Judith smiled. "I don't mind," she said. "About the 'date' or about the security system. I like what I'm doing, and it was fun to learn about the alarm system. You seem well protected inside your home."
"What are the most vulnerable and the most safe areas in the house?"
"The solarium isn't safe at all. Your den, with its large windows on the front of the house, is the second least safe, and this room is third. The sleeping quarters are the safest, especially your bedroom; it's surrounded by a big hallway with two motion detectors to monitor the entrance in alternate directions."
"Ah," Brian said. "Now I know where to take you in case of an attack."
"You don't take my job seriously, do you?"
"I do, but things have been fairly peaceful, at the office, here, and on the road. No mad drivers, no bombs, nothing." He grinned.
"Maybe I'll be out of a job pretty soon," she said. She was surprised to feel a pang of regret.
"That would be a pity," Brian said.
"Thank you, Brian. You've been very considerate, very pleasant. More than pleasant. You're caring."
Brian reached across the table and touched her hand. "Tell me about you, Judith. I know nothing about you, except you have a sister."
"She's actually my only living family. I have no one else." Judith drew her hand away from his, but slowly. "My brother-in-law, a detective with Toronto Police, is the one responsible for my job choice. He took me out shooting. One day, he suggested I consider entering the Police Academy. And I did." She pushed her plate away, no longer able to eat. "Target shooting is my favorite hobby. I have a few awards in it."
"Perhaps we should go there, some afternoon."
"Oh, no. No, Mr. Miller, I don't think that would be a safe place for you. Accidents have been known to happen there."
Brian tilted his head, his expression pained. "Brian, please, Judith. I thought we had passed the 'Mr. Miller' stage." He rose from the table and offered his hand. "But let us go into the 'dangerous' solarium for brandy and coffee, and continue our conversation."
They discussed the past, both his and hers. Brian told of his worry-free childhood, and of his three wives and two sons, both with their mothers now.
"Don't you miss them?" Judith asked.