Part 121 (2/2)

believe it. We had our first date at your concert here in T5. Can I

get your autograph?”

”Sure.”

”Jesus, she's never going to believe this.” While he searched in his

pockets for a s.n.a.t.c.h of paper, Emma picked up a notepad and handed it to

her father.

”What's your wife's name?” Brian asked Buddy.

”It's Doreen. Man, she's going to drop dead.”

”I hope not.” Still smiling, Brian handed over the autograph.

It took another ten minutes, and an autograph for Riko, before they were

alone again. Taking her cue, Marianne disappeared up the curving

wrought-iron s”airs.

”Got a beer?” Brian asked.

”No. Just some soft drinks.”

With a restless move of his shoulders, Brian wandered to the front

windows. She was so exposed here. Couldn't she see it? The big

windows, the city itself. The fact that he'd bought the first-floor

unit and installed Sweeny and another man inside didn't seem to matter

now that he was here to gauge the situation himself She was vulnerable.

Every time she walked out on the street.

”I was hoping you'd choose somdthing uptown, with security.”

”Like the Dakota?” she said, then cursed herself ”I'm sorry, Dad. I

know Lennon was a friend.”

”Yes, he was.” He turned back. ”What happened to him should make you

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