RANSVESTIA

Conlon gave me a speculative look. "His brother, Hardy, called," he said at last. "He's one of our major shareholders. Brennan's in town and wants to see you." He sniffed and reached for a handkerchief. "What's the story?" he asked, his faded blue eyes staring at me in deep suspicion.

"I don't know," I said, though I felt that my throat was terribly con- stricted. "Perhaps I should go ask him."

Conlon's suspicions weren't allayed at all. He'd agreed to the prosecution of Francois Hebert, but I hadn't filled him in on all the details. The French police had taken care of the affair. Perhaps Jeff knew more than I'd told him.

Adelie let me into the penthouse suite of the Lawrence Building. She held up her cheek for me to kiss and prattled on in German, knowing that I didn't understand it. She seemed happy to see me.

I'd hardly have known Cindy in the months since I'd seen "her." I don't think "she" wore a wig anymore. Her short hair suited her as did the loose-skirted green dress. Cindy's figure, too, had more curves than I remembered. She must have been in dresses continually since I'd last seen her.

"Hi," Cindy said, giving me a big smile. "It's really great to see you again, Al."

Both "girls" were so warm and friendly to me that I didn't notice for a while, but something in Cindy's manner tipped me off and I realized that Adelie was pregnant. I hardly got through congratulating both, when Cindy asked me bluntly what had happened between Romy and I.

I shrugged. "Didn't Romy tell you?" I asked.

"Yes," Cindy said, watching me intently. "She told me you were female. I find it hard to believe."

I shrugged again. "And I'm supposed to believe that you're a father?" I asked wryly.

17