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He rounded a corner, downshifting "Tiovernuards They’ve got unlial authority to kick butt…"

I couldn’t think what to say to that so I kept my mouth shut

We pulled into the wide brick drive in front of the hotel and Dietz got out, slipping the usual folded bill to the parking attendant with instructions to keep the car within sight It was still light outside and the landscape was saturated with late afternoon sun The grass was close-cropped, a dense green, the lawn bordered with pink and white ilowed an intense, electric blue On the far side of the road, the surf battered at the seawall, clouding the air with the briny sewater’s sprawling alows at the rear of the property, each the size of the average single-fahborhood The architecture was Spanish-style, white stucco exterior, heavy beae-faded red tile roofs, interior courtyards Under an archway that led to the for to asseirl skipping back and forth with a basket of rose petals Two youngthe efficacies of birth control

As usual, Dietz took htly in front of me as he walked us toward the entrance I found uests in the immediate vicinity He was keyed up, eyes watchful as we entered the spacious lobby, which was flanked by two oversize ie and had a brief chat Dietz had apparently had a second conversation with the ement up front because shortly afterward, Charles Abbott, the director of security, appeared Introductions went around Abbott was in his late sixties and looked like a retired Fortune 500 executive in a three-piece suit, complete with manicured nails and a Rolex watch This was not a man you’d ever refer to as Charlie or Chuck His silver hair was the saray of his suit and a diamond stickpin winked fro what he did noas lots more fun than whatever he did then He led us over to a corner of the lobby where three big leather wing chairs were grouped together in the shelter of a ten-foot rubber plant

Dietz had brought photocopies of the uy we’re worried about I’d like to distribute these aht"

Abbott gave a cursory glance to the pictures before he handed them back He had luminous blue eyes and made lots of eye contact "Mr Dietz, I have to remind you that we’re not equipped to handle any kind of sophisticated security measures for a private citizen We cooperate with the Secret Service when the occasion arises, but the hotel can’t accept any liability in the event of some kind of unfortunate incident We’re here pri as I’m kept informed, we’ll be happy to do e can, but beyond that I can’t promise much"

Dietz smiled "I understand that," he said pleasantly "This is purely precautionary on our part We don’t anticipate any proble a few bases just to ensure that everything goes smoothly"

Abbott said, "Of course"

Dietz was on his best behavior, casual, relaxed He must have really needed this man’s help

Abbott’s expression was bearette holder and a sold Dunhill "How else can I help? I can make one of my security staff available"

"I don’t think that’ll be necessary, but thanks We do have a California Fidelity eht I’d like to have her roo the roo you can do?"

Abbott considered the request Under the s manner, there was ice and flint "I don’t see why not" He excused himself and moved over to the front desk After a short conversation with the desk clerk, he jotted a note in a sht pocket He returned, tore the leaf off, and handed it to Dietz

"You know either of these couples?" Dietz asked

"I know both The Clarks have stayed here many times Mr and Mrs Thiederman happen to be my aunt and uncle"

Dietz tucked the paper away and shook Abbott’s hand "Thanks We appreciate this"