Page 89 of Lorenzo

“You enjoy provoking me.”

“It passes the time.”

“I was under the impression finding Rachel was supposed to do that.”

“That too.”

We head toward the street, Lorenzo holding the outer door while Mocha and I pass through.

We take his car.

I object once more before letting Mocha in the back, mostly on principle. Lorenzo ignores me, which he appears to enjoy doing.

I crack the windows in the back, and Mocha immediately sticks his face out.

The city thins gradually as we drive. Buildings give way to wider roads, then open stretches of land broken by small commercial strips and clusters of houses.

Lorenzo drives with one hand on the wheel, his attention fixed ahead.

I keep the file open on my lap.

“Elaine Monroe adopted Rachel as an infant,” I say. “Her husband, Daniel, died six years ago. No other children in the household.”

“Rachel kept the surname.”

“Yes.”

“Current relationship?”

“No idea.”

“That is what we’re going to find out.”

“I’m aware.”

He glances at me. “You sound irritated.”

“You insisted on coming, took over the driving, and have now explained the purpose of my own interview to me.”

“I said I would let you lead.”

“You also said you could be charming.”

“I can.”

“So you're just saving it up for Elaine?”

His voice goes deep. “Do you want me to charm you, Donna?”

The change in his voice slides over my skin before I can stop it.

I turn my head.

His eyes remain on the road, but the slight curve at the corner of his mouth tells me he knows exactly what he just did.

“That depends,” I say.

“On?”