Lifting a hand to her cheek, Sarah wondered at exactly what temperature spontaneous combustion actually occurred. Whatever it was, she had to be close to it right now.
* * *
Her skin was finally returning to a normal color.
He should have resisted the temptation to tease, but he found it had become rather enjoyable. Why she’d be embarrassed by what she wrote was beyond him, but he’d pursue that at another time. They’d be at Glaston House shortly.
“So this organization that your friend’s so anxious to become part of—what kind of charity work do they do?”
He fought the urge to grin again. She was trying so hard to recover.
“Feed people, mostly. EHN is…”
“End Hunger Now,” she interrupted. “That’s the board he wants to be on? Good grief. Those people are some pretty heavy hitters.”
“And Daniel wants to be in there hitting right alongside them.”
From the look on her face he assumed she was only now realizing what she might be in for this weekend.
“How many people are going to be there?”
“Three of the corporate executives, along with their wives, have been invited for the weekend. As far as I know, they’ve all accepted. And us, of course. And some of the local gentry will be joining us for a fund-raising dinner.” He grinned. “Danny likes to pull out the lords and ladies to impress his visiting Yanks.”
“How did your friend convince people like that to come spend four days with him?”
He shrugged. “Money. Lots of it. If the donation’s big enough, you can entice almost anyone. Meeting with these men is necessary for Danny to accomplish what he wants.”
That, at least, was true. It was the only way to determine which of them wasn’t exactly what he appeared to be. Someone at EHN was channeling funds to terrorists. Based on the information passed to Daniel by British intelligence, it had to be one of the men he’d invited here this weekend. Based on what Ian had been told by Dallyn, the one they sought was also a Nuadian.
“And why are we here?”
“Well, I’m here for local color and moral support, one of the lords Danny likes to parade about to impress the visiting Yanks.” And to locate their problem and solve it.
“And I’m here for…” She left the question dangling while she stared at him.
He gave her his best smile. “The most important thing of all. Yer here for my moral support.” Close to me. Where I can keep an eye on you. He pointed up ahead. “Glaston House awaits, milady.”
She followed the movement of his hand. Her eyes widened and her mouth formed a perfect little circle as she sucked in her breath. He brought the car to a complete stop at the gates, leaning out to punch a button on the black security box.
“Ian McCullough and guest.”
The gates slowly opened and he drove through, stopping again just inside so he could enjoy watching her reaction to the sight in front of them.
“This is where your friend lives?”
“Impressive, is it no?” Although called Glaston House, it was actually a fully renovated castle. “I told you we’d see at least one castle up close. We’ll be spending the next four days at one.”
Putting the car in gear, Ian drove them forward across an ornate bridge. It spanned a slow-moving stream that circled the perimeter of the property, snaking into the surrounding woods. Once beyond the trees, the castle sat in the center of an enormous green rolling lawn, flanked by some of the most intricate gardens in this part of England. Nessa was quite proud of her green thumb.
Ian pulled the car to a stop at the edge of the drive, got out and walked around the vehicle to open Sarah’s door. After assisting her out, he hadn’t taken three steps before a small screaming body slammed into him, attaching itself to his leg.
“Up, Uncle Ian, up!” The little boy threw his arms around Ian’s neck as soon as he was lifted high enough.
“Wills, lad, you’ve grown like a weed.” He gave the boy a tight hug before setting him on the ground. He pointed at Sarah. “This is my special friend, Miss Sarah Douglas. Can you help me make her feel welcome here?” He ruffled his hand through the boy’s fair hair.
Huge blue eyes studied Sarah intently before the child walked over to her and extended his hand. “My name is William Daniel Martin Stroud.” He grinned at her. “You’re Ian’s friend, so you can call me Will.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Will.” Sarah took his little hand into her own. Her eyes widened and a small gasp escaped, so quiet it might have gone almost unnoticed.
Except that Ian noticed.
Will looked back at him. “Ooooo, Uncle Ian. I like her.”
Ian grinned at the little boy. “As do I, lad.” He walked over and put an arm around Sarah’s shoulders as the child’s parents arrived.
He’d warned Daniel about Sarah’s discomfort with touching people. He watched his friend reach out and take his wife’s hand as they approached. Danny had always been good at remembering the important details.
“You’re here at last.” Daniel smiled at them both.
“These are my friends, Daniel and Nessa Stroud.” Ian tightened his arm around Sarah and looked down at her. “And this is Sarah.”
“Welcome to Glaston House. We’re so pleased to have you here. Ian’s told us so much about you.” Nessa smiled at her and then at the little boy still holding Sarah’s hand. “I see you’ve already met Will.”
“Yes, I have, thank you. I appreciate your invitation.” Sarah smiled in return, but her gaze kept slipping to the child staring adoringly up at her.
“Are we the first?”
Danny nodded in reply to Ian’s question. “Although a couple of the officers along with their wives should have landed by now. Anderson is picking them up, so they’ll be here in an hour or so, depending on traffic. The others will be coming in throughout the day tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry to be such a rotten hostess, but I need to get back to the kitchen.” Nessa smiled apologetically, shaking her head. “Our cook is new and I want to make sure everything is on schedule for this evening’s reception. Ian, you’re in the Caretaker’s Cottage, as usual. I take it you can see to getting Sarah settled in?”
Ian winked and flashed a thumbs-up signal. Nessa started back to the house, turning only to call her son to come with her.
Will reluctantly let go of Sarah and ran to his mother, taking her hand and laughing at some quiet remark from her as they crossed the drive.
“Your son is adorable. How old is he?” Sarah watched the two of them climb the stairs to the castle.
“Turned six last month,” Daniel answered, pride evident in his voice.
“I’m surprised Will’s here. I’d thought he might be with Nessa’s parents.” Ian didn’t like the idea of exposing the boy to this. He’d feel much safer having the child away from here this weekend.
“They aren’t back from holiday yet.” Daniel rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Believe me, Ian, that would have been my preference, but we have a nanny in, one from the…uh…agency that we’ve used before.”
“Good.” With someone in to protect Will, one worry was lessened.
Sarah was still tucked under his arm, quietly observing the discussion.
Ian smiled down at her. “We need to get you settled in so Nessa disna lose all faith in my ability to be useful.”
He walked her back to the car. They’d drive around to the cottage to unload their bags.
What he really needed right now was to spend some time alone with Daniel. They had a multitude of details to go over before these people began arriving.
Not the least of which concerned the car that had followed his all the way from Scotland.
Nine
It was a rare thing indeed when fate was so cooperative.
Flynn smiled and shook his head. Parked a discreet distance across the road, he watched through the barred gates as the small group of people gathered at the end of the driveway.
Just this morning he’d been cursing his luck, convinced he risked losing a special opportunity to have his talents recognized…and properly rewarded. He’d been so concerned about having to be here, about not being able to continue his surveillance of the woman.
But one did not refuse a task assigned by Reynard himself. At the very least, a personal assignment allowed him direct access. No more working through Adira.
Then fate stepped in.
Not only was the woman off the protected grounds, now she was well within his reach. It was almost as if the Guardian had delivered her to him.
Did the Guardian have any idea what she might be?
But no, he was getting ahead of himself.
It was only important that he discover whether or not his suspicions were accurate. He’d nearly had the opportunity to find out earlier today when they’d stopped. Crystal had done her best to distract the Guardian, to give Flynn time to get near the woman. But before he could reach her, the woman had suddenly gotten out of the car and gone inside the shop, and the Guardian had followed closely behind.
Perhaps he did suspect. Or perhaps he knew.
Flynn’s pulse quickened. It was a good sign. No matter. Flynn would know for certain soon enough. He only needed to see if she recognized him. Or if she could see him in his own form.
And if she does?
Well, then it would be time to call Reynard and update him personally.
Flynn rubbed his hands together before putting the car in gear and pulling back on the road. Success was so near he felt as though he could almost reach out and touch it. He cast one last glance over his shoulder as he drove away. The Guardian had taken a protective stance, his arm around the woman.
Now there was something Flynn hadn’t considered.
A look of irritation flashed across his face. He prided himself on being incredibly thorough. It was a trait that served him well, making his services especially valuable to Reynard. Yet he’d overlooked this possibility entirely.
Could it be that the Guardian hovered about the woman for personal reasons?
Flynn threw back his head and laughed. This day continued to get better and better. It had been a long time since he’d had the opportunity to challenge one of the Guardians over anything important.
He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open. No need to wait now. Either way, Reynard was going to love this.
Ten
Sarah hung up the last of the clothing she’d brought with her and sighed before shutting the door to the little closet Ian had pointed out before he left. She had the feeling her wardrobe was nowhere near what it needed to be for a weekend with people like the ones he had described.
And clothing was the least of her worries.
EHN. The name nagged at her. Of course it was familiar; everyone knew about their charity efforts all around the world. But those initials meant more to her. As she recalled, the woman Brad had married was associated with the organization somehow. She wished now she had paid more attention to the article she had read announcing their engagement.
Still, Ian had said that the representatives who were coming were all men. “Corporate executives and their wives” had been invited, according to him.
She took an unsteady breath, determined to calm herself. It was silly to worry needlessly.
Even though she’d already changed, she still had almost an hour before dinner. Daniel told her it would be a garden reception, so she’d opted for dress pants and a sweater. Catching her reflection in the mirror as she walked toward the door, she shrugged. It might not be dressy enough, but at least she’d be warm if the evenings here were as cool as they’d been farther to the north in Scotland.
She opened the door and went downstairs to the main room. Her shoulder bag, housing her ever-present laptop, sat on the sofa where she’d left it when they first entered. She moved it to a small desk by the front door, stopping to look around.
Muted pastel tones blended in the cottage, giving it a comfortable feel. The central room included a small kitchenette area, which Sarah decided to investigate now. A tiny refrigerator held ice cubes, soft drinks and a bottle of wine. A small microwave and a sink filled the remainder of the narrow space, and an electric water kettle perched on the counter that ran the length of the little kitchen.
Sarah turned to examine the rest of the room. The wall opposite the front door was almost completely swallowed up by a large stone fireplace flanked on either side by glass doors. The doors exited out to an enclosed garden area with a small patio table and chairs. An enormous pillow-strewn leather sofa faced the fireplace.
The wall opposite the kitchen was covered in a floor-to-ceiling bookcase broken by two doors, one of which led upstairs to her bedroom. She supposed the other must lead to Ian’s room, although his luggage sat inside the front door.
She picked up his suitcase, surprised at how light it was in comparison to her own, intending to put it in his room.
Only to find it wasn’t a bedroom at all.
“Wow.” Letting go of the suitcase, Sarah nodded in appreciation. This had to be the best bathroom she’d ever seen, even taking into account television commercials and magazine ads. Shiny black marble covered the floor and walls, highlighted by one wall of mirrors and accented with towels and candles in a rich red. She walked to the tub and ran her hand over the edge. It looked like a swimming pool in comparison to her tub back home. She could imagine how the room would shimmer with all the candles lit, bouncing light off the mirrors.
“Welcome to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” she muttered.
She left the room, taking the suitcase back to the front door. Hands on her hips, she looked around to see if she’d missed something. Maybe this wasn’t the Caretaker’s Cottage where Nessa had indicated Ian would stay. Maybe Ian had simply dropped off his luggage here.
Remembering an unexplored door in her bedroom, she turned and went back upstairs. There were three doors. The first was to the small closet where she’d put her things.
The next opened into a bathroom she’d discovered earlier, quite modest by the standards of the one downstairs. She backed out. The last door opened into another closet, much larger than the one she’d used, with clothing already hanging.
Men’s clothing. No wonder Ian’s bag was so light. It appeared he had a full wardrobe of clothing here. There were even shoes lined neatly on a rack toward the rear of the closet.
It would seem that she had found Ian’s room.
She had a flashback to meeting her hosts and remembered Nessa’s remarking that Ian had told them so much about her. Now she wondered exactly what he’d told them. It was a question she fully intended to have answered.
“Sarah?” Ian’s voice echoed up from downstairs.
Talk about timing.
Narrowing her eyes, she turned to the stairs. This would be as good a time as any to ask him.
Reaching the bottom, she found Ian carrying a grinning Will.
“Look who I found sitting outside our door.”
As soon as he swung the child to the floor, Will ran to her, throwing his arms around her legs and hugging tightly. She thought of her first meeting with the boy and how she’d been flooded with wave after powerful wave of joy flowing from him. It was almost enough to make her miss Ian’s reference to our door.
Almost.
“Hello, Will. Come to visit?”
The boy nodded but glanced sheepishly at Ian.
“Escaped to visit is more like it, eh, Wills?” He scooped up his bag and started upstairs, turning at the last minute. “I’m no sure where his nanny has gotten to, but we’ll deal with that when we get to the main house. Do you mind entertaining our wee guest while I get ready?”
She shook her head. “No problem.”
He arched an eyebrow and gave her a slow smile. “You look lovely. I’ll be down in a bit.” With that he turned and took the stairs two at a time.
“Come on, Sarah.” Will tugged at her sle
eve. “Bunches of butterflies live in this garden. I want to show you.”
She smiled and allowed the child to pull her outside as she heard the shower turn on upstairs.
Apparently her question would have to wait until later.
* * *
“Are we ready?”
Sarah jumped at the sound of Ian’s voice.
After shutting the patio door behind him, he joined her and Will. The three of them set out for the main house, the little boy holding Ian’s hand.
Sarah studied Ian from under her lashes. As usual, he looked like he’d stepped off a magazine page, right down to the damp ends of his hair curling at his neck against the silky material of his ivory sweater.
She quickly looked away when he turned his head to speak to Will.
“What happened to yer new nanny?”
“I wanted to visit Sarah.” The boy didn’t meet his gaze.
“And?”
“I asked for Hide and Seek.” Will’s face lit with a mischievous humor. “When Nanny covered her eyes, I left.” He shrugged his little shoulders.
“You know, with all the strange grown-ups here this weekend, I’m thinking it would be much better for you to stay close to Nanny.”
The little boy nodded. “But I wanted to see Sarah. I like her. You said I should help make her feel welcome,” he reminded.
Ian’s eyes sought out Sarah’s over the top of the child’s head. He appeared to be holding back a grin. She could understand why. This was one determined six-year-old.
“Wills, how about if I promise to bring Sarah up to yer room to say good night, and I make sure you get to visit with her each day we’re here. Will you stay with Nanny then?”
The boy looked up at Sarah, catching her hand with his free one. “You’ll do that? Come to see me each day?”
“Of course I will. I’d like that very much.”
Will’s smile at her response was accompanied by a pulse of emotion so strong Sarah thought for a second her knees might buckle. She had never experienced such amplified emotions from any other person as she received each time she touched this boy.
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