Page 137 of Passions in Death
“I have a knack for that.”
Mira’s smile flashed, made her eyes sparkle. “You do. It’s a gift. Insult that self-worth, the hidebound traditions, the high school hero status. You’ll need to push for an unguarded moment, like that smirk. Pry that open? I’d be very surprised if the rest doesn’t fall.”
“You think he did it, too.”
“I’m reading your reports and notes, and you certainly lean there. So that’s a factor. But I believe he’s earned his place as your prime suspect.”
When Mira’s personal ’link signaled, Eve started to rise. Mira gestured her down again as she took the ’link out of her jacket pocket.
“It’s Dennis. One second. Hello, Professor.”
“Dr. Mira.”
Just his voice had Eve going soft inside. She could see him in her mind’s eye, the sweet face, the soft green eyes and mussed gray hair.
“Say hello to Eve. She’s with me at the moment.”
“Hello, Eve. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks.” Not just soft, she had to admit, but a little bit gooey inside. “I was just leaving.”
“Oh, not on my account. I just wanted to let Charlie know I fixed the leak.”
“Did you?” Mira’s smile broke out again. “You’re so clever, Dennis.”
“No more dripping, and no need for a plumber. And since it’s a good night for grilling, I’m marinating some ribs.”
“That sounds perfect. I should be home on time.”
“I’ll be here, waiting. We’ll have some wine, won’t we? I just have to find the corkscrew. It’s never where I think it is.”
“Second drawer, right of the stovetop. See you soon.”
“It’s never soon enough. Goodbye, Eve, enjoy the rest of your day, and best to Roarke.”
“Bye,” Eve murmured.
Mira slipped the ’link away again. “Dennis gets a bit antsy toward the end of summer. He only teaches one class in the summer term. And he likes to think he’s handy, with tools, around the house. Sometimes, surprisingly, he is. Other times?”
With a laugh, Mira rolled her eyes. “Oh, the chaos, the cursing. But the man’s a genius with a marinade. It’s lovely to know I’ll go home to wine and a good meal.”
“It is.” Roarke might not be a genius with marinade—she didn’t think either of them knew the first thing about marinade—but he always made sure she had a good meal.
“I need to get back to it. Thanks for the time, and the insight.”
“I think you had more than enough of your own in this case.”
“It helps to have some confirmation. I know he did it,” she said as she rose. “I know how he did it, and if I don’t have all the why, I have most of it. Make him angry,” she repeated. “I don’t think I’ll have a problem there.”
She started for the door, paused with her hand on the knob. “It’s nice, being married.”
This time Mira simply beamed. “Yes, it is. The right life partner makes all the difference. Wasn’t it clever of both of us to choose so well?”
“I used to think I didn’t choose so much as tripped into it.”
“You don’t trip, Eve.”
“Well, not very often.”
