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	and her replacement wanted to check on any existing business between our companies. I was curious about what happened to Christy, but I knew it's in poor taste to ask. That night however, my unasked question was answered by the local news, which reported her body had been found in the river, with no further details at this time. It could have happened to any girl, anywhere, not just in this city, but even so, I felt cold for a moment.      A week later, Ambassador Thayne called to invite Robert and me to drinks. Generally I don't attend these "feel each other out" type meetings, but I gallantly accepted for both of us.      The boss, bursting with excitement to begin the chase, met me outside another tiresome trendy bar. The Ambassador was already there, looking positively energetic, and even slightly younger, rejuvenated.      He greeted us warmly, "Ah, Robert, nice to meet you. Please, call me Charles. And the lovely Sarah. What can I get you to drink this evening?" Wanting to stay alert, I opted for a gin and tonic.      It went well enough. The boss can spin many a business opportunity vision when he's inspired, and Charles the Ambassador loved every one. I demurely sipped my drink and looked attentive and fascinated at these wondrous ideas I had heard a thousand times before. By the end of the conversation, they were both glowing with the bright possibilities ahead. The pitch was winding down, and I felt I could take my leave, when to my dismay, the Ambassador asked, "Where do you live?"		"Oh, I live in Brooklyn; it's not far by cab," I answered.      "Well, I have my car here, so I would be happy to drop you off." I was not pleased with this suggestion, and even less pleased at the way Robert's eyes lit up at the thought that I could be used to seal the deal.      "No, really, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you. The traffic can be hairy in my neighborhood." I protested.      Robert chimed in, because he couldn't bear the thought of losing a six figure deal merely to protect an employee's honor, "Oh, traffic should be fine this time of night. Go on. It will be faster than catching a cab." I was ushered into the car, which was a luxurious black limousine. The limo made me uncomfortable, though I was glad of the extra space I could put between myself and the Ambassador, whose motives were dubious to my mind. I tried idle chitchat to fend him off. "So, where are you going?" I tried not to fidget.      "I'm taking the redeye to L.A." I sensed him edging just a bit closer.      "How long will you be out there?" I continued my banter.      "Oh, not very long, just a couple of days." I began to feel my skin crawl, in a this-is-REALLY-bad way.      "I've never been to L.A. Is it nice?" At this point I noticed that the car was by the river. I glanced forward but the black tinted glass hid the driver. "Oh, it's not so bad."      And suddenly it came over him. Just like that, no more small talk. The hair on the back of my neck rose like hackles as I was