I studied my face first, I was on holiday,not going to a ball and I did what I had always done, considered what Iwould be doing, where, what time of t...e year and how I felt. I wasgoing to sit in a lounge, talking, listening to music, a drink or two ofwine, nothing formal, just a quiet night in. I went behind thecosmetics counter and stared at the organised confusion of make-up, hairornaments, perfume and costume jewellery. I didn't know where to startand then I delved back into my memory and. Eve put her .357 into a locker, and we left the store. Once we were at my car, I reloaded my 9mm with proper ammunition, then we got into my car to head to McKenzie’s apartment.“Anything new on Monday?” she asked.“No. They’re compartmentalizing things, which, if you think about it, makes sense.”“Do you need me to do anything?”“I’d love to have a second or a bodyguard, but there’s no way they’re going to allow that. And I’m sure I’ll be searched when I get on the plane and under close control. “Are you a coach? A mentor? A therapist? A girlfriend?”“I ... uh ... No ... I mean, I think Jacob has real potential as a distance runner. Maybe not marathons but at least 10k and maybe half-marathon,” she got out. “I was one of the physical therapists when Jacob was in the hospital. I thought he’d have difficulty ever walking again when I first met him. When I ran into Jacob and his sister running, I was impressed and wanted to help further in his recovery. But I’m not here in any official. “And why would I want to be meeting any of your kids and hers,” I said. “Oh, let me answer my own question. I wouldn’t.”“Still angry?” he said, and it was a question.“Angry? Not really, I just don’t give a shit about any of you anymore,” I said.“We need to talk,” he said.“Can’t think of one damn reason why,” I said.“Look, I thought you got off at 4:00 p.m., he said.“Five,” I said. He looked at his watch. I figured it to be a Rolex, but I wasn’t certain.“Forty more minutes. Could we talk then?”.