Wednesday, April 30, 2008



155.
   I knelt down to Pat and Nanette. “How about it, Pat? How about taking it easy for a bit? We could take a cruise in a magic balloon and exchange war stories. We could have a wonderful meal and put some meat on our bones.”
   Pat looked into my eyes. “I’m starving, Kid.”
   Nanette looked affectionately at Pat. “Those last goons did make a pass at Oliver. Maybe the thugs are out of wind for the time being. Maybe they’ll need a little time to regroup.”
   I put my hands on their heads. “My dear friends. You’ve been with me since the beginning. You saved my life. Let’s get to know each other. Let’s have a little fun. I need a drink. Conrad, you took a bullet through your arm! You need a drink! Let’s celebrate! Claudia, do you have any scotch on that barge?”
   “God, could I use a drink.”, groaned Conrad.
   “A bottle of scotch in Baghdad?”, exclaimed Claudia. “I don’t see why not?”

   I stared at the two of them. They were framed by the fluttering sail against a dazzling blue sky, a sky that suddenly darkened. Both of them noticed the curious expression on my face. They turned and looked up.


 

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