I knew all about her checkered past.

Still, I kept my mouth shut while she talked. Maybe---just maybe---I'd learn something new.

Here it was. "I've been awfully lonely," she said, "since my last husband gave me the boot."

She handed me a cool, even gaze and did not volunteeer any more details. That was fine with me. I'd check out her story later. Meanwhile, I had my own checkered past to keep me up nights.