Page 38 of Masquerade

“My research reports.Write my research reports,” she emphasised, glancing at him.

He was learning to read her expressions.What had sparked the guilt?

“I lived in the bush myself as a child.” Liam’s best memories were those early years.

“Where?”

“The North Coast of New South Wales. My dad managed my mum’s family property for a few years. When it was sold, we moved south to Newcastle.” Liam surprised himself. While he’d provided scant details, he’d revealed more about himself to Kate than to any other woman since Selina.

“Anywhere near Montveau?”

“Is that a guess or have you researched my past?” He lobbed a question back at her. Perhaps that’s why she’d looked guilty.

“A guess. To echo someone I met recently—‘not yet’ is the answer on whether or not I’ve researched you.” She focused on the road ahead, giving him a clear view of her profile. Her chin jutted forward enough to signal independence.

“Will you?” To be fair, he’d researched Genosearch and cross-examined George about Kate’s qualifications. He’d justified his snooping as a need-to-know set of answers for the work they were doing.

“If it becomes part of my job.” She indicated a left turn.

Liam turned the idea over in his mind. It didn’t disturb him as much as it would have even a week ago. Maybe he was coming to terms with his stuff-up with Selina. Or maybe he didn’t think Kate would misuse any information she had. She was the consummate professional. No wonder George was smug about finding her.

“How do you get to this mysterious cottage?”

“It’s not mysterious,” she snapped. “Merely private. And I drive.”

“Not in this archaic vehicle?” Liam protested.

“It may look archaic, but the chassis is just a distraction.” She’d stiffened in response to his autocratic tone. “Keeping the car on the road has allowed my neighbour’s son to demonstrate to his teachers that he’s moved beyond mere technical competence to master class. He’s converted the engine to low carbon using a combination of solar cells and something else I’ve forgotten.”

“And you find that reassuring?” Her neighbour’s kid was a practical genius who’d got a head start on protecting her.

“Hasn’t broken down yet.”

“We both use‘not yet’as code for any time now.” He registered the green zip lighting on the university building as she turned into Harris Street. “Where are you going?”

“Pyrmont,” she answered.

“I don’t want to take you out of your way.”Yes, I do. I could talk to you for hours.

“I live in Glebe.” She shrugged.

“You mean you’re walking distance from my place.” Liam let his mind play, just for a minute, with the errant idea of those elegant feet with their pretty, plum-coloured toes finding their way to his door.

“Looks like.”

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