h one got through."
"Kinda figured that."
"Carter's people had cameras on the doors. I've seen what happened. Good
job, Cade."
Another damned 'good job'. Cade wished someone would -- maybe just once --
say something original, or even just 'well done', but he nodded as he replied,
"Thanks. What now?"
"For you? Nothing, unless Dante or Carter have questions about what
happened. Head to the ops room and file a report, then you're off duty. Mandi
will be along after they finish with the news people and convention photos."
"How'd she do? Fourth? Fifth?"
Trying to look as if he hated to be the bearer of bad news, John said,
"Sixth, I think. Sorry. She just doesn't look enough like Mandi Steele. Won
herself a consolation prize, though."
With a grin, Cade said, "Big deal. That's like 'Everybody Gets A Ribbon' day
at an elementary school."
Through his earpiece came Davis's, "John, Danvers needs a word with you."
Shrugging, John said, "Duty calls. See you later. Don't forget that report
before you sign out for the night."
Cade nodded and took his earpiece off as he headed for the escalators.
Stopping in the lobby for a free newspaper at the luggage desk, he took out his
reading glasses and scanned the news, then dug out the comics as he waited for
an elevator.
On the fourth floor he took his glasses off, dropped the newspaper in his
room, and headed for the ops room, where he used one of the computers to fill
out a report form.
As he was typing the last of a general description of events as he'd
experienced them -- and making a point of mentioning the door closing hard on
Nassir's wrist -- he felt Mandi's presence nearby and looked up as she entered
the room.
He waved and smiled, she waved and smiled, then Cade turned back to typing
and quickly finished the description and the report and printed copies for
signing. Mandi came to stand by the desk
"So you type, too?" she asked, "How fast?"
"About sixty these days. John said you came in sixth."
She sighed with mock regret and said, "Yeah, I just didn't look enough like
me, I guess. Close, but no cigar."
As he signed the forms, Cade said, "Poor little you, milady. May I buy you a
late dinner to ease your pain?"
"Getting hungry again, huh?"
"Yup." Lowering his voice, he said, "I found out what you meant by
'stronger' a while ago."
Matching his near whisper, Mandi smilingly leane