Page 81 of Midnight Enemy

“I’m guessing he does this activity by himself.”

“He doesn’t take girls with him, if that’s what you’re asking. He’s six four with a thick beard. Sightings of Bigfoot rise monumentally every time he goes on a trek.”

She giggles and studies the truffles. “What’s he like? As a person, I mean? I’ve spoken to him briefly and he sounds nice.”

“He’s a great guy. Good sense of humor. Down to earth. Doesn’t take any nonsense.”

“Who’s the smartest?”

“His IQ is one above mine, and he never lets me forget it.”

She grins. “What is yours?”

“My IQ? One-six-one.”

Her eyes widen. “One hundred and sixty-one?”

“No. Sixteen-point-one.”

She doesn’t laugh. “That’s higher than Einstein’s.”

“Only just.”

“Orson, that puts you in the genius category.”

I put a dot of chocolate on her nose, then lean forward and lick it off.

“Maybe not,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Seriously, though. You said you weren’t as smart as your friends!”

“I’m not. I told you, his IQ is one point higher.” I grin at her huff. “Yeah okay, I know I’m pretty smart, and figures came easily, but I did have to work hard at all my other subjects.”

“So is Kingi married?”

“Nah. He lived with a girl for a few years. She cheated on him, and it broke his heart. Sincethen he’s not dated much, and nothing serious.”

She frowns. “Why did his girlfriend cheat on him?”

“Who knows why people do that?”

“Have you ever cheated on a girl?”

“Of course not.”

“Has Kingi?”

“No, and he never would.”

She pops a truffle in her mouth. “Okay,” she says softly.

I have a mouthful of water. “So you went to school in Kahukura?”

She nods. “Dani is our main teacher. She’ll probably retire soon.”

“She teaches all the kids at the commune?”

“Yes. There are about twenty-two kids now, I think. We have the Te Whare Ako—it’s a small schoolhouse. It’s a beautiful little place, and it has a great vibe.”

“That’s quite a task, to be able to cater for all educational ages and levels.”

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