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"One of the parties is happening," David said "I think it’s down on Mallory Square, but I’ for a while"

"And hopefully, we’ll be out of here by then," Sean said, grinning

"Hey, I think it’s great They do reenactments and all kinds of cool historical stuff Kids can come to it, and face it, Key West isn’t always kid-friendly," Vanessa said

"Excuse me--I was a kid here, and I carew up here, too So we stayed off Duval growing up," David said "We had the water Boats, the sea, diving What more could you ask?"

They reached Vanessa’s place When Vanessa ran up to shower and change, Sean and David walked across the street to Irish Kevin’s She would find them there when she was ready

She showered and shah she was in a hurry, she discovered that she was deters, dried her hair with the blow-dryer and despite herself, opted for makeup She chose a knit dress that was both casual and slinky, and though appalled at her choice, she went for heeled sandals

Dressing up as if out on the hunt, she mocked herself

It wasn’t her--it wasn’t the way she lived

And yet, that night, it was

Iave her hair a last brush and hurried out As she crossed the street, whistles followed her frolad

The twoat the entrance to Irish Kevin’s--the ood, playing soht that she hadn’t heard in years and years but sounded absolutely great

"Shall we?" Sean said, seeing her

David whistled "What a transforhed "Thank you"

Sean cleared his throat "Yes, you look great But transforreat wet, in sand, with ratty hair?"

"Not in the least And I’d have never said ratty hair," David protested

"Hrinned "Thank you both, I’o and see if Jay is still at your house?"

They agreed She walked between the two of them as they traveled the short distance from Duval to the O’Hara house

Vanessa remembered it well She had stayed here with Katie h Katie had added a few little touches that ht, new upholstery on the furniture that still seemed to fit the Victorian period of the house, and there was a new entertain into the house was coood times there

"You know hts here," she said

"Pity And I never knew," Sean murmured

"Hey! You’re back!" Jay called from the rear of the house, once an open porch, then a screened porch, now a glassed-in family room

They headed toward the sound of Jay’s voice

The rear of the house had changed It was all Sean O’Hara’s noith several screens set up, a large computer, camera equipment here and there,office chair at the coal, you’ve reat!" Jay said enthusiastically

"He’s shy, never toots his own horn," Vanessa said dryly

"Let’s see it," Sean said

Jay hit a key that sent the filest of the screens in the room They moved around to perch on chairs to watch As she took a seat on the divan by the back of the house, Vanessa felt a chill sweep through her and soentle touch on her arm She looked around, certain one of the men was near her But Sean was perched on a stool and David had taken the wicker wingback chair to her far right Neither was anywhere near her