and repeated, "Only for you."

Chapter Eighteen

Instead of using Mandi's roof entrance to the hotel, she and Cade walked
down the vehicle reception ramp to the street, then continued walking south
until Mandi said, "All clear."
Wrapping an arm around Cade, she leaped into the air. Minutes later they
touched down beside a fast food restaurant which was surrounded by several
similar restaurants.
After buying half a dozen super-burgers, they sat at one of the
plastic-umbrellaed tables and dug into the food. Mandi spoke as she unwrapped
her second burger.
"Ed, your records indicate that you've made twenty-four kills and no arrests
while you've been with the NIA."
He met her gaze and said, "I wondered why you were so quiet, milady. That
many, huh? Damn. Does that include the last two?"
Her gaze narrowed a bit as she asked, "Do you have a good explanation for
not taking any prisoners?"
Speaking around some burger, Cade said, "Nothing that isn't in my records.
Basically, ma'am, they just wouldn't cooperate. They never gave me the chance to
arrest them."
"You're sure about that?"
He nodded. "Any of them could have put their weapons down, but they didn't.
Where are you going with this? Having second thoughts about converting me?"
Maybe Mandi's mild surprise showed in her face. Cade's eyebrow went up as he
sipped his Dr Pepper.
Nodding, she said, "I had some reservations, yes."
Cade shook his head and said, "Nope. Not 'had'. You have some real, live
doubts. You're thinking maybe you've converted the wrong guy."
Finishing his third burger, Cade sipped his drink again and said, "I don't
happen to think so, of course. Speaking of conversions, what's my max going to
be?"
Mandi swallowed her last mouthful of burger and said, "Your max will depend
on how well your system converts. If you're average, you'll be able to lift
about six tons by Friday."
Staring at her briefly, Cade said, "Well, damn. That's a bunch. How much can
you lift, Mandi?"
'That's a bunch?!' thought Mandi with a flash of anger, 'Is any of this
really reaching this guy?'
"A hell of a lot more than that!" she snapped, then she sighed and said,
"Oh, hell. Sorry. You just don't seem to be taking any of this too seriously,
Ed."
Making a stern, somber face, Cade said, "If it would help, I could fake it
for you. See?"
When her irritation seemed to increase rather tha