Page 27 of Strangers She Knows

“The government was afraid the Japanese-Americans would try to help Japan invade the US.” Max didn’t bring up the internment camps, either.

Rae persisted, “I thought Germany was the enemy.”

“Germany was the enemy, too.” Kellen could see where this was going.

Max met Kellen’s eyes. “And Italy.”

Rae’s eyes narrowed. “Did our family have to move off the coast?”

“No,” Max said.

“Did the German-Americans have to move off the coast?”

“No,” Kellen said. “Not the people from Europe. Only the people from Japan.”

“That’s not fair!” Rae’s indignation blazed hot. She turned. “I want to go read Ruby’s diary and find out what happened.”

“We can do that.” Kellen put her hand on Rae’s shoulder. “But not now. The sun’s shining. Let’s go to the beach!”

Rae wavered.

“Ruby’s diary will be there tomorrow. Olympia’s making another picnic basket. I’ve got on my swim trunks and my flip-flops.” Max showed his feet. “Come on, kid. Time’s a-wastin’!”

Luna barked in agreement.

“All right, Luna. Anyway, I’m starving!”

“Still?” Kellen questioned. “We just ate a picnic upstairs.”

“Just a little one!” Rae tore out of the room and headed upstairs to change.

Luna bounded after her.

“I swear that dog speaks English.” Kellen started toward the stairway, too.

Max followed. “I can’t believe Gerard Morgade would have allowed the government to take his wife and child.”

“How could he stop them?”

“Money. Influence.”

“Yes. Of course. Money and influence.” She glanced back at him. “What are you doing? Where are you going?”

“I’m coming with you.”

She paused, her foot on the first step, her fingers wrapped around the banister. “Why?”

“With the hand and everything, I thought you might need help pulling on your bathing suit.”

A bubble of amusement rose in her throat. “You’re going to help me…get dressed?”

He wore his smile cocked sideways. “Whatever help you need.”

“What makes you think the pleasure of your touch won’t blow up my brain?” She mocked him and his previous restraint.

He was completely serious. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about you making me happy. Maybe I could make you happy, too, sort of gently, building up to the big event, and if there’s any doubt about your health, I could back away and—”

Kellen stood on the first step, faced Max straight on, put her arms around his shoulders (he was still taller), and said, “You want to control my orgasm? Really, darling, there’s no need. I’ve already tested it. Please remember, I don’t needyouto have an orgasm.”

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