[Lennon] The door to the casino room swings open, and a man walks out. There isn't exactly a smile on his face, but I can feel the glee and triumph emanating from every pore of his skin. When you've won, and everybody knows it to the extent that you don't have to say a word, is the very best kind. "He'll come with a different tactic next year," I tell him, and he stops to listen. "He'll stop trying to beat you and will just take you for all your money's worth since he now kno

"Mr. Guild, please answer the question," the publisher's attorney demands. "Why was she writing about you, and why was she trying to prevent this from ever coming to light?” "I didn't say she was trying to prevent it from coming to light. What I said was that she didn't want me to find it." "Is this distinction relevant?" "It is," he responds. "May I ask why?” "I'm not obligated to answer your questions," he states curtly and takes his seat. "You're right," the defense attorn

[Maeve] The moment the words leave my mouth, a heavy feeling drops down into my stomach like a stone. It's like the feeling you get when making a decision you know is right for you despite everyone being against it. However, rather than feeling comforted by the fact that you stuck to your guns, all you feel is fear and condemnation due to the ever-looming threat that they will be right at the end, and you would be wrong, and would have ruined your own life. Being known as his

[Lennon] "Khabib vs. McGregor," Ian says as we pull up to the Borgata Casino. I throw him a glance. "What?" "The loudmouth vs. the zen pit bull. You're going to get me Khabib tonight. That's the only birthday present I'll accept." I'm amused as we both get out of the car and stroll towards the red and gold, 20-feet tall VIP entrance of New Jersey's finest gambling den. "You talking about the actual fighters or allegories?" "Allegories," he replies as we are greeted at the ent

[Maeve] Lennon was almost always alone, which was why I didn't need to look any further than the bar to find him. He sat with a glass of scotch in hand, in his own world, away from the crowd. I had never once found the courage to approach him before or even look him in the eye. And to be fair, most of the associates had the same visceral realization of his presence... his brilliance and his ability to stare at you as though he could see right into you. No one wants that kind

[Lennon] "I just found out that I'm on your 'no need for an appointment' list." The sudden, familiar voice brings me to an abrupt halt. At first, I remain skeptical that he is actually in my office, but soon enough, he turns away from the golden, late evening Manhattan skyline and faces me. I glance back at my secretary at his desk, and he immediately lowers his gaze, but not before I catch the smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth. “I also found out that I’m the only one

[Maeve] "Hey, I got your message," June says the moment she picks up. "You need some money to come over to Seattle?" "No, no, it's fine," I reply, burning with shame. "I figured it out." “You sure?” "Yeah." “Should I send it just in case?” “What does that mean?” my tone turns wimpish. "I know you, so I know that you had to have been on the verge of losing an arm before asking me for this. So now, I'm wondering if it's that you really don't need it or you've decided that losin

"So, Miss Collins," the publisher's attorney asks, "you're testifying that the concept of a man sending his wife to prison was inspired by a case worked on by your attorney here, Mr. Guild?" "Yes, I am." "And Mr. Guild, do you corroborate this fact as well?" he asks, and her lawyer nods from across the room. "Yes, I do." The defense attorney chuckles. "Good cop, good cop." "It is true, though I have to admit that no other published story contains your premise in its entirety.

[Lennon] "Spit-fire." This is all I can think of as I stare at her defiant, enthralling face. It's an admirable quirk, but idiosyncrasies are the last possible things that I currently have the energy or inclination to deal with. "You really won't do it for money?" I ask, and she responds. "I told you I have a flight to catch to Tucson today." "That doesn't answer my question." She shifts from one foot to the other. "I won't do it until you tell me exactly what it is about and