Chapter 9

Mark saw Paul, Nate’s assistant, watching in amusement and shook his head. Paul grinned then nodded slightly toward the door leading out onto the patio. Surprised, Mark looked at him in question.

Paul came over, whispering ‘escape’, which Mark could barely hear over the chatter. Then, much louder, Paul told the gathering, “I need to borrow Mark for a few minutes, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not, as long as you return him,” Nate replied with a chuckle.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Mark said two minutes later, as they stepped outside.

“You were beginning to look a bit frazzled,” Paul told him. “Let’s sit over there until you unfrazzle, if that’s a word.”

“It works for me.” With Paul running interference against the few party-goers who were enjoying the cool night air, they made it across the patio to a bench set against the side wall.

Paul leaned back, eyeing Mark. “So how are you liking your notoriety?”