Contemplating Motives

Lucas groans.

He has a cup of coffee in front of him. His free hand is drumming a steady rhythm against the tabletop. He hasn't touched his coffee yet.

This is remarkable, because Lucas loves his morning coffee.

I watch him over my own glass. "Is something wrong?"

Lucas makes a sound of frustration. "I've just...I don't understand what that crazy woman's thinking. Is this a trap?"

Roland rests his chin in his hand, gazing over the table in a faux-thoughtful way that I know means he isn't really thinking at all. "Likely is. If that woman's anything she's clever."

Valentine crosses his arms.

His voice is terse.

"Well, if it is a trap, then just ignore it. I still don't know who this woman is."

Lucas gives him an impatient, annoyed look. "Valentine."

"Yes?" Valentine feigns innocence, which makes Lucas bristle.

I exhale through my nose.

Those two never seem to get along, do they?