"Comparin' ridin' t'bein' bit on your rear isn't the most flatterin' review I've ever got."

But there's laughter in her voice, even if it's muted.

"First time's always the hardest. Until the second time, of course. Eventually, y'jus' build enough muscle y'stop feelin' it after a while."

And you end up with legs like Kate's, which is to say rock hard and lean.

She catches him looking at her. If she looks anything like she feels, she must be a fright. Her hair is wild, her makeup smudged. She keeps her chin down, concentrating on the bite until it's time to dig gauze out of the kit.

"I should'a warned you 'bout Dug. He don't stay with me every night, but he comes an' goes as he pleases, an' there's been a lot more of the former lately. I'm glad y'made up."