The Legacy Read Online Free PDF Page B

he had purchased on his way from the library. But nothing was visible on the sweater. What do you mean, what happened?
    You look like youve been through a war. Your hairs all messed up, youre perspiring and your hands are shaking. Ive never seen you like this. Are you okay?
    Im fine, he assured her. He wasnt going to tell her anything about his sprint to the library or the cut on his forearm. There was no reason to alarm her simply because he had allowed his imagination to run wild. Once he had sold the tape, then hed explain what had happened.
    Just a tough day on Wall Street, huh? she teased.
    Yeah, he answered quickly, not really concentrating on what she was saying.
    Oh, come on, Cole, Nicki pressed. I know how stressful it can get on the Gilchrist trading floor, but you handle that every day. What happened?
    A couple of guys tried to mug me on Broadway while I was walking over here. I didnt want to say anything because I know everybody back in Duluth told you how dangerous New York City is, but it wasnt a big deal, really.
    Did they take your suit jacket? She pointed at his sweater, grinning. Cole always wore suits.
    What? Oh, the sweater. He forced back a wince as he shifted in the seat. The heat in the Gilchrist Building went out today for a while. Thats why Im wearing it, he lied. I just forgot to change back to my suit coat when I left.
    Do you always keep a spare sweater at work?
    As a matter of fact I do, Agatha Christie. She was like a pit bull sometimes. Once her curiosity was aroused, she didnt let things go without a satisfactory explanation. He tried to change the subject. How was your day?
    Great. She tossed her hair back over her shoulders. I waited tables at lunch, worked out for a few hours at the gym this afternoon and when I got home there were a couple of guys waiting in the lobby of our building. A couple of really big guys.
    Oh?
    A white-aproned waiter with a long ponytail interrupted their conversation. Good evening, my names Jimmy. Can I get you two something to drink?
    Ill have a glass of merlot, Nicki said, smiling up at the short thin man with hair as long as hers.
    Coke, please. Cole didnt bother looking up.
    Ill be right back with your drinks. Jimmy darted off.
    Coke? Nicki laughed. Since when do you drink pop after work? I dont think Ive ever seen you order anything but alcohol after a tough day on the Gilchrist trading floor.
    I dont feel like drinking tonight. He shouldnt indulge in anything that would make him vulnerable, even though a good stiff scotch would go a long way toward taking the edge off his nerves and deadening his physical pain. Tell me about these two big guys waiting for you in the lobby.
    They werent waiting for me, they were waiting for you.
    What did they look like? Cole asked, trying to seem unconcerned.
    Like mobsters.
    He rolled his eyes. Oh, come on.
    Im not kidding, Cole. They wore flashy suits and lots of gold, and sunglasses even though it was almost dark outside. They wanted to talk to you. I told them you wouldnt be back for a while, but they said theyd wait anyway. That was around five oclock. They werent in the lobby when I came back down to walk over here. They were polite, but they still gave me a bad feeling. Somehow they knew I lived with you.
    Did one of them have curly blond hair? Cole realized that asking in detail about the mens physical characteristics might set off a warning bell in Nickis head, but he had to know. Almost yellow in color?
    No, both of them had dark hair.
    Jimmy returned and placed the wine and the Coke down on the table. Are you two ready to order? he asked.
    We havent even looked at the menu yet, Cole answered. Could you give us a few more minutes?
    Sure. Jimmy turned and moved off to take an order from a couple at another table.
    Were you expecting a visit from someone with curly blond hair? Nickis voice wavered slightly, as if she were suddenly uneasy.
    No. Cole picked up his glass, touched it to hers and guzzled half the soft drink