Kevin sat bolt upright, his eyes wide. He laughed aloud, shaking his head. "If that don't beat all," he said, and snorted. "I've been one hell of a lot of things in my life, but I've never been close to being an experiment. An experiment, by God. I can't believe it." He chuckled. "No wonder you're in trouble."
"No, no," she said with a smug smile. "You have to find the right partner to be sure sex is enjoyable." She shrugged.
"Is that what your parents taught you?"
"I was orphaned at the age of six, remember? No one taught me anything in this area. I had to learn it all on my own." She looked away from him, her lips set in a stiff line, a deep frown between her eyes. "Of course, if you're not interested, we can always talk and walk. You're excellent company."
"Thanks," Kevin said with a touch of distaste.
She smiled at him. For a moment, she thought he would reach out and touch her. The moment passed. He remained still.
They returned home in silence.
Edda and Charles stood at the entrance of the mansion, reproach in their expressions.
"Malcolm called," Charles said. "We have to go to the police station in Carmel. It will be Monday, since it's so late now." He frowned at her, making her feel as if she were a naughty child.
"Why? What for?"
"They have photos of a man, faxed to them by Malcolm. The trunk of his car contained the same type of explosive used to blow up your Toyota. They want to know if you can identify him."