Mountains of Dawn

"You can't do that, Malcolm. If he's innocent, that's just cruel."

"I didn't get where I'm at by being kind or softhearted, Paul. Sometimes softhearted is more like softheaded, in my opinion." He glowered.

Paul shrugged and picked up another slice of pizza.

"But I can't do it that way. I promised Tanya, and if I don't contact him and tell him she's fine, she'll find a way to do it herself. Besides, she's my client and I promised her I'd call him. Let's see what happens."

Malcolm picked up the phone and called Kevin's home. No answer. He called the Shoppe next; Kevin answered.

"Yes? You say you're Malcolm Clark, and you're a friend of Tanya Howard's? Do you know where she is, and if everything's all right?"

"Yes, Mr. Matwin, that's correct. I'm a friend of Tanya's."

"I've tried to contact her, but there's no answer. I was about to call the police, just to be sure." He paused. "Do you know the reason, Mr. Clark? Who are you, anyway? And who are you to Tanya?"

"Mr. Matwin, I must tell you there's been an accident. There was a fire at your villa. Injuries…"

Malcolm heard the phone clank to the floor and a sound like a thud. There was silence for a moment, then a rattle. "Tanya!" Kevin's voice was strained, hoarse. "Tanya, my dear God, Tanya! Is she all right?" The man's voice choked silent.

"Mr. Matwin, I'm so sorry to have upset you in this way. Tanya is fine. Edda was injured, but Tanya escaped. She wanted you to know she's fine and for you not to worry."

There was silence for a moment. "Why didn't you tell me right away? Who the hell are you, Clark? I want to know, and I want to know now! I have your phone number here on my Caller ID. I can trace you."

"Mr. Matwin, again, let me apologize. I'm the director of the agency Tanya hired to supply her with personal protection. We also carry out special investigations. Edda Milton and Charles Aldrin-you met them at La Mimosa-were Tanya's bodyguards."

"But…why did Tanya need protection? From what? From whom?"

"We had reason to believe her life was in danger. There had been at least three attempts made to kill her."

"Where is she?"

"We're taking care of her safety, Mr. Matwin."

"I want to see her. When can I see her?"