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Page 320
thing he already knew as fact.
"So what if I am?" Charlie hissed.
"I must talk to you," the man insisted.
"Look, if your business relates to Frazier Securities, I'll have to insist you make an appointment through my secretary. If it doesn't, then let me go on record as saying that your manners are really quite rude. Can't you see the lady and I are having dinner?"
The old man appeared to be completely unfazed by Frazier's initial volley. There was no effort to move. His placid expression remained unchanged. Diners at surrounding tables were turning to stare at them.
"Get rid of him, Charlie," Kristen hissed. "You're causing a scene, and we don't need that. Half the gossip columnists in Florida will know we're here within a matter of minutes."
The words had no more than escaped Kristen's mouth when Charlie's hand shot in the air as a signal to a nearby waiter. Mama JoJo's people were quick to the rescue.
"This gentleman is bothering the lady."
The old man stepped forward. "Please, Mr. Frazier, I must talk to you." His voice was raspy and warped with a sense of exhaustion.
"Get him out of here," Charlie said. "If you can't guarantee your better patrons a . . . " There was no need to finish the tirade; one waiter already had the old man by one arm and another was moving to assist him. They

 
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