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Chapter 6
Starting Over
They went into the darkened store and Joe put on a small light at the waiting area. Diane sat down in one of the chairs and Joe on the other side of the table. The music box was in the middle. “Go on”, Joe told her, “Open the lid.” As she opened the lid, the ballerina rose up and started to spin. The music from Love Story started to play and it brought tears to her eyes.
Music Box - Antique and Floral with a Bent Lid,
     Joe arose without saying a word and went into the office. Giving her time to compose herself. He returned with two glasses and a bottle of wine. Pouring her wine he said, “There’s something I have to explain.” “Me first Diane said”, her voice cracking, “It’s all a lie” she blurted out. I broke the laptop on purpose! I really do work for the IRS and I was investigating YOU! “I’m so sorry” she sobbed. He looked into her eyes and calmly said, “Well, did you do a good job?” “No”, she pouted, “well yes, oh, I don’t know!”  And she explained to him how she made it look like this was only a hobby, and that the man that picked up the rent was a better target. “Walter”? He spoke. They don’t know who he is, she explained.