Mr. Doe was in his regular booth. He was transfixed by the new television mounted on the wall facing his seat. Mr. Doe had pestered Katie and Sadie for years to install one. Mr. Doe was thrilled that he could receive his programming from the round-the-clock news channel both at home and at The Palace.
Mick finished a chapter. He rose, walked to the register, and handed Sadie three dollars. Mick gave her the book for safekeeping under her counter. He headed for the exit without looking toward Jasmine. As soon as the curved door closed behind the departing detective Miss Jade made her decision and quickly followed. Immediately after Jasmine had disappeared through the exit, the television blared, "We interrupt this program for a news report!"
Mr. Doe's attention intensified. He was oblivious to the obvious irony of a twenty-four-hour news channel interrupting its programming for a news report. Mr. Doe never questioned any conservative views the clever-critter channel projected.
Jasmine caught Mick at the next corner and grabbed his arm. "I want to talk to you!"
Mick stopped, smiled, and pleasantly asked, "Will you walk back to the bank with me?"
Jasmine relaxed and released her hold. They reduced their quick strides and casually strolled along together.
"You haven't told anyone about yesterday."
"I would never purposely do anything to hurt you, Jasmine."
"Thank you . . ." Miss Jade began haltingly, ". . . for everything. I would have thanked you yesterday if – "
"I hadn't made you so mad."
"Yeah," she agreed resignedly. Jasmine continued thoughtfully, "I want to explain something to you, Mick."
"I'm listening."
"I hate smoking!"
"I would never have guessed."
"It's not funny!"
"No, it's not! I've about had it with you holier-than-thou nonsmokers who think they have the right to tell me how to live. If that's all you wanted to say, Jasmine – "
"Both my parents died of lung cancer, Mick!" Jasmine revealed in such a burst of pain and passion that Loneshark stopped and looked into her eyes with conflicting emotions.
"I . . . I'm sorry . . . I didn't know. Clint once said you had tragedies in your past, but he told me he would keep your confidences until when and if you chose to tell me yourself." Jasmine smiled sadly. They resumed walking.
After a small silence, Jasmine began,"They were the two most wonderful people. My mother was beautiful. Her hair was thicker, richer, and more radiant than mine. It had that
