Нейромант

           Therewasaninvertedsymmetry:Rivieraputsthedreamgirltogether,thedreamgirltakeshimapart.Withthosehands.Dreambloodsoakingtherottenlace.

           Cheersfromtherestaurant,applause.Casestoodandranhishandsoverhisclothes.HeturnedandwalkedbackintotheVingtimeSicle.

           Molly’schairwasempty.Thestagewasdeserted.Armitagesatalone,stillstaringatthestage,thestemofthewineglassbetweenhisfingers.

           `Whereisshe?’Caseasked.

           `Gone,’Armitagesaid.

           `Shegoafterhim?’

           `No.’Therewasasofttink.Armitagelookeddownattheglass.Hislefthandcameupholdingthebulbofglasswithitsmeasureofredwine.Thebrokenstemprotrudedlikeasliverofice.Casetookitfromhimandsetitinawaterglass.

           `Tellmewhereshewent,Armitage.’

           Thelightscameup.Caselookedintothepaleeyes.Nothingthereatall.`She’sgonetoprepareherself.Youwon’tseeheragain.You’llbetogetherduringtherun.’

           `WhydidRivieradothattoher?’

           Armitagestood,adjustingthelapelsofhisjacket.`Getsomesleep,Case.’

           `Werun,tomorrow?’

           Armitagesmiledhismeaninglesssmileandwalkedaway,towardtheexit.

           Caserubbedhisforeheadandlookedaroundtheroom.Thedinerswererising,womensmilingasmenmadejokes.