locking and loading the weapon with a series of fluid clicks , he pushed it away from himself suddenly . she realized he was communicating with someone else . offended , i leaned back on the stool . ralph forgot that what he was watching had been taped an hour ago and was afraid for the slim blonde , who was almost as pretty as the woman to whom her interview subject was still married . the estate was already on full alert . something flashed deep inside its dark belly . the lock came undone with a small click . 