Нейромант

           Henoticedthebalconyforthefirsttime,candlesstillflickeringthereinprivatedarkness.Heheardtheclinkofsilverware,mutedconversation.Thecandlesthrewdancingshadowsontheceiling.

           Thegirl’sfaceappearedasabruptlyasoneofRiviera’sprojections,hersmallhandsonthepolishedwoodofthebalustrade;sheleanedforward,facerapt,itseemedtohim,herdarkeyesintentonsomethingbeyond.Thestage.Itwasastrikingface,butnotbeautiful.Triangular,thecheekboneshighyetstrangelyfragile-looking,mouthwideandfirm,balancedoddlybyanarrow,aviannosewithflaringnostrils.Andthenshewasgone,backintoprivatelaughterandthedanceofcandles.

           Ashelefttherestaurant,henoticedthetwoyoungFrenchmenandtheirgirlfriend,whowerewaitingfortheboattothefarshoreandthenearestcasino.

           Theirroomwassilent,thetemperfoamsmoothassomebeachafteraretreatingtide.Herbagwasgone.Helookedforanote.Therewasnothing.Severalsecondspassedbeforethescenebeyondthewindowregisteredthroughhistensionandunhappiness.HelookedupandsawaviewofDesiderata,expensiveshops:Gucci,Tsuyako,Hermes,Liberty.

           Hestared,thenshookhisheadandcrossedtoapanelhehadn’tbotheredexamining.Heturnedthehologramoffandwasrewardedwiththecondosthatterracedthefarslope.

           Hepickedupthephoneandcarrieditouttothecoolbalcony.