"bud sparhawk - the suit" - читать интересную книгу автора (Sparhawk Bud)

political cacophony, I loved walking around downtown and watching people
in their endless variety: a stagger of joggers churning legs at a stoplight, the
gabble of women carrying on a six-way vocal and electronic conversation, a
fat man gesturing wildly as he shouted into his earbud, and two rich
ranchers in suppression coats, dumb canvas pants, and unsubsidized
leather boots ambling along and laughing, deaf to the electronic cries from
storefronts, street vendors, and sidewalk kiosks. I resented them for
flaunting their wealth so brazenly in public as if nothing mattered to them but
what they heard and saw through their naked ears and eyes.

A moment later, my resentment evaporated as I passed by GiorgioтАЩs
and saw that they were featuring orange blossom salad, my favorite, as a
luncheon special. I queried the menu and, since its response didnтАЩt
produce a stern warning from my briefs, I figured either the saladтАЩs labeled
sugar content was acceptable or that not having that chocolate doughnut
had kept my blood sugar at an acceptable level.

****

After a delicious lunch I wandered across the street to Dankers to
see if they had the new Lauren in stock. I rarely came away from there
without buying something, even if it was only an expensive pair of dumb,
unsubsidized socks.

The atmosphere inside the store was a welcome relief. Even in
autumn, DallasтАЩs afternoon heat can be oppressive. My suit adjusted the
weave to let the cool air flow over my skin and, at the same time, dumped
the heat into my soles, where the cool Mexican tiles would absorb it.

тАЬGood afternoon, Mr. Dwight,тАЭ an obsequious sales robot said.
тАЬDankers has a nice line of winter wear that just arrived. There are four
models that would be a fine addition to your wardrobe.тАЭ It flashed an image
on its screen. тАЬNote the fine attention to detail, the delicate stitching on the
lapels, theтАФтАЭ

I interrupted, not wanting to hear the storeтАЩs spiel. тАЬWhat are your
latest versions of suitware?тАЭ

тАЬWe have a gorgeous double-breasted Julian running MicrosoftтАЩs
V6.6,тАЭ the robot responded immediately. тАЬVersion 6.6 offers several
features that will allow you to...тАЭ

тАЬHow about the new Lauren thatтАЩs been announced?тАЭ

The robot blinked to check inventory. тАЬIтАЩm sorry, sir, but their suitware
wonтАЩt be in stock for several days. Can I interest you in anything else?тАЭ

I was disappointed that IтАЩd have to wait, but I didnтАЩt want to waste the
trip. I needed something more casual than suits. тАЬWhat have you got in
sport jackets and slacks?тАЭ