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Her mouth worked without words. Finally she got it out. "I don't care if it was a conspiracy or who it was. My babies are dead. And, Calvin, you let it happen, you let it happen." |
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"You knew from the beginning, you said so. You could have stopped it. Matty would still be alive . . ." |
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"I didn't know what it was, Terry. I didn't know it was dangerous," he said, hating the feebleness of his defense. "They said it was nothing to worry about" |
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"Beverly? Of course, she'd say not to worry. She was making a sale. Why didn't you check it out yourself?" |
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It was the question that would always haunt him. "I'm sorry," he whispered. It was futile to say more. |
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"Sorry? Why the hell did you even tell me about my babies?" |
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"Guilt, I guess. Also maybe to divert your grief" |
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"To exposing the bastards behind it all." |
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She swung her feet off the bed and ran into the bathroom. |
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For a long moment Calvin just stared at his image in the dresser mirror thinking I've killed us all when the telephone rang. |
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Calvin looked at it. Its persistence made him want to tear it out of the wall but he answered it. |
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"Calvin, Dennis Waite. Sorry to bother you at this hour, but I've got to see you." |
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"Well, it's important. I'm downstairs here in the lobby." |
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A pause. "I see. The lobby's a mob scene. A busload of tourists just returned. I know it's awkward, but can I come up? It'll just take a minute." |
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Calvin sighed. "Okay," he said, and hung up. |
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He told Terry that Dennis Waite was on his way up. She said nothing and sat in a chair staring out the window. When Waite arrived, there were awkward introductions. Terry's eyes were dry but red, and Waite immediately picked up the tension. |
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"I'll be quick," he said. "I take it, you haven't seen the news." |
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