The Web

Moreland tapped the glass, and several pairs of feet pawed the air.

Then, a lunging motion, a sound like snapping fingers.

'What… is it?' said Robin.

'The giant centipede of East Asia. This one stowed away on one of the supply boats last year- Brady's as a matter of fact. I obtain a lot of my specimens that way.'

I thought of our ride on The Madeleine. Sleeping below deck, wearing only bathing trunks.

'He's significantly more venomous than most spiders,' he said. 'And I haven't named him yet. Haven't quite trained him to love me.'

'How venomous is significant?' I said.

'There's only one recorded fatality. A seven-year-old boy in the Philippines. The most common problem is secondary infection, gangrene. Limb loss can occur.'

'Have you ever been bitten?' I asked.

'Often.' He smiled. 'But only by human children who didn't wish to be vaccinated.'

'Very impressive,' I said, hoping we were through. But another pellet was between Moreland's fingers, and before I knew it another corner of mesh had been drawn back.

No dangling this time. He dropped the food into the centipede's cage from a one-foot height.

The animal ignored it.

Moreland said, 'Have it your way,' and refastened the top.

He headed up the central aisle and we were right behind him.

'That's it. I hope I haven't repulsed you.'

'So your nutritional research is about them,' I said.

'Primarily. They have much to teach us. I also study web patterns, various other things.'

'Fascinating,' said Robin.

I stared at her. She smiled from the corner of her mouth. Her hand had warmed. Her fingers began tickling my palm, then dropped. Crawling down my inner wrist.

I tried to pull away but she held me fast. Full smile.

'I'm glad you feel that way, dear,' said Moreland. 'Some people are repelled. No telling.'

***

Later, in our suite, I tried to extract revenge by coming up behind her as she removed her makeup and lightly scratching her neck.

She squealed and shot to her feet, grabbing for me, and we ended up on the floor.

I got on top and tickled her some more. 'Fascinating? All of a sudden I'm living with Spiderwoman? Shall we begin a new hobby when we get back?'

She laughed. 'First thing, let's learn the recipe for those pellets… Actually, it was fascinating, Alex. Though now that I'm out of there, it's starting to feel creepy again.'

'The size of some of them,' I said.

'It wasn't a typical evening, that's for sure.'

'What do you think of our host?'

'Mucho eccentric. But courtly. Sweet.'

'Dear?'

'I don't mind that from him. He's from another generation. And despite his age, he's still passionate. I like passion in a man.'

She freed an arm and ran it up mine. 'Coochie-coo!'

I pinioned her. 'Ah, my little Lycosa, I am passionate, too!'

She reached around. 'So it seems.'

I bared my teeth. 'Hold me and crush me, Arachnodella- liquefy me.'

'You scoff,' she said, 'but just think what I could do with six more hands.'

8

The next morning swim fins, snorkels, towels, and masks were waiting for us at the breakfast table.

'Jeep's out in front,' said Gladys.

We ate quickly and found the vehicle parked near the fountain. One of those bare-bones, canvas-top models that kids in Beverly Hills and San Marino favor when pretending to be rural. This one was the real thing: clouded plastic windows, rough white paint, no four-figure stereo system.

Just as I started the engine, the Pickers burst out of the house, waving.

'Hitch a ride into town?' Lyman called out. They were in khakis again, with bush hats. Binoculars hung around his neck and a big, yellow smile opened in his beard. 'Seeing as this used to be our borrowed vehicle, don't see how you can decently refuse.'

'Wouldn't think of it,' I said.

They climbed in the back.

'Thanks,' said Jo. Her eyes were bloodshot and her mouth looked tight.

From Robin's lap, Spike grumbled.

'Talk about brachycephaly,' said Picker. 'Is he able to breathe?'

'Apparently,' said Robin.

'Where would you like me to drop you?' I said.

'I'll direct you. Terrible shocks on this thing, so watch for potholes.'

I drove through the gates, the Jeep gliding on the fresh blacktop, speeding along the palm-lined road. Soon the ocean came into view, true-blue, unperturbed by breakers. As we neared the harbor, the water swooped toward us; driving toward it was like tumbling into a box of sapphires. I remembered Pam's comment about a big, blue slap in the face.

Picker said, 'Did you notice the rotary phones in the house? Thank God it's not two cans and a string.'

Robin put her hand on my leg and turned back to him, smiling. 'If you don't like it, why stay?'

'We do like it,' said Jo, quickly.

'Excellent question, Ms. Craftsperson,' said her husband. 'If it were up to me, we would not be staying. If it were up to me we would not be staying within a thousand miles of this isle. But Dr. Wife's research is urgent. Heard you saw the zoo-ette last night. Rich man's version of firefly in a jar. No systemization. Scientifically, it's a waste of time.'

Spike reared his head and stared. Picker tried to pet him but he backed away and curled up in Robin's lap again.

'Male dogs,' said Picker, 'always go for the femmes.'

'That's not true, Ly,' said his wife. 'When I was little we had a miniature schnauzer and he preferred my father.'

'Because, dearest, he'd met your mother.'

He didn't mind laughing by himself. 'Hormones. Dogs go after women, men go after bitches.'

He began humming. Spike growled.

'Not a music fan,' said Picker.

'On the contrary,' said Robin. 'He likes melody but sour notes drive him wild.'

***

At Front Street Picker said, 'Go right.'