Free Poisonous Kiss by Andras Totisz Page A

of the camera, which recorded it in the same impersonal way that it records the demise of the mice.
    Â Â Â Â Â I thought of the tapes on which John spoke about his sudden attacks, sickness and violent anger.
    Â Â Â Â Â Then it was over. I heard Martin disposing of the mouse and clacking away at the computer. Next I glimpsed his shadow by the cages. He took out another mouse. I didn't pity this one either. I would have killed all of them with my own hands if it could help John.
    Â Â Â Â Â "Why did you do it?"
    Â Â Â Â Â It took a few seconds to realize Martin had broken the silence. It was strange. This was the first time he raised the question, and I was silent as I a thought about the answer. I'd been searching for that answer for days.
    Â Â Â Â Â "I wanted to help," I whispered.
    Â Â Â Â Â "Help whom?"
    Â Â Â Â Â I turned toward Martin. He was standing with the mouse in his hand waiting for the answer. I realized with astonishment that he was jealous. He'd never been jealous. But then again, I never saw another man's face in my mind while we were making love. How could he know how I feel?
    Â Â Â Â Â It flashed through my mind that I shouldn't underestimate him. I shouldn't underestimate either of these men.
    Â Â Â Â Â "How do you mean?" I asked hoarsely. I wanted to buy a little time, but he didn't even deign to answer my question as he walked toward the next shot, already prepared and waiting on the table.
    Â Â Â Â Â I worked myself into a rage. It was easy, I had so much tension bottled up and ready to explode.
    Â Â Â Â Â "It was you who said this is the only missing link in your experiments, wasn't it? How many evenings have I sat and listened to you complaining that you can't make any progress?"
    Â Â Â Â Â He gave the shot and put down the mouse, pretending he didn't hear me. His usual reaction when I'm angry. He never realized how hurtful that can be. He'd explain later: "But you're not yourself when you get upset. It just makes more sense to wait until you're yourself again and not argue with a stranger unnecessarily." I caught him by the shoulder and shook him.
    Â Â Â Â Â "Answer me, for God's sake! You said that, didn't you?"
    Â Â Â Â Â He glanced at the chronometer and gently pushed away my hands.
    Â Â Â Â Â "I never told you to give 20 CCs to anybody without consulting me before-hand."
    Â Â Â Â Â I forced myself to calm down. Controlling anger is a regular part of my job. I could even smile at him, but then I am also a woman, not just a psychologist. I moved closer to him and touched him again. Only this time in a gentle way. My hand rested softly, gently on his shoulder as I looked into his eyes. My voice was soft too, coy and girlish, ready to cry.
    Â Â Â Â Â "I thought you'd be happy." I didn't need to force the teardrops. "That was my first thought when I read through Arany's file. I thought he's your man. I mean, a detective who let his partner be killed. Your chance of a lifetime."
    Â Â Â Â Â I saw on his face that he was fighting with himself. He turned away, to look at the mouse, but he couldn't run away from my voice.
    Â Â Â Â Â "Then I studied him. I learned he's an excellent shot. He's muscular, and was among the best in self-defense at the academy. I performed a few basic tests on him. His reflexes and capability for making decisions are much better than average. Good judgment and intelligence. Several years of experience. What causes a man like this to freeze up, and not shoot?"
    Â Â Â Â Â Martin didn't answer this rhetorical question. He was looking at the mouse and I was looking at it, too. I hit the arm of the chair when I saw the mouse begin to stagger.
    Â Â Â Â Â Martin looked calm as he mixed up a new dilution. He checked something on his computer. I couldn't believe, another