“I’m sure it was a thrill having him here,” said Milo. “Younger guy, I’m not judging. But now he’s gone— with a woman his own age— and things out in the real world have grown ugly, so it’s time to toss the May-December fantasies and help me get to the truth.”

Bunny MacIntyre gaped. Smiled. Slapped her flank and roared with laughter.

When her breathing finally slowed, she said, “You thought he was my boy toy? Man, are you stupid!” More laughter.

“You’re covering for him,” said Milo. “All for a platonic relationship?”

MacIntyre laughed herself hoarse. “Stupid, stupid, stupid! He’s family, you dolt. My sister’s son. She died of cancer and so did Barnett’s father. And despite what the government claims you’ll never convince me it wasn’t because of all that radiation.”

“Los Alamos.”

She blinked. “Let me tell you, they got all kinds of crazy things going on there. Few years back there was a huge fire, burned thousands of acres black but spared the lab. That sound logical? Supposedly it was set on purpose by some Smokey Bear types to control forest fires and the winds blew it out of control.” She snorted. “Tell it to the marines.”

“Barnett’s your nephew.”

“Last I heard, that’s what you call a sister’s son. I’m all he’s got left, mister. He’s an orphan, get it? I was willing to take him in from the beginning but he didn’t want a handout so I sent him over to Gilbert Grass. When Gilbert retired, I told him I could really use the help. Which was true. Is helping family illegal now?”

“He’s got a sister in Ohio.”

MacIntyre pursed her lips. “That one. Married a banker, rich snob. She always looked down on Barnett ’cause he wasn’t much for schooling. Not stupid, don’t go thinking he was stupid. He had trouble reading but give him a pump to fix, or something to build, and he’d do it in a flash.”

“Good for him. Now where is he?”

“He’s a good boy,” said MacIntyre. “Why don’t you just leave him alone?”

“Where is he, ma’am?”

“Don’t know.”

“Ms. MacIntyre— ”

“You deaf?” She rubbed her wrist some more. “You can pull a Rodney King from today till tomorrow but I don’t know. He didn’t tell me.”

“He left without a word?”

“He left thanking me for everything I’d done, said it was time to go. I didn’t ask questions because I don’t like to ask questions and Barnett doesn’t like to answer them. He’s been through enough. The man’s a vegetarian, that tell you something?”

“He likes animals.”

“He’s peaceful.”

“When did he leave?”

“Three days ago.”

“His truck’s here.”

“Gee,” said MacIntyre, “Sherlock Holmes must’ve put on a few pounds.”

“What’s he using for wheels?”

Silence.