She was surprised and amused… at her feelings of anticipation as she dressed and drove to the restaurant he had named. This was, she abruptly realized, the first time she had lunched with a male alone other than her husband since her marriage. She was actually looking forward to it! The Barrister Restaurant was across the street from the Superior Court Buildings and the Police Department. Sylvia had heard of it and seen it mentioned in the various gossip columns, but she had never eaten there. She was pleasantly surprised when the parking lot attendent took her Porsche and she entered the restaurant itself. The exterior had been rather deceptive, the inside was impressive. Although there was a line of almost two dozen people waiting for seats, the maitre d’ immediately came over to her; there was a look of open admiration in his eyes. “You must be Mrs. Akron.”

“Why… yes?” She found herself flustered for a second; how could he have known who she was?

She got her answer. “Mister Shelton said you’d be here. He described you. We have your table ready.”

Sylvia followed him past the crowded tables and booths until they reached an alcove marked “Judicial Chambers.” It was quieter in here, the conversation was muted, and although every booth was occupied, the room didn’t seem nearly as crowded as the main section. Over in the corner, Sylvia saw the detective deep in conversation with a gray-haired man who had his back to her. She felt a strong tug of disappointment; Shelton had not told her there would be someone else.

Then as she came closer, she became aware of a change in Shelton. He was so different! His clothes looked as if they had been tailored for him. He seemed completely at ease in these surroundings… as if he belonged! It was almost as if he were a completely different man than that dreary little creature who had brought the photographs… and then she remembered that he had seemed changed when he came out of the bathroom that day and had… had… obeyed her instructions. She was blushing when she reached the table.