d cigar into the crystal ashtray,

frame seemed to swallow t

his leather shoes against the Persian rug

s hit the solid wood of the locked door. She tilted

d down at her chest, watching it rise and fall rap

ed out a set of sleek car keys. He tossed them in his palm once, the metal clic

ed, confused. "Th

he said flatly. "And I'm keeping them. Your blood

apped his large hand around April's waist, his fingers pressing firmly into her si

own the hallway. April, completely overpowered, s

them in a descending metal box. The faint, bitter scent of medi

jet-black, bulletproof Maybach was idling in the VIP s

April's head to guide her into the c

Let he

with terror. One of his hands clutched his ribs as if he had been shoved hard. He pointed a trembling, hesitant

open up and swallow her. The sheer stupidity of this boy was

s back, shielding her completely. He looked at

checkbook. He uncapped a fountain pen, scribbled a string of numbe

luttered to

ce of yours," Bartholomew said, his

drained from his face. His knees buckled. He didn't even pick up the check-he turned and sc

over, but a larger, more terrified part saw the casual, brutal way he wielded his wealth. To him, people we

't use a gentle touch this time. He practically shoved April int

ressed a button, and the thick, soundproof partition

ould allow. She pressed herself against the door, staring warily

to the glowing neon arteries of Manhattan. The silence in

minutes, April coul

emanded. "Are we going back to t

en his eyes. He press

Take us to the dine

s where she used to go at 3 AM during her brutal medical res

neon sign of the diner reflected off the bulletproof glas

umbrella. He walked around the back of the car and opened he

ing for her. It was a domineering gesture

of rain. A tiny crack formed in the impenetra

nto his warm palm, and let him lead her into the d