； no。 But it's been years since I lived at home。〃
〃Do you live in the same place you did with your husband？〃
〃Yes。〃
〃Does it bother you？〃
〃Sometimes。〃 An understatement。
〃Do you have children？〃
〃No。〃 Regretfully。
〃You're lucky。〃
Frowning； she lowered the gas under the perking coffee。 〃Why do you say
that？ I've often thought it would have been easier to have part of him
left。〃
〃It isn't；〃 Mitch said tightly。 〃Take my word for it。〃
Anne heard vehemence enough to suggest personal experience。 She wanted
to ask more； but it seemed against the rules。 When he didn't offer more
himself； she figured he agreed。 Anonymity was best。 Definitely。
He finished his pie and coffee； tossed a playful； 〃Getting better！〃 over
his shoulder in passing； and left her to add coffee to her own cuppa
Joe。 Soon after； he left the cottage。
Noise from the kitchen late that afternoon announced his return。 Anne
put the finishing touches on the piece she had translated； stacked her
papers neatly； then paused。 She sniffed the air。 There was a new； vile
smell。
〃You went fishing！〃 she moaned from the kitchen door； staring in horror
at the mess on the counter。 She crinkled her nose in disgust。
〃Now； now；〃 he chided； 〃it may smell bad at first； but once this bass is
fried； the end result will be worth it。 You'll join me for dinner； won't