Part 57 (1/2)

Chapter 24

_Wednesday, April 8

4:40 P.M.

_

”Hi,” he said, walking through the door of Ally's downtown studio, Citis.p.a.ce. Jennifer had the desk at the front and she served as a makes.h.i.+ft receptionist. She looked up as he continued, ”I don't have an appointment, but I'd love to see Ally Hampton. Any chance?”

”And you're ... ?”

Just as he started to tell her, Ally emerged from her office/cubicle in the back and spotted him.

”Stone! What--”

”Bet you didn't think you'd see me again quite so soon.”

She felt her pulse jump. No, she hadn't. She'd told him she was going down to the office, but she'd certainly had no idea (or hope) he'd just show up a couple of hours later.

Since she got back to the office she'd been in a struggle with her conscience over what to do about Kristen. Was there any good to be served by bringing in the police? At the time it had seemed pointless and it still felt that way. The whole matter was awfully anecdotal.

Worse, she didn't really feel she should talk it over with

Jennifer, which she would have loved to do. They supported each other in a lot of things, but this crazy story would just freak her out. Why do that?