Even in the minimal light, he could tell she was quite pretty, with smooth dark skin and pleasant eyes that seemed unusually bright.
From the passenger side, using the keys Murdoch had given him, he unlocked all four car doors and she got into the front. Walking around to the driverâs side, he spotted Murdoch, still in disguise, coming toward them. As Terry entered the front, Murdoch slipped into the back.
âYou said you were alone,â the girl told Terry, accusingly.
Before he could reply, he noticed Murdoch take off his chauffeurâs cap.
âDad!â the girl exclaimed.
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Before the following nightâs game in Los Angeles, Murdoch announced, through the teamâs Media Relations Director, that he would be declining the leagueâs invitation to be Oaklandâs sole representative in this yearâs All Star Classic, less than two weeks away.
Media reaction was swift and intense. They claimed this was just one more example of Murdochâs arrogance and selfishness, his utter and complete disregard for the sport which supported him so handsomely. They pointed out that Murdoch hadnât missed a regular season game in over two years. For him to reject the All Star Classic could only be interpreted as a slap in the face to everyone involved in baseball, fans and players alike. Some even mentioned Murdochâs pursuit of Joe DiMaggioâs record and how deleterious to the sport it would be if he broke it.
Murdoch, as he had done without exception in recent years, ignored all requests for interviews or a media conference.
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âI think Murdoch found what he was looking for,â Terry said to Rick.
âWhat?â
As the two of them sat off by themselves in the Los Angeles airport, waiting to board the teamâs flight back to Oakland, Terry told him about the events two nights ago. How he and Murdoch had driven to Hollywood. How theyâd found Murdochâs daughter, Carly. How heâd then driven them to a different hotel than the teamâs. How heâd helped rent them a two bedroom suite there, for the duration of the series. How heâd gotten them reservations on a flight to Oakland, separate from the teamâs.
âThat why heâs not playing in the All Star Classic?â Rick inquired.
Terry looked at him questioningly.
âHis daughter,â Rick clarified.
âI donât know. He didnât say.â
âBrass isnât happy about his declining the Classic.â
Terry didnât reply.
âSo,â Rick went on, not looking too happy himself, âhe finishes one big drama, then creates another.â
Chapter Fourteen
âI donât need a babysitter,â Carly told Murdoch as they sat on the couch in the living room of her new apartment, just down the hall from his.
âFor sure,â he responded.
âI wonât be a prisoner, either.â
âFor sure,â he repeated.
âYou standing over me like Iâm a little child.â
âIâm not standing over you. Why you think I got you your own place?â
When she didnât answer right away, Murdoch glanced around the room. He was satisfied with the job management of the apartment complex had done. Furnishing it in soft pinks and yellows, rather than the dark colors dominating his place. They had even provided her a replica of the large yellowish-orange stuffed toy tiger that had been her constant companion when she was very young.
Theyâd accomplished this all on short notice. He had called them from Los Angeles yesterday morning and Carly moved in last night. All he had to do was sign the rental agreement and, of course, hand over his check, both of which heâd done earlier this evening.
âI think we need to face facts,â she said sharply.
âWhat facts?â
âI got a little problem.â
âWhat?â
âI think you know what.â
âDrugs?â
Though she didnât reply,
C. J. Cherryh
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