rake started a search in the closet. Ten minutes later Sylvia Fanton made an appealing picture in tan slacks, light jersey sweater and a pair of sport shoes Jim had discarded years ago but had forgotten to throw away. She stood at the door holding the fox fur close to her breast. Then smiling brightly, she tossed it into his arms.
"Take good care of it," she said. "If it's not here in the morning...."
Drake stood close to her. He couldn't find words for what was in his heart. A dull hurt feeling welled up in his throat. It was so damned futile sending a girl out when he had promised not to follow. If she didn't come back in the morning....
Sylvia's eyes grew tender. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed her lips to his stubbled chin.
"You've been up for a long time, laddie," she whispered. "Better shave and get some rest."
The door slammed quickly and she was gone. Drake held the fur carefully over his arm and rubbed his chin reflectively.
"I'll be damned," he said.
"So will I," Puffy spoke from somewhere behind him. "Looks like Cinderella Drake is gonna go huntin' for that other slipper, and after all these years."