Free The Kazak Guardians by C. R. Daems Page A

foster homes, with street gangs, and on my way to Vegas. I guess I haven't yet put them behind me. The few friends I have understand that."
    Witton didn't respond for several minutes.
    "I have no assignment for you at the present time. Go visit your friend in Denver. She'll be delighted to see you and you'll help her career along. I'll call when I need you."
    "Alright, if you don't need me, I'll go off to Denver and sulk."
    ***

    I didn't tell Clare I was coming. I just showed up at her work place. She was obviously doing well as she had been given an office since the last time I visited.
    "Lynn!" She blasted out of her chair like a rocket and grabbed me in a bear hug. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? It isn't nice, surprising an editor. She may say bad things about you on the front page."
    "In that case, I'd have to shoot you. Instead, you could write nice things about my recent exploits and me." I returned her hug. Witton was right. Good friends see each other now and then and help each other whenever they can. I could help Clare with an interview. She shouldn't have to ask me.
    "You mean it? Oh, Lynn," she yelled, giving me another extra-tight bear hug.
    "First, let's do the town. We'll eat at good restaurants, go to plays, and talk and talk. I know I promised to go to Richmond, but ... "
    "Clare, I understand. I never know where I'll be or when I'll get time off. Frankly, the only reason I'm here is that my boss told me he didn't need me for a while. He said he would call when he did. So you're stuck with me for I don't know how long."
    That got me another hug. For the next nine days, Clare and I shared experiences. She had gotten a promotion. She claimed it was because of me but I doubted it. She had met a guy named Jack, who I got to meet. He reminded me of Gabe, which made me feel guilty for not at least calling him and never visiting. He was also a good friend. Jack seemed nice. I told him I would hunt him down if he hurt Clare. He took it as a joke. I meant it. Although I'm not sure it mattered, Clare got her interview with the same conditions. If the Assassins didn't know my name, sex, and home telephone number by now, I'd be shocked; however, I think it made the story more intriguing.
    I even managed to get hold of Gabe on the telephone and spent two hours talking about old times. Gabe was now the bar manager at the Bellagio's Fontana Bar. As I talked about the Kazak training, I think he was relieved he had failed to make the climb. The three or four years he wanted to stay wouldn't have been worth the effort. Now he was earning a good living and had a city full of women to chase. I promised myself I would visit him the next time I was given time off.
    ***

    Clare and I were enjoying a quiet dinner at the Le Central restaurant when my phone rang.
    "Sorry, Clare."
    I knew it was Witton and had to answer it. "I have to admit you were right. Thank you, Mr. Witton."
    "You're welcome. Come home. Our private jet will be at Concourse A within the hour. I'm pleased you're having a good time, but I expect you there when the plane arrives," he said and the phone went dead. A man of few words. I had nothing to complain about. This was the life I wanted and loved.
    "Sorry. I have to be at the airport as soon as I can get there. There's a plane waiting to take me back to Richmond."
    "I'm impressed. I'll drive you. What about your clothes?"
    "Save them for the next time I get free. My plane's probably being refueled as we talk." I stood and signaled the waiter. I dropped two one-hundred-dollar bills in his hand.
    "Will that cover the meal plus a good tip?" He nodded. I followed Clare out the door. She knew all the back streets and made it to the airport in less than forty-five minutes.
    "I'm glad you came, Lynn. Come more often-with or without another thrilling adventure."
    "I'll try." I meant it.
    "I can't begin to imagine the life you lead. They're sending a private plane to get you. The only difference between you and