"Apparently, I'm not the medical genius people believe me to be," he added.
"You know that's not true," she said firmly. "I'm grateful for all you've done for me."
His smile was polite. "Be back in a bit."
He was unhappy about something. Deidre sipped her coffee. There was no way he was concerned about money. All he had to do was sell one of the original pieces of artwork displayed casually in the marble foyer and he'd be fine for years.
She trusted him without question and yet, there was more to him than she really knew. Their professional then personal relationships had centered around her and her illness. She didn't know more than his official biography. She'd never needed to know, before now.
Deidre waited half an hour then rose. She wandered into the house, uncertain what she sought. Some sign he was an Immortal? Some sign he wasn't?
She didn't really know. She put her cell phone on its charger and explored the house, admiring his taste in everything from furniture to paintings to simple décor. He lived well but not lavishly, surrounded by an understated elegance much like him: aloof and pleasant.
Nothing screamed Immortal or that there was something about him she should be worried about. Frustrated with herself for assuming the worst about her remaining friend, she returned to the veranda. She understood why he liked the spot; the scent of honeysuckle and herbs was thick in the air, the manicured gardens pleasant to look at and the awning providing the right amount of cool shade from the midmorning Georgia sun.
Had Gabriel visited him last night? If so, why was he alive?
No one I couldn't handle, dear.
She hadn't put much weight into Wynn's response, but she considered it now. Another bizarre answer. The coffee was still warm. She poured herself some more, struggling to figure out what she was missing. What the Immortals were hiding from her. The only one who seemed willing to talk to her before being shushed by Daniela was Rhyn.
Rhyn, whose last words to her had been to find him, if she wanted to know the full story. Struck by an idea, Deidre sat up. If the portals took her to Gabriel and Wynn, they might take her to Rhyn, too. He scared her, but it was beyond the time for her to start getting some answers.
Deidre wiped her hands on her jeans and sat up straight. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes, aware the portals wouldn't respond if she was remotely upset.
"Rhyn," she said. "But only if it's safe where he is."