Valdis didn't even hear his explanation about being an idiot, but she did feel his hand when it touched her arm. A shock rippled down her spine, her muscles stiffened, but she didn't make any attempt to remove his hand, as she might with someone else. His confusion seemed so out of place. She closed her eyes, releasing the breath she held while she tried to decide her next move.

She breathed in again, finding her voice before turning and looking into his eyes, her head slightly tipped, emerald eyes hard.

"I'm going to ask you one more question," she said, hands at her sides, "If the answer is different from what I think it is, then I won't bring it up again."