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"Nearer than you think. I am in the vicinity, doing some follow-up."
"You love me."
"I hate when you do that." He grumbled and heaved out a sigh. "Okay, fine. I will dress up like a frigging undertaker and escort my wife to this thing. You owe me."
"And I always pay my debt. I love you."
"Yeah, yeah. See you later."
She was smiling when she hung up on him.
Reaching for the manuscript she had been perusing, she was about to start making changes when her intercom buzzed.
"Mariel?"
Vladimir is on the phone. I told him you were busy, but he insists on speaking with you."
"Put him through." She said with a sigh. Waiting for the call to be transferred, she pressed the button and picked up the receiver.
"I am so sorry to disturb you, Liebchen."
Bet you are, she thought sardonically.
"What can I do for you?"
"I have some changes."
"More?"
"You are going to love these, I promise you. We could do this over the phone, or I could come to you." There was a hopeful quality to his voice that had her sighing inwardly.
"I can spare you half an hour. My day is packed."
"I will be there in the blink of an eye."
Hanging up, she pushed away from her desk and went to get his manuscript. They were in the final stages of the copy editing, which was taking time because Vladimir insisted on making changes.
She would have to tell him this was the last time and be firm about it. With the manuscript in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, she left the office and stepped into Mariel's.
"I am going to be in the library. Vladimir should be here in a few minutes. Have someone prepare tea, orange juice, and refreshments and send him straight to me."
Chapter 7
She had chosen to wear orange. The cashmere dress was brand new, and she figured it was perfect for the occasion.
Her thick dark brown hair had been washed and deep conditioned and was a shining mass of curls tumbling artlessly around her shoulders and down her back. Her makeup was flawless, the crushed orange lipstick glowing on her lips.
Dangling diamond and white gold earrings were at her lobes, and a matching chain at her throat. She had arrived early to see if she could have a conversation with Jerri and a quick word with Andrea Gayle.
It was seven-thirty, and she did not expect her friends for another half hour if they were early. Her brother had called and said he was still at the precinct and might be late. A smile touched her lips as she spied Jerri hurrying towards her with arms outstretched.
"Honey, how lovely to see you, and wow!"
"You like?" Delores smiled widely at the lovely woman.
"I love. Romano's?"
"Oh, absolutely. I was hoping to have a quick word with you."
