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that sounded at least halfway intelligent. If I didn't, there was a good chance that finger of hers could get a little nervous. |
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"I didn't come for it," I explained. "Actually, I came here to talk to you about it." |
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There were two ways to approach ithead on or try to gain the old girl's confidence with a little preliminary chatter. Rightly or wrongly, I figured Glenna Austin wasn't big on the social amenities. James Bay didn't exactly conjure up impressions of a place where the emphasis was on the social graces. |
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I decided on the no-nonsense approach. If I kept her talking, she would be thinking about what she was saying and not about pulling the trigger. |
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"The true believers are assembling, aren't they?" |
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"Who told you about that?" |
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I pointed to the ugly little statue with the bloated belly. "I've done some homework." |
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"Sate, Ancient of Ancients," she repeated. "We ain't supposed to have them sittin' out where folks can see it, but I think it's too beautiful to keep hidden." |
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"Are you a true believer?" |
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The old woman nodded dreamily. "Me and the husband was both blessed." |
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"Your husband was a true believer, too?" |
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She nodded again. This time she tightened |
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