“Possibly,” Channing admitted with complete gravity. “But at times it’s the lunatic who makes the most sense. Maybe you’re not aware that you want her, but it shows in your eyes. You want her very much and you’re terribly afraid of her.”
Something tugged at Kerrigan’s throat. He spoke in a whisper. “Sure I’m afraid. I’m afraid if she bothers me again I might clip her in the teeth.”
Channing raised his eyebrows. For a long moment he was quietly thoughtful. Then he said, “Well, that’s easily understandable. From your point of view she’s just fooling around.”
Kerrigan put his hands flat on the table. His palms pressed hard against the wood. He didn’t say anything.
Channing said, “It’s quite possible she’s more serious than you think. Why don’t you try to find out?”
“I’m not interested. Happens I got something else on my mind.”
He paused, waiting for it to sink in.
Channing’s face was impassive.
“It concerns you.” And there was another pause, much longer. “I’d like to find out more about you.”
“Me?” Channing frowned. “What for? Any special reason?”