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He cleared his throat and shook his head. Uh, no, I don't mind. Looks a hell of a lot better on you than it
does on me. He grinned at her.
Um, thanks, I guess.
I, uh, better get these eggs on a plate before they burn. I was hoping you d show up soon. Nothing worse
than cold eggs.
Yeah, he agreed, shrugging out of his vest and shoulder holster and grabbing a
couple of plates from the cupboard. Thanks for cleaning the place up.
She shrugged, paying careful attention to the eggs she was scooping onto the
plates. I was just trying to help out a little since you let me stay the night. It
wasn't really messy--just needed to be organized.
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Organized--right. Vince laughed as they settled across from each other at the
small round table. Oh, I almost forgot--I brought coffee. Caf con Leche from La
Pelota. You want some?
Love some.
He handed her the coffee and they kept their mouths busy with the food for a
while , which was a good thing in Vince's opinion.
Eggs are great, he said, keeping his eyes on his plate while he spoke. Where's
you learn to cook like this?
Just one of the many benefits of having the last true southern belle as a step-
mother. A food generator was never proper enough for Gloria. Besides, it's pretty
hard to screw up eggs. She took another sip of coffee. Did you find anything
out? At the station? Her voice was hesitant. Or, I don't know ... Am I allowed to
ask that? I mean, you did say you wanted me to help. She lifted her chin
defiantly.
No, sure. Of course you're allowed. Vince smiled at her in what he hoped was a
reassuring way and after a moment, she smiled back and seemed to relax a little.
He took a sip of coffee, making sure he kept his eyes on her face. The day
continued to be rainy outside and even the overhead lighting couldn't completely
dispel the gloom in the small room.
In fact, I did find out that your ex-husband tried to send some sort of information
transmission to you the night before he was killed. TAMI, the station AI said the
transmission was brief and interrupted but definitely took place. So whoever's
trying to get to you may be trying to intercept whatever message he was trying to
send. That could be why they tossed your car before blowing it up.
But what did he send it on? She looked perplexed and a little frustrated. I thought about that--even
checked the messages on my vid-phone twice and nothing. Gerald hadn't tried to contact me in months
because he knew I wouldn't return his calls. What could he possibly have had to say to me?
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Vince frowned, tapping his fork against the plate, concentrating. I don't know but
whatever it was somebody out there is willing to do just about anything to get their
hands on the information. That or make sure it doesn't leak. He took another sip
of coffee. Look, when I interviewed your former secretary, Lola Sanchez, she
told me you and Gerald sometimes translated for the government, not just private
parties. He and Francine were shot with a standard issue Army weapon and the
number he called most often last week was located at MacDill. Is there any
possibility that your ex had some delicate information, something top secret that
people in high places wanted to keep secret?
Laura made an incredulous noise and put down her fork. Please, Gerald wished
he had anything that important to say. He made contact first, you know, and he
helped with some of the mediation between the Lepids and various government
officials. He always missed that part, I think--the glamorous, important part. But
by the time he brought me on board the Lepids were nothing more than an ultra-
expensive tourist attraction. Something you did if you had credit to burn and you
wanted to brag to your friends.
Hmm. That's .... surprising. Vince took another drink of his coffee, admiring the
way the overhead light glinted off her long hair. I guess I thought it was more
exciting than that. Introducing celebrities and hot shots to the aliens all day
long....
Laura shuttered, a swift look of revulsion passing over her face. Exciting? I guess
so if you like meeting pushy, self-important people all day long. And introducing
them to the Lepids ... I can't even explain to you what it's like hosting one of them
in your mind for communication. It's so dry and barren and ... and cold. She
shivered and the flesh on her arms actually broke out in a rash of goosebumps.
Hey.... Vince reached across the table and remembered just in time not to put his
hand over hers. Feeling stupid, he drew back. I had no idea it was so hard. No
wonder you weren't too anxious to get involved when I asked you the first time.
Laura looked up at him, rubbing her arms briskly like somebody coming in out of
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