They went around the side of the house. Along the way, Michael asked why the FBI had not sent out a local agent. He obviously thought her interest in the case a little too personal but was too polite to say. She brushed aside the question.

Julie was coming out of the water when they arrived. The woman was naked, and although she carried a large towel, she was not exactly covering herself. Ordinarily Kelly had nothing against skinny dipping, but Robert was all eyes. Michael might have sensed her discomfort. He took the boy inside and once again Kelly was alone with the wife of the infamous Acid Man. Julie dried herself slowly, taunting her to admire her fabulous body.

“Is the water cool?” Kelly asked.

Julie gestured to the pond, which was oval shaped, a hundred yards across at the narrowest point. “It’s already too warm. And the water isn’t what it used to be.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

Julie dried her ears. “It’s kind of sticky.”

“You must wonder why I’m here.”

“I do wonder about you, Kelly.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

“You suspect I knew about my husband’s activities. You’re mistaken.”

“Where were you last night?” Kelly asked.

“Here. Why?”

“A couple was attacked in Utah. Acid was involved. Do you know anything about that?”

“No.”

“You don’t look terribly surprised.”

“Utah is far away. It can have nothing to do with Gene.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“For obvious reasons. Why are you here? To protect us?”

“Yes. July fourth is a significant day to Gene. I believe there is a connection between what happened in Utah and you guys. I’d like to stay tonight, if that’s all right with you?”

“If Michael doesn’t care, I don’t care.”

“Tell me about Gene’s brother, Scott?”

“I never met him.”

“He didn’t come to your wedding?”

“No. Gene said the two of them had a falling out years ago.”

“Over what?”

“He never said.”

“Did he talk about him at all?”

“No.”

“Do you know where he lives now?”

“No. Ask Gene’s father, Dr. Banks.”

Kelly did not want them to know about her visit to the old house. Technically speaking, her entering, searching, and stealing—it was all illegal. Also, she had yet to report the man’s death.

“Do you know anything at all about Scott?” Kelly asked.

“I know Gene loves him very much.”

“How do you know this?”

“I heard it in his voice.”

“When he talked about him?” Kelly persisted.

Julie ignored the question, wrapped herself in her towel. They walked toward the house. “Can I get you something to eat? To drink?”

“A cold drink would be nice,” Kelly muttered, feeling frustrated.