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Copyright A© 2009 by Robert B. Parker. All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, Philomel
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Published simultaneously in Canada. .
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Parker, Robert B., 1932-
Chasing the bear : a young Spenser novel / Robert B. Parker. p. cm.
Summary: Spenser reflects back to when he was fourteen years old and how he
helped his best friend Jeannie when she was abducted by her abusive father.
[1. Kidnappinga??Fiction. 2. Child abusea??Fiction. 3. Friendshipa??Fiction.
4. Bulliesa??Fiction.] I. Title.
PZ7.P2346Ch 2009 [Fic]a??dc22
2008052725
eISBN : 978-1-101-03283-1
http://us.penguingroup.com
Chapter 1
I was sitting with the girl of my dreams on a bench in the Boston Public Garden watching the swan boats circle the little lagoon. Tourists fed the ducks peanuts from the boats and the ducks followed them.
'It's a nice place,' Susan said, 'isn't it, to sit and do nothing.'
'I'm not doing nothing,' I said. 'I'm being with you.'
'Of course,' she said.
The swan boats were propelled by young men and women who sat in the back of the boat and pedaled. The
