After much pointing and hand gestures Alex eventually had his efforts rewarded with a smile. The expression completely transformed the refugee’s face, which had looked perpetually stern and perplexed while Alex performed a mime of washing. Alex reacted, smiling back without hesitation, annoyed with himself for doing so. Smiles had led him to the pointless relationship with Bray. Smiles always got Alex into trouble.
Perhaps fortunately, David had already turned away. He now reached out and let the spray from the shower run over his fingers as if amazed, on some level charming Alex with the investigation. If David’s exploration of everything wasn’t an act then his delight was both entertaining and enchanting.
As to nationality, Alex had been running a list of countries through his head. Ma
