“True,” Mark said. “But Red can be a good judge of people.”
“And we should let him judge Vince Monroe. But maybe after you’ve had a chance to watch the guy and see what you think?”
“Okay. You get Red for the night. And Colleen and I will head out now.”
“Perfect. You’re such a pretty couple!” Ragnar said teasingly. “Colleen, don’t be afraid to let your hair down. I know what it’s like. People think I’m too pretty too.”
Mark laughed. “Sure, if you like the muscle-bound, axe-wielding Viking type.”
“Hey!” Ragnar protested. “Any of us can go back and find ancestors who ravaged and slaughtered, all believing in divine destiny or the power of whoever their god or gods might have been.”
“Just teasing,” Mark said. “You’re a very pretty Viking.”
Ragnar let out a weary sigh. Colleen laughed, and Ragnar said, “Well, this conversation—pathetic as it might have been—has been a high point after staring at screens.”
“Neither man left the hospital?” Mark asked.
“Neither man left,” Ragnar said. He glanced at his watch. “Go and have fun. At least, try to eat something decent anyway. Maybe Vince Monroe is good, so there’s a little entertainment for you. Axel should be here soon. Don’t call me—okay, call me if there’s something major.”
“Got it,” Mark said. “Ready, Colleen?”
She pulled the clip and band out of her hair, shaking it around her head.
“Better?” she asked Ragnar.
“Nice!” Ragnar said.
Mark laughed. “Almost human, huh?”
She punched him in the arm.
“Ow!”
Ragnar laughed.
“Hey—she punched hard!”
“I’m well trained!” she said, grinning.
“Real strength usually lies in the ability to avoid violence,” Mark said. Then he laughed. “It’s okay that you punched me.”
“Don’t go punching each other at the club!” Ragnar warned. “You’ll get kicked out.”
“We’ll be on our best behavior,” Mark promised.
He set his hand on Colleen’s back, urging her to the door. But then they both stopped, almost simultaneously.
Red was whining.
Mark stooped by the dog, patting his head.
“You keep Ragnar company, okay?”
Red woofed.
Apparently, he just liked to be informed.
But Colleen paused to pet the dog too, promising they’d be together again soon. Red seemed to understand.
She found herself glancing at the screens again before they left.
Sally and Brant, Dierdre and Gary. Two devoted couples.
And yet, she thought Mark’s instincts were right. Something that looked too good, usually wasn’t.
“Let’s go meet a piano man,” Mark said.
“Ah, you guys have all the fun,” Ragnar said.
Mark paused. “Ragnar, you can—”
“No! Get, go, leave me—and Red—in peace!”
They left at last and headed for the club, A Little Night Music.