“I’m sorry, Rio. I’m sorry it had to happen to you.” Deane made a little gesture of sympathy.
Rio thrust his head forward.
“That’d work better on a live man,” he said bluntly.
“Is Martin alive?” Deane spoke as if to herself.
“He’s crazy,” answered Rio, “but he ain’t dead. And he never lost all his bearings till he met you. He even handled Roberts.”
Deane was astonished.
“You know Mr. Roberts?”
Rio twirled his cap in his hand.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s a friend of mine.”