Chapter 3: Chapter 3

“Are you questioning my ability to tote you up a few stairs and across a porch?”

“Never.”

“Good.” He took a step toward me, and I held my right hand out to prevent him from coming closer.

“Hold on, Superman. Let’s just put that thought on hold.”

“For the time being?” Quinn’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “All right, Lois. Let’s go—”

Novotny and Portia rejoined us. “The carriage house is in seriously bad shape, Quinn. The local kids must have made it their hangout. There are empty beer bottles and…” Color flooded his cheeks and he glanced sideways at Portia. He straightened his shoulders, ready to bite the bullet. “Used condoms were scattered all over the place.”

Portia squeezed his arm. “It’s all right, dear one. I’ve seen worse.”

He stared at her, horrified. “When?”

She smiled and shook her head. “A long time ago and in a different country.” She didn’t look like she was going to tell us, which was too bad. She was one fascinating woman.