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Post by Jordanna on Jul 9, 2007 22:01:46 GMT -5
"You suppose we dare wander over and give him our condolences?" Henry queried.
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Post by skybright on Jul 9, 2007 23:41:10 GMT -5
Daws glanced around the ballroom for a minute and then shrugged. "I don't see why not -- half the people in here are doin' it, and I'm pretty sure Cole's smart enough not to recognize us in a crowd like this."
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 10, 2007 22:22:43 GMT -5
With a nod, Henry rose and sauntered across the floor to the sycophant-swamped politician, letting Daws follow him at a slight distance. He waited until Cole was between knots of admirers, then edged in and held out his hand.
"Congratulations, Mister Cole... I think." Henry smiled. "You might not remember me. Henry Casselton--just another supporter."
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Post by skybright on Jul 10, 2007 22:37:23 GMT -5
Cole chuckled faintly. "Of course, Mister Casselton. Always a pleasure -- and thank you for the support."
He caught sight of Daws over Henry's shoulder and smiled faintly. "And Miss . . . Dawson, isn't it?"
Nice touch. Daws thought with amusement, pushing her fedora back. "Like Mister Casselton said -- congratulations. And I suppose I should add 'good luck'."
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 10, 2007 22:41:18 GMT -5
"The same from me," said Henry, and raised a wry eyebrow. "We were chatting with the mutant advocate Mister Tiernan earlier, and he mentioned he's looking forward to talking with you."
It was delivered with just enough significance to be a subtle warning.
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Post by skybright on Jul 10, 2007 22:46:06 GMT -5
A brief shadow flickered over Cole's face before it was replaced by his usual good-humored smile. "Yes, Mister Tiernan has been quite . . . instrumental in the campaign." An unknowing observer would have been hard-pressed to detect the undercurrent of loathing in the superficially pleasant words. "I'm sure he'll have a lot of suggestions to contribute."
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 10, 2007 22:52:24 GMT -5
"I don't envy you," Henry murmured sincerely, then smiled again. "If I can do anything to help, let me know--although my services are usually of a kind that nobody wants to need."
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Post by skybright on Jul 10, 2007 22:59:54 GMT -5
"I do appreciate it." Cole smiled genuinely. "I . . . wish I could stay and talk, but you'll have to excuse me. I've got quite a bit of circulating to do before the night is out." The politician glanced at the assembled crowd, and Daws thought she saw a brief look of discomfort cross his face -- but it was quickly replaced with the same old politician's smile.
Add me to the list of people who don't envy him, she thought offhandedly, and Cole immediately glanced at her with a dryly amused look.
"No rest for the weary, eh, Miss Dawson?"
She grinned crookedly and shook her head. "Nor the wicked, either."
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 11, 2007 21:14:58 GMT -5
"Well, if you'll pardon me," said Henry, "I think I'd better excuse myself for the evening. I have an early funeral to prepare for in the morning."
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Post by skybright on Jul 11, 2007 21:24:57 GMT -5
"Of course." Cole nodded. "Good to see you again."
With that the politician struck off once more, shaking the hands of well-wishers and supporters. Daws settled her fedora lower on her head.
"I should get going, too -- before it gets any later." She spared a quick glance at the screens above the stage. "Or any uglier."
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 11, 2007 21:30:27 GMT -5
"I have to admit I had that in mind myself," Henry confessed. He glanced around to ensure that no one was scrutinizing them, then brifly squeezed Daws' shoulder. "Take care of yourself."
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Post by skybright on Jul 11, 2007 21:37:36 GMT -5
Daws grinned crookedly. "I will. Can't promise you'll be seeing too much of me for a bit -- for safety's sake -- but I'll be just fine." She briefly grasped the older man's hand. "You do the same, all right?"
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 11, 2007 21:50:33 GMT -5
"Certainly." Henry smiled slightly at Daws and nodded. "Call me if I can help you with anything. Good night..." He glanced off in the direction Cole had moved. "And good luck when you two have that meeting with Tiernan."
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Post by skybright on Jul 11, 2007 22:00:18 GMT -5
Daws grimaced briefly. "Thanks -- we'll need it."
She glanced over her shoulder, surveying the room. "I think I can chance sayin' goodnight to Sid before I split -- may be the last I'll see of him for a bit. I'll see you, Henry."
She turned and threaded her way through the crowd to where Sid was standing, and nodded with a polite but detached air. "Just wanted to say thanks for a nice evening, Mister Rosenstein -- and to remind ya about that photograph." She grinned faintly. "Though I wouldn't lay odds on your seeing the guy anytime soon."
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 11, 2007 22:09:50 GMT -5
Sid got the message in Daws' last line, and nodded very slightly. "Sure thing. I'll let ya know if anythin' comes up." He grinned. "Drop in again sometime, eh?"
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Post by skybright on Jul 11, 2007 22:14:46 GMT -5
Daws smiled faintly. "Can't make any promises," she shrugged, "My . . . ah . . . most recent case . . . is gonna be keepin' me busy." Then she grinned. "But I'm like a bad penny -- I'll turn up."
She gestured towards the stage. "Give my regards to your leading act, won't you?"
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Post by Jordanna on Jul 11, 2007 22:20:06 GMT -5
Sid grinned and nodded. "He'll 'preciate it. Uh--take care on the streets out there, ma'am. See ya 'round."
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Post by skybright on Jul 11, 2007 22:26:44 GMT -5
Daws nodded and headed for the door. She paused in the entryway long enough to turn up her collar -- a bit of an extra precautionary measure -- before she exited the club and turned her steps for home.
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