After spreading the bowl, beaters, casing, plates and assorted other parts across the floor, Mara examined the inner workings of the mixer. She confirmed the appliance gave off a burning smell when powered up. It might just be grit or dust in the mechanism that would burn off after one or two uses, or it could need a new coil.
“Does it bother you if people talk to you while you work?” Ping asked while she eyeballed some of the appendages extending from the motor.
“Depends on what they are talking about, I suppose.” She didn’t look at him.
“Have you always had an aptitude for mechanics and technology?”
“As long as I can remember, I always loved taking things apart and fixing them.”
“So is your interest in seeing how they work or in repairing them?”
“What’s the difference?”
“One is ab
