Heroic Measures: Introducing a Random Factor (continued)

“It’s a good thing,” Random offered with a distant smile. “It’s difficult to serve too many masters,” she said.

Something changed in her tone and Walter thought he caught the briefest glimpse into the chaotic mystery that was Random Factor.

She gestured toward his empty glass. “Do you want another one?”

Walter shook his head. “No,” he said. “I should be getting home.”

Random smiled warmly. “Yes,” she said, “you should.”

Her smile faded.

“Are you going to tell her?”

Walter shook his head. “No,” he replied solemnly, and then added with a tight smile. “Not tonight, at least.”

Random’s smile returned. “Good choice.” Her fingers purposelessly caressed the rounded edges of her glass. “Did you get her something nice?”

Walter’s expression was deadpan as he answered. “There was a brand-new vacuum cleaner that she wanted.”

Random’s eyes widened slightly, whether with surprise or mock horror, Walter could not tell.

“You didn’t?”

Walter nodded slowly, looking away. He had to, as he was fighting to hide a growing smile. “I did,” he murmured, but clearly enough for Random to hear.

Random slowly shook her head in disbelief. She opened her mouth to speak, but Walter spoke first.

“I did get her a very nice necklace and earrings to wear with it.”

Random’s eyes narrowed, realizing that she had been led right down the path he had wanted.

“Sapphires,” he explained, and then added a dramatic shrug. “She has this thing about sapphires.”

Random’s control lasted only a moment before she released her laughter. It sounded sincere to Walter, and that pleased him. He smiled and reached for his wallet.

Placing two one-dollar bills on the table, he stood up. “Have a Merry Christmas, Isabel,” he said. His smile was warm and genuine. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

Random grinned. “You can bet on it.”

Walter shrugged into his coat, nodded a last farewell to Random, and then left the bar.

Behind him, Random watched him depart. She then stared at her empty glass for a long moment, considering her own options for the evening. With a wan smile, she signaled to the bartender for another one.