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He shook hands warmly and without introductions as if he'd known everyone for years He led the roohts

"How does a gallon bottle of cheap burgundy sound before dinner," he asked with a sly grin

Lily laughed "I'ame"

Giordino shrugged "Makes no difference as long as it's wet"

"And you, Dirk?"

"Sounds good"

Pitt didn't bother asking Rothberg how he recognized each of them His father would have provided descriptions The performance was nearly flawless Pitt suspected the historian had worked for one of the governencies at some time in the past

Rothberg retired to the kitchen to pour the wine Lily followed

"Can I help you with anything-?" She suddenly stopped and peered at the empty counters and the cold stove

Rothberg caught her curious look "I'm a lousy cook so our dinner will be catered It should show up around eight" He pointed at the sectional couch in the living rooet comfortable around the fire"

He passed the glasses and then lowered his rotund figure into a leather easy chair He raised his glass

"Here's to a successful search"

"Hear, hear," said Lily

Pitt got off the mark "Dad tells me you've made the Alexandria Library a life study"

"Thirty-two years Probably been better off to have taken a wife all that ti my eyes over old manuscripts The subject has been like a mistress to me