Web of Dreams (Casteel 5)

carefully. "I told you--it's a portrait doll. I . . . I

modeled for it."

"Oh. Say, that's something, and those clothes,

they look special too."

"They are."

"Well, that explains why you're holdin' on to it

for dear life."

"I'm not holding on to it for dear life," I

snapped. He laughed again. When he smiled, his eyes

brightened warmly. There was nothing snide or

conniving in his smile; it was nothing like Tony's

sneer. Luke's smile gave me a warm, safe feeling. "I'm just kiddin' ya. So where do you have to

go?"

"Texas. Dallas, Texas."

"That's far. When's your train leavin'?" "Not until eight P.M., I'm afraid."

"Eight P.M.! That's hours and hours. You can't

just sit here all that time. It's dusty and dirty and noisy

here. Don't you know nobody in Atlanta?" I shook my

head and he thought a moment. "Well, let me ask you somethin'. Would you like to see the circus? I can get you in free and it would pass the time away and then I

can bring you back to the station."

"I don't know. I. ."

"Have you ever been to a circus?"

I thought. I had been to one in Europe when I

was very little, but I barely recalled it.

"No," I said.

"Well that fixes it then," Luke said slapping his

hands together. "Come on." He reached down for my

bag. I remained seated. "Come on, I won't hurt you

and you'll have fun."

I thought about his offer. I did have a terribly