4.
Beauty and the Beast, 11:20 a.m. Friday, 16th August, Cab Leaving LA Airport—I gave the driver, a black guy, the Union Station Hotel address near the bus station.
He nodded, peered back at me in the mirror for a long moment, and finally said, “That’s a happening part of town, man. I know some fine-looking women there. You interested in meeting a cooperative woman tonight? Set you back, oh…maybe fifty bucks.”
I was surprised, him soliciting like that right in front of Etta. I managed to shake my head, but felt my neck tightening, my blood beginning to rush—
Etta snuggled closer, gripping my shoulder tightly, and whispered, “Forget it, Harry. I’m just excited to be back working again with you. I thought that assignment that turned so bad in Pakistan would be our last. Don’t blow our c
