I Love You, Miss Genius

Billy was secretly a chess fanatic. He could not wait to find out what the manual was called so he could study it in private.

Bonnie's lips curled into a grin. A hint of mischief flashed in her eyes. Then she pretended to ponder deeply, rubbing her chin as she did.

"It's been such a long time since I've read it. I can't recall it off the top of my head. I'm going to need some time."

He waved his hand and said, "It's fine. Take your time. I'm not in any hurry, anyway. Let's continue our game. Then, tell me about what you see as the game goes on. That'll allow me to study chess differently, too."

She feigned surprise and said, "I'm seriously not good at chess, Billy. I don't think it's a good idea for you to be studying chess the way I do. The last thing I want to do is lead you astray."

"It'll be fine. I'll know what to do." He gestured for her to look at the game, that had only gone halfway through. "Come on, keep playing."

had been playing reservedly earlier. Now, however,

took her three moves to turn

it with his own eyes.

her chess piece across the board, he was checkmated. Victory was supposedly within

widened in shock as he looked at the chessboard. He even wondered if he was seeing things wrongly. So, he closed his eyes and opened them

could decide the outcome of the match in just one move. The way Barrett moved his chess pieces is probably

in his chest. Looking at her with clear admiration, he asked, "Would you please show me how you did it, Barrett?" Billy had never been

to tell him the core of the principle in an easily understood

long used to the

was 'The Shepherd.' To neutralize Billy on the chessboard was like taking candy

a thumbs