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Eve spent the rest of the day doing ould norned to drones She interviewed the victi statements, impressions

She rab a quick sandwich fro across town After the night and theshe’d put in, she could hardly blah she’d recently scraped herself off the sidewalk

Waterfalls playedthe flora in the reception area of the city’s lasses of fizzling water or cha on the cushy chairs and settees Headphones and discs of fashion azines were complementary

The receptionist was ure sculpting techniques She wore a snug, short outfit in the salon’s trademark red, and an incredible coif of ebony hair coiled like snakes

Eve couldn’t have been hted

“I’m sorry,” the woman said in a carefully modulated voice as empty of expression as a computer “We serve by appointment only”

“That’s okay” Eve smiled and was alet e “Who works on Sharon DeBlass?”

The receptionist’s horrified eyes darted toward the waiting area “Our clients’ needs are strictly confidential”

“I bet” Enjoying herself, Eve leaned companionably on the U-shaped counter “I can talk nice and quiet, like this, so we understand each other—Denise?” She flicked her gaze down to the discreet studded badge on the woman’s breast “Or I can talk louder, so everyone understands If you like the first idea better, you can take me to a nice quiet room where on’t disturb any of your clients, and you can send in Sharon DeBlass’s operator Or whatever term you use”

“Consultant,” Denise said faintly “If you’ll follow me”

“My pleasure”

And it was

Outside ofso lush The carpet was a red cushion your feet could sink blissfully into Crystal drops hung froht The air smelled of flowers and pampered flesh

Shehours having herself crea to waste such ti to do so under such civilized conditions

The receptionist showed her into a s one wall The quiet sound of birdsong and breezes sweetened the air