I Make Lots Of Mistakes.

We Were Discussing A Grisly Double Murder And Rodriguez Was Telling Us All This In The Same Sort Of Conversational Tone A Person Might Use To Pass On A Favorite Lasagna Recipe. And I Was Responding With The Same Enthusiasm A New Cook Might Show. I Was Simultaneously Horrified And Impressed With Myself.

I Don't Know Much About Cars," Joyce Said, "but I Think Someone Took My Engine.

Ranger Cradled My Face In His Hands, Using His Thumbs To Wipe The Tears From My Eyes. "the Ceremony Is Over. Can You Make It Back To The Car?" I Nodded. "i'm Okay Now. Am I Red And Blotchy From Crying?" "yes," Ranger Said, Brushing A Kiss Across My Forehead. "i Love You Anyway." "there's All Kinds Of Love," I Said. Ranger Took Me By The Hand And Led Me Back To The Suv. "this Is The Kind That Doesn't Call For A Ring. But A Condom Might Come In Handy." "that's Not Love," I Told Him. "that's Lust.

Am I To Assume You Would Rather Not Have Us As Clients?"
 "let Me Think About That For A Nanosecond," Dickie Said. "yes! Last Time You Were In My Office You Tried To Kill Me."
 "that's An Exaggeration. Maim You, Yes. Kill You, Probably Not."


At The Other End Of The Room, Grandma Had The Lid Up On Larry Lipinski. She Was Standing One Foot On A Folding Chair, One Foot On The Edge Of The Casket, And She Was Taking Pictures With A Disposable Camera.