSE S40 ,LAUR5 WASN'T
SURE :AT ETIQUETTE DICTAT$ 9 ? 9/.E4
8,LET ME *ECK40 ,%E CREPT 96! DIM ROOM
6F9D ,GLORIA PROPP$ UP PRIMLY 9 ! MI4LE
(! B$ TALK+ AMIABLY 6,M>IA4 ,LAUR5 _HN'T
EXPECT$ T4 ,%E ?"\ %E WD F9D H] WRI?+ 9
PA94 8,IS X ALL "R IF ,RUDY -ES 9 6SEE
Y80 ,GLORIA LAU<$4 8,X'S 8 FAULT ,I'M 9
? PREDICA;T1 S ,I GUESS T 5TITLES HM40
,RUDY 5T]$ AF ,LAUR5 BADE HM 6& CROSS$
6! B$ 9 ?REE L;G /RIDES4 ,HE SAT D[N
CLOSE 6,GLORIA & PUT BO? ( 8 L>GE H&S ON
H] ABDOM54 8,S 0NI<TFALL WE'LL H ANO!R
M\? 6FE$1 HEY80 8,I'LL 2 ! ONLY "O FE$+
X =A :ILE1 REMEMB]80 8,I'M SURE Y C H&LE
X40 ,HE GR9N$ & CUPP$ H] SWOLL5 BR1/S 9
8 H&S4 ,%E SWATT$ !M AWAY PLAY;LLY4
8,RUDY ,M5DEZ1 EV5 AT A "T L ? Y'RE A
LE*]4 ,& 9 FRONT ( YR "M60 8,%E     #cgi
"KS ,I TAKE AF MY "F40 ,HE LAU<$4 ,!N HE
L1N$ D[N & KISS$ 8 WIFE T5D]LY ON !
=EH1D4 8,I'LL 2 \TSIDE IF Y NE$ ME4 ,I
LOVE Y40 ,GLORIA KISS$ BO? 8 H&S 2F HE
GOT UP & LEFT ! ROOM4 ,LAUR5'S EYES
FILL$ ) TE>S &A LUMP 9 H] ?ROAT PREV5T$
H] F REPLY+ Z ,M>IA ASK$ H] 6/OKE ! FIRE
9 ! GRATE4 ,! AFN DRA7$ BY4 ,GLORIA'S
PA9S 2CAME M 9SI/5T1 & ,LAUR5 WAT*$ 9
HORROR Z ! B$ 0 FLOOD$ ) WAT] T+$ P9K )
BLOOD4 ,%E ?"\ "S?+ 0 DR1D;LLY WR;G
UNTIL ,M>IA ASSUR$ H] T ? 0 NORMAL1 & T
! BABY WD 2 -+ SOON4 ,AB AN H\R LAT]1
,GLORIA'S FACE TWI/$ 9 PA91 B ) ,M>IA'S
G5TLE URG+ 6PU% H>D]1 %E 0 DELIV]$ (A
BABY BOY4 ,LAUR5 WAT*$ Z ,M>IA DREW HM F
8 "M'S BODY & CUT ! CORD T _H B.D !M
TGR4 ,H] "M M/ H SU6]$ 9 ! SAME WAY TO
DELIV] H] &! LL BRO!R ^: BIR? _H KILL$
H]4 ,%E FELT A GRT L"OLI;S =! WOMAN %E
_H N"E "KN4 ,%E WI%$ %E CD REMEMB] TELL+
H] "M T %E LOV$ H]4 ,SURELY %E _H4 ,M>IA
0 WRAPP+ ! SQUIRM+1 SQU1L+ BABY 9 A W>M
BLANKET :5 ,GLORIA CRI$ \1 8,I DON'T ?9K
T'S ALL60 ,M>IA & ,LAUR5 RU%$ BACK  #chj
6H] & SAW ANO!R D>K H1D EM]G+ F ! OP5+
2T H] LEGS4 8,LAUR51 HELP H]10 ,M>IA
-M&$ Z %E HELD ! 9FANT BOY CLOS]1 TRY+
6MU6LE 8 L\D CRIES4 ,LAUR5 TURN$ PALE &
/>T$ 6OBJECT1 B ,GLORIA MOAN$ AG4 ,%E
LOOK$ BACK 6SEE ! BABY'S %\LD]S TRY+ TO
PU% _! WAY 96! _W4 ,TREMBL+1 ,LAUR5 TOOK
! *'S H1D 9 H] H&S Z %E _H SE5 ,M>IA D &
G5TLY PULL$4 ,! BABY DIDN'T MOVE1 B X
SET UP A H[L EV5 ) MUCUS / CLO7+ XS
SMALL ?ROAT4 ,LAUR5 0 P]SPIR+ & %AK+ Z
%E PULL$ M FIRMLY ON ! SLIPP]Y H1D4 ,!
BABY ALM POPP$ \ 96H] WAIT+ H&S4 ,X 0 A
GIRL4 ,%E 0 LAU<+ & CRY+ ALL AT ONCE Z
%E ANN\NC$1 8,X'S A GIRL10 6! ANXI\S "M
^: FACE !N RELAX$ 96P1CE;L REPOSE4 8,"H1
,LAUR51 Y TAKE ? "O & ,I'LL CUT ! CORD40
,LAUR5 LAID ! BABY GIRL ON ! %EET Z
,M>IA %OV$ ! O!R "O AT H] 2F CUTT+ !
CORD = 8 SI/]4 8,GLORIA1 Y H TW9S4 ,"O (
EA*40 ,M>IA 0 GI7L+ L A "Y GIRL4 8,TELL
,RUDY10 ,GLORIA :ISP]$ W1KLY F ! PILL[S4
,LAUR5 TURN$ & LEFT ! ROOM1 / C>RY+ !
NEW BOY :O 0 MAK+ 8 PRES;E "KN4 8,RUDY1
X'S TW9S6 ,A BOY &A GIRL60 ,RUDY    #cha
CAME 6H] QKLY & LOOK$ D[N AT 8 NEW SON4
8,TW9S80 HE ASK$ /UPIDLY4 8,YES1 -E &
SEE40 ,%E L$ HM BACK 96! ROOM ": ,M>IA
HELD UP ! BABY GIRL4 8,TW9S60 ,HE LAU<$1
!N :OOP$ S L\DLY T ! BABIES />T$ SCR1M+
EV5 L\D]4 8,N[ SEE :AT Y'VE D"O10 SCOLD$
,M>IA Z %E LAID ! BABY GIRL ON ,GLORIA'S
%\LD]4 ,RUDY TOOK 8 SON F ,LAUR5 & SAT
D[N ON ! B$ NEXT 6HIS WIFE4 ,!Y OOH$ &
AAH$ OV] ! BABIES EV5 :ILE ,M>IA 0 T5D+
6,GLORIA 2T H] RAIS$ KNEES4 ,LAUR5 FELT
L AN 9T]LOP]1 & LEFT ! ROOM4 ,%E DIDN'T
R1LIZE H[ TIR$ %E WAS4 ,X 0 LATE 9 !
EV5+ & %E _H SP5T MO/ (! "D 9 ! ROOM )
,GLORIA & ,M>IA4 ,%E _HN'T EAT5 S9CE
BR1KFA/1 B ! EMPTI;S %E FELT 9SIDE
WASN'T HUNG]4 ,CROSS+ 6! W>DROBE1 %E
OP5$ ! DOOR4 ,%E TOOK "O ( ,J>$'S %IRTS
F XS HANG] & HELD X CLOSE 6H]4 ,X _H BE5
OV] A MON? S9CE %E _H SE5 H] HUSB&4 ,%E
L;G$ 6%>E ! EXP]I;E (! BIR? ) HM1 !
WOND] ( X4 ,%E LAY D[N ON ! B$ & PULL$ !
%IRT OV] H]4 ,CLOS+ H] EYES1 %E CD SEE
,J>$'S FACE J Z X 0 :5 HE _H GAZ$ D[N AT
H] 9 AWE AF HE _H MADE LOVE 6H]4    #chb
,"! _H BE5 NO CYNICISM OR BITT];S ON 8
FACE !N4 ,ONLY T5D];S4 ,": >E Y N[1
,J>$8 ,:AT >E Y DO+8 ,D Y "E ?9K ( ME8
,%E PULL$ (F H] %IRTWAI/ & SKIRT &
SLIPP$ ,J>$'S %IRT OV] H] H1D4 ,PULL+ A
PILL[ AG/ H]1 %E FELL ASLEEP4 99 99 99
,=! NEXT FEW "DS1 ! >RIVAL (! TW9S UPSET
! NORMAL R\T9E (! H\SEHOLD4 ,! O!R *N 7
3T9U,Y "UFOOT TRY+ 6GET GLIMPSES ( _!
NEW BRO!R & SI/]4 ,LAUR5 0 AMAZ$ AT !
PATI;E T ,GLORIA EXHIBIT$4 ,%E LI/5$ 6_!
*ATT] & MANAG$ 6H A PRIVATE "T ) EA* (
!M E "D4 ,LAUR5 KNEW %E 0 FATIGU$ AF !
BIR? & F ! NECESS;Y ( FE$+ TWO H1L?Y
9FANTS1 YET %E DIDN'T NEGLECT H] O!R *N4
,B5JAM9 0 ! "N GIV5 6! BABY BOY1 9 HONOR
( 8 PAT]NAL GR&"F1 & ,LAUR5 0 DEEPLY
MOV$ :5 !Y "ND ! GIRL AF H]4 8,AF ALL1 Y
BR"\ H] 96! _W4 ,& ,I HOPE %E W GR[ UP
6BE A LADY L Y40 ,GLORIA _H HU7$ H]
SI/]-IN-LAW & IGNOR$ ! TE>S ROLL+ D[N H]
*EEKS4 ,%E 0 QK 6CRY ^! "DS4 ,"Y ,B5JAM9
& ,LAUR5 7 "O WEEK OLD :5 "S?+ GRTLY
4TURB+ HAPP5$4 ,RUDY 0 9 ! H\SE =! NOON
M1L :5 "O (! VAQU]OS CAME 6! DOOR   #chc
& TOLD HM "S"O \TSIDE WANT$ 6SEE HM4 ,!
RAN* H& %IFT$ 8 EYES UNEASILY & LOOK$
R1DY 6/& 2H ,RUDY IF SUPPORT 0 NE$$4
,LAUR5 FOLL[$ ,RUDY \ 6! POR* & SAW !
*>COAL BURN] ,WAT ,DUNCAN & 8 SI/] ,JUNE
SITT+ ON A DERELICT HORSE : 0 ALM Z
DIRTY Z 8 RID]S4 ,DUNCAN 4M.T$ & /RODE
T[>D !M4 8,H[DEE D1 ,SEE@NOR ,M5DEZ4
,HE]D Y _H A NEW SET ( TW9S40 ,DUNCAN
SMIL$ 8 9SOL5T SMILE4 ,HE _H N *ANG$
CLO!S S9CE ,LAUR5 _H F/ SE5 HM1 ONLY A4$
LAY]S 9 DEF];E 6! COLD4 8,:AT >E Y DO+
"H1 ,DUNCAN8 ,Y "K ONLY C]TA9 >1S (
,KEYPO9T >E OP5 6Y1 & ? IS DEF9ITELY N
"O ( !M40 ,RUDY'S VOICE 0 FIRM & COLD4
8,WELL1 ,I JES' CAME 6GIVE Y MY
3GRAJULA%UNS4 ,X ,8PE>S YR BABIES IS !
ONLY "YUNS T'LL 2 BORN 9 ! ,LOCKETT
FAMBLY4 ,SEE9' Z H[ ,J>$ DES]T$ 8 PURTY
BRIDE AN0' ALL40 ,HE GR9N$ S>DONIC,Y AT
,LAUR5 & %E %IV]$ "U 8 LASCIVI\S
SCRUT9Y4 ,%E AV]T$ H] GAZE 6,JUNE1 ^:
%APELY LEGS1 B>E & SEEM+LY IMP]VI\S 6!
COLD W9D1 /RA4L$ H] M.T4 ,JUNE 0 />+ AT
,LAUR5 SPITE;LLY & LICK$ H] DRY1    #chd
*APP$ LIPS :5 %E MET ! O!R'S EYE4
8,RECKON ,J>$ _H 6G 6,AU/9 6F9D A W>M B$
=! W9T]10 %E DRAWL$4 8,MY BRO!R'S BUSI;S
IS N"O ( YR 3C]N10 ,RUDY SNAPP$1 AF A
FURTIVE GL.E AT ,LAUR54 ,X WORRI$ HM T
!Y KNEW S M* AB ! HAPP5+S AT ,KEYPO9T &
,J>$'S ":ABS4 8,HE IS 5GAG$ 9 IMPORTANT
BUSI;S )! RAILROAD1 B KEEPS 9 3/ANT
3TACT ) U4 ,N[1 Y'LL /ATE YR BUSI;S &
L1VE40 ,WAT ,DUNCAN ASSUM$ AN OBSEQUI\S
ATTITUDE4 8,N[ DON'T*A G GETT9' ALL RIL$
UP1 ,RUDY4 ,I -E 9 GD FAI?4 ,VANDIV] &
"S ( 8 H1VIES BE5 SNOOP9' >.D & AX9' A
LOT ( "QS4 ,I DON'T GIVE A GD GO4AM :AT
HAPP5S 6!M ,MEXIES--NO (F5SE 9T5D$4 ,I
JES' DON'T WANT NO?9' 6HAPP5 6MY D1L )
,LOCKETT4 ,Y'ALL "U/&4 ,X'S MY BIS;S
,I'M WORRI$ AB40 ,! MUSCLES ( ,RUDY'S
JAW _H H>D5$ 6GRANITE & ,LAUR5 SAW HM
/ROKE ! HOL/] T HELD 8 SIX-%OOT]4 8,GET
\ ( "H1 ,DUNCAN4 ,DON'T "E -E NE> ? H\SE
AG1 OR ,I'LL P]SON,Y KILL Y4 ,Z = YR
BUSI;S1 X'S 9TACT Z L;G Z ,J>$ & ,I SAY
S4 ,VANDIV] HAS NO?+ 6D ) X4 ,N[ GET (F
? PROP]TY40 8,AW"R4 ,I'M AGO9'4     #che
,JES' TRY9' 6BE NEI<BORLY L40 ,HE
SAUNT]$ 6! MANGY HORSE & M.T$ 9 FRONT (
8 SI/]4 ,%E HOOK$ H] ?UMBS 96HIS BELT4
,H] F+]S BRU%$ ! FRONT ( 8 TR\S]S Z %E
COO$1 8,:O'S ,RUDY BE5 SLEEP9' )1 ,MIZ
,LOCKETT1 N[ T 8 WIFE IS LAID UP HAV9'
BABIES80 ,RUDY R1*$ = 8 GUN1 B ,LAUR5
PUT \ A RE/RA9+ >M4 8,NO1 ,RUDY10 %E
:ISP]$1 = %E _H SE5 ,DUNCAN'S H& MOV+ 6!
F> SIDE (! HORSE ": A %OTGUN 0 /RAPP$4
,%E 0 GRATE;L 6SEE T ! ^W _H SPR1D AM;G
! VAQU]OS T ! 4REPUTA# PAIR 7 "! & T _M
( !M 7 MOV+ 96PLACE1 VIRTU,Y SURR.D+ !
MISCR1NTS4 ,! GIRL TOSS$ H] L;G :ITE
HAIR & LAU<$1 3FID5T T ,RUDY WDN'T DRAW
ON H] BRO!R4 8,TELL ,J>$ ,I -E AX9' AB
HM4 ,I'D L 6SEE HM :5 HE GETS BACK40 ,%E
LOOK$ AT ,LAUR5 & SNORT$4 ,DUNCAN PULL$
! RE9S (! HORSE >.D & !Y CLOPP$ \ (!
Y>D1 OBVI\SLY 9 NO HURRY 6L1VE4 ,!
VAQU]OS & ,RUDY WAT*$ UNTIL !Y 7 \ (
SI<T1 !N ,RUDY -MIS.N$ TWO H&S 6FOLL[ !M
& MAKE SURE T !Y RETURN$ 6_! CAMP4 ,:5
HE CAME BACK 96! L>GE ROOM1 ,LAUR5 0
SITT+ />+ 96! FIRE4 ,HE CROSS$ 6H]  #chf
& TOOK BO? ( H] COLD H&S 96HIS Z HE
SQUATT$ D[N 9 FRONT ( H]4 8,LAUR51 ,J>$
HAS N"E _H ANY?+ 6D ) T DIRTY SLUT40
,LAUR5 SMIL$ AT 8 K9D1 SYMPA!TIC FACE4
8,I "K T4 ,HE HAS NO A6EC;N = ME10 %E
3FESS$ WRYLY1 8B ,I "K 8 TA/E 9 WOM5 WD
2 M 4CRIM9AT+ ?AN T40 ,M>IA & ,GLORIA _H
MOV$ OV] 6!M & 7 LI/5+ ANXI\SLY 6!
3V]S,N4 8,:AT WORRIES ME10 ,LAUR5 3T9U$1
8IS :AT ,DUNCAN SD AB ,VANDIV] & 8
H1VIES 2+ 9 ,PUEBLO40 8,YES1 T BO!RS ME1
TOO1 B N Z M* Z 8 "K+ AB "EY?+ T IS GO+
ON 9 ? H\SE4 ,HE IS TR\# & NO D\BT AB X4
,B5 WD H _H HM %OT ON SI<T IF HE _H -E
"H 2F1 & ,I MAY REGRET T ,I DIDN'T4 ,H[
DID HE "K Y80 ,LAUR5 TOLD !M AB ! "D %E
& ,J>$ _H G"O 6,PECAN ,CREEK & PASS$ "?
! *>COAL BURN]S' CAMP ON _! WAY HOME4
8,RUDY1 ,I'M F"R5$10 ,GLORIA SD4 ,HE
/OOD & PUT 8 >M >.D 8 WIFE1 :O _H BE5 UP
\ ( B$ ONLY "O "D4 8,I'M SURE HE'S J
TE/+ \R AU?OR;Y N[ T ,B5'S G"O4 ,"!'S NO
NE$ 6WORRY4 ,J>$ & ,I'LL TALK X OV] &
DECIDE :AT'S 6BE D"O AB !M4 ,I DON'T L
HAV+ T SCUM ANY": ON ,KEYPO9T40 ,!  #chg
L9ES >.D 8 M\? 7 GRIM & HE /AY$ NE> !
H\SE =! RE/ (! "D1 ?\< HE TRI$ N 6APPE>
N]V\S4 ,LAUR5 NOTIC$ T =! NEXT FEW "DS1
?REE OR F\R VAQU]OS 7 PO/$ >.D ! H\SE4
,DESPITE 8 REASSUR.ES1 ,RUDY 0 / WORRI$
AB ,WAT ,DUNCAN4 99 99 99 ,HOLD+ TRUE 6!
DIRE PREDIC;NS1 ! UNS1SONABLY MILD W1!R
( ,JANU>Y GAVE WAY 6BL9D+LY COLD /ORMS 9
,FEBRU>Y4 ,"! 0 LL T CD 2 D"O ON ! RAN*
9 S* W1!R1 & ,LAUR5 FELT SORRY =!
VAQU]OS ^: TURN X 0 6RIDE \ & *ECK ON !
VA/ ACREAGE ( ,KEYPO9T4 ,!Y ALW TOOK
PL5TY ( PROVI.NS1 PLANN+ 6SP5D "DS AT A
"T 9 "O (! L9E CAB9S BUILT = J T
PURPOSE4 ,^? 9 ! H\SE 3F9$ !MVS 65T]TA9+
! *N1 C>+ =! DEM&+ TW9S1 & SEW+ & BAK+ =
! FAMILY &! IDLE C[BOYS 9 ! BUNKH\SE4 ,X
0 ON "O S* LATE-EV5+ EXCUR.N 6! BUNKH\SE
6DELIV] A BAT* ( COOKIES T ,?ORN
APPROA*$ ,LAUR54 ,! BASKET _H BE5
GRATE;LLY RCVD 0! VAQU]OS & %E 0 SCURRY+
BACK ACR ! -P.D T[>D ! H\SE :5 ! ,-AN*E
LOOM$ \ (! DEEP %AD[S 6/& DIRECTLY 9
FRONT ( H]4 ,%E MANAG$ 6/IFLE A />TL$
SCR1M 0COV]+ H] LIPS ) H] H&4 ,)\T  #chh
PREAM# OR APOLOGY1 HE SD1 8,MRS4
,LOCKETT1 ,I F.D ? ON ! GATE ? MORN+40
,%E _HN'T "KN :AT 6EXPECT 8 VOICE 6S.D
L1 B X 0 L[ & DEEP1 ALM CULTUR$4 ,%E F.D
H]F />+ UP 96! IMPLACA# MASK ( 8 FACE4
,!N %E LOOK$ D[N AT ! CRUDE PACKAGE HE
_H EXT5D$ 6H]4 ,! BUNDLE 0 WRAPP$ 9 BR[N
PAP] & TI$ )A /R+4 ,ON X _H BE5 *ILDI%LY
SCRAWL$ ,MIZ ,LOKIT4 8,:AT '''80 %E SD1
LOOK+ 9TO ,?ORN'S FACE AG4 8,I 2LIEVE
X'S "S?+ T 2L;GS 6Y40 ,%E SLIPP$ ! /R+
AWAY & OP5$ ! PAP]4 ,! K]*IEF %E _H
WRAPP$ >.D ,CRAZY ,JACK'S ANKLE 0 CAU<T
0! COLD W9D & NE>LY RIPP$ F H] H&4 ,:5
%E _H GRA2$ X BACK1 %E SAW T X _H BE5
WA%$ & FOLD$4 ,ALL TRACES ( BLOOD 7 G"O4
,H] LIPS TILT$ 96A SECRET SMILE4 ,:O WD
H EXPECT$ ! OLD H]MIT 6METICUL\SLY
LAUND] H] SC>F8 ,_H HE *.ED 2+ SE5 TO
RETURN X 6H]8 ,HE M/ H4 ,LAUR5 0 SU45LY
AW>E T ,?ORN 0 />+ AT H] CLOSELY4 8,I
''' ,I M/ H LO/ ? "S":10 %E /UTT]$4 8,I
GUESS "S"O F.D X & ''' RETURN$ X4 ,?ANK
Y40 ,! ,9DIAN'S EYES DIDN'T WAV]1 & %E
S5S$ T HE KNEW M ?AN T /OIC FACE    #chi
REV1L$4 ,HE DIDN'T SP1K AG1 B AC"KL$G$
H] ?ANKS 0A QK J]K ( 8 *94 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T
R1LIZE HE _H MOV$ AWAY F H] UNTIL 8 =M 0
SWALL[$ UP 0! DESC5D+ D>K;S4 99 99 99 ,!
?IRD WEEK ( ,FEBRU>Y1 !Y SAW ! F/
SN[FALL4 ,X _H ?R1T5$ = AB A WEEK )
FI]CE NOR? W9DS BR++ RA91 FREEZ+
DRIZZLE1 & 5 SLEET 6COAT ! GR.D4 ,Z !
/ORM 9CR1S$ XS FURY AF NI<TFALL1 ,RUDY1
,GLORIA1 ,M>IA1 & ,LAUR5 SAT >.D !
FIREPLACE 5JOY+ ! P1CE & QUIET T DESC5D$
Z SOON Z ! *N 7 PUT 6B$4 ,GLORIA _H
NURS$ LL ,LAUR5 & H&$ H] 6H] "NSAKE4
,LAUR5 HELD ! BABY ON H] *E/1 /ROK+ !
SMALL1 D>K H1D "U H] *94 ,GLORIA 0
APP1S+ ,B5JAM9'S HE>TY APPETITE :ILE
,RUDY & ,M>IA LOOK$ ON LOV+LY4 ,!Y ALL
JUMP$ 9 />TL$ REAC;N :5 !Y HE>D H1VY
BOOTS ?U4+ ACR ! POR*4 ,/ $GY AB !
*>COAL BURN]S1 ,RUDY R1*$ = 8 HOL/]1 : 0
HANG+ OV] ! MANTEL1 PULL$ \ ! ,COLT1 &
_H ALM R1*$ ! DOOR :5 X 0 FLUNG OP51
A3OMPANI$ 0A GU/ ( SN[-LAD5 W9D4
  ,*APT] #BA
  ,! LOOM+ FIGURE 5T]$1 CLOS+ !     #cij
DOOR QKLY 2H HM4 ,HE TURN$ SL[LY &
,LAUR5 GASP$ :5 %E RECOGNIZ$ H] HUSB& "U
8 H1VY CLO?+4 ,HE FOLL[$ ! S.D ( H]
REAC;N & ALM REP1T$ X Z HE SAW H] SITT+
9 ! GL[ (! FIRE1 HAIR TUM#D >.D H]
%\LD]S & D[N H] BACK1 HOLD+ ! BABY AT H]
BR1/4 ,HE /OOD Z IF /RUCK DUMB4 8,GD
,GODALMI<TY1 ,J>$1 >5'T Y FULL (
SURPRISES60 ,RUDY CLAPP$ 8 BRO!R ON !
BACK4 8,Y ALM GOT %OT1 Y /UPID
SON(ABIT*4 ,:Y DID Y PLAN YR HOMECOM+ ON
! NI<T WE H ! S1SON'S ONLY BLIZZ>D80
,J>$ %OOK 8 H1D Z IF 6CLE> X4 8,I ''' ,I
DIDN'T "K X 0 GO+ 6GET S BAD UNTIL ,I
GOT HALFWAY "H40 8,WE'RE GLAD Y MADE X
SAFELY1 ,J>$40 ,M>IA LOOK$ AT HM FONDLY
& HE RETURN$ H] A6EC;NATE SMILE4 8,I ?9K
X 0 A CRAZY ?+ 6D1 B ,I'M GLAD 6SEE Y
ANYWAY40 ,GLORIA W5T 6HM ) H] >MS
EXT5D$4 ,%E 0 / PIQU$ AT 8 AB&ON+
,LAUR51 B H] NATURAL FOND;S = HM
TEMPOR>ILY OV]CAME X4 8,WELL1 LOOK AT Y1
,SI/]4 ,Y'VE GOT YR FIGURE BACK4 ,I'D
BETT] HUG Y 2F ,RUDY PUMPS Y UP AG40 ,HE
TOOK H] 9 8 >MS 9 A BE> HUG         #cia
DESPITE H] PROTE/,NS4 8,-E SEE :AT WE'VE
D"O10 %E SD1 EXTRICAT+ H]F F 8 EMBRACE4
,%E _H LAID ,B5JAM9 9 "O (! TWO CRADLES
SET NE> ! FIRE ": ! BABIES SLEPT DUR+ !
"D :5 _! BRO!RS & SI/]S P]MITT$ X4 ,J>$
B5T OV] ! CRADLE & HESITANTLY /ROK$ !
BABY'S *EEK4 8,:O IS ?80 HE :ISP]$4 8,T
IS ,B5JAM910 ,M>IA SD PR\DLY4 8,& ? IS
,LAUR510 ,GLORIA SD1 TURN+ ,J>$ T[>D !
TW9 / HELD 0HIS WIFE4 ,LAUR5 _HN'T BE5
A# 6MOVE OR SP1K1 8 PRES;E 9 ! ROOM
/UNN+ H] 96SIL;E4 ,%E CDN'T TAKE ALL (
HM 9 AT ONCE & 0 GLAD 6H _H "T :ILE !
O!RS GREET$ HM 6LOOK AT HM CLOSELY4 ,HE
UNTI$ ! B&ANA T HELD ON 8 HAT & RAN 8
H&S "? ! L;G1 UNRULY HAIR / DAMP ) SN[
2F %RU7+ \ (! %E>L+ COAT Z HE CROSS$ 6!
CRADLE 6VIEW ,B5JAM94 ,HE LOOK$ GAUNT &
TIR$4 ,! /UB# ON 8 FACE 0 TW5TY-F\R H\RS
OLD AT L1/4 ,B HE 0 ,J>$4 ,& HE 0 "H4
,HE DROPP$ D[N 6HIS HAUN*ES 9 FRONT ( H]
*AIR4 ,HE MET H] SWIMM+ EYES OV] ! TOP (
! BABY'S H1D4 ,A SIL5T -MUNIC,N M
PUISSANT ?AN ^WS PASS$ 2T !M4 8,LAUR5
DELIV]$ H]1 S WE "ND H] AF H]       #cib
AUNT10 ,M>IA SD4 8,Y DELIV]$ ! BABY80
,J>$ ASK$ S(TLY1 9CR$UL\SLY4 ,LAUR5 NO4$
Z %E TURN$ ! SMALL BUNDLE T[>D HM4 ,HE
TOOK ! T9Y FI/ 9 8 & SMIL$ Z ! BABY MADE
A SUCK+ MO;N ) H] M\?4 ,HE LOOK$ CLOSELY
AT ,LAUR5 ONCE M 2F HE /RAI<T5$ 6HIS
FULL HEI<T4 ,HE EY$ 8 BRO!R DERISIVELY1
SPR1D 8 >MS WIDE1 LOOK$ H1V5W>D1 &
PL1D$1 8,IS "! NO 5D8 ,TW9S60 ,!N HE
BROKE 96A BROAD GR9 & SLAPP$ ,RUDY ON !
BACK Z HE 3GRATULAT$ HM4 8,DOES ? 5TITLE
ME 6A DR9K80 8,Y BET4 ,I HAV5'T EV5
CELEBRAT$ PROP]LY4 ,I'VE BE5 WAIT+ = Y
6GET "H40 8,>E Y HUNGRY1 ,J>$80 ,M>IA
ASK$ HM4 8,Y1H1 B LET ME W>M UP A LL F/4
,X'S COLD 5 6FREEZE YR ''' X'S COLD \
"!10 HE F9I%$ LAMELY1 & "EY"O LAU<$4 ,HE
& ,RUDY %>$ A C\PLE ( GLASSES ( :ISKEY
:ILE !Y CAU<T UP ON G5]AL RAN*+ BUSI;S4
,GLORIA & ,LAUR5 TOOK ! BABIES 96!
B$ROOM T !Y %>$ ) _! P>5TS =! "T 2+4
,M>IA KISS$ ,RUDY & ,J>$ 9 TURN & EXCUS$
H]F =! NI<T4 ,A %ORT :ILE LAT]1 ,GLORIA
SD1 8,J>$1 PL1SE =GIVE ME1 B Y H NO IDEA
H[ EXHAU/+ TW9S C BE4 ,I'LL SEE Y   #cic
9 ! MORN+ & Y C TELL ME "EY?+ T'S GO+ ON
9 ,AU/940 ,%E L1N$ OV] HM & KISS$ 8
*EEK4 ,HE SMACK$ H] BOTTOM S.DLY )! PALM
( 8 H&4 8,J>$ ,LOCKETT1 MY HUSB& IS
SITT+ "R "!10 %E SD 9DIGNANTLY4 8,Y1H6
,LET'S D "S?+ T W MAKE HM RE,Y J1L\S40
8,Y6 ,Y'RE 9CORRIGI#40 8,YES1 B Y LOVE
ME40 ,HE GR9N$ W9N+LY4 8,A LL BIT10 %E
3C$$1 SUPPRESS+ A LAU<4 8,-+1 ,RUDY80
8,IN A M9UTE40 ,HE IGNOR$ H] EXASP],N Z
%E /ALK$ \ (! ROOM4 8,I'M HUNGRY1
,LAUR54 ,CD Y GET ME "S?+ 6EAT80 ,J>$'S
VOICE 0 CURT1 & ,LAUR5 FELT T %E _H BE5
SUMM>ILY 4MISS$4 ,R ?AN MAKE A SC5E 9
FRONT ( ,RUDY1 %E NO4$ J Z CURTLY & W5T
96! KIT*54 ,%E W>M$ ! S\P T 0 / ON !
/OVE1 CUT ?ICK SLICES ( BR1D BAK$ T AFN1
P\R$ A /1M+ CUP ( C(FEE &1 ALM Z AN
AF?"\1 A4$ A L>GE SLICE ( APPLE PIE T %E
_H BAK$ 6! TRAY4 ,! M5 7 TALK+ L[ ) _!
H1DS CLOSE TGR :5 %E CAME BACK1 & /OPP$
ABRUPTLY :5 !Y SAW H]4 ,A "K+ GL.E PASS$
2T !M4 ,%E R1D X 6M1N T !Y WD 3T9UE _!
3V]S,N LAT]4 8,RUDY40 ,! PLA9TIVE CRY
CAME F ! DIREC;N ( 8 B$ROOM4        #cid
8,PL1SE -E 6B$4 ,I'M COLD40 ,RUDY /OOD &
TOSS$ 8 CIG> 96! FIREPLACE4 ,HE /RET*$ 8
L;G FRAME & GAVE AN EXA7]AT$ YAWN4 8,!
BABIES >E J B>ELY ?REE WEEKS OLD & ALR T
WOMAN C'T KEEP H] H&S (F ME40 ,HE %RU7$
9 FEIGN$ HELP.S;S & SI<$1 8,:AT'S A GUY
6D80 ,HE W9K$ AT ,J>$ & SWA7]$ 96! HALL
T[>D 8 WAIT+ WIFE4 ,J>$ *UCKL$ Z HE
TURN$ 8 ATT5;N 6! TRAY4 ,LAUR5 _H
PRACTIC,Y DROPP$ X ONTO ! L[ TA# 9 FRONT
(! EASY *AIR 0! FIRE4 ,IF HE _H NOTIC$ !
L\D1 ANGRY CLATT] ( DI%ES1 HE DIDN'T %[
X4 ,HE TOOK S"EAL BITES (! SCALD+ S\P1
IGNOR+ H] -PLETELY4 ,ANG]$ 0HIS
CALCULAT$ 9DI6];E1 %E :IRL$ >.D & H1D$
T[>D ! HALLWAY4 8,LAUR540 ,X 0 H>D = H]
6FACE HM1 B %E =C$ H]F 6/IFLE H] ANG] &
PIVOT$ T[>D HM4 8,YES80 ,HE /UDI$ H] A
MO;T Z %E /OOD FRAM$ AG/ ! D>K;S (!
HALL4 ,%E 0 POIS$ = AN ATTACK1 B H]
MILITANT /.E 0 2LI$ 0! VULN]ABIL;Y %E
3VEY$ 9 H] :ITE WOOL5 ROBE & SLIPP]S4
,NO W>RIOR ,J>$ _H "E SE5 _H HAIR T
CASCAD$ 9 A RIOT ( ?ICK WAVES & CURLS4
8,H[ H Y BE580 ,%E FOLD$ H] >MS     #cie
ACR H] *E/ & LAU<$ MIR?.SLY4 8,I DON'T
2LIEVE = "O MO;T T Y C>E AB MY WELL-2+1
B Z 0 TAU<T ME1 ,I'LL ANSW] POLITELY4
,I'VE BE5 WELL1 & Y80 ,HE RAIS$ "O
EYEBR[ 9 QUIZZICAL SURPRISE AT H] T"O4
8,I'VE BE5 F9E4 ,B PL1SE REFRA9 F DO+ MY
?9K+ = ME4 ,I D C>E AB ''' AB Y40 8,!N
,I C ONLY SURMISE T ALL YR MESSAGES &
LRS 7 DIV]T$40 ,%E LOA!D ! S>CASM 9 H]
VOICE1 B %E 0 ANGRY1 _H A "R 6BE1 & HE
DES]V$ ?4 8,I ASSUME YR BUSI;S 9 ,AU/9
W5T WELL40 ,HE GL.ED BACK D[N AT ! TRAY
QKLY4 8,"S ( X1 YES10 HE REPLI$ 9 CLIPP$
T"OS4 ,8 [N ANG] WASN'T F> F ! SURFACE4
8,NO D\BT Y'RE PL1S$4 ,I ?9K ,I'LL G 6B$
N[4 ,WE TOOK ! *N \ 9 ! SN[ TD1 & ,I'M
TIR$40 8,YES1 G ON4 ,I'LL CLE> ? UP :5
,I'M F9I%$40 8,I'M SURE ,GLORIA W
APPRECIATE T4 ,GDNI<T40 ,HE DIDN'T LOOK
AT H] Z HE MUM#D A RESPONSE4 ,HE SEEM$
DEJECT$1 ! HOLL[S ( 8 *EEKS &! L9ES >.D
8 M\? & EYES EMPHASIZ$ 0! %AD[S !
FIRELI<T CA/ ON 8 FACE4 ,LAUR5 /EEL$ H]F
AG/ ! TEMPT,N 6G 6HM4 ,9/1D1 %E WALK$
D[N ! D>K HALL 6! B$ROOM4 ,%E _H J  #cif
W>M$ A SPOT "U ! COV]S ": H] BODY HU4L$
:5 %E HE>D ! B$ROOM DOOR OP54 ,J>$ CAME
IN1 CLOS+ ! DOOR 2H HM4 ,%E SAT UP QKLY1
PULL+ ! BLANKETS UP 6H] *94 8,:AT D Y
?9K Y'RE DO+80 %E DEM&$4 ,HE DIDN'T EV5
LOOK T[>D H] Z HE SAT D[N ON ! OTTOMAN &
2GAN TU7+ (F 8 BOOTS4 8,IF ,I RECALL
CORRECTLY1 ? IS MY B$ROOM 9 MY H\SE4 ,X
IS A V COLD NI<T \1 & ,I H NO 9CL9,N TO
SEEK ANO!R PLACE 6SLEEP4 ,IF X (F5DS YR
S5SIBILITIES 6SLEEP ) ME--& ,I /RESS
SLEEP--!N ,I SU7E/ Y F9D YRF ANO!R B$4
,? "O 2L;GS 6ME40 ,HE _H PULL$ (F 8
SOCKS1 %IRT1 &! TOP ( 8 "UWE>1 & 0 "W+
ON 8 BELT BUCKLE4 ,! FIRELI<T PICK$ UP
GOLD5 T9TS ON ! HAIR T FURR$ 8 *E/4
,LAUR5 FL\NC$ BACK AG/ ! PILL[S & SCOOT$
6! F> SIDE (! B$1 PUTT+ H] BACK 6HM4 ,%E
HE>D 8 PANTS DROP 6! FLOOR FOLL[$ 0! S(T
SWI% ( 8 "UWE>4 ,NO6 ,HE CDN'T SLEEP L T
ON S* A COLD NI<T6 ,HE PA4$ ACR ! FLOOR
& TOSS$ A FEW M LOGS ONTO ! FIRE 9 !
FIREPLACE1 !N W5T 6! TRUNK AT ! FOOT (!
B$4 ,HE RAIS$ ! LID1 : SQU1K$ SLI<TLY1 &
TOOK "S?+ \4 ,%E D>$ N LOOK4 ,HE    #cig
FLUNG :AT"E X 0 OV] ! B$4 8,?ORN MADE ?
= ME4 ,X'LL KEEP U W>M Z TOA/40 ,%E OP5$
H] EYES 6SLITS & SAW T X 0 "S SORT ( FUR
BLANKET4 ,%E CLOS$ H] EYES QKLY :5 !
COLD AIR RU%$ 9 "U ! RAIS$ COV]S Z ! B$
SA7$ ) 8 WEI<T4 8,GDNI<T1 ,LAUR510 HE
SD4 ,%E LAY P]FECTLY / & DIDN'T ANSW]4
,HE LAU<$ & TURN$ AWAY F H]1 SETTL+ HMF
9 ! W>M COCOON (! B$4 ,X WASN'T TOO _M
M9UTES 2F %E HE>D ! EV5 BR1?+ ( 8 SLEEP4
,%E DIDN'T SLEEP =A L;G :ILE4 99 99 99
,AT "S PO9T DUR+ ! NI<T1 !Y TURN$ 6EA*
O!R4 ,:E!R X 0 = W>M? OR "S?+ ,LAUR5
DIDN'T WANT 6"N1 %E AWOKE 6F9D H]F LY+
AG/ ,J>$'S *E/1 8 H1VY >M IMPRISON+ H]1
_! LEGS WRAPP$ TGR4 ,%E LAY /1 SAVOR+ !
NE>;S (! BODY NEXT 6H]S4 ,! HAIRS TICKL$
H] NOSE Z 8 *E/ ROSE & FELL G5TLY 2N H]
H1D4 ,%E CD FEEL 8 BR1? ON ! TOP ( H]
H1D4 ,! DULL ?U4+ ( 8 HE>T E*O$ 9 H] E>4
,AFRAID 6MOVE = FE> %E WD WAKE HM1 H]
EYES W&]$ Z F> Z !Y CD & DELI<T$ 9 _!
P]USAL4 ,! FIRE 9 ! GRATE _H ALL B BURN$
XF \1 B "O SMALL LOG CAU<T & FLICK]$ 9 !
D>K ROOM1 ILLUM9AT+ X BRIEFLY4      #cih
,LAUR5 SAW ,J>$'S BROAD *E/ "U H] H1D1 !
HAIR FANN+ \ AT 8 ?ROAT & TAP]+ 6A
SL5D]1 SILK5 COLUMN ON 8 /OMA*4
,HESITAT+ ONLY A MO;T1 %E LIFT$ H] H& &1
PLAC+ X AG/ HM1 2GAN SL[LY TRAC+ !
PATT]N ( HAIR ON 8 MUSCUL> *E/1 D[N !
CORD$1 FLAT /OMA*1 UNTIL %E FELT X GR[
?ICK & CO>SE ON 8 ABDOM54 ,%E RE/$ H] H&
ON ! WIRY MAT1 UNA# 6BR+ H]F 6EXPLORE
FUR!R4 ,ONLY !N DID %E NOTICE T ! BR1?+
ABV H] H1D 0 NO L;G] /1DY &! HE>TB1T 2N
H] E> 0 M RAPID4 ,%E RAIS$ H] H1D QKLY &
MET ! AMB] EYES GL[+ 9 ! FAD+ FIRELI<T4
8,AH1 ,LAUR51 ,LAUR540 ,H] "N 0
HALF-SI<1 HALF-GROAN 2F 8 M\? MELT$ 9TO
H]S4 ,HE KISS$ H] HUNGRILY1 WILDLY1 :ILE
8 H&S S"\ ! HEM ( H] NI<TG[N & RAIS$ X
PA/ H] WAI/1 H] QUIV]+ BR1/S1 OV] H]
H1D1 & FLUNG X AWAY4 ,RAIS+ 8 H1D1 HE
LOOK$ DEEPLY 96H] B"R EYES Z HE LIFT$ H]
H&4 ,HE KISS$ ! PALM >D5TLY1 T1S+ X ) 8
T;GUE4 ,)\T TAK+ 8 EYES AWAY F H]S1 HE
DREW H] H& 2N ! COV]S & PLAC$ X OV] 8
AWAK5$ MANHOOD4 ,HE /UDI$ H] REAC;N1
FE>+ T %E WD 2 REPELL$4 ,J1L\SLY    #cii
HE WAT*$ ! TIP ( H] T;GUE 4APPE> 2T H]
LIPS AF N]V\SLY WETT+ !M4 ,DON'T 2
AFRAID ( LOV+ ? MAN1 ,M>IA _H TOLD H]4
,DON'T 2 AFRAID4 ,H] SL5D] F+]S CLOS$
>.D ! W>M %AFT ) XS VELVET SK9 /RET*$
SMOO?4 ,G5TLY H] F+]S PLAY$ OV] HM1
CURI\S1 WOND]+ F+]S1 F+]S MADE EXULTANT
0_! 4COV]IES4 ,REFLEXIVELY ,J>$ >*$ 8
BACK4 ,8 H1D W5T BACK 9 A GE/URE (
EXQUISITE FEEL+4 ,!N 8 *9 L[]$ & HE 0
SE>*+ H] FACE AG4 ,8 GOLD5 EYES %"O B"R
) EMO;N4 8,T\* ME1 ,LAUR54 ,T\* ME UNTIL
,I DIE F ! PL1SURE ( X4 ,"K ALL ( ME40
,8 VOICE 0 BR1?Y & UNEV54 ,EMBOLD5$ 0HIS
IMPAS.N$ PLEA1 %E /ROK$ & C>ESS$ UNTIL
%E F.D ! SMOO? SPE>H1D LUBRICAT$ )!
PRECI\S NECT> ( 8 DESIRE4 8,OH1 ,GOD10
HE GROAN$ Z HE L[]$ HMF OV] H] & TOOK H]
M\? "U HIS4 ,8 H&S F.D H] BR1/S &
MASSAG$ !M 9 RHY?M 6H] [N C>ESSES4 ,HE
SQUEEZ$ ! S(T M.DS G5TLY :ILE 8 ?UMBS
APPRECIAT$ ! >\S$ C5T]S4 ,= ,LAUR51 E
VE/IGE ( RELUCT.E1 D\BT1 & MISTRU/
4APPE>$ Z %E ?RILL$ 6! MY/]IES ( H]
HUSB&'S BODY4 ,9/9CT 9/RUCT$ H] 9   #djj
! BE/ WAYS 6%[ H] ADMIR,N1 & %E 0 REW>D$
) 8 URG5T1 :ISP]$ ^WS ( PRAISE &
5C\RAGE;T4 ,H] H&S GLID$ OV] ! FIRM
MUSCLES ( 8 BUTTOCKS1 D[N ! H>D ?I<S1 UP
! S9EWY BACK4 ,%E T\*$ HM UNAFRAID4
,IMITAT+ HM1 %E KISS$ HM PAS.NATELY1 US+
H] M\? & T;GUE 6EXPLORE 8 ?OR\<LY4 ,8
M\? & F+]S 7 G5TLE /IMULANTS T TOR;T$ H]
M]CI.SLY4 ,REL5T.SLY !Y TRAIL$ H] NECK1
*E/1 BR1/S1 & /OMA*1 UNTIL %E 0 MAK+
SMALL :IMP]+ S.DS T SURPRIS$ HM Z M* Z
!Y %OCK$ H]4 8,PUT YR H&S >.D MY NECK10
HE 9/RUCT$ Z HE ROSE ABV H]4 ,8 F+]S F.D
H] FEM99E ?RE%HOLD MOI/ & PLIANT &
TREMBL+4 ,%E TI<T5$ >.D 8 F+]S L W>M1
CLOS+ PETALS Z !Y 5T]$ T HAV54 ,HE )DREW
A FRAC;N & /ROK$ H] LI<TLY1 B ! M]E T\*
/RUCK H] L A LI<TN+ BOLT4 ,H] EYES OP5$
WIDE 9 A/ONI%;T Z %E 2GAN 6WRI!
UNCONTROLLABLY4 8,J>$--0 %E GASP$4 ,HE
REPLAC$ ! SEEK+ F+]S ) 8 TUMESC5T %AFT4
,GUID$ 0HIS [N H&1 X RU2$ AG/ H]1 T
MAGIC SPOT1 UNTIL %E DIDN'T ?9K %E CD
BE> ! PL1SURE ANY L;G]4 ,%E FELT H]F
SWELL+1 R1*+ \ 6HM1 OP5+1 SQUEEZ+1  #dja
DY+ BRIEF LL D1?S 6"K 8 MAGNIFIC;E
FULLY4 ,J>$1 :O 2F N[ _H BOA/$ ( 8
SEXUAL PR[ESS1 LE>N$ F ! WOMAN MOV+ ) HM
9 S* P]FECT TEMPO T HE _H "KN NO?+ (
LOVEMAK+4 ,N UNTIL HE SAW H] FACE
RADIANT ) JOY Z %E R1*$ ! P1K (
FULFILL;T "U 8 MANIPUL,N DID HE R1LIZE !
IMM5SE SATISFAC;N ( GIV+4 ,!N HE FILL$
H] -PLETELY1 GIV+ H] ALL ( HMF1 L1V+ NO
ROOM =! FRU/R,N & FE> T _H -E 2T !M4 ,%E
CLUNG 6HM T5ACI\SLY1 MAT*+ 8 >DOR1 8
F]V5T KISSES T DEEP5$ EV5 Z HE DELV$ 9TO
H]4 ,9 "O %ATT]+ 9/ANT1 !Y MET ON A
PLANE ": JOY REPLAC$ SORR[1 TRU/ REDUC$
UNC]TA9TY 69SIGNIFIC.E1 UN;Y 3QU]$
L"OLI;S1 & 9DECI.N 2CAME -MIT;T4 ,AF !
TUMULT1 !Y HELD EA* O!R TI<TLY1 / UNA#
6-PREH5D ! UPH1VAL ( EMO;NS T 3T9U$ TO
RACE "? !M4 ,J>$ LOOK$ 96H] FACE &
SMOO!D ! EBONY T5DRILS F H] TEMPLES4
,SATIAT$1 HE SLID D[N H] BODY 6CU%ION 8
H1D ON H] BR1/S4 ,HE KISS$ !M LI<TLY 9
TURN1 FLICK+ 8 T;GUE OV] ! ROSY NIPPLES1
SWOLL5 & AGITAT$ ) _! REC5T LOVEMAK+4
8,B1UTI;L1 B1UTI;L WOMAN10 HE       #djb
SI<$4 ,HE LAID 8 H1D ON T WELCOM+ PILL[4
,HE 0 ALM ASLEEP1 DRU7$ 0! FRAGR.E ( H]
DEWY SK91 :5 HE HE>D H] VOICE -+ F F>
AWAY & :ISP]+1 8,J>$1 ,I LOVE Y40 99 99
99 ,X 3T9U$ 6SN[ UNTIL NOON ! NEXT "D4
,! A3UMUL,N 0 9 EXCESS ( SIX 9*ES1 : 0
UNUSUAL = T "P ( ,TEXAS4 ,! _W1 F ! VIEW
( ^? 9 ! RAN* H\SE AT ,KEYPO9T1 APPE>$
6BE COV]$ 0A VA/ BLANKET1 :ITE1 CL1N1
PRI/9E1 & S(T4 ,! B$ROOM O3UPI$ 0,LAUR5
& ,J>$ 0 (F-LIMITS 6! O!R O3UPANTS (!
H\SE4 ,:5 ! TWO FAIL$ 6-E 6BR1KFA/1 &
,GLORIA NOT$ T ,J>$'S COAT / HUNG ON !
BRACKET 0! DOOR--EVID;E T HE _H N G"O \
6! BUNKH\SE ! NI<T 2F--%E 0 ?RILL$4 ,%E
=BADE ,RUDY OR ANY (! *N 6G ANY": NE> !
B$ROOM4 ,RUDY 0 AMUS$ 0H] PROTECTIVE;S1
B AT ! SAME "T GLAD T 8 BRO!R 0 F9,Y
SLEEP+ ) 8 B1UTI;L1 NEGLECT$ WIFE4 ,HE
WD T1SE HM LAT]1 AWAY F ,GLORIA'S HE>+4
,! TWO P 9 ! CLOS$ B$ROOM 7 TOT,Y
UNCONC]N$ AB ANY (! O!RS 9 ! H\SE4 ,9
FACT1 !Y _H N GIV5 !M A 3SCI\S ?"\1 S
ABSORB$ 7 !Y 9 EA* O!R4 ,AF SLEEP+ =A
:ILE1 !Y TALK$ L;G H\RS AB !MVS4    #djc
,LAUR5 TOLD HM ( H] L"OLY *ILDHOOD )A
REMOTE1 UNDEMON/RATIVE "F4 ,J>$1 9 TURN1
REM9ISC$ AB ,B51 & AB 8 SLA9 FR ,ALEX4
,9 ! MON?S !Y _H "KN EA* O!R1 !Y _H N"E
4CUSS$ P]SONAL ?+S1 EXCEPT = T "O BRIEF
3V]S,N 9 ! LIBR>Y 9 ,CORONADO4 ,N[ !Y
TALK$ ( TRIVIALITIES--FOOD PREF];ES1
FAVORITE ?+S1 AV].NS & FE>S1
BIR?"DS--REV1L+ ! BITS & PIECES ( !MVS T
MADE !M :AT !Y W]E4 ,E>LY 9 ! AFN1 "! 0
A LI<T TAP ON ! DOOR4 ,! 5TW9$ FIGURES
ON ! WIDE B$ MOV$ B SLI<TLY1 RES5T;L (
ANY?+ T SEP>AT$ !M 0M ?AN 9*ES4 ,J>$
MUTT]$ 6HMF Z HE CREPT \ (! COV]S &
CROSS$ 6! DOOR4 ,HE 0 Q UNA%AM$ ( 8
NAK$;S1 & ,LAUR5 GLORI$ 9 8 PHYSIQUE )
EQU,Y UNA%AM$ 9T]E/4 8,:AT IS X80 HE
ASK$ "? ! H1VY DOOR4 ,"! 0 NO ANSW]4 ,HE
OP5$ ! DOOR A CRACK & PEEP$ >.D X4 ,NO
"O 0 "!4 ,!N HE 2GAN 6*UCKLE4 ,LAUR5 SAT
UP1 PUZZL$ 0HIS AMUSE;T4 ,HE KNELT D[N &
PICK$ UP A TRAY LAD5 ) FOOD & DR9K4 ,HE
CLOS$ ! DOOR ) 8 FOOT 2F BE>+ ! REPA/ 6!
B$4 ,LAUR5 SAW A PLATT] ( LI<T1 FLU6Y
E7S1 ?ICK SLICES ( HAM1 BISCUITS &  #djd
TORTILLAS DRIPP+ ) BUTT]1 A POT ( C(FEE1
& EV5 A DECANT] ( :ISKEY1 AL;G ) PLATES1
NAPK9S1 CUTL]Y1 & GLASSES4 8,REM9D ME TO
?ANK ,GLORIA LAT]10 ,J>$ SD Z HE BIT 96A
TORTILLA4 ,!Y ATE UNTIL !Y 7 FILL$1 & HE
REMOV$ ! TRAY F ! B$4 ,!Y _H OP5$ !
DRAPES E>LI] 65JOY ! SI<T (! SN[-COV]$
HILLS4 ,N[ HE W5T 6! W9D[S & CLOS$ !
DRAPES1 DIMM+ ! ROOM4 ,HE /RET*$ L A
LAZY M.TA9 CAT & YAWN$ BROADLY4 8,AM ,I
BOR+ Y80 ,LAUR5 ASK$ MIS*IEV\SLY Z %E
TWIRL$ A CURL >.D H] F+] !N DROPP$ X
PREC>I\SLY CLOSE 6A P\T+ NIPPLE4 ,8
FOOT/EPS1 HURRI$ 2C (! COLD1 SL[$ Z HE
CAME CLOS] 6! B$4 ,HE PLAC$ "O KNEE ON !
MATTRESS1 EY$ H] PROVOCATIVELY1 &
DRAWL$1 8,CD BE4 ,:AT >E Y GO+ 6D AB X80
,LAUR5'S FLU%$ FACE 2CAME IMPI% Z %E
RETORT$1 8,NO?+60 & FLOPP$ 6! OPPOSITE
SIDE (! B$1 PROVID+ HM AN UNRE/RICT$
VIEW ( H] SMOO? BACK1 TAP]+ 6! G5TLE
SWELL ( H] HIPS4 ,HE LAU<$ 2F FALL+ D[N
2S H] & GRA2+ A H&;L ( HAIR4 ,HE W.D X
>.D 8 FI/1 PULL+ ON X 9EXORABLY UNTIL %E
0 =C$ 6ROLL AG/ HM4 ,N Q SURE H[ X  #dje
CAME AB1 %E 4COV]$ H]F ATOP 8 *E/1 H]
LEGS /RA4L+ HM4 8,J>$60 %E EXCLAIM$1
TRY+ 645GAGE H]F F ! >MS T CLAMP$ ACR H]
BACK4 ,H] /RU7LES ONLY WID5$ 8 GR94 ,HE
RISK$ TAK+ "O >M AWAY F H] BACK 6CUP H]
H1D 9 8 H& & =CE H] FACE D[N 6RCV 8
BURN+ KISS4 ,AT LA/1 %E PULL$ AWAY F HM
& SAT UP4 ,HE 0 DAZZL$ 0! BR1/S T 7
5TIC+LY SUSP5D$ 9 FRONT ( HM4 ,) AN 9DEX
F+]1 HE SKIMM$ ACR ! TOPS ( H] BR1/S1
CIRCL$ !M LEISURELY1 !N T1S$ ! TIPS4 ,HE
WAT*$ H] IMM RESPONSE 9 AWE1 9TRIGU$ &
2WIT*$4 8,J>$1 ,I ''' OH ''' :AT D ,I
''' PL1SE '''0 8,D :AT"E FEELS "R10 HE
SD 2F HE LIFT$ 8 H1D & RAK$ 8 T;GUE OV]
H] 4T5D$ NIPPLES4 8,I--0 8,:AT"E FEELS
"R1 ,LAUR510 HE BR1!D Z 8 H&S SLID D[N
H] RIBS 6SETTLE ON H] HIPS4 ,8 ?UMBS MET
AT ! D>K NE/ 9 ! C5T] ( H] ABDOM5 &
IMPRESS$ HYPNOTIC CIRCLES ONTO X4
,IMPOSSI# 6IGNORE1 ! H>D %AFT PRESS$ UP
96H]4 ,8 H&S /ROK$ H] ?I<S Z %E ROSE 6H]
KNEES1 POIS$ OV] HM1 !N IMPAL$ H]F ON 8
/R5G?4 8,MY ,GOD10 HE HISS$ "? GRITT$
TEE?4 ,8 H1D TOSS$ ON ! PILL[4 ,%E  #djf
ROCK$ ^U HM1 MOV+ UP & D[N1 REV]+ 9 !
FEEL ( HM 9SIDE H]4 ,%E -B$ H] F+]S "? !
MAT ( HAIR ON 8 *E/1 T1S+ ! H>D BR[N
NIPPLES4 ,:5 %E GREW TIR$1 %E LAY ^U 8
*E/4 ,H] LIPS S"\ \ ! S5SITIVE >1S ( 8
FACE & NECK1 NI2L+1 C>ESS+ !M ) LI<T
KISSES4 ,8 H&S CLASP$ ! BACKS ( H] ?I<S
EV5 Z 8 F+]S /ROK$ ! MOI/ FOLDS 2T !M4
,NEI CD /& ANY M1 &! ERUP;N CAME4 ,HE
FILL$ H] )! LAVA ( 8 LO9S1 : SEEM$ 6FL[
96H] VE9S & SCOR* EA* N]VE 5D+ UNTIL X
EXPLOD$ "U ! ONSLAU<T4 ,AFW1 %E KNELT 2S
HM1 BA?+ ! RESIDUE ( _! LOVEMAK+ F 8
BODY )A W>M1 DAMP T[EL4 ,HE YAWN$ AG Z
%E DROPP$ ! T[EL 6! FLOOR4 ,LAU<+ Z %E
BRU%$ H] LIPS ACR HIS1 %E ASK$1 8,BOR$
AG80 ,HE SMIL$4 8,NO1 ,I'M SLEEPY10 HE
3FESS$4 8,-E "H40 ,HE PULL$ H] D[N DEEP
96! COV]S & SNU7L$ AG/ H]4 ,! HAIR ON 8
*E/ TICKL$ H] BACK & 8 >M WEI<$ ON H]
WAI/4 ,%E MOV$ CLOS] /4 ,HE KISS$ H]
%\LD] 2F !Y BO? SLIPP$ 96DR1M.S SLEEP4
,DR1MS _H C1S$ 6BE NEC4 99 99 99 ,J>$
KNELT 9 FRONT (! FIREPLACE COAX+ ! DY+
EMB]S 96A R$ GL[1 A4+ SMALL LOGS    #djg
UNTIL !Y FL>$ & IGNIT$4 ,HE _H WRAPP$ !
FUR BLANKET >.D HM 6W>D (F ! *ILL4
,LAUR5 CD SEE NO LI<T SEEP+ 9 >.D ! $GES
(! DRAPES4 ,X 0 AF NI<TFALL4 ,%E TOOK UP
H] 4C>D$ DRESS+ G[N & SLIPP$ 96X Z %E
/EPP$ F ! B$4 ,H] B>E FEET T\*$ ! COLD
FLOOR & %E SCURRI$ 6! HE>? & SQUATT$ D[N
2S ,J>$4 8,HEY1 Y'RE GO+ 6FREEZE4 ,:Y
DIDN'T Y /AY 9 B$80 ,HE RAN 8 H&S
BRISKLY UP & D[N H] >MS 6W>M H]4 8,2C Y
W]5'T "!10 %E REPLI$ H"O/LY1 H] EYES
REFLECT+ ! GL[+ FIRE4 ,IMPULSIVELY %E
KISS$ HM ON ! LIPS4 ,HE WRAPP$ 8 >MS >.D
H] & DREW H] D[N ON ! RUG 9 FRONT (!
HE>?4 ,/>+ 96! FLAMES1 NEI SPOKE =A
MO;T4 ,HE /ROK$ ! L5G? ( H] HAIR ABS5TLY
:ILE 8 *9 RE/$ ON ! CR[N ( H] H1D4
8,J>$80 8,HM80 8,Y C'T IMAG9E H[ T]RIFI$
,I 0 ( Y ! F/ "T ,I SAW Y40 ,HE PULL$ 8
H1D BACK4 8,T]RIFI$ ( ME80 HE ASK$ )
MOCK-4MAY4 ,"! 0 A GL9T ( MIS*IEF 9 8
EYES4 8,Y 7 SPRAWL$ \1 UNCONSCI\S1 9 !
BACK ( T WAGON4 ,I _H N"E BE5 NE> A MAN
:O 0 S ''' VIRILE ''' ?R1T5+ ''' ,I
DON'T "K4 ,Y 9TRIGU$ ME1 ?\<4 ,& T  #djh
"D Y SN1K$ 96MY ROOM1 ,I 0 AFRAID ,I 0
GO+ 6FA9T40 ,HE LAU<$ QUIETLY4 8,I 0
9TRIGU$ 0Y1 TOO1 ?\< UP UNTIL !N ,I
_HN'T EV5 SE5 Y4 ,PEPE TOLD ME LAT] H[
,I FELL AG/ Y MO/ IGNOM9I\SLY40 ,HE
*UCKL$ & HU7$ H] TI<T4 8,I WANT$ 6PUT Y
ON ! DEF5SIVE4 ,Y 7 J Z ?R1T5+ 6ME40
8,I8 ,?R1T5+8 ,H[80 ,%E />$ AT HM
9CR$UL\SLY4 ,J>$ R1*$ UP 6! SMALL TA# ":
HE _H EMPTI$ 8 POCKETS ! NI<T 2F & PICK$
UP A CIG>4 ,HE /RUCK A MAT* AG/ ! /"OS (
! FIREPLACE & LIT ! *EROOT1 DRAW+ ON X
SL[LY & BL[+ ! SMOKE OV] _! H1DS4 ,N[ 0
! "T4 ,%E _H 6"K4 8,I RES5T$ Y L HELL1
,LAUR54 ,N Y SPECIFIC,Y1 B ANY WOMAN
SU45LY ?RU/ ^U ME ! WAY Y W]E4 ,! NI<T
,B5 DI$1 WE _H A FI]CE >GU;T4 ,I DON'T
?9K HE 9T5D$ 6TELL ME 8 PLAN = \R
M>RIAGE AT F/4 ,HE />T$ ! LECTURE BY
REM9D+ ME ( MY RESPONSIBILITIES & W>N+
ME T MY 9DISCRE;NS WD EV5TU,Y CAT* UP )
ME4 ,8,Y'RE A MAN N[1 ,J>$4 ,X'S "T Y
SETTL$ D[N & />T$ 2HAV+ L AN ADULT & N
"S WILD BRONCO B5T ON DE/ROY+ YRF &
"EY?+ ,I'M L1V+ Y Z A LEGACY40'0    #dji
,J>$ DREW ONCE M ON ! CIG> & FLICK$ !
GRAY A% AT XS TIP 96! FIREPLACE4 ,LAUR5
DIDN'T SP1K4 ,%E WANT$ 6"K :AT _H
TRANSPIR$ T NI<T1 :Y ,J>$ _H HAT$ H] = S
L;G4 8,MO/LY \ ( BELLIG];E1 ,I C.T]$ E
PO9T HE MADE1 UNTIL HE LO/ 8 TEMP] & HIT
ME ) BO? B>RELS4 ,\R H\SEGUE/1 :OM ,I _H
BE5 -MIS.N$ 6FET* (F ! TRA9 9 ,AU/91 0 !
WOMAN HE _H SELECT$ = ME 6M>RY4 ,S9CE ,I
_H DRA7$ MY HEELS1 HE _H TAK5 MATT]S 9TO
HIS [N H&S1 & PROVID$ ME )A WIFE4 ,HE
/RESS$ ! FACT T Y KNEW NO?+ ( ? :5 ,I
REF]R$ 6Y Z AN OPPORTUNI/1 AL;G ) "S V
UNG5TLEMANLY EPI!TS40 ,HE TORE 8 EYES
AWAY F ! DANC+ FLAMES & LOOK$ AT H]
CLOSELY4 ,8 H& CRADL$ ! BACK ( H] NECK Z
8 ?UMB /ROK$ AL;G H] JAW4 8,Y SEE1
,LAUR51 MY :OLE LIFE1 MY P>5TS _H US$ ME
Z A PAWN 6HURT EA* O!R4 ,IF ,I DID "S?+
6PL1SE "O1 X 9FURIAT$ ! O!R4 ,IF ,I CAME
6,KEYPO9T1 : ,I LOV$1 MY "M WD 2 ON A
RAMPAGE = WEEKS AF ,I RETURN$ TO
,CORONADO4 ,MY *ILDHOOD & ADOLESC;E 7 "O
BIG BATTLE 6SEE :O _H ! MO/ 9FLU;E OV]
ME4 ,! OLD] ,I GOT1 ,I J DIDN'T     #daj
GIVE A DAMN ANYMORE4 ,I S"\ 6PL1SE MYF &
6HELL ) "EY"O ELSE4 ,I DIDN'T RELI% HAV+
A WIFE *OS5 = ME1 ESPECI,Y :5 ,I WASN'T
SURE :AT K9D ( REL,N%IP %E _H _H ) MY
"F40 ,LAUR5 0 SU6US$ ) LOVE & P;Y = ?
-PLEX MAN :O 0 H] HUSB&4 ,NO WOND] HE _H
REACT$ 6H] 9TRU.N ) HATE & RES5T;T4 8,I
?9K ,I SEE H[ 3FUS$ Y M/ H BE5 0MY -+
"H40 ,!N1 ) AN 9SI<T T SURPRIS$ HM1 %E
SD QUIETLY1 8,Y WANT 6"K :Y ,I FOLL[$
,B5 "H4 ,IS T X80 ,HE DIDN'T ANSW]1 B %E
S5S$ 0HIS SIL;E T ? 0 ! CRUX (! MATT]4
,%E SI<$ & />$ AT H] H&S Z !Y PL1T$ !
SKIRT ( H] ROBE4 8,J>$1 "! 0 N"E ANY?+
ILLICIT 2T YR "F & ME4 ,Y CDN'T 2 M WR;G
IF Y ?9K "! WAS4 ,I 0 ATTRACT$ 6HM 2C HE
0 DA%+ & EXCIT+ & 9T]E/+4 ,6"S"O RAIS$ 9
A P>SONAGE1 LIV+ )A SWEET1 B NAIVE C\PLE
9T]E/$ ONLY 9 _! SMALL _W1 HE 0 L A "* \
( "O ( MY BOOKS4 ,( C\RSE1 A3EPT+ 8
9VIT,N 6-E 6,TEXAS 6VISIT 0 UN?9KA#1 &
,I N"E WD H D"O X EXCEPT = "S?+ T HAPP5$
)9 "DS ( ,B5'S DE"PURE40 ,H] LIPS TREM#D
SLI<TLY Z %E REMEMB]$ ,WILLIAM'S ATTACK4
,QKLY1 N]V\SLY1 %E SD1 8,2LIEVE     #daa
ME1 X ''' ^? R1SONS = MY L1V+ 7
JU/IFI$40 ,HE CUPP$ H] *9 9 8 FI/ &
ASK$1 8,:AT HAPP5$ 6MAKE Y WANT 6L1VE YR
HOME80 ,%E TRI$ 6TURN AWAY1 B HE 0
ADAMANT4 ,HE DIDN'T REL1SE H] *91 B =C$
H] 6MEET 8 PROB+ EYES4 8,X ''' ,I '''
,DOES X MATT] S M*80 %E ASK$ PITE\SLY4
8,YES40 ,AG %E TRI$ 6L[] H] EYES1 & AG
HE HELD H] FA/4 8,PL1SE10 %E BE7$ 9 A
:ISP]4 ,SL[LY HE EAS$ ! PRESSURE ( 8
F+]S & 8 H& FELL AWAY4 ,%E TURN$ H] BACK
ON HM 6/>E 96! FIRE4 8,"! 0 A MAN10 %E
SD4 8,HIS "N 0 ,WILLIAM ,KELL]4 ,HE '''
! ,PRA!RS ?"\ T WE %D M>RY4 ,I TOLD !M
C.T.S "TS T ,I CDN'T ABIDE HM1 B '''0
,H] VOICE TRAIL$ AWAY 6NO?+;S & %E BR1!D
9 DEEPLY4 ,D>E %E TELL ,J>$ ! RE/ ( X8
,WD HE TURN AWAY F H] 9 4GU/1 BLAME H] Z
H] GU>DIANS _H D"O8 8,G ON10 HE SD F 2H
H]4 ,HALT+LY1 %E RELAT$ ! FULL TALE (
,WILLIAM'S ATTACK1 8 DECEP;N (! ,PRA!RS1
H] 9ABIL;Y 6P]SUADE H] GU>DIANS T !
M9I/] 0 LY+4 8,AF T1 ,I _H 6L1VE10 %E
F9I%$ HO>SELY4 ,= AT L1/ A FULL M9UTE1 A
H1VY SIL;E HUNG OV] !M4 ,%E _H      #dab
RAIS$ H] KNEES & RE/$ H] =EH1D AG/ !M4
,%E DIDN'T WANT 6"K :AT ,J>$ ?"\4 ,YET
%E _H _H 6TELL HM ! TRU?4 ,8 MOVE;T 0 S
SU45 T %E />T$ :5 HE B.D$ 6HIS FEET4
,:IPP+ H] H1D >.D1 %E SAW HM R1* = 8 HAT
& CLAMP X ON 8 H1D4 ,!N1 Z %E WAT*$ 9
/UPEFAC;N1 HE GRA2$ 8 GUNBELT )! D1DLY
PI/OL SAFELY 5SCONC$ 9 X & /RAPP$ X >.D
8 HIP4 8,J>$8 ,:AT ''' :AT >E Y DO+80 %E
SPUTT]$4 ,HE _H R1*$ ! DOOR 0N[ & 8 H&
GRIPP$ ! KNOB4 ,GLANC+ OV] 8 %\LD]1 %E
CD SEE ! RIGID PLANES ( 8 FACE SET )
DET]M9,N4 ,8 AMB] EYES %"O ) RESOLVE4
8,I'M GO+ AF T SON(ABIT* 6KILL HM40
,DESPITE ! SEV];Y ( 8 PRON\NCE;T1 A
SMILE TWIT*$ ,LAUR5'S LIPS & !N BUR/ =?
9 DELI<T$ LAU<T]4 8,L T80 %E ASK$1 H]
EYES %9+ ) NEW LOVE4 ,HE C>$6 ,HE WASN'T
ANGRY AT H]1 B AT ,WILLIAM4 ,/UNN$ 0H]
LAU<T] 5 6%AKE HM \ ( 8 FURY1 ,J>$
SU45LY R1LIZ$ ! PICTURE HE M/ PRES5T4
,HE GL.ED D[N AT HMF4 ,! GUNBELT 0 8
ONLY G>;T4 ,HE SMIL$ AT H] %EEPI%LY F !
%AD[S "U 8 HAT4 8,Y RECKON HE'S WOR? GO+
\ BUCK NAK$ 9 A SN[/ORM =80 ,H]     #dac
EYES / TW9KL$1 B %E ANSW]$ S]I\SLY1
8,HE'S N WOR? GO+ AF AT ALL40 ,HE RID
HMF (! LUDICR\S ATTIRE &1 2F %E R1LIZ$1
0 2S H]1 GA!R+ H] 96HIS >MS4 8,I'LL KILL
ANY"O :O T\*ES Y AG4 ,I SWE> X40 ,HE
SPOKE 9 A L[ RUM# 9 H] E> Z HE PRESS$ H]
H1D AG/ 8 *E/4 ,8 M\? DESC5D$ & CAPTUR$
H]S 9 A BLAZ+ KISS T BR&$ H] Z 8 [N4 ,_!
M\?S FUS$ TGR HOTLY4 ,T;GUES S"\1 F.D1
TOOK1 GAVE4 ,LAUR5'S F+]S TANGL$ 9 !
CURLS LY+ 9 WILD 4>RAY >.D 8 H1D & PULL$
H] M\? FREE4 8,J>$1 Y M/ 2LIEVE T MY
ATTRAC;N 6,B5 0 N SEXUAL4 ,6ME1 HE
REPRES5T$ ! A6EC;NATE "F ,I N"E _H4
,S9CE T "D ,I SAW Y FRAM$ 9 ! DOORWAY (
MY ROOM1 LOOK+ L ! M1NE/ DESP]ADO "E TO
ROAM ! PLA9S ( ,TEXAS1 Y H DOM9AT$ MY
?"\S4 ,UNTIL Y KISS$ ME 9 ! (FICE T
MORN+ ,OLIVIA SD WE 7 6M>RY1 ,I _H NO
IDEA H[ A WOMAN 0 SUPPOS$ 6FEEL T[>D A
MAN40 ,HE TOOK H] H1D 2T 8 /R;G1 L1N
H&S1 SLID+ 8 F+]S "U H] HAIR & DRAW+ H]
M\? BACK 6HIS4 ,! KISS 0 T5D]1 S(T1 & H]
LIPS YIELD$ 6! SLI<T PRESSURE ( HIS4 ,B1
Z ALL _! KISSES _H D"O 9 ! PA/      #dad
9TIMATE H\RS1 ! T5D];S TURN$ 6PAS.N1 &
:5 HE L[]$ H] 6! FUR BLANKET COV]+ !
FLOOR1 %E 0 M ?AN R1DY 6-PLY4 ,H] HAIR
SPR1D \ L A D>K FAN 2H H] H1D4 ,HE SLID
8 H&S 96! OP5+ ( H] ROBE & SEP>AT$ !
FOLDS1 REV1L+ H] BR1/S4 ,8 H&S CLOS$ OV]
!M1 G5TLY1 B ) NO "Q ( 8 POSSES.N4 ,8
M\? GAVE !M ! HI< PRAISE HE ?"\ !M WOR?Y
(4 ,F/ 8 LIPS CLOS$ >.D EA* CRE/1 !N 8
T;GUE PD !M HOMAGE UNTIL !Y GLI/5$ WETLY
9 ! FIRELI<T4 ,LAUR5 MOAN$ EC/ATIC,Y "U
8 ADOR,N :ILE H] [N H&S SMOO!D OV] !
BUN*$ MUSCLES ( 8 %\LD]S & BACK4 ,8 LIPS
LEFT A FI]Y PA? ACR H] BR1/S1 D[N H]
RIBS1 BACK ONTO H] /OMA* & !N L[] 6H]
ABDOM54 ,HE KISS$ H] NAVEL & !N L[] /
UNTIL-- 8,J>$--0 ,%E COV]$ ! D>K ?AT* 8
LIPS _H J R1*$ )! PALM ( H] H&4 ,HE
RAIS$ PAS.N-CL\D$ EYES 6H]S1 OP5$ WIDE 9
AL>M4 8,LAUR510 HE SD HUSKILY1 8Y M/ "K
T ,I WD N"E D ANY?+ 6HURT Y4 ,TRU/ ME40
,:5 %E REMA9$ SIL5T1 />+ AT HM ) FE>;L1
PL1D+ EYES1 HE REP1T$1 8,TRU/ ME40
,SL[LY %E NO4$ H] H1D1 & DIDN'T RESI/ :5
HE L1N$ D[N & KISS$ ! BACK ( H] H&  #dae
": X LAY4 ,8 LIPS 7 W>M4 ,PL1SURE-GIV+4
,9 SPITE ( H] MODE/ W>I;S1 %E FELT H]
MUSCLES SURR5D]+ 6! DIPLOMACY ( 8 M\?4
,)\T HA/E1 HE LIFT$ H] H& & PRESS$ A
KISS 96! PALM4 ,!N HE KISS$ H] ": X _H
LA9 ON ! D>K DELTA4 ,AN 9T5SE H1T WA%$
OV] H] &A CRY ( JOY BUB#D \ ( H] ?ROAT4
,8 M\? BR"\ H] A PL1SURE S EXQUISITE T
%E 0 HELP.S 6?9K ( ANY?+ EXCEPT 8 LIPS &
T;GUE Z !Y MOV$ L[] 6EXPLORE1 PROBE1 &
PL1SE4 ,! /ORM M.T$ & E2$ Z HE
ALT]NATELY T1S$ & DEM&$4 ,! PRESSURE )9
H] 9CR1S$1 & :5 X CRA%$ >.D H]1 %E CALL$
6HM PLA9TIVELY & 0 GRATIFI$ :5 8 BODY
COV]$ H]S 6PROTECT H] F ! ASSAULT (
EMO;NS & S5SES4 ,/1 %E WASN'T SATISFI$
UNTIL HE 0 9SIDE H]1 DEEP1 H>D1
FULFILL+1 T\*+ H] WOMB )! ESS;E ( HMF4
,H] F+]S DUG 96! FLE% ( 8 HIPS Z 8 [N
PAS.N P1K$4 ,8 FACE 0 BURI$ 9 H] NECK &
H] SK9 FELT 8 RAPID1 MOI/ BR1? Z HE
*ANT$ H] "N4 ,HE DIDN'T L1VE H]4 ,HE
CDN'T =SAKE ! P>ADISE J YET4 ,NE/L$ )9
H] BODY1 HE RAIS$ HMF ON 8 ELB[S & LOOK$
D[N AT H]4 ,T5D]LY HE KISS$ EA*     #daf
F1TURE ( H] FACE4 8,IS ? POSSI#80 %E
BR1!D1 REF]R+ 6! ENORM;Y ( H] RAPTURE4
8,YES1 YES10 HE MURMUR$ AG/ H] LIPS4 ,HE
RAIS$ 8 H1D & 8 EYES SE>*$ H] FACE ONCE
AG4 ,8 EXPRES.N 0 DI6ICULT 6DEF9E1 B X
CLOSELY RESEM#D LOVE4
  ,*APT] #BB
  ,! NEXT MORN+1 "EY"O LOOK$ UP 9
SURPRISE Z ,J>$ & ,LAUR5 /ROLL$ >M 9 >M
96! D9+ ALCOVE = BR1KFA/4 ,LAUR5 FLU%$ 9
EMB>RASS;T "U ! CURI\S />ES1 B ,J>$
ASSUM$ 8 CASUAL1 ALO( ATTITUDE & "Q$ :Y
"! 7 NO PLACE-SETT+S 9 FRONT ( _! *AIRS4
,GLORIA IMMLY RAN T[>D ! KIT*54 ,J>$
HELD ! *AIR = 8 WIFE Z ,RUDY ASK$ HM
T1S+LY1 8,HEY1 ,BRO!R1 :Y DID Y RISK A
SN[/ORM 6GET "H :5 ALL Y'VE D"O IS SP5D
! 5TIRE "T CLOSET$ 9 YR ROOM80 ,HE TOOK
! PLATE F ,GLORIA1 FILL$ X 6HIS
SATISFAC;N1 & ONLY !N ANSW]$1 8,WELL1
,I'D BE5 AWAY A L;G "T4 ,:5 ,I GOT TO
,CORONADO & SAW T ,LAUR ''' ,I ''' UH
''' J FIGUR$ T X 0 "T = ME 6GET BACK \
"H 6*ECK ON ?+S4 ,I 0 WORRI$ AB
,KEYPO9T40 8,YR 3C]N IS T\*+10      #dag
,RUDY T1S$4 ,8 BLACK EYES FLA%$ WICK$LY
Z HE SD1 8,X CDN'T 2 2C Y W]E1 UH1
RE/.S1 & WANT$ 6SEE ,LAUR51 CD X80
8,RUDY6 ,Y'RE GO+ 6EMB>RASS ,LAUR510
,GLORIA SCOLD$4 ,J>$ LAID 8 =K 9 8
PLATE4 8,Y "K "S?+8 ,I ?9K Y MI<T 2 "R40
,HE GRA2$ ,LAUR5 & L1N$ H] BACKW>D OV] 8
SUPPORT+ >M S QKLY T %E DIDN'T H "T TO
PROTE/4 ,HE KISS$ H] FULL ON ! M\? )
EXA7]AT$ PAS.N4 ,! *N 2GAN SQU1L+ )
LAU<T] & 7 SOON JO9$ 0_! 9ITI,Y />TL$
P>5TS &A DELI<T$ ,M>IA1 :O SMIL$ ON !M
FONDLY4 ,BR1?.SLY ,J>$ REL1S$ ,LAUR5 &
!Y JO9$ ! LAU<T]4 ,EV5TU,Y ,GLORIA
RESETTL$ ! *N & "EY"O RESUM$ EAT+4 ,A
FEW M9UTES LAT]1 ,J>$ CAU<T ,LAUR5'S
EYE1 W9K$ AT H] &1 F9D+ H] KNEE "U !
TA#1 SQUEEZ$ X4 99 99 99 ,! SN[ MELT$
QKLY "U A CRY/AL-BLUE ,TEXAS SKY4 ,!
BRO!RS RODE \ EA* "D 6*ECK ON V>I\S
SEC;NS (! RAN*4 ,! SN[ _H BE5 H1VY &
WET1 & "S ( _! F;ES _H SU6]$ DAMAGE4
,VAQU]OS1 RE/.S = "S?+ 6D1 7 S5T \ TO
REPAIR !M & 6KEEP AN EYE \ = ANIMALS T
_H N SURVIV$ ! /ORM4 ,LAUR5 RODE \  #dah
) !M "O AFN4 ,!Y 7 ONLY A MILE OR S F !
MA9 H\SE :5 !Y CAME ^U ! C>CASS ( "O (!
F9E/ ,LOCKETT BEEVES4 ,X _H BE5
MUTILAT$4 ,A FEW *UNKS ( M1T _H BE5 C>V$
\4 ,! RE/ _H BE5 LEFT 6ROT 9 ! W>M+
TEMP]ATURES4 8,GO4AMMIT60 ,J>$ CURS$4
8,:O 9 HELL DID ?80 8,X CDN'T H BE5
,CRAZY ,JACK4 ,HE N"E WA/ES ANY "P (A
C>CASS10 ,RUDY SD4 8,NO4 ,MR4 ,TURN]
WDN'T D ?10 ,LAUR5 SD QUIETLY4 ,! M5
LOOK$ AT H] 9 SURPRISE & %E TOLD AB
MEET+ ! H]MIT4 ,HUMBLY %E REC.T$ H[ %E
_H TAK5 ! TRAP (F 8 FOOT :5 HE _H BE5
9JUR$4 8,=TUNATELY ,I TOOK HM "S FOOD1
TOO1 2F ! W1!R GOT S 9CLE;T4 ,B HE 0 9
NO %APE 6D A ?+ L ? EV5 IF HE _H BE5 S
9CL9$40 8,Y M1N Y ACTU,Y SAW HM8 ,_H A
3V]S,N ) HM80 ,RUDY ASK$ 9 A/ONI%;T4 ,HE
_H N"E SE5 ! H]MIT1 ONLY TRACES ( HM4
8,YES40 8,I'VE LE>N$ T MY WIFE HAS A GRT
CAPAC;Y 6GET 9VOLV$ ) P1 USU,Y !
DESP]ATE & HELP.S40 ,J>$ SPOKE T1S+LY1 B
"! 0 RESPECT 9 8 EYES4 ,DUR+ 8 BRIEF /OP
9 ,CORONADO1 ,OLIVIA _H FILL$ 8 E>S )A
TIRADE AG/ ,LAUR5'S *>;Y "W 9       #dai
,PUEBLO4 ,LL DID %E "K T %E 0 MAK+ H]
SON ALL ! M L"O"S = 8 WIFE4 ,HE _H BE5
%OCK$ & 4APPO9T$ 6LE>N T ,LAUR5 _H G"O
6,KEYPO9T4 ,8 EYES W>M$ Z HE LOOK$ AT H]
N[ & SD1 8,IF ANY"O CD WORM _! WAY 9TO
,JACK ,TURN]'S LIFE1 X WD 2 ,LAUR540 8,T
/ DOESN'T ANSW] :O KILL$ \R C[10
REFLECT$ ,RUDY4 8,X 0 PROBABLY "O (
,DUNCAN'S GANG10 ,J>$ SD BITT]LY4 8,X
LOOKS L "S?+ !Y'D D40 8,DID ,LAUR5 TELL
Y AB ! VISIT !Y PD U A :ILE BACK80 ,RUDY
ASK$ HESITANTLY4 8,:AT860 ,J>$ EXPLOD$4
,RUDY RELAT$ ! 3V]S,N HE'D _H ) ,DUNCAN4
,LAUR5 0 RELIEV$ T HE WISELY OMITT$ !
SLUR T ,JUNE & H] BRO!R _H MADE 6H]4 ,%E
FE>$ ,J>$ WD SEEK ,DUNCAN \ IMMLY4
,_HN'T HE BE5 R1DY 6*>GE NAK$ \ ( _!
B$ROOM 9 SE>* ( ,WILLIAM ,KELL]8 ,%E
SMIL$ AT ! MEMORY1 B 8 L\D1 ANGRY VOICE
BR"\ H] BACK 6! PRES5T4 8,:Y DIDN'T Y
TELL ME AB ? SOON]80 ,J>$ DEM&$4 8,2C ,I
KNEW Y'D REACT EXACTLY Z Y'RE REACT+10
,RUDY REPLI$ CALMLY4 8,I ?9K WE %D
EX]CISE CAU;N & KEEP AN EYE ON !M1 B ,I
DON'T WANT 6PROVOKE !M 96ANY M      #dbj
M1N;S40 8,OKAY10 ,J>$ SD GRUDG+LY4 8,B
0! 5D ( NEXT SUMM]1 ,I WANT !M (F ( \R
PROP]TY4 ,:5 ! RAILROAD IS F9I%$1 !
VAQU]OS WON'T H 6BE DRIV+ ! CATTLE TO
,AU/94 ,!Y C ASSUME M DUTIES T[>D
MA9TA9+ ! RAN*4 ,"O ( ^? DUTIES C 2
CLE>+ ! C$>4 ,WE WON'T NE$ T SCUM
ANYMORE40 ,HE GAVE "O M 4GU/$ GL.E 6!
C>CASS1 !N SPUN ,*>G] >.D & SPURR$ HM 6A
GALLOP4 99 99 99 ,:5 ,WAT ,DUNCAN /RUCK
AG1 X 0 SWIFT & SURE & D1DLY4 ,6SAY !
L1/1 X GOT ! ATT5;N (! ,LOCKETTS &
,M5DEZES & PROV$ 6!M :AT A P[];L 5EMY !
MAN & 8 GANG W]E4 ,LAUR5 & ,M>IA _H
>RANG$ ! NI<T 2F 6MEET 9 ! /A#S ! FOLL[+
MORN+ =A SUNRISE RIDE4 ,!Y _H GR[N
A3U/OM$ 6RID+ TGR AT T "T ( "D4 ,LAUR5
CROSS$ ! Y>D & /ROLL$ T[>D ! /A#4 ,%E 0
WE>+ A BLACK SU$E RID+ SKIRT & COAT4 ,H]
BOOTS 7 S(T BLACK L1!R1 Z 7 H] GLOVES4
,! 5SEM# _H BE5 A 2LAT$ ,*RI/MAS PRES5T
F ,J>$4 ,%E _H WRAPP$ H] H1D 9 A L;G1
WOOL5 S]APE LOAN$ 6H] 0,GLORIA &1 (
C\RSE1 %E 0 WE>+ ! BLUE SILK B&ANA4 ,!
VAPOR ( H] BR1? HUNG 9 ! COLD       #dba
MORN+ AIR4 ,! DOOR 6! /A# 0 CLOS$4
,/RANGE1 %E ?"\ 6H]F4 ,MAYBE X 0 S COLD
T ,M>IA _H *OS5 6L1VE ! DOOR %UT AG/ !
W9D4 ,B X WASN'T W9DY1 ,LAUR5 >GU$ )
H]F4 ,! DOOR 0 H1VY1 & %E _H 6TUG H>D
S"EAL "TS 2F X CAME OP54 ,! 9T]IOR (!
/A# 0 D>K4 ,X 0 QUIET EXCEPT =! RE/.S;S
(! HORSES4 8,M>IA80 ,A S9I/] *ILL1 HAV+
NO?+ 6D )! W1!R1 CREPT UP ,LAUR5'S SP9E1
& %E 0 SU45LY AFRAID 65T] ! BUILD+4
,GLANC+ OV] H] %\LD]1 %E SAW T NO "O 0
/IRR+ 9 ! H\SE4 ,%E _H LEFT ,J>$ ASLEEP
"U ! COV]S ( _! B$4 ,EL5A _HN'T YET
>RIV$ ) ,C>LOS 62G9 H] "D'S DUTIES4
8,M>IA80 ,LAUR5 CALL$ AG1 PRAY+ =! S.D (
,M>IA'S S(T VOICE4 ,SWALL[+ A LUMP (
FE>1 %E /EPP$ 96! /A#4 ,%E DIDN'T NE$ 6G
F>4 ,M>IA'S BODY 0 SPRAWL$ \ 9 FRONT (
H]4 ,EV5 9 ! D>K;S1 ,LAUR5 CD SEE ! POOL
( B"R BLOOD =M+ 2N H]4 ,H] SCR1M RIPP$
"? ! MORN+ AIR4 ,FI/S CL5*$ AT H] SIDES1
!N ROSE 6COV] H] M\?1 B DIDN'T /IFLE !
SCR1MS ( T]ROR T KEPT -+4 ,%E 0 VAGUELY
AW>E ( CURS+ & NONS5SICAL MUTT]+S Z !
DOORS 6! BUNKH\SE 7 ?R[N OP5 &!     #dbb
VAQU]OS /UM#D \ 9 V>I\S /AGES ( UNDRESS1
_! EYES BLE>Y F SLEEP4 ,RUNN+ FOOT/EPS
CAME P.D+ ACR ! Y>D4 ,H] SCR1MS _H
DW9DL$ 6FA9T :IMP]S Z %E HE>D "S"O SAY1
8,MADRE DE ,DIOS60 ,RUDY PU%$ H] ASIDE &
MOV$ CAUTI\SLY T[>D 8 "M1 4BELIEV+ 8
EYES4 ,/R;G >MS GRIPP$ H] %\LD]S4
8,DON'T LOOK1 ,LAUR510 ,J>$ SD 9 H] E> Z
,RUDY KNELT D[N 6TURN ,M>IA'S BODY OV]4
,J>$'S W>N+ CAME TOO LATE4 ,%E SAW !
GAP+ W9DPIPE ) XS GURGL+ F.TA9 ( BLOOD
": ,M>IA'S ?ROAT _H BE5 N1TLY SLIC$4 ,%E
SCR1M$ AG1 B ! S.D 0 MU6L$ AG/ ,J>$'S
B>E *E/ Z HE HELD H] H1D AG/ HM1
SUPPORT+ H] WILT+ BODY ) HIS4 ,HE L$ H]
\ (! /A# S %E WDN'T H 6WIT;S ,RUDY'S
GRIEF4 ,!Y CD HE> 8 DEEP1 S\L-PI]C+
ANIMAL WAIL4 ,LAUR5 SO2$ DRYLY Z !Y
WALK$ PA/ ! VAQU]OS /&+ AWKW>DLY1 _!
EYES AV]T$1 9/9CTIVELY "K+ :AT _H
HAPP5$4 99 99 99 ,GLORIA &! SLEEPY-EY$
*N 7 HU4L$ TGR ON ! FRONT POR*4
,GLORIA'S LIPS 7 :ITE1 H] EYES "Q+4
8,M>IA10 ,J>$ SD T]SELY4 ,GLORIA SQUEEZ$
H] EYES %UT1 9TUITIVELY "U/&+ Z %E  #dbc
HE>D H] HUSB&'S RACK+ SOBS4 8,-E 96!
H\SE1 *N40 ,6,J>$1 %E SD1 8,I'LL GET "S
C(FEE40 ,HE ONLY NO4$ Z HE U%]$ ,LAUR5
96! H\SE4 ,%E /OOD MUTELY J 9SIDE ! DOOR
Z HE W5T 96! B$ROOM 6PULL ON PANTS &A
%IRT4 ,:5 HE CAME BACK1 HE KNELT D[N ON
! HE>? & 2GAN REK9DL+ ! FIRE4 ,X CAME Z
A GRT SURPRISE 6,LAUR5 :5 ,RUDY'S %AD[
BLOCK$ ! DAWN LI<T -+ 9 "? ! DOOR T _H
BE5 LEFT OP54 ,"! 7 NO TE>S4 ,9/1D1 8
EYES 7 H>D & COLD1 DEVOID ( ANY EMO;N
EXCEPT BITT] HATR$4 ,HE TOSS$ "S?+ ONTO
! FLOOR & ,LAUR5 JUMP$ BACK F X1 />+ 9
HORRIFI$ -PREH5.N4 ,J>$ LOOK$ AT !
OBJECT1 TOO4 ,"! 0 NO MISTAK+ ! BATT]$1
GR1SY HAT T 0 USU,Y WORN ON ,WAT
,DUNCAN'S H1D4 8,Y GO+ ) ME80 ,RUDY ASK$
8 BRO!R4 8,I'M GO+10 ,J>$ SD QUIETLY4
,)\T ANO!R ^W 2T !M1 !Y W5T "? ! HALL
T[>D _! B$ROOMS4 ,GLORIA CAME \ (! KIT*5
C>RY+ A C(FEE POT & ?REE T9 CUPS4 ,:5 H]
EYES LIT ON ! HAT ON ! FLOOR1 %E SET !
C(FEE ON ! D9+ TA# & W5T 6! GUNRACK4
,:ILE ,LAUR5 WAT*$ 9 /UPEFI$ A/ONI%;T1
,GLORIA ME?ODIC,Y TOOK D[N !        #dbd
RIFLES1 *ECK$ !M1 LOAD$ !M1 & SET !M
ASIDE4 ,:5 !Y 7 DRESS$1 ,J>$ & ,RUDY
JO9$ H] &1 L WELL-TRA9$ SOLDI]S PREP>+ =
BATTLE1 !Y MOV$ )\T WA/+ ^WS OR MO;NS4
,:5 ALL 0 R1DY1 ,RUDY DREW ,GLORIA 6HM &
HELD H] TI<TLY4 8,"O (! VAQU]OS W BR+ H]
9 AF WE'VE LEFT4 ,SEE 6H]40 ,HE KISS$ 8
WIFE QKLY ON ! LIPS & /RODE F ! ROOM4
,LAUR5 0 SPUN >.D F 2H4 ,J>$ KISS$ H]
FI]CELY1 ALM ANGRILY1 2F HE REL1S$ H] &
FOLL[$ 8 BRO!R \ ! DOOR4 ,%E RU%$ AF HM4
,! VAQU]OS _H =M$ A SEMICIRCLE 9 ! Y>D4
,?ORN1 8 HAWKLIKE F1TURES FE>"S1 /OOD
HOLD+ ! RE9S (! WAIT+ M.TS4 ,*>G] PAW$ !
H>D-PACK$ E>? 2N 8 HOOVES4 ,RUDY & ,J>$
M.T$ 9 UNISON4 ,4DA9+ ! /IRRUPS ( 8 [N
SA4LE1 ! ,-AN*E VAULT$ A/RIDE 8 HORSE4
,RUDY NO4$ BRIEFLY 6HIS SMALL >MY & !N
J]K$ H>D ON ! RE9S ( 8 HORSE1 TURN$ HM1
& GALLOP$ \ ! GATE1 ,?ORN & ,J>$ ON EI
SIDE1 8 M5 2H HM4 ,LAUR5 :IRL$ >.D &
FAC$ ,GLORIA1 :O _H -E \ ONTO ! POR*4
8,GLORIA1 Y'RE N GO+ 6LET--0 8,X'S "S?+
!Y H 6D1 ,LAUR510 %E SD ) QUIET ASSUR.E4
8,-E4 ,WE H ?+S 6D1 TOO40 ,! H\RS   #dbe
TICK$ 0)A SL[ MONOTONY4 ,6,LAUR51 !
HORROR ( SEE+ ,M>IA LY+ 9 H] [N FRE%
BLOOD _H BE5 DIMM$ 0! R1LIZ,N T ,J>$
MI<T N"E -E BACK4 ,! BRO!RS _H LEFT
SEEK+ REV5GE & %E KNEW ! BATTLE WD 2
BLOODY4 ,NO1 ,GOD1 NO1 %E PRAY$ Z %E
ME*ANIC,Y W5T "? ! TASKS ,GLORIA ASSIGN$
H]4 ,M>IA'S BODY _H BE5 C>RI$ 9 0"O (!
OLD] H&S4 ,%E 0 LAID ON ! B$ %E _H %>$ )
,B54 ,GLORIA PREP>$ H] = BURIAL4 ,LAUR5
DIDN'T ?9K %E CD H LOOK$ AT ! BODY AG1 B
FELT T ,GLORIA WD 2 (F5D$ IF %E DIDN'T
A3OMPANY ! *N 96! ROOM 6PAY _! LA/
RESPECTS 6_! GR&"M4 ,LAUR5 0 %OCK$4 ,%E
DIDN'T "K H[ ,GLORIA _H MANAG$ X1 B
,M>IA'S W.D DIDN'T %[ "U ! HI< COLL> (
H] DRESS4 ,H] HAIR 0 SMOO!D BACK 9 XS
USUAL BUN4 ,H] FACE 0 UNL9$ & H] LIPS 7
RELAX$ 96A SEMBL.E (A SMILE4 ,H] H&S1
B1UTI;L1 G5TLE H&S1 RE/$ ON H] BR1/ )A
ROS>Y 5TW9$ 9 ! SL5D] F+]S4 ,! SAME
C[BOY :O _H C>RI$ ,M>IA 9SIDE 3/RUCT$ !
C(F94 ,LAUR5 TOOK ! *N \ (! ROOM :5 HE
CAME 9 6LIFT ,M>IA 96! WOOD5 BOX4 ,=!
RE/ (! AFN1 ,LAUR5 & ,EL5A1 :O _H   #dbf
-E 6! H\SE ^U LE>N+ (! TRAG$Y1 TRI$ TO
KEEP ! *N QUIET :ILE ,GLORIA T5D$ 6!
TW9S4 ,EV5 AF ! *N 7 ALL AB$1 &! TW9S 7
SLEEP+ P1CE;LLY 9 _! CRIBS1 ! WOM5 KEPT
VIGIL1 WAIT+ T5SELY = _! M5 6RETURN4
,F9,Y1 L;G AF SUND[N1 !Y HE>D ! ?"U (
HORSES & RAC$ 6! POR*4 ,! FIGURES 7 TOO
SMALL 64T+UI% AT F/ 9 ! FAD+ LI<T1 B EA*
WOMAN SI<$ RELIEF :5 %E SAW H] MAN AM;G
^? RETURN+4 ,RUDY & ,J>$ RODE UP 96! Y>D
& TIR$LY GOT (F _! HORSES1 TURN+ ! RE9S
OV] 6! VAQU]O :O WD C>E = _! EXHAU/$
M.TS4 ,GLORIA DIDN'T SAY A ^W1 ONLY W5T
D[N ! /EPS 6GREET H] HUSB& 0WRAPP+ H]
>MS >.D HM4 ,HE HELD H] CLOSE1 Z IF TO
ABSORB H] /R5G?4 ,:5 %E RAIS$ H] H1D &
LOOK$ 96HIS WE>Y FACE1 HE SD1 8,N A
TRACE4 ,NO?+40 ,!Y ALL W5T 96! H\SE &!
M5 COLLAPS$ AT ! D9+ TA#4 ,GLORIA &
,LAUR5 SCURRI$ 6SET ! FOOD1 : _H BE5
SIMM]+ ON ! /OVE1 ON ! TA#4 ,EL5A _H SE5
6X T ! TIR$ VAQU]OS _H A POT (! SAVORY
/EW DELIV]$ 6! BUNKH\SE 2F %E LEFT )
,C>LOS4 ,:5 8 PLATE 0 EMPTY1 ,RUDY WIP$
8 M\? )A NAPK9 & SCOOT$ 8 *AIR      #dbg
BACK4 ,J>$ PULL$ ,LAUR5 D[N ONTO 8 LAP &
RE/$ 8 H1D AG/ H] BR1/S Z ,RUDY 2GAN TO
SP1K4 8,WE W5T 6_! CAMP F/4 ,DES]T$4 ,N
A SIGN EXCEPT =! RU2I% !Y LEFT 2H4 ,WE
-B$ ! HILLS ALL "D1 LOOK+ 9 E NOOK &
CRANNY1 & DIDN'T SEE A TRACE ( ANY (
!M40 ,HE PAUS$ 6TAKE A DR9K (! :ISKEY
,GLORIA _H P\R$ = HM4 8,WE F.D "O OLD
NE/]1 AB HALF-CRAZY4 ,HE SD HE'D SE5
,DUNCAN &A FEW O!RS AT ! RIV] J ABV !
,FR$]ICKSBURG ,ROAD4 ,"D 2F YE/]"D1 HE
?"\4 ,DUNCAN 0 TALK+ 6A ,8FANCY MAN40'0
8,VANDIV]80 ,GLORIA ASK$4 ,LAUR5 GASP$4
8,PROBABLY10 ,J>$ ANSW]$4 ,!Y ALL 2CAME
QUIET !N1 EA* LO/ 9 8 [N ?"\S4 ,RUDY
BROKE ! SIL;E4 8,I'LL F9D HM10 HE SD4
8,MURD]+ SON(ABIT*4 ,I'LL F9D HM40 ,!
LEVEL T"O ( 8 VOICE 0 F"R5+ 6HE>4 ,HE
RAIS$ 8 EYES 6,GLORIA4 8,": IS %E80 8,IN
H] ROOM40 ,HE NO4$ & />$ AT ! FLAME (!
GAS LAMP ON ! TA# 9 FRONT ( HM4 8,"O (!
H&S (F]$ 6RIDE 96,PUEBLO & BR+ A PRIE/
BACK 9 ! MORN+4 ,WE'LL BURY H] !N40 ,HE
PAUS$1 !N SD1 8,I 0 ?9K+ TD T %E WD N"E
H GOTT5 OV] LOS+ ,B54 ,"E S9CE HE   #dbh
DI$1 %E'S BE5 UNHAPPY4 ,MAYBE ''' MAYBE
? 0 ''' ,%E'LL 2 HAPPY4 '''0 ,8 VOICE
BROKE & ,GLORIA RU%$ 6HIS SIDE4 ,HE CAME
6HIS FEET "U H] SUPPORT & !Y LEFT !
ROOM4 99 99 99 8,J>$1 T'S IMPOSSI#6 ,EV5
IF Y CD PULL (F S* A ?+1 D Y R1LIZE !
LIVES T CD 2 LO/8 ,! PROP]TY T WD 2
DE/ROY$8 ,H[ CD Y SU7E/ S* A '''
H>EBRA9$ S*EME80 8,:AT *OICES D ,I H8
,TRY 6"U/& ? F MY PO9T ( VIEW40 ,LAUR5
HE>D ! VOICES RAIS$ 9 H1T$ >GU;T -+ F !
FRONT POR*4 ,D9N] 0 OV] &! BRO!RS _H G"O
\TSIDE4 ,GLORIA 0 C>+ =! TW9S4 ,LAUR5 _H
BE5 R1D+ 9 FRONT (! FIRE 9 ! L>GE LIV+
ROOM :5 %E HE>D ,RUDY'S H>% ^WS4 ,X _H
BE5 A WEEK S9CE ,M>IA'S BURIAL 9 A
COTTONWOOD GROVE OV]LOOK+ ! ,RIO
,CABALLO4 ,EA* MORN+1 ,RUDY & ,J>$ RODE
\ ) _! M5 6SE>* = ,WAT ,DUNCAN4 ,EA*
EV5+1 !Y RETURN$ 4APPO9T$ 9 N HAV+ SE5 A
TRACE ( _! QU>RY4 ,M>IA'S D1? _H A6ECT$
!M ALL1 ,J>$ 9CLUD$4 ,B EV5 2F T1 S9CE !
NI<T ( 8 >RIVAL DUR+ ! BLIZZ>D1 HE _HN'T
BE5 ! S>CA/IC1 ANGRY MAN HE 0 9
,CORONADO4 ,! MAN %E SLEPT ) E      #dbi
NI<T MADE T5D]1 PAS.NATE LOVE 6H] ON !
WIDE B$ T _H BE5 8 S9CE *ILDHOOD4 ,HE
TOLD H] ( 8 PLANS 6BUILD A H\SE ( 8 [N
AT ,PECAN ,CREEK4 ,HE RELAT$ 6H] !
CIRCUM/.ES SURR.D+ ! D1? ( 8 FR ,ALEX1 9
,CUBA1 & CLUNG 6H]1 TOR;T$ 0VI.NS (!
ATROCITIES ( W> EV5 Z HE RELAT$ !M4 ,%E
_H -E 6LOVE ,J>$ 9 A NEW DIM5.N4 ,%E
LOV$ HM FI]CELY1 PAS.NATELY1 &
PROTECTIVELY4 ,/R;G Z HE WAS1 VIRILE1
/U2ORN & PR\D1 %E _H 4C]N$ A %R$ (
VULN]ABIL;Y4 ,%E LOV$ T MO/ ( ALL4
,LAUR5 L;G$ 6%>E ) H] HUSB& ! REW>D+
NEWS -+ \ ( ,PUEBLO4 ,PEPE1 :5"E ! W1!R
P]MITT$1 BR"\ H] NEWS (! PROJECTS %E _H
9ITIAT$4 ,ALL 7 GO+ WELL4 ,A CL9IC _H
BE5 SET UP TWO "DS A WEEK4 ,REM$IAL
3/RUC;N ON PUBLIC BUILD+S 0 "UWAY & M 0
PLANN$ =! SPR+4 ,W>M CLO!S 7 2+ 4TRIBUT$
6^? :O NE$$ !M ! MO/4 ,PEPE LEFT )A
DETAIL$ LI/ ( 9/RUC;NS =! -MITTEE
*AIRWOM5 &A P]SONAL NOTE ( GRATITUDE &
PRAISE F ,LAUR54 ,%E WI%$ 6TELL ,J>$ AB
ALL ( ?1 B %E REMA9$ SIL5T4 ,%E WANT$ 6D
OR SAY NO?+ T WD REM9D HM (! EV5TS  #dcj
TAK+ PLACE 9 ,AU/9 & ,CORONADO4 ,= T
R1SON1 %E _H N BROA*$ ! SUBJECT (!
RAILROAD &! ,VANDIV]S4 ,X SEEM$ T ,RUDY
_H4 8,I "K Y FEEL T Y H 6G "? ) ?1 B "!
HAS 6BE "S ALT]NATIVE1 ,J>$10 HE >GU$4
8,I DON'T SEE ANY O!R WAY4 ,I'VE G"O OV]
E S+LE ASPECT ( X1 & UN.S ,I C>RY \ ?
PLAN1 "EY?+ W G UP 9 SMOKE40 8,"EY?+ W G
UP 9 SMOKE IF Y D4 ,LIT],Y10 ,RUDY
C.T]$4 ,!Y 7 SIL5T =A :ILE4 ,LAUR5
DIDN'T MOVE4 ,J>$ 0 / PLANN+ 6BR+ ON A
RIOT 9 ,PUEBLO4 ,HE 0 SELL+ \ 6!
,VANDIV]S & 8 "M =! RAILROAD4 8,AT L1/
PROMISE ME ?40 ,RUDY SPOKE QUIETLY4
8,DON'T D ANY?+ UNTIL Y'VE GIV5 ME "S
W>N+4 ,LET ME SEE :AT C 2 D"O F ?
ANGLE40 8,ALL "R1 ,RUDY4 ,I PROMISE4 ,B
,I DON'T "K H[ L;G ,I C HOLD !M (F4
,!Y'RE R1DY 6G4 ,J 2 =EW>N$4 ,:5 !Y D X1
,I'LL H 6BE "!4 ,Y "U/& T40 ,RUDY
HESITAT$ = J A MO;T4 8,YES10 0 ! CURT
REPLY4 ,LAUR5 0 CRU%$4 ,H[ CD HE8 ,MAYBE
HE WDN'T4 ,MAYBE HE CD 3V9CE !M N TO
DE/ROY ! -MUN;Y4 ,%E HE>D _! BOOTS %U6L+
T[>D ! FRONT DOOR & =C$ H] FACE     #dca
96A SMILE 2F !Y CD SEE ! 4TRESS ON X4
,J>$ CAME 6/& 9 FRONT ( H] & SD QUIETLY1
8,LAUR51 ,I M/ L1VE = ,CORONADO 9 !
MORN+4 ,Y'RE 6/AY "H UNTIL ,I C -E BACK
& GET Y40 8,NO4 ,I WANT 6BE ) Y40 ,H]
VOICE TREM#D1 B %E DIDN'T GIVE 9 6! TE>S
%E FELT GA!R+ 9 H] EYES4 ,HE 0 RUNN+
AWAY F H] AG6 8,I ''' ,I'M GO+ 6BE V
BUSY )! RAILROAD & Y'D 2 BOR$ 9 T[N4 ,"H
Y H ,GLORIA &! KIDS 6KEEP Y BUSY40 ,H]
EYES 2SEE*$ ,RUDY = SUPPORT1 B HE 0
3C5TRAT+ ON LI<T+ A CIG> & WDN'T MEET H]
EYES4 ,%E TURN$ BACK T[>D ,J>$4 8,I'M
GO+ BACK ) Y1 ,J>$4 ,I DON'T C>E H[ BUSY
Y >E4 ,IF Y DON'T TAKE ME ) Y1 ,I'LL J
FOLL[ ON MY [N40 ,%E RAIS$ H] *9 A
FRAC;N1 & HE SAW ! RESOLVE 9 H] /1DY1
BLUE-GRAY GAZE4 8,DAMMIT60 HE CURS$1 &
SLAMM$ 8 FI/ 96HIS PALM4 ,HE TURN$ T[>D
8 BRO!R Z IF SEEK+ AN ALLY4 ,RUDY _H
2COME EV5 M FASC9AT$ 0HIS *EROOT4 ,J>$
MUTT]$ S\RLY1 8,ALL "R4 ,GET PACK$ TN40
99 99 99 ,2SS ,ROSA1 ,PEPE1 & H] PIANO1
,LAUR5 0 N HAPPY AB SEE+ ANY?+ 9 ! H\SE
9 ,CORONADO4 ,X 0 TRULY "O (! MO/   #dcb
B1UTI;L H\SES %E _H "E BE5 IN1 B H]
"M-IN-LAW CA/ S* A COLD =EBOD+ ON !
ATMOSPH]E T X CD N"E 2 3SID]$ A -=TA#
HOME4 ,OLIVIA'S GREET+ _H BE5 POLITE1 IF
N EXACTLY W>M4 ,C>SON -PLI;T$ ,LAUR5 ON
! H1L?Y BLOOM 9 H] *EEKS4 ,LAUR5 MET
,OLIVIA'S GRE5 EYES OV] 8 %\LD] Z HE
HU7$ H]1 & WOND]$ IF ,OLIVIA KNEW !
R1SON =! GL[ %E _H TAK5 ON4 ,%E R1SON$ T
! OLD] WOMAN DID4 ,X 0 AF ,J>$'S F/ NI<T
) H] T ,OLIVIA _H PROVOK$ ! >GU;T 2T !M
T CULM9AT$ 9 _! SEP>,N4 ,LAUR5 RECOGNIZ$
! SUBTLETY ,OLIVIA _H US$ 6DRIVE ! W$GE
2T H] & H] HUSB&4 ,%E 0 CAPA# ( ANY?+ TO
5SURE T H] [N GRE$Y PLANS -E 6FRUI;N4
,%E WD EV5 JEOP>DIZE ! HAPPI;S ( H] SON4
,P]H %E DID LOVE HM4 ,B X 0 A J1L\S1
SELF-GRATIFY+ LOVE4 ,OLIVIA ,LOCKETT _H
6BE 9 3TROL4 ,WASN'T T ! R1SON H]
M>RIAGE 6,B5 _H BE5 S 4A/R\S8 ,B5 0 N A
MAN :O CD 2 3TROLL$4 ,OLIVIA 0 LE>N+ T
,J>$ WASN'T S EASILY MANIPULAT$1 EI4 ,N
L ,C>SON ,WELLS4 8,C>SON1 ?ANK Y4 ,I C
ALW RELY ON Y 6MAKE ME FEEL B1UTI;L EV5
:5 ,I'M COV]$ ) TRAIL DU/40 ,LAUR5  #dcc
LAU<$ & HU7$ ! PLUMP MAN AG4 ,HE EVOK$
H] P;Y1 & %E CDN'T Q DECIDE :Y4 ,! NEXT
FEW WEEKS W5T 0SMOO?LY & UNEV5T;LLY4
,OLIVIA W5T 6! BANK E "D4 ,J>$ W5T \ ON
PURSUITS ( 8 [N1 "S"TS RID+ \ 6*ECK ON !
PROGRESS (! RAILROAD4 ,! TRACK MOV$
CLOS] 6,CORONADO DAILY4 ,IF ! SPR+ W1!R
HELD & "! WASN'T TOO M* RA9FALL1 X WD
PROBABLY 2 -PLET$ "S"T 9 ! E>LY FALL4
,LAUR5 SP5T L;G H\RS AT ! PIANO4 ,%E
MISS$ ,EL5A M ?AN %E CD H IMAG9$4 ,"! 7
NO LAU<+ *N 6BR1K ! /AID ATMOSPH]E ( ?
H\SE4 ,"! 7 NO 4RUPTIVE CALAMITIES T
REDUC$ "EY"O 6A /ATE ( MIR?4 ,"! WASN'T
! S]5E PRES;E ( ,M>IA ''' ,M>IA4 ,H] FR4
,B5'S LOVE4 ,P]H ,RUDY 0 "R4 ,MAYBE H]
D1? _H M]CI;LLY BR"\ !M TGR AG4 ,"! 0 NO
M 4CUS.N (! ,PUEBLO RIOT4 ,LAUR5 CD ALM
IMAG9E T %E _H DR1M$ ! :OLE UGLY
EPISODE4 ,0 X EV5 POSSI# T ,OLIVIA _H
*ANG$ H] M9D8 99 99 99 ,"O AFN 9 E>LY
,M>*1 ,LAUR5 SAT AT A SMALL TA# 9 ,B5'S
(FICE -POS+ A LR ( -M5D,N 6! ,LADIES (
,TEXAS ,FREEDOM :O _H S G5]\SLY DONAT$
FIFTY P.DS ( CORNM1L 6BE 4TRIBUT$   #dcd
6! NE$I] CITIZ5S ( ,PUEBLO4 ,%E HE>D
,J>$'S SPURS J+L+ ON ! P>QUET FLOOR 9 !
HALL J 2F HE /OOD FRAM$ 9 ! DOORWAY4 ,!
SI<T ( HM N"E FAIL$ 6A3EL]ATE H]
HE>TB1T4 ,N"E _H ANY"O LOV$ Z M* Z %E
DID4 ,( T %E 0 POSITIVE4 ,HE 0 WE>+ 8
C[BOY G>B & LOOK$ M* Z HE _H ! F/ "T %E
SAW HM4 ,%E PUT H] F.TA9 P5 D[N & />T$
6GET UP & G 6HM4 8,NO1 /AY "!40 ,PUZZL$
0HIS ^WS1 %E SAT BACK D[N & WAT*$ HM
CLOSE & LOCK ! DOOR4 8,J>$80 ,%E LAU<$ A
BIT N]V\SLY4 ,8 EXPRES.N 0 S 9T5T X 0
ALM F"R5+4 8,:AT >E Y DO+80 8,D Y "K H[
_M "TS ,I'VE FANTASIZ$ AB Y LOOK+ J !
WAY Y D N[8 ,Y NE>LY DRIVE ME CRAZY ) T
PRIM & PROP] C.T5.E1 ! EYEGLASSES P]*$
ON YR NOSE1 BACK /RAI<T Z Y B5T OV] "S
DAMN ?+ OR ANO!R4 ,X'S 2COME A DRIV+
AMBI;N ( M9E 6RU6LE ^? CALM F1!RS40 ,HE
ADV.ED 96! ROOM1 PAUS+ ONLY 6FL+ 8 BLACK
HAT 96A *AIR4 ,HE /RODE PURPOSE;LLY 6!
L>GE PICTURE W9D[S & PULL$ ! DRAWCORD ON
! H1VY DRAPES1 PLUNG+ ! ROOM 96DEEP
%AD[S4 ,Z ?\< /ALK+ PREY1 HE CAME T[>D
H] *AIR ) M1SUR$ /EPS & DREW H] \   #dce
( X4 ,HE SAT D[N ": %E _H BE5 & PULL$ H]
ONTO 8 LAP FAC+ AWAY F HM4 8,C YR F1!RS
2 RU6L$1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT8 ,S9CE T "D ,I
SN1K$ 96YR ROOM & SPI$ ON Y1 ,I'VE WANT$
6D ?40 ,HE PLAC$ 8 LIPS AG/ ! NAPE ( H]
NECK & TRAC$ A PA? ( W>M KISSES F "! 6H]
E>LOBE1 TANTALIZ+ X )A CAPRICI\S T;GUE4
8,& ?40 ,H] WAT* P9 0 COV]$ 0A H& T CAME
>.D H] & PRESS$ AG/ H] BR1/4 ,8 H&S SLID
OV] H] BR1/S & MET AT H] WAI/ ": HE 2GAN
6PULL H] BL\SE F ! HI< WAI/B& ( H]
SKIRT4 8,!N ,I 0 GO+ 6D ?40 ,8 H&S MOV$
SL[LY 6H] BACK & 2GAN UNBUTTON+ ! BOTTOM
BUTTONS ON H] %IRTWAI/4 ,HE ONLY REL1S$
AB HALF ( !M 2F 8 H&S SLIPP$ "U ! BL\SE
& MOV$ 6H] FRONT4 ,BRU%+ PA/ EAG]1
QUIV]+ BR1/S1 HE UNTI$ ! DECORATIVE B[
AT ! TOP ( H] *EMISE4 ,FEEL+ 8 WAY1 HE
UNBUTTON$ ! T9Y BUTTONS1 PULL+ !
DIAPHAN\S G>;T D[N ) AGONIZ+ SL[;S UNTIL
H] BR1/S SPILL$ 96HIS H&S4 ,LAUR5 _H N
SPOK51 B L1N$ BACK AG/ 8 H>D *E/ & PURR$
PL1SURABLY Z 8 F+]S C>ESS$ H]1 BR++ H]
NIPPLES 6H>D P1KS 0ROTAT+ 8 ?UMBS OV]
!M4 8,TELL ME :5 Y LOSE ALL         #dcf
-POSURE10 HE :ISP]$ *ALL5G+LY4 ,8 BR1?
2CAME UNEV54 ,! LIPS T NIB#D AT H] NECK
2CAME M IMPAS.N$1 ! T;GUE M ADV5TURE"S4
,H&S1 TOO1 C1S$ 6BE T1S+ & 2CAME
IMPLOR+4 8,Y FEEL S GD1 ,LAUR510 HE
RASP$ Z HE /ROK$ H]4 8,SILK ''' NO1
SAT94 ,COOL4 ,W>M4 ,GOD1 ,I DON'T "K10
HE GROAN$1 Z HE G5TLY ROLL$ ! DUSKY P9K
CRE/S ( H] BR1/S 2T 8 F+]S4 ,A FUMBL+1
CLUMSY H& F9,Y WAD$ "? ! MAT]IAL ( H]
SKIRT & PETTICOATS1 OV] A SILK /OCK+ &A
LACY G>T]1 6F9D H] L95-COV]$ ?I<4 ,! SK9
2N ! %E] COV]+ TREM#D Z ! SE>*+ F+]S
SMOO!D UP ! L5G? ( H] ?I< UNTIL1 EV5 "?
! LI<T FABRIC1 HE 4COV]$ H] PREP>$ = 8
LOVE4 8,OH1 ,GOD10 HE GROAN$4 ,"O H&
LEFT H] 6UNFA/5 ! REMA9+ BUTTONS ON H]
BACK & SLIP ! BL\SE F H] %\LD]S4 ,!N HE
PULL$ ! P9S F H] H1VY HAIR & BURI$ 8
FACE 9 XS CASCAD+ WAVES1 DR9K+ 9 !
LAV5D]-WAT] FRAGR.E ( X4 ,TURN+ H] SL[LY
T[>D HM1 HE RE/$ H] %\LD] AG/ 8 *E/ &
LOOK$ D[N AT H] DI%EVEL$ /ATE4 8,J Z ,I
IMAG9$4 ,Y'RE RAVI%+10 HE :ISP]$
HUSKILY4 ,%E SU45LY R1LIZ$ %E 0     #dcg
SEE+ HM "? ! L5SES ( H] EYEGLASSES &
RAIS$ A H& 6TAKE !M (F4 ,HE TRAPP$ H] H&
9 8 & SD1 8,UH-UH4 ,!Y'RE "P (!
FANTASY40 ,8 F+]S FOLL[$ H] COLL>B"O &
MOV$ D[N H] *E/1 ADOR+ ! TIPS ( H]
BR1/S1 TOR;T+ H] 0N T\*+ :AT %E CRAV$ TO
2 T\*$4 ,%E >*$ H] BACK AT ! SAME "T %E
TANGL$ H] F+]S 9 8 ?ICK HAIR & DREW 8
H1D 6H]4 ,HE CUPP$ "O ( H] BR1/S1 BR"\ X
UP 6HIS DESC5D+ FACE1 & NUZZL$ X ) 8
NOSE & BE>D-R\<5$ *9 2F CLOS+ 8 LIPS >.D
! C5T] BUD & RAK+ X LI<TLY ) 8 T;GUE4
,:5 %E MOAN$ 96HIS HAIR1 HE RAIS$ 8 H1D
& SMIL$ 9 DEVILI% SATISFAC;N 2F MELT+ H]
LIPS ) AN >D5T KISS4 ,HE PULL$ BACK 9
%OCK Z HE FELT H] SL5D] F+]S "W+ )!
BUTTONS ( 8 %IRT4 ,PLAY;L LIPS &A D>T+
T;GUE TOR;T$ 8 NIPPLES UNTIL !Y 7
TURGID4 ,!N H] M\? FOLL[$ ! PA? D[N 8
*E/ & /OMA* T H] F+]S *>T$4 ,%E SNU7L$
D[N 8 BODY UNTIL %E DROPP$ 6H] KNEES 2T
8 ?I<S4 ,/>+ UP AT HM BOLDLY1 %E PEEL$
AWAY ! *EMISE & SLIPP$ H] >MS FREE1
-PLETELY B>+ H] BR1/S = 8 AVID 9SPEC;N4
,H] RAV5 HAIR CLOAK$ 8 ?I<S Z %E    #dch
RE/$ H] *EEK AG/ 8 LAP4 8,I'VE _H "S
FANTASIES ( MY [N1 ,MR4 ,LOCKETT10 %E
:ISP]$ Z H] F+]S DEFTLY UNFA/5$ 8 PANTS4
,%E SD "S?+ ELSE Z H] H& CLOS$ >.D !
SWOLL5 %AFT1 B HE CDN'T HE> H] OV] !
P.D+ ( 8 HE>T4 ,& :5 ! LOVE-MOI/5$ TIP (
8 SEX FELT ! SWEET BRU% ( H] T;GUE1 8
RA7$ BR1?+ DR[N$ \ E O!R S.D4 99 99 99
,M* LAT]1 !Y LAY ON ! RUG 2F ! FIREPLACE
": ,J>$ _H /RUCK A MAT* 6! LOGS ALR
/ACK$ "!4 ,HE LAY ON 8 BACK1 H&S FOLD$
"U 8 H1D1 A *EROOT CL5*$ 9 8 TEE?1
BRAZ5LY UNCONC]N$ 0HIS NAK$;S4 ,LAUR5 0
CURL$ UP ON H] SIDE1 />+ 96! FIRE1 H]
*EEK RE/+ ON FOLD$ H&S4 ,HE _H COV]$ H]
) 8 %IRT1 L;G AGO 4C>D$ AL;G )! RE/ ( _!
CLO!S4 8,Y'RE V QUIET1 ,LAUR54 ,IS "S?+
WR;G80 ,%E 0 GLAD T HE 0 S5SITIVE 6H]
MOOD1 B RELUCTANT 64CLOSE ! WORRY NI7L+
AT ! BACK ( H] M9D4 ,%E FELT HM TURN ON
8 SIDE T[>D H]1 FELT 8 EYES ON H]1 ?\<
%E DIDN'T LOOK AT HM4 8,:AT IS X8 ,TELL
ME40 ,HE CD B>ELY HE> H]1 %E SPOKE S
S(TLY4 8,I 5JOY ''' ! ?+S WE D1 ,J>$4 ,I
''' X'S WOND];L1 B '''0 ,%E /OPP$   #dci
SP1K+1 CLOS$ H] EYES 9 EMB>RASS;T1 &
3T9U$1 8,I DON'T ?9K LADIES >E SUPPOS$
6''' 6"PICIPATE4 ,I'M AFRAID Y'LL ?9K ME
WANTON IF ,I D ''' IF ,I '''0 ,8 LAU<T]
BOOM$ 9 H] E> Z HE DREW H] >.D 6FACE HM4
,2T GU6AWS1 HE COV]$ H] FACE ) LI<T
KISSES4 ,:5 8 AMUSE;T SUBSID$1 HE SD
T5D]LY1 8,LAUR51 Y'LL ALW 2 A LADY4 ,Y
CDN'T 2 ANY?+ B A LADY4 ,& NO MATT] H[
(T5 WE MAKE LOVE1 OR H[ WE MAKE LOVE1 OR
H[ M* Y 5JOY X1 Y'LL / RETA9 T AURA (
9NOC;E T F/ ATTRACT$ ME4 ,X SET Y A"P F
ANY O!R WOMAN ,I'D "E MET40 ,HE TRAC$ H]
HI< *EEKB"O )A G5TLE F+]4 8,WANTON8 ,I'M
SURPRIS$ Y EV5 "K ! M1N+ (! ^W40 ,HE
*UCKL$ AG 2F 8 M\? CLAIM$ H]S4 ,! KISS 0
DEEP & TELL+1 & :5 X 5D$1 8 LIPS REMA9$
ON H]S Z HE SD1 8,H["E '''0 ,! %IRT 0
MOV$ ASIDE4 ,8 9DEX F+] 2GAN AT ! BASE (
H] ?ROAT & TRAVEL$ D[N ! L5G? ( H]
TORSO1 2T H] LU% BR1/S1 OV] ! SMOO? SK9
( H] /OMA*1 PA/ H] NAVEL & MONS 64APPE>
2T H] ?I<S4 8,Z L;G Z WE'RE ON ! SUBJECT
( WANTON;S '''0 ,HE T\*$ H] "K+LY & 0
REW>D$ 0H] R1DY RESPONSE4 ,%E SI<$  #ddj
9 MOCK-DESPAIR4 8,I'M NO BETT] ?AN A
-MON PRO/ITUTE40 ,HE SMIL$ EV5 Z HE
KISS$ H]4 8,YES1 Y >E4 ,M* BETT]40 ,%E
WANT$ 6ADMONI% HM = 8 IMPUD;E1 B 8 SWIFT
& C]TA9 POSSES.N RO2$ H] (! 9ITIATIVE4
  ,*APT] #BC
  ,!Y CAME \ (! (FICE >M 9 >M 96! WIDE
HALL4 ,"! !Y MET ,OLIVIA4 ,%E LOOK$ AT
_! WR9KL$ CLO?+ & MUSS$ HAIR & ASSESS$ !
SITU,N CORRECTLY4 8,I HE>D Y _H -E HOME
E>LY TD1 ,J>$40 8,YES1 ,"M4 ,Y MI<T SAY
,I TOOK ! AFN (F40 ,%E *OSE 6IGNORE 8
BANT]+ T"O Z %E DID 8 HOLD+ ,LAUR5 CLOSE
6HM ) AN >M FIRMLY >.D H] WAI/4 ,%E CD
FEEL H] 3TROL OV] HM SLIPP+ & X BO?
ANG]$ & T]RIFI$ H]4 8,Y H "S MAIL1
,LAUR510 %E SD TI<TLY4 ,LAUR5 LOOK$ AT
H] ) "Q+ EYES & TOOK ! :ITE 5VELOPE T 0
EXT5D$ 6H]4 ,A T9Y GASP ESCAP$ H] LIPS
:5 %E R1D ! RETURN A4RESS4 8,X'S F !
,PRA!RS10 %E SD4 8,MY GU>DIANS10 %E
CL>IFI$ 6,J>$1 :O 0 LOOK+ CURI\SLY OV]
H] %\LD] AT ! LR4 ,%E GL.ED UP AT HM
SIGNIFICANTLY4 ,HE KNEW ! /ORY 2H H]
L1V+ ,NOR? ,C>OL9A1 KNEW :Y %E WD   #dda
2 SURPRIS$ 6RCV ! LR4 8,OP5 X10 HE SD
G5TLY4 ,%E 9S]T$ H] F+] "U ! FLAP &
)DREW ! TWO %EETS ( :ITE PAP]4 ,LAUR5 _H
R1D 5 ( ,ABEL'S S]MONS 6RECOGNIZE 8 N1T1
C>E;L H&WRIT+4 ,EAG]LY1 "S:AT
APPREH5SIVELY1 H] EYES SCANN$ ! PAGE4
8,!Y DON'T "K ( ,B5'S D1?4 ,!Y S5D HM _!
REG>DS40 ,H] EYES ROV$ L[] ON ! PAGE4
8,OH60 %E EXCLAIM$4 ,H] H& FLEW 6H]
?ROAT4 8,WILLIAM ,KELL] IS D1D60 8,GD4
,H[ DID HE DIE80 ,J>$ ASK$ H>%LY4
,/AMM]+LY %E EXPLA9$ Z %E R1D1 8,A BIG
SC&AL4 ,HE 0 MURD]$ ''' A WOMAN'S HUSB&
%OT HM ''' %E 3FESS$ 6_! 2+ LOV]S40 ,%E
PAUS$ 9 H] RECIT,N 6R1D M4 ,! ^WS BLURR$
ON ! PAGE1 SE5 "? A LAKE ( TE>S4 8,HE
''' !Y >E SORRY N[ = N 2LIEV+ ME40 ,%E
FOLD$ ! PAP] & LOOK$ UP AT ,J>$4 8,!Y
BEG MY =GIVE;S & SAY T ,I H A HOME ) !M
IF ,I "E WANT 6-E BACK40 ,J>$ 0 LOOK+ AT
H]1 B HE 0 ?9K+ (! FATE ( ,WILLIAM
,KELL] & N ! S5TI;TS (! C\PLE :O _H
3DEMN$ ,LAUR54 8,T BA/>D6 ,I WI% ,I _H
KILL$ HM40 8,"S"O F ,LAUR5'S PA/80 COO$
,OLIVIA1 :O _H WAT*$ ! :OLE SC5E )  #ddb
GR[+ 9T]E/4 ,%E 0 IGNOR$4 ,LAUR5 GRA2$
,J>$'S SLEEVE & %OOK HM SLI<TLY4 8,DON'T
SAY T1 PL1SE40 ,AT H] T\* & REMON/R,N1
HE SNAPP$ \ ( 8 TEMP]4 ,8 GAZE 0 W>M &
-PELL+ Z HE LOOK$ D[N AT H]4 8,IN A WAY1
,I GUESS ,I H ,MR4 ,KELL] 6?ANK1 DON'T
,I80 ,%E SMIL$1 "U/&+ 8 M1N+4 ,%YLY %E
MURMUR$1 8,I GUESS MAYBE ,I D1 TOO40 99
99 99 ,LAUR5 WD REMEMB] T AFN & EV5+ 9 !
WEEKS T FOLL[$4 ,%E TR1SUR$ ^? H\RS )
,J>$ 9 ! SECLU.N (! (FICE4 ,= AF T "D1
"EY?+ *ANG$4 ,! NEXT NI<T 0 ! F/ "T ! M5
CAME 6! H\SE4 ,J>$ _H LEFT E>LY T MORN+
& DIDN'T -E 9 UNTIL AF ,OLIVIA & ,LAUR5
_H %>$ A SIL5T & T5SE M1L4 ,J>$'S MOOD 0
SURLY & RUDE4 ,HE ATE LL (! FOOD ,ROSA
_H KEPT W>M = HM1 B DRANK 9CESSANTLY4
,:5 ! M5 2GAN 6>RIVE1 ,OLIVIA SU7E/$ T
,LAUR5 MI<T 2 M -=TA# 9 H] ROOM UP/AIRS4
,LAUR5 TOOK ! H9T4 ,%E LOOK$ T[>D ,J>$1
EXPECT+ HM 69T]C$E1 B 8 BACK 0 6H] Z HE
P\R$ HMF ANO!R DR9K AT ! SIDEBO>D4 ,%E
WAT*$ F ! FRONT W9D[S ( H] B$ROOM Z M &
M M5 >RIV$4 ,!Y CAME 9 GR\PS ( TWOS OR
?REES1 B !Y ALL _H ! SAME "*I/ICS4  #ddc
,!Y LOOK$ M1N1 4REPUTA#1 & VEXATI\S4 ,^!
7 ! M]C5>IES :O _H BE5 HIR$ 6EXCITE TR\#
9 ,PUEBLO1 TR\# T WD 2 BLAM$ ON !
9HABITANTS ( T -MUN;Y4 ,L\D1 RIBALD
TALK+ & LAU<T] CAME F ! ROOMS 2L4 ,LAUR5
SAW ,P>K] & ,KURT ,VANDIV] :5 !Y >RIV$1
&A *E] ROSE 6GREET !M Z !Y 5T]$ ! P>LOR4
,T 0 ! ONLY O3A.N :5 ! M]C5>IES ALL CAME
AT ONCE4 ,Z ! WEEKS W5T BY1 A FEW ( !M
WD -E 6! DOOR ALM NI<TLY ASK+ = ,J>$4
,HE WD L1VE ) !M & ,LAUR5 WD HE> HM
RETURN 6HIS ROOM 9 ! E>LY-MORN+ H\RS4
,"S"TS HE WD RIDE \ AL"O LATE AT NI<T &
2 G"O = H\RS 2F %E HE>D ,*>G] GALLOP+ UP
6! /A#S AT ! BACK (! H\SE4 ,0 HE HOLD+
MEET+S 6PLAN ! ATTACK ON ,PUEBLO8 ,6HELP
RELIEVE H] ANXIETY & ALLEVIATE H]
BOREDOM1 ,LAUR5 TOOK A M VISI# ROLE 9 !
PROJECTS ABETT+ ,PUEBLO4 ,H] FREQU5T
TRIPS 6T -MUN;Y FILL$ H] -MITTEE "W]S )
RENEW$ Z1L4 ,! T[NSPEOPLE SOON GREW
A3U/OM$ 6SEE+ ,PEPE DRIVE H] D[N _! DU/Y
/REETS 9 A BU7Y4 ,"S (! LESS %Y EV5
PRES5T$ H] ) H&MADE GIFTS4 ,%E A3EPT$
EA* "O GRACI\SLY &)A GRATITUDE      #ddd
4PROPOR;NATE 6XS VALUE4 ,IF ,OLIVIA OR
,J>$ KNEW ( OR C>$ AB H] "W 9 ! ,MEXICAN
SETTLE;T1 NEI SD S4 ,J Z DAWN 0 BR1K+ "O
MORN+1 ,LAUR5 AWAK5$ 6! H1VY ?UMP+ (
,J>$'S BOOTS 9 ! HALLWAY4 ,EXCITE;T
WELL$ 9 H] BR1/ :5 ! FOOT/EPS NE>$ H]
DOOR4 ,"! !Y /OPP$4 ,EXPECTANTLY %E SAT
UP 9 B$4 ,L;G MO;TS PASS$4 ,ONCE %E EV5
?"\ ! DOORKNOB RATTL$ SLI<TLY4 ,B %E 0
CRU%$ ) 4APPO9T;T Z ,J>$'S TR1D RETR1T$
T[>D 8 ROOM4 ,FL++ ! COV]S ASIDE1 %E
FLEW \ ( B$1 GRA2$ H] WRAPP]1 & DA%$ 6H]
DOOR4 ,OP5+ X1 %E CALL$ FA9TLY1 8,J>$40
,! L>GE SILH\ETTE HALT$ ABRUPTLY4
,DEJEC;N & WE>I;S 7 ET*$ AL;G E ANGLE ON
8 BODY4 ,HE TURN$ T[>D H] SL[LY4 8,I'M
SORRY ,I AWAK5$ Y1 ,LAUR54 ,G BACK TO
SLEEP40 ,%E CLUNG 6H] DOOR FRAME1 H]
KNUCKLES :ITE ) ANXIETY4 8,D ''' DID Y
WANT1 NE$1 ANY?+80 ,%E HAT$ ! PL1D+ S.D
( H] VOICE1 B %E L;G$ = T CLOSE;S !Y _H
%>$ = EV5 A BRIEF "T4 8,NO10 HE SD
H>%LY4 8,G BACK 6B$40 ,HE TOOK A /EP
AWAY F H]4 8,J>$10 %E SD ) M =CE4 8,TELL
ME :AT Y'RE DO+1 ": Y'RE GO+4       #dde
,TELL ME Y'RE N HAV+ ANY?+ 6D )--0
8,LAUR510 HE B>K$1 CUTT+ H] (F4 ,8 VOICE
E*O$ "? ! / H\SE4 ,9 AGIT,N1 HE :IPP$ (F
8 HAT & SLAPP$ X AG/ 8 ?I< Z HE />$ AT !
FLOOR4 ,F9,Y HE RAIS$ 8 H1D4 ,8 T"O 0
S(T]1 ALM APOLOGETIC4 8,Y'RE MY WIFE1 B
DON'T EXPECT ME 6A3.T 6Y = "EY?+ ,I D4
,"S ?+S Y'LL EI H 6OV]LOOK OR ''' OR
A3EPT ON TRU/4 ,D Y "U/&80 ,TRU/8 ,CD %E
TRU/ HM8 ,%E WANT$ TO4 ,N"E _H %E ?"\
,J>$ CD C>RY "? ) ,OLIVIA'S PLOT4 ,%E
WANT$ 62LIEVE T /4 8,YES10 %E ANSW]$
S(TLY4 8,I "U/&40 ,SIL5TLY %E BE7$ -E TO
ME4 8,!N WE WON'T SP1K ( ? AG10 ,J>$
4MISS$ H]1 5T]+ 8 ROOM AL"O4 ,F !N ON1
,J>$ AVOID$ ,LAUR5 -PLETELY4 ,IF !Y %D
*.E 6MEET EA* O!R1 HE 9QUIR$ POLITELY AB
H] WELL-2+4 ,T 0 ALL4 ,HE N"E CAME 6H]
ROOM4 ,%E N"E W5T 6HIS4 ,X 0 Z IF !
9TIMACIES T _H BE5 E/ABLI%$ 2T !M EXI/$
ONLY 9 H] VIVID IMAG9+S4 ,8 9DI6];E 0 Z
H>D = H] 6A3EPT Z ! R1SON = X4 ,OLIVIA
SP>KL$ RADIANTLY DUR+ ^! WEEKS4 ,H]
SMOO? *EEKS 7 FLU%$ & H] EYES GLITT]$ )
EXCITE;T4 ,%E LOOK$ F> "Y] ?AN H]   #ddf
YE>S4 ,! TI<T L9ES ON H] FACE RELAX$4
,%E 0 9 H] ELE;T4 ,C>SON 0 AT ! H\SE
3/ANTLY4 ,HE 0 EXTREMELY N]V\S4 ,LAUR5
F.D ! PRES;E (! ,VANDIV]S ! H>DE/ CROSS
6BE>4 ,?REE OR M "TS A WEEK1 !Y _H D9N]
)! ,LOCKETTS & ,C>SON4 ,= ,LAUR51 ! M1LS
7 AN ORD1L4 ,J>$ SAT PICK+ AT 8 FOOD1
DR9K+ TOO M*1 SN>L+ IF ,KURT S M* Z
SPOKE 6H]1 ANSW]+ ANY"O BRAVE 5 6SP1K TO
HM 9 MONOSYLLA#S4 ,KURT1 Z IF S5S+
,J>$'S ANIMOS;Y1 PROVOK$ X AT E
OPPORTUN;Y4 ,HE 0 UNCTU\SLY C\RTE\S TO
,LAUR54 ,EA* "T 8 H& CLOS$ >.D H] ELB[
6L1D H] 96ANO!R ROOM OR S1T H] 9 A *AIR1
X TOOK ALL H] 3TROL 6KEEP F SNAT*+ H] >M
AWAY4 ,%E WORRI$1 TOO1 T ,J>$ MI<T MAKE
GD 8 ?R1T 6KILL ! MAN "O "D4 ,NOR _H
,KURT =GOTT5 ,J>$'S PI/OL 2+ PO9T$ 96HIS
FACE4 ,= ALL 8 BRAVADO1 ,LAUR5 KNEW T
,KURT 0 AFRAID ( ,J>$4 ,H] HUSB&'S
MALEVOL5T LOOKS 7 TOO BLACKLY ?R1T5+ 6BE
TAK5 LI<TLY4 ,"O EV5+1 ,J>$ 0 CALL$ AWAY
= "O ( 8 8SECRET MEET+S10 Z ,LAUR5 T]M$
!M 6H]F4 ,OLIVIA _H J SU7E/$ T %E & H]
GUE/S TAKE _! C(FEE 9 ! P>LOR4      #ddg
,LAUR5 WAT*$ =LORNLY Z ,J>$ W5T \ !
FRONT DOOR )\T S M* Z A NOD 9 H]
DIREC;N4 ,9/1D ( FOLL[+ ! O!RS1 %E
EXCUS$ H]F & W5T 96! LIBR>Y4 ,%E LOV$ T
ROOM (! H\SE & (T5 S"\ REFUGE "!1 = NO
"O ELSE US$ X M*4 ,%E _H BE5 R1D+ 9 "O (
! OV]/U6$ EASY *AIRS = AB TW5TY M9UTES
:5 %E HE>D ! DOOR OP5 & CLOSE QUIETLY4
,%E TURN$ 6SEE ,KURT /&+ J 9SIDE ! ROOM4
,8 ?ICK1 BULKY BODY 0 REPUGNANT 6H]1 Z 0
! 9S9UAT+ EXPRES.N ON 8 RU4Y FACE4
8,LAUR51 ,I MISS$ YR PIANO PLAY+ ? EV5+4
,Y DEPRIVE U ( YR -PANY4 ,:Y8 ,>E MY "F
& ,I S (F5SIVE80 ,%E KNEW HE 0
DELIB]ATELY BAT+ H] & %E REFUS$ 6RISE TO
X4 8,( C\RSE N1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]4 ,I 0
OV]LY TIR$ TN & KNEW T ,I WD N 2 V GD
-PANY40 8,I'M SORRY Y >E UNWELL40 ,HE
APPROA*$ H] & TOOK ! *AIR CLOSE/ 6H]S1 8
KNEES 9*ES F H] [N4 ,%E PULL$ BACK QKLY
&! AC;N WASN'T WA/$ ON ,KURT4 ,HE 0 N AT
ALL P]TURB$4 ,R1 HE SEEM$ 65JOY H]
UNEASI;S4 ,AG %E FELT T "! 7 "UCURR5TS (
CRUELTY 9 ? MAN4 8,YR HUSB& %DN'T
NEGLECT Y ? WAY4 ,Y'RE F> TOO       #ddh
TEMPT+ 6BE LEFT AL"O = L;G40 8,J>$ W 2
HOME %ORTLY10 %E SD HURRI$LY1 FURI\S )
H]F = %[+ HM H] N]V\S;S4 ,HE LAU<$4 8,I
HAPP5 6"K T HE'LL 2 G"O MO/ (! NI<T1
,LAUR540 ,HE FIX$ H] )A S9I/] />E T
CAUS$ H] 6JUMP F H] *AIR4 8,IF Y'LL
EXCUSE ME1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]1 ,I'LL--0 ,%E
ALL B RAN PA/ HM1 B HE R1*$ \ & GRA2$ H]
>M1 SP9N+ H] >.D & PULL+ H] AG/ HM4
8,Y'RE N 2+ V FRLY1 ,LAUR51 ) YR HUSB&'S
BUSI;S "PN]4 ,HAV5'T Y LE>N$ ANY?+ F YR
"M-IN-LAW8 ,%E HAS ALW BE5 NICE 6,C>SON1
,B5'S "PN]40 ,HE LAU<$ & X 0 AN UGLY
S.D4 ,0N[1 ,LAUR5 _H FIGUR$ \ = H]F !
REL,N%IP 2T ,C>SON & ,OLIVIA4 ,X WD H
TAK5 A FOOL N 6SEE X4 ,KURT'S SNIDE -;T
MALIGN$ ,B5 & %E WANT$ 6SLAP 8 FACE 9
,B5'S DEF5SE4 ,B HE HELD H] >MS PA9;LLY
J ABV H] ELB[S4 8,( C\RSE1 ,B5 _H ,M>IA
,M5DEZ4 ,X'S A %AME :AT HAPP5$ 6H]1
ISN'T X80 HE ASK$ 9 A LILT+ VOICE T
SU7E/$ HE DIDN'T ?9K X 0 A %AME AT ALL4
,LAUR5'S /RU7LES C1S$ ABRUPTLY Z %E />$
OP5-M\!D 96HIS COLD1 BLUE EYES4 8,:-:AT
D Y "K AB ,M>IA8 ,H[ DID Y "K--0    #ddi
8,I MAKE X MY BUSI;S 6"K "EY?+ AB !
,LOCKETTS4 ,DID Y LE>N ANY?+ F ,M>IA'S
UN=TUNATE DEMISE8 ,HMM80 HE W5T ON
SMOO?LY4 8,SEE :AT HAPP5S 6:ORES :O SELL
!MVS *1PLY 6! F/ BI4]80 8,LET ME G10 %E
GRAT$1 & RENEW$ H] EF=TS 6ESCAPE 8
GRASP4 8,BE NICE 6ME1 ,MRS4 ,LOCKETT1 &
,I'LL TAKE C>E ( Y4 ,Y WON'T 5D UP L T
,MEXICAN SLUT40 ,8 ?ICK LIPS 7 9*ES F
H]S & %E 0 NE> SCR1M+ :5 ,P>K]'S VOICE
?"U$ D[N ! HALLWAY4 8,KURT6 ,LET'S G4
,I'M TIR$ & NE$ 6GET 6B$ E>LY40 ,KURT
CURS$ "U 8 BR1? &! H&S ON ,LAUR5'S >MS
9CR1S$ _! PA9-9DUC+ PRESSURE4 8,I
PROMISE Y1 ,LAUR51 "! W 2 A "T :5 ,I
WON'T 2 9T]RUPT$ 0YR C[BOY HUSB& OR
ANY"O ELSE4 ,I WON'T 2 4APPO9T$ AG40
8,KURT60 8,-+10 ,KURT CALL$ BACK4 ,!N1
L[]+ 8 VOICE AG1 HE :ISP]$ NE> H] FACE1
8,Y WON'T 2 4APPO9T$1 EI1 2C Y'VE N"E
SE5 "O Z BIG Z M9E4 ,X'S GO+ 6RIP 96Y L
A BATT]+ RAM4 ,& :5 X'S F9I%$1 Y'LL 2
BE7+ = M40 ,6EMPHASIZE 8 VULG> PROMISE1
HE GR.D 8 HIPS AG/ H] MI4LE4 8,KURT60 !
VOICE D[N ! HALLWAY BOOM$ \4        #dej
,CURS+ EXPANSIVELY1 ,KURT REL1S$ H] & 0
G"O4 ,LAUR5 L1N$ W1KLY AG/ ! BACK ( "O (
! *AIRS1 H] H1D SP9N+1 H] KNEES TREMBL+
& ?R1T5+ 6BUCKLE 2N H]4 ,:5 %E HE>D !
FRONT DOOR CLOS+ AF ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON _H
BADE ! ,VANDIV]S GDBYE1 %E CREPT UP/AIRS
6! SANCTU>Y ( H] ROOM4 ,%E 0 VIOL5TLY
ILL 9 ! BA?ROOM4 99 99 99 ,LAUR5 HUNG H]
H1D OV] ! BAS9 9 ! BA?ROOM & RET*$
DRYLY1 H] /OMA* HAV+ BE5 EMPTI$ ! NI<T
2F4 ,! MUSCLES 9 H] ?ROAT 3/RICT$ &
PA9;LLY URG$ "S?+ 6-E UP & RELIEVE !
RACK+ NAUSEA4 ,:5 ! SPASMS F9,Y SUBSID$1
%E FELL W1KLY BACK 96H] B$4 ,%E ?"\ !
ILL;S : _H OV]COME H] ! NI<T 2F _H BE5 !
DIRECT RESULT ( H] 5C.T] ) ,KURT4 ,T H]
NAUSEA _H C>RI$ OV] 6! MORN+ M/ M1N T %E
_H A M9OR AIL;T (! /OMA*4 ,9 FACT1 %E
_HN'T FELT WELL = S"EAL "DS1 %E R1LIZ$
N[4 ,EA* MORN+1 AN UN"*I/IC LE?>GY
A3OMPANI$ H] \ ( B$4 ,X PRESS$ ^U H] H1D
& GREW H1VI] Z X %R\D$ ! L5G? ( H] 5TIRE
BODY4 ,! SIMPLE *ORES ( >IS+ & DRESS+
SEEM$ 9SURM.TA# BURD5S4 ,! WEI<T ( H]
HAIRBRU% Z %E DREW X "? H] HAIR     #dea
CAUS$ H] >MS 6FALL W1KLY 6H] SIDES4 ,:5
%E BRU%$ H] TEE? EA* MORN+1 BILE ROSE UP
9 ! BACK ( H] ?ROAT1 &! SMELL ( BR1KFA/
WASN'T AT ALL APPETIZ+4 ,?\< %E ATE
SP>+LY1 H] /OMA* FELT FULL & BLOAT$ &
3T9U$ 6FEEL L T EV5 :5 %E 0 HUNGRY4
,LAUR5'S _S 0 ILL 2C (! RIFT T _H -E 2T
H] & ,J>$4 ,! IDEA T SOON ! HE9\S PLAN
DR1M$ UP 0,OLIVIA & SECOND$ 0,P>K]
,VANDIV] WD 2 PUT 96AC;N 0 SICK5+1 & %E
DECID$ T H] PHYSICAL AIL;TS M/ 2
MANIFE/,NS ( H] M5TAL UPH1VAL4 ,ROSA'S
SMOO? BR[N FACE GAZ$ D[N AT ,LAUR5 )
3C]N4 8,! SE@NORA IS N WELL ? MORN+80
,%E BRU%$ A FEW /RAY T5DRILS ( HAIR AWAY
F ,LAUR5'S PALE *EEK Z %E LAY BACK ON H]
PILL[S4 8,NO1 ,I DON'T FEEL V WELL4 ,I
DON'T "K :AT'S WR;G ) ME4 ,I H NO 5]GY1
FOOD MAKES ME SICK1 EV5 ! ?"\ ( X MAKES
ME SICK4 ,I FEEL S PU6Y & '''0 ,H] VOICE
TRAIL$ (F1 LACK+ ! 5]GY 63T9UE4 ,ROSA
SCRUT9IZ$ H] MI/RESS P5SIVELY4 8,:5 DID
Y LA/ BLE$80 %E ASK$ S(TLY4 ,LAUR5 BLU%$
FURI\SLY1 B %E TRI$ 6REMEMB]4 ,! PROCESS
( ?9K+ SEEM$ N WOR? ! EF=T X        #deb
REQUIR$4 8,I ''' ,I DON'T RECALL4 ,I 0 /
AT ,KEYPO9T4 ,X 0 "S"T 9 LATE ,JANU>Y4
,I REMEMB] 2C ,GLORIA _H J _H ! BABIES &
%E & ;,I--0 8,SE@NORA1 DON'T Y SEE80
,ROSA 9T]RUPT$ H] EXCIT$LY1 8,X'S BE5
TWO MON?S4 ,Y >E GO+ 6H A BABY40 ,! ^WS
FELL L /"OS ON H] E>S1 ROLL$ 6H] A*+
/OMA* & ALM CAUS$ X 6REVOLT AG4 ,A BABY6
,T 0 IMPOSSI#4 ,%E TRI$ 6SIT UP1 Z IF
NEGAT+ H] W1K;S1 IGNOR+ ! SYMPTOMS1 CD
ELIM9ATE ! MALADY4 8,NO1 ,ROSA4 ,I CDN'T
2 ) *4 ,X'S "S?+ ELSE1 ,I'M C]TA940 ,Z
%E LOOK$ AT H] FR = 3FIRM,N1 %E SAW ONLY
! B1M+ SMILE1 ! GLAD;S AT _! 4COV]Y4
,YET ,LAUR5 FELT AN 9EXPLICA# WAVE (
SAD;S1 = %E KNEW "O "D %E WD H 6L1VE
,J>$4 ,TO ,ROSA'S 3/]N,N1 %E BUR/ 96TE>S
& BURI$ H] FACE 9 ! COOK'S PLUMP BOSOM1
WEEP+ UNCONTROLLABLY4 ,X 0 A L;G "T 2F !
TE>S /OPP$ &1 :5 !Y DID1 ,LAUR5 0
EMB>RASS$ 0H] SU45 %[ ( EMO;N4 8,I'M
SORRY1 ,ROSA4 ,I CDN'T HELP X40 8,X IS
ANO!R SYMPTOM ( WOM5 9 YR 3DI;N1
,SE@NORA4 ,! TE>S W MAKE Y FEEL BETT]4
,WD Y L "S TEA80 8,YES1 T S.DS      #dec
NICE10 ,LAUR5 MUM#D ABS5TLY Z %E ROSE F
! B$ & WALK$ 6! W9D[4 ,ROSA 0 %U6L+ \ (!
ROOM 6FET* ! TEA :5 ,LAUR5 CALL$ H]
BACK4 ,%E DIDN'T TURN >.D & H] VOICE 0
S(T Z %E REQUE/$1 8,ROSA1 DON'T TELL
ANY"O AB ! ''' ! BABY ''' J YET4
,PL1SE40 8,I "U/&1 ,SE@NORA ,LAUR540
,ROSA CLOS$ ! DOOR 2H H]4 99 99 99
,LAUR5 KEPT H] SECRET1 ?\< %E L;G$ 6TALK
6,GLORIA4 ,%E TOOK L;G WALKS >.D ! G>D5S
\TSIDE EV5 :5 %E DIDN'T FEEL L X1 B H]
FACE REMA9$ PALE & WAN4 ,D>K %AD[S
CIRCL$ H] EYES4 ,IF ,J>$ NOTIC$ H]
LI/.S;S & LACK ( APPETITE :5 HE SAW H] 9
BRIEF SNAT*ES1 HE DIDN'T M5;N X4 ,OLIVIA
ACT$ Z IF %E W]5'T "!4 ,:5 ,LAUR5 SAW
,J>$ =! F/ "T AF %E _H LE>N$ ( H]
PREGNANCY1 H] HE>T W>M$ ) LOVE =A FEW
MO;TS 2F ! *ILL ( GLOOM SETTL$ OV] X AG4
,%E _H GIV5 LL ?"\ 6_! 8>RANGE;T0 S9CE !
M>RIAGE _H BE5 3SUMMAT$4 ,N[1 %E 0 =C$
6?9K AB X4 ,J>$ _H SD T ! RAILROAD WD 2
-PLET$ 0! 5D (! SUMM] OR E>LY FALL4 ,!
BABY WD -E1 IF %E CALCULAT$ CORRECTLY1
>.D ! F/ ( ,NOVEMB]4 ,%E CDN'T      #ded
HIDE H] PREGNANCY UNTIL ! RAILROAD 0
F9I%$ & !N L1VE AC 6! B>GA94 ,:AT WD
HAPP5 6H] BABY8 ,%E WD TAKE HM ) H]1 (
C\RSE1 B F9D+ "W 6SUPPORT H]F WD 2 H>D]
6D )A BABY4 ,%E CD LIVE = S"EAL YE>S ON
! TW5TY ?\S& DOLL>S ,OLIVIA _H PROMIS$
H] IF %E 7 FRUGAL1 B :AT !N8 ,! ,PRA!RS
_H URG$ H] 9 _! LR 6RETURN 6!M4 ,%E _H
WRITT5 BACK TELL+ !M ( ,B5'S D1?1 H]
M>RIAGE 6,J>$-- OMITT+ ! DETAILS--( H]
FAMILY & FRS AT ,KEYPO9T4 ,! MISSIVE _H
BE5 W>M & LOV+1 B %E KNEW %E CD N"E
RETURN 6_! /AID1 DULL LIFE4 ,": CD %E
LIVE ) H] BABY8 ,! "O ?"\ T PLAGU$ H] 0
T %E WD N"E 2 A# 6TAKE H] BABY ) H]4 ,%E
MI<T WELL 2 PROVID+ ! NEXT ,LOCKETT
HEIR4 ,TRY Z %E MI<T1 %E CDN'T DECIDE H[
,J>$ & ,OLIVIA WD FEEL AB H] *4 ,( "O ?+
%E 0 SURE--NO?+ & NO "O WD SEP>ATE H] F
H] BABY4 ,%E ALR LOV$ X1 0 PROTECTIVE (
X1 & X 0 PROBABLY ! ONLY "P ( ,J>$ %E WD
H AF H] USE;L;S 6! ,LOCKETTS' 5T]PRISE
_H 5D$4 ,A SMALL GLIMM] ( HOPE REFUS$ TO
DIM ON ! HORIZON ( H] M9D4 ,:ILE ,J>$ _H
N"E SPOK5 ( LOVE1 %E _H R1D T5D];S  #dee
9 8 EYES1 SE5 AN A6EC;N "! Z HE WAT*$
H]4 ,SURELY HE FELT "S FOND;S = H]4 ,X
WASN'T M* 6G ON1 B X 0 ALL %E _H4 ,B Z
%E MET 8 CLOS$1 REMOTE FACE AT EA* ( _!
FLEET+ 5C.T]S1 T HOPE 2GAN 6DIM9I%4 99
99 99 ,! T5.N 9 ! H\SE M.T$4 ,! *ASM 2T
,J>$ & 8 WIFE GREW WID]4 ,8 MIDNI<T
RIDES 2CAME A NI<TLY RITUAL4 ,! MUSCLES
( 8 FACE1 ! N]V\S D>T+ EYES1 &! 3T9UAL
CL5*+ ( 8 FI/S 9DICAT$ A RE/RA9$ VIOL;E
T _H 6ERUPT SOON OR DE/ROY ! MAN F )94
,8 ABRUPT1 CURT ATTITUDE T[>D ,LAUR5
=BADE H] 6APPROA* HM4 ,HE'D ASK$ = H]
TRU/4 ,N[1 9 ! DAWN LI<T1 T APP1L SEEM$
UNR1L4 ,8 2HAVIOR C]TA9LY DIDN'T 9SPIRE
TRU/4 ,%E V5TUR$ 96! /A#S "O MORN+ & 0
AL>M$ 6SEE BOXES ( GUNS & AMMUNI;N /ACK$
AG/ "O WALL4 ,X 0 AN >S5AL ( IMM5SE
PROPOR;NS4 ,H] HE>T QUAK$4 ,2F1 %E _H
BE5 3C]N$ AB O!R P GETT+ HURT4 ,N[ %E
R1LIZ$ "! 0 A V R1L POSSIBIL;Y T H] [N
HUSB& CD 2 9JUR$ OR KILL$4 ,%E PRAY$
F]V5TLY T "S?+ WD HAPP5 6PREV5T ? 5TIRE
FIASCO4 ,NO?+ DID4 ,UNA# 6TOL]ATE H] [N
PASSIV;Y1 ,LAUR5 DECID$ T IF %E     #def
CDN'T KEEP ! TRAG$Y F HAPP5+1 %E CD AT
L1/ ERECT OB/ACLES =! P]PETRATORS4 ,LATE
"O EV5+ AF ,J>$ _H LEFT ! H\SE1 %E LET
H]F QUIETLY \ ! FRONT DOOR & RAN 6! /A#4
,PEPE 0 "W+ 0LANT]N LI<T M5D+ A BRIDLE4
8,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT10 HE SD 9 SURPRISE Z
,LAUR5 SWIFTLY %UT ! DOOR 2H H]4 8,PEPE1
D Y "K :AT IS 9 ^? BOXES8 ,:AT !Y'RE =80
,HE LICK$ 8 LIPS N]V\SLY & LOOK$ AWAY
QKLY4 8,S@I1 B ,SE@NOR ,J>$ TOLD ME N TO
TELL40 8,WELL1 WE'RE N GO+ 6LET X HAPP51
,PEPE4 ,Y & ,I >E GO+ 6D "S?+ 6SL[ !M
D[N40 8,B1 ,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT1 HE--0 8,H[
C Y KEEP A GUN F FIR+1 ,PEPE80 %E ASK$1
IGNOR+ 8 4COMPOSURE4 8,SE@NORA1 !
GUNS--0 8,Y'RE "R4 ,WE'D N"E 2 A# 6H&LE
ALL (! GUNS )\T !M NOTIC+4 ,:AT C WE D80
%E WAIL$1 TWI/+ H] H&S4 ,!N H] EYES
LI<T$ ON ! BOXES ( %ELLS4 8,! BULLETS6
,T'S X4 ,)\T A BULLET1 A GUN IS USE.S1
ISN'T X80 ,%E 0 TALK+ RAPIDLY1 MUS+
AL\D4 8,WE'LL HIDE !M4 ,( C\RSE1 !Y MI<T
BR+ _! [N ON ! NI<T (! RAID1 B AT L1/ !Y
WON'T H ^!40 8,Y WANT 6HIDE ! BULLETS80
,PEPE'S VOICE _H RIS5 AN OCTAVE Z   #deg
HE />$ AT H] 9CR$UL\SLY4 ,8 D>K EYES 7
WIDE & 8 M\? HUNG AGAPE4 ,%E PLAC$ A
-=T+ H& ON 8 >M4 8,DON'T WORRY1 ,PEPE4
,I'LL TAKE FULL RESPONSIBIL;Y IF ,J>$ OR
ANY"O ELSE %D "E F9D \40 ,!N H] G5TL+
T"O *ANG$ & 2CAME BRISK & BUSI;SLIKE4
8,N[1 ": >E ! %OVELS8 ,WE'LL BURY !
BOXES \ "!10 %E SD1 PO9T+ 6! BACK (!
BUILD+4 8,PL1SE HURRY4 ,I MAY 2 MISS$
ANY M9UTE40 8,SE@NORA--0 8,PL1SE1
,PEPE10 %E SD IMPATI5TLY4 8,DON'T 2
AFRAID ( REPRISALS4 ,DON'T Y WANT 6HELP
YR [N P80 ,HE TURN$ AWAY F H]1 MUTT]+ TO
HMF 9 ,SPANI% & %AK+ 8 H1D1 B HE DID Z
HE 0 9/RUCT$4 ,0! "T !Y HAUL$ ! H1VY
BOXES 6! RE> (! /A#1 DUG ! HOLES1 &
BURI$ !M 6H] SATISFAC;N1 ,LAUR5 0 DIRTY
& TIR$ & H] BACK A*$ ABOM9ABLY4 8,IF ,I
C1 ,I'LL TRY 6GET ^W 6Y :5 ! RAID IS GO+
6TAKE PLACE4 ,C Y W>N ! P ( ,PUEBLO80
8,S@I10 HE SD )! WE>Y ATTITUDE ( "O :O
IS R1DY 6AGREE 6ANY?+4 8,IF ,I C'T GET
^W 6Y1 TAKE X ^U YRF4 ,RIDE 96,PUEBLO &
AL]T Z _M Z Y C4 ,TELL !M 6TAKE COV]4
,ANY?+ 6PROTECT !MVS40 8,I W1       #deh
,SE@NORA ,LOCKETT40 8,?ANK Y1 ,PEPE4
,Y'VE BE5 A TREM5D\S HELP4 ,Y'LL 2 A H]O
6YR P40 ,%E SMIL$ AT HM 2F L1V+ ! /A#4
,UNDETECT$1 %E MADE H] WAY UP/AIRS1 ":
%E WA%$ AWAY ! DAMP SOIL CL++ 6H] H&S &
CLO!S4 ,:5 %E FELL 96B$1 H] LIMBS 7 Z
H1VY & SORE Z H] _S4 99 99 99 ,X 0
=TUNATE T %E & ,PEPE _H D"O _! "W ! NI<T
2F1 2C ! NEXT "D X 2GAN 6RA9 & X RA9$ =
S"EAL "DS4 ,L>GE1 H1VY PELLETS ( WAT]
FELL REL5T.SLY F ! SKY4 ,! AIR 0 CLOSE &
/IFL+1 A4+ TO ,LAUR5'S PREGNANCY-RELAT$
4COM=T4 ,3F9$ 6! H\SE1 ,LAUR5 PAC$ BACK
& =? 9 H] ROOM 2T ! B$ &! W9D[S1 UNA# TO
R1D OR SEW1 OR 63C5TRATE ON ANY?+ EXCEPT
H] UN=ESEEA# FUTURE & T ( H] *4 ,!N !
RA9 /OPP$4 ,! CL\DS HUNG L[ 9 ! SKY &!
AIR 0 / ?ICK ) HUMID;Y1 B ! RA9 C1S$4 ,&
AT DUSK "O EV5+1 ! M]C5>IES 3V]G$ ON !
H\SE4 ,LAUR5 HE>D ! F/ CLUMP ( BOOTS Z
%E SAT AT ! D9N] TA# ) ,OLIVIA1 ,J>$1
,C>SON1 &! ,VANDIV]S4 ,%E TOY$ ) H]
FOOD1 E N[ & !N PUTT+ A BITE 96H] M\? &
=C+ H]F 6SWALL[ X1 PRAY+ T X WD /AY D[N4
,%E 0 D1?LY AFRAID ( ,KURT          #dei
,VANDIV] N[4 ,S9CE HE _H A3O/$ H] & MADE
8 LEWD ?R1TS1 ! SI<T ( HM SICK5$ H] &
MADE H] TREM# 9 FE>4 ,:5 ! S.D (! H1VY
TR1DS 0 HE>D ON ! POR*1 ! O!RS AT ! TA#
/>T$1 GLANC+ AT EA* O!R QKLY & T5SELY4
,KURT ROSE F ! TA# & RU%$ \ (! ROOM 6!
FRONT DOOR EV5 2F ! KNOCK E*O$ "? ! /
ROOMS4 ,LAUR5 HE>D ! L[ MUMBL+S ( S"EAL
VOICES 2F ,KURT CLOS$ ! DOOR & RETURN$
6HIS PLACE AT ! TA#4 8,I TOLD !M 6WAIT 9
! /A#4 ,!Y'LL GA!R 9 "! & ''' R1DY
!MVS40 ,P>K] NO4$1 SATISFI$4 ,8 COLD
BLUE EYES FLA%$ 9 ANTICIP,N4 ,8 LOOK 0
PR$ATORY4 ,LAUR5 %IV]$ DESPITE ! W>M1
MU7Y AIR4 ,%E LOOK$ AT H] HUSB&1 UNA# TO
3T9UE ! PRET5SE ( EAT+4 ,HE 0 DRESS$ L A
VAQU]O4 ,! R$ SC>F HE _H BE5 WE>+ ! "D
HE KISS$ H] 9 ! %ELT] (! B\LD]S 0 TI$
NEGLIG5TLY >.D 8 ?ROAT4 ,HE USU,Y WORE
=MAL ATTIRE = D9N] 9 ,CORONADO1 B %E _H
BE5 TOO ABSORB$ 9 H] [N ?"\S 6NOTICE ?
9CONGRU;Y 2F N[4 ,%E KNEW HE FELT H]
EYES ON HM1 B HE REFUS$ 6MEET !M4
,C>SON'S NORM,Y HE>TY APPETITE _H WAN$ &
HE SAT SIPP+ 8 W9E4 ,OLIVIA ATE     #dfj
CALMLY1 Z ?\< ! 9T]RUP;N _H N"E HAPP5$4
,KURT L1N$ BACK 9 8 *AIR 9DOL5TLY1 /UDY+
,LAUR54 ,HE SEEM$ UNA6ECT$ 0! T5.N >.D !
TA#4 8,H[ ''' H[ L;G 2F WE "K "S?+1
,J>$8 ,I M1N1 H[ L;G W X TAKE80 ,C>SON
ASK$ N]V\SLY4 ,J>$ %RU7$ & TOOK A L;G
SWALL[ ( :ISKEY4 8,Y H A BIG NI<T AH1D (
Y1 ,J>$4 ,I'D LAY (F ! :ISKEY IF ,I 7
Y10 ,P>K] SD4 ,J>$ FIX$ A GOLD5 />E ON
HM1 !N TIPP$ ! GLASS 6HIS LIPS ONCE AG4
,P>K]'S FACE FLOOD$ ) ANG]1 : PURPL$ !
VE9S 9 8 NOSE & *EEKS4 8,S5D U ^W :5 !
PLAN HAS G"O 96E6ECT4 ,C>SON & ,I W 2
EAG] 6"K :AT IS HAPP5+40 ,OLIVIA'S FACE
0 %9+4 ,%E MI<T WELL H BE5 TALK+ AB A
,M>DI ,GRAS BALL4 ,6,LAUR51 H] EAG];S TO
DE/ROY 0 OBSC5E4 8,WELL1 N"E PUT (F
UNTIL TM :AT Y C D TD1 OR "S?+ 6T
E6ECT10 ,KURT SD LI<TLY1 RIS+ F ! TA# &
GO+ 6! W9D[4 8,LOOKS L !Y'RE ALL "H4
,X'S A GD ?+ Y DON'T LIVE 9 ! C5T] (
T[N1 ,LOCKETT4 ,P MI<T WOND] :AT ! HELL
0 GO+ ON40 ,P>K]1 ,OLIVIA1 & ,C>SON
/OOD1 PU%+ _! *AIRS BACK & MOV+ T[>D !
DOOR4 ,EXCEPT = ,LAUR51 ,J>$ 0 !    #dfa
LA/ "O 6RISE4 ,HE DID S SL[LY1
DELIB]ATELY4 ,8 ,COLT1 9 XS HOL/]1 LAY
AG/ 8 HIP4 ,A L1!R CORD TI$ >.D 8 ?I<
HELD X SECURE4 ,HE WASN'T 5T]+ A H>M.S
%OOT+ MAT*4 ,8 GUN 0 LOAD$ & PRIM$ =A
D1DLY PURPOSE4 ,LAUR5 0 \ (! *AIR 9 A
FLA%1 H] =M] SLU7I%;S =GOTT54 ,%E PLAC$
H]F 2T ,J>$ &! DOOR1 GRA2+ 8 =E>MS ) H]
SL5D] F+]S4 ,BR1?.SLY B 9CISIVELY1 %E
SD1 8,J>$1 ,I BEG Y1 DON'T 2 A "P ( ?
?+4 ,PL1SE40 ,8 FACE 0 COLD1 IMPLACA#1 8
EYES IMP5ETRA#4 ,:5 HE DIDN'T SP1K1 %E
W5T ON1 8,?9K1 ,J>$6 ,?9K ( ,RUDY & 8
FAMILY40 8,RUDY IS A FOOL10 HE LA%$ \4
8,HE WANTS 6SOLVE ?+S P1CE;LLY4 ,HE ?9KS
"EY?+ ,B5 "E SD IS *ISEL$ 9 /"O1 B ,I'VE
LE>N$ T ,B5 CD 2 WR;G4 ,HE 0 C]TA9LY
WR;G AB Y & ME & ? ,8GR& LOVE0' 2T U40
,! B>B HIT HOME & %E FL.D]$1 AW>E (!
O!RS LI/5+ 6_! DIALOGUE4 ,%E TI<T5$ H]
GRIP ON HM4 8,I 2LIEVE 9 Y1 ,J>$4 ,ONCE1
J A FEW WEEKS AGO1 Y ASK$ ME 6TRU/ Y--0
8,Y HE>D ONLY :AT Y WANT$ 6HE>4 ,I AL
/R;GLY H9T$ T Y'D D WELL 6A3EPT ?+S Z !Y
>E & 6KEEP YR MORALI/IC OP9IONS TO  #dfb
YRF4 ,APP>5TLY Y DON'T TAKE H9TS TOO
WELL4 ,I DON'T GIVE A DAMN :E!R Y TRU/
OR APPROVE ( ME4 ,I D Z ,I PL1SE40 ,%E
WANT$ 6SCR1M 9 FRU/R,N4 8,D Y R1LIZE H[
? MI<T JEOP>DIZE YR FUTURE ''' \R
FUTURE80 ,8 EYES D>T$ 6! 9T]E/$ WIT;SES
2H H]1 !N CAME BACK 6H] FACE4 ,8 LIPS
CURL$ MOCK+LY4 8,\R FUTURE8 ,WE H NO
FUTURE1 ,LAUR54 ,Y "K :AT YR FUTURE ) U
IS4 ,:5 Y H FULFILL$ YR "P (! B>GA91
Y'RE G"O4 ,A LOT RI*]1 B G"O4 ,D Y N[
REGRET SELL+ YRF S *1PLY8 ,:AT D Y WANT8
,M M"OY80 ,LAUR5 SWALL[$ ! 3GES;N 9 H]
?ROAT4 ,%E /UTT]$ Z %E TRI$ 6SP1K4 8,AT
''' AT ,KEYPO9T1 Y ''' WE ''' X 0 '''
DI6]5T40 ,HE LAU<$ AT H] MIR?.SLY1 8
FACE UGLY 9 XS 3TEMPT4 8,D Y ?9K 2C
,I'VE SLEPT ) Y T ?+S H *ANG$ 2T U8 ,T
,I'VE DEVELOP$ AN ,8ATTA*;T0' 6Y80 ,HE
SNORT$ DERISIVELY4 8,Y 7 A PRETTY GD
LOV] ONCE Y LE>N$ H[4 ,& Y 7 H&Y4 ,:AT
DID Y EXPECT ME 6D8 ,Y 7 ! ONLY W>M BODY
AVAILA# 9 A SN[/ORM4 ,IF Y PLACE ANY M
IMPORT.E ON MY B$D+ Y ?AN T1 Y'RE EV5 M
/UPID ?AN ,I ?"\40 ,H] 4ILLU.N;T    #dfc
TURN$ 6PA91 !N 6ANG]4 8,N TOO /UPID 6SEE
Y = :AT Y RE,Y >E4 ,I PLAC$ F> TOO M*
FAI? 9 Y1 ,J>$ ,LOCKETT4 ,I ?"\ Y 7 GR[+
UP1 2COM+ ! K9D ( SON YR "F DES]V$1 !
K9D ( HUSB& ,I WANT$40 ,%E PAUS$ & GULP$
= AIR4 8,N[ ,I SEE T Y'RE Z AV>ICI\S1 Z
CRUEL Z !Y >E4 ,J>$1 ;,I--0 ,%E WANT$ TO
TELL HM T %E LOV$ HM1 6BEG HM N 6D ? ?+4
,9/1D1 %E SD1 8,I CURSE Y 6P]DI;N IF Y D
? ?+40 8,!N 6HELL ,I % G40 ,HE LAU<$ AG
Z HE %OV$ H] AWAY F HM & %\T$1 8,LET'S
G10 6,KURT & ,P>K]4 ,8 ^WS /RUCK H] L
PHYSICAL BL[S4 ,! BR1? _H LIT],Y BE5
KNOCK$ \ ( H]4 ,%E HE>D ! %\TS & ?U4+ (
HORSES' HOOVES Z A SCORE ( M5 M.T$ &
RODE \ (! /A#Y>D4 ,%E /OOD ROOT$ 6!
SPOT1 OBLIVI\S 6"EY?+ EXCEPT ! 3/RICT+
PA9 >.D H] HE>T4 ,C>SON CAME UP 2H H] &
T\*$ H] %\LD] SOLICIT\SLY4 8,J>$'S A LL
KEY$ UP1 ,LAUR54 ,HE SP\TS (F ?+S HE
DOESN'T RE,Y M1N40 ,8 K9D;S P5ETRAT$ !
PROTECTIVE %ELL %E _H DRAWN >.D H]F4 ,X
0 /RANGE1 B %E WASN'T HUMILIAT$ OR
EMB>RASS$ T !Y _H HE>D :AT ,J>$ SD 6H]4
,H] W.DS W5T TOO DEEP 6BE BO!R$ BY  #dfd
SUP]FICIAL LAC],NS4 ,%E FELT ONLY !
DESOLATE LOSS4 ,!Y _H %>$ "S?+ B1UTI;L &
! PRODUCT ( T %>+ LAY SLEEP+ 9 H] WOMB4
,%E T\*$ H] /OMA* Z IF 6REASSURE H]F T 8
^WS _HN'T RIPP$ ! SE$ \ ( H] BODY4
,SCALD+ TE>S ROLL$ D[N H] *EEKS Z %E 0
RAVAG$ 0DESPAIR4 ,PASS+ ,OLIVIA ON H]
WAY \ (! ROOM1 %E MET ! SMUG1 TRIUMPHANT
FACE ( H] "M-IN-LAW FULLY4 ,LAUR5 WOND]$
AT ! HATE T S 3SUM$ H] T %E S"\ 6DE/ROY
^? %E SUPPOS$LY LOV$4 ,M>IA _H ONCE SD T
,OLIVIA 0 A SAD1 L"OLY WOMAN4 ,LAUR5 ?"\
%E 0 MO/ LIKELY "R4 ,9 SPITE ( H] AV].N1
%E FELT A MO;T ( P;Y = ,OLIVIA4 ,! WOMAN
0 9CAPA# ( R1L LOVE4 ,H] DE/RUCTIVE
SELFI%;S WDN'T P]MIT X4 ,OLIVIA M/ H
P]CVD H] ?"\1 = H] EM]ALD EYES N>R[$ )
LOA?+4 ,LAUR5 KNEW !N T %E _H SCOR$ A
SMALL VICTORY OV] ? DOM9E]+ WOMAN4 ,T K
EMBOLD5$ H] Z %E SWEPT PA/ ,OLIVIA & W5T
UP ! /AIRS4 99 99 99 ,! H\RS PASS$ )
9T]M9A# SL[;S4 ,ONCE ,ROSA _H F9I%$
CLE>+ ! D9N] ?+S AWAY1 A TANGI# SIL;E
SETTL$ OV] ! H\SE4 ,C>SON & ,OLIVIA SAT
9 ! (FICE1 %E 9 H] USUAL PLACE 2H   #dfe
! L>GE DESK1 HE 9 A NE>BY *AIR4 ,!Y
TALK$ LL4 ,_H ,J>$ NOTIC$ ! MISS+
AMMUNI;N8 ,SURELY4 ,X _HN'T /OPP$ !M4
,_H ,PEPE GOTT5 AWAY ) 8 W>N+ 9 "T8 ,!
"QS CAME AT ,LAUR5 \ (A D>K VOID :
PROVID$ NO ANSW]S4 ,%E LAY ON H] B$
WOND]+ H[ %E WD SURVIVE ? NI<TM>E4
,VI.NS ( ,J>$ W.D$ & BLE$+ CR[D$ ^? ( HM
)! MOCK+ SNE] ON 8 FACE1 8 EYES COLD &
H>D1 RESEMBL+ ^? ( 8 "M4 ,DIMLY %E SAW
HM T5D] & LOV+4 ,B ONLY DIMLY4 ,! P.D+
HOOVES 7 HE>D F F> (F1 S QUIET 0 ! H\SE4
,LAUR5 HELD H] BR1? Z %E HE>D ! S+LE
HORSE 2+ RE9$ 9 J \TSIDE ! F;E-5CLOS$
Y>D4 ,:5 %E HE>D ! RAPID KNOCK+ ON !
FRONT DOOR1 %E ROLL$ (F H] B$ & FL$ 6!
TOP (! /AIRS ": %E CD SEE ,C>SON HURRY+
6OP5 ! DOOR4 ,KURT ,VANDIV] LUNG$ 96!
HALL4 8,J>$'S BE5 %OT60
  ,*APT] #BD
  8,X LOOKS BAD10 ,KURT TOLD ! />TL$
,C>SON4 8,": IS ,LAUR580 ,J !N HE SPOTT$
H] AT ! TOP (! /AIRS1 GRIPP+ ! BANNI/] S
H>D H] KNUCKLES 7 Z :ITE Z H] FACE4 ,HE
/EPP$ QKLY 6! BOTTOM (! /AIRCASE &  #dff
LOOK$ UP AT H]4 8,C Y GET 96"S RID+
CLO!S8 ,HE'S ASK+ = Y40 ,%E DIDN'T EV5
ANSW] HM1 B :IRL$ AWAY & RAN T[>D H]
ROOM4 ,OLIVIA 0 /&+ NEXT 6,C>SON :5
,KURT TURN$ BACK 6!M4 8,! BA/>DS 7 WAIT+
= U4 ,"SH[ !Y 7 TIPP$ (F4 ,"! 0 A LOT (
%OOT+4 ,I DON'T "K H[ _M ( \R M5 7 KILL$
OR W.D$4 ,N"O (! FIRES WE PLANN$ RE,Y
GOT />T$ 2C (! DAMP W1!R4 ,X'S RA9+ N[40
8,>E ,J>$'S W.DS S]I\S1 ,KURT80 ,C>SON
ASK$ ANXI\SLY4 ,KURT'S EYES D>T$ TO
,OLIVIA1 !N HE ANSW]$ SL[LY1 8,X'S H>D
6TELL J YET1 ,C>SON4 ,I ?"\ 8 WIFE "\ TO
2 ) HM40 ,OLIVIA'S F1TURES REMA9$ CALM4
,%E ASK$ NO UNNEC "QS4 ,C>SON _H ALW
RESPECT$ H] /OICISM 9 ! FACE ( TR\#4 ,HE
PATT$ H] >M REASSUR+LY4 ,LAUR5 CAME RAC+
D[N ! /AIRS4 ,%E _H DONN$ "O ( H] SPLIT
RID+ SKIRTS & BOOTS1 B LEFT ON !
LACE-TRIMM$ %IRTWAI/ %E _H BE5 WE>+4 ,%E
_H RAID$ ! BA?ROOM = F/-AID IMPLE;TS &
/U6$ !M 96A SMALL CLO? BAG4 8,I'M R1DY40
,%E HURRI$ \ ! FRONT DOOR1 N"E EV5
GLANC+ AT ! O!RS4 ,KURT GL.ED HA/ILY AT
,OLIVIA 2F HE FOLL[$ ,LAUR5         #dfg
SWIFTLY \ ! DOOR4 8,I TOLD YR MAN 9 !
/A# 6SA4LE UP A HORSE4 ,I'LL GET X10 HE
CALL$ 6H]4 ,8 /OCKY LEGS C>RI$ HM QKLY
ACR ! Y>D & HE TURN$ D[N ! SIDE (! H\SE
T[>D ! /A#4 ,LAUR5 0 UNM9D;L (! RA9 T
FELL G5TLY >.D H]4 ,%E SAW LI<TN+ FLA% &
LI<T UP ! SKY 6! WE/ 9 ! DIREC;N (
,KEYPO9T1 B X 0 F> AWAY4 ,%E CLASP$ H]
H&S 9 FRONT ( H] & PRAY$ SIL5TLY =! LIFE
( H] HUSB&4 ,DON'T LET HM DIE4 ,PL1SE1
,GOD1 DON'T LET HM DIE4 ,%E _H *ANG$ H]
CLO!S ) TREMBL+ F+]S1 %AK5 6! DEP?S ( H]
2+ AT ,KURT'S NEWS4 ,JUDD BR"\ ! GELD+
>.D & (F]$ 6GIVE H] A BOO/ UP4 ,%E
HESITAT$ ONLY AN 9/ANT4 ,WD X HURT !
BABY = H] 6RIDE8 ,B %E _H 6GET 6,J>$4
,%E M.T$ QKLY4 8,": IS HE8 ,J>$4 ,": DID
Y TAKE HM80 ,KURT %\T$ OV] ! CRUN*+ S.D
(! HORSES' HOOVES Z !Y SP$ D[N ! LANE1
8,HE 0 %OT UP PRETTY BAD4 ,WE TOOK HM 6A
CAVE "O (! M5 KNEW AB4 ,I ?9K !Y 7 GO+
6TRY 6FET* A DOCTOR4 ,!Y 7 AFRAID 6MOVE
HM ANYMORE4 ,HE 0 BLE$+ PRETTY BAD40
,LAUR5 CLUNG 6! RE9S & %UT H] EYES
MO;T>ILY4 ,%OT UP PRETTY BAD4 ,:AT  #dfh
DID T M1N8 ,BLE$+4 ,OH1 ,GOD6 99 99 99
,C>SON N"E C1S$ 6BE AMAZ$ AT ,OLIVIA'S
-POSURE4 ,%E SAT ) H] EYES CLOS$1 H] H1D
L1N+ AG/ ! HI< BACK (! L1!R *AIR 2H !
DESK4 ,X _H BE5 AN H\R S9CE ,KURT _H
RI45 9 )! NEWS ( ,J>$'S 9JURY &! T]RI#
TURN ( EV5TS 9 ,PUEBLO4 ,SOON AF T1
,P>K] _H >RIV$ & /ORM$ 96! (FICE 9 A
RAGE4 8,! :OLE GO4AM ?+ BLEW UP 9 \R
FACES4 ,I TELL Y1 !Y 7 L ANIMALS HID+ 9
! BUILD+S ": WE CDN'T EV5 SEE 6%OOT !M4
,!Y PICK$ (F \R M5 "O 0"O4 ,!Y KNEW WE 7
-+4 ,!Y KNEW60 8,P>K]1 PL1SE CALM D[N4
,"!'S NO?+ WE C D N[40 ,OLIVIA'S VOICE 0
4PAS.NATE4 8,IN A WAY1 WE C TURN X 6\R
ADVANTAGE4 ,WE C SAY T ! DEG5]ATE
CITIZ5S ( ,PUEBLO W5T ON A %OOT+ SPREE &
%OT A FEW C[BOYS :O DRIFT$ 96T[N AF D>K4
,WE'LL ?9K ( "S?+40 8,WELL1 X BETT] 2
DAMN$ GD4 ,I'M GETT+ TIR$ ( ALL ( ?
MUCK40 ,! ,TEUTONIC F1TURES 7 3GE/$ &
3TORT$4 8,WE'LL "W X \1 ,P>K]10 ,C>SON
SD ) M ASSUR.E ?AN HE FELT4 8,Y'D GO4AM
BETT]4 ,I CD CALL (F ? :OLE ?+ J L T40
,HE SNAPP$ 8 P9K1 SAUSAGE F+]S      #dfi
L\DLY & !N TURN$ 8 BULKY BODY & /RODE \
! DOOR4 ,EV5 AF T ALT]C,N1 ,OLIVIA _H
REMA9$ TRANQUIL4 ,C>SON PAC$ ! RUG 9
FRONT (! DESK Z IF HYPNOTIZ$ 0! PATT]N
WOV5 96X4 ,SU45LY !Y HE>D HURRI$
FOOT/EPS & J+L+ SPURS -+ ACR ! POR* & "?
! FRONT DOOR4 8,MAYBE T'S ^W ( ,J>$10
,C>SON SD HOPE;LLY & RU%$ 96! HALL4 ,HE
0 /RUCK DUMB4 ,J>$ 0 /RID+ PURPOSE;LLY
T[>D ! (FICE4 ,HE WASN'T W.D$ AT ALL4 ,9
FACT1 ,C>SON _H R>ELY SE5 HM S
EXHIL>AT$4 ,2H HM 0 ,RUDY ,M5DEZ1 8 :ITE
TEE? FLA%+ AG/ ! D>K -PLEXION ( 8 FACE1
8 BLACK EYES DANC+4 ,C>SON 0 %OCK$ Z ALW
0_! RESEMBL.E4 ,/&+ 9 ! DOORWAY B N -+
96! H\SE 0 ,?ORN1 ! TACITURN ,-AN*E :O
_H BE5 ! BOYS' *ILDHOOD FR & _! "F'S 2F
!M4 8,:AT--0 ,C>SON />T$ 2F ,J>$
9T]RUPT$ HM4 8,C>SON1 Y LOOK Z IF Y'VE
SE5 A <O/10 ,J>$ SD HE>TILY4 8,I 2LIEVE
Y "K MY BRO!R & ,?ORN40 ,J>$ PU%$ PA/ !
FLA2]GA/$ MAN & TRAMP$ 6! DESK1 3FRONT+
8 "M4 8,X DIDN'T "W1 ,"M4 ,YR FRS F
,AU/9 RAN (F ) _! TAILS 2T _! LEGS4 ,X'S
ALL OV]40 ,OLIVIA _H FA/5$ H] EYES  #dgj
ON ,RUDY & H] FACE _H PAL$
SIGNIFICANTLY4 8,:AT IS HE DO+ 9 MY
H\SE80 %E GASP$4 ,H] VOICE ROSE A NOTE
OR TWO ON ! LA/ ^WS4 ,H] AGIT,N 0
APP>5T4 8,GET T BA/>D \ ( MY SI<T40
8,RUDY IS MY BRO!R10 ,J>$ SD LEVELLY4
8,HE /AYS 9 MY H\SE IF ,I SAY S40 ,8
EYES N"E WAV]$ F H] FACE1 D>+ H] TO
*ALL5GE HM4 ,%E LOOK$ AT HM CLOSELY !N1
! TRU? DAWN+ ON H]4 8,X 0 Y1 WASN'T X8
,Y 7 ! TRAITOR4 ,Y RU9$ "EY?+ = U40
8,NO1 ,"M1 ,I DIDN'T RU9 ANY?+4
,HOPE;LLY1 ,I HELP$ 6SAVE A LOT (
PROP]TY & LIVES40 8,Y S.D J L YR "F10 %E
SPAT4 8,ALW S FULL ( GDWILL & NOBIL;Y4
,Y 7 AG/ ME ALL AL;G4 ,DON'T Y SEE1
,J>$1 T Y'VE PROBABLY SET U BACK = YE>S
0? 9SANE HI<-M9D$;S80 ,J>$ %OOK 8 H1D4
8,NO4 ,NO1 ,I DIDN'T4 ,WE'LL GET \R
RAILROAD1 B N "? EXPLOIT,N & VIOL;E4 ,&
)\T ! HELP ( ,VANDIV] & 8 LOT40 ,J>$
TURN$ 6! /UNN$ MAN /&+ 2H HM4 8,C>SON1 Y
SEE :Y ,I _H 6G AG/ Y1 DON'T Y8 ,WE 7 2+
MANIPULAT$4 ,I _H 6TAKE MATT]S 9 MY [N
H&S4 ,I ?9K ,I DID :AT ,B5 WD H     #dga
D"O40 ,C>SON LOOK$ DEFLAT$ & TIR$ & OLD4
,HE SMIL$ K9DLY AT ! "Y M5 2F HM4 ,!Y 7
BO? GD M54 ,HONORA#4 ,/R;G4 ,B5'S SONS4
,HE 0 PR\D ( !M = _! ABS5T "F1 8 BE/ FR4
8,YES1 ,J>$1 ,I ?9K Y DID ! "R ?+10 HE
SD1 CLAMP+ HM ON ! %\LD]4 ,! TWO M5 />$
L;G AT EA* O!R4 ,F9,Y ! "Y] MAN TURN$
AWAY 9 EMB>RASS$ HUMIL;Y4 ,X 0 AN EMO;N
-PLETELY NEW 6HM & HE COV]$ X QKLY4
8,RUDY1 WAIT "H J A M9UTE4 ,I'LL G TELL
,LAUR5 ! NEWS & !N WE'LL B$ Y & ,?ORN
D[N =! NI<T4 ,I "K Y'RE BO? EXHAU/$40
,J>$ 0 ALR H1D$ =! DOOR :5 ,OLIVIA HALT$
HM 9 MID-/RIDE ) H] LEVEL1 QUIET ^WS4
8,LAUR5'S N "H1 ,J>$40 ,= "S R1SON1 H]
T"O &! CALM MANN] 9 : %E SPOKE SET (F AN
AL>M BUZZ+ 9 8 H1D4 ,A GRT =EBOD+
SQUEEZ$ 8 *E/4 ,HE TURN$ BACK SL[LY &
FAC$ 8 "M4 8,N "H8 ,": IS %E80 ,8 VOICE
0 L[4 ,LE?AL4 8,%E'S ) ,KURT ,VANDIV]4
,!Y LEFT ON HORSEBACK AB AN H\R AGO40
8,%E WDN'T G ANY": ) ,VANDIV]4 ,:AT !
HELL >E Y TALK+ AB80 ,8 ANG] 0 BUILD+4
,OLIVIA SMIL$ SWEETLY AT H] SON4 8,J>$1
H Y =GOTT5 YR F/ IMPRES.NS ( ,MISS  #dgb
,LAUR5 ,HOLBROOK8 ,Y ?"\ %E 0 A TROLLOP1
AN ADV5TURESS4 ,I ?9K YR HUN* HAS PROV$
6BE CORRECT40 ,C>SON BUTT$ IN1 SPUTT]+1
8,OLIVIA1 TELL ! BOY :Y %E LEFT4 ,TELL
HM60 ,HE />$ 9CR$UL\SLY AT ! WOMAN :OM
HE _H WOR%IP$ = OV] A SCORE ( YE>S1 Z IF
HE 7 N[ SEE+ H] =! F/ "T4 8,? IS N"O (
YR 3C]N1 ,C>SON10 %E DCLD %>PLY4 ,J>$
FAC$ ,C>SON1 8 :OLE BODY T5SE4 8,": IS
%E80 HE ASK$ HO>SELY4 8,I DON'T "K1
,J>$10 ,C>SON ANSW]$ H"O/LY1 BA6L$ 0?
TWI/ ( CIRCUM/.ES4 8,KURT CAME 9 "H
HELLB5T = L1!R AB AN H\R AGO4 ,HE SD T Y
7 HURT CRITIC,Y1 & T ,LAUR5 %D G ) HM4
,HE H9T$ T IF %E DIDN'T1 %E MI<T N"E AG
SEE Y ALIVE40 ,HE LEFT ,J>$ & WALK$ OV]
6": ,OLIVIA SAT ) H] H&S FOLD$ ON !
DESK4 8,Y KNEW T ,J>$ WASN'T HURT40 ,X
WASN'T A "Q4 ,X 0 A /ATE;T4 ,J>$ PU%$
,C>SON \ (! WAY & SPR1D 8 H&S WIDE ON !
DESK Z HE L1N$ OV] X1 8 FACE A FEW 9*ES
F 8 "M'S4 8,:Y DID Y LET H] G (F ) T
SON(ABIT*8 ,:Y1 GO4AM Y80 ,HE SLAPP$ !
DESK ) 8 PALMS &! S.D EXPLOD$ L A %OT 9
! AIR ALR FRAU<T ) T5.N4 ,:5 %E     #dgc
ANSW]$1 X 0 )! SAME EV5 T"OS %E _H US$
2F4 8,LAUR5 HAS S]V$ H] PURPOSE4 ,X 0
EXP$I5T = H] 6BE A VICTIM ( TN4 ,T WAY1
NO "O CD BLAME U IF ANY?+ W5T WR;G4 ,Z X
DID40 ,%E LOOK$ MALEVOL5TLY AT ,RUDY4
8,:O CD BLAME U IF "O ( \R [N _H BE5
KIDNAPP$ & ''' HURT Z A RESULT (!
FRACAS80 ,J>$ 0 TRY+ H>D 6KEEP ! COLD;S
9 8 /OMA* F SPR1D+ 6HIS 5TIRE BODY &
FREEZ+ HM ON ! SPOT4 ,8 TEE? 7 CL5*$ Z
HE RASP$1 8,": DID HE TAKE H]80 8,I
DON'T "K40 8,":860 HE SCR1M$4 8,I DON'T
"K60 %E SCR1M$ BACK4 ,RUDY _HN'T SPOK5
ONCE S9CE 5T]+ ! H\SE4 ,N[ HE GRA2$ ,J>$
0! SLEEVE4 8,-E ON4 ,WE'RE WA/+ PRECI\S
"T "H4 ,?ORN C TRACK !M1 B !Y'VE GOT AN
H\R'S H1D />T 9 ! RA94 ,WE'D BETT]
HURRY40 ,J>$ / />$ AT 8 "M1 ?9K+ ALL
SORTS ( CRUDE 9SULTS 6FL+ AT H]4 ,B %E
WASN'T WOR? X4 ,%E 0 DEF1T$ & %E KNEW X4
,BITT] 4APPO9T;T T ? WOMAN :O _H GIV5 HM
LIFE CD N"E GIVE HM LOVE FILL$ 8 LUNGS1
DR[N+ HM4 ,! 9NUM]A# "TS 9 8 LIFE HE _H
BE5 HURT & REJECT$ 0H] FLA%$ "? 8 M9D 9
KALEIDOSCOPIC FA%ION4 ,ALL 8 EF=TS  #dgd
AT ATTEMPT+ 6PL1SE H] _H BE5 SCORN$ &=
NAU<T4 ,HE N"E Q MET H] EXPECT,NS4 ,T
REJEC;N _H BE5 ! CRUX ( 8 BITT];S1 8
3TEMPT1 8 ANG] AT ! _W4 ,IF HE WASN'T
LOV$1 !N1 0,GOD1 HE WASN'T GO+ 6LOVE
ANY"O6 ,B X _HN'T "W$4 ,HE _H LOV$ ,B54
,YES4 ,HE ADMITT$ X N[4 ,HE LOV$ 8 "F &
_H BE5 DEVA/AT$ 0HIS D1?4 ,& 9 SPITE (
,B5'S ILL H1L?1 ,J>$ 0 / HAUNT$ 0! >GU;T
T _H PRECIPITAT$ ! F9AL SEIZURE4 ,HE _H
LOV$ ,B54 ,HE LOV$ ,RUDY & ,GLORIA4 ,&
,M>IA4 ,& HE LOV$ ,LAUR54 ,LAUR56 ,X _H
ONLY TAK5 A FEW SECONDS = ^! S\L-R5D+
ADMIS.NS 6PASS "? 8 M9D4 ,RUDY'S H& 0 /
ON 8 >M4 ,HE GAVE 8 "M "O LA/ REGRET;L
LOOK & !N TURN$ ON 8 HEELS & FL$ ! ROOM4
8,?ORN1 WE NE$ 6TRACK TWO HORSES T LEFT
"H AN H\R AGO4 ,VANDIV]'S GOT MY WIFE40
,HE %\T$ ALL ( ? Z ! ?REE M5 DA%$ \ 6!
Y>D & M.T$ _! HORSES4 8,WE'LL H 6HURRY4
,! TRAIL CD 2 WA%$ AWAY SOON10 ,?ORN SD
MATT]-(-FACTLY Z !Y PICK$ UP ! FA9T
TRACE ( HORSE%OES IMPRESS$ 9 ! S(T MUD4
99 99 99 ,LAUR5 CLUNG 6! POMMEL ( H]
SA4LE ) /IFF1 COLD F+]S1 TRY+ TO    #dge
NAVIGATE H] HORSE UP ! SLIPP]Y1 MU4Y
9CL9E4 ,! RA9 T _H />T$ Z A F9E DRIZZLE
_H N[ 9CR1S$ 6A /1DY D[NP\R4 ,%E _H N
TAK5 ! "T 6PUT ON H] HAT AF ,KURT _H
9=M$ !M ( ,J>$'S 9JURY1 NOR _H %E PUT ON
A JACKET OR ANY K9D ( PROTECTIVE COV]+4
,! H>D RA9DROPS FELL L L1D BALLS ON !
TOP ( H] H1D4 ,H] HAIR1 EV5 H1VI] )!
WEI<T (! RA9 9 X1 _H PULL$ LOOSE F XS
P9S & HUNG D[N H] BACK1 MAK+ H] NECK
A*E4 ,%E 0 SOAK$ "? 6! SK9 & %IV]$ )
COLD4 ,VIVID FLA%ES ( LI<TN+ _H SPOOK$
_! HORSES S"EAL "TS &! ?"U ROLL$ OV] !
PLA9S & (F ! %ALL[ HILLS L GIANT B[L+
BALLS /RIK+ A /"O WALL4 ,COLD1 WET1 &
MIS]A# Z %E WAS1 "O ?"\ KEPT REV]B]AT+
"? H] H1D L ! ?"U3 ,PL1SE1 ,GOD1 LET
,J>$ 2 ALIVE4 ,X SEEM$ 6H] T X 0 TAK+ AN
9ORD9ATE AM.T ( "T 6R1* _! DE/9,N4 ,!Y
_H RI45 (F 9 ! OPPOSITE DIREC;N F
,PUEBLO & _H BE5 RID+ = :AT %E CALCULAT$
6BE A C\PLE ( H\RS4 ,B !Y MAY N H BE5
RID+ ANY": NE> T L;G4 ,"T _H /OOD / = H]
:5 %E HE>D T H] HUSB&'S LIFE 0 9 DANG]4
,%E "Q$ ,KURT AB ,J>$'S 3DI;N :5 !  #dgf
TRAIL _H WID5$ 5 6ALL[ !M 6RIDE ABR1/4
8,": DID !Y TAKE HM1 ,KURT8 ,WE'VE -E
MILES F ,PUEBLO & Y SD !Y 7 AFRAID 6LET
HM TRAVEL TOO F>40 ,HE AVOID$ H] EYES4
8,WELL1 "O (! M5 KNEW AB ? CAVE4 ,!Y
WANT$ 6GET ,J>$ AWAY F ! SC5E (! TR\# =
8 [N SAFETY1 S ? CAVE SEEM$ ID1L4 ,N TOO
_M P "K AB X40 ,8 ^WS DIDN'T MAKE M*
S5SE 6H]1 B %E DIDN'T >GUE4 ,%E ONLY
WANT$ 6GET 6,J>$ Z QKLY Z POSSI#4 ,%E _H
BE5 HE>+ A L\D RO>+ =! PA/ S"EAL M9UTES1
& :5 ! SKY 0 ILLUM9AT$ 0A LI<TN+ FLA%1
%E SAW T ! RIV] 0 AB FIFTY FEET AH1D (
!M4 ,! ,RIO ,CABALLO1 : 0 USU,Y S PLACID
EV5 Z X =M$ SMALL RAPIDS OV] ! LIME/"O T
L9$ XS B$1 0 RAG+ & BOIL+ \ ( XS BANKS4
,KURT RODE T[>D X & CURS$ L\DLY Z HE SAW
_! PREDICA;T4 8,WE H 6CROSS X1 ,LAUR510
HE %\T$ OV] ! RO>+ (! RIV] &! CRA%ES (
?"U4 ,9 "DLI<T1 ! PROSPECT WD H BE5
GRIM1 B 9 ? D>K;S1 ) /++ RA9 9 _! FACES1
X SEEM$ SUICIDAL4 8,ISN'T "! ANO!R WAY80
,H] ?ROAT HURT 9 ! EF=T 6MAKE H]F HE>D
OV] ! D94 8,! HORSES C'T SWIM ?4 ,EV5 IF
!Y CD1 LOOK AT ALL ! DEBRIS40 ,"!   #dgg
7 L>GE TREES1 B>RELS1 WAGON :EELS1
LUMB]1 & SUNDRY O!R OBJECTS 2+ C>RI$ 0!
SWIFT1 *URN+ WAT]4 ,LAUR5 DIDN'T ?9K !Y
CD MAKE X 6! O!R SIDE )\T S]I\SLY 9JUR+
EI !MVS OR _! M.TS4 8,D Y WANT 6GET TO
,J>$ OR N80 ,KURT DEM&$1 FRU/RAT$ 0H]
CAU;N4 8,!Y CDN'T H BR"\ HM ? WAY &
GOTT5 HM ACR ! RIV] ) X FLOOD$ L ?10 %E
>GU$4 8,X'S BE5 H\RS S9CE !Y M/ H CROSS$
X4 ,I'M SURE X DIDN'T FLOOD UNTIL X />T$
RA9+ H>D AG40 ,HE 0 "R & %E KNEW X4 ,)
ALL ! RA9FALL (! PA/ FEW "DS1 !
POSSIBIL;Y (A FLA% FLOOD 0 GRT4 ,:5 !
NEW RA9 _H 2GUN 6FALL1 ! SATURAT$ GR.D
AT ! TOP (! HILLS _H REFUS$ 6HOLD ANY M1
CAUS+ X 6FUNNEL D[N/R1M 96! RIV]4 ,X
WDN'T H TAK5 L;G =! RIV] 6RISE 6^!
PROPOR;NS4 ,%E NO4$ AT ,KURT Z %E GRIPP$
! POMMEL M FIRMLY4 8,Y G F/1 & ,I'LL 2
"R 2H Y10 HE %\T$4 8,IF ! HORSE WON'T
SWIM1 J TRY 6RIDE ! CURR5T UNTIL Y GET A
*.E 6MAKE X 6! O!R SIDE4 ,OKAY80 ,%E
NO4$ AG1 DUMBLY1 H] HE>T P.D+1 & NUDG$ !
HORSE'S FLANKS4 ,! GELD+ %I$ AWAY F !
WAT]1 TOSS+ 8 H1D1 &=A MO;T1        #dgh
,LAUR5 ?"\ HE WD REFUSE 6G 96X4 ,OB$I;E
WON \1 H["E1 & HE /EPP$ 96! BOIL+ RIV]4
,HE _H J GOTT5 ALL F\R FEET 96! WAT]1 :5
HE 0 ALM IMMLY SWEPT 96! MI4LE (! RIV]
0! SWIFT CURR5T4 ,LAUR5 HELD ON = DE>
LIFE1 ?9K+ SU45LY T IF %E DI$1 H] &
,J>$'S BABY WD DIE1 TOO4 ,:Y DIDN'T ,I
TELL HM ,I C>RI$ 8 *8 ,%E 2RAT$ H]F4 ,%E
TI<T5$ H] KNEES1 GRIPP+ ! SIDES (!
HORSE4 ,%E RISK$ LOOK+ BACK 6SEE IF %E
CD SPOT ,KURT & SAW HM URG+ 8 HORSE AWAY
F ! BANK 96! WAT]4 ,D>K;S & RA9 SURR.D$
!M1 B :5 ! LI<TN+ FLA%$ AG1 %E SAW !
TREE 2+ SWEPT T[>D H] ) AL>M+ IMPETUS4
,OH1 ,GOD1 NO6 H] M9D SCR1M$1 & %E BRAC$
H]F =! IMPACT4 ,! MA9 TRUNK (! TREE
FLOAT$ 9 FRONT ( !M1 B APP>5TLY A BRAN*
T 0 "U ! SURFACE /RUCK H] HORSE 9 !
=ELEGS1 = HE SU45LY BUCKL$ & ,LAUR5 0
ALL B ?R[N F 8 BACK4 ,%E GRIPP$ ! POMMEL
TI<T]1 H] F+]S SLIPP+ ON ! MU4Y WAT] T
_H D\S$ ! SA4LE4 ,! HORSE 0 SCR1M+ 9
PA91 & ,LAUR5 KNEW 8 LEGS M/ H BE5
BROK54 ,! TREE _H N FL[$ PA/ !M1 B 0
CIRCL+ WILDLY Z IF SEEK+ DIREC;N4   #dgi
,9 8 AGONY1 ! GELD+ ?RA%$ VIOL5TLY &1 ?
"T1 ,LAUR5 CDN'T MA9TA9 H] HOLD4 ,%E 0
HURL$ 96! D>K MURKY WAT]S (! RAG+ RIV]4
,! CURR5T LIFT$ H] UP L;G 5 = H] 6GASP A
BR1? 2F ONCE AG %E 0 SUCK$ "U4 ,2N !
SURFACE1 %E /RU7L$ 6PROPEL H]F UPW>D4
,%E CD FEEL H]F GR[+ LI<T]1 "K+ T !
SURFACE &! M*-NE$$ OXYG5 7 NE>1 :5 H]
H1D /RUCK "S?+ ABV H]1 &A BL9D+ PA9 %OT
"? H] BODY4 ,%E FL.D]$ HELP.SLY1 FELT !
DRAW/R+ (! CLO? BAG )! M$ICAL SUPPLIES
SLIP F H] WRI/ & 2GAN 6S9K 96! DEEP
OBLIVION ( UNCONSCI\S;S4 ,!N H] H1D 0
/UNG )A MILLION NE$LES Z %E 0 LIFT$ 0H]
HAIR \ (! RIV]4 ,%E SWALL[$ ! BRACKI%
WAT] 9 H] M\? & 2GAN SUCK+ 9 GRT M\?;LS
( PRECI\S AIR4 ,KURT HELD H] "U ! *9 Z
%E CLUT*$ 8 SA4LE TRY+ DESP]ATELY N TO
LOSE H] HOLD ON EI X OR 3SCI\S;S4 ,"SH[1
MIRACUL\SLY1 ,KURT'S HORSE 0 A# 6MAKE X
6! O!R SIDE (! BANK4 ,HE DROPP$ ,LAUR5
G5TLY ONTO ! GR.D1 ": %E LAY *OK+ &
SPITT+4 ,KURT 4M.T$ & LIFT$ H] LIMP =M
AG/ HM4 ,HE %OOK H] SLI<TLY Z HE ASK$1
8,>E Y ALL "R80 ,X TOOK H] A FEW    #dhj
MO;TS 6REGA9 5 /R5G? 6ANSW]1 8,Y-YES4 ,I
?9K S40 8,-E ON1 X'S N F> N[4 ,J AT !
TOP (! HILL "!40 ,HE LIFT$ H] ONTO !
HORSE1 & %E WD H FALL5 =W>D IF HE _HN'T
M.T$ QKLY 2H H] & SUPPORT$ H] ) 8 /URDY
>MS4 ,%E M/ H SLIPP$ \ ( 3SCI\S;S !N1 2C
:5 %E CAME TO1 !Y _H /OPP$ & ,KURT 0
DRA7+ H] (F ! HORSE4 ,HE /E]$ H] T[>D
:AT APPE>$ 6BE A SOLID WALL ( ROCK4 ,Z
!Y GOT NE>]1 %E SAW T "! 0 A SMALL OP5+
PRACTIC,Y HI45 0A CLUMP ( BU%ES4 ,KURT
DREW !M ASIDE & PU%$ H] 96! CAVE4 ,%E _H
6B5D F ! WAI/ 9 ORD] 6GET "? ! L[ OP5+4
,%E WALK$ 9 ! CR\*$ POSI;N ) DR1D (!
UNSE5 T]RORS LURK+ 9 ! WALLS (! CAV]N4
,F9,Y %E SAW LI<T AH1D &1 "K+ T %E WD
SOON SEE ,J>$1 %E QK5$ H] PACE4 ,! PALE
LI<T CAME F A SMALL LANT]N HANG+ ON !
WALL )9 ! CAVE4 ,%E /EPP$ 96X & /OOD
UP"R4 ,%E 0 LOOK+ DIRECTLY 96! HOOD$1
REPTILIAN EYES ( ,WAT ,DUNCAN6 ,2H HM
/OOD ,JUNE1 H] PALE HAIR =M+ A HALO >.D
H] H1D Z ! LI<T F ! LANT]N REFLECT$ ON
X4 ,LAUR5'S EYES D>T$ SWIFTLY 6ALL
CORN]S (! ROOM1 & NO": DID %E SEE   #dha
,J>$4 ,MYRIAD HORRORS FLA%$ "? H] M9D1 S
QKLY T H] BRA9 CDN'T CATALOGUE !M4 ,%E
FELT ,KURT 2H H] Z HE /EPP$ 96! ROOM4
8,WELL1 WELL1 ,MIZ ,LOCKETT4 ,I SEE Y
MADE X 6\R LL "PY4 ,N A V NICE NI<T =A
SWIM1 ?\<40 ,DUNCAN GR9N$ 9DOL5TLY & 8
EYES ROV$ H] BODY4 ,LAUR5 :IRL$ ON
,KURT4 8,": IS MY HUSB&8 ,Y SD Y 7 BR++
ME 6MY HUSB&60 ,%E CL5*$ H] FI/S & P.D$
8 BULKY *E/ 9E6ECTU,Y4 ,GRA2+ H] WRI/S1
HE HELD H] AWAY F HM4 8,I _H 6TELL Y
"S?+ 6GET Y "H4 ,& X "W$40 ,/UNN$1 %E
/AMM]$1 8,B-B :Y8 ,Y PLANN$ ALL ( ?8
,:Y80 ,%E 0 TOO %OCK$ AT ! SITU,N %E F.D
H]F 9 6BE F"R5$4 ,T WD -E LAT]4 ,N[ %E 0
ANGRY & PUZZL$4 8,I DON'T ?9K ,I H 6TELL
Y :Y1 ,LAUR54 ,SURELY Y C GUESS MY
MOTIV,N40 ,8 EYES MOV$ F H] FACE 6H] *E/
& ALL ! WAY D[N H] BODY1 TAK+ 9 E
DETAIL4 ,LAUR5 %IV]$1 B N F ! COLD4 ,%E
LOOK$ D[N AT ! DRIPP+ G>;TS T 7 MOLD$ TO
H] & REV1L$ E SECRET ( H] BODY4 8,WE D"O
J :AT Y AX$ U TO1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]4 ,I GOT
! LANT]N & BRUNG "S FOOD4 ,X'S ALL R1DY
= Y40 ,DUNCAN'S T"O 0 SYCOPHANTIC1  #dhb
& ,LAUR5 KNEW HE M/ H BE5 PROMIS$ M"OY =
8 G5]OS;Y4 8,"EY?+ IS F9E1 B :AT'S %E
DO+ "H80 "Q$ ,KURT1 9DICAT+ ,JUNE1 :O Z
YET _H N SPOK54 8,JUNE & ME1 WE GOT A
LOT 9 -MON1 & "O ( !M -MON 9T]E/S1 Y
MI<T SAY1 IS BR++ D[N ,MR4 ,J>$
,LOCKETT40 ,AT ! M5;N ( 8 "N1 ,LAUR5
/>T$ & ,JUNE LOOK$ AT H] SMUGLY1
HAU<TILY4 8,S %E BE7$ ME 6BR+ H] AL;G4
,8,SIDES1 %E K9DA TOOK A %9E 6Y1 ,MR4
,VANDIV]4 ,%E WANT$ 6SEE Y AG40' ,KURT
SMIL$ SEDUCTIVELY & LOOK$ "? HALF-CLOS$
EYES AT ! GIRL :O /OOD ) H] FEET PLANT$
F> A"P1 H&S ON H] HIPS1 4PLAY+ H] BODY
%AME.SLY 9 ! ?91 L[-CUT DRESS4 ,LAUR5
LOOK$ AWAY 9 4GU/ Z ,JUNE'S T;GUE SLID
SL[LY ACR H] BOTTOM LIP1 MAK+ PROMISES
6,KURT ) H] EYES4 ,8,Y'RE N BAD1 ,MISS
,JUNE40' ,KURT WALK$ F>!R 96! CAVE &
/OOD DIRECTLY 9 FRONT ( H]4 ,8,YES1 N
BAD AT ALL4 ,I MAY H Y = SECONDS40' ,!N
HE TURN$ 6,LAUR54 ,8,AF ,I'VE SATISFI$
,MRS4 ,LOCKETT40' ,JUNE %OT ,LAUR5 A
LOOK FULL ( J1L\S HATR$ & RES5T;T1 B
,LAUR5 DIDN'T SEE X4 ,JUNE POS$ NO  #dhc
?R1T AT ALL -P>$ 6,KURT ,VANDIV]4 99 99
99 ,8,:Y DID Y D X1 ,OLIVIA8 ,X WASN'T
NEC4 ,:Y DID Y 5DANG] T GIRL80' ,C>SON
_H N Q RECOV]$ HMF AF HAV+ FAC$ ! FACT T
,OLIVIA _H 2TRAY$ H] [N SON4 ,HE / CDN'T
2LIEVE T %E 0 CAPA# ( S* TR1*]Y4 ,J>$ &
8 BRO!R1 AL;G ) ,?ORN1 _H RI45 \ (! Y>D
ONLY M9UTES AGO4 ,C>SON HOP$ !Y WD F9D
,LAUR5 2F ANY H>M CD -E 6H] AT ! H&S (
,VANDIV]4 ,C>SON /OOD OV] ! WOMAN HE _H
LOV$ = YE>S & />$ D[N AT H] BLACK HAIR4
,! SILV] /R&S FANN$ "? X1 AWAY F H]
>I/OCRATIC BR[4 ,HE _H ALW ?"\ H] HAIR 0
B1UTI;L4 ,OLIVIA APPE>$ N AT ALL UNN]V$
EI 0! EV5TS T _H HAPP5$ E>LI] OR BY
,C>SON'S CLOSE SCRUT9Y4 ,8,ANSW] ME1
PL1SE1 ,OLIVIA4 ,:Y DID Y D ?80' ,8
VOICE 0 RAIS$ & HELD M C5SURE ?AN %E _H
HE>D S9CE %E _H "KN HM4 ,8,C>SON1 RE,Y1
,I F9D ? SU45 /R1K ( 3SCI;E 9 Y SURPRIS+
& TIRE"S4 ,Y1 ( ALL P1 %D "K T "S"TS 9
BUSI;S WE M/ D ?+S T >E N ALW APP1L+40'
,8,I H D"O ?+S1 YES1 6MANIPULATE P4 ,Z
F> Z ,I "K1 H["E1 ,I H N"E SACRIFIC$ AN
9NOC5T "Y WOMAN1 :O HAS D"O NO?+    #dhd
6HURT ME1 6"S"O Z RU?.S Z ,VANDIV]40'
,8,9NOC5T8 ,HA6 ,Y M51 Y'RE ALL ALIKE10'
%E A3US$4 ,8,& ,I WDN'T EXACTLY CALL !
WAY %E TURN$ ,J>$ AG/ U DO+ NO?+4 ,T 0
NO SMALL F1T40' ,8,LAUR5 ISN'T RESPONSI#
= ,J>$'S 3VIC;NS1 & Y "K X4 ,HE HAS
MISTRU/$ ! ,VANDIV]S F ! 2G9N+4 ,HE FELT
T 8 :OLE LEGACY F ,B5 0 ?R1T5$ 0!M4 ,HE
PROTECT$ X Z HE SAW FIT4 ,LAUR5 HAS BE5
GD = HM1 ,I ?9K4 ,%E HAS MADE HM TAKE A
R1L H>D LOOK AT HMF40' ,OLIVIA SLAMM$ H]
H&S D[N ON ! DESK M* ! WAY ,J>$ _H D"O
E>LI]4 ,8,I DON'T WANT 6HE> ANY M AB
,LAUR5 & H] VIRTUES4 ,I'M SICK 6D1? (
"EY"O %[]+ H] ) A3OLADES40' ,C>SON
3SID]$ H] CLOSELY4 ,H] GRE5 EYES 7 FLA%+
FIRE & H] NO/RILS FL>$ )! H1VY BR1?S %E
TOOK4 ,!N HE "U/OOD4 ,8,Y'RE J1L\S (!
GIRL1 >5'T Y1 ,OLIVIA8 ,%E CAME 2T Y &
,J>$4 ,I %[$ H] "S PAT]NAL A6EC;N4 ,&
,B5--0' ,%E P\NC$ ON ! "N4 ,8,YES1 ,B56
,HE _H HUMILIAT$ ME = YE>S ) T :ORE (
HIS4 ,P LAU<$ 2H MY BACK 2C MY HUSB&
PREF]R$ T ,MEXICAN BIT* 6ME4 ,HE LOV$ H]
SON Z M* Z HE DID M9E4 ,8 LIAISON   #dhe
) H] 0 A 3T9UAL 9SULT 6ME4 ,ME60' ,%E
PUNCTUAT$ ! PRON\N 0PO9T+ 6H] *E/4 ,8,!
BELLE ( ,NEW ,ORL1NS SOCIETY4 ,ME1 F "O
(! MO/ RESPECT$1 A6LU5T1 9FLU5TIAL
FAMILIES 9 ! HI/ORY ( T C;Y4 ,HE BR"\ ME
6? B>B>IC1 GOD=SAK5 C.TRY & EXPECT$ ME
6LIVE L "O ( 8 ,MEXICAN PEONS40' ,TE>S 7
/R1M+ D[N H] *EEKS4 ,9 ALL ! YE>S HE _H
"KN H]1 ,C>SON _H N"E SE5 ,OLIVIA CRY4
,8,& HE DIDN'T LOVE ME10' %E A4$
MIS]ABLY1 PITI;LLY4 ,8,HE DIDN'T LOVE
ME40' ,%E 0 / =A MO;T & !N %E TILT$ H]
*9 9 T AUTOCRATIC WAY %E _H4 ,8,B ,I
WASN'T GO+ 6/& 0& LET HM DEPOSIT 8 LATE/
DOXY "H 9 MY [N H\SE4 ,I'D 2 DAMN$ F/60'
,C>SON SPOKE S(TLY1 ,8,OLIVIA1 Y "K T
,B5 BR"\ ,LAUR5 "H 9 HOPES T %E &
,J>$--0' ,ONCE AG1 %E 9T]RUPT$4 ,8,T'S
:AT HE SD4 ,B Y HE>D ! WAY HE TALK$ AB
H]4 ,LAUR5 0 S B1UTI;L4 ,%E 0 S K9D1 S
9NOC5T1 S SWEET1 S POLI%$40' ,%E BURI$
H] FACE 9 H] H&S Z H] ELB[S SUPPORT$ !M
ON ! DESK4 ,8,:Y DIDN'T HE LOVE ME8
,:Y80' ,! ^WS TORE AT ,C>SON'S HE>T4 ,HE
DIDN'T WANT 6ASK1 B HE DID4         #dhf
,8,Y'VE LOV$ ,B5 ALL ? "T1 HAV5'T Y80'
,8,NO60' %E CRI$4 ,8,I HAT$ HM4 ,I HAT$
HM60' ,%E P.D$ ON ! DESKTOP ) H] FI/S4
,8,NO10' HE SD QUIETLY4 ,8,Y LOV$ HM40'
,OLIVIA LOOK$ UP AT HM SU45LY Z IF
REMEMB]+ T HE 0 / "!4 ,H] EYES 7 B"R )
TE>S1 ! LA%ES SPIKY & BLACK4 ,8,Y60' %E
SN>L$ ) 3TEMPT4 ,8,DON'T Y SEE T Y 7 US$
Z A M1NS 6HURT ,B58 ,I C>RI$ ON A %A2Y
A6AIR ALL ^! YE>S ) 8 BE/ FR & BUSI;S
"PN] Z REV5GE = ALL ! HUMILI,N HE _H
H1P$ ON ME40' ,%E LAU<$ A BITT] LAU<4
,8,B HE J TURN$ 8 BACK & =C$ ME 6TOL]ATE
Y ALL ^! YE>S4 ,I LOOK S =W>D 6! "D :5 !
RAILROAD IS -PLET$1 ,VANDIV] IS
SATISFI$1 & ,I C ?R[ Y \ ( MY H\SE1 MY
LIFE1 & N"E H 6LOOK AT Y AG4 ,DIDN'T Y
"E ASK YRF :Y ANY WOMAN WD WANT A %ORT1
FAT1 BALD+ MAN :O MADE LOVE L A SLOPPY
ADOLESC5T :5 %E 0 M>RI$ 6A H>D1 VIRILE
/ALLION L ,B5 ,LOCKETT8 ,Y >E A FOOL40'
,! ^WS RE,Y DIDN'T H ANY M1N+ = ,C>SON4
,HE _H ALR BE5 %ATT]$ 6LE>N T HE _H GIV5
! PRIME ( 8 LIFE 6A SELFI%1 %ALL[ WOMAN4
,HE _H GIV5 UP HAV+ A WIFE1 & *N1   #dhg
&! RESPECT ( 8 BE/ FR =A *IM]A1 AN
ILLU.N4 ,WOR/ ( ALL1 HE _H SACRIFIC$ 8
SELF-E/EEM4 ,HE LOOK$ AT HMF N[ & F.D
HMF WANT+ 9 E FACET ( 8 2+4 ,HE 0 A %ELL
(A MAN4 ,OLIVIA'S ^WS _H N HURT HM4 ,HE
0 TOO EMPTY 6HURT ANYMORE4 ,OLIVIA SAT
/>+ /RAI<T AH1D1 H] EYES GLAZ$4 ,%E
DIDN'T SEE ,C>SON REMOVE ! D]R+] F 8
9SIDE BR1/ POCKET4 ,HE MOV$ ! GUN CLOSE
6H] H1D1 & :5 AT LA/ %E SAW X 9 H]
P]IPH]AL VI.N1 %E LOOK$ UP AT HM &
LAU<$4 ,H] M\? 0 WIDE1 H] EYES /R1M+
TE>S1 & H] H1D 0 ?R[N BACK 9 LAU<T] Z HE
PULL$ ! TRI7]4 ,HE WAT*$ SADLY Z H] H1D
FELL =W>D & ?U4$ ONTO ! DESK4 ,%E 0 S
B1UTI;L4 ,S B1UTI;L4 ,HE 0 / LOOK+ AT H]
Z HE RAIS$ ! PI/OL 6HIS [N TEMPLE4
  ,*APT] #BE
  ,! H1VY RA9FALL WASN'T MAK+ ! TRACK+
ANY EASI]4 ,_H X N BE5 = ,?ORN'S 9NATE
ABIL;Y1 ,J>$ WD H BE5 EV5 M DESP]ATE ?AN
HE ALR WAS4 ,?ORN _H TAU<T HM & ,RUDY 9
_! Y\? 6TRACK ) PRECI.N B1 ?\< !Y 7 KE5
PUPILS1 !Y / WDN'T H BE5 A# 6FOLL[ ?
MUD-OBSCUR$ TRAIL4 ,! D>K;S &!      #dhh
BL9D+ RA9 MADE X NE>LY IMPOSSI# 6F9D4
,!Y _H BE5 RID+ = AN H\R &A HALF :5 !
TALL ,9DIAN PULL$ ! RE9S ( 8 HORSE4
,8,!Y'RE H1D$ T[>D ! RIV]40' ,J>$ HE>D
HM OV] ! L\D RUM# ( ?"U & SD1 ,8,WELL1
LET'S GET ON ) X40' ,HE 0 PUZZL$ BY
,?ORN'S HESIT,N4 ,RUDY 9T]V5$4 ,8,J>$1 D
Y "K :AT ! ,RIO ,CABALLO W LOOK L8 ,X W
2 RAG+4 ,I DON'T ?9K !Y CD H CROSS$ X1 &
EV5 IF !Y DID1 WE CDN'T PICK UP ! TRAIL
UNTIL MORN+4 ,%DN'T WE G ON 6,KEYPO9T &
WAIT \ ? /ORM8 ,WE C />T AG AT DAWN40'
,8,HELL1 NO60' ,J>$'S RO> *ALL5G$ ! ?"U4
,8,IF Y >5'T -+ ) ME1 ,I'LL G 0MYF4 ,NO
TELL+ :AT T BA/>D HAS 9 M9D = H]4 ,&
%E'S AFRAID ( HM4 ,I "K X40' ,HE WORE !
DET]M9$ LOOK HE _H 9H]IT$ F TWO V =CE;L
P]SONALITIES4 ,RUDY & ,?ORN EX*ANG$
LOOKS4 ,RUDY'S 0 EXASP]AT$4 ,?ORN'S 0
TOT,Y NONCOMMITTAL1 Z IF X 7 ( SUPREME
9DI6];E 6HM T HE 0 RID+ >.D ! C.TRYSIDE
9 ! MI4LE (! NI<T 9 A FI]CE SPR+
?"U/ORM4 ,)\T SP1K+1 HE TURN$ 8 HORSE
T[>D ! RIV] & FOCUS$ ON ! RAPIDLY 4SOLV+
HO( PR9TS4 ,8,I DON'T "K H[ WE'LL   #dhi
CROSS T DAMN$ RIV] :5 WE GET "!10' ,RUDY
MUTT]$4 ,HE 0 SURPRIS$ :5 ,J>$ ANSW]$1
?9K+ HE CDN'T H HE>D HM OV] ! S.DS (!
/ORM4 ,8,I DON'T "K EI1 B WE H 6G ON4
,I'VE GOT 6F9D H]4 ,WE'LL PROCE$ )
,?ORN'S PLAN--X'S \R ONLY HOPE40' ,!
TRIO RODE ON 9 SIL;E4 99 99 99 ,! DULL
?RO2+ 9 ,LAUR5'S H1D _H 9CR1S$ TO
EXCRUCIAT+ PROPOR;NS4 ,%E SUSPECT$ T :5
%E 0 SEEK+ ! SURFACE (! WAT] & BANG$ H]
H1D ON ! TREE BRAN*1 %E _H BE5 HURT M
S]I\SLY ?AN %E _H F/ ?"\4 ,WAVES (
NAUSEA ?R1T5$ 6MAKE H] VOMIT1 & %E
/RU7L$ N 6GIVE 9 6!M4 ,%E WANT$ 6KEEP !
FOCUS ( ATT5;N (F H]F4 ,! O!R ?REE 9 !
3F9ES (! CAVE ) H] 7 5T]TA9+ !MVS )A
BOTTLE ( :ISKEY4 ,%E _H "T 6?9K4
,LAUR5'S MA9 3C]N 0 =! BABY %E C>RI$4
,%E 0 / "S:AT IGNORANT AB PREGNANCY1 B
%E 0 SURE T AN EXHAU/+ HORSEBACK RIDE1
FALL+ 96A RAG+ RIV]1 & RCVG A SEV]E BL[
6H] H1D 7 N GD =! EMBRYO 9 H] WOMB4 ,%E
PRAY$ F]V5TLY T X _H N BE5 9JUR$4 ,:AT 0
GO+ 6HAPP5 6H] AT ! H&S ( ,KURT & ,WAT
,DUNCAN8 ,_H %E N BE5 9 S* PA91 %E  #dij
WD H BE5 M AFRAID4 ,Z X WAS1 %E M OR
LESS A3EPT$ H] FATE )A PASSIVE RESIGN,N4
,%E CDN'T FI<T !M4 ,%E LACK$ ! /R5G? &!
ABIL;Y4 ,%E CDN'T ESCAPE !M4 ,": WD %E G
9 ! MI4LE (! NI<T 9 A FE>"S /ORM )\T
ANY"O 6GUIDE H] OV] ! R\< T]RA98 ,J
DON'T HURT MY BABY1 0 H] ONLY LUCID ?"\4
,T &! SLIM POSSIBIL;Y T ,J>$ MI<T RESCUE
H]4 ,KURT _HN'T M5;N$ HM1 & %E 0 AFRAID
6ASK4 ,HE _HN'T BE5 %OT4 ,AT L1/1 HE
_HN'T BE5 BR"\ "H Z ,KURT _H TOLD H]4
,HE CD H BE5 W.D$ OR ''' KILL$4 ,NO6 ,%E
WDN'T EV5 ?9K T4 ,HE MI<T--J MI<T --BE
ALIVE & SE>*+ = H]4 ,HE MI<T N 2
MOTIVAT$ 0ANY GR& PAS.N = H]4 ,HE _H
MADE 8 FEEL+S CLE> E>LI] ? EV5+4 ,B HE
MI<T 2 MOTIVAT$ 0PRIDE4 ,HE WDN'T LET
,KURT ,VANDIV] TAKE AWAY ANY?+ 2L;G+ TO
HM4 ,LAUR5 GRA2$ ON 6T ?"\ & CLUNG 6X4
,TOO M* ?9K+ _H CAUS$ H] H1D 6A*E EV5 M1
S %E HELD T "O ?"\ & KEPT REP1T+ X 6H]F
Z ?\< 6W X 96A R1L;Y4 ,WAT ,DUNCAN &
,KURT ,VANDIV] 7 HAV+ AN >GU;T &1 Z _!
VOICES ROSE1 ,LAUR5 RAIS$ H] H1D & LOOK$
ACR ! CAVE FLOOR F ": %E SAT ON AN  #dia
OLD BLANKET T[>D ! TWO M54 ,X 0 H>D TO
FOCUS ON _! FIGURES NO MATT] H[ %E
SQU9T$4 ,8,I TELL Y1 WE GOT SUMPUM0'
-IN' \TA ? TOO1 ,MR4 ,VANDIV]40 ,DUNCAN
0 /&+ A FEW 9*ES F ,KURT & LOOK+
DEFIANTLY UP 96! TALL] & M P[];LLY BUILT
MAN'S FACE4 8,JUNEY & ME1 WE BE5 WAIT9'
A L;G "T 6BR+ ,J>$ ,LOCKETT D[N4 ,& Y [E
U = HEPP9' Y ^! PA/ WEEKS4 ,A9'T WE D"O
"EY?9' Y AX$ U TO8 ,DIDN'T WE D "R 0Y )
T ,M5DEZ WOMAN80 ,HE ?RU/ 8 FACE EV5
CLOS] TO ,KURT'S4 ,KURT SPOKE S(TLY4 8,I
DON'T C>E :AT Y D 6H] AF ,I'VE _H M9E1 B
"R N[ Y'RE N T\*+ H]4 ,N[ ! TWO ( Y GET
LO/4 ,:5 ,I NE$ Y AG1 ,I'LL LET Y "K40
,8 SUP]IOR;Y & C>E.S;S 0 A MISTAKE4 ,HE
"UE/IMAT$ ! ,DUNCANS' F]AL 9/9CTS4 ,AT A
SMALL1 QK SIGNAL F ,WAT1 ,JUNE ?REW H]
>MS >.D ,KURT'S NECK & TOPPL$ HM 6!
GR.D4 ,HE L&$ FACED[N 9 ! S(T E>? (!
CAVE1 ,JUNE LY+ ON 8 BACK1 P9ION+ HM ON
! GR.D ) SURPRIS+ /R5G?4 ,DUNCAN LAU<$
BITT]LY4 8,T'LL T1* Y 6CROSS A ,DUNCAN1
,MR4 ,VANDIV]40 ,HE ALL B SPAT ! "N4 8,Y
HOLD HM1 ,JUNEY1 :ILE ,I S]VICE     #dib
,MIZ ,LOCKETT "H4 ,VANDIV]1 Y WAT*4 ,Y
MAY PICK UP A FEW PO9T]S40 ,JUNE LAU<$
9TO ,KURT'S E>1 A S(T1 SEDUCTIVE LAU<1 &
GR.D H] HIPS AG/ 8 BUTTOCKS4 ,KURT LAY
P]FECTLY /1 *AGR9$ T HE _H LET ? L[LIFE
GET ! BE/ ( HM4 8,N[1 ,MISSY1 ,I'M GONNA
%[ Y :AT A R1L MAN IS L40 ,LAUR5 WAT*$ )
T]ROR-GLAZ$ EYES Z ,WAT ,DUNCAN APPROA*$
H]4 ,8 LIPS 7 PULL$ BACK 9 A LUBRICI\S
GR91 REV1L+ PUTRID TEE?4 ,8 BLACK EYES
RAK$ H] BODY & %E %RANK BACK AG/ ! DAMP
/"O WALL4 ,HE LICK$ 8 LIPS Z HE KNELT
D[N 9 FRONT ( H] & R1*$ \ 6! TOP ( H]
%IRTWAI/ & 2GAN UNBUTTON+ X4 ,LAUR5'S
H&S TRI$ 6PU% 8 AWAY1 B !Y SEEM$ CAPA# (
ONLY USE.S FLUTT]+S4 ,8 EF=TS GREW M
FRANTIC Z HE RIPP$ H] *EMISE & LAID B>E
H] BR1/S1 MADE FULL] 0PREGNANCY4
8,LOOKEE "H1 ,JUNEY10 HE :I/L$4 8,DID Y
"E SEE ANY TITS PURTI] ?AN ^!8 ,SOON'S
,I'M D"O1 Y C PLAY ) ,8EM IFN0' Y'VE A
M9D TO40 ,LAUR5 _HN'T 9T5D$ 6D X1 B %E
OP5$ H] M\? &A SCR1M T ORIG9AT$ 9 H]
DEEPE/ SELF PROPELL$ XS WAY \ ( H] ?ROAT
& PI]C$ ! DIM 5CLOSURE4 ,JUNE       #dic
JUMP$ 9VOLUNT>ILY AT ! />TL+ CRY & ,KURT
US$ T SPLIT SECOND 6ROLL F "U H] & UN%1!
8 GUN F XS HOL/]4 ,HE CDN'T IMAG9E :Y
,DUNCAN & 8 SI/] _H OV]LOOK$ X4 ,HE
PO9T$ ! ,COLT DIRECTLY AT ! C5T] (
,DUNCAN'S BACK & PULL$ ! TRI7]4 ,LAUR5
FELT ! ?U4+ IMPACT Z ! BULLET 5T]$
,DUNCAN'S BODY4 ,IF A B"O _HN'T /OPP$ X1
X CD H EXIT$ 8 BODY & 5T]$ H]S4 ,HE FELL
H1VILY AG/ H]1 A PUZZL$ EXPRES.N ON 8
UGLY FACE4 ,BLOOD BUB#D \ ( 8 M\?4
,LAUR5 SCR1M$ AG1 FI<T+ FRANTIC,Y 6PU% 8
WEI<T F H]4 ,%E MANAG$ 6LIFT HM 5 = H]
6SLIDE F 2N HM1 & ALM FA9T$ :5 %E SAW 8
BLOOD SOAK+ 96H] CLO!S4 ,JUNE />$
TRANSFIX$ AT ! BODY ( H] BRO!R1 EMPTY+
XS BLOOD ONTO ! E>?4 ,%E GR[L$ A SAVAGE
S.D Z %E ATTACK$ ,KURT1 :O 0 / LY+ ON !
GR.D4 ,!Y ROLL$ TGR1 PUN*+ WILDLY1 ?RA%+
>MS & LEGS4 ,JUNE'S ?I<S FLA%$ :ITELY 9
! LANT]N-LIT CAVE Z %E /RU7L$ = POSSES.N
( ,KURT'S GUN4 ,!N ANO!R %OT BLA/$ "? !
CAVE4 ,LAUR5 WAT*$ BR1?.SLY Z ! TWO =MS
LOCK$ 9 -BAT LAY /4 ,F9,Y ,KURT MOV$1
EXTRICAT+ HMF F ,JUNE'S D1? GRIP    #did
ON ! FRONT ( 8 %IRT4 ,HE SLUNG H] LIMP
>MS F 8 IMPATI5TLY1 PULL+ 8 LEGS F _!
5TANGLE;T )! D1D GIRL'S4 ,HE PRACTIC,Y
CRAWL$ 6! H1P ( SUPPLIES T ,DUNCAN _H
GA!R$ = HM4 ,F9D+ ANO!R BOTTLE ( :ISKEY1
HE UNCORK$ X & TILT$ X 6HIS LIPS1 WAT*+
,LAUR5 ALL ! :ILE4 ,HE DRANK DEEPLY1 !N
L[]$ ! BOTTLE & WIP$ 8 M\? )! BACK ( 8
H&4 ,S"EAL BLOODY SCRAT*ES RI2ON$ D[N 8
*EEKS4 ,JUNE _H MANAG$ 69FLICT H] [N BR&
( PA9 2F %E _H DI$ AT ! H&S ( ? RU?.S
MAN4 ,LAUR5 0 5CAPSULAT$ 9 A MILD /UPOR1
VIEW+ ! ATROCITIES HAPP5+ 2F H]
APA!TIC,Y4 ,H] H1D 0 P.D+ )A CAD;E T 0
D1F5+ 6H] E>S & AGONIZ+ 9 XS 9T5S;Y4 ,!
WALLS (! CAVE 7 SL[LY TIPP+ F/ "O WAY &
!N ANO!R1 & H] EYES REFUS$ 6FOCUS ON ANY
"O ?+4 8,Y GO4AM WELL BETT] 2 WOR? X10
,KURT SN>L$ AT H] Z HE /OOD ABV H]4 ,Z
%E TRI$ 6FOCUS H] EYES1 8 =M SWAY$ 9 A
SICK5+ RHY?M4 ,HE R1*$ D[N 6H] &1 ) H&S
MAGNIFI$ 6! SIZE ( HAMS BY ,LAUR5'S
4TORT$ VI.N1 GRA2$ H] %\LD]S & HAUL$ H]
SU45LY 6H] FEET4 ,%E CLOS$ H] EYES Z PA9
%OT "? H] H1D4 ,DIZZILY %E TRI$ TO  #die
/& UP"R4 8,I'VE BE5 WAIT+ A L;G "T = ?10
GRUNT$ ,KURT Z HE F1/$ 8 EYES ON H]4 ,HE
SEEM$ UNAW>E T H] EYES 7 GLAZ$ &1 IF N =
8 SUPPORT1 %E WD H COLLAPS$4 ,"O (! L>GE
H&S CLOS$ OV] A T5D] BR1/ & SQUEEZ$ H]
NIPPLE R\<LY1 :ILE )! O!R H&1 HE "W$
FEV]I%LY )! FA/5+S ( 8 PANTS4 ,LAUR5
RECOIL$1 &=! F/ "T 2GAN 6/RU7LE AG/ HM4
8,T'S "R1 ,LAUR51 FI<T ME A LL4 ,I DON'T
WANT Y -PLETELY DOCILE40 ,%E SAW ! SW++
MOVE;T \ (! CORN] ( H] EYE J AN 9/ANT 2F
! RIFLE BUTT CRACK$ 9TO ,KURT'S SKULL4
,8 EYES ROLL$ BACK 96HIS H1D 2F HE FELL
H1VILY 6! GR.D4 ,HE DROPP$ ,LAUR5 9 8
FALL & %E COLLAPS$ 2S HM4 8,MIZ
,LOCKETT68 ,IS T Y80 ,CRAZY ,JACK ,TURN]
KNELT D[N 2S H] CAUTI\SLY4 ,%E FOCUS$ ON
8 HIDE\S FACE1 B N"E _H ANY"O LOOK$ S
B1UTI;L 6H]4 8,:AT 9 HELL IS GO9' ON "H8
,":'S YR HUSB&80 ,LAUR5 _H A FLEET+
IMPULSE 6LAU<4 ,( ALL ?+S 6ASK AT A "T L
?6 8,MR4 ,TURN]10 %E CROAK$4 ,X 0
DI6ICULT 6GET H] ?ICK T;GUE 6=M ANY ^WS4
8,HELP ME4 ,": >E WE80 8,Y'RE 9 ! BACK (
MY H\SE1 T'S ":4 ,I ?"\ NO "O ELSE  #dif
ON E>? KNEW AB ! RE> DOOR 6MY CAVE1
,8CEPT9' ME4 ,I HE>D ! SCR1M9' & %OOT9'
& CAME "? ! TUNNEL 6SEE :AT 9 HELL !
RACKET 0 ALL AB40' ,HE SURVEY$ ! BODIES
LY+ SPRAWL$ ON ! CAVE'S FLOOR4 ,8,:O"E
%OT ^? TWO %D 2 DECORAT$10' HE SD )\T
EMO;N4 ,LAUR5 R1LIZ$ T ? M/ 2 AN
ALT]NATE 5TR.E 6,CRAZY ,JACK'S H\SE T
JUTT$ \ (! ROCK WALL ABV ! RIV]4 ,!
MUTILAT$ FACE GAZ$ D[N AT H] ) K9D;S 9 !
EYES4 ,HE LOOK$ AWAY1 EMB>RASS$1 Z %E
VA9LY TRI$ 6COV] H]F )! BLOODY REMNANTS
( H] *EMISE4 ,%E TRI$ 6TALK1 B ! ^WS WD
N -E4 ,H] BRA9 SEEM$ 9CAPA# ( =M+ A
COH]5T ?"\4 ,HE S5S$ ? & L1N$ OV] H]4
,8,LET'S GET \ ( "H 2F T--0' ,HE 0
9T]RUPT$ :5 8 BR1? 0 EXPELL$ 9 A GRT
:OO% Z ,KURT'S BOOT$ FOOT CAU<T HM 9 !
/OMA*4 ,CRAZY ,JACK FELL BACKW>D & ROLL$
6HIS SIDE1 R1*+ =! RIFLE HE _H SET D[N
ON ! GR.D Z HE KNELT OV] ,LAUR54 ,KURT 0
QK 6NOTE ! AC;N1 RAIS$ 8 PI/OL1 & FIR$4
,LAUR5'S SCR1M 0 /IFL$ 0%OCK Z ,JACK'S
BODY J]K$ :5 ! BULLET /RUCK X4 ,%E LOOK$
AT ! PR"O FIGURE4 ,HE 0 BLE$+ F A   #dig
HOLE 9 8 *E/4 ,8,OH ,GOD10' %E GROAN$4
,:5 DOES ? NI<TM>E 5D8 ,%E WOND]$4 ,KURT
KICK$ ! SOLE ( ,JACK'S BOOT4
,8,GODALMI<TY6 ,H Y "E SE5 ANY?+ S UGLY8
,I'D HE>D ( ? CRAZY OLD H]MIT1 B ?"\ HE
0 ONLY A LEG5D T "MS US$ 6SC>E NAU<TY
*N4 ,SURELY1 MY DE>1 Y DON'T PREF] 8
-PANY 6M9E80' HE "Q$ Z HE NOTIC$ H]
:IMP]+ & $G+ AWAY F HM4 ,8,-E--0' ,8,IF
Y T\* H]1 Y'RE D1D40' ,! ^WS CAME \ (!
%AD[S ON ! O!R SIDE (! CAVE NE> ! 5TR.E4
,LAUR5 KNEW ,J>$'S VOICE IMMLY4 ,HE _H
SPOK51 B %E 0 Z 3FUS$ Z ,KURT1 :O :IRL$
T[>D ! VOICE & !N /OOD /OCK-/1 F"R5$ &
2WILD]$4 ,TWO FIGURES /OOD SIDE-BY-SIDE4
,BO? _H ON ! CLO!S ( VAQU]OS1 _! HATS
PULL$ D[N L[ & DRIPP+ RA9DROPS F !
BRIMS4 ,BO? _H PULL$ _! PI/OLS F _!
HOL/]S &! B>RELS GL9T$ 9 ! LI<T (!
LANT]N4 ,BO? GUNS 7 AIM$ ) D1DLY A3URACY
ON ,KURT'S *E/4 ,B :AT 0 S />TL+ 0 T !
FIGURES 7 MIRROR IMAGES ( EA* O!R4
,B&ANAS 7 PULL$ UP OV] _! NOSES4 ,!Y 7 (
! SAME SIZE & BUILD &1 9 ! DIM LI<T (!
CAVE1 _! HAIR APPE>$ 6BE ! SAME     #dih
D>K COLOR4 ,9 ! %AD[S CA/ ON _! FACES 0!
FA9T LI<T1 _! EYE-COLOR 0 9DISC]NI#4
,KURT'S HE>T P.D$ & ROSE 6HIS ?ROAT Z HE
/>$ AT :AT SEEM$ 6BE TW9 APP>I;NS1 A
FIG;T ( DRUNK5;S1 :5 "EY?+ SE5 IS D\#D4
,SL[LY SAN;Y RETURN$1 & HE KNEW HE 0
FAC+ ,J>$ & 8 HALF-BRE$ BRO!R4 ,B !Y
LOOK$ S M* ALIKE HE CDN'T TELL : 0 :4
,8,MOVE AWAY F H] SL[LY1 OR 0,GOD1 ,I'LL
KILL Y1 ,VANDIV]40' ,EV5 Z ,J>$ SPOKE1 X
0 IMPOSSI# 6TELL : FIGURE ! VOICE 2L;G$
TO4 ,X 0 S 3TROLL$ T ! B&ANA OV] 8 M\?
DIDN'T MOVE )! EXPUL.N ( 8 BR1?4 ,8,Y'VE
ONLY GOT ?REE %OTS LEFT1 UN.S Y'VE US$
"O WE DON'T "K AB1 : MAKES YR POSI;N EV5
M PREC>I\S4 ,WE H TWELVE %OTS 2T U4 ,NO
MATT] H[ Y ADD X UP1 Y DIE4 ,MOVE AWAY F
,LAUR540' ,"! 0 /EEL 9 ! LEVEL VOICE4
,LAUR5 0 F9D+ X H>D 5 6FOCUS1 & N[ %E 0
SEE+ F\R ,J>$S 9/1D ( TWO4 ,8 VOICE S.D$
F>AWAY & 9DI/9CT1 B "S": 9 ! BACK ( H]
M9D1 X REGI/]$ T HE 0 "H4 ,REG>D.S ( :AT
HE _H SD 9 ! PA/1 OR :AT HE _H D"O1 HE 0
"H 6SAVE H] F ,KURT ,VANDIV]4 ,:5 ,J>$
SPOKE H] "N1 %E REACT$ 0JUMP+       #dii
SLI<TLY1 & ? DREW ,KURT'S ATT5;N4 ,)
UNCANNY SPE$1 HE TURN$ 8 GUN ONTO !
FIGURE CR\*+ AT 8 FEET4 ,8,Y >5'T GO+ TO
%OOT ANYBODY1 ,LOCKETT1 UN.S Y WANT YR
BRIDE 6DIE4 ,EV5 IF Y GOT ME1 ,I WD KILL
H]1 TOO1 2F ,I DI$4 ,NO WAY ,I CD MISS4
,I SU7E/ T Y & T BA/>D BRO!R ( YRS PUT
D[N YR GUNS & /OP PLAY+ MASQU]ADE
GAMES40' ,HE LAU<$ Z HE SAW !M GL.E AT
EA* O!R \ (! CORN] ( _! EYES4 ,8,N[60'
HE -M&$4 ,RELUCTANTLY ! M5 LET _! PI/OLS
DROP F _! H&S4 ,KURT MOV$ ) CAUTI\S /EPS
CLOS] 6! BRO!RS1 B EV5 AT A 4T.E (A FEW
FEET1 HE CDN'T MAKE \ : 0 :4 ,HE KICK$ !
,COLTS DROPP$ 9 FRONT ( _! BOOTS \ ( _!
R1*1 & /EPP$ BACK HURRI$LY4 ,HE WANT$ TO
YANK ! B&ANAS F _! FACES1 B HE WASN'T Q
T BRAVE4 ,! DANG]\S /.E ( _! BODIES &!
FI]CE HATR$ GL[+ \ ( _! EYES 7 ID5TICAL4
,8,: "O ( Y HOMBRES IS ,J>$80' ,NEI S M*
Z BL9K$4 ,8,: "O IS ,J>$80' ,KURT'S
SU45LY SOPRANO VOICE 2TRAY$ 8 FRAY$
N]VES4 ,! TWO FIGURES CD H BE5 /ATUES4
,8,!N ,I GUESS ,I'LL H 6KILL BO? ( Y4 ,I
C'T V WELL RAPE ? WOMAN ) "O ( Y    #ejj
BR1?+ D[N MY NECK1 C ,I8 ,& ,I'M 9 A GRT
HURRY 6D J T40' ,HE PAUS$1 HOP+ T ! ?R1T
WD GOAD ,LAUR5'S HUSB& 96REV1L+ HMF1 B
BO? REMA9$ MO;N.S1 "K+ WELL 8 9T5;N4 ,!Y
KNEW1 TOO1 T ,?ORN 0 WAIT+ ''' ,KURT
,VANDIV] TOOK ADVANTAGE ( HAV+ ! MI<TY
SONS ( ,B5 ,LOCKETT HELD AT GUNPO9T4
,S9CE HE 0 GO+ 6KILL !M1 HE MI<T Z WELL
H "S FUN F/4 ,8,I WOND] IF %E'S Z HOT Z
T ,M5DEZ WOMAN8 ,TOOK Q A BIT* 6KEEP A
/ALLION L ,B5 SATISFI$ ALL ^? YE>S4 ,I
?9K ,DUNCAN 0 PLANN+ ON GETT+ A PIECE (
T HMF1 B ,LAUR5 CAME \ (! H\SE TOO SOON4
,0 T SLICE ACR H] ?ROAT Z CL1N Z HE
BRA7$ X WAS80' ,A VILE-TA/+ FLUID FILL$
,LAUR5'S M\? & %E ALM GA7$4 ,! TWO M5
APPE>$ UNA6ECT$ BY ,KURT'S TAUNTS4
,8,ALL "R1 !N10' HE SD4 ,8,I GAVE Y BO?
A *.E 6/& UP L M540' ,HE TOOK C>E;L AIM
AT "O ( !M4 ,LAUR5 HELD H] BR1?4 ,%E ?"\
T ,KURT 0 ONLY BLU6+4 ,HE WD N"E KILL A
,LOCKETT = FE> (! REPRISALS4 ,HE 0
BASIC,Y A C[>D4 ,REFUT+ H] SUPPOSI;N1 !
PI/OL %OT EXPLOD$ 9 ! ROOM (! CAVE4 ,%E
WAT*$ BO? M51 H] H&S COV]+ H] M\?1  #eja
TRAPP+ H] SCR1M & T]ROR 9SIDE4 ,= L;G
MO;TS1 NEI ( !M MOV$3 !N1 Z A D>K /A9
2GAN 6SPR1D ON "O'S %IRTFRONT1 HE FELL
BACKW>D AG/ ! ROCK WALL & SLUMP$ 6!
GR.D4 ,H] HUSB& OR H] BRO!R-IN-LAW _H J
BE5 MURD]$4 ,X 0 TOO M* 6GRASP4 ,H] H1D
0 P.D+ &! ROCK ROOM 0 SP9N+1 DANC+
CRAZILY 9 FRONT ( H]4 ,X CDN'T 2 ,J>$
OV] "! BLE$+1 MO;N.S & UNCONSCI\S '''
D1D4 ,"S?+ TAPP$ AG/ H] KNEE & %E FLICK$
X AWAY4 ,%E DIDN'T WANT 6LOOK1 DIDN'T
WANT ANY?+ 69T]RUPT H] GRIEF1 H]
4BELIEF1 AT :AT %E _H J WIT;S$4 ,F9,Y %E
=C$ H] EYES AWAY F ! 9]T BODY ACR ! CAVE
& LOOK$ D[N AT ! P]SI/5T NUDG+4 ,X 0 !
B>REL (A RIFLE4 ,H] 2FU4L$ M9D CDN'T
IMAG9E H[ ! W1PON 0 MOV+ ( XS [N VOLI;N4
,H] EYES PA9;LLY FOCUS$ & TRAVEL$ D[N !
L5G? UNTIL %E SAW ! GN>L$ H&S ( ,JACK
,TURN] HOLD+ X 0! BUTT1 MOV+ X J 5 6POKE
AG/ H] KNEE & GET H] ATT5;N4 ,CRAZY
,JACK WASN'T D1D6 ,HE LOOK$ AT H] "?
EYES GLAZ$ ) PA91 & TRI$ 6-MUNICATE A
SIL5T MESSAGE 6H]4 ,%E GL.ED AT ,KURT'S
BULKY SILH\ETTE1 8 BACK 6H]1 Z HE   #ejb
?REW 4P>AG+ REM>KS AT EI ,RUDY OR ,J>$1
:I*"E X 0 :O REMA9$ ALIVE4 ,LAUR5 KNEW
:AT ,JACK WANT$ H] 6D4 ,B %E KNEW %E
CDN'T D X4 ,"EY?+ %E _H "E BE5 TAU<T1 E
PR9CIPLE %E HELD1 =BADE ! AC;N ,JACK 0
URG+ H] 6TAKE4 ,EV5 IF %E _H ! PHYSICAL
/R5G? &! M5TAL CAPAC;Y 6D X1 %E KNEW %E
CD N4 ,X WASN'T "R4 ,NO?+ JU/IFI$ X4
,NO?+4 ,J>$8 ,H] BABY8 ,AT :AT PO9T DID
WR;G 2COME "R8 ,:Y DIDN'T ? D>K1 MOI/1
DRE>Y ROOM CUT \ ( ROCK /OP MOV+8 ,H]
H1D ?RO2$4 ,%E CDN'T SWALL[4 ,H] /OMA*
WASN'T GO+ 6HOLD :AT 0 9 X M* L;G]4
,SPLATT]$ BLOOD 0 DRY+ ON H] SK94 ,HAS
MY BABY SURVIV$ ?8 ,YES1 PL1SE1 ,GOD1 %E
PRAY$4 ,& MY HUSB&8 ,IS T HM LY+ OV] "!
) 8 BLOOD FL[+ ONTO ! GR.D8 ,NO6 ,J>$6
%E SCR1M$1 B MADE NO S.D4 ,%E 0 /UNN$1
DAZ$1 W1K4 ,METAL CLICK$ ON METAL Z
,KURT COCK$ 8 PI/OL AG4 ,GOD1 PL1SE
DON'T ASK ? ( ME1 %E BE7$4 ,:AT IF ,I
MISS ,KURT & HIT "S"O ,I LOVE 9/1D8 ,I
DON'T "K H[ 6FIRE A GUN4 ,GOD1 PL1SE1
LET "! 2 ANO!R WAY4 ,X 0 TOO LATE4 ,KURT
0 TAK+ C>E;L AIM4 ,( _! [N VOLI;N1  #ejc
H] H&S R1*$ \ =! RIFLE4 ,! DIZZI;S &
BLURR$ VI.N VANI%$4 ,) HEI<T5$ CL>;Y1 %E
PO9T$ ! B>REL AT ! BROAD BACK & PULL$ !
TRI7] EV5 Z %E HE>D ! BLA/ F ,KURT'S
PI/OL4 ,! RIFLE BUTT SLAMM$ 96H] *E/ )
UNBELIEVA# =CE4 ,! E*O (! RIFLE %OT JO9$
T (! PI/OL & B\NC$ (F ! /"O WALLS1 FILL+
! SMALL1 DANK *AMB] )A D1F5+ RACKET4 ,!N
"! 0 ANO!R EXPLO.N4 ,? "O 0 9 ,LAUR5'S
H1D4 ,X 0 L\D] & M T]RIFY+ ?AN ! "OS
PREC$+ X1 & REV]B]AT$ 9 H] M9D1 BLOCK+ \
3SCI\S ?"\4 ,B"R YELL[ FLA%ES BUR/ 9 H]
BRA9 )! RHY?M ( HE>TB1TS4 ,!N ALL W5T
BLACK Z %E SURR5D]$ 6BLISS;L OBLIVION4
  ,*APT] #BF
  ,P1CE4 ,S]5;Y4 ,SIL;E4 ,ALL WELCOME4
,DR1MS4 ,! ,PRA!RS' P>LOR4 ,LAUR5 0
SITT+ AT ! PIANO PLAY+1 ?\< NO NOTES
S.D$4 ,H] DRESS 0 LACY & :ITE1 />TL+ 9
XS B"R;S4 ,M>IA /OOD 2S A SMIL+ ,B54 ,HE
0 BI7] ?AN LIFE & TWICE Z ROBU/ Z %E _H
REMEMB]$4 ,HE GL.ED D[N AT ,M>IA & PATT$
H] >M FONDLY4 ,C>SON ,WELLS 0 "!1 SMIL+
AT ,LAUR5 9 8 K9D1 SAD WAY4 ,:AT 7 ^! P
DO+ 9 ! ,PRA!RS' P>LOR8 ,%E SE>*$   #ejd
= ANO!R FACE1 MISS+ ! NOTES %E 0 TRY+ TO
PLAY4 ,%E TRI$ VA9LY 6SPOT A D>K1 L1N
FACE AM;G ! O!RS4 ,:OM 0 %E LOOK+ =8 ,%E
DIDN'T REMEMB]4 ,%E ONLY KNEW T %E WANT$
6SEE T FACE M ?AN ANY O!R4 ,X 0
IMPORTANT 6H]1 B :Y8 ,:Y8 ,! VI.N VANI%$
96A NEBUL\S :IRL >.D H] & %E 0 AL"O AG4
,LAT]1 %E 0 FLY+ D[N A L;G CORRIDOR4 ,"!
7 PILL>S L9+ ! SIDES (! HALLWAY4 ,H]
HAIR 0 L;G1 S L;G T IF %E FLEW 2T !
PILL>S1 X W.D >.D !M L A BOLT ( F9E
CLO?4 ,X TRAIL$ = MILES 2H H] Z %E 3T9U$
D[N ! CORRIDOR1 W1V+ 9 & \ (! COLUMNS4
,AT ! 5D (! HALL1 %E SAW A FIGURE DRESS$
9 A W$D+ G[N4 ,! FACE FRAM$ 9 ! LACE
VEIL 0 L H]S1 B N H]S4 ,X 0 H] "M4 ,"M6
%E CRI$ SIL5TLY4 ,"M1 ,I'M -+4 ,%E DREW
CLOS] & CLOS] 6! APP>I;N & GAZ$ AT !
B1UTI;L FACE T 0 ALM TRANSP>5T & YET
R1L4 ,EYES EXACTLY L ,LAUR5'S GAZ$ BACK
AT H] ) APP>5T LOVE1 & %E 0 SU6US$ )
JOY4 ,! LOVELY LIPS SMIL$ & OP5$ 6SP1K4
,?\< NO S.D CAME F !M1 ,LAUR5 "U/OOD :AT
H] "M 0 SAY+4 ,8,LAUR51 ,I'M S PR\D (!
WOMAN Y H 2COME4 ,I LOV$ Y :5 Y 7   #eje
A BABY4 ,I WD -E 96YR ROOM AT NI<T :ILE
Y 7 SLEEP+ & WAT* Y1 KISS Y1 & T\* Y1
M>VEL+ AT YR DELICACY & PRAY+ =A
BRILLIANT FUTURE = Y4 ,Y 7 S* A SWEET *4
,Y N"E CAUS$ ME ANY TR\#4 ,I'M SORRY ,I
_H 6L1VE Y4 ,I WANT$ 6/AY & SEE Y GR[
UP1 B ,I 0 9 S* PA91 ,LAUR54 ,PL1SE "U/&
:Y ,I _H 6G :5 ,I DID40' ,8,"M1 ,"M1 ,I
LOV$ Y4 ,DID ,I "E TELL Y T ,I DID8 ,DID
,I80' ,8,( C\RSE Y DID1 D>L+4 ,OV] & OV]
"S"TS4 ,I KNEW T Y LOV$ ME40' ,8,I WE>
YR WAT* OV] MY HE>T1 ,"M4 ,E "D4 ,& ,I
LOOK AT ! PICTURE ( Y & ,"F ON YR W$D+
"D40' ,%E SPOKE RAPIDLY1 TRY+ 6COV] YE>S
9 MO;TS4 ,EV5 Z %E SPOKE1 H] "M 2GAN TO
MOVE AWAY F H]1 & %E WANT$ 6R1* \ & TAKE
HOLD ( H] & N"E LET H] G AWAY AG4 ,8,"M1
DON'T L1VE ME1 PL1SE4 ,I NE$ Y40' ,8,NO1
,LAUR51 Y H "S"O ELSE 6TAKE C>E ( Y N[4
,WE'LL H "T M* LAT] 6TALK4 ,I'LL 2 WAIT+
= Y1 B N[ ,I M/ G40' ,! IMAGE (! WOMAN
MOV$ F>!R & F>!R AWAY4 ,%E CDN'T LET H]
G4 ,%E _H WAIT$ S L;G 6SEE H]1 TALK 6H]4
,H] >MS R1*$ \ = H] "M1 B "S?+ HELD !M
D[N4 ,%E /RU7L$1 B %E CDN'T %AKE    #ejf
(F ! =CE T HELD H] BACK4 ,8,"M60' %E
SCR1M$ Z ! B1UTI;L LADY VANI%$4 ,ONCE %E
TRI$ 6OP5 H] EYES1 B ! PA9 PREV5T$ H]4
,%E CD HE> MU6L$ VOICES1 B %E DIDN'T "K
:AT !Y 7 SAY+4 ,X 0 S H>D 63C5TRATE4
,"S"O HELD H] H& 9 BO? ( HIS4 ,COOL LIPS
BRU%$ H] =EH1D LI<TLY4 ,A ?UMB C>ESS$ H]
PALM4 ,N"O ( ? 0 UNPL1SANT1 B %E DIDN'T
WANT 6COPE ) X YET4 ,%E SLIPP$ BACK 96!
REGION ( DR1MS4 ,B ! DR1MS 7 NO L;G]
PL1SANT4 ,%E RECOGNIZ$ & KNEW ,J>$
IMMLY1 ?\< HE 0 /RANGE & TRANS=M$4 ,HE
/OOD 9 A BL9D+ LI<T1 8 :OLE BODY LOOK+
GOLD51 %9Y4 ,HE 0 NAK$ EXCEPT = S&ALS ^:
L1!R ?;GS W.D >.D 8 MUSCUL> CALVES UP TO
HIS KNEES4 ,HE C>RI$ A SWORD &A SMALL1
R.D %IELD4 ,HE LOOK$ L A ,S"PAN W>RIOR4
,8 FACE 0 *ISEL$1 H>D4 ,8 SEX /OOD ERECT
& 0 ! ONLY "P ( HM T 0 PULS+ ) LIFE4 ,HE
/OOD MO;N.S4 ,%E APPROA*$ HM TIMIDLY1
ALM F"R5$ 0HIS /]N C.T5.E4 ,HE 0 S H&"S4
,%E R1*$ \ 6T\* HM1 !N RECOIL$ 9 HORROR4
,HE WASN'T R1L1 N HUMAN4 ,HE 0 MADE (
/"O1 A B1UTI;L C>V+ REFLECT+ ! B"R LI<T
>.D HM4 ,2H H] CAME A <A/LY LAU< T  #ejg
MADE ! HAIR ON H] NECK RISE & CRAWL4 ,%E
TURN$ & SAW ,OLIVIA1 H] HAIR RADIAT+ F
H] H1D L ,M$USA'S SNAKES4 ,H] FACE 0
UGLY & CRUEL4 ,LAUR5 SCR1M$1 B ,OLIVIA
ONLY LAU<$ H>D]1 OP5+ H] M\? WIDE4
,LAUR5 SCR1M$ AG & AG1 ?RA%+ H] >MS 9 AN
EF=T 6ESCAPE ^? T R1*$ = H]4 ,%E TURN$
H] H1D WILDLY F SIDE 6SIDE1 TRY+ N 6LOOK
AT ! B1/ T /OOD 2F H]4 ,!N1 AG1 BLACK
OBLIVION4 99 99 99 ,! CLIMB UP 0 H>D1 B
ONCE %E />T$1 %E CDN'T /OP4 ,"!1 ON !
O!R SIDE (! DOOR1 0 ! LIFE %E _H LEFT ON
! FLOOR (! CAVE4 ,%E REMEMB]$ X ALL N[4
,%E _H ONLY 6OP5 ! DOOR1 & %E WD H 6FACE
ALL T %E WI%$ 6=GET4 ,X WASN'T POSSI#4
,%E WASN'T /R;G 5 YET4 ,B %E _H 6-E BACK
"S"T4 ,N[4 ,%E OP5$ ! DOOR4 ,H] EYES
TOOK 9 ! CEIL+ ( ,J>$'S ROOM AT
,KEYPO9T4 ,! FAMILI> W9D[ 0 "!1 B !
DRAPES 7 DRAWN AG/ B"R SUNLI<T %E SAW
>.D ! $GES ( !M4 ,! L>GE W>DROBE /OOD
AG/ ! OPPOSITE WALL4 ,SL[LY %E TURN$ H]
H1D4 ,RECL9+ 9 ! *AIR AT H] B$SIDE 0
,J>$4 ,HE WASN'T D1D6 ,HE 0 ALIVE4 ,%E
WANT$ 6%\T ) JOY4 ,%E FELT A        #ejh
MO;T>Y PANG ( GUILT AT H] HAPPI;S1 "K+ T
,RUDY M/ H BE5 ! "O %OT 9 ! CAVE4
,GLORIA6 ,! *N6 ,B %E CDN'T HELP />+ 9
WOND] & LOVE AT ! MAN 6:OM %E 0 M>RI$4
,HE 0 ASLEEP1 8 H&S DANGL+ (F ! >MS (!
*AIR4 ,LAUR5 REMEMB]$ SEE+ "O ( ^? H&S
HANG+ \TSIDE ! BU7Y T C>RI$ HM 6HIS "F'S
FUN]AL4 ,X _H LOOK$ J L T1 CASUAL1
NEGLIG5T1 YET 2SP1K+ /R5G?4 ,T 0 S L;G
AGO4 ,%E LOOK$ UP AT 8 FACE & 0 9/ANTLY
AL>M$4 ,HE LOOK$ HA7>D & WORN4 ,8 *EEKS
7 SUNK54 ,DEEP L9ES FURR[$ ACR 8 =EH1D &
D[N ! SIDES ( 8 S5SU\S M\?4 ,8 LA%ES
RE/$ ON D>K %AD[S "U 8 EYES4 ,S"EAL "DS'
GR[? ( BE>D /OOD \ F 8 *9 & 8 CLO!S 7
RUMPL$ & /A9$4 ,:AT _H HAPP5$ 6HM8 ,%E
WANT$ 6SMOO? ! BLOND-/R1K$ CURLS AWAY F
8 BR[ ": !Y LAY LIMPLY4 ,! DOOR 6!
B$ROOM OP5$ SL[LY1 & ,GLORIA CAME "? X
C>RY+ A TRAY )A T1POT ON X4 ,%E CLOS$ !
DOOR 2H H] & /OPP$ )A SMALL CRY :5 %E
SAW T ,LAUR5'S EYES 7 OP54 ,8,GRACIAS A
,DIOS6 ,LAUR51 Y >E AWAKE40' ,J>$ BOLT$
\ (! *AIR1 TRY+ 6ASSIMILATE 8 SURR.D+S
AF 2+ />TL$ \ ( AN EXHAU/$ SLEEP4   #eji
,HE /UM#D 6! B$ & FELL 6HIS KNEES 2S X1
SE>*+ ,LAUR5'S FACE = SIGNS ( PA9 OR
DELIRIUM4 ,8,J>$80' %E SI<$4 ,8,D>L+40'
,HE HELD BO? H] H&S TI<TLY1 Z IF HE WD
N"E LET !M G4 ,8,H[ D Y FEEL80' ,D>L+8
,_H HE CALL$ H] ,8D>L+0'8 ,MAYBE %E 0 /
DR1M+4 ,8,H[ D Y ?9K %E FEELS80' "Q$
,GLORIA ) AMUSE;T1 TRY+ 6EASE ! T5.N %E
FELT BUILD+ 9 ! ROOM4 ,8,%E'S HUNGRY &
W1K1 & PROBABLY / HAS A H1DA*E40' ,LAUR5
LOOK$ F "O ( !M 6ANO!R4 ,8,RUDY80' %E
ASK$ )A TREMBL+ LIP4 ,A TE> ESCAP$ H]
LID & TRAIL$ D[N H] PALE *EEK4 ,8,HE'S N
NE> Z NICE AN 9VALID Z Y >E10' ,GLORIA
SD *E];LLY4 ,8,HE DOESN'T SLEEP ALL ! "T
L Y4 ,9/1D1 HE :9ES & -PLA9S & TRIES TO
SN1K \ ( B$40' ,8,HE'S ALIVE80' ,LAUR5 0
3FUS$4 ,_H %E DR1M$ ! 9CID5TS 9 ! CAVE8
,H] H1D A*$ ABOM9ABLY4 ,J>$ ANSW]$ H]
QUIETLY1 SMOO?+ BACK T5DRILS ( HAIR F H]
*EEK4 ,8,YES1 HE'S ALIVE4 ,X WD TAKE M
?AN A W.D 9 ! %\LD] 6KILL HM40' ,8,B ,I
SAW HM DIE40' ,%E 2GAN CRY+ 9 E>NE/ Z
MEMORY ( ALL T _H HAPP5$ CAME FLOOD+
BACK4 ,J>$ GA!R$ H] 96HIS >MS &     #eaj
%U%$ H]4 ,8,X'S ALL "R1 N[1 ,LAUR54 ,X'S
ALL OV]4 ,DON'T CRY4 ,WE'RE ALL SAFE4
,%HHHH40' ,%E RE/$ AG/ 8 /R;G *E/1 LETT+
8 /R5G? FL[ 96H]4 ,!N A T]RIFY+ ?"\
O3URR$ 6H]4 ,! BABY6 ,%E PU%$ H]F AWAY F
HM & LOOK$ 96HIS EYES4 ,8,MY BABY8 ,IS X
ALL "R80' ,J>$ LOOK$ PUZZL$ & !N SMIL$ A
G5TLE1 PATI5T SMILE4 ,8,D>L+1 Y'VE BE5
DELIRI\S = "DS & _H "S V 3FUS$ DR1MS4 ,T
M/ H BE5 "O ( !M40' ,8,NO X WASN'T40'
,GLORIA WAT*$ ? T5D] SC5E ) TE>-BLURR$
EYES4 ,8,DR4 ,GRAHAM TOLD ME %E 0
PREGNANT AF HE EXAM9$ H]4 ,I ''' ,I ?"\
Y _H 5 6WORRY AB1 ,J>$1 S ,I DIDN'T TELL
Y4 ,LAUR51 YR BABY IS F9E40' ,J>$ />$ AT
8 SI/]-IN-LAW /UPIDLY 2F TURN+ ONCE AG
6,LAUR54 ,8,Y'RE GO+ 6H A BABY8 ,A
BABY80' HE ASK$ 9CR$UL\SLY4 ,8,:Y DIDN'T
Y TELL ME80' ,LAUR5'S LIP 2GAN 6QUIV] )
EMO;N AG & TE>S ROLL$ D[N H] *EEKS Z %E
REMEMB]$ ! LA/ FEW WEEKS 2F T FATE;L
NI<T4 ,EV5 N[ %E CD HE> ,J>$'S H>% VOICE
& SEE 8 COLD FACE Z HE DEN\NC$ H] 9
FRONT ( ,OLIVIA &! ,VANDIV]S4 ,:5 HE SAW
! HURT S BLATANTLY APP>5T ON H]     #eaa
FACE1 HE _H A H>D "T KEEP+ TE>S \ ( 8 [N
EYES4 ,HE CUPP$ H] FACE 2T 8 H&S &
:ISP]$1 ,8,:Y1 9DE$80' ,HE WIP$ AWAY H]
TE>S ) 8 ?UMBS & LOOK$ DEEPLY 96! GRAY
POOLS S FULL ( 4ILLU.N;T4 ,8,C Y "E
=GIVE ME =! HELL ,I'VE PUT Y "?8 ,C Y1
,LAUR580' ,8 VOICE CRACK$ ) 4TRESS4 ,8
PLEA 0 DESP]ATE4 ,GLORIA DIDN'T WAIT TO
HE> ANY M4 ,%E CREPT \ (! ROOM & %UT !
DOOR ON ! TWO :O _H S M* 64CUSS4 99 99
99 ,J>$ CAME \ (! ROOM AB AN H\R LAT]4
,HE GL.ED OV] 8 %\LD] AT ! B$ "O M "T1
ASSUR+ HMF T ,LAUR5 0 / "! ?\< HE _H J
LEFT H] SIDE4 ,%E 0 NO L;G] 9 DANG]1 B
HE WASN'T TAK+ ANY *.ES4 ,HE F.D ,GLORIA
9 ! B$ROOM ) H] HUSB&1 TRY+ 6KEEP HM 9
B$ "O M "D4 ,RUDY'S %\LD] 0 SWA!D 9
B&AGES1 B X SEEM$ 6BE M5D+ PROP]LY4 ,!Y
LOOK$ UP EXPECTANTLY :5 ,J>$ 5T]$4
,8,%E'S SLEEP+ AG1 B P1CE;LLY10' HE
ANSW]$ ! "Q HE R1D 9 _! EYES4 ,8,GOD1 B
,I'M TIR$40' ,HE COLLAPS$ 96! NE>E/ *AIR
& BURI$ 8 FACE 9 8 H&S1 RU2+ 8 EYES )!
HEELS ( 8 PALMS4 ,8,%E'S BE5 "? A LOT1
,J>$4 ,WE / DON'T "K :AT HAPP5$ TO  #eab
H] 2F WE GOT "!4 ,%E'S ! ONLY "O :O C
TIE UP ! LOOSE 5DS1 B WE C'T PRESS H] ON
X4 ,X W TAKE "T = H] M5TAL 9JURIES TO
H1L40' ,RUDY KNEW 8 BRO!R _H SU6]$ S9CE
!Y _H BR"\ ,LAUR5 \ (! CAVE4 99 99 99
,RUDY _H REGA9$ 3SCI\S;S J 9 "T 6SEE
,KURT ,VANDIV] PIT* =W>D AF ! RIFLE
BLA/4 ,P&EMONIUM BROKE LOOSE4 ,J>$ L1PT
ACR ! CAVE TO ,LAUR5'S SIDE1 B5D+ OV] H]
& %\T+ H] "N )A /RANGL$ CRY4 ,?ORN CAME
9 Z /OIC Z "E4 ,Z _H BE5 >RANG$1 HE 0
WAIT+ J 2Y ! ROOM 9 ! TUNNEL L1D+ 6!
\TSIDE4 ,X 0 8 IDEA T ! BRO!RS G 9 LOOK+
L ID5TICAL REPRODUC;NS ( EA* O!R4 ,8
,9DIAN BLOOD PUT A LOT ( /OCK 9 !
PSY*OLOGICAL BR1KD[N ( "O'S 5EMY4 ,ANY?+
T WD 2 UNN]V+ TO "O'S OPPON5T 0 3SID]$ A
W1PON4 ,HE 0 6WAIT \TSIDE & MAKE SURE
,KURT DI$ IF ANY?+ HAPP5$ 6,RUDY OR
,J>$4 ,HE "U/OOD & DIDN'T "Q ,J>$'S NE$
6SEEK 8 [N V5GE.E4 ,?ORN _H -E 96! CAVE
& ASSESS$ ! SITU,N QKLY4 ,HE B5T OV]
,RUDY & GAVE HM A P]FUNCTORY EXAM9,N4
,=TUNATELY X 0 A SUP]FICIAL W.D4 ,HE HID
! FACT T AN 9* L[] &! BULLET CD H   #eac
PUNCTUR$ 8 FR'S LUNG4 ,!N HE /OOD &
WALK$ 6! BODIES ( ,WAT & ,JUNE ,DUNCAN1
GIV+ !M NO M ?AN A GL.E4 ,Z HE KNELT 2S
,CRAZY ,JACK & ASC]TA9$ T ! H]MIT 0 /
ALIVE1 ,?ORN IMMLY 2GAN GIV+ HM F/ AID1
2C 8 W.D 0 M S]I\S ?AN ,RUDY'S4 99 99 99
,J>$ SI<$ & CLOS$ 8 EYES Z HE 2GAN TO
SP1K4 ,8,I FILL$ H] 9 ON :AT HAPP5$4 ,AB
H[ WE LEFT ! CAVE ) H] & ME ON ,*>G] &
,CR ''' ,JACK RID+ ) ,?ORN4 ,%E DIDN'T
?9K X 0 NE> Z FUNNY Z ,I DID T Y FA9T$ &
NE>LY FELL (F YR HORSE :5 WE CROSS$ !
RIV]40' ,A GR9 SPLIT 8 TIR$ F1TURES &
,RUDY SC[L$ AT HM4 ,8,Y1H1 WELL1 J LET
ME GET WELL & WE'LL SEE H[ FUNNY Y ?9K X
WAS40' ,RUDY KNEW 8 BRO!R 0 ONLY T1S+
HM1 & !Y LOOK$ AT EA* O!R ) MUTUAL LOVE4
,8,LAUR5'S WORRI$ 2C ,?ORN DIDN'T TAKE \
! BULLET 9 ,JACK'S *E/10' ,J>$ 3T9U$4
,8,B ,I TOLD H] X 0 TOO DEEP1 TOO CLOSE
6VITAL ORGANS40' ,8,I ?9K HE'LL 2 ALL
"R10' ,GLORIA SD4 ,8,ESPECI,Y S9CE
,?ORN'S TAK+ C>E (! W.D40' ,8,T'S :AT ,I
TOLD ,LAUR510' ,J>$ SD4 ,8,%E'S GLAD WE
LEFT HM ) ,EL5A40' ,EL5A _H TAK5 !  #ead
OLD MAN "U H] W+ Z WD A LOV+ "M4 ,)
BLACK EYES FLA%+ & BRAIDS DANC+ Z %E
TOSS$ H] H1D1 %E SD1 ,8,HE'LL N"E G BACK
6LIVE 9 T OLD CAVE4 ,I PROMISE T ON MY
DAU<T]'S GRAVE60' ,LAUR5 _H LAU<$ :5
,J>$ TOLD H] AB ,EL5A'S PL$GE4 ,HE
DIDN'T TELL H] AB ! MIS]Y HE _H SU6]$4
,:5 !Y _H BR"\ H] BATT]$ BODY BACK TO
,KEYPO9T1 HE _H BE5 2S HMF4 ,H] TORN
CLO?+ &! BLOOD SPLATT]$ ON H] TORSO &
FACE CD ONLY H9T AT ! HORRORS %E _H BE5
"?4 ,%E _H %[N NO \TW>D SIGNS ( 9JURY1 B
KEPT VOMIT+ EV5 9 H] UNCONSCI\S /ATE4
,DR4 ,GRAHAM 0 4PAT*$1 B X WASN'T UNTIL
NOON T HE F9,Y >RIV$4 ,HE _H DIAGNOS$ A
3CUS.N & %[$ !M ! LUMP ON H] SCALP "UN1?
H] D>K HAIR4 ,HE _H AL 4COV]$ T ! LADY 0
PREGNANT1 B 3FID$ ? 9=M,N ONLY 6,GLORIA
AF TAK+ "O LOOK AT ,J>$'S HAUNT$ FACE4
,2SS1 ! NEWS AB 8 "M WD AL 2 DEVA/AT+ 6?
"Y MAN4 ,HE FE>$ = ,J>$'S SAN;Y4 ,B ,J>$
SURPRIS$ !M ALL & RCVD ! NEWS ( 8 "M'S
D1? ) GRIM RESIGN,N4 ,! %OCK ( SEE+
,LAUR5 NE> D1? S ABSORB$ HM T X CU%ION$
ALL O!R BL[S4 ,DR4 ,GRAHAM FOLL[$   #eae
,J>$ BACK 6,KEYPO9T AF ! EXP$I5T &
PRIVATE FUN]AL = ,OLIVIA & ,C>SON 9
,CORONADO4 ,HE 0 4TURB$ 6F9D T ,LAUR5
_HN'T YET REGA9$ 3SCI\S;S1 B SD T HE _H
D"O ALL HE CD4 ,8,%E'LL H 6-E \ ( ? 0H]F
& 9 H] [N GD "T4 ,I J HOPE %E'S '''
WELL1 %E RCVD Q A BL[ ON ! H1D40' ,HE
LEFT !M ) ^? GRIM ^WS4 ,T _H BE5 FIVE
"DS AGO4 ,J>$ _H B>ELY LEFT ! ROOM S9CE
!N1 PAC+ BACK & =? L A CAG$ ANIMAL &
SNAPP+ AT ANY"O :O EV5 SU7E/$ T HE RE/4
,N[1 Z HE SAT ) 8 H1D HANG+ L[ OV] 8
KNEES1 ,GLORIA & ,RUDY FELT -PAS.N = HM4
,HE _H -E S CLOSE 6LOS+ ! WOMAN HE _H
ONLY REC5TLY R1LIZ$ T HE LOV$4 ,HE SPOKE
9 A L[ VOICE4 ,8,%E REMEMB]$ %OOT+
,KURT1 & X 0 HORRI# = H]4 ,%E FEELS S
DAMN$ GUILTY40' ,HE CDN'T MEET _! EYES4
,8,%E SD T HE DIDN'T ''' UH ''' D ANY?+
6H] EXCEPT ''' T\* H]4 ,& ,DUNCAN '''
,GOD6 ,W %E "E 2 NORMAL AG80' ,HE ?REW 8
H1D BACK & CL5*$ 8 B>$ TEE?1 TOR;T$ BY
?"\S (! WAY ,LAUR5 _H BE5 MISTR1T$4 ,BY
"EY"O4 ,0HM4 ,8,DID Y TELL H] AB ,OLIVIA
& ,C>SON80' ,GLORIA ASK$4 ,J>$      #eaf
SI<$ WE>ILY4 ,8,YES4 ,I WANT$ 6SP>E H] !
DETAILS1 B %E WDN'T LET ME40' ,HE 0 /
AMAZ$ T EV5 9 H] [N PA91 %E _H 3SOL$ HM
= 8 "M'S D1?4 ,%E _H R1*$ \ PALE1 ?9
F+]S & PLAC$ !M AG/ 8 LIPS Z HE TOLD H]
AB ! GRISLY SI<T T ,ROSA _H F.D 9 !
(FICE4 ,8,D Y "K :AT %E SD80' HE ASK$ !M
RHETORIC,Y4 ,8,%E SD T ,"M 0 6BE PITI$4
,H[ C %E 2 S G5]\S AF "EY?+ ,"M SD & DID
6H]80' ,HE %OOK 8 H1D 9 WOND]4 ,8 VOICE
0 *OK$ :5 HE A4$1 ,8,%E SD T ,"M _H LOV$
ME 9 ! ONLY WAY %E CD1 T X WASN'T 9 H]
NATURE 6LOVE SACRIFICI,Y40' ,GLORIA 0
T\*$ 0HIS DESIRE 62LIEVE T4 ,8,I ?9K
,LAUR5 IS PROBABLY "R1 ,J>$10' %E SD4
,8,Y1H1 WELL40' ,HE CLE>$ 8 ?ROAT & SAT
UP /RAI<T]1 TRY+ 63TROL ! EMO;NS T 7 S
NE> ! SURFACE4 ,8,%E 0 %OCK$ 6HE> AB
,P>K] L1V+ ,AU/9 :5 HE F.D \ AB ,KURT'S
D1?4 ,!N ,I EXPLA9$ AB ! %ADY D1LS HE 0
PULL+ (F ) "S ( 8 RAILROAD BU4IES1 GETT+
KICKBACKS & S =?4 ,%E DIDN'T "K T ALL ^!
MON?S ,I'VE BE5 SKIRT+ ,VANDIV] & 8
YES-M5 & GO+ 6! TOP EXECUTIVES (!
,TRANS,PLA9S ,RAILROAD & "W+ \ MY   #eag
[N D1LS ) !M4 ,VANDIV] B>ELY CROSS$ !
/ATE L9E 96,OKLAHOMA ,T]RITORY 2F HE CD
2 CAU<T4 ,I HAV5'T F9I%$ ) HM YET40'
,8,:AT AB ! RAILROAD80' ,GLORIA ASK$4
,8,OH1 WE'LL GET X4 ,ON S*$ULE1 TOO40'
,HE SMIL$4 ,8,I TOLD ,LAUR5 ! BANK WD 2
SUBSIDIZ+ ,K5DRICK & HELP+ HM EXP& 8 P[]
PLANT'S OP],N )\T JEOP>DIZ+ ANY"O'S WAT]
SUPPLY4 ,I EV5 PROMIS$ 69ITIATE "S M
-MUN;Y IMPROVE;TS 9 ,PUEBLO40' ,HE
LAU<$4 ,8,I FEEL L ! ,SALV,N ,>MY40'
,8,J>$1 Y JACKASS4 ,:Y DID Y LET H] ?9K
Y 7 9 CAHOOTS ) ,VANDIV]80' ,RUDY 0
?OR\<LY 4GU/$ AT 8 BRO!R'S LACK ( OP5;S
) 8 WIFE4 ,8,2C IF WE 2CAME TOO CLOSE1
,"M &! ,VANDIV]S WD H 2COME SUSPICI\S4
,AF ,I FELL '''0' ,HE BLU%$ UN"*I/IC,Y4
,8,AF ,I FELL 9 LOVE ) ,LAUR51 ,I _H TO
TURN MY BACK ON H]4 ,O!RWISE1 !Y WD H
"KN ,I WASN'T ON _! SIDE & ,I WD H BE5
P[].S 6FI<T !M4 ,%E _H HE>D \R 3V]S,N ON
! POR* T NI<T1 ,RUDY1 & ?"\ ,I 0 TALK+
AB _! PLAN 6RAID ,PUEBLO40' ,8,%E DIDN'T
"K Y 7 PLANN+ 6TAKE A VIRTUAL >MY (
VAQU]OS & RAN*]S & /ORM ! ,VANDIV]  #eah
(FICE -PLEX 9 ,AU/94 ,?ANK ,GOD ,I 0 A#
6TALK Y \ ( T60' ,8,%E ?"\ ALL ^!
MIDNI<T RIDES ( M9E 7 = MEET+S )! T\<S T
,VANDIV] _H HIR$ & N ! M5 WE _H GA!R$ UP
6AMBU% T GANG :5 !Y RODE 96,PUEBLO40' ,8
LIPS CURL$ 96A HALF-SMILE4 ,8,%E EV5 _H
POOR ,PEPE BURY BOXES ( AMMUNI;N1 ?9K+ X
0 =! M]C5>IES4 ,PEPE1 ( C\RSE1 0 SWORN
6SECRECY AB MY ORGANIZ+ ,PUEBLO'S
DEF5SE4 ,Z SOON Z %E W5T BACK 6! H\SE1
HE _H 6DIG ! BULLETS UP AG40' ,HE LAU<$
S(TLY1 !N />$ AT ! FLOOR & %OOK 8 H1D4
,8,I J HOPE WE'LL 2 A# 6RECONCILE \R
DI6];ES AF ALL T'S HAPP5$40' ,8,LAUR5 IS
/R;G1 ,J>$4 ,%E HAS %[N A LOT ( =TITUDE
0PUTT+ UP ) Y = S L;G40' ,GLORIA W5T 6H]
BRO!R-IN-LAW & HU7$ HM4 ,8,G ON N[1 &
PL1SE TAKE A BA?4 ,& RE/4 ,I'LL WAKE Y
LAT]40' ,HE LOOK$ D[N AT H] & !N AT 8
BRO!R PROPP$ UP ON PILL[S 9 ! WIDE B$4
,HE SMIL$ BOYI%LY Z HE ASK$1 ,8,DOES
,RUDY "K AB ! BABY80' ,8 BRO!R W9K$ AT
HM BROADLY4 ,8,YES1 ,I TOLD HM10'
,GLORIA SD & PATT$ ,J>$ ON ! BACK Z HE
SLUMP$ \ (! ROOM4 99 99 99 ,GLORIA  #eai
0 TRUE 6H] ^W & AWAK5$ ,J>$ :5 %E _H SE5
TO ,LAUR5'S NE$S4 ,B 0! "T ,J>$ _H
DRESS$ & G"O 96! B$ROOM1 %E 0 ASLEEP AG4
,HE DIDN'T H ! HE>T 6AWAK5 H]1 B SAT
QUIETLY 9 ! *AIR 2S ! B$ & WAT*$ H] Z %E
SLEPT4 ,! NEXT MORN+1 ,LAUR5 AWOKE FEEL+
M* IMPROV$4 ,H] BRA9 WASN'T FUZZY1 EV5
?\< %E N[ R1LIZ$ ! FULL WEI<T (! PA/
EV5TS4 ,%E FELT /R;G] & _H A M* M ACTIVE
APPETITE4 ,8,WELL1 T'S NO SURPRISE10' SD
,GLORIA :5 ,LAUR5 M5;N$ X4 ,8,Y H LIV$
ON SWEET5$ TEA = ALM A WEEK N[40' ,RUDY
CAME 9 6VISIT H]4 ,%E 0 S HAPPY 6SEE HM
ALIVE1 %E FELT TE>S GA!R+ 9 H] EYES4
,EMB>RASS$ 0H] EMO;N1 HE MADE LI<T ( 8
9JURY1 N WANT+ 6REM9D H] (! HORRORS (
,CRAZY ,JACK'S CAVE4 ,9 ! C\RSE (! "D1
"EY"O CAME 6SEE H] B ,J>$4 ,PRIDE KEPT
H] F ASK+ AB HM4 ,%E KNEW %E %DN'T H
EXPECT$ HM4 ,HE ALW DES]T$ H]4 ,%E %D 2
A3U/OM$ 6X 0N[4 ,GLORIA 0 FURI\S ) H]
BRO!R-IN-LAW = RID+ \ T MORN+ 2F ANY"O
ELSE 0 UP & AB4 ,%E TRI$ 6IGNORE ! HURT
%E R1D 9 ,LAUR5'S EYES4 ,"S?+ Q
UNEXPECT$ DID *E] H]1 H["E4 ,!      #ebj
CLE> NOTES ( H] PIANO 7 9/ANTLY
RECOGNIZA#1 NO MATT] H[ 4CORDANTLY !
KEYS 7 2+ P.D$ ^U 0! *N4 ,8,MY PIANO60'
%E EXCLAIM$4 ,8,YES10' ,GLORIA SD4
,8,J>$ _H X BR"\ \ "H4 ,HE'S CLOS$ UP !
H\SE 9 ,CORONADO =A :ILE4 ,HE KNEW Y'D
WANT X4 ,ROSA IS ) ,EL5A1 HELP+ H] C>E =
,JACK4 ,! /A#S >E N[ "U ,PEPE'S
SUP]VI.N4 ,J>$ AL HAS ANO!R SURPRISE =
Y1 B ,I'LL LET HM TELL Y AB X40'
,LAUR5'S EYES CLOS$ & ,GLORIA ASK$
S(TLY1 ,8,H[ D Y RE,Y FEEL80' ,8,I'M ALL
"R4 ,TRULY4 ,B ,I'M WORRI$ AB MY BABY40'
,8,I'VE TOLD Y A ?\S& "TS1 ! DOCTOR
ASSUR$ ME T X 0 F9E4 ,HE WANTS 6SEE Y 9
A C\PLE ( WEEKS 6MAKE SURE T ! BABY IS
GR[+1 B Y DIDN'T LOSE X4 ,PL1SE 2LIEVE
ME4 ,I WDN'T LIE 6Y40' ,LAUR5 TOOK
,GLORIA'S H&4 ,8,I "K Y WDN'T4 ,I 0 J S
AFRAID40' ,%E PLUCK$ AT ! B$SPR1D ) H]
O!R H&4 ,8,! BABY MAY 2 ALL ,I H LEFT10'
%E MUM#D4 99 99 99 ,J>$ RETURN$ LATE4
,HE TOOK ,*>G] 6! /A#S & -MIS.N$ ,PEPE
6TAKE C>E ( HM4 ,!N HE W5T 96! BUNKH\SE
& WA%$ & *ANG$ CLO!S4 ,HE _H BE5    #eba
RID+ ALL "D & FELT GRIMY4 ,:5 HE 0 CL1N
& BRU%$1 HE W5T 96! H\SE4 ,)A FLEET+
HELLO 6,RUDY & ,GLORIA1 :O SAT 9 ! LIV+
ROOM SURR.D$ 0_! *N1 HE W5T DIRECTLY TO
HIS B$ROOM4 ,! ROOM 0 DIM2 ONLY "O LAMP
ON ! VAN;Y ACR F ! B$ _H BE5 LIT4 ,9 !
%AD[S1 HE SAW ,LAUR5 L1N+ AG/ ! FRE%
L95S T ,GLORIA _H PUT ON ! B$4 ,H] HAIR
_H BE5 BRU%$ UNTIL X %"O L ! W+S (A
RAV54 ,%E WORE A SN[Y NI<TG[N1 ! SCOOP$
NECKL9E MOLD+ 6! G5TLE RISE ( H] BR1/4
,H] SK91 DU/$ 0TALC AF A SP;GE BA?1 %"O
)! IRIDESC;E (A PE>L4 ,J>$ CLOS$ ! DOOR
QUIETLY 2H HM & WALK$ T[>D ! B$1 ?9K+ %E
MI<T 2 ASLEEP4 ,B Z HE DREW NE>]1 HE SAW
T H] EYES 7 OP5 & T %E 0 WAT*+ HM4
,8,HELLO1 ,J>$40' ,AN EMO;NAL :ISP] 0
ALL %E CD MANAGE4 ,8,LAUR540' ,HE ASK$
H] P]MIS.N 6SIT D[N 0RAIS+ 8 EYEBR[S1 &
%E A3OMMODAT$ HM 0SLID+ OV] T[>D ! MI4LE
(! B$4 ,HE L[]$ HMF NEXT 6H] & /UDI$ H]
FACE1 TAK+ 9 E LOVELY DETAIL4 ,LAUR5 _H
N"E SE5 S* A T5D] EXPRES.N ON 8 FACE4
,EV5 DUR+ MO;TS ( PAS.N1 %E _H N"E
CAPTUR$ S M* ''' LOVE ''' 9 8       #ebb
EYES4 ,8,TD ,I RODE \ 6,PECAN ,CREEK &
LOOK$ OV] ! PLACE ": ,I WANT 6BUILD !
H\SE4 ,! WAY ,RUDY'S FAMILY KEEPS
MULTIPLY+4 ,I ?9K !Y W SQUEEZE U \ 2F
TOO L;G40' ,HE TOOK H] H&4 ,8,I'M N SURE
IF WE C H ! H\SE -PLET$ 0! "T ! BABY
-ES1 B WE'LL 2 A# 6PROVIDE \R SON--OR
DAU<T]--) "S K9D ( RO(4 ,I PAC$ (F A FEW
(! ROOMS1 S WE C />T 3/RUC;N "R AWAY40'
,%E LOOK$ S SURPRIS$ T HE SD HURRI$LY1
,8,IF Y L ! SITE &! H\SE PLANS1 T IS40'
,%E /UTT]$1 ,8,I ''' ,I "K ,I W1 B >E Y
SURE Y WANT ME 6/AY80' ,8,WANT Y 6/AY80'
HE ASK$1 G5U9ELY PUZZL$4 ,8,:AT ! HELL
>E Y TALK+ AB80' ,8,WELL1 Y N"E ''' ,!
M>RIAGE AGREE;T & ALL '''0' ,8,LAUR51
D>L+1 :5 ,I ?"\ ,I MI<T LOSE Y1 ,I W5T
CRAZY4 ,I _H N"E TOLD Y H[ M* ,I LOVE Y4
,IF Y _H DI$ )\T "K+ :AT Y M1N 6MY LIFE1
,I '''0' ,HE %RU7$ HELP.SLY4 ,TRAC+ H]
*EEKB"O LI<TLY ) 8 F+]1 HE SD1 GR9N+1
,8,( C\RSE1 Y'RE TW5TY ?\S& DOLL>S POOR]
?AN Y CD BE4 ,AM ,I WOR? X80' ,8,I'LL
RES]VE JUDG;T4 ,B X MAY TAKE ME =TY OR
FIFTY YE>S 6DECIDE40' ,HE P9*$ H]   #ebc
E>LOBE LI<TLY4 ,8,I ?9K ,I />T$ LOV+ Y
:5 Y M>*$ S PR\DLY \ (! H\SE WE>+ T
RIDICUL\S RID+ GETUP40' ,%E TOO1 LAU<$1
AT H] [N FOOLI%;S4 ,8,B Y 7 HAUNT+ ME
EV5 2F !N4 ,I'VE NO D\BT T IF ,"M _HN'T
SPE$$ UP ! PROCESS1 ,I WD H M>RI$ Y J TO
GET Y 96MY B$4 ,EXACTLY Z ,B5 _H EXPECT$
ME TO4 ,HE KNEW ME PRETTY WELL40' ,HE
SMIL$4 ,8,!N Y LOV$ ME J = MY BODY40'
,8,WELL1 X 0 A />T10' HE SD MIS*IEV\SLY1
8 EYES GL[+ TOPAZ4 ,HE KISS$ H] !N1
SWEETLY & G5TLY1 ON H] M\?4 ,8,?ANK Y =
BR++ \ MY PIANO10' %E SD S(TLY Z %E
C>ESS$ 8 EYEBR[S ) H] F+]4 ,8,Y'RE Q
WELCOME40' ,8,:AT'S MY O!R PRES5T80' %E
ASK$ SLYLY4 ,HE QUIRK$ "O (! EYEBR[S S
REC5TLY SMOO!D4 ,8,I C SEE T ,GLORIA IS
GRT AT KEEP+ SECRETS40' ,LAUR5 LAU<$4
,8,H[ WD Y L A PALOM9O M>E = YR V [N8
,%E'S ! COLOR ( H"OY & HAS A :ITE MANE &
TAIL4 ,BIG BR[N EYES4 ,*>G]'S HOTT]'N
HELL40' ,HE *UCKL$4 ,8,-E 6?9K ( X1 ,I'M
N SURE ,I %D 5TRU/ Y ) ANO!R HORSE40'
,LAUR5 0 /RICK54 ,8,OH1 ,J>$--0' ,H]
4TRESS 0 OBVI\S & HE 0 IMMLY SORRY  #ebd
= 8 TACT.S;S4 ,8,I 0 ONLY T1S+4 ,TRULY4
,! A3ID5TS W]5'T YR FAULT40' ,HE \TL9$ !
VE9S ON ! BACK ( H] H& ) 8 ?UMB4 ,8,AB
,FLAME1 ,LAUR51 ;,I--0' ,8,NO NE$40' ,%E
COV]$ 8 M\? ) H] F+]S4 ,8,I "U/& Y N[40'
,8,I ALM DI$ T NI<T ,I SLAPP$ Y4 ,X 0 AN
A3ID5T4 ;,I--0' ,8,I "K ALL ( T1 ,J>$40'
,SIL5TLY !Y />$ AT EA* O!R1 EA*
DANG]\SLY CLOSE 6TE>S4 ,8,Y'RE
B1UTI;L10' HE MURMUR$4 ,HE HOOK$ 8 ?UMBS
"U ! /RAPS ( H] NI<TG[N & PULL$ X D[N
OV] H] BR1/S & L[] UNTIL X BUN*$ >.D H]
HIPS4 ,HE NOTIC$ ! *ANGES 9 H] BR1/S
BR"\ ON 0"MHOOD & M>VEL$ AT !M4 ,H] WAI/
0 / TRIM4 ,HE 5CIRCL$ X ) 8 H&S1 8 ?UMBS
C>ESS+ H] NAVEL4 ,!N HE L[]$ 8 H1D &
LAID X ON H] /OMA*4 ,8 HAIR TICKL$1 B %E
DIDN'T MOVE4 ,%E RAN H] F+]S "? ! UNRULY
WAVES4 ,8,MY BABY10' HE :ISP]$1 & KISS$
H] ABDOM5 ) AN EMO;N DEEP] ?AN PAS.N4
,8,I LOVE Y1 ,J>$10' %E V[$4 ,HE RAIS$ 8
EYES 6H]S & SMIL$ RUE;LLY4 ,8,Y SD T 6ME
MON?S AGO1 & ,I M OR LESS IGNOR$ X40' ,8
VOICE 2CAME GRUFF4 ,8,I'M LI/5+ N[40'
,8,!N -E 6ME40' ,HE SEEM$           #ebe
SURPRIS$4 ,8,Y'RE SURE8 ,DUNCAN &
,VANDIV] 9 ! CAVE '''0' ,8,WAS "S?+ ELSE
5TIRELY4 ,I WANT Y40' ,HE ROSE &
UNDRESS$ QKLY4 ,:5 HE 0 SETTL$ "U !
BLANKETS1 HE PULL$ H] CLOSE & KISS$ H]
DEEPLY4 ,8 H&S TRAVEL$ OV] H] BODY1
REACQUA9T+ !MVS )! CURVES & TEXTURES HE
_H MISS$ = S L;G4 ,:ILE / CAPA# ( R,NAL
?"\1 ,LAUR5 PLAC$ A CAUTI\S H& ON ! ?ICK
MAT ( HAIR COV]+ 8 *E/4 ,8,J>$1 W X HURT
! BABY8 ,%D WE WAIT--0' ,8,"!'S NO WAY4
,NO WAY10' HE SD Z HE PRESS$ H] D[N
DEEP] 96! PILL[S1 TRY+ 6CAPTURE H]
EVASIVE LIPS4 ,8,J>$10' %E SD ) M
EMPHASIS4 ,PATI5TLY HE RAIS$ 8 H1D &
SI<$4 ,8,DIDN'T ,I TELL Y ONCE 2F T ,I
WD N"E D ANY?+ 6HURT Y8 ,WD ,I LIE AB
"S?+ Z IMPORTANT Z MY [N BABY80' ,%E
SMIL$ T1S+LY4 ,8,=GIVE ME = ?9K+ T AT ?
MO;T YR JUDG;T MI<T 2 "S:AT CL\D$40' ,H]
H&S LOCK$ 2H 8 NECK Z 8 M\? MELD$ ) H]S4
,H] F+]S MOV$ OV] 8 BACK & 5D$ UP /ROK+
8 %\LD]S Z HE L[]$ HMF 6FONDLE & KISS H]
BR1/S4 ,8,Y TA/E S GD10' HE MURMUR$ Z 8
T;GUE FLICK$ OV] H] >\S$ NIPPLES4   #ebf
,8,\R BABY IS GO+ 6BE ! FATTE/ "O >.D40'
,HE /AY$ AT H] BR1/S 6TELL H] ( 8
L"OLI;S (! PA/ FEW WEEKS4 ,8,I WANT$ Y S
BADLY1 ,LAUR54 ,B ,I _H 6/AY AWAY F Y =
YR [N PROTEC;N40' ,HE RAIS$ 8 H1D & %E
SAW ! S9C];Y 9 8 EYES4 ,8,TELL ME Y "K
T40' ,9 ANSW]1 %E TOOK HM 9 H] H& &
GUID$ HM 6! GATE ( H] WOMANHOOD4 ,BA?+ !
PULSAT+ TIP )! MOI/S ( H] [N LO9S1 %E L$
HM FUR!R 96! WELCOM+ FOLDS ( H] BODY4
,HE /RET*$ HMF AL;G H] L5G?1 COV]+ H]
-PLETELY4 ,8,HOLD ME TI<T1 ,J>$10' %E
BR1!D4 ,8,5TRAP ME1 ,LAUR54 ,SURR.D
ME40' ,! SWEEP+ TIDE ( LOV+ 0 C>RY+ !M
AWAY :5 %E HE>D ! S(T1 HUSKY CRY : 0 MO/
PRECI\S 6H]4 ,8,LAUR51 ?ANK Y = LOV+
ME40'
  ,,! ,,5D