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His words th, Julia grabbed his wet collar "Please, please, not the hospital, please not the paramedics, no doctors, oh God, please, Cheney--"

"Look, Julia, you’re--"

"I’ll die if you take me to a hospital"

It was the utter certainty in her voice that stopped hiht, no hospital What, then? Where do you live?"

He realized she was afraid to tell hi toward thereat I save your butt and you’re scared to tell me where you live Will you at least tell me your last name, Julia?"

She started to shake her head but it was simply too much trouble She whispered, "JuliaJones"

"Oh yeah, like I’ to believe that one Give ht over to San Francisco General"

She gave hied and hard Her jaw throbbed, and sharp licks of pain suddenly leaped to life in every part of her body But there was his coat-- "I hope I don’t ruin your lovely jacket This is very fine wool"

"Like your leather jacket, it’s been through the wars"

Cheney began the long trek back to the entrance of Pier 39, her wet leather jacket over the top of his coat He shook her every once in a while and said each tiht she said she wasn’t stupid, but couldn’t be sure

CHAPTER 3

Most stores on the pier were closed and dark, and tourists were thin on the ground A woman with two children in tow asked if he needed assistance

"No, I’ve got things under control Thank you"