Page 38 of Truly, Madly Viking

At first, an overwhelming sadness swept over her—that he still clung to these foolish notions. But then inspiration hit her. "I have the most wonderful idea."

"Somehow I misdoubt that your idea of a wonderful idea would coincide with mine... unless it involves sex."

She slanted him a disapproving frown, then continued. "I think we should go on a field trip to Orcaland.

It might be just the trick to jar your memories and convince you that you aren't really a time traveler."

He just stared at her.

Disappointment that he wasn't immediately receptive dampened her enthusiasm, but only for a second when she realized he might not know what a field trip was. "A field trip is an excursion away from a facility. Not a permanent release. Just a day trip."

"So you are suggesting that you and I go to Orcaland... to visit the site of my time travel, and perhaps get a glimpse of Thora... and some answers.

She nodded hesitantly. "It wouldn't be just you and me, though. I would have to take the others in the group. I know, I know," she said excitedly. "We could stop by that traveling Vietnam memorial exhibit, as well. The Moving Wall, I think it's called. That might benefit Steve. And later, dinner at that new club, Boot Scootin' Cowboy, would give Natalie a glimpse of how her life could be if she ever realized her dream of being a country western singer. I hear they have live entertainment there."

"Mayhap we could also stop by a farm and let Hair-vee check out the livestock for a new personality.

Or perchance Rosalyn the mouse could snag a customer or two for a swiving marathon."

Maggie gave Joe a dirty look. "Your sarcasm doesn't help."

He shrugged.

"This is a good idea. A really good idea," she insisted. "Of course, I'll have to get permission from Harry.—I mean, Dr. Seabold first, but I don't think he'll object."

"Is he your lover?"

"Huh? Who? Harry? No, of course not." She put a hand to her mouth to hide her smile.

"Good."

He exhaled with a loud whoosh, as if relieved.

Good? Why is that good? No, don't ask. It will just start him on the topic of things he and I shouldn't be discussing. But, good?

Changing the subject, she remarked, "Of course, my daughters will be upset that they can't come along.

Especially Beth. She just loves killer whales and Orcaland."

Joe drew himself up stiffly. "I give you notice here and now: I am going nowhere with those girls of yours. Not now or ever. Keep them away from me."

Maggie would have been outraged at his maligning her daughters if she hadn't noticed the haunted expression in his gray eyes. In fact, she could swear they were misty with tears.

"Joe... ?" she probed.

He turned his face away from her.

She put a hand on his arm. "Don't you like children?"

Swinging his head, he scowled at her. "Heed me well, wench. Push me too far, and I will not be responsible for my actions."

An alarming question occurred to Maggie... one she should have asked before. "Are you married? Do you have a wife somewhere?"

His throat worked as if he was attempting to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. Finally he answered in a whisper of a voice, "I have no wife."

For some reason that news heartened Maggie. She shouldn't care, but she did.

"Okay, one last question."