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ants in their black pajamas. We haven't any fancy, convoluted reasons to do this, or not do that, no excuses. I guess you would say we see things in black and white. I assure you that we see shades of gray, too. We live by simple rules. Wave the flag and we salute and charge.'' |
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He looked at Anna sideways, judging her expression. "You and yours despise us for that, I think. Maybe that's not the politically correct word. Bourgeois chauvinism is the current expression. Now, you, lady, you spend your time on some cloud up there out of our reach, chasing rainbows. We suffer wounds. You suffer moral dilemmas. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" |
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"You seem to think I'm dangerous, twitching my ass and waving my tits at every man who goes by," Anna said passionately. "Look at me, damn itI'm plain, I'm not beautiful. I'm going on middle-aged. And I really care about John Morgan." |
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"Unlike some of the others?" Ave said, one eyebrow raised. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. All l want is for Johnny Morgan not to get hurt, pardon my grammar. He loved his wife dearly, and since she died, he's been at loose ends." |
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"What was she like, Mr. Peters? What was her name? I've never had the time or the chance to ask." |
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"Joan. She was a sweetheart, a wonderful wife for a man in the service." Ave's voice was wistful. "A little thing physically, but strong on character. She couldn't have kids. When she went to the doctor to find out whythat's when they discovered the cancer." |
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Anna looked at him in astonishment. Were his eyes wet? |
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He went on briskly. "Enough of all that. Actually, I'm paying you a kind of compliment. You're staying at ground zero with us peons, not crying in your beer like those brave newsmen here this morning. Welcome to the world, Anna Neville." |
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Morgan had finished his discussion with the Canadians and came back over in time to hear Ave's last words to Anna. Then Ave turned to Morgan and clapped him on the shoulder. |
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