He chewed on a piece of dried apple, then continued, "Anyway, we've been divorced for a year now, and except for the anger that remains at her betrayal, I'm much happier living alone."
Tearing the wrapper from a granola bar, he bit a chunk off, then asked, "What about that diamond on your left hand? I've bared my soul. Now it's your turn. Besides, I have an idea about it and I'd like to know if I'm right."
Charly shifted slightly to try and get more comfortable. Damn small vehicles anyway!
"First I want to ask you something, McKinnon. You picked those first three files because they were the ones most likely to cause me problems, didn't you?" Her question was more curious than accusatory.
He grinned as he answered her. "Guilty. I figured if you could handle Baker and a couple of young wives, you'd make it. I was right."
"Then you should know the ring is for the benefit of the young wives. It belonged to my Grandmother. I didn't come into this job with my eyes closed, and I knew hostile wives could be a problem. The ring won't pacify them all, but it will help a little."
"What about lecherous men? Have you thought of that?"
"Oh, yes. And prepared for it too. There was a very good Judo school in Hamilton and I've got my black belt. I'm not concerned."
Although it was too dark to see now, Charly felt his opinion of her rise several notches. Finishing her granola bar and V-8, she tidied away the food. Reaching across in front of McKinnon, she took the flashlight from the glove compartment.
"Okay, T. G., who's first for the bathroom? It's quite large, really, but doesn't have a shower." Giggling, she corrected her statement quickly. "Well, it did have, but we've missed it."
"Judo or not, I'll go first, if you don't mind. God knows what the storm stirred up in the bush. He climbed out of the car and she realized it was much colder now.
While he was gone, Charly tipped the seats back as far as they would go, thankful for the recliners. She placed the rug on his and pulled the sleeping bag up to hers. After all, he had a blazer. She just had her long-sleeved jumpsuit.
When he returned, she took the flashlight from him and asked, "Any beasties out there?"
"None that I could see, but don't be long. This is rabies country."
"Thanks, McKinnon. You really know how to put a person's mind at rest. See you."