Part 263 (1/2)

much.”

Michael PACED THE corridor, stabbed out his cigarette, then paced again.

”I don't like it.”

”I'm sorry you feel that way.” Emma took her breathing carefully. After

three weeks, her ribs still tended to twinge if she moved the wrong way.

”It's what I want to do, and what I feel is best.”

”Holding a press conference the same day you're being released from the

hospital is just stupid. And stubborn.”

”I'm better off making a formal statement than trying to dodge them.”

She spoke lightly, but her arms were ice-cold under her linen jacket.

”Believe me, I know more about this than you.”

”If you're talking about that bulls.h.i.+t Blackpool started, it's already

blown over. He did himself more damage than you.”

”I don't care about Blackpool, but I do care about my family and what

these last few weeks have put them through. And I want to have my say.”

She started to walk into the conference room, then stopped and turned

back. ”The police investigation ruled it self-defense. I've spent the

last three weeks convincing myself of the same thing. I want my record

clear, Michael.”

It was useless to argue. He'd come to know her well enough to

understand that. But he tried anyway. ”The press has been behind you

ninety-nine percent.”

”And that one percent makes an ugly stain.”

He relented enough to cross to her and brush a thumb over her cheek.

”Have you ever wondered why life gets so screwed up?”

”Yes.” She smiled. ”I've begun to believe that G.o.d really is a man.