Brown+ +Imaginea+Din+Oglinda

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{\title Sandra Brown}{\creatim \yr2010 \mo7 \dy20 \hr19 \min47 }{\revtim \yr2411
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de ianuarie era limpede ca lacrima \uc1 \u351 ?i albastrul era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
intens, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?nea
ochii. Vizibilitatea era nelimitat\uc1 \u259 ?. Din nord b\uc1 \u259 ?tea o boare
de v\uc1 \u238 ?nt r\uc1 \u259 ?coros.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
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Traficul pe aeroport era moderat, cu posibilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de
aglomerare, dar echipele eficiente de la sol respectau programul. Nici un avion nu
a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta permisiunea de aterizare, iar pentru decolare erau programate
doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva aparate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
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Antonio }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
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t\uc1 \u259 ?i de cap pasagerilor pentru }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zborul 398,
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drumului 410 West, principala arter\uc1 \u259 ? de acces spre aeroport, a
strangulat traficul pe mai bine de o mil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
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\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?apte de pasageri s-au \uc1 \u238 ?mbarcat conform
programului, \uc1 \u351 ?i-au depozitat bagajele de-m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n compartimentele de deasupra capului \uc1 \u351 ?i s-au \uc1 \u238 ?
nconjurat de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, reviste \uc1 \u351 ?i ziare. Echipajul a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut verifi\uc1 \u226 ?area de rutin\uc1 \u259 ? dinaintea decol\uc1
\u259 ?rii. Stewardesele glumeau, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
rcau b\uc1 \u259 ?uturi \uc1 \u351 ?i cafea, pe care nu vor apuca s\uc1 \u259 ? le
serveasc\uc1 \u259 ?. O ultim\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?rare a pasagerilor. Scara
s-a retras. Avionul a pornit spre pista de decolare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
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\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n difuzoare s-a auzit vocea
prietenoas\uc1 \u259 ? a comandantului, care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a informat pasagerii
c\uc1 \u259 ? urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? decoleze. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce le-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? punctul de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
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\cf1 Directorul departamentului de informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259
? din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? buletinul de ultim\uc1 \u259 ? or\uc1 \u259 ? de
la Nielsen. Mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se cu o agilitate uimitoare pentru v\uc1
\u238 ?rsta lui, Irish trecu dincolo de col\uc1 \u355 ?ul biroului \uc1 \u351 ?i
ie\uc1 \u351 ?i pe u\uc1 \u351 ?a ni\uc1 \u351 ?ei lui de sticl\uc1 \u259 ?,
lovindu-se de reporterul care-i adusese buletinul din camera telexurilor.}{\fs24
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
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aterizare? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
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\cf1 upravie\uc1 \u355 ?uitori?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
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\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La dracu'! E\uc1
\u351 ?ti sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? a existat vreun accident? Un grup serios de
reporteri, secretare, fotografi}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 erau
deja aduna\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul aparatului de radio reglat pe lungimea
de und\uc1 \u259 ? a poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Irish trecu printre ei \uc1 \u351 ?i
lu\uc1 \u259 ? o casc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "... }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 pist\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un semn c\uc1 \u259 ? ar exista
supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uitori. Coloanele de pompieri ale aeroportului se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndreapt\uc1 \u259 ? spre locul incendiului. Se vede fum \uc1 \u351 ?i fl\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Elicopterele survoleaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Ambulan\uc1 \u355 ?ele
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt..."}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
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\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? strige ordinele mai tare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t radioul, care
b\uc1 \u238 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?ia zgomotos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu,
strig\uc1 \u259 ? el spre reporterul care ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise din biroul lui doar
dejs\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde, ia o ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i du-te
la fa\uc1 \u355 ?a locului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Report}{\fs23
\cf1 erul \uc1 \u351 ?i un cameraman video ie\uc1 \u351 ?ir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine ne-a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tie Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
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la treab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost prins \uc1 \u238 ?n blocajul de pe 410.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai este acolo?}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u355 ?inem leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tura prin telefonul din ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -
Spune-i s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie c\uc1 \u238 ?t poate de mult de locul accidentului
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? filmeze c\uc1 \u238 ?t de multe cadre, p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajunge la el unitatea mobil\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1
\u259 ? trimitem \uc1 \u351 ?i noi un elicopter. S\uc1 \u259 ? stea cineva la
telefon \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? permanent leg\uc1
\u259 ?tura cu pilotul elicopterului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Privi
fe\uc1 \u355 ?ele oamenilor din jurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u238 ?nd
pe cineva anume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ike mai este?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el referindu-se la reporterul care a prezentat
\uc1 \u351 ?tirile de diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este pe aici,
joac\uc1 \u259 ? barbut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mergi la el.
Spune-i s\uc1 \u259 ? intre \uc1 \u238 ?n studio. Vom intra \uc1 \u238 ?n emisie.
Vreau o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie de la cineva din turnul de control, de la oficialii
aeroportului, de la linia de zbor, poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie - }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 orice }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 transmis imediat, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1
\u355 ?ii de la NTSB s\uc1 \u259 ? ne-o fure de sub nas. D\uc1 \u259 ?-i drumul,
Hal. S\uc1 \u259 ? o sune cineva pe Avery, acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Spune-\uc1 \u355 ?i-
i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu putem. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi
trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? plece la Dallas, doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba! Am uitat. Stai! strig\uc1 \u259 ? Irish, plesnind
din degete. Ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie la aeroport. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? este, \uc1
\u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?naintea tuturor.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? intre pe pista }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 AireAmerica, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 poate acoperi subiectul din
punctul de vedere}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 al interesului uman. S\uc1 \u259 ? fiu
anun\uc1 \u355 ?at imediat ce sun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dornic de am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte, se concentra asupra aparatului de
radio. Adrenalina \uc1 \u238 ?i invadase toate arterele. Asta \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va mai a}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 v}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea weekend.
Iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ore peste program, dureri de cap, mese reci \uc1 \u351
?i cafea coclit\uc1 \u259 ?, dar Irish era \uc1 \u238 ?n elementul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.
Nu era nimic mai bun dec\uc1 \u238 ?t o pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?ire de avion
pentru a da culoare jurnalului de \uc1 \u351 ?tiri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge opri ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a casei. F\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn b\uc1 \u259 ?iatului de
la grajduri, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta spre el. O corcitur\uc1 \u259 ? de
c\uc1 \u238 ?ine, mai mult ciob\uc1 \u259 ?nesc sco\uc1 \u355 ?ian, se
strecur\uc1 \u259 ? printre picioarele lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Salut, Shep. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l
m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie pe cap. C\uc1 \u238 ?inele \uc1 \u238 ?l privi ca pe
un idol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zeci de mii de oameni \uc1
\u238 ?l priveau pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu devotament \uc1 \u351 ?i respect.
Erau multe calit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de admirat la omul acesta. De la coama de
p\uc1 \u259 ?r castaniu, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la tocul cizmelor, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e era idealul fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351 ?i
visul fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rei femei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi720 \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar,
pentru fiecare admirator \uc1 \u238 ?nfocat, el avea \uc1 \u351 ?i un du\uc1
\u351 ?man \uc1 \u238 ?nfocat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Instruindu-l pe Shep s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n holul casei
spa\uc1 \u355 ?ioase \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? ochelarii de soare
de la ochi. Cizmele lui r\uc1 \u259 ?sunar\uc1 \u259 ? pe dalele p\uc1 \u259 ?
trate, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta spre buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259
?ria de unde venea o arom\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de cafea
proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?. Stomacul \uc1 \u238 ?l avertiz\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u238 ?ncase jnainte de obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuitul rond matinal
la S\uc1 \u226 ?n Antonio, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagin\uc1 \u259 ? o
friptur\uc1 \u259 ? bine pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\uc1 \u259 ?, un morman de omlet\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?teva felii de p\uc1 \u238 ?ine pr\uc1 \u259 ?
jit\uc1 \u259 ? cu unt. Stomacul \uc1 \u238 ?i tremur\uc1 \u259 ? agresiv.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii
lui erau \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, a\uc1 \u351 ?eza\uc1
\u355 ?i la o mas\uc1 \u259 ? de stejar, pe care \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
\uc1 \u351 ?tia de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut pe lume. \uc1 \u238 ?n timp
ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta spre ei, mama lui se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i-l
privi cu o expresie \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrit\uc1 \u259 ? pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de palid\uc1 \u259 ?. Nelson Rutledge, tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
s\uc1 \u259 ?u, se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? imediat \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre el cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el uimit. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? v-
a\uc1 \u355 ?i vedea! Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i
de parc\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai a murit cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ai
ascultat la radio? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, am ascultat muzic\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce? Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?-l cuprinde panica. Ce naiba s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?
Ochii lui se oprir\uc1 \u259 ? pe televizorul portabil, pe care-l priveau atent
p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd intrase el \uc1
\u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, spuse Nelson cu vocea profund emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionat\uc1 \u259
?. Canalul Doi a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt emisiunea }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Roata Norocului",
}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 pentru un buletin de \uc1 \u351 ?tiri. Acum c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
minute s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it un avion, dup\uc1 \u259 ? decolare.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? respire agitat. Nu s-a
confirmat exact ce num\uc1 \u259 ?r de zbor era, dar se crede c\uc1 \u259 ?...
Nelson se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap trist. La mas\uc1 \u259 ?, Zee
\uc1 \u355 ?inea la gur\uc1 \u259 ? un \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?el de h\uc1
\u238 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avionul lui
Carole? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e r\uc1 \u259 ?
gu\uc1 \u351 ?it. Nelson aprob\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? grai.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu loc prin p\uc1 \u238 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ? spre lumin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? existe
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? dincolo de acest \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, se \uc1 \u238 ?ncuraja ea,
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. Un minut se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi c\uc1 \u259 ? poate nu
merit\uc1 \u259 ? efortul, dar undeva, \uc1 \u238 ?n profunzimile fiin\uc1 \u355 ?
ei sale, sim\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor, care-i d\uc1 \u259 ?du curaj
s\uc1 \u259 ? continue.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea
o durere cumplit\uc1 \u259 ?. Din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce.mai des, reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea
s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? din \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric spre con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o ducere intens\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1
\u238 ?t de grea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t nu o putea localiza. Ere. pretutindeni
- \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untrul ei, la suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Era
atotcuprinz\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Apoi, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu se mai g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi la
ea, reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o suporte mai mult de o secund\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i Invadat\uc1 \u259 ? de o flac\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? oarb\uc1 \u259 ? - un elixir magic, care-i curgea prin vene. La foarte
scurt timp se ruga \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea ei s\uc1 \u259 ? o cuprind\uc1 \u259 ? din
nou uitarea, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai simt\uc1 \u259 ? durerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, momentul ei de
con\uc1 \u351 ?tient\uc1 \u259 ? se prelungi, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda ame\uc1 \u355 ?
elii, \uc1 \u238 ?i ajungeau la urechi sunete estompate. Se concentra intens
\uc1 \u351 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le identifice: aparatul pentru
respira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, piuitul constant al aparatului electronic, t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi
de cauciuc pe dale de piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, telefoane care sunau.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Odat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din nou din incon\uc1 \u351 ?tien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a auzit
o conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?optit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n apropierea
ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "... incredibil de
norocoas\uc1 \u259 ?... cu tot combustibilul \uc1 \u238 ?mbibat \uc1 \u238 ?n
haine... arsurile au fost superficiale".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
"C\uc1 \u238 ?t dureaz\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? va r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunde?"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "... r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare...
traumatismul dup\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 un astfel de}{\fs24 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 accident d\uc1 \u259 ?uneaz\uc1 \u259 ?... mai mult corpului".}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Cum... va ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce... se va termina?"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "...
chirurgul m\uc1 \u238 ?ine. El va... procedura cu dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?".}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "C\uc1 \u238 ?nd?"}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "... nu mai este pericol...
infec\uc1 \u355 ?ie".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Va... afecta
sarcina?"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Sarcina?
So\uc1 \u355 ?ia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? nu era \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \fi720 \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuvintele nu aveau
nici o importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nici un sens. Se repezeau spre ea ca
meteori\uc1 \u355 ?ii ie\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i din vidul \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat.
Nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? le aud\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?-i tulburau lini\uc1
\u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului \uc1 \u238 ?n care z\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i dorea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu simt\uc1 \u259 ? nimic, s\uc1
\u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie nimic, absolut nimic, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mai auzi vocile \uc1 \u351 ?i se cufund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n uitare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge?
M\uc1 \u259 ? auzi\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?
spunse din reflex \uc1 \u351 ?i un geam\uc1 \u259 ?t prelung \uc1 \u238 ?i
sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ? din piept, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
ridice pleoapele, dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Pe undeva p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea o raz\uc1
\u259 ? de lumin\uc1 \u259 ? dureroas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un t\uc1 \u238 ?
rziu, Jumina \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare se stinse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i revine. Chema\uc1 \u355 ?i-l imediat pe so\uc1
\u355 ?ul ei, spuse o voce f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? trup.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? capul spre locul de unde se auzea
vocea, dar descoperi c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i este imposibil s\uc1 \u259 ? se
mi\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i
la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?rul de telefon de la
hotel?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, doctore.
Domnul Rutledge ni l-a dat la to\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n caz c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i revine \uc1 \u351 ?i el nu este aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tentaculele p\uc1 \u238 ?clei
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ii se evaporau. Cuvinte pe care mai devreme nu le putea descifra,
acum erau}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 recunoscute clar de creierul}{\fs23
\cf1 ei. \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea cuvintele \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?
i, pentru ea, ele nu aveau nici un \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
suferi\uc1 \u355 ?i mult, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge. Facem tot posibilul s\uc1
\u259 ? amelior\uc1 \u259 ?m durerile. Nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? vorbi\uc1 \u355 ?i, e bine nici s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca\uc1
\u355 ?i. Relaxa\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?. Familia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? va }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 sosi imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pulsul
alert \uc1 \u238 ?i zv\uc1 \u238 ?cnea \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u238 ?mple. Dorea s\uc1
\u259 ? inspire ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc, dar nu putea. O ajuta un aparat. Printr-un tub,
prin gur\uc1 \u259 ?, aerul era pompat direct \uc1 \u238 ?n pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?ni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? deschid\uc1 \u259 ? din nou ochii. Unul se \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?na s\uc1 \u259 ? se
deschid\uc1 \u259 ? numai pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate. Printre gene reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea
s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? difuz\uc1 \u259 ?. O durea
s\uc1 \u259 ? se focalizeze, dar se concentra \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ? disting\uc1 \u259 ? diform.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Da, era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un spital. De at\uc1 \u238 ?ta lucru
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u351 ?i ea seama.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar de ce? Cum? Avea o leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu co\uc1 \u351 ?marul pe care l-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul din care ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise. Acum nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu se putea mi\uc1
\u351 ?ca. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult s-ar fi concentrat, m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1
\u351 ?i picioarele ei nu se mi\uc1 \u351 ?cau. Nici capul nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mi\uc1 \u351 ?te. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? este str\uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n chingi. G\uc1 \u238 ?ndul la paralizie o
\uc1 \u238 ?ngrozea. Va fi permanent\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Inima \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i bat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
furie. Aproape imediat o prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se materializa l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamn\uc1
\u259 ? Rutledge, nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? fie team\uc1 \u259 ?. O
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Inima \uc1 \u238 ?i bate prea tare, remarc\uc1 \u259 ? o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? parte a }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 patului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1
\u259 ? este speriat\uc1 \u259 ?, recunoscu prima voce. Este dezorientat\uc1
\u259 ? - nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege nimic din ce se petrece cu ea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O siluet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n alb se aplec\uc1 \u259 ?
deasupra ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Totul va fi
bine. L-am sunat pe domnul Rutledge \uc1 \u351 ?i vine imediat. O s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? bucura\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?-l vede\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu-i a\uc1
\u351 ?a? Este at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bucuros c\uc1 \u259 ? v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i rec\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tat cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Biata de ea. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i imaginezi cum trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie s\uc1 \u259 ? te treze\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
fii nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ? supor\uc1 \u355 ?i toate acestea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu-mi pot imagina cum poate supravie\uc1 \u355 ?ui cineva
unui accident de avion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 U}{\fs23 \dbch
n urlet pe care nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l scoat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tu}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
corpul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Scr\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nete de metal. Oameni care \uc1 \u355 ?ipau. Fum, dens \uc1
\u351 ?i negru. Apoi fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i frica \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu gesturi
automate a dus la \uc1 \u238 ?ndeplinire instruc\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 iunile
pe care le auzise la sutele de zboruri pe}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 care le
f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Odat\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ? din fuselajul \uc1 \u238 ?n
fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, a fugit orbe\uc1 \u351 ?te printr-o lume sc\uc1
\u259 ?ldat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u238 ?nge \uc1 \u351 ?i fum. Chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? i se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea o agonie, a continuat s\uc1 \u259 ?
alerge, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?nd}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 str\uc1
\u238 ?ns...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?in\uc1
\u238 ?nd str\uc1 \u238 ?ns ce? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea c\uc1 \u259 ? era
ceva pre\uc1 \u355 ?ios -}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ceva}{\fs23
\cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ce trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? fie salvat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti c\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce
c\uc1 \u259 ?dea privi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit atunci, pentru
ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Nici nu a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it durerea impactului cu
p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ntul. Era deja \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea uit\uc1 \u259 ?rii,
care a protejat-o p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doctore Martin, domnul Rutledge a sosit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?ine\uc1 \u355 ?i-l
afar\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o stabilizez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce se petrece? Vocea cea nou\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? de la mare dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, dar avea o
nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
autoritate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domnule
Rutledge, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-ne c\uc1 \u238 ?teva...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Deveni con}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?
tient\uc1 \u259 ? de prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. Era foarte aproape, aplecat deasupra
ei, \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbea cu c\uc1 \u259 ?ldur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ? te faci bine. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar o s\uc1 \u259 ? te faci bine.
\uc1 \u350 ?i }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a fost salvat\uc1
\u259 ?, slav\uc1 \u259 ? Domnului. Are doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva fracturi \uc1
\u351 ?i arsuri super}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ficiale pe m\uc1 \u238 ?ini. }{\fs23
\cf1 Mama st\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea la spital. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i revin\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? auzi,
Carole? \uc1 \u350 ?i tu \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy a\uc1 \u355 ?i supravie\uc1 \u355 ?
uit, acesta este lucrul cel mai important acum.-'}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lui era o lamp\uc1 \u259 ? fluorescent\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cauz\uc1 \u259 ? nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i disting\uc1 \u259 ? bine tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile, dar
reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i formeze o vag\uc1 \u259 ? impresie
asupra \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii lui. Se
ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a cu disperare de fiecare cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt de \uc1 \u238
?ncurajare al lui. \uc1 \u350 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? le rostea cu convingere, \uc1
\u238 ?l credea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse
m\uc1 \u238 ?na spre el - adic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?. El
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles rug\uc1 \u259 ?mintea ei
mut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de contact uman, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? imediat i-a pus m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ? se topeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, fie din cauza atingerii, fie pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? puternicul sedativ \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea efectul. Se
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? purtat\uc1 \u259 ? de vise, sim\uc1 \u355 ?indu-se
oarecum \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n prezen\uc1
\u355 ?a acestui str\uc1 \u259 ?in cu voce autoritar\uc1 \u259 ?, de l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? patul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adoarme.
Pute\uc1 \u355 ?i pleca, domnule Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai
stau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii,
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?indu-se de imaginea lui difuz\uc1 \u259 ?. Drogul era
seduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor. O leg\uc1 \u259 ?na u\uc1 \u351 ?or, ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
barc\uc1 \u259 ?, purt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-o spre un port care-i oferea siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cine
este Mandy? }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard
\plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0
\fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l cunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe
acest b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care folosise pentru ea numele de Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce \uc1 \u238 ?i spunea toat\uc1
\u259 ? lumea doamna Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare ei
credeau c\uc1 \u259 ? ea este c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit\uc1 \u259 ? cu el?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Gre\uc1 \u351 ?eau, desigur.
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tiau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar ea,
oare \uc1 \u238 ?l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a trezit din nou, el era tot acolo. Puteau s\uc1 \u259 ? fi
trecut minute, ore, zile, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? timpul nu avea
nici o importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un spital de recuperare
intensiv\uc1 \u259 ?, dezorientarea ei era \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul \uc1 \u238 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 n care a deschis ochii, el s-a aplecat deasupra ei \uc1 \u351 ?i
i-a spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1
\u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era o adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ? tortur\uc1 \u259 ? a nervilor faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu reu\uc1 \u351
?ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ? bine. Nu putea deschide dec\uc1 \u238 ?t un
ochi. Abia acum \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea c\uc1 \u259 ? tot capul \uc1
\u238 ?i era bandajat \uc1 \u351 ?i de aceea nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
mi\uc1 \u351 ?te. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o avertizase doctorul, nu putea vorbi. Partea
de jos a fe\uc1 \u355 ?ei p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?
mpietrit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ?
po\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege, Carole? \uc1 \u350 ?tii unde
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Clipe\uc1 \u351 ?te dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea clipi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El f\uc1 \u259 ?cu o mi\uc1
\u351 ?care cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Ea avu impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
trecut-o prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r, dar nu era sigur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, spuse el oft\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Aici to\uc1 \u355 ?i spun
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te agit\uc1 \u259 ?m, dar cum eu te cunosc foarte bine, \uc1 \u351
?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? vrei fapte. Am dreptate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea
clipi din nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?mbarcarea \uc1 \u238 ?n avion? A fost
alalt\uc1 \u259 ?ieri. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy a\uc1 \u355 ?i plecat la cump\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi la Dallas, pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile. I\uc1 \u355 ?i
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti accidentul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerca disperat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i transmit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? ea
nu este Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i nu o cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te pe Mandy, dar clipi, pentru
a-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea despre accident.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Au fost numai paisprezece supravie\uc1
\u355 ?uitori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea nu a \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?nge, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care el i-a \uc1 \u351 ?ters lacrimile cu o
batist\uc1 \u259 ?. Atingerea lui era bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?^ pentru un b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat cu m\uc1 \u238 ?ini at\uc1 \u238 ?t de puternice.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel - numai
Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie cum - tu ai reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1
\u351 ?i din fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
Mandy. Asta \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 aminte\uc1
\u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea nu
mai clipi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, nu mai
conteaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum, ai reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i i-ai salvat \uc1 \u351 ?i ei via\uc1 \u355 ?a. Normal, ea este
speriat\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ? este afectat\uc1 \u259 ? mai
mult emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t fizic, ceea ce este cu mult mai grav.
Are o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? fracturat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar asta s-a rezolvat. Nu
mai are nimic grav. Nu va avea nevoie de transplant de epiderm\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
arsuri. Tu, o privi profund \uc1 \u351 ?i intens, tu ai protejat-o cu trupul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu prea i-a
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles privirea, dar parc\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndoia
de fapte, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum le cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea acum. \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a desprins privirea de pe ea \uc1 \u351 ?i a
continuat povestirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - NTSB face
investiga\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Au g\uc1 \u259 ?sit cutia neagr\uc1 \u259 ?. Totul
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea normal, apoi, brusc, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 un }{\fs23 \dbch
motor a explodat. A luat foc combustibilul. Avionul a devenit o minge de foc.
Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile s\uc1 \u259 ?
cuprind\uc1 \u259 ? tot aparatul, tu ai reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1
\u351 ?i pe trapa de urgen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe arip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu }{\fs23
\cf1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine. Unul din ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uitori a povestit c\uc1 \u259 ? te-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
cum te luptai s\uc1 \u259 ?-i desfaci centura de siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. A
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei a\uc1 \u355 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?si\uc1 \u355 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?irea prin fum. Aveai toat\uc1
\u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? cu s\uc1 \u238 ?nge, a spus el,
a\uc1 \u351 ?adar r\uc1 \u259 ?nile s-au produs la impact.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea nimic din aceste detalii. Nu-\uc1 \u351
?i amintea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t groaza cu care se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea c\uc1 \u259 ? va
muri sufocat\uc1 \u259 ? de fum, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ard\uc1
\u259 ? de vie. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum spunea e!, se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? a
fost curajoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul dezastrului. Dar ea nu f\uc1 \u259 ?
cuse dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? reac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneze ca orice creatur\uc1
\u259 ?, din instinctul de a supravie\uc1 \u355 ?ui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? amintirile vor reveni treptat. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vor reveni niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i reaminteasc\uc1 \u259 ?.
Re\uc1 \u238 ?nvierea acelor minute terifiante de dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident \uc1
\u238 ?nsemna s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? din nou prin fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?rile iadului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
au supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uit dec\uc1 \u238 ?t paisprezece}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch
pasageri, \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost }{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ea tr\uc1 \u259 ?
ia, era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o uimire. Printr-o ironie a soartei, ea a fost
aleas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu va \uc1 \u351 ?ti niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Imaginile se deformau din nou \uc1 \u351 ?i iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?nge. F\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? alte cuvinte, el a \uc1 \u351 ?ters-o din nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut analize s\uc1 \u259 ?
vad\uc1 \u259 ? doza de intoxicare ' cu carbon \uc1 \u351 ?i au hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 te conecteze la un aparat}
\langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pentru respira\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Ai o contuzie, dar nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt r\uc1 \u259 ?ni majore la cap. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai s\uc1 \u259 ?rit
de pe arip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai rupt tibia dreapt\uc1 \u259 ?. Ai m\uc1
\u238 ?inile bandajate din cauza arsurilor. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu c\uc1
\u259 ? toate r\uc1 \u259 ?nile tale s\uc1 \u238 ?nt externe, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?
ia intoxica\uc1 \u355 ?iei cu gaz. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? te preocup\uc1
\u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ta, spuse el nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?
te mint, Carole. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vrei asta. Ea clipi. El t\uc1
\u259 ?cu \uc1 \u351 ?i o privi nesigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai
r\uc1 \u259 ?ni foarte puternice pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am numele celui mai
bun chirurg plastic. Este specialist \uc1 \u238 ?n chirurgie de recondi\uc1 \u355 ?
ionare \uc1 \u238 ?n urma accidentelor sau traumatismelor, ceea ce este cazul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii ei clipeau
acum furio\uc1 \u351 ?i, nu cu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere, ci cu
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te. Vanitatea feminin\uc1 \u259 ? era mai puternic\uc1 \u259 ?,
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? se afla \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un spital ICU, mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat cu via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u238 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u era
mutilat\uc1 \u259 ?. Chirurgia plastic\uc1 \u259 ? adus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
discu\uc1 \u355 ?ie era de r\uc1 \u259 ?u augur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ai avut nasul rupt. \uc1 \u350 ?i un pomete. Cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt pomete a
fost pulverizat. De aceea ai un ochi bandajat. Nu mai are nici un suport.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea scoase un sunet de
teroare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai
pierdut ochiul. \uc1 \u258 ?sta este un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat noroc. S-a rupt \uc1
\u351 ?i maxilarul de sus. Dar chirurgul o poate rezolva - pe toate le poate
rezolva. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul va cre\uc1 \u351 ?te la loc. Din\uc1 \u355 ?ii vor fi
implanta\uc1 \u355 ?i, exact cum au fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu avea
din\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu avea p\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 r.}{\fs24 \dbch
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-am adus de
acas\uc1 \u259 ? fotografii de-ale tale - dintre cele recente, luate din toate
unghiurile. Va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i refac\uc1 \u259 ?
perfect toate tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile. Arsurile de pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? au afectat numai epiderma, deci nu va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u355 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? transplant. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce pielea se va coji, va fi ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai \uc1 \u238 ?ntinerit cu zece ani - a\uc1 \u351 ?a
a spus doctorul. Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259
?cere acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Inflexiunile
subtile ale vocii lui trecur\uc1 \u259 ? dincolo de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elegerea ei, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se concentra pe cuvintele cheie. Mesajul care-i
venea ei foarte clar era c\uc1 \u259 ? sub bandaje ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ca un monstru.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O cuprinse panica. Probabil
c\uc1 \u259 ? el a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it-o, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a pus o m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Carole, nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tesc. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? este mai bine s\uc1
\u259 ? fiu cinstit cu tine, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te preg\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ti
psihic pentru ceea ce te a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu va fi u\uc1 \u351 ?or,
dar toat\uc1 \u259 ? familia te sus\uc1 \u355 ?ine. Se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i cobor\uc1
\u238 ? vocea. Pentru moment, voi l\uc1 \u259 ?sa deoparte considera\uc1 \u355 ?
iile de ordin personal \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? voi concentra s\uc1 \u259 ? te
refac, buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ic\uc1 \u259 ? cu buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ic\uc1 \u259 ?. Voi fi al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de tine p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vei fi mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? de rezultatul opera\uc1
\u355 ?iei estetice, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i promit, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt dator pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i-ai salvat via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Mandy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? nege din cap tot ce-i spunea el, dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Nu se
putea mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca. Orice efort de a vorbi cu tubu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l infiltrat
pe g\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?i provoca dureri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Era din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai frustrat\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit sora \uc1 \u351 ?i I-a obligat s\uc1 \u259 ? plece. C\uc1
\u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i-a luat m\uc1 \u238 ?na de pe um\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei s-a
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
sit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sora i-a dat un
narcotic, \uc1 \u238 ?l sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?n vene, dar lupta cu
ame\uc1 \u355 ?eala pe care i-o provoca. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, era mai puternic
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ea \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? a }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 +r}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? i se
supun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, m\uc1
\u259 ? auzi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea gemu. Sedativul
o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? se simt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrit\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? putere, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? singurele
celule vii din corpul ei erau \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n creier, iar restul era
mort.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj
\li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23
\cf1 - Carole? vocea era aproape de urechea ei bandajat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
care se numea Rutledge, i-ar fi recunoscut vocea. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai amintea
dac\uc1 \u259 ? a plecat. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia cine vorbea cu ea acum. Nu dorea s\uc1
\u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ? vocea aceea. Nu era bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?, ca a
domnului Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ar\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?i deloc bine \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai po\uc1 \u355
?i muri. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? te hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? mori, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i
treac\uc1 \u259 ? prin cap s\uc1 \u259 ? faci confesiuni pe patul de moarte, chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei fi \uc1 \u238 ?n stare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1
\u238 ?ntreba dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva viseaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Speriat\uc1 \u259 ?,
deschise ochiul. Ca de obicei, camera era puternic luminat\uc1 \u259 ?. Aparatul
pentru respirat zumz\uc1 \u259 ?ia constant. Persoana care \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbea nu
era \uc1 \u238 ?n raza ei vizual\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea, dar
nu-l vedea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndoi s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem amesteca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n treaba asta. Iar tu ai
intrat prea tare, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? mai po\uc1 \u355 ?i da \uc1 \u238 ?napoi,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nici s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i treac\uc1 \u259 ?
prin cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un rezultat s\uc1 \u259 ? scape de ame\uc1 \u355 ?
eal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dezorientare. Persoana r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nea
doar o prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o form\uc1
\u259 ? distinct\uc1 \u259 ? - o voce sinistr\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? trup.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu va ajunge s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i exercite mandatul.}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Accidentul acesta de avion a fost o }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
rnic\uc1 \u259 ? problem\uc1 \u259 ?, dar noi .\uc1 \u238 ?l putem folosi \uc1
\u238 ?n avantajul nostru, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ,nu intri \uc1 \u238 ?n panic\uc1
\u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? auzi? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dac\uc1
\u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din asta, o lu\uc1 \u259 ?m de unde am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas. Nu
va exista niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? un senator}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Yate
Rutledge. Va muri \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ea }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochiul, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? ascund\uc1 \u259 ? panica din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai
mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? auzi, Carole. Nu te preface c\uc1 \u259 ? nu po\uc1 \u355 ?
i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? alte c\uc1
\u238 ?teva minute ea redeschise ochiul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l roti c\uc1
\u238 ?t putu de mult. Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe nimeni,
dar sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? vizitatorul ei a plec}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 at.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au mai trecut c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva minute, m\uc1 \u259 ?surate de zgomotul ritmic \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebunitor al aparatului de respirat. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ntre somn \uc1 \u351 ?i
realitate, lupt\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu efectele calmantului \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
dezorientarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La scurt timp a
venit o sor\uc1 \u259 ?, i-a controlat tubul \uc1 \u351 ?i presiunea s\uc1 \u238 ?
ngelui. Comportament de rutin\uc1 \u259 ?. Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar
fi fost cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?, sora ar fi \uc1 \u351 ?tiut.
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? de starea pacientei ei, sora plec\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? adoarm\uc1 \u259 ? din nou, era convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a
fost doar un vis ur\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\b1 \fs28 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea la fereastra camerei de hotel, privind circula\uc1 \u355 ?ia de
pe autostrad\uc1 \u259 ?. Luminile se reflectau \uc1 \u238 ?n asfaltul ud, l\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u238 ?ndu urme albe \uc1 \u351 ?i ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\itap0 \fs20
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd auzi u\uc1 \u351 ?a deschiz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se
\uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lui, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse pe c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u238 ?
ie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i salut\uc1 \u259 ? fratele.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am sunat la camera ta acum
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute, spuse. Unde ai fost?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am
b\uc1 \u259 ?ut o bere la bar. Joac\uc1 \u259 ? Spurs cu Lakers.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am uitat. Cine bate?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuta'dintre spr\uc1 \u238 ?ncenele
fratelui indica stupiditatea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tata nu a venit?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cl\uc1
\u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ?'din cap, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? perdeaua s\uc1 \u259 ?
cad\uc1 \u259 ? la locul ei \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1
\u259 ? de fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-e o}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 foame de lup, spuse Jack. \uc1 \u354 ?ie nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-e
foame?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259
? da. Nu am avut timp s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc la asta.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
fotoliu \uc1 \u351 ?i se frec\uc1 \u259 ? la ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu le faci nici un serviciu lui Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n primul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd de
tine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs23 \dbch
groaznic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu glumesc
deloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
tiu, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i gratul\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351
?i fratele cu un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet obosit. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti plin de candoare \uc1
\u351 ?i total lipsit de tact. De aceea s\uc1 \u238 ?nt eu politician \uc1 \u351 ?i
tu nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - "Politician" nu
este un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nt potrivit, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? \uc1 \u350 ?tii doar c\uc1
\u259 ? Eddie nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i permite s\uc1 \u259 ?-l folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici chiar \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
prieteni \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n familie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i po\uc1 \u355 ?i forma un obicei prost. Mai bine
nu-l folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti deloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, tu
nu cedezi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerc doar s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? capul, ru\uc1 \u351 ?
inat ,de izbucnirea lui nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, spuse, juc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se cu
telecomanda televizorului, l-am spus Carolei
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul despre fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - l-ai spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack Rutledge se
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea patului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i sprijini cotul de genunchi. Spre deosebire de fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u, era
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu un costum, c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ? alb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cravat\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiind totu\uc1 \u351 ?i
destul de t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta cam sifonat, cravata era larg\uc1
\u259 ? la g\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?necile c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ii erau suflecate. Pantalonii erau \uc1 \u351 ?ifona\uc1 \u355 ?
i la genunchi, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? mai toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse p}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 e scaun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum a
reac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-ai spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De unde naiba vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu? murmur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nu se vede dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ochiul drept, l-au curs
lacrimi \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngea. Cunosc\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o foarte bine, nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
imaginez dec\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? sub toate bandajele alea este
isteric\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? se
mi\uc1 \u351 ?te, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ar alerga pe coridoarele spitalului,
url\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Tu ce-ai face \uc1 \u238 ?n locul ei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i studie-m\uc1 \u238 ?inile,
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se parc\uc1 \u259 ? la ce ar sim\uc1 \u355 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ?
acestea ar fi arse \uc1 \u351 ?i bandajate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi
c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te accidentul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a dat semne c\uc1 \u259 ? da, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt sigur c\uc1 \u238 ?t de muit \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?
te. Am renun\uc1 \u355 ?at la am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte, i-am spus doar c\uc1 \u259 ?
ea \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?i doisprezece au}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Au
spus la jurnalul din seara asta c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai
\uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? adune r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i ale
corpurilor, str\uc1 \u259 ?duindu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? le identifice.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e citise am\uc1
\u259 ?nuntele \uc1 \u238 ?n ziar. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? relat\uc1 \u259 ?rile
reporterului, era o imagine de co\uc1 \u351 ?mar. Hollywoodul nu va putea realiza
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? un film mai \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor dec\uc1 \u238 ?t realitatea
cercetat\uc1 \u259 ? acum de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea c\uc1 \u259 ?
Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole ar fi putut fi buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de trup
uman, lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i tremura stomacul. Nu putea dormi
noaptea la g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul acesta. Fiecare sinistru avea o ppveste. Fiecare
anun\uc1 \u355 ? mortuar era amar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1
\u259 ? numele lui Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i al Carolei pe lista disp\uc1 \u259 ?
ru\uc1 \u355 ?ilor: }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "So\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i feti\uc1
\u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u238 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? de trei ani, ale candidatului
pentru postul de senator, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge, se num\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? printre victimele accidentului zborului 398".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar soarta a vrut altfel. Ele nu au murit. Di}{\fs23 \dbch
n pricina curajului inexph'cabil al Carolei, ele au sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat cu via\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule,
plou\uc1 \u259 ? cu g\uc1 \u259 ?leata!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Vocea
lui Nelson r\uc1 \u259 ?sun\uc1 \u259 ? strident \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea
din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce intra cu o cutie de pizza pe un um\uc1
\u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i scutura umbrela, cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?
ntem mor\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i de foame, spuse Jack.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am venit c\uc1 \u238 ?t am
putut de repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Miroase grozav,
tat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce bei? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e, \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se spre un mic frigider pe care-l adusese mama
sa \uc1 \u238 ?n prima sear\uc1 \u259 ? petrecut\uc1 \u259 ? acolo. Bere sau ceva
mai slab?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu pizza?
Bere. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Jack?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum merg
treburile la spital?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-a spus Carolei
cum arat\uc1 \u259 ?, zise Jack \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca \uc1 \u354 ?\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh? Nelson ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
o margine de pizza \uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? cu poft\uc1 \u259 ?.
Cu gura plin\uc1 \u259 ? murmur\uc1 \u259 ?: e\uc1 \u351 ?ti sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? ai
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?n
locul ei, c.\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce naiba-i cu mine, tu
n-ai vrea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson lu\uc1 \u259 ? o
gur\uc1 \u259 ? de bere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum se
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea mama c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai plecat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Epuizat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am rugat-o s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? la hotel \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? lase pe mine cu Mandy ast\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1
\u259 ?, dar mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n rutin\uc1 \u259 ? de
acum \uc1 \u351 ?i de dragul lui Mandy nu vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? plece.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta \uc1 \u355 ?i-a spus \uc1
\u355 ?ie, zise Nelson. Dar probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? te-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u351
?i a hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? tu ai mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? nevoie
de un somn bun, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ea. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cel epuizat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a i-am spus
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu, zise Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? pizza o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? readuc\uc1 \u259 ? la via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in umor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu trece cu
vederea sfaturile noastre, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?l preveni Nelson
cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nare. Nu-\uc1
\u355 ?i po\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tatea \uc1 \u238
?n voia soartei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am nici cea
mai mic\uc1 \u259 ? inten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?i salut\uc1 \u259 ? cu cutia
de bere, lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi spuse solemn: Acum c\uc1 \u259 ?
Carole este con\uc1 \u351 ?tient\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce o
a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? simt mai bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ? fie al naibii de greu. Pentru toat\uc1
\u259 ? lumea, coment\uc1 \u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1
\u259 ? bucur c\uc1 \u259 ? ai adus vorba, Jack. \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se \uc1 \u351 ?terse cu un \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?el
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu curaj \uc1 \u238 ?n
g\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? mai a\uc1 \u351 ?
tept \uc1 \u351 ?ase ani pentru candidatur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde a fost o anima\uc1 \u355 ?ie}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 suspect\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul mesei, apoi
Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi odat\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l acopere pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i lua o astfel de hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re, p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? nu vezi cum decurge opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i cum r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?ne cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? munca noastr\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt
prea mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni care conteaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe tine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te'g\uc1 \u238 ?
nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?i acum, fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ioare. La aceste alegeri mergem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile pentru lini\uc1 \u351 ?te.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i
doar c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult mi-o doresc. Dumnezeule, nu mi-am dorit dec\uc1 \u238 ?
t s\uc1 \u259 ? fac parte din legislativ. Dar nu pot sacrifica s\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?tatea familiei pentru nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n lume, nici chiar pentru
cariera mea politic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole nu
merit\uc1 \u259 ? din partea ta o asemenea grij\uc1 \u259 ?. Ochii t\uc1 \u259 ?
io\uc1 \u351 ?i ai lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnir\uc1 \u259 ? pe ai fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 so\uc1
\u355 ?ia }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mea, spuse el plat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Urm\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1 \u259 ? pauz\uc1 \u259 ?
profund\uc1 \u259 ?. Tu\uc1 \u351 ?ind, Nelson zise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
Carole tot timpul c\uc1 \u238 ?t va trece prin asemenea chinuri. Este admirabil din
partea ta s\uc1 \u259 ? te g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?i la ea \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi la cariera ta politic\uc1 \u259 ?. De la tine
m\uc1 \u259 ? pot a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta la o asemenea lips\uc1 \u259 ? de egoism.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mai
elocvent, Nelson se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? peste pizza f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?
mi\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? pe mas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dar, aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te-\uc1 \u355 ?i doar c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult \uc1
\u351 ?i-a dorit Carole s\uc1 \u259 ? arunci m\uc1 \u259 ?nu\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1
\u238 ?n ring. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi grozav de dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? te retragi din curs\uc1 \u259 ? din cauza ei. Teribil de
dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?, repet\uc1 \u259 ? el t\uc1 \u259 ?ind aerul cu
degetul ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?tor. \uc1 \u350 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? privim
lucrurile dintr-un punct de vedere neutru, acest nefericit accident ne poate fi de
fo}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 los. Ne face publicitate gratuit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Dezgustat de remarc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e arunc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?elul \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch
se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? de pe scaun. Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute se plimb\uc1
\u259 ? agitat prin camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
discutat cumva problema cu Eddy? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a spus exact acela\uc1
\u351 ?i lucru azi diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd l}{\fs23
\cf1 -am sunat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581
Este directorul t\uc1 \u259 ?u de campanie. Jack era palid la g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul
c\uc1 \u259 ? fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u va renun\uc1 \u355 ?a la campania
electoral\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca aceasta s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nceap\uc1 \u259 ? efectiv. El este pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit s\uc1 \u259 ? te sf\uc1
\u259 ?tuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259
? spui, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? te vad\uc1
\u259 ? senator al Statelor Unite, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum dorim \uc1 \u351 ?i noi, iar
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui nu are nici o leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu banii pe
care \uc1 \u238 ?i ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind
\uc1 \u238 ?ncurajator, Nelson se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l lovi
prietene\uc1 \u351 ?te pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vei participa la alegerile
din noiembrie. Carole ar fi fost prima care }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajeze \uc1 \u238 ?n acest sens}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf3 .}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e nesigur. Am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pot
bizui pe ajutorul vostru necalificat, \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele luni
m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? destul stres.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai ajutorul nostru, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, confirm\uc1
\u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar voi avea
\uc1 \u351 ?i lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerea
necesare atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu voi putea fi \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ?
locuri deodat\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i privi pe
r\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Voi \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca tot posibilul s\uc1 \u259 ? nu sacrific o
responsabilitate celeilalte, dar nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt dec\uc1 \u238 ?t un om.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vom umple noi golurile, \uc1
\u238 ?l asigur\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i ce a mai spus Eddy? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Jack, u\uc1 \u351 ?
urat de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? trecuse criza.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A
adunat voluntari pentru expedierea chestionarelor, la sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
itul s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dar despre apari\uc1 \u355 ?iile publice, ce a spus? A mai programat ceva?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Un discurs la un liceu din
vale. l-am spus s\uc1 \u259 ?-l}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 anuleze.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Copiii de liceu
nu voteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu
luciditate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar
voteaz\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor. \uc1 \u350 ?i avem nevoie de
mexicanii din vale, de partea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?i avem de partea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu lua nimic drept absolut sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu iau, spu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,
dar acum trec printr-unul din acele momente, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?resc priorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile. Carole
\uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?mi vor consuma mult timp. Va trebui s\uc1 \u259
? fiu foarte selectiv. Fiecare discurs va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? mult \uc1 \u351 ?i nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? elevii de liceu
merit\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 efortul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate, interveni Nelson cu diploma\uc1 \u355 ?
ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajeze, dar nu-i p\uc1 \u259 ?sa.
Era obosit, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea dec\uc1
\u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se culce \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce
s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu tactul de care mai era \uc1 \u238 ?n stare,
transmise ideea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui \uc1 \u351 ?i fratejui s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce-i
conducea spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Jack se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i-
l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a st\uc1 \u238 ?ngaci.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1
\u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? te-am nec\uc1 \u259 ?jit \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta. \uc1
\u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? ai foarte multe griji pe cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? nec\uc1 \u259 ?je\uc1 \u351 ?
ti tu, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngra\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
lenevesc. Contez pe b\uc1 \u259 ?taia de cap pe care mi-o dai tu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i
arunc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul cuceritor destinat campaniei electorale.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
ave\uc1 \u355 ?i nimic \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am
s\uc1 \u259 ? plec acas\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine, spuse Jack. Trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? fie cineva \uc1 \u351 ?i acolo. .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum
mai s\uc1 \u238 ?nt treburile acas\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Ne}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 lson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bune.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu prea erau bune c\uc1
\u238 ?nd am fost eu acas\uc1 \u259 ? ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiica ta, Francine,
nu s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat mai multe zile ia r\uc1 \u238 ?nd, iar so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
ta... doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u238 ?n ce stare este. Ridic\uc1 \u259 ? un deget
acuzator spre fiu! s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Lucrurile se termin\uc1 \u259 ? prost c\uc1
\u238 ?nd un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i exercit\uc1 \u259 ? autoritatea
asupra familiei, cum faci tu. Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e - cum faci \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, c\uc1 \u259 ? veni vorba. Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi v-
a\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sat nevestele s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259
? de cap. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse din nou spre Jack. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o aju\uc1
\u355 ?i pe Dorothy Rae, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? fie prea t\uc1 \u238 ?
rzi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? alegeri, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Jack st\uc1 \u238 ?njenit.
Privindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i fratele, ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ? - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai
nevoie de mine, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt doar la o or\uc1 \u259 ? distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc,
Jack. Te sun \uc1 \u238 ?n func\uc1 \u355 ?ie de evenimente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-a spus cumva doctorul c\uc1 \u238 ?nd exact vor
face opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?
nai}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 nte de a elimina orice risc de infec\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Inhalarea
fumului i-a afectat pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nii, s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
nevoi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni. Pentru el este o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?
dilem\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? prea mult, oasele
fe\uc1 \u355 ?ei vor \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? se vindece \uc1 \u238 ?n forma
\uc1 \u238 ?n care s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ac}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 um.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule! strig\uc1 \u259 ? Jack, apoi cu o not\uc1 \u259 ?
fals\uc1 \u259 ? de optimism, ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?: Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? o
salu\uc1 \u355 ?i din partea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i din partea lui Dorothy Rae \uc1
\u351 ?i a lui Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - li voi transmite.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?
spre camera lui, Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?
rzie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . - Am vorbit cu Zee,}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 azi diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce
Mandy dormea, a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.
Zee mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? Carole arat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?
tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Umerii largi ai lui \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ?zur\uc1 \u259 ? dispera\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. Sper di i suflet ca chirurgul
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce face.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?i puse o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe umeri, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncurajator. O clip\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u238 ?na lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
acoperi pe cea a tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doctorul Sawyer, chirurgul, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ast\uc1
\u259 ?zi o imagine video. A reprodus electronic chipul Carolei, pe un monitor,
pornind de la fotografiile pe care i le-am dat. A ie\uc1 \u351 ?it o imagine
remarcabil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i
el }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 cre.de }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? va putea reproduce
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine video \uc1 \u238 ?n opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia facial\uc1 \u259
??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a crede. Mi-a
mai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vor exista c\uc1 \u238 ?teva inexactit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?i, dar cele mai multe vor fi \uc1 \u238 ?n avantajul ei. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e r\uc1 \u238 ?se ironic. Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-i plac\uc1 \u259 ? ideea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
termin\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? povestea asta, o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost cea mai norocoas\uc1 \u259 ? femeie din
America, spuse Nelson cu dptimismu-i molipsitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea la singurul
ochi disponibil, inflamat, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i acela\uc1 \u351 ?i cafeniu
dintotdeauna, care \uc1 \u238 ?l privise cu groaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreba dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i este fric\uc1 \u259 ? de moarte sau \uc1 \u238
?i este mai fric\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea-i uluitoare pe care a folosit-o numai
\uc1 \u238 ?n avantajul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson \uc1
\u238 ?i ur\uc1 \u259 ? noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n camera lui. Cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?nduri, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nchise televizorul \uc1 \u351 ?i lumina, se dezbr\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se strecur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat.
Fulgere scurte p\uc1 \u259 ?trundeau prin draperii, lumin\uc1 \u238 ?nd camera.
Tunete se auzeau \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirii, scutur\uc1 \u238 ?nd
ferestrele. Privea formele l\uc1 \u259 ?sate de flashurile de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
ochi usca\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar fermi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu s-au s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a plecat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din pricina cert}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 urilor
recente, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei a fost mult\uc1 \u259 ? tensiune \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima
vreme. Carole era ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare s\uc1 \u259 ? plece pentru
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile, s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
turi la Dallas. Au ajuns la aeroport destul de devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i au avut timp
pentru o cafea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din gre\uc1
\u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, Mandy a v\uc1 \u259 ?rsat oranjad\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23
\cf1 pe rochie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ca de obicei,
Carole a reac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat violent, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?eau din
cafenea, \uc1 \u351 ?tergea petele de pe rochia feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i o certa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru Dumnezeu, Carole, nici nu se vede}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nimic, i-a spus el.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eu }{\fs22
\cf1 v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci nu te mai
uita.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A aruncat spre so\uc1 \u355 ?
ul ei o privire \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrit\uc1 \u259 ?, care nu-l mai impresiona. El a
luat feti\uc1 \u355 ?a de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a condus-o spre
poarta de \uc1 \u238 ?mbarcare, povestindu-i c\uc1 \u238 ?te lucruri noi va vedea
la Dallas. La poart\uc1 \u259 ? s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat pe genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i a
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, iubito.
O s\uc1 \u259 ?-}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mi aduci un cadou c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -\uc1 \u238 ?mi
dai voie, mami?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur, a
r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns Carole rece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Sigur, a repetat Mandy fericit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Abia
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept. \uc1 \u350 ?i a mai \uc1 \u238 ?rnbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o o dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n
picioare, a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o pe Carole}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dac\uc1
\u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd decoleaz\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 avionul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i nevoie, i-a
spus ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu au mai discutat, dar el a
avut grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? verifice dac\uc1 \u259 ? au toate bagajele.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci ne vedem mar\uc1
\u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? nu
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzii s\uc1 \u259 ? ne iei, strig\uc1 \u259 ? Carole
\uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui, tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259
? pe Mandy spre poarta unde se verificau biletele. Nu-mi place s\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nainte
de a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rea, Mandy s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a f\uc1 \u259
?cut din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu a privit
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi. M\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i arogant\uc1 \u259 ?,
a plecat direct spre avion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? de aceea singurul ei ophi exprima at\uc1 \u238 ?ta nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te.
Fundamentul arogan\uc1 \u355 ?ei Carolei - \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?area sa - fusese demolat de soart\uc1 \u259 ?. Dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uise}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna ur\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
enia. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? lacrimile nu au fost pentru cei care au murit, cum a
crezut el la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? erau numai pentru ea. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? fi murit,
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fie desfigurat\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
este}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1
numai temporar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cunosc\uc1 \u238 ?
nd-o pe Carole, nimic nu l-ar fi surprins.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?irul lung de asisten\uc1 \u355 ?i ai judec\uc1 \u259 ?torului
Districtului Bexar, Grayson era printre ultimii. Poate de aceea verifica \uc1 \u351
?i reverifica toate informa\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a le transmite
\uc1 \u351 ?efului s\uc1 \u259 ?u direct.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai un
minut, \uc1 \u351 ?efule?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat obosit \uc1 \u351 ?i cu chef de ceart\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un \uc1 \u351 ?ort de
cauciuc \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
nu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o privire ur\uc1 \u238 ?
cioas\uc1 \u259 ?, peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce
mai vrei? O rund\uc1 \u259 ? de golf?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu,
altceva,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce? \uc1 \u350 ?eful se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre gr\uc1 \u259 ?mada din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa,}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 care fusese un corp uman.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Implantul dentar al lui
Avery Daniels, spuse Grayson. Victima de la num\uc1 \u259 ?rul optzeci \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?apte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost deja
identificat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i autopsiat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?eful mai
consult\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? graficul de pe perete, pentru a fi sigur.
Numele ei era t\uc1 \u259 ?iat cu o linie ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Da!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, dar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu are rude \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Un prieten de
familie a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 identificat- o
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar implanturile...}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?iete,
se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti \uc1 \u351 ?eful aspru, eu am corpuri f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? capete, m\uc1 \u238 ?ini sau picioare. \uc1 \u350 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? preseaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le identific \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea
asta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? cineva}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a fost identificat
categoric, autopsiat \uc1 \u351 ?i declarat clasat, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai bate la
cap cu documente ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Grayson puse la loc \uc1 \u238 ?n plic, cli\uc1 \u351 ?eele
dentare si \uc1 \u238 ?l arunc\uc1 \u259 ? la co\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ul de
gunoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Bine, bine.
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp, mai du-te la dracu'. - Sigur, cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Numai
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i identific pe \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia. Grayson ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
din umeir. Nu-l pl\uc1 \u259 ?teau s-o fac\uc1 \u259 ? pe Tracy. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nimeni nu d\uc1 \u259 ?dea doi bani pe o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1
inadverten\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de date, de ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pese lui? Se
concentra pe ce mai avea de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i vremea p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?n doliu.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A plouat \uc1 \u238
?n ziua \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rii lui Avery Daniels. Cu o
noapte \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, o furtun\uc1 \u259 ? a b\uc1 \u238 ?ntuit dealurile
texane. Diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, tot ce mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese \uc1
\u238 ?ntreg ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta mizerabil, rece \uc1 \u351 ?i cenu\uc1 \u351 ?iu.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu capul desco}{\fs23 \dbch
perit, nelu\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? vremea, Irish McCabe
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? sicriu. Insistase s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobit cu trandafiri galbeni, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? ei \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti
trandafiri.}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 }{\fs23
\cf1 Florile p\uc1 \u259 ?reau luxuriante \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
b\uc1 \u259 ?teau joc de moarte, \uc1 \u238 ?l consola g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul acesta.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Obrajii}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\uc1 \u238 ?i erau sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi. Nasul,
traversat de vini\uc1 \u351 ?oare, era mai ro\uc1 \u351 ?u ca de obicei, de\uc1
\u351 ?i nu mai b\uc1 \u259 ?use \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l
s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ise mereu cu asta, spun\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i c\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?utura nu-i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea bine la ficat, la tensiune \uc1 \u351 ?i
la opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i pe
Van Lovejoy l-a s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i bine s\uc1 \u259 ?
ia prea multe medicamente, cu alcool, dar el a venit la \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u238
?ntare mirosind a coniac \uc1 \u351 ?i a fumat tot drumul p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? ia capel\uc1 \u259 ?. Cravata neglijent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
demodat\uc1 \u259 ? era o concesie pentru solemnitatea la care participa \uc1 \u351
?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta clar c\uc1 \u259 ? o pre\uc1 \u355 ?uise mult pe Avery, mai
mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i din anturajul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i nu-l vedeau cu
ochi mai buni pe Van Levejoy. Avery se num\uc1 \u259 ?rase printre pu\uc1 \u355 ?
inii care reu\uc1 \u351 ?eau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l suporte. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd reporterul
desemnat s\uc1 \u259 ?. relateze tragica ei dispari\uc1 \u355 ?ie l-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat pe Van dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? .filmeze, fotograful i-a aruncat
o privire dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitoare, a aruncat aparatul video \uc1 \u351 ?i a
plecat,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
spun\uc1 \u259 ? un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Felul acesta necioplit de a se exprima era
ceva caracteristic pentru Van \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp,
era motivul principal al izol\uc1 \u259 ?rii sale fat\uc1 \u259 ? "de ceilal\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
terminarea ceremoniei, asisten\uc1 \u355 ?a a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tie, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i loc spre ma\uc1 \u351 ?inile parcate pe paji\uc1 \u351 ?te, numai
Van a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? morm\uc1 \u238 ?nt. P\uc1
\u259 ?str\uc1 \u238 ?nd o distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? discret\uc1 \u259 ?,
muncitorii de la cimitir a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau s\uc1 \u259 ? termine treaba, pentru a
se putea retrage la^\uc1 \u259 ?idur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Van era un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat de vreo patruzeci de ani, costeliv, cu stomacul
lipit de trup \uc1 \u351 ?i oasele omopla\uc1 \u355 ?ilor foarte proeminente. P\uc1
\u259 ?rul rar c\uc1 \u259 ?dea drept pe umeri, destul de lung, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncadr\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i fa\uc1 \u355 ?a supt\uc1 \u259 ?. Era un hippie \uc1 \u238 ?
mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?nit, care nu trecuse de^moda anilor \uc1 \u351 ?
aizeci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 In contrast cu el,
Irish era scund \uc1 \u351 ?i robust. Van p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? poate fi
luat de cea mai u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? boare de v\uc1 \u238 ?nt, dar Irish
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea bine plantat pe picioare. Pe c\uc1 \u238 ?t de diferi\uc1 \u355 ?i
p\uc1 \u259 ?reau unul fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt, pe at\uc1
\u238 ?t de mult se reflectau unul pe altul, prin expresia din priviri. Totu\uc1
\u351 ?i, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Irish p\uc1 \u259 ?rea mai profund\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu un gest de compasiune, care
nu-i era caracteristic, Van puse o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? uscat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
um\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hai s\uc1
\u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ?m amarul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Irish accept\uc1 \u259 ? tacit. P\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, lu\uc1 \u259 ? un boboc de trandafir, apoi se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?, urmat de Van. Pic\uc1 \u259 ?turile
de ploaie \uc1 \u238 ?i biciuiau fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, dar ei nu iu\uc1 \u355 ?i pasul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu, uh, am venit cu o
ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse chiar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajunse l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? vii cu mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish privi spre ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina ruginit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581
\cf1 - Merg cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?du
drumul \uc1 \u351 ?oferului \uc1 \u351 ?i urc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1
\u351 ?ina lui Van. Interiorul era chiar mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
exteriorul. Scaunul}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 g\uc1 \u259 ?urit era
acoperit }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 gu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 un prosop de plaj\uc1
\u259 ?, iar cabina mirosea a marijuana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van
urc\uc1 \u259 ? pe locul \uc1 \u351 ?oferului \uc1 \u351 ?i porni motorul, \uc1
\u238 ?n timp ce ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina se \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzea, aprinse o
\uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, cu degetele p\uc1 \u259 ?tate de
nicotin\uc1 \u259 ?, i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse lui Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva momente se r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi, lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?igara
\uc1 \u351 ?i inhala ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc. Avery reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
conving\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se lase de fumat. De multe luni nu a mai pus \uc1
\u355 ?igara \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum fumul de tutun \uc1 \u238 ?i
umplea gura \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce bun este, oft\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i inhala din nou.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde mergem? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van, aprinz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u355 ?
igar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Undeva unde nu
ne cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te nimeni. Cred c-o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? dau \uc1
\u238 ?n spectacol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe mine m\uc1
\u259 ? cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu mai spuse c\uc1 \u259 ? se d\uc1 \u259 ?dea foarte des
\uc1 \u238 ?n spectacol, \uc1 \u238 ?n cam toate restaurantele. Porni ma\uc1
\u351 ?ina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?teva
minute mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, Van \uc1 \u238 ?l invita pe Irish pe o u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de vinilin, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bomb\uc1 \u259 ? de la periferia
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne
controleaz\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, se asigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai arme.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259
? nu ai, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i dau ei? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? Irish
s\uc1 \u259 ? glumeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Atmosfera era sordid\uc1 \u259 ?. S*-au a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
separeu izolat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat. Clien\uc1 \u355 ?ii erau la fel
de afuma\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?mpile din tavan. P\uc1 \u259 ?
ianjenii erau reziden\uc1 \u355 ?i permanen\uc1 \u355 ?i. O senorita goal\uc1 \u259
? le z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea dintre catifelele negre pe care fusese pictat\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n contrast cu atmosfera mohor\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, muzica
vesel\uc1 \u259 ? mexican\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?suna din boxe. Van ceru o
sticl\uc1 \u259 ? de scotch.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc ceva, murmur\uc1 \u259
? Irish, nu prea conving\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nd barmanul le arunc\uc1 \u259 ? neceremonios sticla
\uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? pahare, Van comand\uc1 \u259 ? ceva de m\uc1 \u238 ?
ncare pentru Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu trebuia,
obiect\uc1 \u259 ? Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cameramanul
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri, umpl\uc1 \u238 ?nd paharele.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nevast\uc1 \u259 ?-sa g\uc1 \u259 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?te, dac\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nci des aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Uneori, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse Van}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , la fel de laconic.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sosi \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238
?ncarea, dar, numai dup\uc1 \u259 ?^c\uc1 \u238 ?teva \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?
ituri, Irish hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i mai este foame,
\uc1 \u238 ?mpinjse farfuria \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? paharul. Prima \uc1 \u238
?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?itur\uc1 \u259 ? fu ca o flac\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? care-i
biciui stomacul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inu respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar cu experien\uc1 \u355 ?a
unui b\uc1 \u259 ?utor consacrat \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i reveni repede \uc1 \u351
?i mai lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ?. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i
erau plini de lacrimi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi fie al naibii de dor de ea, spuse juc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se cu paharul pe
masa soioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u351 ?
i mie. Era s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?itoare, dar nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na nici pe
departe cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Melodia}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se termin\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu mai puse nimeni o alt\uc1
\u259 ? moned\uc1 \u259 ?, ceea ce pentru Irish fu o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1
\u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urare. Muzica jignea doliul din sufletul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, mie mi-a fost ca o
fiic\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Irish retoric. Van continua s\uc1 \u259 ? fumeze,
aprinz\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? de la}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ziua c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a n\uc1
\u259 ?scut. Eram la spital \uc1 \u351 ?i transpiram \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
cu taic\uc1 \u259 ?-s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Ne foiam nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?
teptam. Acum va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi amintesc, ziua c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a murit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 D\uc1 \u259 ?du pe g\uc1 \u238
?t paharul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l umplu din nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, nici prin cap nu mi-a trecut c\uc1 \u259 ?
s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it avionul ei. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeam
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t la afurisita de poveste \uc1 \u351 ?i la senza\uc1 \u355 ?ional.
Am fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de t\uc1 \u238 ?mpit, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t am trimis
\uc1 \u351 ?i un fotograf acolo. O programasem pentru}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
reportaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hei, b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u238 ?ne, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?ceai doar meseria. Nu
aveai de unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Irish privi fix con\uc1 \u355 ?inutul aro}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mat al paharului.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A trebuit vreodat\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? identifici un cadavru, Van? Nu a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul. Erau cu toate aliniate, ca la... oft\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238
?nc. Doamne! Eu nu am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul, dar a\uc1 \u351 ?a
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un sac de plastic, cu fermoar.
Nu mai avea p\uc1 \u259 ?r, fusese ars. \uc1 \u350 ?i pielea, Dumnezeule mare! \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi ochii cu groaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Printre degete se
prelingeau lacrimi. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram eu, ea nu ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?n
avionul acela.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hei, ojnule! Cu
aceste cuvinte, Van \uc1 \u351 ?i-a epuizat repertoriul, \uc1 \u238 ?i mai turn\uc1
\u259 ? un pahar lui Irish, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aprinse
o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse \uc1 \u238 ?n
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Pentru el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti
marijuana. Irish inhala din \uc1 \u355 ?igara lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ? maic\uc1
\u259 ?-sa nu a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n halul \uc1
\u259 ?sta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu ar fi \uc1 \u355 ?inut medalionul \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, nu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u351 ?tiut c\uc1 \u259 ? este
Avery. Stomacul i se revolt\uc1 \u259 ? din nou la imagine. Nu credeam c\uc1
\u259 ? voi spune asta vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar s\uc1 \u238 ?nt bucuros c\uc1 \u259
? Rosemary Daniels nu mai este \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. O mam\uc1
\u259 ? nu suport\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i vad\uc1 \u259 ?
copilul \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea stare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish
mai privi un timp paharul, apoi ridic\uc1 \u259 ? ochii \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?
crima\uc1 \u355 ?i spre tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu am iubit-o... vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun, pe Rosemary. Mama lui Avery. Nu puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? ab\uc1 \u355 ?in. Cliff, tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei, era plecat mai tot timpul,
umbla pe toate coclaurile. De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori pleca m\uc1 \u259 ? ruga s\uc1
\u259 ? am grij\uc1 \u259 ? de ele. Era prietenul meu cel mai bun. Nu numai o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omor pentru asta. Mai lu\uc1 \u259 ? o
gur\uc1 \u259 ? din pahar. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Rosemary \uc1
\u351 ?tia asta, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu am vorbit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l
iubea pe Cliff. Eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish a
fost p\uc1 \u259 ?rintele surogat pentru Avery, de la}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?aptesprezece ani. Ciiff Daniels, fotograf renumit, a murit \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, dintr-un sat nesemnificativ din America
Central\uc1 \u259 ?. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u238 ?
lv\uc1 \u259 ?, Rosemary \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiat via\uc1 \u355 ?a, la
numai c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni dup\uc1 \u259 ?
moartea so\uc1 \u355 ?ului ei, p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sind-o pe Avery, l\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni apropiat, cu
excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish, constantul lor prieten de
familie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt la fel de
mult tat\uc1 \u259 ?! lui Avery, pe c\uc1 \u238 ?t a fost \uc1 \u351 ?i Cliff.
Poate mai mult. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au murit ai ei, ea a venit la mine. Tot la mine a
venit \uc1 \u351 ?i anul trecut, dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tura
cu D.C.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Putea s-o
\uc1 \u238 ?ncurce grozav atu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nci, dar era un reporter bun,
coment\uc1 \u259 ? Van, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un nor de fum dulceag.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este at\uc1 \u238 ?t de tragic
c\uc1 \u259 ? a murit cu ne\uc1 \u238 ?mplinirea asta pe con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tii, Avery nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci a gre\uc1 \u351 ?it.
Cel mai mult se temea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se repete. Cliff nu prea a fost l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie \uc1 \u351 ?i ea a \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat tot timpul s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice la nivelul renumelui lui. Nu am
discutat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? problema, continu\uc1 \u259 ? el moroc\uc1 \u259 ?
nos. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu eu. De aceea chestia din California a fost \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitoare pentru ea. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea foarte mult s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i recapete credibilitatea, stima. Timpul s-a terminat \uc1
\u351 ?i ea nu a mai avut nici o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ?. La naiba! A murit
convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este o epav\uc1 \u259 ? profesional\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatului de l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch
el atingea o coard\uc1 \u259 ? sensibil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul lui
Van." \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du silin\uc1 \u355 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
consol}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 eze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tii... despre problema cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?... despre sentimentele tale fa\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? de mama ei... Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i ai lui Irish se
focalizar\uc1 \u259 ? pe Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde \uc1
\u351 ?tii tu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a spus ea,
odat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o de c\uc1 \u238 ?t timp v\uc1 \u259 ?
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? exi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?n }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 memoria ei de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
se \uc1 \u351 ?tie. A ghicit c\uc1 \u259 ? ai iubit-o pe mama ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\u354 ?i s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? este sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ??
Adic\uc1 \u259 ? o deranja ideea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? pletele drepte. Irish
scoase bobocul de trandafir \uc1 \u351 ?i-i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie
petalele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, m\uc1
\u259 ? bucur. Le-am iubit pe am\uc1 \u238 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ?. Umerii \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i tresar\uc1 \u259 ?. Prinse trandafirul \uc1
\u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pumn.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, Doamne, ce dor o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fie de ea!}{\fs24
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? capul pe mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u238 ?nse
\uc1 \u238 ?n hohote, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce Van \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascund\uc1 \u259 ? propria durere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se trezi \uc1 \u351 ?
tiind exact cine este ea. De fapt nu uitase niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar medica\uc1
\u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i contuziile i-au dat o stare de confuzie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ieri - ori cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in a\uc1
\u351 ?a credea ea, c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost ieri, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i
cei care se apropiau de ea o salutau cu "bun\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a" -
fusese dezorientat\uc1 \u259 ?, ceea ce era de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles.
Ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise din incon\uc1 \u351 ?tien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
comatoz\uc1 \u259 ?, descoperise c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se putea mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca, nu
putea vorbi \uc1 \u351 ?i nu putea vedea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t pe o raz\uc1 \u259 ?
foarte limitat\uc1 \u259 ?, avea o stare care ar fi derutat pe oricine. Foarte rar
a fost bolnav\uc1 \u259 ?, niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? foarte serios, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de grav
r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? era pentru ea un \uc1 \u351 ?oc.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aparatele, cu lumina lor constant\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i activitatea}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
intens\uc1 \u259 ?, erau suficiente pentru a da peste cap}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 activitatea mental\uc1 \u259 ? a oricui. Dar ceea ce o uimea}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cu-adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe
Avery, era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea i se}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 . adresa cu un nume care nu era al ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cum de a ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? fie confundat\uc1 \u259 ? cu o
femeie al c\uc1 \u259 ?rei nume era Carole Rutledge? Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i domnul
Rutledge p\uc1 \u259 ?rea convins c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te cu so\uc1 \u355
?ia lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1
\u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? o cale de a-i comunica faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? era o
gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia cum \uc1 \u351 ?i asta o
\uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?nta \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Numele ei era Avery Daniels.
Era scris clar pe carnetul de conducere, pe legitima\uc1 \u355 ?ia de jurnalist, pe
toate actele din portmoneul ei, Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? au fost distruse \uc1
\u238 ?n accident, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Amint}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 iri din timpul accidentului \uc1 \u238 ?i mai creau \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 stare de panic\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
se mai g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la el pentru moment. O s\uc1 \u259 ? se
ocupe de asta mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va fi ref\uc1 \u259 ?
cut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259
? ce va clarifica confuzia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Unde era Irish? De
ce nu a venit s-o ajute?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
spunsul evident o tulbur\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot corpul \uc1 \u238 ?i reac\uc1 \u355 ?iona
de parc\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat cu electricitate. Era de
neconceput \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i extrem de evident. A fost luat\uc1 \u259
? drept doamna Rutledge, \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i credeau
c\uc1 \u259 ? doamna Rutledge tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, iar Avery Daniels a
murit}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagin\uc1 \u259 ? suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele prin care trecea
Irish. "Moartea" ei \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea o lovitur\uc1 \u259 ?
puternic\uc1 \u259 ?. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in pentru moment, nu
putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajute cu nimic. Nu! At\uc1 \u238 ?ta vreme c\uc1 \u238 ?t era
\uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nu era neajutorat\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se conce}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ntreze,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Recunoscu imediat
vocea. Ochiul umflat parc\uc1 \u259 ? mai d\uc1 \u259 ?duse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? acum putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ? limpede. Tr\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile at\uc1 \u238 ?t de neclare erau acum foarte distincte.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Spr\uc1 \u238 ?ncenele
stufoase se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lneau deasupra nasului drept. Avea o b\uc1
\u259 ?rbie hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, buzele ferme, dar sub\uc1
\u355 ?iri, cea de jos pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai groas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t cea
de sus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 1}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea, dar ea remarc\uc1 \u259 ? totu\uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu ochii. Nu sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea cu-adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul. Nu-i venea din suflet. \uc1 \u350 ?i Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? de ce oare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi s-a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai odihnit bine. Nu mai exist\uc1 \u259 ? semne de infec\uc1 \u355
?ie pulmonar\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta este o' veste grozav\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
aceasta, vocea aceasta. Nu de ieri, de mult timp, dar nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea de
unde-l cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te pe acest b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ma}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ma a
reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? piece pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de la Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i
vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? t}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e, va}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 d\uc1 \u259 ?.
Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un semn cuiva. Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? stai aici, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, altfel nu te vede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 O femeie de v\uc1 \u238 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? mijlocie, excep\uc1
\u355 ?ional de dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, se materializa \uc1 \u238
?n raza vizual\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Avery. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul moale al femeii avea o
nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? argintie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole. S\uc1 \u238 ?ntem cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii u\uc1 \u351 ?ura\uc1
\u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? evoluezi at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
ne-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? doctorii s\uc1 \u238 ?nt foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi\uc1
\u355 ?i de progresele pe care le faci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge! Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? da!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-i despre Mandy, mam\uc1 \u259 ?. Con\uc1 \u351 ?tiincios,
str\uc1 \u259 ?ina \uc1 \u238 ?i povesti ca unei str\uc1 \u259 ?ine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce aproape tot la micul dejun. Noaptea
trecut\uc1 \u259 ? i-au dat un sedativ \uc1 \u351 ?i a dormit mai bine. O
deranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ? ghipsul, dar este de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Este
iubit\uc1 \u259 ? de toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea de la pediatrie si-i
are pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i la degetul cel mic. Ochii i se umplur\uc1 \u259 ? de
lacrimi. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 desc la
ce...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
Rutledge \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a mama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar nu s-a
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu! Avery \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea c\uc1 \u259 ? pe Mandy Rutledge trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 o fi salvat atunci, \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea c\uc1 \u259 ? a auzit un strig\uc1 \u259 ?t de copil,
care \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca disperat s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i desfac\uc1 \u259 ?
centura. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a eliberat-o, a luat copilul speriat \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i cu ajutorul unui alt pasager a pornit prin fumul
dens spre ie\uc1 \u351 ?irea de urgen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a avut acel
copil \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, to\uc1 \u355 ?i au crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? este
doamna Rutledge. Dar asta Viu era tot - ele schimbaser\uc1 \u259 ? locuri}{\fs23
\cf1 le \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mintea ei \uc1
\u238 ?ncepea s\uc1 \u259 ? adune buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de amintiri, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti c\uc1 \u259 ? biletul ei avea locul de la geam, dar
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a sosit ea o femeie st\uc1 \u259 ?tea deja pe locul ei. Nu a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut caz de asta, s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe locul liber de l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? culoar. Copilul a stat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pe
iocul din mijloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Femeia avea
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul destul de lung \uc1 \u351 ?i ca \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery, tot ochi \uc1
\u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i la culoare. Sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau una cu alta. De fapt,
\uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarea de zbor, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostise de feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat care din ele este
mama \uc1 \u351 ?i care este m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a copilului, crez\uc1 \u238
?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery Daniels \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole Rutledge erau surori.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era desfigurat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu putea fi recunoscut\uc1 \u259 ?. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? doamna
Rutledge a ars \uc1 \u351 ?i nu a mai fost recunoscut\uc1 \u259 ?. Au identificat-o
doar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a salvat copilul \uc1 \u351 ?i lucrurile s-au aranjat
\uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t nimeni nu \uc1 \u351 ?
tia adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Dumnezeule! Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun\uc1 \u259 ?!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai bine te \uc1 \u238 ?
ntorci, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca Mandy s\uc1 \u259 ? se agite, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, spunea
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Spune-i c\uc1 \u259 ? vin \uc1 \u351 ?i eu imediat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La revedere, Carole, \uc1
\u238 ?i spuse femeia. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce va termina doctorul Swayer, vei fi tot at\uc1 \u238 ?t de dr\uc1 \u259 ?
gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cum ai fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nici 'ochii ei nu z\uc1 \u238 ?mbesc sincer, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi
Avery, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce femeia se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rta.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu uit,
spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e apropiindu-se de pat ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
poal\uc1 \u259 ? vedea, Eddy, tata \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
transmit salut\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? tata va veni la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?lnirea cu chirurgul plastic de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi dup\uc1 \u259 ?-
amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vede\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Jack a plecat acas\uc1 \u259 ? azi diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, continu\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ne\uc1 \u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ?
este \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat din pricina lui Dorothy Rae. Dumnezeu mai \uc1 \u351 ?
tie ce mai pune la cale}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .
Francy \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy au cooptat-o voluntar\uc1 \u259 ? la cartierul general al
alegerilor. }{\b1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici unul nu te va putea vedea, p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? nu vei fi mutat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o rezerv\uc1 \u259
? special\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? le duci dorul, nu?}{\b1 \fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El implica faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea despre cine \uc1 \u351 ?i despre ce
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te. Cum ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i transmit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? nu are nici cea mai mic\uc1 \u259 ? idee? Oamenii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia
\uc1 \u238 ?i erau total necunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu o interesa ce fac ei. Trebuia
neap\uc1 \u259 ?rat s\uc1 \u259 ? ia leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu Irish. Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 acestui om c\uc1 \u259 ?
el este v\uc1 \u259
?duv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1
\u259 ?, Carole, \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu campania
electoral\uc1 \u259 ? - dup\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?carea umerilor ea a ghicit
c\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pus m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar. Voi
continua a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t. Tata, Jack \uc1 \u351
?i Eddy s\uc1 \u238 ?nt de acord cu asta. Au spus c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vor
sus\uc1 \u355 ?ine. Am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput c\uc1 \u259 ? va
fi o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? dur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-mi }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\u163 ?ra team\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum, cu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nenorocirea asta, va fi chiar
mai greu. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1
\u259 ? continui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n
ultima vreme, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge era o persoan\uc1 \u259 ?
cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? la jurnalul de \uc1 \u351 ?tiri. De aceea \uc1 \u238 ?i erau
familiare vocea \uc1 \u351 ?i chipul, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu l-a cunoscut
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? personal. Spera s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tige
alegerile primare din mai \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? candideze din nou
\uc1 \u238 ?n noiembrie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? Nu
voi da \uc1 \u238 ?napoi de la nici un fel de responsabilitate fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de tine \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy, c\uc1 \u238 ?t timp s\uc1 \u238 ?
nte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n recuperare, dar faptul de a ajunge \uc1 \u238 ?n
Congres este ceea ce am preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea.
Nu doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? mai a\uc1 \u351 ?tept \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?ase ani, nici nu doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? pierd momentul la care am lucrat foarte
mult. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac acum. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i consult\uc1 \u259 ? ceasul, spuse: Acum e bine s\uc1 \u259 ? trec pe la Mandy. l-
am promis c\uc1 \u259 ?-i duc \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie
s-o ajut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce, \uc1 \u351 ?tii cum e, cu
m\uc1 \u238 ?inile}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 7}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 bandajate \uc1 \u351 ?i...
spuse privind spre m\uc1 \u238 ?inile ei. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi a avut prima \uc1 \u351
?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu psihologul. Nu este nici o problem\uc1 \u259 ?, se
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi s\uc1 \u259 ? adauge. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o mai mult din
precau\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Nu a\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? traumatizat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cu o pauz\uc1 \u259 ?, privind-o cu sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De aceea cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu este bine acum s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te vad\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? este crud ce spun, dar bandajele astea o vor
speria \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult, Carole. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce chirurgul \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i reface fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i ai s\uc1 \u259 ? fii din
nou cum ai fost, am s-o aduc \uc1 \u238 ?n vizit\uc1 \u259 ?. De altfel, acum s\uc1
\u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259 ? nici tu nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti s-o vezi.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se lupta din greu
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar gura \uc1 \u238 ?i era ocupat\uc1 \u259 ?
de tubul pentru oxigen. A auzit-o pe sor\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259
? inhalarea fumului i-a d\uc1 \u259 ?unat temporar coardelor vocale. Oricum, nu ar
fi putut mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca falca, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? transmit\uc1
\u259 ? nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea ei prin singurul ochi disponibil. El nu \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elese exact ceea ce dorea ea \uc1 \u351 ?i-i puse o}{\fs23 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? consolatoare pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
promit c\uc1 \u259 ? desfigurarea ta este doar temporar\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole.
Doctorul Swayer spune c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, nou\uc1 \u259 ? ni se pare mult mai
r\uc1 \u259 ?u dec\uc1 \u238 ?t este \uc1 \u238 ?n realitate. Vine pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i va explica procedura.
\uc1 \u350 ?tie cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?tai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i
garanteaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? vei ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta la fel dup\uc1 \u259 ?
opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? scuture capul \uc1 \u238 ?n semn de "nu". Lacrimi
de panic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i team\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i umplur\uc1
\u259 ? ochiul. O sor\uc1 \u259 ? veni \uc1 \u351 ?i-l \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?
rt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se
odihneasc\uc1 \u259 ? acum, domnule Rutledge. Oricum, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
schimb bandajele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
la fiica mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ?
vom chema, dac\uc1 \u259 ? va fi nevoie, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse sora cu bl\uc1 \u238 ?
nde\uc1 \u355 ?e. Oh, era s\uc1 \u259 ? uit. Au sunat de jos s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? reaminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? bijuteriile doamnei Rutledge
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt depuse \uc1 \u238 ?n seiful spitalului, le-au scos c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
a fost adus\uc1 \u259 ? la urgen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1
\u355 ?umesc, trec pe acolo mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Acum! Mergi acum! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 striga disperat\uc1 \u259 ?
mintea lui Avery. Nu vei g\uc1 \u259 ?si bijuteriile Carolei \uc1 \u238 ?n seif}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ale ei!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? le vor vedea, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vor da
seama de gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare pe care au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o.
Domnul Rutledge va afla c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui a murit. Va fi o
lovitur\uc1 \u259 ? pentru el, dar era mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere gre\uc1
\u351 ?eala acum, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Ea va depl\uc1 \u238 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 nge pierderea familiei Rutledge, dar}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
Irish va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n culmea fericirii. Dragul de Irish. Doliul lui va lua
sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? domnul Rutledge nu -va lua bijuteriile so\uc1 \u355 ?iei sale
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca chirurgul s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ?
opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia estetic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acesta
a fost ultimul g\uc1 \u238 ?nd con\uc1 \u351 ?tient, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca
medicamentul pentru calmare s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? efectul.}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e nu va tr\uc1 \u259 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs22 \dbch \af581
senator}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avea din nou
co\uc1 \u351 ?marul acela, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca disperat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
alunge. Iar nu-l putea vedea, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea prezen\uc1
\u355 ?a sinistr\uc1 \u259 ? deasupra ei, dincolo de raza ei vizual\uc1 \u259 ?.
Respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui c\uc1 \u259 ?dea pe ochiul ei. Era parc\uc1 \u259 ? o
prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, acoperit de v\uc1 \u259 ?luri -
nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut, dar sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, fantomatic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu va exista un senator
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu va tr\uc1
\u259 ?i. Senatorul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge va muri mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?i. Nu va exista niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?... nu va tr\uc1 \u259 ?i..}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se trezi
\uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Era un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t mut, desigur,
dar \uc1 \u238 ?i vibra tot creierul. Deschise ochiul \uc1 \u351 ?i recunoscu
luminile de deasupra capului, mirosul specific de spital, sunetul aparatului de
respirat. Adormise, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, de data aceasta a fost un co\uc1 \u351 ?
mar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar no}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 aptea
trecut\uc1 \u259 ? a fost real. Noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ? nici nu cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
tea prenumele domnului Rutledge! Nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fi visat, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea, dar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea foarte clar
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile, \uc1 \u351 ?oapta fioroas\uc1 \u259 ? a vocii
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? trup, care \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?optea la ureche.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare mintea ei \uc1 \u238 ?i
juca}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 feste sau \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge era \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol? Cu siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? se agita prematur. Doar a fost sedat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dezorientat\uc1 \u259 ? destul de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
mult timp. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai avea no\uc1 \u355 ?iunea timpului. Oare
distorsiona ea evenimentele? Cine ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i doreasc\uc1 \u259 ?
moartea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 D}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 umnezeule, ce
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri cutremur\uc1 \u259 ?toare! Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? le
g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Dar p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1
\u259 ? puterea de deduc\uc1 \u355 ?ie a p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit-o definitiv,
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu toate celelalte facult\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Nu mai putea g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi logic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Amenin\uc1 \u355 ?area la via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge
avea ni\uc1 \u351 ?te implica\uc1 \u355 ?ii extraordinare, cu b\uc1 \u259 ?taie
lung\uc1 \u259 ?, iar ea nu putea face absolut nimic. Era prea ame\uc1 \u355 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a formula o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie ori pentru a g\uc1 \u259 ?
si o solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie -mintea \uc1 \u238 ?i lucra cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetineal\uc1
\u259 ?. Nu dorea sau nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ? func\uc1 \u355 ?ioneze cum se cuvine,
de\uc1 \u351 ?i era \uc1 \u238 ?n joc via\uc1 \u355 ?a unui }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 om.}
\rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery privea
cu resentiment acest amestec \uc1 \u238 ?n problema ei, personal\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu
avea ea destule pe cap? Mai trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ?
probleme \uc1 \u351 ?i din pricina siguran\uc1 \u355 ?ei unui candidat senatorial.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu se putea mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca,
tremura de frustrare. Era epuizant. Continua s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u259 ? la grani\uc1 \u355 ?a dintre vid \uc1 \u351 ?i con\uc1 \u351 ?
tient\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? lupte, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n cele
din urm\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i alunec\uc1 \u259 ?
din nou \uc1 \u238 ?n uitare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? surprind deloc reac\uc1 \u355 ?iile ei.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt normale pentru victimele unor accidente. Doctorul Swayer,
recunoscutul plastician, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi placid. Imagina\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1
\u259 ? cum v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1
\u259 ? chipul frumos pe care-l ave\uc1 \u355 ?i ar fi fost pulverizat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru
compliment, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment ar fi fostjn
stare s\uc1 \u259 ? zdrobeasc\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a z\uc1 \u238 ?mbitoare a
chirurgului, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda reputa\uc1 \u355 ?iei, omul p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1
\u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vene ap\uc1 \u259 ? amestecat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise
opera\uc1 \u355 ?ii excep\uc1 \u355 ?ionale pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?teva personalit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i cunoscute, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i persoane care aveau
suficien\uc1 \u355 ?i bani ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i permit\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i care doreau s\uc1 \u259 ? sfideze procesele de
\uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?nire - modele, staruri de televiziune.
De\uc1 \u351 ?i realiz\uc1 \u259 ?rile sale erau impresionante, lui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care trata problema
Carolei, mai ales djn punct de vedere psihologic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat de multe ori s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc ce
a\uc1 \u351 ? face dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?n locul ei,
explic\uc1 \u259 ? el. \uc1 \u238 ?n condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile date, cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
suport\uc1 \u259 ? totul foarte bine - mai bine dec\uc1 \u238 ?t a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
sperat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te
contrazici, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, remarc\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson, care st\uc1
\u259 ?tea pe o canapea l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Zee. Tocmai i-ai spus
doctorului Sawyer c\uc1 \u238 ?t de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i
s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut Carole c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-ai spus despre opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia
estetic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? pare o contradic\uc1 \u355 ?ie. M\uc1 \u259 ? refeream la felul
\uc1 \u238 ?n care a reac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat la accident, cum s-a comportat cu}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy. Dar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i spuneam
despre opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia estetic\uc1 \u259 ? a fe\uc1 \u355 ?ei, a \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?. Dumnezeule! V\uc1 \u259 ?
pute\uc1 \u355 ?i imagina cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta de jalnic, pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?nd doar cu un ochi? Parc\uc1 \u259 ? este o viziune din "Zona }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 Crepuscular\uc1 \u259 ?".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 So\uc1 \u355 ?ia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? a fost o femeie
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule Rutledge. Ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai are acela\uc1
\u351 ?i chip frumos o terorizeaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Normal, \uc1 \u238 ?i este
team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? arat\uc1 \u259 ? ca un monstru \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? va r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne a\uc1 \u351 ?a pentru tot restul
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii. O parte a misiunii mele este s\uc1 \u259 ? o asigur c\uc1
\u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care a avut-o dintotdeauna va putea fi
reconstruit\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?. Sawyer se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i-i privi pe r\uc1 \u238 ?nd.Simt
din partea dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? ezitare, s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i
refractar. Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt dispus s\uc1 \u259 ? accept a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.
Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? am acordul \uc1 \u351 ?i colaborarea dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ?, dar mai ales trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
ave\uc1 \u355 ?i total\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-a\uc1
\u351 ? avea \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, nu a\uc1 \u351 ? apela la serviciile
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e categoric. Nu cred c\uc1
\u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i inabilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i profesionale, cred doar
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu av \uc1 \u355 ?i sentimente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cu pacien\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei arn un fel anume de a m\uc1 \u259 ? comporta.
Nu-mi pierd energiile discut\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu familia, domnule Rutledge, las
asta \uc1 \u238 ?n seama politicienilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i chirurgul se privir\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1
\u238 ?teva momente, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi neconving\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu am inten\uc1 \u355 ?ia s\uc1 \u259 ? fac presiuni, doctore Sawyer. S\uc1
\u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i un om necesar. De aceea s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i aici.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai afurisit \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?mfat pe care l-am cunoscut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt de la \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?
nte\uc1 \u355 ?i cel mai mare \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?mfat: Voi colabora cu
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? o v\uc1 \u259 ?
d pe Carole, reintr\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n normal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Foarte bine, spuse chirurgul, deloc afectat de insult\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem la pacient\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? mai pentru a ajunge
primul}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 la patul femeii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Carole, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti treaz\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1
\u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse imediat, deschiz\uc1 \u238 ?nd ochiul. Din c\uc1 \u238
?te \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea seama, era lucid\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, uite, au
venit \uc1 \u351 ?i mama cu tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ei- se
d\uc1 \u259 ?dir\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte \uc1 \u351 ?i-i l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ziua, Carole, spuse Zee. Mandy mi-a spus s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i transmit c\uc1
\u259 ? te iube\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e uitase s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i avertizeze mama s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? Carolei despre prima \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? de Mandy cu psihologul. Nu a mers prea bine,
dar, din fericire, .Zee era o femeie rezonabil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu s-
a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva despre asta. Ea se \uc1
\u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? pe Nelson aproape.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1
\u259 ?, Carole: Ne-ai speriat grozav. Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i pot spune c\uc1 \u238 ?t
s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem de mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? evoluezi bine.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i Nelson \uc1
\u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, a venit \uc1 \u351 ?i
chirurgul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e schimb\uc1 \u259 ? locul cu doctorul Sawyer, care z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi
spre pacient\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noi ne-am
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit, Carole, dar tu nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti. La cererea familiei, am venit s\uc1 \u259 ? te examinez,
chiar a doua zi c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai venit aici. Echipa de practicieni pentru
chirurgie plastic\uc1 \u259 ? a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut toate preg\uc1 \u259 ?tirile
preliminare \uc1 \u351 ?i toate tratamentele, imediat ce ai venit. De acum \uc1
\u238 ?nainte preiau eu totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea alarmat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e fu mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit s\uc1 \u259 ? constate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i doctorul a remarcat
reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia. O b\uc1 \u259 ?tu pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajator.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Structura oaselor faciale a
fost seri}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 os distrus\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins
c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti con\uc1 \u351 ?tient\uc1 \u259 ? de asta, \uc1
\u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ul t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u355 ?i-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? va fi ref\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime,
dar vreau}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? auzi asta \uc1 \u351 ?i de
la mine. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? te fac s\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ar\uc1 \u259 ?tai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, Carole Rutledge. }{\fs23
\dbch \af581
\sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trupul ei se
\uc1 \u238 ?ncorda sub bandaje}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? scuture viguros din cap \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
scoat\uc1 \u259 ? sunete guturale disperate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce naiba \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne spun\uc1
\u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? crede,
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse doctorul calm. Este speriat\uc1 \u259 ?. Este normal. Se
aplec\uc1 \u259 ? deasupra ei. Durerea pe care o ai acum este de la arsuri, dar ele
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt superficiale. Speciali\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u238 ?n arsuri de aici
le trateaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu antibiotice. Eu voi am\uc1 \u238 ?na opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va sc\uc1 \u259 ?dea la minimum riscul
de infec\uc1 \u355 ?ie, at\uc1 \u238 ?t al pielii, c\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i al
pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nilor. Numai peste o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? sau dou\uc1 \u259 ? vei putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i
mi\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u238 ?inile. Atunci vei \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe terapia fizic\uc1
\u259 ?. R\uc1 \u259 ?nile nu vor r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne permanente, te
asigur. Se apropie \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult de ea. Acum, hai s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim
despre fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ta. \uc1 \u354 ?i-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut raze X c\uc1 \u238 ?t
erai \uc1 \u238 ?n stare de incon\uc1 \u351 ?tien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care
le-am studiat. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu ce trebuie f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Am o echip\uc1 \u259 ?
de chjrurgi excelen\uc1 \u355 ?i care m\uc1 \u259 ? vor asista \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
opera\uc1 \u355 ?iei, \uc1 \u238 ?i atinse fa\uc1 \u355 ?a cu v\uc1 \u238 ?rful
pixului, contur\uc1 \u238 ?nd peste bandaje. Vom reface nasul \uc1 \u351 ?i
pome\uc1 \u355 ?ii obrajilor folosind grefe. Maxilarul va fi fixat la locul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u cu ajutorul tijelor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?uruburilor. Am o
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? colec\uc1 \u355 ?ie de trucuri. Vei avea o
cicatrice invizibil\uc1 \u259 ?, deasupra frun\uc1 \u355 ?i', de la o t\uc1 \u238 ?
mpl\uc1 \u259 ? la alta. Vom face incizii \uc1 \u351 ?i sub fiecare pleoap\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i acestea s\uc1 \u238 ?nt invizibile. O parte din refacerea
nasului se va lucra din interior, nu vor fi deloc cicatrice. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, vei fi umflat\uc1 \u259 ?, te va durea totul \uc1 \u351 ?i vei
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor. Fii preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
asta. Vor trece c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni
\uc1 \u351 ?i vei ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta o frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e ravisant\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?
rul, doctore Sawyer? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-l rad, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? voi lua
grefe din scalp \uc1 \u351 ?i' le voi folosi ia nas. Dar cred c\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1
\u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "\uc1 \u238 ?
ntreba\uc1 \u355 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rul care a ars se va regenera.
Specialistul \uc1 \u238 ?n arsuri spune c\uc1 \u259 ? da. Asta este una dintre
problemele cele mai m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, continu\uc1 \u259 ? el z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind
spre fa\uc1 \u355 ?a bandajat\uc1 \u259 ?. O vreme nu vei avea hran\uc1 \u259 ?
solid\uc1 \u259 ?. Un dentist \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i va lua r\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ?cinile din\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
opera\uc1 \u355 ?iei va instala implanturi dentare. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ?
sau trei s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni \uc1 \u355 ?i se vor pune
din\uc1 \u355 ?ii, vei ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta exact c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a}{\fs23 \dbch
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se va face \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuirea,
vei fi hr\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? prin tub, cu un regim alimentar u\uc1 \u351 ?
or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
observ\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? chirurgul nu remarc\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1
\u259 ? ochiul Carolei se rotea disperat, parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?utarea unui prieten, sau parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?
fug\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spunea \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea sa c\uc1
\u259 ? doctorul Sawyer \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce face. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? el era obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuit cu astfel de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?ti ale pacien\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, dar pe
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijora la culme.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sawyer scoase din dosarul pe
care-l avea la el o fotografie color de opt pe zece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la asta, doamn\uc1 \u259
? Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era o fotografie a
Carolei. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor, z\uc1 \u238
?mbetul care l-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i l-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? de ea. Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?luceau \uc1 \u351 ?
iret. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul bogat \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncadra fa\uc1 \u355 ?a.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Va fi o opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie
de o zi, spuse doctorul, dar eu \uc1 \u351 ?i echipa mea te vom reface.
Acord\uc1 \u259 ?-ne opt p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la zece -s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni de la opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u351 ?i vei ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta ca \uc1 \u238 ?n fotografie, dar vei fi mai t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul mai scurt. Cine nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dore\uc1
\u351 ?te a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
lui nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea, observ\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1
\u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ?-'i diminueze temerile, se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?
vizita doctorului nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? le
sporeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery}{\fs23 \dbch
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca sa mi\uc1 \u351 ?te v\uc1 \u238 ?rfurile degetelor de la
m\uc1 \u238 ?ini \uc1 \u351 ?i picioare, dar le sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea ca de plumb. Nici
capul nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-l putea mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca deloc, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp,
fiecare minut care trecea o aducea mai aproape de dezastru, pe care era
incapabil\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Zile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir - era greu de \uc1 \u351 ?tiut
exact c\uc1 \u238 ?te, dar ghici ea cam zece - \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase s\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? un mijloc de a spune tuturor adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul pe
care numai ea \uc1 \u238 ?l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu
g\uc1 \u259 ?sise o solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce trecea
timpul \uc1 \u351 ?i trupul ei se vindeca, nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea ei cre\uc1 \u351 ?
tea. To\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeau c\uc1 \u259 ? este din pricina \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzierii opera\uc1 \u355 ?iei estetice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o sear\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at-o c\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia
era programat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a doua zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i doctorii care vor participa se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrunesc ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt de
acord c\uc1 \u259 ? ai trecut de momentul periculos. Sawyer a dat cale liber\uc1
\u259 ?. Am venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun imediat ce am aflat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mai avea timp p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine s\uc1 \u259 ?-l anun\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? se
face o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. Ciudat, de\uc1 \u351
?i el era par\uc1 \u355 ?ial responsabil pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ? inversare de
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, ea nu-l condamna. Ajunsese s\uc1 \u259 ?-i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte
cu ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare vizitele. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd era cu ea, se sim\uc1 \u355 ?
ea \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun acum c\uc1 \u259 ?
mie nu mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut Sawyer, la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, spuse el a\uc1 \u351 ?
ez\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se pe marginea patului. Nici acum nu-mi place, dar am \uc1
\u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n el. \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce mi-a spus? C\uc1 \u259 ? el nu
face-opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia, dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259
? el este cel mai bun. \uc1 \u354 ?i-e team\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea clipi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch
Nu te condamn, spuse el. Urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?ni vor fi extrem de grele, Carole, dar o s\uc1 \u259 ? treci de ele.
Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul lui se \uc1 \u238 ?ncorda. Tu ai c\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domnule Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd el \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse capul spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu profilul \uc1 \u351 ?i se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi
c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui, Carole Rutledge, a fost o femeie
norocoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a}{\fs23
\cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?i spus s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? reamintesc de bijuteriile
doamnei, spuse sora. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt tot \uc1 \u238 ?n sejf.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ' Mintea lui}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?
ncorda, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagina cum va intra \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i va arunca bijuteriile pe pat: "Acestea nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ale
Carolei! Cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti dumneata?" Dar scenariul acesta nu s-a desf\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?urat. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? mai era o. mic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
ans\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uit mereu s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? opresc s\uc1 \u259 ? le iau, spuse el trist. Nu ai putea
trimite pe cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? mi le aduc\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc foarte mult.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Inima lui Avery \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ?. F\uc1 \u259 ?cu o rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune mut\uc1
\u259 ? de mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire, lat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ceasul al
unsprezecelea, va fi salvat\uc1 \u259 ? de la dezastru. Chirurgia plastic\uc1 \u259
? trebuia f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? pentru refacerea chipului s\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu
al altei persoane. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? arate ca Avery Daniels, nu ca altcineva.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bijuteriile nu prea ajut\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sala de opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? te vei sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine cu ele
\uc1 \u238 ?n grija mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
mintea ei z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ?. Va fi bine. Gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala
va fi descoperit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timp util \uc1 \u351 ?i va putea fi
reparat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Domnule Rutledge,
este \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva regulamentului spitalului s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice din
seif obiectele personale de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre alte persoane, \uc1 \u238 ?n afara
pacientului}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 sau a rudei celei mai apropiate. }{\fs23
\cf1 Nu pot trimite pe nimeni, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i nici o problem\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung eu i m\uc1 \u238 ?ine acolo.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Disperarea o cuprinse din nou
pe Avery. M\uc1 \u238 ?ine va fi prea t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba de
ce o supune Dumnezeu unui asemenea supliciu. Nu a fost pedepsit\uc1 \u259 ?
suficient pentru gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala aceea? Tot restul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii va fi
chinul de a \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? repare gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala? \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse deja credibilitatea printre colegi, sc\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1
\u351 ?i statutul ei profesional. Trebuia acum s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i la propria identitate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Maj
este ceva, domnule Rutle}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dge, spuse sora ezit\uc1 \u238 ?nd. \uc1
\u238 ?n hol s\uc1 \u238 ?nt doi reporteri care doresc s\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Reporteri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De la un studio
de televiziune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aici? Acum? l-a
trimis Eddy Paschal?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Acesta a
fost primul lucru de care i-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Au un scop. Se pare}{\fs23
\cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? au aflat c\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia va avea loc m\uc1
\u238 ?ine. Vor s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? despre efectele pe care le-a
avut accidentul asupra familiei dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a
candidaturii pentru Senat. Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Spune-!e s\uc1 \u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ? la dracu'!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domnule Rutledge, nu pot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai face-o, Eddy m-ar omor\uc1
\u238 ?, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? ca pentru sine. Spune-le c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voi face nici
o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd starea s\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii so\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i
fiicei mele nu va fi categoric bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
pleac\uc1 \u259 ?, cheam\uc1 \u259 ? serviciul de securitate al spitalului. Spune-
le c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia vor \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca }{\i1
\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
apropie.de }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 sec\uc1 \u355 ?ia de pediatrie \uc1 \u351 ?i de
fiica mea, \uc1 \u238 ?i dau \uc1 \u238 ?n judecat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le cer
desp\uc1 \u259 ?gubiri imense.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? v-am nec\uc1 \u259 ?jit
cu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i vina dumitale. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i fac necazuri, vino \uc1 \u351 ?i spune-mi.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse din n}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ou spre ea, Avery observ\uc1 \u259 ?
printre lacrimi c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat \uc1 \u351 ?i epuizat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Corbi de reporteri. Ieri un
ziar a scos o afirma\uc1 \u355 ?ie din context \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a schimbat sensul.
Azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? telefoanele nu mai conteneau, p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Eddy-a cerut retragerea celor scrise \uc1 \u351 ?i
recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?terea gre\uc1 \u351 ?elii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap dezgustat de at\uc1 \u238 ?ta
lips\uc1 \u259 ? de loialitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l comp\uc1 \u259 ?timea. Petrecuse suficiejit de mult timp la
Washington, pentru a \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? singurii politicieni care nu
sufer\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cei lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de scrupule. B\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii integri, cum era \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, aveau multe de
suportat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era de mirare
c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rea at\uc1 \u238 ?t de obosit. Era sub presiunea
alegerilor \uc1 \u351 ?i traumatizat emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional de un copil suferind \uc1
\u351 ?i o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie care trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fac\uc1 \u259 ? o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? unui co\uc1 \u351 ?mar.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Numai c\uc1 \u259 ? ea nu era so\uc1
\u355 ?ia lui. Ea era o necunoscut\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu avea cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? face confiden\uc1 \u355 ?e unei necunoscute. Nu-l
putea ajuta cu presiiJnea presei, nici cu dificult\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui
Mandy. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-l putea preveni c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva pl\uc1 \u259 ?
nuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e a stat cu ea toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea. De fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se trezea, \uc1 \u238 ?i materializa tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
turile, \uc1 \u238 ?i vedea cutele l\uc1 \u259 ?sate de oboseal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i erau ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii de nesomn. Odat\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery a
auzit-o pe sor\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l s\uc1 \u259 ? se odihneasc\uc1
\u259 ?, dar el a refuzat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu o pot
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si acum, spuse el. Este speriat\uc1 \u259 ?. Sufletul}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ei striga cu disperare: }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu, te rog, nu}
\langfenp1048 }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pleca! Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sa!
Am nevoie de cineva!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin720 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? fi fost la rev\uc1 \u259 ?rsatul zorilor c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o alt\uc1 \u259 ?
sor\uc1 \u259 ? i-a adus o cafea proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?. Mirosea delicios.
Avery ar fi dat orice s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? lua o gur\uc1 \u259 ?.
j}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tehni}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cienii
au venit \uc1 \u351 ?i au reglat aparatele. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce
pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nii se vindecau, \uc1 \u238 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sau din
ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in aparatul de respirat. Mai avea nevoie de
aparat doar o zi sau dou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Asistentele o preg\uc1 \u259 ?teau pentru opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie. I-au luat tensiunea.
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? privirea cuiva \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le atrag\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia c\uc1 \u259 ?
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nimeni nu-i d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea nici o aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a plecat pentru un timp, apoi, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, era \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de doctorul Sawyer.
Chirurgul era vesel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce mai faci,
Carole? Domnul Rutledge mi-a sp}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 us c\uc1 \u259 ? ai fost
foarte nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? azi-noapte, dar ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi pentru
tine este ziua cea mare. Relu\uc1 \u259 ? metodic programul opera\uc1 \u355 ?iei.
Ca om, nici ei nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de'analize, doctorul \uc1 \u238 ?nchise dosarul \uc1
\u351 ?i-l d\uc1 \u259 ?du unei asistente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Fizic, ai o condi\uc1 \u355 ?ie excelent\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva ore vei avea conturat\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i vei \uc1 \u238
?ncepe recuperarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery
for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva sunete guturale, pentru a le mai
spune o dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult gre\uc1 \u351 ?eau. Iar au
interpretat gre\uc1 \u351 ?it nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea ei. Chirurgul a crezut c\uc1
\u259 ? ea dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ?-l contrazic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
promit c\uc1 \u259 ? se poate face. Vom \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe cam \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? din nou s\uc1 \u259 ? protesteze, folosind
singurul mijloc de care dispunea, ochiul. Clipi furioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da\uc1 \u355 ?i-i un
calmant preoperator s\uc1 \u259 ? se lini\uc1 \u351 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ordon\uc1 \u259 ? doctorul unei asistente, apoi
ie\uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vijelios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?n mintea ei, Avery urla. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un pas
spre ea \uc1 \u351 ?i o b\uc1 \u259 ?tu reconfortant pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, totul va fi bine.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sora injecta un narcotic
\uc1 \u238 ?n ven\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
ep\uc1 \u259 ?tura. C\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u259 ?
ldura de acum familiar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i invada trupul. Aproape
instantaneu se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
transparent\uc1 \u259 ?. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e deveneau distorsionate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie bine. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i jur, Carole. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eu nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Carole!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lupta s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i
deveneau grei. -... te a\uc1 \u351 ?tept, Carole, spunea el bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Avery. Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Avery. Eu nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Carole! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce va ie\uc1 \u351 ?
i din sala de opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, va fi Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg de ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
nervos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u238 ?rtea furios, \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1
\u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i directorul de campanie. Eddy Paschal suport\uc1 \u259 ?
privirea cu deta\uc1 \u351 ?are. Din experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?niile lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e erau de
scurt\uc1 \u259 ? durat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1
\u259 ? cum anticipase Eddy, fulgerele din ochii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se
potoleau. L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile de pe \uc1 \u351 ?olduri
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
rezonabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru
Dumnezeu, Eddy, so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea abia a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it dintr-o opera\uc1
\u355 ?ie care a durat ore \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi de ce m-am enervat
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd hoardele de reporteri m-au \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat, pun\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-mi tot felul de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor din cap. Am
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i explic. Nu aveam chef de conferin\uc1 \u355 ?e de
pres\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur, nu era momentul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu era momentul!}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ai ob\uc1 \u355 ?inut
patruzeci de secunde pentru jurnalul de la ora nou\uc1 \u259 ? - pe toate re\uc1
\u355 ?elele de televiziune. Le-am \uc1 \u238 ?nregistrat \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1
\u259 ? le vezi mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Erai \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat, dar este de
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?n condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile date. Eu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-au fost favorabile. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?tai ca o victim\uc1 \u259 ?.
Votan\uc1 \u355 ?ii te vor simpatiza. \uc1 \u258 ?sta este un avantaj pentru noi.}
r\uc1 \u238 ?se, nevenindu-i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i cread\uc1 \u259 ?
urechilor \uc1 \u351 ?i se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe un scaun.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti la fel de
r\uc1 \u259 ?u ca \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack. Nu te g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la campanie, numeri, c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?ti - ce este \uc1 \u238 ?n favoarea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, ce
este \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi fa\uc1
\u355 ?a cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile. Dumnezeule! S\uc1 \u238 ?nt obosit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - la o bere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse o cutie rece, luat\uc1
\u259 ? din frigider. Lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd una \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru el, se a\uc1
\u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea patului din camera de hotel. C\uc1 \u238 ?teva
momente au b\uc1 \u259 ?ut \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Apoi, Eddy a \uc1 \u238
?ntrebat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce prognoze are,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e oft\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sawyer se \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?una ca~un prost c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din sala de opera\uc1
\u355 ?ie. A spus c\uc1 \u259 ? este perfect mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de rezultate -
c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut\uc1 \u259 ? de echipa lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ce
crezi, se l}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?uda, sau spunea adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper din suflet s\uc1
\u259 ? fi spus adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1
\u238 ?nd o vei putea vedea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum nu prea ai
ce vedea, dar peste c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?
ni...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cu un gest vag
\uc1 \u351 ?i se scufund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n scaun, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1
\u238 ?nd picioarele \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cizmele lui
pr\uc1 \u259 ?fuite nu se potriveau deloc cu pantofii lustrui\uc1 \u355 ?i ai lui
Eddy. Jean\uc1 \u351 ?ii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e contrastau puternic cu
costumul elegant al lui Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i cu ideile acestuia privind garderoba.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru moment Eddy nu \uc1
\u351 ?i-a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la cap candidatul \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u355 ?inutei. Platforma politic\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care o consolidau, era
imaginea unui om obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit - un om muncitor, provenit din clasa de mijloc
texan\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge va fi campionul acestui om.
Se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca a\uc1 \u351 ?a - nu ca o manevr\uc1 \u259 ?
politic\uc1 \u259 ? - ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat din anii \uc1 \u351 ?aptezeci, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd l-a cunoscut
Eddy}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la Universitatea din Texas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unul dintre supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uitorii accidentului a murit
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu voce sc\uc1
\u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?. Un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
v\uc1 \u238 ?rsta mea, cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i patru copii. A avut
leziuni interne, dar to\uc1 \u355 ?i au crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? va rezista. A murit
din pricina infec\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Dumnezeule! exclam\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u238 ?nd
din cap, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i imaginezi ce \uc1 \u238
?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? rezi\uc1 \u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? mori din pricina unei }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 infec\uc1
\u355 ?ii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy vedea
c\uc1 \u259 ? prietenul s\uc1 \u259 ?u trecea printr-o stare de melancolie. Nu era
bine nici pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ca persoan\uc1 \u259 ?, nici pentru
campanie. \uc1 \u350 ?i Jack s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat pentru
starea psihic\uc1 \u259 ? a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u350 ?i Nelson. O
parte important\uc1 \u259 ? din munca lui Eddy era s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ridice moralul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce mai face Mandy? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el, strecur\uc1 \u238 ?nd veselie \uc1 \u238 ?n voce.
To\uc1 \u355 ?i voluntarii \uc1 \u238 ?i duc dorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am pus posterul acela s}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 emnat de to\uc1
\u355 ?i,- pe peretele camerei ei. Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? le mul\uc1 \u355 ?
ume\uc1 \u351 ?ti...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei au vrut
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? ceva deosebit pentru a-i s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?
tori ie\uc1 \u351 ?irea din spital. Te previn c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine va
primi un ursule\uc1 \u355 ?, care este mai mare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t tine. Mandy este
prin\uc1 \u355 ?esa acestor alegeri, \uc1 \u351 ?tii}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy fu gratulat cu un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet
recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doctorul mi-a
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? fractura se vindec\uc1 \u259 ?, arsurile nu vor l\uc1 \u259 ?sa
urme. Va putea juca tenis, s\uc1 \u259 ?ri coarda, va putea dansa, tot ce va dori.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mai aduc\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? beri. Se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? din nou }{\fs23
\cf1 pe scaun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fizic este
foarte bine. Emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n copil. Adul\uc1 \u355 ?ii reu\uc1 \u351 ?esc foarte greu
s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? peste astfel de traumatisme. De aceea toate liniile
zbor au consilieri care se ocup\uc1 \u259 ? de persoanele care supravie\uc1 \u355 ?
uiesc accidentelor de avion \uc1 \u351 ?i de familiile celor care nu
supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu,
dar Mandy este un copil timid. Acum pare total izolat\uc1 \u259 ?. Oh, reu\uc1
\u351 ?esc s\uc1 \u259 ?-i smulg un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet, dar}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
numai dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiesc \uc1 \u351 ?i cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbe\uc1 \u351 ?te numai ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac\uc1
\u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Nu are pic de energie, de vitalitate. St\uc1 \u259 ?
nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prive\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n
gol. Mama spune c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?nge \uc1 \u238 ?n somn \uc1 \u351 ?i se
treze\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u238 ?nd are co\uc1 \u351 ?
mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce spune psihologul?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Afurisita aia? spuse \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Zice c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie
timp \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept la }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mare lucru din
partea lui Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu a\uc1 \u351 ?
zice la fel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe Mandy pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu face ceea ce i se
spune, se strop\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nervos. Asta implic\uc1
\u259 ? psihologul \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfurie la culme. Dar
v\uc1 \u259 ?d cum feti\uc1 \u355 ?a mea prive\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n gol, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar duce pe umeri povara \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii omeniri \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu mi se pare normal la un copil de trei ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nici un accident de avion nu este normal pentru o asemenea v\uc1 \u238 ?
rst\uc1 \u259 ?, coment\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u259 ?
tor. Traumatismele emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionale nu se vindec\uc1 \u259 ? peste noapte,
nici nu se vindec\uc1 \u259 ? mai repede dec}{\fs23 \dbch
\uc1 \u238 ?t cele fizice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tiu. Numai c\uc1 \u259 ?... Doamne, Eddy, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi
rezista la campanie, cu grija fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i
Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Temerile cele mai
mari ale lui Eddy erau c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se va r\uc1 \u259 ?
zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a cursei" electorale. C\uc1 \u238
?nd Jack i-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? printre ziari\uc1 \u351 ?ti circul\uc1 \u259 ?
zvonul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se retrage, ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?
n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
toarea de reporteri. Din fericire, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu a auzit zvonurile.
Eddy trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i men\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? tonusul ridicat.
Aplec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu- se \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse:}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - I\uc1 \u355 ?i mai
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai jucat \uc1 \u238 ?n turneul de tenis al
facult\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i l-ai c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat,
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd eram noi studen\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n anul doi?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vag, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vag,
repet\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy. Motivul pentru care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1
\u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u238 ?t de vag este pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 'noaptea
precedent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse\uc1 \u351 ?i de
cap. Ai b\uc1 \u259 ?ut bere \uc1 \u351 ?i ai stat cu o \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?,
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te-am scos din patul ei, te-am b\uc1
\u259 ?gat sub du\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i te-am alergat, de fric\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pierdem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e r\uc1 \u238 ?dea, nevenindu-i s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Povestea asta are vreun
substrat? Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? insinuezi ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ceea ce vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun este c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci ai jucat
av\uc1 \u238 ?nd o condi\uc1 \u355 ?ie fizic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare,
dar ai jucat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie. Tu erai
singura noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ? de a c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?tiga turneul. L-ai c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat pentru noi, chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? numai cu c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de primul meci erai
istovit de sex \uc1 \u351 ?i de bere. .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum
este cu totul altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar tu, spuse
Eddy, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu degetul spre el, tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti exact la
fel. De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te^ cunosc eu pe tine, niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai dat
gre\uc1 \u351 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?n cei doi ani de antrenamente de zbor, la Nam,
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? scoteai din jungl\uc1 \u259 ?, tot timpul ai
reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? fii un erou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu erou. Nu vreau dec\uc1 \u238 ?t's\uc1 \u259 ?
fiu un congresman eficient pentru oamenii din Texas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i vei fi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Lovindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i genunchii cu palma, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai a luat o
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re important\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i puse cutia de bere pe o servant\uc1 \u259 ?. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu \uc1 \u238 ?
n treac\uc1 \u259 ?t reflexia lui din oglind\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule! \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?na
peste barba ne\uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine ar vota pentru un }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 asemenea }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 om? De ce nu mi-ai spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t a\uc1 \u351 ?a de r\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ny m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat inima, spuse Eddy b\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pe }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spate. Nu trebuie
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? te odihne\uc1 \u351 ?ti pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 recomand s\uc1 \u259 ? te b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbiere\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u238 ?ine diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Plec devreme la
spital. Mi-au spus c\uc1 \u259 ? o vor duce pe Carole de la reanimare \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o rezerv\uc1 \u259 ?. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i studie v\uc1 \u238 ?rfurile
lustruite ale pantofilor, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi prietenul, care era
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai \uc1 \u238 ?nalt dec\uc1 \u238 ?t el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de apropiat de ea acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste momente, mie mi se
pare admirabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepu un alt g\uc1 \u238 ?nd, dar se r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu ar fi primit sfaturi \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1
\u259 ?sniciei lui, de la nimeni. Te las s\uc1 \u259 ? te culci. M\uc1 \u238 ?
ine \uc1 \u355 ?inem leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura. A\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1
\u259 ? ne spui \uc1 \u238 ?n ce stare este Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce mai este pe-acas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Status quo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack mi-a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai pus-o pe Francy la treab\uc1 \u259 ?, la cartierul general.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy r\uc1 \u238 ?se, \uc1
\u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se supere
pentru un comentariu colorat \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a nepoatei sale.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul zilei
o \uc1 \u355 ?in ocupat\uc1 \u259 ? cu plicurile. Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie cine
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu ce o \uc1 \u355 ?ine ocupat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francine Angela Rutledge trecu cu o
vitez\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?aptezeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de mile pe or\uc1
\u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau centurile de siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, din cauza denivel\uc1 \u259 ?rilor, fu aruncat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n sus vreo cinci inci. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ateriza r\uc1 \u238 ?se \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea la nebunie
s\uc1 \u259 ? simt\uc1 \u259 ? y\uc1 \u238 ?ntul \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei
lung, blond, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i iarna. Viteza, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
ignorarea flagrant\uc1 \u259 ? a legifor de circula\uc1 \u355 ?ie, erau doar parte
din pasiunile lui Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O alt\uc1 \u259 ?
parte }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 concentra total pe Eddy
Paschal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pasiunea pentru el.era destul
de recent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
prezent nu era reciproc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar ea era foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1
\u259 ?toare c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la urm\uc1 \u259 ? va reu\uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i umplea orele cu un tip,
la Hanul Holiday din Kerrville. L-a cunoscut la un popas pentru camioane, acum
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni. S-a oprit acolo
dup\uc1 \u259 ? un film, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era unul din pu\uc1 \u355 ?inele
locuri din ora\uc1 \u351 ? care era deschis dup\uc1 \u259 ? ora zece \uc1 \u351 ?i
se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n drumul ei spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La micul popas Buck \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy
\uc1 \u351 ?i-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ochi dulci, el ocupat cu o oranjad\uc1 \u259 ?,
ea g\uc1 \u238 ?dil\uc1 \u238 ?nd o sticl\uc1 \u259 ? de cola cu un pai. Buck m\uc1
\u238 ?nca un sandvi\uc1 \u351 ? cu \uc1 \u351 ?unc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i felul
\uc1 \u238 ?n care mesteca gura lui a excitat-o grozav. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a trecut pe
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? masa lui, s-a oprit ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva, apoi a trecut mai departe. A pl\uc1 \u259 ?
tit repede la cas\uc1 \u259 ?, renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nd la conversa\uc1
\u355 ?ia cu casieri\uc1 \u355 ?a, cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea de obicei, \uc1 \u351 ?i s-
a dus direct la ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina ei din parcare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?nd, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea mul\uc1 \u355
?umit\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum era doar o problem\uc1 \u259 ? de timp. Privind spre
ferestrele mari ale cafenelei, \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe t\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?r ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se, arunc\uc1 \u238 ?nd ni\uc1 \u351 ?te bani
pe mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i repezindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat
spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au f\uc1
\u259 ?cut cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Buck i-a sugerat s\uc1
\u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lneasc\uc1 \u259 ? tot acolo, s\uc1 \u259 ?
serveasc\uc1 \u259 ? cina, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Francy a avut
o idee mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? - s\uc1 \u259 ? serveasc\uc1 \u259 ? micul dejun la
motel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Buck i-a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru el este perfect, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? are acces la toate
camerele motelului. Aranjamentul, ilicit \uc1 \u351 ?i riscant, i-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cut grozav lui Francy. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea studiat, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ?
se va distra de m}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 inune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ? vin la \uc1 \u351 ?apte fix. Eu aduc ovule, tu aduci
prezervative.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De\uc1 \u351 ?i.nu
era mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t o pisic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?lduri, era prea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?mboln\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? numai de la o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
joac\uc1 \u259 ? ocazional\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 Buck nu a dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git-o. Lipsa de fine\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost din plin
compensat\uc1 \u259 ? de virilitatea lui. Era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de dornic s\uc1 \u259
?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t ea
se pref\uc1 \u259 ?cu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i observ\uc1 \u259 ? pistruii de pe fund. De
fapt, avea un corp acceptabil \uc1 \u351 ?i de aceea s-a culcat cu el de \uc1 \u351
?ase ori de atunci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
seara aceea el era liber \uc1 \u351 ?i o petreceau \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n apartamentul lui, de care era foarte m\uc1 \u238 ?ndru, m\uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?nd m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare mexican\uc1 \u259 ? oribil\uc1 \u259 ?,
b\uc1 \u238 ?nd vin ieftin \uc1 \u351 ?i fum\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259
?ri scumpe - contribu\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Francy la reu\uc1 \u351 ?ita serii.
F\uc1 \u259 ?ceau dragoste pe covor, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ei i s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut
mai curat dec\uc1 \u238 ?t cearceafurile de pe pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Bu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ck era dulce. Era cinstit. Era \uc1
\u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat. l-a spus de multe ori c\uc1 \u259 ? o iube\uc1 \u351
?te. Era bun. Nimeni nu este perfect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu
excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oft\uc1
\u259 ? frec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nii goi. Spre dezaprobarea
total\uc1 \u259 ? a bunicii sale, Zee, Francy nu credea \uc1 \u238 ?n sutiene, cum
nu credea \uc1 \u238 ?n centura de siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a ma\uc1 \u351 ?
inii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy era frumos. Se \uc1 \u238
?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca perfect, ca un}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 | b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat, nu ca un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r. B\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
v\uc1 \u238 ?rsta ei se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cau}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n haine de cowboy. Nu avea nimic cu moda vestului,}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 doar \uc1 \u351 ?i ea a ar\uc1
\u259 ?tat grozav c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it regina unui}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rodeo. Dar un rodeo era altceva.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?ca \uc1 \u238 ?n costume \uc1 \u238 ?nchise, c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase. Mirosea de parc\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai a
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it de sub du\uc1 \u351 ?. Numai g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se cum ar\uc1
\u259 ?ta el sub du\uc1 \u351 ?, tremura toat\uc1 \u259 ?. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia numai
pentru ziua c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ating\uc1 \u259 ?
trupul, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l s\uc1 \u259 ?rute. \uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? va avea un
gust pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se foi \uc1
\u238 ?nfiorat\uc1 \u259 ? de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, dar imediat se \uc1 \u238 ?
ncrunt\uc1 \u259 ? consternat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vindece de obsesia c\uc1 \u259 ? era prea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238
?n 'pentru ea. S\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajute s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? peste faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? ea era nepoata celui mai bun prieten al lui. Eddy nu i-a spus \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acestea s\uc1 \u238 ?nt}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \cf1 motivele, dar Francy \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? de aceea o
evit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Toat\uc1 \u259 ?
"lumea a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? la culme c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s-a oferit s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze voluntar \uc1 \u238 ?n campania electoral\uc1
\u259 ?. Bunicul a str\uc1 \u238 ?ns-o \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e de i s-a
t\uc1 \u259 ?iat respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Bunica a gratulat-o cu z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul
ei de doamn\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care Fancy nu-l putea suferi. Tata \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat aprobarea uimit\uc1 \u259 ?. Mama a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas treaz\uc1
\u259 ? suficient de mult pentru a-i spune c\uc1 \u259 ? se bucur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ceva folositor.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy a sperat c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i Eddy va fi la fel de entuziasmat, dar el a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut doar amuzat. Nu a
spus dec\uc1 \u238 ?t: "Avem nevoie de ajutor. Apropos, \uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259
? ba\uc1 \u355 ?i la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ??"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? culc cu tine, ar fi
vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu i-a spus nimic, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
bunicii ei ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un atac de inim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy, probabil, \uc1 \u351 ?tia ce ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?i nu i-a dat satisfac\uc1 \u355 ?ie. L-a privit cu
respectul cuvenit \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiesc s\uc1
\u259 ? fac bine ceea ce fac, Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mustangul decapotabil st\uc1 \u238 ?rni un nor de praf \uc1 \u351 ?i.opri \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a casei. Sperase s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la
apartamentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care locuia cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lneasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe
nimeni, dar nu avu noroc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu, bunicule.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i ie\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpinare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, feti\uc1 \u355 ?o. O s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1
\u259 ? pe obraz. Francy \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? este un truc - o controla
dac\uc1 \u259 ? a b\uc1 \u259 ?ut. Se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tise pentru a\uc1 \u351 ?a
ceva. Consumase trei cutii de gum\uc1 \u259 ? cu ment\uc1 \u259 ?. El s'e retrase
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde ai fost?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La'film, min\uc1 \u355 ?i ea
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine. Ce mai face m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351
?a Carole? A mers bine opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Doctorul spune ca a mers bine. Va fi greu de v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n prima
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamne, e}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ste \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor ce
s-a petrecut cu fa|a ei, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd dorea ea, putea clipi angelic din genele-i lungi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper s\uc1 \u259 ? se termine cu
bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur de
asta}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . \uc1 \u350 ?tia, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum o privea,
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorarea ei l-a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 impresionat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
cam obosit\uc1 \u259 ?. Filmul a fost plictisitor,
aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? am adormit. Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, bunicule.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? pe
v\uc1 \u238 ?rfuri s\uc1 \u259 ?-l s\uc1 \u259 ?rute, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea ei
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi. Ar bate-o cu biciul, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar \uc1 \u351 ?ti cu ce s-au
ocupat buzele ei, acum mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de o or\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Plec\uc1 \u259 ? prin holul principal,
apoi o lu\uc1 \u259 ? la st\uc1 \u238 ?nga. La cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul lui intra spre
aripa \uc1 \u238 ?n care aveau apartamentul ea \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?
rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii ei. Era cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe clan\uc1 \u355 ?a u\uc1 \u351 ?ii,
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u scoase capul din dormitorul lui.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, tat\uc1 \u259 ?,
spuse ea z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind dulce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu o \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? unde a fost, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tie. De aceea ea i-a spus singur\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Am fost cu un... cu prieteni. Pauza a fost deliberat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i strategic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde-
i mama?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El privi peste
um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Doarme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De unde se afla,
Francy auzea sfor\uc1 \u259 ?iturile mamei sale. Nu dormea pur \uc1 \u351 ?i
simplu, dormea de b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Fancy p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind \uc1
\u238 ?n camera ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum merg
treburile la cartierul general?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
place ce faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. Uneori
\uc1 \u238 ?mi place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai putea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i reiei cursurile la colegiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Las-o balt\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 El tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri, dar nu-i repro\uc1 \u351 ?a nimic. Ea
\uc1 \u351 ?tia foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, o va certa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine. Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Fancy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i ea, alunec\uc1
\u238 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? zgomot \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nchiz\uc1 \u238 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
A\uc1 \u351 ? putea s-o aduc pe Mandy m\uc1 \u238 ?ine, s\uc1 \u259 ? te vad\uc1
\u259 ?. Nu mai e\uc1 \u351 ?ti inflamat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i te poate
recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privea. D}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e\uc1 \u351 ?i, de c\uc1 \u238
?te ori o privea, \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajator, ea
\uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? arat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor. Acum nu mai
avea bandaje care s\uc1 \u259 ? o ascund\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum ar spune Irish, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea grea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i,
toat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na de dup\uc1 \u259 ?
opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu a ezitat nici o clip\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
"Aprecia foarte mult aceast\uc1 \u259 ? capacitate a lui de a fi \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Imediat ce va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? un creion \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?i va scrie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 I-au scos
bandajele de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile, A fost \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozit\uc1 \u259 ? de
pielea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i iritat\uc1 \u259 ? a m\uc1 \u238 ?inilor. l-
au t\uc1 \u259 ?jat unghiile foarte scurt \uc1 \u351 ?i acum m\uc1 \u238 ?inile ei
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau ur\uc1 \u238 ?te. \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi f\uc1 \u259 ?cea
terapie fizic\uc1 \u259 ?; str\uc1 \u238 ?ngea o minge de cauciuc \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
degetele lipsite de for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
acum nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? un creion
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l controleze
prin mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri clare. Imediat ce va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i, va avea
foarte multe s\uc1 \u259 ?- i spun\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, i-au luat aparatul pentru respira\uc1 \u355 ?ie.
Spre totala ei neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ?
scoat\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car un sunet - un lucru traumatizant pentru un
reporter cu o carier\uc1 \u259 ? deja compromis\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, doctorii i-au spus
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se alarmeze \uc1 \u351 ?i au asigurat-o c\uc1 \u259 ? vocea
\uc1 \u238 ?i va reveni treptat, l-au spus c\uc1 \u259 ?, probabil, prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1
\u259 ?, nu va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar acesta era un lucru normal, dac\uc1 \u259 ? lua
\uc1 \u238 ?n considera\uc1 \u355 ?ie c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult i-au fost}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 afectate corzile vocale, din pricina
fumului inhalat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i,
pentru ca totul s\uc1 \u259 ? fie absolut \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor, nu mai avea nici
un fir de p\uc1 \u259 ?r, nu mai avea din\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i se hr\uc1
\u259 ?nea cu lichide, printr- un tub. Toate la un loc o convingeau c\uc1 \u259 ?
este \uc1 \u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
spui? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.
Te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? o vezi pe Mandy m\uc1 \u238 ?
ine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 li z\uc1 \u238 ?mbij dar Avery
\uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o face din toat\uc1 \u259 ? inima, \uc1 \u238 ?i
era mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea toat\uc1
\u259 ? silin\uc1 \u355 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ? fie vesel \uc1 \u351 ?i optimist. Imediat
dup\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea cum \uc1
\u238 ?i vorbea bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajator, l-a spus
atunci, iar de atunci i-a spus-o \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare- zi, c\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1
\u355 ?ia a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it extrem de bine. Doctorul Sawyer \uc1 \u351 ?i toate
asistentele nu mai conteneau s\uc1 \u259 ? o felicite pentru felul rapid \uc1 \u238
?n care^se recupera \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru buna ei dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1
\u355 ?ia ei ce fel de bun\uc1 \u259 ? dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
aib\uc1 \u259 ?? Se putea obi\uc1 \u351 ?nui cu un picior rupt, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?inile ei ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? o sus\uc1
\u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ni\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u238 ?rje, dar ele nu
erau \uc1 \u238 ?n stare de asta. \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai era prizoniera
patului de spital. S-o ia naiba de bun\uc1 \u259 ? dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie. De.
unde \uc1 \u351 ?tiau ei c\uc1 \u259 ? ea nu este sf\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat\uc1
\u259 ? pe din\uc1 \u259 ?untru? Furioas\uc1 \u259 ? nu era, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-i era de nici un folos. | Nenorocirea, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a produs.
Chipul lui Avery Daniels fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit cu chipul altcuiva. G\uc1 \u238
?ndul acesta, care nu o p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?i aducea mereu lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e le
d\uc1 \u259 ?dea, mereu o alt\uc1 \u259 ? interpretare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Promit s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o \uc1 \u355 ?in prea mult timp pe
Mandy aici, dar s\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1
\u259 ? foarte bine, dac\uc1 \u259 ? te va vedea. \uc1 \u350 ?tii, acum este
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea o alint\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i
Francy. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai are co\uc1 \u351 ?maruri noaptea.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te va vedea, poate va c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ta pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
curaj. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? acum crede c\uc1 \u259 ? noi o min\uc1 \u355 ?im,
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i spunem c\uc1 \u259 ?
o s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea ei
crede c\uc1 \u259 ? tu ai}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 murit. Nu a spus
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum, dar de fapt nu prea}{\fs23
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spune multe Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aplec\uc1
\u259 ? privirea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
studieze m\uc1 \u238 ?inile. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i privi p\uc1 \u259 ?rul rebel, \uc1
\u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai mult
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t doctorul cel renumit sau dec\uc1 \u238 ?t personalul
spitalului, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge devenise centrul micului ei
univers.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum i-a promis
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, i-a revenit vederea \uc1 \u351 ?i la ochiul st\uc1 \u238 ?
ng, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i s-a ref\uc1 \u259 ?cut scheletul care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
sus\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. La trei zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie i-
au scos firele de la pleoape, l-au promis c\uc1 \u259 ?-i vor lua \uc1 \u351 ?i
tampoanele din n\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i atela de protec\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
m\uc1 \u238 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i trimitea \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi flori proaspete,
-dorind parc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? sublinieze fiecare pas f\uc1 \u259 ?cut spre
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?ire. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd venea la
ea era z\uc1 \u238 ?mbitor. \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna avea un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt de
\uc1 \u238 ?ncurajare, chiar o flata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 Lui Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rea r\uc1 \u259 ?u pentru el. De\uc1
\u351 ?i el se str\uc1 \u259 ?duia, ea \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? vizitele la
spital erau o povar\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i, . totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu ar fi venit s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ?, ea ar fi murit.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 In camer\uc1 \u259 ? nu erau
oglinzi - de fapt nu era nimic care ar fi putut reflecta o imagine. Era convins\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta era \uc1 \u351 ?i inten\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor. Iar ea
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea din suflet s\uc1 \u259 ? se poat\uc1 \u259 ? privi,
s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? cum arat\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area ei \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare era motivul pentru
care \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea acea aversiune, pe care
reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea cu greu s\uc1 \u259 ? o ascund\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ca la orice persoan\uc1 \u259 ? cu
disfunc\uc1 \u355 ?ii fizice, sim\uc1 \u355 ?urile ei se ascu\uc1 \u355 ?
iser\uc1 \u259 ?. Percepea cu acuitate ceea ce spuneau sau sim\uc1 \u355 ?eau
oamenii. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era bun \uc1 \u351 ?i atent cu "so\uc1 \u355 ?
ia" lui. Din bun sim\uc1 \u355 ?. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i exista \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei un
soi de \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?inare, pe care Avery nu o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elegea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-o aduc, sau
nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tea pe marginea
patului ei, foarte atent s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i ating\uc1 \u259 ? piciorul rupt, care
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea suspendat. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
fie f}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rig afar\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi ea, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? avea un sacou peste obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuita-i c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar soarele str\uc1 \u259 ?lucea. Avea ochelarii de soare pe
nas, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?. I-a scos dup\uc1
\u259 ? aceea \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a pus \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarul de la piept. Avea ochii
verzi, cu o privire direct\uc1 \u259 ?, dezarmant\uc1 \u259 ?. Era un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat extrem de atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi ea, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-l judece cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? obiectivitatea de
care era \uc1 \u238 ?n stare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cum putea s\uc1
\u259 ?-i refuze rug\uc1 \u259 ?mintea? El a fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bun cu ea!
Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? feti\uc1 \u355 ?a nu era copilul ei, dac\uc1 \u259 ? acest
lucru \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cea fericit, va pretinde c\uc1 \u259 ? este mama
lui Mandy - doar pentru moment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn c\uc1 \u259 ? da - dup\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?
ie reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?te capul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul lui era sin9er acum. Am vorbit cu
asistenta \uc1 \u351 ?ef\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? de acum
po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i por\uc1 \u355 ?i hainele tale,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Mi-am permis s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aduc
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i de noapte \uc1 \u351 ?i
capoate. Ar fi mai bine pentru Mandy dac\uc1 \u259 ? te va vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n
hainele tale obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
d\uc1 \u259 ?du din nou din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mi\uc1
\u351 ?carea de la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i atrase aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ia, \uc1 \u238 ?i recunoscu pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul \uc1 \u351 ?i femeia care erau
p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i
Zinnia, sau Zee, cum \uc1 \u238 ?i spunea toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - la te uit\uc1 \u259 ?! spuse Nelson,
jovial, trevers\uc1 \u238 ?nd camera mai repede dec\uc1 \u238 ?t so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
sa \uc1 \u351 ?i oprindu-se la picioarele patului. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
foarte bine, chiar foarte bine, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, Zee?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii lui Zee se \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 cu privirea lui Avery. Politicos aceasta spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mult mai bine dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ieri.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
doctorul merit\uc1 \u259 ? onorariul substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial pe care I-a cerut,
continu\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson r\uc1 \u238 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 *am avut-\uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n chirurgia plastic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna am
crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? este o toan\uc1 \u259 ? de femei bogate, dar asta,}{\fs24
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spuse
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Avery, asta merit\uc1
\u259 ? fiecare b\uc1 \u259 ?nu\uc1 \u355 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u194 ?very" era st\uc1 \u238 ?njenit\uc1 \u259 ? de
complimentele lor, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tia foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ?
arat\uc1 \u259 ? exact ca victima unui accident de avion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e sim\uc1 \u355 ?i imediat st\uc1 \u238
?njeneala ei \uc1 \u351 ?i schimb\uc1 \u259 ? subiectul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost de acord s\uc1 \u259 ? o aducem pe Mandy}{\fs23
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 m\uc1 \u238 ?ine. Zee se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1
\u259 ? brusc spre fiul ei. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 palmele pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? e bine s\uc1 \u259 ? faci
asta? Nu numai pentru Mandy, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . ,- Nu, nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt deloc
sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce spune
psihologul lui Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cui naiba
\uc1 \u238 ?i pas\uc1 \u259 ? ce spune afurisita aia de femeie? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson furios. Cum poate un str\uc1 \u259 ?in s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tie ce-i mai^ bine pentru un copil, mai sigur dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l copilului? \uc1 \u238 ?l b\uc1 \u259 ?tu pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r pe
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? foarte bine lui Mandy s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
vad\uc1 \u259 ? mama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper s\uc1 \u259
? ai dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery
observ\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Zee nu era deloc convins\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorarea
lui Zee, dar nu avea nici o modalitate de exprimare. Nu putea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? spere c\uc1 \u259 ? gestul ei de bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care-l f\uc1 \u259 ?cea de dragul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, nu se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce ca un bumerang \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva feti\uc1
\u355 ?ei cu stare emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ? foarte fragil\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu de
lucru prin camer\uc1 \u259 ?, ud\uc1 \u238 ?nd florile pe }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 care
le-a primit Avery nu numai de la }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ci
\uc1 \u351 ?i de la oameni pe care nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a vorbit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de familia Carolei, a dedus
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu exista.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e discutau despre campanie, subiect care le
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia tot timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a vorbit}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 despre Eddy, ea a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut imediat
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat impecabil \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte \uc1
\u238 ?ngrijit. A venit s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? de vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ?
ori, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, un fel
de conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor de grup.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 Fratele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se numea Jack. Era mai mare dec\uc1
\u238 ?t el \uc1 \u351 ?i o fire mult mai nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau cel pu\uc1 \u355
?in a\uc1 \u351 ?a i s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fiecare dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a vizitat-o, a murmurat stingherit ni\uc1 \u351 ?te scuze,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i fiica lui nu au venit s\uc1
\u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery a ghicit
c\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy Rae, so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Jack, suferea de o maladie
permanent\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nimeni nu a spus limpede ce fel de
boal\uc1 \u259 ? avea. Francy era evident \uc1 \u355 ?inta nemul\uc1 \u355 ?
umirilor familiei. Din buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii Avery
a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? era destul de mare s\uc1 \u259 ?
conduc\uc1 \u259 ? o ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu suficient de mare pentru
a tr\uc1 \u259 ?i pe picioarele ei. Locuiau cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii undeva la o
or\uc1 \u259 ? de S\uc1 \u226 ?n Antonio, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea vag
despre ni\uc1 \u351 ?te informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii citite \uc1 \u238 ?n reviste. Era o
ferm\uc1 \u259 ?. Evident, familia avea bani \uc1 \u351 ?i mult\uc1 \u259 ?
stim\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i putere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd vorbeau cu ea erau prieteno\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i veseli, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i alegeau cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie cuvintele,
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o supere. Dar ceea ce nu-i spuneau o interesa mai mult dec\uc1
\u238 ?t ceea c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e afla.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Le
studia expresiile fe\uc1 \u355 ?elor \uc1 \u351 ?i remarca de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? erau mereu pu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n gard\uc1 \u259 ?. Z\uc1
\u238 ?mbeau \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat. Familia lui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e o trata pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia acestuia cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar
evident nu o acceptau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai un capot
frumos, spuse Zee, atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i din nou aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui
Avery. Despacheta ni\uc1 \u351 ?te lucruri pe care \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Ie
adusese de acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le punea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un dulap. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?mbraci cu el m\uc1 \u238 ?ine,
pentru vizita lui Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
accept\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai terminat,
mam\uc1 \u259 ?? Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este obosit\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se apropie de }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea \uc1 \u351 ?i o
privi intens. M\uc1 \u238 ?ine vei avea o zi grea. Ar fi bine s\uc1 \u259 ? te
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? te odihne\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face nici o grij\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse Nelson. Evoluezi foarte bine, ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i exact cum
te \uc1 \u351 ?tiam. Haide, Zee, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m
singuri un minut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La revedere,
Carole, spuse Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s-a a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat din nou pe marginea patului. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat. Ar fi dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? curajul s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie, dar nu
putea. El nu a atins-o niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ca s\uc1 \u259 ? o
consoleze \uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a exprimat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
afec\uc1 \u355 ?iunea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vom v}{\fs23
\cf1 eni la mijlocul dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiezei, dup\uc1 \u259 ? somnul lui Mandy. Se
opri \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Ea accept\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?
teapt\uc1 \u259 ?-ne \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul orei trei. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi ce!
mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ? venim singuri, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai aducem pe nimeni.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \par
}\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Privi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte \uc1 \u351
?i oft\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am
nici o idee despre cum va}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 reac\uc1 \u355 ?iona, Carole, dar te
rog s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ii cont de iadul prin care a trecut. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tu ai suportat greu, dar tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti adult. Ai
mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? putere de adaptare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ea. Ea nu este dec\uc1
\u238 ?t un copil. Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ii minte asta. \uc1 \u238 ?i
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi scurt. Dar ce spun, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? vizita de
m\uc1 \u238 ?ine va merge bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca de obicei, de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?l vedea preg\uc1 \u259 ?tindu-se de plecare, Avery intra \uc1 \u238 ?n
panic\uc1 \u259 ?. El era singura ei leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu lumea.
Singura ei realitate. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce el pleca, ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
pierdea curajul; se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea singur\uc1 \u259 ?, speriat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -/Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? te odihne\uc1 \u351 ?ti bine. Ne vedem
m\uc1 \u238 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n semn
de r\uc1 \u259 ?mas bun o m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie cu v\uc1 \u238 ?rful
degetelor, dar nu o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu o s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. De fapt, nu prea existau locuri accesibile pentru un s\uc1
\u259 ?rut pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei, dar Avery g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi c\uc1 \u259 ? un
so\uc1 \u355 ? ar fi descoperit unul, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1
\u259 ?r ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rute so\uc1 \u355 ?
ia}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 . }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l privi p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea o \uc1
\u238 ?mpresur\uc1 \u259 ? din toate direc\uc1 \u355 ?iile, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la sufocare. Singurul fel \uc1 \u238 ?n care putea sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de ea
era s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
petrecu urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele ore g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se cum \uc1 \u238 ?i va
spune lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge c\uc1 \u259 ? ea nu era cea care
credea el. Carole, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1
\u259 ?, era \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
morm\uc1 \u238 ?nt pe care scria Avery Daniels. Cum o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1
\u259 ?? Cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva, care \uc1 \u238
?i era foarte apropiat, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i dorea moartea?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de o mie
de ori \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
ea a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? se conving\uc1 \u259 ? pe sine c\uc1 \u259 ?
vizitatorul fantomatic a fost un co\uc1 \u351 ?mar. Existau mul\uc1 \u355 ?i
factori care ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea halucina\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Era mai
u\uc1 \u351 ?or s\uc1 \u259 ? crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? vocea care rostise acele cuvinte
de ur\uc1 \u259 ? a fost o iluzie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 Dar ea \uc1 \u351 ?tia. A fost real. \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea ei cuvintele lui
r\uc1 \u259 ?sunau foarte clar. Le re\uc1 \u355 ?inuse. Tonul sinistru \uc1 \u351 ?
i inflexiunile erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rite \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea ei. Era
convins de ceea ce i-a spus. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? fie cineva foarte apropiat de familia Rutledge, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? numai
cei foarte apropia\uc1 \u355 ?i aveau voie \uc1 \u238 ?n rezerva,de terapie
intensiv\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar cine? Nimeni nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? arate
at\uc1 \u238 ?ta ur\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e; dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, to\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?reau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
adore.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i
lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe r\uc1 \u238 ?nd: tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u? De neconceput.
Era evident c\uc1 \u259 ? ambii p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l iubeau.
Jack? El nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? resentimente fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de fratele mai mic. De\uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy nu era rud\uc1 \u259 ?
de s\uc1 \u238 ?nge, era tratat ca membru al familiei \uc1 \u351 ?i prietenia
dintre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i acesta era mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?
t evident\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? le aud\uc1 \u259 ? pe Dorothy
Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy, dar era sigur\uc1 \u259 ?-c\uc1 \u259 ? vocea pe care a
auzit-o era a unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici
una dintre vocile auzite recent nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu aceea. Dar cum putea un
str\uc1 \u259 ?in s\uc1 \u259 ? se strecoare \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei? Omul nu era
str\uc1 \u259 ?in pentru Carole; \uc1 \u238 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vorbise cu
\uc1 \u238 ?ncredere}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , ca unei p\uc1 \u259 ?rta\uc1 \u351 ?e
la complot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ?
so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui conspira \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
omoare? Ghicea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l ura at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult? Oare din
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cauz\uc1 \u259 ? el men\uc1 \u355 ?inea r\uc1 \u259 ?ceala
dintre ei? Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? el i-a acordat toat\uc1 \u259 ?
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era so\uc1 \u355 ?ul ei, dar nimic ma}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 i mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Doamne, c\uc1
\u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? stea de vorb\uc1 \u259 ? cu
Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce s\uc1 \u259 ? descurce
i\uc1 \u355 ?ele! Ar \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? la locul lor
toate elemente\uc1 \u238 ?e care lipseau. Irish avea aproape puteri
supranaturale \uc1 \u238 ?n descifrarea comportamentul lui uman \uc1 \u351 ?i ea
\uc1 \u238 ?l aprecia mai mult}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dec\uc1 \u238 ?t orice pe lume.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se la
familia Rutledge, pe Avery o cuprinse durerea de cap \uc1 \u351 ?i fu mai mult
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i se injecta sedativul care o
ajuta s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?. Au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat aprins\uc1 \u259 ? doar
o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? de veghe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Plutind \uc1 \u238
?ntre somn \uc1 \u351 ?i realitate, Avery \uc1 \u351 ?i-a permis s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe ce s-ar \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpla dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar
juca p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t rolul Carolei Rutledge. Ar
am\uc1 \u238 ?na faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era v\uc1 \u259 ?
duv. Mandy ar avea' un suport matern \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul recuper\uc1 \u259 ?rii
emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionale. Avery Daniels ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere un prezumtiv
asasin \uc1 \u351 ?i ar deveni eroin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 R\uc1 \u238 ?se ironic \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea ei. Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? frish ar crede c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunit. Probabil
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar face accese de furie \uc1 \u351 ?i ar certa-o c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit la o astfel de fapt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i era o idee provocatoare. Ce
poveste ar avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
toat\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?arad\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
descurcat\uc1 \u259 ?: politic\uc1 \u259 ?, rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii umane \uc1 \u351 ?i
intrig\uc1 \u259 ?. *}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu aceast\uc1
\u259 ? fantezie \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, adormi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era mai nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t a fost la prima ei audi\uc1 \u355 ?ie la televiziunea din
Arkansas, acum opt ani. Cu palmele transpirate \uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u238 ?tul
uscat, era p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la glezne prins\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
noroi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca cu degete lipsite de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? un microfon \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? despre boala care afecta fermele de porci. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
aceea directorul jurnalului i-a reamintit c\uc1 \u259 ? maladia afecta pprcii
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu fermierii. Dar, oricum, i-a dat slujba}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i aceasta era o
audi\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Putea, Mandy s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere ceea ce nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?
iser\uc1 \u259 ? ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i; putea s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? femeie nu era Carole Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Peste zi, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce sora
\uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse baie \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca,
\uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce terapistul \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse exerci\uc1 \u355 ?
iile, o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare i-a b\uc1 \u238 ?ntuit mintea: dorea ea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r s\uc1 \u259 ? se descopere adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns clar. Pentru moment nu
mai conta cine credeau ei c\uc1 \u259 ? este ea. Nu putea schimba soarta. Ea tr\uc1
\u259 ?ia, iar Carole Rutledge murise. For\uc1 \u355 ?e cosmice au dorit ca ea
s\uc1 \u259 ? supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase cu disperare, cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?inele mijloace pe care le-
a avut la dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie, s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? tuturor c\uc1 \u259
? este o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise. Acum nu mai
putea face nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a consecin\uc1 \u355 ?elor.
P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?nuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? un creion, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? Carole. Juc\uc1 \u238 ?nd acest rol ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
descopere comploti\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l r\uc1 \u259 ?
spl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e pentru bun\uc1 \u259
?tatea lui. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? el credea c\uc1 \u259 ? este bine pentru Mandy s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i vad\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "mama",
atunci }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery va juca temporar acest rol. Se g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndi c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru copil ar fi fost mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie
c\uc1 \u259 ? mama ei a murit, dar ea nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?.
Spera din suflet ca \uc1 \u238
?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area ei s\uc1 \u259 ? nu sperie
feti\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sora \uc1 \u238 ?i
aranja e\uc1 \u351 ?arfa de pe cap, unde p\uc1 \u259 ?rul nu era mai lung de un
centimetru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gata, ar\uc1
\u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i foarte bine, spuse ea admirativ, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni frumosul dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?
so\uc1 \u355 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai ia ochii de la
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? toate asistentele, m\uc1 \u259 ?ritate sau nu, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostite la nebunie de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
agit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul patului, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u238 ?nd
cearceafurile, apoi aran}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ja florile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1
\u355 ?i, nu? Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuit\uc1 \u259 ? ca femeile s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? de el. De c\uc1 \u238 ?t timp s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori\uc1 \u355 ?i? Patru ani, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ?a a spus unei surori care l-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Doctorul Sawyer face
minuni. Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare. Ve\uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i fi cel mai frumos cuplu din Washington.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti cam
sigur\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i auzi vocea^, inima lui Avery tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri.
Privi' spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?
zu. \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce \uc1 \u238 ?nainta, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse asistentei:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins
c\uc1 \u259 ? doctorul Sawyer face minuni. Dar de unde e\uc1 \u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u238
?t de sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? voi c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga alegerile?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i votul meu.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El r\uc1 \u238 ?se profund
\uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, am nevoie
de fiecare vot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde este
feti\uc1 \u355 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am l\uc1
\u259 ?sat-o la asistente. O aduc peste c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Asistenta z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi spre Avery
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu din ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noroc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat}{\fs23
\cf1 ce au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas singuri, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s-a apropiat de}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i foarte bine. Uite, am adus-o. Nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt sigur cum o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie. Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fii dezam\uc1
\u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se opri
privind spre pieptul ei. C\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de noapte a Carolei nu i se
potrivea tocmai bine. Avery citi uimirea de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u351 ?i
inima \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i bat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el r\uc1 \u259 ?
gu\uc1 \u351 ?it. \uc1 \u350 ?tia!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cum o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i poat\uc1
\u259 ? explica?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai sl\uc1
\u259 ?bit at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult, \uc1 \u351 ?opti el. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 \scaps1
a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu bl\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u355
?e \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie s\uc1 \u238 ?nii. \uc1 \u238 ?i
privi tot corpul. S\uc1 \u238 ?ngele lui Avery lu\uc1 \u259 ? foc. Reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? un sunet nearticulat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai sl\uc1 \u259 ?bit at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult. Nu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bine. Doar c\uc1
\u259 ?... e\uc1 \u351 ?ti altfel. De fapt, se explic\uc1 \u259 ?. Privirile lor se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnir\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o secund\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi el
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i retrase m\uc1 \u238 ?na. M\uc1 \u259 ? duc s\uc1 \u259 ?
o aduc pe Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery oft\uc1
\u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u238 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? nervii. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat seama c\uc1 \u238 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?i poate provoca descoperirea
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rului. Nici nu a" descoperit c\uc1 \u238 ?t de profunde erau
sentimentele ei fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Atingerea lui a \uc1 \u238 ?
nmuiat-o de tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar nu avea
curajul s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i lase sentimentele s\uc1 \u259 ? o domine. Se
preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti pentru ce o a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii,
tem\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se de groaza pe care o va citi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii copilului,
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd acesta o va vedea pe "mama" desfigurat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
auzi intr\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i apropiindu-se de pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs23
\cf1 \scaps1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?ncet, Avery deschis}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e ochii. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
\uc1 \u355 ?inea pe Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Era \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? cu un \uc1 \u351 ?or\uc1 \u355 ?ule\uc1 \u355 ? alb
pes'te o rochi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea cior\uc1 \u259 ?
pei albi \uc1 \u351 ?i o p\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?riu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
albastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea p\uc1 \u259 ?rul negru \uc1 \u351 ?i bogat, des, dar nu
la fel de lung cum \uc1 \u351 ?i-l amintea Avery. Ghicindu-i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndurile, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e explic\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
t\uc1 \u259 ?iem p\uc1 \u259 ?rui, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era ars.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era tuns la nivelul urechii. Ochii
serio\uc1 \u351 ?i erau acoperi\uc1 \u355 ?i de gene bogate. Era un copil frumos
\uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit de timid, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc
s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe chipul ei repulsie, fric\uc1 \u259 ? <sau
curiozitate, ceea ce ar fi fost de a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; D\uc1
\u259 ?-i mamei cadoul pe care i l-ai adus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?nu\uc1 \u355 ?a dreapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?inea un buchet
de margarete. Le \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse timid spre Avery. Ea nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? le prind\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
le lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le puse cu bl\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e pe
pieptul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ?
te las aici pe pat p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc ni\uc1 \u351 ?te
ap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care s\uc1 \u259 ? pun florile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe
marginea patului, dar, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze, feti\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse cu
team\uc1 \u259 ? de sacou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
arunc\uc1 \u259 ? lui Avery un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat \uc1 \u351 ?i
se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy. Uite, ast\uc1
\u259 ?zi a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un desen pentru tine, spuse el sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u238 ?nd din buzunarul jachetei o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie. Spune ce
ai desenat, Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Liniile
multicolore nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau cu nimic, dar Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?opti:}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Caii bunicului, com}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 plet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ieri a c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u351 ?i
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? am rugat-o s\uc1 \u259 ?
deseneze caii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery ridic\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i semn s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i arate desenul. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 II }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 studie cu aten\uc1 \u355
?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? mamei
\uc1 \u238 ?i place desenul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, continu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e privind-o ciudat pe Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Copilul
nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea interesat dac\uc1 \u259 ? munca ei era sau nu apreciat\uc1
\u259 ?. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? spre atela de pe nasul lui Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce este asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - O parte din bandajul despre care \uc1 \u355 ?i-am povestit eu
\uc1 \u351 ?i bunica.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Spre Avery spuse:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259
? ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u355 ?i-l dau jos. Ea f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un semn din
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ine? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el. Ea d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce \uc1 \u238 ?l are? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy intrigat\uc1 \u259 ? de bandaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este la fel cu ghipsul de la m\uc1 \u238 ?na ta.
Protejeaz\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mamei p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se face
bine, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ghipsul t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
protejeaz\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se lipe\uc1
\u351 ?te osul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy
ascult\uc1 \u259 ? explica\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i o privi
solemn pe Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami pl\uc1
\u238 ?nge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? este bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? te vede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde apoi
\uc1 \u238 ?i deschise. Spera ca astfel s\uc1 \u259 ? le comunice c\uc1 \u259 ? era
bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? copilul, care ar fi putut
muri \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Accidentul 'a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
traume emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionale, dar Mandy a supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uit \uc1 \u351 ?i va
reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i domine frica \uc1 \u351 ?i
timiditatea. Avery era b\uc1 \u238 ?ntuit\uc1 \u259 ? de sentimente' de
vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ?
era altcineva dec\uc1 \u238 ?t credeau ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Printr-
o mi\uc1 \u351 ?care brusc\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care numai copiii o fac, Mandy \uc1
\u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na spre fa\uc1 \u355 ?a inflamat\uc1 \u259 ? a lui
Avery. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o prinse \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de atingere. G\uc1
\u238
?ndindu-se, \uc1 \u238 ?i dirija m\uc1 \u238 ?na mai jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o atingi, dar foarte u\uc1 \u351
?or. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu o doar\uc1 \u259 ?. Ochii copilului se umplur\uc1 \u259 ? de
lacrimi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami, doare?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Buza de jos \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1
\u259 ?-i tremure \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se apropia de fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei. Avery nu
mai putea s\uc1 \u259 ? suporte suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei. R\uc1
\u259 ?spunz\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu un spontan impuls matern, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1
\u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i apropie capul copilului. O leg\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
piept suport\uc1 \u238 ?nd durerea. Mandy se ghemui l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea.
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Aceast\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?iere nearticulat\uc1 \u259 ? transmitea \uc1
\u238 ?ncredere copilului. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente feti\uc1 \u355
?a se opri din pi\uc1 \u238 ?ns \uc1 \u351 ?i o anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?optit:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami, nu am
v\uc1 \u259 ?rsat lapte pe rochi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Inima lui Avery se topi. Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze copilul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? laptele nu avea nici o importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ele dou\uc1 \u259 ? supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uiser\uc1
\u259 ? unui dezastru, \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd feti\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238
?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vrem
s\uc1 \u259 ? te epuiz\uc1 \u259 ?m. Trimite-i o bezea mamei, Mandy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Feti\uc1 \u355 ?a nu o
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu. Timid, \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de g\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ascunse fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n gu}{\fs23 \dbch
lerul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Alt\uc1 \u259 ?
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse,el scuz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc
imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva minute reveni \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat-o la asistente. M\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1
\u259 ? pe marginea patului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i prinse m\uc1
\u238 ?inile}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
genunchi. Le privea pentru a evita s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe ea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a mers
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine a\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? o mai aduc \uc1 \u351 ?i
alt\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in eu a\uc1 \u351 ?a am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, c\uc1 \u259 ? a mers bine. Tu nu? O privi a\uc1 \u351 ?
tept\uc1 \u238 ?nd un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn
c\uc1 \u259 ? da. Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u238 ? prea sigur de sentimentele lui
Mandy. Este foarte greu s\uc1 \u259 ? ghice\uc1 \u351 ?ti ce simte. Nu reu\uc1
\u351 ?im s\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?pungem carapacea, Carole. Disperarea din
vocea lui o sf\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ia. Alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? o excursie
la McDonald o umplea de bucurie. Acum nimic, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1
\u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? coatele pe genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
ascunse fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n palme. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat tot posibilul
s\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?pung aceast\uc1 \u259 ? indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. Nimic nu merge. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fac.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie p\uc1
\u259 ?rul de la t\uc1 \u238 ?mple. El tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri violent \uc1 \u351 ?i
aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Gestul
\uc1 \u238 ?i transmise o durere ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? prin tot bra\uc1
\u355 ?ul. Gemu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, spuse ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Te
doare? S\uc1 \u259 ? chem pe cineva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aranjeze e\uc1 \u351 ?arfa. Ar fi dorit s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascund\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enia. C\uc1
\u238 ?nd el a fost convins c\uc1 \u259 ? durerea a trecut, i-a spus:}{\fs24
\rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face probleme
\uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Mandy. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n timp o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i revin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun. S\uc1
\u238 ?nt obosit. Campania devine stresant\uc1 \u259 ?... nu-f nimic. Acestea s\uc1
\u238 ?nt problemele mele, nu ale tale. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? plec. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? vizita a fost grea pentru tine. La revedere, Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De data aceasta nu a atins}{\fs23
\cf1 -o nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cu v\uc1 \u238 ?rful degetelor.}{\fs24 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Te
plictisim, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Vinovat, el \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe directorul s\uc1 \u259 ?u de campanie.}{\fs24
\u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, recunosc\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy avea toate motivele s\uc1
\u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? atent spre el.
Erau acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?nd o \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? privind strategia campaniei pentru ultimele s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de alegerile primare. . - \uc1 \u350 ?
i pe unde c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toreai?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe
undeva \uc1 \u238 ?ntre El Paso \uc1 \u351 ?i Sweetwater, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? acest turneu prin vestul Texasului este esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Absolut esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial,
interveni Jack. Cu riscul de a-i negljja pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii de acolo au nevoie de toat\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1
\u355 ?ia pe care le-o po\uc1 \u355 ?i acorda.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Le
voi spune adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. De fapt, \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?
rerea mea \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a speran\uc1 \u355 ?elor false \uc1 \u351
?i a promisiunilor goale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegem perfect pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, spuse Nelson. Dar senatorul Dekker este responsabil \uc1 \u238 ?n
cea mai mare parte pentru afacerile cu petrol de acolo. El este cel care a
favorizat \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerile cu arabii. \uc1 \u350 ?omerii de acolo
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e arunc\uc1
\u259 ? creionul din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1
\u238 ?n buzunarul de la jean\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i se duse la fereastr\uc1
\u259 ?. Era o zi excep\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?. Prim\uc1 \u259 ?vara era \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? timid\uc1 \u259 ?, dar copacii \uc1 \u238 ?nmugureau, \uc1
\u238 ?n fiecare zi iarba era de un verde crud.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de acord cu Nelson? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Din toat\uc1
\u259 ? inima, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e st\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu
spatele}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la ei. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? ar
trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu acolo_\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le ar\uc1 \u259 ?t
gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile lui Dekker \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le expun idef
optimiste, dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u351 ?i aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Da. \uc1 \u350 ?i cu Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u259 ?i,
doctorul lui Mandy a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu are nevoie dec\uc1 \u238 ?t de timp \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Carole vine acas\uc1 \u259 ?, Mandy \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va reveni, spuse Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a a spus.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, fie c\uc1
\u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti aici sau nu, nu o po\uc1 \u355 ?i ajuta prea mult pe Mandy.
Nici pe Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar pot fi
ling\uc1 \u259 ?'ea, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?
tor. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind c\uc1 \u259 ? se ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238
?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 J}{\fs23 \dbch
- \uc1 \u350 ?i ce s\uc1 \u259 ? faci? S\uc1 \u259 ? stai \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti la cei doi mari ochi tri\uc1 \u351 ?ti, spuse Jack.
Dumnezeule, mie \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau fiori pe \uc1 \u351 ?ira spin\uc1 \u259 ?rii.}
se \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?i de furie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Taci
din gur\uc1 \u259 ?, Jack, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? stau \uc1 \u351 ?i o privesc, \uc1
\u351 ?i nu pot face altceva, Jack, este totu\uc1 \u351 ?i responsabilitatea mea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac acest lucru. \uc1 \u354 ?i-am explicat-o foarte clar acum
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu un oftat, Eddy se pr\uc1 \u259 ?
bu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe un scaun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu credeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t: Carole se va sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mai
bine \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clinic\uc1 \u259 ? particular\uc1 \u259 ?, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
aici, acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am hot\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este tratat\uc1
\u259 ? rege\uc1 \u351 ?te acolo, mai bine dec\uc1 \u238 ?t la spital,
observ\uc1 \u259 ? Jack. Cu fiecare zi arat\uc1 \u259 ? din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai
bine. \uc1 \u350 ?tii, am glumit cu ochii. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu vor mai fi ro\uc1
\u351 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i va cre\uc1 \u351 ?te p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, o
s\uc1 \u259 ? arate grozav}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . Care este problema?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Problema este c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i revine dintr-un traumatism cu seriaase repercusiuni fizice,
spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nimeni nu te contrazice, sublinie Nelson. Dar}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? profi\uc1 \u355 ?i de fiecare ocazie. Ai o
responsabilitate \uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de campania electoral\uc1
\u259 ?, pe care nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o neglijezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu asta? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el privindu-i pe r\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, spuse Eddy. \uc1 \u350 ?i Carole \uc1 \u351 ?
tie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate, dar nu se simte bine
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u238 ?nt plecat. Doctorul Sawyer mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
este foarte deprimat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De
unde najba \uc1 \u351 ?tie el dac\uc1 \u259 ? ea este deprimat\uc1 \u259 ? sau \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i bate joc? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu poate s\uc1 \u259 ?
scoat\uc1 \u259 ? un afurisit de...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Jack! Nelson i se adresa cu un ton milit\uc1 \u259 ?ros. | Colonelul de avia\uc1
\u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi fix fiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Foarte rar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pedepsise copiii cu
pedepse corporale, \uc1 \u351 ?i numai atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a fos}{\fs23 \dbch
t absolut necesar. De obicei, doar tonul vocii lui \uc1 \u238 ?i aducea la linia de
plutire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? ai
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in respect pentru suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a fratelui t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Respectul p\uc1 \u259 ?rintesc
\uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cu pe Jack s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar pe
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a iui se citea exasperarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Carole va fi prima c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 are s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cear\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci \uc1 \u238 ?n acest turneu, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse Nelson
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e foarte calm. Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a\uc1 \u351 ? spune
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi convins.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt de acord cu Nelson,
spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Iar eu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt de acord cu am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi. \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de accident ar fi \uc1
\u238 ?mpachetat \uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi venit imediat cu mine. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?tul, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? scape de tensiune. Acum, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?i spun c\uc1 \u259 ? plec, v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? ochii i se umplu de
panic\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?te. Este \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u238 ?t de neajutorat\uc1 \u259 ?: M\uc1 \u259 ? simt
vinovat. De fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a pleca mai mult timp
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? reconsider argumentele \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ?d cum va reac\uc1 \u355 ?iona ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Le
studie reac\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Pe fiecare fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se vedea
c\uc1 \u259 ? ei}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
contrazic\uc1 \u259 ?. Din respect \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?strau opiniile pentru ei. Oft\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba! Am s\uc1 \u259 ?
jau pu\uc1 \u355 ?in aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i
din cas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?n mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de cinci minute \uc1
\u238 ?ncalec\uc1 \u259 ? un cal \uc1 \u351 ?i galop\uc1 \u259 ? pe c\uc1 \u238 ?
mpurile fermei, \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiind turmele de animale. Nu
se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc anume;
dorea doar s\uc1 \u259 ? fie singur \uc1 \u351 ?i lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit \uc1 \u238 ?n
intimitatea pe care i-o oferea spa\uc1 \u355 ?iul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n ultimele zile foarte rar a
fost singur, dar nu s-a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? mai singur ca acum.
Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack \uc1 \u238 ?l sf\uc1 \u259
?tuiau \uc1 \u238 ?n probleme politice, dar deciziile personale trebuiau s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? personale. Numai el trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? le ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se tot g\uc1 \u238
?ndea cum l-a m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?iat Carole. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba ce a}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat asta.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n cele dou\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni care au trecut de atunci, a tot
rev\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u351 ?i analizat scena pe care nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-o putea
scoate din minte. Din cauza reac\uc1 \u355 ?iei lui brutale, nu a durat dec\uc1
\u238 ?t o frac\uc1 \u355 ?iune de secund\uc1 \u259 ?, suficient \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? pentru ca degetele ei s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ating\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rul de
la t\uc1 \u238 ?mple. O considera cea mai important\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?iere pe care a avut-o vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? din partea Carolei, mai
important\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t primul lor s\uc1 \u259 ?rut, dec\uc1 \u238 ?
t prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dragoste... dec\uc1
\u238 ?t ultima dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut drago}{\fs23
\cf1 ste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Desc\uc1 \u259 ?
leca l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?ia\uc1 \u351 ?ul de la
poalele dealului. Stejari singuratici se ridicau ici \uc1 \u351 ?i colo pe p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ntul pietros. B\uc1 \u259 ?tea v\uc1 \u238 ?ntul. \uc1 \u238 ?i
biciuia obrajii. Plecase f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? hain\uc1 \u259 ?, dar soarele
era c\uc1 \u259 ?ldu\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
M\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ierea aceea l-a surprins la culme, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
era ceva nefiresc pentru ea. \uc1 \u350 ?tia cum s\uc1 \u259 ? impresioneze un
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i acum, dup\uc1 \u259 ? toate c\uc1 \u238 ?te
s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mplat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, amintirea primelor zile \uc1 \u238 ?l umplea de
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole era foarte viclean\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i comunice ce vrea de la el. Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l
tachina}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 subtil, sa}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 u cu un limbaj murdar, reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i comunice dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 De data aceasta a fost altfel. El a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it diferen\uc1 \u355 ?a. A
fost o m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?iere de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare \uc1 \u351 ?i
compasiune. A fost din inim\uc1 \u259 ?, nu calculat\uc1 \u259 ?. Lipsit\uc1
\u259 ? de egoism. Nepotrivit\uc1 \u259 ? felului ei de a fi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Auzi zgomote de copite \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse capul. Nelson desc\uc1 \u259 ?leca cu ageritatea unui t\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am g\uc1
\u238 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ? vin \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Este minunat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?rie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Prostii. Ai
venit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aju\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson chicoti \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn
s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?eze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Zee
te-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai plecat. A sugerat s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ntrerupem \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?a, l-a servit cu sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?uri, iar
pe mine m-a trimis dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-
a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tu ar\uc1 \u259 ?tai nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E momentul s\uc1 \u259 ?
treci peste asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u351 ?tiut de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul campaniei c\uc1 \u259 ? totul va fi
foarte greu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. La ce te a\uc1 \u351 ?teptai?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i vorba de campanie. S\uc1 \u238 ?
nt preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit pentru asta, spuse str\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd un pumn.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci e vorba de Carole.
Dar ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut c\uc1 \u259 ? nici asta n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie u\uc1 \u351 ?
or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse capul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? direct:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai observat c\uc1 \u259 ?
este schimbat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doctorul te-a
prevenit c\uc1 \u259 ? vor fi c\uc1 \u238 ?teva modific\uc1 \u259 ?ri, dar nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt vizibile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu de fizic este
vorba. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc la reac\uc1 \u355 ?iile ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1
\u259 ? le-am observat. De exemplu? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i
povesti c\uc1 \u238 ?teva scene \uc1 \u238 ?n care ochii Carolei}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 exprimaser\uc1 \u259 ? nesiguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i team\uc1 \u259 ?. Nelson ascult\uc1 \u259 ? cu
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, cump\uc1 \u259 ?nind fiecare cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a vorbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu a\uc1 \u351 ? spune c\uc1 \u259 ?
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tile ei s\uc1 \u238 ?nt normale, nu crezi? Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei a
fost pulverizat\uc1 \u259 ?. Orice femeie ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar mai ales Carole, care a fost frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? -g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul de
a-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi pierdut frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea este suficient pentru a-i
zdrobi \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n sine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Presupun c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, dar m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la }{\fs23
\cf1 accese de furie din partea ei, nu de team\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
explic. Am ni\uc1 \u351 ?te sentimente nedefinite. Absent, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ? vizitele lui Mandy. Am dus-o de trei ori
\uc1 \u351 ?i de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? Carole pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i o
str\uc1 \u238 ?ngea pe Mandy la piept.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se
g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi putut s-o piard\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este mai mult dec\uc1 \u238
?t at\uc1 \u238 ?t, tat\uc1 \u259 ?. Intr-o zi, am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n
hol, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-ne. \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
pun\uc1 \u259 ? din\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Avea capul \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?urat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o e\uc1 \u351 ?arf\uc1 \u259 ?, piciorul \uc1 \u238 ?n
ghips. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ca naiba, dar ne a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta curajoas\uc1 \u259 ?.
Acesta este un lucru pe care Carole nu l-ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?tepta cu ner\uc1 \u259 ?
bdare s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? arate c\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se poate da jos din pat.}{\fs24
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi un moment, dar nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea convins. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
Carole nu a fost dispus\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le fac\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cere altora. Ar fi jurat atunci c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu putea z\uc1 \u238
?mbi, radia de fericire c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zuj ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din
lift.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, tu crezi
c\uc1 \u259 ? joac\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 teatru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, spuse Nelson, ezit\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
este... .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Temporar.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. \uc1 \u171 ?S\uc1 \u259
? studiem faptele, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
amestec \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a ta personal\uc1 \u259 ?. Zee \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu mine dorim ca tu \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i familiile voastre s\uc1
\u259 ? fi\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? noi. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
cauz\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne amestec\uc1 \u259 ?m
\uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a voastr\uc1 \u259 ? intim\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u351 ? amesteca, a\uc1 \u351 ? face ceea ce trebuie pentru Dorothy
Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ? educa-o cum trebuie pe Francy. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum, dar am sperat
c\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi v\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i rezolva}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ?sniciile. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? tu \uc1
\u351 ?i Carole v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?inat \uc1 \u238 ?n
ultimii ani. Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi explici de ce. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tiu. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?t. Fiecare c\uc1 \u259
?snicie are momentele ei grele din c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?nd.
Zee \uc1 \u351 ?i eu sper\uc1 \u259 ?m ca tu \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?lca\uc1 \u355 ?i pe suflet, s\uc1 \u259 ? mai
face\uc1 \u355 ?i un copil, s\uc1 \u259 ? merge\uc1 \u355 ?i la Washington \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? tragedie va rezolva problemele \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1
\u259 ? va apropia. Dar, continu\uc1 \u259 ? el, nu a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de la Carole
schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri radicale. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi chiar mai greu s\uc1 \u259
? o supor\uc1 \u355 ?i dec\uc1 \u238 ?t p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ghiceasc\uc1 \u259 ? ce se ascunde
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cuvintele tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utarea a ceea ce nu exist\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spun c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva este posibil, accentua
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?nul. Uneori, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd cineva a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
moartea cu ochii, apreciaz\uc1 \u259 ? parfumul trandafirilor. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
acestjucru la pilo\uc1 \u355 ?ii care s-au pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it cu
avioanele, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o frac\uc1 \u355 ?iune de secund\uc1 \u259 ? au
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it vina de a nu- i fi apreciat pe cei iubi\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u351
?i-ai fi jurat c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vor schimba atitudinea
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? vor fi mai
buni. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? asta vezi tu acum la Carole. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepi s\uc1 \u259 ? speri c\uc1 \u259 ?, din pricina accidentului, ea
nu mai are defecte. Doctorul a garantat c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i va reface
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? imperfec\uc1 \u355 ?iuni, dar nu a spus
nimic despre suflet, ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ? el z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ai
dreptate. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? ai
dreptate. Asta fac, caut calit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i care nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu o judeca at\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u238 ? de dur. Timpul \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt indispensabile. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? merit\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci nu conteaz\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?t a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i, po\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta
chiar o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de om,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Inc\uc1
\u259 ?lecar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pornir\uc1 \u259 ? spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? spre tat\uc1 \u259 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?toria din vestu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l Texasului...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
fac un compromis. O s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu pot
lipsi mai mult de- at\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?l b\uc1 \u259 ?tu pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i
arunc\uc1 \u259 ? fr\uc1 \u238 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
sperat asta. O s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun lui Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tat\uc1 \u259 ?? Nelson se opri \uc1
\u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre el. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -^Mai bine du caii \uc1
\u238 ?n grajd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?esale caii dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute,
r\uc1 \u259 ?mase cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile suspendate, privind \uc1 \u238 ?n gol.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aceea a
avut nevoie de compasiunea \uc1 \u351 ?i tandre\uc1 \u355 ?ea ei. De dragul
c\uc1 \u259 ?sniciei lor \uc1 \u351 ?i al lui Mandy, spera ca aceste schimb\uc1
\u259 ?ri s\uc1 \u259 ? fie permanente. Numai timpul va \uc1 \u351 ?ti, dar
probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u avea dreptate. Nu trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rile ei, dar putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i acorde pu\uc1 \u355 ?in credit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea \uc1 \u238 ?i vom trimite s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? un discurs la Texas Tech.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce Jack \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea toate am\uc1 \u259 ?
nuntele itinerarului lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, cumnatei sale \uc1 \u238 ?i
trecu un g\uc1 \u238 ?nd prin cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?tii, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n zona aceea s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i fermieri cultivatori de bumbac. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1
\u238 ?ndesc dac\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy nu a luat \uc1 \u238 ?n considerare s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?rt un discurs \uc1 \u351 ?i la una din cooperative.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit-o, va trebui s\uc1
\u259 ? o fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Eu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? !e vorbesc.}{\fs24 \dbch
\itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in minte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din patul ei,
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i studia pe cei doi fra\uc1 \u355 ?i. Erau suficiente asem\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei pentru a \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ?
fac parte din aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i familie, dar destul de multe diferen\uc1 \u355 ?e,
destul de evidente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack p\uc1 \u259 ?
rea cu mult mai mare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t cu trei ani dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul s\uc1 \u259 ?u era mai \uc1 \u238 ?nchis \uc1
\u351 ?i avea un \uc1 \u238 ?nceput de chelie. Fizicul lui nu era la fel de
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca al lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta foarte bine. De\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area lui Jack nu era nimic care s\uc1 \u259 ? te
deranjeze, nu avea nici o tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?
distinct\uc1 \u259 ?. El putea c\uc1 \u259 ?dea repede \uc1 \u238 ?n anonimat, dar
nu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - lart\uc1 \u259 ?-ne c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l lu\uc1 \u259 ?m de l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? tine at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult timp, Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea observ\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Jack
nu o privea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vorbea, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna
privea \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu
l-am lua, dac\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu ar fi important pentu campanie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Degetele ei prinser\uc1
\u259 ? creionul \uc1 \u351 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?
zg\uc1 \u259 ?leasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie, "bine". Jack aplec\uc1
\u259 ? privirea, citi ce a scris, \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi timid \uc1
\u351 ?i aprob\uc1 \u259 ?. Erau ni\uc1 \u351 ?te leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1 \u238 ?
ncordate \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i cumnata lui. \uc1 \u350 ?i Avery se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreba de ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? ai reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?
articulezi c\uc1 \u238 ?teva cuvinte ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. Este grozav. Vom fi foarte
bucuro\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te auzim povestind, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vei putea
vorbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu va fi deloc bucuros s\uc1 \u259 ?
aud\uc1 \u259 ? ce avea ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?. Va dori s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie de ce nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a scris numele adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat,
de ce l-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este
so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui chiar dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a putut s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i ea ar fi dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie de ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?i umplu ochii de lacrimi. Jack
se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? imediat \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E t\uc1 \u238 ?
rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i am drum lung p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Mult
noroc, Carole. Vii \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar am
s\uc1 \u259 ? te caut. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?i
fratele \uc1 \u238 ?n hol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? am nec\uc1 \u259 ?jit-o povestindu-i despre turneu, spuse Jack.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimele zile
a fost cam nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi
c\uc1 \u259 ? se bucur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?-i va reveni vocea?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
este frustrat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te.}
\lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ai
observat ceva ciudat c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a scris?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ciudat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se d\uc1 \u259 ?
dur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cur\uc1 \u259 ?
loc unui grup de asistente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole
folose\uc1 \u351 ?te m\uc1 \u238 ?na dreapt\uc1 \u259 ?, nu? -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i atunci de ce scrie cu
m\uc1 \u238 ?na st\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?? Mie mi se pare ciudat. Ne vedem
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? cum conduci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e privi \uc1 \u238 ?n urma fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Apoi se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse pe c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u238 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?nditor spre camera Carolei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?t timp a fost plecat \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,
Avery s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult s-a schimbat. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise
diferen\uc1 \u355 ?a din atitudinea lui de mai bine de o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. O vizita regulat. De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori
venea, \uc1 \u238 ?i aducea flori \uc1 \u351 ?i reviste. Acum putea m\uc1 \u238 ?
nca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i aducea m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare pentru a varia meniul de
la spital, l-a adus \uc1 \u351 ?i un aparat video \uc1 \u351 ?i o mul\uc1 \u355 ?
ime de filme, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se plictiseasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar de cele mai multe
ori era mohor\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i parc\uc1 \u259 ? pus \uc1 \u238 ?n
gard\uc1 \u259 ?. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu st\uc1 \u259 ?tea prea mult. Pe m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Carolei devenea distinct\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e devenea din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai rece.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici pe Mandy nu a mai adus-o.
Ea a scris numele feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei, urmat de semnul \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?
rii. El a ridicat din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am crezut
c\uc1 \u259 ? vizitele \uc1 \u238 ?i fac mai mult r\uc1 \u259 ?u dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
bine. O s\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i destul timp, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vei veni
acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuvintele lui reci
au jignit-o. Vizitele feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei erau lumini \uc1 \u238 ?n existen\uc1
\u355 ?a ei monoton\uc1 \u259 ?. Se ata\uc1 \u351 ?ase de copil \uc1 \u351 ?i dorea
cu disperare s\uc1 \u259 ? o ajute. Ata\uc1 \u351 ?amentul fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? de \uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era acum un sentiment mai complex, \uc1 \u351 ?i va
fi foarte greu c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ea va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din lumea lui \uc1 \u351 ?i va
intra \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Curiozitatea
jurnalistic\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Avery nu-i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea pace. Ce lipsea din c\uc1
\u259 ?snicia familiei Rutledge? De ce dorea Carole s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
omoare so\uc1 \u355 ?ul? Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? epuizeze toate posibilit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? afle adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Acest
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n
capacitatea ei profesional\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Problemele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge \uc1 \u238 ?i apar\uc1 \u355 ?
ineau acum \uc1 \u351 ?i ei \uc1 \u238 ?n egal\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ?. Nu ea le-a dorit, i s-au impus \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel. Dar acum nu putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? spatele. Dintr-un motiv foarte
bizar, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia ea \uc1 \u238 ?i spunea explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie, acum dorea
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?scumpere o parte din r\uc1 \u259 ?ul f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de
Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd
a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i arate compasiune. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
a repezit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci ea a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era doar un
impas trec\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie. Era mult mai profund.
El o trata ca pe o fiar\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatic\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea
grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i lipseasc\uc1 \u259 ? nimic, dar nu avea \uc1
\u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?tia Avery, ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea lui \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era bine fondat\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole, \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu un individ, pl\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?uiser\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l omoare. Cum \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce, acestea erau \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile care o chinuiau. G\uc1 \u238 ?ndurile i-au pornit \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpinare, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd el a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l conduc\uc1 \u259 ? pe Jack. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul
ei a \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd el s-a apropiat din}{\fs23
\cf1 nou de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce
scrii cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na st\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?
adar a sosit momentul adev\uc1 \u259 ?rului. Sperase s\uc1 \u259 ? aleag\uc1
\u259 ? ea momentul, dar iat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a venit. Ce prostie. Carole
nu era st\uc1 \u238 ?ngace. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi \uc1 \u351 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i rosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? numele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Doamne ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat
ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata
identitate, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l previn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotriva asasinatului care era pus la cale. Singura limit\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o
\uc1 \u351 ?tia era c\uc1 \u259 ? el nu va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1
\u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i exercita func\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Se
putea \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpla m\uc1 \u238 ?ine, ast\uc1 \u259 ?-sear\uc1
\u259 ?, poate \uc1 \u238 ?n noiembrie, dar el trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? afle imediat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pe cine din familia lui
s\uc1 \u259 ? acuze? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia, nu avea dovezi.
Sperase \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi c\uc1 \u259 ? va afla..Dar el oare o va crede? De
ce ar face-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De c,e ar asculta
o femeie care aproape dou\uc1 \u259 ? luni s-a dat drept so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui? O ya
crede o oportunist\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Creionul se mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? cu greutate \uc1 \u351 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? contureze litera }{\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 d. }{\fs22 \dbch \af581
M\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?i tremura \uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
creionul. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l ridic\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - D. de la ce? Ea \uc1
\u238 ?l privi cer\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i parc\uc1 \u259 ? iertare. Apoi termin\uc1 \u259
? cuv\uc1 \u238 ?ntul pe care l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doare, citi el. Te doare c\uc1 \u238 ?nd fo}{\fs22 \dbch
lose\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u238 ?na dreapt\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap. Minciuna ei
era justificat\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea sa. Nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu
va avea am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte. Un mesaj de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva cuvinte m\uc1 \u238 ?
zg\uc1 \u259 ?lite nu va face dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sporeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
confuzia, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o asemenea stare nu va crede niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - L-ai speriat pe Jack, r\uc1 \u238 ?se el. Nu-mi vine s\uc1
\u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu am observat. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? am prea multe pe
cap, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte. Ei bine, am un drum
lung de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i este destul de t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Am aflat
c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine \uc1 \u355 ?i se scot atelele. Este bine. O s\uc1
\u259 ? te po\uc1 \u355 ?i mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ochii lui Avery se umplur\uc1 \u259 ? din nou de lacrimi. Omul acesta, care a
fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bun cu ea, o va ur\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va descoperi
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, \uc1 \u238 ?n toate aceste s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?ni el a devenit via\uc1 \u355 ?a ei. Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tia sau
nu, ea a depins de el pentru vindecarea r\uc1 \u259 ?nilor emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionale.
Acum \uc1 \u238 ?i va r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?ti bun\uc1 \u259 ?tatea ar\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te adev\uc1 \u259 ?ruri cr\uc1 \u238 ?
ncene: so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui era moart\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul ei era o
reporter\uc1 \u259 ? care se amestecase \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui
personal\uc1 \u259 ?, cineva \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l asasineze.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1
\u259 ?-i st\uc1 \u238 ?rneasc\uc1 \u259 ? mila, lacrimile ei \uc1 \u238 ?l
provocar\uc1 \u259 ?. O privi iritat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg lacrimile, Carole. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ta arat\uc1 \u259 ? grozav. Ai fi putut muri. \uc1 \u350 ?i Mandy. Nu po\uc1
\u355 ?i crede c\uc1 \u259 ? ai avut norocul s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1
\u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? izbucnire, oft\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se controlez}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\cf1 -I}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?stesc la tine. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? ai suferit
mult. Dar am fi putut suferi \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult. Ne vedem mai t\uc1 \u238 ?
rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
alte cuvinte, p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si camera. O asistent\uc1 \u259 ?
intr\uc1 \u259 ? imediat s\uc1 \u259 ? o ajute s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?eze
\uc1 \u238 ?n pat. Reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ? foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u238 ?rjele, dar \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea putere. O dureau m\uc1 \u238 ?
inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mintea ei era la
fel de obosit\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i trupul, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i imagineze expresia de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
va descoperi adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Va deveni \uc1 \u351 ?i mai vulnerabil.
Jmediat \uc1 \u238 ?i trecu prin minte un g\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor.
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd va fi descoperit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea va fi
vulnerabil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a celui care pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuia
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. De ce nu s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndit la asta mai devreme? C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se va \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? ea
este Avery Daniels, reportera, vinovatul va'\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege c\uc1
\u259 ? i-a dat o cheie \uc1 \u351 ?i va fi obligat s\uc1 \u259 ? fec\uc1 \u259 ?
ceva. Prezumtivul asasin nu va ezita s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i omoare p}{\fs22
\cf1 e am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, ce
pe t face? Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?r? Cum s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l ap\uc1 \u259 ?rpe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ea ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-ade\\ ar Carole... nu
se putea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar, dac\uc1 \u259
? ar continua s\uc1 \u259 ? joace rolul ei, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u238 ?nd va afla cine este du\uc1 \u351 ?manul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, i-
ar putea salva via\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i era de neconceput s\uc1 \u259 ? intre \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355
?a altei femei. Ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpla cu via\uc1 \u355 ?a ei?
Oficial, Avery Daniels nu mai exista. Nimeni nu-i sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea lipsa. Nu avea
so\uc1 \u355 ?, copii, familie. Cariera ei a fost un e\uc1 \u351 ?ec. Din pricina
unei grave erori de ra\uc1 \u355 ?iune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
iat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acum i se oferea pe tav\uc1 \u259 ? un reportaj
senza\uc1 \u355 ?ional. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? devenea doamna Rutledge, putea face un
documentar asupra campaniei senatoriale \uc1 \u351 ?i a tentativei de crim\uc1
\u259 ?, din interiorul faptelor. Putea, s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259
? acest reportaj. C\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i reporteri au avut aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
posibilitate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi
obosit\uc1 \u259 ?, se d\uc1 \u259 ?duse deja fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, numele \uc1 \u351 ?i
identitatea }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ei. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it descoperit,
nimeni nu o va acuza. Nu ea a dorit acest lucru. Soarta i l-a oferit. Dar, mai
presus de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i reabilita credibilitatea
profesional\uc1 \u259 ?, ea dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? salveze via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, care \uc1 \u238 ?i devenise cel mai pre\uc1 \u355 ?ios
lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Riscurile erau
enorme. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea c\uc1 \u259
? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ia o decizie ra\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? fie pragmatic\uc1 \u259 ?, nu emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ?. Va prelua
rolul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei lui \uc1 \u351 ?i tot ceea ce implic\uc1 \u259 ? acest
lucru. Va tr\uc1 \u259 ?i cu familia lui \uc1 \u351 ?i va descoperi persoanele cu
care Carole avea rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii intime. Enormitatea ideii o intimida, dar
\uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp i se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea irezistibil\uc1
\u259 ?. Consecin\uc1 \u355 ?ele vor fi severe, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
splata va merita sa}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 crificiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i? S\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneasc\uc1 \u259 ?? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? ia c\uc1 \u238 ?rjele \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?
spre baie. \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina difuz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o conpar\uc1 \u259 ?
cu cea din fotografia de pe perete, pus\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a se \uc1 \u238 ?
ncuraja.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pielea era rozie \uc1 \u351 ?i
neted\uc1 \u259 ? ca a unui copil, exact cum i-a promis doctorul, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i studie protezele dentare, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu
m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r. Nu se vedea nici o cicatrice. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui luxul de a fi trist\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum acesta era
destinul ei. Avea un alt chip. Putea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemne o nou\uc1
\u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u238 ?ine va}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 prelua
identitatea Carolei Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery Daniels nu mai avea nimic de
pierdut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Asistenta o privi mul\uc1
\u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta\uc1 \u355 ?i minunat, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge. \uc1 \u350 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rul
e frumos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 -}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 }{\fs23 \dbch
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse Avery. Ce a mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas din el.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n cele \uc1
\u351 ?apte zile c\uc1 \u238 ?t a lipsit \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, reu\uc1
\u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i recapete vocea. El trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
soseasc\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un moment \uc1 \u238 ?n altul. Era nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, continu\uc1 \u259 ?
asistenta, tocmai aici e cheia. Nu toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea poate purta p\uc1 \u259 ?
rul scurt, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? arate bine. Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i extraordinar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
se privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ogli}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nd\uc1 \u259 ?, trase de firi\uc1
\u351 ?oarele de pe frunte \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?
toare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper c\uc1 \u259
? da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un scaun cu piciorul drept sprijinit pe st\uc1 \u238 ?ngul. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inea m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Asistentele erau agitate ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna c\uc1 \u238 ?nd trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? soseasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. O g\uc1 \u259 ?tiser\uc1
\u259 ? ca pe o mireas\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?
teapt\uc1 \u259 ? mirele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A venit, spuse
una b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i capul pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Asistenta care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu Avery, o str\uc1 \u238 ?nse \uc1 \u238 ?
ncurajator de umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta\uc1 \u355 ?i grozav. O s\uc1 \u259 ? fie uluit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas chiar uluit,
dar un moment a privit-o fix. Ea a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum i se m\uc1 \u259 ?resc
ochii de uimire, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hainele de strad\uc1 \u259 ? aduse de
Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine ai venit, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La sunetul vocii
ei, el p\uc1 \u259 ?ru \uc1 \u351 ?i mai surprins. Inima \uc1 \u238 ?i tres\uc1
\u259 ?ri. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tia! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?cuse
o alt\uc1 \u259 ? gaf\uc1 \u259 ?? Folosea Carole un}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 alt
nume pentru el? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inu respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?nd ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? o acuze: "Impostoare!" \uc1
\u238 ?n loc de asta, el \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259
?itor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?,
Caroie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
sufl\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
c\uc1 \u259 ? el nu reac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ?. E! travers\uc1 \u259 ?
camera \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse absent un buchet de flori
\uc1 \u351 ?i un pachet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i foarte bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Po\uc1 \u355 ?
i^vorbi, spuse st\uc1 \u238 ?ngaci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Da. \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Vocea ta sun\uc1 \u259 ? altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ni
s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a va fi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Da, dar nu m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam la... f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un gest
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd g\uc1 \u238 ?tul... r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?
eal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu timpul o
s\uc1 \u259 ? dispar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mie \uc1 \u238 ?mi place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu}{\fs23 \dbch
-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea lua ochii de la ea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? rela\uc1 \u355 ?iile lor
nu ar fi fost a\uc1 \u351 ?a, acum el ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ngenunchiat \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei \uc1 \u351 ?i i-ar m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
cu degetele, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat de moliciunea ei. Spre dezam\uc1
\u259 ?girea ei, el p\uc1 \u259 ?str\uc1 \u259 ? totu\uc1 \u351 ?i distan\uc1 \u355
?a de siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca de obicei, era \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n jean\uc1 \u351 ?i. Erau \uc1 \u351 ?ifona\uc1 \u355 ?i,
dar \uc1 \u238 ?i subliniau suple\uc1 \u355 ?ea. Avery nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?
cad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n capcana curiozit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii feminine,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? evit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? direct. Chiar de la nivelul jachetei sport, priveli\uc1
\u351 ?tea era satisf\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Privirea ei era la fel de
p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259 ?toare ca \uc1 \u351 ?i a lui. Nervos, ridic\uc1 \u259
? o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? spre piept.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti fix.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat c\uc1 \u259 ?
vei ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta cum ai fost odat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i... \uc1 \u351 ?i
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti exact la fel. Cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia p\uc1 \u259 ?rului.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se \uc1 \u238 ?nfiora de
bucurie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-e rece?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poftim? Rece? Nu. \uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ncerca cu disperare s\uc1 \u259 ? schimbe subiectul.
Ce-i asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bijuteriile
tale, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse el privind pachetul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Bijuteriile? \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu dificultate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adic\uc1 \u259 ? ce purtai \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua accidentului.
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi mi-au adus aminte c\uc1 \u259 ? nu le-am luat din seif. M-am
oprit acum \uc1 \u351 ?i !e-}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 am luat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse plicul.
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privi de parc\uc1 \u259 ? era un \uc1 \u351 ?arpe otr\uc1 \u259
?vit. Neav\uc1 \u238 ?nd nici o posibilitate de a evita situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia,
\uc1 \u238 ?l lu\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m-am uitat
-s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d ce este \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, dar poate te
ui\uc1 \u355 ?i tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? plicul
\uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Em cre}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 deam c\uc1 \u259 ? abia a\uc1 \u351 ?
tep\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cape\uc1 \u355 ?i lucrurile \uc1 \u238
?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. Dar, \uc1
\u351 ?tii, nu-i prea comod s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun bijuterii acum. M\uc1 \u238 ?inile
mele s\uc1 \u238 ?nt aproape normale, dar tot m\uc1 \u259 ? dor. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu voi reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? suport inelele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci, nu? Oricum, m\uc1
\u259 ?car verigheta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuvi}{\fs23
\cf1 ntele au lovit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n plin. Nici el nu purta verighet\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru moment a fost tentat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?, dar se opri. Caroie \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i luase
verigheta cu un scop anume, mai bine evita subiectul, pentru moment. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea patului. Exista o
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere ostil\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery a rupt-o prima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toria a fost cum ai sperat?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, a fost bine. Dar foarte
obositoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aproape \uc1
\u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1 \u259 ? te-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la televizor. Oamenii
p\uc1 \u259 ?reau entuziasma\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
To\uc1 \u355 ?i. au fost mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi\uc1 \u355 ?i ele r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunsurile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i
anali\uc1 \u351 ?tii politici prev\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? vei c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tiga alegerile primare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1
\u351 ?a sper \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Iar\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?cur\uc1 \u259 ?, privindu-se ciudat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce face Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se \uc1
\u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, nu chiar
bine. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ?soare camera. Mama spune c\uc1 \u259 ? tot mai are co\uc1 \u351 ?maruri.
Aproape \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare noapte se scoal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1
\u238 ?nd, uneori chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul somnului de dup\uc1
\u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? este o mic\uc1 \u259 ? stafie. Parc\uc1
\u259 ? nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tii? Nimeni nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351
?te s\uc1 \u259 ? rup\uc1 \u259 ? carapacea... nici eu, nici psihologul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am rugat-o pe Zee s\uc1
\u259 ? o aduc\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? tu i-ai cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
vin\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea la mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u351 ?a este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce?}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? era
bine s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Ea nu
mai continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe de ce. Putea s\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 st\uc1 \u238 ?
rneasc\uc1 \u259 ? o ceart\uc1 \u259 ? pe care nu era preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? o suporte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-e dor de ea.
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu acas\uc1 \u259 ?, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie mai
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate. Scepticismul din
vocea lui era evident.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? de mine? -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, spuse Avery cobor\uc1 \u238 ?nd privirea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La ce te a\uc1 \u351 ?
tep\uc1 \u355 ?i, Carole? Prime\uc1 \u351 ?ti ceea ce meri\uc1 \u355 ?i. Pentru
moment ochii lor se \uc1 \u238 ?ncr\uc1 \u238 ?ncenar\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi ea}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i duse
m\uc1 \u238 ?na la frunte. Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i erau plini de lacrimi. Pl\uc1
\u238 ?ngea pentru copilul care nu a avut dragostea mamei sale. Biata Mandy.
Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia cum este c\uc1 \u238 ?nd p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii nu au
grija copilului. De aceea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i justifica \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea
ei hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea pe care o luase c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? pretind\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este mama}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lui Mandy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce prostie, spuse \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia t\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Travers\uc1 \u259 ? camera
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i puse u\uc1 \u351 ?or m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe cap. \uc1 \u238
?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. N-am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? te fac s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1
\u238 ?ngi. Mandy o s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? bine. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? un
moment continu\uc1 \u259 ?: poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? plec.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu! ridic\uc1 \u259 ? spre
el ochii plini de lacrimi. A\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pleci.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar am stat destul. .}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? mai
stai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
obosit \uc1 \u351 ?i nervos din cauza c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei. Nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt o companie agreabil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
m\uc1 \u259 ? deranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El
refuz\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascund\uc1 \u259
? dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
te conduc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A}{\fs23 \dbch
puc\uc1 \u259 ? bastonul \uc1 \u351 ?i se sprijini cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? greutatea de
el. Dar din cauza \uc1 \u238 ?ncord\uc1 \u259 ?rii m\uc1 \u238 ?na
transpirat\uc1 \u259 ? alunec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i pierdu echilibrul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, fii
atent\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e o prinse \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Plicul alunecase pe}
{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 du\uc1 \u351 ?umea, dar nici unul din ei nu v\uc1 \u259 ?zu.
Bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 p}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
uternice o sus\uc1 \u355 ?ineau, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta spre
pat,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse
str\uc1 \u238 ?ns de haine. Puterea Iui o p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ca un elixir.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Recunoscu atunci
ceea ce refuzase s\uc1 \u259 ? recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult\uc1
\u259 ? vreme. Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? doamna Rutledge, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? fie aproape de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. C\uc1 \u238 ?t timp a fost el
plecat, ea a fost mizerabil de trist\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum se bucura c\uc1 \u259 ? s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or pe marginea patului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
atinse coapsa piciorului suferind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aici
ai avut fractur\uc1 \u259 ? multipl\uc1 \u259 ?. Osul nu este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? vindecat, cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place \uc1 \u355 ?ie s\uc1 \u259 ?
crezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C}{\fs23
\cf1 red c\uc1 \u259 ? nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am.avut dreptate
s\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?i aici p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
alegerile' primare. Agita\uc1 \u355 ?ia de acas\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i va face bine. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 \par }\pard \plain \qj
\cf1 - Probabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
spunsul ei era neutru pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? Zee i-a comunicat c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a luat
\uc1 \u226 ?*ceast\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie consultat\uc1 \u259 ?. Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea abandonat\uc1
\u259 ?, ca oaia neagr\uc1 \u259 ? a familiei care era ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? ochiului
public.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Abia a\uc1 \u351
?tept s\uc1 \u259 ? vin acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Capetele lor erau apropiate.
Ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vedea chipul reflectat \uc1 \u238 ?n pupilele IUL
Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze..}
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Atinge-m\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
eaz\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?! S\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?! }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde el p\uc1 \u259 ?ru s\uc1 \u259 ? se
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi" se retrase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ? plec acum, spuse moroc\uc1 \u259 ?nos, te las
s\uc1 \u259 ? te odihne\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?i str\uc1 \u238 ?nse m\uc1 \u238 ?na c\uc1 \u238 ?t putu de tare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru ce?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru... flori \uc1 \u351 ?i...
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m-ai ajutat s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung \uc1 \u238 ?n pat.}{\fs24
\dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta-i un fleac, spuse el \uc1 \u351 ?
i-\uc1 \u351 ?i retrase m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Ea scoase un geam\uc1 \u259 ?t jignit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce refuzi \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna mul\uc1 \u355 ?umirile mele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o
face pe proasta cu mine, Carole, \uc1 \u351 ?opti el \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat.
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umirile tale nu \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? nimic pentru mine
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tii foarte bine de ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Spuse sever la revedere \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery era zdrobit\uc1 \u259 ?. Sperase at\uc1 \u238 ?t de multe!
Imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia ei se topea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a realit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii crude. Dar ce putea a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de la un so\uc1
\u355 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?n mod evident nu d\uc1 \u259 ?dea doi bani pe so\uc1 \u355
?ia lui? Bine m\uc1 \u259 ?car c\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-a descoperit minciuna. Din punct
de vedere profesional, era pe picioarele ei. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse la scaun,
lu\uc1 \u259 ? plicul \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sturn\uc1 \u259 ? con\uc1 \u355 ?
inutul \uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc1 \u259 ?. Ceasul de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 m\uc1 \u238 ?na nu mai mergea, lipsea un cercel de aur, dar asta nu era o
pierdere. Obiectul cel mai important nu era acolo. Unde era medalionul,}{\fs23
\cf1 apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain
\qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch
\cf1 Ea nu a avut medalionul \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul accidentului. Era la Carole
Rutledge. Se rezem\uc1 \u259 ? de scaun cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rere de r\uc1 \u259 ?u
c\uc1 \u259 ? a pierdut acea bijuterie, dar se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? imediat. Va
depl\uc1 \u238 ?nge pierderea mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Acum avea altceva de f\uc1
\u259 ?cut. C\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, asistenta de la
computerul central ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirea \uc1 \u351 ?i o salut\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? seara,
doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge. V-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere vizita
so\uc1 \u355 ?ului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Foarte mult\uc1
\u259 ?, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse plicul spre asistent\uc1 \u259 ?.
Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te rog ceva. Vrei, te rog, s\uc1 \u259 ? pui asta la po\uc1
\u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine? Asistenta citi adresa de pe plic. Te /og
foarte mult, insist\uc1 \u259 ? Avery, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca femeia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
pun\uc1 \u259 ? vreo \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, spuse aceasta, de\uc1 \u351 ?i evident i se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
ciudat. Va pleca cu po\uc1 \u351 ?ta de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ? prefera
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spui nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui nimic. \uc1 \u350 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a so\uc1
\u355 ?ul meu m\uc1 \u259 ? acuz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
sentimental\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Foarte bine.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238
?ntinse mai multe bancnote din cele pe care \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e i le-a l\uc1
\u259 ?sat cu generozitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? ajung banii. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? ruptur\uc1 \u259 ? de Avery Daniels. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1
\u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 doamna Carole Rutledge.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\b1 \fs28 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sandra Brown}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?
osete, Irish McCabe se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre frigider \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai lu\uc1 \u259 ? o bere. O desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?u din
cutie c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rind din privire ce m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare avea pentru
sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu g\uc1 \u259 ?si nimic satisf\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tor
\uc1 \u351 ?i hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? va renun\uc1 \u355 ?a la
m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare. \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre salon lu\uc1 \u259 ? scrisorile pe care
le aruncase pe mas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd venise. Le studie privind la
televizor, sort\uc1 \u238 ?nd notele
de plat\uc1 \u259 ? de celelalte plicuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; H\uc1
\u238 ?mmm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u259 ? uimit spr\uc1 \u238 ?ncenele
c\uc1 \u259 ?runte c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajunse la un plic anume. Nu avea adresa
expeditorului, avea \uc1 \u351 ?tampila po\uc1 \u351 ?tei locale, \uc1 \u238 ?l
c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u238 ?l deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i goli con\uc1
\u355 ?inutul, se t\uc1 \u259 ?ie respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia g\uc1 \u238 ?ndind c\uc1
\u259 ? viseaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Privea bijuteriile lupt\uc1 \u238 ?nd din greu s\uc1
\u259 ? inspire aer curat. Se calm\uc1 \u259 ? abia dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva momente. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? ceasul de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe care \uc1
\u238 ?l recunoscu ca fiind al lui Avery. Cercet\uc1 \u259 ? cercelul de aur
\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la urechea lui
Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259
? iute \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \uc1 \u351 ?i se repezi la un birou pe care \uc1
\u238 ?l folosea foarte rar. Trase un sertar \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase din el plicul pe
care l-a primit la morg\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a dus s\uc1 \u259 ?
identifice trupul lui Avery. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti cum a aruncat
medalionul \uc1 \u238 ?n plic f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la
celelalte obiecte. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu a avut curajul s\uc1 \u259 ?-
l deschid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se ating\uc1 \u259 ? de
bijuteriile ei. Era supersti\uc1 \u355 ?ios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 "trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i goleasc\uc1 \u259 ? apartamentul
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a insistat gazda. Nu a p\uc1 \u259 ?strat nici m\uc1 \u259 ?
car un singur lucru, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia c\uc1 \u238 ?torva fotografii. Toate au
fost donate asocia\uc1 \u355 ?iilor de caritate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
{\b1 \fs30 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f159 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Imaginea din oglind\uc1 \u259 ? }{\b1 \i1 \fs30 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 j}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8212 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Singurul obiect pe
care Irish \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l considera demn de p\uc1 \u259 ?strare
era medalionul dup\uc1 \u259 ? care i s-a identificat trupul, \uc1 \u238 ?l primise
de la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era mic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i l-a purtat \uc1 \u238 ?ntruna.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Deschise plicul care st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse \uc1 \u238 ?n biroul s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1
\u351 ?i goli con\uc1 \u355 ?inutul. L\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? medalionul lui
Avery erau cercei cu diamant, un ceas cu br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?
de aur, dou\uc1 \u259 ? br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i trei
inele dintre care unul era o verighet\uc1 \u259 ?. Altul avea mai multe safire \uc1
\u351 ?i diamante. Pentru Avery erau prea multe. Lui Irish i se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
evident c\uc1 \u259 ? au apar\uc1 \u355 ?inut unei alte victime, sau
supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uitor. Exista oare cineva care \uc1 \u351 ?tia de inversare sau
de gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?? Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? verifice \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? le returneze st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u238 ?nului adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.
Dar acum nu se putea g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi dec\uc1 \u238 ?t la bijuteriile lui Avery:
ceasul \uc1 \u351 ?i cercelul primite prin po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine !e-a
trimis? De ce abia acum? Unde au fost p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cerceta plicul \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Nu
g\uc1 \u259 ?sea. Nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie trimis de o oficialitate.
Scrisul era tremurat \uc1 \u351 ?i nesigur, aproape copil\uc1 \u259 ?ros.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine naiba...? strig\uc1
\u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?n apartamentul gol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Durerea
c\uc1 \u259 ? a pierdut-o pe Avery trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi atenuat, dar nu era
a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? greoi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fotoliu \uc1
\u351 ?i privi medalionul printre lacrimi. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 II }{\fs23 \dbch
m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia ca pe un talisman care ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o
materializeze \uc1 \u238 ?n mod miraculos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mai
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu va \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? rezolve misterul
invers\uc1 \u259 ?rii acestei bijuterii. Acum nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea dec\uc1
\u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? o pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
{\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 !}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
d de ce nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-am
spus de ce nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar- de ce nu a\uc1 \u351 ? putea
merge \uc1 \u351 ?i eu la Corpus}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Christi cu tine?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este o c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?torie de afaceri. O s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu ocupat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
aranjez \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirile lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy se bosumfl\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai vrea, m-
ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? vin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai primit r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul, spuse Eddy Paschal privind-o cu coada
ochiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Stinse luminile de
la cartierul general pentru campania electoral\uc1 \u259 ?. Se afla \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o zon\uc1 \u259 ? comercial\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiria era ieftin\uc1 \u259 ?. Era
central \uc1 \u351 ?i* accesibil tuturor punctelor din ora\uc1 \u351 ?. \uc1
\u238 ?nainte a fost magazin pentru animale mici. Acesta p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1
\u259 ? fie singurul inconvenient, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai mirosea a
animale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u cu mine, Eddy? sc\uc1 \u238 ?nci Francy, \uc1
\u238 ?n timp ce el \uc1 \u238 ?ncuia u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu at\uc1 \u238 ?t de s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1
\u238 ?itoare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au}{\fs23 \dbch
plecat \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? spre parcare, la ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina lui, un
Ford Sedan pe care ea o dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uia \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea ei. Deschise
u\uc1 \u351 ?a. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd intr\uc1 \u259 ?, ea se lipi senzual de el.
Observase c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a tuns p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. \uc1 \u350 ?i l-a
tuns prea scurt. F\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o list\uc1 \u259 ? a'ceea ce nu-i
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea la el, Francy enumera mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i ma\uc1
\u351 ?ina, apoi frizerul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El porni
motorul \uc1 \u351 ?i instala\uc1 \u355 ?ia de aer condi\uc1 \u355 ?ionat se porni
imediat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzind interiorul ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii. Eddy
f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse o concesie \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii sale impecabile, l\uc1 \u259 ?rgindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cravata
si deschiindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i gulerul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy
a mers mult ma}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i departe. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a descheiat bluza p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n talie, apoi a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? o
fluture ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i Iui Eddy s\uc1 \u238 ?nii dac\uc1 \u259 ?
el ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vad\uc1 \u259 ?, dar, remarc\uc1 \u259 ? ea cu
ciud\uc1 \u259 ?, e! nu o lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Trecu prin
intersec\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre
autostrad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba,
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti homosexual? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea cu ciud\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebi? izbucni el \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u238 ?s.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? le-a\uc1 \u351 ? oferi
altora jum\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tate din ce}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ofer \uc1 \u355 ?ie, mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? petrece
toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n pat,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - La drept vorbind, cam a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u355 ?i-o petreci. Ori e numai
gura de tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii alba\uc1
\u351 ?tri ai lui Francy aruncar\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar era
prea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? arate c\uc1 \u259 ? e
nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Se ghemui \uc1 \u238 ?n scaun insinu\uc1 \u238 ?nd moliciunea
pisicii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? timid.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? descoperi
singur, domnule Paschal?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El cl\uc1 \u259 ?
tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti
o alintat\uc1 \u259 ? incorigibil\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar trebui, spuse
ea trec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin buclele blonde. Asta \uc1
\u238 ?mi spune toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
aplec\uc1 \u259 ? spre ventilatorul care sufla aer r\uc1 \u259 ?coros, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? aerul s\uc1 \u259 ? o r\uc1 \u259 ?coreasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Homosexual.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre
el. \uc1 \u238 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nii care \uc1 \u238 ?i
str\uc1 \u259 ?pungeau p\uc1 \u238 ?nza sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire a bluzei.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci cum de po\uc1 \u355 ?
i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi rezi\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Aglomera\uc1 \u355 ?ia str\uc1 \u259 ?zii
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Se}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptau spre ferm\uc1 \u259
?. Privirea lui Eddy se opri lene\uc1 \u351 ? pe ea cercet\uc1 \u238 ?nd fiecare
am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt. Fata era mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1
\u238 ?nd cum m\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui Adam alunec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sus
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n jos \uc1 \u351 ?i el \uc1 \u238 ?nghite cu
dificultate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
un copil frumos, Francy. Ochii Jui se oprir\uc1 \u259 ? pe s\uc1 \u238 ?nifrei. }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 O femeie }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? lene\uc1 \u351 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a spre jetul
de aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
atunci}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nepoata prietenului meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S}{\fs23
\cf1 i ce dac\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru mine asta
\uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu exi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? pudoare!
exclam\uc1 \u259 ? ea. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti un victorian, Eddy, asta e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Un
\uc1 \u238 ?napoiat. Un pudic ridicol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Unchiului t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu i-a\uc1 \u351 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?rea deloc ridicol. Nici bunicului \uc1 \u351 ?i nici tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui
t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? pun m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe tine, to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei
or s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ie coapsele, \uc1 \u351 ?optind:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
palpitant!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tu ai fi \uc1 \u355 ?
inta, nu ai mai g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ea se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe scaun \uc1 \u238 ?mbufnat\uc1 \u259 ?. De
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat inten\uc1 \u355 ?
ionat ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina, pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuind s\uc1 \u259 ? stea p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, ca s-o aduc\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy acas\uc1 \u259 ?.
De luni de zile \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea invita\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dar nu ajungea
nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri. R\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea nu a fost niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? o calitate
a ei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? a hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
for\uc1 \u355 ?eze ritmul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ultimul tip a stat
cu ea mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de o lun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a devenit gelos.
Apoi, omul care a venit cu dezinsec\uc1 \u355 ?ia pentru g\uc1 \u238 ?ndaci a
sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n patul ei. Aventura a durat p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? a aflat c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat. Nu a deranjat-o
acest lucru, dar era s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259
? el se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea vinovat. Remu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u238 ?i
stricau toat\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. Oricum, era un fel de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i
ocupa timpul p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l va cuceri pe Eddy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar iat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea obosit\uc1 \u259 ?. Ultimele trei luni au fost
foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ncordate \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-au pus amprenta pe buna ei
dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Au fost momente c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a invidiat-o chiar \uc1
\u351 ?i pe m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a Carole, pentru aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu care
era \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n tot acest timp Francy \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 :}{\fs23
\cf1 a petrecu^ timpul preg\uc1 \u259 ?tind plicuri \uc1 \u351 ?i culeg\uc1 \u238 ?
nd procente aproximative, la acel cartier general sufocant, cu oameni care ofereau
c\uc1 \u238 ?te o contribu\uc1 \u355 ?ie de zece dolari. Iar Carole era \uc1
\u238 ?ngrijit\uc1 \u259 ? din cap p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-n picioare la clinica
particular\uc1 \u259 ?. Francy se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea cu invidie \uc1 \u351 ?i la
asta. De parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu a fost}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mereu
alintat\uc1 \u259 ?, acum, dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident, era \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\uc1
\u259 ?u. S\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na trecut\uc1 \u259 ?, bunica a
certat-o furioas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?ipe la mica ei veri\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?ncase tot desertul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea ei, feti\uc1 \u355 ?a nu era \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? la
minte. Ochii cu care privea \uc1 \u238 ?n gol erau tare ciuda\uc1 \u355 ?i. Era o
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatic\uc1 \u259 ?, dar toat\uc1 \u259
? lumea o s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei s-a comportat de-a dreptul proste\uc1
\u351 ?te c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a primit ultima amend\uc1 \u259 ? pentru exces de
vitez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at-o c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
i ia ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina. Ba chiar a amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at-o c\uc1 \u259 ? va trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? amenzile din banii pe
care-i c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga singur\uc1 \u259 ?. Bine, amenin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile tatei nu s-au materializat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
faptu\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u355 ?ipat la ea a deprimat}{\fs23 \dbch
-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elegea de ce se sf\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?mau to\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru alegerile
primare. Ai fi zis c\uc1 \u259 ? unchiul candideaz\uc1 \u259 ? la pre\uc1 \u351 ?
edin\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?ntau cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii. A c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat foarte str\uc1
\u238 ?ns. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea de ce au pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit un analist
politic, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ea ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? ghiceasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe
gratis \uc1 \u351 ?i cu multe luni \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul
unchiului le topea pe femei. Nu conta ce spune \uc1 \u238 ?n discursuri, femeile
\uc1 \u238 ?l votau pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era frumos. Dar a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o
cineva? N-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o nimeni. Nimeni nu-i cerea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oricum, lucrurile}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 se mai limpeziser\uc1 \u259 ?. Trecuser\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 alegerile primare, Eddy va avea mai mult timp.
Mintea}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lui va fi mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
ocupat\uc1 \u259 ?,
va putea g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a fost
sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l seduc\uc1 \u259 ?, acum nu mai
era la fel}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. El \uc1 \u238 ?i
diminua farmecele, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u238 ?nat}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ar}{\fs23 \dbch
fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o orice b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?te
vedea, nu se}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 apropiase nici cu un centimetru de
momentul c\uc1 \u238 ?nd el}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 va ceda..}{\fs24
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 .
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse capul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l privi. Cel
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in la suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 p\uc1 \u259 ?rea rece ca un castravete. Nu se putea ca ea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie at\uc1 \u238 ?t de lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de farmec, cum o l\uc1
\u259 ?sa el s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? era timpul s\uc1 \u259 ? termine cu pisiceala \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-! \uc1 \u351 ?ocheze cu ceva pe Domnul Pedant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-ai zice s\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?m lovitura?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri
studiate, Eddy puse m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe scaunul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tot ai adus vorba, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai
sim\uc1 \u355 ?i bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? tratezi cu
superioritate, tic\uc1 \u259 ?losule!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie ca focul \uc1 \u351 ?i scr\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nea din
din\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci nu te
mai da la mine, ca o t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ? ieftin\uc1 \u259 ?. Jargonul nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? impresioneaz\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
impresioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? nici s\uc1 \u238 ?nii t\uc1 \u259 ?i. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy, jocul acesta juven}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 il devine
obositor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 homosexual.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crede ce vrei, dac\uc1 \u259 ? asta te face s\uc1 \u259 ? ie
sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine sj \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i salveaz\uc1 \u259 ?
demnitatea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? tot te culci cu cineva; nu e normal ca un b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
? sex. Cu cine te culci, Eddy? Cu cineva de la carti}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 erul general?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy...}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ro\uc1 \u351 ?cata ca o sc\uc1 \u238 ?
ndur\uc1 \u259 ?? Pun pariu c\uc1 \u259 ? ea este! E divor\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1
\u259 ?, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? e bun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de m\uc1
\u238 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce te culci cu una a\uc1 \u351 ?a de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai putea veni la mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? culc cu feti\uc1
\u355 ?e, mai ales nu m\uc1 \u259 ? culc cu cele care desfac picioarele imediat ce
v\uc1 \u259 ?d un be\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Furia lui \uc1 \u238 ?i spori \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele.
Pasiunile de orice fel o excitau. Cu ochii aprin\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse
m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i-i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie zona sensibil\uc1
\u259 ?. Buzele i se arcuir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet
r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?cios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamne,
Eddy, \uc1 \u351 ?i al t\uc1 \u259 ?u}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e tare!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 I}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 njur\uc1 \u238 ?
nd, el \uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?
i din ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce te prive\uc1 \u351 ?te,
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? numai la at\uc1 \u238 ?t va r\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie bluza \uc1 \u351 ?i se aranja, \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a-l urma \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?. Cearta de fapt i-a apropiat. Nu
chiar a tras de ea \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, dar ar fi dorit. Era un progres cu care se va
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi pentru moment... dar nu la nesf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ajung\uc1 \u238 ?nd la
u\uc1 \u351 ?a care ducea spre aripa locuit\uc1 \u259 ? de ei, o v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe
mama sa. Dorothy Rae mergea drept, dar ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?luceau,
ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?use mai multe pahare.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 , Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Plec la Corpus
Christi pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile, o anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ea.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy o refuza \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
fac\uc1 \u259 ? ea o surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?. Plec m\uc1 \u238 ?ine diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ni\uc1 \u351 ?te bani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i pleca acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i plant\uc1 \u259 ? o m\uc1 \u238
?na pe \uc1 \u351 ?old. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngust\uc1 \u259 ?
ochii, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu ob\uc1 \u355 ?inea
ceea ce dorea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i de
ce naiba nu pot pleca acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fim cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii , spuse mama. Carole
vine acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La dracu'!
Exact ce-mi mai trebuia pe cap, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
\lang1033 \langnp1033 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 II }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
v\uc1 \u259 ?zu prin oglind\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ?ezat\uc1 \u259 ? la mica m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
toalet\uc1 \u259 ? din camera ei, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?a privirea cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. S-au privit fix,
\uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce ea l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?tuful
\uc1 \u238 ?n pudrier\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i se
privir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 El arunc\uc1 \u259 ? haina \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
saco\uc1 \u351 ?e de cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi pe pat, dar nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
desprinse ochii de pe ea. Str\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i palmele
stingherit\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery r\uc1 \u238 ?se nervos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu suport suspansul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1
\u351 ?ti frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i umezi buzele, de\uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?luceau de la
rujul abia aplicat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cosmeticiana
clinicii a venit ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a dat o lec\uc1 \u355 ?ie de
cosmetic\uc1 \u259 ?. Ani de zile am folosit cosmetice, dar m-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit
c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259
? schimb machiajul. Consulta\uc1 \u355 ?ia aici este gratuit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din nou r\uc1 \u238 ?se
nervos. De fapt, nu dorea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? explice rezonabil
schimbarea machiajului pe care I-a folosit Carole, care era prea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?rcat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; Am \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercat o teh}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nic\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ?
este bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i oferi fa\uc1 \u355 ?a pentru inspec\uc1 \u355 ?ie. De\uc1
\u351 ?i nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i se apropie de ea. Se
aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cercet\uc1 \u259 ? cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie fa\uc1
\u355 ?a ridicat\uc1 \u259 ? spre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
se vede nici o cicatrice. Nimic. Este incredibil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum o femeie \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbe\uc1 \u351 ?te so\uc1 \u355 ?
ului ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Doar c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu era so}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ul ei \uc1
\u351 ?i nici nu o iubea, \uc1 \u238 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ntoarse spatele. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? alunge sentimentul de descurajare pe care-l avea. Nu ierta u\uc1
\u351 ?or \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Carole i-a zdruncinat profund \uc1 \u238 ?
ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. Va fi foarte greu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l recucereasc\uc1 \u259
?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-ai obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit cu
noua mea \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?are?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1
\u238 ?nt ceva diferen\uc1 \u355 ?e, remarc\uc1 \u259 ? ea nesigur.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i mai
t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?. Privi peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i
spuse abia auzit. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se apropie de el.
\uc1 \u238 ?i pu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe
um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l oblig\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat? Mai dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cifm adic\uc1
\u259 ? mai dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?n ce fel? >}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a \uc1
\u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nare'a lui \uc1 \u238 ?n a ierta, a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1
\u259 ?-i ghiceasc\uc1 \u259 ? puterea de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i controla nervii. Chiar "-
Jn acest moment nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cea altceva dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
fluture \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor un steag ro\uc1 \u351 ?u. Fulgere
ie\uc1 \u351 ?eau din ochii lui. Iar ea nu se putea ab\uc1 \u355 ?ine, dorea
s\uc1 \u259 ? afle ce diferen\uc1 \u355 ?e existau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ea \uc1 \u351 ?
i so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
njur\uc1 \u259 ? cu jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de glas, trec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i altfel. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? din
cauza machiajului, poate din cauza coafurii... "Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Ar\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u8226 ? bine, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1
\u259 ?? Nu putem s-o l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m balt\uc1 \u259 ?? Ar\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i... cobor\uc1
\u238 ? privirea, \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? trupul, apoi privi
\uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bine...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?.
m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunar \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de
h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie scris\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mama \uc1 \u351 ?i eu am cump\uc1
\u259 ?rat lucrurile de care ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? ai nevoie, spuse ar\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre saco\uc1 \u351 ?ele de pe pat \uc1 \u351 ?i enumer\uc1 \u238 ?
nd: spray, parfum, chestiile pentru baie...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ciorapi. Asta este culoarea? Ai spus beige deschis.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E bun\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse ea
control\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n saco\uc1 \u351 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i sco\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nd articolul. Scoase \uc1 \u351 ?i sticla de parfum, \uc1
\u238 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu capacul \uc1 \u351 ?i mirosi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm, miroase \uc1 \u351 ?i tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Duse m\uc1 \u238 ?na spre obrazul lui. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd mirosi,
buzele lui \uc1 \u238 ?i atinser\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Ochii lor se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnir\uc1 \u259 ? din nou o secund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Miroase frumos, spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?i evit\uc1 \u259 ? din nou privirea. C\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de noapte cu m\uc1 \u238 ?neci! De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? por\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva? Mai ales cu m\uc1 \u238 ?neci?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? neutr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd arn trecut printr-un accident de avion \uc1
\u351 ?i am avut arsuri puter}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nice pe m\uc1 \u238 ?ini.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El deschise gura s\uc1 \u259 ?
o contrazic\uc1 \u259 ?, dar se ab\uc1 \u355 ?inu, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-se din nou la lista de cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi, continu\uc1 \u259 ?:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sutien 34 B.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.
Lu\uc1 \u259 ? sutienul din saco\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
l m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. Cele aduse din sertarul Carolei \uc1 \u238 ?i erau
mari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355
?i pare r\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ? am pierdut din m\uc1 \u259 ?rime.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru mine are vreo importan\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? Dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ul din privirea lui o f\uc1 \u259 ?cu
s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Presupun
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu..}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Goli saco\uc1
\u351 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?n dulap,
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile pe care le va purta m\uc1 \u238 ?ine. Hainele
aduse de Zee \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e din \uc1 \u351 ?ifonierul
Carolei i se potriveau destul de bine. Erau doar o idee prea largi. Chiar \uc1
\u351 ?i pantofii \uc1 \u238 ?i veneau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avea foarte mare
grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?streze mereu acoperite
picioarele, prefer\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte pantaloni,}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 dec\uc1 \u238 ?t fuste. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? forma gleznelor ar
fi dat-o de gol. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui nu i-a trecut
prin cap s\uc1 \u259 ?rac\uc1 \u259 ? vreo compara\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Pentru to\uc1
\u355 ?i membrii familiei Rutledge \uc1 \u8226 ? ea era Carole. Erau convin\uc1
\u351 ?i de asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare erau?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce nu i-a mai vorbit din
nou complotistul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238 ?ndul
acesta o s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?ntruna. Numa}{\fs23 \dbch
i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea, se \uc1 \u238 ?mboln\uc1 \u259 ?vea de
fric\uc1 \u259 ?. De aceea se concentra atent asupra Carolei, pentru a evita pe
c\uc1 \u238 ?t posibil gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum a avut noroc. Nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut gafe prea
mari. Dar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? plecarea din clinic\uc1 \u259 ? era iminent\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie team\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ?
stea sub acela\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? cu membrii familiei Rutledte, mai
ales cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, asta sporea posibilitatea de a face gre\uc1
\u351 ?eli.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pe deasupra,
trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? joace \uc1 \u351 ?i rolul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei candidatului \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se acomodeze cu toate problemele care decurgeau de aici.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mp}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la m\uc1 \u238 ?ine diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Eddy mi-a spus s\uc1 \u259 ? te preg\uc1 \u259 ?tesc. Stai jos.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pare foarte serios.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-e team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? voi face vreo
gaf\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a presei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse el, dar s\uc1 \u238 ?nt al naibii de
sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? ei vor ataca c\uc1 \u238 ?teva tabuuri sociale.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era critic
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de profesiunea lui, ea | continu\uc1 \u259 ?. i -
Cum ar fi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u355 ?i vor pune sute de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri personale, intime,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vor studia fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, vor c\uc1 \u259 ?uta
cicatrice, astfel de lucruri. Probabil "c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine vei fi
fotografiat\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ai fost toat\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?a ta, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n tot restul campaniei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de camere.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, r\uc1 \u238
?se el uscat. Dar m\uc1 \u238 ?ine, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vei ie\uc1 \u351 ?i de aici,}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vei fi invadat\uc1 \u259 ?. Eddy va \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? te protejeze, dar astfei de lucruri scap\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1
\u351 ?or de sub control.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u259 ?
ut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarul hainei \uc1 \u351 ?i mai scoase }{\fs23
\cf1 o foaie de h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te familiarizezi cu asta. Este
o scurt\uc1 \u259 ? declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe care a scris-o Eddy, s-o cite\uc1
\u351 ?ti tu m\uc1 \u238 ?ine. Va fi \uc1 \u351 ?i un microfon. Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta! spuse ea
scutur\uc1 \u238 ?nd h\uc1 \u238 ?rtia. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? citesc asta o s\uc1 \u259 ?
par o proast\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El oft\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u238 ?mplele.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy mi-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? se teme de o asemenea reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Oricine aude cuvintele astea, o s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? nu mai s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? la minte dup\uc1
\u259 ? accident. To\uc1 \u355 ?i vor presupune c\uc1 \u259 ? m-ai ascuns \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o clinic\uc1 \u259 ? particular\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a-mi recupera
min\uc1 \u355 ?ile, ca}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch
Jane Eyre. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ai p\uc1 \u259 ?strat so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
tulburat\uc1 \u259 ? psihic...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Jane Eyre. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar ai ceva cultur\uc1 \u259 ?
literar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru moment a
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas uluit\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi a replicat iute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut filmul. Oricum, nu doresc ca oamenii s\uc1
\u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt tulburat\uc1 \u259 ? psihic
\uc1 \u351 ?i de aceea trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc ceva, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? descurc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i
l\uc1 \u259 ?sa gura s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-o ia \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Bine?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259
? vorbesc engleze\uc1 \u351 ?te, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti
ea. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259 ? leg mai mult de trei cuvinte \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? port \uc1 \u238 ?n public.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Rupse h\uc1 \u238 ?rtia cu
declara\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i o arunc\uc1 \u259 ? furioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1
\u351 ?i a fost acel incident din Austin; nu ne putem permite gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli,
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259
? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia ce gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut Carole la
Austin, nu a putut nici s\uc1 \u259 ? se apere, nici s\uc1 \u259 ? se scuze.
Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? bine minte un
singur lucru. Avery Daniels \uc1 \u351 ?tia cum s\uc1 \u259 ? se poarte \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a camerelor}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de luat vederi
\uc1 \u351 ?i a aparatelor de filmat. Era sofisticat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a mijloacelor de comunicare \uc1 \u238 ?n mas\uc1 \u259 ?. Din
c\uc1 \u238 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea, era evident c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
Carole Rutledge lucrurile nu st\uc1 \u259 ?teau la fel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu o voce mai calm\uc1 \u259 ? spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u238 ?t este de important\uc1 \u259 ?
fiecare apari\uc1 \u355 ?ie public\uc1 \u259 ?, de acum \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n noiembrie. Voi \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? port cum se cuvine \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu atent\uc1 \u259 ?
la ceea ce spun. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi \uc1 \u351 ?i se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
ridice h\uc1 \u238 ?rtia rupt\uc1 \u259 ?. Voi \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca chiar s\uc1 \u259
? memorez acest mic discurs anost. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fac ceea ce}{\fs23 \dbch
este mai bine pentru tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i scrut\uc1
\u259 ? profund privirea. Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i studie chipul, \uc1
\u238 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap \uc1 \u238
?n semn de negare a ceva ce nu putea explica. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?
rutase cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, cu pasiunea care o st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u238 ?nise
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva luni. A fost un s\uc1 \u259 ?rut fierbinte, care i-a topit pe
am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi. Cu c\uc1 \u238 ?t se abandona mai mult, cu}{\fs23 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u206 ?t mai mult dorea de la ea, e\uc1
\u351 ? era dispus\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i dea. \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, trupul. Apoi se opri. El
o \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Ea vedea c\uc1 \u259 ? este nelini\uc1 \u351
?tit, \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse din nou m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?
rut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o s\uc1 \u259
? mearg\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole, spuse el rigid. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu exact ce joc ai mai
scornit, dar p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd voi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355
?elege, refuz s\uc1 \u259 ? particip la el. \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u
pentru tot ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351
?ti so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea .legal\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut datoria
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de tine. Dar aceasta nu mi-a schimbat sentimentele. Nu
s-au schimbat, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi? Nimic nu s-a schimbat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Apuca haina care st\uc1
\u259 ?tea aruncat\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din
camer\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain
\cf1 Eddy ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n curte. Soarele de mai m\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia bobocii plantelor. Tufele de oleandru \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobeau
piscina. Iarba se a\uc1 \u351 ?ternea ca un covor protector printre flori.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i acum era
\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Bobocii erau \uc1 \u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i, preg\uc1 \u259 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru somn. Curtea era luminat\uc1 \u259 ? de lumini pres\uc1
\u259 ?rate printre plante. Umbre difuze se jucau pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?ii casei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce faci acolo? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse singuraticul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea la Carole, la chipul ei reflectat \uc1
\u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei. Era
incandescent. Ochii catifela\uc1 \u355 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?luceau, ar\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? sosirea lui era ceva deosebit pentru ea. Hot\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? joac\uc1 \u259 ? teatru. Pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva momente chiar o crezuse. Ce idiot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dac\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? plece atunci, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o ating\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu simt\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
doreasc\uc1 \u259 ? altfel de rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, nu ar fi acum
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de moroc\uc1 \u259 ?nos cu prietenuf iui, nu ar \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
s\uc1 \u259 ? bea o sticl\uc1 \u259 ? de whisky \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? lupte
cu dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele sexuale din el. \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat de sentimente, turn\uc1
\u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pahar, dar \uc1 \u238 ?l
r\uc1 \u259 ?sturn\uc1 \u259 ? cu dosul palmei. Eddy se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?
pe un scaun aproape de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l privi
cu \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare. Acesta recepta, critica d}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 in ochii
prietenului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i place ce vezi, prive\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ?
parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, ei, ei!
S\uc1 \u238 ?ntem nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
iritat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie care
\uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elase. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? necinstea
so\uc1 \u355 ?iei ar putea fi iertat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu
\uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi iertat dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele pe care le sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea
\uc1 \u238 ?n el. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o pe Carole? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy ghicind}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 sursa nemul\uc1 \u355 ?umirii lui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te
str\uc1 \u259 ?dui prea mult \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi faci
mie pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndesc eu, nu te-a\uc1 \u351 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? faci nici o declara\uc1
\u355 ?ie. Dar Eddy crede c\uc1 \u259 ? este bine s-o faci,
pentru a potoli curiozitatea publicului. Tata \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
de acord cu el. Deci va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? le faci lor pe plac, nu mie.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? plece. Avery se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? la fel de repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce mai face Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
fel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vin
acas\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
aflat, dar este greu de spus la ce se g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te. Triste\uc1
\u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? nici o informa\uc1 \u355 ?ie nu poate \uc1 \u238 ?
mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 starea
copilului o f\uc1 \u259 ?cu pe Avery s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie g\uc1 \u238 ?tu\uc1 \u238 ?, absent\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i atinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-am amintit ceva. Duse m\uc1 \u238 ?na la buzunar \uc1
\u351 ?i scoase ceva. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? aici la spital \uc1 \u355 ?i s-au
\uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat bijuteriile, Eddy s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u355 ?i cump\uc1 \u259 ?r o alt\uc1 \u259 ? verighet\uc1 \u259 ?. Spune c\uc1
\u259 ? oamenii se a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te vad\uc1 \u259 ?
cu verighet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu-l min\uc1 \u355
?ise cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd el a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o despre
bijuterii, ea i-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 $.c }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 e}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rau bijuteriile altei persoane, nu ale
Carolei. "Le-am dat unei asistente s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?
proprietarul", i-a spus ea. "\uc1 \u350 ?i atunci unde s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ale tale"
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o el. "Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie. O \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1
\u259 ?tur i obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n astfel de situa\uc1
\u355 ?ii. O va rezolva compania de asigur\uc1 \u259 ?ri".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e scotea acum dintr-o cutiu\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de catifea un inel foarte simplu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este elegant ca prima, dar e suficient.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi place mai mult asta, spuse ea pun\uc1 \u238 ?nd
inelul pe deget.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 el \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
retrag\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na, ea observ\uc1 \u259 ? verigheta de pe degetul
lui. \uc1 \u238 ?l str\uc1 \u238 ?nse de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia t\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ? rosti de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
ori numele lui. Str\uc1 \u238 ?ngea la piept m\uc1 \u238 ?inile lui \uc1 \u351 ?i,
aplec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se, \uc1 \u238 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? degetul'cu
verigheta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole,
exclam\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se elibereze.
Nu}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 face a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru tot
ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru mine. \uc1 \u238 ?l implora s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i accepte recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a. De at\uc1 \u238 ?tea ori,
chiar de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput c\uc1 \u238 ?nd mi-am rec\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
tat cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a, mi-am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? mor. Probabil c\uc1
\u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? aveam voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu ai fost tu, cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncuraj\uc1 \u259 ?rile tale, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
murit. Ai fost... se sufoca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i ascund\uc1 \u259 ? lacrimile. Ai fost o minunat\uc1 \u259 ? surs\uc1 \u259
? de \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajare. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbise din inim\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiecare cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt era
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Dintr-un impuls emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? pe
v\uc1 \u238 ?rfuri \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?
u\uc1 \u351 ?or buzele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El f\uc1 \u259 ?cu brusc un
pas \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, li auzi respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia surprins\uc1 \u259 ?.
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i ezitarea din sufletul lui. Apoi se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? spre ea
\uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?, u\uc1 \u351 ?or, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea se lipi mai mult de el
\uc1 \u351 ?i murmur\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te
rog, s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu un geam\uc1 \u259 ?t
u\uc1 \u351 ?or el o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?. O prinse de talie \uc1 \u351 ?i
o str\uc1 \u238 ?nse la piept, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierdu controlul, dar
numai pentru un moment. Apoi se desprinse brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
privirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-ai dat
declara\uc1 \u355 ?ia pe care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o citeasc\uc1 \u259 ??}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ji-a spus
s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci naiba?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - In esen\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. A rupt-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
scris-o ca s-o ajut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-ai dec\uc1
\u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o spui singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ultima dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-am spus ceva pentru binele ei,}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt un
cat\uc1 \u238 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cam acela\uc1
\u351 ?i lucru l-a implicat \uc1 \u351 ?i ast\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tie sau nu, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirea cu presa, pentru prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ? de la accident, va fi \uc1 \u238 ?ngr}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ozitoare}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 pentru ea, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? ea este o dur\uc1 \u259 ?.
Curiozitatea \uc1 \u238 ?i va face pe ziari\uc1 \u351 ?ti o biciuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?
cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1
\u350 ?i c i-am spus asta, dar ea este sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-i cereri sfatul \uc1 \u351 ?i o oblig\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1
\u259 ? cuvinte a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum dorim noi, nu cum ar sim\uc1 \u355 ?i ea
c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei bine, spuse Eddy frec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i ceafa
obosit, nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face probleme p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la momentul
oportun. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? se va descurca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Are foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e turn\uc1 \u259 ? un alt pahar \uc1 \u351 ?i privi o
musculi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care c\uc1 \u259 ?zu \uc1 \u238 ?n lichid \uc1
\u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole este...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? spre el:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
naiba, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, oft\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Este
altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum adic\uc1
\u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Are alt gust,
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar nu spuse cu voce tare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este mai supus\uc1 \u259 ?.
Mai pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?? Mi se pare mie sau a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n toane
bune \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 seara asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da,
dar a fost pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? accidentul \uc1 \u351 ?
i chinul prin care a trecut au maturizat-o. Pare mai t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?, dar se comport\uc1 \u259 ? cu maturitate. ,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am observat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Este de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eles, nu? Carole a realizat brusc c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea este
muritoare. Cum... uh... cum s\uc1 \u238 ?nt rela\uc1 \u355 ?iile intime dintre
voi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\uc1 \u238 ?l str\uc1 \u259 ?punse cu o privire t\uc1 \u259 ?ioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-ai dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1
\u259 ? spui ce nu-i treaba mea, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i treaba ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?tiu ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?na trecut\uc1 \u259 ? la Fort Worth.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu despre ce naiba vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ti.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre femeia aceea, \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Au fost multe
femei acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f293 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar numai una
te-a invitat la ea \uc1 \u163 ? as\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrunire. Cel pu}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?in a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351
?tiu eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u238 ?mplele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Isuse! Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i scap\uc1 \u259 ? nimic?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, dac\uc1 \u259 ? este
vorba de tine. Nu, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu vei fi ale}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 s senator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Po\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? stai lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. Nu am mers la ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i atunci ce vrei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? mergi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a ai fi vrut tu? r\uc1
\u238 ?se \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e foarte surprins.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? da. Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti dec\uc1
\u238 ?t un om. So\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta a fost imobilizat\uc1 \u259 ? timp de c\uc1
\u238 ?teva luni \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
asta.\uc1 \u8222 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ntreci m\uc1 \u259 ?sura, Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? familia ta \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? voi doi nu v\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu fac dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? afirm un lucru evident. S\uc1 \u259 ? fim cinsti\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-ai dec\uc1 \u238 ?t. Eu
merg s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? culc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy
\uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pentru}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dumnezeu, nu te \uc1 \u238 ?nfuria pe mine a\uc1 \u351 ?a. \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut. \uc1 \u238 ?i acord\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i potoli
furia. Nu spun dec\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai avut o femeie de foarte
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy calm. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
lips\uc1 \u259 ? te-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nervos \uc1 \u351 ?i irascibil, \uc1 \u351 ?
i nu ne face un bine. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? numai acest lucru te face fericit, n-ai
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? o faci, anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?i tu ce o s\uc1 \u259 ? faci? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu o privire periculoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Ai s-o faci pe pe\uc1 \u351 ?
tele pentru mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?l
privi dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se poate aranja
foarte discret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ch}{\fs22
\cf1 estia asta s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o spui lui Gary Hart.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - El nu a fost suficient de atent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i tu o s\uc1 \u259 ? fii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce ar crede tata dac\uc1 \u259 ? te-ar auzi f\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-mi aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ofert\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - El este un idealist, spuse Eddy indiferent. Nelson crede cu
toat\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?ria \uc1 \u238 ?n maternitate \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n pl\uc1 \u259 ?cint\uc1 \u259 ? cu mere. Moralitatea este teoria lui de
c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?i. Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt un om realist. Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?str\uc1 \u259 ?m echilibrele, s\uc1 \u259 ?
rezolv\uc1 \u259 ?m problemele curat, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? la urma urmei omul este
un animal. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai nevoie de sex \uc1 \u351 ?i so\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta nu
este disponibil\uc1 \u259 ?, o faci cu altcineva. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1
\u259 ? analiz\uc1 \u259 ? dur\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.
Drag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? infidelitate cpnjugal\uc1 \u259 ? este chiar s\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar
de ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu a\uc1 \u351 ?a de sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am nevoie
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? descarc sexual?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi, ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se de pe scaun. }{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu am fost
aproape de tine, =ii uitat? \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul gurii se cite\uc1 \u351 ?te
tensiunea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?.aceasta \uc1 \u355 ?i-a
lipsit \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme. Mai recunosc \uc1 \u351 ?i mohoreala asta
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?, cauzat\uc1
\u259 ? tot de acest lucru. Candidezi tu pentru Senat, dar e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge. Organul t\uc1 \u259 ?u nu
\uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? stea cuminte p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? alegeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tot viitorul meu
st\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste alegeri, Eddy. Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii. S\uc1
\u238 ?nt pe punctul de a-mi realiza ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ia, de a ajunge la
Washington \uc1 \u351 ?i de a fi senator. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? voi risca \uc1
\u238 ?ndeplinirea visului pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute de infidelitate
conjugal\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, b\uc1 \u259
?nuiesc c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, oft\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy. Eu am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 doar s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul lucru pe care mi-l vei spune este
c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru astfel de lucruri exist\uc1 \u259 ? prieteni, spuse \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet \uc1 \u351 ?iret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - P}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 entru proxenetism? Glume\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptar\uc1
\u259 ? spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?. Bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se
rezema pe umerii lui Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
un prieten bun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
umesc,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar Carole a
avut dreptate \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u351 ?ti un cat\uc1 \u238 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
R\uc1 \u238 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd, cei doi prieteni intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery }{\fs23
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse o pereche de ochelari de soare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi bine s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-i pui, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse Eddy. Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ? ascundem ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Bine-, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase ochelarii. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t bine? \uc1 \u238
?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea nervos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy ridic\uc1
\u259 ? degetul mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Extraordinar.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca o \uc1 \u351 ?arad\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e distant. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?rul scurt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u259 ?rul meu...?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Foarte \uc1 \u351 ?ic, o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse Eddy. Apoi \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile viguros. Ei bine, i-am
\uc1 \u355 ?inut destul pe copoii presei. S\uc1 \u259 ? mergem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i trei p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ?
camera \uc1 \u351 ?i se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndreptar\uc1 \u259 ? spre holul plin de oameni. \uc1 \u350 ?i-au luat
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas bun de la personal, au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ur\uc1 \u259 ?ri de
noroc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O limuzin\uc1
\u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?
ir\uc1 \u259 ? pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 O hoard\uc1 \u259 ? de reporteri \uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta. Un Cadillac
era parcat \uc1 \u351 ?i avea un \uc1 \u351 ?ofer \uc1 \u238 ?n uniform\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am luat \uc1 \u351 ?ofer,
pentru ca noi doi s\uc1 \u259 ? te putem proteja, explic\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. \uc1 \u350 ?oferul \uc1 \u355 ?i-a dus
deja lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Mergi la microfon,
spune-\uc1 \u355 ?i rolul, respinge politicos \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile
\uc1 \u351 ?i apoi mergi spre ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 O privi un moment, dorind parc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? a receptat corect instruc\uc1 \u355 ?iunile, apoi se \uc1 \u238
?ntoarse spre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? preiei o parte din \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei. Accept\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
prietenoase. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt perfide, o folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe
Carple drept scuz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i te retragi. Gata?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? le deschid\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privi
pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i supor\uc1 \u355 ?i arogan\uc1 \u355 ?a asta? Cum
supor\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te conduc\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs23
\cf1 \scaps1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru asta \uc1 \u238 ?l pl\uc1 \u259 ?tesc.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?nd,
Avery f\uc1 \u259 ?cu o not\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
critice pe Eddy. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era convins c\uc1 \u259 ? directorul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i campanie se
comporta perfect. Eddy le deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u238 ?i trecu o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?
i o conduse afar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 | Reporterii
\uc1 \u351 ?i fotografii au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se foiasc\uc1 \u259 ?.
Deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, o lini\uc1 \u351 ?te nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ? cuprinse
asisten\uc1 \u355 ?a, privind-o pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia candidatului ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind
dup\uc1 \u259 ? luni \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi de suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre microfon, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a instruit-o Eddy. Sem\uc1
\u259 ?na bine cu Carole Rutledge. \uc1 \u350 ?tia. Pentru ea era foarte important
c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?arad\uc1 \u259 ? nu a fost
descoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de cei apropia\uc1 \u355 ?i Carolei, nici chiar de so\uc1
\u355 ?ul ei. Desigur, nimeni nu avea motive s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoiasc\uc1 \u259 ? de identitatea ei. Nu c\uc1 \u259 ?uta nimeni un impostor
\uc1 \u351 ?i de aceea nu-l vedeau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se apropia de microfon, pe Avery o cuprinse teama c\uc1 \u259
? acei str\uc1 \u259 ?ini ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere ceea ce rudele nu au
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Cineva ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice deasupra mul\uc1 \u355
?imii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ridice spre ea un deget acuzator, "Im}{\fs23
\cf1 postoare"!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De aceea, furtuna
de aplauze cu care a fost primit\uc1 \u259 ? a uluit-o. \uc1 \u350 ?i pe \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i pe -Eddy, care era \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna calm, i-a
luat prin surprindere. Pe ea n-o mai \uc1 \u355 ?ineau picioarele, \uc1 \u238 ?l
privi pe \uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu team\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea
\uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor al
"eroului american", care \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?ti toate
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tile de p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci. Numai cu}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 aceasta i-a transmis din nou \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere
\uc1 \u238 ?n ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu un gest gra\uc1
\u355 ?ios ea f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceteze aplauzele.
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se oprir\uc1 \u259 ? spuse cu timiditate "mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc".
Apoi, arunc\uc1 \u238 ?nd pu\uc1 \u355 ?in capul pe spate \uc1 \u351 ?i
umezindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i buzele cu limba, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? recite
discursul:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Doamnelor \uc1
\u351 ?i domnilor, v\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? aici, pentru^'aptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ?tepta\uc1 \u355 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? o at\uc1 \u238 ?t de lung\uc1 \u259 ?
perioad\uc1 \u259 ? de spitalizare. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? transmit public
sentimentele mele de}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 compasiune familiilor care i-au pierdut
pe cei dragi \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitorul accident al zborului 398 }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 AireAmen-ica. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mi
se pare incredibil c\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u351 ?i fiica mea am supravie\uc1 \u355 ?
uit unei asemenea catastrofe. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?eam s\uc1
\u259 ? trec peste momentele grele, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi avut
sprijinul constant \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncuraj\uc1 \u259 ?rile so\uc1 \u355 ?
ului meu".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ultima fraz\uc1
\u259 ? era ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat\uc1 \u259 ? de ea. Cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
zneal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i strecur\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?na lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? un
moment de ezitare, pe care ea \uc1 \u238 ?l sim\uc1 \u355 ?i, el o str\uc1 \u238 ?
nse bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamn\uc1 \u259
? Rutledge, considera\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 AireAmerica }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 este responsabil\uc1 \u259 ? pentru accident?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu putem comenta acest lucru p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu se termin\uc1 \u259 ? cercet\uc1 \u259 ?
rile \uc1 \u351 ?i nu se anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? rezultatul de c\uc1 \u259 ?
tre NTSB, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, \uc1 \u238 ?i ve\uc1 \u355 ?i
da \uc1 \u238 ?n judecat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru daune?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t pentru moment acest
lucru, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse tot \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, v\uc1 \u259 ? aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i
cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i salvat-o pe feti\uc1 \u355 ?a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?
dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum da,
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259
? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput nu mi-am amintit nimic. Cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o din instinct de supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uire. Nu-mi
amintesc s\uc1 \u259 ? o fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n mod con\uc1 \u351 ?
tient.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? Rutledge, a\uc1 \u355 ?i avut momente c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ndoit c\uc1 \u259 ? opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia estetic\uc1 \u259 ? va reu\uc1 \u351
?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am avut \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere
deplin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n chirurgul pe care l-a ales so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu.}
aplec\uc1 \u259 ? spre microfon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
cum ghici\uc1 \u355 ?i, probabil, Carole este ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?m
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O trase
spre ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, dar mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domnule
Rutledge, doamna va merge cu dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n turneele
electorale? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? un reporter \uc1 \u238
?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ?, bloc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i retragerea lui \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Au fost
planificate \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?teva ie\uc1 \u351 ?iri pentru Carole. Dar de
cele mai multe ori, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu se va sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ? suporte oboseala, va r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne acas\uc1 \u259 ? cu
fiica noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum se simte
feti\uc1 \u355 ?a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .- Se sim}{\fs23 \dbch
te bine, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Acum, am dori...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Sufer\uc1 \u259 ? cumva efectele secundare ale accidentului?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce crede feti\uc1 \u355 ?a
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? despre u\uc1 \u351 ?oarele schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238
?n \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ?, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1
\u259 ? rog, nu mai r\uc1 \u259 ?spundem la \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy le f\uc1 \u259 ?cea
loc \uc1 \u351 ?i ei \uc1 \u238 ?naintau cu greu prin mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ?. Erau
prieteno\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? erau \uc1 \u238 ?nconjura\uc1 \u355
?i de at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni, \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
lui Avery un sentiment de sufocare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment ea a fost \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna de partea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? a baricadei, reporterul care b\uc1 \u259 ?
ga obraznic microfonul sub nasul omului. Meseria de reporter era s\uc1 \u259 ?
ob\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? o senza\uc1 \u355 ?ie, s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc\uc1 \u259 ?
o \uc1 \u351 ?tire}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?naintea
altora. Nimeni nu se. g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea la persoana din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
microfonului. Ei nu i-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? acest aspect al
meseriei sale. Gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala fatal\uc1 \u259 ? pe care a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o,
a fost c\uc1 \u259 ? a tratat aceast\uc1 \u259 ? problem\uc1 \u259 ? cu prea
mult\uc1 \u259 ? sensibilitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din
col\uc1 \u355 ?ul ochilor \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe reporterul de la postul
KTEX \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?nd pe umeri un Betacam. Aproape instinctiv \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse capul spre el. Era Van!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru
o frac\uc1 \u355 ?iune de secund\uc1 \u259 ? a uitat c\uc1 \u259 ? el trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? fie un str\uc1 \u259 ?in. Reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se controleze,
de\uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l strige pe nume \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? prietenos. Fa\uc1
\u355 ?a lui palid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i firav\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u259 ?rul
str\uc1 \u238 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?n codi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la spate, \uc1 \u238 ?
i erau extrem de familiare \uc1 \u351 ?i dragi. Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ez}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e cu
prietenie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C)in fericire,
chipul ei r\uc1 \u259 ?mase neclintit. Plec\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
vreun semn c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ar fi cunoscut. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o ajut\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? urce \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Imediat
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? prin lunet\uc1 \u259 ?.
Van, ca^to\uc1 \u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca \uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? drum, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?nd aparatul
de filmat pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r, dorind s\uc1 \u259 ? filmeze tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult \uc1 \u238 ?i lipsea biroul de la
redac\uc1 \u355 ?ie, mirosul de tutun, telefoanele care nu mai conteneau, radioul
conectat pe ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?nitul imprimatoarelor. Foiala continu\uc1 \u259 ? a
reporterilor a fost via\uc1 \u355 ?ajui Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?n timp }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ce limuzina se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rta de
re\uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?a de multe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?
ni, Avery Daniels tr\uc1 \u259 ?i un sentiment cople\uc1 \u351 ?itor de dor
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cei care i-au fost dragi, Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat cu apartamentul, cu lucrurile ei? Au fost \uc1 \u238 ?
mpachetate \uc1 \u351 ?i date str\uc1 \u259 ?inilor? Cine \uc1 \u238 ?i purta acum
hainele, cine dormea \uc1 \u238 ?n cearceafurile ei, cine se \uc1 \u351 ?tergea cu
prosoapele ei? Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?i deodat\uc1 \u259 ? violat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar luase
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea irevocabil\uc1 \u259 ? de a o \uc1 \u238 ?ngropa pe
Avery Daniels. Nu numai cariera ei, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a ei \uc1
\u351 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e erau \uc1 \u238 ?n
primejdie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 L\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? confortabil \uc1 \u238 ?n
scaun. O atingea u\uc1 \u351 ?or. Pentru moment ea se g\uc1 \u259 ?sea acolo
unde \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dorit. Eddy, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea pe scaunul din fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i o b\uc1 \u259 ?tu pe
genunchi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-ai descurcat
extrem de bine, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu fraza ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat\uc1 \u259 ?. Frumos
gest de a-i lua m\uc1 \u238 ?na lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Tu ce crezi,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?rgea cravata \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cea nasturele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-a descurcat bine. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? cu un deget
spre Eddy. Dar nu mi-au pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut deloc \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile
despre Mandy. De ce trebuia amestecat\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?n campania
electoral\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu are nici un
ames}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tec; ,dar oamenii s\uc1 \u238 ?nt curio\uc1 \u351 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba cu aceste
curiozit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Este fiica mea \uc1 \u351 ?i vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?
o protejez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? este prea mult protejat\uc1 \u259 ?. Remarca Iul Avery atrase spre ea
privirea t\uc1 \u259 ?ioas\uc1 \u259 ? a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum, acum c\uc1 \u259 ? m-
au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe mine, n-or s\uc1 \u259 ? te mai s\uc1 \u238 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ie
cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri despre mine, dar se vor concentra pe alte
probleme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
timpul convalescen\uc1 \u355 ?ei ea a urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit cu mult\uc1 \u259 ?
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie evolu\uc1 \u355 ?ia campaniei, a citit ziarele \uc1 \u351 ?i a
privit \uc1 \u351 ?tirile de la televizor. El a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n
alegerile primare, dar adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lie abia de
acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea. Adversarul s\uc1 \u259 ?u din noiembrie era renumitul
senator Rory Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dekker era o
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? institu\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n politica
Texasului. El a fost senator foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. Va fi o lupt\uc1
\u259 ? ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntre David \uc1 \u351 ?i Goliath. Incredibilele puncte
\uc1 \u238 ?n favoarea lui Dekker erau contracarate de curajul extraordinar al
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aproape
\uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare jurnal erau cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in cincisprezece secunde
dedicate acestei curse}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 senatoriale \uc1 \u351 ?
i Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste secunde \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnau foarte
mult. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce Dekker folosea timpul pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i
prezenta platforma, timpul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era ocupat cu informa\uc1
\u355 ?ii despre evolu\uc1 \u355 ?ia medical\uc1 \u259 ? a Carolei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu am \uc1 \u355 ?
ine-o pe Mandy at\uc1 \u238 ?t de izolat\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse ea cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?,
curiozitatea lor s-ar topi foarte repede. Ar deveni curio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
n alte privin\uc1 \u355 ?e. De exemplu, s-ar ocupa de platforma ta pentru fermieri,
de care nu au vorbit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aici
are dreptate, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Eddy o privea cu un amestec de suspiciune
\uc1 \u351 ?i respect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e oscila \uc1 \u238 ?ntre furie \uc1 \u351 ?i nehot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u238 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
voi g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi la asta, spuse el \uc1 \u351 ?i privi pe fereastr\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au t\uc1 \u259 ?cut cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? au ajuns la cartierul general al
alegerilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea este ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare s\uc1 \u259 ? te
vad\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole. Le-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? fix,
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu gura c\uc1 \u259 ?
scat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i pot garanta c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o vor face.
Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-i prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu bun\uc1 \u259 ?
voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O va face! F\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea \uc1 \u351 ?ansa de a alege. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e o lu\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Duritatea lui o f\uc1 \u259 ?cu s\uc1 \u259 ? simt\uc1 \u259 ?
cum i se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rul de fric\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l
urm\uc1 \u259 ? supus\uc1 \u259 ?. Stomacul \uc1 \u238 ?i tremura de team\uc1 \u259
?. Fiecare nou\uc1 \u259 ? situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru ea era un test pe
care^trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l treac\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? gafe.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n camera \uc1
\u238 ?n care intrar\uc1 \u259 ? era un haos absolut. Voluntarii vorbeau la
telefon, lipeau plicuri, deschideau plicuri, se plimbau, se a\uc1 \u351 ?ezau.
Fiecare f\uc1 \u259 ?cea ceva. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea de la clinic\uc1
\u259 ?, Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cu\uc1
\u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? a maimu\uc1 \u355 ?elor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e .dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? jacheta \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i suflec\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?necile c\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ii. Imediat ce l-au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, voluntarii s-
au oprit,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dorind cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?
le spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?te ceva. Era evident c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?l priveau ca pe un erou \uc1 \u351 ?i erau hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajute. \uc1 \u350 ?i mai evident era faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? ordinele date de Eddy erau aici lege, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1
\u355 ?i o priveau sfio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i o salutau de la distan\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu o priveau cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? curiozitate. Nesigur\uc1 \u259 ? pe
ceea ce se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de la ea, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nainta \uc1 \u238 ?ri
spatele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, care era \uc1 \u238 ?n elementul s\uc1
\u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i emana o \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere contagioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua,
doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, o salut\uc1 \u259 ? un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r.
Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i extraordinar de bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
guvernatorul a trimis un mesaj de felicitare pentru \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?irea doamnei. O felicit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru curajul ei, dar pe
tine te nume\uc1 \u351 ?te liberal \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? texanii trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se fereasc\uc1 \u259 ? de tine. Le
atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia c\uc1 \u259 ? votul nu are nici o leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu simpatia pentru doamna Rutledge. Cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-i r\uc1 \u259
?spund?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i r\uc1
\u259 ?spundem. Nu imediat. Tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
provoace. Nu- i voi da aceast\uc1 \u259 ? satisfac\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Ah, ascult\uc1
\u259 ?, "tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul", nu se \uc1 \u238 ?nregistreaz\uc1 \u259 ?, ai \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 T\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?rul r\uc1 \u238 ?se \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre un
procesor pentru a face o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie de pres\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce spun estim\uc1 \u259 ?rile? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Acum nu prea ne interes}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 eaz\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Eddy. Undeva \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ?, Eddy o v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe Francy. O}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 privea pe Carole cu o atitudine
recalcintrant\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? intereseze, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e sever. Cu
c\uc1 \u238 ?te puncte s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Paisprezece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\plain \qj
\cf1 - Cu unu mai mult. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am spus, nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
transpir\uc1 \u259 ?m de fric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a r\uc1 \u238 ?s de atitudinea lui optimist\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Salut, unchiule. Bun\uc1
\u259 ? ziua, m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, Francy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Chipul fetei purta un z\uc1
\u238 ?mbet angelic, dar Avery depista r\uc1 \u259 ?utatea de dedesubt. Singura
dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Francy a venit la spital nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? comenteze cicatricile \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? se v\uc1 \u259 ?d foarte bine. Lipsa de
sensibilitate a fetei l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat pe Nelson at\uc1 \u238 ?t de tare,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t a scos-o afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a interzis
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai vin\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? abia a\uc1
\u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dintr-o privire \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deai seama c\uc1 \u259 ? este o mic\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?utate egoist\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Francy ar fi fost cu zece
ani mai mic\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole ar fi g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i
stric\uc1 \u259 ? o b\uc1 \u259 ?taie. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? are o
ostilitate f\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta-i noua
verighet\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Francy ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u238 ?nd spre m\uc1 \u238 ?na st\uc1 \u238 ?rig\uc1 \u259 ? a lui A}{\fs23
\cf1 very.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e mi-a dat-o asear\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Francy \uc1 \u238 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i privi
inelul cu r\uc1 \u259 ?utate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
i-a mai pus diamante, pe ea, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ?, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? faci ceva, interveni Eddy. Vino aici.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy o \uc1 \u238 ?mp}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 inse exact \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia opus\uc1 \u259 ?. }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
copil dulce, spuse Avery \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u238 ?rful buzelor.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-ar prinde bine o b\uc1 \u259 ?taie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De acord.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine a\uc1 \u355 ?i venit,
doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, i se adres\uc1 \u259 ? o femeie de v\uc1 \u238 ?rst\uc1
\u259 ? mijlocie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine v-am
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare bine c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ?d din nou, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Baker, spuse ea, citind cu \uc1 \u238 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 nfrigurare numele de pe ecusonul femeii,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul doamnei Baker se ofili, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi
nervos pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti aceste declara\uc1
\u355 ?ii de pres\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le
trimitem m\uc1 \u238 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. O voi face ast\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le
voi trimite m\uc1 \u238 ?in}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e cu Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, nu e nici o grab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o gaf\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?
\uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce plec\uc1 \u259
? femeia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai bine
plec\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Strig\uc1 \u259 ?
spre toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea din camer\uc1 \u259 ? "la revedere" \uc1 \u351 ?i se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, dar continu\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la telefon. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o conduse
spre un Sedan argintiu din parcare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
mai avem limuzin\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De acum s\uc1
\u238 ?ntem oameni obi\uc1 \u351 ?nui\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery sorbea cu \uc1 \u238 ?nfrigurare sunetele ora\uc1 \u351 ?
ului. A stat at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult \uc1 \u238 ?ntre pere\uc1 \u355 ?ii sterili.
Agita\uc1 \u355 ?ia, culoarea \uc1 \u351 ?i numina o intimidau dup\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u238 ?tea luni de izolare. Erau palpitante. Totul \uc1 \u238 ?i era
familiar \uc1 \u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i nou. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd trecur\uc1 \u259 ? pe
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? aeroport \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu avioanele
decol\uc1 \u238 ?nd, se \uc1 \u238 ?nfiora de .durere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Repede \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? privirea de la
avioane spre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Sigur. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai s}{\fs23
\cf1 \uc1 \u259 ? mai po\uc1 \u355 ?i vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? zbura cu avionul?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? da. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ? va fi mai greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom mai reu\uc1 \u351 ?i vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? o convingem pe Mandy s\uc1 \u259 ? urce \uc1 \u238 ?n avion.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frica mai u\uc1 \u351 ?or
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t mine. Copiii s\uc1 \u238 ?nt mai maleabili dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
adul\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-e at\uc1 \u238 ?t de dor
de ea. Nu am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o de s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cre\uc1 \u351 ?te. -Da?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul la
feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e scap\uc1 \u259 ? un
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ieri am luat-
o \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mi ajunge}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 aproape
la b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?teva
cunde au z\uc1 \u238 ?mbit am\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ndoi. Apoi ochii lui s-
au \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat \uc1 \u351 ?i au privit spre fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?.
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind c\uc1 \u259 ? este izolat\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce am gre\uc1
\u351 ?it cu doamna Baker?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Lucreaz\uc1
\u259 ? pentru noi numai de dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?ni. Nu te-ai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Inima lui Avery tremur\uc1
\u259 ?. Astfel de lucruri trebuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?
mple. Va face mereu asemenea mici gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli \uc1 \u351 ?i trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la o scuz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u238 ?mpleje.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e. Am fost o caraghioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare cu
mine. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul este c\uc1 \u259 ? am sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ri de
memorie. Confuzii. Nu-mi amintesc limpede oameni \uc1 \u351 ?i locuri.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am observat de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1
\u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni. Uneori ai spus vorbe f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
? nici o logic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce nu mi-ai
spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? te
\uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorezi. Dar am vorbit cu neurologul. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
traumatismul tj-a anulat o pa}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rte din memorie.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru totdeauna?}{\fs24
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie exact. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i vei aminti treptat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea ei, Avery
era bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? neurologul a ajutat-o. Avea \uc1 \u351 ?i o
scuz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? te-am pus \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie
st\uc1 \u238 ?njenitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ce \uc1 \u238 ?i voi explica, doamna va \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El se concentra la trafic iar
Avery privi pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Acas\uc1 \u259 ? va fi mai greu.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut la
Denton, \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul Texasului, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a petrecut cea
mai mare parte a copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei la Dallas, unde tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259
?u, Cliff Daniels, lucra ca fotograf.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?inutul era bogat \uc1 \u238 ?n contraste \uc1 \u351 ?i folclor. Avery
\uc1 \u238 ?l iubea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea. Conducea, dar privea ^peisajul \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l vedea pentru prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse pe un drum secundar pe care scria "Rocking
Ranch".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din toate articolele pe care le-a citit
despre familia}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Rutledge \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul convalescen\uc1 \u355
?ei, Avery a aflat c\uc1 \u259 ? ferma Rocking avea mai mult de cinci mii de
acri \uc1 \u351 ?i o impresionant\uc1 \u259 ? turm\uc1 \u259 ? de vite de
ras\uc1 \u259 ?. R\uc1 \u238 ?ul Guadalupe str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1
\u355 ?inutul. Nelson a mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenit ferma de la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1
\u259 ?u. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?.ce s-a retras din for\uc1 \u355 ?ele aeriene s-a
concentrat \uc1 \u351 ?i a transformat ferma \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o afacere
profitabil\uc1 \u259 ?. G\uc1 \u259 ?sise \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?teva imagini
ale casei, dar at\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?tia Avery despre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Acum o vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare. Era
construit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n stil spaniol, cu trei aripi \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
care se afla curtea. Casa avea un acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? de \uc1 \u355 ?igl\uc1
\u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie care str\uc1 \u259 ?lucea \uc1 \u238 ?n soarele dup\uc1
\u259 ?-amiezii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aleea se arcui
\uc1 \u238 ?n semicerc \uc1 \u351 ?i se opri \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a casei.
Un stejar maiestos umbrea fa\uc1 \u355 ?ada. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
ajut\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? coboare din ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Totul p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
chintesen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? texan\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i lua
respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia, era frumos \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery constat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
surprindere c\uc1 \u259 ? se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 I}{\fs23 \dbch
ntreaga cas\uc1 \u259 ? era mobilat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntc-un stil \uc1
\u351 ?i cu un gust care era de a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat din partea lui Zee. Totul era
tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ional, dar intim \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Camerele erau
spa\uc1 \u355 ?ioase, cu ferestre mari. Zee a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o cas\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? pentru }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 familia ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Masa era servit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?. O mas\uc1 \u259 ? de lemn sub o umbrel\uc1 \u259 ?
de soare. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a fost \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? de Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee, Avery se apropie de Mandy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Mandy. \uc1
\u238 ?mi pare a\uc1 \u351 ?a de bine c\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d. Mandy privea
\uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
fost cuminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur c\uc1
\u259 ? ai fost. Mi-a spus \uc1 \u351 ?i tata. \uc1 \u350 ?i e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
a\uc1 \u351 ?a de dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Uite, \uc1 \u355 ?i-a crescut \uc1
\u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, ai dat jos ghipsul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pot
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc acum? Bunica mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? pot
m\uc1 \u238 ?nca numai dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce vii tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?a copilului \uc1 \u238 ?i rupea inima. Ar fi trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? explodeze de bucurie, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai conteneasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu
povestirile dup\uc1 \u259 ? o at\uc1 \u238 ?t de lung\uc1 \u259 ? desp\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ire de mama ei. S-au a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i menajera le-a servit masa, ur\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i bun venit acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. E bine
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi c\uc1 \u259 ? este un r\uc1 \u259 ?
spuns vag dar sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adu-i Carolei
un ceai rece, Mona. \uc1 \u350 ?i te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? pui zah\uc1 \u259 ?r, nu
surogat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson i-a servit pe
tav\uc1 \u259 ? numele menajerei \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?teva obiceiuri de ale
Carolei. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?uta
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsuri pentru a nu face gafe \uc1 \u238 ?n prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1
\u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. Tocmai c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se felicita c\uc1 \u259 ? a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat cu
bine, un c\uc1 \u238 ?ine b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n se apropie de ei. F\uc1
\u259 ?cu c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i spre Avery, apoi se opri-
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? este un str\uc1 \u259 ?
in, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Un c\uc1 \u238 ?ine? De ce nu s-a
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit \uc1 \u351 ?i la asta? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta
alte reac\uc1 \u355 ?ii, prelua ini\uc1 \u355 ?iativa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce are? M-am schimbat at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult? Nu m\uc1
\u259 ? mai recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ie animalul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vino aici
Shep \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai m\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Studiind-o ostil pe Avery, c\uc1 \u238 ?inele se apropie de \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie cu
botul. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l scarpin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntre urechi. Cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse
m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, Shep, eu s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?inele o mirosi
suspicios. Convins c\uc1 \u259 ? nu prezint\uc1 \u259 ? nici un pericol, \uc1 \u238
?i linse palma cu limba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a-i
mult mai bine, r\uc1 \u238 ?se ea \uc1 \u351 ?i privind spre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta o studiaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu o expresie
ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De c\uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nd vrei tu s\uc1 \u259 ? fii prieten\uc1 \u259 ? cu
c\uc1 \u238 ?inele meu? Avery privi neajutorat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul ei.
Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 p\uc1 \u259 ?reau
la fel de uimi\uc1 \u355 ?i de comportarea ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd... de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut moartea cu ochii.
M\uc1 \u259 ? simt legat\uc1 \u259 ? de fiecare creatur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Momentul de st\uc1 \u238 ?
njeneal\uc1 \u259 ? trecu \uc1 \u351 ?i masa continu\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? alte incidente. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au terminat, Avery dori s\uc1 \u259 ?
urce \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? se spele, numai c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia unde.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, mi-au dus bagajele \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cred. De ce, ai nevoie de ele?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o pe
Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n grija bunicilor, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\uc1 \u259 ? spre
ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea bagajele mai mici.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Le puteam lua eu pe
toate, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse el peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r, intr\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i nimic. Te
ajut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trecur\uc1 \u259 ? pe un
coridor lung. Un perete era de sticl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
spre curtea interioar\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe partea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? erau mai multe
camere. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-una dintre
ele \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? valiza.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0
te ajute Mona s\uc1 \u259 ? despachetezi}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap absent\uc1 \u259 ?, preocupat\uc1 \u259 ? de dormitor. Era
spa\uc1 \u355 ?ios \uc1 \u351 ?i luminat. Draperiile \uc1 \u351 ?i cuvertura
patului erau dintr-un material \uc1 \u238 ?nflorat. Prea \uc1 \u238 ?nflorat pentru
g}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ustul lui Avery, dar evident foarte costisitor. Dintr-o privire
absorbi toate detaliile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1
\u259 ? plec la birou, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ?
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?ti pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, pentru
ca trecerea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie prea brusc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?... -}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se opri pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l str\uc1 \u238 ?noe de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?i
urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri privirea \uc1 \u351 ?i se opri pe portretul Carolei de pe un
perete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i greu \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse abja auzit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimic. Doar... doar c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai \uc1 \u238 ?mi
place \uc1 \u259 ?sta. Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi o privire dezorientat\uc1 \u259 ?,
privirea omului}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 care \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? este un impostor. Ochii negri ai portretului \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?teau joc de ea. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi timid \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuiesc. Te superi dac\uc1 \u259 ? dau jos portretul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r? Este camera ta. Faci ce
naiba vrei aici. Ne vedem la cin\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse el \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?
i pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Rezerva
lui era f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un echivoc, se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259
? simte ghe\uc1 \u355 ?urile antarctice. El nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t datoria. Este }{\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 camera }{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 fa<}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dormitorul era curat. Deschise
u\uc1 \u351 ?a dulapului. Avea haine pentru o armat\uc1 \u259 ?, toate extrem de
elegante \uc1 \u351 ?i feminine. Nimic nu-i apar\uc1 \u355 ?inea lui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nici \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 sertare nu
g\uc1 \u259 ?si haine de ale lui. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Camera ta, }{\fs23 \dbch
a spus el, nu }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a^noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse degeaba probleme \uc1 \u238 ?n
.privin\uc1 \u355 ?a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii conjugale. Nu avea b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?i de cap. Nu va avea leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi intime cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el nu le dorea. Consider\uc1 \u238 ?nd atitudinea lui
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultimele s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni, descoperi
c\uc1 \u259 ? este dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ?duse seama p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum dac\uc1 \u259 ? dorea s\uc1 \u259
? doarm\uc1 \u259 ? cu el. Ar fi o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Privi portretul
Carolei care o privea r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?cios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u351 ?
opti Avery. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? repar tot ce ai stricat tu, de l-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te mai iubeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi tu!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; Ai primit suficient\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare acolo? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?
Nelson vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te cu ea, \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Suficient\uc1 \u259 ?,
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, oric\uc1 \u238 ?t ar fi fost
de bun\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ncarea acolo, acas\uc1 \u259 ? este
delicioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai sl\uc1 \u259
?bit mult, observ\uc1 \u259 ? el critic. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?
ngr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m. Eu nu tolerez siluete \uc1 \u238 ?n
familia mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery r\uc1
\u238 ?se \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ? de vin. Nu-i pl\uc1
\u259 ?cea vinul, dar Carolei \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u351 ?i trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? bea, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea sau nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu se mai}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 v\uc1 \u259 ?d nici urmele
\uc1 \u351 ?uturilor, coment\uc1 \u259 ? Francy insolent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? te ab\uc1 \u355 ?ii de la
comentarii nepoliticoase, o cert\uc1 \u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu am fost nepoliticoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Am fost cinstit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1
\u259 ?, tactul este o calitate, continu\uc1 \u259 ? bunica cu r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - LadractT!
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Limbaj total
nepotrivit pentru o t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, coment\uc1 \u259 ?
bunicul cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i voi permite a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Francy arunc\uc1 \u259 ? furculi\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n farfurie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eleg. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?umea din familia asta nu a vorbit dec\uc1
\u238 ?t despre c\uc1 \u238 ?t este de slab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i despre cum
arat\uc1 \u259 ?. Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt singura care am curajul s\uc1 \u259 ? spun
ceva cu voce tare \uc1 \u351 ?i uite cum l\uc1 \u259 ?tra\uc1 \u355 ?i la mine.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o
privire crunt\uc1 \u259 ? spre Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i acesta \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elese c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? imediat ceva cu fiica
sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy, te rog, fii mai
amabil\uc1 \u259 ?. Este masa \uc1 \u238 ?n cinst}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea Carolei.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mare lucru, spuse fata
printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se scufund\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n scaun \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere
recalcitrant\uc1 \u259 ?, juc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se cu resturile de m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare,
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice de la mas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu spun c\uc1 \u259 ?
arat\uc1 \u259 ? extraordinar de bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc Eddy, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cineva transmisia de la clinic\uc1 \u259 ??
A\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ce bine s-a descurcat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum nu se poate mai bine, spuse Nelson. Toarn\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? cafea, Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Sigur, Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn \uc1 \u351 ?i
celor de la mas\uc1 \u259 ?. Dorothy Rae lu\uc1 \u259 ? sticla cu vin. Nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i lua ochii de la Avery. Privirea prietenoas\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Avery \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpina doar ostilitatea. Era o femeie atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u259 ?toare, dar b\uc1 \u259 ?utura excesiv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i deformase
tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile. Era umflat\uc1 \u259 ?, mai ales \uc1 \u238 ?n
jurul ochilor, care de altfel erau un albastru foarte pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238
?ncercase s\uc1 \u259 ? se aranjeze, dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul
\uc1 \u238 ?i era dezordonat \uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat mai bine
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? machiaj. Nu participase la conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar
avea un singur prieten intim - sticla cu vin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery \uc1 \u351 ?i-a format imediat o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere. Dorothy Rae era o
femeie foarte nefericit\uc1 \u259 ?. Motivul acestei nefericiri era \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? necunoscut. Dar era sigur\uc1 \u259 ? de un lucru, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i iubea mult so\uc1 \u355 ?ul, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce acesta \uc1
\u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? ia sticla, ea \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse m\uc1
\u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i turn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
pahar. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe Jack \uc1 \u238 ?l privea cu disperare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
Ta.te \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy. De\uc1 \u351 ?i a participat la conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
toate sim\uc1 \u355 ?urile ei erau \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptate spre ei doi.
Experien\uc1 \u355 ?a ei cu copiii era foarte limitat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? de obicei copiii erau curio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
vorb\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i. Mandy era anormal de t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nu se pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngea }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nimic,
nu cerea nimic. F\uc1 \u259 ?cea }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 gesturi mecanice.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut fotografiile
electorale? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut
cel cu sloganul despre noul \uc1 \u238 ?nceput.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - "\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge, garan\uc1 \u355 ?ia noului \uc1 \u238
?nceput", cit\uc1 \u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Da, \uc1 \u259 ?sta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu l-am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut, spuse Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil
c\uc1 \u259 ? de aceea \uc1 \u238 ?mi place cel mai mult. Ai fost \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna bun s\uc1 \u259 ?'atingi miezul problemelor. Tu ce crezi, Eddy?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i mie mi se
pare bun. Se potrive\uc1 \u351 ?te, cu platforma electoral\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?ca buzele, absent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mie
mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut aceia cu fair play \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ntre texani.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i acela e bun,
spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar cam subtil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? de a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva ai nevoie \uc1 \u238 ?n campanie.
Zee lu\uc1 \u259 ? platoul cu tort \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l taie. Prima}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 felie era de
obicei a lui Nelson, dar el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1
\u259 ?toarea \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi prima felie va fi pentru -Carole. Bine ai venit acas\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea tortul
cu nuc\uc1 \u259 ? de cocos, dar Carolei \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce zici, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem
s\uc1 \u259 ? tip\uc1 \u259 ?rim postere electorale?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Mai st\uc1 \u259 ?m c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile, Jack, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e privindu-l pe Nelson. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u era \uc1 \u238 ?
ncruntat. Abia le-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
fac o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Care de obicei
este cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil. Dar
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne g\uc1 \u238 ?ndim o zi sau dou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru Dumnezeu! Nu poate
cineva... Francy ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? spre Mandy. Copilul de trei ani abia
reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? se descurce cu pr\uc1 \u259 ?jitura. Se murd\uc1
\u259 ?rise toat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase s\uc1 \u259 ? se ascund\uc1
\u259 ? d\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na, dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise dec\uc1 \u238
?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se murd\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare.
Micu\uc1 \u355 ?a este dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Pe mine v\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte permisiunea, Francy se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?
elul \uc1 \u238 ?n farfurie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P}{\fs23
\cf1 lec la Kerrville s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d un film. Mai vine cineva?
Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o privire tuturor, dar se opri la Eddy. El nu o b\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai
vine nimeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse pe c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u238 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din
camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea s\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cu un copil lipsit de ap\uc1 \u259 ?rare? Avery
o lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pr\uc1 \u259 ?jitura este foarte bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
de aceea am sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat firimituri, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, scumpo? Lu\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?elul, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nmuie \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un pahar cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1
\u351 ?tearg\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fata voastr\uc1 \u259 ? v-a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat din m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, Dorothy Rae, spuse Nelson. \uc1 \u350 ?i are o fust\uc1 \u259
? prea scurt\uc1 \u259 ?, abia de o acoper\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc, Nelson, se scuz\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy.
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? Jack o alint\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - E te o minciun\uc1 \u259 ?, protest\uc1 \u259 ? acesta. Eu am pus-o la
trea \uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Este oricum ceva mult mai}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 constructiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie la \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ?, declar\uc1 \u259 ?
Nelson necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? abandoneze. Ce se
va alege de ea? Va pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti foarte scump aceste apuc\uc1 \u259 ?turi.
\uc1 \u350 ?i voi ve\uc1 \u355 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac lui Mandy o
baie, interveni Avery, bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? are o scuz\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice de la mas\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei
s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleg\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? uzurpa locul ocupat de Zee, ad\uc1 \u259 ?
ug\uc1 \u259 ?: Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? e prima noapte acas\uc1 \u259 ?, am s-o culc eu. Cina a fost
minunat\uc1 \u259 ?, Zee, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Vin \uc1 \u351 ?i ei mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun noapte
bun\uc1 \u259 ?, strig\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n urma
lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ?
nimic nu s-a schimbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy Rae se
cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i
pe un s,caun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-ai auzit?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-am auzit, Dorothy Rae:
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut din
nou de r\uc1 \u238 ?s, ai dreptate, nimic nu s-a schimbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i iei
ochii de la so\uc1 \u355 ?ia fratelui t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack s\uc1 \u259 ?ri din fotoliu nervos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti beat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dezgust\uc1
\u259 ?toare. M\uc1 \u259 ? duc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? culc. Dorothy Rae f\uc1
\u259 ?cu un efort s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l urmeze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? negi, hohoti ea. Te-am
privit. Tot timpul te-ai agitat \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul Carolei \uc1 \u351 ?i i-ai spus
c\uc1 \u238 ?t e de frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoase c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i o
arunc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Singura care se
agit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n familie e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te
\uc1 \u238 ?mbe\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i nu te mai po\uc1 \u355 ?i controla.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oamenii care au cunoscut-o pe
Dorothy Rae Hancock nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi imaginat c\uc1 \u259 ? va ajunge
a\uc1 \u351 ?a la maturitate. A fost Regina Frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
ei era un avocat renumit. Ea era lumina ochilor lui. O r\uc1 \u259 ?sf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a terminat liceul, Dorothy a intrat la
Universitatea Texas \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un nimb de glorie. Aici l-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit pe Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit la
nebunie de el. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el o evit\uc1 \u259 ?, ea a jurat c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l va avea. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? nu i s-a refuzat nimic. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd Jack a cedat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un t\uc1
\u238 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat-o pe Dorothy Rae de virginitate,
educa\uc1 \u355 ?ia cavalereasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe care a primit-o l-a obligat s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i respecte responsabilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile. Mai ales
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Dorothy Rae i-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? are o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?
rziere de ciclu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack a intrat \uc1
\u238 ?n panic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? o
c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie era mult mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
afle Nelson adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. S-au c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit \uc1 \u238 ?n
secret \uc1 \u351 ?i le-au spus p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ilo, abia dup\uc1 \u259
? aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee au
fost dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gi\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Jack le-a garantat
c\uc1 \u259 ? va continua \uc1 \u351 ?coala, au primit-o cu bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe Dorothy. Nici familia ei nu a primit vestea cu pl\uc1
\u259 ?cere. Aproape 'c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a omor\uc1 \u238 ?t pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei.
De fapt, el a \uc1 \u351 ?i murit dup\uc1 \u259 ? o lun\uc1 \u259 ?, suferind un
atac de cord. Mama ei era internat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clinic\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru alcoolici. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it, a b\uc1 \u259 ?ut din
nou \uc1 \u351 ?i a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un accident de ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd de pe* un pod. A murit imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Francine Angela s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut abia dup\uc1 \u259 ?
optsprezece luni. Ori a fost cea mai lung\uc1 \u259 ? sarcin\uc1 \u259 ? din
istorie, ori a fost trucul ei pentru a-l obliga pe Jack s\uc1 \u259 ? se c\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toreasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea. El nu i-a repro\uc1 \u351 ?at
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ea a fost pedepsit\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1
\u259 ? aceea pierz\uc1 \u238 ?nd dou\uc1 \u259 ? sarcini una dup\uc1 \u259 ? alta.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i-au fost aproape fatale, ddctorul i-a legat trompele. Aceste
dezechilibre psihice au dus-o spre b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum te mai po\uc1 \u355 ?i privi \uc1 \u238 ?n
oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea
so\uc1 \u355 ?ul, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? o iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe so\uc1
\u355 ?ia fratelui t\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o
iubesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu? O ur\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te trateaz\uc1 \u259 ? ca pe un
gunoi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?terge picioarele cu tine. Nici nu
observi c\uc1 \u259 ? schimb\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rile petrecute cu ea...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri?
Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-a explicat de ce folose\uc1 \u351 ?te
m\uc1 \u238 ?na st\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i alte schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Nu le-ai observat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate. Dar spune-mi c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia pe care o
arat\uc1 \u259 ? lui Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i privirile cu care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238
?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luie pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 trecut prin momente foarte grele. S-a
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nmuiat \uc1 \u351 ?i ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ha!
Ea? S-a \uc1 \u238 ?nmuiat? Dumnezeule, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti orb de tot? De la accident
pare o cu totul alt\uc1 \u259 ? persoan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tu \uc1 \u351 ?
tii foarte bine asta. Dar joac\uc1 \u259 ? teatru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce ar face-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ceva. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? joac\uc1 \u259 ?
rolul \uc1 \u238 ?ndatoritoarei so\uc1 \u355 ?ii a senatorului, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se
mute la Washington. Ce ai s\uc1 \u259 ? faci tu atunci, Jack? Hm? Ce ai s\uc1 \u259
? te faci cu dragostea ta p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? apuc de b\uc1 \u259 ?ut \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u355 ?in companie. Ea ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? spre el cu o m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? tremur\uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 acuzatoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu eluda
subiectul. O dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe Carole. \uc1 \u350 ?tii foarte bine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack, plictisit \uc1 \u351 ?i
dezgustat, se dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?, stinse luminile \uc1 \u351 ?i
intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Culc\uc1 \u259 ?-te, Dorothy Rae.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m-
ai iubit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
convins c\uc1 \u259 ? te-am \uc1 \u351 ?antajat s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?nsori
cu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am spus
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\cf1 - Am crezut atunci c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am crezut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ai crezut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-a}{\fs23 \dbch
i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 iubit \uc1 \u355 ?i s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut normal s\uc1 \u259 ?
alergi dup\uc1 \u259 ? alte femei, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?
ngusta\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? au fost \uc1 \u351 ?i altele. M-
ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat de at\uc1 \u238 ?tea ori, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238
?t nu-i de mirare c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am apucat de b\uc1 \u259 ?ut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?i era ud\uc1 \u259 ? de lacrimi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Beau pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu nu m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?te. Nu m-a iubit niciodat\uc1
\u259 ?. Iar acum o iube\uc1 \u351 ?te pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?
u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse spatele. Indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui o \uc1 \u238 ?nfurie \uc1
\u351 ?i mai tare. Urc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n genunchi pe pat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu pumnii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spune-mi adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Spune-mi c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult
o iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe ea \uc1 \u351 ?i spune-mi c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult m\uc1
\u259 ? dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Furia \uc1 \u351 ?i puterea o p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ?. Se
pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el pierz\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a. Jack se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse
\uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?nveli. Cu un oftat nefericit \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\i1 \fs23 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai culcat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e vorbea din u\uc1 \u351 ?a
dormitorului lui Mandy. Avery st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n genunchi l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ?, iar Mandy se juca cu spuma din baie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, dar am dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
programul din cauza babanelor de s\uc1 \u259 ?pun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se apropie \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy
\uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi cu dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Arat\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u351 ?i lui ta\uc1 \u355 ?i ce faci tu, \uc1 \u238 ?i
spuse Avery. Copila se execut\uc1 \u259 ?, lu\uc1 \u259 ? o m\uc1 \u238 ?nu\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de spum\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sufl\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n toate direc\uc1 \u355 ?iile. C\uc1 \u238 ?teva
balona\uc1 \u351 ?e se oprir\uc1 \u259 ? pe genunchii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dau! Uite ce face Mandy!
\uc1 \u238 ?mi faci \uc1 \u351 ?i mie baie? Feti\uc1 \u355 ?a chicoti \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai lu\uc1 \u259 ? un pumn de spum\uc1 \u259 ?. De}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 data aceasta c\uc1 \u238 ?teva balona\uc1 \u351 ?e se
oprir\uc1 \u259 ? pe nasul lui Avery. Spre \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntarea
copilului, ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?nute.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai bine ne oprim p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? nu facem \uc1 \u351 ?i alte pozne. Se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
lu\uc1 \u259 ? copilul de sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi-o mie, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, care a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta
cu prosopul preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai grij\uc1 \u259 ?,
alunec\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O lu\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, o a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u351 ?tearg\uc1 \u259 ? cu
\uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u238 ?nare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de noapte? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? privind-
o pe}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
aduc imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era un dulap cu
vreo \uc1 \u351 ?ase sertare. Oare unde erau c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ile de noapte? Deschise sertarul de sus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
osete \uc1 \u351 ?i chilo\uc1 \u355 ?ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Carole? Al doilea sertar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, dar are
nevoie \uc1 \u351 ?i de lenjerie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Lu\uc1 \u259 ? prosopul din jurul copilului, o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ? cu un maieu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i trase c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a
de noapte. Avery lu\uc1 \u259 ? peria de p\uc1 \u259 ?r, se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1
\u259 ? pe marginea patului l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? o pieptene pe Mandy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce frumos miro\uc1 \u351 ?
i, spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? obr\uc1 \u259 ?jorii \uc1 \u238
?mbujora\uc1 \u355 ?i. D\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i cu pudr\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pudr\uc1 \u259 ? ca a ta?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm,
ca a mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery aduse cutia
cu pudr\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o depistase mai devreme, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-se la pat deschise capacul. Se auzi un refren din Ceaikovski. Lu\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?tuful \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tie pudra pe pieptul feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1
\u351 ?i pe sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u238
?d\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
g\uc1 \u238 ?dil\uc1 \u259 ?, mam}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuv\uc1 \u238 ?ntul mam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i aduse imediat
lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. O \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a
cu dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum chiar c\uc1
\u259 ? miro\uc1 \u351 ?i frumos, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ta\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur. Noapte bun\uc1
\u259 ?, Mandy. O s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?nveli.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?,
spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery aplec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?
rute. Mandy o prinse de dup\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1
\u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? zgomotos. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? ursule\uc1 \u355 ?ul de l\uc1 \u238
?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ame\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia
spontan\uc1 \u259 ? de afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune a copilului, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nchise
cutia muzical\uc1 \u259 ?, stinse lumina \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e pe hol, \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se
spre camera ei.-}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru prima zi...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? termine pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
el o prinse de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, o trase \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor \uc1
\u351 ?i o lipi de perete. \uc1 \u354 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o str\uc1 \u238 ?ns,
\uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i bloca orice mi\uc1 \u351 ?
care cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce "s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat cu tine? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Taci \uc1
\u351 ?i ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i apropie fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
furioas\uc1 \u259 ? de fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce joc periculos mai
pui la cale, Mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t at\uc1 \u238 ?t, nu dau doi bani pe tine.
Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ba\uc1 \u355 ?i joc de Mandy, am
s\uc1 \u259 ? te bat p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te mai po\uc1
\u355 ?i mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca. Ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Nu am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe dracu'! Dulcea\uc1 \u355 ?a asta
cu care joci teatru, se vede c\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t de colo.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Joc teatru?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt matur.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o brut\uc1 \u259 ?.
D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi drumul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu \uc1 \u238 ?
mi dau seama ce faci. Dar Mandy este un copil. Pentru ea totul este normal. Va
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde cu afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune. Apoi, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai s\uc1 \u259 ?
devii din nou ceea ce ai fost, ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-i produci o suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de nereparat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i permit
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259
? feti\uc1 \u355 ?a mea a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ai foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n
mine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am
deloc \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
respira agitat. El o privea ca o brut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ai ame\uc1 \u355 ?
it presa \uc1 \u238 ?n numele meu. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.Mi-ai luat m\uc1 \u238 ?na
s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dulce de tot. Aveam am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndoi verighete. Ce romantic! l-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe membrii familiei mele
s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? cum te-ai schimbat, parc\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai v\uc1 \u259
?zut pe Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u238 ?t ai stat la spital. Te cunosc prea bine, Carble.
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
ti dulce \uc1 \u351 ?i bun\uc1 \u259 ?, dar te preg\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ti
s\uc1 \u259 ? sari \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ucizi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Am motive s\uc1 \u259 ? cred asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Deprimat\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se apere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am schimbat.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt alt om.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe dracu'. Ai
schimbat doar tactica. Dar mie nu-mi pas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine vei
juca tu rolul de so\uc1 \u355 ?ie model. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce se termin\uc1 \u259 ?
tot, ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din joc. Ceea ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-am}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spus \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
accident r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne valabil. Indiferent de rezultatul alegerilor,
tu vei pleca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Amenin\uc1 \u355 ?
area nu o sqeria deloc. Deja Avery Daniels nu mai avea nimic, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i pierduse \uc1 \u351 ?i identitatea, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce o
uimea la \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, de a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui integritate nu s-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoit nici un moment, era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? minte electoratul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355 ?i oamenii astfel? \uc1 \u351 ?
uier\uc1 \u259 ? printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i faci campanie purt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1
\u259 ? tine \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind nevinovat, numai ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
ob\uc1 \u355 ?ii voturi? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? un candidat cu c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie
fericit\uc1 \u259 ? are \uc1 \u351 ?anse mai mari de a c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
tiga, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t unul care divor\uc1 \u355 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El p privi t\uc1 \u259 ?ios.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1
\u259 ?, Carole. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? vina pe mine, dac\uc1 \u259 ? asta te
scute\uc1 \u351 ?te de propria-\uc1 \u355 ?i vin\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tii
foarte bine de ce nu te-am alungat atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd trebuia. Vreau alegerea
aceasta pentru mine. Nu-i voi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si pe aleg\uc1 \u259 ?torii
mei. Nu pot face ceva care m-ar costa voturile lor, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
asta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? prefac c\uc1
\u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc cu tine. O privi dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitor. Opera\uc1
\u355 ?ia te face mai t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n
interior tot putred\uc1 \u259 ? ai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca cu disperare s\uc1 \u259 ? se disocieze de persoana
Carolei. Fiecare insult\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i ajungea direct \uc1 \u238 ?n
inim\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i era destinat\uc1 \u259 ? ei
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu so\uc1 \u355 ?iei lui. Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? se apere, s\uc1
\u259 ? foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ? armele oric\uc1 \u259 ?rei femei. Vedea c\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda temperamentului lui inflexibil, era foarte atr\uc1
\u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Gura lui avea o expresie de cruzime. Se hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u238 ? s-o \uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u238 ?nzeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?l
sfida.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt acela\uc1 \u351 ?i om? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\sub2 ;}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Al naibii de sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile pe dup\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?tul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
sigur, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? pe v\uc1 \u238 ?rfuri
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or. E\uc1
\u351 ?ti absolut sigur?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
faci asta! Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ca o t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?! }{\fs23
\cf1 \sub2 :}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel, el avea dreptate. Asta f\uc1 \u259 ?cea
cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ul altei femei. Dar avea o motiva\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Dorin\uc1 \u355 ?
a real\uc1 \u259 ? de a-l iubi pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu toat\uc1 \u259 ?
tandre\uc1 \u355 ?ea care i-a lipsit \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?toriei cu Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt femeia care am fost odat\uc1 \u259 ?. Jur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?
rut\uc1 \u259 ? din nou, trec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i degetele prin p\uc1
\u259 ?rul lui des. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vrut \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r
s\uc1 \u259 ? o resping\uc1 \u259 ?, el ar fi putut, se \uc1 \u238 ?ncuraja ea. Dar
el se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?inile ei. \uc1 \u238 ?
ncurajat\uc1 \u259 ?, ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult. \uc1 \u238 ?l
sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat, dar lu\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta ca un semn de
sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e? spuse ea mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l u\uc1 \u351 ?or de
buz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumhezeule!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 M\uc1 \u238 ?na rezemat\uc1 \u259 ? de -perete c\uc1 \u259 ?zu
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? vlag\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i absorbea cu to\uc1
\u355 ?i porii puterea trupului. O prinse de talie. Cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia, aproape s\uc1 \u259 ?
i-o zdrobeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. O^ s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? lacom. Aproape c\uc1
\u259 ? nu mai putea respira, \uc1 \u238 ?l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia pe
obraji. El \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? o dezbrace. Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? devine fluid\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Brusc,
r\uc1 \u259 ?mase p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ?. Deschise ochii. Se
rezem\uc1 \u259 ? de perete, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ?
joci teatru, spuse el implacabil. Era \uc1 \u238 ?mbujorat \uc1 \u351 ?i avea ochii
dilata\uc1 \u355 ?i. Respira greu. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti la fel de atr\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?toare cum ai fost odat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar ai mai mult stil. Altfel, \uc1
\u351 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i la fel de sexy. Poate chiar mai mult. Da, m-ai st\uc1
\u238 ?rnit, recunoscu el furios. Dar mai bine mor, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? culc cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i
din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u238 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a deschis\uc1
\u259 ?. Jignit\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery r\uc1 \u259 ?mase \uc1 \u238 ?n camera
Carolei, \uc1 \u238 ?n suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a creat\uc1 \u259 ? de Caroie.}{\fs24
To\uc1 \u355 ?i membrii familiei au remarcat schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rile din
personalitatea Carolei, dar comportamentul s\uc1 \u259 ?u a adus insomnie mai ales
unei anumite persoane. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ore \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi de plimb\uc1 \u259 ?
ri \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, cel care avea insomnie striga cu disperare
spre lun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ce }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 mai pune la cale c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eaua?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Diferen\uc1 \u355 ?ele dintre tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turi erau subtile
\uc1 \u351 ?i nesemnificative. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul scurt \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea o alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?are. Mai
sl\uc1 \u259 ?bise. Dar nu schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rile fizice erau evidente.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ce }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mai
pune la cale c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eaua?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Judec\uc1 \u238 ?nd dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul cum se comport\uc1 \u259 ?, ai zice c\uc1
\u259 ? moartea i-a trezit con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a. Nu se putea s\uc1
\u259 ? fie adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Nu era ea omul care s\uc1 \u259 ? cunoasc\uc1
\u259 ? acest cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt. De\uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul cum se
comporta, a\uc1 \u351 ?a parc\uc1 \u259 ? insinua tuturor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Era posibil\uc1 \u259 ? o schimbare radical\uc1 \u259 ? a
Carolei Rutledge? Putea ea oare s\uc1 \u259 ? fie o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie iubitoare \uc1
\u351 ?i o mam\uc1 \u259 ? atent\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? faci s\uc1 \u259 ? rid.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 A schimba}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t tactica. S-a descurcat bine
pentru ceea ce a fost angajat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?: s\uc1
\u259 ? distrug\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge pentru
ca, \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care glon\uc1 \u355 ?ul va exploda,
aceasta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie o binecuv\uc1 \u238 ?ntare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole Navarro a fost omul perfect pentru sarcina primit\uc1
\u259 ?. A trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? se aranjeze, s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mbrace corect \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit. Dar, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd totul
a fost gata, ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ca o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie extrem de potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?,
inteligent\uc1 \u259 ?, sofisticat\uc1 \u259 ?, spiritual\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?toare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e nu i-a putut rezista.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu a avut de unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie cum a
c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tat ea}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i rafinament, ie\uc1 \u351 ?ite
dintr-o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? mocirl\uc1 \u259 ?. Exact cum a fost
planificat, el a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n plas\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndind c\uc1 \u259 ? ea are toate calit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile unei so\uc1 \u355
?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole a perpetuat mitul p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut Mandy, conform planului. A fost o adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urare pentru ea c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a trebuit s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? faza a doua a planului \uc1 \u351 ?i
-s\uc1 \u259 ? angajeze aventuri extraconjugale. Abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai avea
r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
jucat rolul perfect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dumnezeule, a fost
o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?
nefericirea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia indiscre\uc1 \u355 ?iei de la spital, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei doi
nu s-au schimbat informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii privind}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
alian\uc1 \u355 ?a lor secret\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nceput\uc1 \u259 ? cu patru
ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?n nici un fel nu s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut nici o referire la sarcina pentru care a fost recrutat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar, de la accident, ea a
devenit mai distant\uc1 \u259 ?. Privea pe toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea cu mult\uc1 \u259
? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie. F\uc1 \u259 ?cea lucruri ciudate \uc1 \u351 ?i neobi\uc1
\u351 ?nuite, chiar pentru Carole. \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga familie observase aceste
tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turi de personalitate neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? se purta
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se distreze, \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea,
\uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pervers\uc1 \u259 ? de dragul
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei pe care o pricinuia. Nu era ceva grav, dar ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta
c\uc1 \u259 ? a preluat ini\uc1 \u355 ?iativa \uc1 \u351 ?i a schimbat planul
ini\uc1 \u355 ?ial f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? cear\uc1 \u259 ?
permisiunea. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a avut ocazia. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tia ceva despre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?
ac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneze imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar era posibil ca
afurisita s\uc1 \u259 ? doreasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r so\uc1 \u355 ?ie de senator, consider\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?
este o r\uc1 \u259 ?splat\uc1 \u259 ? mai mare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t plata pe care o
primea. La urma urmei, metamorfoza ei a coincis cu alegerile primare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oricare}{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i-ar
fi fost motivele, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
comportare era foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijor\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Mai bine se controla,
altfel trebuia \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ?. Din acest moment totul
se putea continua f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? participarea ei. Oare chiar nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea seama de asta, c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eaua? Sau a ajuns
la concluzia c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, al doilea
glonte era pentru ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? Rutledge, ce surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?! Secretara se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? o primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la firma de avoca\uc1 \u355 ?i condus\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
ajung\uc1 \u259 ? acolo a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat adresa \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea de
telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, ce mai
faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -i
spuse secretarei pe nume, dar citi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?a de pe birou: "Mary
Crawford".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, ar\uc1
\u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i excep\uc1 \u355 ?ional.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i mai dr\uc1
\u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, dar acum m-
am convins.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i-a spus \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva? Din noaptea c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a s\uc1
\u259 ?rutat-o au evitat am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? singuri, se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea greu de crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? a
l\uc1 \u259 ?udat- o \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a secretarei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este \uc1 \u238 ?n birou?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? este. Ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina era parcat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este cu un
client.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se mai ocup\uc1 \u259 ? de procese.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu o mai face. Dar este cu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Barney Bridges. \uc1 \u350 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i cum este. Oricum, i-a adus lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
dona\uc1 \u355 ?ie substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ? pentru campanie. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut timp s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
primeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am venit
at\uc1 \u238 ?ta drum. Stau mult? Pot s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ? rog. Lua\uc1 \u355 ?i
loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Secretara \uc1 \u238 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn spre anticamer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dori\uc1 \u355 ?i o }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cafea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Renun\uc1 \u355 ?
ase la cafea \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
Carole prefera o zeam\uc1 \u259 ? dulce. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? vizit\uc1 \u259 ?
impetuoas\uc1 \u259 ? la biroul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost de fapt o
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? disperat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebuneasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea Carole toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua?
Avery a stat la ferm\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?ni \uc1 \u351 ?i nu a descoperit c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i poate ocupa timpul cu ceva constructiv, l- au trebuit c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
zile s\uc1 \u259 ? depisteze unde s\uc1 \u238 ?nt lucrurile din cas\uc1 \u259 ?. A
fost tot timpul alertat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
dea de b\uc1 \u259 ?nuit celor din jurul ei. Pe urm\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuit cu ceea ce se afla afar\uc1 \u259 ?. O lua \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Mandy
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceste misiuni secrete pentru ca totul s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ?
o joac\uc1 \u259 ? nevinovat\uc1 \u259 ?. Felul de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? al
Carolei era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de plictisitor. Avery era \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebunit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua
\uc1 \u238 ?n care a descoperit un carne\uc1 \u355 ?el cu date de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u238 ?lnire l-a str\uc1 \u238 ?ns la piept ca pe ceva pre\uc1 \u355 ?
ios. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru nu erau dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?
edin\uc1 \u355 ?ele de coafor \uc1 \u351 ?i manichiur\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery nu s-a dus
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea permite luxul. Coaforul sau
manichiurista puteau descoperi lucruri prea intime \uc1 \u351 ?i periculoase.
Aparent, nu avea prieteni, nu era membr\uc1 \u259 ? a nici unui club, primise
flori, probabil, de la prieteni de familie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole
nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cea nimic. Ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?
toare pentru asta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ea ar fi fost expert\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
ceva anume? Cum s-ar fi descurcat ea, Avery? Dar Carole era lene\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 U\uc1 \u351 ?a de la biroul
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se deschise, El ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat bondoc de v\uc1 \u238 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?
mijlocie. R\uc1 \u238 ?deau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\uc1 \u238 ?! v\uc1 \u259 ?zu, inima lui Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
bat\uc1 \u259 ?. R\uc1 \u238 ?dea sincer, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum nu o f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe cine trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? impresionez? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba el pe directorul de
campanie c\uc1 \u238 ?nd acesta \uc1 \u238 ?l sf\uc1 \u259 ?tuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u238 ?d\uc1 \u259 ? seduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?teva milioane de aleg\uc1 \u259 ?tori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i pot impresiona prin ceea ce spun,}{\fs24
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
fii sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i voi impresiona cu un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?gea felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta senza\uc1 \u355 ?ional. O bucl\uc1 \u259 ? de
p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?dea mereu pe frunte}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \sub2 .}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Gura sugera hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re \uc1
\u351 ?i putere. Nu o v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?n
astfel de momente nu avea nici urm\uc1 \u259 ? de dispre\uc1 \u355 ? pentru
so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Vizitatorul lui
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre ea cu mult\uc1
\u259 ? condescenden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?! Doamne, dar ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i mai bine ca
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva este posibil.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua,
domnule Bridges.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - "Domnule
Bridges"? De unde ai mai scos-o \uc1 \u351 ?i pe asta? l-am spus mamei c\uc1
\u238 ?nd te-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la televizor c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tare
dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea zice la fel.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs23
\cf1 bucur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El apropie
v\uc1 \u238 ?rful trabucului de nasul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-l pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?nul Barney, drag\uc1 \u259 ?,
ave\uc1 \u355 ?i voturile. Estim\uc1 \u259 ?rile nu \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?
nimic. Altfel crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? pune banii la b\uc1 \u259 ?taie
pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul \uc1 \u259 ?sta? Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? face-
o, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi sigur?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu, domnule, nu tu, Barney, se descurc\uc1 \u259 ? ea r\uc1 \u238 ?z\uc1
\u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta este. Mi-ar
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? invit la mas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar am o
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?inire plictisitoare cu un reprezentant al bisericii.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noi nu te mai re\uc1
\u355 ?inem, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? serios. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umim din nou pentru b}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mama \uc1
\u238 ?i trimite pe ai ei ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu dificultate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am...
am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? cecul este pentru arn\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doamne, m\uc1 \u259 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?
iete! S\uc1 \u238 ?nt numai jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? plec. Este
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. l-am promis mamei c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzii. Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i grij\uc1 \u259 ? de voi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce u\uc1 \u351 ?a se
\uc1 \u238 ?nchise \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui, secretara \uc1 \u238 ?l}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? uimit\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A spus jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a a spus, r\uc1
\u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor.
Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbir\uc1 \u259 ? cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1
\u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a biroului,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul lui disp\uc1 \u259 ?ru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
faci aici? Ai venit dup\uc1 \u259 ? bani? Tonul vocii lui o \uc1 \u238 ?nnebu}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 nea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? Nu,
nu am nevoie de bani, spuse ea a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se pe un scaun
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a biroului. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi-ai sugerat, am mers
la banc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am semnat un nou carnet de cecuri. Le-am explicat
de ce scriu cu st\uc1 \u238 ?nga. Am bani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i atunci de ce ai venit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nevoie de altceva. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
anume?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau s\uc1
\u259 ? fac ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Afirma\uc1 \u355 ?
ia ei nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l izbi direct. O privea cu
toat\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Sceptic, studiind-o, puse picioarele pe
birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? faci ceva? -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? plictisesc,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt izolat\uc1 \u259 ? acolo la ferm\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu fac nimic toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua. Nu mai suport lenevia. Mi
s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?it mintea. De fapt, am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc
singur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se plimbe prin birou. Observa
detaliile. Erau mai multe fotografii de-ale lui Mandy, dar nici una de-a Carolei.
Pe perete, erau frumos aranjate alte diplome, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva fotografii vechi, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?te ceva, studie o
fotografie veche f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Vietnam.}{\fs24
\uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy erau \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unui bombardier, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o atitudine de camaraderie. Se priveau z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind. P\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ?
Eddy a fost l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 el \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar de c\uc1
\u238 ?nd te preocup\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pui mintea la
contribu\uc1 \u355 ?ie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am nevoie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac ceva activ.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - F\uc1 \u259 ?
gimnastic\uc1 \u259 ? aerobic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Dar am numai o or\uc1 \u259 ? de trei ori pe s\uc1 \u259 ?
pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - F\uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mai mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poftim? Ce naiba
mai vrei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun, dar tu refuzi cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nare s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ascul\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El privi \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat
spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
aude secretara. Cu vocea sc\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse:}
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?ti dar, de
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai venit acas\uc1 \u259 ?, nu ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o niciodat\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i lui Avery
\uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
reasc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u238 ?t fusese de bun\uc1 \u259 ?
Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i de aceea evitase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi
mai place, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu care eram convins c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i place,
continu\uc1 \u259 ? el ironic. Doar \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai cump\uc1 \u259 ?rat o adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? garderob\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? dulapul este plin cu haine de c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?rie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? am s-o fac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorind s\uc1 \u259
? se reculeag\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse din nou spre fotografii. Erau mai
multe fotografii ale lui Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?n haine militare. Una \uc1 \u238 ?i
atrase aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n mod deosebit. Nelson \uc1 \u355 ?inea de
dup\uc1 \u259 ? umeri un cadet, un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r extrem de frumos,
\uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit, pe fotografie scria }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Maiorii Nelson
Rutledge \uc1 \u351 ?i Bryan \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, Coreea de Sud, 1951".}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Bryan \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. O rud\uc1 \u259 ? de-a lui Nelson? Un prieten? Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? da,
de vreme ce Nelson a dat numele lui copilului s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
la\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? lucrez la cartierul general al}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
campaniei electorale. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy acolo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Motiv suficient pentru ca tu s\uc1 \u259 ? stai
departe de asta. Ar putea curge s\uc1 \u238 ?nge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Am s-o ignor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avem deja vo}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 luntari, ê calc\uc1 \u259 ? unul pe altul. Eddy nu \uc1 \u351 ?
tie ce s\uc1 \u259 ? le mai dea"de lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ceva, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce, pentru Dumnezeu?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery
Daniels nu putea sta locului. Era obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? cu tensiunea.
Via\uc1 \u355 ?a sedentar\uc1 \u259 ? a Carolei o \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunea.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu-l putea proteja
de prezumtivul asasin, (dac\uc1 \u259 ? el continua s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? departe. Viitorul ei \uc1 \u351 ?i al lui depindeau de implicarea ei
\uc1 \u238 ?n campanie, pentru a descoperi suspec\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Simt c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259
? te ajut \uc1 \u351 ?i eu cumva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
cine crezi tu c\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355 ?i acum? r\uc1 \u238 ?se el i}{\fs23
\cf1 ronic. .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
so\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Numai pentru
moment!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Duritatea lui o
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? grai. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1
\u238 ?nd expresia jignit\uc1 \u259 ? de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei, el \uc1 \u238 ?
njur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bine, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? faci ceva pentru mine, continu\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii o mam\uc1 \u259 ? decent\uc1 \u259 ? pentru Mandy. \uc1 \u238 ?n
ultima vreme a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea drumul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba chiar foarte mult.
\uc1 \u350 ?i am de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? continui. Dar chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i
Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?mi consum\uc1 \u259 ? foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?in din timpul liber.
Nu pot fi cu ea \uc1 \u238 ?n permanen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. De trei ori pe
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? merge la gr\uc1 \u259 ?
dini\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Si tu ai fost de
acord cu asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai s\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Leg\uc1 \u259 ?turile cu al\uc1 \u355 ?i
copii \uc1 \u238 ?i prind bine. Are nevoie, de leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi sociale. Dar
c\uc1 \u238 ?t este ea plecat\uc1 \u259 ? eu umblu prin cas\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un scop, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se face ora}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u238 ?nd trebuie s-o aduc acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
fiecare dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? doarme. Te rog, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e, m\uc1 \u259 ? topesc dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu fac ceva}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 E! o privi \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelung. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vrea, cobor\uc1 \u238 ? ochii
spre bluza de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? imediat,
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? se
controleze. O \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?stit:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?
faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se mai relaxa pu\uc1
\u355 ?in. M\uc1 \u259 ?car accepta discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? lucrez la cartie}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 rul general. -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Atunci, ia-m\uc1 \u259 ? cu tine \uc1 \u238 ?n turneul electoral de s\uc1 \u259 ?
pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na viitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
spuse el \uc1 \u351 ?i mai hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t. -Te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am spus nu. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
furios \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se plimbe prin birou.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce nu?}{\fs24 \dbch
\itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti un om de echip\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole, \uc1
\u351 ?i nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt dispus s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i suport toanele.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum ar fi?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - "Cum ar fi", \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? el, nevenindu-i s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai fost
data trecut\uc1 \u259 ?, te-ai pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns de camere, de m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare,
de totul. Ai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziat tot timpul, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351
?tiai c\uc1 \u238 ?t este de str\uc1 \u238 ?ns programul. Ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut gafe
cu ziari\uc1 \u351 ?tii, pe care numai tu le-ai considerat inteligente, iar
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i le-au considerat lipsite de gust. Numai \uc1 \u238 ?n trei
zile. Atunci m-am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fiu a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu voi avea timp pentru tine. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu voi \uc1 \u355 ?ine
discursuri, voi fi ocupat s\uc1 \u259 ? le scriu. Ore \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir
te voi ignora \uc1 \u351 ?i ai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ba\uc1 \u355 ?i la cap
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u238 ?mi g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc ceva de lucru. O s\uc1 \u259 ? fierb cafeaua, o
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?uri, o s\uc1 \u259 ? ascut creioane, o s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Lucru manual. Peste tot avem oameni care se}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vor ocupa de
asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pot s\uc1
\u259 ? fac }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 orice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Tot timpul c\uc1 \u238 ?t el s-a mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat prin birou, ea a mers
aproape pe urmele lui. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a oprit brusc, s-a lovit de el.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noutatea o s\uc1 \u259 ? se
spulbere dup\uc1 \u259 ? prima zi, o s\uc1 \u259 ? te saturi, o s\uc1 \u259 ? te
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngi \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? vii acas\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o s\uc1 \u259 ? fac nimic
din}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 toate astea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce \uc1 \u355 ?
i-a venit a\uc1 \u351 ?a deodat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Candidezi pentru Senat \uc1 \u351 ?i este responsabilitatea mea, ca
so\uc1 \u355 ?ie a ta, s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tigi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Praf \uc1
\u238 ?n ochi!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cineva b\uc1 \u259
?tu la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde, Eddy
intr\uc1 \u259 ? urmat de Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i-ne, dar am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ? striga\uc1 \u355 ?i unul la altul
\uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i nevoie de
arbitru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Jack, \uc1 \u238 ?
nchiz\uc1 \u238 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Ce faci tu aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Am venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi v\uc1 \u259 ?d so\uc1 \u355 ?ul, se r\uc1 \u259 ?
sti Avery. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai nimic \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, Jack?}{\fs23
\cf1 \super1 J}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu.un gest r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic, Avery \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du p\uc1 \u259 ?rul de pe fru}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nte.}
\langfenp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Calmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?-te, pentru
Dumnezeu! Am pus doar o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i privea cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunarele
pantalonilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? cu noi \uc1 \u238 ?n turneul electoral de s\uc1 \u259
?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na viitoare, le explic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule! Iar?
nu se putu ab\uc1 \u355 ?ine Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i de ce nu, m\uc1 \u259 ? rog? strig\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hai s\uc1 \u259 ? discut\uc1 \u259 ?m,
spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?
i place ideea, Jack? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
privindu-l fix,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack -o privi \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E so\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta aten\uc1
\u355 ?ia spre Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
ti deja obiec\uc1 \u355 ?iile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Unele dintre ele}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u238 ?nt justificate, spuse
ea \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ciuitor, recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?toare c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i critic\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i. De data aceasta am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? comport cum trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i auzi numele, Eddy ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirea. - F\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? un cuplu frumos face o
impresie mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat singur.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - G\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te-te.
Familia reprezint\uc1 \u259 ? conceptul de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? american -
unitate, c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie, visul american. C\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria
reprezint\uc1 \u259 ? aceste lucruri \uc1 \u351 ?i le va reprezenta chiar c\uc1
\u238 ?nd vei ajunge la Washington.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ?car \uc1 \u238 ?n teorie, spuse Jack r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?cios.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ?car \uc1
\u238 ?n teorie, accept\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind. Femeile te vor
respecta c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti un so\uc1 \u355 ? credincios \uc1 \u351 ?i
un tat\uc1 \u259 ? bun. B\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii vor aprecia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti homosexual.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, nici unul nu
va accepta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie reprezentat de un homosexual. De obicei, un candidat
singur care arat\uc1 \u259 ? bine nu este acceptat de b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?
i. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de so\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u238 ?ndul
celor mul\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu alte cuvinte,
r\uc1 \u259 ?u cu r\uc1 \u259 ?u, dar mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, coment\uc1
\u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy ridic\uc1
\u259 ? neajutorat din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu eu am
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut aceste reguli, Carole. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i privi dezgustat\uc1
\u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, care este
verdictul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am o propunere.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai cuv\uc1 \u238 ?ntul,
Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mai \uc1
\u238 ?nainte, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e st\uc1 \u259 ?tea pe scaun cu picioarele
pe birou. Avery ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u238 ?nceasc\uc1
\u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?zbune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n numele Carolei am refuzat o i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nvita\uc1
\u355 ?ie la un dineu pentru vineri seara, spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cel de la Austin?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da.
Am scuzat-o c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este complet ref\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1
\u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? accept invita\uc1
\u355 ?ia. Este un grup bipartizan. Este doar o ocazie de a te face observat. Vom
vedea cum decurge seara \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi vom hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? despre
turneu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu alte
cuvinte, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? trec un test, spuse Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a vezi tu lucrurile, zise
Eddy. Apoi vorbi calm cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - S-a descurcat foa}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rte bine la conferin\uc1 \u355 ?a de
pres\uc1 \u259 ?, la spital.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?
rerile lui Eddy contau foarte mult pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea final\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
urm\uc1 \u259 ? el o lua. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe fratele mai mare, care r\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere ostil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ce spui, Jack?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred ca ar fi bine s\uc1
\u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse, privind-o cu resentiment. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? mama \uc1 \u351 ?i tata ar vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i
un cuplu fericit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru sfaturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi au \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles aluzia subtil\uc1 \u259 ?...
Jack p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si biroul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? alte cuvinte.
Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? un t\uc1 \u259 ?cut r\uc1 \u259 ?mas
bun \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o privi fix pe}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ntru c\uc1 \u238 ?teva clipe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Bine, spuse el f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? entuziasm. Mai ai o \uc1 \u351 ?
ans\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? convingi c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
pot bizui pe tine c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata
campanie electoral\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
vei fi dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
promit.' El se \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich
Vineri seara. Plec\uc1 \u259 ?m la ora \uc1 \u351 ?apte fix. S\uc1 \u259 ? fii gata
la timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?spund eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cineva
a sunat de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery a}{\fs23
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 fost mai aproape. Desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu siguran\uc1
\u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Intre vazele de flori st\uc1
\u259 ?tea Van Lovejoy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nghe\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul de bun venit \uc1 \u238 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?mpietri pe buze. \uc1 \u238 ?i tremurau genunchii, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea un
nod \uc1 \u238 ?n stomac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i stinghereal\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?igara \uc1 \u238 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?zu dintre degete. Clipi de mai multe ori. Avery spera din inim\uc1
\u259 ? ca pupilele ochitor lui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie dilatate de marijuana \uc1
\u351 ?i nu de \uc1 \u351 ?oc. \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?
par\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?t mai normal\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spuse:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua...
pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ? Van \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
du din cap. Ah, doamna Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da!}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Isuse, pentru o clip\uc1
\u259 ? am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i... sem\uc1 \u259 ?
na\uc1 \u355 ?i... nu mai continu\uc1 \u259 ?, duse o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
osoas\uc1 \u259 ? la inim\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Intra\uc1 \u355 ?i, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, spuse Avery iute, nedorind sa-\uc1 \u351 ?i
aud\uc1 \u259 ? numele rostit de el. Abia se ab\uc1 \u355 ?inea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l
ia \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l str\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ? totul,
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? avea la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? reportajul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput intrase singur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar spune \uc1 \u351 ?i lui Van, i-ar pune \uc1 \u351 ?i lui
via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?t de reconfortant\uc1 \u259
? ar fi ideea de a avea un aliat, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea permite luxul. \uc1
\u350 ?i apoi, Van nu era chiar un confident de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 li f\uc1 \u259 ?cu loc \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hol. Normal ar}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 fi fost ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
jurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, curios. In schimb, el nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i lua ochii de la ea.
\uc1 \u238 ?i era mil\uc1 \u259 ? de deruta lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i...?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, m\uc1 \u259 ? scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i frec\uc1 \u259 ? palmele de jean\uc1 \u351 ?ii ponosi\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt Van
Lovejoy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole Rutledge.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu. Am fost
acolo \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a\uc1 \u355 ?i plecat de la clinic\uc1
\u259 ?. Lucrez pentru postul de televiziune KTEX.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ah, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De\uc1 \u351 ?i el se
str\uc1 \u259 ?duia s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte o conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie normal\uc1
\u259 ?, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i putea lua ochii de la ea. Era o adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ? agonie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii at\uc1 \u238 ?t de aproape de un
prieten \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te po\uc1 \u355 ?i purta normal. Ar fi avut
un milion de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri pentru el, dar se opri la una care ar
fi fost normal\uc1 \u259 ? pentru Carole:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i venit pentru o emisiune de televiziune, nu ar fi
fost normal s\uc1 \u259 ? discuta\uc1 \u355 ?i mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i cu
domnul Paschal, directorul de campanie al so\uc1 \u355 ?ului meu?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - El \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? vin.
M-a trimis compania.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Compania?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, voi filma aici o
reclam\uc1 \u259 ? comercial\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?
na viitoare. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi am venit s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d decorul. Nu v-
a spus nimeni c\uc1 \u259 ? voi veni?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Eu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
hol, studiindu-l pe Van cu evident\uc1 \u259 ? dezaprobare. El era un milit\uc1
\u259 ?ros, niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea hainele bo\uc1 \u355 ?ite \uc1 \u351 ?i
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul nepiept\uc1 \u259 ?nat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Exact
antiteza lui Van. Purta un tricou care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea reclam\uc1 \u259 ? unui
restaurant specializat \uc1 \u238 ?n stridii. Avea un desen sugestiv \uc1 \u351 ?i
cuvintele: "Str\uc1 \u238 ?nge-m\uc1 \u259 ?, suge-m\uc1 \u259 ?, mu\uc1 \u351 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? .crud\uc1 \u259 ?". Blugii \uc1 \u238 ?i erau
rup\uc1 \u355 ?i. Emana un aer nes\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tos. Avery \uc1 \u351 ?
tia foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? Van, cu acele}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 degete
p\uc1 \u259 ?tate de nicotin\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u238 ?nuia camera de luat vederi
ca un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat artist. Dar ceea ce vedea Nelson era imaginea unui
hippie, o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? irosit\uc1 \u259 ?. Talentul lui Van era la
fel de bine ascuns, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata ei identitate.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson, acesta este domnul
Lovejoy. Domnule Lovejoy, colonelul Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Nelson evit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u238 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A venit s\uc1
\u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? casa, pentru ,a o preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti pentru filmarea de
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na viitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Lucra\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru studiourile MB?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Din c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru ei.
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au nevoie de cel mai bun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm.
Au spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vor trimite pe cineva. Categoric, Van nu era ceea ce ar fi
vrut Nelson. Ce dori\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? vede\uc1 \u355 ?i? Interiorul?
Exteriorul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Totu}{\fs23
\cf1 l. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d un loc unde Rutledge, so\uc1 \u355 ?
ia \uc1 \u351 ?i copilul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i petrec o zi obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuit\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a au spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vor. Ceva obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuit. Chestii sentimentale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
vedea tot ce dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, domnule Lovejoy, dar
nu vei avea acces la familia mea. So\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea ar fi \uc1 \u351 ?
ocat\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? arvedea cum e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?cat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch
- Doar nu-i ea \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? cu hainele astea. De ce
naiba i-ar p\uc1 \u259 ?sa?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii alba\uc1
\u351 ?tri ai lui Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?. Era obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuit s\uc1 \u259 ? fie tratat cu polite\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ales
cu respect de o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? pe care el o considera inferioar\uc1 \u259 ?
lui. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? treaba lui Van nu ar fi avut leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu
campania lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? I-ar fi luat de
guler \uc1 \u351 ?i I-ar fi aruncat pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dar a\uc1 \u351 ?a, se mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? doar:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, te rog s\uc1
\u259 ? scuzi aceste cuvinte. Acum plec\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Van se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne mai vedem. V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i, doamn\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Rutledge, am fost
nepoliticos, v-am}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 privit fix, dar \uc1 \u238 ?mi
aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine de...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? cu privirile curioase ale
oamenilor, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse ea din nou. To\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1
\u238 ?nt foarte curio\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ? ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor:}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe aici, domnule Lovejoy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van o mai privi o dat\uc1
\u259 ? uluit \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi plec\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
prind\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe ce mai face Irish, dac\uc1 \u259 ? o mai jele\uc1 \u351 ?te,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? are grij\uc1 \u259 ? de el, dac\uc1 \u259 ? secretara a n\uc1 \u259
?scut un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat sau o feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ce se mai b\uc1 \u238
?rfe\uc1 \u351 ?te la birou?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, intuia c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea ca Van s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
fie la fel de bucuros c\uc1 \u259 ? o vede. Oh, ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?
ntat s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te,
dar imediat ce \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi revenit din surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?, parc\uc1
\u259 ? I-ar fi auzit: "Ce prostie ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut?"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 De foarte multe ori s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u351 ?i ea
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru. Da, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea reportajul, dar
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? motiva\uc1 \u355 ?ie nu era satisf\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Salvarea
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost motivul suprem pentru a lua
locul fostei lui so\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Dar mai era oare acest motiv operant? Unde era
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?area pe care ea ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? o descopere?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery a fost un foarte atent observator, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Jack
\uc1 \u351 ?i Dorothy Rae existau ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeri. Francy ar fi
scos din min\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i un sf\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Nelson era un
autocrat. Zee era distant\uc1 \u259 ?. Eddy era competent p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la pedanterie. Dar nici unul din ei nu a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
dragoste fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? depisteze un poten\uc1 \u355 ?ial criminal \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? reportajul cu toat\uc1 \u259 ?
credibilitatea necesar\uc1 \u259 ? unui jurnalist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Van a adus cu sine \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elegerea faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se mai concentra suficient de mult pe
povestea reportajului, ci pe personajele care tr\uc1 \u259 ?iau}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste. Nu era surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Deta\uc1 \u351 ?area a
fost cea mai grea problem\uc1 \u259 ? de rezolvat \uc1 \u238 ?n cariera ei,
singurul element care i-a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenise talentul de la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei, dar
capacitatea de a disocia factorul uman nu a mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenit-o. Nu avea
obiectivitate. Se temea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va mai avea deloc, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se va
implica \uc1 \u238 ?n povestea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici nu-l putea p\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?si acum. Nu avea de ales. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? ia lucrurile a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum se petreceau - chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i vizitele surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?toare
din partea prietenilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sosi \uc1 \u351 ?i
ziua de vineri. Avery omor\uc1 \u238 ? orele lungi ale dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiezei
juc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se cu Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce se
trezise din somnul de pr\uc1 \u238 ?nz. St\uc1 \u259 ?teau la o mas\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau dinozauri din plastilin\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd lui Mandy i s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut foame \uc1 \u351 ?i
a dat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n grija Monei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La ora
cinci, Avery a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o baie. \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se machia, ciugulea
dintr-o farfurie cu gust\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aranja p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? scurt,
dar \uc1 \u351 ?ic, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai mare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t la
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput. Crescuse destul pentru a-l aranja \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o form\uc1
\u259 ? oarecare. Sublinie rezultatul final, destul de sexy, cu o pereche de cercei
cu diamante.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La \uc1 \u351 ?
apte f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? un sfert, cu cincisprezece minute mai devreme, era
gata, se spreia cu parfum, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e intr\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? brusc. Apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui o ului.
Dormea pe o canapea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un mic salona\uc1 \u351 ? de l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? camera ei. Intre ei era o u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar el o
\uc1 \u238 ?ncuia \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna. Salona\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea era mobilat sever, cu un aer masculin. Avea \uc1 \u351 ?i o baie
mic\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiuveta nu era mai mare dec\uc1 \u238 ?t una dintr-un cabinet
dentar, abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? putea fi folosit\uc1 \u259 ? de un adult. \uc1 \u350 ?
i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e prefera aceste condi\uc1 \u355 ?ii}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 modeste, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mpart\uc1 \u259 ? dormitorul spa\uc1 \u355 ?ios cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa. Primul
g\uc1 \u238 ?nd care a izbit- o c\uc1 \u238 ?nd I-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut intr\uc1 \u238
?nd furtunos era c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndit \uc1 \u351 ?i nu
mai vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? o ia la dineu. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, nu era
furios, doar nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. O studie apreciativ \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1
\u259 ?. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? eforturile ei erau r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?tite, Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Rochia? Rochia este foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ?
arat\uc1 \u259 ? foarte bine. Rochia era minunat\uc1 \u259 ?. Bustul era ornat
discret cu paiete ascunse \uc1 \u238 ?n dantel\uc1 \u259 ?. Era lung\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ptu\uc1 \u351 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u259 ?tase neagr\uc1 \u259 ?. Era sexy, dar \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un anume fel elegant\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i respectabil\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n genul toaletelor lui Audrey Hepburn. O cump\uc1 \u259 ?rase pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a mai,vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte toaletele Carolei. Dorea s\uc1
\u259 ? arate altfel \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, s\uc1
\u259 ? nu semene deloc cu fosta lui so\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Toate rochiile Carolei erau
decoltate prea pronun\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea nevoia
s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte ceva elegant, u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u351 ?i cu m\uc1 \u238 ?
nec\uc1 \u259 ? lung\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
expun\uc1 \u259 ? prea mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bani cheltui\uc1
\u355 ?i cu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciune, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi spui ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n mod deosebit sau ai venit s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi
dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt gata la timp?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cel care nu am terminat. Nu-mi g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc
butonii. Nu i-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Remarcas}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e \uc1 \u351 ?i ea c\uc1 \u259 ? el era \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate. Avea un mic punct care s\uc1 \u238 ?
ngera \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie, ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierit \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ?. Era cu picioarele goale
\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ud, iar c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a era ne\uc1
\u238 ?ncheiat\uc1 \u259 ?. Priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea pe care o oferea o f\uc1 \u259 ?
cu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l doreasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu disperare. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiase pantalonn, Avery nu se
putu opri \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l studie de la talie \uc1 \u238 ?n jos. \uc1
\u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tea inima at\uc1 \u238 ?t de tare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?
t aproape se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea prin rochie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\cf1 - Bufonii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Spre surprinderea
lui, Carole s-a ghemuit l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ? vin s\uc1 \u259 ? te s\uc1 \u259 ?rut
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem, vrei?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy accept\uc1 \u259 ? solemn.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, mami.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? fii feti\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cuminte. Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe Carole. Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? culc chiar acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, dar s\uc1 \u259 ? te culci la timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? zgomotos \uc1 \u351 ?i fugi
\uc1 \u238 ?napoi la bunica. De obicei, Carole se \uc1 \u238 ?nfuria c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd copila \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ifona hainele. Acum se aranja doar \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?terse buzele cu un \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1
\u355 ?el de h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ? afec\uc1 \u355 ?
iune pe 'care o ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Mandy era mai mult
ca sigur pref\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?torie. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o lu\uc1
\u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptar\uc1
\u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem t\uc1 \u238 ?rzlu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
S\uc1 \u259 ? conduci cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, strig\uc1 \u259 ? Zee \uc1 \u238 ?n urma
lui. Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?i conduse la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta ar fi un concurs de
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e, voi doi l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga. Nici
nu \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce m\uc1 \u238 ?ndru s\uc1 \u238 ?nt c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
m\uc1 \u259 ? uit la voi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare tata dorea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sugereze s\uc1 \u259 ? uite \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ierte ceea
ce s-a petrecut? S\uc1 \u259 ? uite? \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna i-a fost greu. S\uc1
\u259 ? ierte? Nu-i st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n fire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o pe Carole, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dori s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?n stare de am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?n star\uc1 \u169 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i anuleze furiile, durerea \uc1 \u351 ?i dispre\uc1 \u355 ?
ul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? o nou\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ? femeie, ar fi dorit-o?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Evident pe ea o dorea, \uc1
\u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o vedea a\uc1 \u351 ?a bl\uc1 \u238 ?
nd\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sexy. Nu se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
supus\uc1 \u259 ?, nici nu o dorea, li pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau sc\uc1 \u238 ?nteile de
furie \uc1 \u351 ?i de umor. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ele c\uc1 \u259 ?snicia lor
nu ar fi avut gust. Acum ea \uc1 \u238 ?l privea \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson are dreptate.
Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i foarte bine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc,
\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ?tul s\uc1 \u259 ? tot fie
moroc\uc1 \u259 ?nos, ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u351 ?i tu ar\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l
ame\uc1 \u355 ?i cu un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet. Alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi spus
"nu conteaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziem, acum vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac dragoste cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea". \uc1 \u350 ?i ar fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut-o chiar acolo \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238 ?ndul
la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? fantezie \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea din inim\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o simt\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238
?ie s\uc1 \u238 ?nii, s\uc1 \u259 ? se cufunde \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?ldura
emanat\uc1 \u259 ? de trupul ei. Gemu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?
revin\uc1 \u259 ? cu picioarele pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nt. De mult\uc1
\u259 ? vreme nu a mai sim\uc1 \u355 ?it pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea dragostei cu cea pê
care o iubea, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
ascund\uc1 \u259 ? lumina din priv\uc1 \u238 ?ri pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ea ar fi
ghicit imediat c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
timp ce conducea ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina, recunoscu c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i era dor
de ceea ce a existat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei odinioar\uc1 \u259 ?. Au avut sex, destul
de bun, dar niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? intim. Nu a fost prea mare lucru, dar iat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o dorea. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? Carole i-ar fi putut da acest
fel de dragoste, el nu va mai accepta, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ea a distrus aceast\uc1
\u259 ? posibilitate cu mult timp \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar atrac\uc1
\u355 ?ia fizic\uc1 \u259 ? exista \uc1 \u351 ?i era, inexplicabil, foarte
puternic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?turile emo\uc1
\u355 ?ionale muriser\uc1 \u259 ? de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 O privi pe Carole din col\uc1 \u355 ?ul ochilor. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta fantastic. Mama lui a avut dreptate. Era prea sofisticat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o
mireas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta
ca o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie iubit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259
?, nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na deloc cu Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Paschal ie\uc1 \u351 ?i de sub du\uc1 \u351 ?. Se \uc1 \u351 ?terse repede cu
prosopul, \uc1 \u238 ?l trecu peste spate \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l frece viguros. Imediat ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din baie, scoase un
sunet uimit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Salut. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam
c\uc1 \u259 ? te g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Fr}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ancy st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n
patul lui, sprijinit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un cot. Luase o atitudine
provocatoare, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea cu sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - B\uc1 \u259 ?iat r\uc1
\u259 ?u ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i
prin reviste porno.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba faci
aici? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el acoperindu-se cu prosopul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse ca o}{\fs23
\cf1 felin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut plaj\uc1 \u259 ? la piscin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi bine s\uc1 \u259 ? vin la tine s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?coresc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy locuia
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un apartament la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
garaje. Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a fost numit directorul campaniei electorale, i
s-a dat aceast\uc1 \u259 ? camer\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee au protestat, "\uc1 \u238 ?n aripa servitorilor? Nici
vorb\uc1 \u259 ?".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy le-a explicat
c\uc1 \u259 ? este bine s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aproape de ei, dar are nevoie de
intimitate \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci apartamentul de l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? garaj
era cel mai potrivit. Acum intimitatea \uc1 \u238 ?i era spulberat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? te
r\uc1 \u259 ?core\uc1 \u351 ?ti aici? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el, cert\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?. S-a stricat instala\uc1 \u355 ?ia de aer condi\uc1 \u355 ?
ionat din cas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu fi \uc1 \u355
?epos. Nu te bucuri c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, am ce vedea, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? el trec\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ud. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
protectoare contra SIDA mai mari pu\uc1 \u355 ?in dec\uc1 \u238 ?t bikini-ul de la
costumul t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Nelson
este de acord cu felul cum te por\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Bunicul nu e de acord cu nimic. Nici nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum au fost
concepu\uc1 \u355 ?i tata \uc1 \u351 ?i unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259 ? bunicul c\uc1 \u238 ?nta imnul republicii
\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea dragoste cu bunica. Nu-mi imaginez c\uc1 \u238 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 bunica.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti
incorigibil\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vrea, r\uc1 \u238 ?se de imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia fetei, apoi
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?old
\uc1 \u351 ?i-i spuse cu repro\uc1 \u351 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei,
te rog, s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac \uc1
\u351 ?i eu? l-am promis lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnesc cu ei la Waller Creek \uc1 \u351 ?i deja am \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pot s\uc1
\u259 ? vin \uc1 \u351 ?i eu? -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . - Nu mai s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
bilete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te descurci tu.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt gata \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o secund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnire de oameni mari,
Francy. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te plictise\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i bine dac\uc1 \u259 ?
vin \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i garantez c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1
\u259 ? te plictise\uc1 \u351 ?ti, spuse fa}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ta insinuant.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hai, nu pleci?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u259 ?i, cred
c\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu sutienul \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ?... cum
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place bronzul meu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avea s\uc1 \u238 ?nii plini, copil\uc1 \u259 ?ros!, bronza\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i. El privi cu
disperare \uc1 \u238 ?n tavan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
faci? Hai, pleac\uc1 \u259 ?. Pune-\uc1 \u355 ?i naibii sutienul \uc1 \u351 ?i
ie\uc1 \u351 ?i de aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse
m\uc1 \u238 ?na s\uc1 \u259 ? o scoat\uc1 \u259 ? din pat. Francy a fost mai repede
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t el, i-a prins-o \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat-o pe un
s\uc1 \u238 ?n. \uc1 \u238 ?l privea cu r\uc1 \u259 ?utate. Cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?na trase prosopuKde pe el \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l pcivi cu
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm, Eddy, ce
sex frumos ai! \uc1 \u238 ?l privi cu avidi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tate. At\uc1 \u238 ?t de
mare! Pentru cine \uc1 \u238 ?l p\uc1 \u259 ?strezi? Pentru ur\uc1 \u238 ?ta aia de
ro\uc1 \u351 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?? Sau pentru m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a Carole?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o privi cu r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceal\uc1 \u259 ?, alarmat, \uc1 \u351 ?i ea hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?-i place mai mult c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l vede furios.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, eu pot face pentru
tine mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ele \uc1 \u8226 ?am\uc1 \u238 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 l prin surprindere, aplec\uc1 \u259 ? capul ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
demonstreze, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l atrag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat deasupra ei. Dumnezeule!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nefiind \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ? se ab\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, el \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ?rute fu,rios. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde fata deschise
ochii constat\uc1 \u238 ?nd uimit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? el se oprise, \uc1
\u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul patului, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind
amuzat...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Ce...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Numai c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice a descoperit c\uc1 \u259 ? avea
m\uc1 \u238 ?inile legate deasupra capului cu sutienul costumului de baie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tic\uc1 \u259 ?losule,
strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Dezleag\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? imediat. Calm, Eddy se \uc1
\u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre dulap \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce limbaj!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dezleag\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u259 ?, afurisitule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? o t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cu at\uc1 \u238 ?ta
imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ie va g\uc1 \u259 ?si solu\uc1 \u355 ?ia s\uc1 \u259 ? se,-
elibereze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?t
timp s-a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat, Francy l-a blagoslovit cu toate epitetele
min\uc1 \u355 ?ii ei fertile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu un vocabular nelimitat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Potole\uc1 \u351 ?te-te
spuse Eddy dur. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii foarte bine un singur lucru.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Sate iadracu'!}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
spui c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i mine?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ce crezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ; Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce s\uc1 \u259 ? cred \uc1 \u351 ?i de
aceea te \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb, \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area
lui o \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Faci tu
dragoste cu cineva. De ce nu ar fi m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a Carole?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - In primul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cine s\uc1 \u259 ? te cread\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? crezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? o prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu ochi de vultur,
mai ales de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este so\uc1 \u355 ?ia celui mai bun prieten. Au avut
probleme. M\uc1 \u259 ? preocup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?snicia lor, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? poate avea efecte \uc1 \u238 ?n campania electoral\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Halal
c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie. El n-o poate suferi pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de cap cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. A fost nebun unchiul \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia asemenea t\uc1 \u238 ?
rf\uc1 \u259 ? de so\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne cu ea p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se termin\uc1 \u259 ? campania. Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tii ceva?
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? intri \uc1 \u238 ?n patul Carolei, cred c\uc1
\u259 ? ai ghinion, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme rela\uc1 \u355 ?iile lor s-au
\uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? acum
\uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ? lui ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea \uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de accidentul de avion.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?
filozofie \uc1 \u238 ?n ce spui tu, Francy. Vocea lui era calm\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
rece. Din nefericire este gre\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mine \uc1
\u351 ?i Carole nu a fost \uc1 \u351 ?i nu va fi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe ea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?n locul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, spuse el amenin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor, mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?stra specula\uc1 \u355 ?iile
numai pentru mi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Desf\uc1 \u259 ?-mi m\uc1 \u238 ?ipile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? am s-o fac. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? las ceva
distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre tine \uc1 \u351 ?i mine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar nu pot pleca de aici,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? dezlegi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u351 ?a este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog, Eddy,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepu ea s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1
\u238 ?ndu-l c\uc1 \u259 ? pleac\uc1 \u259 ?. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte crud. Pentru
mine este un lucru serios. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? tu crezi despre mine c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? prostituez \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ta, dar m-am
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac eu prima}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 mutare, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? tu nu o f\uc1 \u259 ?ceai. Te
iubesc, lube\uc1 \u351 ?te-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu un tip care s\uc1
\u259 ? aprecieze faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? te-am \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit pentru
el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea era ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie ca
focul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tic\uc1 \u259 ?
losule, tremura de furie. Ai dreptate, \uc1 \u238 ?mi g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc eu un b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l storc de vlag\uc1 \u259 ?. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Neceremonios, o \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse din calea lui. Francy ridic\uc1 \u259 ? un
picior \uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u238 ?nti u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch
n, urma lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery ie\uc1 \u351
?ea de la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-l observase pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul de la telefonul
public. Era ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? la petrecere. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n
centrul aten\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea dorea s\uc1
\u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lneasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-
i str\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i rivalii
politici au fost prieteno\uc1 \u351 ?i. Nimeni nu a fost ostil, oricum nu pentru a-
i dori moartea. Totul mergea minunat. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a ridicat s\uc1 \u259 ?
plece la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a prins-o de m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? era speriat c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se
mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acum
trecea pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? telefoane \uc1 \u351 ?i o m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? o prinse amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor de \uc1 \u238 ?
ncheietur\uc1 \u259 ?. Scoase un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t de uluire \uc1 \u351 ?
i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunte pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
care o acostase. Purta frac, ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259
?cea parte dintre invita\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
merg treburile, feti\uc1 \u355 ?o? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? cu o voce
r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi drumul, \uc1 \u238 ?n primul moment s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1
\u259 ? este cineva care a b\uc1 \u259 ?ut prea mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu chiar a\uc1 \u351 ?a, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge. \uc1
\u238 ?i pronun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 numele
insult\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d bine noul t\uc1 \u259 ?u
chip. Am auzit multe despre el. O trase aproape. Cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia p\uc1 \u259
?rului, ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Dar spune- mi ceea ce nu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Tot at\uc1 \u238 ?t de fierbinte e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi drumul.}{\fs24
\u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u354 ?i-e team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355
?ul o -ar\uc1 \u259 ? te prind\uc1 \u259 ?? Nu. Este prea ocupat cu campania.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?ip s\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-
mi dai drumul imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am venit s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1
\u259 ?d la spital? Spune \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, era bine ca unul dintre aman\uc1
\u355 ?ii t\uc1 \u259 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dea deoparte pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ul t\uc1
\u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
privea t\uc1 \u259 ?ios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Lucrurile s-au
schimbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da? \uc1 \u350 ?
i nu te mai m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u238 ?nainte?
Speriat\uc1 \u259 ?, ea continua s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i elibereze}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
m\uc1 \u238 ?na}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 x}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El se
aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i trimise un damf de b\uc1 \u259 ?
utur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia.,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-i cu tine,
Carole? Te crezi mare \uc1 \u351 ?i tare, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e candideaz\uc1 \u259 ?? Ce glum\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?! Dekker o s\uc1
\u259 ?-l bat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?
ajungi la Washington, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o proast\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara
asta nici nu te-ai uitat la mine. Cine dracu' te crezi, c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea
ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ignori a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?rute. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l respinse cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? puterea,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu genunchiul,
dar rochia era prea str\uc1 \u238 ?mt\uc1 \u259 ?. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu mai are aer. Auzir\uc1 \u259 ? voci apropiindu-se. El \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ?du drumul z\uc1 \u238 ?mbindu-i cu r\uc1 \u259 ?utate.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar fi bine s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ui\uc1
\u355 ?i cine-\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt prietenii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Se apropiau dou\uc1 \u259 ? femei. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au v\uc1
\u259 ?zut-o pe Avery, au t\uc1 \u259 ?cut brusc. Ea le-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors repede
spatele \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? folose\uc1 \u351 ?te
telefonul. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul plecase. Imediat ce femeile disp\uc1 \u259 ?
rur\uc1 \u259 ? la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?, ea se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pe bancheta din cabina de telefon, \uc1 \u238 ?n
graba de a g\uc1 \u259 ?si un \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?el, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a rupt
o unghie. S-a \uc1 \u351 ?ters repede \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?
alunge gustul \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor al s\uc1 \u259 ?rutului fostului amant al
Carolei. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, s-a
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n stare, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre sala de
recep\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit.}
\langfenp1048 \par
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole? Pentru Dumnezeu, ce s-a
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se pr\uc1 \u259 ?
bu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui. Ezit\uc1 \u238 ?nd, \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o prinse \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, o m\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?ncet pe spate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? O doamn\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a \uc1 \u351 ?optit
c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte deprimat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?i-e r\uc1
\u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
s\uc1 \u259 ?rise imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ea a fost o
so\uc1 \u355 ?ie necredincioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Chia}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 r}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai avea scrupule \uc1 \u238 ?n dorin\uc1 \u355
?a de a face .dragoste cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ul altei femei, \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment
ele disp\uc1 \u259 ?rur\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole nu-i merita;}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?
u. \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare at\uc1 \u238 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce? Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spui co s}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2
p}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i
putea spune adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? o}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie logic\uc1 \u259 ?.
Abia mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu realiz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era chiar lipsit\uc1
\u259 ? de adev\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Presupun
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? cu at\uc1 \u238 ?t
de mult\uc1 \u259 ? lume. M\uc1 \u259 ? cople\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te. M\uc1
\u259 ? simt sufocat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput ar\uc1 \u259 ?tai bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ar\uc1 \u259 ?tam. M\uc1 \u259 ? distram. Dar deodat\uc1 \u259 ? mi s-a p\uc1 \u259
?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? lumea se str\uc1 \u238 ?nge \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul meu. Parc\uc1
\u259 ? eram din nou \uc1 \u238 ?mpachetat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bandaje. Nu
mai puteam respira, nu mai puteam...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine,
bine, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fi spus. Hai. O
lu\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oricum, petrecerea e pe sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite. }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 :}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti sigur?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea s\uc1
\u259 ? plece. Nu suporta s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntre}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 invita\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? din nou chipul acela dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Totu\uc1
\u351 ?i, trlbuia s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? un test. Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?
plece cu e}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l \uc1 \u238 ?n turneul electoral.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur, hai s\uc1 \u259
? mergem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pe drumul spre
cas\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-au spus prea multe. Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
ating\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au ajuns acas\uc1
\u259 ?, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea dormea. Au intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?
cere \uc1 \u238 ?n camera feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum i-au
promis, au s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat-o pe r\uc1 \u238 ?nd. \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta fiecare spre camera lui, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e spuse pe
nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vom participa la
mai multe \uc1 \u238 ?ntruniri. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? iei
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? rochie la tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privi ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? iei
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea spune c\uc1 \u259 ? este/) idee bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
lase s\uc1 \u259 ? plece, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi intens.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? ce crezi tu, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. El cump\uc1 \u259 ?ni o vreme cuvintele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este o idee bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Eddy \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i va da itinerarul, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce haine
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i iei. Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privi
intr\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n camera lui. Intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1
\u351 ?i se preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti de culcare. Era epuizat\uc1 \u259 ?, stinse lumina,
dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? adoarm\uc1 \u259 ?. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Francy hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? e mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ?
intre \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu dea ochii
cu bunicul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este?
Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy tres\uc1
\u259 ?ri speriat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dumnezeule, m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Carole! M-ai speriat. Aprinse
lumina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, doamne.
Avery s\uc1 \u259 ?ri din scaun \uc1 \u351 ?i o privi speriat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mplat cu tine? Fata o privea cu ironie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate
\uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?mprumu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i mie chirurgul t\uc1
\u259 ?u. Avea o t\uc1 \u259 ?ietur\uc1 \u259 ? la buz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
ochiul umflat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am nimic.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?
te vad\uc1 \u259 ? un doctor? Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-l chem?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. \uc1 \u350 ?i te rog nu mai \uc1 \u355 ?ipa a\uc1 \u351 ?
a. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? bunica \uc1 \u351 ?i
bunicul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u259 ?i,
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Am fost la dans. Era plin, \uc1
\u351 ?tii cum este vineri noaptea. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea avea chef de distrac\uc1
\u355 ?ie. Dar era un tip foarte atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor. M-a dus la un
motel, am b\uc1 \u259 ?ut bere \uc1 \u351 ?i am fumat marijuana. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
l-au cuprins prea tare ame\uc1 \u355 ?elile, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
momentul \uc1
\u238 ?n care trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac\uc1 \u259 ? treaba, nu a reu\uc1
\u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-a lovit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy o privi
\uc1 \u351 ?i o imit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - "Te-a
lovit?" Tu ce dracu' crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut? Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? m-
a lovit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Puteai s-o p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi cred urechilor, spuse Francy privi}{\fs23 \dbch
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n tavan, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna te-ai distrat pe seama interludiilor
mele romantice, \uc1 \u238 ?mi spuneai c\uc1 \u259 ? te excit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu a\uc1 \u351 ? numi
asta romantism. Te-a \uc1 \u351 ?i legat? Francy urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri privirea
m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii spre dungile ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 pe care le avea la \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura m\uc1 \u238 ?inii.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul m-
a legat. Carole nu avea de unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie cine era tic\uc1
\u259 ?losul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? fii nebun\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci la un motel cu un str\uc1 \u259
?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nebun\uc1 \u259 ?? Tu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti acuma, c\uc1 \u259 ? sco\uc1 \u355 ?i cuburile de ghea\uc1
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru ochi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uite, \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce, nu
am nevoie de favoruri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ochiul t\uc1
\u259 ?u se \uc1 \u238 ?nvine\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? se
umfl\uc1 \u259 ?, n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? mai vezi. Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te vad\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii t\uc1 \u259 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ?-ti pun\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le
poveste\uc1 \u351 ?ti ce mi-ai spus mie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Iritat\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy lu\uc1 \u259 ? punga cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a are dreptate.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?terg buza cu peroxid? O aspirin\uc1 \u259 ?? Un calm}{\fs23
\cf1 ant?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am b\uc1 \u259 ?
ut destul\uc1 \u259 ? bere \uc1 \u351 ?i am fumat, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai simt
durerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tia
ce s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce era Carole at\uc1 \u238 ?t de dr\uc1
\u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea? De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit de la spital
era alt om. Nu mai striga [a feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. De fapt, parc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea iar pe unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna Francy a considerat-o pe Carole o proast\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259
? nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i respecta c\uc1 \u259 ?snicia. Unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e era un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat frumos. Toate fetele erau \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebunite dup\uc1 \u259 ? el. Ea era convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n pat face toate paralele. L-a irosit. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238
?l c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u226 ?i pe nervi pe unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,
pentru el erai pe lista neagr\uc1 \u259 ? tot restul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce nu dormi'la ora asta?
o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? pe Carole. \uc1 \u350 ?i stai pe \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am putut s\uc1 \u259
? dorm. Am venit s\uc1 \u259 ? beau o Coca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Coca?
Asta-i bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u259 ?i
cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este un remediu bun pentru insomnie, \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunse bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i pierdea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? vremea cu subtilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te dai cu bini\uc1 \u351 ?
orul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce
vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun. \uc1 \u354 ?i-ai schimbat}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?n speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e va fi ales \uc1 \u351 ?i te va lua cu el la W}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
ashington. Spune-mi, ai ren}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 un\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i la
b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i sau numai la Eddy? Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1
\u351 ?ii p\uc1 \u259 ?li.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai spus?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o face pe inocenta cu
mine. Am vorbit \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i el ce a spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimic, dar nici
nu a negat. A r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns ca un gentleman. Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face probleme.
Este destul\uc1 \u259 ? agita\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe aici. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun
unchiului dec\uc1 \u238 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ?... o privi b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
ios... dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?l la\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n pace pe Eddy.
De acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo eu o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? culc cu el. Ai \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles? Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost foarte ferm\uc1 \u259 ?,
Francy ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie. O singur\uc1 \u259 ?
privire \uc1 \u238 ?n oglinda din dormitor \uc1 \u238 ?i confirm\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? arat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mult mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu \uc1 \u238 ?i trecu prin minte
c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a Carole a fost singura care a \uc1
\u351 ?tiut ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat \uc1 \u351 ?i nu a povestit
nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van Lovejoy era
\uc1 \u238 ?n apartamentul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat co\uc1 \u351 ?
mar. Totul era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o dezordine de nedescris. Celelalte camere goale
erau pline cu casete de film. Avea \uc1 \u351 ?i echipament pentru a le \uc1
\u238 ?nregistra, de altfel singurele lucruri de valoare din casa lui. Peste tot
erau cataloage video. Colec\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui de casete putea rivaliza cu orice ma}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 gazin. Studia cu pasiune tehnici cinematografice.}{\fs24
petrecea tot timpul liber vizion\uc1 \u238 ?nd casete, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aceea
era fascinat, privea filmul f\uc1 \u259 ?cut la ferma Rocking. D\uc1 \u259 ?duse
filmul studiourilor, dar nu \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-l copia. Nu se \uc1 \u351 ?tia
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u259 ?stra toate copiile. Ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?l
interesa acum erau imaginile filmate la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e Rutledge era seduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Era genul de om pe care Van \uc1 \u238 ?l
dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uia din principiu. Dar, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259
?-l voteze, l-ar fi votat, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era un om direct. Nu promitea
nimic, nu spunea prostii, nu spunea ceea ce ar fi dorit oamenii s\uc1 \u259 ?
aud\uc1 \u259 ?. Ar fi putut pierde alegerile, dar era integru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Se tot g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea c\uc1 \u259 ? ceva nu era normal cu
copilul. Era destul de istea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na
deloc cu al\uc1 \u355 ?i copii. De obicei nu fiima copii, dar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?i filma \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trateze
cu prietenie pentru a-i avea de partea sa. Nu a fost cazlil copilului Rutledge. Era
prea cuminte. Nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cea nimic dec\uc1 \u238 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? i se
cerea. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? era o p\uc1 \u259 ?pu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu mecanism.
Cea care reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? o impresioneze era Carole. \uc1 \u350 ?i
tot ea era aceea care acum \uc1 \u238 ?i atr\uc1 \u259 ?gea aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui
Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ?zuse de sute de
ori casetele filmate la ferm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cele de la spital. Femeia
\uc1 \u351 ?tia s\uc1 \u259 ? se poarte \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a aparatului de
filmat. El ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? fie acela care s\uc1 \u259 ? o dirijeze pe
feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i femeia a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut-o. Se vedea c\uc1 \u238 ?t de colo c\uc1 \u259 ? este o profesionist\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Asem\uc1 \u259 ?narea ei cu o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? profesionist\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o cunoscuse era uluitoare.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ore \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?
ir a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut filmele \uc1 \u351 ?i a studiat-o pe Carole. A studi\uc1
\u259 ?t-o \uc1 \u351 ?i cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinitorul. A f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un film de
mare efect \uc1 \u351 ?i acum \uc1 \u238 ?l privea pentru a mia oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Deodat\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1
\u259 ?zut! Doamna Rutledge a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors capul \uc1 \u351 ?i a privit la
so\uc1 \u355 ?ul ei. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetu! b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului a \uc1 \u238 ?
nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at. A . mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat m\uc1 \u238 ?na ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
resping\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ierea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? filmul nu ar
fi rulat \uc1 \u238 ?ncet Van nu ar fi observat respingerea subtil\uc1 \u259 ? a
so\uc1 \u355 ?iei, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie ceva nu
mergea bine, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum nu mergea bine nici cu feti\uc1 \u355 ?a. Scoase
caseta \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii: \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
frec\uc1 \u259 ? nasul p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l duru, g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndindu-se la }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zona Crepuscular\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\fs23
\cf1 Ideea nu-i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea pace, de\uc1 \u351 ?i era o nebunie.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acum c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile l-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe Irish:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut caseta pe care \uc1 \u355 ?i-am dat-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Caseta? Ah, aceea cu Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce crezi despre ea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
se apucase din nou de fumat de la moartea lui Avery. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? dorea
s\uc1 \u259 ? recupereze. Fuma \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? de la \uc1 \u355 ?
igar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre ea?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre caset\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce?
Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut bine lumina?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dumnezeule, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit la ceva anume? Spune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - La femeie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Ai
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?lduri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van era
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit c\uc1 \u259 ? Irish nu a observat}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
asem\uc1 \u259 ?narea dintre Avery \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? foarte bine cu Avery. Irish \uc1 \u238 ?l privi t\uc1 \u259 ?ios.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i unde-i
noutatea? Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a remarcat asta c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Rutledge a intrat
\uc1 \u238 ?n politic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am lipsit \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua aia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sau ai prea beat ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1
\u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu de treab\uc1 \u259 ?. Munca era singurul
fel \uc1 \u238 ?n care putea uita}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ai aflat cine \uc1 \u355 ?i-a trimis bijuteriile? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van. Irish \uc1 \u238 ?i povestise bizara \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplare \uc1 \u351 ?i Van o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 considerase
la fel de ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dar ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
dat c\uc1 \u238 ?teva telefoane. -\uc1 \u350 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Era evident c\uc1 \u259 ? Irish nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 despre asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am vorbit cu ni\uc1 \u351 ?te n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?i care mi-au spus s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i mai deranjez. Au spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident totul a fost un haos \uc1 \u167 ?i totul a fost posibil.}
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Deci \uc1 \u351 ?i
confuzia \uc1 \u238 ?ntre persoane a }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 fost posibil\uc1 \u259 ??
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea sa. Dar nu mai
discut\uc1 \u259 ? cu Irish aceast\uc1 \u259 ? posibilitate, i-ar fi spus c\uc1
\u259 ? s-a drogat prea mult. Ce \uc1 \u351 ?tia el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Puse din nou caseta \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du drumul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Primul \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1
\u259 ?t o trezi. Pe al doilea \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nregistra. La al treilea
s\uc1 \u259 ?ri repede din pat. Lju\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ? un
capot \uc1 \u351 ?i fugi spre camera lui Mandy. \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
secunde era cu copilul \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy, draga mea, treze\uc1 \u351 ?te-te.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era de partea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? a
patului. St\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i lini\uc1 \u351 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? fiica. Dar copilul
continua s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ipe. Avery o str\uc1 \u238 ?ngea de obraji.}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\b1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 treze\uc1 \u351 ?te-te! \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ce ne facem?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o treze\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Are alt co\uc1 \u351 ?mar? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Zee
intr\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? urmat\uc1 \u259 ? de Nelson.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am auzit-o \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u238 ?nd de la noi,
spuse acesta. Biata}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 feti\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami \uc1 \u351
?i ta\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cu tine, draga mea, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, treze\uc1 \u351 ?te-te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Feti\uc1 \u355 ?a deschise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i se arunc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui Avery. Tremura de pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, n-am \uc1
\u351 ?tiut c\uc1 \u259 ? este at\uc1 \u238 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t ai fost la spital, ie
avea \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Apoi
s-au mai r\uc1 \u259 ?rit. Nu a mai avut co\uc1 \u351 ?maruri de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni. Am sperat c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ?
vii acas\uc1 \u259 ? se va opri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
putem ajuta cu ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1
\u355 ?umim. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? se lini\uc1 \u351 ?teasc\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
face\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva imediat, spuse Nelson lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o pe Zee de
bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee nu dorea s\uc1
\u259 ? plece. O privi pe Avery nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceasta \uc1
\u238 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i revin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Am}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n cu ea toat\uc1
\u259 ? noaptea. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas numai cu \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, Avery l-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat: De ce nu mi-ai spus despre co\uc1
\u351 ?maruri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aveai destule
probleme. Visele nu s-au mai repetat \uc1 \u351 ?i am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? este
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Este mai bine? o \uc1 \u238 ?nt}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 reb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e pe Mandy}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
terg\uc1 \u238 ?nd obrajii uda\uc1 \u355 ?i d}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e}{\fs23 \dbch
poveste\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i mamei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u351 ?optit copilul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce o s\uc1 \u259 ? te
prind\uc1 \u259 ?, draga mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Focul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ?
aduc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte. Ea era adult \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
era greu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? momentele
accidentului. \uc1 \u350 ?tia ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? pentru copil.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar eu te-am scos din
foc, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Nu mai este foc. Dar este greu
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aduci aminte, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? o compres\uc1 \u259 ? cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? rece o s\uc1
\u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? bine, \uc1 \u238 ?i suger\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El plec\uc1
\u259 ? repede din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse cu un prosop umezit
\uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea patului. Avery \uc1
\u351 ?terse fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? a
copilului, apoi o lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? dormi
acum? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami nu te las\uc1 \u259 ? singur\uc1 \u259 ?. Am s\uc1 \u259
? stau cu tine. O culc\uc1 \u259 ? pe feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntinse l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e le
\uc1 \u238 ?nveli pe am\uc1 \u238 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?
rut\uc1 \u259 ? pe Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noapte
bun\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc imediat, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A lipsit doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute,
eter, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, Mandy dormea lini\uc1 \u351 ?
tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Era \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat acum cu un halat de cas\uc1
\u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncheiat. Se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i observ\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery nu doarme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Patul
nu-i pentru dou\uc1 \u259 ? persoane. Stai bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Bine. }{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy va \uc1 \u351 ?ti dac\uc1 \u259 ? pleci acum \uc1 \u238 ?n
camera ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-am spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? stau, voi sta. M\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia obrajii fierbin\uc1
\u355 ?i ai copilului. Ce ne facem, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
sprijini coatele de genunchi. O bucl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?dea
dezordonat pe frunte. Oft\uc1 \u259 ?, dezvelind pieptul viril de sub halat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?ele la psiholog \uc1 \u238 ?i fac bine?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ce crezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu pun la \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u238 ?rea luat\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii t\uc1 \u259 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i de tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tia
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se amestece deloc. Avery Daniels nu trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i bage nasul aici. Dar nici nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ? stea
cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai vreo idee, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spui.
Vorbim despre copilul nostru. Vom face tot ce este mai bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? un doctor la Houston. El o privi cu o spr\uc1 \u238 ?
ncean\uc1 \u259 ? ridicat\uc1 \u259 ?. L-am... l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o emisiune. A fost foarte impresionant. Nu a fost deloc arogant. Direct \uc1
\u351 ?i practic. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? la doctorul curant nu avem rezultate, cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? o ducem pe Mandy la el.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu avem nimic de
pierdut. Aranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ? o consulta\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi suna m\uc1 \u238 ?ine. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi \uc1 \u351 ?i
v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? este obosit. Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? stai aici
toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, spuse ea bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii lor se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnir\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba
da, trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea adormi sub
privirile lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery s-a trezit
pri}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ma. Era foarte devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i camera era \uc1 \u238 ?n
obscuritate. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut surprins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd v\uc1 \u259 ?zu m\uc1 \u238 ?na feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei dup\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?
tul ei. \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epenise st\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?] pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or m\uc1 \u238 ?
na copilului \uc1 \u351 ?i o puse pe pern\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i era
team\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e dormea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un balansoar
cu capul c\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r. Era o pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie foarte
incomod\uc1 \u259 ?, dar dormea profund. Halatul \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?zuse
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i dezvelise pieptul \uc1 \u351 ?i picioarele. Somnul \uc1
\u238 ?i alungase expresia de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare dintre spr\uc1 \u238 ?ncene.
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd era relaxat gura lui era senzual\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acest b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat poate
face dragoste cu pasiune, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea totul, \uc1 \u238 ?l
iubea. Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? pj\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?t se
ascundea dup\uc1 \u259 ? pretextul c\uc1 \u259 ? a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste doar pentru reportaj, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea \uc1 \u351 ?i acesta a fost
motivul. L-a iubit de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?,
de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-a auzit prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? vocea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Juca rolul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea s\uc1
\u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 fie }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui. Ar fi
vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l protejeze, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i vindece
r\uc1 \u259 ?nile provocate de o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie egoist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
descompus\uc1 \u259 ?. Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? dragoste cu el.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? va pretinde vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? drepturi conjugale, ea va fi
bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? i se supun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, o va ierta oare dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?i va afla
identitatea? O va dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ul mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t pe Carole pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a min\uc1 \u355 ?it. Nu va crede niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l iube\uc1 \u351 ?te cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea \uc1
\u238 ?l iubea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se mi\uc1 \u351 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i clipi. O privi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?t e ceasul? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? somnoros.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, este devreme. Te doare g\uc1 \u238 ?
tul? \uc1 \u238 ?i trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l maseze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Continua s\uc1
\u259 ?-l maseze, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i alunge durerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmmm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i str\uc1 \u238 ?nse halatul pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? corp. Avery se \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva l-a st\uc1
\u238 ?rnit.\uc1 \u351 ?i nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o arate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy doarme, spuse el retoric.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doar cafea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
g\uc1 \u259 ?tesc ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era foarte
devreme, Mona nu se trezise, buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ria era \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntuneric. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e puse filtrul \uc1 \u238 ?n priz\uc1
\u259 ?. Avery se duse la frigider.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te
deranja, spuse el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
i-e foame?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?
tept s\uc1 \u259 ? se scoale Mona.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?tesc eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Bine. F\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ou\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse el indiferent \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spatele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuise de acum cu buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ria \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?tia de unde s\uc1 \u259 ? ia ce avea nevoie. Scoase un castrona\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? ni\uc1
\u351 ?te ou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce faci?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Omlet\uc1 \u259 ?. Pen...
pentru mine, reu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i s\uc1 \u259 ? o
dreag\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i privirea uimit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Habar nu avea cum m\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? el ou\uc1 \u259 ?le.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Uite,
termin\uc1 \u259 ? tu \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ? fac eu p\uc1 \u238 ?inea
pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu de lucru cu p\uc1 \u238 ?inea pr\uc1 \u259 ?
jit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu cum sparge dou\uc1 \u259 ? ou\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le pr\uc1 \u259 ?je\uc1 \u351 ?te pentru el. Le aduse apoi la
mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu omleta ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme nu am luat micul dejun \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei cu b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbia sprijinit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n palme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu am luat micul dejun \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?,
Carole. \uc1 \u354 ?ie nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t am stat la spital m-au obligat s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? refac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O privea ciudat.
Nu \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?ea minciuna.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
De \uc1 \u8364 ?e faci o problem\uc1 \u259 ? din asta? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se apere.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e lu\uc1
\u259 ? furculi\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce cu mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri mecanice. Era furios.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te mai str\uc1 \u259 ?
dui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Micul dejun este o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina\uc1 \u355 ?ie ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi intri \uc1
\u238 ?n gra\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ma\uc1 \u351 ?
ina\uc1 \u355 ?ie? sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? i se face r\uc1 \u259 ?u. \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierdu pofta de m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare. Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mic dejun.
Via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de familie. Toate micile atitudini de afec\uc1 \u355 ?
iune, \uc1 \u238 ?mi rn\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rui, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
masezi g\uc1 \u238 ?tul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi s-a p\uc1
\u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu dau doi bani pe ele.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba da.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o privea furios.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ieriie
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?rile dulcegi de noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ? le
suport dac\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te prefaci c\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem un cupiu plin de afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune, n-ai dec\uc1 \u238
?t. F\uc1 \u259 ?-te de r\uc1 \u238 ?s. Dar nu a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta din partea mea
s\uc1 \u259 ? joc teatru. Nici scaunul de senator n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
aduc\uc1 \u259 ?'\uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n patul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult te dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc. Dar ceea
ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfurie la culme este grija ta subit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
Mandy. Ai dat un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat spectacol azi-noapte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu a fost spectacol;}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ai un plan bine pus la punct. Ai face bine s\uc1 \u259 ?
continui p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? feti\uc1 \u355 ?a va fi s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ?, altfel... nu}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
ar suporta o alt\uc1 \u259 ? nenorocire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Ipocritule... Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?nfurie. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt la fel de
preocupat\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?irea
lui Mandy ca \uc1 \u351 ?i tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, sigur.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? crezi?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\dbch \af581
- Nu este cinstit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-ai
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu despre cinste.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozit\uc1 \u259 ? de evolu\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui M}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 andy.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? este copilul nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tot
al nostru era \uc1 \u351 ?i cel pe care l-ai avortat. Acest motiv nu te-a oprit
atunci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cuvintele au
str\uc1 \u259 ?puns-o ca un cu\uc1 \u355 ?it. Se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? de parc\uc1
\u259 ? era lovit\uc1 \u259 ? fizic, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
grai. Fiindu-i parc\uc1 \u259 ? sil\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1
\u259 ?, el \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spatele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oricum a\uc1 \u351 ? fi aflat. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
spun\uc1 \u259 ? un str\uc1 \u259 ?in c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea nu mai are
sarcina... \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i imaginezi ce am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it? Te priveam,
erai pe moarte \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? te ucid cu
m\uc1 \u238 ?inile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Din cea\uc1
\u355 ?a memoriei Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti voc}{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ile: }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e: Copilul... efectele asupra sarcinii?
O voce: Copil? So\uc1 \u355 ?ia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? nu era}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul acela cuvintele
nu au avut nici un}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Le-a \uc1 \u351 ?i uitat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut oricum? Ai fost
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de dornic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arunci \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce nu mi-ai spus \uc1 \u351 ?i de avort?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea mizerabil. Nu avea r\uc1 \u259 ?
spuns, nici o scuz\uc1 \u259 ?, nici o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar acum \uc1 \u351 ?
tia de ce \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o ura pe Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o? Probabil c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a pleca la Dallas. Te deranja s\uc1 \u259 ? fii
indispus\uc1 \u259 ? de sarcin\uc1 \u259 ?. I\uc1 \u355 ?i strica}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 stilul. Lovi cu pumnul \uc1 \u238 ?n mas\uc1 \u259 ?. R\uc1
\u259 ?spunde-mi! Spune ceva! Este momentul s\uc1 \u259 ? discut\uc1 \u259 ?m
\uc1 \u351 ?i despre asta, nu crezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery abia reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu... nu am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? te afecteaz\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
mult. Expresia lui era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 feroce, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?i trecu prin}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 minte
c\uc1 \u259 ? o love\uc1 \u351 ?te. Ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se, se
lans\uc1 \u259 ? cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i furie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?tiu politica \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a avortului, domnule Rutledge.
De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori te-am auzit spun\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? este dreptul
femeii de a' alege? Ori aceasta este valabil pentru fiecare femeie din statul
Texas, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia so\uc1 \u355 ?iei tale?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, la naiba!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? ipocrizie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o
prinse de bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o oblig\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se
ridice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Principiul care
se aplic\uc1 \u259 ? oamenilor \uc1 \u238 ?n general, nu este valabil \uc1 \u238 ?n
mod necesar \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru viafa mea personal\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 Acest }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 avort era important pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost
vorba de copilul meu. Ochii i se \uc1 \u238 ?ngustar\uc1 \u259 ? periculos. Sau ,iu
era al meu? A fost cumva o alt\uc1 \u259 ? manevr\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
te alung?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i imagineze cum i-ar fi r\uc1 \u259 ?
spuns Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Un copil nu se
face de unul singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
sperase, i-a atins o coard\uc1 \u259 ? sensibil\uc1 \u259 ?, l-a dat drumul imediat
\uc1 \u351 ?i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Regret \uc1 \u351 ?i acum noaptea aceea. De fapt, \uc1
\u355 ?i-am m\uc1 \u226 ?i spus-o. Am jurat s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai
ating niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? trupul p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tos. Dar tu ai \uc1
\u351 ?tiut \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna unde s\uc1 \u259 ? ataci. Zile \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u351 ?ir te-ai ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de mine ca o pisic\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?lduri, \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai cerut iertare \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-
ai promis c\uc1 \u259 ? ai s\uc1 \u259 ? fii o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie iubitoare.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi b\uc1 \u259 ?ut prea mult, mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
dat seama de capcan\uc1 \u259 ?. O privi dispre\uc1 \u355 ?u}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 itor.
Asta faci}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i acum? \uc1 \u238 ?mi
\uc1 \u238 ?ntinzi o alt\uc1 \u259 ? capcan\uc1 \u259 ?? De aceea e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
so\uc1 \u355 ?ia model de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai venit de la spital? Spune-mi, \uc1
\u238 ?n noaptea aceea ai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1
\u259 ? din \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplare? Sau f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din planul
de a m\uc1 \u259 ? chinui, s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? avortezi? Asta
faci \uc1 \u351 ?i acum? M\uc1 \u259 ? faci s\uc1 \u259 ? te doresc, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
demonstrezi c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i duce \uc1 \u238 ?n patul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pese
c\uc1 \u259 ? sacrifici s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tatea fiicei tale?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, spuse Avery r\uc1 \u259
?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it. Nu mai suporta ura aceasta care nu era pentru ea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu mai ai nici o putere
asupra mea}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , Carole. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu te mai ur\uc1
\u259 ?sc. Nu meri\uc1 \u355 ?i.. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 I}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a-\uc1
\u355 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i aman\uc1 \u355 ?ii din }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \scaps1 iuitk
\langfenp1048 \cf1 zi c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pese. Singurul lucru cu
care rru ani este Mandy. Dar pentru asta ai s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile iadului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaza aceea a c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?rit. Avea nevoie de aer, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a apropiat de o iap\uc1 \u259 ?, dar animalul s-a ferit de
ea. B\uc1 \u259 ?iatul de la grajd i-a dat o cizm\uc1 \u259 ? calului \uc1 \u351 ?i
i-a spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? nu a uitat cum o biciuia\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole
Rutiedge a fost un monstru - a abuzat de so\uc1 \u355 ?, de copil, de to\uc1
\u355 ?i cu care a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n contact. Scena de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? a deprimat-o. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea tot dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ul
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea acum tot scenariul. Caroie
i-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat \uc1 \u351 ?i nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut din asta un
secret. Atitudinea et a fost intolerabil\uc1 \u259 ? pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e, dar pentru viitorul s\uc1 \u259 ?u politic, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l
risca, a hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? alegeri. Nu a mai
dormit cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa, dar Carole I-a sedus. Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? acei copii
era ai lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e sau nu,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 avortul
era o problem\uc1 \u259 ? politic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery era con\uc1 \u351
?tient\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese planificat de Carole. se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu
r\uc1 \u259 ?u g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se la publicitatea din jurul problemei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse, o g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259
?rie ajut\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o pe Mona la pr\uc1 \u259 ?jituri. A l\uc1 \u259 ?udat-o
\uc1 \u351 ?i a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat-o l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? femeia \uc1 \u238 ?n
v\uc1 \u238 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? care o iubea foarte mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Era lini\uc1 \u351 ?te. Francy plecase mai devreme. Jack,
Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna pleca\uc1
\u355 ?i la ora aceasta. Dorothy Rae se izolase \uc1 \u238 ?n apartamentul ei. Mona
i-a spus .c\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee au plecat la Kerrville.
Ajuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei, Avery se dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du drumul la ap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n baie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era pentru prima }{\fs23
\cf1 dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd avea acest sentiment. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea
\uc1 \u351 ?i acum c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?t a lipsit ea. Se \uc1 \u238 ?nfiora. Privi la m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1
\u355 ?a de toalet\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea dac\uc1 \u259 ? acolo a
l\uc1 \u259 ?sat peria de p\uc1 \u259 ?r. A mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat cineva sticlu\uc1
\u355 ?a de lo\uc1 \u355 ?iune? Era sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a l\uc1
\u259 ?sat deschis capacul casetei cu bijuterii. Observ\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
alte lucruri deranjate de la locul lor. F\uc1 \u259 ?cu ceea ce nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a mutat \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitorul
Carolei - \uc1 \u238 ?ncuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Se sp\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i, deprimat\uc1 \u259 ?, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. In timp ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i l\uc1 \u259 ?sa capul pe pern\uc1 \u259 ? auzi un fo\uc1 \u351 ?net. O foaie de
h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie fusese strecurat\uc1 \u259 ? sub fa\uc1 \u355 ?a de pern\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery o studie. Era \uc1 \u238
?mp\uc1 \u259 ?turit\uc1 \u259 ?, dar scrisul era \uc1 \u238 ?n interior, \uc1
\u238 ?i era team\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o deschid\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare pentru ce a
venit str\uc1 \u259 ?inul \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei? Ce a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Un lucru era sigur - biletul
nu a fost l\uc1 \u259 ?sat din \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplare. A fost l\uc1 \u259
?sat deliberat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc unde s\uc1 \u259 ?-l g\uc1 \u259 ?
seasc\uc1 \u259 ? numai ea. \uc1 \u238 ?l desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu \uc1 \u351 ?i citi
singurul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?:}
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce
faci, dar pe el \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nnebune\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Continu\uc1
\u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson? -Hm?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul lui absent o
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu pe Zinnia s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? un col\uc1 \u355 ? de ziar. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? este tulburat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?turi ziarul \uc1
\u351 ?i o privi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, drag\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce ai spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Deocamdat\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ai vreo problem\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
petrece ceva cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole, zise ea.}{\fs24
\cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au certat, spuse el, \uc1 \u238 ?ncep\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? se dezbrace. Au fost foarte t\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i la
cin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i Zee
a observat ostilitatea din seara aceea. Era deosebit de sensibil\uc1 \u259 ? la
dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia fiilor ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu era numai mohor\uc1 \u238 ?t, era furios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ceva Carole \uc1
\u351 ?i l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e este furios, continu\uc1
\u259 ? Zee f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l asculte, Carole este de
obicei exuberant\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd el este nervos, \uc1 \u238 ?l
enerveaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare, fiind frivol\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
enervant\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar \uc1 \u238 ?
n seara asta nu a fost frivot\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Nelson, a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1
\u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? pantalonii. Abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 a scos un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Tocmai asta spun \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, Nelson. A fost la fel de nelini\uc1 \u351
?tit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nervoas\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu se purta a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se
certau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson se a\uc1
\u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile sub cap.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am observat \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima
vreme mai multe schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri la ea. Nu seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? deloc
cu ce a fost}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu,
spuse Zee. Am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi pierd min\uc1 \u355 ?ile.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt u\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? a mai observat \uc1 \u351 ?i altcineva. Nu mai este
superficial\uc1 \u259 ?. Tu ce zici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
c\uc1 \u259 ? accidentul a mai maturizat-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Poate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?
ti convins\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nu ar fi dec\uc1 \u238 ?t at\uc1 \u238 ?t, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
convins\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ce mai
este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De exemplu, Mandy. Carole
este un alt om. Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u238 ?t era de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1
\u259 ?^ noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Mandy a avut co\uc1 \u351 ?
maruri? \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc c\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy a avut
temperatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu eram disperat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar Carole era
foarte lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i
copiii fac temperatur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea trecut\uc1
\u259 ? Carole a fost la fel de zguduit\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson se foi incomodat.
Zee \uc1 \u351 ?tia de ce. Ra\uc1 \u355 ?ionamentele logice \uc1 \u238 ?l oboseau.
Pentru el era negru sau alb, nu credea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n absoluturi.
Era sceptic \uc1 \u351 ?i considera c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i rezolve problemele f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a cere ajutor.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole a crescut \uc1
\u351 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?ta tot. Tragedia prin care a trecut a^ maturizat-o.
Prive\uc1 \u351 ?te lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o alt\uc1 \u259 ? lumin\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, apreciaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i are pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, pe Mandy, o familie.
Era \uc1 \u351 ?i timpul s\uc1 \u259 ? se trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper din suflet s\uc1 \u259 ? dureze, dar Zee
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u238 ? o va \uc1 \u355 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? dureze?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atitudinea ei dr\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?stoas\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy. La suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se pare c\uc1
\u259 ? o preocup\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta
este un lucru bun, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
este sincer. Mandy este at\uc1 \u238 ?t de fragil\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-e team\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?u, dac\uc1
\u259 ? Carole \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i schimb\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
atitudinea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, oft\uc1 \u259 ? Zee, vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fericit, mai ales acum, \uc1
\u238 ?n aceste momente at\uc1 \u238 ?t de importante. Merit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? fie fericit. Merit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie iubit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna te-a preocupat fericirea fiilor
t\uc1 \u259 ?i, Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nici unul nu are o c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie fericit\uc1 \u259 ?, Nelson. \uc1 \u350 ?i
eu am sperat at\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te-ai
schimbat. Tot romantic\uc1 \u259 ? ai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se lipi delicat de e! \uc1 \u351 ?i el o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1
\u259 ?. Au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dragoste \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile
Avery se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? cum s\uc1 \u259 ?
fac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ia leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat ce a ajuns la concluzia c\uc1
\u259 ? are nevoie de un sfat, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-l anun\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a
murit \uc1 \u238 ?n accidentul de avion. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?t s-ar fi str\uc1 \u259 ?
duit, tot o cruzime era. Ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?nd din neant \uc1 \u238 ?n
pragul camerei lui, \uc1 \u238 ?i putea provoca un \uc1 \u351 ?oc. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l suna la telefon, el ar fi crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i bate joc de el. Se hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-
i trimit\uc1 \u259 ? un bilet la c\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a po\uc1 \u351 ?taf\uc1
\u259 ? unde i-a trimis plicul cu bijuterii. Era sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? !-
a uimit primirea bijuteriilor \uc1 \u351 ?i nu a.g\uc1 \u259 ?sit nici o
explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Ore \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi ce
s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie. Hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie direct\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "Drag\uc1 \u259 ?
Irish,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu am
murit \uc1 \u238 ?n accidentul de avion, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i voi explica
ciudatele evenimente vineri seara, la ora \uc1 \u351 ?ase, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd voi veni
la tine acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
dragoste, Avery".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A scris biletul cu
m\uc1 \u238 ?na st\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? imediat scrisul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 De ia ultima ceart\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost foarte
nepoliticos cu ea. Era aproape bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ?. Distanta dintre ei o f\uc1
\u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? suporte mai u\uc1 \u351 ?or evenimentele. Nici nu \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cum va
reac\uc1 \u355 ?iona c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va descoperi adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Ura
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Caroie va frun nimic fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
ura pentru Avery baniels. \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai bun caz,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
nu spera dec\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i va da \uc1 \u351 ?ansa
s\uc1 \u259 ? se explice. Luni diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a a fixat consulta\uc1 \u355 ?ia
cu doctorul Gerald Webster, renumitul psiholog. Avea un program foarte \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat, dar nu a refuzat-o. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-a spus lui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, el
i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns scurt "am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi notez \uc1 \u238 ?n agend\uc1
\u259 ?", \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de acest scurt schimb de cuvinte nu
\uc1 \u351 ?i-au mai vorbit. A avut timp s\uc1 \u259 ? repete \uc1 \u238 ?n
g\uc1 \u238 ?nd ce \uc1 \u238 ?i va spune lui Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajunse^ \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a casei lui, inima \uc1
\u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sparg\uc1 \u259 ? pieptul, \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? sune, u\uc1 \u351 ?a se deschise \uc1 \u351 ?i Irish, preg\uc1
\u259 ?tit s\uc1 \u259 ? o rup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i, o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine naiba e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i ce joc este \uc1
\u259 ?sta? Avery nu se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? intimidat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt eu,
Irish, \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. S\uc1 \u259 ? intr\uc1
\u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Simpla ei atingere
\uc1 \u238 ?i topi furia. Era o priveli\uc1 \u351 ?te patetic\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avery? E\uc1 \u351 ?ti...?
Cum...? Avery? ; Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
untru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l
lu\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l trase
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ea, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era incapabil s\uc1 \u259 ? se mi\uc1
\u351 ?te. Era alb ca varul. Din pricina ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Oh, Irish, iart\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ta este altfel. -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
vocea ta este pu\uc1 \u355 ?in r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-am recunoscut dup\uc1
\u259 ? ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
bucur, \uc1 \u238 ?n suf}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 let nu m-am schimbat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bine. Ce
faci? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i freca m\uc1 \u238 ?inile cu st\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?cie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine. S\uc1
\u238 ?nt ref\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde
ai fost? Sf\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? Fecioar\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-mi vine s\uc1 \u259 ?
cred.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici mie. Dumnezeule, s\uc1
\u238 ?nt at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns unul
\uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ele celuilalt. De mii de
ori \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 via\uc1 \u355 ?a ei Irish a fost acela
care a consolat-o. A \uc1 \u355 ?inut locul tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u. De
data aceasta, Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? rolurile, s-au schimbat. El
avea nevoie de consolare. Au reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?eze pe
canapea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii curio}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt!
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-ar p\uc1 \u259 ?rea at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine c\uc1 \u259 ? te
v\uc1 \u259 ?d, \uc1 \u355 ?i-a\uc1 \u351 ? trage o b\uc1 \u259 ?taie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O singur\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?
m-ai b\uc1 \u259 ?tut. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea ai pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns mai mult ca mine.
Nu te las\uc1 \u259 ? inima, Irish McCabe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? Ai avut amnezie? -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci ce? \uc1 \u238 ?i studie din}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nou
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a. Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit cu tine a\uc1 \u351 ?a.
Semeni cu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, so\uc1 \u355
?ia lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea era \uc1 \u238 ?n avion. _- Tu
mi-ai identificat trupul, Irish?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, dup\uc1
\u259 ? medalion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe ea ai
identificat-o. Ea avea medalionul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Era
ars, dar era p\uc1 \u259 ?rul t\uc1 \u259 ?u... \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sem\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?m foarte bine, ai fi zis c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem surori.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum...}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, am s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd mi-am rec\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tat
cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a la spital, eram bandajat\uc1 \u259 ? din cap p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? puteam mi\uc1 \u351 ?
ca. Vedeam doar cu un ochi, nu puteam vorbi. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u238 ?mi
spunea doamna Rutledge. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput poate c\uc1 \u259 ? am avut amnezie
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi aminteam cine eram. Apoi, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd mi-am amintit,
am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat. Schimbasem
locurile \uc1 \u238 ?n avion.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
povesti orele agonizante c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? le
spun\uc1 \u259 ? cine era.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Familia
Rutledge I-a rugat pe doctorul Sawyer s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi reconstituie fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
- a Carolei - dup\uc1 \u259 ? fotografii. Nu am putut sub nici o form\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun c\uc1 \u259 ? au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am nevoie de
ceva tare. Vrei \uc1 \u351 ?i tu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
C\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoar}{\fs23
\cf1 se l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bine, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? aici am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. S-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd tu nu erai
\uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? spui cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Dar atunci c\uc1 \u238
?nd ai fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare, de ce nu ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o?. De ce joci rolul
Carolei Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?soare camera. Va fi greu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
conving\uc1 \u259 ? pe Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cineva
dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a deveni senator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nu se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta la a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. -Ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cineva vrea...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, Irish. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu nici unde, nici
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te mai obosi s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-mi pune r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea la \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare. Deja am
trecut prin iad din pricina ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici
pentru mine nu a fost chiar o distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De aceea m-am \uc1 \u351 ?i ab\uc1 \u355 ?inut p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
acum, strig\uc1 \u259 ? el. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai da pe dup\uc1 \u259 ? degete.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te dau!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i atunci ce-i cu prostia
asta? De unde naiba \uc1 \u351 ?tii tu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ?' se enerva era \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajator. Cu Irish discutai mai u\uc1
\u351 ?or c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era furios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Cineva mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l va omor\uc1 \u238 ? pe \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nainte}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i
prelua mandatul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch
tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Lua-te-ar dracu'l Nu \uc1
\u238 ?ncepe iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
m\uc1 \u259 ? la\uc1 \u351 ?i, am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i explic. Crez\uc1
\u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Carole, cineva m-a vizitat la spital. Nu l-
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, nu puteam, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam un singur ochi
disponibil \uc1 \u351 ?i nu era \uc1 \u238 ?n raza mea vizual\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
fost \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozit\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd am fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ?. vorbesc, mi-a fost fric\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun. Nu puteam
s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pun \uc1 \u351 ?i
via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish o
asculta t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbi, vorbele \uc1 \u238 ?
i sunar\uc1 \u259 ? sceptic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui c\uc1 \u259 ? ai luat locul doamnei
Rutledge ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedici asasinatul \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Exact.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar nu \uc1
\u351 ?tii cine este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar Carole \uc1 \u351 ?tia. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte
din complot, de\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu am descoperit pe
nimeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm. Vizitatorul
\uc1 \u259 ?sta...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este un membru
al familiei. Nimeni altcineva nu avea voie la spital.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se putea strecura cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Posibil, dar nu cred. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Carole a angajat un asasin, el s-ar fi
evaporat imediat ce ea ar fi fost indisponibil\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu ar fi venit s\uc1
\u259 ? o previn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-i a\uc1
\u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este asasinul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u. R\uc1 \u259 ?spunde tu la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? crez}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te cred.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? este din pricina imagina\uc1 \u355 ?
iei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avery, erai drogat\uc1
\u259 ? de medicamente, erai dezorientat\uc1 \u259 ?. Erai bandajat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu vedeai. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? persoana.respectiv\uc1 \u259 ? a fost
un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, dar putea fi \uc1 \u351 ?i o femeie. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 putea fi un membru al familiei. Dar}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
putea fi altcineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei s\uc1
\u259 ? spui, Irish?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai avut un co\uc1 \u351 ?mar. -}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a am crezut \uc1 \u351 ?i eu p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile. Scoase h\uc1 \u238 ?rtia \uc1 \u351 ?i i-o \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinse. El citi mesajul. O privi}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit-o sub
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a de pern\uc1 \u259 ?. Este real. \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o
consider\uc1 \u259 ? pe Carole aliata lui. \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1
\u259 ? aplice planul. }{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acesta este
primul contact cu el dup\uc1 \u259 ? vizita de la spital?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar-aici nu
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Planul a fost
f\uc1
\u259 ?cut cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Este greu de crezut c\uc1 \u259
? va risca scriind acest lucru. Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? a compus biletul pentru orice
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? oricine. Cuvintele
par inocente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine are acces
la ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina de scris?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Este pe birou. Am verificat, acolo a fost scris\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vr}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? cu "ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?i faci"? Avery privi
vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avery?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? port cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e mai bine dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
s-a purtat so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dintr-un motiv
anume?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a fost
limpede de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei existau
ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai dat seama?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum s-a purtat. Politicos \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm. \uc1 \u350 ?tii de ce?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
un avort sau a inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Am descoperit abia s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na
trecut\uc1 \u259 ?. Era egoist\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?
ela \uc1 \u351 ?i era un dezastru pentru fiica lor. Eu am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1
\u259 ? atenuez aceste rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tiu mai multe despre ceea ce se petrece. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1
\u238 ?n miezul problemei, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?rile mele au fost
observate. Uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul crede c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta este o schimbare de
tactic\uc1 \u259 ? a Carolei, pentru a-l lua pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e prin
surprindere. Ridic\uc1 \u259 ? bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?.
Exist\uc1 \u259 ?, Irish. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu. lat\uc1 \u259 ? dovada.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? presupunem c\uc1
\u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine ar vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l omoare?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am nici o idee,
oft\uc1 \u259 ? ea. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt o familie mare \uc1 \u351 ?i unit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\u351 ?i ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva de acolo nu este chiar at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
fericit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i trec}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 u \uc1 \u238 ?n revist\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i membrii
familiei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se pare
c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l iubesc. Nelson este capul familiei. Zee
este cam distant\uc1 \u259 ?, dar so\uc1 \u355 ?ie si mam\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259
?. De mine se fere\uc1 \u351 ?te. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o suport\uc1 \u259 ? pe
Carole, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nefericit pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. S-ar putea ca Eddy
s\uc1 \u259 ? fi avut o aventur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Directorul de campanie?^}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i cel mai bun prieten, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu s\uc1
\u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu doar de la Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum se poart\uc1 \u259 ? individul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, Paschal,
cu tine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este politicos. Eu nu i-am
transmis semnalele Carolei. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a existat ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei,
probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? el a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? totul s-a
termina?dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident. Oricum, \uc1 \u238 ?i este foarte credincios lui
Tat .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i fata?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy este o
alintat\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de morala \uc1 \u351 ?i ca o pisic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ?lduri. Nu seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? deloc a crimin}{\fs23 \dbch
al.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fratele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este extrem de nefericit \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie,
spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se, dar nu are leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1
\u259 ? cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. De\uc1 \u351 ?i... este cam patetic. Ai
crede c\uc1 \u259 ? este un om competent \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor dar, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l vezi l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259
? fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i compari. \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e este soarele. Jack este luna. Reflect\uc1 \u259 ? lumina lui
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar nu are o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? a lui. Munce\uc1 \u351 ?
te foarte mult dar, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceva nu merge bine, el este g\uc1 \u259 ?sit
singurul vinovat, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u pentru el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Lui nu-i este mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el? Adic\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 uciderea fratelui?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1
\u259 ?. Este foarte distant. L-am surprins privindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cu ostilitate.
La suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pare indiferent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar
putea fi suficient de geloas\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a omor\uc1 \u238 ? pe cineva, dar
aceeaîr fi Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce spui asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoit albumul de familie c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u238 ?nd informa\uc1
\u355 ?ii. Dorothy a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie. Era beat\uc1 \u259 ?.'Cu mine
nu prea a vorbit. De aceea am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas surprins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd, din senin, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? acuze c\uc1 \u259 ?
vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? i-l fur pe Jack. A spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? reiau
de acolo de unde am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat totul \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de accident.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole se culca \uc1
\u351 ?i cu cumnatul ei? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Irish uluit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23
\cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a se pare. Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in cred c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?
mplarea a \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat-o pe Avery. Sperase \uc1 \u238 ?n secret s\uc1 \u259
? fie doar o iluzie de alcoolic, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Dorothy Rae a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
camera ei cu o sticl\uc1 \u259 ? de vodc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?
\af0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este incredibil,
spuse cu voce tare. Carole \uc1 \u238 ?l avea pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. De ce
l-ar mai fi dorit pe Jack?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gusturile nu se
discut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? ai dreptate. Oricum, eu am negat toate acuza\uc1 \u355 ?iile lui Dorothy. Mi-a
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt o c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i o}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i tot felul
de apelative de-astea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? a fost ca o durere de g\uc1 \u238 ?t, Carole asta, spuse Irish meditativ.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tim sigur
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l dorea pe Jack sau pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi transmis tot felul de semnale,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bietul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce crede "bietul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e" despre so\uc1
\u355 ?ia lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crede c\uc1
\u259 ? a avortat copilul lui. \uc1 \u350 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? a avut aman\uc1
\u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a provocat dezechilibre emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ionale feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei. Sper\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? se poate schimba.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i tu \uc1
\u355 ?i-ai luat o astfel de responsabilitate? Tonul critic al vocii lui o puse
imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n gard\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u238 ?nd-o s\uc1 \u259 ? fiarb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n suc propriu, Irish
plec\uc1 \u259 ? la buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse cu paharul plin, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi argumentezi vizita str\uc1 \u259 ?inului de la spital? }{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar cum te po\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi de asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun eu cum. Ai venit la mine acum doi ani spun\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-m\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? vrei o slujb\uc1 \u259 ? - orice fel de
slujb\uc1 \u259 ?. Erai cu coada \uc1 \u238 ?ntre picioare. Tocmai ai fost
dat\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ? pentru una dintre cele mai grave gafe din istoria
jurnalismului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am venit
acum, aici, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti de asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-ti amintesc. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259 ? asta se ascunde \uc1 \u238 ?
n spatele jocului afurisit pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i faci. \uc1 \u350 ?i atunci, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i acum, te arunci}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cu capul \uc1 \u238 ?n
la\uc1 \u355 ?. Ai raportat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te
documentezi, c\uc1 \u259 ? un congresman de Virginia \uc1 \u351 ?i-a omor\uc1 \u238
?t so\uc1 \u355 ?ia, apoi }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\u351 ?i-}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a zburat creierii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u238 ?mplele,
amintindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i oribila \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Primul reporter
ajuns la fa\uc1 \u355 ?a locului, Avery Daniels, anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Irish
necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? un subiect}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 fierbinte. Ai
mirosit s\uc1 \u238 ?ngele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, am mirosit!
Asta este! La propriu! Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut corpurile, am auzit copiii pl\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozi\uc1 \u355 ?i de ce au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de la \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ?, l-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd de ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceea ce s-a }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 presupus c\uc1 \u259 ? a f\uc1 \u259 ?c}{\i1 \fs23 \dbch
ut, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la naiba! N-ai de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nve\uc1 \u355 ?i odat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
ai fost \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat de reportaj atunci \uc1 \u351 ?i ai uitat
acest mic termen legal, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vulnerabil\uc1 \u259 ?
compania pe care o conduci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-a pierdut cu
filmarea, Avery. A fost mai evident\uc1 \u259 ? obiectivitatea, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i curgeau lacrimile, dup\uc1 \u259 ? care, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nu ar fi
fost suficient, ai \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cum poate un om, mai ales unul investit cu o
func\uc1 \u355 ?ie oficial\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? comit\uc1 \u259 ? o asemenea
fapt\uc1 \u259 ? bestial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?tiu ce am -f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, Irish. Nu-i nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti ce gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. De mai bine de doi
ani \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? uit ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea asta. Am gre\uc1 \u351 ?
it, dar mi-am primit lec\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Prostii! tun\uc1 \u259 ? el. Faci aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i afurisit\uc1 \u259 ? de
gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i acum. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bagi
nasul acolo unde nu ai nici o competen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? faci
ceva. Inventezi \uc1 \u351 ?tiri, nu faci reportaje. Asta este marea lovitur\uc1
\u259 ? pe care ai a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat-o? Cu asta vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? revii \uc1
\u238 ?n v\uc1 \u238 ?rful piramidei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bine. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii, }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch
da. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i acesta este un motiv pentru care am
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tura asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este motivul pentru care ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut totul \uc1
\u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a ta. Tot timpul ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? calci
pe urmele tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui t\uc1 \u259 ?u. S\uc1 \u259 ? te ridici la nivelul
numelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, pe care crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de
r\uc1 \u238 ?s. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun ceva ce nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i va
face pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u nu merit\uc1 \u259 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Termin\uc1 \u259 ?, Irish.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
t\uc1 \u259 ?u, Avery, dar a fost \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai bun prieten al meu. L-am
cunoscut mult mai bine ca tine. L-am iubit, dar l-am privit cu mult mai mult\uc1
\u259 ? obiectivitate, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t tine \uc1 \u351 ?i mama ta. Cliff Daniels a
fost un fotograf remarcabil, nu-i neg aceste calit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dar nu
a avut talentul de a-i face ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i pe oamenii care \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23
\cf1 l iubeau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu eram
fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori venea acas\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doar o frac\uc1 \u355 ?iune
din copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria ta. \uc1 \u350 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?neai
sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l vedeai plec\uc1
\u238 ?nd. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum a suportat Rosemary lungile lui absen\uc1
\u355 ?e. Era sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd el
era acas\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1
\u259 ? doar foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp. Cliff se \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?ta cu
seduc\uc1 \u355 ?ia pericolelor. Erau elixirul lui. Pentru mama ta asta a fost
boala care a m\uc1 \u259 ?cinat-o. Moartea ei a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nceat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i agonizant\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a produs \uc1 \u238 ?n timp. \uc1
\u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ? ou mult timp \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
a \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i pumnul de pastile. \uc1 \u350 ?i\uc1 \u171 ?
atunci, de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? merite el iubirea ta oarb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a te ridica la nivelul lui, Avery? Singurul premiu pe care l-
a luat vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu a fost nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car un Pulitzer. Singurul
lui premiu \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a fost mama ta, dar el a fost
prea prost s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\cf1 - Ai fost gelos pe el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, am fost
gelos pe dragostea lui Rosemary pentru el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O privi
cu lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. Avery se topi de dragoste pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u238 ?n.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish, nu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne cert\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? lup\uc1
\u355 ?i cu ghearele. Nu am de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? te las s\uc1 \u259 ?
continui ce ai \uc1 \u238 ?nceput.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Trebuie. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt obligat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? voi \uc1 \u351 ?ti cine
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i dup\uc1
\u259 ? aceea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
tiu, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea disperat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? acest asasin o las\uc1 \u259 ? balt\uc1
\u259 ?? Vei r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne la infinit doamna Rutledge? Sau \uc1
\u238 ?i vei spune iui Rutledge \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi - apropos, \uc1 \u351 ?tii
eu,..?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit la asta. Nu m-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit cum voi
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avery, Rutledge
are dreptul s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 v}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu! strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea s\uc1
\u259 ?rind \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu! Nu-l pot
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si acum. Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? juri c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
\uc1 \u238 ?i vei spune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
rish c\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe canapea, uluit de reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia ei violent\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ssuse! \uc1 \u351 ?opti el,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncep\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.
Deci despre asta este vorba. Vrei so\uc1 \u355 ?ul unei alte femei. De aceea vrei
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?i doamna Rutledge - pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge este bun \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ntoarse spatele ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l plesneasc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u8226 ? - Spui
lucruri ur\uc1 \u238 ?te, Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se apropie de
fereastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i observ\uc1 \u259 ? cu nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1
\u259 ? s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat. La ferm\uc1 \u259 ? probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? au
terminat cina. Le-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? pleac\uc1 \u259 ? la cump\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?turi. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? plece repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, a fost ur\uc1 \u238 ?t. Am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? sune ur\uc1
\u238 ?t. De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nmoaie inima, m\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc la lungile ore de dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te-
am pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog nu-mi spune asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ? la
tot. S-o ia dracu' de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit. l-am
pierdut pe Cliff \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Rosemary. Te-am pierdut pe tine. L-am \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat pe Dumnezeu: Hei, ce mai vrei de la mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Se str\uc1 \u238 ?nse la pieptul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te iubesc. Am suferit pentru tine. Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? o crezi
sau nu. \uc1 \u350 ?tiam cum te va afecta moartea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu te iubesc, Avery. De aceea nu te pot l\uc1
\u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? continui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nu mai am de ales.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
cineva \uc1 \u238 ?i vrea moartea lui Rutledge, atunci...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Exist\uc1 \u259 ? un asemenea om.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci \uc1 \u351 ?i tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n
pericol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu. Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu o alt\uc1 \u259 ? Carole, pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru Mandy. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt prea
schimbat\uc1 \u259 ?, omul va crede c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am tr\uc1 \u259 ?dat sau poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? va ghici c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? Carole nu este adev\uc1
\u259 ?rata Carole. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc cu spaima}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? deconspir.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
c\uc1 \u259 ? deja ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc, se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Van a observat. Avery
tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri violent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am g\uc1
\u238 ?ndit \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? am avut un atac de cord,
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i- am deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Irish \uc1 \u238 ?i povesti la r\uc1 \u238 ?ndul lui \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mplarea cu Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eram ocupat
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu l-am prea luat jn seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea mie
c\uc1 \u259 ? se poart\uc1 \u259 ? neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i eu nu-l luam \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai aduce vorba?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimic. Cu c\uc1 \u238 ?t vom
\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?ini, cu at\uc1 \u238 ?t este mai bine pentru
mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
frec\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?l iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - El \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i ur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te so\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Te ur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te pe
tine. Ce este \uc1 \u238 ?ntre voi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m-am culcat cu el.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu asta am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar asta ai vrut s\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?tii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-ai culca cu
el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ezitare. Din ziua c\uc1 \u238 ?nd mi-am revenit,
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n care am p\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?sit clinica, a fost minunat cu mine. S-a purtat f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? repro\uc1 \u351 ?, S\uc1 \u259 ? vezi cum se poart\uc1 \u259 ? cu Carole
\uc1 \u238 ?n societate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar \uc1 \u238 ?
n intimitate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Rece. Ca un
so\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat. Mai am pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de lucru la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mpla dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea? Nu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? va observa diferen\uc1
\u355 ?ele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oare? Nu
b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii spun c\uc1 \u259 ? toate pisicile s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
negre noaptea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, s}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ? spunem c\uc1 \u259 ? nu observ\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum
crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? se va sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va .afla c\uc1 \u259 ? a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dragoste cu altcineva? Ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpla cu
feti\uc1 \u355 ?a, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd misiunea ta se va fi terminat?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o voi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
si...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar cum crezi c\uc1 \u259 ?
se va sim\uc1 \u355 ?i Rutledge cu toate dedesubturile de familie}{\fs23 \dbch
expuse?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-l voi
expune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu pe-aproape c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spui. Va crede
c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai folosit. \uc1 \u350 ?i va avea dreptate, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i voi salva via\uc1 \u355 ?a. Nu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? va
ierta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-
ai gre\uc1 \u351 ?it cariera, \uc1 \u351 ?opti b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?nul
printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? te faci avocat. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? te contrazici \uc1 \u351 ?i cu dracul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi pot sf\uc1 \u238 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?i cariera a\uc1 \u351 ?a, Irish. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? reabilitez. Nu eu am c\uc1 \u259 ?utat ocazia.
Mi-a fost impus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n afara voin\uc1 \u355 ?ei mele. Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac ce cred c\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ai \uc1 \u238 ?nceput }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 din alt cap\uc1
\u259 ?t, Avery. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti prea implicat\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional.
Pui prea mult suflet, pentru a putea r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne obiectiv\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe oamenii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia, ai spus-o
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu at\uc1 \u238
?t mai mult. Cineva vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o lase orfan\uc1 \u259 ? pe Mandy. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? va
sta \uc1 \u238 ?n puterile mele, voi opri a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , T\uc1 \u259 ?cerea lui \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna steagul
arb al p\uc1 \u259 ?cii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? plec. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de asta, nu ai ceva care mi-a apar\uc1 \u355 ?
inut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i aduse
medalionul, \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea, niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu l-a dat jos de la g\uc1
\u238 ?t. Privi fotografiile din interior. Ultima poz\uc1 \u259 ? a tat\uc1 \u259 ?
lui ei. Cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? era a mamei. Str\uc1 \u238 ?nse talismanul \uc1 \u238 ?
n palm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l mai avea. \uc1 \u350 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?l mai avea \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Am sperat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai ai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Era \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?inile femeii moarte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut Ia g\uc1 \u238 ?tul meu. l-am dat
s\uc1 \u259 ? se joace. Carole s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat \uc1 \u351 ?i i l-a luat din
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Acesta este singurul lucru pe care mi-l amintesc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tu }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ai trimis plicul, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea
mea am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? iau leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avery, renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu pot.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba! Ai ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ia
tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i compasiunea mamei tale...
Periculoas\uc1 \u259 ? combina\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Inc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?narea o ai de la am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?
nul a capitulat complet, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu cu ce te pot ajuta?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e st\uc1
\u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n hol \uc1 \u351 ?i o a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta. Avery a remarcat
asta, de\uc1 \u351 ?i el a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ?
peste incident nep\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De ce ai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziat at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? privind \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a transmis
Zee mesajul meu? l-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? ni\uc1 \u351 ?te probleme de ultim moment
s-au ivit \uc1 \u351 ?i a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? fac ni\uc1 \u351 ?te cump\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar m-am
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? vei }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 veni mai devreme^}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259
?r multe lucruri - era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat\uc1 \u259 ? cu o mul\uc1
\u355 ?ime de saco\uc1 \u351 ?e. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? aju\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le
duc \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i
lu\uc1 \u259 ? o parte din saco\uc1 \u351 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndreptau am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi spre camer\uc1 \u259 ? ea l-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde este
Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doarme.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , am
sperat s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung la timp s\uc1 \u259 ?-i citesc o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
poveste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
vii mai devreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-a citit cineva
o poveste?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mama. Eu am
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas cu ea p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? a adormit. -}{\fs23 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? intru \uc1 \u351 ?i eu pu\uc1 \u355
?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce trecu pe
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? fereastra care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea, spre curtea
interioar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe Nelson, Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i
Eddy discu\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nd la o mas\uc1 \u259 ?. Zee citea o
revist\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ?d
c\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i o \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy mai discut\uc1 \u259 ?
o dat\uc1 \u259 ? punctele itinerarului. Le-am auzit deja de o mie de ori.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pune saco\uc1 \u351 ?ele pe
pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ? jacheta \uc1 \u351 ?i o arunc\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat,
apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? pantofii cu toc. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e se apropie preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit de ceart\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut cump\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca de obicei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l-a pus o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare
prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, toate saco\uc1 \u351 ?ele de pe pat aveau siglele
magazinelor de unde cump\uc1 \u259 ?rau de obicei. Un singur moment s-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva a urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i a
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?-a oprit la Irish. Nu era posibil. Ea
a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un ocol si a fost foarte atent\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o
urm\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
ce-mi spui prostii de astea? se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun prostii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Pe naiba. G\uc1 \u238 ?f\uc1 \u238 ?i ca un dul\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adic\uc1 \u259 ? la ce te
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptai? S\uc1 \u259 ? miros a tutun, a lichior, a b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat?
Adic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i confirm suspiciunea
murdar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? am petrecut dup\uc1 \u259 ?- amiaza cu un amant?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ar fi prima dat\uc1 \u259
?, spuse el \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu va mai fi
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? crezi prost?
Adic\uc1 \u259 ? te a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu at\uc1
\u238 ?t de idiot \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
simpla opera\uc1 \u355 ?ie cosmetic\uc1 \u259 ? te-a transformat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr- o
so\uc1 \u355 ?ie credincioas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Crezi ce naiba vrei. Dar las\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n pace c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai astfel de suspiciuni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Se apropie de \uc1 \u351 ?ifonier \uc1 \u351 ?i deschise
u\uc1 \u351 ?ile furioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Degetele \uc1 \u238 ?i tremurau \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i descheie bluza, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i blestem\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?nd st\uc1 \u238
?ng\uc1 \u259 ?cia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Las\uc1 \u259 ?-
m\uc1 \u259 ? pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e era chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele ei \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n tonul
vocii strecurase o nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de scuz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
prinse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?ntre m\uc1 \u238 ?inile lui, i le l\uc1 \u259
?s\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? corp \uc1 \u351 ?i
apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu nasturii de la bluz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este o scen\uc1 \u259 ? obi\uc1 \u351
?nuit\uc1 \u259 ?, remarc\uc1 \u259 ? el la ultimul nasture.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Bluza \uc1 \u238 ?i alunec\uc1 \u259 ? de pe umeri. Ea o
prinse \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se acopere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu reac\uc1
\u355 ?ionez \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ciuitor la interogatorii, \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici eu la
adulter.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Presupun c\uc1 \u259 ? asta
merit, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi o secund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
cum \uc1 \u238 ?i zv\uc1 \u238 ?cne\uc1 \u351 ?te artera de la g\uc1 \u238 ?t. Dar
de la accident \uc1 \u355 ?i-am mai dat motive de suspiciune?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, spuse \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351
?i nu ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea se c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu nu am c\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e prefer\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1
\u259 ?. Ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu un deget \uc1
\u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie l\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?orul de aur de la g\uc1 \u238 ?tul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce este asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? se tope\uc1 \u351 ?te sub m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ierea lui. \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zni mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ar fi
sperat, d\uc1 \u259 ?du drumul bluzei, care alunec\uc1 \u259 ? pe du\uc1 \u351 ?
umea. Medalionul care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre s\uc1 \u238 ?ni \uc1 \u238
?i smulse b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului un oftat profund.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - L-am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un magazin de bijuterii de m\uc1 \u238
?na a doua, min\uc1 \u355 ?i ea. E dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?, nu?}{\fs24
privea fix buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ica de aur cu o privire de om}{\fs24 \dbch
{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nfometat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Deschide-l.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente de ezitare lu\uc1 \u259 ? medalionul \uc1 \u238 ?n
palm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i glis\uc1 \u238 ?nd desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? inimioare. Avery luase fotografiile p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355
?ilor ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? pun o fotografie de-a lui Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i una de-a ta.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o privea cercet\uc1 \u259 ?tor
\uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. Apoi privirea \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe buzele ei,
\uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia medalionul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Puse la loc medalionul, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre s\uc1 \u238 ?ni.
M\uc1 \u238 ?na lui \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzie o secund\uc1 \u259 ?. Atingerea
lui \uc1 \u238 ?i arse pielea. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i evita
privirea, \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul lui se ducea o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?
dat\uc1 \u259 ? doar-de \uc1 \u238 ?ncordarea maxilarului, de nehot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u238 ?rea din privire \uc1 \u351 ?i de respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia t\uc1 \u259 ?
iat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u351 ?opti ea, nu am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? un
avort. Cu v\uc1 \u238 ?rful degetelor \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie
buzele pentru a-i opri}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , vorbele. Nu a
existat un avort pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a existat un copil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ironia era tocmai imensitatea acestui adev\uc1 \u259 ?r. Dar
odat\uc1 \u259 ? minciuna spus\uc1 \u259 ?, ea trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? o continue.}
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1
\u354 ?i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1
\u259 ? pentru motivele pe care mi le-ai citat cu exactitate \uc1 \u238 ?n
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a aceea. Am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? te provoc. Dar nu te mai pot
l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? crezi acest lucru. Tu acuma crezi c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?i-am distrus copilul \uc1 \u351 ?i suferi foarte mult.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce c\uc1 \u259 ?
ut\uc1 \u259 ? profund \uc1 \u238 ?n privirea ei, el se desprinse brusc \uc1
\u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un pas \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avionul spre Houston pleac\uc1 \u259 ? la ora \uc1 \u351 ?
apte, mar\uc1 \u355 ?i, Ai s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 te
descurci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
sinea ei, Avery sperase c\uc1 \u259 ? minciuna va mai sl\uc1 \u259 ?bi \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?narea cu care el o ura. \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascund\uc1 \u259 ? dezam\uc1
\u259 ?girea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu-
ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? descurc? Cu ora matinal\uc1 \u259 ? sau cu faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? voi zbura din nou?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu am\uc1
\u238 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
m\uc1 \u259 ? descurc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper. Eddy
dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca totul exactitate de ceasornic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Luni seara Irish i-a chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n biroul lui pe reporterul pentru \uc1
\u351 ?tiri politice al KTEX}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -ului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit totul pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. Oamenii lui
Rutledge au trimis itinerarul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom acoperi acest lucru va trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i acord\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i lui Dekker aceia\uc1 \u351 ?i timp
de emisie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta este
problema mea. Sarcina ta este s\uc1 \u259 ? te documentezi asupra campaniei lui
Rutledge. Vreau rapoarte zilnice. Apropos, va merge cu tine \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs23
\cf1 \sub2 \uc1 \u355 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lovejoy, \uc1 \u238 ?l va \uc1 \u238 ?
nlocui pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cameraman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Dumnezeule, Irish, ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u259 ? pedepse\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n halul \uc1 \u259 ?sta? Tipul este
\uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de suportat. \uc1 \u350 ?i pe urm\uc1 \u259 ?, miroase
\uc1 \u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Urm\uc1
\u259 ? o litanie de invective.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Merge
cu tine Lovejoy, am spus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 irish luase
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery nu credea c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un pericol
iminent, dar o \uc1 \u351 ?tia impetuoas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de foarte multe
ori pripit\uc1 \u259 ?, lucruri pe care le pl\uc1 \u259 ?tea scump.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?ser\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?streze leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura prin c\uc1 \u259 ?
su\uc1 \u355 ?a po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?, telefonul era foarte riscant. A
primit \uc1 \u351 ?i ea o cheie de la cutie. Pentru binele ei, i-a oferit \uc1
\u351 ?i un pistol, dar ea I-a refuzat. Situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?l enerva la
culme, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme lua \uc1 \u351 ?i medicamente. Era prea b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n pentru \uc1 \u351 ?ocuri, dar nu putea sta deoparte s\uc1
\u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? cum se sinucide Avery. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fio \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul ei}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 p\uc1 \u259 ?
zitor, luase cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re - \uc1 \u238 ?l
va trimite \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma ei pe Van. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? va avea necazuri, m\uc1
\u259 ?car v}{\fs21 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a avea de la cine cere ajutor. Era singurul lucru
bun pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l putea face.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Primul
impas \uc1 \u238 ?n campania minu\uc1 \u355 ?ios orchestrat\uc1 \u259 ? de Eddy s-a
petrecut a treia zi. Erau la Houston. Foarte devreme, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u355 ?inuse un discurs. A fost bine primit. S-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntors ia
'hotel \uc1 \u351 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i s-au apucat de treab\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery st\uc1
\u259 ?tea pe: du\uc1 \u351 ?umea l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy care colora o
carte cu Mickey Mouse. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntins \uc1 \u238 ?n pat cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile sub cap. Privea ceva la televizor.
Cele mai bune idei \uc1 \u238 ?i veneau atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu se concentra.
Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee dezlegau cuvinte \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy le \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse
lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea intr\uc1 \u238 ?nd emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?nchide chestia aia \uc1 \u351 ?i ascult\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei bine, r\uc1 \u238 ?
se \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea te ascult\uc1 \u259 ?,
domnule Paschal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unul dintre
cele mai mari cluburi din stat organizeaz\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi o \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnire. Este cea mai important\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnire a anului. To\uc1 \u355 ?i vor veni \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u355 ?i de familii. Doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? te asculte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni s\uc1 \u238 ?nt? \uc1 \u238
?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se din pat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute
cincizeci, trei sute. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt oameni de afaceri importan\uc1 \u355 ?i,
st\uc1 \u238 ?lpi ai comunit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Cel mai vechi club din
Houston. Membrii lui au o groaz\uc1 \u259 ? de bani. Uite, spuse \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinz\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u238 ?teva h\uc1 \u238 ?rtii spre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, \uc1 \u259 ?sta este discursul acela grozav pe care l-ai \uc1 \u355 ?inut
la Amarillo. Cite\uc1 \u351 ?te-l \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u350 ?i, pentru Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac\uc1 \u259 ? un costum
conservator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oamenii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia par mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii
lui Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nt. De aceea este important s\uc1 \u259 ? mergi \uc1 \u351 ?i tu. Dekker te-a
descris ca pe un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r cu capul \uc1 \u238 ?n nori.
Arat\uc1 \u259 ?-le c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti bine \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt \uc1 \u238
?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Carole, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti invitat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i tu. S\uc1 \u259 ? fii fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Femeile..}{\fs22 \dbch
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu pot
veni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Privirile tuturor se \uc1
\u238 ?ndreptar\uc1 \u259 ? de la Eddy spre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Avem fixat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirea cu doctorul Webster
la ora unu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
fiu al naibii, am uitat, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e trec\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i privea pe am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi uluit.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doar nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa\uc1 \u355 ?i ocazia.
S\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na asta am urcat doar un procent. Discursul
ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de dolari cu care putem
cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra timpul de emisie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Fixeaz\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnire cu doctorul,
interveni Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, tu ce
spui? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1 \u238 ?t de greu am ob\uc1 \u355 ?inut-
o pe aceasta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?m vom ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine
alta dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni.
Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este bine pentru Mandy s\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi pe r\uc1 \u238 ?nd fratele,
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?i directorul de campanie. To\uc1 \u355 ?i doreau s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? discursul. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o
privi pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa, sim\uc1 \u355 ?i hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea \uc1
\u351 ?i for\uc1 \u355 ?a cu care avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce
trebuia. Era prins la mijloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
putea merge eu la psiholog cu Carole, se oferi Zee. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, vei
\uc1 \u355 ?ine discursul \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi vii \uc1 \u351 ?i tu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Apreciez, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, dar este
fiica mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i e
vorba de alegeri, spuse Eddy }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ridic\uc1 \u238 ?nd glasul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt de acord cu
Eddy, interveni Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Un discurs n-o
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne rateze alegerile, tat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? mama \uc1 \u355 ?i-a dat solu\uc1 \u355
?ia cea maLburi\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum, eu nu pun prea muit\uc1 \u259 ? baz\uc1
\u259 ? pe doctori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
acum nu ezitase niciodat\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era vorba s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i exprime opiniile.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt am\uc1
\u238 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? extrem 'de importante, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Singur
va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? iei hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?optit. Ar fi
preferat s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd accese de
furie. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru. Era
mai u\uc1 \u351 ?or s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i spui nu Carolei c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era
\uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?nbat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme
folosise mai mult privirea semnificativ\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t vocea
strident\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum ar fi fost, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? accepte o
solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n detrimentul celeilalte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Anuleaz\uc1 \u259 ? discursul, Eddy, fii politicos. Spune-le
c\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u351 ?i doamna Rutledge aveam deja fixat\uc1 \u259 ? o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na pentru a opri protestele, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi prietenul semnificativ.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Primele mele \uc1 \u238 ?ndatoriri s\uc1 \u238 ?nt fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de familie. Mi-ai garantat acest lucru, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u171 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tii bine ce faci, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,
spuse Nelson, apoi o lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe Zee de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Hai s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ?-l calm\uc1 \u259 ?m pe
frustratul director de campanie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack, la fel de
agitat ca \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy, o privi furios pe Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am terminat, Jack, \uc1
\u238 ?l opri \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u354 ?i-a luat min\uc1 \u355 ?ile cu aerul de mam\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse Jack amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceea ce se petrece \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mine \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole
nu este treaba ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De obicei, nu.
Dar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? vei candida pentru un post public, via\uc1 \u355 ?a ta
particular\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?n aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia tuturor. Tot ceea ce
afecteaz\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? campanie este \uc1 \u351 ?i tr}{\fs23 \dbch
eaba mea. Am pierdut ani \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi cu devotamentul}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ? campanie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Iar
eu apreciez tot ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i voi dedica o or\uc1 \u259 ? feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei mele. Nu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? cer prea mult, nu mai vreau argumente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce o mai privi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
ostil pe Carole, Jack ie\uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u238 ?ntind u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Carole se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ?a crezi \uc1 \u351 ?i tu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, c\uc1 \u259 ? eu
joc rolul mamei iubitoare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cea mai mare
problem\uc1 \u259 ? era c\uc1 \u259 ? el nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tia ce s\uc1 \u259 ?
cread\uc1 \u259 ?. De la prima lui cucerire sexual\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna autoritar \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1
\u355 ?a leg\uc1 \u259 ?turilor sale cu femeile. Le respecta. Cea mai
serioas\uc1 \u259 ? aventur\uc1 \u259 ? a fost cu o femeie divor\uc1 \u355 ?
at\uc1 \u259 ?. S-au desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it dup\uc1 \u259 ? doi ani
\uc1 \u238 ?n rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii de prietenie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
era cel care s-a ocupat de firma de avoca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i tot el a
angajat-o \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Carole Navarro. Nici un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat nu o putea
privi pe Carole cu deta\uc1 \u351 ?are. Ochii ei negri i-au atras \uc1 \u351 ?i lui
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia, iar z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul ei i*a mers la inim\uc1 \u259 ?. A
acceptat s\uc1 \u259 ? fie angajat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu a trecut mult \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i-a violat, etica profesional\uc1 \u259 ?
invit\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o la restaurant. Era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
toare. A flirtrat cu el dar seara s-a terminat la u\uc1 \u351 ?a apartamentului ei
unde \uc1 \u351 ?i-au luat r\uc1 \u259 ?mas bun}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 ;}{\fs23
\cf1 Multe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni au men\uc1 \u355 ?inut
rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii prietene\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o sear\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu a mai rezistat \uc1 \u351 ?i'a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat-o.
Urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul ^pas, destul de normal, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n pat. Dup\uc1
\u259 ? trei luni firma de avoca\uc1 \u355 ?i a pierdut un angajat, dar \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Vestea c\uc1 \u259 ? era
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ? a venit ca un \uc1 \u351 ?oc. Ei a
acceptat-o \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? repede, \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea ideea
s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? copii. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i Carolei. Se pl\uc1 \u238 ?
ngea tot timpul de responsabilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile ce aveau s\uc1 \u259 ?
urmeze. S-au \uc1 \u351 ?i certat. Nimic din ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea ei nu o interesa,
nu-i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 imediat
ce s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut Mandy, Carole a fost}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 preocupat\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i recapete silueta. El s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
mereu de ce. Apoi i-a venit \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul. A \uc1 \u351 ?tiut
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a avut primul amant. Ea nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch
nici }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 un sec}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ret din asta, nici din
aventurile care au urmat. Singura lui ap\uc1 \u259 ?rare era indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?
a. \uc1 \u350 ?i-ar fi dorit acum s\uc1 \u259 ? fi divor\uc1 \u355 ?at de ea
atunci. Ar fi fost mai bine pentru toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Luni de zile au locuit \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar a avut fiecare via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
noapte, ea a venit la el. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a explicat de ce, poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea ideea de a-l seduce. Oricum, abstinen\uc1 \u355 ?a
sexual\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?utura l-au \uc1 \u238 ?mpins s\uc1
\u259 ?-i accepte oferta. Din cauza maratonului politic care a urmat, a trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? fidel so\uc1 \u355 ?iei sale.
La c\uc1 \u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni dup\uc1 \u259 ?
noaptea aceea, ea I-a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? este din nou \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?. De\uc1 \u351 ?i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndoit serios \uc1
\u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a paternit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii copilului, trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am vrut s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? leg la cap cu alt copil, a urlat ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Atunci \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o mai iubea de
foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o mai putea iubi niciodat\uc1 \u259
?. Era cu o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
naintea }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zborului 398 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spre Dallas.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Scutur\uc1 \u259 ? capul
\uc1 \u351 ?i. alung\uc1 \u259 ? din minte aceste amintiri nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cute. Nu
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De ce nu comanzi pr\uc1 \u238 ?nzul \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirea cu doctorul Webster?
schimb\uc1 \u259 ? el vorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Orice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se a\uc1
\u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd telefonul \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?a picioarele. Stomacul lui
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e tremur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o v\uc1 \u259 ?zu.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n ea, de ce \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea la nebunie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? dragoste cu ea?
Merita o not\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? pentru comportament. De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a
venit acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat toat\uc1 \u259 ? silin\uc1 \u355 ?a
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mpace. Era exact opusul a ceea ce}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Exact, un sandvi\uc1 \u351 ? cu unt de cocos, spunea
ea \uc1 \u238 ?n receptor. Cu jeleu de struguri. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
este \uc1 \u238 ?n meniul dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, dar asta dore\uc1 \u351 ?te
copilul s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r Carole \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi cuceritor.
Dumnezeule, c\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? guste
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul acela. O mai f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse de pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme. Nu a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it gustul decep\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i
infidelit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii. S\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?rile au fost'dulci
\uc1 \u351 ?i total diferite. Le-a analizat bine \uc1 \u351 ?i a ajuns la concluzia
c\uc1 \u259 ? se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta o femeie
pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?. L-au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat cu o impresie nedefinit\uc1
\u259 ?. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i impun\uc1 \u259 ? o voin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u259 ?lug\uc1 \u259 ?r pentru a nu ceda dorin\uc1
\u355 ?ei devastatoare de a merge mai departe de s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?ri.
Carole ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta altfel, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea o femeie total diferit\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vor veni imediat. Mandy,
str\uc1 \u238 ?nge creioanele \uc1 \u351 ?i pune-le \uc1 \u238 ?n cutie, te rog.
Vom servi imediat pr\uc1 \u238 ?nzul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
aplec\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajute copilul \uc1 \u351 ?i el sim\uc1 \u355 ?i cum
\uc1 \u238 ?i ia foc s\uc1 \u238 ?ngele privind-o. De al naibii de mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme nu a mai avut o femeie, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i explice, dar era sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu aceasta este explica\uc1 \u355 ?
ia. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea o femeie. Putea rezolva foarte u\uc1 \u351 ?or acest
lucru doar cu un telefon. Nu, el o dorea pe aceast\uc1 \u259 ? femeie, pe
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? Carole, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ie cu care \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?. O privea uneori de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? o vedea pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Era incredibil, dar \uc1
\u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea aceast\uc1 \u259 ? Carole. Chiar mai imposibil de crezut
era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostea \uc1 \u238 ?ncet,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncet de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar nu va
recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te asta nici \uc1 \u238 ?n ruptul capului.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? bucur c\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ai venit cu noi, spuse Avery z\uc1 \u238 ?mbindu-i.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Erau \uc1 \u238 ?n sala de
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare a cabinetului medical.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
singura hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re pe care trebuia s-o iau. Psihologul era cu
Mandy de mai bine de o or\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
A\uc1 \u351 ?teptau cu ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare s\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ?
diagnosticul.-Vorbeau doar pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i ascunde
tensiunea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
fie nervos Eddy tot timpul turneului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
vorbit cu el. Ne-a urat noroc cu Mandy. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a calmat tata. Oricum,
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu e mult\uc1
\u259 ? vreme furios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E ciudat, nu?}
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi ceasul de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru Dumnezeu,}{\fs22
\cf1 c\uc1 \u238 ?t o s\uc1 \u259 ? mai dureze? Ce ai spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ah,
da. Este temperamental, dar se controleaz\uc1 \u259 ? foarte bine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Omul de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
murmur\uc1 \u259 ? iar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum st\uc1 \u259 ? cu femeile?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce femei? -Ale lui Eddy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Nu mi se
confeseaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum, nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i discut\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a sexual\uc1 \u259 ? cu prietenul lui?
Eu credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii o fac.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tinerii da. B\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1
\u355 ?ii maturi nu au nevoie de confesiuni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Este heterosexual?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o privire \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355
?at\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi? Te-a refuzat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u259 ? te ia naiba!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 U\uc1 \u351 ?a se
deschise. Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi s\uc1 \u259 ?rir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.
Asistenta le spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doctorul a
terminat, va veni imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
se retrase femeia, Avery se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i.\uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?opti:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-am \uc1 \u238
?ntrebat despre Eddy pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nepoata ta se \uc1 \u355 ?ine scai de
el \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o
va face s\uc1 \u259 ? sufere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs22
\cf1 Nepoata mea? Francy? r\uc1 \u238 ?se nevenindu-i s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1
\u259 ?. S-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de Eddy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a spus \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o sear\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
a venit acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvine\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?. Z\uc1 \u238 ?
mbetul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e disp\uc1 \u259 ?ru. Da, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?nvine\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?. A g\uc1 \u259 ?sit un
b\uc1 \u259 ?iat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un bar. S-au \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat.
B\uc1 \u259 ?iatul nu a putut men\uc1 \u355 ?ine sexul \uc1 \u351 ?i a dat vina pe
ea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? care a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Dumnezeule! exclam\uc1 \u259 ? el oft\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dar tu nu ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? avea un ochi v\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i o buz\uc1 \u259 ? umflat\uc1 \u259 ?? El neg\uc1 \u259 ? din
cap. Ei, nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face mustr\uc1 \u259 ?ri de con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, nici p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii ei nu au observat. Francy este
ca o mobil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?. Exist\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nimeni
nu o vede... doar dac\uc1 \u259 ? se comport\uc1 \u259 ? scandalos. Oricum, este cu
ochii pe Eddy acum. Cum crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? va reac\uc1 \u355 ?iona el?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy este doar un copil.
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i arcui o spr\uc1 \u238 ?ncean\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oi fi tu}{\fs22 \dbch
unchiul ei, dar cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti orb. El ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din
umeri st\uc1 \u238 ?njenit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy are o via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? sexual\uc1 \u259 ? normal\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Are vreo leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? curent\uc1 \u259 ? cu cineva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - O femeie de la cartierul general. Nu am auzit b\uc1 \u238 ?rfe c\uc1
\u259 ? }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 -}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s-ar culca cu ea, de\uc1 \u351
?i multe ar dori s\uc1 \u259 ?-l}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 atrag}{\fs22 \dbch
\cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?. Dar cu Francy? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cl\uc1 \u259 ?tina din
cap nesigur. Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy se va atinge de ea. Nu e genul de om
s\uc1 \u259 ? accepte o feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani
mai t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t el, mai ales Francy. E
prea inteligent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? ai dreptate, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u350 ?i asta nu pentru c\uc1 \u259
? m\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe mine persoana lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 El nu mai avu timp s'\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? doctorul deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u355 ?i prea vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
ave\uc1 \u355 ?i acest sentiment de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile trecute, nu o va ajuta pe Mandy acum.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar cum ar trebui s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? simt, doctore? Nu a\uc1 \u355 ?i vorbit dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt singura responsabil\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru \uc1 \u351 ?ocul emo\uc1 \u355 ?ional al copilului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli. To\uc1
\u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii fac. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i primul pas spre rezolvarea problemei.
V\uc1 \u259 ? petrece\uc1 \u355 ?i mai mult timp cu Mandy. \uc1 \u238 ?i l\uc1
\u259 ?uda\uc1 \u355 ?i micile realiz\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i minimaliza\uc1
\u355 ?i micile e\uc1 \u351 ?ecuri. Are nevoie de o astfel de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere
din partea dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
prea este mare lucru, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? foarte mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
altceva ar trebu}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i s\uc1 \u259 ? mai facem?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ?-i cere\uc1
\u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea. "Mandy, vrei \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1
\u259 ? de vanilie sau de ciocolat\uc1 \u259 ??" S\uc1 \u259 ? o obliga\uc1 \u355 ?
i s\uc1 \u259 ? aleag\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? ia hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?ri,
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i exprime g\uc1 \u238 ?ndurile. Am sentimentul c\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu a fost \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Feti\uc1 \u355 ?a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? are o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere foarte
proast\uc1 \u259 ? despre ea. Se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu unii
copii, pentru a atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra lor. Se consider\uc1 \u259 ?"
inexistent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nesemnificativ\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? capul \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Avery pl\uc1
\u238 ?ngea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u351 ?opti ea. \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? se scuze
\uc1 \u238 ?n numele Carolei care nu}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 merita iertare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este numai vina ta. \uc1
\u350 ?i eu am fost acolo. Trebuia }{\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs22
\cf1 intervin.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Din nefericire, nu a\uc1 \u355 ?i
intervenit. Accidentul de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 avion a sporit
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tile copilului. Cum s-a comportat la ultima c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?torie cu avionul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Abia
-dac\uc1 \u259 ? am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?-i prindem centura de
siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici mie nu mi-
a fost prea u\uc1 \u351 ?or, accept\uc1 \u259 ? Avery. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu mi-ar fi vorbit \uc1 \u238 ?ncontinuu, nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi supo/tat zborul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, spuse doctorul cu simpatie".
Cum s-a comportat Mandy odat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a\uc1 \u355 ?i decolat}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery se privir\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci nu ne-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit, dar acum v\uc1 \u259 ?d
c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a comportat bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
A\uc1 \u351 ?a mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1 \u355 ?i pus
centura de siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai aminte\uc1
\u351 ?te nimic de dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te
c\uc1 \u259 ? tot dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i salvat-o.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
spune\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? consider\uc1 \u259 ? pe mine
vinovat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am instalat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n avion? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery duc\uc1 \u238 ?nd o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
g\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -*Da, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o oarecare m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dumnezeule! Tremur\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i duse m\uc1
\u238 ?na la gur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rata desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcare va fi atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i va l\uc1 \u259 ?sa mintea s\uc1 \u259 ? reproduc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?ntregime explozia. Atunci \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va aminti c\uc1
\u259 ? dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i salvat-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ? fie extrem de greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar foarte necesar pentru a se vindeca. De fapt, ea se
lupt\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? reprime aceste amintiri. P\uc1 \u259 ?rerea mea este
c\uc1 \u259 ? toate co\uc1 \u351 ?marurile ajung p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n momentul impactului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spune mereu
c\uc1 \u259 ? o m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? focul. Nu putem face nimic
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i stimul\uc1 \u259 ?m memoria? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hipnoza ar fi o
posibilitate. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i eu a\uc1 \u351 ? prefera o desc\uc1 \u259 ?
tu\uc1 \u351 ?are natural\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ? sugerez ca da}{\fs23 \dbch
ta viitoare,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va avea un co\uc1
\u351 ?mar, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o mai trezi\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? vi se pare o cruzime, dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ?
prin toate fazele accidentului, s\uc1 \u259 ? revad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i "
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? latur\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd este salvat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1
\u355 ?ele mamei ei. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i va putea dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
temerile subcon\uc1 \u351 ?tiente \uc1 \u351 ?i frica de mama ei p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? nu va avea aceast\uc1 \u259 ? experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar va fi
extrem de greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu,
zise doctorul ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se. Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? invidiez c\uc1 \u259 ?
ve\uc1 \u355 ?i sta l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?i o ve\uc1 \u355 ?i
privi rev\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd acele \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. A\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? o v\uc1 \u259 ?
d peste dou\uc1 \u259 ? luni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vom veni.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i mai \uc1
\u238 ?nainte, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i crede c\uc1 \u259 ? este necesar.
Veni\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd dori\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Nu era mama lui Mandy, mama de care se temea feti\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u351 ?i
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea o va acuza pe ea, Abia se \uc1 \u355 ?inea
pe picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Suc}{\fs23
\cf1 ces \uc1 \u238 ?n campania electoral\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse psihologul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Doctorul lu\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?iniie lui Avery cu bl\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mboln\uc1 \u259 ?vi\uc1 \u355 ?i
de remu\uc1 \u351 ?care \uc1 \u351 ?i vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie. S\uc1
\u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259 ? o iubi\uc1 \u355 ?i foarte mult pe fiica
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O iubesc. V-a
spus ea c\uc1 \u259 ? rn\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte frumos
despre m\uc1 \u259 ?mica ei, dar refuz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? povesteasc\uc1
\u259 ? tot ce s-a petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de accident. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ?
asta v\uc1 \u259 ? spune ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Ce?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ? v-a\uc1 \u355
?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it calitatea de p\uc1 \u259
?rinte. Cu dragostea tandr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i grija permanent\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care o ave\uc1 \u355 ?i acum, Mandy va dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i acest moment
\uc1 \u351 ?i va fi un copil excep\uc1 \u355 ?ional de inteligent.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sper, doctore. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Doctorul \uc1 \u238 ?i conduse
spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, am tres\uc1 \u259 ?rit violent
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Acum un an o t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? de la televiziune mi-a luat un interviu. Seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
extraordinar de bine cu dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?. E chiar din acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
ora\uc1 \u351 ?. O cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i? se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te Avery
Daniels.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery Daniels, Avery Daniels,
Avery Daniels.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?
imea \uc1 \u238 ?i striga numele \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce ea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? printre
oameni. Avery Daniel}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s, Avery Daniels, Avery Daniels.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Erau oameni peste tot. Ea
se \uc1 \u238 ?mpiedic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?mase \uc1 \u238 ?n
urma lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost \uc1 \u238 ?
nghi\uc1 \u355 ?it de mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. "\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e!" urla ea. Dar el nu o auzea pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? strig\uc1 \u259 ?tele
demonice \uc1 \u238 ?i acopereau vocea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery,
Avery, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mplat? O \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?! \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era plin de s\uc1 \u238 ?
nge. se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre ea \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u238 ?nji, "Avery Daniels,
Avery Daniels".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole? Avery
Daniels.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
Carole? Treze\uc1 \u351 ?te-te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? brusc. Tremura toat\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea gura uscat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?
Se arunc\uc1 \u259 ? la pieptul lui. Dumnezeul}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai avut un
co\uc1 \u351 ?mar?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea d\uc1 \u259 ?du
din cap \uc1 \u238 ?ngrop\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?a la pieptul
lui reconfortant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog \uc1
\u355 ?ine-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Numai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El st\uc1 \u259 ?tea pe
marginea patului. La rug\uc1 \u259 ?mintea ei se apropie pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1
\u351 ?i o prinse \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Avery se lipi de el. Inima ei
b\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu putere. Nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ? uite imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u238 ?ngerat\uc1 \u259 ? a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e care o privise cu}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dispre\uc1 \u355 ? acuzator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Din ce cauz\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, min\uc1 \u355 ?i ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Nu ai mai fost \uc1 \u238 ?n apele
tale din momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care doctorul Webster a men\uc1 \u355 ?ionat numele
lui Avery Daniels. Ea se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu degetele prin p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei, apoi o prinse de
ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-mi vine s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a \uc1 \u351 ?tiut
c\uc1 \u259 ? femeia aceea a murit \uc1 \u238 ?n accident. N-avea de unde s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? te va nelini\uc1 \u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sau de ce, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi
ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am purtat proste\uc1 \u351
?te?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? auzea \uc1 \u238 ?ncontinuu cuvintele doctorului, a
cuprins-o ame\uc1 \u355 ?eala \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a rezemat de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu proste\uc1
\u351 ?te, dar aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? ai le\uc1 \u351 ?inat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi amintesc cum am plecat de acolo. El o \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de ta}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 lie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost o
coinciden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? foarte bizar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? erai \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i avion cu femeia aceea, Daniels, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea te confunda cu
ea. Este surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?tor cum nimeni nu a mai amintit de asem\uc1 \u259 ?
narea voastr\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, el \uc1 \u351 ?tia cine este Avery Daniels.
Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea mai bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o scen\uc1 \u259 ?.
Uneori... \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? o mai \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u259 ? la pieptul lui. Vorbea mai u\uc1 \u351 ?or dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?l
privea \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Ce?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt
obosit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i tot v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe oameni privindu-m\uc1
\u259 ? fix. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt o curiozitate pentru ei. M\uc1 \u259 ? simt ciu}{\fs23
\cf1 dat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este natural.
Nimeni nu are \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? inten\uc1 \u355 ?ii rele.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? fac
con\uc1 \u351 ?tient\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc. Uneori
m\uc1 \u259 ? simt bandajat\uc1 \u259 ?. O lacrim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
alunec\uc1 \u259 ? din}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i se
opri pe um\uc1 \u259 ?rul iui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-a
speriat visul, spuse el \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se u\uc1
\u351 ?or. Nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? bei}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Scoase o sticl\uc1
\u259 ? de sherry \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? pahare \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse la pat. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? era con\uc1 \u351 ?tient c\uc1 \u259 ?
e \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat numai \uc1 \u238 ?n halat, nu d\uc1 \u259 ?du nici
un semn despre}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 asta.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru victoria ta, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. Ciocni cu el. Lichidul o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzea. Hmm. Ce idee bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23
\cf1 umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?eau \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?' toate problemele c\uc1
\u259 ?sniciei, dar nici o intimitate. Nu exista nici o pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere care
s\uc1 \u259 ? echilibreze \uc1 \u238 ?ncordarea din turneul electoral. Erau
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i nu erau. Ocupau acela\uc1
\u351 ?i spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu, dar existau separat. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n noaptea aceasta Mandy a fost leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura dintre ei. A dormit cu
Avery. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea aceasta Mandy nu era acolo. Erau singuri \uc1
\u238 ?n mijlocul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii. St\uc1 \u259 ?teau cu un pahar \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i discutau probleme personale. Orice cuplu
normal ar fi terminat f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Deja \uc1 \u238 ?mi este dor}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de Mandy. Nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut bine
trimi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?napoi acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a am
planificat \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? vom face dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
vom vorbi cu doctorul Webster.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am vorbit cu el, am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas convins\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu cu ea \uc1 \u238 ?n permanen\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar el a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va avea probleme pentru o desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ire de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? Cum de a devenit feti\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u238 ?t de introvertit\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ional?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ntrebarea era retoric\uc1 \u259 ?, nu a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns la
ea. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai auzit ce am
spus. \uc1 \u354 ?i-a spus cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat. Nu ai stat
suficient de mult l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Iar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai stat, ai}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 avut o influen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
distructiv\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Furia \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea loc. Avery se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea
obligat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i tu unde ai
fost \uc1 \u238 ?n tot acest timp? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu am fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
rea, tu de ce nu ai intervenit? Mandy are doi p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-am dat seama. Ast\uc1
\u259 ?zi am recunoscut. De fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd sugeram ceva,
s\uc1 \u259 ?reai ca ars\uc1 \u259 ?. Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
bine copilului s\uc1 \u259 ? ne vad\uc1 \u259 ? cert\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-ne mereu. A\uc1
\u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am putut interveni, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? transformam o
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie deja proast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-una \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
proast\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Nu... nu pleca \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. A fost o zi
lung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i obositoare. Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem
tensiona\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? dau vina pe tine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? mergi \uc1 \u351 ?i tu acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, spuse ea repede, locul meu este l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut exact ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpla
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n noiembrie. Va fi din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce
mai greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
m\uc1 \u259 ? descurc. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? pun c\uc1 \u238 ?te un
b\uc1 \u259 ?nu\uc1 \u355 ? deoparte de c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori ai spus ast\uc1 \u259 ?
zi "Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutiedge,
candidez pentru Senat". Oare c\uc1 \u238 ?te m\uc1 \u238 ?ini }{\fs23 \dbch
ai str\uc1 \u238 ?ns?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - At\uc1 \u238 ?t
de multe, spuse el f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd un gest cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Ea
r\uc1 \u238 ?se u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy a \uc1
\u238 ?nnebunit c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u238 ?t spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu
de emisie ai avut ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi la televiziune, spuse ea g\uc1 \u238 ?nditor.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne-au dat dou\uc1 \u259 ?
zeci de secunde la emisiunea de la \uc1 \u351 ?ase. Nu pare mult, dar mi s-a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ei \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este. A\uc1 \u351 ?a mi s-a spus \uc1 \u351 ?i mie, ad\uc1
\u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ? ea repede. A fost uluit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd I-a v\uc1
\u259 ?zut pe Van reporter KTEX.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Toat\uc1 \u259 ?
ziua a fost pe urmele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce au venit tocmai din S\uc1 \u226 ?n Antonio? I-a}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu pune sub semnul \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rii publicitatea care
\uc1 \u355 ?i se face pe gratis. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n
camera de luat vederi ori de c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori ai ocazia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar ea a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat numai s\uc1 \u259 ?-l evite pe Van.
s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? el o urm\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te cu aparatul
de filmat. A fost un joc de-a \uc1 \u351 ?oarecele \uc1 \u351 ?i pisica, \uc1 \u238
?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu vizita la doctor i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat nervii la maximum.
Era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t mai
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?sea o pereche de
cercei, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o scen\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? erau aici unde i-am pus, a strigat ea la}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai caut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum arat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? plece la o
petrecere. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate
de or\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Verigi de
argint. Nu i-am purtat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. l-am adus special pentru toaleta
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i po\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?nlocui cu altceva? -Va trebui. La dracu'!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 In ultima vreme \uc1 \u238 ?i tot lipseau lucruri}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 m\uc1
\u259 ?runte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, pentru
Dumnezeu, calmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?-te, spuse Taie care p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci
fusese \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de calm. Ai uitat o pereche de cercei. Nu-i un cap\uc1
\u259 ?t de lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu i-am uitat.
Inspir\uc1 \u238 ?nd ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?l privi. Nu este prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi
dispare c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 eva \uc1 \u238 ?n mod}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 misterios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi spui. Voi suna imediat personalul}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 hotelului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu numai
aici. \uc1 \u350 ?i acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Cineva \uc1 \u238 ?mi cotrob\uc1 \u259 ?ie
prin camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prin lucruri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este ridicol. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti nebun\uc1 \u259 ?? Reac\uc1
\u355 ?ia lui era de a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i nici imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ie bogat\uc1 \u259 ? nu
am. \uc1 \u238 ?mi lipsesc lucruri m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, nu semnificative. Ca
afurisita asta de pereche de cercei, pe care \uc1 \u351 ?tiu exact c\uc1 \u259 ? i-
am \uc1 \u238 ?mpachetat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sensibil la orice
critic\uc1 \u259 ? adus\uc1 \u259 ? familiei lui, el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?a bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele pe piept.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe cine acuzi?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? dispari\uc1 \u355 ?ia obiectelor, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? mi se violeaz\uc1 \u259 ? intimitatea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O b\uc1 \u259 ?taie la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era tot ce le trebuia pentru a pune capac.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? veni
vorba, strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea iritat\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce naiba nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?im
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? termin\uc1 \u259 ?m o conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie
intim\uc1 \u259 ?? Mereu ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupe c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ineva.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, te
aude Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ?-l
ia dracu' pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy intr\uc1 \u259 ?
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nte\uc1 \u355 ?i gata?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole \uc1
\u351 ?i-a pierdut cerceii. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l privi furioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pune al\uc1 \u355 ?ii sau
mergi f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m |
imediat. Jack a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1
\u259 ?. Avem o or\uc1 \u259 ? de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mers.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S-au \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi\uc1 \u355 ?i spre lift. L-au g\uc1 \u259 ?sit pe Jack m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u238 ?nd nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit trotuarul. Nu au discutat \uc1 \u238
?n timpul drumului dec\uc1 \u238 ?t despre campanie, din fericire pentru ea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n mod surprinz\uc1
\u259 ?tor, petrecerea a fost distractiv\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu a fost admis\uc1 \u259 ?
presa \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai
concentreze asupra lui Van, ea s-a relaxat \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a distrat. Chiar a
dansat cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. A fost ideea lui Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Haide\uc1 \u355 ?i. Oamenii apreciaz\uc1 \u259 ? asta.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1
\u259 ? danseze z\uc1 \u238 ?mbindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i. Era convins\uc1 \u259 ? |
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el se distreaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au terminat, el s-a aplecat}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i
a s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta\uc1 \u355 ?-o pe obraji. Avea o expresie ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n privire. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? l-a surprins \uc1 \u351 ?i pe el gestul
spontan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, ea a stat cuminte \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1
\u355 ? de banchet\uc1 \u259 ? privind pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
timp :e Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Edd}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 y analizau c\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine a mers
totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era epuizat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntins \uc1 \u238 ?n pat. Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?
ea s\uc1 \u259 ? adoarm\uc1 \u259 ?. Considera pre\uc1 \u355 ?ios fiecare moment pe
care \uc1 \u238 ?l avea cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Erau mereu \uc1 \u238 ?
nconjura\uc1 \u355 ?i de oameni. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1
\u259 ? rareori erau singuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? este bun un sherr}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 y, spuse \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u238 ?nd
spre el paharul gol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0
\uc1 \u355 ?i-e somn?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
privi intens din cap p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dansat .cu mine. Mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? spuneai c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt st\uc1 \u238 ?
ngaci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gre\uc1 \u351 ?
eam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El continu\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi stinse lampa Tocmai dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?
plece spre patul lui c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ea \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de m\uc1 \u238 ?
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Jate?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 I}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nghe\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Silueta lui nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? se proiecta pe
draperiile care opreau lumina de}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
afar\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia t\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ?, ea \uc1
\u238 ?l chem\uc1 \u259 ? din nou. \uc1 \u238 ?ncet el se aplec\uc1 \u259 ?
deasupra ei. Disperat\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u259 ?du cu picioarele cearceaful de pe
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,
eu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, spuse el scurt. Nu spune
nimic ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc. Acum te
doresc, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? aud nici un cuv\uc1
\u238 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O s\uc1 \u259 ?
rut\uc1 \u259 ? cu pasiune. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2
A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 capul \uc1 \u238 ?n palme, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet corpul lui se relaxa
l}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ia coapsa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe mine m\uc1
\u259 ? vrei? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Mi-ai spus
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu vorbesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie din nou pe coaps\uc1 \u259 ? ispitindu-l s\uc1
\u259 ? se apropie mai mult de ea. Gem\uc1 \u238 ?nd, el \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1
\u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?rute. Cobor\uc1 \u238 ? apoi pe g\uc1 \u238 ?t, pe piept
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe s\uc1 \u238 ?ni. Corpul ei r\uc1 \u259 ?spundea supus. Se l\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? purtat\uc1 \u259 ? de impetuozitatea sentimentelor care o
cople\uc1 \u351 ?eau. C\uc1 \u259 ?ldura care-i str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tea
corpul se transmitea spre el. De\uc1 \u351 ?i rezista, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
era la fel de \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat ca \uc1 \u351 ?i ea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sun\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El retrase o m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, se rostogoli pe marginea patului \uc1 \u351 ?i duse receptorul la }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ureche.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Alo? dup\uc1
\u259 ? o scurt\uc1 \u259 ? pauz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1
\u259 ?. Da, Jack, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt treaz. Ce este?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery scoase un strig\uc1
\u259 ?t reprimat de nemul\uc1 \u355 ?umire \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse cu
spatele la el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Vin imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy s-
a ridicat din scaunul comod. Pretudindeni \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u erau
grafice de computer, t\uc1 \u259 ?ieturi de ziar, h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
demografice. G\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se c\uc1 \u259 ? a sosit comanda f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut\uc1 \u259 ? la room service, deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai uite pe vizor. Francy st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n prag.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it s-o mai
v\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1 \u351 ?i pe asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Foarte
agitat, el \uc1 \u238 ?i bloca intrarea \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ce s\uc1
\u259 ? vezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? te
v\uc1 \u259 ?d deschiz\uc1 \u238 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea obraznic. Apoi ochii alba\uc1 \u351 ?
tri i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecar\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe cine a\uc1 \u351 ?teptai?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te prive\uc1 \u351 ?te.
Ce faci tu la o asemenea dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare de cas\uc1 \u259 ?, feti\uc1 \u355 ?
o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se auzi clopo\uc1 \u355 ?elul
liftului \uc1 \u351 ?i chelnerul de la.room service ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru cu o
tav\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domnul Paschal?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pune-o aici. Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu loc s\uc1 \u259 ? intre, dar pe
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? chelner se strecur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy.
Intr\uc1 \u259 ? direct \uc1 \u238 ?n baie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise
u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Eddy semn\uc1 \u259 ? cecul \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi \uc1 \u238 ?l
conduse pe chelner la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - D}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 istrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i ur\uc1 \u259 ? chelnerul cu sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles. Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ? foarte
nepoliticos,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u238 ?nd la u\uc1 \u351 ?a b\uc1 \u259 ?ii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vin \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o secund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Deschise u\uc1
\u351 ?a aranj\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i fusta scurt\uc1 \u259 ?. Era}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dintr-un material }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire
care i se lipea de corp \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i contura formele, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? bluza ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Era
dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu un ruj strident, iar pe m\uc1 \u238 ?ini avea zeci de br\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri de plastic colorat. Cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul bogat
foarte ciufulit, ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ca o t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai comandat? Mi-e o foame de mor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te-am invitat, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse Eddy, bloc\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-i }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 drumul spre masa cu m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare. O prinse de bra\uc1
\u355 ?. Ce faci aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n
primul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pipi. Uite, acum vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O str\uc1 \u238 ?
nse cu putere de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbi
printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce faci la
Houston?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? plictiseam
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se
elibereze. Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac .eu singur\uc1 \u259 ? acolo numai cu mama \uc1
\u351 ?i Mona? Mama este mai mult ame\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot timpul se
pl\uc1 \u238 ?nge c\uc1 \u259 ? tata n-o iube\uc1 \u351 ?te. La drept vorbind,
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiesc c\uc1 \u259 ? a iubit-o vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u350 ?tii, ea l-a min\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
rcinat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-au c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ridic\uc1 \u259 ? capacul}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 de argint de pe farfurii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce...hmm...e bun. Cum faci de \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?strezi
silueta c\uc1 \u238 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nci at\uc1 \u238 ?t de t\uc1
\u238 ?rziu. seara \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?tea bun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii ei
cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u238 ?i treceau \uc1 \u238 ?n revist\uc1 \u259 ?
trupul. Sugestiv \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i umezi buzele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, mama crede c\uc1 \u259 ? tata fuge
dup\uc1 \u259 ? fustele m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii Carole, ceea ce eu cred c\uc1
\u259 ? este scandalos. Tu ce zici? Parc\uc1 \u259 ?-i povestea din Vechiul
Testament -b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul care \uc1 \u238 ?i fur\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
fratelui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u259 ?
catul s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nii, de Francy Rutledge. Fata
chicoti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mama este tot timpul
posomorit\uc1 \u259 ?, iar Mona m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te dorind
parc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? stranguleze. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? bunicul \uc1 \u351 ?i bunica, ceea ce nu va fi
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru mirie. Am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? vin
aici, unde este mai}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 palpitant.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum vezi, nu
este nimic palpitant, spuse el}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
enervat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Plin\uc1 \u259 ? de tupeu,
Francy se ghemui \uc1 \u238 ?n fotoliu \uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
senzual dintr-o ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Avea aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i culoare ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
buzele ei. O pic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de zeam\uc1 \u259 ? i se prelinse din}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 col\uc1 \u355 ?ul gurii.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, Eddy
drag\uc1 \u259 ?, este c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai'am bani. Mi s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
voi mai primi pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it limitele.
Uite a\uc1 \u351 ?a, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntinz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se languros, am
venit la cef mai bun prieten s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea un mic \uc1 \u238 ?mprumut.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t de mic?}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs22
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - O sut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?i-a\uc1 \u351 ? da \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? numai s\uc1 \u259 ? scap de
tine. Duse m\uc1 \u238 ?na la buzunarul pantalonului, scoase ni\uc1 \u351 ?te h\uc1
\u238 ?rtii \uc1 \u351 ?i i le arunc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dou\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai \uc1 \u351 ?i
pentru benzin\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i nu mai
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai vrei, n-ai dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ceri lui
taic\uc1 \u259 ?-t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Este la camera 1215.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?? Mai ales dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i voi spune c\uc1 \u259 ? vin de la tine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
consult\uc1 \u259 ? ceasul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?n locul t\uc1 \u259 ?u a\uc1 \u351 ? pleca imediat,
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? fie prea t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. S\uc1 \u259 ? conduci
cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o conduc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-e
foame. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tot ai fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de zg\uc1 \u238 ?rcit, ai putea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi oferi m\uc1 \u259 ?car o cin\uc1 \u259 ?. Sau un sandvi\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Serve\uc1 \u351 ?te-te
singur\uc1 \u259 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse la mas\uc1 \u259 ?, trase un scaun
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce un
sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?, citind \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp o h\uc1 \u238 ?
rtie. Francy \uc1 \u238 ?i smulse h\uc1 \u238 ?rtia din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?zne\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ignori, tic\uc1 \u259 ?
losule?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lic\uc1 \u259 ?rul
din ochii lui era amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu te-am invitat eu aic'i, t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ? mic\uc1 \u259 ? ce
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Nu te vreau. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place
aici, n-ai dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti.
Cu c\uc1 \u238 ?t mai repede, cu at\uc1 \u238 ?t mai bine. C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259
?torie spr\uc1 \u238 ?ncenat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh,
Eddy, nu vorbi a\uc1 \u351 ?a cu mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n genunchi pe covor \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre el. Strecur\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile pe sub
c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a lui \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu fi
r\uc1 \u259 ?u cu mine. Te iubesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Termin\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se apropie \uc1
\u351 ?i strecur\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?ntre picioarele lui \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i s\uc1 \u259 ?rute pieptul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Te iubesc a\uc1 \u351 ?a de mult. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i tu m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti. El scoase un geam\uc1 \u259 ?t involuntar de
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Ea}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i desfac\uc1 \u259 ? cureaua
pantalonilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule,
spuse el prinz\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o de ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i privea buzele
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce organul lui r\uc1 \u259 ?spundea involuntar
provoc\uc1 \u259 ?rilor, \uc1 \u238 ?ntret\uc1 \u259 ?iat rosti de dou\uc1 \u259 ?
ori numele ei. Ea ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirea spre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - lube\uc1 \u351 ?te-m\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 El se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \uc1 \u351 ?i o
trase lipind-o de el. Gurile lor \uc1 \u351 ?-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un s\uc1 \u259 ?rut carnal \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce m\uc1 \u238 ?inile
ei se luptau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i dezbrace c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a. Au
c\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat. \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a fi
dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? de rochie, el era deasupra ei nereu\uc1 \u351 ?ind
s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai ab\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Eddy era
contorsionat\uc1 \u259 ? de o grimas\uc1 \u259 ?, trupul lui Francy era arcuit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, a fost grozav!
oft\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u351 ?eta, scoase un pache\uc1 \u355 ?el de
prezervative \uc1 \u351 ?i i-l arunc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Data viitoare s\uc1 \u259 ? folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti unul din \uc1 \u259 ?s}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine spune c\uc1
\u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie o dat\uc1 \u259 ? viitoare? Franby \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i admir\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine trupul gol
reflectat \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 oglinda de
toalet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u238 ?ine
o s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu numai v\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai fost pedepsit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
obr\uc1 \u259 ?znicie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu prea te-ai
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns de ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, domnule . Paschal.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?nto}{\fs23 \dbch
arse spre tava cu m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare. \uc1 \u238 ?n cupa de \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1
\u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai era dec\uc1 \u238 ?t o spum\uc1 \u259 ? alb\uc1
\u259 ? cu sirop de ciocolat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
naiba, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? ea, s-a topit \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?ata. Eddy
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u238 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se trezise \uc1 \u238 ?naintea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e. In camer\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Era foarte devreme dar nu mai
putea s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?. "Intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet \uc1
\u238 ?n baie \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un du\uc1 \u351 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd
ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din baie \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? doarme
profund.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? cheia camerei.
Lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? alerge
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu era acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era u\uc1
\u351 ?or, mai ales c\uc1 \u238 ?nd locuiai \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un hotel. C\uc1 \u238 ?
nd se \uc1 \u238 ?ntorcea bea un sfert de ap\uc1 \u259 ? cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiasc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ?
cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta,
spre congelator s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? apa la \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?
at. Era la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea drumului prin hol, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o alt\uc1
\u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se deschise. O v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe Francy
ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind pe furi\uc1 \u351 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre lift,
dar f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un pas \uc1 \u238 ?napoi c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe
\af0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery r\uc1 \u259 ?
mase \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrit\uc1 \u259 ? la apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia fetei. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?
ta \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul ciufulit, maghiajul \uc1 \u238 ?ntins pe
toat\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, buzele umflate. Era zg\uc1 \u238 ?riat\uc1
\u259 ? pe g\uc1 \u238 ?t, dar nu era deloc ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ? de asta.
De fapt, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u351 ?i-a revenit a aruncat sfid\uc1 \u259 ?
tor \uc1 \u351 ?uvi\uc1 \u355 ?ele de p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a ar\uc1 \u259
?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? este zg\uc1 \u238 ?riat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe piept.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Carole.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul ei dulceag
era \uc1 \u238 ?n contrast i,zbitor cu \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?area. Avery, mut\uc1 \u259 ? de uimire, se lipi de peretele holului.
Francy trecu pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Avery mirosi c\uc1 \u259 ? este
nesp\uc1 \u259 ?lat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ? de dezgust.
Liftul sosi imediat. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?nainte}{\b1 \fs23 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 de }{\b1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n el, Francy \uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? privire sfic \uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery privi c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1
\u259 ? a liftului. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i privi u\uc1 \u351 ?a pe
care ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tia exact cine locuia acolo.}
avea o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere prea bun\uc1 \u259 ? despre prietenul s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Eddy
nu era chiar at\uc1 \u238 ?t de scrupulos. \uc1 \u350 ?i nici foarte inteligent.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De la Houston au plecat la
Waco, apoi El Paso, unde \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e avea voturile popula\uc1
\u355 ?iei spanicle. Au fost primi\uc1 \u355 ?i ca o pereche regal\uc1 \u259 ?. La
aeropor, Avery a primit un buchet enorm de flori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - }{\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Senora Rutledge, como esta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Muy bien, gracias. Y usten? Como se lama? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul ei cordial se topi c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v\uc1 \u259 ?zu privirile}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ascu\uc1 \u355 ?ite din ochii
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tii spaniola?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?teva miimi de secund\uc1
\u259 ? lui Avery nu-i trecu prin cap o minciun\uc1 \u259 ? credibil\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ea terminase un colegiu spaniol. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e vorbea curent spaniola.
Nu i-a trecut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? prin cap s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole o vorbea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am...
am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac o surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt surprins.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Votul spaniolilor este foarte
important. M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi bine s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ? doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva cuvinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? lui Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i p\uc1 \u259
?rea bine c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?nconjura\uc1 \u355 ?i de
oameni. Altfel, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ar fi pus foarte multe \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Din fericire, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nimeni nu a mai auzit dialogul
lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tot timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n
prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i a. lui Eddy au c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?torit dintr-un ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n altul, dar nu a ob\uc1 \u355 ?
inut nici o informa\uc1 \u355 ?ie asupra unei posibile conspira\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Cu
foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ? a pus \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri, dar
nu a aflat nimic, \uc1 \u238 ?n treac\uc1 \u259 ?t, l-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe
Jack cum de a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? intre \uc1 \u238 ?n spital \uc1
\u238 ?n noaptea \uc1 \u238 ?n care ea \uc1 \u351 ?i-a rec\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
tat cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El a
privit-o uimit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre ce naiba
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m asta. Uneori amestec amintirile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack era ori nevinovat ori un actor de clas\uc1 \u259 ?. A
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l abordeze \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt membru al
familiei. Ce naiba s\uc1 \u259 ? fi c\uc1 \u259 ?utat eu ia spital.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, }{\fs23
\cf1 ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? murmur\uc1 \u259 ? doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva cuvinte, scuz\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-se pentru confuzie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tot timpul pe drum
discutau de}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spre strategii. Erau \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre Odessa,
trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se adreseze petroli\uc1 \u351 ?tilor independen\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ie
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Ei vor trebui m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i asculte ideile,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi
face pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au continuat s\uc1
\u259 ? se contrazic\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e avea o p\uc1 \u259 ?
rere contrar opus\uc1 \u259 ? celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?nea pe pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? n-or s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i plac\uc1
\u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nici nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu ei?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Oamenii trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aleag\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ceea ce
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oamenii,
voturile. Au nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? li se spun\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ce s\uc1 \u259 ?
voteze. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le-o repe\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? le
sun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ? ia singuri o hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mare \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere mai ai \uc1 \u238 ?n ame'icani,
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
idealist, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt. Mai bine a\uc1 \u351 ?a dec\uc1 \u238 ?t un cinic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 " - Bine, bine, spuse Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ciuitor.
S\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m asta acum. S\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim despre
spanioli. }{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-i cu ei?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Data viitoare c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? ie vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti nu te \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?na s\uc1 \u259 ? le aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti despre
integrarea lor \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
societatea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Societatea }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 noastr\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acum m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc la
popula\uc1 \u355 ?ia englez\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
este import}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ant ca ei s\uc1 \u259 ? se integreze. Este singurul
fel \uc1 \u238 ?n care putem p\uc1 \u259 ?stra o societate integr\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
accentuezi faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ei trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1
\u259 ?streze obiceiurile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar am spus
asta. Nu am spus-o? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? privindu-i pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A spus-o, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?ri Avery, dar Eddy o ignor\uc1 \u259 ?-.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, englezii nu v\uc1 \u259 ?d cu ochi buni faptul c\uc1 \u259
? societatea lor va fi invadat\uc1 \u259 ? de hispanici, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum nici
hispanicilor nu le place s\uc1 \u259 ? adopte obiceiuri engleze. Acum ne
intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fii ales. De aceste probleme te vei ocupa mai
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt de acord cu Eddy, spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e r\uc1 \u238 ?se uluit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Incredibil. Candidez pentru Senatul Statelor Unite \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mi se permite
s\uc1 \u259 ? am o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere personal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i se permite, \uc1 \u238 ?l
aborda Jack vorbindu-i ca unui copil bosumflat. Dar nu aborda problemele delicate
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aranja h\uc1 \u238 ?rtiile. Avery
\uc1 \u238 ?i studia m\uc1 \u238 ?inile care o zg\uc1 \u238 ?riaser\uc1 \u259 ? pe
Francy. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? Francy a venit la el s\uc1 \u259 ? o consoleze
dup\uc1 \u259 ? vreo alt\uc1 \u259 ? aventur\uc1 \u259 ? deocheat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru Dumnezeu, acum
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fim punctuali cu toate program\uc1 \u259 ?rile.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-am explicat
de ce am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziat azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Carole' a vorbit cu mama \uc1 \u351 ?i tata \uc1 \u351 ?i ei au vrut s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie toate am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele. Apoi am vorbit am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndoi cu Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i
Jack o privir\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca de obicei, erau critici. Se trezi c\uc1 \u259 ?- i
spune lui Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dorothy Rae
\uc1 \u351 ?i Francy \uc1 \u355 ?i-au transmis c\uc1 \u259 ? te iubesc.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe Eddy
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd mer, numele}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u8226 ?\uc1 \u259 ?spunse cu o privi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 1}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - I}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nainte de a ateriza schimba
i\uc1 \u355 ?a,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 adres\uc1 \u259 ?
el lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
are cravata mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Arat\uc1 \u259 ?
ca naiba, asta are.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-o
dau pe a mea, suger\uc1 \u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
a ta este \uc1 \u351 ?i mai rea, spuse Eddy. \uc1 \u354 ?i-o dau pe a mea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
ia naiba pe am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi cu cravatele voastre. L\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pace. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i rezem\uc1 \u259 ? capul
de scaun \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-le
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? mai vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu ei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l
felicit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?nd pentru rezisten\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtase \uc1 \u351
?i pe ea. De la noaptea din Houston, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd au fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
aproape s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? dragoste, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a
p\uc1 \u259 ?strat cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1 \u259 ? distan\uc1 \u355 ?a dintre
ei. Nu a fost \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna u\uc1 \u351 ?or pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuiau
s\uc1 \u259 ? stea \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Se evitau
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un mod ridicol. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vorbeau
se strop\uc1 \u351 ?eau unul la altul ca dou\uc1 \u259 ? animale care au stat prea
mult \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu trecu mult \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e adormi. Adormea }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 incredibil de repede.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - F\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
tu ceva, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse Eddy aplec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se peste scaun.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n ce privin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac? S\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1
\u259 ?-i cump\uc1 \u259 ?r cravate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ?-l convingi s\uc1 \u259 ? le vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ?-i
primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe cei doi propu\uc1 \u351 ?i de noi pentru continuare}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 a campaniei electorale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tu.
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti suficient de potrivit pentru asemenea lucruri, \uc1 \u238 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Te raz:, ni?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ce" i ce fel?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ii strici pr}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ogramul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te referi la noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dormea c\uc1 \u238
?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 nd ai sunat. Are nevoie de odihn\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Este epuizat}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? . .au s\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbesc cu el, vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-l dai imediat la telefon. Ai \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, Carole? \uc1 \u350 ?i acum s\uc1 \u259 ? discut\uc1 \u259 ?m
despre cei doi angaja\uc1 \u355 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
are nevoie de ei. Este convins c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i vor forma o imagine
nereal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la fel cred \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimeni nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a cerut
p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea, interveni Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?nd am o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere despre campania so\uc1 \u355 ?ului meu, rni-o voi
exprima. \uc1 \u350 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? pute\uc1 \u355 ?i duce la dracu' dac\uc1 \u259
? nu v\uc1 \u259 ? place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? fii so\uc1 \u355 ?ie de senator sau nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Urm\uc1
\u259 ? un moment de t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, apoi Eddy continu\uc1 \u259 ? cu un ton
conciliant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?
ceva, Carole, \uc1 \u351 ?i scoate-l pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e din starea asta
de tensiune. Este demolatoare pentru el. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cea care l-a adus
\uc1 \u238 ?n starea asta \uc1 \u351 ?i tu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sco\uc1 \u355 ?
i. Nu te purta de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai \uc1 \u351 ?ti ce s\uc1 \u259 ? faci
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? noi \uc1 \u351 ?tim to}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tul foarte bine.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Schimbul \uc1 \u238 ?
nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat de cuvinte \uc1 \u238 ?i aduse lui Avery un sentiment de
frustrare. Era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? ei o considerau pe ea vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?. A
fost o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urare c\uc1 \u238 ?nd au
aterizat, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fabric\uc1 \u259 ? un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet pentru
mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care \uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, dar z\uc1 \u238 ?
mbetul \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpietri c\uc1 \u238 ?nd printre fotografi \uc1
\u238 ?l depista pe Van Lovejoy. Imediat r\uc1 \u259 ?mase cu un pas \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se fereasc\uc1 \u259 ? de aparatul de filmat.
Privi mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i preg\uc1
\u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? mereu s\uc1 \u259 ? descopere un suspect.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Amestecat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre oameni, un
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?nalt \uc1 \u238 ?i atrase aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Era un
chip familiar. Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea unde l-a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mai
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, dar era sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
undeva, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama, omul disp\uc1
\u259 ?ru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imedfat ce
candidatul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itorii lui au plecat, b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n haine de cowboy. a
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din cabina telefonic\uc1 \u259 ?. Era m\uc1 \u238 ?ndru c\uc1
\u259 ? a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? se mi\uc1 \u351 ?te cu agilitate \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? invizibil.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Func\uc1 \u355 ?ionarul
\uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse cheile ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dori\uc1 \u355 ?i o hart\uc1 \u259 ?,"domnule?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, \uc1 \u351 ?
tiu unde merg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avea o
singur\uc1 \u259 ? geant\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntodeauna c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?torea cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine bagaje \uc1 \u351 ?i acolo unde era necesar
\uc1 \u238 ?nchiria o ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259
? spre ora\uc1 \u351 ?, urm\uc1 \u238 ?nd limuzina care \uc1 \u238 ?l ducea pe
Rutledge la o distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? apreciabil\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie prea mult. Era aproape sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Carole Rutledge
l-a remarcat \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Era pu\uc1 \u355 ?in probabil
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? de la asemenea distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n meseria lui discre\uc1 \u355 ?ia era cuv\uc1 \u238 ?ntul
de ordine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu le invidiez pe femeile texane. Ca
toate femeile din lume, \uc1 \u351 ?i ele au probleme serioase. Probleme la care
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1
\u259 ? solu\uc1 \u355 ?ii zilnice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e vorbea elocvent \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unui grup de
femei. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?t a fost programul de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat, nu
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i putea lua mintea de la un g\uc1 \u238 ?nd care \uc1 \u238
?l cJbseda: \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea aceasta va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?
cu Carole \uc1 \u238 ?ntr- un pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Multe dintre corpora\uc1 \u355 ?ii au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput un program social pentru
angaja\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? spun asta. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine
la num\uc1 \u259 ?r. A\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d rezultate mai
bune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n furtuna de
aplauze \uc1 \u354 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e continua s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238
?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu recep\uc1 \u355 ?ionera: "Mai
dori\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva?", "Da, a\uc1 \u351 ? prefera o camer\uc1 \u259 ? cu dou\uc1
\u259 ? paturi", ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acel
moment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aplauzele
contenir\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu coada ochiului o vedea pe Carole privindu-l curios. Era
foarte atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Salariul egal la munc\uc1 \u259 ? egal\uc1 \u259 ?, continu\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1
\u238 ?n microfon. Americanii aud mereu asta. Dar eu voi continua s\uc1 \u259 ? o
spun p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nd cineva va face
ceva concret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aplauzele erau
furtunoase. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi dezarmant \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? evite s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1
\u259 ? picioarele femeii care din primul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i oferea o
imagine spectaculoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n timpul scurt avut la dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie la hotel, a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
\uc1 \u238 ?n trecere trupul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei, prin u\uc1 \u351 ?a de la baie.
Avea un sutien pastel. Pielea moale. A \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrit \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? se ab\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? din nou.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acum se concentra s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i termine discursul. Se vor \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce la hotel, vor
privi \uc1 \u351 ?tirile \uc1 \u351 ?i se vor \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca pentru
dineul preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit \uc1 \u238 ?n onoarea lor la Southfork. \uc1 \u350 ?i
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce vor termina, se vor \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce \uc1 \u238 ?n afurisita
aceea de camer\uc1 \u259 ? cu pat dublu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Spre
auditoriu spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi a\uc1 \u351
?tepta s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sus\uc1 \u355 ?ine\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
noiembrie. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc foarte mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Era ova\uc1 \u355 ?ionat, \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn Carolei s\uc1
\u259 ? urce l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? .el pe podium. Ea i se al\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l prinse de talie, \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea
cuceritor. Putea juca teatru al naibii de bine. Abia dup\uc1 \u259 ? o jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy s\uc1 \u259 ?-i scoat\uc1 \u259
? din mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care nu-i mai l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? plece.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? la telefon. Este vorba de disear\uc1 \u259 ?, Nimic
serios. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu pleca\uc1 \u355 ?i acum, nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i ajunge la
timp. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i unde s\uc1 \u259 ? merge\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe autostrada l-30, da?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzia\uc1 \u355 ?i. O privi pe Carole.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e vine cu mine. Pentru tine chem un taxi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Merg \uc1 \u351 ?i eu cu \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u238 ?nat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch
Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E
\uc1 \u238 ?n regul\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Vine cu
mines}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1
\u238 ?ncurce. Nu mergem la un club pentru doamne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e vrea s\uc1
\u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 merg, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 merg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, capitul\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy. \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce el
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rta, Carole spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu scap\uc1 \u259 ? nici o ocazie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? taxeze. S\uc1
\u238 ?nt surprins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? te-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? te
\uc1 \u238 ?nsori cu mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? prea mult persoana
lui, dar eu am \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n instinctele lui.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu am \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n instinctele lui. De el nu prea s\uc1 \u238 ?nt.sigur\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ti-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de
n-ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i evi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t\uc1 \u259 ? privirea.
Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? jacheta, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bluz\uc1 \u259 ? de dantel\uc1 \u259 ? galben\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai fost minunat, \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. l-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce din palm\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai ales femeia din fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce culoare aveau chilo\uc1 \u355 ?ii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu purta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
R\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul t\uc1 \u259 ?ios o dezarma, \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse capul \uc1
\u351 ?i privi pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El ar
fi jurat c\uc1 \u259 ? o vede jignit\uc1 \u259 ?. Ei bine, n-avea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t!
De zile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir \uc1 \u351 ?i el se chinuia. De ce s\uc1 \u259
? sufere singur? \uc1 \u238 ?l g\uc1 \u238 ?dil\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a
o face s\uc1 \u259 ? sufere \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai observat c\uc1 \u259 ? am evitat problema avorturilor?
-Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam ce s\uc1 \u259 ? spun. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi trebuit s\uc1
\u259 ? te chem pe tine. Tu le-ai fi descris \uc1 \u238 ?n am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt cum
este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l
privi avea lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u354 ?i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un avort.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar eu nu voi \uc1 \u351 ?ti
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai min\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce te por\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Din cauza afurisitului de }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pat dublu, }{\fs23
\cf1 g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi el. \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? culca acolo va
trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi amintesc toate motivele pentru care te dispre\uc1 \u355 ?
uiesc. Bine\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? nu spuse nimic cu voce
tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La poarta fabricii pe care o
vizitau \uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta o delega\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Parcar\uc1 \u259 ?
ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina mai departe pentru a avea timp s\uc1 \u259 ? se reculeag\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu avea deloc chef s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?
mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le promit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
va rezolva conflictele de munc\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd el nu era \uc1 \u238 ?n
stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i rezolve problema c\uc1 \u259 ?sniciei. Cu toate
fibrele corpului \uc1 \u351 ?i-o dorea^pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac\uc1 \u259 ? jacheta, comand\uc1 \u259 ? el.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu
inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionez s\uc1 \u259 ? fac asta, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea cu}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine. \uc1 \u354 ?i se v\uc1 \u259 ?d
s\uc1 \u238 ?nii a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i prin
bluz\uc1 \u259 ?. Ori asta \uc1 \u351 ?i vrei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Du-te
la dracu'! \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse ea dulce printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O admira, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
revenise foarte repede dup\uc1 \u259 ? insultele inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionate \uc1 \u351
?i conversa inteligent cu liderii sindicali. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e d\uc1 \u259
?dea m\uc1 \u238 ?na cu oamenii. O pjivea pe Carole. F\uc1 \u259 ?cea campanie
electoral\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i el. \uc1 \u238 ?i asculta cu r\uc1 \u259 ?
bdare pe oameni. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum a spus \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy, costumul galben se
vedea c\uc1 \u238 ?t de colo \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. F\uc1 \u259 ?cea un
contrast perfect cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei negru. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1
\u259 ?uta cu insisten\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? un cusur, dar nu g\uc1 \u259 ?sea
nimic. Carole str\uc1 \u238 ?ngea m\uc1 \u238 ?inile murdare ale muncitorilor. Le
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea cuceritor, de\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ldura era de nesuportat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea a fost prima care a ajuns
la el c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a fost lovit si a c\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 zut.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n acel
moment \uc1 \u238 ?l privea. V\uc1 \u259 ?zu cum \uc1 \u238 ?l love\uc1 \u351 ?te
ceva. Din reflex, el duse m\uc1 \u238 ?na la t\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?zu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?eau doar c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i,
dar mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea era}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dens\uc1 \u259 ?,
s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut o ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicie p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd a trecut printre oameni \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! S\uc1 \u238 ?ngele \uc1
\u238 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nea din ran\uc1 \u259 ?. Aduce\uc1
\u355 ?i un doctor. Eddy! Jack! Face\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva, este r\uc1 \u259 ?nit!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i nimic, spuse \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice.
Ame\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na s\uc1 \u259 ? se sprijine
\uc1 \u351 ?i o g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe Avery, care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inea cu
putere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1
\u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? poate vorbi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice, Avery a fost convins\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? glon\uc1 \u355 ?ul I-a atins doar superficial, \uc1 \u238 ?i
rezem\uc1 \u259 ? capul pe s\uc1 \u238 ?nii ei. S\uc1 \u238 ?ngele \uc1 \u238 ?i
pat\uc1 \u259 ? bluza dar ea nu observ\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?
reu\uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de ei. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am nimic, murmur\uc1
\u259 ? el. Da\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi o batist\uc1 \u259 ?. Au chemat ambulan\uc1 \u355 ?
a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu era nevoie. M-a lovit
ceva. Privi \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul lui prin p\uc1 \u259 ?durea de picioare. Uite,
asta, spuse ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre o sticl\uc1 \u259 ? spart\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine naiba a aruncat?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - L-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Avery gata s\uc1 \u259 ? se lupte cu
atacatorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, n-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nimic. Da\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi o batist\uc1 \u259 ?, repet\uc1 \u259 ?
el. Acum ajuta\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ridic.}{\fs24
Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?. ; N-am
nimic. Ajuta\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?n timp ce ea \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?l ajutau s\uc1 \u259 ? se
ridice, Jack se apropie abia respir\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva muncitori nu te prea iubesc. I-a
arestat poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Erau c\uc1 \u238 ?
teva pancarte \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui. "Vota\uc1 \u355 ?i un liberal? Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fi\uc1 \u355 ?i nebuni!"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ? mergem, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Buzele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e erau albe de durere
\uc1 \u351 ?i furie. Am venit s\uc1 \u259 ? le cer voturi \uc1 \u351 ?i asta voi
face. Numai pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva nebuni n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? opresc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, Eddy are dreptate. De acum este treaba poli\uc1 \u355 ?iei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery a murit de o sut\uc1
\u259 ? de ori p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la el.
Tot timpul s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit, "Asta este. Asta este ceea ce am vrut s\uc1 \u259
? previn \uc1 \u351 ?i nu am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it". Incidentul i-a demonstrat c\uc1
\u238 ?t era el de vulnerabil \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?t de pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1
\u238 ?l putea ea proteja. Nimeni nu putea face nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n astfel de
sjtua\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ciuda sfaturilor, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se
mi\uc1 \u351 ?te printre oameni, str\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-le m\uc1 \u238 ?
inile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?nd batista la t\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ?. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu I-a iubit mai mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?t?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e i-a cerut p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea numai dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a privit
critic \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?. La fabric\uc1 \u259 ? au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-au schimbat turele. Abia apoi au
plecat acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i abia atunci le-a permis s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?l duc\uc1 \u259 ? la spital. Jack a venit cu alt\uc1 \u259 ? ma\uc1 \u351 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a ajuns c\uc1 \u238 ?nd doctorul \uc1 \u238 ?i prindea
cop}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 cile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery le-a dat un
telefon lui Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? ei trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? afle de la ei \uc1
\u351 ?i nu de la televizor. Au insistat s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. El a glumit la telefon de\uc1 \u351 ?i a primit cu pl\uc1
\u259 ?cere calmantele date de asistent\uc1 \u259 ?. Un grup masiv de reporteri
\uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 teptau la hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
{\fs23 \dbch
- \uc1 \u354 ?i-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut fotografii cu bluza p\uc1 \u259 ?tat\uc1 \u259
? de s\uc1 \u238 ?nge, ha spus Eddy din col\uc1 \u355 ?ul gurii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Remarca lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de
sensibilitate a \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat-o la culme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Tic\uc1 \u259 ?losule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
fac meseria, Carole. Exploatez fiecare situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie - bun\uc1 \u259 ? sau
rea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au ajuns
\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a camerei lor, Avery s-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntat pe Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy care
se preg\uc1 \u259 ?teau s\uc1 \u259 ? intre.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o s\uc1 \u259 ? se odihneasc\uc1 \u259 ? acum,
le-a spus f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le permit\uc1 \u259 ? alte
argumente. Voi spune centralistei s\uc1 \u259 ? anuleze toate telefoanele.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
fac\uc1 \u259 ? o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-ai
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? o scrii tu, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse ea lui Jack. Oricum,
tot tu scrii ce spune \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dar aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te-\uc1
\u355 ?i ce ne-a spus la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?l va acuza pe
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul care a aruncat sticla. Nici nu va condamna* sindicatele pentru
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ac\uc1 \u355 ?iune. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? sco\uc1 \u355 ?i tu ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vin
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? iau la 7,30, spuse Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? plece. Peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r strig\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?
rat: Fix.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e a dormit pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, apoi a privit \uc1 \u351 ?tirile, s-a
ridicat s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? un du\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?mbrace. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a fost gata, s-a apropiat de ea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l studie aprobator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Foarte romantic. Bandajul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ? o aur\uc1 \u259 ? de cavaler.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
este bine, m\uc1 \u259 ?car at\uc1 \u238 ?t, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
doare \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se apropie
de el \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem neap\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriem pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - N-are dec\uc1 \u238 ?t. Oamenii }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vor \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elege. Michael Jackson \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i poate am\uc1 \u238 ?na un concert
pentru o simpl\uc1 \u259 ? durere de stomac \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
poate dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gi miile de admiratori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -.Dar
pot eu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gesc pe ai mei? El \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i poate permite, are bani. Eu nu pot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ia un calmant. El cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? merg, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu cu capul limpede.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, ce \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nat e\uc1 \u351 ?ti! La fel ai
fost \uc1 \u351 ?i ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu ai vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci
de la fabric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A dat savoare
\uc1 \u351 ?tirilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uite, acum.
semeni cu Eddy, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se . Nu trebuie}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pui via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n
pericol numai pentru ca jurnalul s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mai palpitant.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, nu
am fugit dup\uc1 \u259 ? individul care a aruncat sticla, numai pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n campanie electoral\uc1 \u259 ?. Altfel
\uc1 \u238 ?l prindeam \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l b\uc1 \u259 ?team s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l satur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a \uc1 \u238 ?mi place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Au r\uc1 \u238 ?s
am}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ndoi dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? un moment s-au privit
\uc1 \u238 ?ncurca\uc1 \u355 ?i. Privirea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era
cald\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
place grozav rochia asta. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vine foarte bine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, am fost
foarte nesuferit ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
spus c\uc1 \u238 ?teva cuvinte foarte ur\uc1 \u238 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, recunoscu el. Am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun.
Pentru}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ca.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cineva b\uc1 \u259 ?tu la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. '}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - 7,30, \uc1 \u238
?l auzir\uc1 \u259 ? pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l privi nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. Avery, \uc1 \u238 ?n
culmea dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girii,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u351 ?eta \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. li venea s\uc1 \u259 ? urle.
Aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? o f\uc1 \u259 ?cu \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul c\uc1 \u238 ?nd la
Southfork \uc1 \u238 ?l depista \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime pe b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatul pe care I-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la aeroport.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ferma renumit\uc1 \u259 ? din faimosul serial de televiziune Dallas era
luminat\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor. Era o sear\uc1 \u259 ? deosebit\uc1
\u259 ?, cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? lume. A fost mai bine dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s-au a\uc1
\u351 ?teptat. Imediat ce au .sosit, li s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii erau
binevoitori. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?i s-au oferit s\uc1 \u259 ? doneze bani pentru \uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - F\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, este rezultatul evenimentului de
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, spuse Eddy. \uc1 \u238 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? lui Avery un
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet subtil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd clar c\uc1 \u259 ? el
este mai important
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t orice jurnal de \uc1 \u351 ?tiri, chiar dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
alegerile. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul lui Eddy deveni r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?cios.
Avery nu-l mai putea suferi. Poate \uc1 \u351 ?i din cauza aventurii lui cu Francy.
\uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e avea \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n el. De aceea Avery nu i-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?
zu\uc1 \u355 ?-o pe Francy ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din camera lui}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? alunge aceste g\uc1 \u238 ?nduri \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se
concentreze asupra prezentului. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e avea nevoie de sprijin.
Incidentul ji va aduce probabil entuziasmul suporterilor locali, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp
ce \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea, \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu din nou pe
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb undeva, \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?
ime}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mai privi o
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n secunda urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare nu mai era acolo.
Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? a gre\uc1 \u351 ?it. Omul de la aeroport era \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n costum de cowboy. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul acesta avea
haine de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? seara a
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ? din nou. Dar nu a}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 reu\uc1 \u351 ?it. De cele mai multe ori, erau
orbi\uc1 \u355 ?i de luminile camerelor de televiziune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-e foame? \uc1 \u351 ?opti \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e spre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Prea multe
emo\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De fapt era
bolnav\uc1 \u259 ? de grij\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era \uc1 \u238 ?
n primejdie. Privea spre bandajul de la t\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?. S-ar putea ca
data viitoare s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai fie o sticl\uc1 \u259 ?, s-ar putea s\uc1
\u259 ? fie un glon\uc1 \u355 ?. Ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mortal.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238
?ncepu ea \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?itor, nu ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat \uc1 \u238 ?nalt cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreo
cincizeci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, unul anume.
Mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l cunosc de undeva.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? a ie\uc1
\u351 ?it din vreun col\uc1 \u355 ? de memorie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Da, poate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259
?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, tu te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i bine? For\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? un
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?opti la ureche.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - So\uc1 \u355 ?ia
candidatului trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?. El se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o ajute s\uc1 \u259 ? se ridice de la mas\uc1 \u259
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trec\uc1 \u238 ?nd printre
mese, ea privi cercet\uc1 \u259 ?tor c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l pe omul cu
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259
?, era \uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nelini\uc1 \u351 ?
tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum era sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? era unul \uc1 \u351 ?i
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe buze
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd cineva \uc1 \u351 ?opti amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1
\u238 ?n spatele ei. "Bun\uc1 \u259 ? seara, Avery".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 La miezul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii restaurantul McDonald era luminat puternic. Prin
ferestrele mari de sticl\uc1 \u259 ? se vedea tot ce se petrece \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238
?f\uc1 \u238 ?ind pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? fugise de la hotel, Avery s-a apropiat cu
grij\uc1 \u259 ? de restaurant. Hainele cu care era \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
cat\uc1 \u259 ? o f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau s\uc1 \u259 ? arate altfel dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni. Era o nebunie pentru o femeie s\uc1 \u259 ?
mearg\uc1 \u259 ? singur\uc1 \u259 ? pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi la ora aceea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De pe partea cealalt\uc1 \u259
? a str\uc1 \u259 ?zii, Avery privi spre restaurant, \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
st\uc1 \u238 ?nd singur \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un separeu. Trecu imediat strada.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mmm, mama arat\uc1 \u259 ?
bine, auzi \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele ei comentariul unui negru. Era \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1
\u355 ?it de dou\uc1 \u259 ? femei care se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiau s\uc1 \u259 ?
atrag\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n pantaloni de piele. Acesta st\uc1 \u259 ?tea rezemat de
semafor. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea plictisit. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd Avery trecu pe l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? el, o privi cu poft\uc1 \u259 ?. Una din femei \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i puse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n | \uc1 \u351 ?old \uc1 \u351 ?i
strig\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hei,
c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te mai ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
aici, 'c\uc1 \u259 ? te omor. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i ignor\uc1 \u259 ? merg\uc1
\u238 ?nd repede. Se apropie de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i
restaurant \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tu \uc1 \u238 ?n fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Van
Lovejoy o privi r\uc1 \u238 ?njind. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un semn
furios s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ?. El se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? grab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce naiba pui la cale, Van? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea.
Mim\uc1 \u238 ?nd inocen\uc1 \u355 ?a, el ridic\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce a trebuit s\uc1 \u259
? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnim aici, la ora aceasta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai fi preferat s\uc1 \u259 ? vin \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ta?
Camera pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
altei femei? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o prind\uc1 \u259 ? de
obraz. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?
na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i
imaginezi \uc1 \u238 ?n ce pericol m\uc1 \u259 ? pui. El se rezem\uc1 \u259 ? de
fereastra restaurantului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
numai urechi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Van, spuse ea
nenorocit\uc1 \u259 ?. Este prea greu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i explic - mai ales
aici. Am fugit de la hotel. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e descoper\uc1
\u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tie
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? afle.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E mai mult de povestit.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
gr\uc1 \u259 ?besc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar eu m\uc1
\u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?besc, strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea prinz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l de m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Van, nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? spui nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui. Ne pui
\uc1 \u238 ?n pericol vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mda.
S-ar}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 putea ca Rutiedge s\uc1 \u259 ? te omoare
dac\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu vorbesc despre via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nu glumesc, ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.
Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? fii de acord atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vei afla totul. Dar acum nu
pot s\uc1 \u259 ? stau. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Grozav\uc1 \u259 ?
lovitur\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd te-ai hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 o dai?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
spital. Am fost confundat\uc1 \u259 ? cu Carole Rutiedge. Mi-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a putea vorbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai putut de ce nu le-ai spus?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Intreab\uc1 \u259 ?-l pe
Irish, \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l expedieze.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish! .cronc\uc1 \u259 ?ni el
rnestec\uc1 \u238 ?nd marijuana. Tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul \uc1 \u259 ?la b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?tie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De pu\uc1
\u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. Aveam nevoie de cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Vasazic\uc1 \u259 ?, de aceea ne alearg\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? voi. Pe
tine}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? te apere Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ' c\uc1 \u259 ? da. Nu am \uc1 \u351 ?
tiut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?n gr personal s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Am fost uluit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u238 ?nd le-am v\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 zutJa Houston. Atunci nvai
recunoscut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n care ai plecat de la spital, am observat c\uc1 \u259 ? doamna
Rutledge se comporta \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a camerei ca \uc1 \u351 ?i tine.
Prea sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu tine c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i-a umezit buzele
\uc1 \u351 ?i a dat capul pe spate. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd am venit la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru filmare, am fost aproape convins. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi am fost sigur \uc1 \u351
?i m-am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i cunosc secretul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule. -Ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dincolo
de um\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui Van, Avery depistase un poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist apropiindu-se
de ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-a mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e iritat pe fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1
\u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du jos haina..}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s\uc1 \u259 ? bei ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; Nu, mul\uc1
\u355 ?umesc. Ce mai vrei? . \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd au
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n holul hotelului, Jack i-a \uc1 \u351 ?optit la ureche c\uc1
\u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu
avea deloc chef \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aceea. Singurul om cu care ar fi dorit s\uc1
\u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? era so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa. De la sosirea la Southfork s-
a comportat foarte ciudat, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul dineului, I-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
despre b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul
alb. Oricine ar fi fost acesta, probabil, c\uc1 \u259 ? a abordat-o c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd a plecat la toalet\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntors era palid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tremura. Tot restul serii a fost
alertat\uc1 \u259 ? ca}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 o pisic\uc1 \u259 ?. A
surprins-o de mai multe ori mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 buzele. Dorea :;e
problema. Chiar acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar, din spirit de
solidaritate cu echipa, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l
asculte mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i pe Jack. \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce a\uc1
\u351 ?teptau liftul, i-a spus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack
vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru cinci minute. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o
privire spre fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i continu\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu mai mult
de cinci minute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum? I-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat ea. \uc1 \u238 ?n ca*ji acesta am s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r ceva pentru Mandy. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzii mult. Ne vedem \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat ce a sosit liftul, ea a plecat
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l cu Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy. Eddy a plecat \uc1
\u238 ?n camera sa, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i singuri pe cei doi fra\uc1
a\uc1 \u355 ?e a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta. Jack a scos un plic lung din buzunar. \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a citit de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori mesajul apoi \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat fratele:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine \uc1
\u355 ?i-a dat asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jajsk lu\uc1 \u259
? sticla de coniac \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i turn\uc1 \u259 ? un
pahar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti de doamna \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n albastru, din primul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e f\uc1 \u259 ?
cu semn spre sticl\uc1 \u259 ?. Jack \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse un pahar.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce, \uc1 \u355 ?i-a cerut
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi dai asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da.
Nu era potrivit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-l dea singur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Potrivit? \uc1 \u238 ?l
privi \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu chef de ceart\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? ghicesc? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Jack
amuzat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?inire amoroas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pot
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi exprim p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea? -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i faci nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?u dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
accep\uc1 \u355 ?i invita\uc1 \u355 ?ia. De fapt, s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u355 ?i faci un bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai uitat cumva
c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Nici nu am uitat c\uc1 \u259 ?
mariajul t\uc1 \u259 ?u este ratat, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac pl\uc1
\u259 ?cere comentariile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a este, nu-mi fac pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te^sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc la binele t\uc1
\u259 ?u. Profit\uc1 \u259 ? de invita\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce se
petrece \uc1 \u238 ?ntre tine \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole - se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l privi viclean - dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 nu }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se petrece. Voi nu dormi\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta nu e via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat, mai ales pentru tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti dirêxperien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack privi con}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?inutul
paharului. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?
na prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. lart\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, Jack. Dar nu-mi place ca
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea s\uc1 \u259 ? se amestece \uc1 \u238 ?n treburile mele.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Abia am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput.
Vom termina doar atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vei prelua
mandatul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cu mult timp
\uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy s-a oferit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi g\uc1 \u259 ?
seasc\uc1 \u259 ? o femeie. Unde naiba a\uc1 \u355 ?i fost c\uc1 \u238 ?nd eram
singur, ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsurat \uc1 \u351 ?i aveam nevoie de ni\uc1 \u351 ?te
proxene\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? merit asta, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi Jack \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat. Te-am v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut at\uc1 \u238 ?t de tensionat \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme. M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit
c\uc1 \u259 ? p joac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n f\uc1 \u238 ?n o s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? da, dar nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu m\uc1 \u238 ?
na pe m\uc1 \u238 ?ner, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? - ai mai vorbit
cu familia ta \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u259 ? veni vorba de b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ?, da?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ? veni vorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face probleme. Am vorbit ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi cu Dorothy Rae. Mi-a
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? totul este bine. Francy mai pune la cale vreo prostie, dar
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ? seama ce.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Numai Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?,
Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\uc1 \u351 ?ifona h\uc1 \u238 ?rtia, o f\uc1 \u259 ?cu ghem \uc1 \u351 ?i o
arunc\uc1 \u259 ? fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\sub2 :}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mult noroc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 In
camera s}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se dezbrace de la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
Carole? \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? a durat mai mult de cinci minute, dar...
Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l
v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist, Avery se sperie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru Dumnezeu, arunc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?igara aia de
marijuana. Va crede c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Las-
o balt\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, va fi
convins c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi pot permite luxul \uc1 \u351 ?i banii pentru o asemenea
t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Van, trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi promi\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vei spune nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui
cine s\uc1 \u238 ?nt. S\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?na viitoare voi
aranja o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnire cu tine \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Irish. Atunci o
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t
crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea Dekker pentru o asemenea informa\uc1
\u355 ?ie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se opri
brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
po\uc1 \u355 ?i face a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, Van. Te rog, nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i face.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu-mi vei face o ofert\uc1 \u259 ? mai bun\uc1 \u259 ?, pot.
Dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitor, \uc1 \u238 ?i desprinse m\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs22 \dbch
na de pe mina lui. Ne mai vedem, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u238 ?n ce pericol s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem, Van. Te rog, ca
prieten.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu am prieteni.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
faci nimic p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
voi explica.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
m\uc1 \u259 ? mai g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc. Dar ai face bine s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dai o
explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie care st\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Altfel v\uc1
\u238 ?nd informa\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
privi \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1
\u259 ? nu are nici o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 grij\uc1 \u259 ?.
Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ii
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tia foarte bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Plec\uc1 \u259 ? spre hotel. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd d\uc1 \u259 ?du coltul ridic\uc1 \u259
? privirea. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Expresia din ochii lui era \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?toare. \uc1 \u350 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?ind, Avery se apropie de elca un vinovat
care nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? vina.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - lat-o, domnule Rutledge,
spuse portarul vesel. V-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? va veni repede.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pentru urechile portarului \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eram \uc1 \u238
?ngrijorat, Carole, dar o prinse str\uc1 \u238 ?ns de bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\itap0 \fs20 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 O "escor}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t\uc1 \u259 ?" prin hol, apoi \uc1 \u238
?n lift o privi f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?
un,cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce m\uc1 \u238 ?nia se instala \uc1
\u238 ?ntre ei. Descuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a camerei \uc1 \u351 ?i intrar\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nici unul dintre ei nu aprinse lumina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
naiba ai fost? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? hici o introducere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
McDonald. Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? nu prea am m\uc1 \u238 ?ncat la dineu.
Mi-era foame. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? aveai de discutat cu Jack, m-am g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndit c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine era tipul
cu care vorbeai?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? evite r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul, dar apoi se r\uc1 \u259
?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi. Era evident c\uc1 \u259 ? o v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse cu Van, dar nu-l
recunoscuse, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce cump\uc1 \u259 ?nea r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul, el se
apropie de ea amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Unul care vinde droguri? Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l privi uluit\uc1 \u259 ?.
-Droguri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? din c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?nd tu \uc1 \u351 ?i
Francy a\uc1 \u355 ?i fumat marijuana. Am sperat s\uc1 \u259 ? te opre\uc1 \u351 ?
ti. Ca so\uc1 \u355 ?ie de senator, Carole, s\uc1 \u259 ? cutreieri pe str\uc1
\u259 ?zi singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
cumperi... pentru Dumnezeu, puteai s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1
\u351 ?ti ceva foarte ur\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tipul
era Van Lovejoy, strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea furioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Cameramanul de la KTEX.
A filmat la noi la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?
ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trecu pe l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre m\uc1
\u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a de toalet\uc1 \u259 ?, lu\uc1 \u238 ?ndu- \uc1 \u351 ?i}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 bijuteriile de pe ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
treab\uc1 \u259 ? aveai cu el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mergeam, spuse ea neglijent privindu-l pe furi\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1
\u259 ?. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit cu el la McDonald. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
echipa de televiziune st\uc1 \u259 ? la Holiday Inn. Oricum, m-a certat c\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a oferit s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? conduc\uc1 \u259 ?. Minciuna devenise pentru ea o adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ? profesiune \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Iste\uc1 \u355 ? tipul. Mult mai iste\uc1 \u355 ? dec\uc1
\u238 ?t tine. Ce naiba a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n capul t\uc1 \u259 ?u s\uc1 \u259 ?
pleci a\uc1 \u351 ?a de una singur\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Mi-era foame, spuse ridic\uc1 \u238 ?nd vocea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai exist\uc1 \u259 ?.\uc1 \u351 ?i un room service, \uc1
\u351 ?tii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aveam nevoie de
aer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Puteai deschide o
fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg de ce te preocup\uc1 \u259 ?? Erai cu Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Eddy.
Stan \uc1 \u351 ?i Bran. Nedesp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i. C\uc1 \u238
?nd nu are unul s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva urgent, are
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt. Oricum, \uc1 \u238 ?ncontinuu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bat la
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu eluda
subiectul. Vorbe}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 am despre tine, nu despre Jack \uc1
\u351 ?i Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-i cu mine?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce ai fost at\uc1 \u238 ?
t de nervoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am fost nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? alunece pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el,
dar el o prinse de umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceva nu merge
bine. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu. De data asta ce-ai mai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut? Mai bine \uc1 \u238
?mi spui tu dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu de la altcineva.}{\fs24 \dbch
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce crezi
c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Dar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt furioas\uc1 \u259 ?
pe tine, nu pentru alte motive.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
cam repet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme, Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi spune... Av}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ery reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc1 \u259 ? la timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nimic. Nu mai putea suferi s\uc1 \u259 ? i se spun\uc1 \u259 ? Carole. Nu-mi
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt mincinoas\uc1 \u259 ?, reu\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? se descurce. \uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tii, Van Lovejoy fuma iarb\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a oferit \uc1 \u351 ?i mie. Am
refuzat. Am trecut examenul}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 , domnule senator?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era furios.
\uc1 \u187 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
mai pleci de una singur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ? pui \uc1 \u238 ?n les\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
dau doi bani pe ce faci. At\uc1 \u238 ?ta doar, nu este bine s\uc1 \u259 ? mergi
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Singur\uc1 \u259
?? repet\uc1 \u259 ? ea ironic\uc1 \u259 ?. Singur\uc1 \u259 ?? Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?
ntem niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? sin}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 guri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?ntem singuri acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Abia atunci observar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntau foarte
aproape unul de altul. Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi respirau agitat. Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi
erau \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?nta\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 El o cuprinse \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u238 ?
nse cu putere. Avery se topi de dorin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un singur g\uc1 \u238 ?nd buzele lor se
apropiar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se
s\uc1 \u259 ?rute lacom. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de dup\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?
t \uc1 \u351 ?i se lipi de el provocator. M\uc1 \u238 ?inile lui alunecar\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u238 ?nser\uc1 \u259 ? mai tare. S\uc1 \u259 ?rutul lui
era carnal. Venea dintr-un suflet \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i desfac\uc1 \u259 ? nasturii c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ii. Una c\uc1 \u238 ?te una, hainele lui c\uc1 \u259 ?deau pe du\uc1 \u351 ?umea.
El \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?optit, cuprins de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i desfac\uc1 \u259 ? rochia.
Gr\uc1 \u259 ?bindu-se \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea,
trase de ea \uc1 \u351 ?i-o rupse. Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
desprinse sutienul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
acesta c\uc1 \u259 ?zu, pe Avery o cuprinse panica. Va }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 afla! }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 dar el \uc1 \u355 ?inea ochii \uc1 \u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i. O
s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, pe g\uc1 \u238 ?t, pe s\uc1 \u238 ?ni. Avea
nevoie de ea. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorise asta.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti so\uc1 \u355
?ia mea, spuse el r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it. Meri\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva mai mult
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare l\uc1 \u238
?ng\uc1 \u259 ? perete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
d\uc1 \u259 ?du drumul, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde pantalonii,
pantofii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?osetele erau pe covor. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? repede pantofii \uc1 \u351 ?i ciorapii \uc1 \u351 ?i
intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat. Imediat \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea i se oferi cu
toat\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea. Trupul ei \uc1 \u238 ?l primi cu durere pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? el era mare \uc1 \u351 ?i ea era foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ngust\uc1 \u259 ?.
B\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351 ?i femeie. Aceasta era leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura dintre ei.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a trebyia^ s\uc1 \u259 ? fie. Puterea lui era redus\uc1 \u259 ? la
sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciune, sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciunea ei o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea puternic\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 R\uc1 \u259 ?mase uimit\uc1
\u259 ? de egoismul sim\uc1 \u355 ?ului de posesiune al b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului. Era
cople\uc1 \u351 ?itor, dar dulce, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?
prelungeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea, dar cerea prea mult de la trupul s\uc1
\u259 ?u care a fost supus unei abstinen\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nate at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era at\uc1 \u238 ?
ta lini\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t auzea tic\uc1 \u259 ?itul
ceasului de la m\uc1 \u238 ?na lui. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea s\uc1
\u259 ?^l priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ating\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?i asculta respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia care se apropia de normal. \uc1 \u350 ?i el
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
.terminase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ntoarse cu spatele la el. Str\uc1 \u238 ?nse perna \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?
e \uc1 \u351 ?i se ghemui cu genunchii la piept. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea o durere dar nu
putea spune exact cum, unde \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Au trecut c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na lui pe \uc1 \u351 ?oldul ei, a crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?
imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?i joac\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 feste.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?
i m\uc1 \u238 ?na o ap\uc1 \u259 ?sa oblig\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? spre el. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Am fost
\uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna cinstit, \uc1 \u351 ?opti el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia obrajii, apoi buzele. La atingerea
lui tandr\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery fu cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? ce
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? bl\uc1
\u238 ?nd. Apoi o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? din nou cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea pielea fierbinte. Cu
afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune, ea \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie p\uc1 \u259 ?
rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dumnezeule, c\uc1 \u238 ?t
\uc1 \u238 ?l iubea pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul acesta!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
Bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd, erotic, el o s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta din nou. O trase spre ej p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se lipir\uc1 \u259 ? din nou. Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? se evapor\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?opti numele de c\uc1 \u238
?teva ori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te vreau din
nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Vocea lui era plin\uc1 \u259 ?
de uimire. A vorbit f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea
seama. Nu se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta nici el s\uc1 \u259 ? i se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238
?mple at\uc1 \u238 ?t de repede, nici at\uc1 \u238 ?t de violent. De data aceasta
prelungi momentul. Corpul lui Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse imediat. Se
ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? lumini explodau \uc1
\u238 ?n jurul lor. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se desprinse de ea, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase t\uc1
\u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spatele. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1
\u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pl\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ?. Fizic, a fost de neimaginat, ceva ce nu a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it ea
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. A avut c\uc1 \u238 ?teva leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi, dar acestea
cereau timp \uc1 \u351 ?i ea nu era dispus\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
sacrifice cariera pentru ele. Diferen\uc1 \u355 ?a evident\uc1 \u259 ? era c\uc1
\u259 ? de data aceasta o f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse cu un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat pe care \uc1
\u238 ?l iubea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar pentru \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost o desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcare biologic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?t. O f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse din furie, nu din dragoste, nici din
afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? era o obliga\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeplinit\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i-ar fi dorit din suflet s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i cerceteze trupul, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l descopere, s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?opteasc\uc1 \u259 ? cuvinte de dragoste. Nimic din toate
acestea nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car o dat\uc1
\u259 ? nu i- a spus numele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nici nu \uc1 \u238
?l \uc1 \u351 ?tia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ai un minut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery d\uc1 \u259 ?du buzna \uc1 \u238 ?n camera unde \uc1 \u355
?ineau \uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?a. Jack, care vorbea \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul \uc1
\u238 ?n care ea a intrat, a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na ridicat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu gura c\uc1 \u259 ?scat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce este? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e p\uc1 \u259 ?rea nervos.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy e}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ra \uc1
\u238 ?ncruntat, Jack \uc1 \u351 ?opti o \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i Nelson p\uc1 \u259 ?rea nemul\uc1 \u355 ?umit, dar \uc1
\u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? politicos.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este o urgen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?? Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, Nelson.
Mandy este la gr\uc1 \u259 ?dini\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te poate ajuta Zee?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre patru ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, noi
facem ceva aici, spuse el \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat. Este important?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu era important nu
v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupeam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u351 ? prefera s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? termin\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? de indignare. De
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?, el a evitat-o cu \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nare. A r\uc1 \u259 ?mas
foarte dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1
\u259 ? nu se mut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitorul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Scena de dragoste nu i-a apropiat, mai
mult, i-a desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it. Imediat, a doua zi, abia dac\uc1 \u259 ?
s-au privit. Au schimbat foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine cuvinte. Se purtau de parc\uc1
\u259 ? nu ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ?. La fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u351 ?i ea a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? se
prefac\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nimic nu s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?
mplat. A\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?nd liftul, el i-a spus uluit cu o voce \uc1
\u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am folosit
nimic azi-noapte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am SIDA, s-a
strop\uc1 \u351 ?it ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.
Ar fi descoperit c\uc1 \u238 ?t ai stat la spital.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De aceea te-ai sim\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? atingi? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt bolnav\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceea
ce vreau eu s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu este dac\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mohor\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Perioad\uc1
\u259 ? nepotrivit\uc1 \u259 ?. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? stai lini\uc1 \u351 ?
tit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La at\uc1 \u238 ?t s-a redus
conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor de dup\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea aceea. S-a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
ca o prostituat\uc1 \u259 ? nepl\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru moment era
saturat. Nu va mai avea nevoie de ea pentru mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. Nu suporta
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla. Folosit\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi aruncat\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? neloialitatea Carolei
a fost justificat\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebe dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva era mai important pentru el s\uc1 \u259 ?
devin\uc1 \u259 ? senator. Petrecea mult mai mult timp \uc1 \u238 ?n acest scop,
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
m\uc1 \u259 ? descurc singur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Tr\uc1 \u238 ?nti u\uc1 \u351 ?a biroului, \uc1 \u238 ?n mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de un
minut, tr\uc1 \u238 ?ntea o alt\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cea de la
camera lu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i Francy.}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Fata
era \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul patului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1
\u259 ?cuia unghiile, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o scrumier\uc1 \u259 ? era o \uc1 \u355 ?
igar\uc1 \u259 ? aprins\uc1 \u259 ?. Mesteca o gum\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ritm
cu muzica. Muzica era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de puternic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u238 ?t aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a auzit u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Francy puse pensonul pe
m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a de toalet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba faci \uc1 \u238 ?n camera mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iau lucrurile.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1
\u259 ? explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie, Avery deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?
ifonierului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Stai pu\uc1
\u355 ?in! exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
este a mea, spuse Avery sco\uc1 \u355 ?ind o bluz\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i fusta
asta. \uc1 \u350 ?i asta. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai
g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n dulap se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a de toalet\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ridic\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 capacul casetei de bijuterii \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?scoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? printre
cercei, l\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?oare br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i inele. G\uc1 \u259 ?si cerceii de argint care
i-au lipsit la Houston, o br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i un
ceas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \par
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era un ceas f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
valoare - un accesoriu - dar era de la \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. l-l luase
\uc1 \u238 ?n timpul campaniei, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un scurt r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz printr-un
magazin. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l 'iubea pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i l-a dat }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 ei, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu Carolei. Observase c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai era
\uc1 \u238 ?n cutia ei de bijuterii \uc1 \u351 ?i de aceea a dat buzna \uc1 \u238 ?
n camera \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? el a refuzat s\uc1 \u259 ? o ajute, cu cleptomania lui Francy, trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? rezolve singur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u351 ?ti o hoa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cea mai joas\uc1 \u259 ? spe\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tiu cum au ajuns lucrurile tale \uc1 \u238 ?n camera mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o
mincinoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? Mona...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy/
strig\uc1 \u259 ? Avery. De multe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni
intri \uc1 \u238 ?n camera mea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi iei tot felul de
lucruri. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? subestima spun\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-mi
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Mi-ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sat tot felul de indicii.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? te pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngi unchiului \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?
fac?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. F\uc1 \u259 ? ce naiba
vrei. Dar te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? mergi \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, nu
\uc1 \u238 ?n camera mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery era la
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea drumului spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se
r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351
?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? cerceii de argint \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
i puse \uc1 \u238 ?n palma lui Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ce nu i-ai p\uc1 \u259 ?stra? \uc1 \u354 ?i i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?
mprumutat dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi i-ai fi cerut. At\uc1 \u238 ?t trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
faci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy arunc\uc1 \u259 ?
cerceii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am nevoie de mila ta.
Ochii ei frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i devenir\uc1 \u259 ? dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?tori. Cine
dracu' te crezi s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi oferi ce nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai trebuie? Nu vreau
nici cercei \uc1 \u351 ?i nimic altceva de la tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te cred. Nu ai vrut cerceii sau altceva}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . Nu ai
vrut dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fii prins\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? te-a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut soarele \uc1 \u238 ?
n cap, m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Carole. Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i face r\uc1 \u259 ?u la tenul t\uc1 \u259 ?u
de plastic. S-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i se topeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? ating
insultele tale. Nu ai aceast\uc1 \u259 ? putere. \uc1 \u350 ?i pe urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
ai reu\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy o privi
posomorit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? spui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
atragi aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o fur\uc1 \u238 ?nd din lucrurile
mele. Exact cum ai dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? atragi aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia p\uc1 \u259 ?
rin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor t\uc1 \u259 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd lucruri reprobabile
pe care \uc1 \u351 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ? ei le dezaprob\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? fac dragoste
cu Eddy. - - Cam a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
r\uc1 \u259 ?mase surprins\uc1 \u259 ? de calmul cu care \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbea
Avery. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i reveni destul de repede.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Erai alb\uc1 \u259 ? ca
varul c\uc1 \u238 ?nd m-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din camera lui. Nici
prin cap nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i trecea c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt la Houston.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E prea b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u238 ?n pentru ti}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ne, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noi doi nu credem a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - El te-a chemat la Houston?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? da, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu. N-am avut niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? un amant ca Eddy, spuse Fancy vis\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh? Ce fel de amant este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u351 ?tii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery nu-i
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia dac\uc1 \u259 ? cel mai bun prieten al
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s-a culcat cu Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Este cel mai bun. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti geloas\uc1 \u259 ?? -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Privirile lor s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?lnit \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e doarme tot \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ?
camer\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta nu te
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici nu
conteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse fa\\a mali\uc1 \u355 ?ios, at\uc1 \u238 ?ta vreme
c\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?l la\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n pace pe Edd}{\fs23 \dbch
y.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -.Parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
proprietatea .ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se culc\uc1
\u259 ? numai cu mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
sigur\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? -
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu-i mai las nici un strop de energie pentru
altcineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poveste\uc1
\u351 ?te-mi despre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du p\uc1 \u259 ?rul pe spate \uc1 \u351 ?i o
privi pe Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg. Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
geloas\uc1 \u259 ?, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti curioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate. Despre ce vorbi\uc1 \u355 ?i voi doi?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu tipii cu
care faci dragoste? la ascult\uc1 \u259 ?! Mai ai vreun-tip care vinde iarb\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu. Unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a
fost scos din min\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ne-a prins fum\uc1 \u238 ?nd
marijuana. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb ce ar fi spus dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne prindea
\uc1 \u238 ?n hambar cu cowboyul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i evit\uc1 \u259 ? privirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu...
nu mai fac lucruri de astea, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
mai spune. Glume\uc1 \u351 ?ti? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? curioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu glumesc.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai
venit de la spital am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? joci teatru. Deodat\uc1 \u259 ? erai
bun\uc1 \u259 ?tatea personificat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar acum cred c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai
schimbat cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? \uc1 \u354
?i-e team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? arzi \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\uc1 \u259
?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile iadului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
schimb\uc1 \u259 ? subiectul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy \uc1 \u355 ?i-a povestit despre el. Unde a
crescut? Ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-a spus despre familia }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lui?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i puse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?old \uc1 \u351 ?i o
privi ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?toare pe Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii la fel de bine ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine. Nu are familie,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Un bunic care a murit c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd era cu unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n armat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a lucra pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? Francy devenea
ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?tii ceva? Noi facem dragoste, nu vorbim. Adic\uc1 \u259 ? este foarte
dJscret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De exemplu?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i place c\uc1 \u238 ?nd rn\uc1
\u259 ? uit prin h\uc1 \u238 ?rtiile lui. \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o sear\uc1 \u259 ? i-am
c\uc1 \u259 ?utat o c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? prin sertare \uc1 \u351
?i l-au apucat dracii. De atunci nu mai caut. To\uc1 \u355 ?i avem nevoie de pu\uc1
\u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? discre\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a spus niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n
perioada dintre Vietnam \uc1 \u351 ?i Texas?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat dec\uc1 \u238 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? a fost c\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a
trebuit mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme s\uc1 \u259 ? se reg\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?.
Am glumit \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u238 ?ndu-l dac\uc1 \u259 ? s-a pierdut cumva \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a r\uc1 \u259 ?
spuns cu o privire ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o vreme a fost
pierdut...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce crezi
c\uc1 \u259 ? a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? cu asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Presupun c\uc1 \u259 ? I-a afectat r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce? -}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? unchiuj \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e i-a salvat via\uc1 \u355 ?a dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?
it avionul. Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i este recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor c\uc1 \u259 ? I-a
purtat \uc1 \u238 ?n spate prin jungl\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai v\uc1 \u259
?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? gol, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ai observat cicatricea de pe
spate. L-a rugat pe unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ?-l lase
s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tii pe unchiul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu-l
va p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si, exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tii zicala pilo\uc1 \u355 ?ilor - mai bine
mort dec\uc1 \u238 ?t r\uc1 \u259 ?nit. Unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a fost
eroul. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i este recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor\uc1 \u351
?i acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii
toate aceste lucruri, Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Glume\uc1 \u351
?ti? Nu l-ai auzit pe bunicul de o mie de ori?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A,
sigur, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? mi se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii
foarte multe}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 detalii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu mai multe ci :.ta, p!ec la pisc Teta!
lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de polite\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?i deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a
lui}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy, data viitoare
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti ceva, spune-mi \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dau. Fata privi \uc1 \u238 ?n tavan cu insolen\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery o ignor\uc1 \u259 ?. Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? fii
atent\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu ce?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i mi-a spus s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu atent\uc1 \u259 ? cu
tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Camera de motel era
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de praf \uc1 \u351 ?i umed\uc1 \u259 ?. Francy p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama de asta. Se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuise cu astfel
de decoruri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atent\uc1
\u259 ? cu mine? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy. De ce}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
este bine s\uc1 \u259 ? am o leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat
mai b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n dec\uc1 \u238 ?t mine. Dar nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
acesta este adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul motiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Care
este adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul motiv?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
c\uc1 \u259 ? este roas\uc1 \u259 ? de gelozie. Vezi, vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? joace
rolul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei bune pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n caz c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?l va c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga \uc1 \u351 ?i va pleca la Washington. Dar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? el va pierde, vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? pe cineva la
\uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? ea spune c\uc1
\u259 ? nu e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? e \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebunit\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. Privea absent \uc1 \u238 ?n gol,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie
despre noi doi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hai s\uc1
\u259 ? nu ne cert\uc1 \u259 ?m. Atunci nu am putut-o evita. Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it
din camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am dat cu nasui de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-a spus iui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiesc. O
bucl\uc1 \u259 ? aurie \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mai spun ceva,
\uc1 \u351 ?opti ea misterios, eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1
\u259 ? la minte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? spui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
pune ni\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri stupide.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum ar fi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ieri i-am spus ceva ce nu ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? uite,
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? a fost lovit\uc1 \u259 ? la cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La bunicul a
venit cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpere cai. Cowboyul era singur. L-am atras \uc1
\u238 ?n grajd.}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A fost grozav}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 ;}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi imaginez,
-dar ce leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? are .Carole cu asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne-a descoperit f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u238 ?nd dragoste \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un staul. Abia aveam \uc1 \u351 ?aptesprezece ani. Am crezut c\uc1 \u259
? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat-o. Dar Carole s-a conectat imediat cu cowboyul. Urm\uc1
\u259 ?torul lucru pe care l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut a fost m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?
a goal\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i noi, rostogolindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n f\uc1
\u238 ?n. Francy exclam\uc1 \u259 ? teatral - Dumnezeule, a fost fantastic! Ce
dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?! Dar ieri c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-am reamintit, nu a
avut nici o reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Mai vrei pui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Francy arunc\uc1 \u259 ? osul din m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1 \u259 ? pulp\uc1 \u259 ?. Eddy
o str\uc1 \u238 ?nse de \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura m\uc1 \u238 ?inii. Nu ai spus nimic
din secretele mele, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea r\uc1 \u238 ?se
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se elibereze.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce secrete \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
eu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i despre ce
a\uc1 \u355 ?i mai vorbit voi dou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a
mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-
am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cel- mai grozav amant. Se aplec\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? - e\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii. Ai un aer at\uc1 \u238 ?t de excitant - aproape
periculos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Termin\uc1 \u259
? de m\uc1 \u238 ?ncat. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O privea amuzat. Obraznic,
Fancy se lipi de el \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?
languros.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
descurc?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te descurci}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 , dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi plac surprizele.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse
capul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?ini \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?.
Impn au c\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul ur\uc1 \u238 ?t mirositor.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Data viitoare, c\uc1
\u238 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a Carole mai pune \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ?ri despre mine, spune-i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? lase \uc1 \u238 ?n pace,
spuse el pun\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 un prezervativ.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da Eddy, da.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba, spuse Van Lovejoy tr\uc1
\u259 ?g\uc1 \u238 ?nd un fum din \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici la \uc1
\u351 ?antaj nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt mai bun, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt bun
de nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at-o cu \uc1 \u351 ?antajul? Irish \uc1 \u238 ?l privea cu>
dispre\uc1 \u355 ?. De asta nu mi-ai spus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gata,
Irish, spuse }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery calm. Van a fost sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe noi
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-am spus \uc1 \u351 ?i lui secretele noastre.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce glum\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?! Secretul \uc1 \u259 ?sta
\uc1 \u238 ?mi face o indigestie cronic\uc1 \u259 ?. Irish se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i toarne un pahar de whisky.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adu-mi \uc1 \u351 ?i mie unul, spuse Van. Apoi se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse spre Avery - Irish are dreptate. Ai intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?
ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de care nici nu- \uc1 \u355 ?i dai seama.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, Avery, ai .\uc1
\u238 ?nnebunit? De ce naiba faci a\uc1 \u351 ?a o prostie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ii spui tu sau \uc1 \u238 ?i spun eu? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? Irish c\uc1 \u238 ?nd reveni pe canapea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i Van \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
sorbeau b\uc1 \u259 ?utura, Avery relu\uc1 \u259 ? incredibila ei aventur\uc1 \u259
?. Van o asculta uluit privind din c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?nd la
Irish, care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea din cap pentru a sublinia c\uc1 \u259 ? tot ce spunea
fata este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Rutledge nu are. nici o b\uc1 \u259 ?nuial\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259
? Van c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ea termin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nici una, din c\uc1 \u238 ?te \uc1 \u238
?mi dau seama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este tr\uc1
\u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?torul? }{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
mai primit ceva de la el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. Ieri am
primit un alt bilet b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
scrie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca \uc1 \u351 ?
i prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse ea evaziv, nefiind \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lneasc\uc1 \u259 ? privirea viclean\uc1
\u259 ? a lui Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ai
dormit cu el. Bine. Este dezarmat, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spunea}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 biletul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oare \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut confiden\uc1 \u355 ?e tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259
?torului? Sau pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu acesta era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de aproape
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t a observat schimbarea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oricine ar fi, le spuse ea prietenilor ei, nu are de g\uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nd s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dar nu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? el va fi acela care, va ac\uc1 \u355 ?iona. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? a
angajat pe cineva. Ai adus casetele pe care le-am cerut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Van \uc1 \u238 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? masa pe care l\uc1
\u259 ?sase casetele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish mi-a dat
bile\uc1 \u355 ?elul pe care l-ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n cutia}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, Van.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? de pe
canapea, puse o caset\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aparat \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse cu telecomanda \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta este tot ce ai filmat?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da. De la sosirea
voastr\uc1 \u259 ? la Houston p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v-a\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai vreau un pahar.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Data viitoare s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355
?i aduci o sticl\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ia}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 naiba, McCabe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nu se sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i propti coatele pe
genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? filmul.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cobora dintr-un avion. Avery \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy erau
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el. Restul anturajului era \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lor.}
\lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu copilul, dar
p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui unde s\uc1 \u238 ?nt? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntors cu
ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina. Zee a refuzat s\uc1 \u259 ? ia}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 avionul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ciudat pentru
so\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui fost ofi\uc1 \u355 ?er de avia\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu tocmai. Nelson era \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o misiune \uc1 \u238 ?n Coreea,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 iar ea era
acas\uc1 \u259 ? cu Jack. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a fost
team\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ?duv\uc1 \u259 ?. Atunci prietenul lui Nelson -\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u238 ?i poart\uc1 \u259 ? numele - a murit \uc1 \u238 ?n misiune.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii
aceste lucruri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
biroul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o poz\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
tras-o de limb\uc1 \u259 ? pe secretar\uc1 \u259 ?. Stai! Opre\uc1 \u351 ?te!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleg\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? telecomanda este \uc1 \u238 ?n mina ei, opri
caseta \uc1 \u351 ?i o derula. Cu o voce plin\uc1 \u259 ? de team\uc1 \u259 ?,
spuse: \uc1 \u8226 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
fost la aeroport c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am ajuns la Houston.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un glas
Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aici este la
aeroportul Hobby, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a Van? -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Privi\uc1 \u355 ?i! \uc1 \u238 ?l vede\uc1 \u355 ?i pe b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatul \uc1 \u238 ?nalt cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - C\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? galben\uc1 \u259 ?? -Da.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde? Eu nu-l v\uc1 \u259 ?
d, morm\uc1 \u259 ?i Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-i cu el? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aparatul acesta
are \uc1 \u351 ?i un buton de blocare a imaginilor? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La dracu',
sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? are. Irish \uc1 \u238 ?i smulse telecomanda din m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?. Spune c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? opresc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Stai!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imaginea \uc1
\u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe ecran. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ngenunche \uc1
\u351 ?i i-l ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? lui Irish pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul acela.
St\uc1 \u259 ?tea undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele oamenilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost \uc1 \u351 ?i la noi la hotel, spuse ea realiz\uc1
\u238 ?nd brusc acest lucru. Ne gr\uc1 \u259 ?beam s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?
m \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-a deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?ajiftului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n acel
moment nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura. -\uc1 \u350 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Deci a f}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ost la
aeroport, apoi l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la Dallas \uc1 \u351 ?i la Southfork.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Coinciden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van "\uc1 \u351 ?i Irish se
privir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijora\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi asta crede\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?
Avery furioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tragi prea
repede concluzii, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
rog! Avea un ton sever pe care nu l-a folosit niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu Irish.
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu ce crede\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar gre\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce credem?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? pripesc. Crede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? judec lucrurile emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ional, nu pragmatic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ai spus-o. De
fapt, a\uc1 \u351 ?a faci. Avery se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hai s\uc1 \u259 ? relu\uc1 \u259 ?m casetele \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult gre\uc1 \u351 ?esc.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nd
ultima caset\uc1 \u259 ? se termin\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?maser\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nu i-a trebuit prea mult s\uc1 \u259 ?-i conving\uc1 \u259 ?. Filmele erau
concludente. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul era aproape peste tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vi se pare cunoscut? -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
fost tot timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n urma noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot timpul pierdut \uc1
\u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 me.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
tocmai pierdut, o corect\uc1 \u259 ? Irish. Este cam \uc1 \u238 ?nalt.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - L-a privit tot timpul cu intensitate
\uc1 \u350 ?i tu, coment\uc1 \u259 ? Van. Te tope\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te
ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la el. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l privi cu repro\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu crede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
este cam ciudat ca un om s\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?, un
candidat, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu face parte din comisia de campanie?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este ciudat, accept\uc1 \u259 ?
Irish, dar nu avem nici o imagine cu un pistol \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - L-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
\uc1 \u351 ?i la fabric\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van. -Nu.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acolo a fost mul\uc1 \u355 ?
imea cea mai ostil\uc1 \u259 ?, nu
ar fi fost normal ca individul s\uc1 \u259 ? ac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneze ac}{\fs23
\cf1 olo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? cel care a aruncat sticla a fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit de}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ai spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu l-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb acolo. Avery \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? buza consternat\uc1 \u259 ?. Se
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea c\uc1 \u238 ?t}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mult r\uc1 \u259 ?
u ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb dac\uc1
\u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sta\uc1 \u355 ?
i! \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc. Am citit programul \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a pleca de la
hotel. Vizita la fabric\uc1 \u259 ? nu era scris\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
agend\uc1 \u259 ?. Nimeni, \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Eddy, Jack \uc1
\u351 ?i liderii sindicali nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiau c\uc1 \u259 ? vom merge acolo. Chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb punea m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe program, nu avea de
unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va
merge la fabric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vorb}{\fs23
\cf1 e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ai spune o poveste cu indieni,
coment\uc1 \u259 ? Irish sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Uite, Avery, devine periculos. Spune-i
lui Rutledge cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cine suspectezi \uc1 \u351 ?i
termin\uc1 \u259 ? naibii cu povestea asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
pot. Nu pot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S-au mai certat
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu
au aj}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 uns la nici o concluzie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e are nevoie de mine. \uc1 \u350 ?i Mandy. Nu-i voi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?si p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu voi \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am spus.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? plece \uc1 \u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? a
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi fi mai
lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiindu-te \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma mea,
\uc1 \u238 ?i spuse}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea lui Van,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish i-a promis \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? Van o va \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?i toat\uc1 \u259 ? campania.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fii a doua pereche de ochi.
Filmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?imile. Anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u259 ? imediat ce \uc1 \u238 ?l vezi pe P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai las\uc1 \u259 ? naibii numele astea de indieni, \uc1
\u238 ?mi dai cea mai groaznic\uc1 \u259 ? durere de cap. Dar nu vreau s\uc1
\u259 ? te pierd din nou, morm\uc1 \u259 ?i Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
pierzi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai grij\uc1
\u259 ? de tine, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Promit. }
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pleac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n vitez\uc1 \u259 ? spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziase.}
{\fs24 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Devine
o scen\uc1 \u259 ? familiar\uc1 \u259 ?, o \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din dormitorul lui Mandy.
Stau \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?sor camera ne\uc1 \u351 ?tiind unde naiba e\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238 ?f\uc1
\u238 ?ind, ea travers\uc1 \u259 ? camera \uc1 \u351 ?i se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? peste
pat. Mandy dormea, dar avea lacrimi pe obraji.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Zee mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a avut un alt co\uc1
\u351 ?mar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mama lui \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o a\uc1 \u351 ?teptase \uc1 \u238 ?n hol. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e p\uc1 \u259 ?rea mai agitat}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dec\uc1 \u238 ?t Zee.
Era chinuit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum aproape o
or\uc1 \u259 ?. Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a adormit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i-a amintit ceva? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?
ea cu o umbr\uc1 \u259 ? de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n glas.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Au trezit-o propriile ei
\uc1 \u355 ?ipete. Avery m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie capul copilului.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?
fiu aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba. Sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi trebuit. Te-a strigat tot timpul. Unde ai fost?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am avut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?
treab\uc1 \u259 ?. O s\uc1 \u259 ? mai stau cu ea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i. Cei doi de la
Wakely \uc1 \u351 ?i Poster au venit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Consultan\uc1 \u355 ?ii
angaja\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru campanie. Ne-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt \uc1 \u351 ?
edin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele lui Mandy. \uc1 \u350 ?i timpul lor este
limitat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse s\uc1
\u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1 \u259 ? din dormitorul copilului. Ea se \uc1 \u238
?nfipse n\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?ios pe picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce te deranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e? Co\uc1 \u351 ?marul fiicei tale sau faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
la\uc1 \u351 ?i pe indivizii aceia s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 coarda, Carole, spuse el printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i. Eu am fost
aici pentru copil, nu tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery ced\uc1
\u259 ? privindu-l vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de acord cu consultan\uc1 \u355 ?ii pentru
campania electoral\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-am
schimbat ideile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
le-au schimbat Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei au \uc1 \u238 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ncercat, dar hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea eu am luat-o.
Oricum, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt aici \uc1 \u351 ?i ne a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e,.spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti convins, spune- le s\uc1 \u259 ? plece. P\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
campania - tu \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce reprezin\uc1 \u355 ?i tu. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti a\uc1 \u351 ?a-zi\uc1 \u351 ?i exper\uc1 \u355 ?i vor \uc1
\u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i schimbe imaginea? Nu te vei sim\uc1 \u355
?i frustrat? Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cei mai buni'sfetnici pot gre\uc1 \u351 ?i. Te
rog, nu te l\uc1 \u259 ?sa convins s\uc1 \u259 ? faci ceea ce nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?
ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na cu brutalitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sam convins cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi divor\uc1 \u355 ?at de tine de
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. A\uc1 \u351 ?a am fost sf\uc1 \u259 ?tuit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a
urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din cad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un prosop. Abia
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a oglinzii a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1
\u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a dormitorului se deschide. A crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? este Francy
si s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre ea. \uc1 \u238 ?n secunda urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
uimit\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?cea u}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n pas \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, Carole. Am crezut c\uc1
\u259 ? ai auzit c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am b\uc1 \u259 ?tut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Era dincolo de pragul u\uc1 \u351 ?ii. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
b\uc1 \u259 ?tut, cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? l- ar fi auzit.
O min\uc1 \u355 ?ea. Mai mult furioas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t st\uc1 \u238 ?
njenit\uc1 \u259 ?, str\uc1 \u238 ?nse prosopul de baie \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul ei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei, Jack?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tipii \uc1 \u355 ?i-au l\uc1
\u259 ?sat asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia privirea de la ea, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ntinse o h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie. Privirea Iui o st\uc1 \u238 ?njenea. Era \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i incisiv\uc1
\u259 ?. Oare vedea diferen\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ea \uc1 \u351 ?i
Carole? \uc1 \u350 ?tia cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta trupul Carolei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce \uc1 \u355 ?ipi? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? braveze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De la Wakely \uc1 \u351 ?i Poster. Nu au avut timp s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355
?i-l dea asear\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a ie\uc1 \u351 ?i vijelios din
\uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it vijelios. Am vrut doar s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d ce face
Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i ai
stat p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au plecat. Era adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu s-a scuzat. Nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
tot m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi, afl\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu. S\uc1 \u238
?nt surprins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? tu \uc1 \u238 ?i accep\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? - De ce?}
\langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te vor da la o
parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei
lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru noi, nu invers.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mie
nu mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut. Au fost autoritari \uc1 \u351 ?i arogan\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Mie nu-mi plac astfel de lucruri \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt uimit\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?e tolereaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Av\uc1 \u238 ?nd astfel de
sentimente, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i va
trebui timp s\uc1 \u259 ? digeri ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-am adus, zise Jack ar\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre h\uc1 \u238 ?rtii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
list\uc1 \u259 ? cu ce face \uc1 \u351 ?i nu face so\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui candidat,
spuse ea uimit\uc1 \u259 ? privind h\uc1 \u238 ?rtiile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Exact, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? h\uc1
\u238 ?rtiile pe pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
pare bine c\uc1 \u259 ? eu doar \uc1 \u355 ?i le-am adus. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy o s\uc1 \u259 ? te urm\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?
dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu vei face exact ce scrie acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Eddy s\uc1 \u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ? la dracu' \uc1 \u350 ?i tu. \uc1
\u350 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i care vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
face\uc1 \u355 ?i pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o }{\b1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 juc\uc1 \u259
?rie }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mecanic}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?, rostind
discursuri f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? semnifica\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai devenit o adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ? cruciat\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a dintr-odat\uc1 \u259 ? aliatul
lui indiscutabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ce-i cu asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe cine crezi tu
c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?le\uc1 \u351 ?ti, Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
lui. \uc1 \u350 ?i data viitoare c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai s\uc1 \u259 ? vii, Jack, bate
la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o pri}{\fs23
\cf1 vi cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a congestionat\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?nie.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Joac\uc1 \u259 ? teatru
c\uc1 \u238 ?t vrei cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem
singuri...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami, am
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un desen. Mandy intr\uc1 \u259 ? flutur\uc1 \u238 ?nd o foaie de
h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack o mai privi o
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntat apoi se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse pe c\uc1 \u259 ?
lc\uc1 \u238 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea se
felicit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nfruntat, dar sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o mai \uc1 \u355 ?in genunchii.
Lu\uc1 \u259 ? feti\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u238 ?nse \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Era greu de spus cine pe cine consoleaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai desenat? D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d.
Avery studie desenul colorat. Dar este minunat, scumpo, exclam\uc1 \u259 ? ea }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind cu dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ultima vizit\uc1 \u259 ? la doctor, Mandy a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
progrese uimitoare, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea din carapacea de
mdiferen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Trupul micu\uc1 \u355 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1
\u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? energie, \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n ea era
fragil\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea s\uc1 \u259 ? dea roade. . '}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uite, aici este tata
\uc1 \u351 ?i aici este Shep, spuse copilul, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd pe h\uc1
\u238 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ?d.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum \uc1 \u238 ?mi dai
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te gum\uc1 \u259 ?? Mona a spus s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i cer \uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O buc\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ic\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu o \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?
i. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu-o mai vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o aduci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Te iubesc, mami, spuse feti\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i o
s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? zgomotos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu te iubesc. Avery o mai str\uc1 \u238 ?nse o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la
piept, apoi o conduse spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncuie. Erau mul\uc1 \u355 ?i cei pe care dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?i lase dincolo de u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar erau \uc1 \u351 ?i cei
pentru care l\uc1 \u259 ?sa u\uc1 \u351 ?a deschis\uc1 \u259 ?. Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van desf\uc1 \u259
?cu o cutie de bere \uc1 \u351 ?i o puse pe consola aparatului video. Stomacul \uc1
\u238 ?i semnalizase c\uc1 \u259 ? are nevoie de c\uc1 \u238 ?te ceva dac\uc1 \u259
? dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Altfel era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
preocupat de ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t uita de m\uc1
\u238 ?ncare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu
o conserv\uc1 \u259 ? de pe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n ulei \uc1 \u351 ?i
lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ?. Scoase caseta din aparat \uc1 \u351 ?i puse
alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i
m\uc1 \u238 ?ncarea, trase un fum de marijuana, lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ? de
whisky,, apoi mai lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ? de pe\uc1 \u351 ?te. Privea un
documentar pe care l-a filmat acum c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva ani. Subiectul era
porno cu copii. Era una dintre copiile pe care obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuia s\uc1 \u259 ? le
fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Una din sutele de benzi pe care le avea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 P}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nimic din
ce a privit nu i-a justificat sentimentul c\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe
cineva cunoscut \uc1 \u238 ?n anturajul lui Rutledge. Dar acesta nu era omul cu
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb, de care se temea Avery. Nici nu era sigur ce caut\uc1
\u259 ?; dar trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? de undeva. Nu avea
de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se opreasc\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t atunci
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va descoperi ce \uc1 \u238 ?l nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea. Oricum, pentru
moment, nu avea nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Putea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i piard\uc1 \u259 ? vremea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
este Eddy? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson la mas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzie, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ne-a
spus s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?m la cin\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme nu ne mai adun\uc1 \u259 ?m la cin\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse
Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntat. Dorothy Rae, unde este Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este... este, Dorothy Rae nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia ce s\uc1 \u259 ?
spun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Era la
cartierul general c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am plecat eu, veni \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u238 ?n ajutorul cumnatei sale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack le
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme
munce\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte mult, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a mam\uc1
\u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee \uc1 \u238 ?i
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi uscat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este mai con\uc1
\u351 ?tiincioas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u238 ?t m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?i face bine
munca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oricum, este
un \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, morm\uc1 \u259 ?i Nelson. Avery, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a lui Jack, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i urma firul}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndurilor. Se}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ndoia
c\uc1 \u259 ? Francy lucra at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult la cartierul general. P\uc1
\u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? este singura care observ\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
Francy \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy veneau mereu t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i mereu
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?i ceru p\uc1 \u238 ?ine cu unt. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd Avery
termin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l surprinse pe Jack studiind-o. \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1
\u238 ?mbea de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?eau am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi un secret. Privi repede \uc1 \u238 ?n farfurie
\uc1 \u351 ?i se concentra la m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Francy sosi dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute, se arunc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n scaun cu o privire acr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ? sco\uc1 \u355 ?i un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt
civilizat, domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson
furios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, ce
conopid\uc1 \u259 ?, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? ea lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1
\u355 ?elul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
permit un astfel de limbaj, tun\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am uitat, strig\uc1 \u259 ? fata obraznic. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
se \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?i de furie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Astea nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt maniere, continu\uc1 \u259 ? el privind amenin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor spre Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Dorothy Rae. Fii pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
civilizat\uc1 \u259 ?. Stai ca lumea la mas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?t m\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? nu este ceva decent de m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare aici, se pl\uc1 \u238 ?nse
Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fie ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, Francine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu bunicule. To\uc1 \u355 ?i
copiii care mor de foame \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa. Scute\uc1 \u351 ?te-m\uc1 \u259 ? de
predic\uc1 \u259 ?, te rog. Plec la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u238 ?i la locul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, tun\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u238 ?nul. Faci parte din familie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n familia asta cina se
ia \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i
nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ipi, Nelson, spuse Zee. Francy se bosumfl\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi bunicul cu ostilitate,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu dispre\uc1 \u355 ?, dar
r\uc1 \u259 ?mase la locul ei. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nimic nu s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat, Nelson a reluat conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Consilierii \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i preg\uc1 \u259 ?tesc un
alt turneu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privi iute
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Abia
am aflat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, spuse el scuz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se, '\uc1 \u351 ?i nu am
avut timp s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai anun\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde mergem?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Prin
toate col\uc1 \u355 ?urile statului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?t o s\uc1 \u259 ? dureze? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai mult de o
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?h\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, n u-\uc1 \u355 ? i face probleme \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Mandy, bunicul o s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? grij\uc1
\u259 ? de ea. Nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Copilul
\uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap. De obicei nu
se sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o l\uc1 \u259 ?sau cu ei. Nici Avery nu avea
re\uc1 \u355 ?ineri. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy a avut un alt co\uc1 \u351 ?mar cu o
noapte \uc1 \u238 ?nainte - al doilea \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?na aceea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? era pe punctul de a se elibera de spaime,
Avery ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? fie l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? Mandy ar putea merge cu ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? discute cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Brusc ap\uc1 \u259 ?ru \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy. Mona, care str\uc1 \u238 ?ngea
masa, i-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a p\uc1 \u259 ?strat m\uc1 \u238 ?ncarea cald\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Las\uc1 \u259 ? asta. Privi
pe r\uc1 \u238 ?nd pe cei din jurul mesei. Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u238 ?nc mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
se \uc1 \u238 ?nvior\uc1 \u259 ? considerabil, \uc1 \u238 ?l privea cu
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i obr\uc1 \u259 ?znicie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
stric masa, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu Eddy. Nelson d\uc1 \u259 ?du din m\uc1 \u238 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pari sup\uc1
\u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era pu\uc1 \u355 ?
in spus, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi Avery. Eddy deborda de furie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? Am pierdut \uc1
\u238 ?n procente?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceva nu merge?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-e team\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? da, spuse Eddy. Ralph \uc1 \u351 ?i Dirk s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cu mine, dar
le-am spus s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte \uc1 \u238 ?n salon p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? voi discuta cu familia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ralprf \uc1 \u351 ?i Dirk erau cei doi consilieri angaja\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru
campanie. Numele lor ap\uc1 \u259 ?reau adesea \uc1 \u238 ?n toate conversa\uc1
\u355 ?iile. Avery le auzea cu reticen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nto}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 tdeauna.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -D\uc1 \u259 ?-f
drumul, spuse Nelson ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor. S\uc1 \u259 ? auzim vestea
cea rea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este \uc1 \u238 ?n
leg\uc1 \u259
?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Carole. To\uc1 \u355 ?i ochii din camer\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?ndreptar\uc1 \u259 ? spre ea. Medicul care i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut avortul vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie public\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O calitate necesar\uc1 \u259 ?
pilo\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de bombardiere era aceea de a nu ceda \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
momentelor critice. Nelson o avea. Mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu Avery s-a g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndit la aplombul cu care a primit \uc1 \u351 ?tirea uluitoare dat\uc1 \u259 ? de
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Calmul s\uc1 \u259 ?u a uimit-
o \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ea, ea care era zguduit\uc1 \u259 ?. A r\uc1 \u259 ?mas f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? grai, nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?, incapabil\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nelson se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? mut\uc1 \u259 ?m discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?n salon.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu un amestec de mil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
disperare. Zee extrem de palid\uc1 \u259 ?, reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?streze firea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mona, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aceasta nu servim desertul. Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? ai
grij\uc1 \u259 ? de Mandy. Vom fi pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1
\u238 ?na dup\uc1 \u259 ? paharul de vin. Jack i-l lu\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l puse pe mas\uc1 \u259 ?. O ridic\uc1
\u259 ? de pe scaun \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajunser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hol, Jack \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse fiicei lui:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu nu ai ce c\uc1 \u259 ?uta aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Este
cel mai emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionant lucru care s-a petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme,
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse fata chicotind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
este treaba ta, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
eu fac'parte din familie. Nu l-ai auzit pe bunicul? Pe urm\uc1 \u259 ?, lucrez \uc1
\u351 ?i eu pentru campanie. Am tot dreptul s\uc1 \u259 ? asist la orice
discu\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ea, spuse, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238
?nd dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitor spre mama sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
scoase o bancnot\uc1 \u259 ? de cincizeci de dolari \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ndes\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n palm\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - G\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?
ti tu ceva de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Francy cujum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de glas. \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era alb ca varul \uc1 \u351 ?i h\uc1 \u259 ?ituit, \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i controla cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
gesturile. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?erve\uc1 \u355 ?elul \uc1 \u238 ?n
farfurie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Nu
avea nici un rost s\uc1 \u259 ? nege, furia care-i ardea \uc1 \u238 ?n priviri o
\uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. O prinse dur de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o conduse spre salon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u238 ?n amurg. Pe fereastra salonului se vedea peisaj}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ul
spectaculos al cerului vestic, luminat cu umbrele s\uc1 \u238 ?ngerii ale apusului.
Era priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea care \uc1 \u238 ?i t\uc1
\u259 ?iase respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia de at\uc1 \u238 ?tea ori. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aceea se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea vulnerabil\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i nenorocit\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu vedea nici un chip prietenos \uc1 \u238 ?n
jurul ei. Mai ales b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ii o priveau
ostil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dirk era \uc1
\u238 ?nalt, slab, saturnian \uc1 \u351 ?i cu o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
permanent cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta exact ca omul de leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un film cu mafia. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
s\uc1 \u259 ? se sparg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mii de buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i de c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?
mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ralph era antiteza
lui Dirk. Rotund, }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 scund \uc1 \u351 ?i jovial. Spunea deja glume spre
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea tuturor. Scutur\uc1 \u259 ? nervos buzunarul hainei \uc1
\u351 ?i zorn\uc1 \u259 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul. B\uc1 \u259
?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia nu p\uc1 \u259 ?reau s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1
\u259 ? prenume. P\uc1 \u259 ?reau preocupa\uc1 \u355 ?i doar s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1
\u259 ? pe placul clien\uc1 \u355 ?ilor lor. \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce o privea, cu ea
nu prea aveau \uc1 \u351 ?anse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nelson
fu primul care \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy,
te rog sa ne explici ceea ce ne-ai spus. Eddy atac\uc1 \u259 ? problema direct.
Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; Ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupere de sarcin\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? dar nu
reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? nici un sunet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n lo}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee s\uc1 \u259 ?ri de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a lovit-o ceva. Nelson
se}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u259 ? sugestiv. Jack
\uc1 \u351 ?i Dorothy Rae o privir\uc1 \u259 ? ului\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut? \uc1 \u238 ?
l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. ' -Da.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i nu ai spus
nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu'era treaba
nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e furios.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
Nelson. Recent?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nainte de accident. Cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nemaipomenit! murmur\uc1 \u259 ?
Eddy. Este al naibii de grozav.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te
rog s\uc1 \u259 ? fii atent cum vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
so\uc1 \u355 ?iei mele, domnule Paschal, url\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Scuz\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?,
Nelson, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1
\u238 ?ntat, dar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i imaginezi cumva ce consecin\uc1 \u355 ?e
va avea acest lucru asupra campaniei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi imaginez. Dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? facem ceva. Nu ne
ajut\uc1 \u259 ? cu nimic s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?m unul la altul.}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce se mai calmar\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?in,
Nelson \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ai descoperit acest... acest lucru abominabil?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Asistenta doctorului a sunat ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi la cartierul general. A spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el plecase, i-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spun\uc1 \u259 ?
mie. Mi-a spus cum Carole, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ase s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni, a venit la
clinic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? i se fac\uc1 \u259 ? un
avort.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se pr\uc1
\u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe o canapea, se prinse cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile de mijloc \uc1
\u351 ?i se ghemui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? discut\uc1 \u259 ?m cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd din cap
asisten\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi doi,
pleca\uc1 \u355 ?i, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Stai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, obiect\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy. Ei trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tie totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i despre problemele noastre personale.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Totul, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, interveni Dirk. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la deodorantul pe care-l
folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? secrete, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti? \uc1 \u354 ?i-am spus de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput.}{\fs24
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ? explodeaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu ce a amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at asistenta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu o declara}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u355 ?ie public\uc1
\u259 ?. -Sau?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O putem
pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti c'a s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i tin\uc1 \u259 ? gura.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?antaj, spuse Ralph. Nu
tocmai original. Prins\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n i\uc1 \u355 ?ele propriei
minciuni, Avery riu mai}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 avea de ales,
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trateze cu dispre\uc1 \u355 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
sfideze. Nici nu se g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea la ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar i se rupea inima
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se la ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul
\u351 ?tept propuneri, spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u351 ?tii de doctor? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Dirk.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asistenta nu mai lucreaz\uc1
\u259 ? pentru el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh? se
mir\uc1 \u259 ? Ralph, z\uc1 \u259 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?nind monedele. De ce?}{\fs24
- Descoper\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery, care
rostise comanda, s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Nu se putea ap\uc1 \u259 ?
ra \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
rezolv\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tura \uc1 \u238 ?n care se
g\uc1 \u259 ?seau. .}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Descoper\uc1
\u259 ? de ce nu mai lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru doctor, Eddy. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
a dat-o afar\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era incompetent\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - El? Ea, spuse }{\fs23 \dbch
Eddy, doctorul este o femeie. Dumnezeule, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car at\uc1 \u238 ?ta
lucru hu-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut sau nu, continu\uc1 \u259 ? ea s\uc1 \u259 ?
atace. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? asistenta a fost concediat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
incompeten\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu va fi credibil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochii nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole are
dreptate aici, spuse Ralph.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu ne-ai
b\uc1 \u259 ?gat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tura asta. Ce vrei
acum, s\uc1 \u259 ? bravezi? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy apropiindu-se de
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, spuse ea sfid\uc1
\u259 ?tor:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aproape c\uc1
\u259 ? auzea sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?ind circuitele neuronilor}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 celor din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. To\uc1 \u355 ?i se g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndeau intens la o solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Zee rupse t\uc1 \u259 ?cere}{\fs23 \dbch
a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? au
fi\uc1 \u351 ?a ta medical\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Fi\uc1 \u351 ?ele medicale pot fi falsificate, mai ales copiile. Va fi cuv\uc1
\u238 ?ntul meu contra cuv\uc1 \u238 ?ntului ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu putem min\uc1 \u355 ?i, interveni \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce naiba s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
putem? r\uc1 \u238 ?se Dirk.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Minciuna face
parte d}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -in orice campanie electoral\uc1 \u259 ?,
complet\uc1 \u259 ? Ralph. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tigi, va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355 ?i mai conving\uc1 \u259 ?tor
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t Rae Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
voi deveni senator va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? am curajul s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
privesc \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
ar\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?gos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu
nu va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? mint. Nici tu. Nimeni nu va \uc1 \u351 ?ti despre avort.
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privea acum \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i spunem c\uc1 \u259 ? este o escroac\uc1 \u259 ?, va
da \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Pot garanta c\uc1 \u259 ? nici un post de televiziune nu o va
lua \uc1 \u238 ?n serios, mai ales dac\uc1 \u259 ? a fost concediat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? asistenta
ducea declara\uc1 \u355 ?ia la KTEX, la Irish McCabe, ceea ce nu era exclus, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? erau cei mai renumi\uc1 \u355 ?i, el ar fi rezolvat u\uc1 \u351 ?or
problema. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o ducea \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte... Avery
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse brusc spre Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a pus la cale povestea cu altcineva? Atest\uc1 \u259 ? cineva
pentru ea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1
- Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci n}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 u are nici o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un ziarist
credibil nu va prelua informa\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De unde naiba \uc1 \u351 ?tii tu asta? se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti Jack din cel\uc1
\u259 ?lalt col\uc1 \u355 ? al camerei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Oamenii Pre\uc1 \u351 ?edintelui.}{\fs24
Fi\uc1 \u351 ?a medical\uc1 \u259 ? va sus\uc1 \u355 ?ine informa\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-ar putea, dar tot nu va
avea credi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 bilitate. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom ignora o asemenea
afirma\uc1 \u355 ?ie scandaloas\uc1 \u259 ?, oamenii o'vor considera o
minciun\uc1 \u259 ? sordid\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne ia \uc1 \u238 ?n obiectiv personalul de campanie
al lui Dekker? Or s\uc1 \u259 ? sune toate tr\uc1 \u238 ?mbi\uc1 \u355 ?ele.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i ce dac\uc1
\u259 ?? Este o poveste ur\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, murdar\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine va
crede c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre Zee, care i-a pus o at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
simpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare. Suferea din pricina suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei
fiului ei. Ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i poat\uc1 \u259 ? da o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
dar nu putea. Zee se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ? de repulsie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Lui Eddy nu-i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 p\uc1 \u259 ?sa de aspectele
sentimentale ale problemei. M\uc1 \u259 ?sura concentrat camera.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, Dekker se va bucura
c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un astfel de cadou. Nici nu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?znesc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc ce va face. O va
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe Carole ca pe o uciga\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Va ar\uc1 \u259
?ta ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mproa\uc1
\u351 ?te cu noroi, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu va reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
dovedeasc\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce spune. Iar eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va
dovedi, \uc1 \u238 ?i va \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rta pe aleg\uc1 \u259 ?tori.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ralph \uc1 \u351 ?i Dirk se
privir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ridicar\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A subliniat ni\uc1 \u351 ?te puncte valide. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te
mai sun\uc1 \u259 ? asistenta spune-i c\uc1 \u259 ? minte. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? o
vom speria.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
tiu, este riscant, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
nu putem face altceva mai bun, interveni Nelson ridic\uc1 \u238 ?ndu- se. Va trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ? rezolva\uc1 \u355 ?i singuri acest lucru murdar. Nu doresc s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai aud vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? vorbind despre asta.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Plecar\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nici el nici Zee
nu privir\uc1 \u259 ? spre Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy
Rae se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi spre bar. Jack, preocupat s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1
\u259 ? cu r\uc1 \u259 ?utate pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu
observ\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o opreasc\uc1 \u259 ? la timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Evident, nimeni din familie nu \uc1
\u351 ?tiuse de sarcina Carolei \uc1 \u351 ?i nici despre avort, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n s}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 eara aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai lipsesc scheletele din dulap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre fratele
s\uc1 \u259 ?u cu o furie pe}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 care nu o ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tase niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Pumnii erau str\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1
\u238 ?ncordare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Taci din gur\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? - S\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i spui tu lui s\uc1 \u259 ? tac\uc1 \u259 ?,
strig\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy Rae, lovind paharul de vodc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu este vina lui
c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta este o t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dorothy Rae!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este, Jack? Inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionat
a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat de copil, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce eu... eu... nu mai reu\uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? continue. Le \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spatele.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack inspir\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc
\uc1 \u351 ?i murmur\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1
\u259 ? spre so\uc1 \u355 ?ia care pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngea, o lu\uc1 \u259 ? de talie
\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sir\uc1 \u259 ? camera. Cu toat\uc1 \u259 ?
aversiunea pe care o sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Jack, Avery
r\uc1 \u259 ?mase impresionat\uc1 \u259 ? de afec\uc1 \u355 ?iunea cu care se purta
cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?l privea cu recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dirk
\uc1 \u351 ?i Ralph, ignor\uc1 \u238 ?nd total drama de familie, st\uc1 \u259 ?teau
de vorb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
turneul acesta vei r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne acas\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Dirk spre
de acord, sus\uc1 \u355 ?inu Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Numai
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? acest lucru, \uc1
\u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui era rece \uc1 \u351
?i impasibil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - R\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?i, sp}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 use.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O
\uc1 \u238 ?necau lacrimile, dar mai bine murea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
fac\uc1 \u259 ? o scen\uc1 \u259 ?. Repede, dar m\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?,
ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o urm\uc1
\u259 ?. O ajunse \uc1 \u238 ?n hol \uc1 \u351 ?i o oblig\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Puterea ta de a \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ela oamenii nu are nici o limit\uc1 \u259 ?, Caroie, nu?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i se pare ur\uc1 \u238 ?t, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ur\uc1 \u238
?t! Cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune din cap.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cui-o, de'ce nu ai recunoscut? De ce nu mi-ai spus}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va mai fi nici un copil?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult te doare lucrul acesta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Prostii! Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult te va
st\uc1 \u238 ?njeni pe tine! , - Nu, strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea nenorocit\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - "Spune|i-i c\uc1 \u259 ?
minte. Nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? dovezi. Fi\uc1 \u351 ?e falsificate", spuse citind
cuvintele ei. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai o modalitate de a ie\uc1 \u351 ?i deasupra, nu?
C\uc1 \u238 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?mecherii din astea mai ai \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?
nec\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut propunerile ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te protejez pe tine. Pe tine, \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur, sigur.
De data aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbea cu cinism. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? doreai \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r s\uc1 \u259 ? faci ceva pentru mine, Carole, nu avortai
copilul. Sau, mai bine nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?neai \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ori poate c\uc1 \u259 ? un copil va fi biletul spre Washington?
S\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi mai ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cale. Nu suport s\uc1 \u259 ?
te mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Plec\uc1 \u259 ?
spre salon unde \uc1 \u238 ?l a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau consilierii. Avery se sprijini de
perete, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u238 ?nindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i hohotele de pl\uc1 \u238 ?
ns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercarea de a atenua din p\uc1 \u259 ?catele Carolei, nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai mult pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare Avery se trezi ame\uc1 \u355 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ?. Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i erau umfla\uc1 \u355 ?i, capul i se \uc1
\u238 ?nv\uc1 \u238 ?rtea. Trase orbe\uc1 \u351 ?te un capot \uc1 \u351 ?i se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre baie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat
ce intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? se lipi \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozit\uc1
\u259 ? de perete, citind mesajul scris pe oglinda de la baie,}{\fs23 \dbch
cu rujul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
T\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ? proast\uc1 \u259 ? ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Era c\uc1
\u238 ?t pe ce s\uc1 \u259 ? strici totul!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Frica o
paraliza c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente, apoi o}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 galvaniz\uc1 \u259
?. Fugi la \uc1 \u351 ?ifonier \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? destul de mult
timp s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tearg\uc1 \u259 ? mesajul de pe oglind\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd termin\uc1 \u259 ?, fugi parc\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?
rit\uc1 \u259 ? de diavol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dur\uc1 \u259 ?
doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la grajd. Porni
\uc1 \u238 ?n galop pe paji\uc1 \u351 ?tea neted\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u238 ?t mai
departe de casa \uc1 \u238 ?n care mocnea at\uc1 \u238 ?ta ur\uc1 \u259 ?.
De\uc1 \u351 ?i soarele \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzea palid, Avery tremura. O \uc1
\u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?nta g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva s-a
furi\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitorul ei, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp }{\fs23 \dbch
ce ea dormea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i Van aveau dreptate. Era nebun\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
mai continue aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?arad\uc1 \u259 ?. Era \uc1 \u238 ?n
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i pierde}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23
\cf1 via\uc1 \u355 ?a pentru manipul\uc1 \u259 ?rile altei femei. Merita oare?
\uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, i se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea o prostie s\uc1
\u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se \uc1 \u351 ?ti cine este cu
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Putea s\uc1
\u259 ? dispar\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia o nou\uc1 \u259 ?
identitate. Era destul de istea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i avea
imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Era interesat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n foarte multe
lucruri. Jurnalistica nu era singurul domeniu \uc1 \u238 ?n care se putea
descurca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar acestea erau g\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23
\cf1 nduri generate de panic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i team\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery \uc1
\u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu le va pune niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
practic\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu ar fi suportat un cutremur cu asemenea magnitudine. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierdea via\uc1
\u355 ?a? El \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy erau acum ceea ce avea ea mai scump. Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?h\uc1 \u259 ?. Alegerile vor avea loc peste c\uc1
\u238 ?teva s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni \uc1 \u351 ?i sf\uc1 \u238 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?itul era aproape.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?i spunea mesajul de pe oglind\uc1 \u259 ?,
comportamentul imprevizibil al Carolei l-a enervat pe du\uc1 \u351 ?manul lui
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Oamenii nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i fac gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli. Ea
va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie doar atent\uc1 \u259 ?, mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n gard\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l va de}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 scoperi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors ia
grajd nu \uc1 \u8222 ?era nimeni. A luat \uc1 \u351 ?aua de pe cal, i-a dat
m\uc1 \u238 ?ncare \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a \uc1 \u351 ?ters.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-am c\uc1 \u259 ?utat peste tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Speriat\uc1 \u259 ?, sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?
esala din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!
spuse \uc1 \u351 ?i duse m\uc1 \u238 ?na la inim\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu te-am}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 auzit. M-ai speriat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?a grajdului, iar Shep la picioarele
lui, cuminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce numai cu tine. l-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
vin s\uc1 \u259 ? te caut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?rit pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, spuse ea stupid, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
lucrul era evident.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-ai f\uc1
\u259 ?cut cu costumele tale moderne de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?rie?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poftim?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acelea... \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu
un gest.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pintenii? Privindu-se v\uc1
\u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este deloc modern\uc1 \u259 ?. Era chiar foarte
modest \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi se pare c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt caraghioas\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Oh? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse s\uc1 \u259 ? plece.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!
\uc1 \u238 ?l strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea umezindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i nervoas\uc1 \u259 ?
buzele. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea este furioas\uc1 \u259
? pe mine, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? numai p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea ta.
M\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Shep se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntinse pe cimentul rece \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse
capul pe labe privind-o prietenos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
bine plec la Mandy, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Vii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i nici unul nu se
mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca. St\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1 \u351 ?i se priveau cu intensitate. Era
lini\uc1 \u351 ?te. Din c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se auzea
c\uc1 \u238 ?te o copit\uc1 \u259 ? de cal lovind cimentul. Aerul era plin de aroma
de f\uc1 \u238 ?n. Era tentant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lui
Avery i se p\uc1 \u259 ?ru c\uc1 \u259 ? hainele o sufoc\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul este prea greu \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai are loc \uc1 \u238 ?n propriul
ei corp. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea din suflet s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze. Ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i simt\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile inimii. Ar fi vrut ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? o
cuprind\uc1 \u259 ? din nou cu pasiunea aceea, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nevoile lui
erau doar pentru moment. Dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a care cre\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n
ea era dublat\uc1 \u259 ? de disperare. Era de nesuportat. Cobor\uc1 \u238 ?
privirea. El se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cu afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune calul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elegi? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? privindu-l iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De obicei, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
te apropia! de el scotea fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe gur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i pe nas. Nu doreai dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l vindem.
Acum v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elege\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l privi deschis \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse bl\uc1 \u238 ?
nd:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Calul a \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere
\uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e primi mesajul. Era limpede. O privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, apoi
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn c\uc1 \u238 ?inelui cu v\uc1 \u238 ?rful cizmei.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hai, Shep. Peste um\uc1
\u259 ?r i se adres\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ei - Mandy a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1
Fii feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cuminte, de dragul lui ta\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era \uc1 \u238 ?n genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a fiica. M\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorc repede \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aduc un
cadou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De cele mai multe
ori z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul lui Mandy o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Avery
s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n diminea\uc1
\u355 ?a aceea, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e pleca, \uc1 \u238 ?i era
imposibil s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ?' m\uc1 \u259 ? suni dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai are
co\uc1 \u351 ?maruri sau evolueaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tot personalul
\uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu informat imediat de orice
mesaj \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Mandy. Imediat, indiferent
unde s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i ce fac.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? ceva promit s\uc1 \u259 ? te sun imediat. ' Jack \uc1
\u238 ?l claxona. Devenise ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Eddy st\uc1 \u259 ?
tea}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? e[
\uc1 \u351 ?i vorbea la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a celeilalte probleme, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cobor\uc1
\u238 ?nd glasul, Eddy a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ai sugerat tu. I-a
cerut asistentei
dovada de net\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duit a avortului: A \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?ntat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?t nu va mai avea curajul
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva despre aceast\uc1 \u259 ? povejste. A f\uc1
\u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te investiga\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Exact cum ai
spus tu, ea a fost concediat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i acum dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
creeze probleme doctorului. Eddy -a folosit toate informa\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1
\u351 ?i a amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at-o c\uc1 \u259 ? o va purta numai prin tribunale. Se
pare c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a cumin\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?mi pare at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. A\uc1 \u351 ?
fi fost disperat\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru \uc1 \u355 ?i-ar fi
stricat campania.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu mai poate
s\uc1 \u259 ? strice. Deja a stricat foarte mul}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te descuraja. Procentele s\uc1
\u238 ?nt doar procente. Se pot schimba oric\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ar fi bine s\uc1 \u259 ? se schimbe c\uc1 \u238 ?t mai rapid.
Noiembrie se apropie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mai era foarte
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp, via\uc1 \u355 ?ajui era \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol \uc1 \u351 ?i
ea nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu \uc1 \u238 ?l putea preveni, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest turneu
nici l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el nu va fi s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l caute \uc1
\u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lui.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e... \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu ea, dar fu \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt\uc1 \u259 ? de claxonul
ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? plec. Se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259
? pe Mandy. La revedere, Carole. Pe ea nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu o}{\fs23 \dbch
privi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami, mami!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?
o strige de mai multe ori pentru a fi auzit\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse spre copil, v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? este uimit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Scuz\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259
?, draga mea, ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nt .trist\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? tata a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? plece. Dar
te am'pe tine. O s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u355 ?ii companie c\uc1 \u238 ?t este el
plecat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy d\uc1
\u259 ?du viguros din cap. Intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu putea
fi ajutat pentru moment, fiica lui putea fi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Zilele abia treceau. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i petrecea timpul cu Mandy,
dar tot nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? omoare orele f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
de sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it. Nu exagerase cu nimic c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-a spus
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? are nevoie de activitate. Nu era
obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? stea. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, i
se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu are energia s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fac\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nimic. Privea \uc1 \u238 ?n gol bolnav\uc1 \u259 ?
de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
fiecare se}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ar\uc1 \u259 ? privea cu nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te
\uc1 \u351 ?tirile \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?uta cu \uc1 \u238 ?nfrigurare \uc1
\u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime chipul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb.
Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? Irish se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba de ce nu l-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i ea pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. L-a sunat de la
un telefon public \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a povestit criza prin care au trecut.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Consilieri}{\fs23 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i lui i-au recomandat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
lase acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum s\uc1 \u238 ?nt p paria.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 -Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru Rutledge?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o oarecare m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. Este foarte politicos, dar
rece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ?
exper\uc1 \u355 ?ii de la Wakely \uc1 \u351 ?i Poster \uc1 \u238 ?i comand\uc1
\u259 ? lui Rutledge \uc1 \u351 ?i el nu vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i asculte. A\uc1
\u351 ?a este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
A\uc1 \u351 ?a este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mmm, \uc1
\u238 ?i voi spune lui Van s\uc1 \u259 ? continue s\uc1 \u259 ?-l caute pe tipul
acela pe care tu \uc1 \u238 ?l consideri important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
c\uc1 \u259 ? este important. Spune-i lui Van s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sune
imediat ce \uc1 \u238 ?l depisteaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l vede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? Van nu l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a sunat-
o. Dar de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? la jurnalul de \uc1 \u351 ?tiri se d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1 \u238 ?te un cadru al mul\uc1 \u355 ?imir. Van
\uc1 \u238 ?i trimitea astfel un mesaj. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul nu era \uc1 \u238 ?n
mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Acest lucru
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i nu o elibera }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 \{}{\fs23 \dbch
de spaim\uc1 \u259 ?. Ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? fie l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
Taje. Noaptea avea co\uc1 \u351 ?maruri, \uc1 \u238 ?l vedea plin de s\uc1 \u238 ?
nge. \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul zilei, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu o avea pe Mandy, cutreiera prin
cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tot sup\uc1
\u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? privirea. Nelson intrase \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l aud\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se vede at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bine?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca lumina zilei.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am
fost o companie prea pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-e
dor de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Atitudinea familiei f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse atmosfera de nesuportat. Abia dac\uc1 \u259 ?
trecuse o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
plecase \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ei i s-au p\uc1 \u259 ?rut ani.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, Nelson, mi-e foarte dor de el.
Presupun c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vine greu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? crezi. Nici Zee nu m\uc1 \u259 ? crede. Nici nu se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de incisiv, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t o trecu un fior pe \uc1
\u351 ?ira spin\uc1 \u259 ?rii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Povestea aceea cu avortul a fost hidoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am avut inten\uc1 \u355 ?
ia s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac public\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dar \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie. }{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \super1 4}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}{\fs23 \dbch
Trebuia, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i a
aflat? Copilul era al lui? Ezit\uc1 \u259 ? un moment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tu te \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi de ce ne purt\uc1 \u259 ?m a\uc1 \u351 ?a cu tine? Ne-ai
distrus nepotul. Mie mi se pare de neiertat. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce simte Zee
pentru-\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Te a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
te felicite?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fiind mam}{\fs23 \dbch
a care a fost pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i, Zee nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i poate imagina c\uc1 \u259 ? tu ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cevafNici eu, la drept vorbind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
privi la albumul cu fotografii de familie pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l avea \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Erau fotografii vechi. Zee era t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Nelson era chipe\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor \uc1 \u238 ?n costumul de aviator. Jack \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e erau copii. Familie tipic american\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu i-a fost u\uc1 \u351 ?or
lui Zee c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai plecat \uc1 \u238 ?n Coreea? - Nu i-a fost, spuse el
a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se comod. A}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? o las singur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Jack, care era doar un copil.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Era mie c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v-aji mutat la New Mexico, constat\uc1
\u259 ? ea privind fotografiile \uc1 \u351 ?i sper\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?
el \uc1 \u238 ?i va povesti ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Aoolo m-au trimis For\uc1 \u355 ?ele Aeriene, acolo am plecat, spuse Nelson. A fost
dezolant. Zee nu putea suferi de\uc1 \u351 ?ertul \uc1 \u351 ?i praful. Nu suferea
nici munca pe care o f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam eu. \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele acelea, pilo\uc1
\u355 ?ii de \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare mureau ca mu\uc1 \u351 ?tele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i prietenul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, Bryan \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tr\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?turile lui se \uc1 \u238 ?nmuiar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti. Scutur\uc1 \u259 ? trist din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Parc\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am pierdut familia
atunci. Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea am. renun\uc1 \u355 ?at la meserie/ Nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? mai atr\uc1 \u259 ?gea \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu te atrage
ceva po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? mori foarte u\uc1 \u351 ?or. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat cu Bryan. Dar eu nu doream s\uc1
\u259 ? mor. Aveam \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? foarte multe de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.
For\uc1 \u355 ?ele Aeriene m-au trimis la Lackland. Aici mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut
c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt acas\uc1 \u259 ?. A fost bine pentru copii.
Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l meu \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?nea. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
ce a murit el, eu m-am retras din avia\uc1
\u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut agricultur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar \uc1 \u355 ?i-a lipsit
meseria, qu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, mi-a lipsit
foarte mult. Acum s\uc1 \u238 ?nt b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?i tot
\uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere cum era \uc1 \u238 ?n aer. Nici un
alt sentiment nu rivalizeaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu asta. O femeie nu poate \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elege cum este acolo, cum se leag\uc1 \u259 ? prieteniile.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca aceea cu Bryan?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - El era bun pilot, cel mai
bun. Dar a fost neglijent \uc1 \u351 ?i a pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit cu via\uc1 \u355 ?a. O
privi foarte intens pe Carole. To\uc1 \u355 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?tim gre\uc1 \u351 ?
elile, Carole. Pentru o vreme poate avem impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?m. Dar nu pentru mult timp. Gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile se r\uc1 \u259 ?zbun\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privi
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
crezi tu c\uc1 \u259 ? se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpla cu mine din}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pricina avortului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Tu nu crezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? da.,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El se aplec\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult spre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Deja
a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ti suport\uc1 \u238 ?nd
ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea. Sper ca \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
trebuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
locul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, pierz\uc1 \u238 ?nd alegerile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu sper.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii,
Carole? Eu am s\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutorul t\uc1 \u259 ?u de foarte
multe ori. \uc1 \u354 ?i-am acordat circumstan\uc1 \u355 ?e atenuante.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Punctul t\uc1 \u259 ?u forte?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i au observat
c\uc1 \u238 ?t e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de schimbat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? accident.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Inima lui Avery \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ?. Au discutat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei aceste
schimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am schimbat,
dar cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt de aco}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rd, dar Zee nu crede c\uc1 \u259 ? este
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Crede c\uc1 \u259 ? joci teatru, c\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1
\u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? intri \uc1 \u238 ?n gra\uc1 \u355 ?iile lui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e pentru a ajunge la Washington.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu-i o remarc\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? din partea unei
soacre. Tu ce crezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu cred c\uc1
\u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o femeie frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de\uc1 \u351 ?
teapt\uc1 \u259 ? -prea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355
?i permi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ezi spada cu
mine. Ar fi foarte bine s\uc1 \u259 ? fii cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat ceea ce pretinzi
c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. -Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente o privi extrem de
\uc1 \u238 ?ncordat. Apoi fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui se relaxa \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n mod sincer, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerci s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?scumperi gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile din
trecut, voi mar\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Pentru ca \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ales, are nevoie de familie, mai ales de so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa,
care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sus\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n totalitate.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu \uc1 \u238 ?l sus\uc1
\u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n totalitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Altceva nici nu a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?m. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? de pe scaun.
La u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse din nou spre ea. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? te vei purta ca o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie de senator, nu vei avea necazuri cu
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 a. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vorbit cu Zee, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? la
cin\uc1 \u259 ? Avery a observat o u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? schimbare de
atitudine din partea ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-ai distrat
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole? Ai c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?rit, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, mi-a prins
bine. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd este r\uc1 \u259 ?coare, pot s\uc1 \u259 ? stau mai mult.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i l-ai luat pe
Ghostly. E ciudat, nu? \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna/ ai dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uit animalul
acesta \uc1 \u351 ?i el pe tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u238 ?mi era fric\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Am \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at s\uc1 \u259 ? avem \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere unul \uc1
\u238 ?n altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mona intr}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sufragerie, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?l chem\uc1 \u259 ? pe Nelson la telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cine este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, domnule colonel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pe
Avery o str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tu un fior de regret pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu a dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea.
Nelson a lipsit c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors era
foarte bine dispus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doam}{\fs23
\cf1 nelor, spuse el adres\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se nu numai so\uc1 \u355 ?iei sale, ci
\uc1 \u351 ?i lui Avery, Dorothy Rae, Francy \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy. \uc1 \u238 ?n
seara aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?mpachet\uc1 \u259 ?m. M\uc1 \u238 ?ine vom pleca la Fort
Worth.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Reac\uc1 \u355 ?
iile au fost diferite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Toate? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu. \uc1
\u350 ?i eu? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy Rae. Francy s\uc1 \u259 ?ri din
scaun cu un strig\uc1 \u259 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, era vremea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mple \uc1 \u351 ?i ceva bun pe aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?ine? De ce? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Procentele, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse Nelson la am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rile. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
pierde procente.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acesta nu e un motiv de bucurie, spuse Zee.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 onsilierii l-
au sf\uc1 \u259 ?tuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aduc\uc1 \u259 ? familia \uc1
\u238 ?n primul plan. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai fie singur tot timpul. Din}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 punctul meu de vedere, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt fericit c\uc1
\u259 ? viom fi din nou \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Nelson.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i-au schimbat p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Evident.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi \uc1 \u238 ?m}{\fs23
\cf1 pacheta pentru Mandy imediat. La ce or\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery alung\uc1 \u238 ?nd toate g\uc1 \u238 ?ndurile
megre.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Imediat ce
s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem gata, spuse Nelson privind-o pe Dorothy Rae care intrase \uc1
\u238 ?n panic\uc1 \u259 ?. Era palid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u238 ?ngea m\uc1 \u238 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Mona, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? o aju\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Dorothy R}{\fs23 \dbch
ae.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie neap\uc1 \u259 ?rat
s\uc1 \u259 ? merg? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ea disperat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a mi s-a spus.
Nelson o privi pe Francy cu o expresie sever\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
este nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? reamintesc ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1
\u259 ? bunele maniere. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? familia Rutledge va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochiul publicului, sub lup\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259
? comporta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n consecin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La Fort Worth ploua. Nelson s-
a oprit direct la hotel, dar din cauza vremii \uc1 \u351 ?i a nenum\uc1 \u259 ?
ratelor opriri, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd au sosit ei, Jack, Eddy \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e plecaser\uc1 \u259 ? deja la o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunire. Grupul obosit a
urcat imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Mandy era mofturoas\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nimic nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cina care a fost servit\uc1
\u259 ? imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Mandy, m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai pe farfurie, spuse
Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, se \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?na copilul r\uc1 \u259 ?
sfr\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i buzele. Ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe ta\uc1 \u355 ?i. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1
\u259 ?d pe ta\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V}{\fs23
\cf1 a veni mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, \uc1 \u238 ?i explic\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uite, ai aici ce-\uc1 \u355
?i place \uc1 \u355 ?ie mai mult, pizza, spuse Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi place.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, Nelson privea la ceas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Este aproape \uc1 \u351 ?apte. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m,
altfel vom \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
R\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n eu cu ea, se oferi Dorothy Rae, \uc1 \u238 ?n
speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? va sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Halal
ajutor, spuse Francy dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitor. Eu zic s\uc1 \u259 ? o l\uc1 \u259 ?
sa\uc1 \u355 ?i pe \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?
nata asta mic\uc1 \u259 ? fl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy, te rog, o
cert\uc1 \u259 ? Zee. Ne este suficient un singur copil dificil. Zee spuse c\uc1
\u259 ? este obosit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i rug\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? o lase cu Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc Zee, spuse Avery. Ne e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de
mare ajutor. Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? o putem lua \uc1 \u238 ?n public ast\uc1
\u259 ?-sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Nelson, pleac\uc1 \u259 ? tu cu Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i
Francy. Vin \uc1 \u351 ?i eu mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dirk \uc1 \u351 ?i Ralph au spus c\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1
\u238 ?ncepu Nelson s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 protesteze.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-nii pas\uc1 \u259 ? ce au
spus ei, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse Avery cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu ar fi de acord s\uc1 \u259 ? o las pe
Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea stare. Imediat ce se va culca voi lua un taxi. Spune-
le c\uc1 \u259 ? vin c\uc1 \u238 ?t pot de repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cei trei ie\uc1 \u351 ?ir\uc1 \u259 ? din dormitorul lui Mandy,
care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din apartamentul rezervat familiei lui \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum Mandy,
spuse Avery calm, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nci, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun lui ta\uc1 \u355 ?i ce feti\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? ai fost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Eu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dai surpriza.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, draga mea, o rug\uc1 \u259 ? Zee. -Nu!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?
facem o b\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cald\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu! Eu vreau surpriza.}{\fs23
\cf1 Ta\uc1 \u355 ?i a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? am o surpriz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mandy, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ?
termini, m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? cina. Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse
tava. Totul se \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tie pe jos.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n
picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta pune capac
la toate. Nu voi accepta a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe Mandy de
pe scaun \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du c\uc1 \u238 ?teva palme la
fundule\uc1 \u355 ?. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput.copilul a fost prea uluit s\uc1 \u259 ?
aib\uc1 \u259 ? vreo reac\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Apoi buza de jos \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i tremure. Lacrimi enorme i se rostogoleau pe obraji. Deschise
gura \uc1 \u351 ?i scoase un strig\uc1 \u259 ?t sf\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ietor.
Zee \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na spre ea \uc1 \u351 ?i o opri str\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o pe Mandy la piept. Copilul se lipi de ea. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i lipi fa\uc1 \u355 ?a de um\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei. Avery o m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
i-a fost ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine s\uc1 \u259 ? te por\uc1 \u355 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
ur\uc1 \u238 ?t? Ta\uc1 \u355 ?i crede c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti feti\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? cuminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\cf1 S\uc1 \u238 ?nt }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cuminte.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta nu
ai fost. Ai fost rea \uc1 \u351 ?i tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii asta. Pl\uc1 \u238 ?nsul
dur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1
\u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, se opri,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? ochii plini de lacrimi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum pot s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u238 ?nc \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i. Avery o m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea p\uc1 \u259 ?rul de pe obraji. Nu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? meri\uc1 \u355 ?i desertul. Tu ce spui? Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a copilului
tremura, dar d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap \uc1 \u238 ?n semn c\uc1 \u259 ? nu.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cuminte acum, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vine ta\uc1 \u355 ?i
disear\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l las s\uc1 \u259 ? te trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dea surpriza. Bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u,
dar toanele nu trebuie r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?tite, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elegi ce vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?, mami?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu regret Mandy d\uc1 \u259 ?du din cap}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum hai s\uc1 \u259 ? facem
b\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?a, s\uc1 \u259 ? punem pijamaua \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? o l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m pe bunica s\uc1 \u259 ? te culce. Cu c\uc1 \u238 ?t
dormi mai repede, cu at\uc1 \u238 ?t vine ta\uc1 \u355 ?i mai repede.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de minute
mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu, Avery o \uc1 \u238 ?nvelea. Mandy era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
obosit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t adormi imediat. Avery era
epuizat\uc1 \u259 ?. Incidentul a impresionat-o. Nu mai avea chef s\uc1 \u259 ? se
certe cu Zee, care era sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va auzi despre b\uc1 \u259 ?taie,
spuse Zee. \uc1 \u8226 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Foarte bine.
Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1 \u351 ?i el.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre
camera ei, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd sun\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul. Era \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vii sau ce faci? o \uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
alt\uc1 \u259 ? introducere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, vin. Am
avut o mic\uc1 \u259 ? problem\uc1 \u259 ? cu Mandy, dar acum este \uc1 \u238 ?n
pat. Iau un taxi \uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n hol. Gr\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?te-te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
cinci minute, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea s\uc1 \u259 ?
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rzie. Rezultatele nu erau spectaculoase, dar fu
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? observe c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o privi apreciativ.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Costumul din dou\uc1 \u259 ? piese era elegant. M\uc1 \u259 ?tasea albastr\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncadra frumos fa\uc1 \u355 ?a. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul
era piept\uc1 \u259 ?nat sofisticat. Avea o pereche de cercei \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ce naiba s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 conduc\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. Tata mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy era sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, sup\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ?! Mandy a fost o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1
\u259 ? teroare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - ^Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? are
numai trei ani. A c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torit toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua. \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg de ce s-a purtat a\uc1 \u351 ?a, dar toate au o limit\uc1
\u259 ?. Nu mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? am sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat-o pe Zee,
dar am b\uc1 \u259 ?tut-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ajunseser\uc1
\u259 ? la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. El s-a oprit cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe
m\uc1 \u238 ?ner.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am adus-o la
realitate. A mers.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i
studie c\uc1 \u238 ?teva momente expresia hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
de pe chip. Apoi comand\uc1 \u259 ? brusc:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Urc\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Urc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i el repede ia volan \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
strad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce}{\fs23
\cf1 ai venit dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
timp ce ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina str\uc1 \u259 ?pungea noaptea ploioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Puteam
s\uc1 \u259 ? iau un taxi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oricum, nu f\uc1
\u259 ?ceam mare lucru. M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? e mai bine s\uc1 \u259
? o fac eu pe taxiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce au spus
Dirk \uc1 \u351 ?i Ralph?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimic, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Poftim?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vor observa ei c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
acolo, oricum va fi-prea t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. M-au obosit la culme cu discursul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Conducea imprudent de repede.
Avery se ab\uc1 \u355 ?inu, nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea dispus s\uc1 \u259 ? accepte
critici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce am fost chema\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai urm\uc1 \u259
?rit estim\uc1 \u259 ?rile? -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci \uc1
\u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? schimb\uc1 \u259 ?m tactica.
Consilierii mei spun c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? lu\uc1 \u259 ?m m\uc1
\u259 ?suri}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 disperate. Am plecat cu entuziasm
\uc1 \u238 ?n acest turneu \uc1 \u351 ?i, iat\uc1 \u259 ?, am pierdut...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson spunea ceva despre
imaginea ta singuratic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1
\u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u351 ?a spun ei. -Ei?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine al}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
tcineva? Dirk \uc1 \u351 ?i Ralph. S-au g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? o familie
numeroas\uc1 \u259 ? va convinge oamenii c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt un
singuratec. Un om de familie confer\uc1 \u259 ? stabilitate. Dumnezeule, nu mai
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce s\uc1 \u259 ? cred. Vorbesc at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult, c\uc1 \u259
? nu mai vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aud.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1
\u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre parcarea din Billy Bob. Era o aren\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru rodeo. C\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i dansatori
western d\uc1 \u259 ?deau un spectacol pentru colectarea de fonduri. Un cowboy se
apropie de ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? fereastra.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu pute\uc1
\u355 ?i parca aici, domnule.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
muta\uc1 \u355 ?i ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe partea
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? este o parcare, dar din cauza, aglomer\uc1 \u259 ?rii s-ar
putea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai g\uc1 \u259 ?si\uc1 \u355 ?i loc. Oricum, nu o
pute\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sa aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?nt \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutled}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
ge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Buck Burdine. \uc1 \u238 ?
mi pare bine de cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar nu pute\uc1
\u355 ?i parca aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Evident, omul nu
avea interese politice. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o privi pe Avery. Ea \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i studia m\uc1 \u238 ?inile ab\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u238 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? din nou:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Candidez pentru Senat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259
? domnule, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? lua\uc1 \u355 ?i ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina
de aici. Vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? duc cu for\uc1 \u355 ?a?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? am
s\uc1 \u259 ? mut ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute, parca ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina pe o alee la c\uc1
\u238 ?teva blocuri dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare. Opri motorul \uc1 \u351 ?i o privi pe
Avery. Izbucnir\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u238 ?s am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi. Au
r\uc1 \u238 ?s c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Doamne, c\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u238 ?nt de obosit. Este bine s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u238 ?zi. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc b\uc1
\u259 ?iatului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ploaia c\uc1 \u259
?dea toren\uc1 \u355 ?ial. Nu era nimeni pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiecare \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?sise un ad\uc1 \u259 ?post.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-a fost greu, \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, greu.
\uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi pierd teren. Campania mea se desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
oar\uc1 \u259 ? aici, unde ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig. Se
pare, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? va c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga Dekker.}
\cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l priv}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea concentrat. \uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1
\u259 ? el are nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? se descarce. Nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este obosit. Se vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul gurii \uc1
\u351 ?i al ochilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m-am \uc1
\u238 ?ndoit nici un moment c\uc1 \u259 ? doresc s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi servesc \uc1
\u355 ?ara candid\uc1 \u238 ?nd pentru Senat. Dar acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u259
? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva am ascultat prea mult
ceea ce mi-au spus al\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i nu ceea ce am dorit eu s\uc1
\u259 ? spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a'este. Dar spune-mi tu, care politician nu face la fel?
Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere deplin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
tine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, pentru a-\uc1 \u355 ?i asuma
responsabilitatea a mii de vie\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? noi s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem egomaniaci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Tu te apreciezi corect. Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fie ru\uc1
\u351 ?ine. Capacitatea de a conduce este un dar, o calitate.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i ce facem cu
exploatarea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Integritatea ta
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i va permite s\uc1 \u259 ? exploatezi oameni. Idealurile tale nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt numai sloganuri electorale.. Crezi \uc1 \u238 ?n ele. Tu nu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti Roy Dekker. El nu are substan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Oamenii
vor \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege, asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i tu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? mai am \uc1 \u351 ?anse?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Absolut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? atmosfera devenise
foarte intim\uc1 \u259 ?. El \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie pieptul. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nchise
ochii. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i deschise, el era mult mai aproape \uc1 \u351 ?
i ochii lui \uc1 \u238 ?i cercetau fa\uc1 \u355 ?a. M\uc1 \u238 ?na lui
alunec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o prinse de ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd
buzele lor s-au atins, focul i-a consumat pe am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi. Se s\uc1 \u259 ?
rutau violent. M\uc1 \u238 ?na lui se mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca cu \uc1 \u238 ?nfrigurare.
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia p\uc1 \u259 ?rul}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 , obrajii, g\uc1 \u238 ?tul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu cei doi nasturi de pe um\uc1 \u259 ?rul st\uc1 \u238 ?
ng. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd jacheta c\uc1 \u259 ?zu, medalionul, care acum avea poza lui
\uc1 \u351 ?i a lui Mandy, \uc1 \u238 ?i alunec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
s\uc1 \u238 ?ni. Luminile neoanelor \uc1 \u238 ?i colorau pielea \uc1 \u238 ?n
culorile curcubeului. Ploaia c\uc1 \u259 ?dea ca o perdea. El se aplec\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? medalionul, apoi s\uc1 \u238 ?
nii din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai \uc1 \u238 ?nfrigurat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u351 ?opti ea, \uc1 \u238 ?n
timp ce ame\uc1 \u355 ?eala \uc1 \u238 ?i cuprindea trupul. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e, te doresc. Buzele lor se c\uc1 \u259 ?utau cu \uc1 \u238 ?nfrigurare, \uc1
\u238 ?n timp ce am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?
seasc\uc1 \u259 ? o pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie mai comod\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La naiba!}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\uc1 \u351 ?opti el g\uc1 \u238 ?f\uc1 \u238 ?ind. Se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ea prelua ini\uc1 \u355 ?
iativa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii
s\uc1 \u259 ? faci dragoste, nu glum\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au terminat, au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas nemi\uc1 \u351 ?ca\uc1
\u355 ?i, epuiza\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute. Avery se desprinse
de el \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe scaunul ei. F\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse o
batist\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
i-e bine? Te doare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, de ce?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti at\uc1 \u238 ?t de ...
\uc1 \u238 ?ngust\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i evit\uc1 \u259 ? privirea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se aranjeze, dar era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de \uc1 \u351 ?
ifonat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ciufulit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i lipsea un cercel. Rujul
\uc1 \u238 ?i era \uc1 \u238 ?ntins pe toat\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca \uc1 \u351 ?i el neputincios s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aranjeze hainele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Str\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te-te, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse el g\uc1 \u259 ?sindu-i
cercelul pierdut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun pe seama
vremii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ce facem cu
irita\uc1 \u355 ?ia asta? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?indu-i col\uc1 \u355 ?ul gurii. Te doare?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi timid. El \uc1 \u238 ?ij\uc1 \u259 ?
spunse \uc1 \u351 ?i o lu\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u238 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au ajuns, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu,
Eddy se foia furios \uc1 \u351 ?i Ralph zorn\uc1 \u259 ?ia nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit
banii din buzunar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde naiba a\uc1
\u355 ?i fost? \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy livid. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse cu un calm admirabil.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am fost s\uc1 \u259 ? o iau pe }{\fs23
\cf1 Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta ne-a
spus \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am sunat la hotel. Dar de ce a\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?rziat at\uc1 \u238 ?ta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit loc de parcare, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat de at\uc1 \u238 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Unde s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? potoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355
?imea, \uc1 \u238 ?i auzi? Eddy^ ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? spre sal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Lumea striga \uc1 \u238 ?n cor "\uc1 \u238 ?l vrem}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! \uc1 \u238 ?l vrem pe \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu at\uc1 \u238
?t mai bine. Vor fi bucuro\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e calm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Acesta este discursul t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva h\uc1 \u238 ?rtii, dar el refuz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le ia.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acesta nu este discursul
meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai dispari, spuse Ralph cu autoritate. Ce prostie, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
ne spui unde e\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dirk nu rostise nici un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ie era \uc1 \u351 ?i mai cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ie de furie. Nu \uc1 \u238
?l privea pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ci pe Avery. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a luat ochii
de la ea. Avea femeia un fel de aplomb. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238
?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, vorbi, d\uc1 \u259 ?du drumul unor cuvinte m\uc1 \u238 ?hioase.}
Doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
face\uc1 \u355 ?i dragoste, s\uc1 \u259 ? o face\uc1 \u355 ?i pe timpul
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, nu pe al nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e scoase un sunet s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatec \uc1 \u351 ?i se repezi
la el. L-ar fi lovit dac\uc1 \u259 ? acesta nu ar fi p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it
\uc1 \u238 ?n lateral. M\uc1 \u238 ?na lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l
prinse de g\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i genunchiul \uc1 \u238 ?l lovi. Dirk gemu de
durere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ai \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunit? strig\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
desprind\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na din g\uc1 \u238 ?tul lui Dirk. Expresia de pe
chipul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era criminal\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
contrast, fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Dirk se \uc1 \u238 ?nvine\uc1 \u355 ?ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e' te rog,
spuse Avery disperat. Las\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?n pace. Pe mine nu m\uc1
\u259 ? atinge ce spune el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? succes s\uc1 \u259 ?-i despart\uc1 \u259 ?. Las\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1
\u238 ?n pace. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem, g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351
?te-te \uc1 \u351 ?i tu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e g\uc1 \u238 ?f\uc1 \u238 ?
ind, }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 te aud
c\uc1 \u259 ? o mai insulti pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea ai s\uc1 \u259 ? mori asfixiat.
Ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, tic\uc1 \u259 ?losule?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1
J}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l mai lovi o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu genunchiul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l eliber\uc1 \u259 ?. Dirk se ghemui de durere. Ralph
\uc1 \u238 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aranja p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre Eddy \uc1
\u351 ?i spuse cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? mergem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery lu\uc1 \u259
? m\uc1 \u238 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ? de el \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l
urm\uc1 \u259 ? pe scen\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
trecut de miezul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, mai aproape de micul dejun dec\uc1 \u238 ?t de
somn, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Mandy le spuse c\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nbrace tricoul primit cadou de la \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ca un
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat cowboy. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
umesc, ta\uc1 \u355 ?i. C\uc1 \u259 ?sc\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi c\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe
pern\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? femeie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui cu asta?
\uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i-a luat
cadourile, dar nu m-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? avertizez toat\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?carea
feminist\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti un \uc1 \u351 ?ovin.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o
faci. Am nevoie de toate voturile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
cred c\uc1 \u259 ? a mers bine ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd am ajuns acolo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a ajunge, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umesc c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-ai ap\uc1 \u259 ?rat onoarea \uc1 \u238 ?n public, \uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi mul\uc1 \u355 ?ume\uc1 \u351 ?ti mie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 S-au privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca Avery s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se dezbrace. A
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o baie rapid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a eliberat baia pentru \uc1
ntins\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, asculta apa. \uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu va l\uc1 \u259 ?sa prosopul la locul lui.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a ie\uc1 \u351
?it din baie, ea s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l tachineze.
Cuvintele i-au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas nerostite. Era gol. M\uc1 \u238 ?na era pe \uc1
\u238 ?ntrerup\uc1 \u259 ?torul veiozei dar ochii erau pe ea. Ea se ridic\uc1 \u259
? cu o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare mut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n privire.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n trecut, spuse el \uc1
\u351 ?optit, puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? mi te scot din minte.'Acum nu mai pot. Nu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?ti}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u ce}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
faci tu acum \uc1 \u351 ?i nu ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, dar eu nu pot
s\uc1 \u259 ? te mai ignor, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? prefac c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
exi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Nu te voi ierta niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru avortul acela sau
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m-ai min\uc1 \u355 ?it, dar lucruri ca acela petrecut \uc1
\u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vor face s\uc1 \u259 ? uit mai
u\uc1 \u351 ?or. De la noaptea aceea din Dallas s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ca un toxicoman
care a descoperit un nou drog. Te doresc \uc1 \u238 ?ncontinuu. Nu mai pot lupta cu
tine. Ultimele s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni au fost foarte grele.
At\uc1 \u238 ?ta vreme c\uc1 \u238 ?t e\uc1 \u351 ?ti so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea, \uc1
\u238 ?mi voi exercita drepturile conjugale. Se opri un moment. Ai ceva}{\fs23
\cf1 de comentat? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei bine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Stinge lumina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Tensiunea sc\uc1 \u259 ?zu brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i eliber\uc1 \u259 ? trupul frumos al
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului. Cu un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet \uc1 \u238 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ?ul
gurii, stinse lumina \uc1 \u351 ?i se strecur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat
lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca Avery s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea
seama, era goal\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u351 ?i el o m\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia cu v\uc1 \u238 ?rful degetelor. Trupul ei devenise sensibil
la fiecare nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rilor lui. Dar
era o recompens\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy, pe umerii
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, striga de bucurie, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inea
de p\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u350 ?\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u351 ?t. O s\uc1 \u259 ? ne scoat\uc1 \u259 ? afar\uc1
\u259 ? din hotel, \uc1 \u238 ?i cert\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mergeau spre camera lo}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 r dup\uc1 \u259 ? micul
dejun, l-au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat pe Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee la cafea, dar Mandy era de
nerecunoscut. At\uc1 \u238 ?ta energie avea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t nu-\uc1
\u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?sea locul. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ntinse cheia lui Avery. Intrar\uc1 \u259 ?. Holul era plin de lume.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? aici? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e d\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 drumul lui pe Mandy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ? ziarul \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim cu tine \uc1 \u351 ?i
apartamentul t\uc1 \u259 ?u este singurul care are un salona\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?
i-v\uc1 \u259 ? ca acas\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e sarcastic.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Erau deja ca acas\uc1 \u259 ?.
Peste tot erau pahare cu suc \uc1 \u351 ?i ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu cafea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Fra}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ncy era
\uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul patului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1
\u259 ?cea pedichiura. Dorothy Rae era cu un pahar de Bloody Mary \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i privea pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Jack
vorbea la telefon. Ralph privea la televizor. Dirk \uc1 \u238 ?,}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \super1 1}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 evita pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Azi-noapte ai avut o
or\uc1 \u259 ? de emisie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O iau}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pe
Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n camera cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse Avery ridic\uc1 \u238 ?nd
copilul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u238 ?i, spuse Dirk. Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu? To\uc1
\u355 ?i am fost sub tensiune. Acum s-a mai limpezit pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Omul era insuportabil. Avery }{\fs23
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? pocneasc\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1
\u355 ?a aceea cu z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet acru. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ignor\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l pe Dirk, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u238 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? e bine s\uc1 \u259 ? stai. Jack \uc1 \u238 ?nchise telefonul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gata, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va avea un interviu pe
canalul cinci la ora 5. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? acolo p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la 4,30.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Grozav!
exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Ralph. Ce \uc1 \u351 ?tii de televiziunile din Dallas?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am primit telefoane.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cineva b\uc1 \u259 ?tu la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Erau Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee. L\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259
? ei era un str\uc1 \u259 ?in. Francy s\uc1 \u259 ?ri din pat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? bunicii. De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
sosise la Fort Worth era exuberant\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, Francy, spuse Zee privind-o cu
dezaprobare. Avea o fust\uc1 \u259 ? foarte scurt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cizme
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii de cowboy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u238 ?nd spre b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul din}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Frizerul, noi l-am chemat.
Dirk f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un pas \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i trase pe om \uc1 \u238 ?n
camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Stai jos, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u351 ?i las\uc1
\u259 ?-l s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ?. El te tunde \uc1 \u351 ?i
noi vorbim. S\uc1 \u259 ?-i faci o tunsoare conservatoare, spuse el c\uc1 \u259 ?
tre frizer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - la uita\uc1
\u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? aici! Ralph \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea lui \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ni\uc1 \u351 ?te foi de h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s\uc1 \u238 ?nt astea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u8226 ? - Discursurile tale de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-am scris discursurile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nimeni
nu-l b\uc1 \u259 ?ga \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Telefonul sun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i Jack r\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spunse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Canalul patru, \uc1 \u238 ?i inform\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Zee, Nelson, lua\uc1
\u355 ?i loc \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem. Timpul trece repede.
Dirk se ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? a fi \uc1 \u238 ?n elementul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum v-a spus Eddy, asear\uc1 \u259 ? la Billy Bob lucrurile s-au
schimbat radical. Am primit o groaz\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de bani. Aveam
nevoie de ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ?
renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m, interveni Ralph.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cei de la canalul patru spun c\uc1 \u259 ? vor \uc1 \u238 ?nregistra ceva
din discursul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar nu promit mai mult.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i grozav, dar mai bine
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t nimic, spuse Dirk.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vezi
tu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Ralph, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
vei pierde, nu vrem s\uc1 \u259 ? se vad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? noi am renun\uc1
\u355 ?at.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar nu voi
pierde. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu cu ochiul lui
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, sigur c\uc1
\u259 ? nu, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Ralph st\uc1 \u238 ?njenit. Am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
spun...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Taie mai}{\fs23
\cf1 mult, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti Dirk. \uc1 \u354 ?i-am spus, conservator.}{\fs24
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na frizerului.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-i asta? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre un paragraf din}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
discurs. Din nou fu ignorat de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hei, ia asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i, Eddy le citi un
paragraf dintr-un ziar. Dekker te face \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs23 \dbch
tat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
speriat, interveni Nelson atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre el aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia
lui Dirk.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson, vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii o figur\uc1 \u259 ? proeminent\uc1 \u259 ? pe scen\uc1 \u259 ?
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd va vorbi \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai fost pilot, vei. face o figur\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Merg \uc1 \u351 ?i eu?
\uc1 \u350 ?i Mandy? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u238 ?nt mai bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n cu Mandy, se oferi Dorothy Rae.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea
merge. Dirk privi \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntat paharul din m\uc1 \u238 ?na lui Dorothy.
\uc1 \u350 ?i toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? arate bine. Tipic
american. \uc1 \u350 ?i tu, domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? el spre Frahcy. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mini.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Du-te la dracu'!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francine! tun\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.
Pleci acas\uc1 \u259 ? imediat dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? cum vorbe\uc1
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Dar cine este individul \uc1 \u259 ?sta s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
spun\uc1 \u259 ? mie cum s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Deloc afectat, Dirk se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse spre Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
n\uc1 \u259 ? acum \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai ales bine garderoba. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi s\uc1
\u259 ? por\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva modest. Mergem \uc1 \u238 ?ntre muncitori. \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, pentru tine ar fi bun costumul gri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu uita c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a, interveni Rae.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ah, da, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbraci c\uc1 \u259 ?
ma\uc1 \u351 ?a bleu, nu cea alb\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ? arate bine la
televizor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Toate c\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile mele bleu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt murdare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-am spus s\uc1 \u259 ? le
trimi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi la sp\uc1 \u259 ?lat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am uitat. Brusc, se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse spre frizer \uc1 \u351 ?i-i lu\uc1 \u259 ? foarfec\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1
\u238 ?na. Nu mai vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? tund. \uc1 \u238 ?mi place
a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu .un ton de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vorbit cu Mandy, Dirk spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 ;}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Este prea lung, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
secund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ?ri din scaun}{\fs23
\loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine spune asta? Votan\uc1 \u355 ?
ii? Muncitorii? Canalul cinci? Sau tu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lui
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i venea s\uc1 \u259 ? aplaude. Ea I-a privit \uc1 \u238 ?
ncontinuu pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Cu c\uc1 \u238 ?t citea mai mult discursul
primit, cu at\uc1 \u238 ?t devenea mai furios. Ea sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise c\uc1 \u259 ?
furia va izbucni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 M\uc1 \u238 ?nios,
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e scoase o bancnot\uc1 \u259 ? din buzunar \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?l pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti pe frizer, conduc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l la u\uc1
umesc, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd reveni \uc1
\u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?, avea o expresie \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dirk, data
viitoare }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 eu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i voi
spune \uc1 \u355 ?ie c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? tund. Nu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? este problema ta. \uc1 \u350 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ? aprecia dac\uc1 \u259 ?
m-ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?n pace c\uc1 \u238 ?t timp s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cu
familia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu avem unde s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnim, spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
naiba, nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?, Eddy, strig\uc1 \u259 ? el. Hotelul \uc1 \u259 ?sta
are c\uc1 \u238 ?teva sute de camere. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? tot s\uc1 \u238 ?
nte\uc1 \u355 ?i aici, spuse el lu\uc1 \u238 ?nd foile de h\uc1 \u238 ?rtie,
vreau \uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce naiba \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? ce a\uc1 \u355 ?i scris aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ralph se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i citi c\uc1 \u238 ?teva r\uc1 \u238 ?
nduri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aceasta este
pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a educa\uc1 \u355 ?iei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe dracu'! A\uc1 \u355 ?i
scris numai prostii. Numai prostii. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? furios foile. Incredibil,
numai prostii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? de pe scaun \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? feti\uc1 \u355 ?a de
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O duc pe Mandy
la televizor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d desene, bunico.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
draga mea. Francy, poate vii cu noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?c eu de aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce u\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis \uc1 \u238 ?n urma
lor, Ralph a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, noi am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1
\u259 ? unele pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ii luate de tine \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul campaniei
trebuie \uc1 \u238 ?ndulcite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\cf1 - F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? consulta\uc1 \u355 ?
i? S\uc1 \u238 ?nt pozi\uc1 \u355 ?iile }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mele. }{\fs23
\cf1 Ale mele!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai pierdut procente.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a veni voi. Am pierdut dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
a\uc1 \u355 ?i venit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu ne-ai ascultat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ha, ha! Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? v-am ascultat prea mult.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?
spui, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? interveni Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ceea ce am spus. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt un om \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg, nu trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aleag\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile
\uc1 \u351 ?i costumele, ori s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aduc\uc1 \u259 ? frizeri. Vreau s\uc1
\u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu accept s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cineva \uc1
\u238 ?n numele meu. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu accept ca altcineva
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ndulceasc\uc1 \u259 ? pozi\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Oamenii
care mi-au dat voturile vor crede c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt nebun dac\uc1 \u259
? vor vedea c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am schimbat pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Sau, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, vor crede c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am tr\uc1 \u259 ?dat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Exagerezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ?
fratele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu pe tine te-au tuns,
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ar fi fost posibil.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i eu implicat la fel ca tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi c\uc1 \u259 ? am nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu eu \uc1 \u238 ?
nsumi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar e\uc1
\u351 ?ti, spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe dracu'! Ce
nu este bine \uc1 \u238 ?n felul cum m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac? Crede\uc1
\u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru conteaz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru muncitori? Nu! Ei
vor s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie programul meu, programul pentru ap\uc1 \u259 ?
rare, programul dup\uc1 \u259 ? care ei vor avea sau nu de lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?torii ani. Inspir\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc. Avery constat\uc1
\u259 ? cu satisfac\uc1 \u355 ?ie c\uc1 \u259 ? frizerul nu i-a t\uc1 \u259 ?iat
prea scurt p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. Asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u259 ?sta
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt eu! A\uc1 \u351 ?a am mers prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a texanilor. Schimba\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? vor mai recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu vrem s\uc1 \u259 ? te schimb\uc1 \u259 ?m, spuse Dirk. Vrem s\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i mai bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Puse o m\uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe. um\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar acesta se
scutur\uc1 \u259 ? furios. Domnilor, a\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc cu
familia mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
este important \uc1 \u351 ?i de discutat...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ridic\uc1 \u259 ? o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a le
opri protestele. Ei s-au ridicat s\uc1 \u259 ? plece. Dirk arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o
privire plin\uc1 \u259 ? de sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles spre Eddy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, toarn\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi, te rog, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? cafea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe un scaun. Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i
aduse cea\uc1 \u351 ?ca \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe bra\uc1
\u355 ?ul fotoliului. El lu\uc1 \u259 ? cafeaua \uc1 \u351 ?i puse o m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? pe genunchiul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei
bine, ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire! spuse Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i vrut voi. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc, v-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?i angaja\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi plac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
mai discre\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce Eddy
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu este suficient.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, am s\uc1 \u259 ? le
spun c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul acestui
turneu nu vom avea un rezultat \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?it...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tot nu este
destul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci ce
sugerezi? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i privi pe
r\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - D\uc1 \u259 ?-le
bilete de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
d\uc1 \u259 ?m afar\uc1 \u259 ?? exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Jack. Nu putem face a\uc1 \u351
?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce nu? Noi i-am angajat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu faci a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva
cu compania Wakeiy \uc1 \u351 ?i Poster. Nu-i vom mai putea angaja niciodat\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este o
pierdere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N}{\fs23
\cf1 u po\uc1 \u355 ?i face asta, repet\uc1 \u259 ? Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? te g\uc1
\u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte bine, \uc1 \u238 ?l rug\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit.
Nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi plac indivizii. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi place ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Adic\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Jack b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
ios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vor s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? transforme \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce cred ei c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1
\u259 ? fiu. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi trebuie pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
rafinament. Dar nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi place s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu condus a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Nu
\uc1 \u238 ?mi place ce fac ei. Jack, \uc1 \u355 ?i-am ascultat sfaturile de
fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te aud \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1
\u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Este hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?rea mea.
M-am r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Chiar a\uc1 \u351 ?a? spuse Eddy pocnind din degete. La numai c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la alegeri? Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci caii \uc1 \u238 ?n
mijlocul curentului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, asta au
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat ei s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1
\u259 ?-mi un sfat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce mi-l ceri
abia acum? Deja ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-
ai dominat m\uc1 \u238 ?nia. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu te mai \uc1 \u238 ?nfurii
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. S\uc1 \u259 ? fii calm.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? tac \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? le ascult sfaturile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu te vor compromite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Exact aici s\uc1 \u238 ?nt. \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i de acord cu mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt de acord cu Eddy, dac\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea mea, spuse Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu ne intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ?, o repezi
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum Avery nu
a intervenit. Nici nu inten\uc1 \u355 ?iona dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-o cerea Tarte.
Acum c\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebase, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi comunic\uc1 \u238 ?
nd cu el ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntre doi iubi\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceea ce hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu este
cel mai bine. Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Da? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd? se strop\uc1 \u351 ?i Jack, apoi
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.'Tu vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti
despre compromisuri? Te culci}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cu ea din nou \uc1 \u351
?i acesta este cel mai mare compromis pe care l-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut vreodat\uc1
\u259 ?, fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Destul, Jack! tun\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Tat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tii la fel de bine ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine.}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 ..}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\cf1 Destul! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tu s\uc1 \u259 ? ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? de so\uc1 \u355
?ia ta. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd o vei putea controla pe ea atunci ai dreptul s\uc1 \u259 ?-
l critici pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi o secund\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l, apoi
fratele, \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i furtunos din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Dorothy
Rae \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\uc1 \u259 ? nesigur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? urmezi tu, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e lui Eddy. Eddy refuz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? ai destul\uc1 \u259 ? minte. Spre deosebire
de Jack, eu nu le pun la inim\uc1 \u259 ?. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1
\u351 ?ti dar!., vom \uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua alegerilor. Cred c\uc1 \u259
? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le dau vestea consultan\uc1 \u355 ?ilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri.
Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i. Francy plec\uc1 \u259 ? imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? el}{\fs23 \dbch
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee o aduse pe
Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Atmosfera era tensionat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V-am auzit strig\uc1 \u238 ?
nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am rezolvat problemele,
spuse Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? decizia mea este corect\uc1 \u259 ?, tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum ai spus singur, eu sper s\uc1 \u259 ? te
po\uc1 \u355 ?i descurca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea mea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fac.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci nu te mai scuza pentru ce ai
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-am promis lui
Mandy c\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?im la plimbare, spuse Zee \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerup\uc1
\u238 ?nd dialogul incomod. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? mai plou\uc1 \u259
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vin \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Melson
se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? copilul \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1
\u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?mi face bine pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?care.
\uc1 \u350 ?i n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne topeasc\uc1 \u259 ? ploaia, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a
Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
umesc c\uc1 \u259 ? m-ai sus\uc1 \u355 ?inut, \uc1 \u238 ?i spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e lui Avery c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a fost singuri. Nu ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o \uc1
\u238 ?ntotdeauna.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum mi-a amintit \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai mult dec\uc1
\u238 ?t at\uc1 \u238 ?t. Jack m\uc1 \u259 ? dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?te.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cu}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 t-o? Dintr-un sentiment al datoriei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Am considerat c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate. Nici mie nu mi-
apl\uc1 \u259 ?cut cum se purtau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?i trecuse prin cap c\uc1 \u259 ? cei doi puteau avea vreo leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu complotul \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? discu\uc1
\u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ?, camera le p\uc1 \u259 ?ru
foarte cald\uc1 \u259 ?. In mod paradoxal, salonul p\uc1 \u259 ?rea mai mic.
\uc1 \u238 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?sa lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -Eu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E bine c\uc1
\u259 ? Mandy a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it la plimbare. -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ?-i plac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i tu o s\uc1 \u259 ?
po\uc1 \u355 ?i citi discursurile \uc1 \u238 ?n lini\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De\uc1 \u351 ?i nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le mai citesc}
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, ast\uc1
\u259 ?zi am o zi lejer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
este bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privea v\uc1 \u238 ?rful cizmelor.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ? plou\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - P\uc1
\u259 ?i... nu cred.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na, o trase spre el \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm? O tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea
spre pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu am crezut
c\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 mai vrei...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
crezut r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Bau!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy s\uc1 \u259
?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Eddy de dup\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. E! nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum ai intrat aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
mituit menajera.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu ce?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu pintenii unchiului
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
bolnav\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
place?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-i asta? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd spre masa de l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Masa
de pr\uc1 \u238 ?nz.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi, Francy!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
i-e foame?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i ce
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi este? Nu am dec\uc1 \u238 ?t un minut. Se a\uc1
\u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea patului \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu Domnul Malone, v\uc1
\u259 ? rog. Domnul Malone? S\uc1 \u238 ?nt Eddy Paschal, directorul de campanie
pentru Rutledge. A\uc1 \u355 ?i sunat? Eddy ascult\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? tem
c\uc1 \u259 ? programul este foarte \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat. La ce anume
v\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i? C\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Fata \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259
?ruta pe g\uc1 \u238 ?t. E! acoperi receptorul \uc1 \u351 ?i se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti la
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Termin\uc1 \u259 ? Francy.
S\uc1 \u238 ?nt ocupat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se arunc\uc1 \u259
? bosumflat\uc1 \u259 ? pe pat. Eddy continua s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la
telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi vorbi cu domnul Rutledge
\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? voi anun\uc1 \u355 ?a imediat. Oricum, v\uc1 \u259 ?
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umim pentru invita\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce naiba-i cu tine?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimic, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
furios pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e i-a dat afar\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt furios.
Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt de acord cu el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te
r\uc1 \u259 ?zbuna pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?zbun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? N-am
timp pentru tine acum, Francy. O desprinse de el \uc1 \u351 ?i se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
de pe pat. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi provocator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
te por\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a ur\uc1 \u238 ?t cu mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?besc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atun}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ci nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti sup\uc1 \u259 ?
rat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne vedem mai
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - La \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirea de dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii
ce vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun. Ne vedem mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu ce vrei
s\uc1 \u259 ? spui. \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi
mai faci necazuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n timp
ce u\uc1 \u351 ?a se \uc1 \u238 ?nchidea \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui, Francy \uc1
\u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ? colorat. Pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuise o mas\uc1 \u259 ? intim\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?iô lung\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? de
dragoste, lat\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a ales. \uc1 \u238 ?i era sil\uc1 \u259 ? de
alegeri. Va fi bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se termine \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie numai al ei,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?l iubea pe Eddy cu pasiune. Recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? o parte din atrac\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? se
comporta ciudat. Nu participaser\uc1 \u259 ? un observator. Uneori \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i dorea ca Eddy s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu pasiune, s\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?i vr\uc1 \u259 ?jeasc\uc1 \u259 ? inima, s\uc1 \u259 ? o urm\uc1
\u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat, l-ar fi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1
\u259 ? fie at\uc1 \u238 ?t de preocupat de ea, cum era unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e de m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i
lans\uc1 \u259 ? atacul ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-i pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0
\uc1 \u354 ?i-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce erau \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy dormea \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui Avery. Dorothy
Rae a fost foarte t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci.
Avery aproape c\uc1 \u259 ? uitase c\uc1 \u259 ? este acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Scuz\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, ce-ai spus?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-a
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
remarc\uc1 \u259 ? nuan\uc1 \u355 ?a de amenin\uc1 \u355 ?are.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ?-l pui pe
Jack \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? proast\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Lu\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i ap\uc1 \u259 ?rarea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e
este so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Jack este al meu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mandy se trezi dar
adormi imediat. Dorothy cobor\uc1 \u238 ? vocea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Asta nu te-a oprit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-l
furi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-l fur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme, dar \uc1 \u238
?nainte de accident,-da. Ceea ce este \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor, este faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?l vrei. Imediat ce i-ai atras aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia, \uc1 \u355
?i-ai b\uc1 \u259 ?tut joc de el. Ai vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nfurii pe
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e flirt\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu fratele lui.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery nu putea respinge afirma\uc1 \u355
?iile pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? probabil erau adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate. Carole nu avea
scrupule, \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? devasteze
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga familie. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din
planul ei de a-l distruge pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am nimic cu Jack, Dorothy Rae.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el nu este sub lumina reflectoarelor.
Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu a fost. De ce nu I-ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n pace?
Cum \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? te joci cu
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile oamenilor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery o prinse
str\uc1 \u238 ?ns de bra\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
luptat pentru el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy Rae nu era
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru contraatac. O privea stupefiat\uc1 \u259 ?
pe Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai luptat
vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine pentru a atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Jack? Sau ai
b\uc1 \u259 ?ut p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la incon\uc1 \u351 ?tien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ai}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?n plata Domnului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Dqrothy Rae se contorsiona. Ochii i se umezir\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i f}{\fs23 \dbch
rumos s\uc1 \u259 ? spui a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme au fost oamenii buni cu tine. Toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea se preface c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vede boala ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu am nici o...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
bolnav\uc1 \u259 ?, Dorothy Rae. Alcoolismul este o boal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
alcoolic\uc1 \u259 ?, strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi. Beau
pu\uc1 \u355 ?i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
bei p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tii de tine. Te comp\uc1 \u259 ?
time\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi te \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi de ce te \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ul cu alte femei. Prive\uc1 \u351 ?te-te
\uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitor. Este de mirare c\uc1 \u259 ? pe Jack nu-l mai atragi?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am .de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1
\u259 ? ascult toate astea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba da, o
s\uc1 \u259 ? ascul\uc1 \u355 ?i. A venit vremea ca cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? te
trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. So\uc1 \u355 ?ul t\uc1 \u259 ?u nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a fost }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 furat. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tu I-ai alungat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu 'este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat! Mi-a jurat c\uc1 \u259 ? nu din
cauza mea a plecat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A plecat?}{\fs24
\rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?
i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti, Carole? Dorothy o privi, \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat\uc1 \u259 ?.
La pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?torit voi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S... sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Avery. A lipsit cam...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?ase luni, spuse
femeia nenorocit\uc1 \u259 ?. Cele mai lungi luni din via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea. N-am
\uc1 \u351 ?tiut unde este, ce face \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? se mai \uc1 \u238
?ntoarce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar s-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntors.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? a avut nevoie de timp s\uc1 \u259 ? se limpezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. A avut
at\uc1 \u238 ?tea probleme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum-ar fi?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, preten\uc1 \u355 ?iile
lui Nelson la firma de. avoca\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Campania electoral\uc1 \u259 ? a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, faptul c\uc1 \u259
? eu beau, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy are
nevoie de o mam\uc1 \u259 ?, Dorothy Rae.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
de mine, r\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 se femeia ironic. Pe mine m\uc1 \u259 ?
ur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde \uc1
\u351 ?tii? De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce simte ea? Ai vorbit vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
ea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat. Este
imposibil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
este team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu o iube\uc1 \u351 ?te. \uc1 \u350 ?i
s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu o iubesc, protest\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy Rae uluit\uc1
\u259 ?, l}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -am dat tot ce a dorit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai obligat-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?
seasc\uc1 \u259 ? tot felul de ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?ii ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te deranjeze
pe tine. Pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngi \uc1 \u238 ?ncontinuu c\uc1 \u259 ? ai pierdut
dou\uc1 \u259 ? sarcini, dar nu ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? de unicul t\uc1 \u259 ?u copil.
Francy se apropie de dezastru. Are nevoie de tine. Are nevoie \uc1 \u351 ?i de
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei. De o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? Jack nu ar fi at\uc1 \u238 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat de b\uc1 \u259 ?
utura ta, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar acorda mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ie. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu face\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva,
ea va continua s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? lucruri scandaloase pentru a v\uc1
\u259 ? atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Va merge prea departe \uc1 \u351 ?i }{\fs22
\cf1 va suferi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i aranja cu st\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?cie p\uc1 \u259 ?rul
ciufulit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy a fost
\uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna mult prea exuberant\uc1 \u259 ?. Eu \uc1 \u351 ?i Jack nu am
putut s\uc1 \u259 ? facem nimic. Are o personalitate tumultuoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu
este dec\uc1 \u238 ?t o adolescent\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a crezi? O adolescent\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1
\u259 ? a venit acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o noapte b\uc1 \u259 ?tut\uc1
\u259 ? de un individ pe care l-a ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
bar? Da, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri Avery, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
c\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy este palid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu o crede. Eu nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt psiholog dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? Francy crede despre ea
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu merit\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult. Crede c\uc1 \u259 ? nu merit\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie iubit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu a iubit-o \uc1
\u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat totul pentru a-\uc1 \u355 ?i atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba da. \uc1 \u350 ?i mai
este ceva. Avery f\uc1 \u259 ?cu o pauz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u238 ?
ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? cuvintele. Se culc\uc1 \u259 ? cu Eddy
Paschal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te cred. Este b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ? ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am v}{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\u259 ?zut-o ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din camera lui de hotel la Houston.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta nu \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Era \uc1
\u238 ?n zorii zilei, Dorothy. Nu trebuia dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? o
prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut toat\uc1
\u259 ? noaptea. Am toate motivele s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tura lor continu\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - El nu ar face
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. Era un comentariu trist. Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u351 ?tia despre
moralitatea fiicei sale. Asimila informa\uc1 \u355 ?ia apoi o privi pe Avery cu
ochii \uc1 \u238 ?ngusta\uc1 \u355 ?i de furie. \uc1 \u354 ?i-ai g\uc1 \u259 ?sit
tu s\uc1 \u259 ? arunci cu pietre \uc1 \u238 ?n fiica mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi. Eu nu
judec moralitatea lui Francy. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Crezi tu c\uc1 \u259 ? un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat ca Eddy poate fi interesat de ea,
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu are un motiv? Crezi tu c\uc1 \u259 ? el va
continua aceast\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o va
transforma.\uc1 \u238 ?n ceva serios? Nu. Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? preocup\uc1 \u259 ?
pe mine este c\uc1 \u259 ? Francy crede c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?gostit\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? el o va respinge, ea va continua
s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? o p\uc1 \u259 ?rere foarte proast\uc1 \u259 ? despre
propria-i persoan\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii, fiica mea are o p\uc1 \u259 ?
rere foarte bun\uc1 \u259 ? despre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
aceea se culc\uc1 \u259 ? cu primul venit? De aceea trece de la un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat la altul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i las\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1
\u259 ? ce vor cu ea? De aceea se \uc1 \u355 ?ine de un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care nu
va fi al ei? Avery cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap. Francy nu se iube\uc1
\u351 ?te. Se pedepse\uc1 \u351 ?te pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este iubit\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu am
avut influen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? asupra ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nici pe tine nu te po\uc1 \u355 ?i controla.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti crud\uc1
\u259 ?, Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery ar \uc1
\u238 ?i vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? o ia \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ?, "Nu, nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt crud\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun toate acestea pentru binele t\uc1 \u259 ?u", \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ar fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut-o Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am obosit s\uc1
\u259 ? fiu f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? vinovat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?toria ta. Fii so\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - La ce mi-ar folosi? Jack m\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce spui
asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii foarte
bine. Crede c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am atras \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?torie. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu am fost convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Jack te-ar ur\uc1
\u238 ?, o contrazise Avery, ar fi stat cu tine to\uc1 \u355 ?i ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti
ani? Ar fi venit \uc1 \u238 ?napoi dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ase luni?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, dac\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar fi
cerut-o Nelson, spuse femeia cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ah, Jack \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ce i-a spus tat\uc1 \u259 ?
l s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Datoria \uc1 \u238 ?l lega de so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa, nu dragostea.
Avery o privi pe Dorothy \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o alt\uc1 \u259 ? lumin\uc1 \u259 ?.
Situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia era evident dezn\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduit\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea foarte mult pe Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - la asta, spuse \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinz\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i batista. \uc1 \u350 ?terge-\uc1 \u355 ?i ochii. D\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cu ruj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tocmai c\uc1 \u238
?nd termin\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Campania asta m\uc1 \u259 ? calc\uc1 \u259 ? pe nervi. Uite ce dracu' mi-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut v\uc1 \u238 ?ntul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy
Ra}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 e o privi nesigur\uc1 \u259 ? pe Avery. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i lu\uc1 \u259 ? inima \uc1 \u238 ?n din\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-i spuse fiicei
sale:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?
folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti astfel de cuvinte, Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cum adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt potrivite pentru o t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? educat\uc1 \u259 ?.'}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? educat\uc1 \u259 ?? Ai dreptate, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse cu
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci s\uc1 \u259 ? te
am\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Mai ia un pahar. Oare c\uc1 \u238 ?t mai dureaz\uc1
\u259 ?? Unde naiba este radioul \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ma\uc1
\u351 ?ina asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-l deschizi, Francy. Mandy doarme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?mbraci elegant disear\uc1 \u259 ?,
continu\uc1 \u259 ? Dorothy privind picioarele dezgolite ale fetei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aha. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?
i, eu nu am nimic elegant, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd vom ajunge la hotel
m\uc1 \u259 ? voi uitg prin lucrurile tale s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe dracu'! Cine te
las\uc1 \u259 ?? Am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac ce vreau eu. \uc1 \u354 ?i-am
spus doar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-a\uc1 \u355
?i zice s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem la cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi? Am\uc1 \u238 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ? o privir\uc1 \u259 ? uluite pe Avery. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? putem g\uc1 \u259 ?si o rochie tinereasc\uc1 \u259 ?,
modern\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?. Sigur, eu nu voi,putea
merge, dar voi pute\uc1 \u355 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i. De fapt, chiar vreau s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi lua\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i mie
ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? eu
merg? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\cf1 - Nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? vii, Francy}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy o privi pe 'mama sa care \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbise aproape cu
timiditate. Era uluit\uc1 \u259 ?. Privirea exprima ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncredere. Dincolo
de ea, Avery v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ? este vulnerabil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mergem? N-am mai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta de mul\uc1 \u355 ?i ani. A\uc1 \u351 ? putea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi cump\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i eu o rochie. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi dai un sfat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy deschise
gura \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? un moment de ezitare renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? la primele vorbe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei merg cu tine. De ce nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Privi pe geam \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?
n grupul de b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - tot
nu am nimic mai bun de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Bun\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ziua, domnule Lovejoy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van era preocupat de aparatul
de filmat. Ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirea \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i sufl\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul din ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Oh, bun\uc1 \u259
? Av... Ah, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?mi pare bine c\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i mie. Mi-a\uc1 \u355 ?i lipsit \uc1 \u238 ?n
prima s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, dar v\uc1 \u259 ?d
c\uc1 \u259 ? familia s-a reunit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
domnul Rutledge ne-a chemat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da? Van era
insinuant. Ce dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?l privi cu repro\uc1 \u351 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ia cu
Dorothy, dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaza a trecut greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
merge? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Campania? Este epuizant\uc1 \u259 ?. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi am str\uc1 \u238 ?ns mii de
m\uc1 \u238 ?ini. \uc1 \u350 ?i a fost pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am auzi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1
\u355 ?i concediat pe cei doi consilieri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Ve\uc1 \u351 ?tile merg repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Paschal a dat deja o declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tii, m\uc1 \u259 ? mir c\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o mai
devreme. Era imposibil s\uc1 \u259 ? te mai apropii de el. Din cauza lor. S-au dat
reclamele filmate la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?. Le-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Excelente, domnule Lovejoy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, spuse el printre
din\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai mai v\uc1
\u259 ?zut pe cineva cunoscut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta. Dar ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?
au fost c\uc1 \u238 ?teva chipuri cunoscute \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh! Speriat\uc1 \u259 ?,
scrut\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea dar nu-l descoperi pe P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb.
Unde? Aici la hotel?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 La General Dynamic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest turneu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u238 ?h\uc1 \u238 ?. Acum v\uc1 \u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i, am treab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.c\uc1 \u259 ? v-am re\uc1 \u355 ?inut, domnule
Lovejoy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici o problem\uc1 \u259 ?.
Van f\uc1 \u259 ?cu c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i, apoi se \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarse. Doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge,- v-a trecut prin cap c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar
putea ca cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ul
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe mine?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndeam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Ochii lui Van \uc1 \u238 ?i telegrafiau un avertisment.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u238
?rti \uc1 \u238 ?n minte posibilitatea. Era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de pr}{\fs23 \dbch
eocupat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t nu observ\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? cineva din col\uc1 \u355 ?ul cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt o privea \uc1 \u351 ?i
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba ce a avut de discutat at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult cu
cameramanul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place cum m-am coafat?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dorothy Rae se admira pentru
prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, \uc1 \u238 ?n
tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e era foarte admirat\uc1 \u259 ?. Jack l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
ziarul \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse mecanic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi eu \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy am fost la cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
turi. Am trecut \uc1 \u351 ?i pe la cabinetul cosmetic. Mi-a venit deodat\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus lui Francy c\uc1 \u259 ? intru s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? coafez, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac manichiura.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Hmm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - F}{\fs23
\cf1 rancy mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi deschid p\uc1 \u259
?rul. C\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntinereasc\uc1 \u259
?. Tu ce zici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii atent\uc1 \u259 ? la sfaturile lui}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?ncrederea pe care o sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea o f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse s\uc1 \u259 ?
reziste la impulsul de a bea, pe care l-a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua
aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 tii... nu mai beau, Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 El o privi pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u238 ?i era
mai scurt. Machiajul subtil \uc1 \u238 ?i lumina fa\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De c\uc1 \u238 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?turi ziarul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l arunc\uc1 \u259 ? pe podea. Stinse
lampa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noapte
bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Dorothy Rae.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De data asta
este adev\uc1 \u259 ?r}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 at.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acum este altfel. Am
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? internez \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un spital, unde vrei tu. Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun, dup\uc1 \u259 ? alegeri. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu
este potrivit pentru un membru al familiei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti alcoolic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
da, Jack, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? convingi cu mult\uc1
\u259 ? vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?l atinse u\uc1 \u351 ?or
pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r. Nu dau vina pe tine, eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt singura responsabil\uc1
\u259 ?. Dar am de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai fiu o be\uc1 \u355 ?
iv\uc1 \u259 ? dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Vom
vedea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era deloc
optimist, dar m\uc1 \u259 ?car reu\uc1 \u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
atrag\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Ea se strecur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u351 ?i continu\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fim mai severi
cu Francy. -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
dau seama c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o putem \uc1 \u355 ?ine \uc1 \u238 ?n les\uc1 \u259 ?. A
crescut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?
tie multe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate, sper
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a mers prea departe, dar vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?
mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea. De fapt, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi timid, ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi
dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. M-a ajutat
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi cump\uc1 \u259 ?r o rochie. Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 rochia pe care am purtat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta? Chiar
\uc1 \u351 ?i Zee mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259
? e dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Francy are nevoie de sprijin. Numai
a\uc1 \u351 ?a va \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? o iubim. \uc1 \u350 ?i vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut \uc1 \u351 ?i pe tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Cu ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aju\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i revii dup\uc1 \u259 ? toate
dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dezam\uc1
\u259 ?giri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole. Nu
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? recuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti nimic. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt treaz\uc1 \u259 ?
acum \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a ta nu a fost
imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea de be\uc1 \u355 ?iv\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
petrecut sau nu, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu te pot condamna c\uc1
\u259 ? ai fost necredincios. Au fost momente c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am iubit mai mult
paharul dec\uc1 \u238 ?t pe tine. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? o iube\uc1 \u351 ?
ti pe Carole... S-a folosit de tine \uc1 \u351 ?i te-a r\uc1 \u259 ?nit. Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajut s\uc1 \u259 ? o ui\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
treci \uc1 \u351 ?i de dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girile de azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 .te-a contrazis, \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i adun\uc1 \u259 ?
curajul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nimeni nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat bun e\uc1 \u351
?ti, dar eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Tu ai fost mereu eroul meu, Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Halal erou, spuse el ironic.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru mine e\uc1 \u351 ?
ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?, Dorothy Rae?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne iubim din nou. El o privi \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiesc
c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva se mai poate \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ?. Disperarea din glasul lui o \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 reu\uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vom \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca. Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Jack.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Stinse lampa \uc1 \u351 ?i
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el. El nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
a, dar nici nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spatele, ca}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de obicei.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Insomnia \uc1 \u238 ?i era
obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Carole s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de
la s-pitai.- Numai noaptea reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u238 ?
ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era nimeni, nici un zgomot nu-i tulbura mintea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ceea ce totu\uc1 \u351 ?i nu-i stimula
logica. Oric\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult analiza datele, "logica" \uc1 \u238 ?i spunea l}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ucruri \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. Carole nu era Carole.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cum, de ce, conta sau nu
conta, totul ducea la faptul indubitabil c\uc1 \u259 ? Carole Navarro Rutledge a
fost \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit\uc1 \u259 ? cu altcineva. Amnezia era singura
explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar aici era o schimbare dramatic\uc1 \u259 ? de
personalitate. Numai a\uc1 \u351 ?a se explica faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de so\uc1 \u355 ?ul ei. Personalitatea ei nu se
explica dec\uc1 \u238 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? era o alt\uc1 \u259 ? femeie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole nu era Carole. Atunci cine era?}
\rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea era tulbur\uc1 \u259 ?toare pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? implica
multe riscuri. Planul pe care l-a cro\uc1 \u351 ?etat ani de zile era pe punctul de
a se \uc1 \u238 ?ndeplini... dar \uc1 \u351 ?i de a fi dat peste cap de c\uc1 \u259
?tre o impostoare. Toate elementele erau la locul lor. Nu mai putea schimba nimic,
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? dorea. R\uc1 \u259 ?zbunarea dulce cerea sacrificii amare. Nu
trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?e la r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la momentul
respectiv aceast\uc1 \u259 ? Carole, impostoarea, trebuia supravegheat\uc1 \u259 ?.
P\uc1 \u259 ?rea destul de inocent\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu se \uc1 \u351 ?tie
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine era \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce luase identitatea altei femei,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r a\uc1 \u351 ?a se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplase, era o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? enigm\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat ce se va \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoar}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ce acas\uc1 \u259 ?, va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul la aceste \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ?ri. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? o mai sperie pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
pentru a vedea cum reac\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ?, la cine fuge. Da, trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai trimit\uc1 \u259 ? un mesaj. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? o sperie
pentru a se da de gol. Toate mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile Carolei trebuiau bine
supravegheate. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie cine este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Punctul de plecare va fi lista de pasageri. S\uc1 \u259 ? afle
cine a murit \uc1 \u351 ?i cine a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it dup\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 Zborul 398.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hei, Jack, ia
loc. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu semn chelnerului
s\uc1 \u259 ? toarne cafea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tep\uc1 \u355 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i pe cineva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu.
Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy au p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? dormit mai t\uc1 \u238 ?
rziu. Eu am alergat \uc1 \u351 ?i eram \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd s-au trezit ele. Carole mi-a spus s\uc1 \u259 ? nu le a\uc1 \u351 ?tept. Nu-mi
place s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nc singur, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare bine
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai venit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da? Jack
\uc1 \u238 ?i spuse chelnerului: Micul dejun. P\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 inea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur, domnule Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - lat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ai un frate
renumit. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti bine servit. Am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
incidentul de ieri...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ieri totul a
fost bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
refeream la Dirk \uc1 \u351 ?i Ralph.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai e\uc1 \u351 ?ti sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este campania ta, ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
Jack din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este campania
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A\uc1 \u351 ?a
este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? te
contrazic, Jack.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mie a\uc1
\u351 ?a
mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut. \uc1 \u350 ?i celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u
c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Dar tactica lor nu era pentru mine. Te-am
ascultat pe tine, pe Eddy,}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pe tata, dar...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ce a spus Carole., \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e r\uc1 \u259 ?mase uluit de r\uc1 \u259 ?utatea lui Jack.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce o amesteci pe ea?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Asta s\uc1 \u259 ? o spui
tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este problema ta.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu
dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i discute c\uc1 \u259 ?snicia cu fratele}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack, numele meu este pub}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 lic, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultim\uc1 \u259 ? instan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt singurul responsabil \uc1 \u238 ?n campania mea. Va trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Congresului
dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi fi ales. Eu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge, \uc1 \u351 ?i
apoi accentua, }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu altcineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg asta.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci fii al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi de mine, nu \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva mea. Nu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi reu\uc1 \u351 ?it
singur. Oare tu nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u238
?t \uc1 \u238 ?mi e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de loial?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t orice pe lume, vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ales.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, Jack. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti fratele meu. Te iubesc
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u238 ?nt recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor
pentru sacrificii. Mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?tii tu, eu am \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce eu stau pe calul alb din
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, tu faci tot ce trebuie \uc1 \u238 ?n culise, e\uc1
\u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n planul doi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu nu
am vrut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu pe calul alb, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. Am vrut doar s\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce
fac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 :}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mai
mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i imaginezi, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare
r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem de acord \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1
\u259 ? problem\uc1 \u259 ?, dar instinctele mele m-au avertizat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ciuda sfaturilor voastre. Ai fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu altfel? S\uc1 \u259 ?
continui .ceva numai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? devin popular,
de\uc1 \u351 ?i eu nu eram convins de asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f159 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C/ed
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu."}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ultim\uc1 \u259 ? instan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, eu voi fi cel despuiat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lumii.}
- S\uc1 \u259 ? nu a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i din partea mea s\uc1 \u259 ? te
felicit atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd gre\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cei doi fra\uc1 \u355 ?i au \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u238 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?. Jack a fost primul care a devenit
din nou serios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, at\uc1 \u238 ?ta vreme c\uc1 \u238 ?t am luminat atmosfera...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmm?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am impresia c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile merg
bine \uc1 \u238 ?ntre tine \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole.}
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi t\uc1 \u259 ?ios fratele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? este bine. At\uc1 \u238
?ta vreme c\uc1 \u238 ?t e\uc1 \u351 ?ti fericit...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce, par a\uc1 \u351 ?a de neajutorat?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, este ceva, ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? spui c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt nebun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Este ceva neobi\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nuit la ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.
Dumnezeule, tu te culci cu ea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai observat tu, \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am o imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ie prea bogat\uc1 \u259
?. Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o vorbind ca cameramanul azi-n o apte?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce cameraman?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cel care a filmat la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te Van Lo}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vejoy. Este de la
KTEX.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu,
r\uc1 \u238 ?sul lui Jack era ciudat. Mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut curios s\uc1 \u259 ?
o v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe Carole vorbind cu el. Nu este chiar genul ei. \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnind privirea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i cobor\uc1 \u238 ? ochii. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun... nu este..., \uc1 \u351 ?tii
ce vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.
Vocea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mai bine plec s\uc1 \u259 ?
le trezesc pe Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy. Eddy vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fim gata la
10,30. Mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere c\uc1 \u259 ? am stat de
vorb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
mie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
privi pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole a vorbit din nou cu Van Lovejoy? De ce? Nu i-
a mai spus, fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? au mai vorbit \uc1 \u351 ?i
alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Atunci
a min\uc1 \u355 ?it, o vedea<c\uc1 \u259 ? minte, dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea a
s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat-o \uc1 \u351 ?i a uitat. Lucrurile mergeau at\uc1 \u238 ?t de
bine \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. De ce trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? apar\uc1 \u259 ? norul? Se
sim\uc1 \u355 ?eau bine c\uc1 \u238 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau dragoste. Nu i se mai
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea murdar. \uc1 \u350 ?i ar fi jurat c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea
se simte bine. \uc1 \u238 ?n rela\uc1 \u355 ?ia Jor era ceva nou. Parc\uc1 \u259 ?
ar fi fost ilicit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i venea gr'eu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?
i mai aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? cum a fost la}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
nceput. Acum descoperea de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? ceva nou la ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A fost mereu modest\uc1 \u259 ?,
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu a stat goal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui.
Ieri diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1
\u259 ? dragoste, l-a rugat s\uc1 \u259 ? trag\uc1 \u259 ? draperiile. Timiditatea
asta a ei \uc1 \u238 ?l excita. Reu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l seduc\uc1
\u259 ?. Era un mister care \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? o
doreasc\uc1 \u259 ? mereu, }{\b1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse un }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 obicei din a \uc1 \u351 ?ti mereu unde
este, o urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea de la distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u259 ?sea
mereu motive s\uc1 \u259 ? o aduc\uc1 \u259 ? aproape. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea se juca cu
el? De ce avea acest interes inexplicabil pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul acela?}
dorea* r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsuri imediate. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunsurile \uc1 \u238 ?i vor tulbura pacea, armonia \uc1 \u351 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a
sexual\uc1 \u259 ?, era preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte la
infinit o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zinnia Rutledge
privea fotografiile de pe perete, \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea biroul acesta
numai din cauza fotografiilor. Amintirile erau dulci-amare. Nu se mai s\uc1 \u259 ?
tura s\uc1 \u259 ? le priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, Zee, te-am speriat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i re\uc1 \u355 ?inu lacrimile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i alung\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1 \u238 ?napoi
\uc1 \u238 ?n inim\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, Carole. M-ai luat prin surprindere, \uc1 \u238 ?l a\uc1 \u351
?teptam pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
aceea s\uc1 \u238 ?nt aici. M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u355 ?i dau o veste nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu poate veni, spuse Zee dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\u259 ?u, nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? 'nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu, doar o}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 disptt\uc1 \u259 ? terminat\uc1 \u259 ?
la Poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia din Houston.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu, toate ziarele scriu despre asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile s-au
tensionat. Acum o or\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy a hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
potoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? spiritele. Ultimele procente arat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e recupereaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Este cu numai cinci
puncte \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui Dekker. Situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia asta din Houston este
perfect\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ca \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?
i exprime opinia \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a rela\uc1 \u355 ?iilor de
munc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a legilor. Au plecat cu avionul \uc1 \u351 ?i se vor
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?teva ore, dar nu poate veni s\uc1
\u259 ? ia masa c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Lui Tale \uc1 \u238 ?i place s\uc1 \u259 ? zboare ca \uc1
\u351 ?i tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi Zee' ciudat. O
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i plac\uc1 \u259 ? excursia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Accep\uc1 \u355 ?i un biet \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuitor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Adic\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? iau pr\uc1 \u238 ?nzul cu tine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ar fi at\uc1 \u238 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi nora din C}{\fs23 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ap p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
picioare, dar nu g\uc1 \u259 ?si nimic s\uc1 \u259 ?-i repro\uc1 \u351 ?eze,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ise
foarte mult imaginea. Se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca \uc1 \u351 ?ic, dar acum
accentul era pe stil \uc1 \u351 ?i nu pe dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a fi sexy. Femeia cu
\uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ? impecabil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu o
ierta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
? renun\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? te opre\uc1 \u351 ?ti, Carole.}
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce
nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? iei masa cu mine? Zee \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? scape
cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? curat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Erarr, convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? voi fi cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e. \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg de ce nu poate veni, s\uc1 \u238 ?nt dezam\uc1
\u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot preface c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-
i a\uc1 \u351 ?a. \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme am fost at\uc1 \u238 ?t de pu\uc1
\u355 ?in timp \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?. Eu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A}{\fs23
\cf1 sta te deranjeaz\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Trupul m\uc1 \u259 ?runt al lui Ze ; se \uc1 \u238 ?ncorda
imediat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a dorea Carole, atunci se vor \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrunta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu supor\uc1 \u355 ?i
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e petrece mai mult timp cu mine.
E\uc1 \u351 ?ti geloas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura noastr\uc1
\u259 ? devine din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai solid\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee r\uc1 \u238 ?se ironic.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-ar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie a\uc1 \u351 ?a, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, Carole? Ai preferar\uc1
\u259 ? crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt geloas\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am fost de acord cu c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?toria voastr\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te purta de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai
\uc1 \u351 ?ti. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?tie. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt
sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? voi doi nu a\uc1 \u355 ?i discu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 tat
despre asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am discutat.
\uc1 \u350 ?i chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu am fi vorbit, eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259
? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i suferi. Nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
s\uc1 \u259 ? te ascunzi prea bine, Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi, dar era un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet trist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048
\cf1 - Ai fi uimit\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u238 ?t de
bine ascund ceea ce \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i simt. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt
expert\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i reveni repede \uc1 \u351 ?i
ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at: Ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
eforturi s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?scumperi gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile.
Nelson este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?ntat. Eu nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce? \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u238 ?t
de mult dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
fericit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Exact. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu va
fi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? fericit at\uc1 \u238 ?ta timp c\uc1 \u238 ?t va fi \uc1
\u238 ?n ghearele tale. Vezi tu, Carole, eu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea ta nu este dec\uc1 \u238 ?t o ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina\uc1
\u355 ?ie. Pref\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?torie, la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i tine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee v\uc1 \u259 ?zu cu
satisfac\uc1 \u355 ?ie cum fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei devine palid\uc1 \u259 ?. Abia
vorbea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pref\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?torie? Ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
torit, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? observ r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceala dintre voi, am angajat un detectiv particular. A fost cea mai umilitoare
experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea. Dar am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-
o pentru a- mi proteja fiul. Omul \uc1 \u238 ?mi repugna, dar a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o
treab\uc1 \u259 ? excelent\uc1 \u259 ?. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ghice\uc1 \u351 ?ti
c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a dat tot portofoliul pe care l-ai avut \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a te
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea cum \uc1 \u238 ?i zv\uc1 \u238 ?cne\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u238 ?
ngele. Trupul ei mic tremura de ur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva acestei femei
care, cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ceala unui agent KGB, s-a strecurat \uc1 \u238 ?n familia
ei \uc1 \u351 ?i I-a ame\uc1 \u355 ?it pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este
necesar s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i prezint toate detaliile acestui dosar. Nu cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? omite ceva. Dar vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ?
subliniaz\uc1 \u259 ? perioada c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai to\uc1 \u351 ?t dansatoare de
cabaret, \uc1 \u351 ?i toate celelalte meserii. Numeroasele tale nume de
scen\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt deosebit de colorate. Detectivul meu s-a oprit
doar atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a descoperit numele primit la na\uc1 \u351 ?tere care,
oricum, nu este important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole ar\uc1
\u259 ?ta r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Nu putea \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?i. Erau numai ele}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dou\uc1 \u259 ?. Secretara plecase la mas\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tie cineva de
acest dosar? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?tie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nimeni, de\uc1 \u351 ?i am fost de multe ori tentat\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? i-l ar\uc1 \u259 ?t - chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i recent, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te
din nou de tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Carole
inspir\uc1 \u259 ? din nou ad\uc1 \u238 ?nc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spre dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girea mea profund\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum,
este vr\uc1 \u259 ?jit. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de noua Carole, care a ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut dup\uc1 \u259 ?
accidentul de avion. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? te nume\uc1
\u351 ?ti Phoenix, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te- ai ridicat din propria-\uc1 \u355 ?i
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti o femeie extrem de inteligent\uc1
\u259 ?. Te-ai transformat dintr-o dansatoare dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?toare de
cabaret \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o doamn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?toare, destul de bine pentru o so\uc1 \u355 ?ie de senator. Remarcabil.
Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? ai pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuit totul foarte mult \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte
bine. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i prenumele cu tent\uc1 \u259 ? spaniol\uc1 \u259 ? este
delicat. Avantajos pentru so\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui om politic. Dar schimb\uc1
\u259 ?rile cele mai recente s\uc1 \u238 ?nt cele mai de ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eles pentru mine. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pari s\uc1 \u259 ? crezi \uc1 \u238 ?
n tine. A\uc1 \u351 ? putea crede c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cinstit\uc1
\u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu te}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 :}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a\uc1 \u351 ?
compara cu ce-ai fost \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care te por\uc1 \u355
?i cu Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Tate...-Zee cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap
ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Nimeni nu se poate schimba radical, Carole,
indiferent c\uc1 \u238 ?t est}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e de inteligent.}{\fs24
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu m-am schimbat din dragoste pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc
s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu ceea ce vrea el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Arunc\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i o ultim\uc1 \u259 ? privire veninoas\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o d\uc1 \u259 ?du deoparte \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u351 ?tiu care este
numele meu, c\uc1 \u259 ? tu }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti ceea ce dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? credem noi c\uc1 \u259 ?
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd
m\uc1 \u259 ? vei deconspira?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Niciodat\uc1
\u259 ?. Carole tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri surprins\uc1 \u259 ?. At\uc1 \u238 ?ta vreme
c\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va fi fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i mul\uc1 \u355
?umit cu tine, nu-l voi}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gi.
Dosarul va fi secretul nostru. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u351 ?te
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l r\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?ti din nou, Carole, \uc1 \u351 ?i po\uc1
\u355 ?i fi sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? te voi distruge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i face asta, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-l distrugi \uc1 \u351 ?i pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionez s\uc1 \u259 ? fac o dezv\uc1
\u259 ?luire public\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu trebuie dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ar\uc1
\u259 ?t dosarul lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nu va permite prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a
unei t\uc1 \u238 ?rfe, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i una reformat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
preajma copilului s\uc1 \u259 ?u. \uc1 \u350 ?i pentru mine este de nesuportat, dar
eu nu am de ales. Foarte rar avem de ales \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O expresie de disperare invada
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Carolei. O prinse de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe Zee.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i po\uc1 \u355 ?i spune
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, te rog, Zee, nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i face ' asta.
\uc1 \u238 ?l vei ucide.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\fs23
\cf1 Este singurul motiv pentru care am,t\uc1 \u259 ?cut p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
acum, spuse Zee eliber\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Dar, crede-
m\uc1 \u259 ?, Carole, dac\uc1 \u259 ? va fi necesar, mai bine vom trece un scandal
de scurt timp, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d suferind tot restul
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? vei c\uc1
\u259 ?uta dosarul \uc1 \u351 ?i vei \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l distrugi.
Nu te deranja, mai am unul \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un seif particular. Numai eu am acces
acolo, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n caz c\uc1 \u259 ? eu mor, numai \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery descuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a
de la intrare \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mona? Mandy?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Le g\uc1 \u259 ?si \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a
copilul, \uc1 \u238 ?i era frig. Tot drumul de la S\uc1 \u226 ?n Antonio a condus
cu geamul ma\uc1 \u351 ?inii l\uc1 \u259 ?sat, \uc1 \u238 ?i ardea fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirea cu Zee. Aerul rece i-a alungat
grea\uc1 \u355 ?a care a cuprins-o c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a auzit povestea Carolei
Navarro.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E bun\uc1 \u259 ? supa,
scumpo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hmmm.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat
pe nimeni la mas\uc1 \u259 ?, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge, dar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
dori\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? servesc imediat ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, Mona,
nu mi-e foame. Dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? haina \uc1 \u351 ?i o l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? pe scaun. Dar a\uc1 \u351 ? bea un ceai, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu te
deranjez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u238 ?ngea nervoas\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile,
\uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce menajera \uc1 \u238 ?i aducea cana cu ceai fierbinte.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu v}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i bine, doamn\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge? S\uc1 \u238
?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbujorat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? simt bine. Mi-e doar frig. Mandy, termin\uc1
\u259 ? salata de fructe \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i citesc o
poveste \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a adormi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ? sporov\uc1 \u259 ?
ielilor copilului, care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea progrese evidente, dar mintea i se \uc1
\u238 ?ntorcea la Zee \uc1 \u351 ?i la \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoarele informa\uc1
\u355 ?ii despre Carole,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gata? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? inspect\uc1 \u238 ?nd castronelul feti\uc1 \u355 ?ei, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i termin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea ceaiul \uc1 \u351 ?i
urcar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor. O ajut\uc1
\u259 ? pe feti\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se dezbrace, o urc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pat \uc1 \u351 ?i o acoperi. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea cu o carte de pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei \uc1 \u238 ?i citea dintr-o carte asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
toare, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era copil. Avea ilustra\uc1 \u355 ?ii frumoase, avea eroi
care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau lucruri incredibile, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i cercet\uc1
\u259 ? amintirile. Erau mai pregnante cele c\uc1 \u238 ?nd tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei era
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti binele \uc1 \u238 ?nvinge
\uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna r\uc1 \u259 ?ul. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? de aceea se numeau
pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Mandy adormi, Avery se d\uc1 \u259 ?du \uc1 \u238 ?nceti\uc1 \u351 ?or jos din
pat \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u238 ?
rful picioarelor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era nimeni
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u238
?rful degetelor spre aripa casei .ochit\uc1 \u259 ? de Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee. Nu
mai c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri dac\uc1 \u259 ? este bine sau r\uc1 \u259 ?u ceea
ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Era o violare intolerabil\uc1 \u259 ? a intimit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, care n-ici nu i-ar fi trecut prin cap \uc1 \u238 ?n alte
ocazii. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia dat\uc1 \u259 ?...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Localiza dormitorul lor
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? probleme. O camer\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
foarte pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, umbrit\uc1 \u259 ? de draperiile care opreau
lumina soarelui de toamn\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce
ar p\uc1 \u259 ?stra Zee asemenea documente \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un simplu birou? De ce
nu? P\uc1 \u259 ?rea inocent. Cine ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znit s\uc1
\u259 ? cotrob\uc1 \u259 ?ie? Nelson avea alte probleme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery lu\uc1 \u259 ? o pil\uc1 \u259 ? de unghii de pe m\uc1
\u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a de toalet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? broasca minuscul\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici nu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia m\uc1 \u259 ?suri de precau\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Zee se a\uc1
\u351 ?tepta ca ea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l caute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde broasca ced\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery deschise
sertarul. Erau c\uc1 \u238 ?teva cutii cu ini\uc1 \u355 ?ialele lui Zee, o biblie,
o map\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? cu numele lui Jack pe ea \uc1 \u351 ?i una cu
numele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dosarul
era \uc1 \u238 ?n fundul sertarului. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l deschise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cinci minute mai
t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sea camera palid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i tremur\uc1 \u238 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?i era r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi spre
camera ei \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Se rezem\uc1 \u259 ? de
ea respir\uc1 \u238 ?nd cu greu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e! Oh, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! Dac\uc1 \u259
? va vedea vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? con\uc1 \u355 ?inutul revolt\uc1 \u259 ?tor al
dosarului...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o baie. Repede. Imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? pantofii din picioare, trase puloverul peste capî deschise
u\uc1 \u351 ?a la baie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
s\uc1 \u259 ? urle.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imaginea era
grotesc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi gura,.pentru a opri
sunetele. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a b\uc1 \u259 ?ii, posterul
electorala \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se legene ca un corp uman \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o sp\uc1 \u238 ?nzur\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, o gaur\uc1 \u259 ? de glon\uc1 \u355 ? era
desenat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e,
contrast\uc1 \u238 ?nd hidos cu z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. Cu
litere mari era scris: "Ziua A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 legerilor!"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se leg\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? spre cad\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i vomit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitor, \uc1 \u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?tor!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery st\uc1 \u259 ?tea aplecat\uc1 \u259 ? peste un pahar cu whisky, pe care
Irish o obligase s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ia pentru a se calma. Prima gur\uc1 \u259 ? a
st\uc1 \u238 ?rnit un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat vulcan \uc1 \u238 ?n stomacul ei
nem\uc1 \u238 ?ncat. \uc1 \u354 ?inea paharul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? avea nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? se sprijine de ceva.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Toat\uc1 \u259 ? treaba asta
este extrem de ur\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, declar\uc1 \u259 ? gazda ei
irascibil\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput. Nu te-am
avertizat? Nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ce dac\uc1 \u259 ?! Ai avertizat-o! Gata, nu mai l\uc1 \u259 ?tra la ea!}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine \uc1 \u355 ?i-a cerut
p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ? Irish furios pe
Van, care fuma nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Avery. M-a sunat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? roage s\uc1 \u259 ? vin aici. \uc1
\u350 ?i am venit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vre\uc1 \u355
?i, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceta\uc1 \u355 ?i? strig\uc1
\u259 ? Avery. Van, te rog sjinge treaba aia, \uc1 \u238 ?mi face r\uc1 \u259 ?u
mirosul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
mu\uc1 \u351 ?ca unghiile, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se parc\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? vomite din nou sau nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Posterul m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?at. Chiar vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? o
fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut tot timpul. Dar acum...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este Avery?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? ea din cap disperat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Oricare dintre ei. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu!}{\fs24 \dbch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cine
poate intra \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce din ora\uc1 \u351
?, oricine putea intra \uc1 \u238 ?n camera mea. To\uc1 \u355 ?i vin \uc1 \u351 ?i
pleac\uc1 \u259 ?. Este o foiala continu\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te-a urm\uc1 \u259 ?
rit cineva? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am uitat tot
timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n oglinda retrovizoare. Am}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 ocolit de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva ori. \uc1 \u350 ?i pe urm\uc1 \u259 ?, nu era
nimeni acas\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am plecat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ai aflat nimic din dosar? Avery ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
neputincioas\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este
ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce spui asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O am
pe multe casete. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbe\uc1 \u351 ?te, face din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?imii, dar s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ia naiba dac\uc1 \u259
? eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este a\uc1 \u351 ?a de fericit\uc1 \u259 ?,}{\fs23 \dbch
cum pare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui. Este foarte \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu prea
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te. Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u259
?zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spune-ne ceva despre Carole
Navarro, spuse Irish. Este mai aproape de subiect dec\uc1 \u238 ?t Zee.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, sau cum o fi
chem\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o, a fost o t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ? ordinar\uc1 \u259 ?. A
dansat goal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n baruri de noapte, sub tot felul de nume, A
fost arestat\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ofense publice \uc1 \u351 ?i
alt\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru prostitu\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar cazurile s-au
mu\uc1 \u351 ?amalizat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
sigur\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dosarul este
concret. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? informa\uc1 \u355 ?ii am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi dau seama de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva lo}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 caluri \uc1 \u238 ?n care a
practicat Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nainte de a veni aici. Am vorbit chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu oameni care au cunoscut-o,
cu fo\uc1 \u351 ?ti colegi de-ai ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-au
luat drept ea? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dar m-am dat drept o veri\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-au}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spus.?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - A avut mai multe aventuri. Nimeni nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce s-a
petrecut cu ea. O coleg\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?reia i-am dat dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci
de dolari, fni-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? i- a m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisit c\uc1 \u259 ? va
renun\uc1 \u355 ?a la}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 via\uc1 \u355 ?a de
noapte, va merge la \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se va schimba.
At\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i-a amintit. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu a mai v\uc1
\u259 ?zut-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
convins c\uc1
\u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? Carole a trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? suporte o transformare
radical\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a intra la firma de avoca\uc1 \u355 ?i a lui Rutledge.
Apoi, pasul urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor a fost c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria cu \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Irish, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti filmul meu
despre prostituate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, cel filmat
la Detroit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Profilul
personalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii acelor femei i se potrive\uc1 \u351 ?te
perfect. Marea majoritate pretind c\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u259 ?sc b\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i cum s-a purtat cu Jack? A flirtat cu el
p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la punctul de a-i distruge c\uc1 \u259 ?snicia, dar am
impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a mers mai departe. Asta se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te r\uc1
\u259 ?utate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i era
team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o va prinde cineva? \uc1 \u350 ?i Avery se g\uc1
\u238 ?ndise la asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai aici este problema? \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ar fi fost cu-adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat umilit dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
aflat cine a fost ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Prost trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fie, murmur\uc1 \u259 ? Van. S\uc1 \u259 ? pice orbe\uc1 \u351 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?inile ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi cum a programat totul, spuse Avery s\uc1 \u259 ?
rind \uc1 \u238 ?n ap\uc1 \u259 ?rarea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. A devenit
ceea ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea el. L-a prins \uc1 \u238 ?n curs\uc1 \u259 ?. Era sexy.
Dar, mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t at\uc1 \u238 ?t, cineva apropiat iui \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e a \uc1 \u351 ?tiut cum s\uc1 \u259 ? trag\uc1 \u259 ? sforile.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acel}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
a\uc1 \u351 ?i care vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Exact! Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, la fe! ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
Zee, c\uc1 \u259 ? este o oportunist\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Dar c\uc1 \u238 ?nd i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut propunerea s\uc1 \u259 ? participe
la complot, ea de ce nu I-a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? o atr\uc1 \u259 ?gea mai mult perspectiva de a fi v\uc1 \u259 ?
duv\uc1 \u259 ?, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t aceea de a fi so\uc1 \u355 ?ie de senator.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acela\uc1 \u351 ?i statut,
dar \uc1 \u238 ?n lipsa unui so\uc1 \u355 ? incomod, coment\uc1 \u259 ? Irish.}
\u351 ?i, nu putea fi sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va
c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga alegerile! Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? complicele ei a
stimulat-o financiar. Un lucru este sigur. Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?torie, sarcina ei a fost se-l fac\uc1 \u259 ? nenorocit. \uc1 \u350 ?i
s-a achitat de sarcin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
}{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 de ce }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? doreasc\uc1
\u259 ? cineva s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ? nenorocit? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? Irish. Ajungem mereu aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Vocea lui
Avery era plin\uc1 \u259 ? de disperare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles tu din u}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ltimul mesaj?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi se pare evident c\uc1
\u259 ? vor ac\uc1 \u355 ?iona \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua alegerilor. Probabil c\uc1
\u259 ? vor folosi o arm\uc1 \u259 ?. Irish era nesigur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -.Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu,_si,nbolistica pare pu\uc1 \u355 ?in cam
prea evident\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\cf1 - Poate este nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? este prea t\uc1
\u238 ?rziu s\uc1 \u259 ? mai renun\uc1 \u355 ?e. Prea este totu}{\fs23 \dbch
l pus la punct.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce \uc1 \u351 ?
tii de P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu a mai
ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mesajul din ochii
lui Van era prea evident, ca Irish s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l observe.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce \uc1 \u351 ?tiji voi \uc1 \u351 ?i
mie nu-mi spune\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ei, Van crede
c\uc1 \u259 ? omul m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te pe mine \uc1 \u351
?i nu pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Irish \uc1 \u238 ?l privi t\uc1 \u259 ?ios pe fotogra}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 f.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce motive ai s\uc1 \u259 ?
crezi asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O simpl\uc1
\u259 ? idee. Cam \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?znea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n toate
casetele, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e, spuse ea \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ciuitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E greu de spus. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti mereu l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Avery, Irish \uc1 \u238 ?i prinse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n palme., trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? anun\uc1 \u355 ?i autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?.
Taci \uc1 \u351 ?i ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Ai intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mocirl\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? peste
cap. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu de ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o. A fost o idee grozav\uc1 \u259 ?
- \uc1 \u351 ?ansa unei vie\uc1 \u355 ?i de a te consacra. Dar \uc1 \u355 ?i-a
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat din m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, te dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
e\uc1 \u351 ?te. Via\uc1 \u355 ?a ta este \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
te opre\uc1 \u351 ?ti aici \uc1 \u351 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Rutledge este \uc1
\u238 ?n pericol. \uc1 \u350 ?i a copilului. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? fata p\uc1
\u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? recepteze argumentele, Irish continu\uc1 \u259 ?: Hai
s\uc1 \u259 ? sun\uc1 \u259 ?m la FBI.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Biroul Federal? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am un prieten acolo, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Irish ignor\uc1
\u238 ?ndu-l pe Van. De obicei lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? acoperit \uc1 \u238 ?n Mexic. Nu
este zonajui aici, dar ne poate sf\uc1 \u259 ?tui ce s\uc1 \u259 ? facem.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a termina Irish, Avery scutur\uc1 \u259 ? violent din cap.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish, nu putem. Nu \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie FBI-ul, atunci va trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Nu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? va
st\uc1 \u238 ?rni suspiciuni o gard\uc1 \u259 ? de corp \uc1 \u238 ?narmat\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-n din\uc1 \u355 ?i? Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?
scoatem totul la lumin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu-\uc1 \u259 ?sta-i motivul, \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ? el sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Nu
vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? afle Rutledge. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? afle pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?i la loc\uc1 \u351 ?orul c\uc1
\u259 ?ldu\uc1 \u355 ? pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l ai \uc1 \u238 ?n patul lui.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat,
strig\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea. Autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?
l pot ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra de oamenii din afara familiei lui, dar nu-l pot ap\uc1 \u259
?ra de membrii familiei. Iar noi \uc1 \u351 ?tim c\uc1 \u259 ? omul care vrea s\uc1
\u259 ?-l omoare este din interior, cineva care pretinde c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
l iube\uc1 \u351 ?te. Nu-l putem preveni pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e despre
pericol, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l prevenim \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt. Pe urm\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? spui autorit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor povestea âsta, te vor crede nebun sau nu te vor crede
deloc, \uc1 \u238 ?n ipoteza c\uc1 \u259 ? te vor crede totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, g\uc1
\u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te-te ce voi p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce-\uc1 \u355 ?i vor face? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tiu exact, dar p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se vor g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi ei ce.s\uc1 \u259
? fac\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va fi expus \uc1 \u351 ?i
foarte vulnerabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ; \uc1 \u350 ?i
atunci ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi fa\uc1 \u355 ?a cu palmele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? jacheta de
piele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? hoin\uc1 \u259 ?resc pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. ,}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? hoin\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunse \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rii lui Irish cu o indiferent\uc1 \u259 ?
str\uc1 \u238 ?ngere din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
"c\uc1 \u259 ?utat prin casetele mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai
c\uc1 \u259 ?utat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Lucrez la o
ipotez\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
i str\uc1 \u238 ?nse m\uc1 \u238 ?na cu c\uc1 \u259 ?ldur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru tot, Van.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vezi sau auzi...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te anun\uc1
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Mai ai
cheia de la cutia po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, ai nevoie de
ea? Ne vedem \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?
n ora\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? trimi\uc1 \u355 ?i ceva, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ? - ceva ce nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i trimite
la ferma Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, la revedere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 p de narcoman. Mi-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit un aliat mai de n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-l \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rta. \uc1 \u350 ?i el
este \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol, dar este de nepre\uc1 \u355 ?uit. Mi-a fost prieten
\uc1 \u351 ?i numai Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? nevoie am
avut de prieteni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privi ceasul - cel d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u259 ? plec, este t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e .pune \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajung t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai am
scuze plauzibile. C\uc1 \u238 ?te cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?turi poate face o
femeie? \uc1 \u238 ?ncercarea firav\uc1 \u259 ? de a glumi e\uc1 \u351 ?ua
lamentabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irisji o \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a. O m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia
st\uc1 \u238 ?ngaci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?l
iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti - nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu intona \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea.
Dumnezeule, de ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie toate at\uc1 \u238 ?t de complicate?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?l iubesc
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t suf\uc1 \u259 ?r pentru el,
Irish. Ce m\uc1 \u259 ? fac? Nu-i pot spune, nu-l pot ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra.}{\fs24
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar \uc1 \u351 ?ti Rosemary, mi-ar rupe g\uc1 \u238 ?tul cu m\uc1
\u238 ?na ei. Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? te las \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare \uc1 \u238 ?n
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia aceasta periculoas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? da, r\uc1 \u238 ?se Avery \uc1 \u238 ?
n c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a ud\uc1 \u259 ? de lacrimi. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a pus
toat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n tine c\uc1 \u238 ?nd m-a l\uc1
\u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n grija ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
data asta o dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gesc. O str\uc1 \u238 ?nse cu putere la piept. Mi-e
fric\uc1 \u259 ? pentru tine, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, dup\uc1 \u259 ?^ce am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut posterul \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u238 ?ngerat, \uc1 \u351 ?i mie \uc1 \u238 ?mi este fric\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai consider\uc1 \u259 ? aliat. S\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ajute Dumnezeu, dac\uc1 \u259 ? va descoperi adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te
r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
anun\uc1 \u355 ?i autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l voi putea ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta acuzator - "El este".}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish se }{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o prinse de b\uc1
\u259 ?rbie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Atunci ar putea
fi prea t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu era nevoie
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai spun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tia deja. Deja poate c\uc1
\u259 ? era prea t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai salva cariera, pentru
viitorul ei l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l
mai \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
Irishh \uc1 \u238 ?i ur\uc1 \u259 ? noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t nici unul dintre ei nju observ\uc1 \u259 ?
ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina parcat\uc1 \u259 ? la distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de o jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate de bloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cal\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 1}{\fs23
\cf1 <ria spontan\uc1 \u259 ? la Houston la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunirea cu poli\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?tii a ners extrem de bine pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.
\uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi recupera diferen\uc1 \u355 ?a care exista \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
el \uc1 \u351 ?i senatorul Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dekker,
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind presiunile, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ?
la suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? discursuri murdare ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?nd
c\uc1 \u238 ?t de periculos este "liberalul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e".}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ar fi fost cel mai potrivit
moment pentru el s\uc1 \u259 ? foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ? povestea avortului Carolei
Rutiedge. Ar fi aruncat \uc1 \u238 ?n aer toat\uc1 \u259 ? campania. Dar tactica
folosit\uc1 \u259 ? de Eddy a fost eficient\uc1 \u259 ?. Era evident c\uc1 \u259 ?
Dekker nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia nimic. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i Dekker avea suportul pre\uc1
\u351 ?edintelui care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea campanie preziden\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1
\u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie epuizant\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?apte ora\uc1 \u351 ?e, toat\uc1 \u259 ? echipa Rutiedge
era optimist\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? Dekker avea o marj\uc1 \u259 ? de
procente \uc1 \u238 ?naintea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, oric\uc1 \u238 ?nd
avantajul \uc1 \u238 ?l putea p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?si. Optimismul a atins
punctul culminant c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e a c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tigat primarele. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea radia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Francy.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea se plimba de colo-colo, la
cartierul general, \uc1 \u351 ?i strica atmosfera urm\uc1 \u259 ?rind toate
mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile lui Eddy cu o ciud\uc1 \u259 ? nedisimulat\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu au mai fost \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? de mai }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1033
\langnp1033 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 bine.de }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 o s\uc1 \u259
?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. El o privea, dar nu o vedea. De c\uc1
\u238 ?te ori ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?ea m\uc1
\u238 ?ndria \uc1 \u351 ?i se apropia de el, el nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cea dec\uc1 \u238 ?
t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai, dea c\uc1 \u238 ?teva sarcini. A stat chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i la
telefon. Singurul motiv pentru care a acceptat s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? aceste
lucruri era dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a nu-l sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa pe Eddy din}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ochi. El era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o mi\uc1 \u351 ?care
continu\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? este la limita subzisten\uc1
\u355 ?ei tr\uc1 \u259 ?ind cu cafea, ap\uc1 \u259 ? mineral\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i sandvi\uc1 \u351 ?uri. Era primul care sosea diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i
ultimul care^pleca noaptea, dac\uc1 \u259 ? pleca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n duminica dinaintea alegerilor, familia Rutledge s-
a mutat la Palacio Del Rio, un hotel ime i? din S\uc1 \u226 ?n Anto}{\fs22 \dbch
nio. De acolo aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? 1 a\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cursa electoral\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Rudele apropiate ale lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e au primit Apartamentul
Imperial de la etajul dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i unu. Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i au
primit camere \uc1 \u238 ?n apropiere. S-au instalat telefoane, g\uc1 \u259 ?rzi de
protec\uc1 \u355 ?ie la lifturi, mai mult pentru a proteja lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea
candidatului, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t pe candidatul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. La
mezanin, muncitorii preg\uc1 \u259 ?teau sala de recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Pe un perete
era un poster al lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori m\uc1
\u259 ?rimea lui natural\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n acea dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? de duminic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n agita\uc1 \u355 ?ia general\uc1 \u259 ? provocat\uc1 \u259 ? de foiala
angaja\uc1 \u355 ?ilor hotelului, meticulo\uc1 \u351 ?ii reporteri de
televiziune \uc1 \u351 ?i instalatorii de telefoane, Eddy f\uc1 \u259 ?cea eforturi
deosebite s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? auzit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - De la Longview vei zbura la Texarkana, petreci o or\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate acolo, apoi pleci la Wichita Falls, Abilene, apoi acas\uc1
\u259 ?. Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? sose\uc1 \u351 ?ti...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ta\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pentru Dumnezeu, ta\uc1 \u355 ?i! exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy deranjat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?\uc1 \u351 ?t, Mandy.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e duse un deget la buze. \uc1 \u354 ?inea feti\uc1 \u355 ?
a \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse
r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ?
ascul\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te ascult, Eddy.
Mai s\uc1 \u238 ?nt banane \uc1 \u238 ?n co\uc1 \u351 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dumnezeule, strig\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy. Mai
ai dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la alegeri \uc1 \u351 ?i tu te
g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti la -banane. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti al naibii de calm.}
lu\uc1 \u259 ? calm banana \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ? de so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa, o
coji \uc1 \u351 ?i}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse
lui Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?
ti prea \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat, Eddy. Relaxeaz\uc1 \u259 ?-te. Ne \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebune\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Amin, spuse Francy posomorit\uc1 \u259 ? din fotoliul din care
privise un film la televizor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ce o s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigi, am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
relaxez. Nici nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiu unde am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas. Aha, ajungi aici la
S\uc1 \u226 ?n Antonio m\uc1 \u238 ?ine sear\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n jur de
7,30. Voi preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti o mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n restaurant pentru
toat\uc1 \u259 ? familia. Apoi te retragi pentru odihn\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? sp\uc1 \u259 ?l pe din\uc1 \u355 ?i mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i?
Adic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? culca?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea r\uc1 \u238 ?se,
numai Eddy nu gust\uc1 \u259 ? gluma.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mar\uc1 \u355 ?i diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a vom merge \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? la
sec\uc1 \u355 ?iile de votare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e lu\uc1 \u259 ? coaja de banan\uc1 \u259 ? de la Mandy \uc1
\u351 ?i o \uc1 \u351 ?terse pe m\uc1 \u238 ?ini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Voi c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu fi
prea \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai ai dou\uc1
\u259 ? puncte \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te-\uc1 \u355 ?i de unde
am plecat. Voi c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?a se termin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? not\uc1 \u259 ? optimist\uc1 \u259 ?. Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?i Zee
s-au retras pentru odihn\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? lucreze la un discurs. Dorothy Rae l-a convins pe Jack s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1
\u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? la plimbare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
plecar\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?l urm\uc1 \u259 ? pe Eddy \uc1
\u238 ?n camera lui. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce b\uc1 \u259 ?tu u\uc1 \u351 ?or, auzi:}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este? -Eu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a, .\uc1
\u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse,spatele \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1
\u259 ? spre dulap de unde scoase b c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
curat\uc1 \u259 ?. Francy \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i puse
siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce nu
la\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a? spuse ea sugestiv.}{\fs24 \dbch
\af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi
prea pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t la cartierul
general f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Acolo pleci acum?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Exact.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar este duminic\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi spui
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? fii pioas\uc1 \u259 ? de ziua'
Domnului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
tine, am fost azi la biseric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u350 ?i pentru acela\uc1 \u351 ?i motiv. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am spus tuturor
c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? merge\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
aparatele de filmat pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 m-am rugat. -Ah, sigur.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am rugat s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mori, spuse ea cu pasiune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El r\uc1 \u238 ?se
distrat. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
bage c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n pantaloni, Francy \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l opreasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eddy, nu am venit aici s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? cert cu
tine. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Atunci vino cu mine la }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cartierul general. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? vom avea mult\uc1 \u259 ? treab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu la treab\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndeam eu.}
\u259 ?u, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la alegeri numai asta este pe agend\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni m\uc1 \u259 ? evi\uc1 \u355 ?i, spuse ea
cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?olduri. Ce-i cu tine?}{\fs23
mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fac pe unchiul t\uc1
\u259 ?u alesul Congresului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ?-l
ia dracu'-de Congres.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ce e \uc1 \u238 ?n capul t\uc1 \u259 ?u. Acum, Fancy, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? scuzi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, iar ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l opreasc\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog, Eddy. Mai stai pu\uc1 \u355 ?
in. Putem bea o bere. Hai s\uc1 \u259 ? facem }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dragoste.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dragoste? spuse el dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitor. O \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? din calea lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Francy, numai la asta te g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Descarc\uc1
\u259 ?-te \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul acesta am
altceva de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy privea
uluit\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ?. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? o
scrumier\uc1 \u259 ? care era la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i o arunc\uc1 \u259 ? furioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu a fost
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de categoric refuzat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nimeni, dar absolut nimeni, nu o
refuza pe Francy Rutledge c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ea avea chef. Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i furioas\uc1
\u259 ? din camera lui Eddy, intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trase ni\uc1 \u351 ?te pantaloni \uc1 \u351 ?i o bluz\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ? de la hotel c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u Mustangul ei.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S\uc1 \u259 ? fie al naibii
dac\uc1 \u259 ? se va opri s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259
? via\uc1 \u355 ?a numai din cauza acestor alegeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt. S-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat ceva?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Irish,
spuse Van frec\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se la ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i concentr\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se
asupra receptorului. Abia am venit. Rutledge a vorbit la biseric\uc1 \u259 ?
ast\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu, cum a mers?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Le-a pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost \uc1
\u351 ?i Avery?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
lumea, \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Francy,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - A reu\uc1 \u351 ?it Avery s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu tine?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, erau foarte mul\uc1
\u355 ?i oameni \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
tipul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb a ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Van c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?nd
dac\uc1 \u259 ? este bine s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost. Irish \uc1 \u238 ?
njur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A ie\uc1 \u351 ?
it \uc1 \u238 ?n eviden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Era afar\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?nghesuindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n grupul de reporteri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-a dat reporter? -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
ajuns l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Slab,
\uc1 \u238 ?nalt, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? rea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Rea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
de criminal?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Doar
supozi\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, dar nu
\uc1 \u238 ?mi place, Van. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? chem\uc1
\u259 ?m noi FBI \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i spunem nimic lui Avery.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o s\uc1 \u259 ? te ierte
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar va avea \uc1
\u351 ?anse s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cei doi b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i au t\uc1 \u259 ?cut
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva clipe pierdu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n propriile g\uc1 \u238 ?
nduri c\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rind posibilit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351
?i op\uc1 \u355 ?iuni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u238 ?ine
stai pe aproape. Nu mergi dup\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i eu m-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit la asta. Voi fi la
aeroport m\uc1 \u238 ?ine sear\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd se va \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarce, au anun\uc1 \u355 ?at pe la 7,30.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine.
\uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
Avery. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i este greu s\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de la hotel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Bine.
.'-}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n diminea\uc1
\u355 ?a votului vino mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i la studio. Apoi am s\uc1
\u259 ? te trimit la Palacio Del Rio. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? stai lipit de Avery.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vezi ceva suspect, }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 orice, }{\fs23 \dbch
renun\uc1 \u355 ?i la argumentele ei \uc1 \u351 ?i chemi poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish, eu nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
prost.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\uc1 \u350 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ai m\uc1 \u238 ?ine o zi liber\uc1 \u259 ?,
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Irish, mai las-o naibii de iarb\uc1 \u259 ?,
m\uc1 \u259 ?car o zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u355 ?i promit. Am mult\uc1 \u259 ? treab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da? Ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tot mai
rev\uc1 \u259 ?d casete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-ai mai spus.
Ce cau\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
te anun\uc1 \u355 ? imed-iat ce o s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc ceea ce caut.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u350 ?i-au luat r\uc1
\u259 ?mas }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 bun. Van se duse-spre baie, apoi}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 se r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse la aparatul video. Mai erau multe casete de vizionat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238 ?sca s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatec\uc1
\u259 ? pe care o v\uc1 \u238 ?na el nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu avea identitate.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum i-a spus \uc1 \u351 ?i lui Irish, nu va \uc1 \u351 ?ti
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t atunci c\uc1 \u238 ?nd o va vedea. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierdea timpul. A fost prost s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nceap\uc1 \u259 ? o asemenea jnunc\uc1 \u259 ? titanic\uc1 \u259 ?. Va fi \uc1
\u351 ?i mai prost dac\uc1 \u259 ? o va termina. \uc1 \u350 ?i totu\uc1 \u351 ?i,
lu\uc1 \u259 ? un pahar de b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i introduse o
caset\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aparat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
se str\uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ? la sticla de medicamente. Se cutremur\uc1 \u259 ?
numai la gustul amar pe care deja \uc1 \u238 ?l sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?n
gur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme lua medicamente. Avery nu \uc1 \u351 ?
tia. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia nimeni. Nu- a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut toba c\uc1 \u259 ? este grav
bolnav de inim\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
pensioneze dec\uc1 \u238 ?t cu un salariu bun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea foarte bine pe \uc1 \u351 ?efii lui. Lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?
i de suflet. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar \uc1 \u351 ?ti, l-ar \uc1 \u238 ?nlocui imediat cu
un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r. Nu d\uc1 \u259 ?deau doi bani .pe b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u238 ?nul care a muncit toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a pentru ei.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau \uc1 \u351 ?tiri dramatice pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se vindea bine
timpul de reclam\uc1 \u259 ? sponsorului, dar nu vedeau oamenii \uc1 \u351 ?i ce
reprezint\uc1 \u259 ? ei. Se ocupau doar de partea steril\uc1 \u259 ?. Irish nu
dorea dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fie respectat pentru ceea ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u238 ?, deschise capacul sticlei de antacid. Stinse lumina \uc1 \u351 ?i
intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea
patului \uc1 \u351 ?i fix\uc1 \u259 ? ceasul. Era rutin\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot
rutin\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?iragul de m\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?nii pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia acum. Nu a fost
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? la biseric\uc1 \u259 ?. Rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile sale erau
rituale, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aceasta se rug\uc1 \u259 ? din suflet pentru \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Rutledge \uc1
\u351 ?i fiica sa. Se rug\uc1 \u259 ? pentru via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Avery, rug\uc1
\u238 ?ndu-l pe Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ? o apere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare noapte, ultima
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune era pentru sufletul lui Rosemary Daniels, pentru ca Dumnezeu
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ierte c\uc1 \u259 ? a iubit-o, c\uc1 \u259 ? a iubit so\uc1 \u355 ?
ia altui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e deschise u\uc1 \u351 ?a apartamentului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
privi curios pe cei trei b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mpl\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Domnule Rutledge, scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i-ne c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
deranj\uc1 \u259 ?m, spuse un poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist \uc1 \u238 ?n uniform\uc1
\u259 ?. O cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i pe aceast\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?'r\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e? Avery se apropiase de el. Cine...? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy?
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Expresia de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a fetei era mohor\uc1 \u238 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?. Un poli\uc1 \u355 ?ist}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 o
\uc1 \u355 ?inea brutal de bra\uc1 \u355 ?. Ea st\uc1 \u259 ?tea rezemat\uc1
\u259 ? de el, evident intoxicat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy
apropiindu-se. Dumnezeule, exclam\uc1 \u259 ? cu dezgust.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? le spui cine s\uc1 \u238 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? lase dracului \uc1 \u238 ?n pace? \uc1 \u238 ?i ceru
F/ancy b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nepoata mea, \uc1 \u238 ?i inform\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e pe
poli\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te Francine Rutledge.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut permisul de conducere, dar trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne convingem c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? este rud\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost necesar s\uc1 \u259 ?
o aduce\uc1 \u355 ?i sub escort\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ori a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ori la \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoare, domnule Rutledge.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sub ce acuza\uc1 \u355 ?
ie? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Vitez\uc1 \u259 ? excesiv\uc1 \u259 ?, consum de b\uc1 \u259 ?uturi. Conducea cu
110 la or\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -l20, \uc1 \u238 ?
i corect\uc1 \u259 ? Francy obraznic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, domnilor, c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i
adus-o \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy se eliber\uc1 \u259 ? din
m\uc1 \u238 ?na poli\uc1 \u355 ?istului}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t
ne va costa s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?inem secretul? Eddy pe poli\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
noi ne-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ave\uc1 \u355 ?i nevoie de publicitate
nefavorabil\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Apreciez foarte
mult aceasta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
discursul de la Houston \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a for\uc1 \u355 ?elor de
ordine, ne-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? putem face un mic
serviciu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
umesc foarte mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noroc \uc1 \u238
?n alegeri, domnule Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lor. Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i dormeau. O
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat\uc1 \u259 ? inund\uc1 \u259 ?
camera.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy, unde ai
fost? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Fata ridic\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cu o piruet\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am dansat. M-am distrat.
Sigur, voi nu v\uc1 \u259 ? mai g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i la asta pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?i at\uc1 \u238 ?t de bolnavi, at\uc1
\u238 ?t de corec\uc1 \u355 ?i, at\uc1 \u238 ?t de...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Proasto, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti Eddy. \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ?du o palm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o trimise pe covor.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy! Avery se ghemui imediat l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? fata uluit\uc1 \u259 ?. Pic\uc1 \u259 ?turi de s\uc1 \u238 ?
nge \uc1 \u238 ?i curgeau din gur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
- Eddy, ce dracu' se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu tine? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e rece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355
?e \uc1 \u351 ?i se apropie de Francy amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? strici
totul? \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat dac\uc1 \u259 ?
poli\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?tii nu erau de treab\uc1 \u259 ?? Puteam ruina
alegerile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de guler \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238
?mpinse \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde te crezi?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A c\uc1 \u259 ?utat-o cu
lum\uc1 \u238 ?narea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu e\uc1
\u351 ?ti tu \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? spui asta,
tun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u206 ?l}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse puternic spre perete. Eddy
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? echilibrul
\uc1 \u351 ?i se repezi la \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Termina\uc1 \u355 ?i, strig\uc1 \u259 ? Avery repezindu-se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. O s\uc1 \u259 ? scula\uc1 \u355 ?i tot hotelul. \uc1 \u350 ?i
atunci s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vezi publicitate!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cei doi b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i se
priveau \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u238 ?nta\uc1 \u355 ?i. Avery se aplec\uc1 \u259 ?
din nou spre Francy \uc1 \u351 ?i o ridic\uc1 \u259 ?. Fata mai era \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? ame\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? dar \uc1 \u238 ?i privea cu
remu\uc1 \u351 ?care. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie obrazul, apoi ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? spre Eddy un deget
acuzator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\cf1 Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?! }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu te mai atingi de un membru al familiei mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Eddy
redevenise omul de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Aceasta este o parte a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele unde p\uc1 \u259 ?rerile tale
nu conteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, continu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e furios.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Ce mai pot face?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? nu te mai}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 culci cu ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 To\uc1 \u355 ?i au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas ului\uc1 \u355 ?i. Eddy \uc1
\u351 ?i Francy nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i imaginau c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e \uc1 \u351 ?tie. Dar Avery i-a spus cu mult \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-i fi
confirmate suspiciunile. Eddy se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1
? to\uc1 \u355 ?i trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne calm\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \sub2 \scaps1 a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
l privi cu dragoste pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u238 ?l respecta c\uc1
\u259 ? i-a luat ap\uc1 \u259 ?rarea nepoatei sale. O lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe fat\uc1
\u259 ? de dup\uc1 \u259 ? umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vino,
te duc \uc1 \u238 ?n camera ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
A\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ? ca Francy s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? un du\uc1
\u351 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din baie p\uc1 \u259 ?rea un copil
inocent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?i-am improvizat o
pung\uc1 \u259 ? de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru buz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. Te
pricepi la ast}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Fata
\uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i lacrimi mari i se rostogoleau pe obraji.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul,
\uc1 \u238 ?l ur\uc1 \u259 ?sc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu care credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti convins\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?
ti \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?t de multe
lucruri \uc1 \u351 ?tii despre Eddy? Foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
ai vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?ti de el
tocmai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura nu
are nici o \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?ncerci s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? despar\uc1 \u355 ?i de el pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l vrei pentru tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Chiar
crezi asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Fata o privi
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung. Pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngea din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai intens.
L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? capul ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea vede c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe unchiul \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.
\uc1 \u350 ?i el te iube\uc1 \u351 ?te p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? peste urechi,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? buza. Dumnezeule, hohoti ea.
De ce nu m\uc1 \u259 ? poate \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine iubi cineva? Ce nu-i bine la
mine? De ce se poart\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cu mine?
Parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi invizibil\uc1 \u259 ?. Eddy m-a folosit doar ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? se descarce. Am sperat c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
iubeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru altceva, dec\uc1 \u238 ?t pentru pat.
Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery o
lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. O secund\uc1 \u259 ? Francy \uc1
\u238 ?i rezist\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u238 ?nse pe um\uc1 \u259 ?rul m\uc1 \u259 ?
tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii sale. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 pl\uc1 \u238 ?nsul se
mai potoli, Avery se desprinse \uc1 \u238 ?ncet de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tii cine trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te ajute? Francy se
\uc1 \u351 ?terse cu dosul palmei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mama ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? glume\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, ai nevoie de ea, Francy. Mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t at\uc1
\u238 ?t, \uc1 \u351 ?i ea are nevoie de tine. S-a str\uc1 \u259 ?duit foarte mult
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i repare gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile. De ce nu-i dai o \uc1
\u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Sigur, de ce
nu? O pot face s\uc1 \u259 ? se simt\uc1 \u259 ? important\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery lu\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?i sun\uc1 \u259 ?. Jack r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse somnoros.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dorothy Rae doarme? Nu ar putea veni pu\uc1 \u355 ?in la}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-
a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery o
privi pe fat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi min\uc1 \u355 ?i. ; Nimic, ceva \uc1
\u238 ?ntre femei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n mai
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de un minut Dorothy Rae b\uc1 \u259 ?tu la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259
?. Era \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de noapte.}{\fs24
\u238 ?mplat, Carole?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Intr\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd v\uc1 \u259 ?
zu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a fetei, duse o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la inim\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, feti\uc1 \u355 ?a mea!
Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
se \uc1 \u238 ?nfiora. Un nou val de lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?i umplu ochii, \uc1
\u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu voce tremur\uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1
\u259 ? strig\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami!}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Le-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd una \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele celeilalte,
\uc1 \u238 ?i povestea Avery lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
minute mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Este cel mai frumos lucru care s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mp}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe Eddy at\uc1 \u238 ?t de descompus.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? te
vad\uc1 \u259 ? ales. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u238 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n cale, explodeaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? o femeie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
c\uc1 \u238 ?t timp \uc1 \u351 ?tii tu c\uc1 \u259 ? se culc\uc1 \u259 ? cu Fancy?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De c\uc1 \u238 ?teva
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u354 ?i-a spus el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, am intuit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu i-ai spus nimic?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun?
Am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi s\uc1 \u238 ?nt oameni mari. S\uc1 \u238 ?nt convins ca nu este
el primul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, oft\uc1 \u259 ? Avery. Dar cu toat\uc1 \u259 ?
experien\uc1 \u355 ?a ei sexual\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy este extrem de
vulnerabil\uc1 \u259 ?. A}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 r\uc1 \u259 ?nit-o.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege gre\uc1 \u351 ?it. Nu ap\uc1 \u259 ?r... -Ascult\uc1
\u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u238 ?na. Se ridicar\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi \uc1 \u351 ?i
fugir\uc1 \u259 ? spre dormitorul lui Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Mandy d\uc1 \u259 ?dea din picioare. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei micu\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era contorsionat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ud\uc1 \u259 ? de
transpira\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i striga.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami, mami!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Din instinct, Avery se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre ea,
dar \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o opri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Stai}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 , poate c\uc1 \u259 ? acum scap\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, nu, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, te rog. }{\fs23 \dbch
\cf1 \par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Trebuie. '}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe o parte a patului, '\uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiecare suferea pentru co\uc1 \u351 ?
marul copilului, sper\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? mintea ei va fi eliberat\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, nu striga feti\uc1
\u355 ?a. Mami? Nu o v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe mami. Nu pot pl}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 eca.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l privea
pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. El \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i privea \uc1 \u238 ?
mpietrit . copilul. Deodat\uc1 \u259 ? Mandy se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?. Respira agitat.
Avea ochii mari deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar nu se trezise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mamj! striga ea. Scoate-m\uc1 \u259 ? de aici. Mi-e
fric\uc1 \u259 ?. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Scoate-m\uc1 \u259 ? de aici.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu
s\uc1 \u259 ? clipeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Se sufoca}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 .}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-a salvat, \uc1 \u351 ?opti ea. Mami
m-a salvat. C\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe pern\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
momentul acela se trezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
privea uluit\uc1 \u259 ?. Se repezi \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui Avery.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mami, m-ai scos. Tu m-ai
scos din foc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery o str\uc1
\u238 ?nse la piept, \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umi lui Dumnezeu. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie un obraz apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ie feti\uc1 \u355 ?a. Mandy \uc1 \u238 ?i anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?:
}{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 (}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mi-e foame, \uc1 \u238 ?mi da\uc1 \u355 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1
\u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 R\uc1 \u238 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd
u\uc1 \u351 ?urat, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i o trecu pe dup\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24
Sigur, De care?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Comand\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?ata \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i schimb\uc1 \u259 ?
h\uc1 \u259 ?inu\uc1 \u355 ?ele ude. Avery o \uc1 \u351 ?tergea de transpira\uc1
\u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am avut un
co\uc1 \u351 ?mar, le spuse Mandy pragmatic. Dar nu-mi mai este team\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? mami m-a salvat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i termine \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?ata i
se f\uc1 \u259 ?cu somn. Au culcat-o \uc1 \u351 ?i au a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat s\uc1
\u259 ? adoarm\uc1 \u259 ?. Doctorul Webster a avut dreptate. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
ie\uc1 \u351 ?ir\uc1 \u259 ? din camera ei, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-a terminat,
murmur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. De acum o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine. De
ce pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
epuizat\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisi ea bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? fac
o baie fierbinte. Ziua de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi a fost c\uc1 \u238 ?t dou\uc1 \u259 ?
zeci de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu avea de unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery a
fost tot timpul \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n biseric\uc1 \u259 ?,
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?nd un atac c\uc1 \u238 ?nd l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb..}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din baie, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o jum\uc1 \u259 ?
tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i oferi so\uc1 \u355 ?ului tenta\uc1 \u355 ?ia
trupului care se contura prin c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de noapte.}{\fs24
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Tot obosit\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu at\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult. Nu dac\uc1 \u259 ? te g\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351
?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i la altceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc s\uc1 \u259 ? fac dragoste cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea. Adic\uc1
\u259 ? nu sex cu femeia cu care s\uc1 \u238 ?ht \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat, ci }{\i1 \fs23
\cf1 dragoste cu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
apropie de el. Avery sim\uc1 \u355 ?i o diferen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ?rutu}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l lui. Era mai personal, rnai intim.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu am
crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? te pot iubi din nou. Dar dup\uc1 \u259 ? tot
ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru Mandy \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru mine, s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu al
naibii dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu te iubesc mai mult ca oric\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ?.ce au terminat, au r\uc1
\u259 ?mas relaxa\uc1 \u355 ?i dar eman\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?ldur\uc1
\u259 ?. S-au s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Apoi s-au culcat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s-a trezit \uc1 \u238 ?naintea lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u238 ?n
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a aceea trebuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? plece foarte devreme. A cobor\uc1
\u238
?t din pat \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a privit cu dragoste. Era frumos \uc1 \u238 ?n somn.
Oft\uc1 \u259 ? amintindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere noaptea trecut\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n baie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Robinetele sc\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?ir\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e avea nevoie de odihn\uc1 \u259 ?. Ziua era foarte \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?rcat\uc1 \u259 ?. Va petrece multe ore \uc1 \u238 ?n avion, va \uc1 \u355 ?ine
discursuri, va cere voturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era ziua dinaintea
alegerilor. Era vital\uc1 \u259 ? pentru oricine. Acum se mai puteau r\uc1 \u259 ?
zg\uc1 \u238 ?ndi }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 oa}{\fs23 \dbch
menii. Se cufund\uc1 \u259 ? cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u238 ?n apa fierbinte,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea amintirilor c\uc1 \u238 ?nd draperia a
fost tras\uc1 \u259 ? brusc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce...}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-anvg\uc1 \u238 ?ndit
s\uc1 \u259 ? facem du\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi \uc1 \u351 ?iret.. Scutim timp, scutim hotelul de consum de ap\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery st\uc1 \u259 ?tea st\uc1
\u238 ?njenit\uc1 \u259 ? de goliciunea ei. Era palid\uc1 \u259 ?. Buzele \uc1
\u238 ?i erau albastre. Tremura. Uluit, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? capul \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Parc\uc1 \u259 ? ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o stafie. Te-am speriat?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n sec. Deschise gura dar nu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
articuleze nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole? Ce s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpiat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o
privi intens. Trecu \uc1 \u238 ?n revist\uc1 \u259 ? trupul gol. Inima ei tremura.
El remarc\uc1 \u259 ? cicatricea de la opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia de apendicit\uc1
\u259 ?. Avery \uc1 \u351 ?tia de mult c\uc1 \u259 ? nu existau astfel de}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 j opera\uc1 \u355 ?ii la
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole? Vocea
lui se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea ecoul mistific\uc1 \u259 ?rii. Avery \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se acopere cu o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 rug\uc1 \u259 ?tor
pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?. -\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, eu... T\uc1 \u259 ?ios ca lama
unui cu\uc1 \u355 ?it, ochii lui se lipir\uc1 \u259 ? de ai ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti Carole!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Vorbise calm, dar creierul \uc1 \u238 ?i era str\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?tut de g\uc1 \u238 ?nduri conflictuale. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd adev\uc1 \u259
?rul \uc1 \u238 ?l lovi, repet\uc1 \u259 ? accentuat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tu nu e\uc1 \u351 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ti Carole!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 O prinse de \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura m\uc1 \u238 ?inii \uc1
\u351 ?i o scoase de sub du\uc1 \u351 ?. Ea strig\uc1 \u259 ? de durere. -Te
rog, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e... El o fix\uc1 \u259 ? de perete cu rn\uc1 \u238 ?
na str\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u238 ?tul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine naiba e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?
Unde este so\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}
Nu striga, \uc1 \u351 ?opti ea. O treze\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te, luate-ar dracu'! Cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?
Tremura at\uc1 \u238 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t abia putea
vorbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avery Daniels.
-Avery Daniels? Re...?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde este
Carole? Ce...?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole a
murit \uc1 \u238 ?n accident, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Eu am supravie\uc1 \u355
?uit. Am fost confundate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am schimbat locurile \uc1 \u238 ?n
avion. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri am
luat-o pe Mandy, ei au crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
prinse de cap cu am\uc1 \u238 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?inile.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a
murit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Da, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?n accident? Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui c\uc1 \u259 ?
tu... tot acest timp...?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i
confirm\uc1 \u259 ? din priviri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l se rupea inima
v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd cum face/eforturi s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce era de ne\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Treptat sl\uc1 \u259 ?bi str\uc1 \u238 ?nsoarea \uc1 \u351 ?i se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ? de ea. Ea lu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
grab\uc1 \u259 ? halatul de baie \uc1 \u351 ?i se acoperi. T\uc1 \u259 ?cerea era
de nesuportat}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \sub2 A}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . Aerul era \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat de uimire \uc1 \u351 ?i suspiciuine. \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1
\u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cere el arunc\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare simpl\uc1
\u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ziua socotelilor sosise. \uc1 \u350 ?tia
c\uc1 \u259 ? va veni. Nu sperase c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi chiar ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. Nu
era preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
complicat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi \uc1
\u238 ?ncepe cu treburi din astea, spuse el \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at.
Ppveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-mi acum, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a chema poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum
\uc1 \u351 ?i unde s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut prima \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu ea \uc1 \u238 ?nfrigurat\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am
trezit la spital bandajat\uc1 \u259 ? din cap p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u238 ?n picioare, incapabil\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc. Toat\uc1 \u259 ?
[urnea \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea Carole. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput nu am \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, \uc1 \u238 ?mi era fric\uc1 \u259 ?, eram dezorientat\uc1
\u259 ?. Mi-au trebuit c\uc1 \u238 ?teva zile p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles de ce nu ai spus?.De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\plain \qj \li0
\cf1 - Nu puteam. Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? nu puteam vorbi, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinse spre el o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?toare. El o \uc1 \u238 ?
mpinse cu brutalitate. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i transmit un mesaj \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de opera\uc1 \u355 ?ia
cosmetic\uc1 \u259 ? care m-ar fi transformat \uc1 \u238 ?n Carole, dar a fost
imposibil. De c\uc1 \u238 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?ncepeam s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?
ng tu credeai c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u238 ?ng din cauza opera\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Pl\uc1
\u238 ?ngeam \uc1 \u351 ?i de asta, dar mai ales pl\uc1 \u238 ?ngeam pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? mi se furase identitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i mi se impunea alta. Nu aveam
nici o putere, nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i puteam transmite nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, parc\uc1 \u259 ? este un film \uc1 \u351 ?
tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ifico-fantastic. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?na
prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? este gol, lu\uc1
\u259 ? un prosop \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ur\uc1
\u259 ?. Bine, dar asta s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat cu multe luni \uc1
\u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n Carole p}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 entru o vreme.}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea ridic\uc1 \u259 ? ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n
tavan. Prima explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie nu \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna nimic pe l\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? ce avea s\uc1 \u259 ? urmeze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ? sune...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
m\uc1 \u259 ? intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? cum o s\uc1 \u259 ? sune, spuse el
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce ai
jucat rolul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei mele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? te omoare. R\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul ei
agitat \uc1 \u238 ?l lu\uc1 \u259 ? prin surprindere. Era}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Cum ai spus?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd eram \uc1 \u238 ?n
spital a venit cineva la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cine. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai pune at\uc1 \u238 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Eram
bandajat\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . Nu vedeam. Cineva care}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mi-a spus Carole, m-a avertizat s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-mi treac\uc1 \u259 ? prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ? fac dest\uc1 \u259 ?inuiri
pe patul de moarte. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? planul este \uc1 \u238 ?n desf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urare \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? tu nu vei tr\uc1 \u259 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? ocupi scaunul de senator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
r\uc1 \u259 ?mase nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat. Un z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet i se ivi \uc1 \u238 ?n
col\uc1 \u355 ?ul buzelor. Scoase un r\uc1 \u238 ?s \uc1 \u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?
tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i vrei s\uc1
\u259 ? te cred?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Singurul
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r este c\uc1 \u259 ? tu acum vei pleca la \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoare.
Acum. \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na spre telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu! Nu te condamn pentru ceea ce
crezi despre mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici cea mai
imaginat}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 iv\uc1 \u259 ? minte nu'egaleaz\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce
cred eu acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu te mint,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i jur. Cineva pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1
\u259 ? te omoare \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-\uc1 \u355 ?i prelua mandatul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ales.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Se pare c\uc1
\u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte aproape.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u350 ?i nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i identifica aceast\uc1 \u259 ? persoan\uc1 \u259 ?
misterioas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
nc}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 El \uc1 \u238 ?i studie expresia onest\uc1 \u259 ? de pe
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi m\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi vine s\uc1 \u259 ? cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? stau aici \uc1 \u351 ?i ascult aceste prostii. Luni de zile ai tr\uc1
\u259 ?it o minciun\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i acum din partea mea
s\uc1 \u259 ? te cred c\uc1 \u259 ? un str\uc1 \u259 ?in s-a strecurat \uc1 \u238 ?
n camera de spital \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?i-a \uc1 \u351 ?optit c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? va asasina?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este un
str\uc1 \u259 ?in, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Este cineva apropiat. Cineva din
familie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El r\uc1 \u259 ?mase cu gura
c\uc1 \u259 ?scat\uc1 \u259 ?. O privea tr\uc1 \u259 ?snit. -Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - G\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1
\u351 ?te-te! Numai membrii familiei au avut acces la spital.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spui c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva din familia
mea vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? asasineze?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? sun\uc1 \u259 ? absurd, dar este adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat. Nu am inventat nimic. Nici eu nu-mi imaginam a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. Am
primit mesaje.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mesaje?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mesaje l\uc1 \u259 ?sate
pentru Carole \uc1 \u238 ?n locuri unde numai ea le putea g\uc1 \u259 ?si. \uc1
\u238 ?i comunicau c\uc1 \u259 ? planul merge perfect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Se repez}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i la dulap, trase fermoarul valizei \uc1
\u351 ?i scoase biletele, inclusiv posterul electoral.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Au fost b\uc1 \u259 ?tute la ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina de la
ferm\uc1 \u259 ?, spuse ea. El le privi atent pe toate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Puteai s\uc1 \u259 ? le faci tu \uc1 \u238 ?n eventualitatea
c\uc1 \u259 ? te prindeam \uc1 \u351 ?i aveai nevoie de o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu le-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut,
strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Acesta este felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care partenerul Carolei a
vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Stai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, stai
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? notele \uc1 \u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u238 ?inile. Este din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai bine. Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i
presupusul asasin complotau \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, da?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Absolut. A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput atunci}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 c\uc1
\u238 ?nd v-a]i \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate chiar
mai devreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce ar fi
vrut Carole s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omoare? Nu avea nici o \uc1 \u238 ?
nclina\uc1 \u355 ?ie politic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
este o problem\uc1 \u259 ? politic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Este
personal\uc1 \u259 ?. Carole a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?
ia ta. A fost exact cum ai vrut tu \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea au pl\uc1
\u259 ?nuit ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine \uc1 \u355 ?i-a prezentat-o?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack, ridic\uc1 \u259 ? el
din umeri. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit la firm\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o angaj\uc1
\u259 ? nu a fost un accident c\uc1 \u259 ? a venit tocmai la firma ta.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Avea recomand\uc1 \u259 ?ri
impecabile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. De asta a avut grij\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs22 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n
primul r\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tia
s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? la ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, asta \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aer teoriile.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? am
dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?,\uc1 \u351 ?i dovede\uc1 \u351 ?ti, spuse el
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
numai eu pot. \uc1 \u350 ?i Zee poate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mama
mea? \uc1 \u350 ?ocul era evident. M\uc1 \u238 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?
teau neputincioase pe ling\uc1 \u259 ? corp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Are un dosar complet al Carolei Navarro. L-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Crez\uc1
\u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? eu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Carole, m-a amenin\uc1 \u355 ?at cu el,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei mai fi nefericit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ar face ea a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
pare c\uc1 \u259 ? a crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
goste\uc1 \u351 ?ti din nou de so\uc1 \u355 ?ia ta. \uc1 \u238 ?l privi cu
sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu am motive s\uc1 \u259 ? cred asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uit\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
cum bine \uc1 \u351 ?tii, este o minciun\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse spatele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na la \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?ep\uc1 \u259 ?tura din inim\uc1
\u259 ?. Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? se ocupe \uc1 \u351 ?i de asta mai t\uc1 \u238 ?
rziu. Acum avea probleme critice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? tu la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput nu ai v\uc1
\u259 ?zut cum este Carole, Zee a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. A angajat un detectiv pentru a-
i cerceta trecutul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ce a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
prefera s\uc1 \u259 ? nu...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce .a g\uc1
\u259 ?sit? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? el cu duritate. Pentru Dumnezeu, nu-mi
vinde remu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
fost da}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nsatoare de cabaret. Printre altele, a fost
arestat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru prostitu\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd expresia
r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinse m\uc1 \u238 ?na, El o respinse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? crezi pe mine, spuse ea ridic\uc1 \u238 ?nd
vocea cu m\uc1 \u238 ?nie. \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab-o pe mama ta. P\uc1 \u259 ?stra toate
acestea \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva Carolei. \uc1 \u350 ?i nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de surprins, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? tu m-
ai dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uit crez\uc1 \u238 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Carole,
pentru avort, pentru infidelitate, pentru droguri. Luni de zile am suportat
antipatia ta din cauza acestei femei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi intens m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?i}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, s\uc1
\u259 ? spunem c\uc1 \u259 ? ai dreptate \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a
complotului. Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? pot s\uc1 \u259 ? te cred c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai
pus \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol numai din pricina bun\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ii tale? De ce nu mi-ai spus acum c\uc1 \u238 ?teva luni, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd ai
avut ocazia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-ai -fi crezut
atunci mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 t m\uc1 \u259 ? crezi acum? El
nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse. O f\uc1 \u259 ?cu ea. Nu, nu m-ai fi crezut, \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Eram dezarmat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu aveam puterea s\uc1 \u259 ? te ap\uc1
\u259 ?r nici pe tine, nici pe mine. Nu-mi puteam permite riscul. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd
persoana aceea - oricine ar fi - ar fi descoperit c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a deconspirat
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Avery Daniels, reporter de televiziune, c\uc1
\u238 ?t crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? mai fi tr\uc1 \u259 ?it?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii lui se \uc1 \u238 ?ngustar\uc1
\u259 ?. D\uc1 \u259 ?du. din cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Cr.ed c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg acum de ce Avery Daniels,
reporter de televiziune, a acceptat aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?arad\uc1
\u259 ?. Ai}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o de dragul
succesului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i umezi buzele, semn de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
nervozitate \uc1 \u351 ?i recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n totalitate. Recunosc faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m-
am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit la cariera mea la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?i
acum, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nu de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ?
iubesc... pe Mandy. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am intrat, nu am putut ie\uc1 \u351 ?i. Nu
puteam l\uc1 \u259 ?sa }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lucrurile nerezolvate.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?t timp aveai de g\uc1
\u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? te prefaci c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
mea? Tot restul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii? Odat\uc1 \u259 ? tot te-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut goal\uc1 \u259 ?! C\uc1 \u238 ?t timp aHi putut tr\uc1 \u259 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n minciun\uc1 \u259 ?? Pentru totdeauna?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu. \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u238 ?ngea m\uc1 \u238 ?inile
disperat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Aveam de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spun c\uc1 \u238 ?nd...}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd?'}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?nd Mandy ar fi fost \uc1
\u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem la complot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Termin\uc1 \u259 ? cu aerul \uc1 \u259 ?sta de non\uc1 \u351 ?alan\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Amenin\uc1 \u355 ?area este real\uc1 \u259 ?. Privi spre
poster. Este imperativ\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Atunci spune-mi pe cine suspectezi. Ai tr\uc1 \u259 ?it printre ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti
oameni, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai venit de la spital. R\uc1 \u238 ?se amar de
stupiditatea lui. Dumnezeule, acum se explic\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u238 ?t de multe
lucruri. Pierderi de memorie, Shep, caii - privi spre abdomenul ei - at\uc1 \u238 ?
t de multe lucruri. Cum de nu am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu ai c\uc1 \u259 ?utat. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole nu a\uc1
\u355 ?i}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 fost intimi foarte mult timp.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ezit\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun\uc1 \u259 ? pe nume, el relu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe cine suspectezi?
P\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?ii? Fratele meu? Cel mai bun prieten al meu? Dorothy
Rae? Nu, stai -Francy! Ea este. S-a sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe mine acum c\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva ani c\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-am \uc1 \u238 ?mprumutat ma\uc1 \u351
?ina \uc1 \u351 ?i acum vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omoare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu glumi, exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Avery
frustrat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
povestea aceasta este o glum\uc1 \u259 ?. O glum\uc1 \u259 ? murdar\uc1 \u259 ?
pus\uc1 \u259 ? la cale de o c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea cu ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
profesionist\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? am fost orb, surd,
idiot, dar acum le v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe toate foarte limpede. Nu tu ai fost aceea care
ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o gaf\uc1 \u259 ? jurnalistic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
a avea fapte? Da, tu ai fost. Ai vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? repari gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? recape\uc1 \u355 ?i credibilitate. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti un
reporter care avea nevoie de o poveste \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a ivit
ocazia ai profitat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea cl\uc1 \u259 ?
tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?opti cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u259 ? convingere. -Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te cred \uc1
\u238 ?n stare, Avery Daniels. Te-a b\uc1 \u238 ?ntuit obsesia reportajului \uc1
\u351 ?i aveai de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-l faci cu orice risc, nu? Chiar cu
riscul de a deveni o t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?. Probabil nu pentru prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei la care le iei interviuri? Asta este r\uc1 \u259 ?splata ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? afli secrete?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u238 ?nse halatul pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea
dar nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se apere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt o t\uc1 \u238 ?
rf\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi a
fost cinstit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce dracu'!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A fost.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M-am culcat cu o impostoare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?i-
a pl\uc1 \u259 ?c}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Evident, \uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ? joci teatru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu mai era furioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gre\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? crezi, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii atent - ar\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u238 ?na spre poster - o va face. Ziua alegerilor
este m\uc1 \u238 ?ine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea din cap \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - N-o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? convingi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva din familia mea \uc1
\u238 ?mi va trage un glonte \uc1 \u238 ?n cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Stai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in! strig\uc1 \u259 ? amintindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i ceva. Este
un tip \uc1 \u238 ?nalt cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb care te-a urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit
toat\uc1 \u259 ? campania. Van are casetele pentru a-\uc1 \u355 ?i dovedi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ah, cameramanul, z\uc1 \u238
?mbi el cu r\uc1 \u259 ?utate. Acum se explic\uc1 \u259 ? si prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a
lui. Cine a mai intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n nevinovatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u joc?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish McCabe.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine este? .}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?i explic\uc1 \u259 ?
totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bijuteriile
Carolei s\uc1 \u238 ?nt la el, dac\uc1 \u259 ? le vrei \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar medalionul?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este un dar de la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Foarte inteligent.}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 G\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti bine \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ales te
acoperi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? iau casetele de la Van vrei,
te rog, s\uc1 \u259 ? le vezi? O s\uc1 \u259 ?-l recuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe omul de
carej\uc1 \u355 ?i vorbesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
povesti, apoi cum au dedus ei c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi angajat un profesionist.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Forma\uc1 \u355 ?i un trio
grozav pe s}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ocoteala familiei Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu este a\uc1 \u351 ?a. -Nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?taia din u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i trezi la
realitate. Era Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ne \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnim jos peste dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de minute, lu\uc1 \u259 ?m masa
\uc1 \u351 ?i plec\uc1 \u259 ?m la aeroport. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o privi
intens pe Avery. Ceva nu e \uc1 \u238 ?n ordine? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Ea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i duse pumnii str\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i la
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u238 ?l ruga
pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spun\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e, \uc1 \u351 ?opti. Nu ai nici un motiv, dar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat nimic, spuse \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, ne vedem la restaurant.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe canapea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? spui nim\uc1 \u259 ?
nui. Jur\uc1 \u259 ?-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vei sufla un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt nim\uc1
\u259 ?nui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce a\uc1
\u351 ? avea \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n tine mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t \uc1
\u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 familia mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, atunci
t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea te va salva de la asasinat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu este dec\uc1
\u238 ?t o nebunie, t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea te va salva de la ridicol. Oricum, nu vei
c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga nimic dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vei prezenta ca
pe o impostoare. De aceea, te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spui nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o privi cu r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi place
c\uc1 \u259 ? vezi lucrurile a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rile erau prea bune ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate. Felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care te purtai cu Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, Mandy a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut progrese. Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti convins c\uc1 \u259 ? o iubesc?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ?-i rupi inima
c\uc1 \u238 ?nd vei pleca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - O s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi rup inima. El o ignor\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg de ce te-au interesat dintr-odat\uc1 \u259 ?
alegerile, de ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i exprimai elocvent p\uc1 \u259 ?rerile
\uc1 \u351 ?i de ce...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 "\uc1 \u238 ?i
privi gura... at\uc1 \u238 ?t de multe lucruri erau altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute p\uc1 \u259 ?ru c\uc1 \u259 ?
se lupt\uc1 \u259 ? cu o for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? magnetic\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1
\u238 ?l atr\uc1 \u259 ?gea spre ea. Cu o \uc1 \u238 ?njur\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259
? furioas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spatele. Avery fugi
dup\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a o \uc1 \u238 ?ncuia \uc1 \u238 ?n baie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pentru moment
nimic. Am ajuns p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? aici. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?i schema ta
incredibil\uc1 \u259 ? nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pierd alegerile, de dragul familiei mele
\uc1 \u351 ?i de dragul oamenilor }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 care au \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce ai de
g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? faci cu mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu, spuse el cinstit. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te denun\uc1 \u355 ?, m\uc1
\u259 ? fac de r\uc1 \u238 ?s \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine \uc1 \u351 ?i familia mea. Dar
dac\uc1 \u259 ?'tu spui ceva, te omor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
te-am min\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Tot ce am spus este}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? voi divor\uc1 \u355 ?a de tine,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?
ez de Carole. Pedeapsa ta va fi c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru tot restul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii
vei r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne doamna \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii
atent. Cineva va \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? te omoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 -'Avery Daniels a murit \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost \uc1 \u238 ?
nmorm\uc1 \u238 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a va r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?ne.}
Caut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime un tip cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb.
Fere\uc1 \u351 ?te-te de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vei mai avea
carier\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n televiziune, nici reportaj senza\uc1 \u355 ?ional.
O privi dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uitor. Ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut totul pentru nimic,
domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? Daniels.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut totul pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te iubesc. El \uc1 \u238 ?i tr\uc1
\u238 ?nti u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Cercet\uc1 \u259 ?rile lui Van au ajuns la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t \uc1
\u238 ?n ajunul zilei alegerilor. Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde a r\uc1 \u259 ?
mas cu ochii pironi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ecranul televizorului nevenindu-i
s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it, a descoperit ceea ce c\uc1 \u259 ?uta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 A dormit doar c\uc1 \u238 ?teva ore. A vizionat caset\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1
\u259 ? caset\uc1 \u259 ?. A b\uc1 \u259 ?ut kilograme de cafea, de ap\uc1 \u259 ?
mineral\uc1 \u259 ?, a fumat pachete de \uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i
marijuana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu vedea
dezordinea din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici nu-i p\uc1 \u259 ?sa. Nu-l interesa c\uc1
\u259 ? nu a m\uc1 \u238 ?ncat aproape nimic, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o
baie \uc1 \u238 ?n patruzeci \uc1 \u351 ?i opt de ore. A fost obsedat c\uc1 \u259 ?
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? casetele. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? avea o adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? misiune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A
terminat la nou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate seara \uc1 \u351 ?i a
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas privind uluit banda pe care a filmat-o acum trei ani c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd lucra la Washington. Atunci a filmat patru casete de c\uc1 \u238 ?te. dou\uc1
\u259 ?zeci de minute. Reporterul a comprimat totul \uc1 \u238 ?n cinci minute
pentru \uc1 \u351 ?tirile de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Era o scen\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1
\u238 ?i cutremura pe oameni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van privise de mai
multe ori filmele pentru a fi sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu face o gre\uc1 \u351 ?
eal\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a fost sigur, a fixat aparatul, a pus o
caset\uc1 \u259 ? goal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a tras cele mai impo}{\fs23
\cf1 rtante momente, cele mai acuzatoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?ntre timp, dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i omoare plictiseala. Scoase o
\uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o aprinse, lu\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul \uc1
\u351 ?i sun\uc1 \u259 ? la Palacio Del Rio.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Da, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc cu doamna Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, domnule, nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
pot face leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura, dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?
sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi num\uc1 \u259 ?rul...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
nu m-a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Este ceva personal pentru Av...,
Carole Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi transmite
mesajul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch
- Ascult\uc1 \u259 ? proasto, este important, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi? Este
urgent.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i pot spune. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 vorbesc cu doamna
Rutledge personal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -\uc1 \u238 ?mi
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, domnule, relu\uc1 \u259 ? vocea plat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu v\uc1
\u259 ? pot da leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi l\uc1 \u259 ?
sa\uc1 \u355 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Luate-ardracu'!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Tr\uc1 \u238 ?nti receptorul,
apoi \uc1 \u238 ?l ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i form\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?
rul lui Irish. \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? sune, "unde
naiba este?"}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? prin camer\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se la
cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie de a-i informa pe Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
Avery. Era esen\uc1 \u355 ?ial ca aceast\uc1 \u259 ? caset\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?inile lui Avery, dar cum?
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it cu telefonul, cum ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
apropie de ea? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ea trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259
? }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de zi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ua de m\uc1 \u238 ?ine.
Se termin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nregistrarea \uc1 \u351 ?i Van tot nu avea o
solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Singura posibilitate era de a-l g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe Irish. Mai
sun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ?
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, la studio \uc1 \u351 ?i iar acas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar tot nu-l
g\uc1 \u259 ?si. Hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ia caseta s\uc1 \u259 ?
o duc\uc1 \u259 ? la Irish acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l va a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 . Ce naiba, era important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ajunse \uc1 \u238 ?n parcare \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminti,
c\uc1 \u259 ? ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina studioului era la garaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Na! Ce m\uc1 \u259 ? fac?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
C\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru mesaje urgente s\uc1 \u259 ? o foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse
\uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? printre h\uc1 \u238 ?
rtii \uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?si num\uc1 \u259 ?rul c\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?ei
po\uc1 \u351 ?tale. Puse caseta \uc1 \u238 ?n plic \uc1 \u351 ?i scrise adresa.
Po\uc1 \u351 ?ta era la o distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de dou\uc1 \u259 ?
blocuri, dar tot i se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea departe. Cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u355 ?ig\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u351 ?ase cutii de bere \uc1 \u351 ?i timbre.
Caseta va ajunge \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?inile lui Irish rn\uc1 \u238 ?ine
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sune}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 din cinci \uc1 \u238 ?n cinci minut}{\fs23 \dbch
e. F\uc1 \u259 ?cuse copia ca m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de siguran\uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u8226 ? Unde
naiba era cotoiul \uc1 \u259 ?sta b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u238 ?n la o asemenea or\uc1
\u259 ?? Ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea el mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Vor hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238
? am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi cum s\uc1 \u259 ? o avertizeze pe Avery, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
pericolul asupra lui Rutledge era real.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sorbind
dintr-o cutie de bere Van-se \uc1 \u238 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ntoarse acas\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dezbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? jacheta \uc1
\u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
televizorului, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp, lu\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul \uc1 \u351 ?i
sun\uc1 \u259 ? la Irish. Sun\uc1 \u259 ? de cinci ori \uc1 \u351 ?i auzi sunetul
butonului care deconecta telefonul. Privi repede '\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu o
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u259 ?nu\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?
care deconectase aparatul. Ochii lui se ridicar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet de la
m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? spre o fat\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbitoare.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ,- Foarte interesant, domnule
Lovejoy, spuse \uc1 \u238 ?ncet vizitatorul s\uc1 \u259 ?u ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u238 ?nd spre televizor. Nu-mi aminteam de unde te cunosc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Pistolul se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ochi \uc1 \u238 ?n
frunte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\adjustright
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish se gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi \uc1
\u351 ?i ridic\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul la al \uc1 \u351 ?aselea apel. Tocmai atunci
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse. "La naiba!" A stat t\uc1 \u238 ?
rziu \uc1 \u238 ?n camera telexurilor ca s\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1
\u259 ? ziua de m\uc1 \u238 ?ine. A verificat schemele de program, planific\uc1
\u259 ?rile \uc1 \u351 ?i iar a verificat s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1
\u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiau ce au de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Astfel de
zile \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau foarte mult lui Irish. Tot \uc1 \u238 ?n
asemenea zile sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i fierbin\uc1 \u355 ?eala din
inim\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce at\uc1
\u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?u un
pahar de antacid \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
telefon. Sun\uc1 \u259 ? la Van, dar nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse nirheni. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? Van umbla aiurea, \uc1 \u238 ?l omora cu m\uc1 \u238 ?inile lui. Avea
nevoie de el m\uc1 \u238 ?ine diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l
programase pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? familia Rutledge, la Palacio Del Rio,
toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi seara,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?teptarea rezultatelor. Irish nu era convins c\uc1 \u259 ?
cineva era at\uc1 \u238 ?t de t\uc1 \u238 ?mpit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o tentativ\uc1 \u259 ? de asasinat \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua
alegerilor, dar Avery p\uc1 \u259 ?rea convins\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?l va vedea pe Van l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea va fi mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l-a fost imposibil
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea la telefon. A sunat-o de mai multe ori,
dar i s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? doamna Rutledge nu se simte bine. Cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
asta era versiunea oferit\uc1 \u259 ? de anturajul lui Rutledge, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd
to\uc1 \u355 ?i au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 La ultima \uc1
\u238 ?ncercare de a lua leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu ea i s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? familia serve\uc1 \u351 ?te cina. Nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, s-a oprit
pe la po\uc1 \u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a verificat c\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1
\u355 ?a po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit nimic care s\uc1
\u259 ?-i potoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? temerile. Hor\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? Avery are nevoie de el \uc1 \u351 ?tia unde s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti de culcare. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spuse
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai sune o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe Van. Nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns*.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery a petrecut ziua alegerilor \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunit\uc1 \u259 ? de
fric\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e i-a spus cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o va lua cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas ferm
\uc1 \u238 ?n hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, ea a respirat u\uc1 \u351 ?
urat\uc1 \u259 ? dar tot tremura de team\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-au \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnit la cin\uc1 \u259 ?, Jack s-a i a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te mai doare burta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Poftim?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e ne-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? ai ciclul \uc1 \u351 ?i nu ne po\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ah,
da, accept\uc1 \u259 ? ea minciuna. Nu m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it bine de
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar acum mi-e bine, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai grij\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i fie bine m\uc1 \u238 ?ine diminea\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe Jack nu-l interesa deloc s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tatea ei, \uc1
\u238 ?l interesa doar dac\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 lipsa ei putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? influen\uc1 \u355 ?eze alegerile. M\uc1 \u238 ?ine diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Voi \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 L-a strigat Dorothy Rae. Se
schimbase radical. Nu mai b\uc1 \u259 ?use nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme. Nu mai
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea speriat\uc1 \u259 ?, ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit.
Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai curajoas\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-l mai sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa pe Jack din
ochi, mai ales c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Avery era pe-aproape. Carole \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? mai era pentru ea o amenin\uc1 \u355 ?are. Era preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? lupte pentru so\uc1 \u355 ?ul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Datorit\uc1 \u259 ? atitudinii
relaxate a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, Avery v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ?
nimeni nu a remarcat r\uc1 \u259 ?ceala dintre ei. Familia se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n grup spre restaurant pentru cin\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u238 ?n timpul mesei, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e s-a purtat politicos cu ea.
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit, ea l-a obosit cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Cum a
fost ziua, cum a fost primit. El i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns politicos, dar r\uc1
\u259 ?ceala din ochii lui a \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at-o. S-a jucat cu Mandy,
a povestit mamei, a tachinat-o pe Francy, a ascultat ultimele sfaturi ale lui Jack,
s-a contrazis cu Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a toaletei de a doua zi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mbrac altfel dec\uc1 \u238 ?t ca un om obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit. Voi purta costum
\uc1 \u351 ?i cravat\uc1 \u259 ? numai dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi fi ales \uc1 \u351 ?i va
trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc \uc1 \u238 ?n public.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dau costumul la
c\uc1 \u259 ?lcat, spuse Avery conving\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - l-auzi, i-auzi! exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson bine dispus.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e o
privi t\uc1 \u259 ?ios de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sf\uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie duplicitatea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?nuia pe cineva de
tr\uc1 \u259 ?dare, ea era aceea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? avea vreo \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a familiei, o ascundea foarte
bine. Pentru un om a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? putea s\uc1 \u259
? se schimbe radical a doua zi, ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta incredibil de calm. Totu\uc1 \u351
?i Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l suspecta c\uc1 \u259 ? e \uc1 \u238 ?ncprdat. P\uc1 \u259 ?
rea \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea ca to\uc1 \u355 ?i
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? calmi,
.se potrivea atitudinea. Ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? singuri \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a bucurat c\uc1 \u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnirea cu Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s-a
terminat repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ies la
plimbare, le spuse Jack. Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la
televizor. Este.un film sentimental pe care eu nu-l pot \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1
\u355 ?i acum. M\uc1 \u259 ? duc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?coresc.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cobor cu tine \uc1 \u238 ?n
hol, spuse Eddy. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? verific totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Au plecat \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?. Mandy dormea deja \uc1
\u238 ?n camera ei. Acum, g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi Avery, voi avea timp s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?r. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? de data aceasta nu se va pripi. Spre
dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girea ei, el se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre u\uc1
duc la mama \uc1 \u351 ?i la tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu l-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe Van la aeroport? L-am sunat
acas\uc1 \u259 ? dar nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
aduc\uc1 \u259 ? casetele...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
obosit\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Plec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lipsi foarte mult. Din cauza
zilei epuizante, se culc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu mai veni l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Peste noapte
Avery se trezi \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n panic\uc1 \u259 ?
neg\uc1 \u259 ?sindu-l l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i repede din
dormitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e dormea pe canapeaua din salon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 l s-a rupt inima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Luni de zile nu l-
a avut din pricina \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?el\uc1 \u259 ?toriilor Carolei. Acum
nu-l avea din cauza minciunilor }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Durerea de stomac
pe care Irish a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it-o c\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a dus la culcare nu era nimic
pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? cea pe care o avea la \uc1 \u351 ?apte
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua alegerilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Era o zi r\uc1 \u259 ?coroas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.
Se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta o participare masiv\uc1 \u259 ? la vot. Ajunse la birou
\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul, \uc1 \u238 ?l tr\uc1 \u238 ?nti apoi
\uc1 \u238 ?n furc\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum Van \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu se ar\uc1
\u259 ?tase la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Irish \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu din nou s\uc1
\u259 ? sune la el acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde poate fi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? este pe drum, se oferi un reporter.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poate, spuse Irish
molf\uc1 \u259 ?ind o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci tu. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te gr\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?ti, o
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i prinzi pe Rutledge \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a pleca de la hotel.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu, mergi ca nebunul p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
prinzi din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nregistreaz\uc1 \u259 ?
fiecare minut. Reporterul fugi bucuros c\uc1 \u259 ? a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat \uc1 \u238
?ntreg. Irish ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din nou telefonul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc cu do}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 amna
pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u, domnule, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? pot da leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, \uc1
\u351 ?tiu, dar este ceva important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1
\u259 ? rog s\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i numele \uc1 \u351 ?i num...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish \uc1 \u238 ?nchise
\uc1 \u351 ?i imediat form\uc1 \u259 ? num\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui Van. Suna \uc1
\u238 ?ncontinuu dar nu r\uc1 \u259 ?spundea nimeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 . - Dac\uc1 \u259 ? pun m\uc1 \u238 ?na pe el \uc1 \u238 ?l scalpez. Se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse spre un reporter. Hei, tu de colo, te duci la el \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?l sco\uc1 \u355 ?i pe puturosul \uc1 \u259 ?la din pat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe cine, domnule?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe Van Lovejoy, url\uc1
\u259 ? Irish ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor. De ce naiba \uc1 \u351 ?i-au
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit unii s\uc1 \u259 ? lipseasc\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 M\uc1 \u238 ?zg\uc1 \u259 ?li
repede adresa lui Van \uc1 \u351 ?i i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259
?rului care a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta speriat. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din hotel cu Mandy de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu cealalt\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inea de bra\uc1
\u355 ? pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi spre sutele de aparate de
fotografiat, dorindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai tremure. \uc1 \u354 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?e le arunc\uc1 \u259 ? acela\uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbet cuceritor,
f\uc1 \u259 ?cu un semn de victorie \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?
spre ma\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Era \uc1 \u238 ?mpresurat de microfoane. Vocea
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e era calm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n agita\uc1 \u355 ?
ia general\uc1 \u259 ?. "Frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? zi pentru alegerii" Era bombardat
cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri, dar Eddy reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i elibereze. Avery era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? el
\uc1 \u238 ?i va \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu au fost singuri toat\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a trezit ea, el era deja \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat. A m\uc1 \u238 ?ncat c\uc1 \u238 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme ea a
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat-o pe Mandy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n timp ce ma\uc1 \u351 ?ina pleca, ea cercet\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea
de ziari\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?l c\uc1 \u259 ?uta pe Van. V\uc1 \u259 ?zu
echipa}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 de la KTEX dar Van nu era. }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 De ce nu?
Unde este?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu a fost nici la aeroportul din
Kerrville. Se nelini\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e se aplec\uc1 \u259 ? spre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbe\uc1 \u351 ?te pentru Dumnezeu. Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u351 ?i pierdut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-e fric\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pierd \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
ncepe ziua?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, mi-e
fric\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
privir\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde dar Jack \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrerupse, \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcerea la S\uc1 \u226 ?n Antonio a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut o
ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicie. Circula\uc1 \u355 ?ia era mai aglomerat\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1
\u238 ?t de obicei. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd au ajuns la hotel, Avery a cercetat mul\uc1
\u355 ?imea. A v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un chip cunoscut dar nu era acela pe care \uc1
\u238 ?l c\uc1 \u259 ?uta. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb st\uc1 \u259
?tea pe partea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 str\uc1 \u259 ?
zii. Van nu se vedea nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
i-a promis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Imediat ce au
ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n apartament ea a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor la telefon. In
sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, i s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?s}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 puns.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V\uc1 \u259 ? rog cu Irish
McCabe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish? }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 II }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc imediat.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Lucrase \uc1 \u351 ?i ea
\uc1 \u238 ?n perioada alegerilor. \uc1 \u350 ?tia ce agita\uc1 \u355 ?ie este \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un studio de televiziune. "Hai Irish", \uc1 \u351 ?optea nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Alo?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish, exclam\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1
\u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, pe el
\uc1 \u238 ?l c\uc1 \u259 ?uta\uc1 \u355 ?i? O secund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt Av... se opri \uc1
\u238 ?a timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 l se r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunse a doua oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Alo?
Alo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, cine este, Eddy, tu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti? -Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u238 ?nt.
A..., Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De unde naiba vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Din dormitor. Folosesc firul \uc1 \u259 ?sta. Era evident
c\uc1 \u259 ? el a ridicat cuplajul din hol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Termin\uc1 \u259 ? repede, se r\uc1 \u259 ?sti el. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m toate firele libere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?nchise. Ea r\uc1 \u259 ?mase pe fir. Leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu
studioul de televiziune a fost ignorat\uc1 \u259 ? de cei din hol. Era \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrerupt\uc1 \u259 ?. Disperat\uc1 \u259 ?, puse jos receptorul \uc1 \u351 ?i se
al\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? familiei \uc1 \u351 ?i celor c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?iva voluntari din camer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
De\uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbea \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de la ea, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i imagineze unde este Van. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ncuraja c\uc1 \u259 ?
este printre oamenii din hol care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?
torirea victoriei lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Pentru moment, nu putea face
altceva, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sa imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238
?n voia soartei. Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i Van \uc1 \u351 ?tiau unde s\uc1 \u259 ? o
g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 I}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ncerc\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i reprime panica,
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre canapeaua unde st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
le-a spus, a votat \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n haine obi\uc1 \u351
?nuite, o jachet\uc1 \u259 ? de piele \uc1 \u351 ?i jean\uc1 \u351 ?i. P\uc1
\u259 ?rea total relaxat \uc1 \u351 ?i-i spunea lui Zee ce ar vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u238 ?nce la pr\uc1 \u238 ?nz.'}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul
canapelei. Absent, el o prinse de talie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie un genunchi. DUp\uc1 \u259 ? ce plec\uc1 \u259 ? Zee, o privi
z\uc1 \u238 ?mbind \uc1 \u351 ?i spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Salut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Salut.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 . Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i aminti. Avery v\uc1 \u259 ?zu cum i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunec\uc1 \u259 ?
ochii lumino\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i calzi, cum devin implacabili, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u238 ?na de pe ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb ceva, spuse el. }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai folosit anticoncep\uc1
\u355 ?ionale?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. \uc1 \u350 ?
i nici tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Grozav.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259
? intimidat\uc1 \u259 ? de dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ul lui. Pentru tot. restul zilei nu
avea de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se desprind\uc1 \u259 ? de el.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish, la telefon pe doi.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vezi c\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbesc deja la telefon? url\uc1 \u259 ? acesta. S\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte.
Acum... \uc1 \u351 ?i continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n receptor... ai b\uc1 \u259 ?tut destul de tare?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, domnule McCabe. Nu este
acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trecu m\uc1 \u238 ?na peste fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?}
\langfenp1048 \cf1 . Nimic nu avea sens.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-ai
uitat pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat. Draperiile s\uc1 \u238 ?nt trase. Am ascultat la u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici un sunet. Nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? este cineva acas\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dumnezeule, murmur\uc1 \u259
? Irish.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sperase ca Van s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie acas\uc1 \u259 ?, evident, nu era. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? a plecat direct la
Palacio Del Rio. A controlat dar i s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este acolo,}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bine, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce-te. Ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? pe interfon - hei, mi-a\uc1
\u355 ?i spus c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? caut\uc1 \u259 ? cineva pe doi?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -Da. , - A \uc1 \u238 ?nchis.
A fost b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat? "}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Femeie.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - V-a spus cine?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea cam
agitat\uc1 \u259 ?. Tensiu}{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 nea lui Irish crescu brusc.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce naiba nu mi-ai spus?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar Ji-am spus!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dumnezeule!}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
birou tr\uc1 \u238 ?ntind u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
aprinse o \uc1 \u355 ?igar\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu putea fi sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery l-a
c\uc1 \u259 ?utat, dar intuia c\uc1 \u259 ? ea a fost. Afurisitele lui de
instincte. Lu\uc1 \u259 ? o "gur\uc1 \u259 ? de antacid. Form\uc1 \u259 ?
num\uc1 \u259 ?rul de la hotel. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd ceru leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura la
Rutledge, i se d\uc1 \u259 ?dur\uc1 \u259 ? acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunsuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\u259 ?, tic\uc1 \u259 ?loas\uc1 \u259 ? ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Nu dau doi bani pe
instruc\uc1 \u355 ?iunile tale. Sun\uc1 \u259 ? imediat la ei. }{\i1 \fs22 \dbch
Acum, }{\fs22 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu o faci
vin \uc1 \u351 ?i te str\uc1 \u238 ?ng de g\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse. Irish tremura.
Probabil-c\uc1 \u259 ? Avery era speriat\uc1 \u259 ?. Va crede c\uc1 \u259 ? au
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit-o am\uc1 \u238 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Van, tic\uc1 \u259 ?los iresponsabil, nu s-a dus unde trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie. S-a bizuit pe el. Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la ea?
Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i furios din birou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Plec.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pleci?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti surd? Plec.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sun\uc1 \u259 ? cineva sau m\uc1 \u259 ? caut\uc1
\u259 ? spune-le
s\uc1 \u259 ? lase un mesaj. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc c\uc1 \u238 ?nd pot.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde pleci? \uc1 \u238 ?
nlocuitorul s\uc1 \u259 ?u r\uc1 \u259 ?mase cu gura}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
c\uc1 \u259 ?scat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu \uc1 \u355 ?igara at\uc1 \u238 ?rn\uc1 \u238 ?
nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Avery speriat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
sunat mai devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dec\uc1 \u238 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a
plecat \uc1 \u351 ?i nu este de g\uc1 \u259 ?sit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Unde a plecat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
tie nimeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Irish nu ar face
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua alegerilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, doamn\uc1 \u259 ?, aici este ca la nebuni,
mai ales de c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Irish a dezertat. Vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i un mesaj?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
nici un mesaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?
indu-se p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nchise telefonul
\uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Mecanic, ochii ei l-au
c\uc1 \u259 ?utat pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Vorbea cu Nelson. Zee le asculta
conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ia dar, ca de obicei, privirea ei \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?luia cu dragoste pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Eddy erau \uc1
\u238 ?n hol. Mai erau c\uc1 \u238 ?teva ore p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1
\u238 ?nchiderea urnelor, dar ultimele estim\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?l ar\uc1
\u259 ?tau pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Dekker.
Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1
\u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u238 ?i va trage o spaim\uc1 \u259 ? grozav\uc1 \u259 ? lui
Dekker. Dorothy Rae a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? o doare capul \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a retras
\uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Francy st\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu Mandy pe du\uc1
\u351 ?umea. Colorau. Inspirat\uc1 \u259 ? burse, Avery o strig\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? vii
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te rog
ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bunica mi-a spus s\uc1 \u259
? am grij\uc1 \u259 ? de copil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
s\uc1 \u259 ? am eu grij\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum, se apropie ora de culcare. Te rog,
este foarte important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? tragere de inim\uc1 \u259 ?, Fancy se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o
urm\uc1 \u259 ? pe Avery \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ultimul incident
era mult}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 mai pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?. Din c\uc1 \u238 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u238 ?nd era \uc1 \u351 ?i recalcitrant\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
mult mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Imediat ce \uc1 \u238 ?nchise u\uc1 \u351 ?a, Avery \uc1
\u238 ?i puse \uc1 \u238 ?n paim\uc1 \u259 ? o chei\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? faci
ceva pentru mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu chei\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este cheia de
la o cutie po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci acolo \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aduci ce g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
dai mie personal, nu altcuiva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
naiba se petrece?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
pot explica.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am de
g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u238 ?nez cai verzi pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog, Francy, este extrem
de important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
atunci de ce mi-o ceri mie? Eu nu ajung de obicei la astfel de situa\uc1 \u355 ?ii
de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem prietene. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu te-am scos din \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? faci \uc1 \u351 ?i tu ceva pentru noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Francy arunc\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva ori chei\uc1 \u355 ?a, g\uc1
\u238 ?ndind:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Unde este?
Avery \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du adresa. Doamne, este departe.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Dar tu ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai
s\uc1 \u259 ?turat s\uc1 \u259 ? stai \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ? aici. Vrei
s\uc1 \u259 ? faci asta pentru mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse
Avery \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u238 ?nse \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. La
u\uc1 \u351 ?a dormitorului se opri. Pleac\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?t po\uc1
\u355 ?L de discret. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? cineva de tine
te acop\uc1 \u259 ?r eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce at\uc1
\u238 ?ta discre\uc1 \u355 ?ie? Care-i secretul? Doar nu te culci cu vreun
po\uc1 \u351 ?ta\uc1 \u351 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine. Este foarte important pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?
e - pentru to\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?i te rog s\uc1 \u259 ? vii repede.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u259 ? geanta \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorc imediat, spuse peste um\uc1 \u259 ?r. Nimeni nu-i d\uc1 \u259 ?du
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Francy se a\uc1
\u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe scaunul \uc1 \u238 ?nalt de la bar \uc1 \u351 ?i puse pe
tejghea pache\uc1 \u355 ?elul luat de la cutia po\uc1 \u351 ?tal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Barmanul, un t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r musculos, se}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 apropie de
ea. \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbi angelic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Gin \uc1 \u351 ?i tonic, te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii lui alba\uc1
\u351 ?tri prieteno\uc1 \u351 ?i o privir\uc1 \u259 ? sceptic.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - C\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ani ai?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Destui.}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard \plain \qj \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \adjustright
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - D\uc1 \u259 ?-ne dou\uc1
\u259 ?. Un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat se a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? Francy. \uc1 \u238 ?i fac eu cinste domni\uc1 \u351 ?oarei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Din partea mea... ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
barmanul din umeri. Francy \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul de l\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Era un}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit. Trecut de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani. Probabil \uc1 \u238
?nsurat, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utare de aventuri. Barul era genul de local
unde se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lneau cei care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i doreau
aventuri, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce ea \uc1 \u238 ?l analiza pe el, el o studie.
Lucirea din ochii lui \uc1 \u238 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? o
apreciaz\uc1 \u259 ?, mai ales trupul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, spuse ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cu
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e\uc1 \u351 ?ti }
\langfenp1048 \cf1 major\uc1 \u259 ?, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Sigur. Pot s\uc1 \u259 ? beau. Dar nu am destui bani. Au r\uc1 \u238 ?s am\uc1
\u238 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu s\uc1 \u238 ?
nt John.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 ; Francine, dac\uc1 \u259 ? preferi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ncepuse ritualul. Fancy
\uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tia. \uc1 \u350 ?tia toate regulile jocului, \uc1 \u238 ?
n mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ore aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u238 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un pat. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a provocat\uc1 \u259 ? de Eddy, a jurat}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se mai uit\uc1 \u259 ? la b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i. Erau
to\uc1 \u355 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?i. Nu doreau
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t un singur lucru de la ea, ceea ce puteau cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra de la
cea mai ieftin\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u238 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Mama i-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi va g\uc1
\u259 ?si un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat care o va respecta \uc1 \u351 ?i o va trata cu bl\uc1
\u238 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e. Francy nu prea credea. Adic\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? stea
s\uc1 \u259 ? se plictiseasc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l pe
F\uc1 \u259 ?t Frumos?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu. Trei zile a
fost cumin}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 te. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se distreze. Jim, Joe,
John sau cum naiba \uc1 \u238 ?i mai chema o puteau distra. A fost feti\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?, a \uc1 \u238 ?ndeplinit misiunea dat\uc1 \u259
? de Carole dar nu avea de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? la hotel \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? stea lipit\uc1 \u259 ? de
televizor. O s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? ea, dar mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu. Mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se distreze pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Era imposibil s\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti loc de parcare l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? hotel.
Irish g\uc1 \u259 ?si, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, un loc la o
oarecare distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n hol era deja transpirat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? dea bani
pentru a ajunge la apartamentul lui Rutledge, o va face. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? o
vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe Avery. \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? trebuiau s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?l g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe Van.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea probleme
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? motive. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? ei erau deja \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Trecu printr-un
grup de turi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Deodat\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?-i
cre\uc1 \u351 ?te tensiunea, \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul haosului cineva i-a pus o m\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581
- Bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oh, bun\uc1
\u259 ? ziua, spuse Irish recunosc\uc1 \u238 ?nd chipul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - E\uc1 \u351 ?ti Irish McCabe, nu? prietenul lui Avery. -Da.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te caut\uc1 \u259 ?. Vino cu
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Traversar\uc1 \u259 ? holul.
Irish fu condus spre liftul de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 serviciu.
Intrar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lift \uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?ile se \uc1
\u238 ?nchiser\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
umesc, spuse Irish \uc1 \u351 ?terg\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-se de transpira\uc1 \u355 ?
ie. \uc1 \u354 ?i-a spus Avery... se opri \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rii. Privi speriat. \uc1 \u350 ?tii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pistolul dar nu mai avu timp s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nregistreze
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre el. \uc1 \u238 ?n mai pu\uc1
\u355 ?in de o secund\uc1 \u259 ? duse m\uc1 \u238 ?na la inim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?zu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Liftul se opri.
Pasagerul singuratec ridic\uc1 \u259 ? pistolul \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1
\u259 ? ca u\uc1 \u351 ?ile s\uc1 \u259 ? se deschid\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era nimeni. Scoase trupul lui
Irish, \uc1 \u238 ?l't\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hol \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o ni\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259
?. ,Era prea^mult\uc1 \u259 ? lumin\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu tocul pistolului sparse
neoanele. \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, Irish McCabe r\uc1 \u259 ?mase
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit. Asasinul \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? va fi descoperit moartea lui va fi acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? moarte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Toate emisiunile
anun\uc1 \u355 ?au rezultatele alegerilor. Cele trei televizoare erau fixate pe
canale separate, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplarea a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca \uc1 \u351
?i cursa preziden\uc1 \u355 ?ial\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie foarte str\uc1 \u238
?ns\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ea, la fel de str\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? era lupta dintre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge \uc1 \u351 ?i Roy
Dekker. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd s-a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? Rutledge are un
u\uc1 \u351 ?or avans, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea din salon scoase un sunet de bucurie.
Avery tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri violent. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ? la maximum.
Pe punctul de a face o criz\uc1 \u259 ? de nervi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Agita\uc1 \u355 ?ia din jur a influen\uc1 \u355 ?at-o pe Mandy. A fost
at\uc1 \u238 ?t de agitat\uc1 \u259 ? .\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u238 ?t nici o femeie
din cele chemate s\uc1 \u259 ? stea cu ea nu au reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? o
potoleasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Avery nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i lua g\uc1 \u238 ?ndul de la \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreba unde s\uc1 \u238 ?nt Irish \uc1 \u351 ?i Van. Dispari\uc1 \u355 ?ia lor nu
avea logic\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunase}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 la
studio de trei ori. Nici unul dintre ei nu ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruse.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu a\uc1 \u355 ?i anun\uc1 \u355 ?at
la poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie? a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat ea ultima dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? li s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, doamn\uc1 \u259 ?, n-ai dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? o
faci. Dar nu ne mai suna. Avem altceva mai bun de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Pe m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce trecea timpul, se conturau dou\uc1 \u259 ? certitudini.
Una c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e va c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga,
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? s- a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat ceva \uc1
\u238 ?ngrozitor cu prietenii ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
dac\uc1 \u259 ? P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb a urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit-o pe ea \uc1 \u351 ?i nu pe
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a observat c\uc1 \u259 ? ea l-a
recunoscut? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-a interceptat pe Van? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-a scos pe
Irish din studio?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?i era
r\uc1 \u259 ?u de fric\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-se c\uc1 \u259 ?
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul putea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?n hotel, sub acela\uc1
\u351 ?i acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i Mandy.}
{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dar unde era
Francy? Lipsea de c\uc1 \u238 ?tev}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a ore. s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat \uc1 \u351 ?i ei ceva? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu, de ce nu a dat m\uc1
\u259 ?car un telefon? Chiar cu aglomera\uc1 \u355 ?ia str\uc1 \u259 ?zilor, nu ar
fi durat mai mult de o or\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la po\uc1
\u351 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, una din re\uc1 \u355 ?elele de televiziune te-a anun\uc1 \u355 ?at
c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ?tor! anun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Eddy
intr\uc1 \u238 ?nd furtunos pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti gata
s\uc1 \u259 ? cobori?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inu respira\uc1 \u355 ?ia a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1
\u238 ?nd r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
spuse el. Nu, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd rezultatul nu va fi
definitiv. Nu, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nu va recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?
te \uc1 \u351 ?i Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ?car
po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i schimbi hainele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce au hainele mele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai de
g\uc1 \u238 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? contrazici p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t, nu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e r\uc1 \u238 ?
z\uc1 \u238 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
vei c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga nici n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pese. Nelson se apropie
de \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i str\uc1 \u238 ?nse
m\uc1 \u238 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai reu\uc1
\u351 ?it. Ai realizat ceea ce am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat de la tine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, tat\uc1
\u259 ?, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ezit\uc1 \u238 ?nd pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Dar
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne bucur\uc1 \u259 ?m prea devreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Zee \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Bravo, fr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ioare, spuse Jack b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-l u\uc1 \u351 ?
or pe obraz. Nu crezfc\uc1 \u259 ? ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? ne g\uc1 \u238 ?ndim la
Casa Alb\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi reu\uc1 \u351 ?it nimic f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? tine, Jack. Dprothy Rae
\uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare bine
c\uc1 \u259 ? spui asta, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc celor c\uc1 \u259 ?rora trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc. O privi pe Avery. Ochii lui \uc1 \u238 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau
c\uc1 \u238 ?t de mult gre\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te. Era \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de
oameni care \uc1 \u238 ?l iubeau. Ea era singura tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?toare.
U\uc1 \u351 ?a se deschise din nou. Ea se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse sper\uc1 \u238 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? a venit Franc}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 y. Era un voluntar.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Totul este preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit \uc1
\u238 ?n camera de recep\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea \uc1 \u238 ?l vrea
pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dumnezeule, este grozav!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu zic s\uc1 \u259 ? deschidem \uc1 \u351 ?ampania, spuse
Nelson. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd pocni primul dop de la sticla de \uc1 \u351 ?ampanie,}
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs23 \dbch
Avery tres\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitor de speriat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 John \uc1 \u238 ?i m}{\fs23 \dbch \af581
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?ia s\uc1 \u238 ?nii. Ea se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?
rt\uc1 \u259 ?. Devenea plictisitor. Nu avea chef. Nici b\uc1 \u259 ?utura nu mai
avea gust. Nu mai era la fel de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eu am crezut c\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u238 ?ntem prietene.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Vocea Carolei o
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i alunga toat\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259
?cerea, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimele luni Carole s-a purtat frumos cu ea. De c\uc1
\u238 ?nd a venit de la spital. Au impresionat-o cuvintele ei despre respectul de
sine. A avut \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n ea \uc1 \u351 ?i ea a rugat-o s\uc1
\u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? un lucru important. \uc1 \u350 ?i ea ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut?
A dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? plec, spuse ea brusc. John st\uc1 \u259 ?tea aplecat peste ea. Mul\uc1
\u355 ?umesc pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?utur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1
\u259 ? po\uc1 \u351 ?eta \uc1 \u351 ?i pachetul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 " - Hei, unde te duci? Eu am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?... \uc1 \u351 ?tii.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, spuse
Francy. \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i puse m\uc1 \u238 ?inile pe \uc1 \u351 ?olduri \uc1 \u351 ?i
o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? furios:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu ce naiba fac acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Cau\uc1 \u355 ?i alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
Conduse}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 spre hotel cu cea mai mare vitez\uc1 \u259 ?, mereu
atent\uc1 \u259 ? la radare \uc1 \u351 ?i ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ie.
Nu era beat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar b\uc1 \u259 ?use. Circula\uc1 \u355 ?ia e \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitoare, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
ajung\uc1 \u259 ?. Holul era \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?esat de oameni. To\uc1
\u355 ?i aveau fotografii cu \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1
\u355 ?i cei care l- au votat s-au adunat aici s\uc1 \u259 ?-i s\uc1 \u259 ?
rb\uc1 \u259 ?toreasc\uc1 \u259 ? victoria.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Pardon, pardon, Francy \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea loc prin
mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Au, piciorul meu! L\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? trec.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Hei, blondine,
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Cea
care o strigase era o femele \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n costumul voluntarilor lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - S-o crezi tu, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunse
Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
cam o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de or\uc1 \u259 ? de trecere prin mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime, se
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? pe v\uc1 \u238 ?rfuri \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu c\uc1 \u259 ?
nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu se apropiase de lift.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
Gata, ce prostie, \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de bra\uc1 \u355 ? pe cel mai apropiat b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duci p\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la primul lift, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i fac o treab\uc1 \u259 ? de
n-ai s-o ui\uc1 \u355 ?i toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 C\uc1 \u238 ?nd sun\uc1 \u259 ? telefonul, \uc1 \u238 ?n
camer\uc1 \u259 ? se l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. To\uc1 \u355 ?i
ochii se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptar\uc1 \u259 ? spre aparat. To\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1
\u351 ?teptau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Gata, spuse
Eddy, el este. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ridic\uc1 \u259 ? receptorul.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Alo? Da, domnule, eu
s\uc1 \u238 ?nt, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge. \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare bine
c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? aud, domnule senator Dekker.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy ridic\uc1 \u259 ? pumnii ca un boxer c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Zee \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ? palmele pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie, Nelson cl\uc1 \u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ca un judec\uc1 \u259 ?tor care a primit o decizie
corect\uc1 \u259 ? din partea jura\uc1 \u355 ?ilor. Jack \uc1 \u351 ?i Dorothy
Rae \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u238 ?mbir\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Da, domnule. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, domnule. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu
simt la fel. V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc pentru telefon.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e puse receptorul \uc1 \u238 ?n
furc\uc1 \u259 ?. Timp de c\uc1 \u238 ?teva secunde r\uc1 \u259 ?mase cu m\uc1
\u238 ?inile pe genunchi, apoi ridic\uc1 \u259 ? privirea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu un z\uc1
\u238 ?mbet copil\uc1 \u259 ?resc spuse:}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
c\uc1 \u259 ? asta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
noul senator de Texas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Camera
explod\uc1 \u259 ? de bucurie. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea striga. Eddy \uc1 \u238 ?l
trase pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238
?l \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse spre dormitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
-Acum }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te schimbi. S\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? cineva liftul. Sun jos \uc1 \u351 ?i le spun c\uc1 \u259 ? venim
\uc1 \u238 ?n cinci minute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u238 ?ngea m\uc1 \u238 ?inile. Ar fi vrut s\uc1
\u259 ? se bucure de victoria lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ar fi vrut s\uc1
\u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?jl s\uc1 \u259 ?rute. S\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? acest moment fericit, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb, tremura
toat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? de fric\uc1 \u259 ?.
Intr\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - S\uc1 \u259 ? nu mergi, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. El o privi
t\uc1 \u259 ?ios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Poftim?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu cobor\uc1 \u238 ?.}{\fs24
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Nu se
poate, \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Omul despre care \uc1 \u355 ?i-am vorbit - b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb - este aici. L-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut azi diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru Dumnezeu, nu cobor\uc1 \u238 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Trebuie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog.
Nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai putea st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u238 ?ni lacrimile. Te rog s\uc1
\u259 ? crezi ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - De ce a\uc1 \u351 ? face-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te iubesc. De aceea am jucat rolul so\uc1 \u355 ?iei
tale. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de tine la spital. Nu}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \cf1 puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?c sau s\uc1
\u259 ? vorbesc, dar te iubeam. Tot ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus este adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol. Da, am avut ocazia unui reportaj
senza\uc1 \u355 ?ional, dar... \uc1 \u238 ?l prinse de umeri rug\uc1 \u259 ?tor...
ceea ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? te protejez.}
\langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, to\uc1 \u355
?i... \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupse Eddy. Ce naiba se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?? Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fii \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat.
Jos lumea nu mai are r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, hai s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e privi de la
prietenul s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 u spre Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? te-a\uc1 \u351 ? crede, spuse el
neputincios, acum nu mai am de ales.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, te rog.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu am
de ales.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? repede, Eddy o privi pe Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ca dracu'. D\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cu ceva
pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? cobori, \uc1 \u238 ?
l lu\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1
\u238 ?mpinse pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery-
fugi dup\uc1 \u259 ? ei. Camera era plin\uc1 \u259 ? de oameni. Voluntarii umpleau
coridoarele \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vad\uc1 \u259 ? eroul. Undeva, dincolo de ea, Avery auzi
numele Carole \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse. Francy se chinuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
treac\uc1 \u259 ? printre oameni. Ajunse direct \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele
ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Francy! Unde ai fost?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi face
moral\uc1 \u259 ?! Am trecut prin iad ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung aici. Este un tip \uc1
\u238 ?n hol care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, altul care...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai g\uc1 \u259 ?sit ceva
\uc1 \u238 ?n cutie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Uite. Sper,
pentru Dumnezeu, s\uc1 \u259 ? merite iadul prin care am trecut,}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole! \uc1 \u350 ?i tu, Francy,
s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem! Eddy striga la toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery desf\uc1 \u259 ?cu plicul \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zu
caseta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - G\uc1 \u259 ?
se\uc1 \u351 ?te tu o explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Poftim? Stupefiat\uc1 \u259 ?, Francy o v\uc1 \u259 ?zu intr\uc1 \u238 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n dormitor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncuind u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Visez? Sau a \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebunit toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O individ\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i tr\uc1 \u238 ?nti o sticl\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?
ampanie \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Lu\uc1 \u259 ? o gur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\u238 ?n dormitor, Avery puse caseta \uc1 \u238 ?n aparat. Se a\uc1 \u351 ?
ez\uc1 \u259 ? pe marginea patului \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?.
Recunoscu semnalul studioului din Washington. V\uc1 \u259 ?zu numele lui}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Van Lovejoy.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1
\u259 ? tremure de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Van a trimis-o, \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? era important\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u238 ?teva minute totu\uc1 \u351 ?i nu descoperi nimic. Ce glum\uc1 \u259 ?
era asta? Subiectul era despre un grup paramilitar care avea o tab\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? permanent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o p\uc1 \u259 ?dure s\uc1 \u259 ?
lbatec\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele de sf\uc1 \u238 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it de
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? membrii se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?lneau \uc1 \u351 ?i planificau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i anihileze pe cei care nu erau
ca ei. Scopul lor era s\uc1 \u259 ? preia puterea asupra Americii \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o ras\uc1 \u259 ? pur\uc1 \u259 ? din oamenii ei. Din
c\uc1 \u238 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?tia Avery, Van nu. avea predilec\uc1 \u355 ?ii
politice. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat de ferocitatea
organiza\uc1 \u355 ?iei pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? banda ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta exact jocurile
pe care ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia le f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau, \uc1 \u238 ?i vedea str\uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u238 ?nd arme, antren\uc1 \u238 ?nd recru\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?
n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi de gheril\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ndoctrin\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1
\u351 ?i copiii, spun\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-le c\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u238 ?nt ei de
superiori. Vorbeau \uc1 \u238 ?n numele cre\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Caseta era
captivant\uc1 \u259 ?. O mai rul\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a fi
sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu a omi}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s ceva, dar nu descoperi nici
un}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 indiciu care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe Van s\uc1 \u259 ? o considere}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 important\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o trimit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Aparatul fixa un grup de
oameni \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 haine militare. Erau \uc1 \u238 ?narma\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n din\uc1 \u355 ?i. Avery o rul\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinitorul.
Comandantul urla ni\uc1 \u351 ?te or}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 dine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Camera se focaliz\uc1 \u259 ? pe chipul lui. Avery tres\uc1
\u259 ?ri}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 recunosc\uc1 \u238
?ndu-l. Camera se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u238 ?rtea cu ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta altfel. Era ras \uc1 \u238 ?n cap. Avea un
machiaj de}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 camuflaj, dar \uc1
\u238 ?l recunoscu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ise cu el \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 cas\uc1 \u259 ? timp de multe
luni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Oamenii'nu s\uc1 \u238 ?nt
egali, url}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a comandantul. Este doar inven\uc1 \u355 ?ia celor
inferiori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 B\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l recunoscu Avery aplaud\uc1 \u259 ?. Ura \uc1 \u238 ?
i \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nea din priviri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Noi nu vrem s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?im printre negri,'
homosexuali \uc1 \u351 ?i droga\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Nu vrem s\uc1 \u259 ? ne corup\uc1 \u259 ? copiii, a\uc1 \u351 ?a este?
-Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?i ce vom face?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Grupul \uc1 \u238 ?ncepu s\uc1
\u259 ? strige \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un singur glas, iar camera lui Van \uc1 \u238 ?i
fix\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?i ucidem pe
tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?i! \uc1 \u238 ?i ucidem pe tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351
?i!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 U\uc1 \u351 ?a se deschise
brusc. Avery opri aparatul \uc1 \u351 ?i se ridic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack! exclam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
duse o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la buzele, palide.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - M-au trimis dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? cobori, dar \uc1
\u238 ?mi pare bine c\uc1 \u259 ? avem un minut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Avery se rezem\uc1 \u259 ? de televizor. \uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai
este nimeni. To\uc1 \u355 ?i plecaser\uc1 \u259 ?. El \uc1 \u238 ?nainta spre ea.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tiu de ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ce am
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ai venit la
mine. -Jack...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Dorothy Rae spune c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai vrut
dec\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? flirtezi cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorci pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva mea. R\uc1
\u259 ?spunde- mi! De ce ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o? Aproape s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? cert cu fratele meu. Aproape s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ruinez c\uc1 \u259 ?
snicia. \uc1 \u350 ?i toate din cauza ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack,
\uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
vrut .s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? faci de r\uc1 \u238 ?s-, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Ai
vrut s-o umile\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe Dorothy Rae!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 -Jack, ascult\uc1 \u259 ?...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
tu s\uc1 \u259 ? ascul\uc1 \u355 ?i. Este de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori mai femeie dec\uc1
\u238 ?t tine.' Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat de b\uc1 \u259 ?
utur\uc1 \u259 ?? Trebuie}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? ai
caracter pentru asta - ceea ce tu nu vei avea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai iube\uc1 \u351 ?te de\uc1 \u351 ?i...}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd a venit Eddy
s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze pentru \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e? Jack \uc1 \u238 ?
njur\uc1 \u259 ? ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu \uc1 \u238 ?mi "omor sufletul aici \uc1 \u351 ?i tu...}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Jack, este important!
strig\uc1 \u259 ? ea. Cum a ajuns Eddy s\uc1 \u259 ? fie director de campanie?
C\uc1 \u238 ?nd a ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut pe scen\uc1 \u259 ? pentru prima dat\uc1
\u259 ?? S-a g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit cineva s\uc1 \u259 ?-l verifice?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Despre ce naiba vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti? \uc1 \u350 ?tii doar
c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost recrutat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Recrutat? De c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cine? A cui a fost ideea? Cine l-a angajat pe Eddy
Paschal?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack o privi uimit, apoi
ridic\uc1 \u259 ? din umeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Tata.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Hotelul a fost ales. Avea o
singur\uc1 \u259 ? intrare. Spre sala de recep\uc1 \u355 ?ie era un culoar
foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ngust. Inevitabil, acolo lumea se \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuia.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Noul senator fu propulsat prin
culoar de familie, prieteni \uc1 \u351 ?i sus\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?tori.
Luminile de televiziune creau \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u o aur\uc1 \u259 ?
str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare. Z\uc1 \u238 ?mbetul s\uc1 \u259 ?u era un amestec de \uc1
\u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u351 ?i modestie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Observatorul cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul alb se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre col\uc1
\u355 ?ul opus. D\uc1 \u259 ?du de o parte reporterii, reu\uc1 \u351 ?ind s\uc1
\u259 ? o fac\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? atrag\uc1
\u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra sa. Avea ani de expejien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme, s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
lase agilitatea. Era aproape sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? doamna Rutiedge l-a remarcat
\uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime, nu numai o dat\uc1 \u259 ?. G\uc1 \u238 ?ndindu-
se la ea, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese brusc c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse
\uc1 \u238 ?n grupul care \uc1 \u238 ?l urma pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.
Arunc\uc1 \u259 ? priviri incisive spre intrare. Ah, iat-o, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
tulburat\uc1 \u259 ?, probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? din pricin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu era l\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? familie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
concentra din nou asupra t\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui
apari\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n sal\uc1 \u259 ? aruncase mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea \uc1
\u238 ?n frenezie. Peste tot erau baloane. Din pricina lor nu vedea bine.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ajuns pe scen\uc1 \u259 ?,
Rutiedge se opri \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?du m\uc1 \u238 ?na cu c\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?iva suporteri. F\uc1 \u259 ?cu un gest c\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb se feri de o pancart\uc1 \u259 ? care era s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cap. \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul acestei orgii
s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tore\uc1 \u351 ?ti el era singurul grav \uc1 \u351 ?i
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainteze. Destul de greu. Nimic nu-l}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 putea opri s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e Rutledge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
ajunse g\uc1 \u238 ?f\uc1 \u238 ?ind \uc1 \u238 ?n sala de recep\uc1 \u355 ?ii.
Ardea toat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cobor\uc1 \u238 ?se \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? cele
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? de etaje. Nici nu a \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? ia un lift. A fugit imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? Jack care a luat-
o la fug\uc1 \u259 ? pe sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri imediat ce a aflat c\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?a fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u este \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol. L-a dep\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i el \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? a ajung\uc1
\u259 ? din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 S-a oprit o
secund\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i trag\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul \uc1 \u351
?i, nebun\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a aruncat \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Trupurile
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau un scut uman, dar Avery reu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
treac\uc1 \u259 ? printre ele. Strig\uc1 \u259 ? "\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!"}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 El o auzi, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse capul^dar nu o v\uc1 \u259 ?zu. \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrigurat\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l c\uc1 \u259 ?uta pe Eddy. \uc1 \u238 ?l
v\uc1 \u259 ?zu aranj\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-i pe Nelson, Zee, Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i
Francy. \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mpinse pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e spre
microfon. "\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!" Era imposibil s\uc1 \u259 ? o aud\uc1 \u259
?. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i eroul, mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea \uc1
\u238 ?ncepu s\uc1 \u259 ? strige. "Oh, doamne, nu. Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung". Jack o ajunse din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Carole, ce naiba ai vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? spui? Cum este
via\uc1 \u355 ?a iui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung la el, pentru Dumnezeu, Jack, ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 P\uc1 \u259 ?r Alb!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 St\uc1 \u259 ?tea aproape de
scen\uc1 \u259 ? ascuns sub un steag.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\nowidctlpar \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \cbpat16 \itap0 \fs20 \dbch \af581
- Nu! Url\uc1 \u259 ? ea. \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e! \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e!}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Auzind-o strig\uc1 \u238 ?nd,
el se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarse }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinse o m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u238 ?mbindu- i cuceritor. Ea se repezi
pe scen\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu spre \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii ei \uc1 \u238 ?l fixau pe du\uc1 \u351 ?manul lui \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Iar el pe ea. \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerea brusc\uc1
\u259 ? a faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u351 ?tia de el, \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1
\u259 ?cu}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ? o priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu
r\uc1 \u259 ?ceal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u238 ?nd mi\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u259 ?rile cu \uc1 \u238 ?
ncetinitorul, Avery \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zu pe Eddy duc\uc1 \u238 ?nd
m\uc1 \u238 ?na la hain\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
scoat\uc1 \u259 ? un cuv\uc1 \u238 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu!
Url\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce el \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta pistolul spre capul
se arunc\uc1 \u259 ? asupra lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238
?l descump\uc1 \u259 ?ni. O minisecund\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u238 ?rziu
glon\uc1 \u355 ?ul pornea spre ea arunc\uc1 \u238 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355
?ele lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e care privea uluit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 A auzit strig\uc1 \u259 ?tele, a auzit c\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1
\u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e nu-i venea s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?, i-a v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut pe Jack, pe Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u351 ?i Francy. To\uc1 \u355 ?i erau \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozi\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ochii ei s-au
oprit asupra lui Nelson Rutledge \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i secund\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care al doilea glon\uc1 \u355 ? al lui Eddy I-a lovit \uc1
\u238 ?n frunte. Zee era plin\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u238 ?nge. \uc1 \u354 ?ipa.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Nelson
s-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut furia \uc1 \u351 ?i surpriza. Aceasta era masca mor\uc1
\u355 ?ii sale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Eddy a s\uc1 \u259
?rit \uc1 \u238 ?ntre oameni. Un om a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din. spatele s\uc1 \u259 ?
u \uc1 \u351 ?i a tras. Capul lui Eddy Paschal s-a pulverizat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Avery a ma}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 i avut timp
s\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ? vocea lui Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Bryan! Dumnezeule! }{\i1 \fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Bryan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 M-am g\uc1 \u238 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ?
este mai bine s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?lnim aici pentru a
clarifica lucrurile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Agentul special
FBI, Bryan \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, le vorbea \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de spital a
lui Avery. Avea ochii ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii de pl\uc1 \u238 ?ns. Um\uc1 \u259 ?rul
st\uc1 \u238 ?ng \uc1 \u351 ?i bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?i erau bandajate.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i st\uc1
\u259 ?teau pe scaune la o distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? respectabil\uc1 \u259 ?
de patul lui Avery. Din momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e i-a
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit identitatea, to\uc1 \u355 ?i o priveau ca pe un obiect ciudat.
Manciy a fost trimis\uc1 \u259 ? la ferm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - To\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplat, spuse Bryan \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar nu \uc1
\u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i din ce motive. Nu va fi u\uc1 \u351 ?or de explicat.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Spune-le totul, Bryan,
spuse Zee bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Nu te g\uc1 \u238 ?ndi la mine. Eu am nevoie ca ei
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Zee \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ne-am
iubit acum mul\uc1 \u355 ?i ani. A fost o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u238 ?mplare pe care
noi nu am prev\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o. Nu am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u238 ?mple. Am gre\uc1 \u351 ?it, dar a fost mai puternic\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1
\u238 ?t noi. Consecin\uc1 \u355 ?ele au fost grave. Au culminat cu tragedia de
asear\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Le-a povestit cum
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors din Coreea cu c\uc1 \u238 ?teva luni \uc1 \u238 ?naintea
prietenului s\uc1 \u259 ?u Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a rugat, o vizitam periodic pe Zee. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? Nelson acas\uc1 \u259 ?, leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s-a transformat \uc1 \u238 ?n ceva mai mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t
prietenie. Ne iubeam \uc1 \u351 ?i trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l r\uc1 \u259 ?nim pe
Nelson.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am r\uc1 \u259 ?
mas \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu tine, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e. l-am spus lui Nelson adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul. A fost calm dar mi-a dat un
ultimatum. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seam, nu aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe Jack. Privi \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?
crimat\uc1 \u259 ? spre fiul ei mai mare. Jack,}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 te
iubeam, \uc1 \u351 ?i Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?tia asta. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd am jurat
c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe Bryan, m-a iertat \uc1
\u351 ?i mi-a promis c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l va cre\uc1 \u351 ?te pe \uc1 \u354
?a\uc1 \u355 ?e ca pe fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
\hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ceea
ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe Bryan. Omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta era
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u. \uc1 \u350 ?i omul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1
\u351 ?tiuse de tat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l iubise fusese \uc1
\u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u351 ?cat sub ochii lui;}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
nu am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut de ultimatumul lui Nelson, continu\uc1 \u259 ? Bryan. Am
primit doar un bilet \uc1 \u238 ?n care Zee \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea c\uc1 \u259 ?
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s-a terminat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Disperarea I-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpins s\uc1 \u259 ? plece \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o misiune
periculoas\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd avionul lui a fost lovit, a fost bucuros
s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?. Soarta totu\uc1 \u351 ?i I-a salvat. Atunci a
discutat cu agen\uc1 \u355 ?ii FBI. Avea deja instruire ca agent de
contrainforma\uc1 \u355 ?ii. l-au propus s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? declarat mort. De atunci a lucrat ascuns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cur\uc1 \u238 ?nd am putut veni s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?
d, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dar de la distant\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu mi-am permis s\uc1 \u259 ? dau de Nelson sau de Zee. Tot timpul te-am iubit.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Iar Nelson nu a }{\fs23
\cf1 uitat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, nici nu a iertat, spuse Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Aveam deja un dosar foarte gros
despre el. Fusese implicat \uc1 \u238 ?n mai multe ac\uc1 \u355 ?iuni subversive,
activitate neonazist\uc1 \u259 ?, execu\uc1 \u355 ?ii ritualistice, de\uc1 \u351 ?i
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? nu am avut dovezi concrete. A dat de Eddy Paschal, fost coleg
de al lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Doamne, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u238 ?ndesc c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am culcat
cu el!}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu aveai de
unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii, spuse Dorothy bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Ne-a prostit pe
to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
fi preferat s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? viu, spuse Bryan.
Nu avea scrupule, dar era extrem de inteligent. Ne putea fi de fol}{\fs23 \dbch
os.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
imaginezi c\uc1 \u238 ?t de uimi\uc1 \u355 ?i am fost c\uc1 \u238 ?nd Nelson I-a
contactat pe Paschal. I-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o imagine curat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i I-a}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 adus \uc1 \u238 ?n Texas ca director de campanie.
Abia atunci am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles ce inten\uc1 \u355 ?ii avea Nelson.
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se sprijini de perete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - A pl\uc1 \u259 ?
nuit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omoare de la bun \uc1 \u238 ?nceput. M-a
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit pentru un serviciu public, m-a ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ionat \uc1 \u351
?i l-a angajat pe Eddy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-e team\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? da, spuse Bryan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Dragul meu, m\uc1 \u259 ? ier\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u259 ? Zee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
iert?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - El a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
pedepseasc\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?catele mele. A vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
fac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? suf\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tia
c\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai grea pedeaps\uc1 \u259 ? pentru o mam\uc1 \u259 ? va fi s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i vad\uc1 \u259 ? copilul murind, mai ales \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
moment de victorie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu pot s\uc1
\u259 ? cred, spuse Jack s\uc1 \u259 ?rind \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Eu pot, spuse \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?e calm. G\uc1 \u238 ?ndind \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, cred. A crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?
tu ai pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit cu via\uc1 \u355 ?a, spuse spre Bryan, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i
mama trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nelson era foarte subtil \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte inteligent,
spuse Zee. P\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea trecut\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-am dat seama
c\uc1 \u238 ?t este de r\uc1 \u259 ?zbun\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Te-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?nsori cu Carole, o femeie care \uc1 \u238 ?mi
amintea \uc1 \u238 ?n permanen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de necredin\uc1 \u355 ?a
mea. Nu puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? o critic pe ea pentru p\uc1 \u259 ?catul pe care
\uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu era acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, Bryan, dar Nelson nu g\uc1 \u238 ?ndea
a\uc1 \u351 ?a. Adulterul era adulter. \uc1 \u350 ?i se pedepsea cu moartea.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack era palid \uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
tot nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg. De ce dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l ura pe
Bryan a\uc1 \u351 ?a de mult i-a dat numele copilului? Eu eram fiul lui, dar
\uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
simt inferior fratelui meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Conta pe natura
uman\uc1 \u259 ?. Dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i supor\uc1
\u355 ?i fratele. Fric\uc1 \u355 ?iunile dintre voi au fost o alt\uc1 \u259 ?
povar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Jack cl\uc1
\u259 ?tin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u238 ?nat di}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 n cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
tot nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? cred. Dorothy Rae \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u238 ?ie}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 m\uc1 \u238 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Era hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259
?zbune pe mine. L-a \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e cu Carole
Navarro. Chiar dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-am aflat trecutul, nu am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut c\uc1
\u259 ? Nelson era responsabil pentru transformarea acestei femei. Cred c\uc1 \u259
? a recrutat-o ca \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Eddy. Oricum, p\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la un
punct au fost alia\uc1 \u355 ?i. Carole trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l termine emo\uc1
\u355 ?ional pe \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nelson \uc1 \u351 ?tia. Cu c\uc1
\u238 ?t era \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e mai nefericit, cu at\uc1 \u238 ?t eram \uc1
\u351 ?i eu nefericit\uc1 \u259 ?. Ea a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut tot ce i s-a spus.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Zee se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ? spre patul lui Ave}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ry.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - M\uc1 \u259 ? vei ierta pentru toate
acuza\uc1 \u355 ?iile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu aveai de unde
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii. Carole merita antipatia ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?mi pare r\uc1 \u259 ?u pentru prietenul t\uc1
\u259 ?u, domnul Lovejoy, spuse Bryan bl\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Am pus pe cineva s\uc1
\u259 ?-l p\uc1 \u259 ?zeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe Paschal, dar a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it
s\uc1 \u259 ? se strecoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
adev}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u259 ?r, Van i-a salvat via\uc1 \u355 ?a
lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e. A privit ore \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi casetele p\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a explicat de ce Eddy Paschal i se p\uc1 \u259 ?
rea cunoscut. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit. Altfel, de unde
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie de el}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f165
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \super1 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cum se simte domnul McCabe?.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Starea lui este destul de
grav\uc1 \u259 ?, dar doctorii spun c\uc1 \u259 ? va sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 O ironie, atacul de inim\uc1 \u259 ? i-a
salvat via\uc1 \u355 ?a. De aceea nu l-a omor\uc1 \u238 ?t Paschal.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Domni\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?
Daniels, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ? Bryan, de unde \uc1 \u351 ?tiai c\uc1
\u259 ? Paschal va atenta la via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e?}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 -l s-a spus, zise \uc1 \u354 ?
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Cine? C\uc1
\u238 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
eram la spital.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
termin\uc1 \u259 ? povestea, \uc1 \u238 ?l privi pe Bryan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti criminalul
pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
adar, m-a\uc1 \u355 ?i observat \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Am ochi de reporter.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe mine m-ai suspectat, spuse Jack. Cain \uc1 \u351 ?i Abel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Mi-a trecut prin minte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - Ce groz\uc1 \u259 ?vie. S\uc1 \u259 ? te prefaci c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1
\u351 ?ti Carole, exclam\uc1 \u259 ? Francy.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce plecar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e r\uc1
\u259 ?mase studiindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u238 ?rfurile}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 cizmelor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\u259 ? te rog ceva. C\uc1 \u238 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i scrii
reportajul...}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\cf1 - Nu. va fi nici un reportaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
da, o contrazise el ferm. Deja e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o eroin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu trebuia }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich
\af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 s\uc1 \u259 ?
le spui cine s\uc1 \u238 ?nt. Puteai s\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?ezi a\uc1 \u351
?a cum ai. pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuit \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? la\uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u238 ?n Carole.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu-mi pot \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe cariera politic\uc1 \u259 ? cu 6
minciun\uc1 \u259 ?, Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Este prima
dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u238 ?nd nii-ai spus pe nume, \uc1 \u351 ?opti}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te rog doar s\uc1 \u259 ?}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
\f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 te concentrezi pe Eddy,
mai ales de dragul mamei mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
A\uc1 \u351 ?a aveam de g\uc1 \u238 ?nd. Dar nu' va exista nici un reportaj.}{\fs24
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Ba da. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut to\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru motivele pe care mi le-ai spus ieri \uc1
\u351 ?i pe cart eu le-am refuzat cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?toare.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Te iubesc, \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e.
Mai mult oec\uc1 \u238 ?t via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea! El \uc1 \u238 ?i privi bandajul de
la um\uc1 \u259 ?r si \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ochii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Iar te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Senatorul Rutledge intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sufrageria casei din
Georgetown, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?
Avery era singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i privea filmul documentarului ei.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a insistat \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e, reportajul s-a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut. A reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? o conving\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
publicul avea dreptul s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie tot \uc1 \u351 ?irul bizar de
evenimente care a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput cu pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?irea }{\i1
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Zborului 398 }{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 \uc1 \u351 ?i a culminat cu
noaptea alegerilor. Nimeni nu putea reda evenimentele \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? corect\uc1 \u259 ?.. Documentarul nu i-a adus lui Avery chiar
premiul Pulitzer dar i-a adus faim\uc1 \u259 ?. A primit extrem de multe oferte.}
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Leg\uc1 \u259 ?nat\uc1
\u259 ? de glorie, hm? \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e puse servieta pe mas\uc1
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tachina. A
sunat Irish. M-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aduc aminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581
\langfenp1048 \cf1 Irish}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f231 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 a supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uit atacului de
cord. Spunea cu m\uc1 \u238 ?ndrie c\uc1 \u259 ? a murit \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238
?nviat. Altfel, cum ar fi crezut Paschal? Pentru Avery, singurul lucru important
era c\uc1 \u259 ? nu I-a pierdut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0
Ajuns\uc1 \u259 ? la cjap\uc1 \u259 ?tul casetei, citi mesajul \uc1 \u238 ?
ncadrat \uc1 \u238 ?n chenar negru, "\uc1 \u238 ?n memoria lui V}{\fs23 \dbch
an Lovejoy".}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ntem prea departe \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-i putem duce flori la morm\uc1 \u238 ?nt,
oft\uc1 \u259 ? ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e se lupta cu sine s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleag\uc1 \u259 ? i\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse de Nelson, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
depl\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? moartea omului pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l cuno\uc1
\u351 ?tea de tat\uc1 \u259 ?. F\uc1 \u259 ?cea eforturi s\uc1 \u259 ? separe
\uc1 \u238 ?n mintea sa cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? persoan}{\fs23 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\loch \f165 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 Sentimentele sale fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de Bryan \uc1 \u354 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?e erau confluctuale. \uc1 \u238 ?l
aprecia, \uc1 \u238 ?l respecta pentru fericirea pe care i-o aducea lui Zee dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce s-au c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit. Dar nu era preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0
\cf1 - \uc1 \u354 ?i-am spus vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? eu cred c\uc1 \u259
? tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o femeie fascinant de curajoas\uc1 \u259 ?? Doamne, c\uc1
\u238 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi aduc aminte! O s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? pe g\uc1 \u238
?t. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostisem din nou de so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
mea \uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam de ce. \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
a te descoperi, era s\uc1 \u259 ? te pierd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch
am fost sigur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este important. Mi-a fost fric\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce vei afla
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Te-am dorit
\uc1 \u351 ?i te doresc. Nu am terminat s\uc1 \u259 ? te descop\uc1 \u259 ?r, s\uc1
\u259 ? te cunosc intim... o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?opti... mai intim dec\uc1 \u238 ?t am cunoscut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? o
femeie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a\uc1 \u355 ?e, oft\uc1 \u259 ? ea, c\uc1 \u238 ?nd te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la mine pe
cine vezi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Pe femeia c\uc1
\u259 ?reia \uc1 \u238 ?i datorez via\uc1 \u355 ?a. Pe femeia care a salvat-o pe
Mandy, pe femeia care \uc1 \u238 ?mi poart\uc1 \u259 ? copilul - o m\uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u238 ?ie cu bl\uc1 \u238 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e. Pe femeia pe care o iubesc mai
mult dec\uc1 \u238 ?t aerul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\loch \f231 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf1 - Nu, vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun...^}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
ce vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? spui. \uc1 \u238 ?i cuprinse fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n
palme \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or. O v\uc1 \u259 ?
d pe Avery.}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af0 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\b1 \fs28 \dbch \af581
SF\uc1 \u206 ?R\uc1 \u350 ?IT}{\fs24 \dbch \af581 \hich \af0 \loch \f0 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

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\deflang1033 \deflangfe1033 {\fonttbl {\f0 \fnil \fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose

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