Mountains of Dawn

"Edda, what's going on in the villa next door?" Tanya asked, her eyes wide with innocent curiosity.

"Why do you want to know?" Edda said. Charles looked at her closely.

"Well, I just would like to know what's happening in my neighborhood, that's all." Tanya's eyes went wider yet. "Curious. I'm just curious."

"Our neighbor arrived three days ago," Charles said. "Mr. Kevin Matwin comes and goes with little warning. His caretakers, an elderly couple, live about ten kilometers away. The man takes care of the grounds and maintains the house, the woman, Marta, takes care of cooking and cleaning." Charles raised an eyebrow. "Anything else you'd like to know?" He lifted his newspaper, Il XX Secolo, shook it slightly, and prepared to read again.

"Yes," she replied. "I want to borrow your binoculars. Please." She felt a flush spread over her cheeks and looked down, avoiding Charles' eyes. She couldn't explain her attraction, her almost obsession, with the Kevin Matwin. All she knew was that his elusive presence fueled her fantasies, more than she expected or even wanted. Charles was silent. She lifted her head and glanced at him.

"Tanya," he said. "The neighbor is not for you." His eyes looked deep into hers, as if he searched her soul. "His relationships with women can't be counted, only classified: long term, short term, and instant." Charles smiled.

"His presence could create a leak in your protection," Edda said, her voice sharp with anxiety.

"I just want to give a look. A distant look," Tanya said. "That's all. I'm simply curious."

Edda shook her head. "The best thing is to stay away," she said. Charles nodded in agreement.

Tanya set her lips in a firm line. "I would like a pair of binoculars, please. I'm interested in the surrounding countryside." She lifted her head, her chin set in defiance.

Charles closed his newspaper and left the room. He returned shortly with a pair of binoculars and handed them to Tanya. He shook his head.

Tanya ignored him.

From the terrace, Tanya had a partial view of the pool and surrounding area. She slid behind a veil of grape leaves and watched. She waited, and wondered at herself. It had been a long time between relationships, that was true. Jeff Leight's attraction had weakened over time and distance long before she became involved in her present situation. But this strong attraction to an unknown man, trespassing on his land, spying on him from her terrace was nothing like her. The blush came again, but quickly receded when she heard a splash.