"Sam, I want to help you. Please don't spoil it by misinterpreting my intentions."
"You should get a little fun out of life," Collins listened to himself say.
He came on around the big table towards her.
The first time he hadn't realized what was happening, but this time he knew. Somebody was pulling strings and making him jump. He had as much control as Charlie McCarthy.
"Don't come any closer, Sam."
Nancy managed to keep her voice steady, but he could tell she was frightened.
He took another step.
She threw her coffee in his face.
The liquid was only lukewarm but the sudden dash had given him some awareness of his own body again, like the first sound of the alarm faintly pressing through deep layers of sleep.
"Sam, Sam, please don't make me do it! Please, Sam, don't!"