"Yes, but it'll take me at least two hours. It's a long way and I only have my bicycle."
"I'll buy a car," de Gier said, "but it will be easier if you move in with me. You won't have to rush up and down all the time."
She kissed him back.
"I may, but this flat is awfully small for two people and two cats, and the cats won't like each other. It may be better if you move in with me."
"O.K.," de Gier said, "anything you say."
Esther stepped back. "Will you really give up your life here for me, Rinus? You are so comfortable in this flat. Won't it be better if I keep on coming here?"
"Marry me," de Gier said.
She giggled and pushed back her glasses, which had slipped down her nose.
"You're so old-fashioned, darling. Nobody wants to get married anymore these days. People live together now, haven't you noticed?"
"We'll have a child," de Gier said. "A son, or a daughter if you like. Twins, one each."
"I'll think about it, dear, don't rush me. And I must go now. Did you have a pleasant day?"
"No."
"What happened?"
"Everything happened. I'll go with you. I can tell you about it in the bus. Leave your bicycle here. Then I'll be sure you're coming back."
She put Oliver down and de Gier picked him up, wrapping the cat around his neck and pulling its paws with both hands. Oliver yowled and tried to bite him but got his mouth full of hair and blew furiously.
"It's been a bad day," he said, "and I'll tell you all about it. But it will be the last time I ever tell you about my job. Police work should never be discussed."
"No, darling," she said as she brushed her hair.
"No, darling," he repeated and dropped Oliver, who forgot to turn over and landed on his side with a thud.
"Stupid cat," de Gier said.