
       ,,ei<te5

       ,ei<te5 mon?s lat}
  ,x 0 frigid 9 ,*icago4 ,ray=d ,/eele pull$ 8 h1vy p>ka | (! closet4 ,he hat$ lu7+ x "? ! airport1 b he ne$$ x j 6get f ! h|se 6! c> & f ! c> 6! t}m9al4 ,= mon?s x _h be5 all he cd d 6look at hmf 9 ! mirror :ile dress+ = "w4 ,(t5 he pack$ 8 ,global ,-mun;y ,"o capta9's uni=m1 ) xs gaudy gold braids & buttons on a backgr.d ( navy4 ,9 tru?1 x wd h b5 a snappy-look+ & only sli<tly =mal & pomp|s uni=m1 _h x n be5 s* a />k rem9d} t he 0 "w+ =! devil4
  ,! /ra9 ( liv+ 9 ,*icago :ile fly+ | ( ,new ,york %{$ on ,ray=d's face4 8,i'm worri$ ab y1 ,dad10 ,*loe _h sd m ?an once4 ,%e _h ev5 (f}$ 6move ) hm 6,new ,york1 especi,y af ,buck _h relocat$ "! a few mon?s 2f4 ,ray=d knew ,*loe & ,buck miss$ ea* o!r t}ribly1 b he _h 8 {n r1sons = want+ 6/ay 9 ,*icago = z l;g z possi#4 ,n ! l1/ ( : 0 ,am&a ,:ite4
  8,i'll 2 m>ri$ 2f y w if ,buck doesn't get on ! ball4 ,has he ev5 held yr h& yet80
  ,*loe blu%$4 8,wdn't y l 6"k8 ,? is j all new 6hm1 ,dad4 ,he's n"e be5 9 love 2f40
  8,& y h80
  8,i ?"| ,i _h be51 until ,buck4 ,we've talk$ ab ! future & "ey?+4 ,he j hasn't popp$ ! "q40
  ,ray=d put on 8 cap & /ood 2f ! mirror1 p>ka slung ov} 8 %|ld}4 ,he made a face1 si<$1 & %ook 8 h1d4 8,we close on ? h|se two weeks f tm10 he sd4 8,& !n y ei -e ) me 6,new ,babylon or y're on yr {n4 ,buck cd sure make life easi} = all ( u 02+ a ll decisive40
  8,i'm n go+ 6pu% hm1 ,dad4 ,2+ a"p has be5 a gd te/4 ,& ,i hate ! idea ( l1v+ ,bruce al"o at ,new ,hope40
  8,bruce is h>dly al"o4 ,! *ur* is bi7} ?an x's "e be51 &! "ugr.d %elt} won't 2 m* (a secret = l;g4 ,x m/ 2 bi7} ?an ! sanctu>y4
  ,bruce ,b>nes _h d"o 8 %>e ( travel+1 too4 ,he _h 9/itut$ a program ( h|se *ur* gr|ps t met all ov} ! suburbs & "?|t ! /ate 9 anticip,n (! "d :5 ! assembl+ (! sa9ts wd 2 |tlaw$4 ,x wdn't 2 l;g4 ,bruce _h g"o all ov} ! _w1 9 multiply+ ! small-gr|p m9i/ry1 />t+ 9 ,israel & see+ ! m9i/ry (! two wit;ses & ,ra2i ,tsion ,b5-,judah swell 6fill ! l>ge/ /adium on ! globe4
  ,! #add1jjj ,jewi% evangeli/s 7 repres5t$ 9 e c.try1 (t5 9filtrat+ colleges & univ}sities4 ,millions & millions _h 2come 2liev}s1 b z fai? _h gr{n1 crime & mayhem _h 9cr1s$ z well4 ,alr "! 0 pressure f ! ,global ,-mun;y ,nor? ,am}ican gov}n;t |tpo/ 9 ,wa%+ton ,d4,c4 63v}t all *ur*es 96(ficial bran*es ( :at 0 n{ call$ ,5igma ,babylon ,"o ,_w ,fai?4 ,! "o-_w religion 0 h1d$ 0! new ,pope ,pet}1 =m}ly ,pet} ,ma!ws (! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,he _h u%}$ 9 :at he call$ 8a new }a ( tol}.e & un;y0 am;g ! major religions4 ,! bi7e/ 5emy ( ,5igma ,babylon1 : _h tak5 ov} ! ,vatican z xs h1dqu>t}s1 7 ! millions ( p :o 2liev$ t ,jesus 0 ! only way 6,god4
  ,6say >bitr>ily1 ,pontifex ,maximus ,pet} wrote 9 an (ficial ,5igma ,babylon decl>,n1 t ! ,jewi% & ,prote/ant ,bi#1 3ta9+ only ! ,old & ,new ,te/a;ts1 is ! f9al au?or;y = fai? & practice1 repres5ts ! hei<t ( 9tol}.e & 4un;y4 ,x flies 9 ! face ( all we h a3ompli%$1 & adh}5ts 6t false doctr9e >e "hby 3sid}$ h}etics4
  ,pontifex ,maximus ,pet} _h lump$ ! ,or?odox ,jews &! new ,*ri/ian 2liev}s tgr4 ,he _h z m* pro#m )! newly rebuilt temple & xs return 6! sy/em ( sacrifices z he did )! millions & millions ( 3v}ts 6,*ri/4 ,& ironic,y1 ! supreme pontiff _h /range b$fell{s 9 oppos+ ! new temple4 ,eli & ,moi%e1 ! n{ _w-fam|s wit;ses :om no "o d>$ oppose1 (t5 spoke | ag/ ! temple4 ,b _! logic 0 an ana!ma 6,5igma ,babylon4
  8,israel has rebuilt ! temple 6ha/5 ! return ( _! ,messiah10 ,eli & ,moi%e _h sd1 8n r1liz+ t %e built x a"p f ! true ,messiah1 :o has alr -e6 ,israel has 3/ruct$ a temple ( rejec;n6 ,d n wond} :y s few (! #add1jjj ,jewi% evangeli/s >e f ,israel6 ,israel rema9s l>gely unbeliev+ & w soon su6} = x60
  ,! wit;ses _h be5 ablaze ) ang} ! "d ! temple 0 d$icat$ & pres5t$ 6! _w4 ,hundr$s ( ?|s&s 2gan /r1m+ 6,j}usalem 6see x2 ne>ly z _m z _h 2gun pilgri images 6,new ,babilon 6see ! magnific5t new ,global ,-mun;y h1dqu>t}s ,nicolae ,c>pa?ia _h design$4
  ,eli & ,mo,i%e _h ang}$ "ey"o1 9clud+ ! visit+ ,c>pa?ia1 ! "d (! celebr,n (! reop5+ (! temple4 ,=! f/ "t !y _h pr1*$ o!r ?an at ! ,wail+ ,wall or at a huge /adium4 ,t "d !y wait$ until ! temple 0 full & ?|s&s m fill$ ! ,temple ,m.t %|ld} 6%|ld}4 ,moi%e & ,eli made _! way 6! temple side (! ,gold5 ,gate1 m* 6! 3/}n,n (! cr{d4 ,!y 7 je}$ & hiss$ & boo$1 b no "o d>$ approa*1 let al"o try 6h>m !m4
  ,nicolae ,c>pa?ia _h be5 am;g ! cadre ( dignit>ies t "d4 ,he rail$ ag/ ! 9t}lop}s1 b ,eli & ,moi%e sil;ed ev5 hm4 ,)|t ! aid ( microph"os1 ! two wit;ses spoke l|dly 5 = all 6he>1 cry+ | 9 ! c|rty>d1 8,nicolae6 ,y yrf w "o "d defile & desecrate ? temple60
  8,nons5se60 ,c>pa?ia _h respond$4 8,is "! n a milit>y l1d} 9 ,israel )! =titude 6sil;e ~! two80
  ,! ,israeli prime m9i/}1 :o n{ report$ 6! ,global ,-mun;y ambassador (! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,asia1 0 cau<t on microph"o & news tape4 8,sir1 we h 2come a w1pon.s society1 ?anks 6y40
  8,~! two >e w1pon.s z well60 ,c>pa?ia _h ?"u$4 8,subdue !m60 ,b ,eli & ,moi%e 3t9u$ 6%|t1 8,god does n dwell 9 temples made ) h&s6 ,! body ( 2liev}s ! temple (! ,holy ,_s60
  ,c>pa?ia1 :o _h be5 m}ely try+ 6support 8 frs 9 ,israel 0honor+ !m = _! new temple1 ask$ ! cr{d1 8,d y wi% 6li/5 6me or 6!m80
  ,! cr{d _h %|t$1 8,y1 ,pot5tate6 ,y60
  8,"! is no pot5tate b ,god hmf60 ,eli respond$4
  ,& ,moi%e a4$1 8,yr blood sacrifices % turn 6wat}1 & yr wat}-draw+ 6blood60

  ,buck _h be5 "! t "d z ! new publi%} (! re"nd ,global ,-mun;y ,weekly4 ,he resi/$ ,c>pa?ia's urg+ hm 6$itorialize ab :at ,nicolae call$ ! 9tru.n (! two wit;ses1 & he p}suad$ ! ,global ,-mun;y pot5tate t ! cov}age cd n ignore ! facts4 ,! blood let f a sacrific$ heif} _h 9de$ turn$ 6wat}4 ,&! wat} drawn 9 ano!r c}emony turn$ 6blood 9 ! pail4 ,! ,israelis blam$ ! two wit;ses = debas+ _! celebr,n4

  ,buck hat$ ! m"oy he 0 mak+4 ,n ev5 an |trage|s sal>y cd make 8 life easi}4 ,he _h be5 =c$ 6move back 6,new ,york4 ,m* (! old gu>d at ,global ,weekly _h be5 fir$1 9clud+ ,/anton ,bailey & ,m>ge ,pott}1 & ev5 ,jim ,borl&4 ,/eve ,plank 0 n{ publi%} (! ,global ,-muun;y ,ea/ ,coa/ ,daily ,"ts1 a newspap} borne | (! m}g} (! ,new ,york ,"ts1 ! ,wa%+ton ,po/1 &! ,bo/on ,globe4 ,?|< ,/eve wdn't admit x1 ,buck 2liev$ ! lu/} _h fad$ f ,/eve's rel,n%ip 6! pot5tate too4 ,! only positive factor ab ,buck's new posi;n 0 t he n{ _h ! m1ns 6isolate hmf "s:at ag/ ! t}ri# crime wave t _h brok5 all records 9 ,nor? ,am}ica4 ,c>pa?ia _h us$ x 6sway public op9ion & get ! populace 2h ! idea t ! ,nor? ,am}ican ambassador 6! ,global ,-mun;y %d supplant ! sitt+ presid5t4 ,g}ald ,fitzhu< & 8 vice presid5t 7 n{ h1dqu>t}$ 9 9 ! old ,executive (fice ,build+1 9 *>ge ( 5=c+ ,pot5tate ,c>pa?ia's global 4>ma;t plan 9 ,am}ica4
  ,buck's "o act ( resi/.e 6,c>pa?ia 0 6ignore ! rumors ab ,fitzhu< plott+ )! militia 6oppose ! ,global ,-mun;y regime 0=ce4 ,buck 0 all = x & _h secretly /udi$ ! f1sibil;y ( produc+ an anti-,global ,-mun;y website on ! ,9t}net4 ,z soon z he cd figure | a way 6d x )|t xs 2+ trac$ back 6his p5th|se a"p;t on ,fif? ,av5ue1 he wd d x4
  ,at l1/ ,buck _h 3v9c$ ,pot5tate ,c>pa?ia t ,buck's mov+ 6,new ,babylon wd 2 a mistake4 ,new ,york 0 / ! _w publi%+ capital1 af all4 ,he 0 alr he>tbrok5 t ,*loe's "f 0 2+ requir$ 6relocate 6,new ,babylon4 ,! new c;y 0 palatial1 b un.s a p}son liv$ 9doors tw5ty f|r h|rs a "d1 ! w1!r 9 ,iraq 0 unbe>a#4 ,& despite ,c>pa?ia's unp>allel$ popul>;y & 8 "o-_w gov}n;t & emphasis on ! new "o _w religion1 "! 7 / 5 ve/iges (! old ways 9 ! ,mi4le ,ea/ t a we/}n woman wd feel tot,y | ( place "!4
  ,buck _h be5 ?rill$ at h{ ,ray=d & ,am&a ,:ite _h tak5 6ea* o!r4 ,t took pressure (f worry+ ,buck & ,*loe1 wond}+ ab ! future1 ab l1v+ h} "f al"o if !y 7 "e 6m>ry4 ,b h{ cd ,ray=d expect an ,am}ican woman 6live 9 ,new ,babylon8 ,& h{ l;g cd !y live "! 2f ! pot5tate 2gan 6/ep up 8 attacks on ,*ri/ian 2liev}s8 ,ac 6,bruce ,b>nes1 ! "ds ( p}secu;n 7 n f> (f4
  ,buck miss$ ,bruce m ?an he ?"| possi#4 ,buck tri$ 6see hm e "t he got back 6,*icago 6see ,*loe4 ,any"t ,bruce came "? ,new ,york or !y happ5$ 6run 96ea* o!r 9 a =eign c;y1 ,bruce tri$ 6make ! "t =a private /udy ses.n4 ,bruce 0 fa/ 2com+ "o (! l1d+ prophecy s*ol>s am;g new 2liev}s4 ,! ye> or ye> &a half ( p1ce1 he sd1 0 fa/ -+ 6a close4 ,once ! next ?ree horsem5 (! ,apocalypse appe>$1 sev5te5 m judg;ts wd -e 9 rapid su3es.n1 l1d+ 6! glori|s appe>+ ( ,*ri/ sev5 ye>s f ! sign+ (! cov5ant 2t ,israel &! ,anti*ri/4
  ,bruce _h 2come fam|s1 ev5 popul>4 ,b _m 2liev}s 7 gr{+ tir$ ( 8 dire w>n+s4
  ,ray=d 0 go+ 6be | ( t{n until ! "d 2f he & ,*loe &! new buy}s 7 6close on ! h|se4 ,he smil$ at ! idea ( buy}s secur+ a ?irty-ye> mortgage4 ,"s"o 0 go+ 6lose on t d1l4
  ,) ,ray=d g"o1 ,*loe wd 2 left ) m* (! "w1 sell+ /uff (f1 putt+ furniture 96/orage4 & >rang+ )a mov+ -pany 6%ip h} ?+s 6a local a"p;t & 8 all ! way 6,iraq4
  ,=! pa/ c|ple ( mon?s1 ,am&a _h be5 driv+ ,ray=d 6,o',h>e = ~! l;g trips1 b %e _h rec5tly tak5 a new posi;n & cdn't get away4 ,s td1 ,*loe wd take ,ray=d 0,am&a's new (fice1 ": %e 0 *ief buy} =a retail clo?i}4 ,:5 !y _h sd _! gd-byes1 ,*loe wd drive hm 6! airport & br+ ! c> back home4
  8,s h{'s x go+ ) y two80 ,*loe ask$ 9 ! c>4
  8,we're close40 8,i "k y're close4 ,t's obvi|s 6"eybody4 ,close 6:at1 is ! "q40
  8,close10 he sd4
  ,z !y drove1 ,ray=d's m9d drift$ 6,am&a4 ,nei he nor ,*loe _h "kn :at 6make ( h} at f/4 ,a tall1 h&"s woman a c|ple ( ye>s ,ray=d's s5ior1 %e _h /r1k$ hair & impe3a# ta/e 9 clo!s4 ,a week af ,ray=d _h return$ f 8 f/ assign;t fly+ ,global ,-mun;y ,"o 6! ,mi4le ,ea/1 ,bruce _h 9troduc$ h} 6! ,/eeles af a ,sun"d morn+ s}vice4 ,ray=d 0 tir$ & n"o too happy ab 8 reluctant deci.n 6l1ve ,pan-,con =! employ ( ,nicolae ,c>pa?ia1 & he 0
  ;p #a n re,y 9 ! mood 6be socia#4
  ,mrs4 ,:ite1 h{"e1 seem$ oblivi|s 6,ray=d & ,*loe z p4 ,6h} !y _h be5 j "ns associat$ )a =m} acqua9t.e1 ,ir5e ,/eele1 :o _h left an 9deli# impres.n on h}4 ,am&a _h 9si/$ on tak+ !m 6d9n} t ,sun"d noon & 0 adamant ab pay+4 ,ra,y=d _h n felt m* l talk+1 b t seem$ n 6be an issue = ,am&a4 ,%e _h a lot 6say4
  8,i've want$ 6meet y1 ,capta9 ,/eele1 2c--0
  8,ray=d1 pl1se40
  8,well1 ,i'll call y ,mr4 ,/eele = n{1 !n1 if capta9 is too =mal4 ,ray=d is a ll too famili> = me1 ?|< t is :at ,ir5e call$ y4 ,anyway1 %e 0 ! sweete/ ll woman1 s s(t-spok51 s tot,y 9 love & devot$ 6y4 ,%e 0 ! sole r1son ,i came z close z ,i did 6becom+ a ,*ri/ian 2f ! ,rapture1 &--second only 6! vani%+s !mvs--%e 0 ! r1son ,i f9,y did -e 6! ,"l4 ,!n ,i cdn't rememb} h} "n1 & n"o (! o!r ladies f t ,bi# /udy 7 / >.d4 ,t made me feel l"oly1 z y c imag9e4 ,& ,i lo/ my family too4 ,i'm sure ,bruce told y4 ,s x's be5 h>d4 
  8,bruce has c}ta9ly be5 a gods5d ?|<4 ,h ,y le>n$ z m* f hm z ,i h8 ,well1 ( c|rse y h4 ,y've be5 ) hm = weeks40
  ,ev5tu,y ,am&a sl{$ d{n & %>$ h} {n /ory (! loss ( h} family4 8,we _h be5 9 a d1d *ur* all |r lives4 ,!n my husb& got 9vit$ 6"s |t+ at a fr's *ur*1 came home1 & 9si/$ t we at l1/ *eck | ! ,sun"d s}vices "!4 ,i don't m9d tell+ y1 ,i 0 n -=ta#4 ,!y made a big d1l all ! "t ab 2+ sav$4
  8,well1 2f ,i cd get my ll m9d >.d ! idea ,i 0 ! only "o 9 my family :o .wasn't sav$4
  ,6tell y ! tru?1 ! :ole ?+ s.d$ a ll :ite tra%y 6me4 ,i didn't "k ,i _h a lot ( pride4 ,lo/ p n"e "k t1 d !y8 ,well1 ,i pret5d$ ,i 0 "r "! ) my family1 b !y knew4 ,!y kept 5c|rag+ me 6g 6? wom5's,bi# /udy1 s f9,y ,i w5t4 ,i 0 j sure x 0 go+ 6be m (! same--frumpy mi4le-ag$ wom5 talk+ ab 2+ s9n}s sav$ 0grace40
  ,"sh{1 ,am&a ,:ite manag$ 6f9i% h} m1l :ile talk+1 b :5 %e got 6? "p ( h} /ory %e cl|d$ up & _h 6excuse h}f =a few m9utes4 ,*loe roll$ h} eyes4 8,dad60 %e sd4 8,:at planet wd y guess %e's f80
  ,ray=d _h *uckl$4 8,i d want 6he> h} impres.ns ( yr "m10 he sd4 8,& %e c}ta9ly s.ds ,8sav$0' n{1 doesn't %e80
  8,y1h1 b %e's a l;g way f frumpy :ite tra%4 ,:5 ,am&a return$1 %e apologiz$ & sd %e 0 8det}m9$ 6get ? sd40 ,ray=d smil$ 5c|rag+ h} :ile ,*loe made faces at hm 2h h} back1 try+ 6get hm 6lau<4
  8,i'm n go+ 6bo!r y anymore10 %e sd4 8,i'm an executive & n ! type 69s}t myf 96p's lives4 ,i j want$ 6get tgr ) y j "o "t 6tell y :at yr wife1 & yr "m1 m1nt 9 my life4 ,y "k1 ,i _h only "o brief 3v}s,n ) h}4 ,x came af t "o meet+1 & ,i 0 glad ,i got ! *.e 6tell h} h{ %e _h impress$ me4 ,if y're 9t}e/$1 ,i'll tell y ab x4 ,b if ,i've alr rattl$ on too l;g1 tell me t1 too1 & ,i'll let y g ) j ! k t ,mrs4 ,/eele 0 a wond};l lady40
  ,ray=d actu,y 3sid}$ say+ t !y _h _h a tir+ week & ne$$ 6get home1 b he wd n"e 2 t rude4 ,ev5 ,*loe wd likely *a/ise hm =a move l t1 s he sd1 8,oh1 0all m1ns1 we'd love 6he> x4 ,! tru? is10 he a4$1 8,i love 6talk ab ,ir5e40
  8,well1 ,i don't "k :y ,i =got h} "n = s l;g1 2c ,i 0 s /ruck 0x at f/4 ,2ss s.d+ a ll l ,8iron & /eel401 ,i rememb} ?9k+ t ,ir5e s.d$ m l a "n ( "s"o _m ye>s old} ?an yr wife4 ,%e 0 ab =ty1 "r80
  ,ray=d no4$4
  8,anyway1 ,i took ! morn+ (f1 & ,i >riv$ at ? home ": ! ladies 7 meet+ t week4 ,!y all look$ s normal & 7 wond};l 6me4 ,i notic$ yr wife "r (f4 ,%e 0 j radiant--frly & talk+ ) "ey"o4 ,%e welcom$ me & ask$ ab me4 ,& !n dur+ ! ,bi# /udy1 pray}1 & 4cus.n1 ,i 0 j impress$ 0h}4 ,:at m c ,i say80
  ,a lot1 ,ray=d hop$4 ,b he didn't want 69t}view ! woman4 ,:at _h s impress$ h}8 ,he 0 glad :5 ,*loe jump$ in4
  8,i'm glad 6he> t1 ,mrs4 ,:ite1 2c ,i 0 n"e m impress$ ) my "m ?an af ,i left home4 ,i _h alw ?"| h} a ll too religi|s1 too /rict1 too rigid4 ,only :5 we 7 a"p did ,i r1lize h{ m* ,i lov$ h} 2c ( h{ m* %e c>$ = me40
  8,well10 ,am&a sd 8,x 0 h} {n /ory t mov$ me1 b m ?an t1 x 0 h} c>riage1 h} c.t5.e4 ,i don't "k if y knew ?1 b %e _h n be5 a ,*ri/ian l;g ei4 ,h} /ory 0 ! same z m9e4 ,%e sd h} family _h be5 go+ 6aur* sort ( p}functorily = ye>s4 ,b :5 %e f.d ,new ,hope ,village ,*ur*1 %e f.d ,*ri/4
  8,"! 0 a p1ce1 a g5tle;s1 a k9d;s7 a s}5;y ab h} t ,i _h n"e se5 9 any"o else4 ,%e _h 3fid;e1 b %e 0 hum#4 ,%e 0 |tgo+1 yet n pu%y or self-promot+4 ,i lov$ h} immly4 ,%e grew emo;nal :5 %e talk$ ab h} family1 & %e sd t h} husb& & h} dau<t} 7 at ! top ( h} pray} li/4 ,%e lov$ y bo? s deeply4 ,%e sd h} grte/ fe> 0 t %e wd r1* y too late & t y wd n g 6h1v5 ) h} & h} son4 ,i don't rememb} 8 "n4
  8,ray=d1 ,junior010 ,*loe sd4 8,%e wd h call$ hm ,ramie40
  8,af ! meet+ ,i s"| h} | & told h} t my family 0 ! opposite4 ,!y 7 all worri$ t !y wd g 6h1v5 )|t me4 ,%e told me h{ 6rcv ,*ri/4 ,i told h} ,i wasn't r1dy1 & %e w>n$ me n 6put x (f & sd %e wd pray = me4 ,t ni<t my family 4appe>$ f _! b$s4 ,alm "ey"o 0 g"o f |r new *ur*1 9clud+ all ! ,bi# /udy ladies4 ,ev5tu,y ,i track$ d{n ,bruce & ask$ if he knew ,ir5e ,/eele40
  ,ray=d & ,*loe _h return$ home *agr9$ &a ll a%am$ ( !mvs4 8,t 0 nice10 ,ray=d sd4 8,i'm glad we took ! "t = t40
  8,i j wi% ,i _hn't be5 s* a creep10 ,*loe sd4 8,= h>dly hav+ "kn h}1 t woman _h a lot ( 9si<t 96,mom40
  ,= ne>ly a ye> af t1 ,ray=d saw ,am&a ,:ite only on ,sun"ds & at an o3a.nal midweek meet+ (! l>g} core /udy gr|p4 ,%e 0 alw cordial & frly1 b :at impress$ hm mo/ 0 h} s}vant's attitude4 ,%e 3t9u,y pray$ = p1 & %e 0 busy 9 ! *ur* all ! "t4 ,%e /udi$1 %e grew1 %e le>n$1 %e talk$ 6p ab _! /&+ ) ,god4
  ,z ,ray=d wat*$ h} f af>1 %e 2came m & m attractive 6hm4 ,"o ,sun"d he told ,*loe1 8,y "k1 we n"e reciprocat$ on ,am&a ,:ite's d9n} 9vit,n40
  8,y want 6h h} ov}80 ,*loe ask$4
  8,i want 6ask h} |40
  8,p>don me80
  8,y he>d me40
  8,dad6 ,y m1n l on a date80
  8,a d|# date4 ,) y & ,buck40
  ,*loe _h lau<$ !n apologiz$4 8,x's n funny4 ,i'm j surpris$40
  8,don't make a big d1l ( x10 he sd 8,i j mi<t ask h}40
  8,don't y make a big d1l ( x10 ,*loe sd
  ,buck 0 n surpris$ :5 ,*loe told hm h} ,dad want$ !m 6d|#-date ) ,am&a ,:ite4 8,i wond}$ :5 he'd get >.d 6x40
  8,6dat+80
  8,to dat+ ,am&a ,:ite40
  8,y notic$ "s?+ "!8 ,y n"e sd any?+40
  8,i didn't want 6risk yr m5;n+ x & plant+ an idea 9 8 h1d t wasn't 8 {n40
  8,t r>ely happ5s40
  8,anyway1 ,i ?9k !y'll 2 gd = ea* o!r10 ,buck sd4 8,he ne$s -panion%ip 8 {n age1 & if "s?+ -es ( x1 s m* ! bett}40
  8,:y80
  8,2c he's n go+ 6want 6be al"o if we decide 6get m s}i|s40
  8,seems 6me we've alr decid$40 ,*loe slipp$ h} h& 9to ,buck's4
  8,i j don't "k :at 6d ab tim+ & geography1 ) "ey?+ br1k+ ! way x has40
  ,buck 0 hop+ = "s h9t f ,*loe t %e wd 2 will+ 6foll{ hm any":1 t %e 0 ei r1dy = m>riage or t %e ne$$ m "t4 ,"t 0 gett+ away f !m1 b / ,buck hesitat$4
  8,i',m r1dy :5 he is10 ,*loe told ,ray=d4 8,b he's n go+ 6say a ~w40
  8,:y n80 ,ray=d sd4 8,m5 ne$ a few signals40
  8,he's gett+ all ! signals he ne$s40
  8,s y've held 8 h& 0n{80
  8,dad60
  8,bet y've ev5 kiss$ hm40
  8,no -;t40
  8,t's a yes if ,i "e he>d "o40
  8,l ,i sd1 he's gett+ all ! signals he ne$s40
  ,9 fact1 ,buck wd n"e =get ! f/ "t he _h kiss$ ,*loe4 ,x _h be5 ! ni<t he left = ,new ,york 0c>1 ab a ye> 2f4 ,c>pa?ia _h b"| up ! ,weekly z well z any (! -peti;n wor? "w+ =1 & ,buck seem$ 6h less *oice ?an "e ov} 8 {n c>e}4 ,he cd try bootle7+ copy ov} ! ,9t}net1 b he / ne$$ 6make a liv+4 ,& ,bruce1 :o 0 at ! *ur* less & less all ! "t due 6his m9i/ry all ov} ! _w1 _h 5c|rag$ hm 6/ay ) ,global ,weekly1 ev5 af ! "n 0 *ang$ 6,global ,-mun;y ,weekly4
  8,i wi% we cd *ange ! la/ ~w "o m "t10 ,buck sd4 8,to ,w1kly40
  ,buck _h resign$ hmf 6do+ ! be/ he cd =! k+dom ( ,god1 z ,*loe's "f _h d"o4 ,b he / hid 8 id5t;y z a 2liev}4 ,:at"e freedom & prcvd objectiv;y he _h wd soon 2 g"o if t tru? 0 "kn 6,c>pa?ia4
  ,t la/ ni<t 9 ,*icago1 he & ,*loe 7 9 8 a"p;t pack+ ! la/ ( 8 p}sonal ?+s4 ,8 plan 0 6l1ve 0n9e o'c t ni<t & drive "o m>a?on /ret*4 ,all ! way 6,new ,york ,c;y4
  ,z !y "w$1 !y talk$ ab h{ m* !y wd hate 2+ a"p1 h{ m* !y wd miss ea* o!r1 h{ (t5 !y wd ph"o & ,e-mail ea* o!r4
  8,i wi% y cd -e ) me10 ,buck sd at "o po9t4
  8,y1h1 t wd 2 appropriate10 %e sd4
  8,"s"d10 he sd4
  8,"s"d :at80
  ,b he wd n bite4 ,he c>ri$ a box 6! c> & came back in1 pass+ h} z %e tap$ ano!r4 ,te>s ran d{n h} face4
  8,:at's ?80 he sd1 /opp+ 6wipe h} face ) 8 f+}s4
  8,don't get me />t$ n{4 ,y'll n"e miss me z m* z ,i'll miss y10 %e sd1 try+ 63t9ue 6"w ) hm hov}+1 a h& on h} face4
  8,/op x10 he :isp}$4 8,-e "h40
  ,%e set d{n ! tape & /ood 6face hm4 ,he embrac$ h} & pull$ h} close4 ,h} h&s 7 at h} sides1 & h} *eek 0 on 8 *e/4 ,!y _h held ea* o!r 2f1 & !y _h walk$ h& 9 h&1 >m 9 >m4
  ,"s"ts ,!y _h express$ _! deep feel+s = ea* o!r )|t m5;n+ love4 ,& !y _h agre$ n 6cry & n 6say any?+ ra% 9 ! mo;t ( "p+4
  8,we'll see ea* o!r (t510 he sd4 8,y'll r5dezv|s ) yr dad :5 he -es "? ,new ,york4 ,& ,i'll h r1sons 6-e "h40
  8,:at r1son8 ,! ,*icago (fice is clos+40
  8,? r1son10 he sd1 hold+ h} ti<t}4 ,& %e 2gan 6sob4
  8,i'm sorry10 %e sd4 8,? is go+ 6be s h>d40
  8,i "k40
  8,no y don't4 ,buck1 y c't say y c>e = me z m* z ,i c>e = y40
  ,buck _h alr plann$ 8 f/ kiss4 ,he _h hop$ 6f9d a r1son 6simply bru% h} lips ) 8 at ! 5d ( an ev5+1 say gd ni<t1 & slip away4 ,he didn't want 6h 6d1l ) h} reac;n1 or d1l ) kiss+ h} ag j !n4 ,x 0 go+ 6be m1n+;l & special1 b qk & simple1 "s?+ !y cd build on lat}4
  ,b n{ he want$ h} 6"k h{ he felt4 ,he 0 angry at hmf = 2+ s gd at writ+ b s 9compet5t at tell+ h} 6h} face h{ m* %e m1nt 6hm4
  ,he /epp$ back & took h} face 9 8 h&s4 ,%e resi/$ at f/ & tri$ 6hide h} face 9 8 *e/ ag1 b he 9si/$ %e look at hm4 8,i don't "e want 6he> y say t ag10 he sd4
  8,b1 ,buck1 x's true--0
  ,he l{}$ 8 h1d until 8 eyes 7 9*es f h}s4 8,did y he> me80 he sd4 8,don't say x ag4 ,don't imply x1 don't ev5 ?9k x4 ,"!'s no possi# way y cd c>e = me m ?an ,i c>e = y4 ,y >e my :ole life4 ,i love y1 ,*loe4 ,don't y "k t80
  ,he felt h} ne>ly recoil at t f/ decl>,n ( 8 love4 ,h} te>s roll$ ov} 8 h&s1 & %e 2gan 6say1 8,h{ wd ,i--80 ,b he l{}$ 8 m|? 6h}s1 cutt+ (f h} ~ws4 ,& x 0 no qk t|* (! lips4 ,%e rais$ h} h&s 2t 8 >ms1 wrapp$ !m >.d 8 neck1 & held hm ti<t z !y kiss$4
  ,%e pull$ away briefly & :isp}$1 8,did y only say t 2c y're l1v+ &--0 ,b he cov}$ h} m|? ag ) his4
  ,a mo;t lat} he t|*$ h} nose )! tip 8 {n & sd1 8,don't d|bt my love = y "e ag4 ,promise4
  8,b1 ,buck--0
  8,promise40
  8,i promise4 ,& ,i love y1 too1 ,buck40
  ,ray=d 0 n sure j :5 8 respect & admir,n = ,am&a ,:ite _h develop$ 96love4 ,he _h gr{n fond ( h}1 lik$ h}1 lov$ 2+ ) h}4 ,!y _h 2come -=ta# 5 ) ea* o!r 6t|* ea* o!r :5 !y spoke1 6hold h&s1 6embrace4 ,b :5 he f.d hmf miss+ h} af only a"d away & ne$+ 6call h} :5 he 0 g"o m ?an a few "ds1 he knew "s?+ 0 develop+4
  ,%e actu,y />t$ kiss+ ,ray=d 2f he kiss$ h}4 ,twice :5 he return$ 6,*icago af s"eal "ds away1 ,am&a greet$ hm )a hug &a peck on ! *eek4 ,he _h lik$ x1 b _h al be5 emb>rass$4 ,b ! ?ird "t he return$ f s* a trip1 %e m}ely embrac$ hm & did n attempt 6kiss hm4
  ,8 tim+ _h be5 p}fect4 ,he _h decid$ t if %e tri$ 6kiss hm on ! *eek ? "t1 he wd turn & take x on ! lips4 ,he _h br"| h} a gift f ,p>is1 an exp5sive necklace4 ,:5 %e did n try 6kiss hm1 he j held h} embrace l;g} & sd1 8,-e "h a m9ute40
  ,z pass5g}s & crew pass$ !m 9 ! corridor1 ,ray=d _h ,am&a sit next 6hm 9 ! wait+ >ea4 ,x 0 awkw>d ) an >mre/ 2t !m4 ,bo? 7 bundl$ up1 ,am&a 9 a fur coat & ,ray=d ) 8 uni=m coat ov} 8 >m4 ,he pull$ ! jewelry box f ! sack 9 8 fli<t bag4 8,? is = y4
  ,am&a1 "k+ ": he _h be51 made a big d1l ov} ! bag1 ! "n (! /ore1 &! box4 ,f9,y1 %e op5$ x & appe>$ 6/op br1?+4 ,x 0 a magnific5t piece1 gold ) diamonds4 8,ray=d60 %e sd4 8,i don't "k :at 6say40
  8,don't say any?+10 he sd4 ,& he took h} 9 8 >ms1 ! package 9 h} h&s ne>ly cru%$ 2t !m1 & kiss$ h}4
  8,i / don't "k :at 6say10 %e sd )a tw9kle 9 h} eye1 & he kiss$ h} ag4
  ,n{1 two weeks 2f 8 move 6,new ,babylon1 ,ray=d _h be5 on ! ph"o ) ,buck m (t5 ?an ,*loe _h4 ,:ile %e 0 w>m+ up ! c>1 he sn1k$ 9 "o la/ call4
  8,"ey?+ set80 he ask$ ,buck4
  8,"ey?+4 ,i'll 2 "!40
  8,gd40 ,9 ! c> he ask$ ,*loe1 8,:at's ! /atus on yr a"p;t80
  8,!y promis$ x'll 2 r1dy10 %e sd4 8,b ,i'm gett+ a ll skitti% 2c !y keep /all+ me on ! pap}"w4
  8,y're go+ 6be all "r "h ) me & ,buck 9 ,new ,york80
  8,x's n my f/ *oice1 b ,i h no 9t}e/ liv+ any": ne> ,c>pa?ia1 & c}ta9ly n 9 ,iraq40
  8,:at's ,buck say+80
  8,i hav5't be5 a# 6r1* hm td4 ,he m/ 2 on assign;t "s":4 ,i "k he want$ 6see ,fitzhu< 9 ,d4,c4 soon40
  8,y1h1 maybe t's ": he is40
  ,*loe /opp$ at ,am&a's clo?+ /ore 9 ,pla9es & wait$ 9 ! c> z ,ray=d hurri$ 9 6say gd-bye4
  8,is he "h80 he ask$ h} secret>y4
  8,he is1 & %e is10 ! secret>y sd4 8,%e is 9 h} (fice1 & he's 9 t "o40 ,%e po9t$ 6a small} (fice next 6,am&a's4
  8,z soon z ,i'm 9 "!1 wd y run | 6! c> & tell my dau<t} %e has a call %e c take 9 "!80
  8,sure40
  ,ray=d knock$ & 5t}$ ,am&a's (fice4 #dda
  8,i hope y're n expect+ me 6be *e}y1 ,ray10 %e sd4 8,i've be5 try+ 6"w up a smile all "d1 & x's n "w+40
  8,let me see :at ,i c d 6make y smile10 he sd1 pull+ h} f h} *air & kiss+ h}4
  8,y "k ,buck's "h10 %e sd4
  8,y1h4 ,x'll 2 a nice surprise = ,*loe40
  8,>e y go+ 6-e & surprise me l t "s"t80
  8,maybe ,i'll surprise y "r n{10 he sd4 8,h{ d y l yr new job80
  8,i hate x4 ,i'd l1ve 9 a ,new ,york m9ute if ! "r guy came al;g40
  8,! "r guy j came al;g10 ,ray=d sd1 slipp+ a small box f 8 side pocket & press+ x 96,am&a's back4
  ,%e pull$ away4 8,:at is t80
  8,:at8 ,?8 ,i don't "k4 ,:y don't y tell me80
  ,buck _h he>d ,ray=d |tside ! door & knew ,*loe wdn't 2 f> 2h4 ,he turn$ ! li<t (f & felt 8 way back 6! *air 2h ! desk4 ,9 a few m9utes he he>d ,*loe4 8,9 "h80 %e sd4
  8,yes1 ma'am10 ! secret>y sd4
  8,l9e "o40
  ,! door op5$ sl{ly1 & ,*loe turn$ on ! li<t4 ,%e jump$ :5 %e saw ,buck 2h ! desk1 !n squ1l$ & ran 6hm4 ,z soon z he /ood1 %e l1p$ 96his >ms & he held h}1 twirl+ h} >.d4
  8,%hh10 he sd4 8,? is a busi;s60
  8,did ,da4y "k ab ?8 ,( c|rse he did6 ,he _h to40
  8,he knew10 ,buck sd4 8,surpris$80
  8,( c|rse6 ,:at >e y do+ 9 t{n8 ,h{ l;g c y /ay8 ,:at >e we do+80
  8,i'm 9 t{n only 6see y4 ,i l1ve on a r$-eye tn = ,wa%+ton4 ,& we're go+ 6d9n} af we drop yr dad (f at ! airport40
  8,y1h1 y came only 6see me40
  8,i told y a l;g "t ago 6n"e d|bt my love = y40
  8,i "k40 ,he turn$ & l{}$ h} 96! *air he _h be5 sitt+ in1 !n knelt 2f h} & pull$ a r+ box f 8 pocket4
  8,oh1 ,ray60 ,am&a sd1 gaz+ at ! r+ on h} f+}4 8,i love y4 ,&=! few ye>s we h left1 ,i w love 2+ yrs40
  8,"!'s "o m ?+10 he sd4
  8,:at80
  8,buck & ,i h be5 talk+4 ,he's propos+ 9 ! next room "r n{1 & we 7 wond}+ if y two mi<t 2 op5 6a d|# c}emony ) ,bruce (ficiat+4 ,ray=d wond}$ h{ %e wd react4 ,%e & ,*loe 7 frs1 b n close4
  8,t wd 2 wond};l6 ,b ,*loe mi<t n g = x1 s let's l1ve x up 6h}1 no h>d feel+s ei way4 ,if %e wants h} {n "d1 f9e4 ,b ,i love ! idea4 ,:580
  8,! "d 2f we close on ! h|se4 ,y give two weeks' notice "h & move ) me 6,new ,babylon40
  8,ray=d ,/eele60 %e sd4 8,x takes a :ile 6get yr temp}ature up1 b n l;g 6make y boil4 ,i'll write my resign,n 2f yr plane l1ves ! gr.d40
  8,h y wond}$ :y y n"e got ! pap}"w on ! a"p;t80 ,buck ask$4
  ,*loe no4$4 8,2c t d1l's n go+ 6happ54 ,if y'll h me1 ,i want y 6move 9 ) me 9 ,new ,york40
  8,ray=d10 ,am&a sd4 8,i didn't ?9k ,i wd "e 2 truly happy ag4 ,b ,i am40
  8,a d|# c}emony80 ,*loe swip$ at h} te>s4 8,i'd love x4 ,b d y ?9k ,am&a wd /& = x80
