instead , they all wore jeans and cotton shirts that proved they were far more rugged and male than the average executive . the dogs sat in our laps and tuck scratched hawkins ears . i set the rest down on the messy table , deciding to open the interesting envelope first , since whatever was inside of it had to be more fun than an electric bill . the one closest to him , the one from the alley in north beach , was licking her lips . a victorious smile sliced across her face . 