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Lots of people have seen The Producers. I don’t need to describe the plot, except to say it’s about gullible people and lovable rascals, and it’s very funny. I enjoyed every minute. It was marvelous to watch people performing right in front of me on such a professional level. The guest star, the one whom the older people in the audience seemed to recognize, swashed through the lead role with this amazing assurance. Quinn laughed too, and after the intermission he took my hand again. My fingers closed around his quite naturally, and I didn’t feel self-conscious about the contact.

Suddenly it was an hour later, and the play was over. We stood up along with everyone else, though we could tell it would take a while for the theater to clear out. Quinn took my wrap and held it for me, and I threw it around me. He was sorry I was covering myself up—I got that directly from his brain.

“Thank you,” I said, tugging on his sleeve to make sure he was looking at me. I wanted him to know how much I meant it. “That was just great.”

“I enjoyed it, too. You want to go get something to eat?”

“Okay,” I said, after a moment.

“You had to think about it?”

I had actually sort of flash-thought about several different items. If I’d enumerated them, it’d have run something like, He must be having a good time or he wouldn’t suggest more of the evening. I have to get up and go to work tomorrow but I don’t want to miss this opportunity. If we go to eat I have to be careful not to spill anything on my new clothes. Will it be okay to spend even more of his money, since the tickets cost so much?

“Oh, I had to consider the calories,” I said, patting my rear end.

“There’s nothing wrong with you, front or back,” Quinn said, and the warmth in his eyes made me feel like basking. I knew I was curvier than the ideal. I’d actually heard Holly tell Danielle that anything over a size eight was simply disgusting. Since a day I got into an eight was a happy day for me, I’d felt pretty forlorn for all of three minutes. I would have related this conversation to Quinn if I hadn’t been sure it would sound like I was angling for a compliment.

“Let the restaurant be my treat,” I said.

“With all due respect to your pride, no, I won’t.” Quinn looked me right in the eyes to make sure I knew he meant it.

We’d reached the sidewalk by that time. Surprised at his vehemence, I didn’t know how to react. On one level, I was relieved, since I have to be careful with my money. On another level, I knew it was right for me to offer and I would have felt good if he’d said that would be fine.

“You know I’m not trying to insult you, right?” I said.

“I understand that you’re being equal.”

I looked up at him doubtfully, but he was serious.

Quinn said, “I believe you are absolutely as good as me in every way. But I asked you out, and I am providing the financial backup for our date.”

“What if I asked you out?”

He looked grim. “Then I’d have to sit back and let you take care of the evening,” he said. He said it reluctantly, but he said it. I looked away and smiled.

Cars were pulling out of the parking lot at a steady pace. Since we’d taken our time leaving the theater, Quinn’s car was looking lonely in the second row. Suddenly, my mental alarm went off. Somewhere close, there was a lot of hostility and evil intent. We had left the sidewalk to cross the street to the parking lot. I gripped Quinn’s arm and then let it go so we could clear for action.

“Something’s wrong,” I said.

Without replying, Quinn began scanning the area. He unbuttoned his suit coat with his left hand so he could move without hindrance. His fingers curled into fists. Since he was a man with a powerful protective urge, he stepped ahead of me, in front of me.

So of course, we were attacked from behind.

8

IN A BLUR OF MOVEMENT THAT COULDN’T BE BROKEN down into increments my eye could clearly recognize, a beast knocked me into Quinn, who stumbled forward a step. I was on the ground underneath the snarling