Neat and straight he swam underwater to the other side of the pool where he surfaced, locking his eyes with mine, which had never left him."Come in" H...e called.Suddenly I recalled all the weight I'd put on. I couldn't stand up and let him see me, foolishly my mind screamed. I quickly shook my head. He shrugged and began a controlled breaststroke towards me. I sat hypnotized by the sunlight reflecting off of that perfect back. Stopping when his hand touched the edge he shook his head sending. The other runner didn't rest; he did what I didn't do. He reached way down deep inside him and pulled up a little extra something and hit the finish tape a half-stride ahead of me.I staggered and slowed, and then spied some bright green winter grass — just what I needed. The grass cuddled me. I rolled and looked up at a vivid blue sky and one small, lonely cloud, pure white in a field of blue.Jenny girl landed next to me, imposing flashes of green - her wonderful, happy eyes and the facets of. They have as little regard for me as for a half-used vial of Ice. I amjust something to use up or sell. I am glad of my plan to get free ofthem.We pulled up in front of Bella Casa and Cesar lets me out. Pineapplenods silently as I flounce by, and I flash a sexy smile and wag mybutt. I need to feign complete loyalty and enthusiasm.Hector's tawdry courtiers are gathered around him at the ricketylinoleum table.I approach and put my clutch on the table before him. He opens it,grabs the money,. Actually, Almo was a little bit disappointed by Crynot, so I did not expect him to want to return any time soon.The one saving point of our trip to Crynot was when I spotted Nux walking through town. I ran her down, and Almo came along to meet her. We went into a tavern and spent over an hour over watered wine talking about this and that.At one point, I asked Nux what she knew about Malinor. She got real excited at that question and asked, “How did you find out about Malinor? He is the chief.