“That’s all right. I think Julian is special, too. I mean, he’s the one I could send you off with for a week in Rio or Buenos Aires and not be j...alous or concerned.” “You’d do that? You’d send me off alone with him?” “I could.” “What would you do?” Kevin shrugged. “I don’t know. Yard work, maybe. Some little repair chores. I’d keep busy.” “But who would you sleep with?” He gave her a questioning look. “Nobody. I mean, I could manage for a week.” “Okay,” she said with determination. “That’s not. So can I ask you why you moved here? Umn, yeah sure, my parents are in the middle of a divorce. My mom is unfit to take care of me so I moved here with my Dad. He got a job working as a banker in the city so it works out I guess. Melody listened intently and he could tell she wanted to know more but was too polite to ask. They talked more about music, movies, and their interests. He found out that she was in the choir at school, had been on the homecoming court since her freshman year, wanted. I want to kill myself, and follow my lover in death. I want to find the people who burned your home and slowly cook them over an open fire, and eat them." Tears erupted from her eyes. "I don't want ... to feel this. This loss. This emptiness. Have I answered your question to your satisfaction, Madam."Margo took Li Kuan in her arms and held her tightly."So," she whispered, "I'd better find you something to do that's not on your list ... although that burning the people who did this to us sounds. . things I definitely shouldn't have Googled. It's not a conversation I want to repeat."Rick shrugged, "So, you're not even a little intrigued?"Emily shook her head, "Not even a little." No chance that will change?"Another head shake, "Maybe if I lose every scrap of self-esteem I currently possess."Rick's smile returned. With a practiced move, he produced a business card, "Great. If that happens, here's my number."Rick caught up with Max and Chance outside the dance studio. The room was empty.