chapter 7 the split

'm sure. What a surprise to see you here," Joan said as she looked at King intently. "I didn't know you and Sean even knew each other."

"It's a recent thing," said King.

"Uh–huh." Joan touched Michelle on the elbow. "Michelle, would you excuse us? I have something to talk about with Sean that's very important."

"Oh, no problem. I'm pretty beat anyway."

"Sean has that effect on lots of women. In fact, he could even be considered hazardous to some people's health."

The two women engaged in a stare–down. "Thanks for the tip, but I can take care of myself," said Michelle.

"I'm sure. But given the right opponent, you could find yourself out of your league."

"Actually that's never happened to me."

"Me either. They say the first time is truly memorable."

"I'll keep that in mind. Maybe you should too."

"Goodbye, Michelle," said Joan. "And thanks so much for letting me take Sean off your hands," she added icily.

"Yeah, thanks, Mick, " muttered King under his breath.

Michelle drove off, and King walked up the steps, with Joan marching right behind him. He could feel the white heat of her anger on the back of his neck. The condemned man going the last mile was the closest analogy he could come up with, and right now it seemed far too close.

Inside, Joan sat down at the kitchen table, while King put on some water for hot tea. Joan's expression brimmed with fury. "So would you care to tell me about you and Michelle Maxwell?"

"I already did. She's a recent phenomenon in my life."

"I don't believe in phenomena like that. She loses Bruno and then shows up on your doorstep?"

"What do you care?"

"What do I care? Are you insane? I'm investigating Bruno's disappearance, and you pop up with the detail leader who's on suspension for losing him."

"She looked me up because we both lost presidential candidates, and she wanted to compare notes.