. you seem real interested in Celia Valdez," Rachel said."I wouldn't exactly say interested," he said. "I'm just surprised that she actually seems to ...have some musical depth. I didn't even know she composed." Have you ever... you know... gone out with her?"He laughed. "No," he said. "I've never gone out with her. The only time I've ever met her is at the Grammy award party and the awards themselves back in 1985. She's our closest competition in terms of album sales and I'm just curious about. They would love that. A nightmare for cops, feds.”“But possible?”He sat very still. “I don’t see why not. I just don’t see why not.”“Related subject, have you heard anything about guns moving underground? In exchange for diamonds?”Battle drew careful crosshatch patterns in the white tablecloth with the tines of his fork. He leaned toward me, lowered his voice even more, “That’s becoming the new racist currency, diamonds.”“Any New York tie-in? New Jersey? Jews? Hassidic Jews?”“That’s a logical. " No, Pico. A little time... that's all I need." Then do as I say. Your action will buy you a month."Carlos wiped his brow, nodded reluctantly, then left."Take a look, Faustina. Tell me what you think."Faustina put her eye to the peephole, smiling as she saw Ruth put a trembling hand to her cheek. "La rubia's eyes are big as tortillas. She will make the perfect replacement for Rosa. The animal and girl hold every ounce of her attention." Yes, my dear sister. She is quite fascinated by the sight. Jeff blushed visibly. "Oh! Ah.. err... No! Nothing like that. Not for me... not tonight, ha-ha." "Oh, come on, Jeff. I can't believe you aren't immensely popular with the ladies. A handsome young man such as yourself. Why, just look at that slim waist and those muscles! I can see 'em even under your uniform shirt!" Karen smoothed the fabric covering his left shoulder with her hand. "Aww, Mrs. Wilson, you're embarrassing me." Jeff was now beet red. His ears felt like two big radiators, one on.