It was easy to tell that she was doing her best to keep up with his game. It wouldn't be nearly as fun if she didn't at least try. Besides, her reactions, that glance of curiosity and challenge that she gave him over the lines of her glasses; it wasn't a look he got from anyone but her. It offered an excitement that could easily become an addiction. Had become an addiction. Alex Reagan and her unguarded emotions had become Richard's addiction, and he was fairly sure most of her listeners knew it. At least the ones that could read between the lines of their verbal microexpressions.

"Poveglia Island." That was it. No explanation, no exposition as to why. Just the name before he set the papers down, waiting for her to do the rest herself. She was always so good at believing she knew his reasoning and thoughts. It was fun to watch the wheels work as she figured it out.