Hopscotch by Kevin Anderson

Author:Kevin Anderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780553897524
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2003-04-29T04:00:00+00:00

Outside the gallery, keeping away from the bright lights, Daragon watched it all, enjoying Garth's success. Tonight, Mr. Ob was with him, separate from the Bureau, probably imagining a different life for himself, how it might have been if he'd been a successful artist instead of the BTL Chief.

Daragon strode along the edge of the crowd as if his job were to maintain order at the show. People gave way, letting him move unhindered around the perimeter of the exhibition building, past the water-fans and lasers. Before the opening, accompanying Chief Ob, Daragon had seen the exhibit in a special showing with Garth, Stradley, Pashnak, and several VIPs. Nothing in the auditorium, though, could give him more pleasure than to see the attention his friend had finally received.

As he watched the ebb and flow of people, he noticed how many of the guests departed looking contemplative, uncertain, disturbed. Some chuckled nervously, some remained silent, hurrying to their hoverlimos. A few smiled wistfully, shaking their heads. Yes, Garth's work had touched them, all right.

“Congratulations, my friend,” he said quietly.

Then he saw Eduard and Teresa standing near one of the exits, deep in conversation, both excited and moved. Noticing him, Teresa rushed forward to take his hand. “Oh, Daragon, come inside with us! Garth would be so happy to see you.”

“He came with Mr. Ob,” Eduard pointed out.

“I've already talked with him and seen the show. It's better if I keep a low profile out here.” Daragon felt very self-conscious in his uniform. “I know how intimidating my presence can be.”

Teresa let out a sparkling laugh. “You don't intimidate us.”

“I doubt the people who came to see Garth's art would feel the same way. I don't want to cast any shadow, not on this night of all nights.” He looked toward the doors. “But I had to be here.”

From behind his shadowed eyes, Eduard forced a smile. “Just to keep an eye on your friends? Watching over us?”

“To make sure nothing goes wrong. As always.”

As quickly as he could, Daragon found an excuse to go. He walked away from the lights and music, leaving his friends behind.

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