Channing lifted his gaze from the camera and studied Kerrigan’s face. For some moments he didn’t speak. Then he said quietly, “I’m not worried. Why should you be?”
It was a perfectly logical statement. Kerrigan swallowed hard and said, “Just trying to give you advice, that’s all.”
“Thank you,” Channing said. He slanted his head a little. “I think you’re the one who needs advice.”
Kerrigan found himself staring toward the center of the table, at the camera.
He heard Channing saying, “Don’t be afraid of her.”
It seemed to him that the tabletop was coming up to hit him in the face. He pulled his head to one side. He wondered why he couldn’t look at Channing.
“There’s no reason to be afraid,” Channing said. “After all, she’s just a woman.”
He tried to reply. He groped for phrases and couldn’t find a single word.
“I’m saying this,” Channing murmured, “because I know you want her.”
“You’re crazy.”