CODA

October 21, 2005. "Bonnie's Blues Bar". NYC. 01:22 am.

"Seems as if there's only the two of us left, Danny."

"Do you mind, Aiden?"

"Not at all. You know you're my favorite drinking companion."

"Am I?"

"Always been."

"I'm flattered."

"So what now?"

"How about a last beer before we go?"

"I'm in."

Several minutes later, Aiden looked up and met Danny's eyes, sharp and blue behind his glasses. When she spoke, her head felt pleasantly light.

"How many beers have I had, Danny?"

He smiled. "Do you really expect me to keep a record of your drinks?"

"Not really. I'm just trying to figure something out."

"And what might that be?" He sounded amused.

"Whether I'm drunk enough to blame the alcohol for what I'm about to do."

"That depends on what it is."

"Something I've been meaning to do for quite some time."

"Then I'd say this is the moment. And I reckon you can safely blame the alcohol. You certainly had more than the FBI people." Danny winked at her.

Aiden took a deep breath. "OK, I'll do it." She held his gaze, trying to read in his face whether he had any idea of what she was talking about. "Just remember, Danny - I'm drunk. If anything goes wrong, you know what to blame."

"That sounds frightening," Danny joked.

"Maybe it is. Maybe it's not. Depends."

Aiden downed the rest of her beer, then she got up and walked around the table until she stood at Danny's side. He turned his head and looked into her face, his expression revealing nothing apart from a little curiosity. It was impossible to read in his face, but Aiden did not even try.

Feeling light-headed and intoxicated from the beer and today's success, she memorized once more what Sam Spade had said to her earlier: Maybe he's also worth a try.

Blame the alcohol, Burn. But pray that you won't have to.

Pushing the last inhibitions aside, she lowered her face until their eyes were level, then she paused. "Are you frightened yet, Danny?"

He calmly held her gaze, and his smile reached his eyes when he replied: "Not at all."

She smiled back. "Then the rest will not frighten you, either."

Danny's arms that suddenly snuck around her waist, pulling her close, were as good a reply as any.

xxxTHE ENDxxx