feet hissed. I, She tried to
jump, barely got off the ground.
Cindy said, 'Good jump, Cass.'
The door opened and a man came In.
He looked to be in his late thirties. Six two or so, and very slim.
His hair was dark-brown, wavy, and thick, combed straight back and left long enough to curl over his collar. He had a full face at odds with the lanky physique, rounded further by a bushy, cropped brown beard flecked with gray. His features were soft and pleasant. A gold stud pierced his left earlobe. The clothes he had on were loose- fitting but well cut: blue-and-white striped button-down shirt under a gray tweed sport coat; baggy, pleated black cords; black running shoes that looked brand-new.
A coffee cup was in one hand.
'It's Daddy!' said Cindy.
Cassie held out her arms.
The tall man put the cup down and said, 'Morning, ladies.'
Kissing Cindy's cheek, he scooped Cassie up.
The little girl squealed as he held her aloft. He brought her close with one swift, descending motion.
'How's my baby?' he said, pressing her to his beard. His nose disappeared under her hair and she giggled. 'How's the little grand' -me of the diaper set?'
Cassie put both of her hands in his hair and pulled.
'Ouch!'
Giggle. Yank.
'Double ouch!'
Baby-guffaw.
'Ouch-a-roo!'
They played a bit longer; then he pulled away and said, 'Whew.
You're too rough for me, Spike!'
Cindy said, 'This is Dr. Delaware, honey. The psychologist?
Doctor, Cassie's dad.'
The man turned toward me, holding on to Cassie, and extended his free hand. 'Chip Jones. Good to meet you.'
His grip was strong. Cassie was still yanking on his hair, messing it.
He seemed impervious.
'I minored in psych,' he said, smiling. 'Forgot most of it.' To Cindy: 'How's everything?'
'Bout the same.'
He frowned. Looked at his wrist. Another Swatch.
Cindy said, 'On the run?'
'Unfortunately. Just wanted to see your faces.' He picked up the coffee cup and held it out to her.
