Mountains of Dawn

"Involved?" Paul said, all innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Malcolm." He grinned.

"Paul, you know what I mean. Don't-don't use your charm on the girl."

"You mean you think I can be charming?" Paul asked. "Why, Malcolm, you're just full of compliments tonight." He laughed. "But that's a hard assignment. Here she is, a single, attractive, wealthy woman, and she can be a riot, too…and you tell me to keep away."

Malcolm's frown returned, deep and angry. "She's our client, and I expect you to behave like a professional."

Paul shrugged. "I still like her."

"So do I. I also want you to organize a new search into the death of her parents and Tanya's Power of Attorney. She believes there wasn't any, just some kind of uncle living in Europe. Strange. Legally speaking, impossible, even seventeen years back."

"I'll start the investigation before leaving," Paul said. His pen skipped quickly over the sheets of paper in his notebook. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he looked directly at Malcolm. He raised his right hand. "I solemnly swear to be the most boring travel companion Ms. Caldwell ever had."

Malcolm stifled a laugh. "Just bring her back in one piece."

* * *

Tanya paced the office of the vice-consul from one side to the other. She glanced out of the large window: even the stunning beauty of the huge bay, dominated by the statue of Christ, didn't attract her attention. She fretted to leave. She tapped her foot against the floor nervously, turning to stare at each person who entered the room. She had an anxious feeling, a fight-or-flight reaction to the past few days, and she found it difficult to sit and wait.

The hand that rested on her shoulder caused her to jump several inches, gasp, and clutch at her chest.

"God, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Remember me?"

"Oh, Paul Brennon. It's okay, I'm just really uptight." Tanya heaved a sigh of relief. "It's more than nice to see a familiar, friendly face." She grinned and slumped into a chair.

Paul swept her an elegant bow. "Miss Tanya Caldwell, your worries are over. I am here to escort you safely back to Vermeil. No more will you have to fret, your champion has arrived." He grinned back at her.

"I wouldn't be too certain of that." The consul attaché entered the room as Paul finished speaking. His expression was grim. "We have just been notified that Charles Aldrin has escaped from the hospital, in spite of the strictest security."