Page 50 of Proof

“Carter? Nah.”

“You know that, and even I know that, but Lucinda doesn’t. She doesn’t know what makes Carter tick.” Once again, Chris was briefly taken aback by Luna’s insight, but then again, it should come as no surprise. “One day when we were hiking, Carter made some comment about his mom. You were off on a phone call, and he and I got to chat a bit. He’s pretty funny, too.”

“He gets his sense of humor from me.” Chris grinned.

“Obviously, because from what he’s told me, Lucinda has none.”

“Helium-head.” Chris chuckled. “Listen, she’s not a bad person. She’s just selfish and self-centered. She doesn’t mean any harm unless you get in her way.” He snickered.

“I suppose we have different definitions of a bad person, but you know you have my support,” Luna murmured. “So tell me about your new job!” She became animated. “Tell me! Tell me!”

“I’m going to be working in WITSEC. The witness security program.”

“As in witness protection?”

“Correct.”

“So you’ll be working with criminals, eh?” She gave him a little nudge.

“It depends. Often, it’s people who witnessed a crime and need protection until they testify. But, yes, there will be criminals from time to time.”

“And you’ll be babysitting them?”

“Not exactly. I’ll be managing agents who facilitate their relocation. I won’t necessarily be a handler. Every situation is a little different.”

“That is so cool.” Luna was enthralled.

“It is.” He pulled her close and held her tight. “I’m happy you’re okay with all of this.”

“Absolutely.”

She was relieved the cards were on the table. She’d been right about the stick figures, and it appeared the question marks she’d first drawn had been answered. Or had they? There was still that little thing nagging at her, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

* * *

The following morning, Chris noticed the box of keepsakes. On the top of the pile was the program from the Kentucky Derby.

“I discover something new about you every day, Luna lunatic.”

“And what might that be?”

“You like horse racing?” It was half a question.

“Not as big a fan as I used to be. It’s become a new toy for the oil-rich. It’s a transaction now. These magnificent animals mean nothing to them. They’re just numbers on a balance sheet.” Luna got into a tear when it came to animals. “These people have no appreciation for the horses. It’s only their bottom line that counts and how much they can brag to their friends.” She was huffing at this point.

Chris looked alarmed. “Okay, dollface. Take it easy.”

“It’s just so disgusting.” Luna’s eyes welled up. “People are savages. It’s all about money and power. Humanity is dissolving.”

“Hey.” Chris put his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye. “It’s not like you to be cynical.”

“Ellie said the same thing,” Luna scoffed. “Probably hormones.” She didn’t want to mention the friend who seemed to be MIA, which was more and more vexing to her as each day passed without a response.

Chris snickered. He was relieved it was she who’d suggested the monthly roller-coaster ride. Granted, they were intimate, but hormones are a touchy subject. Definitely off-limits. “Well, did you actually enjoy it?”

“What? The Derby? For sure. It was quite an experience. None of which I care to repeat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. I did it. Done.”

“Who did you go with?” Chris sensed there was something she wasn’t telling him.