Transvestia

Only then did I remember the envelope that the hotel manager had given me. I tore it open furiously. This must contain the answer!

Disappointment gripped me momentarily as I noted the simple message. Written across the top of a small piece of hotel note paper in a smooth, even hand was the name Evelyn Burton. Beneath that: "When you are ready, call Juniper." A phone number follow- ed. That was all.

Before I could reflect that the name "Juniper" was vaguely familiar somewhere in the back of my mind, I had placed a call to the number and was frozen as a soft, feminine voice at the other end of the line answered.

now

"I must speak to Juniper immediately," I spurted.

statement

"You are, Evelyn." It was at once a and a question. There was a suggestion of a smile in her voice that I found soothing.

"I was given a note-

"I know all about the note. And I know all about you, Evelyn. Please be calm. How do you feel?"

"Well, I - I honestly don't know.

fused."

I'm so con-

"We can

"Of course you are," she comforted. end that anytime you're ready. Would you like to

meet me for lunch?"

As I jotted down the address she gave me, I was quite surprised to note the steadiness of my hand; the turmoil inside me seemed to have little effect on my physical being. I had less than an hour before our appointment at a small cafe not far from the hotel, so I quickly removed my clothes and dashed to the shower.

(21)