Cole sensed Pike didn't want to talk in front of the girl, so he gave her the smile again. "Why don't you use the shower while I make something to eat?" Larkin glanced back at him, and Cole read a new vibe. She gave him the same crooked smile she had made in the drive, only now she was telling him he could say and do nothing that would surprise her, affect her, or impress her, here in his little house that wasn't so bad. Like a challenge, Cole thought; or maybe a test. She said, "Why don't I eat first? The Pikester won't feed me. He only wants sex." Cole said, "He's like that with me, too, but we've learned to adjust." Larkin blinked once, then burst out laughing. Cole said, "One point, me; zero, you. Take the shower or wait on the deck. Either way, we don't want you around while we talk." She chose the shower.
( Robert Crais )
[ The Watchman ]
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