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“Ah” Claire understood immediately Marc had filled her and Patrick in on Conrad’s overdose It wasn’t a ju next “How does your contraption work?”

Ryan was bent over the table again “I’h LEDs and mirrors to this mask to blind anyone If the security tapes are reviewed, all that will be visible is a blinding light on top of a blurred black blob, that blob being Marc No face No mask Just a miniature version of the Times Square ball on New Year’s Eve”

“Very sly ad the lobby?”

“That’s my job I’ll take care of him” Ryan winked “A man needs some secrets I’ll tell you about it afterward” With careful precision, he put down the mask and his tools “Maybe I could take a short break” He tunneled his fingers through Claire’s hair “What would you think about a quickie?”

Her eyes twinkled, although their light blue color darkened a bit “I’d prefer a long-ie” She ran her palht after your escapade Wanna drop by?”

Instantly Ryan’s body reacted This unprecedented weakness he had for this wo It was the same way for Claire Neither of thes that drove the it anymore It hat it was

“I’ht” He tilted back her head and kissed her “I’ll be late,” he said against her mouth “But I’ll make it up to you Don’t expect to sleep”

“I’m flattered” Her palive up a night’s sleep for me?”

“I’ve done it before, remember?” Another kiss, this one deeper than the last

“I remember” Reluctantly, Claire stepped back “We’d better stop now, before things get out of hand” She adjusted Ryan’s sweater

“Yeah,” Ryan agreed, scowling “We’d better” He turned back to the ski mask “Tell Marc I’”

Claire laughed “I will” She headed for the door, then paused with her hand on the knob “Tonight—be careful”

“Always am”

12

NANCY LEXINGTON OPENED the door and greeted Casey “Ms Woods Come in”