Tom turned and looked at her, his hands remaining in his lap. “No, ma’am, not at the moment.” His voice was tight. “Although I reckon later on I’ll have lots of questions.”

“We’re not going to the museum. The research offices are across the street. That’s where the library and the archives are located until they finish remodeling.”

“All right.”

“Have you ever been in this neighborhood before?”

“I can’t say that I have, though I’ve been in Beverly Hills a couple times when they had the classic car shows on Rodeo Drive. Ever been down there? They close off the roads and make a big street fair out of it. It was fun, especially for my boy. He likes cars.”

“I imagine they have some impressive automobiles.”

“To me, they were very impressive. But I guess they’re run-of-the-mill for the city’s well-heeled residents.”

Rina said, “My parents live in the area and drive a Pontiac.”

Webster blushed and stammered out something by way of an apology.

“Oh please!” Rina smiled. “My parents are well-heeled, but not interested in cars. Peter likes cars. He loves his Porsche. My younger son, Jacob, likes cars, too. He likes hot rods.”

“A kid after my own heart.”

“He likes the Viper and the Sheldon…is that right?”

“Shelby?”

“Yes, that’s it.” Rina laughed. “My elder boy couldn’t care less. He lives in his head. Funny how that works.”

“Yeah.” Webster stretched uncomfortably. “So…you grew up around here?”

“Yes, I did.”

“But not the lieutenant.”

“Oh no…” Rina smiled. “He grew up in Gainesville, Florida.”

“Really?” Webster seemed surprised. “He’s more of a good ole boy than I thought.”

“Very much so.”

Webster started to talk, but stopped himself. Rina, however, knew what his question would be if he dared to ask it. How in the world did she and Peter meet? They met on a case. He was the principal investigator; she was a principal witness. They didn’t have anything in common. He was worldly, she was provincial. She was religious, he was secular. He was divorced, she had been widowed. They had come from different worlds, and it shouldn’t have ever come to pass.

Except that there was this incredibly strong physical thing.

She smiled to herself.

That was what Webster wanted to know. But she didn’t tell him any of it, instead returning her attention to the road, maintaining a professional distance that made them both feel comfortable.