She looked at Sam, aware of something else in his grin, and gave an uncertain little laugh.
He sat down, rubbing his ear-lobes, the malicious grin still lingering on his countenance.

What he had not told her was that Querida's volcanically irregular affairs of the heart always ended with the gift of an Oporto parrot.

Marianne Valdez owned one.

So did Mazie Gray.
His cynical gaze rested on Valerie reflectively.

He had heard plenty of rumours and whispers concerning her; and never believed any of them.