They were speaking at the same time; finally Sam found a pause: "Karen, can I ask you one thing?"

"Sure."

"If I wait to kiss you, is there a chance you might still fall in love with me?"

Karen's breath came out on a little sigh: "Yeah, Sam. I'd say there's a pretty good chance of that. So will you...can I...will I see you on Halloween?"

"Trick or treat." said Sam. He let go of Karen's hand, got into his car, and drove home.

20.

On October 12, a large manila envelope was waiting for Sam when he arrived for his shift at the Bottle. The owner's nephew was at...