Author Description

Claire Camelot had just turned to take the last seat on the subway when her secret slipped right into Lance Puresoul's lap."Mm-m-m-m," he said. "Charming. Don't think I've seen this issue."What was he yammering about? She turned to look and groaned.Right on top of his satchel was her tattered black-and-white magazine with a bound-and-gagged cover girl clad in panties and a bullet bra. Lance feigned shock. He covered the image with his hands. "My magazine, please," she said."Research?' he asked.He stared at her, head cocked slightly, waiting for an answer like a puppy waiting for his treat.She glared. She rolled her eyes. She said nothing.He shrugged. He stuffed the magazine into his satchel."May I have it back, please," she begged. "I paid several hundred dollars for that magazine. It is a collectible.""I'll bet it is," he said."Sir...please.""My name is Lance. And you're...""Pissed. That magazine is mine, dammit.""Yep. You're right. But I'm sorry, miss. I didn't catch your name... but I'd like to hold onto it for a bit.""You're a thief, sir.""No, ma'am. I'm just holding onto it for you.""Well, what if I summon the transit police?""Really?""In a heartbeat!""I'd like to hear that conversation. You'd say: 'Officer, this man has stolen my magazine.' Then he would ask you for the title. And then you would say...what is it called...?"Lance opened his satchel slightly."Right!" he said. "You would say -- loudly so he could hear you over the subway noise -- 'Officer, he has my collectible copy of The Bound Beauties of Irving Klaw, 1947-63, Volume 5.'"Claire sighed. "Just give me the damn book, okay," she said. "I've had a miserable day.""I'll give it back," he said, "if you have dinner with me.""Why?""We may have some intriguing common interests." "When?""You decide - preferably, a night when you're not tied up with Mr. Klaw?""Are you mocking me?""Mercy, mercy, no.""You understand this is not my whole life, right?""Understood. I'm just learning the ropes myself."Lance look