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“Yes. Like your Melanie.”
My eyes widen.
“While we would have appreciated more time for testing our theories and for laying out a plan, it seems you have beaten us to the punch.”
I take this as a sign he wants to discuss specifics. “Well, you would want to be very careful in your selection process,” I warned him. “In general, mathematical models have confirmed that selection builds more variation than expected from randomly combined genes.”
He let go of my shoulder and moved away. “Of course,” he said. I did not believe he actually knew this. Mark is smart in regard to certain things. Mostly, the lowbrow stuff. He is not, as they say, very intellectual.
“You have to take this seriously,” I repeated. Also, I figured complex explanations might buy me some time. “Understanding the mathematics behind the approach is well worth the effort. In a field as mature as evolutionary genetics, it’s not so frequent that someone takes an old problem, looks at it from another angle, and finds new connections.”
For several long moments, he seemed to consider what I’d said. Until, all at once, his expression shifted, and he confirmed what many others before him had suggested. “You’re a genius, Tom!”
“You are not the first person to make such a suggestion.”
Mark’s mouth fell open. His eyes were wide. He ran his fingers through his hair. He started pacing again, and I have to admit it feels rather nice when your potential is fully recognized. “You’re exactly right,” he said. “We have to present this as an issue of evolution versus one of morals. That’s the only way we can win.”
“But June will never go for me having another wife. And I don’t want a divorce.”
“Those are just details,” he assured me. Then he smiled. “Details, my friend, which can be worked out.”
Chapter Five
Melanie
In every seduction, romantic or otherwise, there are two elements one must evaluate and understand: first, yourself and what is seductive about you; and second, your mark and what it will take to penetrate their defenses and create surrender. I learned this by watching my father.
Of course, I took his methods and refined them. There’s nothing sexy about being a copycat.
For starters, if you never let anyone close, they’ll have a harder time finding flaws.
People will follow a thing all the way through so long as there is a question they haven’t yet answered.
Why am I so attracted to this person?
What was his motive?
What will she do next?
If he meant this, why did he say that?
But sometimes distance is impossible, and in this case, I have questions. Also, I’m dealing with the likes of Beth Jones. The leader of New Hope’s wife, the real church founder, that’s what Josie had said. Beth has just called to say she’s popping by for a visit tomorrow. Apparently, according to Tom, and well, just about everyone, Beth is not the kind of woman to be refused.
I have to say, this intrigues me.
I need to see what I’m up against. I need an opponent worth playing.
The truth is, I’ve been feeling itchy lately, so I liked that her visit wasn’t a question. I appreciate the way they say, with her, everything is a statement.
This should be fun.
I’ve done my homework. God knows, there’s nothing else going on around here. Tom has promised he’ll get me a car, but he says he wants to wait for the morning sickness to pass first. Unfortunately, I’d already played that card, and it wasn’t the kind I could take back right away.
So, to say that I welcome the distraction, the opportunity for mental stimulation Beth’s visit will provide, would be an understatement.
Already, I’ve learned a few things. Things I plan to use to my advantage. One, this meeting is important to Tom. I haven’t quite figured out why, but he really seems to want these people to like him. Obviously, at least temporarily, I want what Tom wants.
Two, I’m young and pliable. This makes me attractive. Just ask Tom.
