Vera moved her food around. “I think I’d like to do some journalist work. Tell me about where we’ll live in Kenya. What access do you have to political leaders?”

Adam’s face showed his puzzlement. “I wrote you about all of it.”

“I know. Clean water. That’s important, but what about the big picture? A lot of countries send money to Africa. Where does it go?”

“Not to us,” he said, smiling.

But Vera didn’t smile back. “I’d like to look into that. You should read what Joe wrote about Pakistan. He thinks the separation of the countries was a failure. It was over twenty years ago but people still don’t have homes.”

People at nearby tables looked at them as Vera was getting loud.

He leaned forward, his voice low. “We workers live very quietly. We’re teachers and well diggers. I play a lot of football—that’s soccer in the US. We...” He broke off as he could see Vera’s attention was wavering. He put his hand over hers. “I probably don’t know anything because I haven’t asked. When you get there, you can question everyone.” He went back to his food. “So you’re going to arrange the travel for this guy Harmon?”

“Harding. Joe Harding. Very famous. He’s going to be in Saint Louis next month and I am going to go see him. You okay with that?”

“Depends on his age and what he looks like.”

Vera smiled. “He’s fifty-two and seems to live on beer and cigarettes. He’s spent a lot of time in India. I’d really, really like to go to that country.” Her eyes seemed to glaze over.

“I need to talk to you about something. Kelly—”

Immediately, Vera came back to the present. “What’s wrong? That little twerp Paul hasn’t done something to her, has he? So help me, I’ll rip him apart.”

Adam looked at the couples at the next table. “It’s nothing. Paul leaves tomorrow morning. He won’t be around all summer.”

“That’s good. Hope he stays away.”

“Kelly’s afraid of losing her job with Dr. Carl.”

Vera frowned. “I know, and his wife would make sure Kelly was kicked out. The woman dotes on that son of hers. Him and his little trees.”

Adam couldn’t help frowning. “Paul has some good ideas about organic food.”

“What’s that?” Before Adam could answer, Vera looked at her watch. “I have to go.” She stood up. “Kelly needs to open her own clinic. I’ve told her that a thousand times. She could put Dr. Carl out of business. Then she could dump Paul and she could meet other people.”

“Like Seth Murray?” Adam asked.

“Great idea. Very nice guy. Works for the volunteer fire department. I’m late.” She started toward the door.

Adam caught her hand. “You planning on going to the dance on Saturday?”