Thelifeofapaidmercenary

makessensetoSpecialForcesOfficerWinslowGrange.ThejunglesofSouthAmericamaymakehis
formerjobasaranchmanagerforhisfriendJayPendletonlooklikeacakewalk,butit’snothingthat
theformerGreenBeretcan’thandle.

Awoman’sheart,however—that’sdangerousterritory.BackinTexas,Grange’sbiggestproblemwas
avoidingPegLarsonandallthecomplicationsbeingattractedtothedaughterofhisforemanwould
entail.NowGrangewillneedallhistrainingtohelpGeneralEmilioMachadogaincontrolofthetiny
SouthAmericannationofBarrera;whenPegarrivesunannounced,she’sadistractionhecan’tavoid.
She’sdeterminedtoshowGrangeshecanbeusefulonandoffthebattlefield.Onceshebreaks
throughhisarmor,traversingthewildsoftheAmazonwillproveaneasiertaskthandefending
himselfagainstherwinningcharms….

AlsoavailablefromDianaPalmer

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Renegade
LoneStarWinter
Dangerous
Desperado
Merciless
Heartless
Fearless
HerKindofHero
Lacy
Nora
BigSkyWinter
ManoftheHour
Trilby
Lawman
HardtoHandle
HeartofWinter
Outsider
NightFever
BeforeSunrise
Lawless
DiamondSpur
TheTexasRanger
LordoftheDesert
TheCowboyandtheLady
MostWanted
FitforaKing
PaperRose
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OnceinParis
AftertheMusic
RoomfulofRoses
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TheSavageHeart

TrueBlue

Andcomingsoon

fromHarlequinHQN

WyomingFierce

COURAGEOUS

ToMelandSyble,withallmylove

Contents

Prologue

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

PegLarsonlovedtofish.Thiswaslikebaitingahook.Exceptthatinsteadofcatchingbassorbream
inthelocalstreamsaroundComancheWells,Texas,thesetacticswereforcatchingalarge,very
attractiveman.

Shemissedfishing.ItwasonlyacoupleofweeksuntilThanksgiving,andmuchtoocoldevenin

southTexastositonariverbank.Itwaswonderful,inearlyspring,tosettledownwithatubofworms
andhertried-and-truesimplecanefishingpole.Sheweigheddownherlinewithsinkersandtoppedit
withacolorfulred,whiteandbluebobberthatherfatherhadgiventoherwhenshewasfiveyears
old.

Butfishingseasonwasmonthsaway.
Rightnow,Peghadotherpreyinmind.
Shelookedatherselfinthemirrorandsighed.Herfacewaspleasant,butnotreallypretty.Shehad

largeeyes,palegreen,andlongblondhair,whichsheworeinaponytailmostofthetime,secured
witharubberbandorwhatevertieshecouldlayherhandto.Shewasn’treallytall,butshehadlong
legsandanicefigure.Shepulledofftherubberbandandletherhairfallaroundherface.She
brushedituntilitspalenesswaslikeashimmeringcurtainofpalegold.Sheputonalittlelipstick,just
atouch,andpowderedherfacewiththebirthdaycompactherfatherhadgivenherafewmonths
earlier.Shesighedatherreflection.

Inwarmweather,shecouldhavewornhercutoffs—jeanshortsmadebycuttingthelegsoffanold

pair—andanicelyfittingT-shirtthatshowedoffherpert,firmlittlebreasts.InNovember,shehad
feweroptions.

Thejeanswereold,paleblueandfadedinspotsfrommanywashings,buttheyhuggedherrounded

hipsandlonglegslikeasecondskin.Thetopwaspink,madeofsoftcotton,withlongsleevesanda
low,roundednecklinethatwasdiscreet,butsexy.Atleast,Pegthoughtitwassexy.Shewasnineteen,a
latebloomerwho’dfoughtthewarsinhighschooltokeepawayfromthefastandfuriouscrowdthat
thoughtsexbeforemarriagewassomatter-of-factandsensiblethatonlyastrangegirlwouldfeel
disdainforit.

Pegchuckledtoherselfassherecalleddebateswithcasualfriendsonthesubject.Hertruefriends

werepeopleofalikemind,whowenttochurchinanagewhenreligionitselfwaschallengedonall
fronts.But,inJacobsville,Texas,thecountyseatwherethehighschoolwaslocated,shewasinthe
majority.Herschoolhadculturaldiversityandprotectedtherightsofallitsstudents.Butmostofthe
localgirls,likePeg,didn’tbowtopressureorcoercionwheremoralitywasconcerned.Shewanteda
husbandandchildren,ahomeofherown,agardenandflowerbedseverywhere,andmostofall,
WinslowGrangetofilloutthefairytale.

Sheandherfather,Ed,workedforGrangeonhisnewranch.He’dsavedthewifeofhisboss,

GraciePendleton,whenshewaskidnappedbyadeposedSouthAmericanleaderwhoneededmoney
toousthismonstrousnemesis.

GrangehadtakenateamofmercenariesintoMexicointhedeadofnightandsavedGracie.Jason

Pendleton,amillionairewitharealheartofgold,hadgivenGrangearanchofhisownonthehuge
PendletonranchpropertyinComancheWells,completewithaforemanandhousekeeper—Edandhis

daughter,Peg.

Beforethat,EdhadworkedonthePendletonranch,andPeghadspentmanylongmonthsbuilding

daydreamsaroundthehandsomeandenigmaticGrange.Hewastallanddark,withpiercingeyesand
anicelytannedface.He’dbeenamajorintheU.S.ArmyduringtheIraqwar,duringwhichhe’ddone
somethingunconventionalandmusteredouttoavoidageneralcourt-martial.Hissisterhad
committedsuicideoveralocalman,peoplesaid.Hewasasurvivorinthebestsenseoftheword,and
nowhewasworkingwiththedeposedLatinleader,EmilioMachado,toretakehiscountry,Barrera,
intheAmazonrainforest.

Pegdidn’tknowmuchaboutforeignplaces.She’dneverevenbeenoutofTexasandtheonlytime

she’devenbeenonaplanewasashorthopinapropeller-drivencropdusterownedbyafriendofher
father.Shewashopelesslynaiveabouttheworldandmen.

ButGrangedidn’tknowwhataninnocentshereallywas,andshewasn’tgoingtotellhim.For

weeks,she’dbeenvampinghimateveryturn.Inaniceway,ofcourse,butshewasdeterminedthatif
anywomaninsouthTexaslandedGrange,itwasgoingtobeherself.

Shedidn’twanthimtoformabadopinionofher,ofcourse,shejustwantedhimtofallsohead-

over-heelsinlovewithherthathe’dpropose.Shedreamedoflivingwithhim.Notthatshedidn’tlive
withhimnow,butsheworkedforhim.Shewantedtobeabletotouchhimwheneversheliked,hug
him,kisshim,do…otherthingswithhim.

Whenshewasaroundhim,herbodyfeltodd.Tight.Swollen.Thereweresensationsrisinginher

thatshe’dneverfeltbefore.She’ddatedveryinfrequentlybecausemostmendidn’treallyappealto
her.She’dthoughtsomethingmightbewrongwithher,infact,becauseshelikedshoppingwith
girlfriendsorgoingtomoviesalone,butshewasn’treallykeenongoingoutwithboyslikesomeof
thegirlsdid,everysinglenight.Shelikedtoexperimentwithnewdishesinthekitchen,andmake
bread,andtendtohergarden.Shekeptavegetablegardeninthespringandsummer,andworkedin
herflowerbedsyear-round.Grangeindulgedhermaniaforplanting,becauseheenjoyedthenice
organicvegetablessheputonthetable.GraciePendletonsharedflowersandbulbswithher,because
Gracielovedtogarden,too.

SoPegdatedrarely.Once,anicemanhadtakenhertoatheaterinSanAntoniotoseeacomedy.

She’denjoyedit,buthe’dwantedtostopbyhismotelonthewayhome.Sothatwasthat.Thenextman
shedatedtookhertoseethereptilesatthezooinSanAntonioandwantedtotakeherhometomeet
hisfamilyofpythons.Thatdatehadendedratherbadlyaswell.Pegdidn’tmindsnakes,solongas
theyweren’taggressiveandwantedtobite,butshedrewthelineatsharingamanwithseveralof
them.He’dbeenaniceman,too.Thenshe’dgoneoutwithSheriffHayesCarsononce.Hewasa
reallyniceman,withwonderfulmannersandasenseofhumor.He’dtakenhertothemoviestoseea
fantasyfilm.Ithadbeenterrific.ButHayeswasinlovewithanotherlocalgirl,andeverybodyknew
it,evenifhedidn’t.Hedated,toshowMinette,whoownedthelocalweeklynewspaper,thathewasn’t
piningforher.Sheboughtit,butPegdidn’t.Andshewasn’tabouttofallinlovewithamanwhose
heartwaselsewhere.

Afterthat,she’dstoppeddatingpeople.UntilherfatheracceptedthisjobworkingforGrange.Peg

hadseenhimaroundtheranch.Shewasfascinatedbyhim.Herarelysmiled,andhehardlyever
talkedtoher.Sheknewabouthismilitarybackground,andthathewasconsideredveryintelligent.He
spokeotherlanguagesandhedidoddjobsforEbScott,whoownedandoperatedacounterterrorism
schoolinJacobsville,justuptheroadfromComancheWellswhereGrangelived.Ebwasanex-
mercenary,likeanumberoflocalmen.RumorwasthatanumberofthemhadsignedonwithEmilio
Machadotohelphimrecoverhisgovernmentfromtheusurperwhowasputtinginnocentpeoplein

prisonandtorturingthem.Hesoundedlikeareallybadsort,andshehopedthegeneralwouldwin.

ButherworrywasaboutGrangeheadinguptheinvasionarmy.Hewasasoldier,andhe’dbeenin

thethickofbattleinIraq.Butevenagoodsoldiercouldbekilled.Pegworriedabouthim.Shewanted
totellhimhowmuchsheworried,butthetiminghadneverbeenright.

Sheteasedhim,playedwithhim,madehimallsortsofspecialdishesanddesserts.Hewaspolite

andgrateful,butheneverseemedtoreallylookather.Itwasirksome.Sosheplannedacampaignto
capturehisinterest.She’dbeenworkingonitforweeks.

Shewaylaidhiminthebarn,wearingablouseevenmorelow-cutthanthisone,andmadeapoint

ofbendingovertopickupstuff.Sheknewhehadtonoticethat,butheavertedhiseyesandtalked
abouthisnewpurebredheiferthatwasduetocalfsoon.

Thenshe’dtriedaccidentallybrushingupagainsthiminthehouse,squeezingpasthimina

doorwaysothatherbreastsalmostflattenedagainsthischestontheway.She’dpeepeduptoseethe
effect,buthe’davertedhiseyes,clearedhisthroatandgoneouttocheckonthecow.

Sincephysicalenticementsdidn’tseemtobedoingthetrick,shetriedanewtack.Everytimeshe

wasalonewithhim,shefoundawaytoinjectsensualtopicsintotheconversation.

“Youknow,”shemusedonedaywhenshe’dtakenacupofcoffeeouttohiminthebarn,“theysay

thatsomeofthenewbirthcontrolmethodsarereallyeffective.Almostahundredpercenteffective.
There’salmostnowayawomancouldgetpregnantwithamanunlessshereallywantedto.”

He’dlookedatherasifshe’dgrownanotherpairofeyes,clearedhisthroatandwalkedoff.
So,Romewasn’tbuiltinaday.Shetriedagain.Shewasalonewithhiminthekitchen,herfather

offonhispokernightwithfriends.

She’dleanedoverGrange,herbreastsbrushinghisbroadshoulder,toservehimapieceof

homemadeapplepiewithicecreamtogowithhissecondcupofblackcoffee.“Ireadthismagazine
articlethatsaysitisn’tsizethatmatterswithmen,it’swhattheydowithwhatthey’vegot…Oh,my
goodness!”

She’dgrabbedforadishcloth,becausehe’dknockedoverhiscoffee.
“Diditburnyou?”sheaskedhastily,asshemoppedupthemess.
“No,”hesaidcoldly.Hegotup,pickeduphispie,pouredhimselfafreshcupofcoffeeandleftthe

room.Sheheardhimgointohisownroom.Thedoorslammedbehindhim.Hard.

“WasitsomethingIsaid?”sheaskedtheroomatlarge.

***

Thattacticobviouslywasn’tgoingtoattracthim,either.Sonow,shewasgoingtotrydemureand
sensuous.Shehadtodosomething.Hewasgoingawaywiththegeneral,soon,toSouthAmerica.It
mightbealongtimeuntilshe’dseehimagain.Herheartwasalreadybreaking.Shehadtofindsome
waytomakehimnoticeher,tomakehimfeelsomethingforher.Shewishedsheknewmoreabout
men.Shereadarticlesinmagazines,shelookedontheinternet,shereadbooks.Nothingpreparedher
forseduction.

Shegrimaced.Shedidn’treallywanttoseducehimcompletely.Shejustwantedtomakehimwild

enoughtofeelthatmarriagewashisonlyoption.Well,no,shedidn’twanttotraphimintomarriage,
either.Shejustwantedhimtoloveher.

Howintheworldwasshegoingtodothat?
Grangedidn’tevendate.Well,he’dgoneoutatimeortwowithalocalgirl,andtherewasgossip

thathe’dhadapassionforGraciePendletonwhichwasunrequited.Buthewasnorounder.Notin

ComancheWells,anyway.Sheimaginedthathe’dhadplentyofopportunitytogetwomenwhenhe
wasinthemilitary.She’dheardhimtalkaboutthehigh-societypartieshe’dbeentointhenation’s
capital.He’dbeeninthecompanyofwomenwhowerewealthyandbeautiful,towhomhemighthave
lookedasattractiveanddesirableashedidtopoorPeg.Shewonderedhowexperiencedhewas.More
sothanshewas,certainly.Shewasflyingblind,tryingtointrigueamanwithskillsshedidn’tpossess.
Shewasstumblinginthedark.

Shegaveherreflectionalast,hopefullook,andwentouttoimpressGrange.
Hewassittinginthelivingroomwatchingatelevisionspecialonanacondas,filmedintheAmazon

jungle,wherehewasgoingshortly.

“Wow,aren’ttheyhuge?”sheexclaimed,perchingonthearmofthesofabesidehim.“Didyou

knowthatwhenthefemalesarereadytomate,malescomefrommilesaroundandtheyformamating
ballthatlastsfor…”

Hegotup,turnedoffthetelevision,mutteringcursesunderhisbreath,walkedoutthefrontdoor

andslammeditbehindhim.

Pegsighed.“Well,”shemusedtoherself,“eitherI’mgettingtohimorI’mgoingtoendupundera

bridgesomewhere,floatingonmyface.”Thatamusedher,andsheburstoutlaughing.

Herfather,EdLarson,cameinthedoor,puzzled.“Winslowjustpassedmeonhiswaytothebarn,”

heremarkedslowly.“HewasusingtheworstrangelanguageIeverheardinmylife,andwhenI
askedhimwhatwaswrong,hesaidthathecouldn’twaittogetoutofthecountryandthatifheever
gothishandsonananaconda,hewasgoingtopackitinaboxandsendithometoyouspecial
delivery.”

Hereyespopped.“What?”
“Veryoddman,”Edsaid,shakinghisheadashewentintothehouse.“Veryoddindeed.”
Pegjustgrinned.Apparentlyshewashavingsomesortofeffect.She’darousedGrangetopassion.

Evenifitwasonlyaburstofanger.

***

Shemadeacoconutcakefordessertthefollowingday.ItwasGrange’sfavorite.Sheusedaboiled
icingandsprinkledcoconutontopandthendolleditupwithredcherries.

Afteraquietandtensedinner,sheservedittothemen.
“Coconut,”EdLarsonexclaimed.“Peg,you’reawonder.Thisisjustlikeyourmotherusedto

make,”headdedashesavoredabiteofitwithasmileandclosedeyes.

Hermotherhaddiedofcanceryearsbefore.She’dbeenawonderfulcook,andoneofthesweetest

peoplePegeverknew.Hermotherhadtheknackofturningenemiesintofriends,withcompassion
andempathy.Peghadneverhadarealenemyinherlife,butshehopedthatifsheeverdid,her
mother ’sexamplewouldguideher.

“Thanks,Dad,”shesaidgently.
Grangewasdiggingintohisowncake.Hehesitatedattheredcandiedcherries,though,andnudged

twoofthemtoonesideonthesaucerwhilehefinishedthelastbiteofcake.

Peglookedathimwithwide,innocenteyes.“Don’tyoulike…cherries?”sheasked,withherlips

pursedsuggestively.

HeletoutawordthatcausedEd’seyebrowstoreachfortheceiling.
Thenheflushed,threwdownhisnapkinandgotup,hissensuouslipsmakingathinline.“Sorry,”

hebitoff.“Excuseme.”

Edgapedathisdaughter.“Whatintheworldiswrongwithhimlately?”heaskedhalfunderhis

breath.“Iswear,I’veneverseenamansoedgy.”Hefinishedhisowncake,oblivioustoPeg’s
expression.“Iguessit’sthisBarrerathing.Boundtomakeamanworry.He’shavingtoplanand
carryoutaninvolvedmilitarycampaignagainstasittingdictator,withasmallforceandoutofsight
ofmostgovernmentletteragencies,”headded.“I’dbeuptight,too.”

PeghopedGrangewasuptight,butnotforthosereasons.Sheblushedwhensherememberedwhat

she’dsaidtoWinslow.Ithadbeenacrudecomment,notworthyofheratall.She’dhavetobeless
blatant.Shedidn’twanttodrivehimawaybybeingtoocoarse.Shecursedherowntongueforitslack
ofskill.Shewasmakinghimmadderbytheday.Thatbroughttomindanotherpossiblecomplication.
Shecouldcostherfatherhisjobhereifshewenttoofar.Shewasgoingtohavetorethinkher
strategy,onceagain.

***

Soshepuzzledonitforacoupleofdaysanddecidedtotrysomethingalittledifferent.Shecurledher
hair,putonherbestSundaydressandsatdowninthelivingroomtowatcharecordingofTheSound
ofMusicwhensheknewGrangewasdueinfromridingfencelines.

Hewalkedin,hesitatedwhenhesawhersittinginhisplaceonthesofaandpausedbesideher.
“That’saveryoldfilm,”heremarked.
Shesmileddemurely.“Oh,yes.Butthemusiciswonderfulandbesides,it’saboutanunwhohasa

fairy-taleromancewithatitledgentlemanwhomarriesher.”

Heliftedaneyebrow.“Isn’tthatalittletameforyourtaste?”heasked,andinarathersarcastic

manner.

Shelookedupathimwithwidegreeneyes.“Why,whateverdoyoumean?”
“Whateverhappenedtoballsofanacondasandbirthcontrol?”heasked.
Shegasped.“Youthinkthatanacondasshouldusebirthcontrol?”sheasked,aghast.“Good

heavens,howeverintheworldwouldamaleanacondauseaprophylactic…Hello?”

Helefttheroomsoquicklythatsheimaginedatrailofflamebehindhim.Butjustashewentout

thedoor,shecouldhaveswornsheheardadeep,softchuckle.

1

“Idon’twanttogototheCattleman’sBall.”WinslowGrangewasemphaticaboutit.Heglaredatthe
otherman.Hisdarkeyeswerehostile.Ofcourse,theywereusuallyhostile.

Hisbossjustsmiled.JasonPendletonknewhisforemanverywell.“You’llhaveagoodtime,”he

said.“Youneedthebreak.”

“Break!”Grangethrewhisbighandsupintheairandturnedaway.“I’mgoingtoaSouth

Americancountrywithagroupofcovertopsspecialiststoretakeacountryunderabloodthirsty
dictator…”

“Exactly,”Jasonsaidblandly.“That’swhyyouneedthebreak.”
Grangeturnedbacktohim,withhishandsdeepinhisjeanspockets.Hegrimaced.“Listen,Idon’t

likepeoplemuch.Idon’tmixwell.”

“AndyouthinkIdo?”Jasonaskedreasonably.“Ihavetohobnobwithheadsofcorporations,

governmentregulators,federalauditors…butIcope.You’llbeabletodealwithit,too.”

“Iguessso.”Hedrewinalongbreath.“It’sbeenawhilesinceIledmenintobattle.”
Jasonliftedaneyebrow.“YouwentintoMexicotoliberatemywifewhenshewaskidnappedby

yourcurrentboss.”

“Anincursion.We’retalkingaboutawar.”Heturnedbacktothefence,leanedhisarmsonitand

staredblindlyatthepurebredcattlemunchingatarolled-uphaybale.“IlostmeninIraq.”

“MostlyduetoyourC.O.’sidioticorders,asIrecall,nottoyourowncompetence.”
Grangesaidgrimly,“Ilovedhiscourt-martial.”
“Servedhimright.”Jasonleanedagainstthefencebesidehim.“Pointis,youleadwell.That’sa

valuableabilitytoadeposedhead-of-statewho’sfightingtorestoredemocracytohiscountry.Ifyou
succeed,andIbelieveyouwill,they’llerectastatueofyousomewhere.”

Grangeburstoutlaughing.
“Buttheballisalocaltradition.Weallgo,anddonatetoimportantregionalcausesatthesame

time.Wegettogetheranddanceandtalkandhavefun.Yourememberwhatthatis,Grange,don’tyou?
Fun?”

Grangemadeaface.
“Youex-militaryguys,honesttoGod—”Jasonsighed.
“Don’tstartwithme,”Grangetoldhim.“Youjustrememberthatmymilitaryexperienceiswhy

Gracieisn’tlyingdeadinaditchsomewhere.”

Jasonshookhishead.“Ithinkaboutiteveryday.”Hedidn’tlikerememberingit.Graciehadalmost

died.Theircourtshiphadbeenrockyanddifficult.Theyweremarriednow,andexpectingtheirfirst
child.Graciehadthoughtshewaspregnantsoonaftertheirmarriage,onlyshe’dbeenmistaken.She
wasn’tthistime.Shewassixmonthspregnantandbeaming.Theywerehappytogether.Butithadn’t
beenaneasypathtothealtar.

“Iwasgoingtoaskherout,justbeforeyoumarriedGracie,”Grangesaidtoirritatetheotherman.

“Ievenboughtanewsuit.”

“Itwasn’twasted.It’sstillinstyle.YoucanwearittotheCattleman’sBall.Besides,”Jasonadded

withagrin,“youhavenocauseforcomplaint.Igaveyouatractoflandandaseedherdofpurebred

SantaGertrudis.”

“Youreallyshouldn’thavedonethat,”Grangetoldhimfirmly.“Itwasoverkill.”
“Itwasn’t.You’rethemostvaluableemployeeI’vegothere.Itwasabonus.Welldeserved.”
Grangesmiled.“Thanks.”Hemadeanotherface.“Butyoudidn’thavetothrowinEdLarsonand

hisdaughter.”

“Peg’ssweet,andshecookslikeanangel.”
Thedarkeyesglared.“She’safterme.Allthetime.Shesaysthings…”
“She’sbarelynineteen—ofcourseshesaysthings…”
“She’stryingtoseduceme,forGod’ssake!”heburstout,andhishighcheekbonesflushed.
Jason’seyebrowslifted.“YoudoknowthattheVictorianAgeisoveranddonewith?”
“Iamnotabouttostartplayinggameswithanineteen-year-old,”camethecurtreply.“Igoto

church,paymytaxesandgivetocharity.Idon’tevendrink!”

Jasonshookhishead.“Igiveup.You’realostcause.”
“Youwanttoseealostcause,lookaroundyou,”Grangebegan.“Wehavethehighestdivorcerate,

theugliesteconomyandthegreediestcorporateentitiesonearth….”

Jasonheldupahand.“I’msorry,butI’mdueinNewYorktheweekafterThanksgiving,”hesaid

drolly.

“Iwasn’tgoingtotakethatlongtogetmypointacross.”
“You’llhavetoplantyoursoapboxsomeplaceelse.Astotheball,ifyoudon’ttakePeg,whowill

youtake?”

Grangelookedhunted.“I’mgoingalone.”
“Oh,that’sgoingtoputyouoneverybody’sfrontpageforamonth.”
Hissensuallipsmadeastraightline.“I’mnottakingPeg!Herfatherworksforme!Sodoesshe,

whilewe’reonthesubject!”

“Icanlistallthepeoplewhotookemployeestopastballs,ifyoulike,”Jasonmused.
Grangeknewalreadywhatalistthatwouldbe,andmanyofthosecouplesendedupmarried.He

didn’twanttoopenthatcanofworms.

“It’sonlyforaboutthreehours,”Jasoncontinued.“What’stheharm?Andaren’tyouleavingthe

countrytwodayslater?”

“Yes.”
“Thinkofitasahappymemorytotakewithyou.”
Heshiftedandavertedhiseyes.Heranahandthroughhisthick,blackhair.“Pegwon’thavethe

moneyforapartydress.”

“Wehaveanewboutiqueintown.Thedesigner,BessTruman,istryingtodrumupbusiness,so

she’soutfittedhalfthetown’seligiblewomenwithherstock.RememberNancy,ourpharmacist?
She’sgotagreengownthatsheworeforaneventthatwasfilmedonthelocaltelevisionstation.
Bonnie,herassistant,hasaredonethatstoppedtraffic.Literally.EvenHolly,whoworkswiththem,
gotagoldone.SoBess,she’sthedesigner,shegavePegonetowearalso.”

“Goingtotellmewhatcoloritis?”Grangedrawledsarcastically.
“You’llhavetowaitandsee.”Jasongrinned.“Graciesaidit’sthemostgorgeousofthelot.”
Grangestillhesitated.
“Askher,”Jasonsaid,andhewassolemn.“You’vebeenwalkingaroundaloneforalongtime.You

don’tdateanybody.It’stimeyourememberedwhymenlikewomen.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Gracieputyouuptothis.Didn’tshe?”
Jasonshruggedandpursedhislips.“Pregnantwomenhavecravings.Strawberryicecreamwith

pickletopping,crushedicewithmango,theirfriendsgettingaskedtoholidayballs…”Heglancedat
Grangewithtwinklingeyes.“Youwouldn’twanttoupsetGracie?”

“Yeah,hitmeinmyweakspot,whydon’tyou?”Grangemuttered.
Jasongrinnedwider.
Heshrugged.“Okay.Ishouldbetestingweaponsanddrillingmen.ButI’lltaketheeveningoffand

escortPegtoaballIdon’twanttoattend.Whynot?”

“Andbenice,couldyou?”Jasongroaned.“Justonce?”
Hesnarled.“Ihatenice.I’mnotnice.IwasamajorinaforwardcompanyinIraq.”
“Itwillbegoodpracticeforwhenyouhavetocharminsurgentstosurrendertoyourboss,the

general.”

Grangesmiledcoldly.“Iwon’tneedcharm.Ihaveseveralretooledautomaticweaponsandafew

grenades.”

Jasonjustshookhishead.

***

PegwasinthekitchenwhenGrangewalkedthroughthedoorofhisranchhouse.Jasonhadgivenhim
thehousewiththeproperty,againsthisprotests.Grangewasstill,technically,Jason’sforemanonthe
hugePendletonComancheWellsproperty.Butwhenhehadfreetime,hecouldbuilduphisownherd
andrenovatethehugewhiteelephantofahouse.JasonwaspayingEd’ssalary.Grangewaspaying
Peg’s.

HeneverfailedtoappreciateJason’sgenerosity.Theoldermanwasafanaticaboutrepayingdebts,

andhefeltthatheowedGrangealotforsavingGracie.Grangerefusedmoney,soJasonhadfound
anotherwaytorepayhim:theland,thehouseandtheseedherd.Itwasworthasmallfortune,butit
wasimpossibletogetaroundJasonwhenhewasdetermined.Graciehadalsobeendetermined.Inthe
end,Grangegaveupandacceptedwithwhatevergracehecouldmanage.Itwasahellofareward.But
ithadbeenadesperateanddangerousmission.Hecouldhavedied,socouldhismen.He’dmanaged
therescueinshorttime,andwithnoseriouscasualties.Hehoped,heprayed,he’dbeabletodothe
samewithEmilioMachado’sinvasionforcetheweekafterThanksgiving,whentheywenttoSouth
AmericatoliberateBarrerafromamercilessdictatorwhohadledacoupagainstMachado.

Pegwasnineteen,vivacious,withlongblondhairandgreeneyesandawickedsmile.Sheandher

fatherhadbeenaloneforfiveyears,sincethedeathofhermotherfromanaggressive,vicious
cancer.ThetwoofthemhadendedupworkingforJasonPendleton,buthisobligationtoGrangehad
settledthemhere,inthisoldhouse.

Neitherofthemminded.EdlovedbeingforemanofGrange’ssmalloperation.Hegotthesame

salaryhe’ddrawnfromJasonatthePendletonranchproperty,butthedutieswerelessrigorousand
hehadmorefreetime.Peg,ontheotherhand,onlyhadtocookforthethreeofthem,andshewas
goodatit.NotthatthebunkhousecookatJason’splacedidn’tstopbyfrequentlytobegpiesandcakes
fromher,becausehecouldn’tdothose.Pegneverminded.Shelovedtocook.

“Youshouldbeincollege,”Grangesaidwithoutpreamblewhenhewalkedintothekitchenwhere

shewasjustputtingameatloafintotheoven.

Sheglancedathim,laughedandstirredherpotatoes,whichwereboiling.“Sure.I’llgotoHarvard

nextsemester.RemindmetoaskDadforthetuition.”

Heglaredather.“Therearescholarships.”
“Iwasastraight-Cstudent.”

“Work-study.”
Sheturnedaroundandlookedupathim.Itwasalongway.Sheonlycameuptohischin.Herlong,

lightblondhairwasintwopigtailsandhersweatshirtwasspottedwithgrease.Sowereherjeans.She
neverworeanapron.Shepointedthespoonathim.“AndwhatwouldIstudy,exactly?”

“Homeeconomics?”
Shegloweredathim.“Doyoureallywantmetogotocollegeandliveinacoeddorm?”
“Excuseme?”
“Adormthathasmenandwomenlivinginthesamerooms,whentheydon’tevenknoweach

other?DoyouthinkI’mundressinginanapartmentwithamanIdon’tknow?”

Hegapedather.“Youhavetobekidding.”
“Iamnot.Theyhavedormsformarriedcouples.Theresthavenochoiceaboutwhethertheirdorm

matesaremaleorfemale.”Sheglaredharder.“Iwasraisedtobelievethatthingsworkinacertain
way.That’swhyIliveinaplacewherepeoplethinklikeIdo.”Sheshrugged.“Ireadthisoldbookby
aguynamedToffler.Thirtyyearsago,hepredictedthattherewouldbepeopleoutofstepwith
societyandwhocouldn’tfitin.”Sheturnedtohim.“That’sme.Outofstep.Can’tfitin.Doesn’t
belonganywhere.Well,anywhereexceptJacobsville.OrComancheWells.”

Hehadtoadmit,hedidn’tliketheideaofherlivinginadormwithmalestudentsshedidn’tknow.

Ontheotherhand,hewouldn’tlikebeingforcedtolivewithsomewomanhedidn’tknow.Howthe
worldhadchangedinadecadeorso!

Heleanedagainstthewall.“Okay.Iguessyou’reright.Butyoucouldcommutetoacollege,or

throughtheinternet.”

“I’vethoughtaboutthat.”
Hestudiedherprettybowofamouth,herroundedchin,herelegantneck.Hereyeswereherfinest

feature,butthepigtailsandlackofmakeupdidnothingforher.

Shesawwherehewasstaringandgrinned.“Deterrents.”
Heblinked.“Excuseme?”
“Mypigtailsandmylackofmakeup.Theykeepsuitorsaway.Ifyoudon’tcareaboutfancyclothes

andmakeup,you’resmart,right?Somendon’tlikesmartwomen.”

Hecockedaneyebrow.“IfIwantedarelationship,I’dlikeasmartwoman.Ihaveadegreein

politicalsciencewithadoublemajorinthatandArabiclanguagestudies.”

Theforkshewastestingherpotatoeswithwassuspendedinmidair.“YouspeakArabic?”
Henodded.“Severaldialects.”
Hereyesfell.“Oh.”Shehadn’trealizedthathewascollegeeducated.Shefeltsuddenlyinadequate.

He’dsaidthatsheneededtogotocollegeherself.Didhefindherunattractivebecausehermind
wasn’tdevelopedlikehis?Ordidhewanthertoleave?

Hefrowned.Shelookedworried.HerecalledwhatJasonhadsaidaboutthatdesignergownshe’d

beenloaned.Hegrimaced.Well,hedidn’treallyhaveanyplanstotakeanotherwoman…

“HowaboutgoingtotheCattleman’sBallwithme?”heaskedbluntly.
Shewentfromdoubtandmiserytoeuphoriainfivesecondsflat.Shegapedathim.“Me?”
“Well,Idon’tthinkyourDadwouldlookverygoodinaballgown,”hereplied.
“Theball,”shesaid,confused.
Henodded.“Ihateparties,”hesaidflatly.“ButIguessIcanstanditforacoupleofhours.”
Shenodded.Shelookedblank.
“Ifyouwanttogo?”heasked,becauseshelooked…Hewasn’tsurehowshelooked.
“Yes!”

Helaughed.Theforkhadflownoutofherhandinherexcitement.Itlanded,oddly,rightinthesink.

Helaughedharder.“Nicetoss.YoumightconsidertheNBA.”

“Oh,Idon’tplayfootball.”
Hestartedtotellheritwasbasketball,butshewasbeaming,andshelookedreallypretty.He

smiled.Hisdarkeyessparkled.“Justajoke.”

“Okay.”
Heshoulderedawayfromthewall.“I’llgetbacktowork.We’llleaveaboutsixonSaturday.

They’reservingcanapésandwhatnot.Idon’tthinkyou’llneedtocooksupper,exceptsomethingfor
yourdad.”

Shenodded.“Okay.”
Hesmiledandwalkedout.
Pegbarelynoticedthepotatoesuntilwatersplashedoutontothestove.Shetestedthemwithaclean

forkandmovedthepanofftheburner.Shewasgoingtotheball.ShefeltlikeCinderella.She’dfixup
herfaceandhairandmakeGrangeproud.Itwouldbethehappiestnightofherentirelife.Shefeltas
ifshewerewalkingonairasshestartedtomashthepotatoesinabigceramicbowl.

***

“Ihearyou’regoingtotheball,”EdLarsonteasedafterthey’dsharedsupperwithGrange.

Sheblushed.She’dbeendoingthatallthroughthemeal.ItwasalmostareliefwhenGrangewent

outtocheckthelivestock.

“Yes,”shesaid.“Iwasshockedthatheaskedme.I’llbetGraciehadherhusbandgoadhimintoit,

though,”sheaddedsadly.“I’msurehesaidalreadythathewasn’tgoing.”

“I’mgladheis,”Edsaid.Hisfacewassolemnashetookasipofcoffee.“Rumoristhathisgroup

isleavingwithEmilioMachadoverysoon.Revolutionisneverpretty.”

“Sosoon?”sheblurtedout.Sheknewaboutthemission.Therewerenosecretsinsmalltowns.

Besides,RickMarquez,whoseadoptedmotherBarbararantheJacobsvillecafé,hadturnedouttobe
GeneralMachado’sson.

“Yes,”herfatherreplied.
“He’lldie.”
“No,hewon’t,”hesaid,andsmiled.“Winslowwasamajorinthearmy.Heservedinspecopsin

Iraqandhecamehome.He’llbefine.”

“Youthinkso.Really?”
“Really.”
Shesighed.“Whydopeoplefight?”
Hiseyeshadafarawayexpression.“Sometimesforstupidreasons.Sometimesforreallypatriotic

ones.Inthiscase,”headded,glancingather,“tostopadictatorfromhavingpeopleshotintheirown
homesforquestioninghispolicies.”

“Goodheavens!”
Henodded.“GeneralMachadohadademocraticgovernment,withhandpickedheadsof

departments.Hetouredhiscountry,talkedtohispeopletoseewhattheirneedswere.Hesetup
committees,hadrepresentativesfromindigenousgroupsonhiscouncil,evenworkedwith
neighboringcountriestosetupfree-tradeagreementsthatwouldbenefittheregion.”Heshookhis
head.“Sohegoestoanothercountrytotalkaboutoneofthoseagreements,andwhilehe’saway,this
serpentbringsinhispoliticalcronies,hasthemputinchargeofthemilitaryandoverthrowsthe

government.”

“Niceguy,”shesaidsarcastically.
“Thegeneral’sright-handman,too,hispoliticalchief,ArturoSapara,”Edcontinued.“Saparatakes

overthegovernmentthenheclosesdownthetelevisionandradiostationsandputsarepresentativein
eachnewspaperofficetoreportdirectlytohim.Hecontrolsallthemassmedia.Heputscameras
everywhereandspiesonthepeople.Somebodysays,anyonehedoesn’tlike…theydisappear,liketwo
internationallyknowncollegeprofessorsdisappearedafewmonthsago.”

“Ouch.”
“Peoplethinkthingslikethatcan’thappentothem.”Hesighed.“Theycanhappenanywherethatthe

publicturnsablindeyetoinjustice.”

“Ididn’trealizeitwasthatbad.”
“Machadosayshe’snotgoingtostandbyandlettheworkheputintothatdemocracygodownthe

drain.It’stakenhimmonthstomountacounteroffensive,buthe’sgotthemenandthemoneynow,
andhe’sgoingtoact.”

“Ihopehewins.”Shegrimaced.“Ijustdon’twantGrangetodie.”
Hechuckled.“Youunderestimatethatyoungman,”heassuredher.“He’slikeacat.He’sgotnine

lives.Andhethinksoutsidethebox,whichiswhatmakeshimsoinvaluabletoMachado.Example,”
headded,hiseyestwinklingashewarmedtohissubject,“NorthAfricaintheearlydaysoftheNorth
AfricancampaigninWorldWarII.ThecommandingGermanfieldmarshal,Rommel,hadonlya
handfuloftroopscomparedtotheBritish.Buthewantedthemtothinkhehadmore.Sohehadhis
menmarchthroughtowninaparade,goaroundthecornerandmarchthroughagainseveraltimesto
givetheappearanceofnumbers.Healsohadhugefans,aircraftengines,hookedupbehindtrucksto
blowupthedesertsandandmakehiscolumnappearlargerthanitreallywas.Byusingsuchtricks,he
psychedouttheoppositionforalongtime.That’swhatIcallthinkingoutsidethebox.”

“Wow.IneverheardofthatGermanofficer.”
Hegaveherablankstare.“Excuseme?Didn’tyoustudyaboutWorldWarIIinschool?”
“Sure.WelearnedaboutthisgeneralcalledEisenhowerwholaterbecamepresident.Oh,andthis

guyChurchillwhowastheleaderinEngland.”

“WhataboutMontgomery?Patton?”
Sheblinked.“Whowerethey?”
Hefinishedhiscoffeeandgotupfromthetable.“I’llquoteGeorgeSantayana,aHarvard

professor.‘Thosewhocannotrememberthepastarecondemnedtorepeatit.’Andfortherecord,
highschoolhistoryneedsretooling!”

“Modernhistory.”Shemadeaface.“Alotofdatesandinsignificantfacts.”
“Thestuffoflegends.”
“Ifyousayso.”
Heglaredather,grimacedandgaveup.“We’releavingtheworldinthehandsofshallowthinkers

whenweoldonesdie.”

“Iamnotashallowthinker,”sheprotested.“Ijustdon’tlikehistory.”
Hecockedhishead.“Grangedoes.”
Sheavertedhereyes.“Doeshe?”
“Militaryhistory,especially.Wehaverunningdebatesonit.”
Sheshrugged.“Iguessitwouldn’thurttocheckitoutonGoogle.”
“Therearebooksinthebookcase,”hesaid,aghast.“Real,honesttogoodnessbooks!”
“Deadtrees,”shemuttered.“Killatreetomakeabook,whenthereareperfectlygoodebooksfor

saleallovertheweb.”

Hethrewuphishands.“I’mleaving.Nextyou’llbetellingmethatyouagreewithallthebookstore

andlibraryclosingsalloverthecountry.”

Shehesitated.“Ithinkit’sverysad,”shesaidunexpectedly.“Alotofpeoplecan’taffordtobuy

books,evenusedones.Sothelibraryhasallthatknowledgeavailableforfree.Whatarepeople
goingtodowhentheydon’thaveanywaytolearnthingsexceptinschool?”

Hecamebackandhuggedher.“NowIknowyou’rereallymydaughter.”Hechuckled.
Shegrinned.“Aw,shucks.”Sheloweredherheadandscuffedhertoeonthefloor.“Twarn’t

nothing,”shedrawled.

Helaughedandwentaway.
“Pie?”shecalledafterhim.
“Waitanhourorsountildinnerhastimetosettle!”hecalledback.
“Okay.”

***

Sheheatedupacupofcoffeeandcarrieditthroughthehouse,outthebackdoorandintothebarn.
Grangewassittingoutthereinanoldcane-bottomwoodenchairwithaprizeheiferthatwascalving
forthefirsttime.Hewouldn’tadmitit,buthewasattachedtotheSantaGertrudisfirst-timemother,
whomhecalledBossie.Shewashavingahardtime.

“Damnedbigbullthatsiredthiscalf,”hemuttered,acceptingthecoffeewithagratefulsmile.“If

I’dknownwhothesirewas,I’dneverhaveletTomHayessellmethispregnantheifer.”

Shegrimaced.Sheknewaboutbirthweightratios.Afirst-timemotherneededasmallcalf.The

herdsirewhobredthisonewashuge,whichmeantamuchhigherbirthweightthanwas
recommended.Itwouldendangerthemother.

“Ihopeshe’lldookay.”
“Shewill,ifIhavetohavethevetcomeouthereandsitwithherallnightandpayhim.”
Shelaughed.“Dr.BentleyRydelwoulddoitforfree.Helovesanimals.”
“Goodthing.Hisbrother-in-lawsureisone.Ananimal,Imean.”
“Youreallyhaveitinformercenaries,don’tyou?”sheasked,curious.
“Notallofthem,”hereplied.“EbScott’sbunchisanotchabovetherest.ButKellDrake,Rydel’s

brother-in-law,wasacareermilitarymanandhethrewitalluptogooffsearchingforadventurein,
ofallplaces,Africa!”

“IsAfricaworsethanSouthAmerica?”sheasked,makingapoint.
“Muchworse,becauseyouhavesodamnedmanyfactionstryingtogetafootholdthere,”he

replied.“Mostoftheaidthat’ssentneverreachesthestarvingmasses,itgoestosaleforthehighest
bidderandthemoneygoesinsomewarlord’spocket.”Heshookhishead.“Gunsdon’treallysolve
problems,youknow.Butneitherdoesdiplomacywhenyouhavetworeligionssluggingitoutinthe
sameregion,plusclasswarfare,tribalconflicts,greedycorporations…”

“Isthereanybodyyoulike?”sheaskedpointedly.
“GeorgePatton.”
Shelaughed,rememberingherfatherhadmentionedthename.“Who’she?”
Hiseyesalmostpopped.
“Well,I’myoung,”shemuttered.“Youcan’texpectmetoknoweverything.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.Shewas.Veryyoung.Itmadehimuncomfortable.“Hewasafamous

generalinWorldWarII.HeservedinseveraltheatersofoperationsfortheAllies,predominantlythe
NorthAfricanandEuropeancampaigns.”

“Oh,thatPatton!”sheexclaimed.“MydadwastellingmeaboutaGermangeneralnamedRommel

inNorthAfrica.ThentherewasthismovieIwatched…didPattonreallydothosethings?”

Hechuckled.“Someofthem.IwentthroughWestPointwithadistantcousinofhis.”
“Neat!”
Hefinishedthecoffee.“Youshouldgobackin.It’sgettingcold.”
Shetookthecupfromhisoutstretchedhand.“Itis.”
“Thanksforthecoffee.”
Sheshrugged.“Welcome.”Sheglancedattheheifer,whowasstaringatthemwithwidebrown

eyes.“IhopeBossiedoesokay.”

Hesmiled.“Me,too.Thanks.”
Shenodded,smiledandlefthimthere.

***

Thenextmorning,theveterinarian’struckwassittingatthebarn.Beforesheevenstartedbreakfast,
Pegranoutthebackdooranddowntothebarn.She’dworriedaboutthemothercowallnight.

Grangewasleaningagainstapost,talkingtothevet.Theybothturnedwhenshewalkedin.
“Well?”sheaskedalittlehesitantly,becauseshewasconcerned.
Grangesmiled.“Bullcalf.Motherandbabydoingfine.”
Sheletoutasigh.“Thankgoodness!”
Grangegrinnedatherobviousrelief.
“Ifyou’dliketostayforbreakfast,”shetoldthevet,“I’mmakingbiscuitsandfreshsausageand

eggs.Wehavehensandhe—”shepointedatGrange“—boughtusafreezerfullofporksausageand
ribsandloins.”Shegrinned.“We’rerich!”

Theybothlaughed.
“You’reverywelcometostay,”Grangetoldhim.“Shecooksplenty.Andshe’sagoodcook.”
Pegblushed.Hereyessparkled.“Nicetobeappreciated.”
“Inthatcase,I’dlovetojoinyou,thanks.”
“I’llgetbusy.”Sheranallthewaybacktothehouse.Grangelikedhercooking.Shecouldhave

floated.

2

“What’syourbrother-in-lawuptothesedays?”Grangeaskedtheirguest.

Hegotadrolllookinreply.“KellDrakealwayschangesthesubjectwhenIask.Butheandoneof

hiscronieswerereportedlyuptotheirearsinsomeprojectinSouthAfricathatinvolvesguns.Idon’t
bothertoask,”BentleyRydeladdedwhenGrangestartedanotherquestion.“It’sawasteofbreath.He
wasworkingonsomethingwithRourke,butIhearhe’sgoingoverseaswithyou,”headdedwitha
pointedlook.

“Rourke,”Grangesighed,shakinghishead.“Nowthere’sapieceofwork.”
“Who’sRourke?”Pegwantedtoknow.
“Somebodyyoudon’tevenneedtomeet,”Grangetoldherfirmly.“He’sa…”
“Please.”Bentleyhelduphishand,chuckling.“There’saladypresent.”
“You’reright,”Grangeagreed,sippingcoffee,withasmileinPeg’sdirection.
Peglaughed.
“Well,Rourke’sinaclassallhisown,”Grangecontinued.“EvenourpolicechiefinJacobsville,

CashGrier,avoidshim,andGrier ’sworkedwithsomescoundrelsinhistime.Wordis,”headded,
“thatKilraven,whousedtoworkforsomefederalagencyundercoverinGrier ’sdepartment,almost
cametoblowswithRourkeoverthewomanhemarried.”

“Aladies’man,ishe?”Edasked.
“Hardtosay,”Grangereplied.“Hethinksheis.”
“He’sdefinitelygottheconnections,”Bentleymused.“Rumorhasitthathe’stheillegitimatesonof

billionaireK.C.Kantor,whowasonceattheforefrontofmostconflictsintheAfricanstates.”

“I’vereadabouthim,”Edreplied.“Afascinatingman.”
“Henevermarried.Theysayhewasinlovewithawomanwhobecameanun.Hehasagodchild

whomarriedintoarichWyomingranchingfamily.”

“Well!”Edexclaimed.“Thethingsyoulearnaboutpeople!”
“True.”Bentleycheckedhiswatch.“Gottarun,I’mdoingsurgeryattheofficeinthirtyminutes.”

Hegotup.“Thanksforbreakfast,Peg,”headdedwithasmile.

“You’rewelcome.TellyourwifeIsaidhello.Cappiewasafewgradesaheadofmeinschool,butI

knewher.She’sasweetie.”

“I’lltellheryousaidso,”hesaidwithagrin.“Seeyou.”
ThemenwalkedhimouttohistruckwhilePegclearedawaythebreakfastdishes.Sheput

everythinginthedishwasherandwentupstairstoseewhatshehadinthewayofaccessoriesforher
bignightattheball.Cinderella,shethoughtamusedly.That’sme.

***

Peglovedtoplantthings.Especiallybulbs.Sheknewthatnextspring,thehyacinthsandtulipsand
daffodilsandnarcissusbulbsthatshewasplantingnowwouldbegloriousincolorandscent.
Hyacinths,shemused,smelledbetterthanthemostexpensiveperfume.Sheknewaboutexpensive
perfume;shespentalotoftimeatcosmeticcounterssniffingit.She’dneverbeabletobuyanyofthat

forherself.ButshelovedtosampletheluxuriousscentswhenshewenttothemallinSanAntonio.
Shecouldn’tgothatoften,butshealwaysmadethemostofeachtrip.

Shefinishedputtingthelastofthehyacinthsin,andgotupfromtheground.Herwhitesweatshirt

wasstreakedwithdirt.Probablyherhairwas,too.Butshelovedtoplayinthedirt.SodidJason
Pendleton’swife,Gracie,who’dsentherthebulbs.Gardenerswerealmostalwaysfriendsatfirst
sight.Therewasakinshipamongpeoplewholovedtoplantthings.

Grangedroveupatthebarn,cuttheengineandgotout.HewalkeduptoPegandstaredatthelong

rectangularflowerbedshe’dputrightnexttothebarn.Hefrowned.

“It’sconvenienttothesourceofmybestfertilizer,”shepointedout.
Ittookhimafewsecondstopuzzlethatout.Shewastalkingaboutanimalwaste,whichwasorganic

andquiteeffective.Hechuckled.“Isee.”

“Mrs.Pendletonsentmethebulbs.They’reniceones,fromherowngarden.Youdon’treally

mind…?”

Heshookhishead.“Amuseyourself.Idon’tcare.”
“Dad’sgonetothemarket,”shesaid,wide-eyed.“Wouldyouliketoravishmewhilehe’saway?”
Heglaredather.Thiswasherusualwayofteasing,anditwasbeginningtogettohiminwayshe

didn’tlike.“No,Iwouldnot,”hesaidfirmly.

Sheglaredback.“Honestly,you’restuckbackintheiceage!Everybodydoesitthesedays!”
“Includingyou?”
“Ofcourse,me,”shescoffed.“I’vehadsexcontinuouslysinceIwasfourteen.”
Hiseyesweregrowingdarker.Hewasshockedandtryingnottoshowit.Pegdidn’tappeartohim

asarounder.Washethatbadajudgeofcharacter?

“It’snobigdeal!”sheexclaimed.“Youaresuchathrowback!”
Heturnedonhisheelandstormedoffintothebarn.Hedidn’tlikethinkingthatPegwas

promiscuous.Hewastooold-fashionedtothinkitwasalaudablelifestyle,regardlessofhowmany
peopledid.

Shefollowedhimintothebarn,wavinghertrowelintheair.“Listen,peopledon’thavetoabideby

ancientdoctrinesthathavenoplaceinmodernsociety,”sheburstout.“Thereisn’toneshowon
televisionthathaspeoplegettingmarriedbeforetheyindulge!”

Hewhirled,glaring.“That’sexactlywhyIdon’twatchtelevision.”
“You’rejustthekindofmanwhothinkswomenshouldbesaintsandgoaroundinfrillyclothes

andbeseenyetnotheard!”

“Andyou’rethesortwhothinkstheyshoulddresslikestreetwalkersandthrowoutprofanitywith

everyotherbreath!”

Shetossedthetrowelawayandwentrightuptohim.“Ithreatenyou,don’tI,”sheteased.“You’re

madforme,butyouthinkI’mtooyoungandinnocent…!”

Thesuddenpausewasbecause,inalightning-fastmovethatshehadn’tanticipated,hebackedher

rightintothebarnwall,slammedhispowerfulbodydownonhersandkissedherwithanexpertise
andinsistencethatmadeherheartstopdead.

“Damnyou,”hegroundoutagainsthermouth,andbothhandswenttoherhips,grindingtheminto

thesuddenarousalthatwasasunexpectedasitwaspainful.

Shewassorryshe’dmadesuchclaims.Shewasscaredtodeath.She’dneverevenbeenkissed

exceptoncebyaboywhowasevenmorebashfulthanshe’dbeen,andthekisshadbeenalmost
repulsivetoher.Sinceshe’dhadfeelingsforGrange,shehadn’tevendated.

Nowherehewastakingheruponherstupidoffer,andthinkingshewasexperiencedandshedidn’t

evenknowwhattodo.Worse,hewasscaringhertodeath.She’dneverfeltanarousedman’sbody.It
wasoddlythreatening,likethelipsthatwereforcinghersapartinakissthatwasyearstooadultfor
herlied-aboutworldlyexperience.

Hersmallhandswereagainsthisshirtfront,pushing.Shetriedtoturnherfaceaside.“Ple…please,”

shechokedoutwhenshemanagedtoescapehisdevouringmouthforafewseconds.

Hisheadwasspinning.ShetastedlikethefinestFrenchchampagne.Shefeltlikeheavenagainst

him.Shewassoftandwarmanddelicatelyscented,andshearousedhimasnootherwomaneverhad
inhiswholelife.

She’dhadmen.Shebraggedaboutit.Butassanitycamebackinacoldrush,hebecameawareof

hernervoushandsonhischest,ofherwhispered,franticplea.Heliftedhisheadandlookedpoint-
blankintoherwide,softgreeneyes.Andheknewthen,knewforcertain,thatshe’dneverhadaman
inheryounglife.

“Standstill!”hebitoffwhenshetriedtomoveherhipsawayfromthepressofhis.
Theurgencyinhistonestilledher.Sheswallowed,hard,andswallowedagain,whileheslowly

movedbackfromher,hishandsclenchedasheturnedaway.Avisibleshudderwentthroughhis
straightback.

Shebarelyregisteredit.Shewasshaking.Sheleanedbackagainstthebarnwall,herarmscrossed

overherbreasts.Theyfeltoddlytightandswollen.Shefeltswollensomeplaceelse,too,butshe
didn’tknowwhy.Sheshouldhavelistenedmorecarefullyinhealthclassinsteadofreadingbookson
archaeologywhiletheteacherdronedonandonaboutcontraception,andtheclinicaldetails.Boring.
Theoryandpractice,shedecided,weresometimesunrelated,itseemed.

Afteraminute,Grangedrewinalong,steadyingbreath,andturnedbacktoPeg.
Shecouldn’tmeethiseyes.Shewasflushedandnervousandshattered.
Hervulnerabilitytooktheedgeoffhistemper.Hemovedbacktoher,cuppedherovalfaceinhis

big,warmhandsandforcedhereyestomeethis.

“Youlittleliar,”hechided,buthewassmiling.Hedidn’tevenseemtobemad.
Sheswallowedoncemore.
Hebentandkissedhereyelidsshut,tastingsaltytears.“Don’tcry,”hemurmuredtenderly.“You’re

safe.”

Herlipstrembled.Thecaresswasoutofherexperience.Itwassomuchmorepoignantthanthe

hard,insistentkissthathadcomewithoutrespectortenderness.Thiswasaworldawayfromthat.

Herhandsflattenedagainsthissoftflannelshirt,feelingthemuscleandwarmthandheavy

heartbeatunderit.Shesavoredthefeelofhislipsonherskin.

“Andnowweknowthatmakingfalseclaimsandbeingaggressivecanleadtomisunderstandings,

don’twe?”hemurmured.

“Yes,well,weshouldhavepaidmoreattentioninhealthclassinsteadofcovertlyreading

archaeologyjournals,”shesaidunsteadily.

Heliftedhishead.“Archaeology?”
Shemanagedaweaksmile.“Iliketodiginthedirt.Plantingthings,diggingupartifacts,it’ssortof

similar,isn’tit?”

Helaughedsoftly.“Ifyousayso.”
Shesearchedhiseyes,feelingvulnerable.“You’renotmad?”
Heshookhishead.“Ashamed,abit,though.”
“Why?Itwasmyfault,”shepointedoutbluntly.“Iwasreallyoutofline.I’msorry.”
Hesighed.“Me,too.”

Shepeeredupathim.“Youstillwanttotakemetotheball,don’tyou?”sheworriedaloud.
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Morethananything,”hereplied,andhisvoicewaslikedeepvelvet.
Sheflushed.Shesmiled.“Okay!”
Hekissedhernose.“Getoutofhere.I’vegottocheckonmyheifer.”
“Cow,”shecorrected.“She’sacow,nowthatshe’samother.”
Hiseyebrowsarched.
“Sorry.”
Hechuckled.“Ihavetocheckonmycow,”hecorrected.
Shegrinnedandstartedtoleave.
“Peg.”
Sheturned.Hernameonhislipshadamagicalsound.
“Myfatherwasaminister,”hesaidquietly,andwatchedherflushassherecalledthethingsshe’d

spoutedofftohim.

“Oh,gosh,”shegroaned.
“Hewasn’tafanatic,”headded.“Buthehadaverysolidtakeonwhatlifeshouldbe,asopposedto

whatotherpeoplethoughtwaspermissible.Hesaidthattheonlythingthatseparatedhumanbeings
fromanimalswasthenobilityofspiritthatwentwithrespectforalllife.Religion,hesaid,alongwith
thearts,wasthefoundationofanycivilization.Whenthosetwothingsfell,sodidsociety.”

Shesearchedhisface.“OneofmyarchaeologicaljournalstalksabouttheEgyptiancivilization,”

shesaid,movingbacktohim.“Theartswentfirst,followedbythereligionthathadbeenpracticed
forcenturies.OrlikeRome,whenitabsorbedsomanyotherculturesandnationalitiesandthey
couldn’tmix,sotheyendedupdividingthenationanditfelltointernalconflict.”

Hesmiled.“Youshouldgotocollegeandstudyanthropology.”
“Chancewouldbeafinething.”
“JasonPendletonendowsscholarshipsatseveraluniversities.Ifyoureallywantedtogo,he’dsend

you.”

Sheflushed.“Wow!Youthinkso?”
“Ido.”
Shegrimaced.“Well,there’sthatlivingincoeddormsthing,”shesaidreluctantly.
Thatwaswhenherememberedtheirtalkonthatsubjectearlier,beforeshe’dclaimedexperience

shedidn’thave.Heshouldhaverememberedthatwhileshewasmakingheroutspokenclaims.A
womanwhodidn’twanttoliveinacoeddormobviouslywouldn’tapproveofsleepingaround.He’d
forgotten.

Hetouchedherhair.“Youcouldliveoffcampus.”
Shelookedupathim,searchinghisdarkeyes.“Who’dtakecareofyouandDad?”
Hefeltajoltinhisheart.Ithadn’toccurredtohimuntilthenhowwellshetookcareofhim.

Freshlywashedlinenonhisbed,dustedsurfaces,littletreatstuckedintohissaddlebagswhenhewent
ridingthefenceline,hiscoatalwaysprominentinthefrontoftheclosetsothathehadeasyaccessto
it.

“Youspoilme,”hesaidafteraminute,andhewasn’tsmiling.“Itisn’twise.I’velivedhardmostof

mylifeinthemilitary.Idon’twanttogetsoft.”

“Thatwon’teverhappen,”sheassuredhim.“YouhavethatsamerefinedroughnessthatHannibal

wassupposedtohavewhenhefoughtScipioAfricanus,thefamousRomangeneral,inthePunic
Wars.”

Heblinked.“Youknowthat,andyoudon’trecognizethenamesofPattonandRommel?”he

exclaimed.

Sheshrugged.“Youlikemodernmilitaryhistory.Ilikeancienthistory.”Shegrinned.“Oneof

Hannibal’sstrategieswastothrowclaypotsofpoisonoussnakesontothedecksofenemyships.I’ll
betthecrewjumpedlikegrasshopperstogetintothewater,”shecountered.

“Badgirl,”hesaid,shakingafingerather.Hepursedhissensuallips,stillalittleswollenfromthe

hardcontactwithhers.“Ontheotherhand,that’snotabadstrategyevenformodernwarfare.”

“Oh,itwouldneverdo,”shereplied.“Groupsofherpetologyadvocateswouldmarchinthestreets

toprotesttheinhumanetreatmentofthesnakes.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Youknow,Icanbelievethat.Weliveininterestingtimes,astheChinese

wouldputit.”

Sheraisedbotheyebrows.
“AnoldChinesecurse.‘Mayyouliveininterestingtimes.’Itmeans,indangerousones.”
“Isee.”
Hesighed,smilingashestudiedherface.Shewasn’tpretty,butshehadregularfeaturesand

beautifulgreeneyesandaverykissablemouth.Hestaredatitwithoutwantingto.“Nomoreteasing,”
hesaidunexpectedly.“Ihavealowboilingpointandyou’renotreadyforwhatmighthappen.”

Shestartedtoprotest,butdecidedagainstit.Shegrimaced.“Rubitin.”
Hemovedforward,andtookherbytheshoulders.“Itwasn’tacomplaint,”hesaid,choosinghis

words.“Look,Idon’tindulge.Iwasneverarounder.Idon’tlikemenwhotreatwomenlike
disposableobjects,andtherearealotoftheminthemodernworld.”

“Inotherwords,youthinkpeopleshouldgetmarriedfirst,”shetranslated,andthenflushed,

becausethatsoundedlikeshewantedhimtopropose.Shedid,butshedidn’twanttobebluntaboutit.

Heshiftedalittle.“MarriageissomethingI’lleventuallywarmto,butnotnow.I’mabouttobe

involvedinadangerousoperation.Ican’taffordtohavemymindsomeplaceelseonceleadstarts
flying,okay?”

Herstomachclenched.Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutthepossibilitythathemightgethurtandshe

wouldn’tbetheretonursehim.Shewouldn’tthinkaboutworst-casescenarios.Shewouldn’t!

“Don’tgogettingnervous,”hechided.“I’manoldhandattacticsand,nottoblowmyownhorn

toomuch,I’mgoodatit.That’swhyGeneralMachadohasmeleadingtheassault.”

“Iknow,”shesaidquietly.“Dadthinksyouhavegreatskillsatleadership.Hesaiditwasashame

yougotforcedoutofthemilitary.”

Heshrugged.“Ibelieve,likemyfatherdid,thatthingshappenforareason,andthatpeoplecome

intoyourlifeattherighttime,forapurpose.”

Shesmiledgently.“Me,too.”
Hetouchedhersoftmouthwithhisforefinger.“I’mgladthatyoucameintomine,”hesaid,his

voicedeepandsoft.Hedrewback.“Butwe’rejustfriends,fornow.Gotthat?”

Shesighed.“ShouldIgetarefundonmyprophylactics,then?”sheaskedoutrageously.
Heburstoutlaughing,shookhisheadandwalkedaway.
“Isthata‘no’?”shecalledafterhim.
Hethrewupahandandkeptwalking.
Shegrinned.

***

ThedayoftheCattleman’sBall,shewassonervousthatsheburnedthebiscuitsatbreakfast.Itwasthe

firsttimesinceshestartedcooking,attheageoftwelve,thatshe’ddonethat.

“I’msosorry!”sheapologizedtoherdadandGrange.
“Onemisstepinmonthsisn’tadisaster,kid,”Grangeteased.“Theeggsandbaconareperfect,and

weprobablyeattoomuchbreadasitis.”

“Frankenbread,”Edmuttered.
Theybothlookedathimwithraisedeyebrows.
Heclearedhisthroat.“Alotofthegrainsaregeneticallymodifiedthesedays,andtheywon’tlabel

whatisandwhatisn’t.Doesn’tmattermuch.Pollenfromthemodifiedcropsgetsairborneandlands
onnonmodifiedcrops.Iguessthosegeniusesinlabsdon’trealizethatpollentravels.”

“What’swrongwithgeneticmodification?”Grangeasked.
“I’vegotadocumentary.I’llloanittoyou,”Edsaidgrimly.“Peopleshouldn’tmessaroundwith

thenaturalorderofthings.There’srumorsthatthey’reevengoingtostartdoingitwithpeople,in‘in
vitro’fertilization,tochangehairandeyecolor,thatsortofthing.”Heleanedforward.“Ialsoheard
thatthey’recombininghumanandanimalgenesinlabs.”

“Thatpart’strue,”Grangetoldhim.“They’restudyingwaystomodifygeneticstructuresothat

theycantreatgeneticdiseases.”

Edglaredathim.Hepointedhisfingerattheyoungerman.“Youwait.They’llhavehumanbeings

withheadsofbirdsandjackalsandstuff,justlikethosedepictionsinEgyptianhieroglyphs!Youthink
theEgyptiansmadethosethingsup?I’llbetyoutendollarstoanickeltheywereasadvancedaswe
were,andtheycreatedsuchthings!”

Peggotupandglancedaroundherworriedly.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Edasked.
“Watchingforpeoplewithnets,”shesaid.“Shhhhh!”
Grangeburstoutlaughing.“Ed,that’saprettywildtheory,youknow.”
Edflushed.“IguessI’mgettingcontaminatedbyBarbaraFergusonwhoownsBarbara’sCaféin

Jacobsville.Shesitswithmesometimesatlunchandwetalkaboutstuffweseeonalternativenews
websites.”

“Pleaseconsiderthatthosewebsitesareverymuchliketabloidnewspapers,”Grangecautioned.“I

dorememberthatBarbarawassayingthatelectricalequipmentcouldsustainanelectromagnetic
pulsebybeingstoredinaLeydenjar.It’saFaradaycage,”heexplained.“ShewasveryupsetwhenI
correctedher,butIpulledituponmyiPhoneandshowedherthescientificreference.Shequoteda
sourcethatwastotallyuninformed.”

“Dang.IguessI’llhavetotossmyLeydenjar,then,”Edsaidwithtwinklingeyes,andgrinned.
“Ifyoucanbuildone,letmeknow,”Grangerequested.
“Don’tlookatme,”Edreplied.“Itookcoursesinanimalhusbandry,notphysics.”
“Iflunkedphysicsmyfirstthreeweeksintheclassinhighschool,andhadtotransfertobiology.”

Pegsighed.“Ilovedphysics.Ijustcouldn’twrapmybrainaroundit.”

“Itookcoursesincollege,”Grangesaid.“Imadegoodgrades,butIlovedpoliticalsciencemore.”
“YoumightendupinMachado’sgovernment,”Edmused.“Asahighofficial.MaybeSupreme

CommanderoftheMilitary.”

Grangechuckled.“I’vethoughtaboutthat.Plentyofopportunitytoretoolthegovernmentforces

andmakegoodchangesinpolicy.”

Pegfeltherheartdrop.ThatwouldmeanhemightnotcomehomefromSouthAmerica,evenafter

theassault,ifitwassuccessful.Shemightneverseehimagain.Shestudiedhimcovertly.Hewasthe
mostimportantthinginherlife.Shehadn’tsleptwellsincethatunexpected,passionatekissinthe

barn.Hewantedher.Sheknewthat.Hehadn’tbeenabletohideit.Buthewasn’tinthemarketfora
wife,andhedidn’tdoaffairs.

Hersadnessmighthavebeenpalpable,becausehesuddenlyturnedhisheadandlookedstraightinto

hereyes.Therewasajoltlikelightningstrikingher.Sheflushedanddraggedhergazeawayas
quicklyasshecould,toavoidtippingoffherfatherthatthingsweregoingonbehindhisback.

Herfatherwasprettysensitive.Helookedfromonetotheother,buthedidn’tsayaword.

***

Later,though,hecorneredPegbeforeshewentintoherroomtostartdressingfortheball.

“What’sgoingonbetweenyouandGrange?”heaskedquietly.
Shesighed.“Nothing,I’mafraid.Hisfatherwasaministerandhedoesn’tsleeparound.”
Ed,shocked,letoutasuddenburstoflaughter.“You’rekidding.”
Sheheldupbothhands.“Hey,I’mjustthemessenger.Hedoesn’tdrink,hedoesn’tsmokeandhe

doesn’t…well,indulge.Hethinkspeopleshouldgetmarriedfirst.Buthedoesn’twanttomarry
anybody.”

Ed’sexpressionlightened.“Well!”Grangewentupveryhighonhisrespectedlist.
“Sohe’stakingmetoaballbutnottoamotelafterward,incaseyouwereworried,Imean,”she

addedwithtwinklingeyes.

Heshrugged.“I’moutofstep,”heconfessed.“Idon’tknowhowtoliveinthisworldanymore.”
“IguessyouandIliveinthebestplacefordinosaurs,”Pegpointedout.“Wehaveplentyof

company.”

Hegrinned.“Yes,andweallliveinthepast.Lookatthetownsquare,alldeckedoutforChristmas,

withlightsandhollyandSantaClausandhisreindeer.”

“Withdecoratedtreesineverypublicandprivateoffice,too,”sheadded,laughing.“Ilove

Christmas.”

“SodoesGraciePendleton,”Edremindedher.“She’sgottheirplaceinSanAntoniodeckedout

likealightshow,andtheranchhereissparklingwithseasonalcoloraswell.”

“I’mgoingtobesparklingtonight,inmynewborroweddesignereveninggown,”shesaid.“Ihad

thebeauticiansteachmehowtodomyhair,andI’vegotMama’spearls.IthoughtI’dwearthem.”Her
facewassad.Hermotherhaddiedfiveyearspast.Theybothstillmissedher.

“Shelovedparties,”Edrecalledwithasadsmile.“Butonlyoccasionally.Shewaslikeme,amisfit

whoneverbelongedanywhere.Exceptwithme.”

Shehuggedhim.“You’vestillgotme.”
“Yes,andyou’vestillgotme.”Hehuggedherback,andthenlethergo.“Ihopeit’sthebestnightof

yourlife.”

Shesmiledwithbreathlessanticipation.“Ithinkitmightbe.”

***

Thegownwassilver,withblackaccents.Itdrapedacrossherpert,firmbreastsfromoneshoulder,
leavingtheotherarmbare.Itwasanklelength,withatightwaistandflaringskirt,inaclingyfabric
thatoutlinedeverysoftcurve.Thebodicewasbow-shapedacrosswiththedrapefromherupperarm
diagonallytoherotherbreast.Theeffectwasexquisite,displayinghercreamyskintoitsbest
advantage.

Thepearlswereasinglestrand,off-white,withmatchingstudpearlearringsonhersmallears.She

putupherpaleblondhairinabunwithlittletendrilsescaping,andasetofpearlcombs,artificialbut
pretty,tokeepitup.Sheusedaminimumofmakeup,justpowderandlipstick,noeyelinerormessy
mascara.Fortunatelytheniceboutiqueownerhadevenloanedherapairofpumpstowearwiththe
gown.Peg’sshoesweremostlysneakersandanoldpairofscuffedloafers.Herbudgetdidn’trunto
fancyclothing.

Finished,shelookedinthemirrorandbeamedatherreflection.Shewasnevergoingtobe

beautiful,butshehadgoodteethandprettylipsandeyes.Maybethatwouldbeenough.Shehopedshe
couldcompetewithallthereallyprettywomenwhowouldbeattheball.Butmostofthemwere
married,thankgoodness,sothereshouldn’tbetoomuchcompetitionthere.

Shehadanicecoatthatherfatherhadboughtherlastwinter,butwhenshelookedatitinthehall

closetshegrimaced.Itwasashockingpink,hardlythethingtowearwithacouturegown.Itwasvery
coldoutsidetoday,withahighwind.She’dneedsomethingtokeepherwarm.

Indesperation,shewentthroughherowncloset,lookingforsomethingthatmightdo.Itwas

useless.Exceptforasweatjacketandashortandveryoldleatherjacket,therewasn’tanythinghere
thatmatchedheruptownoutfit.

Whileshewasagonizingoverherlackofaccessories,therewasaknockatthefrontdoor.She

wenttoansweritwhensherememberedthatherfatherhadgoneouttothebarntocheckonthenew
calfanditsmother,Bossie.

Whensheopenedthedoor,shegotashock.ItwasoneofJasonPendleton’scowboyswitha

garmentbagoverhisshoulder.

Hegrinned.“Gotsomethingforyou,MissPeg,”hesaid,offeringit.“Mrs.Pendletonsaidyou’d

needacoattogowiththatdress,soshe’sloaningyouoneofhers.Shesaiditmightbejustalittle
long,butshethinksitwilldonicely.”

Pegwasalmostintears.“Oh,it’ssokindofher!”
Thecowboy,anelderlysort,smiled.“Yousuredolookpretty.”
Sheflushed.“Thankyou!”Shetookthebagandopenedit.Thecoatwasblack,long,withamink

collar.Realmink.Shestrokeditwithbreathlessdelight.“PleasetellMrs.PendletonthatI’lltakegreat
careofit.Andthankherverymuchforme!”

“Shesaidyou’rewelcome.Youhaveagoodtimetonight.”
“Thanks,”shesaid,beamingathim.
Hegrinnedandwentbacktotheranchpickuphe’ddrivenoverin.

***

Pegwentbackinsideandtriedonthecoat,withitsfinesilkylining.Shelookedatherselfinthe
mirrorandcouldn’tbelievethattheprettywomantherewasactuallyplainPeg.Shejustshookher
head.

“IfeellikeCinderella,”shewhispered.“Justlikeher!”
Onlyshewashopingagainsthopethathercarriagewouldn’tturnintoapumpkinandthather

gorgeousclothingwouldn’tmeltintoragsatthestrokeofmidnight.

3

Grangecamehometodressaboutahalfhourbeforeitwastimetoleave.Pegstayedinherbedroom.
Shedidn’twanthimtoseeheruntiltheywerereadytogo.Sheheardtheshowerrunningupstairsand
satdowntowatchthenewsonhersmalltelevisionwhileshewaitedforhim.Thenewswastoo
depressing,sosheturnedovertoadocumentaryonthehistorychannelinstead.Itwasaboutthe
developmentofweapons,andhowthespearofPaleo-huntersturnedintothebowbecauseofthe
speedofwhitetaildeer—whichwastheanthropologists’takeontheinnovation.

Shewassoengrossedinitthatsheforgotthetime.Ataponherdoorstartledher.Sheglancedatthe

clockandgrimacedassheturnedoffthetelevisionandrantoanswerthedoor.

Sheopenedit,flushedandprettywithbreathlessness.Grange,inadarksuitwithabowtie,staredat

herwithflatteringspeechlessness.

“WillIdo?”sheaskedhopefully.
“Honey,you’llmorethando,”hesaidinasoft,deeptonewhich,combinedwiththeunexpected

endearment,almostburstherheartwithjoy.Hesmiled.“Readytogo?”

“Yes!”Shegrabbedhercoatandstartedtoslipiton.
Grangegotbehindherandhelped,lettingherslideherarmsintothesilkyfabricunderlayofthe

richwoolcoatwithitsminkcollar.

“Mrs.Pendletonsentitdown,”shesaid.“IguesssheknewthatIwouldn’thaveacoatfancyenough

togowiththisdress.”

Hedidn’tletgo.Hisbighandscontractedonhershoulders.“Thatwasniceofher.”
“Yes.She’sasweetperson.”
“Soareyou.”Ashespoke,histhumbseasedthecoatback.Hisheadbentandhekissedher,

tenderly,rightonherneckwhereitjoinedhershoulder.Hefelthershiver,heardhershockedintake
ofbreath.“Youtastelikecandy,”hewhispered,andhislipsopenedonthesoft,warmflesh.

Sheleanedherheadback,herbreathingunsteady,hereyesclosed.Hishandsmovedtoherwaist.

Heturnedher,eversogently,andhismouthtraveledtoherthroat,pastthepearls,down,slowly,
downtotheveryedgeofthefabricoverherbreasts,andmovedthereinasensualcaressthatshocked
adefenselesslittlemoanfromherthroat.

“Icouldpullthebodicedown,”hewhispered,hisheadspinning,“andslidemylipsoveryour

breastsuntilIfoundthatsweethardnesshidingthere.”

Sheshuddered.Shearchedback,helpless,hopeful,breathlesswithanticipationashebegantomove

thesoftlyshapedfabricoutofhisway.Shefelthismouthopen,feltthewarmmoistnessofitpressing
againsttheswellofherbreast.Shemoaned.Herbodytrembledasshearchedagain,pleadingfor
relieffromthetensionthatgrewtounbearableneedinseconds.

“Whatthehell,”hegroundout.
Hishandcameupandfoundthezipper,easeditdown.Hepulledthefabricawayandlookedatthe

rosy,hardtipsofherprettybreastsforjustaninstantbeforehismouthwentdownandcoveredoneof
them.

Shecriedouthelplessly,whichonlymadehimmorehungry.Hismouthopenedonthesweetflesh,

histonguetracedthenipple,draggingagainstittoproducesensationsPeghadneverfeltinherlife.

Hernailsbitintothefinefabricofhissuitjacket.Shewasspinninglikeatop,burning,achingwith

desirethatshe’dneverevendreamedofbeforethis.

SomewhereatruckenginesoundedloudevenintheheatedsilenceofPeg’sroom.Shehearda

doorslam.

“It’s…Dad!”sheexclaimedhoarsely.
Hebarelyheardher.Heliftedhishead,hiseyesrivetedtothestiffnipple.Hecuppedherbreastand

benthisheadagaintoexplorethesoftfleshwithhismouth.“Dad?”hewhispered.

“Dad,”shemanagedtosay,andmoaned.
Hishandcontractedgentlyaroundhersoftbreast.“Damn.”
“Damn,”sheechoedwithashakylaugh.
Heliftedhisheadwithasteadying,deepsigh.Heheldthebodiceawayfromherbreasts,smiling

warmlyatthefaintredmarkshe’dleftthereinhispassion.“Beautiful,”hewhispered.

Sheflushed.Herbodyfeltstiffandswollen.Shewonderedifhisdid,too.
Witharuefulexpression,hereachedbehindherandreluctantlyzippedupthedress,hidingwhat

he’ddonetoher.Fortunatelynomarksshowedoverthebodice.

Shelookedathimwithawe.
Hetouchedhersoftmouthwithhisforefinger.Itwasn’tquitesteady.“We’dbettergo,”hesaid

huskily.

Shenodded.
Hewentoutoftheroomandshecameoutbehindhim,retrievingthesmalleveningbagthe

designerhadalsoloanedherfromherdresserontheway.

TheywereinthehallonthewaytothefrontdoorwhenEdcamein.Helookedfromoneofthemto

theother.Theylookedoddlyflushed,butquitepresentable.

“Whatapair,”hemused,smiling.“Youlooklikesocialites.”
“Thanks,Dad.”Shegrinned.
Grangechuckled.“Well,likeimpostorsocialites,maybe.Noneofusworkingstiffsarelikelytobe

mistakenfortherealthing.”

“Ilikeusjustthewayweare,”Edreplied.“Haveagreattime.”
“Wewill,”Pegassuredhim.“Seeyoulater.”
“We’llbehomebymidnight,”Grangesaidcomplacently,smilingatEd.“I’vegotalottogetdone

tomorrow.”

Ednoddedsolemnly.“Evenmorereasontoenjoytonight.”
“Yes.”HetookPeg’sarm.“Let’sgo.Wedon’twanttobetoolate.”
Pegwinkedatherdadonthewayout.

***

Grangedidn’tspeakonthewaytotheciviccenterinJacobsville.He’dlostcontrolofhimselfentirely
backthere.IthadbeenaverygoodthingthatEdhadcomehomewhenhedid.Onlyafewstepstothe
bed,andhe’dgonewithoutawomanforalongtime,averylongtime.AddedtothatwerePeg’s
visiblefeelingsforhim,andhisweaknessforher.Allthat,withherbedroomdoorstandingwide-
openandsoinviting.JustaswellthatEdhadsavedthemfromthemselves,hethought.

***

Pegwasnervous.Hissilencedidthattoher.Shehadnoresistancetohim.Shewantedhimdesperately.

Buthewasn’taplayboyandhedidn’twanttogetmarried,sowheredidthatleavethem?Hewas
goingawayinafewdays.Shemightneverseehimagain.Itwasdevastating,afterwhathadhappened
backatthehouse.Herbreastswerestilltingling.

Sheglancedathimcovertly.Hadshemadehimmad?Wasshetooresponsive?Shouldshehave

protested?But,why?Hewasexperiencedenoughatleasttorealizewhatshefeltforhim.Buthekept
sayingshewasyoung.Didhemean,tooyoungforhim?Washeragethebarriertoanythingmore
seriousthansomeheavypetting?

“Stoptorturingyourselfoverthere,”Grangemused,glancingatherwithtwinklingdarkeyes.
Shejumped,andthenlaughed.“Howdidyouknow?”
“You’retwistingthateveningbagintoaveryoddshape.”
“Oh!”Shelaiditflatandsmoothedit,grimacing.“It’saloaner,too.”
“Aloaner?”heinquired.
“Yes.Likethedressandshoes.Cinderellagear.”Sheleanedtowardhimasfarastheseatbeltwould

allow.“Ittransformsatmidnightintorags.Justsoyouknow.”

“You’dbeprettyeveninrags.”
Sheflushed.“Really?”
Heglancedatherwarmly.“Really.”Heforcedhiseyesbacktotheroad.
Shewatchedhim,worriedandcurious.“Doyouguyshaveautomaticweaponsandrocketsand

stuff,likeinthosemercmovies?”sheaskedsuddenly.

Heglancedatherandchuckled.“Yes.Butintelligencegatheringandcoordinatingnativegroups

withoursaremystock-in-trade.”

“Oh.Thenyoudon’thaveto,well,goinshooting,right?”sheasked,justtoclarifythepoint.
Whyworryherunnecessarily?hethought.Sohesmiled.“Ofcoursenot.”
Sherelaxed.
Anditwasthateasy.Hedidn’ttellherabouttheafter-hourstrainingheandhismajorassaultteam

hadbeendoingoveratEbScott’splace,withstate-of-the-artweaponryandsomenewtoysthatcould
bedeployedatlongrange.Itwasgoingtobeabloodbath,evenatitsbest,andalotofhismenweren’t
goingtocomehome.Hewasinitfornoblereasons:todeposeadictatorwhowastorturinginnocent
people.Buttherewasasubstantialcashrewardintheoffingaswell,andhehadplansforhiscattle
ranch.Hewantedagrubstaketogethimstarted,somethingthatheearnedandnotsomethingthat
JasonPendletonoutofgratitudehadgivenhim.Hewantedtobuildanempireofhisown,withhistwo
hands.Thatwouldmeanagreatrisk.Butwithoutgreatrisks,therewerenogreatrewards.Besides
that,Machadohadhintedaboutacabinetpositionifandwhenheregainedpower.Thatwouldbe
somethingtoconsideraswell,althoughGrangehadn’tthoughtaboutrelocatingtoanothercountry,
inanothercontinent.

“You’reverysolemn,”Pegsaid,joltinghimoutofhismentalexercises.
Heglancedatherwithsomethinglikeconsternation.WherewouldPegfitintohisplans?Shewas

veryyoung,atnineteen;perhapstooyoung.Andtakingheroutofthecountryshe’dlivedinher
wholelife,toanewandverydangerousenvironment—itdidn’tbearthinkingabout.Besidesthat,
therewasthepossibilitythatthismighttakemonthsorevenyearstoaccomplish.Hewasgathering
intelevennowontheoppositionforcesandtheircapabilities.Hismenweregood,buthewouldhave
toallywithgroupsthathadbootsonthegroundinBarreraandcoordinatethemforanattack.Itmeant
alotofwork.

“Iwasjustthinking,”hesaidafteraminute.
Shesmiled.“Don’t,”sheadvised.“We’regoingtotheballandthereisnotomorrow.Okay?”

“Okay.”

***

TheJacobsvilleCivicCenterwasdecoratedfortheholidays,withhollyandtinsel,goldenbellsanda
hugeChristmastreewithornamentsmadebythelocalorphanageandthefriendsofthenearbyanimal
shelter.TheCattleman’sBallwouldbenefitbothcharities.

Thetowncitizensweredeckedoutintheirfineryaswell.Bonnie,whoworkedasaclerkatthe

pharmacy,wasdressedallinred,oneofthecouturegownsprovidedbythelocaldesigner,andshe
wasonthearmofavisitingcattlemanwhohadarrivedin,ofallthings,aRolls-Royce.Hewastall
anddarkandmiddle-aged,butveryappealing.

HepausedbyGrangeandseemedtoknowhim.Theyshookhands.“Maxwell,”heintroduced

himself.“I’dliketospeaktoyoubeforeyouleave.”

Grangenoddedsolemnly.“I’llmakeapointofit.”
“Wheredidyoumeethim?”Pegaskedinahurriedwhisper.
Bonnie,blondcurlsveryelegantlyarranged,andgrinningfromeartoear,said,“Hecameintothe

pharmacytogetaprescriptionforafriend,canyoubelieveit?Westartedtalkingandheloves
sixteenth-centuryTudorhistory!SohereIam.”

“Goodluck,”Pegwhispered.
Bonniejustshookherhead.“IthinkI’mdreaming.”
Thevisitingcattlemantookherhand,smiledattheothersandledherontothedancefloor.
Nancy,thepharmacist,dressedallingreen,wasstandingwithHolly,herclerk,dressedingold,and

theywereshakingtheirheadsatBonnieandherescort.

“Iwonderifhehasacoupleofnicefriends,”Pegwhisperedwickedly.
Theybothlaughed.
“Well,it’sthatsortofnight.”Nancysighed,lookingdownatherelegantgreengown.“Canyou

imagine,allofusdeckedoutlikethis?”

“Itattractsmen,too,”Pegmurmuredunderherbreathasoneofthelocalranchforemen,areal

dish,cameforward,actuallybowed,andledNancyontothedancefloor.

Nancyjustshookherhead.
“Whatwereyoutalkingabout?”GrangeaskedPegasheledherouttodance.
“Loaneddressesandholidaymagic,”shewhispered,smilingupathim.Hewassohandsome.She

wasamazedtofindherselfatadancewithhim,whenallherflirtinghadonlyseemedtochasehim
away.Now,herehewas,holdingheronadancefloor,andlookingasifhecouldn’tbeartoleaveher.

Infact,hedancedwithacoupleoftheelderlywomenpresent,butotherwise,onlywithPeg.
“Peoplewilltalk,”hesaidwithawrysmile,notingtheinterestfromtheothercouples.
Sheshrugged.“Peopledo.Idon’tcare.Doyou?”
Heshookhishead.“Idon’tcareatall.ButI’llbegone.”
Herfacefell.
Hepulledherclose.“Don’tthinkaboutit.There’snotomorrow.Weagreed.”
“Yes.”Shepressedcloseandshuthereyes.Butalreadyshefelttheseparation.Itwasgoingtobe

agonizing.

***

Theystayeduntilthelastdance.HeleftherwithJustinandShelbyBallengerwhilehewentoutside

withthevisitingcattlemanintheRolls-Royce.

“Somethingbig’sgoingon,huh?”JustinaskedPeg.
“Something,”sheagreed,withashysmile.JustinandShelbywereco-owners,withJustin’sbrother

Calhoun,oftheenormousBallengerBrothersFeedlot.Theyweremillionairesmanytimesover,and
ShelbywasadirectdescendantofBigJohnJacobs,thefounderofJacobsville,Texas.Ithadbeenan
epiccourtship,notwithoutitsagonies.Butthecouplewasveryhappyandhadgrownchildren.

Grangewasbackshortly,andhelookedpleased.“Timetogo.Itwasagreatparty.Ihopewemade

lotsofmoneyfortheorphanageandtheshelter.”

“Wedid,”Justinsaidwithasmile.HeputanarmaroundShelbyandheldherclose.“Recordsums,

Ihear.”

“Good,good.”
“Youbecarefulwhereyou’regoing,”Justinsaid,extendingahandtoshakeGrange’s.“Noble

causesarenoble,buttheycomeataprice.”

“Yes,Idoknow.Thanks.”
“We’llkeepyouinourprayers,”Shelbysaidgently.“Keepwell.”
Grangenodded,smiledandtuggedPegoutthedoor.
TheywatchedBonniedriveoffintheRolls-Royce.
“Willshehavestoriestotell!”Pegexclaimed.“IhavetogetaprescriptionrefilledsoIcangetall

thenews!”

Grangelaughed.“Youwomenandyourgossip.”
“Hey,mengossip,too,”shepointedout.
Hemadeaface.
Shehadhopedthathemightstopalongtheway,maybeparkonsomelonelybackroad.Buttoher

disappointment,hedroverightuptothefrontsteps.Andherfatherwasinside,withthelightsblazing.

Hewalkedherontotheporch.Hisfacewasverysolemn.“We’vealreadyjumpedthegun,Peg,”he

saidgently.“Noneedtomakethingsmorecomplicated.Notrightnow.Ihavetohavemymindon
whereI’mgoing,andwhatIhavetodo.Distractionscanbefatal.”

Therealityofthefuturecaughtherbythethroat.She’dtriednottothinkaboutit,butnowshehad

tofacefacts.Hewasgoingofftowar,evenifitwasn’tsomeofficiallydeclaredone.Hemightnot
comeback.Thepanicwasinherexpression.

“Hey.”Heputhisforefingeroverherlips.“ImademajorbeforeImusteredoutofthemilitary.You

don’tgetthosepromotionsunlessyouknowwhatyou’redoing.Okay?”

Sheswallowed,hard.“Okay.”
Hesmiledgently.“YouhaveawonderfulChristmas.”
“You,too.”Shegrimaced.“Ididn’tgetyouanythingyet.CanIsendyousomething?Warmsocks,

maybe?”shetriedtojoke.

“Idon’tthinkwarmsocksandtropicaljunglesareagoodmix,doyou?”
Shesighed.“Mosquitorepellantandsnakepellets?”
“Better.I’lltrytogetwordtoyourfatheraboutourprogress,butit’sgoingtobeslow.I’llhave

phoneswithme,buttheycanbeusedbytheenemytocalldownairstrikes.Themilitarywe’reup
againstisn’tgoingtobeapushover.Machadotrainedmostofthem,andwehavetoconsiderthatonly
afewarelikelytodefecttoourcause.Peoplegenerallydon’tlikesuddenchange.”

“Idon’tlikeitatall,”sheagreed.“Stayhere.”
“Peopledon’tmakehistorybystayinghome.Notmynature.”
Shesighed.“Iknow.Well,becareful.”

“Countonit.”
Hebent,regardlessofherfather ’spresenceinthelivingroom,andkissedherwithbreathless

tenderness.Helookedintohereyesforalongtime,untilshefeltshiversdownherspine.“You’rethe
mostspecialpersoninmylife.I’llcomehome.I’vebeenaloneforalongtime.Idon’twanttobe
aloneanymore,Peg.”

Shegaspedatthewayhewaslookingather.“Me…me,neither,”shewhispered.
Hekissedhereyelids,touchingthemwiththetipofhistongue.“Mysweetgirl.I’llbebackbefore

youknowit.”

Shenodded,forcingawobblysmile.“Okay.I’llholdyoutothatpromise.”
Hesmiled.“Goodnight,Cinderella.”Hebentandkissedheronelasttime,hard,beforeheturned

andshewentinside.

Hereyesfollowedhimwithachinglonging.Shewasthemostspecialpersoninhislife.Hedidn’t

wanttobealoneanymore.Thathadtomeansomething.Itsoundedlikeacommitment.Itgaveher
hope.Greathope.

***

Thenextmorning,GrangewasinEmilioMachado’scamp,gatheringgearandtalkingtohismen.
Pegwasasfarfromhisthoughtsasicecreamsundaesandtelevisionsports,becausehecouldn’t
affordthedistractionofrememberinghersoft,eagermouthunderhis.

Machadowasgrim.“Wehavemen,andequipment,”hetoldGrange.“Wehavemorefinancing,

thankstoyoureffortsandthoseofMr.Pendleton.Butwehavenoairforceandnocarriergroup…”

“Revolutionscansucceedwithouteither,aslongastheyhavededicatedpeopleandgoodintel,”

Grangeremindedhim.“Militaryintelligenceismystrongpoint.Iknowhowtoorganizearesistance
movement.IdiditinIraqwithlocaltribesmen.IcandoitinBarrera.”

Machadosmiled.“Yougivemeconfidence.Iknowthatthecauseisgood.Imadeamistake.Ileft

mycountryinthehandsofapower-hungrytraitorandmanyliveshavebeenlostbecauseofit.I
worryforMaddie,”headdedheavily.“Shewasmyfriend,anAmericanarchaeologistwhohadmade
averyimportantdiscoveryinthejunglenearthecapital.Idonotknowherfate.Iftheycaughther,she
ismostlikelydead.Thatwillbeonmyconscienceforever.Therewerealsotwoprofessorsatthe
university,myfriends,whohavegonemissingandarealsoprobablydead.Ithasbeenahardthing,to
losesomanypeoplebecauseIwascareless.”

“Don’tdwellonthepastoranticipatethefuture,”Grangecounseled.“Takeitonedayatatime.”
Machadosighed.“Youareright.Oh.IhaveacommunicationfromanAmericanjournalistwithone

oftheslickmagazines.Shewishestoaccompanyus…”

HehandedthemagazinetoGrange.“HernameisClarisseCarrington…”
“Oh,God,no!”Grangegroundout.“No!Howdidshefindoutaboutourmission?She’slikethe

plague!”

“Excuseme?”
“ThatdamnedsocialitemetmeintheMiddleEast,whenshewasdoingapieceforhermagazine,”

hemuttered.“Iwouldn’tfallatherfeetatsomedamnedcocktailpartyinWashington,andIguessit
hurtherego.Sofourmonthsagoshestartedchasingme,afterIwenttoasocialgatheringin
Washingtonwithsomefriendsfromthemilitary.Igaveherthecoldshoulder.Shewaslivid.After
that,Icouldn’tgotoadamnedhotelanywherethatshedidn’tshowupat.”

“Isee.”

“Shethinksshe’sirresistible,”Grangesaidcoldly.“She’snot.”
“Shemayhavehereartothegroundaboutyou.Theremusthavebeenaleak.Iwillofcourse

refusetheoffer.”

“Thanks.”
Grangewaslookingatthemagazineandhefrownedatoneofthecoverstories.Heopenedittoa

certainpage,andgrimaced.“Damn!”

“What?”
“YourememberItoldyouabouttheofficerwhoclaimedmybattlestrategywashisownandgot

mecourt-martialed?TheoneItestifiedagainst?”

“Yes.”
“Hecommittedsuicide.”
“Goodness!”
“Thisisthestorythathitthewires.I’dhopeditwouldn’t,forhisfamily’ssake.Hewascaughtout

inanotherscandalinvolvingblackmailandstolenfundsearmarkedforequipment,”Grangeread.
“Buthissonstatesherethattheofficerwhotestifiedagainsthimisresponsibleforhisdeath—me.”
Hesighed.“Iknowabouttheboy.He’sbeeninandoutoftherapyallhislife.Hisfathersaidhewas
bipolar,buthisdrugproblemsseemedtometobetheworstofthem.Hismotherwasrich.Shedied
andthesoninheriteditall.Shedidn’tleaveherhusbandadime.”Heputdownthemagazine.“Sothe
kidisfilthyrichandblamesmeforhisfather ’ssuicide.Thesocialitethinksshecanseducemeover
warcoverage.”HelookedatEmilioMachadowithwideeyes.“PerhapsI’mmoreofaliabilitythan
youcanafford.”

Machadojustsmiled.“Myfriend,weallhaveourburdens.Ithinkyoucanbearthese.Now,letus

speakwithyourmenandfinalizeourdeparture.”

***

TheyhadarrangedpassageforGrange’shandpickedfighters.MachadohadafriendwithanoldDC-3
whotransportedthecorebodyofmercstoasmallcityonthecoastofSouthAmerica,atransitpoint
toBarrera,whichwasnorthofManaus,inAmazonas,acityintheAmazonjungle.Othertroopswere
massinginsidetheborderofBarrera,organizedinsmallgroupsbyMachado’sfriendsinthe
resistance.Itwasn’tabattlegroupbyanystretchoftheimagination.But,then,smallforceswiththe
willandmeanscouldoftenoverthrowcountries.AsMachadoremindedtheothers,ahandfulofhis
men,defectingtothepoliticalleader,Sapara,hadoverthrownhimbystealthandsurprise.Theycould
dothesamethingtohisformerlieutenant.Itwouldjustrequirepreciseplanningandgoodstrategy.

OntheDC-3plane,boundforasmallcovertairstripinBarrera,Grangeoutlinedhisplanofbattle

toMachado.

“Asurpriseattackisgoingtobethemosteffectivemeansofrecapturingyourgovernment,”he

toldthegeneral.“Here—”hepointedtotheverysmallcapitalcity,Medina“—istheheartofthe
military,intheundergroundHQinthecity.Wehaveanallywithbunker-bustingbombs,butweonly
havetwoofthem.Itmeansthatifwehavetogowithanall-outmilitaryassault,we’llhaveto
coordinatethestrikeatthemilitarycommunicationsandtacticalnetworkwiththesimultaneous
captureofallnewsmediaoutlets,airfieldsandthethreemilitarycommandcentersinColari,Salina
andDobri,here,hereandhere.”Hepointedtoredmarksonhiswaterproofmap.“Thesecitiesare
smallerthanJacobsville.”Hechuckled.“Sotakingoutthosecommandcenterscouldbeaccomplished
byonemanwitha.45ColtACP,”headded.

Machadosighed.“Theelementofsurprisewillbedifficult,myfriend,”hesaid.“Myadversaryhas

agents.Heisnofool.”

“Iknow.”Grangestraightened,verysomber.“Thehardestpartisgettingeveryonefamiliarwithhis

ownroleintheattack.I’vealreadydonethat.Isenttwoofmymenaheadtocontactyourformer
militarycommander,DomingoLopez,inMedina.They’redisguisedasfarmers,andyes,they’llpass
muster,”headded.“They’reTex-Mex,someofmybestmen,andtwoofthemaremastersof
demolition.They’reex-NavySEALs”

“Iamimpressed,”thegeneralsaid.
“Ialsosentoneofmyformercompanycommanders,who’sproficientinscroungingequipment

andarmsfromunlikelyplaces,alongwithaSouthAfricanmercwho’soneofthebestI’veeverseen,
tosetupabasecamp.We’vegotaNativeAmericantrackernamedCarson,amercwithabadattitude
whocanspeakallthenativedialects.They’reaccompanied,amongothers,byanIrishmanwhoknows
electronicslikehisownfingerprints.Hecandoanythingwithcomputers,andhe’sapastmasterat
writingviruscodes.”

Machado’seyebrowsarched.“Viruscodes?”
Grangegrinned.“O’BaileybelongedtotheBritishmilitarybeforehefoundhiswaytoEbScott’s

group.HeshutdowntheentiremilitarycommunicationsnetworkinanoutlyingareaofIraqwithan
oldPCrunningobsoletesoftware,”heinformed.Heshookhishead.“Gotamedalforit,infact.”

“Youhavegoodpeople,”Machadosaid.“Ihopethatourendeavorwillnotresultininjuryordeath

toanyofthem.”

“SodoI,butmostwarscostblood,”Grangesaid.“We’llalldothebestwecan.Thingis,wemay

nothaveanimmediatevictory.Soourpriorityhastobetakingouttheircommunications,theirSAMs
andthenationalmedia.”

“Surfacetoairmissiles.”Machadosighed.“IgotthemfromRussia.They’restate-of-the-art,”he

addedgrimly.“Ithoughttheywouldgiveusprotectionfromdangerousenemystatesnearby.Itwasa
lackofforesightonmypart,asIneverdreamedtheymightbeusedagainstmyownpeople.”His
expressionwassolemn.“Myformercommanderwillnothesitatetodestroywholecityblocks,along
withtheirinhabitants.Hewillkillanyonetokeeppower.”

Grangelaidabighandontheotherman’sshoulder.“We’lldowhatwehavetodo.Justremember

thatmanyinnocentpeoplehavealreadydied.Ifwedon’tact,manymorewill.”

“Iknowthat.”Machadosmiledsadly.“Iknowittoowell.”
Oneoftheothersoldierscamedownthenarrowstepsfromthedeckabove.“We’llbelandingin

aboutanhour,captainsaid,”hetoldthem.“It’safewmilesfromaquietlittlevillageontheriver.
Nothingmuchisthereinthesurroundingareaexceptforasmalllandingstripjustbigenoughto
accommodateourplane.OurintelligenceindicatesthatSaparabuiltthestriptoaccommodate
landingsbyanoilcorporationdoingpreliminaryinvestigationsinadvanceofsettingupoperations.”

“Yes,”Machadosaidgrimly,“andSaparabegankillingnativestoforcethemoutofthearea.Some

remain,despitehisdepredations…asituationIhopetoresolve.However,itisagoodplacetoland,”
Machadosaid,andhisdarkeyesflashedwithanotherbriefsmile.“ItwaswhereIlandedonthedayI
invadedBarrerathefirsttime.Thenearbypeoplearesympathetictoourcause.”

Grangeshrugged.“Solightningwillstriketwice,inthiscase.”
“Myfriend,Isincerelyhopeso.”

***

Theylefttheplanequickly,undercoverofdarkness,andsentitofftoManausforthetimebeing,with
othermembersofthegroup.Grangehadn’tfoughtajunglewarinsometime.Hislasttheaterof
operationshadbeenthedesertsoftheMiddleEast.Buthismenhadthenewestcamouflageuniforms,
andthecomputer-generatedpatternblendedperfectlywiththeirsurroundings.

Theysetupabasecampwithtentsandbuiltasmallfireforcooking.Theyweren’texpected,so

therewasnotmuchdangerofdiscoveryatthispointintime.Coffeewasmade,toexclamationsofjoy
fromthemenincamp,andrationpackswerepassedaround.Thejunglesoundswerealien,butthe
menwouldadjust.

Grangefinishedhismealandcoffeeandrose.“I’llgetintouchwithmyforwardplatoonandsee

whatintelthey’vegathered,”Grangesaid,excusinghimself.

HecontactedBradDunagan,hisformercompanycommanderwhohadgonewiththeotherpartyto

ManausandmadehiswaytotheoutskirtsofMedinatosetupasecondcamp.Hewasbynow
coordinatingthesmallunitsoftheinvasionforce.Grangeusedascramblingdeviceandafrequency
thatwasunlikelytobemonitoredbytheenemyforces.

“What’sup?”heaskedquietly.
“Wehavetwotanks,acoupleofSCUDmissilelaunchers,severalrocketlaunchers,atruckloadof

munitionsandaboutfiftynativeswhohatethegovernmentandknowthelayoutofthecitywell
enoughtohelpuswithanincursion,”heanswered.

“I’mimpressed.”
“Ihopeso…”
“TellhimwhatIdid,sir,”O’Baileycalledfromthecampfirewithalaughinhisvoice.
“O’Baileywantsmetotellyouthathegothishandsonagamingcomputerandhe’sreworkeditto

engineeraStuxnet-typevirus.He’sgoingtogiveittotheBarreramilitary.”

“Goodman!”Bradexclaimed.“Tellhimwe’llbuyhimatruck.”
“No!”O’Baileycomplained.“IwantaJag!”
“Son,Ican’taffordaJagmyself.”Grangechuckled.“WhenIcangetone,youcangetone.”
“Okay,sir,I’llsettleforanicetruckwithagoodmusicsystem.”
“Deal.”Heturnedbacktotheradio.“Brad,I’llgiveyouthesignalwhenO’Baileyisreadyto

uploadthevirus.Iwanteveryoneinplace,allthetroopsmassedandpersonneldeployedonsite
beforewestart.Nobodymovesamuscleuntiltheyhavetheword.Gotthat?”

“Gotit,sir,”Dunaganagreed.
“Thisisgoingtorequirepinpointaccuracy,”Grangesaid.“Wecan’taffordtomakeasingleslip.”
“Iknowthat.We’llbeready.”
“I’llbeintouch.”
Heturnedofftheunitandsatback,frowning.Itwasgoingtobeadifficultoperation.Therewere

toomanythingsthatcouldgowrong.Hewishedthey’dbeenabletopersuadeoneofthefriendly
governmentstoloanthemasupportgroup,butthathadbeenoutofthequestion.Nobodywantedto
riskrilingupBarrera’sneighbors,giventheworldeconomyandthethreatsstillprevailinginthe
MiddleEast.Theyhadwell-wishersandoffersofhelponcethemissionwasasuccess.Butalot
dependedonGrange’sbattleplanandthequalityofhisragtagarmy.Hehopeditwouldbeenough.

4

Theproblemwithsuchacomplexassault,Grangemused,wascoordinationandintelligence
gathering.Thereweresomanyvariables,nottheleastofwhichwasknowingtheterrain,theweather,
thethreatsfromwildlifeandotherhumans,andtheadvanceknowledgeofpeopleinpowerin
Barrera.Theresistancedidhavesomeartillerysupport,andlimitedairsupportcapability.Itwould
havetobeperfecttimingtoavoidciviliancasualtiesthatmightantagonizethosewhowereon
Machado’ssideatthepresenttime.

Machado,fortunately,didhavepeopleontheinsideinpositionsofpowerwithwhomhewasin

communication.Oneofhisformerlieutenants,GeneralDomingoLopez,whohadbeenhismilitary
chiefofstaff,wasnowDictatorArturoSapara’ssupplychief.Itwasapositionofhumiliationforone
ofthegovernment’spremierstrategists.ButLopezsupportedMachadoandwaswillingtodo
whateverittooktohelpwithturningthemilitaryagainstthestringylittledictatorSapara,including
swallowingademotion.HeknewMachadowouldcomeback,andhewasgoingtobeinapositionto
help.He’dmanagedtosneakthatmessageout.

“Wedo,unfortunately,haveatimetabletofollow,”MachadotoldGrangeduringoneoftheir

brainstormingsessionsintheirbasecamp.“Theweather.Nextmonth,whichisonlydaysaway,the
rainyseasonbegins.”Heglancedathismilitarychief.“Ineednottellyouwhatmiseriesourtroops
willfaceifwecannotbringthiscampaigntoaquickconclusion.Wecannotmovemenandmateriel
throughtropicalrainforestsduringmonsoonseason.”

“Iknow.”Grangesighed.“Ididtraininjunglewarfare,andIhaveexpertsonmystaff,”hereplied.

“Ihandpickedmenwho’dfoughtinSouthAfricaandinCentralandSouthAmericainlocal
campaigns.ThebiggestproblemIhaveiswiththefewwhohaveneverbeeninajungle.”Hethrewup
hishands.“Twomencameinwithmachetes…!”

Machadolaughedrichly.“Myfriend,inmostAmericancinema,wealwaysseemencrashing

throughthejungleswieldingmachetes.”

“True,butevenexpertsmiss,”Grangesaid,“whichmeansyou’dbetterhavemedicalsupportanda

nearbyhospital,becauseinfectionisepicdownhere.WhenItoldthemthatweusedsecateurs—
pruningshears—tocutthroughundergrowth,theythoughtIwaskidding.ThenIstartedexplaining
snakes.”Heshookhishead.“Rourkewasdownherewithateamnottoolongago.Wehavethisone
guy,SeanO’Bailey,whowasinhisgroup.O’BaileyhadneverseenasnakebeforehewenttoIraq,
anyway.Irish,youknow.SodownhereinSouthAmerica,hecameface-to-facewithasurucucu,”he
added,givingthenativewordforabushmaster,“andhadtochangehispantslater.Luckyforhimthe
snakedidn’tattack.I’veheardofthemchasingmenintovillagesduringbreedingseason,and
attackingpeoplewithoutprovocation.I’mkeepinghimhereonthecomputer,wherehe’ssafer.And
we’resafer,too,”Grangeadvised.

“Yes,ascreamcarriesforgreatdistances,eveninthejungle.Youwereabletoprocurethe

weaponsIrequested?”

Grangenodded.“RPG-7rocketlaunchersandAK-47sandUZIs.”Heshookhishead.“Allthese

advancesinmodernweaponry,andlookwhatwe’restillusing.MyGod.”

“Oldweapons,true,butdurableandeasytolearnandhardtodisable,”Machadosaid.Hegrinned.

“IconqueredBarrerathefirsttimeusingsuchweapons,andonlyaminimumoflightartilleryand
twotanks.”

“Yes,butthatwasbeforewecouldcalldownweaponstrikesbyF-22sandApachehelicopters.”
“Wewill,alas,havefewofthoseatourdisposal.Iamhopingfortheelementofsurprise,”

Machadosaid.

“AsamI.We’vemanagedtogetinsidetheborderwithbootsontheground,withoutbeingdetected,

thankstosomegreatworkbyourpilot.Andfortunatelywedidn’thavetouseachopperfortransport.
Thatcanbearealpain.”

“Ididnotunderstandthis‘chalk’scenario,usedbythechopperpilots,”Machadosaid.“DoI

understandthatthepilotswouldnotpermittroopsaboarduntiltheyinspectedeachsoldierthey
transported?”

“Absolutelycorrect,”Grangesaidgrimly,andexplainedwhytheprocesswassovital.
Machadosighed.“Iunderstand.Ineverhadsuchpilots.Iamimpressed.”
“SowasI,whenEbScottsuggestedthemtome,”Grangesaidwithasmile.“Butthey’llbeused

onlyasalastresort.Istillthinkitmaybepossibletobringdownthegovernmentfromtheinside,
withminimumforce.”

“GeneralLopez—whommyenemySaparademotedtocolonel—hasaccesstotop-secretreportsof

troopmovements.Hewillbeabletomakecertainsuggestionstotheothermilitaryleaders,tohelp
concealourpositionwhenwegoin.”

“Luckythathesurvivedthefirstpurge,”Grangeagreed.
“Manydidnot.”Machado’sfacesetinhardlines.“Iwillavengethem,giventheopportunity.Our

greatestassetforthemomentisSaparahimself.Hehasbecomeaddictedtogiftsfromhisclose
neighbors—thecocaleaf.Ashisaddictiongrows,hebecomesmoreandmoredivorcedfromreality
andlessabletocomprehendhowhatedhehasbecomeamonghiscitizens.”

“Addictionsareunwise,”Grangereplied.“Hell,Idon’tevensmokeordrink.”
“Ididnotice,”Machadosaid.
Heshrugged.“Itwasaneconomicthingformanyyears,Icouldn’taffordit.Thenitgrewtobea

habit.Nowit’sanobsession.”

“Alcoholcanbeamenace,especiallyinanoperationsuchasours.”
“WhichiswhyI’vebannedit.Itriedtobancigarettes,buttherewasalmostamutiny,”Grange

explained.“SoIspecifiedtimesandplaceswheremencansmoke.Thesmellcouldgiveaway
positions.Justlikementalking,gunsbeingloaded…”

“Wetakegreatrisks.”HeputahandonGrange’sshoulder.“ButIassureyou,therewardswillbe

great,ifwesucceed.”

“Whenwesucceed,chief,”Grangerepliedwithagrin.“Nopessimisticthinkinghere.”
“Asyousay.Whenwesucceed.”

***

O’Baileywasdrinkingcoffeeandlookingaroundhimselfuncomfortably.“Sure,andnowI’llbe
seeingsnakesinmydreams,”hemuttered,glaringatGrange.

“Rourketoldyouthereweresnakeshere,thefirsttimeyouhadamissioninSouthAmerica,”

Grangetoldhim.

“Ithoughthemeantweegartersnakes,likemysisterhasinhergardeninYork,notseaserpents!”
“Itwasabushmaster,youtoad.”Rourkechuckled,hisonebrowneyetwinklingashesatdown

besidetheIrishman,runningahandthroughthelongblondponytailheworetocheckforbugs.“Ibet
itwasn’tevenabigone.”

“Isawabushmaster,once,andbeggingyourpardon,sir,”anotherrecruitpipedin,“thedamned

thingsarehuge!”

“It’shugewhenit’sabouttostrikeatyou,forsure!”O’Baileyretorted.
Rourkegrinned.“Ireadthisbook,aboutthisexplorerwhogotlostinSouthAmericaintheearly

partofthetwentiethcentury,”herecalledashespreadoutaclothandcleaningkitandpolisheduphis
.45ColtACP.“GuynamedFawcett.HewasasurveyorfortheRoyalGeographicSociety.Hetooka
partyofmenintoplaceswherenowhitemanhadevergone,andwroteabouthisadventures.Hewas
toldastoryaboutthisguywhowaswashingatastreamwhenhefeltsomebodytaphimonhis
shoulder,firstoneside,thentheother.Hethoughtitwashisimagination.Heturnedaroundand
lookedrightintotheeyesofasurucucu.Saidhescreamedandran,becausethesnakeshavea
reputationforbeingaggressiveandlethal,butitdidn’tfollowhim.Seemsthisonehadasenseof
humor.”

Grangelaughed.“Iheardone,too,butalittleworse—abushmasterranamokandattackedacamp

ofpeople,bithalfofthem.”

“Ihatesnakes!”O’Baileysaidangrily.
“You’reinthewrongbusiness,mate,”Rourkeadvised.“BestyougobacktoDublinandsellused

carsagain.”

O’Baileymadeaface.“Can’tmakeanymoneysellingcars.This,however,willmakemealegend

inmehometownandawealthyblokeifwecanpullitoff.GeneralMachado’sofferingusahellofa
bonusifwewin.”

“If?”Rourkeasked,hiseyebrowslifting,movingtheblackeyepatchoverhisbadeyejustahairto

adjustitmorecomfortably.“Biteyourtongue!”

“Sorry,sir,”O’Baileysaidwithagrimace.“Iforgotwewasonthewinningside,butjustfora

minute.Honest.”

Grangeshookhisheadandwalkedaway.
Helookedoutoverthejunglewithapprehension.Somanydangers,nottheleastofwhichwere

jaguarsandsnakes.Butthereweresmallerdangers,themosquitoesthatcarrieddenguefeverand
malaria—thankGoditwasthedryseasonandtheyweren’tprevalentnow.Butinamonththatwould
changeandtheywouldfaceinsect-andwaterbornediseasesalongwithswampyconditionsasthe
rainsmovedin.Iftheycouldn’tsucceedinlessthanamonth—andthatwaswishfulthinking—the
campaignwouldhavetobediscontinueduntiltherainsended,whichwouldgivethecoca-soaked
madmanrunningBarreraplentyoftimetogethelpfromsomeofhissympathizers.Itwasariskthey
couldn’tafford.SoGrangewasdeterminedthattheywouldsucceedinthetimeallowed.

Hisgreatesthopewasforabloodlesscoupinthecapital,Medina.HeandMachadohadplentyof

men,goodairsupportanddecentlightartillery.ButifMachado’sfriendLopezhadinfluenceand
coulduseit,helpsabotagethingsinsidethemilitaryheadquarters,andifGrangecoulddeploy
specializedteamsinsidethecity,anddoitwithpinpointaccuracy—andusehisjunglefightersas
supporttoencouragehelpfromthenativepopulationsnearby—theymightpullitoff.

Whathewantedfirstwastosendinteamsofadviserstodrumupsupportamongtheindigenous

tribes.TheylivedontheoutskirtsofMedinaandmostofthemhadhelpedMachadogainpowerinthe
firstplace.IntelligenceindicatedthattheirnumbershadbeendecimatedasSaparatookpowerandthat
theywerekeenonrevenge.Rourkewouldgoinwithseveralothermen,indisguise,andtrytoenlist
help.Atthesametime,Machadoandseveralothermenwouldair-dropintoMedinanearthemilitary

quarter,wheremenwouldmeetthemandprovidesupport.

Ifallelsefailed,itwouldmeanacampaignfoughtinthejunglenearMedina,andithadtobea

quickone,withimmediatesuccess.Thereweresomanyfactors,somanythingsthatcouldgowrong.
Grangefeltsicktohisstomachthinkingabouthowmanyofhismen,hisfriends,hemightloseina
firefight.Buthe’dsentmenintocombattodie.Itwassomethingeverycommanderinwartimehadto
do.Itwasnevereasy.

ThatbroughttomindhiscommandingofficerinIraqwhohadcommittedsuicideafterhiscourt-

martial.Grangefeltguiltyaboutit,buthedidn’tknowwhathecouldhavedonedifferently.Ifhe’d
followedtheman’sorders,hiswholeplatoonwouldhavedied.Hisquickthinkingandstrategyhad
savedthem,buthiscommandingofficerhadforcedhimoutoftheservicewithanhonorable
dischargeasbaittosparehimacourt-martial.Grangehadtakenthedeal,butthecommander ’sown
right-handmanhadgottendrunkandspilledthebeans,sotheofficerwashimselfcourt-martialed.
Exceptthat,unlikeGrange,he’dbeendishonorablydischarged.Hecouldn’ttakethelossofface,or
probablythelossofthehighsalaryhe’dbeengetting.Hisgamblingdebts,allegedly,hadbeen
immense.Sohekilledhimselfandnowhismentallychallengeddrug-usingsonwasgunningfor
Grangeastheauthorofthetragedy.

Grangeshookhishead.Asifhe’dhavepushedanymantodosuchadrasticthingastakinghisown

life.Andhe’dhadhisowntragedyfromusingdrugs,whenhewasbarelyintohisteens.Hisown
sisterhadtakenherlife,whenherboyfriend’sfatherthreatenedtohaveGrangearrestedandcharged
inamurderthathisfriendshadcommitted.She’ddiedtosaveherbrother.Ithadsavedhim,inone
respect.He’dcleaneduphisactandgoneontobecomeanexemplarycitizen.Butitcouldhavegone
anotherway.Hewassorryfortheofficer ’sson.Atleast,theboywouldn’tbeoverheretryingtokill
him,hethought.

NorwouldtheWashingtonsocialite,Clarisse,beabletohangaroundhim,thankGod,since

Machadowasgoingtorefusetoallowhertogowiththetroops.ThatbroughttomindPeg,waiting
backhomeinJacobsvilleforwordofhim.Hedidn’tdarephoneher,buttherewereotherwaysof
communicatingthatwouldn’tallowsomeonetoeavesdropandpickuptheirlocation.Hisfriend
Rourkeknewallthetricksofthetradeandhehadalittlehamradiokitthathecarriedeverywhere
withhim.

***

Pegwaswashingdisheswhenthetelephonerang.Herfatherwasoutdoctoringoneofthecowswith
aneyeinfection,soshedriedherhandsandwenttoanswerit.Theyhadadishwasher,oneofmany
appliancesthatGrangehadpurchasedforthehouse,butPegdidn’tliketouseitforjusttwoplates,
cupsandsaucers.Itseemedawasteofbothwaterandelectricity,soshedidjustthefewthingsby
hand.

“Hello,Grangeresidence,”shesaidpolitely.
“MissPegLarson?”anunfamiliarvoicereplied.
“Uh,yes…”
“I’mBillJones.Youdon’tknowme.I’mahamoperator.I’vejusthadacommunicationfroma

gentlemanonanothercontinent.Hewantedmetopassalongamessageforhim.I’mtotellyouthata
gentlemannamedGrangeisenjoyinghisvacation,butmissesyouverymuch.”

Shecaughtherbreath.“He’sallright?”
Helaughed.“Iassumeyouwerewaitingtomakesurehegottohisdestination.Icanassureyouthat

hearrivedinperfecthealth.Healsosaidtotellyouthathemightnotbeabletocontactyoudirectly,
buttowishyouhappyholidaysandtosayhehopeshe’llseeyouinafewmonths.Hesayshemisses
youverymuch,”herepeated.

“Thanks,”shesaidfervently.“Oh,thankyou.I…Wewereworried.”
“I’llpassthatalong.”
“Andpleasewishhimhappyholidaysalsoandtellhim,well,tellhimtobecareful.AndtellhimI

misshimmorethanheknows.”

“I’lldothat.Haveagoodevening.”
“Thanks,you,too.”
Shehungup,delightedthatGrangehadthoughttorelayamessagesofar,andundersuch

dangerousconditions.

Shewentoutthebackdooranddowntothebarn.Edhadjustfinishedsmearingsalveintothecow’s

eyes.Heturnedandsmiled.

“Somethingup?”heasked.
Shegrinned.“Grangesentusamessage.Hesayshegottohisdestinationokayandhe’sdoingwell,

andhehopeswehaveahappyholidayseason.”

“That’sarelief,”Edsaid,standing.“Iwasgettingabitconcerned.Hetoldmebeforeheleftthat

he’dtrytogetwordtous,butIwasn’tsure…Imean,it’sahellofatrip,andthereareplentyof
dangerousplacesalongtheway.Notthatheisn’tgoodatwhathedoes,”headdedfirmly.

“Iknowthat.Iwasworried,too,”sheconfessedafteraminute.
Theywalkedbacktowardthehousetogether.Theleavesontheoaktreesweremostlygonebynow,

butafewstillclungtothepecantrees.Thenutswerelonggone.Squirrelshadcarriedthemoff,
mostlywhentheywerestillgreen.

“Ishouldloadmyshotgunandstandguardoverthattree,”Edremarkedofthelargestandoldestof

thenuttrees.“Maybeyou’dgetahandfulofnutstomakecakeswith.”

“Youhavetosleepsometime,”sheremindedhim.“They’dfindawaytosneakinafterdark.You

can’tdefeatsquirrels.They’retoosmart.”

“Iguessyou’reright.”
“Barbaraalwaysorderstherawnutsandgivesmesome,”shesaid,referringtotheownerof

Barbara’sCaféinJacobsville.“Nottoworry,Dad,you’llgetyourJapanesefruitcakethisChristmas.
Honest.”Itwasayellowcake,madeinthreelayers,withonespicelayerthatcontainednutsanda
boiledwhitesugarfrostingonwhichcoconutandnutsandredandgreencandiedcherrieswere
sprinkled.

Heletoutasighofrelief.“Can’tlivewithoutthatcake.Yourmother,Godresthersoul,madeone

everyyear.Sodidhermother.”

“Yes,butGrannyusedthosetinythincakelayersandmadesixofthem.Momdidn’thavethe

patience.Shereducedittothreelayersandtaughtme,sotherecipegoeson.IgaveittoBarbara.She
saidit’soneofherbestsellersinthecafé.Momwouldhavelovedthat.”

Henodded.“Shewasagreatcook.Soareyou,sweetheart.”
“Thanks.Butit’smostlyjustbasicstuffwithme.I’mnotinventive.”
“Inventiveisnotalwaysgood,”heremindedherwithatwinkleinhiseyes.“Ihaven’tforgottenthe

Danishpotatorecipe.”

Shegrimaced.“Neitherdidtheboss,”shesaid,referringtoGrange.“Hetastedit,lookedatme,

askedifwe’deverhadthatbefore.WhenIsaidno,hesaid,‘Well,let’sneverhaveitagain,either.’”

Hechuckled.“Wasn’tsobad.It’sjusttheideaofasweetIrishpotatothatupsetsmen.It’sunnatural.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Meatandpotatoes.That’sallmeneverwantonthetable.”
“Bestfoodintheworldissimplefood.”
“Yes,butit’snotabadthingtotrynewstuff.”
“Trynewmeatandpotatorecipes.”
“Idid!”
Hegloweredather.“Notthatnew.”
Sheburstoutlaughingandwentbackintothehouse.

***

Thenextmorning,shehadtopickupaprescriptionforherfather.Hetendedtowardhighblood
pressure,soDr.CopperColtrainhadhimonamedicationthatcombinedawaterpillwithsomething
tostabilizebloodpressure.Thepharmacyhadanicegenericdrugthattheycouldafford,evenon
theirtightbudget.

NancyfilleditandBonniebroughtittothecounter.
“Haveyouheardfromhim?”Pegaskedexcitedly,becauseBonniewasgrinningfromeartoear.

She’dgonetotheCattleman’sBallwithamandrivingawhiteRolls-Royce.Ithadbeenthetalkofthe
town.

“Infact,hephonedmedaybeforeyesterday,”sheconfessedassheranguptheprescription.“From

Paris!”

“Wow,”Pegsaid,alleyes.
“He’scomingbacktotheStatesinaboutthreeweeks,andhehopeshe’llhavetimetostopbyand

takemeouttodinnerinSanAntonio.”Bonnieshookherhead.“Imaginethat,amillionairelikesme.”

“Everybodylikesyou,”Pegpointedout.“Ithinkit’sgreat!”
“SodoI.Ijusthopeitisn’treallyadreamthatI’llwakeupfrom.”
Pegleanedtowardher.“Wantmetopinchyou?”
Bonniemadeaface.“Shameonyou.”
Peggrinned.“Justtryingtohelp.”

***

ShestoppedbyBarbara’sCaféafterward.Barbarahadabagoffreshpecansforher.“Ialwaysorder
themforChristmascooking,it’snobigdealtogetanextrabagforyou,”Barbarasaidfirmlywhen
Pegtriedtopayforthem.

“Well,thanksalot,”Pegtoldher.
“Yousharedthatgreatcakerecipewithme,”Barbararemindedherwithasmile.“It’sbeenabighit

withthecustomers.”

“Weloveit,too,”Pegconfessed.
Barbaraloweredhervoice.“HeardfromGrange?”
Shenodded,lookingaroundcautiously.“Justthathegotwherehewasgoing.Nothingelse.”
Barbarabitherlowerlip.“Isee.”
“WhatdoyouknowthatIdon’t?Comeon,please?”
Barbaradrewherbackpastthekitchen,wheretwowomenwereworkingatthestoveandthe

counter,ontothebackporch.

“DoyourememberthatofficerwhogotintroubleforclaimingGrange’sbattlestrategyashis

own,theonewhogotGrangekickedoutofthearmy?”

“Yes.”
“Well,hekilledhimself.”
“Oh,mygosh!”Pegexclaimed.
“That’snotall,”Barbaracontinuedgrimly.“He’sgotasonwho’snotallthere,ifyouknowwhatI

mean.Andhe’sswornthathe’sgoingtomakeGrangepayforit.”

“Goodlucktohim,tryingtofindGrange,”Pegsaid,tryingtoignorethesuddencoldnessinthepit

ofherstomach.

“Ihopeyou’reright.Buthisfatherhadfriendsandtheymightknowsomethingaboutwhere

Grangehasgone,andwhy,”Barbaracontinued.“Rickheardfromhisfather,GeneralMachado,”she
addedunderherbreath.“Hesaidthegeneralhadtorefusetoallowajournalistalongwithhis
invasionforcebecausesheturnedouttobesomesocialitewhowaspursuingGrange.”

Peg’sheartdidaflip.“Asocialite?”
“Don’tworry,”Barbaraassuredherwithawarmsmile.“ThegeneralsaidthatGrangethreatened

toquitthejobifMachadoletheraccompanythem.Hehatesher.”

Pegrelaxed.“Well,that’ssomething.YouhadadistinguishedguestforThanksgiving,weheard.”
“Yes.Rick’swife’sfather.He’sageneral,too.Hassortofabadattitude,butawarmheart,”she

added.Shelaughed.“Helikestocook.”

“Nowthat’sinteresting,”Pegmusedwithawickedsmile.
“Healsoknowsalmosteverythingthat’sgoingoninthemilitary,”Barbaracontinued.“Soif

Grange’scommandingofficer ’ssonhasplanstogooverseas,we’llknow.Trynottoworry.Ijust
thoughtyoushouldbetold.”

Peghuggedherimpulsively.“Ido,too.Thanks.”
“It’sallveryworrying,”Barbarasaid.“ItotallyagreewithwhatGeneralMachadowantstodo.But

it’ssodangerous.”

“Tellmeaboutit.”Pegsighed.“ItmustbeterribleforRick,too,sinceheonlyjustfoundoutwho

hisfatheris.”

“Absolutely.He’safraidthathe’lllosehimbeforetheyreallygettoknoweachother.”
“We’lljusthopeandpraythateverythingworksout,”Pegreplied.
“Theyhavegoodhelp,”theolderwomanreplied.“MostofthementhatwentwithGrangeareEb

Scott’s.”

“He’sfussyaboutthemenhetrains,I’veheard,”Pegsaid.
“Veryfussy.Theyeatintherestaurant,soIknowalotofthem.OneofthebestisaSouthAfrican

namedRourke.”Shefrowned.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverheardhisfirstname.”Shelaughedandshook
herhead.“Itwasn’tuntilrecentlythatIknewGrange’swasWinslow.”

Pegnodded.“EverybodyjustcallshimGrange.”
“Evenyou?”
Pegflushed.“Evenme.”
“Hedoesn’tdateanybodylocally,”shepointedout.“Imean,hewastakingTellieMaddoxoutfora

while,beforeshemarriedJ.B.Hammock,buttheywereonlyfriends.Andsincethen,hehasn’tdated
atall.”Shelaughed.“WewereallprettyshockedwhenyoushowedupattheCattleman’sBallwith
him,letmetellyou.”

“SowasI,”Pegreplied.“IneverdreamedI’dgettowearsuchclothes,either.Thatwassuchasweet

thingourlocaldesigner,BessTruman,did,sosweet!AndMrs.Pendletonloanedmeacoat!”

“Iheardaboutthat,too.Gracie’sadoll.We’vebeenfriendsforalongtime.”Sheshookherhead.“I

couldhavesluggedJasonPendletonforthewayhetreatedher.Letmetellyou,thatwasarough

courtship.”

“Theyseemsohappytogether.”
“Theyare,now.Andtheyweregoodfriendsbeforehegotmixedupwiththatmodel.Butthat’s

anotherstory.”Barbarahuggedheragain.“Takeyourpecansandgohomeandmakeyourdadanice
cake.I’vegottogetbacktowork!”

“Iwill.Thanksagainforthepecans.”Shestartedtoleave,turnedaroundandwalkedback,her

expressionworried.“IfyouhearanythingfromRick’sfather-in-law,youknow,aboutthatofficer ’s
sonwhowantstohurtGrange—you’lltellme,yes?”

“Yes,”Barbarapromised.“Butdon’tyouworry,younglady.Grangecantakecareofhimself.”
Pegsmiled.“Ofcoursehecan.Butifyouknewhewasheadedfortrouble,youcouldhaveRick’s

father-in-law,thegeneral,warnhim.Couldn’tyou?They’refriends,aren’tthey?”

“Theyare,andIwill.”
Pegrelaxedalittle.“IknowIdon’tneedtoworry.ButIdo.”
“Weallworry,whenthepeoplewecareaboutareindanger,”Barbaraagreedquietly.
Pegnodded.Sheclutchedthepackageofpecans.“Thanksagain.”
Barbarasmiled.“Mypleasure.”

***

Pegdrovebacktotheranch,distracted.Somanycomplicationswerecroppingup.Shehaddeep
feelingsforWinslowGrange.Shethoughtthathehadsomeforheraswell.Ithadpleasedhertolearn
thathedidn’tdateanybody,andthatithadonlybeenfriendshipbetweenhimandTellie.Infact,she
knewTellie:they’dbeenatschooltogether.She’dassumedthatGrangehadfeelingsfortheothergirl.
Nowshefeltbetter.

Exceptforthatsocialite.Grangedidn’tlikeher.Butthewomanwasobviouslypersistent.Whatif

sheignoredthegeneral’spermissionandwentanyway?WhatifsheshowedupinGrange’scampand
vampedhim?

“Vamped,”shemutteredtoherself.“Peg,youneedtogetagrip.Nobodytalkslikethatinthe

twenty-firstcentury!”

Sheturnedontotheranchroad,butshewasstillfrowning.Menindesperatesituationssometimes

diddesperatethings.Grangemightnotbeascautiousasheusuallywas,andifthewomanwasa
sophisticateandaggressive,shemightpushherwayintohislife.

Pegwaspoorandnotbeautiful.Shedidn’tknowhowtobehaveinhighsocialcircles;shedidn’t

evenknowhowtodoaproperplacesetting.Thatwomanwouldbeexperiencedandchicand
knowledgeableaboutsuchthings.Grangemightcomparethem,andPegmightcomeoffinalessthan
favorablelight.

Shetormentedherselfwiththosethoughtsallthewayintothehouse,andbumpedintoherfather

becauseshewasn’tlookingwhereshewasgoing.

“Andwhat’swrongwithyou?”heteased.
Herfacescrewedup.“Ican’tevensetapropertable,andIdon’tknowhowtobehaveinhigh

society.”

Helookedshocked.“Excuseme?”
“There’sthisWashingtonsocialitewho’safterWinslow,”shemuttered.“Shetriedtogetsignedon

withtheexpeditionasajournalist.She’schasedhimeverywhere.Whatifsheshowsupinhis
camp…?”

“Peg,getagrip,”hesaidgently.“Sowhatifshedoes?Grangeisnoschoolboy.Hetookyoutothe

Cattleman’sBall,youknow.”

Pegsighed.“Yes,butshe’sprobablybeautifulandhasgorgeousclothes.”
“Ifhedoesn’twanther,thatwon’tmatter.”
Shesearchedhisfacequietly.“Really?Youthinkso?”
“Iknowso.”Heglancedatthebagofpecansinherhands.“Gomakeacake.Itwillhelp.”
Sheblinked.“Helpwho?Me,oryou?”
Hechuckled.“Bothofus.You’llbedivertedwhileyou’recookingit,andI’llberapturouswhile

I’meatingit.”

“Oh,Dad.”Shehuggedhim.“Thanks.”
“Stopworrying.Grangeisn’tanidiot.You’llsee.”
Shenodded.“Okay.”

***

Thatnight,shedreamed.TherewasajungleandWinslowwaslyinginahugejunglehammock,
stretchedoutinonlyapairofBermudashorts,withhisbroad,hair-coveredchestbare,hishair
mussedashesmiledupather.

“Comehere,baby,”hewhispered.
Shewenttohim.Shewaswearingaredsarong,somethingmorePolynesianthanSouthAmerican,

withwhiteflowersonit.Hedeftlyuntiedthesarongandtosseditoutofthehammock.Hislean,
stronghandssmoothedoverherbreastshungrilyandhebenttokissthem.Shemoanedinhersleep,
shiftingrestlesslyasshefelthisbodygrowhardandtautandswollenagainstherhips.Shefelthim
move,felttheshortsgooverthesideofthehammockasheshiftedhersuddenlyunderhimandbegan
kissingherinearnest.

“Oh,Winslow,”shewhispered,shocked,asshefelthimbegintopenetratethesoftwarmthofher.

Shearcheduptothepleasure,herbodyshivering.Sheheardhimlaughtenderlyatherfrantic
motionsasshetriedtobringhimevencloser.

Shewasburning.Shewasonfire.Theheatandthetensioncombinedtomakehercrazy.She

couldn’tgetcloseenough.Shewantedhim,somuch!

Andthensherealizedthattheywereinahammock.Shelookedupathiminallseriousness,and

said,“Butwecan’tdothisinahammock!”

Allatonce,shewokeup.
Sheshivered,becauseithadseemedsoreal.Shelickedherdrylipsandlookedatthepillowshe’d

beenclutchingtoherself.Ifonlyshe’dkepthermouthshutinherdream,shemuttered.Sheclosedher
eyes,rolledoverandtriedtogobacktosleep.

5

GrangehadDunagansendthetwoscoutsintoMedinaundercoverofdarkness,tocontactMachado’s
friendDomingoLopez.

Itwouldbearaceagainsttime,especiallyiftheyhadtofightaheatedbattletogainentrancetothe

city.Therewasachance,justasmallchance,thattheycouldpulloffabloodlesscoupbytakingall
thekeypositionsinthegovernmentbeforefightingbrokeout.Iftheycouldcontrolthe
communicationscenters,themilitarycomputers,themediaandallthebridgesleadingintothecity,
theremightnotbeafight.Itwoulddependonmanyfactors.ButasGrangehadbeentaught,youhope
forthebest,andyoualwayspreparefortheworst.

Ifitcamedowntoit,theyhadcontactswhomightpersuadethegovernmentsnearbytohelp.And

theUnitedStateshadspecopspeopleinthevicinitywhowouldliaisewiththemifneeded.Itwouldbe
ablackoperation,oneofmanythatwentonandwereneverreported,butitcouldhappen.

GrangekneltdownbesideRourke,whowascheckinghisradioandlisteningtolocalmedia.
“Allgovernmentpropaganda,”Rourkesaidinadisgustedtone.“Thismostrecentnewscastdeals

withtwoprofessorsatthelocaluniversitywhowerearrestedandputinprisonforspeakingout
againstthenationalizationoftheforeignoilcompanieshereandtheoppression.”

“Oil,”Grangerepliedheavily.“Theblessingandcurseofthepastthreegenerations.Orisitfour?

Ourwholedamnedsocietyrunsonoil.”

“Andwepayforitwithperiodicecologicaldisasters,”Rourkereplied.
“Yes.”
“Ihadthisamazinganthropologyprofessorincollege,”Rourkebegan,stillfiddlingwiththeradio.

“Hetoldusthatanysocietywhichfindsitselfanichethat’sdependentononeexhaustiblecommodity
isdoomedtoextinction.”

“Don’ttelltheoilexecutivesthat.They’llprotestindroves.”
Rourkemadeasounddeepinhisthroat.“Probablytrue.Butwe’reinahellofamessglobally,you

know.Thetoponepercentoftheworldcontrolstheninety-ninepercent.Theaveragecitizencan’t
evenafforddecentshoesforhiskids.”

“Orfindajob.”
Rourkenodded.
“You’reSouthAfrican.Don’tyouhaveabettersocietywithallthechanges?”
“Westillhaveregionalconflicts.Someofthetribesdon’tgetalongwitheachother,muchlesswith

mostoftherestofus.Butletanoutsidermakearemark,andwe’reoneunitedbunchofsinners.”
Rourkechuckled.“It’sourAfrica.Wedon’tlikepeoplehittingonher.”

“Her?”Grangepursedhislips.“Sexist.”
Rourkeroared.
“Howmuchmediaareweupagainsthere,inthispartofSouthAmerica?”Grangeasked,suddenly

somber.

“Locally,justonetelevisionstation,tworadiostations,andthreenewspapers.Excuseme…two

newspapers.TheyfirebombedthethirdforprintinganarticleElPresidentedidn’tlike.”

Grangefrowned.“That’saboutthesizeofthemediayou’dfindinasmallAmericancity,likewith

20,000or30,000people.”

Rourkenodded.“That’sthesizeofMedina.Thisisaverysmallcountry,andit’ssurroundedbybig

andpowerfulneighbors.Ithasnewlydiscoveredoilreserves,andrumorhasitthatanAmerican
anthropologistdugupproofofacivilizationolderthantheEgyptianpyramids;interestingly,rightin
themidstofthepotentialoilfieldregion.She’sgonemissingsincethecoup,however.Presumed
dead.”Heleanedcloserandnoddedtowardthedistantgeneral,Machado.“Hewassweetonher.He
reallywantsashotatSaparanow.Purerevenge,asmuchasthedesiretosavehiscountry.”

“Ihopewecan.I’vebeenthinkingaboutthis.Ifwecanfindawaytoinfiltratethemostimportant

objectives,wemaybeabletoavoidalonggroundassault.Withtherainyseasonatthedoor,itcould
beadisaster,whichputsusinaverydangerouspositionstrategically.Quitefrankly,Idon’tsee
bombingthecityintosubmission.Ifwemakeenemiesofthelocals,we’llnevergettheusurperout.”

“Iagree,”Rourkesaid.“Weneedintelligence.Lotsofit.Andweneedourreserveshidden.”
“Ithoughtthesamething,soI’veshippedourlargestforceoverintoafriendlycountry,soto

speak,neartheMatoGrossoarea.”

Rourkeraisedhiseyebrows.“TheMatoGrosso?”hesaid.“Abadplace.Averybadplace.Isn’tthat

nearwhereFawcettandhissonandhisson’sbestfriendwentmissingin1925?”heasked,alludingto
amysterythathadneverbeensolved,thefateofaBritishexplorer,ColonelPercivalFawcett,andhis
twoyoungcompanions,oneofwhomwashisson.Eveninmoderntimes,itpromptedpeopletogo
intothejunglestosolvetheeighty-plus-year-oldmystery;manyneverreturned.

Grangesmiled.“NeartheMatoGrosso.Whilethey’renotoccupiedwithwar,theymightfind

someonewhoknowsaboutFawcett’sfate.Whoknows?Butatleastwe’llavoidtheappearanceofan
insurrection.They’llstayoutofsightuntilweneedthefirepower.I’mbankingontakingthecity
withoutbloodshed,throughthebackdoor,withspecops.”

“Myideaaswell.”
“NowallIhavetodoisconvinceElGeneral,”Grangesaid,noddingtowardthebroodingex-

patriot,whowassittingalone.

“Itwon’ttakemuchconvincing.Hedoesn’twantbloodshed,either,”Rourkereplied.“Ithinkhe’s

seenenoughofitinhistime.”

“Whohasn’t?”Grangesaidonaheavybreath.“I’dliketogrowoldwithouteverhearinggunshots

again.”

“Thenyou’reinthewrongbusiness,mate,”Rourketoldhim.“Youneedtogiveupjobslikethis.”
Grangemadeaface.“Can’taffordto.JasonPendletonmademeagiftofahouseandlandand

purebredcattle,nottomentionaforemanwhosedaughteristhebestcookI’veeverknown.Ihaveto
supportthemallnow.IgetpaidasmallfortunetoramrodPendleton’sComancheWellsranch,butit’s
notenoughforupgradesandnewbulls.SohereIam.”Hefrowned,studyingRourke.“Whichbrings
tomindareversequestion.Doyoureallyneedthework?You’vegotthatincredibleanimalparkand
yourfather…”

Rourke’sonedarkeyeflasheddangerously.“Don’t,”hesaidinatonethatwasdeadlysoft,likethe

uncoilingofapoisonoussnake.

Grangeheldupahand.“Sorry.”
Rourkeavertedhisgazetotheradio.“Myfault.I’msensitiveoncertainsubjects.”
“Iknow.Ishouldn’thavesaidanything.”
“Noharmdone.”Heforcedasmile.“Goconvinceourfearlessleadertotrythistheeasyway,

upendingthegovernmentfromtheinside.”

“I’lldomybest.”

Rourkesmiled.“Iknowyouwill.”

***

Grangecouldhavebittenhistongue.Heknew,asonlyafewothersdid,thatRourkewasallegedlythe
illegitimatesonofK.C.Kantor,theex-mercbillionaire.ButRourkenevermentionedhisparentage,
nevertalkedaboutKantor,eventhoughhe’dworkedforthemanforyears.Itwasanopensecret,but
itwastrickytomentionittoRourke.Verytricky.Andthiswasn’tthetimetothrowsaltonold
wounds.

HesatdownnexttoMachado.“IsentthereservesdowntoCasera,intheMatoGrosso,intheDC-3.

WehavepeopleinManaus,butwecouldn’taffordtosendagroupofmercsthere.Wehavefriendly
tiesinCaserafromRourke’slastincursionhere,”hesaid.“RourkeandIwanttotryinfiltration—
cuttingupSaparafromtheinside,usinghisownpeopleagainsthim.Thesamethinghedidtoyou,El
General,butinreverse,”headdedwithasmile.

Machadosighed.“I,too,wouldpreferabloodlessrevolution.”Heshookhishead.“Thesepoor

peoplehavesufferedenoughalready,becauseIwascareless.”Hisfacesetintohardlines.“Thatwill
neverhappenagain.”

“Wehavetwomeninsidethecity,”Grangecontinued.“Thosewhowesenttoseekoutyourformer

commandantandseeifhe’llhelpus.Ibelievehewill.”

“Yes.SodoI.”Hesighedagainandsippedstrongcoffee.“Certainlyhehassufferedundermy

adversary.Fortunatelyforus,hewastoovaluabletokillorimprison.Heknowstheworkingsofthe
militaryandthelocationofallthestrategiccomputersinthemilitaryheadquarters.Hewillbeour
greatestassetifhecanbeconvincedtoriskhislifeinthisendeavor.”

“Iagree.Now,wejustsitbackforafewhoursandhopeforthebest.”

***

Whiletheywerehopingforthebest,ajeepcamedrivingupintothecompound.Thedriver,alocal
tourguidewhowasfriendlytoMachadoandknewofhiscampfromthenatives,hadapassenger.

“GoodGod!”Grangeexclaimedwithbarelyleashedfury.“Idon’tbelieveit!”
Machadowasalsosurprised.
Thepassengerclimbedlazilyoutofthejeep.ItwasanAmericanwomaninhermid-twenties,with

short,wavyblondhair,blueeyes,dressedlikeadebutanteonsafariinkhakiswithacameraslung
aroundherneck.

“Icameanyway,”sheannouncedhaughtily.ShewalkeduptoGrangeandtouchedhischest,almost

purring.“Ican’tkeepawayfromyou,dearman!”

“¡Alto!”GrangecalledinSpanishtothedriver,whohadreversedthejeepandwasabouttoleave.

HetookClarissebythearm,walkedher,protesting,backtothejeep,openedthedoorandputher
inside.Shealmostfell.Herexpressionwasoneofdazeddisconnection.Wasshedrunk?

“I’mnotleaving…!”sheprotested.
“Likehellyou’renotleaving,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.“OfalltherepulsivewomenI’veever

known,youtakethecake.WhatdoIhavetodotoconvinceyouthatIdon’twantyou?Youthink
you’reirresistibletoanymanyoumeet?Lady,youhavethemoralsofanalleycat,”headdedwith
contempt.“Iwouldn’tlowermyselftosleepwithyouifyouweretheonlydamnedwomanlefton
earth!Doesthatmakeitanyclearer?”

Rourkehadspottedher,too.Hecameforward,unnaturallyhostile,evenforhim,andglaredather.

“Whatthebloodyhelldoyouthinkyou’redoinghere,Tat?”heaskedcoldly.

Shewasshocked,notonlytofindRourkeinthecampbuttoheartheoldnicknamehe’dcalledher

longagowhenshe’dlivedinSouthAfricabriefly,nearhishome.They’dbeenplaymatesonce,even
friends.

Sheliftedherchinpugnaciously.Shefeltverycombative.Shewastakingantianxietymeds,

probablytoomany,sincetherecenttragedythathadrobbedherofherentirefamily.Nobodyknew.
NobodyexceptRourke.He’dactuallycometothefunerals.He’dbeenkind.Sortof…

“I’maphotojournalist,”shetoldhimicily.“It’smyjob.”
“Na,”hesaidsarcastically.“Yourjobisseducingmen,isn’tit?AndGrangeisonyourlist?It’sa

longlist,too.Everybody’sfairgame.”

Clarisse,whoneverreactedtocriticism,juststaredathim.Whatshewasfeelinginsidewasher

ownsecretpain.Shewouldn’trevealit.

“Yes,Iseemtobeatthetopofthelist,”Grangemutteredcoldly.“Butit’snouse,andI’vebeen

tellingyouthatformonths!”HewonderedwhyRourkelookedalmostrelieved.“Listen,lady,Ihavea
womaninmylife,”hesnapped.“Asweet,young,innocentwomanwhowouldbeappalledifsheever
hadtoactuallymeetyou.Thecontrastisabsolutelyepic.”

Clarisseswallowed.Herfaceflamed.
“Nowgetthehelloutofthiscampanddon’tcomeback,”Grangesaidfuriously.“¡Vaya!”he

calledtothedriver.“¡Vayaahoramismo!”

“I’llmakeyousorryforthis,”Clarissesaid,herusualflirtatiousmannerineclipse.“Ipromiseyou

Iwill!”

“Doyourworst,”Grangeshotback,angryoutofallproportion.“¡Vaya!”hetoldthedriveronce

more,andbangedonthehoodwithhisflattenedhand.

Thejeeproaredoffintothedistance.Grangewatcheditgo,morefuriousthanhe’dbeeninyears.

Thedamned,persistentwoman,showinguphere…!

Rourkeglancedathim.“Howlonghasshebeenafteryou?”
“OnandoffsinceIwasinIraq,”Grangereplied.“Shewasfollowingmyunitforamagazinestory.

Butshe’sturneduptheheatinthepastfourmonths.She’sbeenahellofanuisance.”

“Isee.”Rourkewentbacktohiswork,deepinthought.
GrangecaughthisbreathandleashedhistemperasMachadojoinedhim.“I’msorry,”hetoldhis

boss.“Ijustlostit.She’llgotoSaparaandwe’llalldiebecauseofmystupidmistake.”

“Notlikely,myfriend,”Machadosaidwithagentlesmile.“Iknowwomen.Thatonewillnotbetray

anentireplatoonofmentogetevenwithjustone.ButIwouldsleepwithoneeyeopenfromnowon.”

“Yeah.”Heturned.“Sorry.”
Machadostudiedhim.“Sheispracticedandsophisticated,andyoufindherunappealing.Youlike

innocenceIthink.”

Grangenodded.“There’sagirlbackhome.Myforeman’sdaughter.”Heshiftedandavertedhis

eyes.“She’slikeabreathofspring.”

Machadochuckledandclappedhimontheback.“NowIunderstand.Come.Forgetaboutthemad

socialiteandhavecoffeewithme.Soon,weshallhearfromourcontactsinthecity.”

***

ClarisseflewbacktoManausonthesmallairplaneofamansheknewandputoneofhercontactsin
Texastowork.Anhourlater,sheknewwhoPegLarsonwasandwheretofindher.Grangewasgoing

tobevery,verysorrythathe’deversaidsuchinsultingthingstoher.Sheonlywishedshecoulddo
somethingtohurtRourkeaswell,butRourkewasmadeofsteel.Abombwouldn’tdamagehim.

Grange,however,couldbehurt.Shewasthedescendantofoneofthefoundingfathersofthe

country,fromapowerfulfamily.Shehadmoneyandcharmandsheknewhowtouseboth.Grange
wasgoingtopayforhisinsults,andpaybig.

Shelookedoutthebalconyofherhotelroomoverlookingthelargejunglecityoftwomillion

souls,hereyeslingeringontheopulentOperaHousebuiltin1896.Backduringtherubberboomof
theearlytwentiethcentury,Manaus,calledthe“ParisoftheTropics,”hadbeenthecenterofathriving
industrythatmademillionairesofmenwillingtobravethejunglewithitspreciousrubbertrees.The
boomhadfallenbythe1920sandonlyregainedsomesuccesswiththeadventofWorldWarIIandits
needforrubber.ButcannybiologistshadtakenrubbertreeseedlingsoutofSouthAmericaand
transportedthemtoplantationsinCeylonandtheOrient,thusbreakingthemonopoly.Thereafter,
Manaussettledbackintoitsjungleandtheeraofgreatfortunescarvedoutofwildernesswereatan
end.Butthecitywasaphoenix,destinedtoriseagain.

In1967withthepassageoftheManausFreeZone,thecitybecameanimportantcenterforthe

manufactureofelectricalandelectronicgoods,andalsoabeautifulresourceforecologicaltourism,
preservingthebeautyoftheRioNegro,onwhichitwassituated,anditsbiologicaldiversity.

Manaushadagrandeurallitsown.Portuguese,notSpanish,wasspokenhere,whichwas

technicallyBrazil,ontheblackwatersoftheRioNegro.WhereGrangeandhismenwerecamped
justinsidetheborderofBarrera,thelanguagewasSpanish.Comfortableineitherlanguage,Clarisse
hadnoproblemcommunicatingwhatshewanted.Andwiththatinmind,shepickedupthephoneand
reservedtwobusinessclassround-tripticketsfromtheUnitedStatestoLaPaz,andthenbooked
passageonaflighttoManaus,alsofortwo.Shewasn’tgoingtotakenoforananswer.Shewasgoing
toconvincePegLarsontocomedownhere.Then,shehaddarkerplansforthewomanwhohadtaken
Grange.Verydarkplans.Herconscienceprickedher.Shewasn’tusuallythisdevious,andshedidn’t
hurtpeopledeliberately.Shetookmoreoftheantianxietymedsandlaydownonthebedandclosed
hereyes.Sheshouldn’tfeelguilty.Grangehaditcoming.

Sheshiveredas,inhermind’seye,shesawtheRioNegroflowing,rememberedwhathad

happenedherefourmonthsago.Sheclosedhereyesandshuddered.Itwastoosoon.Sheshouldn’t
havecomeback.Shewentlookingfortheantianxietymedsandfrownedwhenshenotedthatthe
bottlewasalmostempty.Nomatter.Shehadafriend,adoctor,wholivedinthecity.She’dcallhim
andgetmore.

ShewentbacktoWashington,D.C.,thenextday.Shewasfuriousandtakingfartoomanydrugs.

Hermindwascloudedbyadamagedegoandshreddedpride.Allshecouldthinkaboutwasgetting
even.GrangewouldpayandsowouldhisAmericanloveinterest.Theywouldallpay.

***

PegwasfeedingthesmallflockofRhodeIslandRedchickensthatsheandherfatherkeptforfresh
eggswhenasilverMercedes-Benzpulledupinthedriveway.Sheputdownthebowlofchickenfeed
andwentouttomeetit.

AtfirstshethoughtitmightbeGraciePendleton,butthePendletonsdroveJaguars.Infact,Gracie

hadaracing-greenone,herfavoritecolor.

Itwasn’tGracie.
Abeautifulwomanwithshort,wavyhoney-blondhairgotoutofthecar.Shewasdressedin

immaculatekhakislackswithwhatlookedlikeabluesilkblouse.Overitwasakhakivestwitha
hundredpockets,orsoitseemed.

“Hi!”shecalledinafriendlytone,andsmiled.“I’mlookingforPegLarson.”
Pegblinked.“That’sme.”
“I’mClarisseCarrington,”shereplied,offeringahandtoshakePeg’s.“I’vejustcomefromSouth

America.”Shemovedcloser,lookingaroundwarilytomakesurenobodywascloseenoughto
overhear.“I’vejustseenWinslowGrange.”

“Isheallright?”Pegasked,herfacefrozenwithfear.
“Perfectlyallright.”Clarissehatedthatlookontheyoungerwoman’sface.Itwasobvioushowshe

feltaboutGrange,andforjustaninstant,Clarissefeltapangofguiltforwhatsheplannedtodo.It
didn’tlastlong.Shesmiledagain.“They’rewaitingforthingstocometogetherbeforetheygoin.He
wantstoseeyou.”

“Ishecominghome?”Pegasked,excited.
“No.Thatisn’tpossible.”Shelookedatherexpensivetanloafers.“Buthewantsmetobringyou

overtohiscamp.I’majournalist,soIcangoanywhereIlike.Ihaveaprivateplaneandajeepwitha
driver.IpurchasedticketsfromSanAntoniotoAtlanta,wherewe’llflytoMiamiforthenonstop
flighttoManaus.Ialsohavetwobusinessclassround-tripticketsontheflighttoManausfromMiami.
I’vebookedahotelsuiteforusinManaus.It’snottoofarfromwhereGrangeandhismenare
camped.”

Thewomanwasspeakingrapidly.Hereyesdidn’tlookquiteright.Pegbegantohesitate.“It’sso

expensive.HowwouldIpayitback?”

“Areyoujoking?”Clarisseclearedherthroat.“Youdon’thavetopayitback.I’mindependently

wealthy.Iworkasajournalistforfun,notprofit.”

“Whywouldyoudothis?”Pegpersisted.
Damn,Clarissethought,thewomanwassmart.Maybetoosmart.Butsheforcedanothersmile.

“I’mdoinganarticleontheassault,”shesaid,“forawell-knownmagazine.”Shenamedit.Itwasone
ofthemorefamousglossyones,soPegrecognizeditfromdoctors’waitingrooms.“Thisisa
human-interestpiece,aboutthepeoplebehindthepeoplewhoarefighting.I’dplannedtodoone
aboutanothermanintheparty,butIcouldn’tgethissiblingtoagreetoflythere.”Sheavertedher
eyes,tellingtheliewithastraightface.“It’squitedangerous.Notreally,”sheamendedquickly.“But
thegirlisafraidofsnakes.TherearesnakesinthispartofSouthAmerica….”

Snakes.Itseemedathinexcuse.Pegwouldhavegoneanywheretoseeabrotherifshehadone.

She’dgoanywheretoseeGrange.He’dsenthertheshortwavemessage,buthehadn’tmentionedthis
woman.Wasn’ttheresomethingaboutasocialitewhowaschasinghim?

“Please.Thestorywillbesogoodforthecoupeffort.Itwillonlytakeacoupleofdays,”Clarisse

saidquickly,becausePegwaswavering.“I’llhaveyoubackhomebytheweekend.Ipromise.”The
smilewasbeginningtochafe.“Winslowreallywantstoseeyou,”sheadded.“Hemissesyou
terribly.”

Peg’sheartjumped.Sheforgoteverythingshe’dheard.Grangewantedtoseeher.She’dmissed

himsomuchthatitseemedherhearthadbeentornoutofher.Sheretracedplaceshe’dbeen,satinhis
bedroomandstaredatthebedwhereheslept.Shemoonedaroundherownbedroomwherehe’d
kissedherandtouchedherwithsuchpassion.Shewentoverandovertheirlastmeeting,whenhe’d
kissedheragain,butwithachingtenderness.Shehadtorrid,eroticdreamsabouthimalmostevery
night.Sheknewhefeltsomethingforher.Butshehadn’trealizedhowpowerfulitwas.Ifhewantedto
seehersobadlythathe’daskedajournalisttobringherover,toanothercountry,justforacoupleof

days…perhapshewantedtopropose?

“Oh,my,”Pegexclaimed,withahandathercollarbone.
“Thefightingmaybeintense,whentheygoin,”Clarissesaidgrimly.“He’sagoodsoldier,but

whatifsomethinghappenedandyoudidn’tgo?Whatifyounevergottoseehimagain,becauseyou
wereafraidofthejungle?”

“I’mnotafraidofthejungle,”Pegmuttered,andhergreeneyesflashedattheotherwoman.“I

don’tlikesnakes,butIdon’thaveanyphobiasofthem.”

“Bravegirl.”Clarissechuckled.“Okay,then,what’syourproblem?”
“Ifyouwritethestory,won’titgiveawaywhatGeneralMachadoistryingtodo?”
“Deargirl,Iwon’tpublishuntilafterGeneralMachadoisbackinpower.”Clarisselaughedatthe

otherwoman’slackofknowledge.“I’dneverbetraythem.Itisn’tmynature.NotevenifIwere
tortured.”

Pegstillhesitated.Sheshouldcallsomebodyandcheckthiswomanout,beforesheventuredinto

thejunglewithher.

Clarissealmostsawthatthoughtinhermind.Shecheckedherwatchandgrimaced.“Theplane

leavesfromAtlantaforMiamiinfourhours,”shesaid.“We’llhavetorushtotheairportinSan
Antoniotomakeconnections.TheMiamiflightisnonstop.Andtheticketsarenonrefundable,”she
addedwithjusttherightworriedexpression.

Peggroanedaloud.TicketstoSouthAmerica.Grangewaitingtoseeherbeforeabloodyassault

thatmightfail.Notime,notime!

“I’llpacksomething,”Pegsaid.“IhavetotellmyDad…”
Shewasalreadyrunningforthehouse.“Comeonin,”shecalledtoClarisse.“Youcansitinthe

livingroom,Iwon’tbelong,Ipromise.”

“Packlightweightthings,likesilk,”Clarisseadvisedasshewalkedintothehouse.
Pegstoppedshortandgapedattheolderwoman.“Silk?”Shewavedherhandsaround.“YouthinkI

canaffordtobuyanythingmadeofsilk?Ican’tevenaffordasilkscarf!”

Clarissebitherlip.Shehadn’trealizedthattheotherwomanwaswearingcottonbecauseitwasall

shehad.Shelookedaroundheratthecheapfurnishings.Povertyrow,shethoughtwithguilty
contempt,andthenrememberedtheroleshewasplaying.“Justpacksomethingcomfortable.And
makesureyoutakearaincoatoraslicker.Therainyseasonisjustgettingstarted.You’llneed
sunblock,too,butManausisalargecity.Wecanbuytoiletrieswhenwegetthere,”shesaid.“You’ll
havetroublegettingthemonaplane,sojustbringclothes.Notcotton,”sheaddedfirmly.“Cottongets
wetandstayswet.Somethingdrip-dry.Andmakesureyouhaveapairofbootsandsomepantsmade
ofsyntheticfiber.”

“Oh.Okay.I’llhurry.”Actuallyshehadlotsofpoly-cottonstuff,becauseitwascheap.Silk,onher

budget!Thatwasahoot.

Clarissewanderedaroundthelivingroom.Hereyecaughtonapaintingabovethemantel,of

runninghorsesagainstacloudysky.“Whopaintedthiscanvasoverthemantel?”shecalledtoPeg.

“Alocalartist,JanieBrewsterHart,”shecalledback.“She’sexhibitinginSanAntoniorightnow,

alongwithhersister-in-law,thewifeofourstateattorneygeneral,whosculpts.”

“Nicework,”Clarissemurmured.Thepaintingwasreallygood.Thewomanhadtalent.Shehada

suddenthought.ThiswasGrange’shouse.Heownedit.Helivedhere.Shefrowned.Ithadechoesof
hispersonality.ItwasSpartanandbare-bonescomfort.Scatteredaroundweresouvenirshe’dbrought
homefromtheMiddleEast.Therewereacoupleofsmallpaintings,alongwithsomefossilized
stonesandabone-sheathknife.TherewereframedphotosofhimwithhisGreenBeretunitinIraq.

ThatbroughtbackpainfulmemoriesofClarisse’sattemptstoflirtwithhim.She’dbeenless
aggressiveinthosedays,almostpainfullyshy.She’dhadtoforceherselftobeforward.Nobody
knewthetruthabouther.NotevenRourke.

“I’malmostready,IjusthavetocallDadandtellhimwhereI’mgoing.”
“Don’ttellhimmorethanyouhaveto,”Clarissecalledbackgrimly.“Thephonemightbetapped.”
“You’rekidding!”
Yes,shewas,butshedidn’twantPeg’sfathertocatchon.Shedidn’twantanyhitchesinherplans.
“No,I’mnotkidding.ThisisacovertmilitaryoperationandthisisGrange’shome.It’snot

impossible.”Evenasshesaidit,sherealizedthatshemightaccidentallybetellingthetruth.

Therewasapause.“Okay.He’soveratthePendletons’ranch.I’lljustcallhimandsayI’mgoing

outoftownforacoupleofdayswithaschoolfriendwhowantscompanyinAtlanta.”

“Goodgirl.”
Forjustafewseconds,Clarissealmosthadachangeofheart.Thiswascruel.Shewasn’tborna

cruelperson.She’dbeenmadecruelbyherpast.Grangethoughtshewassomesortofman-eater.It
wasfunny.ShewasasinnocentasPeg.Shejustknewhowtoact.Exceptthatitwasn’tanactwith
Grange.Shereallywantedhim.HeremindedherofRourke….

Sheswallowed,hard,andwenttotheneat,tidykitchentogetabottleofwater.Therewasn’tany,so

shehadtodrinkfromaglassfilledfromthefaucet.Shewinced.Shetookthepillbottleoutofher
fannypackandswallowedtwopills.Shehatedflying.Butshehadtogetusedtoit.Themedshelped
withthat.Theyhelpedwitheverything.

Funny,she’dneverbeenreallyattractedtoanymanexceptRourke.Grangehadcomeintoherlife

atanoutpostinIraq,wherehewaswithaspecopgroup,GreenBerets.She’dfollowedthem,with
permissionfromthemilitarybecauseshehadfriendshighupinthePentagon,todoastory.Grange
hadsuddenlybecomehermainobjective.She’dtriedeverywaysheknewtoattracthimbutnothing
hadhappened.He’dbeenpoliteenoughwhileshedidthestory,butoncehewasoutofthemilitaryhe
disappeared.She’dseenhimagainatapartyinWashington,D.C.,justafterthegreatesttragedyinher
life.Thatwasaftershe’dstartedtakingmedsforthenightmaresandanxiety.Herwholepersonality
hadchanged.She’dbeenaggressivelyflirtatiousforallshewasworth.Itwasuseless.He’dgivenher
thecoldshoulder.She’dbecomeobsessedwithgettinghimtonoticeher,followedhimaroundevery
timehecametoacity,showedupinrestaurants,eveninhotels.Hehadn’tsaidmuch,buthe’d
suddenlystoppedgoingtohotelswhereshecouldbribeemployeestotipheroff.

Thathadonlyspurredherdetermination.Funny,hewasn’tatallhertype.Shesighedandputthe

glassinthesink.Thewaterdidn’ttastehalfbad.Muchbetterthanbottled.

HermindwentbacktoherlastmeetingwithGrangeinBarrera,totheinsultshe’dshoutedthatall

themenhadheard…thatRourkehadheard.Hedidn’twanther.Hethoughtshewasrepulsive.That
wordwentthroughherlikeahotlance.Whatdidheknowabouther,aboutherpast,abouther
suffering?Hedidn’twanttoknow.Hehadthissweet,innocentgirlwhodidn’tevenlooktobeoutof
herteens,andshehadnomoney,noconnections,nonothing.WhereasClarissehadeverything,but
shecouldn’tgetGrange.

“Imustbemad,”shetoldherselfinawhisper.“Totallymad!”
“Whatwasthat?”Pegaskedfromthestaircase.
“Yourwatertastesgood,”Clarissesaid.
“Thanks.Wehaveawell.Thewaterisalwayscoldandgood.”Shecameintothelivingroomwitha

rattysuitcase,wearinghighheelsandherbestSundaydress.“Isthisokay?”sheaskedabouther
ensemble.

Clarissewasstruckdumb.Sheblinked.“Haveyoueverflownonanairplane?”
“Well,no.Yes.Imean,Igottoflyinacropdusterplane,once,”Pegreplied.“It’salittletwo-seater

airplane.Wespraybigcropswithinsecticidefromthem.Imean,wedon’t.Somepeopledo.”

Clarissetookadeepbreath.Therewerefewplacesonearthshehadn’tbeen.She’dflownin

everythingfrompassengerplanestomilitaryaircraft.Thischildhadneversetfootonanairplaneand
thoughtyouneededtowearyourSundaybesttogetaboard.HighheelsintheHartsfieldInternational
AirportinAtlantawouldbeadisaster,wherepassengershadtowalkvastdistancesbetweentheticket
counterandtheconcourses.

“Youneedtowearslacksandalightweightshirtandbootswithsocks.Carryasweateronboard.

Youcan’twalkthroughanairportinhighheels.You’llhaveblisters.Theycancauseinfectionandbe
fatalintropicalrainforests.Bloodpoisoningsetsin.”

“Oh.”Pegflushed.
Clarissemovedcloser.“It’sokay,”shesaidgently.“Iwasn’tbornknowingthesethings,either.I

hadtolearn.”

Pegsmiledshyly.“Thanks.I’llgochange.”
Sherushedbacktoherroom.Clarissefeltasifahousehadfallenonher.Pegwassomuchlike

Matilda.Notinlooks,butinattitudeandgritandinnocence.Sheclosedhereyesonawaveofpain.
Herfault.Herfault.She’dinsistedthatMatildagoonthenativeboatwiththeirfathertosightseeinthe
jungleoutsideManaus,agreatadventure,whilesheinterviewedthechiefthroughaninterpreter.It
wasafamilyouting,aworkingoneforClarisse.ButMatilda,sweetMatilda,hadpaidforher
shortsightedness!Nowshewasgoingtoputanotherchildindanger,deliberately,forrevenge…!

“I’mready,”Pegannounced.
Clarisselookedatherwithwide,hesitanteyes.“Idon’tknow.Maybethisisabadidea,”shesaid,

thinkingaloud.

“Please,Iwanttogo,”Pegpleaded.“I’ddoanythingtoseehim.Anything!”
Clarissesetherteethfirmly.GrangehadinsultedherinfrontofRourke,whohardlyneededa

reasontohatehermore.Grangemadeherfeelcheapandsmall.Theinsultdrovethekindnessright
outofher.Sheforcedasmile.“Well,then,let’sbeoff!”

***

Peghadneverbeeninanairportterminal,exceptoncewhenshewentwithherfathertomeetJason
Pendletonwhenheneededaquickridetotheranch.SanAntonio’swasbigandtheplacewascrowded
withpeople.Sheglancedatthepalmtreesoutsideandshookherhead.“Thatalwaysamazesme,”she
murmured.“Palmtrees.It’slikeFlorida,Iguess.I’veneverbeentoFlorida,though.”

Clarissejustnodded.Thegirlwasclueless.
Theygotaboardafteranhour ’swait.Itwasn’tcalledfirstclassanymore,itwasbusinessclass.The

compartmentheldonlyaboutfourpeople,menwithcellphonesandlaptops,connectedtotheinternet
andtotallyoblivioustotheirsurroundings.

Pegwasfascinatedwitheverything.Whentheflightattendantwentthroughherditchingroutine,

explainingthevestwithanaccompanyingvideo,Pegpaidraptattention.

“Thatwastotallycool,”shetoldClarisseexcitedly.
“Oh,yes,likeawaterproofvestisgoingtobealotofhelponland.”
Pegblinked.
“Theonlywaterweflyacrossisriversandlakes,”camethedrollreply.“Ifwegodown,believe

me,avestisthelastthingwe’llneed.”

“Oh.”Shetoyedwiththecontrolsonherseat.“Well,we’llflyovertheoceangoingtoSouth

America,”shesaidbrightly.“Ifwehadtoditchthere,they’dcomeinhandy.”

Theplane,ifitfell,wouldhittheoceanatseveralhundredmilesanhour,atwhichspeedthewater

wouldbelikeabrickwall,Clarissethought.Theplanewoulddisintegrate,alongwiththepassengers.
Eveniftheyweren’tinpieces,sharkswouldcertainlyfindthemfilling.Butshedidn’tsayanyofthat
toPeg.Shetookanotheroneofherpills,prescribedforextremeanxiety,andwenttosleepsoshe
wouldn’thavetothinkaboutthehorriblerevengeshewastakingonamanwhodidn’twanther.

***

GrangesatwithRourkeinthedarkness,hisconsciencebotheringhim.

“Ishouldn’thavebeensovicioustoClarisse,”hemuttered.“Thatwaswrong.Ijustlostmytemper.

She’sbeendoggingmeforyears.I’mtiredofit.Especiallynow.”

Rourkeplayedwithhiscoffeecup.“Youdon’tknowmuchabouther,doyou?”
Grange’seyebrowsarched.“Iknowthatforthepastcoupleofmonthsshe’sbeenanunbelievable

pest.”

Rourkestaredintohiscoffee.“Aboutsixyearsago,herfatherwonappointmenttothestaffofthe

U.S.StateDepartment.Fourmonthsago,theysenthimtotalktotheBarreragovernmentaboutanoil
contract.Tomaintainappearances,becausehewasalreadyfindingwaystokillnativeswhoopposed
oilexplorationintheirterritory,Saparasenthimouttooneofthenativevillagestodiscussatreaty.
Thisisalwaysdonewiththechiefofthetribeinvolvedorwithmanychiefsifterritoriesoverlapped.”
Rourkesippedcoffee.“NearManaus,thereareluxuriousriverboatsfortourists,butifyouwanttogo
seeagroupofnatives,farbackinthejunglehere,youtakeaguidewhoknowsthecountryandyou
travelinalocalboat.”Hesethislips.“Tomakealongstoryshort,theboatwasinneedofrepairand
goingoverarapid,itcapsized.Whereitcapsized,therewerepiranhas.”

Grangewasalmostfrozeninplace.Hewaitedfortherest.
Rourkemadeaface.“Herfatherhadcuthimselfshaving.Itwasn’tabadcut,butitwasenough.He

probablydrownedbeforethepiranhasgothim,buttheyprettymuchstrippedhimbelowthewaist.
He’dbroughtbothhisdaughterswithhim.Hethoughtitwouldbealark.Whentheyoungest,Matilda,
sawherfathergounder,sheswambackfromsafetytosavehim.Shedied,too.Clarissehadbeen
interviewingthenativechief.Shewatchedinhorrorfromthebank.Shelostherwholefamily.”He
shrugged.“Iheardfromamutualfriendthatshe’sbeenonanxietymedseversince.Sometimes,when
thememoriesgetbad,reallybad,shetakesmorethansheshouldandtheyaffectherjudgment.She
doescrazythings.”Hesighed.“Idon’tcareforher.Infact,Ifindherutterlyoffensive.Butafterthe
tragedy,hermindsnapped.Howdoyoufixthat,eh?”heasked,notingthepalenessofhis
companion’sface.“Howdoyoufixabrokenmind?”

“IfI’dknownthat,”Grangesaidquietly,“Iwouldn’thavebeensobrutal.Ishouldneverhavebeen

soblunt.”Heshrugged.“I’mmissingPeg,badly,andworriedabouttheassault.”HelookedRourkein
theeye.“Ifwehavetogoinwithallourartillery,lotsofpeoplearegoingtodie.Maybeevenhim.”
HenoddedtowardMachado,whowasbentover,discussingsomethingwithtwooftheircomrades.
“I’vegottenfondofhim.”

Rourkenodded.“Ya.Me,too.”HepattedGrangeontheback.“Don’tworrysomuch.Clarissewill

getoverit.She’sgottenoverworse.”Hewasrecallinganintimateincidentwithher,whenshewas
muchyounger,onethathadalienatedhimforever.Hewonderedifsheremembered.Hetriednotto.

“Itwouldbeniceifwecouldtakebackthingswesaidinanger.”
Rourkechuckled.“Andifdirthadnutrition,we’dneverstarve.Getsomerest.We’llhaveabigday

tomorrow,onewayortheother.”

“Abigday,”Grangeagreed.

6

Pegcouldn’tstopstaringasthecabtookthemintoManaus,enroutetothehotelClarissewasstaying
at.Shehadahugesuite,plentyofroomfortheotherwomantoshare,becauseitwouldtakeadayor
twotomakearrangementsforthetripintothejungle.Clarissewouldhavetohaveaguideshecould
trustcompletely,onewhocouldgetthemtotheirdestinationthroughbackways.

ThatmeanttrackingdownEnriqueBoas,whowasatourguidewithmuchexperienceofthe

jungles.ClarissewouldalsoneedahiredcarbetterthanthelumberingpieceofmetalthatEnrique
usuallydrove,preferablyaLandRover.

Therewasavillageaboutanhour ’sridefromtheplacewheretheAmericangroupwascamped,

alsoinsideBarreraneartheborderwithAmazonia,asmallnativevillagewithpeoplewhospoke
onlyPortuguese.Therewerenooutsidersthere.Enrique’smotherlivedinthevillage,soitwasthe
perfectplacetoleavetheyoungwomanbesideher.ThenshewouldgotoGrange’scampandtellhim
whatshe’ddone.

Shewonderedifhemightattackher.Shedidn’tcare.Herplanwaswellthought-outandflawless.

Shewasgoingtoditchherrivalinaplacefromwhichtherewasnoescape,andtellGrangeonlythat
she’dtakenthewomanintothejunglesandlefther.

Thepillsmadehermindfoggy.Thewomancoulddie.Touristsfrequentlydiedhere,fromlackof

knowledge.Insectbitescouldcausedisease.Snakescouldkill.Rivershadpiranhas…

Shefeltsick.Matilda,franticallyswimmingtotrytosavetheirfatherwhileClarissestood

helplesslybyintotalshockanddidnothing.Nothing!DearGod,shehadlovedtheirfatherandher
sister,whyhadn’tshedonesomething?Matilda,braveMatilda,haddied….

Sheshivered.Thememorywasstilltooclose,toonear,toohorrible.Fourmonths.Yesterday.Why

hadsheevercomebackdownhere?FollowingGrange.Andforwhat?Hedidn’twanther,he’dnever
wantedher!He’dgonetoalittledried-upTexastownandfoundthispetunia,thisviolet,this
unbelievablynaivechildofnineteen.Peg.Peg,whomshewasgoingtopunishforGrange’sbetrayal.
Sheblinked.WhywasitPeg’sfault?Shelookedattheyoungerwomanandwasagainhauntedbythe
memoryofherbelovedsister.Shetookadeepbreath,tryingtofocusthroughadruggedhazeasthe
carpulledupinfrontofthehotel.

“Thisisit,”shetoldPeg.Herfacefeltnumb.Howodd.Shehandedthedriverabill.Hegotout,

bowing,andwenttofetchtheirbagsfromthetrunk,tocarrytheminsideforthetwoAmerican
women.Itwasaverynicetiptheolderwomanhadgivenhim.

Clarissefalteredonthewaytothecurbandwouldhavefallenface-firstifPeghadn’tcaughther.
“Careful,”Pegsaid,concerned.“Youdon’twanttobreakalegoranything.”
Clarissebitherlip.Sheblinked.“Thanks,Matilda.”
Peglookedatherwithcleargreeneyes.“Who’sMatilda?”
Itcamerushingback.Thethrashinginthewater,thescreams,almostinhumanscreams,thehorror,

theblood…

Clarissecaughtherbreathandswallowedagain,hard.Shestoodverystill,herfacewhiteasasheet.

Thiswasn’tMatilda.ThiswasPeg.Trytoremember.No!Trynottoremember…!

“We’dbettergoin,”shetoldPeg.

“Here,leanonme,”Pegsaidgently.“You’renotwell.”
Clarissefeltapainlikeaknifethroughherchest.Shelookedattheyoungerwoman,hercleareyes,

herkindexpression,andalmosthatedher.Didshereallybelievethatabenevolentstrangerhadcome
halfwayacrosstheworldtodoheranexpensivekindness?Shewassotrusting.Matildahadbeen
trusting…

“I’mokay,”Clarissesaidheavily.“I’mokay.But…thanks.”
Pegjustsmiled.“I’lltakecareofyou.Don’tworry.”
Thepaingrewworse.Pegwasyearsyoungerthanhercompanion,butshehadcharacterandgrit.

Clarissefeltthecomparisonkeenly.

“Thefoodhereisverygood,”Clarissesaid.
“Great.I’mstarved.”
Clarisselookedatherwatch.“We’llhavetogetsomethingfromroomservicefornow.Theyeat

verylate,comparedtohotelsintheStates.Nothingwillbeopenbeforeseven,maybeeight.”

“Tonight?”Pegexclaimed.
“I’mafraidso.”
Shesighed.“AtleastIcangetasandwich,right?”
Clarisselaughed.“Cheeseandcrudités,perhaps.”
“What’sacrudi…crude…thatthing?”
“Rawveggieswithadip.”
“IthinkIhadthatonce.”
“You’llhavemanynewexperiencesinthiscountry.”Someofthemwouldbeunforgettableand

terrible.Clarisseturnedawaywithnewguilt.“Let’sgoupstairs.I’mverytired.Iimagineyouare,
too.”

“Notsomuch.WhenwillwegotoseeWinslow?”sheaddedhopefully.
“Itwilltakeadayortwotomakethearrangements,it’snotsoveryfarfromhere,but

transportationisapainintherainyseason.Wecan’tgobyboat,sowehavetousetheso-calledroads.
There’sapavedonethatrunsfromManaustothecapitalofAmazonia,butwehavetogonorth.The
roadsaredirtandsomeofthebridgesgetwashedaway.Usually,though,notthisearlyintheseason.”

Peg’sheartsank.“Oh.”
“Wedon’twantanyaccidents,”Clarisseadded.“Itwouldworryhim.Thisisacrucialtimeforthem

all.”

“Yes.Ofcourse.Iwasn’tthinking.Canwecallhim?”
“Thatwouldbeunwise.”
Pegbitherlip.“I’msorry.I’mjustnotthinkingclearly.IthinkIhavethatthing,what’sitcalled…

jetlag?”

“Ishouldhavegivenyoumelatonintocopewiththat,alongwiththequinine.”Clarissehadbeen

pumpingquinineintotheothergirlsincetheygotontheplaneatSanAntonio,tocopewith
mosquitoes.TherewerealmostnoneinManaus,butwheretheyweregoing,therewouldbeplenty.
Forsomeoddreason,she’dfeltprotectiveofthegirlfromthestart.

“Theimportantthingistogobythetimeitiswhenyouarrive,”Clarissecontinued.“We’llsleep

whenit’sbedtimeinthistimezone,andgetupwhenit’smorning.You’llgetusedtoit.”

“Youmusttravelalot,”Pegsaidastheypausedoutsidethedoortothesuite.
“Yes.Alot.”Tryingtorunawayfrommymemories,Clarissecouldhavesaid.Butshedidn’t.She

onlysmiled.“Andhereweare!”

Sheopenedthedoor.

Pegwalkedinsidegingerly.She’dneverbeenanyplacereallyfancyinherlife,excepttoabig

restaurantinSanAntoniothatGrangehadtakenherandherfatherto,justaftertheycametoworkfor
him.Butthatwasnothingcomparedtothis.

Everythingwasluxurious.Thefabricwasrich,thedoublebeds,bothofthem,hadsatincoversof

spotlesswhitewithgreentrim.Thecurtainsmatched.Therewasaphoneandacomputerandafax
machine.Therewasalittlerefrigeratorwithdrinksandsnacks.Thecarpetwasexquisite.The
paintingsonthewalllookedreal,liketheonesGrangehadattheranchbackhome.

Pegfeltatwingeofguilt.Shehadn’ttoldherfathermuch;justthataschoolfriendwastakingher

toAtlantaonarealairplaneforacoupleofdaystoshopandwaspayingfortheirhotel.Ifshe’dtold
himthetruth,he’dneverhavelethergowithoutanargument.

“Don’tyoulikeit?”Clarisseasked,notingthefrown.
“Theroomisbeautiful,”Pegtoldher.“I’veneverbeenanyplacesofancy.It’slikeadream.ButI

wasthinkingaboutDaddy.Iliedtohim.Ineverdidthatbefore.”

“He’llforgiveyou.JustrememberhowmuchGrangewantstoseeyou.”
Pegsighed.“I’lltry.”Shelookedaroundagain.“It’ssoexotic.Aretherereallyparrotsandiguanas

here,”sheasked,“likethosepicturesinthemagazineIreadontheplane?”

“AllsortsofwildlifeintheAmazon,”Clarissesaid,gettingdrowsy.“Mostofitislethalifyou

don’tknowwhereyou’regoing.”

“I’mgladIhaveyou.”Peggrinned.“It’snicetohaveatravelingcompanionwhoknowsthe

location.”

Clarissesighed.“Yes.”Shethrewherselfontothebedandclosedhereyes.“Justgoingtonap,fora

minute.”Sheopenedhereyes.“Don’tgooutoftheroom.Promiseme.”

Pegwasdisappointed,butshefelttheolderwomanwasprotectingher.“Okay,”shesaidreluctantly.
“Tomorrowwe’llgosightseeing,”Clarissemurmured.“I’llshowyouthezoo.”
“There’sazoo?”sheexclaimed.
ButClarissehadfallenasleep.

***

Pegwanderedaroundtheroomandendeduponthebalconyoverlookingthecity.Shewantedto
knoweverythingaboutthisplace.She’dneverdreamedshe’dactuallybeabletogotoaforeign
country.Butnowthatshewashere,shehadmisgivings.She’dliedtoherfather.She’dcomea
thousandmilesormorewithawomanaboutwhomsheknewabsolutelynothingexceptthatClarisse
hadclaimedthatGrangewantedtoseePeg,thathewasdesperatetoseeher.

Thathadbeenenoughtoconvincehertogo.Now,shewasworriedthatshe’dbeentooimpulsive

andputherselfatrisk.Shehadherpassport,butweren’tyousupposedtogetshotsandstuffbefore
youwentintoanothercountry?Clarissehadgivenherpillstopreventmalaria,butshehadn’thadany
immunizationsexceptforatetanusshottheyearbeforeinJacobsville.Shedidn’thaveanymoney,
exceptforacoupleofdollars.Shedidn’thaveanymedicine.Shehadn’tbroughtaphone.

Themoreshethoughtaboutit,themoreworriedshebecame.Addedtothat,shewasstarving.

Clarissehadsaidthey’dorderfood,butshe’dfallenasleep.

Outofcuriosity,Pegopenedtheroomservicebook.Itdidhavefoodlistedinseverallanguages,

noneofwhichsherecognizedexcepttheEnglishandSpanish.Shewasn’tfluentinSpanish,butshe
couldunderstanditandspeakalittle.Readingitwasmoredifficult,despiteyearsofstudyinhigh
school.Inthetwoyearssincegraduation,shehadn’tpaidmuchattentiontowrittenSpanish,otherthan

thesignsthatappearedlocallyinJacobsville.Now,shewishedshe’dstudiedmore.Manauswasin
Brazil,wherethelanguagewasPortuguese.Goodlucktryingtoreadthat,shethought,muchless
speakit.ShewonderedifClarisseunderstoodthenativetongue.

Hesitantlyshepickedupthephoneanddialedroomservice.
“Sí?”
Sheswallowed.“Doyouhavefish?”sheaskedhesitantly.
Therewasapauseandalow,delightedchuckle.“Yes,wehavefish,”cametheamusedandpleasant

reply.“English,yes?Ispeakit.Youwantfish—wehaveeveryvarietyyoucanthinkof!”

“Howwonderful!”Shehesitated.“Canyourecommendakind?I’veneverbeentoSouthAmerica

before.Iwanttotrynewthings.”

Helaughedjoyfully.“Iwillsendupaplatterofseveralvarietiesforyoutosample.Andhowwould

youlikeitcooked?”

“Fried?”sheasked.“Andpotatoes,alsofried,andwithketchup?”
Helaughed.“Comingrightup.Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?”
“Oh,yes,please,doyouhavehottea?”
“Jasmine,perhaps?”
“Yes!”
“Withsugar?”
“Please!I’msohungry!”SheglancedatClarisse.“Mytravelingcompanionwenttosleep…Iguess

I’dbetternotorderforheruntilshewakesup.”

Therewasapauseandacoolnessinthetonenow.“Thatwillprobablynotbeuntilmorning.The

señoritawillsleepagreatdealnow.”Therewasapause.“Youareherfriend?”

“Well,Idon’tknowher,really,”Pegfaltered.“Shecametogetmeandsaidthatmy,well,myboss

wantedmetoflyoverwithher.He’s…”Shehesitated;shecouldn’tgiveanythingawayaboutthe
militaryoperation.“He’sworkingoverhere.Research,”sheaddedquickly.

Therewasapause.“Ifyouneedanything,theconciergedownstairscandirectyou.Also,the

AmericanEmbassyhasaconsularofficehere.”

“You’reverykind,”Pegsaid.“Thankyou.”
“Itisnodifficultytobekind,señorita,”hesaidsoftly,inaverypleasantdeeptone.“Thefoodwill

bethereinlessthanahalfhour.”

“Thankyou.Gracias,”shefalteredagain.
Hechuckled.“Here,itisobrigado.Portuguese.”
“¡Obrigado!”sherepeated,laughingdelightedly.“MyfirstPortugueseword!”
“Youwilllearnothers,Iamcertain.Boatarde.”Helaughedagain.“Thatmeans‘goodafternoon.’

Aphraseforyoutoremember.”

“Boatarde,”shereplied.
“Boatarde.”Therewasanotherlaughinhistoneashehungup.

***

Whileshewaitedforthefood,shewenttothecomputer,presumablyClarisse’s,andturnediton.She
hopedtheotherwomanwouldn’tmind.Shestartedtogotothewebbrowserwhenshenotedanodd
file.Itseemedrelatedtothecountryaroundthemso,impulsively,shebroughtitupandopenedit.

Itwasamemo,datedfourmonthsago.Itdealtwithaforeignvisitor,afederalemployeeofthe

UnitedStatesEmbassy,withClarisse’slastname.Hehadfallenintotheriverwhileonthewayina

smallcanoetovisitalocalIndiantribe,negotiatinganoillease,whichwouldbebeneficialnotonly
toBrazil,butalsotocompaniesintheUnitedStates.Thestorysaidthatacutonhisfacehadbledinto
thewaterandattractedpiranha.Theywerenotalwaysdangerous,thereporterimparted,but
apparentlythesehadnotfedforsometime,sotheyattackedtheman.Ayounggirl,hisdaughter,had
jumpedin,attemptedtosavehimandtheyhadbothdied.Thechild’snamewas…Matilda.One
daughterhadbeenleftbehind,watchinghorrifiedfromtheshore.Thestoryimpliedthatshehad
sufferedanervouscollapseafterwardandbeentakentoalocalhospital,wheresheremained,
undergoingtherapy.

Appalled,Pegclosedthefileandshutdownthecomputer.ShestoodoverClarissewithanaching

heart.Thepoorwoman,tosufferthelossofherfamilyandtowatchithappen.Nowondershe’d
collapsed.PegwasshockedthatClarissecouldevenbringherselftocomehereatall,afterthe
tragedy.

Withhereyesclosed,andherfacerelaxed,thelinesofstrainandgriefwereevenmore

pronounced.Pegsighed.Poor,poorthing,tohavetodealwithsuchahorriblething.Itwasevenmore
amazingthatshecouldbesogeneroustoanotherperson,atotalstranger.Thetragedywouldhave
mademostpeoplewithdrawintothemselves.Pegthoughtshewouldhavereactedthatway.Butthen
youneverreallyknewhowanyonewouldbehaveinasituationuntiltheywerefacingit,shethought.

Shewenttothewindowandlookedout.Thisluxuryhotel,oneofthefinestinthecity,accordingto

thebrochureonthetable,waslocatedonawhitesandybeach.IthadsurprisedPegtofindamodern
metropolitancityratherthanafewshacksinthejunglewithjaguarsandsnakesprowlingoutsidethe
village.

Infact,Manauswascalledthe“ParisoftheTropics.”Itwasabeautifulcity,fulloflightandcolor,

withmodernbuildingsmixedwiththeoldercolonialarchitecture,witheverythingthatNewYorkora
Europeanmajorcitycouldofferinthewayofamenities.Peghadbeenfascinatedwhentheyflewinto
seeanoceanlinersittingattheharbor.Yes,Clarissehadtoldher,theAmazonRiverwasnavigableall
thewaytoManausbyoceanliners.Theycalledherefrequently.Therewasalsothenationalairline,
TAM,whichofferedinternationalflightstoandfromManausaswellasotherSouthAmerican
locations.

Fromthebalcony,Pegcouldseethewhitebeachandpalmtreesandtheshimmeringwater.It

lookedmorelikeanoceanthanariver,shethought,andwishedsomuchthatshecouldgooutthere
andseeitupclose.ShehopedthatinthetwodaysClarisseplannedtousemakingarrangementstoget
toGrange,shereallywouldtakePegsightseeing.Itmightbetheonlytimeinherlifeshe’dgettosee
aforeigncity.Notthatshewouldn’thaveforsakenallofthatjusttoseeWinslowagain.Herheart
racedatthethoughtofhisfacewhenhesawher.Shecouldn’twait!

***

Thewaiterbroughtahugetraywithfishandteaandanincredibledessertwithallsortsofdecoration.

“Raoulthoughtthatyoumightliketosampleoneofourspecialties,also,fordessert,”hetoldPeg,

smiling.“Itcontainsmanyofthelocalfruits,includingcoconuts.Ifyouneedanythingelse,youneed
onlyask.”

Shehesitated,lookingworried.“Idon’thaveatip,”shesaiduncomfortably.
Hesmiledkindly.“Señorita,itisnothing.Believeme.Thethoughtmeansmuch.”
“Milgracias,”shesaidinhergentleSpanish.
Hewasdelighted.“Denada,”hesaidtohersurprise.“Youwillfindthatifyoucanunderstand

Spanish,youcanunderstandmuchPortuguese.Itisamystery,yousee,butitistrue.Youwillsee.Bom
dia.”

Shegrinnedfromeartoear.“Bomdia.Andobrigado.”
Hebowed,stillsmiling,andleft.
PeggaveaguiltyglancetowardClarisse,whowassnoring.Well,theolderwomancouldorder

somethingwhenshewoke.Shehopedshehadenoughinhersmallsavingsaccounttopayforherpart
ofthislovelymeal.Shewasgoingtooffer,anyway.

Shesatdownatthewindow,sothatshecouldlookdownonthebeach,anddugintoherfood.

***

Shecouldn’teatitall.Thefishwasdelicatelybreadedandfried,delicious.Thepotatoeswere
seasonedperfectly.TherewasasmallfruitsaladandtheindescribabledessertthatmadePegcloseher
eyesinecstasy.She’dnevertastedfoodlikethat.ShewishedshespokeenoughPortuguesetobegfor
therecipes.Butsurelytheywereahotelspecialty,sotheywouldn’tsharethem,probably.Whata
shame.Herfatherwouldbeoverwhelmedifshepresentedhimwithsuchameal.

Shegrimaced.Shehopedshewouldn’thavetotellhimwhereshewas.Hewasgoingtobevery

angry.She’dneverliedtohimbefore.ButshewantedtoseeWinslow,sobadly.Itwouldbeallright.
Surelyitwould!

***

Bybedtime,Manaustime,Clarissestillwasn’tawake.Peglookedoutoverthecity,whichwasdressed
inamillioncolorfulsparklinglights.ItwasthemostbeautifulcityPeghadeverseen,anditwas
huge.Atnight,itwaspossibletoseehowfarthecityboundariesextended.Shehadn’tdreamedof
findingsomethinglikethisinthemysteriousanddangerousAmazon.Howincredible!

Sheopenedthehotelbookletandread,inEnglish,aboutthefoundingofthecityanditshistory.
Bythetimeshefinishedabsorbingitall,shewasdrowsy.Ithadbeenaverylongday,andClarisse

stillwasn’tawake.

Withasigh,shewenttotakeashowerandputonherlongcottongown.Halfanhourlater,shewas

soundasleep.

***

Shewoketothesoundofasuitcaseopening.Clarissewasreplacingcosmeticsandtoiletries.Shewas
wearingadifferentoutfit,stillkhaki,butthistimewithabluevestofmanypocketsandbluekidboots
tomatch.

SheglancedatPegrubbinghereyes.“Awakeatlast.”Shelaughed.“Didyousleepwell?”
“Very,thanks.Iorderedsupperlastnight.I’llpayyouback….”
Clarissewavedahand.“Mytreat.I’msorryIconkedoutonyou,butIwasreallyworntothebone.

I’vedonethisflighttwiceinthreedayswithoutabreak.Jetlagcatchesup.Areyouhungry?I’ve
orderedbreakfast.Thecoffeehereisincredible,doyoudrinkit?”

“Yes,Ilovecoffee.”
“Iwondered.Raoulsaidyouorderedtealastnight.”
“Ididn’tthinktheyhadcoffee.”
“Child!”Clarisseexclaimed.“ThisisSouthAmerica!Theypracticallyinventedithere!”

Peglaughed.“Sorry.Iwasreallytired.I’veneverbeenanywhere.Thisplaceisfantastic!”she

addedasshegotoutofbed.“ItlookslikepicturesofNewYorkCityatnight!Ineverdreameditwas
sobig.”

“It’sbig,allright.There’sanoperahousethatwasbuiltduringtherubberboom,nottomention

someofthemostmodernskyscrapersinthecountry,andplentyofcathedrals.”

“Willwehavetimetogoexplore?”
“Certainly.Firstyouhavetohavesomejabs.I’vehadadoctorfriendofminecomeovertodothe

honors.I’vealreadystartedyouonacourseofquinine,asapreventative.Malariaisrampantdown
here,althoughnotontheRioNegro,andwe’reintheverybeginningoftherainyseason.”

“Jabs?Shots?”
Clarissenodded.“Injections.HepatitisAandB,malaria,yellowfever—Winslowwouldnever

forgivemeifyouwentdownwithsomevicioustropicalfever,”sheadded,andwouldn’tlookatPeg.
Shehadn’tplannedonthissortofprotectionfortheyoungerwoman,butherconsciencewasalready
killingher.Shewasn’tgoingtoletthegirlgooutintothejunglewithoutvaccinations,atleast.

“Ihateshots.”
“You’dhatediseasesmore,”Clarisseassuredher.
Shesighed.“Iguessso.”
Therewasaknockatthedoor.“Breakfast,”Clarisseannounced,andforcedasmile.

***

Theyateataleisurelypace,andthenthedoctorarrived.Hebroughtalongprescriptionmedicinesthat
he’dhadfilledforthem,includingLevaquinfortraveler ’sdiarrheaincasePeg,unusedtothearea,
contractedit.

Pegthankedhimprofusely,becausetheshotshadn’thurt.
Hesmiled,bowedandwalkedoutwithClarisseintothehall.Shecamebackacoupleofminutes

later.“It’sallrighttoeatordrinkanythinghereinthehotel,”shetoldPeg,“butdon’teventhinkof
drinkingwateroreatingfoodfromanyofthevillagesoutsidethecity.AndforGod’ssake,pay
attentiontoinsectbites…they’redangerousifthey’renotdealtwithatonce.”

“Okay,”Pegsaid.
Clarisseturnedaway.“Weshouldgo.I’mgoingtotakeyouaroundtown.YouhavetoseeManaus.

It’sunbelievable.”

“Idon’tknowhowI’lleverbeabletopayyouback,”Pegsaidmiserably.
Clarisselookedatherwithshock.She’dtakenpeoplearoundtheworldwithherfromtimetotime,

andnobodyyethadofferedtopayforsomuchasanapkin!

“Paymeback?”sheasked,obviouslysurprised.
“It’ssokindofyou,todothisforme,”Pegreplied.“Idon’tliketotakethingsfrompeopleunlessI

canoffersomethingback.”

Clarisseswallowed.Shedidn’tknowquitewhattosay,andtheguiltwasgrowing.“IlikeGrange,”

shesaidafteraminute.Sheloweredhereyes.“Heaskedmetobringyou.”

Pegwantedtoaskherabouttherumors,thatsomesocietywomanwaschasingGrange.She

wonderedifClarisseknewthewoman.Itcouldn’tbeClarisseherself,shewassure.Thiswomanwas
kindandgenerous.Shewasn’tthesortofcoldheartedpersonthatPeghadheardabout.Butshewas
hesitanttobringupanunpleasantsubject,especiallynow.

“Thenthanksverymuch,”Pegsaid.“ButifIcandoanythingforyou,ever,I’lldoit.Whateverit

is.”

Clarissedidn’tlookather.“Weshouldgo.”

***

Theydidtheroundsofthecity.Theoperahousewasaholdoverfromcolonialtimes,withhuge
columnsandpinksurfaces.Inside,theyweregivenslipperstogoonovertheirshoes,becausethe
floorswereoldandveryslick.Pegwanderedthroughtheopulentbuildingwithpurewonderinher
eyes.She’dheardoperacomingoutofGrange’sroomfromtimetotime.Oncehe’dletherlistento
oneofhisDVDsbyacelebratedoperastarwhosenamewasPlácidoDomingo.Therewasa
particularsongthatshe’dloved,called,inEnglish,“NoOneSleeps,”orsomethinglikeit.

“Iheardanoperasongonce.ItwassetinChinaandtherewasthissongaboutnobodysleeping…”
“ThatwouldbeTurandot.Theariais‘NessunDorma,’”Clarissesaidinahauntedtone.“Yes.It’s

oneofthemostbeautifulI’veeverheard.”

“ThisguynamedPlácidoDomingosangit.Igotgoosebumps.”
Clarisseturnedtoher.“Haveyoueverbeentoanopera?”
Peglaughedsoftly.“I’veneverbeenanywhere,”sheconfessed.“Untilnow.”
“Youshouldgotoanopera.Atleasttoone.It’sanexperienceyou’dneverforget.”Likethisone,

shewasthinking,butshebithertongue.PoorPegwouldneverforgetwhatwasabouttohappen.
Clarissemovedalittleaside,tookoutanothercoupleofantianxietypillsandswallowedthemquickly
withthebottleofwatershecarried.Pills.Pillstowakeherup,toputhertosleep,toblockoutthe
memories,thehorriblememories…

“We’dbettergo,”shetoldPegafteraminute.“Wedon’thavealotoftime.”
“Oh.Sure!”
Clarissetookheroutoftownonabustourthatwenttoalocalzoo.Therewereallsortsofanimals

thatcouldbefoundintheAmazon,includingmonkeysandiguanasandtapirs.Therewerealso
piranhas,inahugeaquariumtheyvisited.

“Weshouldn’thavecomehere,”Pegsaidquickly,whenshesawClarisse’sexpressionasshe

lookedatthefishwiththeirhugejawsandsharpteeth.“Let’sleave.”

Clarisseseemedtoturninslowmotion.ShestaredatPeg.“What?”
“Youshouldn’thavetolookatthem….”Shebithertongue.
Clarisse’sblueeyesflashedfire.“You’vebeensnooping!”shesaidcoldly.“You’vebeenlookingat

mycomputer,haven’tyou?”shedemanded,whilePegwentwhiteasasheet.

7

Pegdidn’tknowwhattosay.Theotherwomanlookedwild,outofcontrol,asifshewereondrugs.
Pegknewwhatthatwas,becauseoneoftheranchhandsatthePendletonranchhadbrieflyhadafling
withillegalsubstances.IthadbeenEdLarsonwho’dconfrontedtheboy,who’dmadesome
uncomfortableadvancestowardhisdaughter.Theboy,fortunately,hadgottentreatment,compliments
ofJasonPendleton,andwasnowbackonthejobandbehavinghimself.ButPeghadneverforgotten
thelookonhisface,inhiseyes,orthewayheacted.

“Yes,”Pegsaidheavily.“IwaslookingforinformationaboutManausandtherewasafilewitha

newspaperclipping.Ithoughtitwasaboutatouristattraction.I’msosorry.Soverysorry.Yoursister
andyourfather…howhorrible!”

Clarissefeltasifshe’dsustainedabodyblow.She’dhadnocomfort.Rourkehadbeenatthevery

secretivefuneral,butshehadn’tdaredaskhimforcomfort.He’dofferedtodoanythingsheneeded.
She’drefusedveryformallyandmovedquicklyaway.

She’dneverwantedclosefriends.Hertimeatanexclusivegirls’schoolinSwitzerlandhadlefther

isolatedanduncomfortable,becausehermotherhadbeendeeplyreligiousandhadtaughtClarisseto
respectherselfandherbody,nottoplaysexualgameswithherfriendsandgetdrunkandusedrugs.
Thosethingswerewrong.Animalsmatedwithoutdiscrimination.Peopleheldoutforlove.

Notthatshehadn’tbeentempted.Therewasaprofessor.She’dhadaviolentcrushonhim.Buthe

likedothermen.Clarissehadn’tknownwhytheothergirlsweregigglingatherblushingconfusion
whenhewasnearher.Ithadunsettledhersenseofwhoshewas.Shehadn’tgonenearanotherman,
exceptforsomeheavysocialflirtingtomakeherfriendsthinkshewasnormal.AndGrangethought
shewasapartygirl.Ithadbeenlaughable.

Yes,she’dgoneoffthedeependwhenhewouldn’trespondtoher.Grangehadn’tcaredabouther

wealth.Hedidn’twanther.

Andherewasthereason,righthere.Thissweet,innocent,empatheticchildwhowaslookingather

withanexpressionofsuchcompassionthatClarisseactuallybrokedown,forthefirsttimesincethe
accident.

“Oh,no,it’sallright,”Pegwhispered,gatheringtheolderwomanupclose.“It’sallright.Youhave

toletthegriefout,oritwillfester,likeaninfectedwound.”Shehuggedher,rockedher.“It’sallright.
It’sallright.”

Clarissesobbedlikeachild.Tofindcomfortinsuchanunexpectedplace,inanenemy,awoman

whowasarival,whomshemeanttoharm.Itwasunbearable.

Shesuccumbed,butonlyforaninstant.Shejerkedbackanddugintoherfannypackforoneofthe

Belgianlacehankiesshecarried.Shewipedhereyesandhernose.Shefeltsick.

“Youhaven’teventalkedaboutit,haveyou?”Pegaskedquietly.
“WhowouldIhavetalkedto?”Clarisseaskedbluntly.“Mymotherdiedyearsago.Myfatherand

mysister…”Sheswallowed.“TheywereallIhad.Ihavenootherfamily,andtheonlyfriendsIhave
needencouragement,likeexpensiveeveningsonthetownorprivateflightstoresortsorholidaysat
five-starhotelsabroad…”

“Thosearen’tfriends,”Pegreplied.

Clarissedrewinalongbreath.“I’veneverhadafriend.”
Peggrimaced.“I’veneverhadareallyclosefriend.Ihavefriends,”sheadded.“Butit’snotquite

thesame.”

“No.It’snot.”
“Youokay?”Pegaskedgently.
Clarissetookanotherbreath.“Yes.”Sheputawaythehandkerchief.SheglancedatPegandthen

avertedhergaze.“Thanks,”shesaidawkwardly.

Pegsmiled.“Weallneedahugsometimes.”
Clarisselaughedunsteadily.“Sotheysay.”
PegwantedtomentionthepillbottleandthefrequencywithwhichClarissedugintoit.Butshe

didn’t.Theybarelykneweachother.Butinafewdays,whentheygottoGrange’scamp,shewas
goingto.Shelikedtheolderwoman.Shedidn’twanthertoenduplikethatboyonthePendleton
ranch.

“We’dbettergobacktothehotel.Istillhavearrangementstomake,andyourarmmaybesore

fromthoseimmunizations,”sheadded,notingtheswellingwherePeg’stanktopleftherarmsbare.

“Ifeelalittlesick,”Pegconfessed.“Thanks.”
“Youcanliedownforawhile.I’llgettheballrolling.”
Pegstoppedastheylefttheaquarium.“Iwasn’tsnooping.Honest.Iwasreallyonlylookingfor

stuffonManaus.Iwantedtoknowwheretoaskyoutotakeme.”

“It’sallright,”Clarissesaid.Butshedidn’tsayanythingelse.

***

Pegwasverysick.Theimmunizationscombinedtogiveherafever.Clarissesatupwithher,
confoundedbyherownconcernforherrival.Shewetwashclothsandbathedtheotherwoman’s
brow.Intheend,shephonedadoctorsheknewandaskedhimtocomeover.

“It’sonlyareaction,”Dr.CarvajalassuredClarisseashestartedtoleave.Hiseyesnarrowed.“You

taketoomanyofthosepills,myfriend,”headded,concerned.

Sheavertedhereyes.“OnlywhenIneedthem.Really.”
“Youcantaketoomany.Theycompromiseyourjudgment.”
“Dothey?”
Hesighed.“Whyisshehere?”heaskedabruptly.“Thelittleone.Whydidyoubringherto

Manaus?”

“Toseeherfriend,”shereplied,loweringhereyes.“Amansheknows,whoworksoverhere.”
Hewasn’tblinking.“Andyoudothisforcharity,yes?Thechildhasobviouslyneverbeenoutof

herowncountry.”

Sheglaredathim.“Thisismybusiness.”
“Yes,”hesaidafteraminute.“Itis.Butyouhavenotbeenbackheresincethetragedy,andIthink

thepastishauntingyou.Likethepills,thememoriesaremakingyoureckless.”Helaidahandonher
arm.“Youmustpromisemenottodoanythingdangerous,especiallywiththechildinyourcare.
Anothertragedywouldfinishyou,mygirl.”

Shewentpale.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Imeanyourholdonrealityisfragile,likeyouremotionalstate.Youarenotstrong.Notanymore.

Youmustnottakechances.Amazonasisadangerousplace,fullofperil,andthatchildintherehasno
knowledgeofthosedangers.Youwillnotriskherlife,willyou?”

Clarissewaswonderingifhewasright,ifherjudgmentwasreallycompromised.Shedidn’tseem

tobeactingincharacteratalllately.Thistripwasinsane.WhatsheplannedtodowithPegwaseven
moreinsane.Butithadseemedquiterationalbefore…

“I’mgivingheratreat.Iwon’thurther,”Clarissepromisedhim.
“Youarenotacruelperson,”hereplied.Hesmiled.“Irememberyourmother.Suchasweetand

kindlady.Shewasalwaysthefirsttogowhenanyonewassick…ShelivedfortheHolyChurch,for
theHolyVirgin.Shewasagreatlady.”

Clarisse’seyesclosed.“Myworlddiedwithher.DadandMatildaneverunderstood.”
“YourfathercarriedyourfamilyaroundAfricaandSouthAmerica,wherevertheAmerican

Embassysenthim,sothatyouhadlittletimetoformfriendships.Youhadonlyyourmotherasan
anchor.YourfatherwasforeverawayonembassybusinessandMatildawasachild.Youandyour
mother,youwereliketwins.Iknowyoumissher.”

Shedrewinalongbreath.“Thankyouforcomingover.”
“Thelittleonewillbeallright.”Hesmiled.“Youmakeagoodnurse.”
Clarisselaughedhollowly.“No.Notagoodone.”
“Shewillbebetterinthemorning.Youwillsee.”
“Thanks.”
“Stayoutofthejungle,”headmonished.
Shecrossedherheartplayfully.
Hemadeafaceandleft.
Clarissewentbacktothebed,hereyesontheflushedfaceofthesleepinggirl,hertousledblond

hairspreadoverthepillow.ShedampenedtheclothagainandlaiditoverPeg’sforehead.Thisplan
waslookingstupiderbytheday.

Shewonderedifperhapsthedoctorwasright.Theantianxietymedsdidseemtobecompromising

herjudgment.Shewasuncertainofherabilitytodowithoutthem.Whichwaswhyshetookthebottle
intothebathroom,savedenoughtoensurethatshecouldweanherselfoffthepillsslowly,then
emptiedtheremainderintothetoilet,andflushedit.

“Nowweseeifhewasright,”shemurmuredtoherself.Shegrimaced.Howwouldshelivewithout

pills?

Sheswallowedherfear.She’dlivedwithoutthembeforethetragedy.Ifherjudgmentwasreally

beingcompromised,andshethoughtperhapsitwas,shecouldprovethetheorythisway.Andifshe
hadameltdownforlackofthem,well,shecouldalwayshavethemrefilled.Itwouldmeanacall
overseasforthepharmacytodoso,butshewasrich,wasn’tshe?

Shewentbackintothebedroom.Peghadjustopenedhereyes.
“Ifeelterrible,”shemurmuredweakly.
“Yes.Areactiontotheinjections.I’msosorry.”
“Notyourfault,”Pegmurmuredandforcedasmile.Shefrownedasshefelttheclothonherhead

andknewthatClarissehadbeendoingittotakedownthefever.“Dowehaveaspirin?”shewondered
aloud.

“Aspirin?Ofcourse!”Clarissecouldhavethumpedherselffornotthinkingofit.Shewenttoher

luggageanddrewoutabottle.Shegotbottledwaterfromthesmallfridge,makingamentalnoteto
askhousekeepingformorewater.Theyweregoingthroughitquickly.

“Youaren’tallergictoaspirin?”sheaskedbeforesheopenedthebottle.
“No,”Pegsaid.
SheshookouttwotabletsintoPeg’shandandstoodoverherwhilesheswallowedthem.

“Ihadthedoctorcomeandcheckyouafewhoursago,”shesaidsurprisingly.“Hesaidthatitwas

justreaction,nothingdangerous,andyou’dbebetterinadayortwo.Buttheaspirinwillhelpbring
downthefever.I’msorryIdidn’tthinkofitsooner.”

Pegwasstaringathercuriously.“You’vebeenupwithmeallnight.”
Clarisselookedembarrassed.“Iwasafraidtogotosleep,”sheconfessed.“Youlookedveryill.”
“Andyoucalledadoctor?”
“He’safriend.Averygoodone.”
Pegwasstilllookingather.“Thankyou,”shesaidhesitantly.“Exceptformydad,nobodyever

stayedupallnightwithmewhenIwassick.Mymotherdid,butshediedyearsago.”

“Sodidmine.”Clarissesatdownonthebed.“Shewasbornhere,”shesaidsurprisingly.“Her

motherwasGerman,herfatherwasfromMadrid.Sheworkedtirelesslyoncommitteestohelpthe
church.”

“TheCatholicchurch?”Pegasked.
Clarissenodded.“Shewasasaint.”Sheloweredhereyes.“Notlikemeatall.I’mnotagood

person.”

Peglaidahandonherarm.“Yes,youare,”shesaidfirmly.“Yousatupwithmeallnightandgota

doctorforme.Wouldabadpersondothat?”

Theguiltwasevenworse.Clarissewantedtoconfess,buttheyoungerwoman’sadmirationwas

newandsweet,anditmadeherhappyforthefirsttimeinmonths.ShesqueezedPeg’shand.“Yourest.
I’mgoingtoorderbreakfast.Thinkyoucouldeatsomeeggs?”

Pegsighed.“I’lltry,butsomethinglight,please.Mystomach’supset,too.”
Shesmiled.“I’llseewhattheysuggest.”

***

TheyhadalightbreakfastandPegwentbacktosleep.Bythenextday,shewasupanddressedand
feelingmuchbetter.Theswellingonherarmhadgonedown,too.

Clarissehadbeenedgyforthefirstfewhoursaftersheflushedherpills.Shetookjustthe

prescribedamount,avoidedcaffeineanddrankwaterandjuice.Herdoctorhadtoldherhowtowean
herselfoffthem,andsherememberedtheinstructionsandfollowedthem.Bythenextday,she,too,
wasfeelingbetter.

ShedressedandhadagoodbreakfastwithPegintherestaurantdownstairs.Outside,theycouldsee

colorfulbirdsandhearthesoundofthejunglesoclose,neartheriver.

“Thefloodscomesoon,”Clarissesaid.“Sometimesthehotelfloods,butit’sinabeautifulplace.I

usedtolovetocomehere,whenIwasachild.WelivedinWashington,D.C.,mostofthetime,with
myfather ’speople.ButMommamissedherhome,sowe’dcomeheretovisit.”

“Doyouhavefriendsorfamilyhere?”Pegasked.
“Notanymore,”shereplied.“Ihadanaunt,mymother ’ssister.Shediedaboutthesametimemy

motherdid.”

“It’ssad,nottohavefamily.AllI’vegotisDad.”
“Noauntsoruncles?”Clarisseaskedcuriously.
Pegshookherhead.“Bothmyparentswereonly-children.”
Clarissegrimaced.Shesippedcoffee.Itwasonlytheonecup,whichshehopedwouldlasttheday.

Caffeinewouldmakehernervousnessworse.

Pegwaswatchingher.“Ihaven’tseenyoutakeanyofthoseantianxietypills,”shecommented

gently.

Clarisselaughed.“I’mweaningmyselfoffthem,andflushedthemajoritydownthetoilet,”she

murmured.“ThedoctorthoughtIwastakingtoomanyofthem.Ididn’tthinkso.Butitseemshewas
right.Mymindisclear,forthefirsttimesinceDadandMatilda…sincetheaccident.”

Pegsmiled.“I’msuretheanxietymedsservedausefulpurpose,atthetime.”
“Theydid.”Clarissefinishedhercoffeewithasigh.“Butlifehastobefacedsquarely,andwith

cleareyes,asmymotherusedtosay.”

“Goodadvice.”
Clarisseshrugged.Shesmiled.“So,whatdoyousaywegetmydriverandgoouttothenative

villagenearGrange’scamp?IphonedEnriqueearlier.He’sjustbackfromSãoPaulo,sohe’sfreeto
chauffeurusoutofthecity.I’llleaveyouatthevillageandgoandgetGrange.Ihavetohavethe
drivertofindhiscamp—it’snotinanobviousplace.”

“Today?”
Clarisselaughedagain.“Today.”
“Couldn’tIgowithyoutohiscamp?”
Clarissesatbackinthechairandlookedthoughtful.“Peg,dear,Ihaven’tbeenhonestwithyou.I

wanttobe,butyou’regoingtohatemewhenyouknowwhatIdid.”

Pegsearchedthewoman’sdrawnfacewithsoftgreeneyes.“You’remyfriendnow,”shesaid

quietly.“Iwon’thateyou,nomatterwhatyou’vedone.”

Clarissefoughttearsandlost.ShepulledouttheBelgianlacehankyandwipedhereyes.“It’spretty

bad.”

“Tellme.You’llfeelbetter.”
Clarissetookadeepbreath.ItwasreallygoingtohurtifPegstartedtohateher.“Ihadacrushon

Grange,”shesaid.“Idon’tevenknowwhy.He’snotatallmytypeofman.ButIfixatedonhimafter
wemetinWashington,D.C.,afterthe…tragedy.Iwastakingalotofpillsandthefactthathedidn’t
wantmewasalure.Idevelopedanobsessiontomakehimwantme.”Shehesitated.Pegdidn’tlook
angryyet.“GrangethinksI’maplaygirl…thatIgoaroundseducingmen.Mymotherwasdeeply
religiousandshetaughtmetorespectmyselfandmybody.I’venevereven…”Sheclearedherthroat.
“Well,youknow.”

“ActuallyIdoknow,”Pegconfessedwithashylaugh.“Igotteasedaboutitatschool,butIjusttold

theothergirlsthatI’dgrowoldwithouthavingtoworryaboutSTDsorsomeoftheotherlife-
threateningillnesses,andthatI’dhavesomeself-respect.It’samazinghowmanyofthemgaveinto
boysjustbecauseitwasexpected.”Shemadeahuffysound.“Ilivebymyownrules,notanybody
else’s.”

“Goodgirl,”Clarissesaidwithaffection.Shesighed.“Buttocontinue,IwenttoGeneral

Machado’scampandtoldhimIwantedtotravelwiththetroopsanddoastoryaboutthem.Ireallyam
aphotojournalist,”sheaddedquietly.“Ievenhavecredentials.ButGrangeknewIwasalsofeeding
myobsessionforhim,andheorderedmeoutofthecamp.Hecalledmeapartygirl,aprostitute.He
diditinfrontofamanI’veknownallmylife,amanI…respect.”Shewinced,recallingtheway
RourkehadlookedatherwhenGrangecalledherthenextbestthingtoaprostitute.“Iwashalfoutof
mymindonthosestupidpillsandIwantedtogetevenwithGrange.”ShelookedatPegwithwild,
woundedeyes.“Ibroughtyouoverheretoputyouinharm’sway.I’msoashamed,Peg.You’vebeen
kindertomethananyoneeverwas,outsidemyownfamily.I’msoashamed!”

Pegunexpectedlygotup,wentaroundthetableandhuggedtheotherwoman.“Youstoprightthere.

Peopledostupidthings,andtheymakemistakes.That’swhytheyputerasersonpencils,isn’tit,

becausenobody’sperfect?”

Clarissehuggedherclose.“I’veneverknownanybodylikeyou.”
Pegsmiled.“Luckyyou.”
“No,Imeanit!”Shepulledback,red-eyedandteary.“I’llmakethisuptoyouifit’sthelastthingI

everdo,”shesaidfirmly.“Nomatterwhat.I’mgoingtotakeyoutothevillage.They’regoodpeople,
you’llbesafethere.It’swhereEnrique’smotherlives,justinsideBarrera,inanativesettlement.It
wouldn’tbepossibleforGrangetobeseeninManaus,Saparahasagentshere.It’sbesttodoitoutof
thesightofanypossiblespies,andthevillageisverysecure.EnriquewillguidemebacktoGrange’s
camp—I’dneverfinditonmyownandI’dbescaredtotry,withtherainyseasonstarting.SoI’llgo
toGrangeandtellhimwhatI’vedoneandhopehe’llforgiveme,too.ThenI’llbringhimtoyou.
Whenhegoesbacktohiscamp,I’llgetyoubacktoTexas,safeandsound.”

PegbrushedbackthedisheveledblondhairthathadfallenintoClarisse’seyes.“He’sagood

person,”shesaidsoftly.“He’llunderstand.”

“Youthinkso?”Shewipedhereyes.“Hemighthavemeshot,soifIdon’tcomeback,you’llknow

whathappened.Whichremindsme…”

Shereachedintoherpurseandpulledoutawadoflargebills.Glancingaroundtomakesure

nobodywaswatching,shestuffedthemintothepocketofPeg’sjeans.“That’safail-safe,”shesaid
underherbreath.“You’vealreadygotaround-tripreturnticket,butthecashwillensurethatyoucan
getbacktoManausifsomethinggoeswrong.Youtaketheticketandthemoneywithyou,inyour
fannypack,alongwithyourIDandachangeofclothing.”

Pegfeltchillsrunoverher.“Whatcouldgowrong?”
Clarissefrowned.“Idon’tknow.Igetthese…feelingssometimes.It’sprobablynothing,butjustin

case,youhaveenoughcashtotakecareofyou.”Shegotupandpickedupthebill.“Peg,I’mreally,
reallysorryIgotyouintothis,”shesaid.“Partofitwasego,butalargepartwasthepills.Ididn’t
realizewhattheyweredoingtome.”

“Wehadaguyontheranchwhogothookedonprescriptionmeds,”Pegrepliedsurprisingly.“He

endedupinrehab.Iwasactuallytryingtogetupenoughnervetotalktoyouaboutthosepillsyou
weretakingsomanyof,”sheaddedafteraminute.

“Yousweetie,”Clarissesaid,andmeantit.“You’resomuchlikemysister.”Shebitherlipand

turnedaway.“We’dbettergetcracking.”

“Yes.”Pegfollowedbehindher.Shehadmorerespectthaneverforthetorturedwoman.

***

Theypackedeverything,butleftthesuitcasesatthehotel.Theyonlytookwhatwouldbeneededfor
oneortwodays’travel.

“ThisdriverknowsAmazonialikethebackofhishand,”Clarissetoldheronthewayoutofthe

hotel.“Hebelongstooneofthelocaltribes.”

“DotheyspeakEnglish?”Pegworried.
“No,buttheyunderstandSpanishandPortuguese.”Shesmiled.“YourSpanishwillworkverywell,

evenifyouonlyusetheverbsanddon’tconjugatethem.”

“Theyspeakthreelanguages?”Pegwasimpressed.“Wegettheseideasaboutpeopleinprimitive

places,”shetriedtoexplain.

Clarisselaughed.“Yes,wedo.Andthenstrangewomentakeustoforeignplaceswherewe’re

forcedtolearnthingsagainstourwill,”shesaidwickedly.

Itwasthefirsttimeshe’djokedwithPeg,wholaughed.“Well,I’mnotcomplaining.I’llgettosee

Grangeandthatwillbewortheverything.”

“He’llkillme,”Clarissesaidcheerfully.“I’vealwayswantedtoknowwhatitwasliketostandup

againstawallwithablindfoldandacigarette.”

“Youdon’tsmoke,”Pegpointedout.
“Don’tmessupmyimaginationwithalotofirrelevantfacts,ifyouplease.”
Shelaughed.

***

Thedriver ’snamewasEnriqueBoasandhewastallandgood-looking,withwavyblackhairand
largedarkeyes.Hehadawonderfulsmile.

“Iamhonoredtoescorttwosuchlovelywomen,”hesaid,bowing.
Pegwasentranced.“Thankyou!”
Hetookherhandandkissedit.“Suchadelightfulsmile,”hesaid.“Youhaveeyeslikethejungle

itself,ofthepurestgreen.”

“Stopthat,she’sspokenfor,”Clarissesaidwithunexpectedprotectiveness.
“Spokenfor?”
“Shehasanovio,”Clarisseexplained.“We’regoingouttohiscamptobringhimtoher.”
“Ah.Suchaluckyhombre,”heexclaimed,witheyesthatadoredablushingPeg.“Thenweshould

leavequickly,yes?”

“Yes,”Clarissesaid.“WeneedtoleavePegatyourmother ’svillage,whereshe’llbesafe.”
“Neartheruins.”Enriquenodded,openingthedoorsforthewomen.“AnAmericanarchaeologist

saidtheywouldupendoldtheoriesaboutSouthAmericancivilization.Shetoldusthattheruins
predatedtheEgyptianpyramids,canyouimagine?”

“Ruins?”Pegasked.“Wow!I’dlovetoseethem.”
“Firstthingsfirst,”ClarissesaidassheclimbedinnexttoEnriqueandlethimcloseherdoor.She

chuckledasshelookedovertheseatatPeg.“FirstGrangeshootsme,thenyouseehim,thenwecan
climbtheruins.”

“Hecan’tshootyou.TellhimIsaidso,”Pegtoldherfirmly.
“Iwill.Ijusthopeitworks!”
Peggrinned.EnriqueclimbedintotheLandRover,startedit,andtheywereoff.

***

Thevillagewasverysmall.Therewerebread-loaf-shapedhouseswiththatchedroofsinanoval
patternaroundahugeclearedarea.Thepeopleweresmallanddark,withblackhair.Bothsexeswore
dressesthatresembledRomantogas.TheycameoutshylyasEnriquestoppedattheentrancetothe
clearingandcalledouttotheminhisownlanguage.

Anelderlywomanapproachedthetwowomenalone,slowlyandwithsuspicion.
Enriquesaidsomethingtoher.Sherepliedinaquestioningtone.Hesmiledandgesturedatthetwo

womenandsaidsomethingelse.

“Ah,”theelderlywomansaid,nodding.
SheapproachedPegandstudiedher,fascinatedwithherblondhairandhergreeneyes.Sheasked

Enriquesomething.

Heburstoutlaughing.“Shewantstoknowwhattribeyoucomefrom,thathasgreeneyes,”hesaid.

Shegrinned.“Tellherit’satribecalledTexas.”
Helaughedheartilyandrepeatedthewordstothewoman.
Shegrinned.
“Thisismymother,Maria,”hetoldthetwowomen.“That’snotherbirthname,butwehavea

priestwhocomesfrequentlytothevillage,andshehasanamethatwasgiventoherbyhimwhenshe
wasmuchyounger.”

“Maria,”Pegsaid.Shestudiedtheelderlywoman.“Megustaseraqui,”shesaidinSpanish.“I’m

happytobehere.”

“¿Sehablaespanol?”theoldwomandeclared,andsuddenlyembracedher.“Bienvenidos.”
“Gracias.”
“Well,Icanseethatyou’llbeingoodhands,”Clarissesaidwithasmile.“Givemeahug,too,and

thenEnriqueandIwillbeoff.Iwanttogetthisoverwith,”sheadded,grimacing.“Thesoonerthe
better.”

Peghuggedherback.“Itwillbeallright.Howlongdoyouthinkitwilltake?”
ClarisseturnedtoEnriqueandraisedhereyebrows.
“Acoupleofhourstodrivethere,iftheyhaven’tmovedthecamp,andifthetributarieshaven’t

risenenoughtodestroythebridges,”hereplied.“Ifthey’vemovedcamp,Iwillhavetotrackthem.
It’seasytoloseevenalargeforceofmeninthejungleifyoudon’tknowwheretolook.Afterwe
findthem,itwilltakeacoupleofhourstogetback.Weshouldbeherebydark.”

Pegnodded.Shelookedfromonetotheother.“Becarefuloutthere,okay?Iknowyou’re

experienced,”shetoldEnrique,“butI’veonlyjustlearnedhowdangerousthisplaceis.Besafe.Both
ofyou.”

Theysmiled.“We’reoldhandsatthis,”Clarisseassuredher.“Ispentalotoftimedoingfeature

materialonthejungleforEuropeanmagazines.AndEnriquehere—”shesmiledathim“—wasmy
guideeachtime.IdaresayIknowalmostasmuchashedoes.”

“Exceptforthetrackingpart.”Enriquechuckled.
Clarissewavedahand.“Hardlynecessary.Iwon’thavetofindmywaythroughthejungle.That’s

whyIhaveyoualong.”

Hegrinned,huggedhismother,spoketoherforaminuteandthenstartedtowardtheLandRover.
ClarissehuggedPegagain.“Youbecareful.Don’t,forGod’ssake,gooutofthevillageforany

reason.Thereareallsortsofdangerousthings—insects,snakes,evenjaguars.Promiseme.”

“Ipromise.”
“Wearraingear.”Shelookedupandgrimaced.Shepulledherslickeroverherheadasan

unexpecteddownpourlandedonthem.Pegdidthesame.“Andusethatmoneyifyouhaveto,”
Clarissesaidgrimly.

“Youandyour‘feelings,’”Pegscoffed.“Everything’sgoingtobefine.”
Clarissenodded.Butshedidn’tsmile.ShetookonelastlookatPegandturnedaroundtofollow

Enrique.Shedidn’tlookback.

***

PegsmiledatEnrique’smother,Maria.

“¿Puedemuestramesuciudad,porfavor?”
“¿Comono?”theoldwomanreplied.“¡Venga!”
Mariatookherfromonethatch-coveredloaf-shapeddwellingtoanother,introducinghertothe

peopleinside.Pegnotedthathammockswereslungeverywhereforpeopletosleepon.Therewere
manychildren,allofwhomseemedfascinatedwiththeAmericanwomanwiththelongblondhair
andgreeneyes.TheyfollowedherwhenMariawentfromhousetohouse.

Mariaexplainedthenativefoodstoher.Pegworriedabouteatinganythingoutsidethecity,or

drinkingthewater,butshewasn’tabouttooffendthesekindpeoplewhowelcomedherasamember
ofthefamily.Sheaskedaboutthereasonsomeofthehousesbeyondthevillage,closertotheriver,
werebuiltonstilts,andtheyexplainedthattheriverscouldrisemanyfeetandflood,especiallyin
JanuarythroughJune,thedreadedrainyseason.Theseloaf-shapedhomescouldbeeasilyandquickly
replacedafteraflood.Theyhadbeenbuiltexactlyinthisfashionsincetheearliestdaysofthetribe’s
existence.

Shesatdownwiththeminthecenterofonelargedwellingwhereahugecookingfirewasgoing

strong.Twowomensmiledatherfromnearby.Theywereroastingsomesortofmeat.Therewasa
potofsomethingthatlookedcuriouslyliketapioca.Nearthecentralsupportingpolethatheldupthe
roof,awomanworkedtirelesslyataloomwithababyonablanketnearby.

Shewasofferedagourdofliquid,whichshethoughtwaswateruntilshetookasip.Shegaspedand

grabbedherthroat.Itwasalcoholic.Veryalcoholic.Thewomenburstoutlaughing.

“Don’tbeoffended,”MariasaidinSpanish,butshelaughed,too.“Weofferyouhospitality.”
“I’mnotoffended,notatall,”Pegassuredher.Shelaughed.“Ineverdrankalcoholinmylife.”
“No?Hereinthejunglemanypeopledo.Thisismadefromtheleafofacocaplant,onevariety

whichisnotusedtomaketheevilnarcoticthatthemilitiasselltomakealotofmoney,”Mariasaid.
“Thereareotherbeveragesmadefromfruit.Alcoholisacurseamongmanyofournativetribes,
becauseitstealsthebrainandmakespeopleverylazy.”

“It’sthesameinmycountry,”Pegtoldher.“Inmostcountries,Ithink.”
Marianodded.“Here.Youmusttrythis.”Shepulledmeatfromthespitandoffereditonawoven

dish.

GingerlyPegtookapieceofitandchewed.Sheblinked.“Ittastesjustlikechicken.”
Mariaandtheotherwomenalmostrolledonthegroundwithdelight.
“Why,that’sbecauseitischicken!”Mariarepliedfinally.“Didyounotseethehensandroosters

runningaroundinourvillage?”shelaughed,butnotinademeaningway.Shewasamused.

Pegflushed,butshelaughed,too,anddugintothedelicatelysaltedmeat.Shelearnedlaterthatthe

nativesdidn’tusesalt,buttheyknewthatEuropeansdidandtheythoughtPegwouldlikeit.Shewas
destinedtolearnalotaboutthetribe.Quitealot,andverysoon.

8

ClarisseworriedaboutwhetherornottheycouldfindGrangeandGeneralMachado,eventhough
Enriquewasprettysureheknewwherethecampwas.Therainyseasonwasjustbeginning,butthe
watersofthetributarieswerealreadystartingtorise.

ThepartofBarrerawhereGrangewascampedwasontheothersideofadifficultcrossingover

oneofthetributariesofthemightyAmazon.ClarisseheldonfordearlifeasEnriquerolledthetough
LandRoveroverabridgethatmovedalarminglyastheytraversedit,andalongroadsthatseemedto
havebeenmeantforpeopleonfoot,notinvehicles.

“Thismachinelivesuptoitsgoodreputation,”Enriquecalledouttoher.
“Yes,itdoes,”Clarisseagreed.Sheranahandthroughhershort,wavyblondhairandgrimaced.

“Areyoucertainwe’regoingtherightway?”

HepulledoutaGPSunitfromtheconsoleandglancedatit.“Yes,accordingtothisweare.”
Shesatback,sighing.“Grangeisgoingtobeveryangry.”
“Why?”
Shelaughed.“Don’tyourememberhimthrowingmeoutofcamplasttimewewerethere?ButI

broughthimapeaceoffering,hisfriendfromAmerica.”Shesmiled.“It’sniceofyourmotherto
shelterher.She’salovelyperson.Reallylovely.”

“Mymotheroryouryoungfriend?”
Shesmiled.“Both.”
Heglancedather.“Youseem…Idon’tknow…differentthistime.”
“Nomeds,”shesaidonaraggedbreath.“I’vegiventhemup.”
Henodded.Hedidn’tsayanything.
“Whenpeopledrown,isitquick?”sheblurtedout.
Hesloweddowntolookather.“Youarerememberingtheboatthatcapsizedwithyourfamily.”
“Yes.Thepiranhas…”Sheswallowedhard.
“Drowningisveryquickinthatriver,”heassuredherquietly.“Andthepiranhaswouldhavegotten

themonlywhentheyhadalreadypassedintothenextlife.Youunderstand?”

“Youmeantheywouldn’thavefeltit…?”
“ThatiswhatImean.Itwouldhavebeenquick.Itisoflittlecomfort,Iamcertain…”
“Itisofmuchcomfort.Thankyou,Enrique.”
“Denada.”HelookedatthemapandstoodupintheLandRover,tolookthroughtheroof.“Ithink

Iseearoad.”Hestartedtositdownagain.

Shedrewinaslowbreath.“Well,atleast…!”
AgunshotshatteredthewindshieldandpenetratedEnrique’sbody.Hecriedoutandcollapsed

againsttheseat,bleedingfromthechest.

“Enrique!”
BeforeClarissecouldcopewiththeshock,ormovetohelphim,thewindshieldshatteredonher

sideoftheLandRoverandsomethinghitherhead,hard.Thelastthingshesawwasabandofmenin
governmentmilitaryuniformsrunningtowardher…

***

Clarisse’sheadfeltasifitmightexplode.Shewassicktoherstomach,butthetwosoldiersescorting
heronlystoppedwhenshehadtobendoverandvomitinthestreet.Theminuteshewasfinished,they
pulledherroughlyalongtowardalargebuilding.She’dbeenunconsciousforawhile.She
rememberedanexplosion.Shecouldn’trememberanythingelse.Hermindwasfoggy.

Theywereinacity.Shedidn’tknowforsure,butshethoughtitwasMedina.Onlythecapitalwas

thisbig,anditwasn’talargecitybyAmericanstandards,either.Norwasitparticularlymodern.
Someofthestructuresdatedbacktocolonialtimes,primarilythecathedral.Shewasn’tsurprisedto
seearmedsoldiersincamostandingidlyatthefrontdoors.IthadbeenrumoredthatSaparahad
closedthechurchesagainstmassiveprotests.Theprotestorshadbeengassedandthenshot.Ithad
madeinternationalheadlines.Soonafterward,thestatehaddeniedaccesstoallforeignjournalists.

Clarisseknewthatshewasgoingtobeinterrogated.Nomatterwhathappened,shemustnotgive

awaytherealreasonshewasinthecountry.Shewasn’tgoingtobetrayGrangeorPegevenifthey
killedher.

Butshecouldclaimcredentialsasajournalist.Thatwouldbeplausibleandexplainherpresence

here.Sherememberedtheexplosionandthensherememberedwhathadhappened.They’dbeenshot!
PoorEnriquewaslikelydead.She’dseenhimjerkbackundertheimpactofthebullet,seentheblood.
Hehadn’tmoved.Hispoormother!AndPeg—PegwouldbelievethatClarissehaddesertedher.
Grangewouldn’tknowthatPegwaseveninthecountry.God,whatamess,andallherfault!

Herfirstthoughtwasthatsomeonehadbetrayedherlocationtotheauthorities.Shehadn’ttold

anyonewhereshewasgoing,exceptPeg,whowouldnevertalkaboutit.Ontheotherhand,Enrique
knew,andhemighthavespokentosomeoneabouttakinganAmericanonatrip.Hopefullyhehadn’t
divulgedanymorethanthat.

Herescortpulledherintoaroominastonebuildingwiththenationalflagflyingoutside,past

morearmedguards,intoacentraloffice.There,behindadesk,satthenarcissisticlittlemadmanwho
hadoverthrownthegovernmentandtakenpower.ArturoSaparahimself,thesnake.

ArturoSaparawasforty-sixyearsold,bald,mustachedandfat.Hehadtinylittleeyesinafatface,

andhisteethwereyellow.

Helookedheroverwithcoldeyes.“Ah,SeñoritaCarrington,”hesaid,readingfromherunfolded

passport.Heputitonthedesk.“Howkindofyoutocomeandvisitme.”

“Itwasn’tvoluntary.”Shewasfightinganotherroundofnausea.Shegroanedandwentwhite.
“Quick,getherthetrashcan,”Saparasnappedatherguards.“Donotlethersoilthecarpet.Itis

importedfromMorocco!”

Theyproducedatrashcan.Clarissebentoveranddeliberatelymissedit.
“Damnyou!”Saparaburstout.“Youwitch!”
Shestooderectagain,almostreelingfromtheheadacheandthenauseacombined.“Ithoughtthe

moneywouldbeworthit,”shesaidinsinuatingly.

“Money?”hequeried,forgettinghisrage.
“Thewireservicesofferedmeasmallfortunetosneakinhereandlookfortwomissingforeign

professors.”Shewasmakingitupasshewent,butitlookedasifitmightwork.“Ithoughtwiththe
helpofanativeguide,Imightbeabletofindabackwayintothecityandgetadisguise.”

“Sothatiswhyyouhadthedriver,eh?Well,heisdead.”Hewavedahand.“Mymenlefthimwhere

hewas,sittingintheLandRover.Someonewillfindhim.”Hesmiledwithcontempt.“Perhapsnot
untilitisjustbonesintatteredclothing,however.Youwerenotcominginthisdirection.”

“Wetookadifferentroutebecausetheriversarerising.”
Hehesitated.Buttheexcuseconvincedhim.Therainyseasonmaderivercrossingstrickyfrom

timetotime.Hislittleeyesnarrowed.“Whydotheywantnewsoftheteachers?”

“Professors,”sherepliedcoldly.“TheyhavefamilyintheUnitedStates.Familywithinfluencein

themedia.”

Hiseyebrowslifted.“Dothey,indeed?”Hesmiled.Itwasaterriblesmile.“Iamgratifiedtoknow

this.Perhapsitwouldbeaswelltoputthemtodeathsoon.”

“Why?”sheburstout.“Whathavetheydonethatdeservesdeath?”
“Theyhavebeenteachingtreasonatthelocalcollege,”hesaidicily,“andhavingtheirstudents

sendmessages,lies,aboutmygovernmenttoenemyforeignnations.Theycallmeadictator.Iam
PresidentofthePeople’sRepublicofBarrera,”hesaidinagrand-soundingtone.“Mygovernment
willservethepeople…”

“Thepeoplearestarving,”Clarissesaid.“Theyhavenomoneybecauseyoutaxeverything.You’ve

appropriatedbusinesses,you’venationalizedprivatecorporations,evenforeignones,andyou’ve
closedthedoorsofthechurches…!”shecontinued,hervoicegainingstrength.

“Churcheshavenoplaceinacivilizedsociety,”hesaidcurtly.“Theyshouldallberemoved.”
Shegavehimalong,coldstare.“Overthemillennia,manygovernmentshaveconspiredtoclose

churchesandbanreligion.Francecomestomind,justaftertherevolutionin1792.”Shesmiled
coldly.“IbelievethatinFrance,today,therearemany,manychurchesofalldenominations?”

“Bosh.”Hestoodup.“Sincesheissointerestedintheincarceratedprofessors,youmayescorther

toacellbesidethem,”hetoldtheofficersinSpanish.“Sheistobegivenwater,butwateronly.Take
heraway.”

Saparastillhadherfannypackonthedesk.Herheartsank.Herpassport,herreturnticketto

America,hercreditcards,thelittlecashshehadn’tgivenPeg,allthere.Shewouldhavenothing,even
ifshecouldfindawaytoescape.Ittrulylookedliketheendoftheroad.Well,shetoldherself,I’ve
hadagoodrun.ButsheworriedaboutPeg.Thepooryoungwomanwouldthinktheworst,that
Clarissehaddeliberatelydesertedherandlefthertoherfate.Itwasn’ttrue.Butshehadnowayto
contactPegandtellherso.AndwhataboutGrange?HewassoclosetoPeg,buthewouldneverknow
it.Thegirlwouldfaceallsortsofdangers…

“Takeheraway,”Sapararepeated,wavedhishandandsatbackdown.
ThesoldierstookClarissebythearm,oversteppingtheplacewhereshe’dthrownuponhis

majesticcarpet,andescortedheroutoftheroom.

***

ThetwoprofessorswereJulianConstantineandDamonFitzhugh.Theytaught,respectively,South
AmericanhistoryandbotanyatthesmallcollegeinMedina.

Dr.Constantinewasinverybadshape.Hewastallandpleasantlooking,withgrayingdarkhairand

eyes.Hewasthinandpaleandunshaven.Hisclothinglookedasifithadn’tbeenwashedinmonths.

Dr.Fitzhughwaselderly.Hehadwhitehairandblueeyes,andhewasassicklylookingashis

colleague.

Thecelldoorwaslockedandtheguardslefther.Thecellwassmall.Therewasabed,ofsorts,

withatatteredblanket.Therewasabucketwhichwas,presumably,usedforrelievingoneself.There
wasapanofwateronasmalltable.Nothingelse.Theprisonwasfromthecolonialera,asnearas
Clarissecouldtell,andhadneverbeenupgraded.Machadohadplannedarenovationhere,buthis

workonthesmallcountry’seconomyhadtakenprecedence.

Clarisselaydownonthebed,doublingover.Shewassonauseatedshecouldbarelystandit,and

herheadhurt.

“American?”Dr.Fitzhughaskedfromthenextcell.
“Actually,yes,”shesaid,happytohearthathespokewithacrispandpleasantBritishaccent.“I’m

ClarisseCarrington.”

“I’mDamonFitzhugh.Dr.DamonFitzhugh.ThegentlemaninthenextcellisDr.Constantine.Are

youallright?Youseemquitepale.”

“I’vebeenunconscious.IthinkIwasshot,”shesaid,feelingherscalp.Shefoundawet,tenderspot

andpulledherhandback.Itwascoatedinblood.Shewinced.“NowonderIhaveaheadache.”Shefelt
thespotmorecarefully.Thebullethadapparentlygrazedher,butinthetropics,thatwasdangerous
enough.Ifinfectionsetin,shewasfairlycertainSaparawouldn’tputhimselfouttryingtofindhera
doctor.

“IfIhadthemeans,Icouldmakeyouapoultice,”Dr.Fitzhughsaidkindly.“Myfieldisbotany.I

camedownheretoteachbecauseitaffordedmetheopportunitytoresearchthelocalnativemedicine
preparations.Theyarewithoutpeerinalltheworld.”

Shemanagedasmile.“Thankyouforthethought.”
“I’mhere,”Dr.Constantinetoldher,“becausethehistoryofSouthAmericafascinatesme,

especiallytheperiodofrubberplantationsintheearlypartofthetwentiethcentury.”Heshookhis
head.“Notourfinesthour,tobesure.Manyatrocitieswereperpetratedonthenativepeoplehere.”

Clarisselaybackdown.“IknowsomethingabouttheoperahouseinManaus.”
“Yes,theybroughtitdowntheriverinpiecesatacostofmillionsofdollarsandputitback

together,didn’tthey?Noexpensewassparedinitsconstruction.”

“Yes.OperacompaniescamedowntoManaustoperform,”shesaid,gladoftheconversationthat

tookhermindoffhowsickshefelt.

Henodded.“Butitendedmanytimesintragedywhenthesingerscontractedyellowfeveror

malaria.Anumberofthemdiedlaterfrominfectionstheypickedupdownhere.”

Clarissegrimaced.ShewasthinkingofPeg.She’dcautionedheraboutnotgoingintothejungle,

butwhatifClarissedidn’tshowupandPeg,valiantPeg,decidedtotrytofindher?Itdidn’tbear
thinkingabout!

“Youtwoareprofessors.Whyareyouinhere?”
Dr.Fitzhugh’smouthmadeathinline.“WhenEmilioMachadowasdeposed,wewerefurious.His

replacementisacheaplittleratwhoindulgeshistasteforfastcars,fastwomenandexpensivenew
homes,whilethenativepeoplegohungry.He’sthrownoutallforeignjournalists,closedthe
embassiesofforeignnations,nationalizedutilitiesandnowhe’splanningahugeoperationwithsome
oilcompanytostartdrillinghere.”

“Yes,”Clarissesaidquietly.“Myfatherwashelpingtonegotiatetermswiththelocalchiefsforthe

oilcompanyinquestion.HewaswiththeAmericanEmbassyofficeinManaus.Thatwasfourmonths
ago.”

“Well,Saparagavethegreenlighttooilexploration.Manyofthetribeswereintimidatedinto

signinganagreement.Butoneofthenativetribesprotested.”Hisfacetautened.“Theyliveapartfrom
civilization,inoneofthethickestpartsoftheBarrerajungle.Theyusetheweaponsoftheir
ancestors,blowgunswithpoisondarts,andpracticeherbologytotreatallsortsofdiseases.They
threatenedanattack.It’salmosthumorousinadarkway,becauseMedinadoeshavesomemodern
weapons.ButSaparadecidedtomakeanexample,incaseanyothersconsideredrevolution.Hehad

mercenariesgointothejungleandkilldozensofthem,terrifythem,untiltheyfledfromtheland
whereheplannedtolocatetheoilexplorations.”

ClarissewasrememberingEnriqueandhismother,whomshe’dknownformanyyears.“Money

makesmesick.”

“Itisn’tmoney.It’sthegreedforit,theobsessionwithitthatcausesmanyoftheproblemsinlife.”

Dr.Fitzhughdrewinabreath.“Tomakealongstorybrief,Dr.ConstantineandIwerecreating
propagandaleafletsandorganizingourstudentstomakelarge-scalepeacefulprotestsandpublicize
theplightofthenativetribe.Thiswas,ofcourse,beforeSaparathrewoutalltheforeignjournalists
whowouldhavespreadthestoryaroundtheworld.”Hesmiledsadly.“Allourplansfellwhenwe
werearrested,inthemiddleofthenight,bySapara’sCityGuards.”

“Saparathinkshe’screatingNaziGermanyhere,”Dr.Constantineaddedinasoft,wearytone.“He

hashisversionofthestormtroopers,completewithfanaticaloverlordandbone-breakingtraining.
Howdoyoufightamanlikethat?”headdedheavily.

“Idon’tknow.ButIhopesomeonecan.”Whileshespokeshewaslookingaroundatthetopsofthe

cells.

“Oh,therearenocamerashere,”Dr.Constantinesaid.“Wecheckedthatouttheminutewewere

installedhere,severalmonthsago.Theydon’thavethemoneyforsurveillance,orformostcity
services,sinceSaparaisbuildinghisnewmansion.Everypennygoestoitsconstruction.Itlookslike
apalace,whichisprobablywhathehadinmind.”

“Yes,wehaveoneguard.He’soldandfatandhedoesn’tlikehisjob.Hedoeslikeus,”Dr.Fitzhugh

addedwithachuckle.“Ithinkhe’dletusoutifwehadanyplacetogo.Wedon’t,ofcourse,exceptto
ourhomes,wherethey’dpickusupinaminuteassoonastheyrealizedweweregone.”Heglancedat
Clarisse.“Asrevolutionaries,I’mafraidweleavealottobedesired.Healthconcernskeptusbothout
ofthemilitary,sowehavenotrainingwhatsoever.”

“Thatmakesthreeofus,”Clarissesaidquietly.“Idowishmyheadwouldstophurting.”
Dr.Fitzhughfrowned.Heaskedherseveralquestionsabouthersymptoms,butfinallyhesmiled

andnodded.“Onlyamildconcussion,Ithink,althoughwe’dneedanMRIscantobesure.”Heshook
hishead.“Ididstudymedicineinmyyouth,butIthoughtI’dlikesleepingnights,soIswitchedto
botany.Noemergencies,yousee.”

Clarissesmiled.“Idon’thaveanymedswithme.TheytookmyID,mycreditcards,cash,

everythingIhadonme,includingsomemedsfornauseaandheadaches.”

“Lovelyman,Sapara,”Dr.Constantinesaidpleasantly.“Ihopewecanrepayhishospitalityone

day.”Helookedaround.“Atthat,thisplaceisfarmoregrandthantheroomIlivedinwhileIwasat
university.”

Clarisselaughed.SodidDr.Fitzhugh.
“WhenIfeelbetter,”shesaidfinally,“perhapswecoulddiscusstravelplans?”
Thetwomenlookedateachother.“Travelplans?”
Shesmiled.“Ihavefriends.”
Theyturnedtoher,curiously.
“Wemightwishtopaythemavisit,”sheclarified.“Idon’tknowtheway,butIthinkIcanfind

someonewhowill.Woulditbepossibleforyoutospeakwithsomeofyourstudentsifwemanaged
toescape?”

Dr.Fitzhughchuckled.“Oh,yes.Imemorizedthephonenumbers.Ifthephonesstillwork,”he

addedblithely.“SinceSaparanationalizedthephonecompanyandputhisownpeopleincharge,it
onlyworkssporadically.Likehismilitarycommunications,fromwhatI’vebeentold.Hiscomputers

arestillrunningoutdatedprograms,”hesaid,andburstoutlaughing.“Amazingthattheyhaven’tbeen
hacked,likethoseinIran.”

Dr.Constantineshrugged.“Asifanytruehackerworthhissaltwouldlowerhimselftohackan

obsoletecomputersystem.”

Dr.Fitzhughpursedhislips.“Infact,oneofmystudentsisahackerwithimaginationandstyle.He

actuallysuggestedputtingavirusintothemilitarycomputersystemhere.Ideniedhimtheeffort,
thinkingitwouldgetusallarrested.”HegaveClarisseawickedgrin.“Idobelieveitmightbe
warranted,now,however.”

Clarissebrightened.Grangewouldloveit!“Inthatcase,wemustgetoutofhereandgivehimthe

opportunitytopracticehiscraft.”

“It’sa‘she,’actually,”hesaid,laughingatClarisse’sconsternation.“Oneoftheonlyfemale

hackersI’veeverknown.Herparentssentherdownhereinalast-ditchefforttokeeptheFBIfrom
puttingherinprisoninAmerica.Shewasquiteobnoxious.HackedintotheSecretaryofState’s
computerandpublishedoneofthemoresecretive,gossipyemailsallovertheweb.Herparents
promisedtogetheroutofthecountry,orshe’dbeinprisonnow,Iexpect.Likeus,”headded
ruefully.

Theotherslaughed.Thetwomenseemedsuddenlylesslethargicandfarmoreenergized.
“Youthinkit’spossible,reallypossible,thatwemightbeabletogetoutofhere?”Dr.Fitzhugh

askedslowly.

“Notonlypossible,dearman.Probable.”Shefeltherheadagainandwinced.“AndIwantabat,a

verybigbat,tohitMr.Saparaintheheadwith,nexttimeIseehim.”

“I’llprovideonemyself,”Dr.Fitzhughassuredher.Hegrinned.“Ihaveaveryoldcricketbat,you

see.UsedtoplaywhenIwasaboy.It’squiteheavy,madeofgoodwood.Itwouldmakealovelyknot
onhishead.”

“Howkindofyou,”shedrawledandthenwinced,becauseeveryfacialmovementonlyaggravated

theheadache.

“Dotrytosleepforabit,”Dr.Fitzhughsaidgently.“Thetwoofuswilldiscusssomehypothetical

situationsandhaveplansreadywhenyouwakeup.Wecanformulatearevolutionwhilewe’re
incarcerated.”

“Manyfamousandinfamousplansandbookshavecomefrompeopleimprisonedforvarious

reasons.ThefamousnovelDonQuixotewaswrittenbyMigueldeCervantesinthesixteenthcentury,
afterhewasputindebtors’prisoninSpain.”Shesighed.“IlovedDonQuixote.Whatanoblecause,to
restorehonorandmoralitytoadecadentworld.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Wecouldusehimtoday.”

Thetwomaledoctorslookedateachotherandnodded.Theybegantothrowoutsuggestionsforan

escape.Clarissedriftedofftosleep,atlast.ButDr.Fitzhughwokeherupatoddintervals,justtomake
suretheconcussionwasn’tsevereenoughtocauseunconsciousnessorsomethingmoredeadly.

***

Peghadn’tbeenworrieduntiltheskybegantodarkenandpeoplestartedgoingintotheirhuts.Maria
tuggedherbackinside.Theraincameandwent,inspurts.ItwasfascinatingtoPeg.

“Mysonandyourfriendwillreturnsoon,”sheassuredtheAmericanwomaninherhalting

Spanish.ShewasfarmoreathomeinhernativetongueorPortuguese.

“Ihopeso,”Pegsaid.“It’sdark.”
Marianodded.“Itisnoteasytofindmenwhodonotwishtobefound,especiallyinthejungle.

Theywillbeheresoon,”sheadded,smiling.“Youwillsee.”

Pegsighed.“I’msureyou’reright.Soon.”

***

Butthehourspassed.Thevillagewenttosleep.Peglayinahammockinthepalm-roofedhut,
listeningtotherain.Everysooften,dropletswouldfindawaythroughtheroofanddriponthefloor
nearby.Shesmiled,thinkingofhousessheandherfatherhadlivedinovertheyears,whereshe’dhad
tofindpotsandpanstocontainthedrips.

Hereyeswerewide-openinthedarkness,worrying.WhathadhappenedtoClarisse?Atfirst,toher

shame,shethoughttheotherwomanmighthavefollowedthroughonherinitialimpulse,whichwas
tostrandPeginthejungletogetevenwithGrangeforrejectingher.

However,thattheoryfellthroughwhensheconsideredEnrique.Thiswashisvillage,andhis

motherlivedhere.EvenifClarisseleftthecountry,EnriqueknewwherePegwasandhewouldcome
backandsaysomething.Hewoulddoitbecauseofhismother,ifnotbecauseofPegherself.

ButEnriquedidn’tshowup.NeitherdidClarisse.Pegspentasleeplessnight,worrytorturingher.
Bythetimemorningarrived,suddenlyandbrilliantly,shewasconvincedthatsomethingterrible

hadhappened.

“Haveyouheardfromyourson?”PegaskedMariahopefully.Arunnercouldhavecometothe

villageduringthenight,whileshewasfitfullysleeping.

“No,”Mariasaid.Shelookedveryconcerned.“Idonotwishtoaddtoyourworry,”shesaid

hesitantly,“butEnriquesaidhewouldcomebackonhiswaytothecity.Hekeepshisword.Heislike
hisfather,whonevertoldalieallthetimeweweremarried.”

Pegbitherlowerlip.
Mariatouchedherarmgently.“Wemusthavehope,”shesaid.“Perhapstherewasanaccidentwith

thevehicle.Aflattire?Anenginefault?Whocansay?Wemustwaitandhopeforthebest.”

“Iguessso.ButI’malittleworried.”
Marienodded.“Yes.SoamI.Thisisnotlikemyson.”

***

Peglearnedhowtocookthespecialdishestheylikedinthevillage,whilethewomenlaughedwith
delightatherobviouspleasureasshesucceeded.She’dreadtravelbrochuresinthehotelwhereshe
andClarissehadstayed,advertisingtoursintothejunglewithovernightstaysatselectednative
villages.Allsortsofrequirementshadtobemet,includingproofofimmunization,whichwere
providedtothenativepeoplebythetourguides.Consideringthehorrorofthepast,duringwhich
manyindigenoustribeshadbeenutterlydestroyedbydiseasetowhichEuropeanswereimmune,it
wasalogicalandwisestep.

ButPeghadn’tbeenrequiredtodothosethings,mostlikelybecauseEnriquehadspokenwith

Clarisse,orpossiblybecausehehadtakencareofthedetails.Hewas,afterall,atouroperator
himself.Clarissehadmentionedthatheinfrequentlyallowedaguesttostayinthisvillagewherehis
motherlived,asacourtesy,onlyifhetrustedthevisitor.Localnativeswerequitedistrustfulof
outsiders.

MariahadmentionedthattoPeginoneoftheirconversations.“Wekeeptoourselves,”she

explainedinherslowSpanish.“Wedonotlikeoutsidershere.Youlaugh.Why?”

“BecausemylittletowninAmericaisjustthesame,”sheexplained,smiling.“It’saverysmall

place,notalotbiggerthanyourvillage.Whennewpeoplecomeinfromthecities,we’resuspicious.
Wehavetogettoknowthembeforewefeelcomfortableeventalkingaroundthem.”

Maria’sbrighteyessmiled.“Wehavemanythingsincommon.”
“Includingchicken.”Pegsaiditwitharakishgrin,andMariaburstoutlaughing.

***

Butthedaypassedquickly.Aftertheyfinishedtheeveningmeal,andwalkedoutsidetolistentothe
nightsoundsaroundacentralfirewherepeopleweresittingandtalking,Peg’smindbegantowander
again,andshewasveryworriedaboutClarisse.ShewasworriedaboutEnrique,forMaria’ssake.

Shehadtoconsiderwhatshemighthavetodoaboutherownsituation.Shedidn’thaveavisa.She

hadapassport,becauseJasonPendletonhadhelpedhergetoneayearago,incasehehadtosendher
fatheroverseastotalkadealforhimin,ofallplaces,SouthAmerica.Ithadbeenararebitof
foresight,becausePeghadn’thadanyproblemgettingthroughcustoms.Butherpassportrequiredthe
airport,whichwasinManaus.Therewerenovehicleshere.Therewasn’tevenaphone.She’dcounted
onClarisseandEnriquetotakehertoGrange,whowouldpresumablyfindawaytogetherbackto
Manaus.Sheseemedtobestranded,withtherainyseasonalreadymakingthingsverywet.

Asshedartedintoahuttoavoidbeingsoaked,again,sherecalledClarisse’steasingtoneaboutthe

cottonsshe’dplannedtopack.Inthejungleduringrainyseason,cottongotwetandstayedwet,it
didn’tdryinthehumidity.Peoplehereworesyntheticfabricbecauseithadthevirtueofbeingquickly
dried.

Therainceasedafteracoupleofminutesandshestuckherheadoutagain.Twochildren,brown

andbeautiful,stoppedtoflashhershygrinswithperfectwhiteteethbeforetheyranoff.Shelaughed
delightedly.Initsownforeignway,thisvillagewasverymuchlikeComancheWells.She’dhaveto
trytorememberitsothatshecouldsharehertripwithherfather.

Meanwhile,shewasgrowingmoreconcernedthaneveraboutthepossibilityofneverseeing

ComancheWellsagain.IfClarisseandEnriquedidn’tcomebacksoon,shewasgoingtohaveto
figureoutwhattodo.Mariawouldhelp,shewascertain.ButwhatifMarialostherson?Whatifhe
andClarissehadmetwithsometerribleaccident?Whatif…?

***

Suddencriescaughtherattention.Itseemedthatthewholevillagewasrunningtowardtheroadthat
ledintothejungle.Somethingmustbehappening.Pegrantowardthesourceofthecommotion.

Twonativemenwerecarryingamanonamakeshiftlitter.AsPeggotcloser,sheheardMariacry

out.

Therewasamanonthepallet,verypale,unconscious,withbloodalloverthefrontofhisshirt.
“Ishedead?”PegaskedinEnglish,andthenhadtorepeatitinSpanishsothatMariawould

understand.

Mariahadherhandinherson’sshirt.Herfacewaswetwithtears.Shedrewinaharshbreath,but

thensherelaxedalittle.“Heisalive,”shesaid.Sheopenedhisshirtandusedittoclearawaythe
bloodsothatshecouldseetheextentofhisinjury.Therewasawoundjustunderhisribcage.A
bulletwound.

“He’sbeenshot!”Pegburstout.Shelookedaround.“WhereisClarisse?”sheaskedfrantically.
“Thatwemustwaittoknow,untilhecantellus.Ifhecanevertellus,”Mariasaidwithheavy

practicality.“Bringhim,”shetoldtheothersinPortuguese.“Iwillsendforthedoctor.”

9

Pegwasalmostfrantic.Hereshewas,stuckinaforeigncountry,inanativevillagewithno
transportationtoanairport,withnowaytocontactGrange,withonlyonechangeofclothesandno
ideawhattodonext.NowEnriquehadbeeninjuredandClarisse’swhereaboutswereunknown.Ifthe
driverhadbeenshot,Clarissemighthavebeenwoundedalso,orkilled.

“WheredidtheyfindEnrique?”PegaskedMariawhenhersonwasbeingcarefullyplacedona

palletofwovenpalmleavesinMaria’shut.

Sheaskedthemenwhohadbroughthimintocamp.“Acrosstheriver,”shesaid,givingthenatives’

nameforit.“Thevehiclewasonthesideoftheroad.Thewindshieldwasbroken.Onbothsides,”she
saidworriedly.ShelookedatPeg,whosefaceshowedherconcern.“Therewasalsobloodonthe
passengerseat,whereyourfriend’sheadwouldhavebeen.Theydidnotfindherbody,”sheadded.
“Butoneofourhunterssaidthereweretracksfromanothervehiclenearbyandfootprintsoftwomen
wearingboots.Itwasmostlikelythemilitary.Theypatroltheseroads.Themadmanwhohascharge
ofourcountrynowlikestouseusfortargetsifwegetinhisway,”Mariaaddedcoldly.“Manyofour
cousinshavediedforhisnewoilsite.”

“I’msosorry,”Pegsaid.“Iknewitwasbad,butnotanywherenearthisawfulinBarrera.”
“Ifyoustayhereforverylong,youwilllearnmuch.”Mariacalledforwater,inaceramicbowl,

andshebathedherson’sbrowwithit.“Hehasfever.Ihopethedoctorcomessoon.”

“YoucangetadoctortocomefromManaus?”Pegasked.
Mariaglancedather.“No.Itistoofaronfoot,althoughwewillsendacanoetothecitytobring

backadoctor.Enriquemightdieinthemeantime.Wehaveafriendwhohasmedicaltraining,who
wasworkingnearbyattheruinswhenSaparatookoverourcountry.Thefriendhadtohidetoavoid
beingkilled,asafriendofEmilioMachado.”

“Iknowofthegeneral,”Pegsaid.“He’ssomethingofalegendbackhome.Peoplelovehim.”
Mariawasimpressed.“Here,too,hehasmanyfriends.Wearehopefulthatonedayhewillreturn

andhangSapara.”

Pegonlynodded.
Therewasaflurryofactivityoutsideandavisitorentered,dressedinsoakedkhakisandheavy

boots,withawide-brimmedsafarihatoverwhatlookedlikeshortdarkwavyhair.

“Areyouthedoctor?”PegaskedinherTexasdrawl.
Thehatcameoffandatall,muscularwomaninherlatetwentieswithanastonishedexpression

staredbackatherfrompaleblueeyes.“GoodLord,areyoufromTexas?”sheaskedinasimilar
drawl.“It’sbeensolongsinceI’veheardanaccentfrombackhome!”

Peglaughed.“I’mfromJacobsville.”
“Iknowthatone.”Shechuckledasifatsomeprivatejokebeforesheturnedtothepatient.“Oh,

dear.Thatlooksverymuchlikeagunshotwound.”

“Someoneshotmyson,”Mariasaidworriedly.“WethinkitwassoldiersofSapara.Canyoudo

something?”

“BeenawhilesinceI’veextractedabullet,butIthinkIcanmanage.”Shepulledthepackoffher

backandstartedtounloadit.“I’mtrainedinanthropology,”shesaid,“butIwasamedicinthearmy

foracoupleofyearsandIdidmercenaryworkafterward.”

Pegwasastonished.“Mercenarywork?”
Shenodded.“Yes.I’mablackbeltinkarateandtaekwondo,andseveralothermartialarts.Ipalled

aroundwithaguynamedColbyLane.”

“Iknowhim!”Pegexclaimed.“Well,Isortofknowhim.He’smarriedandhastwochildren.His

wifeisaDEAagent,andheworksprivatesecurityfortheRitterOilCorporationinHouston.”

“Iheardhegotmarried,”thewomansaidquietly.“Ihadacaseonhimonce,buthewasn’t

interestedinme.Atthetime,helikedthesoft,femininesort.”Shesighed.“Notmything.Ilike
adventure.Maria,cantheyboilsomewaterforme?”sheaddedasshetookoutwhatlookedlikea
smallcaseofsurgicalinstruments.“AndI’llneedsomethingastringent.”

Marianoddedandgotuptofetchthesupplies.
“Infectionisverydangeroushere,isn’tit?”
Theotherwomannodded.“Very.”Shelookedupandherblueeyessmiled.“Wehaven’tintroduced

ourselves,havewe?I’mMaddieCarlson.”

“I’mPegLarson,”camethesmilingreply.“Nicetomeetyou.I’msogladyouknowhowtotreat

bulletwounds.”

“I’vehadalotofpractice,”Maddiesaid.“Oneofourgroupwasadoctor,well,aresident,named

MicahSteele…”

“GoodLord!”Pegburstout.“HelivesinJacobsville.”
“WorkingwithEbScott?”Maddieasked,surprised.Shewaspullingbackclothingtoexamine

Enrique’swound.

“Oh,no,workingasapartnerwithtwolocaldoctors,andatthehospital.”
Maddiestoppedwhatshewasdoingandjuststared.
“Andhe’smarried.HeandCalliehadtwochildren,alittlegirlandaboytwoyearsold.”
Maddiecaughtherbreath.“Ifthey’dtakenbetsonthatguyevergettingmarried,I’dbepoornow.”

Sheshookherhead.“Gofigure.ColbyLaneismarried,MicahSteele—notEbScottandCyParks,
though,surely?”

Pegchuckled.“Yes,andtheybothhavekids.”
“Well,Inever!”Maddieexclaimed.ShenoddedandsmiledcomfortinglyatMariaasshebrought

thethingsMaddiehadaskedfor.“Ebstillhavethecounterterrorismtrainingfacility?”

“Oh,yes.Infact,someofWinslow’smengottheirtrainingthere.”
Maddiefrowned.“Winslow?”
“WinslowGrange.He’sworkingwithGeneralMachado.”
“Grange.Idon’tknowhim.”
“There’sanotherguy,Rourke…”
Maddieshookherhead.“Don’tknowhim,either.I’vebeenoutofmercworkforseveralyears.I’m

doingarchaeologyexclusivelynow,andI’monthevergeofaworld-shakingdiscoverynearhere.
Damnedpoortiming,Sapara’scoup.IhadallthehelpIneededwhenMachadowasinpower.”She
hesitatedforaminutetowashanduseanantibacterialsubstanceonherhandsbeforeputtingon
disposablerubbergloves.“Hewaskindtome.Ihadsortofacaseonhim,”shesaidwithanodd
shyness.“I’mnothistype,though.Tootough.Ithinkhelikesmorefemininewomen.Ican’tchange
myspotsatthisage.”

“Youshouldn’thaveto,”Pegsaidgently.“Peoplehavetobethemselvestoliveintheworld.”
Maddieglancedatherwithasmile.“Smartgirl.”
Shewentbacktoworkbythelightofalantern.Shewasskilled.Sheprobedgentlyforthebullet,

whichwaslodgedinthelowerportionofEnrique’schest.Shepulleditoutalmostatonce.“Thereare
glassfragmentsinthewound,”shesaid,frowning.

“Therunnerssaidthewindshieldwasshatteredonbothsides,”Mariacommented.
“Thewindshieldsavedhim,”Maddiemused.“Stoppedtheforceofthebulletsothatitdidn’t

penetratetoofar.Itdidcollapsethelung,though.That’swhatknockedhimout.Idon’thavethe
equipmenttoreinflateit,damnit.ThemostIcandoisgivehimanantibioticandletthemsendforthe
doctorinManaus.He’llmanageuntilthen,Ithink.Maria,”shecalled,“youneedtosendacanoeto
Manaus…thefastestyouhave,andgetadoctoroutheretofinishwhatIstarted.Thisisjustfield
dressing.”

“Thecanoehasalreadybeensent.Thankyouforwhatyouhavedone,”Mariasaid.“Youcanstay

withus.Ihavetoldyoumanytimes.”

“Saparaisafterme,”thewomansaidheavily.“Hedoesn’twanttoriskhisnewoiloperation,andif

Igetwordtotheoutsideaboutthemajorfindhere,he’llhavetheinternationalcommunitybreathing
downhisneck.Hedoesn’twantthat,notwithhisdelicatenegotiationsgoingon.He’squietlyclearing
outallthenativetribesinthewayoftheoilfields,andnottellinghispotentialnewpartnersaboutit.”

“Doyouknowwhichoilcompanyhe’snegotiatingwith?”
“Yes.RitterOil,outofHouston.”
Pegcaughtherbreath.“Oh,weallknowaboutthatone,”shesaid.“EugeneRitterwouldhave

Saparaforbreakfastifheknewwhatwasgoingonhere.”

“Hewould?”Maddieasked,surprised.“Anoilmagnatewithaconscience?”
“Countonit.AndSaparahadbetterbecareful.ColbyLaneworksforMr.Ritter.”
“Colby.”Maddiesmiled.“He’dputtogetherateamandwipeoutSapara’smeninaheartbeat.

Damnedidiot,Sapara,”shemutteredwhileshefinishedbandagingEnrique,whowasbreathing
roughly.“Iwishsomebodywouldmakehashoutofhim.”

“Plansareinmotionforthat,soIhear,”Pegsaid,hervoicesad.“GeneralMachadoismountinga

coupattempt.”

“Emilio?”Maddiewaswashingherhands,butshestopped.“He’shere?”
Pegnodded.“Grangeisheadofhiscommandoforces.IwishIknewwheretheywere,sothatI

couldfindGrange.AfriendbroughtmeovertoManaustoseehim.Nowshe’svanished.I’mafraid
shemaybedead.ShewasintheLandRoverwithEnrique,andMaria’sfriendssaidthatbothsidesof
thewindshieldwerebrokenandtherewasbloodonthepassengerseat.HernameisClarisse.She’s
beensogoodtome….”

Maddiedriedherhands.“Shewasn’tfound?”
“No.Theysaiditlookedasthoughthemilitaryhadtakenheraway.”
Maddie’sexpressionwastaut.“Didsheknowanythingaboutthegeneral’splans?”
“Sheknewthathewasherewithaninvasionforce.”
Maddiedidn’tsayanything.Sheturnedawayquietly.
“They’lltortureher,won’tthey?”sheasked.“Won’tthey?”sheaddedinsistentlywhentheother

womandidn’tanswer.

Maddieturnedaround.“IfshehasinformationvitaltoSapara,yes,they’lltortureher.”
“Oh,no!”
“IwasinAfricaafewyearsago,withamercgroupthatplannedtooverthrowaverynastydictator.

Igotsloppyandgotcaught.”Sheunbuttonedhershirtandexposedhershoulder.Therewasalarge,
whitescar.“Oneofthedictator ’smenputakniferightthroughmyshoulder.Hesmiledwhilehedid
it.HesaidthatifIdidn’ttalk,he’dputitthroughmybreast.”

“Whathappened?!”
Shelaughedandrebuttonedhershirt.“ThelastthingheheardwasUZIfire.Thelastthinghesaw

wasColbyLane’sfaceoverit.”

“Inthenickoftime!”
Shenodded.“MicahSteelepatchedmeupwhileColbycursed.Colbydidn’tfeelanythingromantic

forme,buthewasalwaysmyfriend.I’msurehestillis.”

“You’vehadsomeadventures!”Pegexclaimed.“I’veneverbeenanywhereinmylifeordone

anythingdangerous,untilnow.”Shelaughedsoftly.“I’msorrytotellyouthatI’mquiteenjoyingit.
Well,exceptforpoorEnrique.”Sheglancedathim.“AndClarisse,whereversheis.”

“Enriquewillsleepnow,”shesaid.“Igavehimaninjectiontohelpthepain.Bythetimeitwears

off,hopefullythedoctorwillbehere.”ShethenglancedatPeg.“Yousaidthatyoucametoseethis
Grangefellow.Areyouengagedtohim?”

“No.ButIthinkhelikesme.”Shesmiledshyly.“HetookmetoayearlyballinJacobsville,andhe

doesn’tdateanybody,yousee.Well,neitherdoI.”

Maddiesmiled.“Igetthepicture.Soyoucameheretoseehim,inthisdangerousplace?”
“Clarissecametogetme,”sheexplained,leavingoutthereason,becauseClarissehadalreadypaid

ahighpriceforwhatshe’dplanned.“Wecameoutherebecauseshewasgoingtoleavemeinasafe
placewhilesheandEnriquebroughtGrangebackhere.Shesaiditwasn’tfar.OnlyEnriqueknew
wheretofindhiscamp,”shesaidsadly.“IguessGrangehasnoideathatI’meveninthecountrynow,
andpoorEnriquegotshotandClarissegotkidnappedbecauseofit.”

“Lifehappens,”Maddiesaidphilosophically.“Butthingswillworkout.You’llsee.”
“AtleastEnriquewilllive.ButClarisse,”Pegsaidworriedly.“Iwonderwheresheis?”

***

Clarissewasshiveringinhercell.Herperfectskinhadbeenmarredbyaknife.Shewasbleeding
underhersilkblouse,underherbra.Onlyaviciousmancouldhavedonetoherwhatthatanimalhad
doneinhisefforttoextractfurtherinformationfromheraboutMachado.He’deventhreatenedrape,
butanothersoldierhadsnappedathimthatshewasrichandhadpowerfulfriends.Thebarbarianhad
satisfiedhimselfwithcuttingher.

Shehadtoldthemnothing.Sherememberedherchildhood,playingwithStantonRourkewhenthey

werechildren,andoncehe’dheldherheadunderwaterforachildishprankandtriedtomakeher
apologize.She’dheldherbreathandrefusedtogiveaninch.Hisbrowneyeshadbeeneloquent,
althoughhehadn’tvoicedanyadmirationforherfearlessness.

Forabrieftime,ClarisseandherparentshadlivedinAfrica,whenherfatherhadbeenaminor

diplomatfortheU.S.StateDepartment,earlyinhiscareer.Rourkehadlivednearbywithhismother.

HewasolderthanClarissebyfiveyears,butatten,she’dbeenprecociousandadventurous.She

andRourkehadgoneexploringandgottenintotroubleoften.Rourke’sabilitytospeakAfrikaansand
severalnativedialectshadcomeinhandy.Hewasapastmasteratexplaininghiswayoutofdifficult
situations.Butoncethey’dencounteredaviciousadder.Clarissehadbeenbittenbecauseshehadn’t
seenit.Rourkehadcarriedherinhisarmstothedoctorandwaitedwhileshewasgivenaninjection.
Hesatbyher,alongwithhermother,whilesherecovered.Shehadn’trealizedhowkindapersonhe
was.

Thenshe’dheardtherumorsand,beingtooyoungtounderstand,she’dblurtedoutthatpeoplesaid

hewastheillegitimatesonofthemillionaireK.C.Kantor.Rourkehadwalkedawayandneverspoken

toheragainevenwhenherfatherwasreassignedandtheywereleaving.Theydidmeetoccasionally
manyyearslateratsocietyfunctionsinWashington,andhewaspleasant.Butthenthey’dmetoncein
Manausjustafterhermother ’sdeath,yearsago.He’dbeeninsultingandcoldandsarcastic,because
she’dmadeanutterfoolofherselfwithhim.Itwasstillhorriblyembarrassingtorememberwhat
she’ddone.Nowsheavoidedhim.

Thethoughtsmadethepaineasiertobear,forsomereason.Perhapsitwasthememoryofthose

eventsearlyinherchildhoodthatgaveherstrength.Rourkehadbeenheridolwhenshewasachild.
Hewasutterlyfearless.Heknewpeoplewhofoughtinrevolutions.He’dtoldheraboutthem,about
theordealsofcapture.Ithelpedhercope,now,whensheherselfwasavictim.Shewasn’tgoingtotell
Saparaanything.Notiftheykilledher.SheowedGrange,forwhatshe’ddonetopoorPeg.DearPeg,
whowouldhateher,whowouldbelieveshe’dbetrayedher.AndwhatofEnrique,deadonher
account?PoorMaria!

“MissCarrington,”Dr.Fitzhughcalledgently.“MissCarrington!”
Shefoughtdownnauseaandmanagedtositup.“I’mokay,”shewhispered,andevendraggedupa

smile.

Helookedatthebloodonherblouseandseemedtogrowtallerwithrage.“Iwillseethatmandead

ifit’smylastactonthisearth!”

“Thanks,”shesaid.“Butwereallyneedaplan,andsoon.Hewon’tstopuntiltheymakemetell

whatIknow.Ican’tdothat.I’dhavetoletthemkillme.”

Dr.Fitzhughgrimaced.“DearGod.Howdidweenduplikethis?”
“Blamegreed.”
Henodded.“IwishIcoulddressthosewoundsforyou.Perhapswecoulddemandadoctor.”
“Thatwouldamusehim.”
“Isupposeso.Mydearwoman,”hesaid,wordsfailinghim.
“What’shappened?”Dr.Constantineaskedfromhiscellontheothersideofhers.
“Ithinktheycallittorture.”
Dr.Constantinecursedroundlyandthenapologized.
Shesmiled.“Thanks.Ithinkyouwereeloquent.”
Helaugheddespitethegravityofthesituation.
Dr.Fitzhughmovedclosertothebars.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutwhatyousaid.Thatnativevillage,

wecouldgettoitifwehadtransportation.Ourjailerherehasacousinwithawagonandtwomules.
Heoftendrivessuppliesdowntothevillagewhereyouleftyouryoungfriend.”

“Hedoes?”sheasked,suddenlyhopefulandafraidtohope.
“Yes.Thejailermighthelp….”
Therewasthesoundofheavyfeetmovingcloser.Thejailer,aheavy,mustachedmanofsixtyorso

years,stoppedatthecellsandgapedatClarisse,atthebloodonherblouse.“Señorita.Oh,¡Diosmio,
Señorita!Losiento.Losiento.¡Losanimales!¡Puedequesevayaalinfiernoparasiempre!”Hewas
actuallysobbing.

Clarisse,touchedbyhiscompassion,movedtothefrontofthecell.“¿Nospuedesayudar?”she

askedsoftly,usingthefamiliartermdeliberately,becauseafamilymemberwouldbethatupsetather
treatmentmorethananystranger.

Hehesitated.Butthenhisfaceset,andhenoddedcurtly.“Sí.Icandothat.Butyouhavenoplaceto

go…”

“Yes,wedo,”Dr.Fitzhughsaid.HisSpanishwasdreadful,buthemadehimselfunderstood.
“Yes,”Clarisseagreedquietly.“Avillagesouthofhere.Notsoveryfar,ifwehadawaytoget

there.”

Thejailercamecloser.“Mycousin,hehasmulesandabigwagon.Hegoestosouthvillagesto

takesupplieseveryFriday.Thatistomorrow.Iwillgetyououtbeforetheshiftchanges.You,”hetold
Dr.Fitzhugh,“musthitmeintheheadwithsomething,sotheywillnotkillme.”

“Dearoldfellow,I’dratherdie!”Dr.Fitzhughsaidfervently.
HespokeinEnglish,butthejailerreadhisconsternationandsmiled.“Youarekind.Butthismust

bedone.Ihaveawife,veryuglybutshelovesme.”Heshrugged.“Iamheronlysupport,soImust
notdie.Youmusthitme.Itwillbeallright.Ihaveaveryhardhead.”Helaughedandtappedit.

“Idon’twantyoutobehurt,”Clarissesaid,herexpressiontroubled.
“Itwillbeallright,”thejailersaidinatendertone.“Ihadadaughter…shewouldhavebeenyour

ageifshehadlived.Thefevertookher,whenshewasjustasmallchild.”Hewipedawaymoretears.
“MywifeisDutch.Thechildwasblonde,likeyou.”Hesmiled.“Ifyoustayhereonemoreday,
Saparawillkillyou.Youmustgonow.”

“Allright,then.Butifwealllive,I’llmakesureyouneverwantforanythingagainaslongasyou

live.AndI’lltakecareofyourwife,too.”

Thetearsfellevenharder.Heswallowedhard.“MynameisRomeroCoriba.”
“MineisClarisse.”
Hesmiled.“Clarisse.”Henodded.“Iwillmakethearrangements.Imustbribeaguard.”
“Ihavemoney,butit’sinSapara’spossession,”shesaidmiserably.
“Oh,thatisnoproblem.Iknowwherehekeepsthings.”Hegrinnedwickedly.“Andthebribeis

rum.Theguardoutsidehasabigthirstforit.IhaveabottleofitthatElPresidenteMachadogaveme
beforehewasoustedbythatimpostor,Sapara,”headdedcoldly.“Anyway,Ihavesavedtherumfora
specialoccasion.ItseemsIhavefoundone!”

Clarisselaughedthroughthepain.“WhenSaparaisousted,I’llbuyyouacaseofthebestrumIcan

find.”

“Señorita,youareanangelfromheaven.AndIamsorry,sosorry,forwhatwasdonetoyou.

ThosetwoanimalsthatworkforSapara…Icouldstranglethem.EspeciallyMiguel.Helikestohurt
people.”

“Ihaveafriendwholikestohurtpeople,too,”shesaidcoldly.“I’llmakesureheknowswho

Miguelis.”

Henodded.“Thatwillbeapleasure.NowImustgoandmakearrangements.IwishIcoulddo

somethingforyou.”

“Romero,you’regivingmemylife,”shesaidsolemnly.“Whatismoreimportantthanthat?”
Hesmiledandwentaway.
“Atlast.”Dr.Fitzhughsighedandsatdownonhisraggedbunk.“Hope!”
“Yes,”Clarisseagreed.Shelaybackdown,too,wincingasherblousepulledagainstthecuts.

“Hope.”

***

Romerocameintheearlyhoursbeforedawnwiththekeystotheircellsandcarryingabaseballbat.

“Ihaveeverythingarranged.Theotherguardhasfallenasleepfromdrinkingthewholebottleof

mygoodrum,andmycousiniswaitingatthedoorwithponchostocoveryouthree.Hewilldrive
youtothevillage.Hehastwostrongsonswhowillgoalso,justincaseoftrouble.Thefamilyhas
cousinsinthevillage.”

“Ican’trepayyounow,butIwill.Ipromise,”Clarissesaid,andhuggedtheoldman,despitethe

stingofthecutsonherchest.

Hepattedherawkwardlyontheback.“Youbesafe,myfriend,”hesaidsoftly.
Shesmiledthroughtearsofgratitude.“I’llseeyouagain.”
“Now,”Romerosaid,handingthebattoDr.Fitzhugh,“youmusthitme.”
Dr.Fitzhughtookthebatandgrimaced.“Well,atleastI’vehadmedicaltraining,”hesaidinhis

crispBritishaccent.“Iknowwheretohityoutoleastaffectyourpoorbrain.Butyou’llhaveahellof
aheadache.”

“Betteraheadachethantodie,”thejailersaidinhaltingEnglishandgrinned.
“Verywell,”Dr.Fitzhughsaid.“Thankyouwithallmyheartforyourhelp.Pleasecloseyour

eyes.”

“Sí,Ican…!”
Thejailerfellwithawhump.Dr.Fitzhughfeltforapulseandlistenedtotheotherman’sbreathing.

“God,Ihateddoingthat!”heexclaimed.Helaidthebatnearby,sothatitcouldbefound.

“Iknow.Let’sgo!”Clarissesaid.
Thethreeofthemranforthebackdoor,downthelonghall,hoping,praying,thattherewouldn’t

beasquadofsoldiersoutsidetomeetthem.Thejailerhadsoundedconfident,butClarissewas
terrified.Shewouldbeshotiftheycaughther.Shot,orworse.Itdidn’tbearthinkingabout.Shestifled
herthoughtsandjustran.

Butatthebackdoor,therewasnosignofanyone.Therewasaguard,slumpedagainstthewall,

unconsciousandbreathingloudly.

Clarissebitherlipalmostthrough.“Oh,myGod,”shegroaned,almostsobbing.
“Pssst!Señorita!”
Herheartjumped.Shelookedtowardaloadofwhatlookedlikemunitionsjustbehindthejail.She

ran,motioningthetwomentofollow.

“IamJorge,”asmall,darkmantoldher,doffinghissombrero.“Thesearemysons,Rafaeland

Sandrino.”

“I’mClarisse.Thesearemyfriends.YouareRomero’scousin?”
Itimpressedhimthatsheusedthejailer ’sfirstname,agrandladylikethiswhowasobviously

American.Hegrinned.“Yes,Iamhiscousin.Here.”

Hehadoneofhissonshandoutponchos,madeofwovenfabricthatwouldcoverthemtothe

knees.Healsohadbighatsthatwouldconcealtheirfaces.

“Wemustgo.Butdonotrun.Walk.Slowly.”
Clarissegroundherteethtogether.Hewasright.Butthatlongwalkacrosstheplaza,pastthe

fountain,totheoutskirtsofthemilitarycomplexwasthelongestwalkofherentirelife.Theymet
onlyoneguard.Jorgesaidsomethingtohimandpointedathiscompanions.Theguardgavetheman
oddlook.Butthen,sleepyandapathetic,hewavedthemon.TheycontinuedthewalktoJorge’s
wagon.

Clarisseclimbedintotheback,ontopofseveralbushelsofsomesortofgrain,andcollapsed.The

mendidlikewise.

“Andnowwego,”Jorgesaid,hissonssittingonthewidewoodenseatbesidehim.Hewhippedthe

muleswiththereinsandthewagonbegantomove,jerkilyatfirst,andthensmoothly.Exceptforthe
bouncing.

***

Clarisse’sfriend,Dr.Carvajal,cameintothehuthourslater,soakingwetinspiteofhisraincoat,
carryinghismedicalbag.

“Hello,again,”Peggreetedhim.
Hesmiled.“Hello.WhereisClarisse?”
“ShewasintheLandRoverwithEnrique,”shetoldhimasheputdownhisbagandstartedto

examineEnrique.“Wedon’tknowwhathappenedtoher,butwethinkthemilitarykidnappedher.”

“DearGod,”heexclaimedheavily.
“Shemusthavebeenalive,”shepointedout.“Orthey’dhavelefther,liketheyleftpoorEnrique.”
Helookedupatherandmanagedasmile.“Youmakesense.Yes.Perhapsthatiswhathappened.”
Hestartedtowork,insertingatubethroughaslitthathemadewithascalpelwherethebullethad

beenextracted.“Thisisgoodwork.Whooperatedonhim?”

“Idid,”Maddiesaid,cominginthedoor.“Iwasanarmymedicforafewyears.”
“Youshouldhavestudiedmedicine.”
“Notme,”shedeclared.“Tootame.Ilikeexploring.”
“Youarethearchaeologist,”heexclaimed.
Shenoddedgrimly.“Pleasedon’tpassthatinformationaround.I’mhidingfromSaparaandhis

thugs.They’dkillmeonsight.WhatIknowwoulddeprivehimofhisnewoillands.”

“Youhavediscoveredsomething?”heasked.
Shenodded.
Helookedgrim.“Listentome,youmustgettothecapitalandtellsomeoneinthegovernmentwhat

youknow.”

Shelaughed.“It’sinBarrera.AndSaparaisthegovernment.”
Thedoctorcursedunderhisbreath.“Thatlittleworm!”
“Icanthinkofmuchworsethingstocallhim,”Maddieagreed.“IhopeGeneralMachadokickshis

butt.”

“Machado?Heishere?”heexclaimed.
“Yes,”Pegsaid.“Hereandcloseby.He’sgoingtokickSaparaallthewaytotheAtlanticOcean.”
“Iwillgladlyloanhimapairofboots,”thedoctorsaidsoferventlythateveryonelaughed.
ButPegwasstillworriedaboutClarisse,andnothingeasedherfears.
“Shewillbeallright,”Mariasaidsoftly.“Ipromise.AndIhaveasurpriseforyou.”
“Asurprise?”
“Sim.”
Mariawentoutsideandmotionedtoaman.“¿Ahora?”
Hechuckled.“Yes.Theyarecomingdowntheroadnow.”
“They?”Pegwentoutsideandlooked.Therewasajeepapproaching,anAmericanjeep.Asshe

looked,atall,dark-headedmanwearingcamogeargotoutandcamemarchingstraighttowardher.

Hestopped,gaping.“Peg?”heexclaimed.
Hisexpressionsentherrunningrightintohisarms,tobeliftedandkissedandkissedandkissed

untilhermouthhurt,andstillshekissedhimbackwithallthepassionshe’dsavedupsincetheir
parting.

“Theysaidtherewassomeoneherewhohadimportantinformationforme,”heexclaimed.He

kissedhereyes.“Theydidn’tsaywho!”

Shesmiledashekissedheragain.Herarmstightenedaroundhim.“I’msohappy.”
Hismouthburrowedintohersoftneck.“Howthehelldidyougethere?”
“Clarissebroughtme.”

“Clarisse…!”Hestartedtospeakbutshecoveredhismouthwithhersoftpalm,whichhekissed

involuntarily.

“Shebroughtmeherewhenshewastakingdrugs.Shewasliterallyoutofhermindwithgrief.She

hadmeimmunizedandshenursedmeallnightlong.Thenshetoldmeaboutherfatherandsister—”
shestretchedthetruthalittle“—andhowtragicallytheydiedfourmonthsago.Webecamefriends.
Shesaidshewasgoingtotellyouwhatahorriblethingshe’ddoneandyoucouldshootherifyou
wantedto.SheleftmeherewhereI’dbesafeandwenttolookforyouwithEnrique.He’sinside.He’s
beenshot.”

“Shot?”heexclaimed.
“Yes.AndClarissewastakenawaybyBarreramilitary.Ifsheisn’tdead,they’reprobablytorturing

hertomakehertalk,”shesaidgrimly.“Ishouldneverhavelethergo.IshouldhaveaskedMariato
sendatrackertofindyou!”

“Hell,”Grangesaidheavily.“Whatamess!”
“Comeoninside,outoftherain,”Pegsaid,tuggingathishand.“Ihavealotoffriendshere.Iwant

youtomeetthem.”

Heshookhishead,smiling.TrustPegtomakefriendsinaforeigncountrywithoutanytroubleat

all.Hewasscaredtodeathtofindherhere,butsohappythathedidn’thavethewilltofussatherfor
coming.Heputhisarmaroundherandhuggedhercloseastheywentintothedwelling.Hefelther
softbreastpressingagainsthisside,underhisarm,andalmostshiveredwithdesire.Allthoseheated
dreamsthatendedincoldreality,andherewashisPeg,inhisarms,again,atlast!Hecouldn’teven
managetobeangryatClarisse.

Pegmovedclosertohimandlookedintohiseyesastheyenteredtheenormousthatchedhut,inside

whichasmallcampfireburned.Thelookshegavehimwasevenhotterthanthefire.

10

Grangewasintroducedtothepeopleinsidethehut.Maddiemadehimsmile.Sheknewtheoldgroup
ofmercstrainedbyEbScott,andshe’ddonemercworkbeforegoingbacktocollegetofinishher
degree.Shewasthemissingarchaeologist.

“I’veheardalotaboutyou,”hecommentedwithawrysmile.
“I’veheardquiteabitaboutyouaswell,”sherepliedwithaspeakingglanceatPeg.“Fromthis

amazingyoungwoman.”

“I’mnotamazingatall,”Pegprotested.
“Yes,youareamazing,”Dr.Carvajaltoldher.“Youbrokeourmutualfriendofavery

uncomfortableaffectionforanxietydrugs.Youmayhavesavedherlifeintheprocess.”

“Onlytohelpriskithere,”Pegsaidsadly.“Godknowswhatthey’redoingtoherrightnow!”
“We’llfindawaytogetherout,”Grangepromised.“Iswearit.”
“Thanks,”sherepliedsoftly,worshippinghimwithhereyes.
Hetouchedherhairgently.Shewassolovely,hethought.
“Hasthefightingstarted?”sheasked.
Hegrimaced.“We’rehavingsomeissuesrightnow.Thegeneralthinkswecandothisfromthe

inside.Butwehadtwomensneakintothecitytotalktooneofhisformergenerals,andtheyhaven’t
beenheardfromagain.SoeitherSaparafoundandkilledthem,ortheyhaven’tbeenabletomake
contact.”

“Badnews,”shesaid.
Henodded.“Sonowwe’reworkingwithlocalswhoarefedupwithSaparaandhismen,training

themtofightandshoot.It’sgoingtobemessy.”

“Oh,dear.”
Hesighed.“Everybattleplanhasitslimitations.Thiswasaloteasieronpaper.”Hesmiledather.
“Iguessso.”
Therewasacryfromthecenterofthevillage.
GrangeandPegwentoutside,leavingthedoctorandMaddietoworkonEnrique,withaworried

Mariastandingcloseby.

Amule-drawnwagonpulledupattheentrancetothevillage.
“Itisjustsupplies,”Mariasaid,pokingherheadoutthedoorway.“ItcomeseveryFridaytobring

usgrain.”

“Oh,”Pegsaid,disappointed.
Astheywatched,threeponcho-coveredpeoplejoinedthethreemenandmovedintothevillage.

One,shorterthantheothers,waswalkingveryslowly,asifhewasill.

Theycamecloser,removingthehatsthatcoveredtheirfaces.ItwasClarisse,withtwomen.
“Clarisse!”Pegexclaimed,andrantohughercloseandrockherandweep.“Oh,Clarisse,I

thoughtyouweredead!I’msohappy!”

Thathughurtlikehell,butClarissedidn’tsayaword.Itwassonicetohaveafriend.Shehugged

Pegback.“I’mokay.I’vebeenshot,cutupandthreatened,butI’mstillgoingstrong.I’mjust…”
Therewasalittlerushofbreathandsheslumpedtotheground.

Grangepickedherupandcarriedherintothehut.Mariaslungahammockquicklyforhimtoput

herinto.

Heremovedtheponchoandgasped.Herblousewassoakedinblood.“GoodGod,whathavethey

donetoher?”heexclaimed.

“Shewastortured,youngman,”oneofthemen,theshorterone,saidheavily.“We’veallbeen

throughhellinSapara’sasylum.Wehopetopayhimbackverysoonforhishospitality.I’mDamon
Fitzhugh.ThisisJulianConstantine.WeteachattheBarreraUniversity.Atleast,wedid.Thisbrave
youngwomanhelpedusescape.Idohopeherinjuriesaren’ttoobad.Shewasshotandhadamild
concussion,beforetheydidthistoher.Butwecouldn’tdoanythingtohelpher,andSaparawouldn’t
evencalladoctor.Theanimal!”

“Here,”Dr.Carvajalsaid,movingtothehammock.“Letmewashmyhands.Maria,ifyouplease,

bringwaterandacloth.”

“Atonce.Myson?”
Hesmiledwearily.“Hewillbeallrightnow.Thelungisinflating.Itwilltakealittletime.Thefield

dressingwasquiteimpressive,”hesaidwithagrinatMaddie.

“Thanks,”thearchaeologistreplied.
HewashedhishandsandturnedbacktoClarisse.HegaveGrangeandthetwomenaspeakinglook.
“We’llwaitoutside,”hesaidgently,andsmiledatPeg,motioningtothetwoprofessors,who

followedhimtoanotherbuildingnearby,wheretheywereofferedfoodandwateraroundthecentral
fire,whichtheyacceptedgratefully.

ThedoctorpeeledbackClarisse’sblouse,wincingatwhathesaw.Therewasadeepslashonher

arm,whichhadcutavein.Fortunatelyithadcoagulated,butshewasinbadshape.“DearGod.What
sortofmancoulddothis?”

“Someonewhoneedsadoseoflethalleadpoisoning,”Pegsaidinherslowestdrawl.
“Idoagree.”
Thecutswereprofuse,andquitedeep.
“Shewillneedplasticsurgerywhenthisheals,”hesaidashestitchedthem.“Thereisnowayitcan

bedonenow,shehaslostmuchbloodandmostofthesewoundswillrequirestitches.”Hewinced.“I
wouldnothavehadthishappentoherfortheworld.”

“NorI,”Pegsaidheavily.“PoorClarisse!”
“Shehasawoundonherheadalso,”Maddienoted.“Theblood’scakedthere.”
“Yes.”Heexamineditwhenhefinishedthestitches.Hebandagedthelesserwoundsaftertreating

themwithanantisepticpowder.Heshookhishead.“Somuchdamage.”

“Theytriedtomakehertalk,”Maddiesaidcoldly.“I’llbetshedidn’ttellthemanything.”
Mariacamebackintothehut.“Thatistrue.Ihavebeenspeakingtothearriero—themuledriver.He

saysshetoldhimthatsheneversaidaword,nomatterwhattheydidtoher.Theyweregoingtotake
herbacktobetorturedsomemorethismorning.Afriendhelpedthemescape.Themensaythatthey
willnottellmewho,sohemustbearelative.”Shesmiled.“Hehastobeakindperson.”

“Thereareafewintheworld,”Pegagreed.
“Thiswasadeepwound.Butthebulletonlygrazedherhead.Howfortunatethatthesoldier ’saim

wasoff.”

“Willshebeallright?”Pegaskedworriedly.
Thedoctornodded.“Sheistiredandsheseemsdehydrated.”
Clarissestirred.“Sosleepy,”shemurmured.Shewinced.“Sorry,Imusthavenoddedoff.They

torturedme,buttheydidn’tgetzilch,”shesaidwithflashingeyes.“There’samanwhoworksfor

Sapara,Miguelsomething.IfIeverseehimagain,Iwanttobepackingagun.”

“I’llfindoneforyou,somehow,”Pegsaid,andsmiled.“I’msogladyou’reallright.”
“IthoughtIsawGrange,”Clarissewhisperedweakly.
“Youdid.Hecarriedyouinhere.Youpassedout.”
“Lackofsleep,lackoffood—theydidn’tevengiveusmuchwater.I’msothirsty!”
“Here.Itisallright?”MariaaskedthedoctorasshehandedasmallceramicbowltoClarisse.
“Yes.Itiswhatsheneeds.”
Clarissetriedtotakeinthecontentsatonce,butthedoctorrestrainedher.“Toomuchwillmake

yousick.Slowly.”

Clarissenodded.Shewincedassheliftedherarmsagaintodrinkfromthebowl.“Thanks,Maria.

I’msosorryaboutEnrique.Wegotlostandhestooduptogethisbearings.That’swhentheshooting
started.Willhebeallright?”

“Yes,”thedoctorsaidwithasmile.“Likeyou,hewillneedafewdaystoheal.Buthewillbefine.

Youcancomebacktothecitywithme…”thedoctorbegan.

“I’mnotleaving,”Clarissesaidcoldly.
“Excuseme?”
“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”shesaidicily.“Iknowthelayoutoftheheadquartersbuilding,theshift

changetimes,andIhaveafriendinside.I’mthemostvaluableassetGeneralMachadohasatthe
moment.I’mgoinginwiththem.”

“Mydearwoman,”thedoctorbegantoprotest.
“Inthatcase,”Pegbegan,“I’mgoing,too.”
“No,you’renot,”Clarissesaidfirmly.
“She’sright.”Maddiesteppedin,herfacegrim.“You’realiabilityinthefield.You’dgetpeople

killed.Whichbringsustoyou,”shetoldClarisse,andturnedtoher.

“Nevermindarguing,”Clarissetoldher.“I’vewontherighttohelp.I’mgoing.”Sheheldupa

hand.“I’llstayoutsidetheaction.ButIcanhelp.Ihaveaphotographicmemory,andIcandraw.”

Maddiesighed.“Okay.Iwon’targue.I’lllethimdoit.”ShepointedtoGrangeasheenteredthehut.
Grangelookedgrim,andangry.
“Tellhershecan’tgo,”Maddiesaidfirmly.
“Getaropeandtieherup,”Clarisseaddedwithafaintlaugh.
GrangewaslookingatClarissewithamixtureofirritationandrespect.
“What’swrong?”Pegasked.
“Rourke’sonhisway,”hemuttered.“Damnedfool,ItriedtostophimbutIcouldn’t.”
“WhyisRourkecoming?”Clarisseasked.Herexpressionwascomplicated.Pegcouldn’treadit,

butsheseemedflushedandexcitedaswell.

“Itoldhimyou’dbeentortured,”Grangesaidheavily.“Iguesshisconscienceisasguiltyasmine.I

shouldn’thavebeensohardonyou.Neithershouldhe.”

Clarissemanagedawearysmileandlaybackdown,wincing.“I’vegotaguiltyconscienceofmy

own,forinvolvingPeginallthis.She’ssuchasweetie,”sheadded,lookingatPegwithrealguilt.
“She’ssomuchlikemysister…”Shestoppedbecausetearswerewellingupinherpaleblueeyes.

“It’sallright,”Pegsaidgently,smoothingbackherhair.“It’sallright.”
Thetearsoverflowed.
GrangehadneverseenClarissecry.Hethoughtshewastoughasnails,totallywithoutmorals.His

Peg,hethoughtwithgenuinepride,wasonewomaninamillion.She’dcrackedthroughClarisse’s
hardshell.

HewantedtotellClarisseshewasstayingoutoftheaction,butRourkehadahistorywithher.Since

hewasdisobeyingorderstocomehereanyway,hecoulddealwithClarisse.

***

Theywereallsittingaroundthefire,eatingasmallmeal,whenthejeepcameroaringuptotheedge
ofthecompound.Atall,angrymanwithblondhairandablackeyepatchoveroneeyecamestriding
towardthem.

Hissensuallipsweresetinathinlineandhisfacewasharderthanstone.Ashedrewcloser,Peg

notedthathisoneeyewasanoddshadeofbrown.Hedidn’thesitate,orwaittobeintroducedtothe
otherpeople;hewentstraighttoClarisseandkneltbesideher.

Hispracticedgazewentfromherbadlystainedblouse,betrayingthebloodevenafterMaria’s

attemptstowashsomeofitout,totheplacewherethedoctorhadtocutawayalittleofherhairto
treatthebulletwound.

“Whodidthistoyou,Tat?”heaskedherwithiceinhistone,andasortofaccentthatPeghadnever

heardbefore.

Shedrewinalongbreath.Well,atleasthewasn’tcallinghernamesorbeingsarcastic.Ifshe’d

beenmoregullible,shemightevenbelievethathecared.“OneofSapara’smen,”shesaidquietly.“A
butchernamedMiguelwhoworksinthemilitaryheadquartersbuildingadjacenttotheprison.”

Hisfacewaslikegranite.“He’llpayforit.Ipromiseyou.Wewon’tleaveanythingaliveinthe

wholedamnedplace!”

“Youmakesureyoudon’thurtRomero,”sherepliedquickly.“Hesavedus.I’dbedeadifnotfor

him.He’sthejailer.Anoldman,fatanddirtyandsweet.”

“Romero.”Hegaveheralonglook.“Soyoulikeoldermen,doyou?”
“He’smarried.”
“Whywouldthatstopyou?”heteased,andthensawtheexpressioncrossherfacejustbeforeher

eyesdropped.Shewouldn’tlookathimagain.

“Tat…”hesaidslowly,regretfully.
“I’mokay,”shesaidquietly.“I’llhaveafewbattlescars,butI’llbefine.”
Helookedagaintoherstainedblouseandwinced.Herememberedherskin,hersoft,beautiful

creamyskin;herbreastslikesmoothseashellswiththosedelicatepinknubs…

Hestoodup,shakingoffthememory.
“Hellofaplaceforscars,”hesaidicily.
“Hey,nobodywantsme,”sherepliedwithaself-deprecatingsmile.“Nobodywillseethemexcept

me.”

Hemighthavechallengedthatanothertime.Heknewshesleptaround.Everybodyknew.Buthe

couldn’tsnipeather;notnow,whenshewashurt,whensomedamnedanimalhadsavagedherlike
that.Withaknife,thebrute.RourkehadgonecrazywhenGrangehadtoldhimwhathappened.
Nothingwouldhavestoppedhim.Allhe’dwantedinlifeatthatmomentwastogettoher,toseeher,
tomakesureshewasallright.Hecouldneverhaveher,butnobodywasgoingtohurtherifhecould
preventit.Hehatedwhatwasdonetoher.

“Atleastitwasnothingworse,thankstoRomero,”Clarissesaidheavily.“They’dhavekilledmeif

wehadn’tescaped.Haveyoumettheprofessors?”sheaddedquicklyandintroducedthemtoRourke.

“She’sthebravestwomanI’veevermet,”Dr.Fitzhughsaidasheshookhands.“Whatatrouper!”
“Brave,andlovely,”Dr.Constantineaddedwithasmileather.

“Notsolovelynow,”shesaidwithasigh.Shesmiledback.“Butitdoesn’tmatterintheleast.Now

thatI’vehadatasteofBarreraunderitsnewmanagement,Ican’twaitforsomepayback.Imemorized
thelayoutofthemilitaryheadquarters,”sheadded.“Idon’tknow,maybeit’sthesameasitwaswhen
thegeneralhadpower,butIkeptmyeyesandmyearsopenandIaskedquestions.Ourjailerwasvery
kind.Hetoldmealot.”

Rourke’seyesnarrowed.“We’lllookoutforhim,”hepromised.
“Sapara’scomputersarestillrunningtheoldsystems,”Dr.Fitzhughoffered.“Ihaveastudentwho

canhackanything.IthoughtofusingsomethingliketheStuxnetvirus…”

Grangeburstoutlaughing.“Greatmindsrunninginthesamedirection,”hereplied.“Wehavean

Irishcomputerwhizkidwithourunitwhojustengineeredasimilarvirususinganoldgaming
computer,oneofthetowerones.He’sreadytointroduceittoSapara’smilitarycomputers.Andwe
haveanothergrouppoisedtosabotagethemedia.”

“Idoloveagoodfight!”Dr.Fitzhughchuckled.“Bytheway,someofourstudentshavebeen

helpingfighttheoppression.Mostofthemaretakingfinalexamsnow,butthey’dhelpifweasked
them.Theyknowthecityverywell.”

“I’drathernotinvolveinnocentciviliansrightnow,unlessIhaveto,”Grangereplied.“I’mgrateful

fortheoffer,though,andwemayhavetoresorttoothermethods.Battleplanschangequickly.”

“Indeedtheydo,youngman.”Helookedaroundathiscompanions.“Imustsay,welookquitethe

bandofragamuffins,”hejoked.

“Wesurvived,”Clarisseremindedthem,smilingasshesippedbroth.“Itdoesn’tmatterhowwe

look.”

“Isupposeso,butIshouldloveachangeofclothing.”Dr.Fitzhughsighed.“IfearImaybeginto

offendolfactorysensessoon.”Hesniffedhissleeveandmadeaface.Everyonelaughed.

GrangelookedatPeg.“Youshouldgohome.”
“Yes,”Clarissesaid.
“Absolutely,”Maddieagreed.
Peggavethemallalong,stubbornstare.Shefoldedherarmsandsatdown.
Grangeshookhishead.“That’smygirl,”hesaid,andsheblushed,becausehereallymeantit.She

laughedandthewayhelookedathermadeherheartsoar.Heretheywere,togetheratlast,and
surroundedbyawholearmyofpeopleinaplacewhereprivacywasanunknownword.Shecould
havegroanedoutloud.

Grangesawthatfrustration,andsharedit.Buthisprideinherwasvisible.Likehishunger,burning

inthebackofhisdark,intenteyes.“Okay,baby,”hesaidinavelvetytonethatsentwarmshivers
downherspine.“Youstay.ButyoustayherewithMaria,”hesaidemphatically.“Youaren’tgoingto
war.”

Shegrinnedathim.“Whateveryousay.AslongasIgettostay.”
Hesmiledback.“Whatawoman,”hemurmured,andhiseyesstaredintohersforsolongthatshe

blushed.Shewashavinguncomfortablesensationsinaplaceshecouldn’ttalkabout.Herbody
seemedtohaveawholeknowledgeofthingshermindhadneverexperienced.Shewantednothing
morethanabigwidehammockwithGrangeinit,likeinthateroticdreamshe’dhadbackhome.She
wonderedifshedaredtellhimaboutit?Well,shehadtimetothinkaboutthat.Thinkingwastheonly
thingshecoulddoatthemoment,sincesheseemedtobelivingintheGrandCentralStationof
Barrera,shemused,andsmiledwarmlyatthepeoplearoundher.Shedidseemtohaveaknackfor
makingfriends,shethought.

***

GrangescroungedapencilandscrapsofpaperandhadClarissedrawtheapproximatepositionsof
theguardsintheheadquartersbuilding.Sheandthetwoprofessorsdiscussedthechangingofthe
guardandtheequipmentinSapara’soffice.ThemenknewmorethanClarisse,becausethey’dbeen
incarceratedforseveralmonths.

“Hehadalotofradioequipmentinhisoffice,Iremember,”Clarissesaid,alittlewearily.“Awide-

screentelevision,entertainmentsystem,evenagamingcomputer.”

“Manausisthecenteroftheelectronicsindustryinthispartofthecontinent,”Dr.Fitzhugh

remarked.“Ilovefiddlingwithcomputers.It’safree-tradezone,sotaxesaren’thighandthe
equipmentisreasonablypriced.”

Clarissehadherhandswrappedaroundawarmceramicbowlofherbaltea.Thescentofitwas

calming.Shelistenedtotheconversationofthepeoplearoundherasifinafog.

Rourkesatdownbesideher.Hetookouthispocketknifeandbegantowhittleatathickpieceof

woodhe’dfound.

“YouusedtodothatinAfrica,whenIwasachild,”Clarissesaidquietly.“Istillhavetheswanyou

carvedformewhenIwasten.”

“Youwereagamekid,Tat,”hemused.“Youfollowedmeplaceswheresomeoftheotherboys

wouldn’tevengo.Neverlaggedbehind,nevercomplained.NotevenwhenIletyouget
snakebitten…”

“Iwalkedrightintoit,”sheinterrupted.“Youcouldn’thavestoppedit.”
Hewhittledsomemore.
Itwasacompanionablesilenceforaminuteortwo.
“Thedoctorsaidyou’dneedplasticsurgeryonthosecuts.Theymustbedeep.”Hisvoicewas

angry.

“Battlescars,”shesaid,notinghiseyepatch.“Youwon’twearaglasseye,Iwon’thaveplastic

surgery.”

Heraisedbotheyebrows.
“Iearnedmyscars,”shesaid,andherfacesetinhardlines.Shelookeddownintohertea.“I’ve

spentmylifeplayingatreporting,doinglightheartedinterviewswithmeninthefield,emphasizing
thehumaninterestbit.”Shedrewinabreath.“ButnowIhavesomeideaofwhatit’sreallylike,
behindthescenes.”Shelookedupathim.“It’sanastybusiness.”

Henoddedslowly.“TheygiveAK-47stoboystenyearsold,drugthemupandsendthemouttokill

anddie.That’stherealworld.”

Sheshivered.
“Goodreasontogobackhomeandwriteagossipcolumnfromnowon.”
Shesippedtea.“No.I’mgoingtofindawaytodosomegoodintheworldwithmylife.”
“You’reabitoldtostudynursing.”
Sheglancedathimcoolly.“I’maphotojournalist.YoumaythinkIdon’ttakeitseriously.Ido.I

couldgetonwithoneofthewireservices,Reutersmaybe,anddosomein-depthcoverageofissues
likethosesoldierchildren.”

Heactuallyseemedtogopale.“That’sinsane.Doyouhaveanyideawhatmighthappentoyou

undercombatconditions?”

Shepulledasideherblouseandshowedhimoneofthescarsabovethecupofherbra,anangryred

withtheblackstitches.“Yes,”shesaid.“Asamatteroffact,Ido.”

Hewinced.Ithurthim,inwayshecouldneverrevealtoher,toseethosewounds.He’dpushedher

away,ridiculedherandverballyattackedherforyears.Hepretendedtoholdherinuttercontemptfor
herrichlifestyleandhermorals.Thetruthwasthathedidn’tdaregetclosetoher.Heknewthingsthat
shedidn’t.Therewasasecret.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftodiscloseit.Butitmeantthathecould
neverbeanythingexceptacasualfriend,oranenemy.Giventhechoice,itwaseasier,mucheasier,if
shehatedhim.Soheusedhostilitytokeepherfromseeingthroughthemask.

Hewentbacktohiswhittling.Hisexpressionwasharderthanever.“Suityourself.Idon’tguessit

wouldbotheryouatthat,beingassaultedbymen.Notwithyourhistory.”

Shewastooworn,toosick,tostrikeback.Itwasaviciousremark.Once,she’dhavehithimfor

that.Butshewastiredanddepressed,stillshiveryfromherordeal.“Thinkwhatyouplease,Rourke.”

Hehatedhimselfforwhathe’dsaidtoher.She’dbeensavagedandhehadn’tbeenabletosaveher.

Heclosedhiseyebrieflyandthenwentbacktoworkonthepieceofwoodhewascarving.Hedidn’t
sayanythingelse.

Clarissewonderedathisoddbehavior.Hecouldn’tgofiveminuteswithoutofferinghersome

terribleinsult.Butletsomethingbadhappentoher,thedeathofherfamilyorhercaptureandtorture
byamadman,andhewasfirstonthescene.Ithadalwaysbeenlikethat.Itmadenorealsense.Hedid
hateher.Itwasimpossiblenottoknowit.

Whileshewaspuzzlingoutthosethings,theroarofanotherjeepsoundedinthepleasantsilence.It

pulledupbesidetheotherjeepandthreemengotout.

Onewastall,withabroadfaceandwavyblackhair.Hewasinfront.Allthreeworearmyfatigues.
RourkeandGrangewereontheirfeetinaflash,andarmed,buttheyreholsteredtheirweaponsas

GeneralEmilioMachadowalkedintocamp.

“Havewemovedourheadquartershere?”heaskedinapleasant,butexasperated,tone,spreading

hishandsexpressively.

Therewasafaintgasp.“Emilio?”Maddiewentforward,hesitantly.
Thelookonthegeneral’sfacewasindescribable.“Maddie!You’realive!”
Shewasgoingtomakesomelaughingcommentwhenheshotforwardandscoopedherupagainst

him,goingaroundandaroundwithher,laughingashehuggedherandhuggedher.

“¡Diosmío!Ithoughtthey’dcaughtyouandkilledyou!”heexclaimed,breathlesswithrelief.He

putherdownandframedherfaceinhisbighands.“HowhappyIamtoseeyou,”hewhispered.He
bent,asifhemightkissher,butawareofhissurroundings,hedrewback,quickly.“ThankGodyou
escaped.”

Maddiemanagedaweaksmile.Herkneeswereweakfromhisenthusiasticgreeting.Perhapshedid

feelsomethingforher!

Shelaughed.“Yes,I’malive.I’vebeenhidingatanothervillage,closertotheruins.Mariasentfor

mewhenEnriquewasshot.Itookoutthebullet.Thatoldmilitarytrainingcomesinhandywhenyou
can’tgetadoctoronthespot.ArunnerbroughtDr.CarvajalherefromManaus,sohewasonhandto
patchupClarisse.”

“Clarissewasshot?”
“No,”Maddiesaidwithangerinherclearvoice.“Shewastortured.”
Machadogroundhisteethtogether.“Atrocities.Moreatrocities.IstherenoendtoSapara’s

brutality!”

Hejoinedtheothersatthecampfire.“Fourofyou?”heexclaimed,notingthetwoprofessors,Peg,

andClarisse.

“Thetwomissingprofessors,”Clarissesaid,introducingthemwithasmile.

“Poorlittlething.Whatdidtheydotoyou?”heaskedher,notingthebloodstainsonherblouse.
“Abitoftorture,”shesaid,shruggingitoffandtryingnottobreakdownagainunderthatobvious

compassion.“Nothingserious.SaparawantedtomakesureIwasonlyheretodoastoryaboutthe
missingprofessorsandthatIwasn’tharboringanyothersecrets.”Shesmiledwithpuremalice.“He
didn’tgetawordoutofmeaboutyou.”

“Howdidyouescape?”thegeneralwantedtoknow,anddroppeddowntositbesidethem.
“Withthehelpofanoldjailer…”
“Romero.”Machadosighed.“Oneofmygoodoldfriends.Theywillkillhimforhelpingyou…”
“Notbloodylikely,”Dr.Fitzhughremarkedsmugly.“Ihithimwithabaseballbatandlefthimlying

unconscioushalfinmycell.It’sallright,”headded,holdingupahandforMachado’sprotest,“I
studiedmedicinebeforeIswitchedtobotany.Iknewwheretohithimtodotheleastdamage.Bettera
headachethanabullet.”

“Iagree,”Machadosaid.“Heisagoodandkindman.IamsurprisedthatSaparaallowedhimto

remain.”

“Couldn’tgetanybodyelsetodothejob,”Dr.Constantinesaidgrimly.“Hewentthroughtenjailers

andfinallybroughtRomerobackindesperation.He’smadesomanyenemiesthathecan’tkeepstaff.”

“Thatisgoodnewsforus,”Machadosaid.
“Verygoodnews,”Grangeagreed.“Weneedtofindsomewaytomakecontactwiththosetwomen

yousentintothecitytoseekoutLopez.”

“Perhapsthedoctormighthaveanidea,”Clarissepipedin,smilingatthedoctorfromManaus.

“Don’tyouhaveacousininMedina?”

Dr.Carvajalresponded,“Severalcousins.IwillgetwordtooneofthemwhomIcantrustnotto

talk.Hewillfindoutforus.”

“HewillneedtocontactGeneralDomingoLopez,”Machadoinformedhim.“Andtellhimtocome

backtothevillagehere.Thatshouldnotarousesuspicions.Domingowillhelp.Ihadplanstogethim
outofthecountry,fearingthatSaparawouldkillhim.ButDomingoknewsomuchaboutthemilitary
operationthathewasindispensable.Saparaisapolitician.Hehasneverevenshotagun.Whenhe
helpedmetakeBarrera,hestayedbehindthelinestospeaktoreporters,”headdedcoldly.“Ieven
madehimmypoliticalleader.Itneveroccurredtomethathewouldbetrayme.Ididn’tthinkhehad
thenerve.”

“Thenewdictatorhasanaffectionforthecocaleaf,”thedoctorsaidcoldly.“Heusesitmoreand

more.This,also,canworktoouradvantage.MycousincanaskLopezabouttheroutineofSapara.”

“Weknowhe’sbuildingsomepalatialmansionoutsidethecity,”Clarissemused.“Presumablyhe

visitsitfromtimetotimetoseetheprogress.”

“Brilliant!”Machadoremarked.
Shesmiled.“I’mgettingsmarterallthetime.Musthavesomethingtodowithgettinghitonthe

headwithabullet.”

Rourkedidn’tcomment.Buthisdarkeyewincedasheglancedather.

***

Whiletheotherssatandtalked,GrangewentforawalkwithPegaroundthevillageclearing.Itwas
darkandthesoundsofthejunglewereclose.Asharpanimalcrysplitthesilence.

“Jaguar,”Grangesaideasily.“Itisn’tlikelytocomeintothecamp.Theydon’tlikefire.”Helooked

downather,butitwassodarkthathecouldn’tseehereyes.“Nightisreallynightdownhereinthe

tropics,”hewhispered.Hepulledherclose.“That’sagoodthingandabadthing,”hemurmuredas
hisheadbent.“Thegoodisthatnobodycanseeusdothis…”

11

Pegwentupontiptoe,tryingtogetclosertoGrange’sdevouringmouth.Hisarmswerebruising,he
heldhersotightly.Itwasasifhecouldn’tgetenoughofherwarm,softlips.

“Imissedyou,”hegroundout.“MorethanIeverdreamedIcould.Andyoushowuphere…!”He

kissedherharder.

Shesighed,smilingunderthewarm,softcrushofhislips.“Areyousorry?”shewhispered,

laughingfaintly.

“Mybodyisn’t,”hegroaned.“Justmybrain.”
“Tellyourbraintoshutup,”shesuggested,andpressedcloser.
Hisbig,leanhandscaughtherupperthighsandtuggedherhipsagainsthis.Heshiveredwiththe

movement.Hisbodywasaroused,painfullyaroused,andheretheywereinanativevillagewithnot
oneprivateplaceonoffertodosomethingabouthiscondition.

“Ifonly,”hegrowled,“therewasabedsomewhere!”
“There’shammocks,”shewhispered,shiveringalongwithhim.Shefeltahot,violentswellingin

herbody.Shewantedtotakeherclothesoff.Whatanoddfeeling!

“Idon’tthinkyoucanmakeloveinahammock,”hebitoffagainsthereagermouth.
“Yes,youcan,”shewhisperedurgentlyasshefelthishandsslideoverthetopsofherthighsand

rivethertothegrowinghardnessofhisbody.“Ihadthisdream…”

“Thisdream,”herepeatedhuskily.“Tellmeaboutit.”
“Idon’tknow,”shehesitated.
“There’snothingyoucan’ttellme,”hemurmuredagainsthermouth.“Comeon.”
“YouwerelyinginahammockinapairofshortsandIhadonthisHawaiiansarongthing,”she

said.Shetrembledashishandspressedharder,grindingheragainsthim.“Youuntieditandthrewit
onthefloorandtookoffyourshorts…”

“Andthen?”hewhisperedbreathlessly,hismouthopeningsuddenlyonanexposedbreast.
Shehadtofighttothink.“AndthenIsaidyoucouldn’tdothatinahammockandIwokeup,”she

said,flustered.

Hechuckled.
“ButIthinkIreallywokeupbecauseI’veneverdone,well,that,before,andIdon’tknowexactly

whathappens.Ido,sortof,frombooksandmovies.Butnotreally.”

“I’dlovetoshowyouexactlywhathappens,”hewhispered.“Ihaven’tdoneit,either,butI’m

absolutelypositivethatwe’lldoitrightthefirsttime.”

Shelaugheddelightedlythroughtheshivers.“Arewegoingto?”
“Yes.Assoonaswe’remarried.”
Shedrewbackabreathandlookedupathimwithherheartinhereyes,onlybarelyvisibleinthe

semidarknight.“Married?”

Henoddedsolemnly.“Ittakesabravewomantocomeintoacombatzonejusttoseeherman,”he

saidhuskily.“Besidesallthat,youcooklikeanangelandIwantyousomuchthatIcanbarelystand
upandwalkwhenyou’rearound.”

“Really?”sheexclaimedhappily.

Hemovedherhipsagainsthis.“Can’tyoutell?”
“Uh,yes,Idid,uh,notice.”Shewasflusteredoncemore,andburiedherfaceagainsthim,laughing.
“Oh,God,IwishtherewassomehorizontalsurfaceIcouldlayyoudownon,”hegroaned,bending

tohermouthinafeverofpassion.“Icouldn’tstop.Andhereweare,surroundedbypeople…ifwe
justhadahammock,even!”

“Buttherearen’tanyhammocksherethatdon’thavepeopleinthem!”sheaddedonwhatsounded

almostlikeasob.

Hishandswentunderherblouse,pushingherbraoutofhiswaysothathecouldfeelthesoft,

warmflesh.Therewerehard,tightlittlenubsthatexcitedhim.HisthumbsrubbedoverthemandPeg
archedandgaspedatthesurgeofpleasurehistouchproduced.

Herownhandstuggedhisshirtoutfromunderhisbeltandfoundtheirwayuptothethickmatof

hairthatcoveredhisbroad,muscularchest.

“Peg…”Hetriedtoprotest,butitfelttoogood.Heslidhershirtupandpulledheragainsthisbare

skin.Theresultwasexplosive.

Shecouldhardlybreathe.Allshecouldthinkofnowwasrelief.Therehadtobesomeendtothis

painfultension,somewaytoendit,somewaytomakeitneverend.Hermindwhirledaroundand
aroundashismouthopenedoverhersandforcedherlipsapart.Histonguedelvedsoftlyinside,into
thatsweet,warmdarknessevenashishandsslidunderherslacksinbackanddowntofindothersoft
skin.

“Yes,”shechoked.“Yes,oh,yes,please…!”
“Yes,”hegroaned.
“No,”cameanamusedvoicefromjustbeyondthedarkness.“Absolutelynot.”
Theyfrozeinplace.Theylookedtowardthevoice.Alightwasshining,thankfully,attheirfeet

insteadofanyhigher.

“Youhavetocomebacktothecampfire.Thechildrenaregettinganeducationthatthey’refartoo

youngfor,”Clarissetoldthem.

Sheturnedtheflashlightaround.Wherethetwowould-belovershadn’theardorseenanything,

abouttenchildrenwereinthebrushjustwatchingandgiggling.

“Oh,mygoodness,”Pegsaidunsteadily.ShemovedbackfromGrangeandrightedherclothing.
“Talkaboutsexeducationintheraw,”Grangemuttered.Heburstoutlaughingashetuckedhis

shirtbackin.“Caughtlikedeerintheheadlights!”hedeclared.

Pegwasflushed,butshelaughed,too.“Blameitonthenight,”shemurmured.
“Youshouldcomebacktothecampfire,”Clarissesaidinagentletone.“Mariasaidthatoneofthe

menwaskilledbyajaguaronlyafewdaysago,andtheycouldn’tfindittokillit.Wedon’twantthe
commanderofourtroopseaten,now,dowe?”sheaddedwithawickedgrin.

Theymovedbackintoviewofthecampfiresothattheirfaceswerevisible.
“Sorry,”Pegsaid,clearingherthroat.“Weweretalking.”
“Intheoldestlanguageknowntoman,”ClarisseaddedwithanamusedglanceatGrange,who

actuallyflushed,highonhischeekbones.

“Weareallhuman,”MachadoremindedGrange.HesmiledashelookedatanembarrassedPeg.

“Nothingtoworryabout,Iassureyou.”

“Nobody’spayingattentionanyway,”Clarissetoldthecoupleinalowtone,noddingtoward

O’Bailey,whowastellinganancienttalefromIrelandaboutthestandingstonestoarapttwo
professors,plusMariaandDr.Carvajal.“He’squitegoodatstorytelling.”Sheleanedclosertothem,
soasnottointerrupttheflowofthestory.“I’malsotoldthathe’sdangerousbehindacomputer

keyboard.”

“That’stheone?”Pegasked.“Theonewhoengineeredthevirus?”
Grangenodded.“O’Baileyisoneofourbestnewcomers.EbScotttrainedhim,too.He’squite

goodinthefield,nevergetsrattled.”

“I’llbetI’dgotopieces,”Pegsaid,glancingatClarisse.“Idon’tknowthatIcouldhavedonewhat

youdid,”sheaddedwithaffection.“You’resobrave.”

Clarissehuggedhergently.“Mydear,youhaveacourageallyourown,andarare,rareabilityto

makefriendswitheventhemosthostilehumanbeings.”Shepointedatherself.“Caseinpoint.”

“Youaren’thostile,”sheprotested.
“ButIwas.”Shesmiled.
Pegstaredatherforaminuteandthensaid,“Wecanallbehardtogetalongwith,whenwelive

throughtragedies,”shesaidgently.“Theimportantthingistogetthroughthemwithoutdamaging
ourselvestoomuchintheprocess.”

“Oldthoughtsforayoungmind,”thegeneralsaidsoftly.
Shegrinned.“I’manoldmindinayoungbody.”
“Imustagree,”thegeneralsaid.“Istherecoffee,doyouthink?”headdedheavily.“Itwillbealong

night.Ifearformyscouts.ItseemsthatSaparamayhavecapturedthem.”

“Theywon’ttalk,ifhedid,”Grangesaidquietly.“They’retrainedtoresisteventhemostintense

interrogationmethods.”

Machadodidn’treply.HeknewmoreabouttorturethanevenGrangedid.Hisearlylifehadbeen

spentroamingtheworld,hiringouthistalentstovariousgovernments.Hedidn’tusetortureasatool
inhispresidency,buthe’dhadtospeakharshlytoSaparafortorturingamediapersonjustbeforehis
politicalcomradeusurpedhisgovernment.Saparaandhispeoplemadeanartofit.

Asmall,darkmanwearingnothingexceptwhatseemedtobeaspandexbathingsuitcameintothe

circleoflight.Hishairwascutinacirclehighabovehisearsandhehadtattoosonhisskin,visiblein
thefirelight.Hewascarryingabowthatwasmuchtallerthanhewas,withahandfulofarrowsthat
hadtobefivefeetlongeach.

MariaglancedatMachado,whogotupandwenttotalktotheshortman.IncrediblyMachadospoke

thenativetongueofthevisitor.Hespoke,listenedwhiletheothermantalked,thenspokeagain.He
smiledandnodded.Thevisitorleft.

“ThankGodandtheHolyMotherandallthesaints!”Machadoexclaimed.“Ourtwomissingscouts

turnedupattheirvillage.”Hegesturedtowardthenativewhowasalreadyrunningoutofthecamp.
“TheydidcontactDomingoLopez,buttheydidn’tgetbacktousinthecampbecausetheythought
theywerebeingfollowed.Theydivertedtoescapetheirpursuers.They’vebecomeguestsofthe
Yamami,anotherbranchofMaria’stribenorthofhere,wherethey’llbesafeuntilthey’reneeded.I’m
goingtherenow.”

“I’llcomewithyou,”Grangesaid.
“Me,too.”Rourkegotup.
O’Baileystartedtorise,buttheywavedhimdown.
“Thefewerofus,thebetter,”Machadotoldhim.“Itwillbedifficulttogetthroughasitis.We’ll

havetotakeaboat.”Heturnedandspoketooneofthemalevillageelders,whonoddedandspoke.“It
willberiskyatnight,butthismanknowstheriverandthetroublespots.He’llgetusthrough.Itisn’t
thatfar.”

“Here,then,takethis,”O’Baileysaid,handinghimahandheldshortwaveradio.“We’reusinga

frequencythattheycan’tmonitor.Ifyouhavetotalk,limitittooneortwowordsandcutitoff

immediatelysotheycan’ttrackit.”Hegrinned.“Phoneswouldhavetobounceoffasatelliteandthey
mightmonitorthose.Buttheywon’tbeabletomonitoranythingforlong.I’mreadytointroducethe
virus,wheneveryougivemetheword.Afterthat,theywon’tbeabletolaunchamissile,orderan
attackorevenspeaktooneanother.”

“You’reawonder,O’Bailey.”Grangechuckled.
“Here’sapadandpen,writemegirlfriendandtellher!”O’Baileydrawled.
Theyalllaughed.
“We’llgiveyouthewordassoonaswereachtheoutskirtsofthecity,”MachadotoldtheIrishman

grimly.“Thereisatunnel,onewhosesecretIneverhadoccasiontosharewithnonmilitarypersonnel
likeSapara,thankGod.Itwasusedformovementoftroopsandweapons,andonlyIhavethecodesto
unlockit.”

“That’sarealblessing,”Rourkesaidquietly.“Iwaswonderinghowyoumeanttogetintothecity

undetected.Ishouldhaveknownyou’dhavesomethingfoxyunderyoursleeve,mate,”hetold
Machado.

“Ialwaysplaymycardsclosetothechest,”Machadoreplied,flashingwhiteteeth.“Thisone

strategicsecretmaysaveusabloodyrevolutioninsideMedina.Assumingthattheelectronicunitis
stillfunctioning,”headdedquietly.“Itiswellprotectedfromtheelements,though,soIamhopeful.”

“Ifitdoesn’twork,however,”Rourkesaidquietly,pattinghissidearm,“wecanhandleit.Several

ofourmenwereinBaghdadduringthewar.They’refamiliarwithurbancombat.”

“Ihopetheydon’thavetouseit,”Grangesaid.“Butit’sbesttobeprepared.”
“Youbepreparedandcomebacksafe,”Pegsaidtohim.“IwishIcouldcomewithyou.”
Hekissedherforehead.“SodoI,baby,butyou’dbealiability.”
“Ifit’sanycomfort,Ican’tgo,either,”Maddietoldher,puttinganaffectionatearmaroundher.

“I’mfartoorustytofunctioninacombatgroup.NowImostlyjustdigupstuff,”sheadded.

“Veryimportant‘stuff,’”Machadosaid,andlookedatherwithwarmthandrealinterest.“WhenI

regainpower,youcangobacktowork.”

Maddiesmiledalittleshyly.“I’lllookforwardtothat.”
“SowillI,”Machadotoldher,andhisdarkeyesstaredintohersforsolongthatsheblushed.
“CanIspeaktoyouforamoment?”ClarisseaskedRourkequietly.
“Forjustamoment,”Rourkebitoff.“We’repressedfortime.”Hefollowedheroutofearshotof

theothers.“Allright,Tat,whatisit?”heaskedimpatiently.

Shetookoffthecrossshealwaysworeunderherblouse,reachedupandsecureditaroundhis

neck.“Forluck,”shesaid.

Hefrowned,fingeringit.“You’renotreligious.Youcouldn’tbe,withyourlifestyle,”hesaid

venomously.

“Thinkwhatyoulike.Mymothergaveittome.Inevertakeitoff.It’ssavedmylifeinsomebad

places,”sheadded,recallingoncethataChristiangeneralinaMuslimareahadsavedherfroma
bulletwhenhenotedit,duringanuprisingshe’dcoveredinAfrica.

Rourke’slipsmadeathinline.“Idon’tbelieveinallthatstuff,”hesaidangrily,andwenttoremove

it.

Sheputherhandonhischest,overthecross.“Justwearit.Wouldyou?Youcanbringitbacktome

whenyou’vesecuredthecity.”Shedidn’tlookathimasshespoke.

Hisdarkeyestaredatherbenthead,shininglikegoldinthelightfromthecampfire.Shewas

incrediblybeautiful.Buthermotherhadtoldhimsomething,yearsago,whenhestartedtobecome
reallyinterestedinher.Ithadcausedhimnoendofheartache.Clarissedidn’tknow,couldn’tknow.

Hermotherhadswornthatshewouldnevertellherdaughterthetruth.Clarissewastheonewoman
onearthhecouldn’taffordtoencourage.Heshouldtakeoffthenecklaceandthrowitather.He
almostdid.Butherconcern,socuriouslyexpressed,gavehimpause.

“Allright.I’llwearit.”
Shemanagedasmile.“Goodluck.”
Hemethereyesforasplitsecond,heldthem,andhatedhimselffordoingit.Theexpressiononher

facemadehimwanttohurtsomething.Heturnedawayquicklyandrejoinedtheothers.

“We’llbebackbeforeyouknowit,”GrangeassuredaworriedPeg.“Butnomatterwhathappens,

youstayput.”

“Awww,shucks,foiledagain.IthoughtI’dfollowyouonfootalongtheriverbankwhenyou

weren’twatching.”

“Icanfindsomeropetotieyouup,dear,”Clarissewarned.“EvenifIhavetocutupahammock.”
Pegmadeafaceather.“Becarefuloutthere,”shetoldGrangeandRourke.
“ImakefriendseverywhereIgo,”Rourkesaidwitharakishgrin.
Clarissedidn’tlookathim.Sheturnedherattentionbacktothecampfire,wheretheprofessors

wereentreatingO’BaileytotellthemsomemoreIrishlore.

“Wewon’tbetoolong,”GrangeassuredPeg.Helookeddownintohereyesforalongmoment.

“You’remywholelifenow,”hewhisperedsothatnooneelsecouldhear.“Staysafe.IfIloseyou,I
havenothingworthlivingfor.”

Shesobbedagainsthismouth.“Thatgoesdoubleforme!Don’tyoudaregethurt!”
Helaughedandhuggedherclose.“That’smygirl.”
Hebenttokissher,butverybriefly,beforehefollowedRourkeandMachadoandthenative

villagerintotheforest.

***

Itwasalmostdawnwhenthereweresoundsofmovementinthedistance.

PegandClarissecrawledsleepilyoutoftheirhammocksandwentoutside.Maddieandthetwo

maleprofessorswerealreadyintheclearingnearthecenterofthevillage,listening.Itwasn’taloud
sound,butitwasnoticeable.Thenativeshadalertedthevisitors.

“Sapara’smen?”Pegaskedworriedly.
“It’scomingfromtheriver,”Maddiesaid.“Saparawouldbecomingfromthenorth,moreorless.”
“Coulditbeariverboat?”Pegcontinued.
“Asmalloneofsomesort,possibly.I’veseensomestrangevehiclesontheriver,”Maddiesaid.
Clarissedidn’tspeak.Shejustwatched.
Afewminutespassedbeforeatall,distinguished-lookingmanwearingkhakiscamewalkinginto

campwithapartyofnativepeople.

“Soitistrue,”heexclaimed.“Ididn’tbelieveGarciawhenhetoldme!”
Thethreewomenstoodup,staringatthemancuriously.ButMaddiegotup,smiling,andwentto

meethim.Theyshookhands.

“Goodtoseeyouagain,Rev,”shesaid.Shemotionedhimintothecircle.“ThisisReverendBlake

Harvey,”shesaid,smiling.“HedoesmissionaryworkhereforaunionofProtestantchurchesin
America.ThisisClarisseandthat’sPeg.”Sheindicatedthetwowomen.“Clarisseisaphotojournalist
foroneofthelargerAmericannewsmagazines,andPeg’sheretotalktomeabouttheruins.”Shewas
concealingtheirtruepurpose,nottomentiontheupcomingrevolutionnearby.

“Adangerousplace,this,”ReverendHarveynoted.Hesatdownbythecampfire,smiledatMaria

andwasgivenabowlofthewonderfulnativesoupshe’djustprepared.Hethankedherashesippedit.
“ComparedtowhatI’vebeeneatinglately,thisisafeast,”heobserved.“Garcia’speopleeatmostof
theirmonkeymeatrawandwhattheydrinkisn’tcompatiblewithmystomach,”hetoldthem.“They
givemethebesttheyhave,whichisamarveloustestamenttothekindnessofstrangersinastrange
land.”

“I’venevermetsuchgenerouspeople,”Pegsaidinhersoftdrawl.“I’velearnedsomuch!”
“Ah,astudent?”thereverendasked.
Peghesitated,nervousofgoingfurther.Shedidn’twanttosayanythingthatmight,evenslightly,

affectthesuccessofMachado’smission.

“Infact,yes,she’saforeignexchangestudentofmine.”Dr.Fitzhughcametoherrescue,coming

forwardwithasmiletoofferthesmilinglie.“I’mDr.Fitzhugh,”hesaid,shakinghandswiththe
missionary.“IteachinMedina.Atleast,Idid.Iwasarrestedforsedition.”Hechuckled.“ButDr.
ConstantineandI—he’ssittingovertherelearninganewdialect—managedtoescape,withsomehelp
fromourfriend.”HepointedtoClarisse.

Thereverendnotedherstainedblouseandfrowned.“Younglady,haveyoubeenhurt?”heasked

worriedly.“Idohavesomemedicaltraining…”

“Unnecessary,butthankyou,”Clarissesaidwithasmile.“Dr.CarvajalfromManaustreatedme.He

hadtogobacktothecityforanemergency,”sheadded.

“Agoodman,”ReverendHarveysaid,sippingmoreofthesoupfromtheceramicbowlinhis

hands.“Hecametothevillageafewweeksagotohelpayoungwomaninlaborwithherfirstchild.A
boy,”headded.“Fatandhealthyandbeautiful.”

“Wehaveheardofyou,”Mariatoldthereverend.“Theysayyouwalkedintobulletswhenthemen

fromtheSaparagovernmenttriedtotakethelandfromtheYamami,”sheadded,namingthetribefor
onlythesecondtimeinPeg’shearing.Latershewouldlearnthattheywereanoffshootofanother
tribe,theYanomamo.Thissplinter,largelyfamily,group,andanotheroffshootofitwhere
Machado’sscoutswerestaying,hadmovedawayfromthemainbodyofthetribeandsetup
housekeepinginBarreratwogenerationspast.Theystillhadtradewithothernativetribes,butthey
livedmostlytothemselves.Theypreservedtheancienttraditionsoftheforestpeopleandresistedthe
attemptsofmodernindustrialiststomovethemofftheirlandinordertouseitforoilextraction.
SaparahadthreatenedtodestroyMaria’sentiretribeiftheycontinuedtoresist.Itwasonemore
reasonforMachadotogettheusurperoutofoffice.

PegknewthatRitterOilCorporationwouldneveragreetothedestructionofnativepeopletobring

abouttheoildevelopment.SoshetoldMaddieandMaddietoldO’Baileyhowtogetintouchwith
Ritter ’sheadofsecurity,ColbyLane,inHouston.Thatprocesswasunderway.OnceMr.Ritterknew
whatwasgoingoninBarrera,regardlessoftheoutcomeoftheattempttounseatSapara,therewould
benodangertoMaria’stribe.

***

Meanwhile,Grange,Machado,RourkeandthenativesapproachedtheoutskirtsofMedinaquietlyand
undercoverofdarkness,throughthejungle,toamakeshiftcampwithalargetentunderheavy
camouflage.Theretheymetupwiththemissingscouts,twoworn-lookingmenincamouflagegear.
TheywereaccompaniedbywhatlookedliketwentyYamaminatives,allcarryingextremelylong
bowsandarrows,andpaintedforwar.

“Buddingcommandos,”oneofthescoutssaidwithawidegrin,indicatingthenatives.“Theyknow

thejungleintimately.Weappealedtothemforaidwhenweescapedfromthecityandtheybroughtus
herethelongwayaroundtothrowSapara’smenoffthescent.Theysaythere’satunnelnearby
leadingbackintothecity,butithassomesortofelectroniclockonit.”

Machadochuckled.“Indeeditdoes.Iplaceditthere.Thetunnelwasbuiltbymypredecessoras

president,andit’showIenteredthecitythefirsttimetooverthrowhim.InevertoldSaparaaboutit.I
keptitasoneofmytopmilitarysecrets.OnlyDomingoLopezknowsthatitevenexists.”

“That’sastrokeofluck,”Grangesaid.
“Astrokeofluck,indeed,”Machadosaidgrimly.“Becauseifwecangetinsidethecity,toSapara’s

officeundetected,wecanseizethegovernmentwithouthavingtofireasingleshot.”

“Well,maybeoneortwoshots,”Rourkepipedinashejoinedthem.
“Thiswillwork,”Grangesaid.“I’msureofit.”
“Myfriend,”Machadoreplied,“Iamalsosureofit.Nowiftherainwilljustholdoffforafew

minutes…”

Evenashespoke,therainstartedcomingdowninbucketfulsalloveragain.Machadolaughed.

Everyoneraninsidetoavoidbeingdrenched.

***

ThehutwhereMariaandthethreewomenwereeatinghadahugepoleinthecenterholdingupthe
roof,whichwasthatchedwithsomesortofpalmleaves.Peghadbeenfascinatedwithitsintricate
construction,andmorefascinatedwiththefactthatthewomenbuiltacookingfireonthedirtfloor
rightinsidethehut.Itdidgetabitsmoky,butitwasefficientandrathercharming.Anothernative
womanhadaloomnearthecenterpole,andshewasworkingquicklyandefficientlyatabeautifully
coloredblanket.

“Youlookworried,”Clarissesaid,notingPeg’sfrown.
“It’smydad,”shereplied.“ItoldhimI’dbeawayforacoupleofdays.He’llbeworried.”
“We’lltalktoO’Bailey,”Clarissepromisedher.“He’sawhizwithcomputers.He’llgetwordto

yourfather.”

“Okay!”
O’Baileywassittinginfrontofhiscomputer,whichwaspoweredbyasmallportablegenerator.

Hegrinnedatthewomen.“Wouldn’tdareusethisanyclosertothecommandpost.Soundcarriesin
thejungle.Eventwomentalkinginawhispercangiveawayaposition.”Heindicatedthecomputer
screen.“I’mjustwaitingforthegeneraltogivetheword,andSaparawon’tbeabletotalkto
anybody.”

“Goodman,”Clarissestated.“We’rewonderingifyoucangetamessagetosomebodyin

Jacobsville,Texas,forPeg.Shethinksherfatherwillbeworrying,sincehedoesn’tknowwhereshe
is.”

“Infact,IknowahamoperatorinJacobsville.GrangeusedhimtosendamessagetoPegonce,I

believe.”

“Yes!”Pegexclaimed.“I’dforgotten.Ineverknewwhothemanwas,buthetoldmethatWinslow

wassafeandmissedme.”Shelaughedoutloud.“Couldyougetintouchwithhimandhavehimtell
myfatherthatI’mallrightandI’llbehomesoon?”

“Icandothat.Infact,I’lldoitrightnowwhileIdon’thaveanythingelsetomonitor.”
Hesetuphisequipment,madethecallonscrambleandtoldthemanattheotherendtocontact

Peg’sfather.“He’llbegladtodoit,hesaid,”hetoldPegwhenhefinished.Hegrinned.“Goodthing
wedidn’ttellhimwhereyouare,ya?”

Sheburstoutlaughingagain.“Oh,yes.AlthoughI’mgoingtocatchhellwhenIgethome,”Peg

saidwithresignation.

“I’llgowithyouandexplainitmyself,”Clarissesaidfirmly.“I’mthecauseofallyourrecent

troubles.Ihavetotrytomakeituptoyou.”

“Areyounuts?”Pegexclaimed.“I’vegottentoliveinafive-starhotel,traveldowntheAmazonin

aboat,liveinanativevillageandseetheculturefirsthand,participate,sortof,anyway,ina
revolutiontorestorefreedomtoanoppressedpeople—andyouwanttomakeituptome?”

Clarissehuggedherwarmly.“YoumakemefeelasifIdidsomethingworthwhile,whenIhad

reallybadintentions.MyonlyexcuseisthatIdidn’tknowyouatall.”Shelookedattheyounger
womanwithpureaffection.“Nobodywhoknowsyoucouldeverhurtyoudeliberately.You’retoo
sweet.”

Peggrinnedandflushedalittle.“Thanks.”
“Look!”Maddiesaidsuddenly.
TheyallturnedandEnriquecametothecentralcampfire,wobblingalittle.Hesmiledsheepishly.

“Sorryaboutwhathappened,”hetoldClarisse,wincingwhenhesawherstainedblouse.“Ireally
messedup.”

“No,youdidn’t,”Clarissesaidgently,andsmiled.“Youcouldn’thaveanticipatedamilitarypatrol.

Weneverevensawthem.”

“Iwouldlovetohaveaconversationwiththem,”Enriquesaidashesatdownbesidehismotherand

smilinglyacceptedabowlofbrothfromthesteamingpotoverthefire.“Averyintenseconversation.
So,couldsomeoneloanmeapistol?”headdedtoO’Baileywithagrin.

O’Baileychuckled.“I’llbegladto.ButIthinkwemayhaveachangeofgovernmentsoon.Bestto

crossyourfingers.”

“Mineareallcrossed,”Pegsaid,anddemonstrated.
Theylaughed.

***

Itwasagreatrelieftofindthatthetunnel’scontrolunitwasstillfunctional.Machadorememberedthe
electroniccodethatunlockedthemassivesteeldoorintothetunnel,althoughithadbeenyearssince
heusedit.Hegrinnedathismenasthelockgavewayandthedoorswungback.

“Amazing,”Grangesaidadmiringly.“Ihavetroublerememberingmyownphonenumber.”
“Wouldn’thavematteredifyou’dforgotten,”Rourkedrawledwithasmile.“Thereisn’talock

made,electronicorotherwise,thatIcan’tgetpast.Wheredoesthistunnelleadexactly?”Rourke
asked.“Andhowfardowehavetogo?”

“Itleadsdirectlytomilitaryheadquarters,”Machadosaid,“andemergesintothebasementthrough

whatlookslikeasolidwall.MypredecessorhaditbuiltbyGermanengineers.It’sformidable,and
deepenoughtosurviveallbutthenewestbombs.”

“Ihopenobodyknowswe’recoming,”oneofthescoutsremarked.“GeneralLopezsaidthathe

wasplanningadiversion.Whenwe’reready,Ihavethefrequencytocontacthim.”

“WhichIsenttoO’Bailey.”RourkelookedatMachadointhedarknessofthetunnel,litonlybya

smallflashlightafterthegatewasclosedandlockedbehindthem.“Wheneveryou’reready,I’llgive
himthecodetofrySapara’scomputercommunicationssystemsandsendthesignaltoLopez.”

Machadolookedathismen.Grangewasasgrimashewas,himself.Rourkeneverseemedtobe

rattled.BradDunagan,thesecond-in-commandtoGrange,wastallandblondandneverseemedto
speakunlessaskedaboutsomething,buthewasagoodman.Thetwoscouts,CarsonandHale,were
bothofNativeAmericanancestry,andCarsonhadblackhairthatcamedowntohiswaistinback.
He’dlooseneditwhentheycameintothetunnel.Machadosmiled.Itwassomethinghe’dreadaboutin
booksonNativeAmericanwarfareofthepast;Plainswarriorsgoingintobattlealwayslettheirhair
down.

“Areweready?”Machadoaskedhiscompanions.
TheYamamicameforward,carryingtheirincrediblylongbowsandarrows.Oneofthescouts,

who’dlearnedtheirdialect,passedalongthequestion.Theygrinnedandnoddedenthusiastically.

“I’malwaysready,”Rourkesaid.
Grangesmiled.“Samehere.Givetheword,General.”
Machadosmiledfaintly.Hedrewhissidearm.“Gentlemen,¡vámonos!”

***

O’Baileyheardatonecomeoverthecomputer.Grimlyhestartedtyping.Aminutelater,hehitEnter.

Hewonderedwhetherornottotellthecompanyaroundthecampfirethatallhellwasaboutto

breaklooseinMedina.PegandClarisseandMaddieweresmilingastheylistenedtooneofthe
reverend’sstoriesabouthisfirstdaysontheAmazonasayoungmissionary.Theylookedatpeace
andhappy.Noneedtoturnthosesmilesupsidedown,hedecidedatlast.Heturnedhisattentionback
tothecomputerscreen,wishingtheinvasionGodspeed.

***

Thestreetsweredark.Medinawas,inmanyways,moremedievalthanmodernasacity.Itwas
poverty-stricken—moresosinceSaparahadoverthrowntheexistinggovernment—andtherewasno
moneyleftforimprovementstothecity’sutilities.Therewerenostreetlights,nopublicbuses,
apparentlynopublictransportofanykind.Thesmallcityhadunpavedstreetsandtheywereamess
withraincomingdown,sporadicallydrizzlingandtheninbucketloads.Therewerelightsinsome
smallhousesandmusicanddrunkenlaughtercameoutofabartheypassed.

“Don’ttheyhaveapoliceforcehere?”Grangeaskedunderhisbreathastheywalked,singlefile,

downanalleythatledtothemilitaryheadquartersbuilding.

“It’sinthere,”Machadosaidgrimly,havingglancedinsidethebar.“Deaddrunk.”
“That’sonethinginourfavor,”Rourkemurmuredquietly.
“Waithereforaminute,”Machadosaid.Hemovedtowardthereardoorofthebuilding,hesitated

andopenedit.

Heeasedthroughtotheinterior,goingslowly.Grange,unasked,movedinbehindhimwithhis

sidearmraisedbyhisrightearandthesafetyoff.

Astheyturnedacorner,pasttwocloseddoors,anold,heavysetmancametowardthem.
Hestopped,caughthisbreathandstoodverystill,waitingtobeshot.
ButMachadomotionedtohimquickly,urgently,andhemovedforwardintothedarkhallway.
“Itisyou?”theoldmanexclaimed.“Itisreallyyou?”
Machadoembracedtheoldman.“Itis,oldfriend,andverysoonyouwillbebackinapositionof

authority.WhereisSapara?”

Romerolookedaroundcautiously.“Upstairsinhisoffice,withawoman,”hesaidwithdisgust.“He

hashistwothugs,JoseandMiguel,standingoutsideto‘protect’himfromintrusion.”

“Hey,Carson,”Grangecalledsoftly.
Themanwithlong,loosenedblackhaircameforward.HelookedatGrange.
Grangeonlynoddedgrimly.
CarsonshowedaflashofwhiteteethandpulledanenormousBowieknifeoutofitssheath.
“NotMiguel,”Rourkebitoff.“He’smine.”
“Hewillbethebiggerofthetwomen,señor,”Romerotoldthetall,lithemanincamogear.
CarsonglancedatRourke.“Somethingpersonal?”heaskedinadeepwhisper.
Rourkenodded.“Torturedawoman.Afriendofmine.”
Carson’sfacehardened.“Iunderstand.Iwon’tbelong.”
Hewentaroundthecornerandupaflightofstairssosilentlythatnobodyheardhimmove.
Justthen,twomencameinthroughthefrontdoorofthebuilding,thepartthatledtothejail.They

wereSapara’smenandtheywererunning.

RomerowenttomeetthemwhiletheAmericansmeltedagainstthewall.
“Whatisit?”Romeroaskedinnocently.
“Ourentirecommunicationsgridjustwentdown,”oneofthemensaidinSpanish.“Wehavetotell

thecommandante…!”

12

“Actually,we’dratheryoudidn’t,mate,”Rourkedrawledashedroppedthefirstonetotheground
withahardrighttothediaphragm.

“It’snoneofhisbusinessanyway.”Grangechuckledashedroppedthesecondman.
Upstairstherewasasuddenthud,followedbyanevenharderandlouderthudthatmadeseveral

rhythmicthumps.

TheAmericansrushedintothehalltofindthebigman,Miguel,lyingatthefootofthestepswitha

blankstareatthemenjustjoininghim.

Hestartedtospeak,butRourkehadhimgaggedandtiedupinseconds.“I’lldealwithyoushortly,”

hesaid,andinatonethatchilled.

“Hurry,”Machadosaid,takingtheleadupthestairs.“WecannotaffordtoletSaparaescape.”
Buttherewasnohopeofthat.Carson,thePlainsIndian,hadtheotherguardhog-tiedonthefloor,

thedooropen,andtwodazedpeople,wrappedinablanket,staringupathimoverthesightsofa.45
ACPfromathickllamaskinonthefloorofthemassive,luxuriousoffice.

“Carson,you’reawonder!”Grangeexclaimed,pattingtheothermanontheback.
“TellEbScott,”thetallmandrawled.“Ineedaraise.”
“Machado!”ArturoSaparablurtedout.Hisfacewasflushedandhelookedstoned.
“Youwerenotexpectingme,Isee,”Machadosaidcoldly.“Thefirstlessonyoushouldhave

learnedistoexpectretribution.”

Saparastruggledtohisfeet,leavingtheembarrassedwomantostruggleintothefurryllamaskin

he’dleftbehind.“Icanexplain!”hebegan,andmovedtowardthedesk.

Grangewastherefirst.“I’mafraidyouwon’tbeabletodothat.”Heturnedofftheelectronic

communicationsequipment.“Yousee,we’vefriedyourcomms.Therewon’tbeanywayforyour
militarytorespond.Infact,justaboutnow,GeneralLopezshouldbetellingthearmedforcestostand
down.”

“Youcannotdothis!”Saparasaidfuriously.“Iamtherulerofasovereignnation!”
“Notreally,”Machadorepliedpleasantly.“Youhavejustbeendeposed.Youwill,ofcourse,be

spendingthenextfiftyyearsofyourlifeinprisonforhightreason.Lopezandmostofmymenwill
behappytotestifytothis.”

“Iwilltestify,too,”theforgottenyoungwomanwrappedinllamaskinssaidfuriously.“Hehasmy

fatherinjail.HesaidhewouldkillhimifIdidnotdowhathesaid.Myhusbandisathomewithour
children,andIhadtoleavethemweeping.He—”shepointedashakingfingeratSapara“—camewith
thatbutcherMigueltotakemeawaytosleepwithhim!”

“Iwillhavethemallkilled!”Saparayelledather.
“Youwon’tbedoinganymorekilling,”Grangesaidquietly.“Carson,escorttheformerpresident

ofBarreratoourleastcomfortablecelldownstairs,ifyouplease.AndsendRomerotoguardhim.”
Hesmiledashesaidit.

“Notthatfatpig!Ifiredhimtonight!”Saparayelled.
“Ihaverehiredhimatabettersalaryandmadehimmychiefofpolice,”Machadosaidwithagrin.

“Howunfortunateforyou.”

“Iwillreclaimmygovernment!Thepeoplewillriseupagainstyou!”Saparafumed.
“Notwhentheyseeyournewpalacethatwasbuiltattheirexpense.Notwhenweopenthejailsand

theyseewhathasbeendonetotheircountrymen.NotwhentheworldpressisallowedintoBarrerato
seetheatrocitiesyouhavecommittedhere,”Machadosaid,gatheringsteamashespoke.“Youwillbe
fortunatenottobetriedbytheWorldCourtonchargesofcrimesagainsthumanity!”

Sapara,foronce,shutup.Hewrappedthesheetcloseraroundhisfatbody.
“Takehimaway,please,”Machadosaid,wavingahand.“Theverysightofhimoffendsme.And,

Rourke,willyoufindthisyoungwoman’sclothing,andaplaceforhertodress,andhaveoneofour
menescorthertoherhome,please?”

“Mypleasure,”Rourkesaid.“Señora?”
Shenodded.“Mythingsareoverthere.”Sheindicatedadoorleadingtoaninneroffice.“Iwillbe

quick.”

Shewenttodress.MachadoturnedonthecommunicationsstationandcalledGeneralLopez.He

wasgrinningfromeartoearwhenhefinishedspeakingwithhim.

“ThemilitarymassedbehindDomingoanddetainedthehandfuloftroopsloyaltoSapara,”hetold

hiscomradesasherejoinedthem.“Theyarefacingtreasoncharges,alongwithSapara.Evennow,
themenaregoingtosecretdetentioncenterstofreeprotestorswhohavebeendetainedwithout
benefitofcounsel.”Helaughed.“Itwillbeadayforthanksgiving.”

Romerocamelumberingupthestaircaseandsmiled.“Thepadrehascome,”hetoldthem.“He

wouldlikepermissiontoreopenthecathedralandsaymass.”

“Hehasmyblessing,”Machadoreplied.HeclappedahandonRomero’sshoulder.“Andthankyou

foryourhelp,mynewChiefofPolice.”

“Me?”Romero’sfacebrightened.“Youareserious?”
Machadonodded.“Suchcouragemustberewarded.Yousavedthelifeofaverybraveyounglady

andhelpedherandthetwoprofessorstoescape.Theyhavesungyourpraisesformanydays.”

“Theyounglady,shewillbeallright?Theydidmonstrousthingstoher…!”
“Shewillbefine,”Machadoassuredhim.“Shewasconcernedforyou.Weallwere.”
Helaughed.“Ihaveahardhead,anditdoesnothurtanymore.Theteacherdidknowwheretohit

me.”Hefrowned.“Thatmanwithoneeye,hehastakenMiguelaway.”

“Hashe?”Machadoaskednonchalantly.
“ShouldIinquirewhereheisgoingwithhim?”Romeroadded.
Grangemovedforwardandpursedhislips.“I’vefoundthatit’sunwisetogetinRourke’sway

fromtimetotime.Ishouldsaythatthiswouldbeoneofthosetimes.Clarissetoldhimthatathug
namedMiguelwastheonewhocuther.”

Romeronoddedgrimly.“Thatisso.Heenjoyedtorturingpeople.Especiallywomen.”Hepaused.

“DoyouthinkMiguelwillbecomingback?”

“IdaresayhewillbeprovidingamealshortlyforoneofBarrera’shungrierpredators,”Machado

murmuredquietly.“Sadlyitislikelytohaveindigestionfortherestoftheday.”

“Itotallyagree,”Grangesaid.Helookedaroundatthemotleygroupofmenandsmiled.“Great

job,guys.Reallygreat.Iloveabattlewithnocasualties.”

“Youwillallbeawardedbonusesaswell,”Machadotoldthem,“andpositionsinmygovernment

foranywhowishtohavethem.”

OneoftheoldermercsmovednexttoCarson.“IknowofEbScott,butIjustsignedonrecently.

Didn’thehaveakid?”

“Yes,”Carsonreplied.

“Wasitagirloraboy?”
“Yes,”Carsonsaid,andwalkedoff.

***

Therewasalotofconversationafterthat.MachadoandGrangejustlaughed.Itwasgoingtotake
sometimetoturnthegovernmentaroundandputthingstoright.Butthiswasagoodbeginning.

“Thelongestjourneybeginswithasinglestep,doesn’tit?”Grangeasked,nodding.“Thishasbeen

onehellofagoodstep.”

“Indeed.”Hestudiedtheyoungerman.“Ibelievethereisayoungwomanwaitingforyoubackat

Maria’svillage.”

Grangenodded,hisdarkeyessparkling.“Howwouldyouliketobebestmanatmywedding,as

soonaswewrapthingsuphereandIcanfindsomeonetomarryus?”headded.

Machadosmiledfromeartoear.“Itwouldbemyhonor.”

***

GeneralDomingoLopezpresentedhimselfinthepresidentialofficesanhourlater.Heembraced
Machadowithenthusiasm.Hehad,inhiswake,whatseemedlikeanentireclassofcollegestudents.

“We’resohappy!”oneofthegirls,American,exclaimed,withagrinforGrange.“Canyouhelpus

findourmissingprofessors?Saparaarrestedthemandputtheminprisonmonthsago—”

“Drs.FitzhughandConstantine?”Grangeinterrupted.
“Why,yes,”shefaltered.
Hechuckled.“They’retheguestsofaYamamivillageontheborderbetweenBarreraand

Amazonas,”hesaid.“Ingoodhealthandgoodspirits.”

“Oh,thankyou!”ShehuggedGrangeandlookedupathimspeculatively.“Iwasjustwondering…”

shebegan.

Heheldupahand.“I’mengaged.”Helookedbrieflyuncomfortable,buthesmiledtoeasethesting

ofthebluntstatement.“ShecameallthewayfromTexasjusttoseeme.She’shelpinginthenative
village.”

“Abraveyoungwoman,”thecollegewomanexclaimed.
“Verybrave…I’mgoingtomarryhertomakesureshedoesn’tdoitagain.”
“Youmightstayhome,”camethedrysuggestion.“Thenshewouldn’thaveto.”
“Goodpoint,”heconceded.
“Whenaretheprofessorscomingback?”amalestudentasked.“Andwhenwillthetroopsgetout

ofourcollegesothatwehavesomefreedomagain?”

“Ourmenaresweepingthecitynow,tomakesureofthat,”Machadotoldthem.“Wearerestoring

democracy,onebuildingatatime.Youshouldstayoffthestreetsuntilweareconfidentthatwehave
fullcontrol.Theremightyetberebelelementsbentonresisting,”headdedgrimly.“Iwouldnotlike
anyofyoutobehurt.”

“Thanks,”oneoftheyoungerstudentssaid,withaflush.“Nicetohaveyouback,General,”she

added.“It’sbeendifficultsincethecoup.”

“Thingswillchange,andrapidly,”Machadopromised.“Thereignofterrorisover.Thesecret

policewillberunningforcoverthemselves,now.”

“Ifweseeanytryingtohide,we’lltellyouwheretheyare,”theyoungwomannearGrange

promised.“Thankyouforsavingourprofessors.”

“Ididn’t,”Grangetoldthem.“Itwasayoungwoman,aphotojournalist.Shewastorturedbyoneof

Sapara’smen.”Thereweregaspsandmurmurs.“Shefoundawaytoescapeandgottheprofessors
outwithher.”

“Iintendtoawardheramedalforit,whenthingsarebacktonormalhere,”Machadosaid.“She

contributedtoourbloodlessvictory.”

Rourkehadrejoinedthem.Hedidn’tcomment.Hewasgrimandquiet.Grangestartedtoaskabout

Miguel,butthoughtbetterofit.

***

Backatthevillage,everyonestartedrunningtowardthedirtroadwhentheyheardthesoundof
vehiclesapproaching.

Pegwasinthevanguard,hereyesbrightwithexcitement,herheartpounding.Whenshesaw

Grangegetoutoftheleadjeep,sherantowardhimasfastasshecouldgo.Hecaughtheronthefly,
wrappedherupinhisarmsandkissedherasiftherewouldneverbeanotherdayonearthforeither
ofthem.

Sherespondedwithherwholeheart,openinghermoutheagerlyunderthewarmcrushofhis,safe

andsecureintheembraceofhispowerfulbody.Shecouldn’tgetenoughofhim.Thewaiting,the
worry,combinedtomakeheralmostdesperatetoholdhimandtouchhim,toknowthathewasstill
alive,unharmed.

“Iwassoscared,”shewhisperedfrantically.
Hechuckled.“Lackofconfidence,there,”hemurmuredbetweenkisses.
“Oh,notatall,”sheprotestedbreathlessly.“Iknewyou’dnevermakeamistake,butweknewthat

Saparahadsnipers….”

“Theycan’thitanything,”herepliedandkissedheragain.
“Hey,getaroom,willyou?”Rourkecrackedashejoinedthem.
Grangemadeafaceathim.“I’mtryingtoproposemarriage.Goawayuntilyou’reneededasa

witness.”

Rourkemadeafacebackthengrinnedashelefttogivethemsomeprivacy.
“Marriage?”Pegasked,hereyeswideandsoft.“Youreallymeantwhatyousaid,beforeyouleft

thevillage?”

“Ofcourse,”Grangesaidsoftly.“Marriage,kids,thewholenineyards.Ifyou’rewilling—!”
Shecuthimoffmidword,hermouthsoinsistentthathegroaned.
“OfcourseI’llmarryyou,”shewhispered,shaken.
“Allweneednowisalicenseandaminister…”
“There’saministersittingbythecampfiretellingstoriestotheprofessors,”shesaid.“He’sbeen

herefortwodays.”

Grangeblinked.“Aminister?”
Shenodded.“Amissionary.He’sverynice.”
Hesmiled.“Trustyoutofindoneinthemiddleofthejungle.”
“I’mresourceful,”shesaid.
“Very.Okay,youwanttobemarriedhereinjeansandasweatyshirtinsteadofawhitelacydress

backhome?”heteased.

“Idon’twanttowait,”shewhisperedagain,andflushedashiseyesburneddownintohers.“Sorry.”
“Don’tapologize,”hesaidtautly.“You’renottheonlyonehurting.”Toemphasizethepoint,he

broughtherhipsgentlyagainsthisandletherfeeltheeffectshewashavingonhim.Sheflushed,but
shedidn’tdrophergaze.“I’mhungry,”hewhispered.“I’vewaitedforyouallmylife.”

Shewasbreathless.“I’vewaitedforyouallmine.”
Hesmiledslowly.“Ihopeitcomesnaturally,”hemurmuredinalowwhisper.“Isupposewe’ll

learntogether.”

Shepressedcloseandclosedhereyes.“That’sthewayitshouldbe.”
Hekissedherhairandtookdeepbreathsuntilhisbodylostitstautness.“Let’sgotalktothat

minister.”

“Let’s,”shewhisperedback.

***

ReverendHarveyshookhandswithGrange.“I’veheardquitealotaboutyou,youngman.I’m
gratefulthatyoureturnedtothislovelyyoungladyinonepiece.Revolutionscanbeverymessy.”

Grangenoddedgrimly.“Wewereveryfortunate.Wehadacoupleofincidentswhilewewere

securingMedina,butwe’llwrapitallupsoon.Thenwecanemptytheprisonsofpoliticaldetainees
andletpeoplegettheirlivesback.”

“Wealloweyouandyourmenadebtofgratitude,”ReverendHarveyreplied.“I’veseentheresult

ofSapara’srule.Ithasbeentraumaticforeveryone.”

“Especiallythisoilexplorationthing,”Enriquesaid,joiningthem.Hewasstillweak,buthewas

recoveringnicelyfromhisordeal.“Mymotherwasafraidthevillagewouldbedecimatedtoremove
oppositiontothedrilling.”

“Oh,wetookcareofthat,”Clarissesaid,smilingasshejoinedthelittlegroup.“Tellhim,Peg.”
“WehadO’Baileygetintouchwithoneofhisham-operatorfriendsinTexas.HecalledEugene

Ritter,whoownstheRitterOilCorporation,inHouston,”shesaid,“andtoldhimwhatwasreally
goingonoverhere.He’sgotamoratoriumonoildrillinginBarrerauntilGeneralMachado—excuse
me,PresidentMachado,”Pegcorrectedwithawidegrin,“isbackinpowerandcontactshim
directly.”

“Goodwork!”Grangesaid.“Hey,O’Bailey,howwouldyouliketobeheadofthemilitary

communicationsdefenseunithere?”headded,callingtotheyoungman.

O’Baileystoodup.“Saintsbepraised,I’llnotwitherawayinEbScott’strainingschool!”hestated.

“Truly,I’mflatteredbytheoffer,butIhavetothinkaboutitforabit.”

“Norush,”Grangesaid.“ElPresidentesaidtomaketheoffer.”
“Niceofhim,”O’Baileyadded.

***

RourkepulledupbehindGrange’sjeepandgotout.Heapproachedthecamp,stilldistantandgrim.
HewenttoClarisse,unhookedthecrossandputitinherhands.

“Youlookodd,”shesaid,hesitant.
Heliftedhischin.“Iwantyoutogohome.”
Sheshrugged.“IwasborninManaus,”shesaid.“Technically,SouthAmericaismyhome.”
“YouknowwhatImean.GohometoWashingtonandgivecocktailparties,”headdedcurtly.“Stay

outofcombatzones.”

Sheliftedaneyebrow.“Youcan’ttellmewhattodo,Rourke.”
Hisfacehardened.“Fine.Getyourselfkilled.”

“AndIdon’tneedpermissionforthat,either,thankyou.”Sheshifted.“DidtheyfindMiguel?”
Hisfacewentevencolder.“Ifoundhim.Hewon’tbetorturinganymorewomen.”
“Oh.”Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay,whethertothankhimorquestionhimorjustwalkaway.
“Iwouldneverhavewishedthatonyou,Tat,”hesaidinalow,quiettone.“Inspiteofour

differences.”

Sheavertedhereyes.“Thanks.”
Hedrewinalongbreath.“Ya.”
“AreyougoingbacktotheStates?”sheaskedafteraminute.
“Idon’tknowwhereI’mgoing.Idon’tplanahead.ItdependsonwhatMr.Kantorplansformeto

donext.”

Shestaredupathim.“Youneedtohavealifethatdoesn’trevolvearoundwhatMr.Kantorwants,

Stanton,”shesaiddaringly.

Hisoneeyeflasheddangerously.“Notyourbusiness.”
Shesighed.“No.You’reright.Notmybusiness.”Sheturnedaway.Shedidn’tspeaktohimagain.

***

Theceremonywasshortbutsweet.ReverendHarveyproducedacertificateofmarriage,hadit
witnessedbyRourkeandClarisseandnotarizedbyhimself.HehadGrangeandPegjoinhandsandhe
begantoreadthefamiliarmarriageceremonyfromtheBible.

Theygottothepartaboutexchangingringsandthecouplestaredateachotherwithhorror.
“Wedon’thaverings,”Grangegroaned.
“Ringscancomelater,”Pegsaid.“I’mgettingmarriedwithoutaweddingdress,sowecanget

marriedwithoutaring.”

“I’llbuyyouonetheminutewegettoacity,”Grangepromisedher.“ThebestoneIcanafford.”
Shesmiledupathim,beaming.“I’dsettleforthebandoffacigar,andyouknowit.”
Hechuckledandhuggedher.Heclearedhisthroat.“Sorry,Reverend,”hesaidatonce,andthe

amusedclergymanfinishedtheceremony.

“Inowpronounceyoumanandwife,”hesaidattheconclusion.Hesmiled.“Youmaykissthe

bride.”

GrangeturnedtoPegandlookeddownatherwitheyesthatwereatoncedarklypossessiveand

tender.“Mrs.Grange,”hesaidverysoftly,andbenttokissherwithbreathlesstenderness.

Shesmiledback,kissedhimtenderlyandhuggedhimclose.“Mrs.Grange,”sherepeated,tingling

alloveratthesoundofhernewname.Shecouldhardlybelievetheywerereallymarried.

ThemenshookhandswithGrangeandkissedPegonthecheek.
“PresidentMachadowantedtocomewithus,”Grangetoldhisbride,“buthehadamessto

straightenoutinthepresidentialoffices,andnotmuchtimetodoitin.Bytheway—”headdressed
O’Bailey“—thanksforgivingusaquickfixonthatmutantvirusyoucreated.Ineverwanttogeton
thebadsideofyou.I’dlosemyinternetrightsforever!”hejoked.

“Thatyouwould,boyo,”O’Baileysaidwithaflashofwhiteteeth.“Computersaremylife,sadly

foroldSapara.”

“Everything’sbackupandrunning,includingcommunications.PresidentMachadohasannounced

hiscomebacktotheworldmedia,”headded.HeglancedatRourke.“Didyoutellher?”heasked,
noddingtowardClarisse.

Rourkeshookhishead.

Grangesmiledattheblondewomaninthestainedblouse,herusuallyimmaculatehairruffledand

unruly…herfaceshowingthestrainofthepastdays.“PresidentMachadoisgoingtoawardyoua
medalforbraveryunderfire.”

“What?”Clarisseexclaimed,flushing.“Me?ButIdidn’tdoanything!”
“YouescapedfromprisonandgotyourtwofellowAmericansoutaswell,”Rourkesaidquietly.

“AsneatajobofitasI’veeverseen.Sneakedyourselfandtheprofessorsoutofthecityandkept
yournerve,despiteyourinjuries.Thestuffoflegends,Tat.”

SheflushedevenmorefromthelookinRourke’sdarkeyebeforeheavertedhisgazeandmoved

off,asifhehadn’twantedtomakethecommentinthefirstplace.

“Idon’tknowwhattosay,”Clarissefaltered.
Peghuggedher.“Nothingtosay.Youdidgreat!”
Shehuggedtheyoungerwomanback.“YouhavetocomeandvisitmeinWashingtononceina

while,”shesaid.“Bothofyou,”sheadded.“I’llgetyouthePresidentialSuiteatourlocalfive-star
hotel,”shecooed.“AndI’lltakeyoushopping,”sheaddedtoPeg.“Somethingtohelpmakeupfor
thewayIbehavedwhenwefirstmet.”

“I’vealreadytoldyou,there’snothingtomakeupfor,”Pegsaidgently.“I’vehadthegreatest

adventureofmylife!”

“Well,notyet,”Grangemurmuredwithpursedlipsashegrinnedather.“Marriageisgoingtobe

thegreatestadventureofbothourlives.”

“Youknow,he’sright,”Pegsaid,noddingenthusiastically.“Junglesareasnapcomparedto

makingamarriagework.”

“We’llmakeourswork,baby,”hetoldPeg,huggingherclose.
Shepressedagainsthimandsmiled.“Ofcoursewewill.”

***

Theyleftthevillageladenwithpresents.MariagavePegawovenbagandablanket,theonethe
youngwomanhadbeenworkingonattheloominthecentralhutinthevillage.Pegcriedandsaid
she’dneverforgetanyofthem.

TheprofessorsweredrivenbacktoMedina,alongwithRourkeandO’Baileyandthereverend,

whothoughttheremightbepeoplethereinneedofhimafterthebloodlesscoup.Enriquestayedinthe
villagewithhismother,torecuperateabitlonger.

ClarissehitchedaridewithGrangeandPegtoManaus,acrossbridgesthatwerealmostlosttothe

risingwater.Theyarrived,raggedandstainedanddirty,atthehotelwhereClarisseandPeghadleft
thebulkoftheirluggagewhatseemedlikesolongago.

Thedeskclerk,whoknewClarisse,staredatherwithastonishment.“Señorita,yourclothing…!”
Sheheldupahand.“Nottoworry,Carlos,I’vetakenupmudwrestlingwithcrocodiles.Ifyouthink

Ilookbad,youshouldseethecrocodile.”

Hehesitated,wide-eyed,andthenburstoutlaughing.
Shegrinned.“Ihopeyouhaven’tgivenupourroom.”
“Notatall.Anythingyourequirewillbeprovided.”
“I’llneedanadditionalroomalso.Asuite.Formyfriends,whoarenewlymarried.”Sheindicated

GrangeandPeg.

Grangestartedtoprotest.
Clarisseheldupherhandagain.“Aweddingpresent,”shetoldhim.“ThebestIhavetogive.Please.

Humorme.”

GrangelookedatPeg,whojustsmiledandshookherhead.
“Youcan’targuewithher,”shetoldhim,indicatingClarisse.“Youcan’twin.Justgivein

gracefullyandsaythank-you.”

“Thankyou,”Grangecapitulatedafteraminute,andhuggedClarisse.“Thankyouforeverything.”
“I’mtryingtomendfences,”Clarissesaid.“WithyouandPegatleast.Ican’tmendthemwith

Rourke.”

Herfacewassad.
Pegwonderedwhatwentonwiththosetwo,ClarisseandRourke,butshewasn’tgoingtopry.It

wasapparentthattheyhadalonghistorytogether,butsomethingkeptthemapart.

“Thankyouforourweddingpresent,”Pegsaid.
Clarissesmiled.“It’smypleasure.”

***

Theyhadasuitetothemselves,onethatoverlookedtherisingRioNegrointhedistance.Thejungle
canopywasjustvisibleacrossthehuge,beautifulmetropolitancityofManaus.

“Ithoughtofvillagesinthejungle,notamajorcitylikethis,whenIreadaboutSouthAmerica,”

Pegtoldhernewhusbandastheystaredoutthewindow.

“It’sactuallythehubofthearea,”hesaid.“Cruiseshipscometoporthere,andelectronicsarethe

majorindustry.It’safreeport.Notaxes.”

Sheturnedtohim,lookingupwithsoft,worshipfuleyes.“It’sbeenaverylongfewdays,”shesaid.
Henodded.Hesmoothedbackherhair.“Well,Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIneedabath.”
Shelaughed.“Ido,too.”
Hewavedhertowardthebathroom.“Ladiesfirst.Unlessyouwanttoshare.Toconservewater,I

mean.”

Shehesitated,staringathimasshetriedtocomprehendwhetherornothewasteasing.Herblush

grewredderandredder.

Hesawherembarrassment,andfeltthedifficultyofthisnewrelationshipkeenly.Heframedher

faceinhishands.“It’sallright,”hesaidsoftly.“It’sallasnewtomeasitistoyou.We’lljusttakeit
onestepatatime.Youhaveabath.I’llhaveabath.We’llhaveanicesupperandaglassofwine—yes,
Iknow,Idon’tdrink,butaglassofwineisn’taddictive,”headdedwhensheprotested.“Thenwe’llgo
fromthere.Okay?”

Shehuggedhim.“Thanksforunderstanding.Ihatebeingshy.Ishouldbealloveryou…Ishould

knoweverythingtodo…”

Hestoppedthewordswithhismouth.“Iloveitthatyoudon’tknowwhattodo,”hesaid.“Idon’t

knowwhattodo,either,exceptforwhatI’velearnedfrommoviesandbooksandlisteningtoother
men.Sowestarteven.Ilikethat.”

“Ilikethat,too.”Shemovedback.“I’llgotakeabath.”
“Usesoap,”hedirected.
Shemadeafaceathim.
“Usewater,”headdedassheclosedthedoorbehindher.
Shemadeanoise.
Hechuckledandwenttoordersupperfromroomservice.

13

Peghadagown,butClarissehadinsistedontakinghershoppingbeforetheypartedtogototheir
respectivesuites.SoPeghadapinknegligeethatcosttheearth,withamatchingpeignoir.Thesilk
barelycoveredhersmall,tautbreastsandlacehintedatthecurvesunderneath.Thegownwentallthe
waytoherankles.Sheleftherblondhairlongaswell,dryingitinthebathroomsothatithungtoher
waist,inasoftthickcurtain.Shelookedinthemirrorwithsurprise.Shelookedolder,moremature.
Shelikedthewayshelooked.

Sherecalledanuncomfortableconversationwithherfatherearlier,whenshe’dcomebackfrom

shopping.Hehadbeenlividabouthersuddendisappearance.

“IcalledCashGrier,andhestartedcallingpeople,”EdLarsonragedoverabadconnectionwith

static.“Iwasbesidemyself!”

“I’mreallysorry,Dad.I’llmakeituptoyou.Ipromise.Ihavesomuchtotellyou.It’sbeenthe

greatestsortofadventureandIgotmarried…”Shebitherlip.Sheshouldn’thaveblurteditoutlike
that.

Therewasanominouspause.“Whodidyoumarry?SomeSouthAmericansmooth-talkingRomeo

withtenwives…?”

“ImarriedWinslowGrange.”
Therewasanaudibleintakeofbreath.“YoumarriedWinslow?”heexclaimed.
“Yes.”Shehesitated.“We’llbehomesoon,Ipromise.Ihaveanewfriendwho’saphotojournalist

andsheseemstobeamillionaireaswell.Shegotusasuiteinthehotelforourhoneymoonandtook
meshopping…She’sbeengreat.”

“I’mjustspeechless,”herfathersaid.Therewasathud,asifhesatdownhardintherockingchair

hehadinthelivingroom.“Speechless!”

“Iknowit’sashockandI’msorryIdidn’ttellyouwhatwasgoingon.Buttheupshotisthatwewon

thewar.GeneralMachadoisnowbackinpowerandex-presidentSaparaisinajailcellawaitingtrial
onchargesofhightreason.Wedidn’tevenloseaman,althoughwedidhaveafewwhowere
woundedinthestreetfightingafterSaparawascaptured.”

“Andwherewereyouwhileallthiswasgoingon?”heasked,horrified.
“IwasinasmallnativevillagejustinsidetheborderofBarrera.Therewasananthropologist

hidingoutthere…She’smadeanamazingdiscovery.Andthereweretwocollegeprofessors,a
doctor,aProtestantminister…!”

“You’remakingthisup!”
Shelaughed.“No,Dad,I’mnotmakingitup.Itwilltakedaystotellyouthewholestory.Butit’s

gotahappyending.Really.”

Hesighed.“Well,aslongasyoumarriedsomeonesensiblethatIapproveof,Iwon’tfuss.When

areyoucominghome?”

“Itwillbeafewdays,”shesaid.Sheclearedherthroat.“WinslowandIwanttoseeManaus

together.Sofar,allwe’veseenisjungleandriversandcrocodiles.”

“Crocodiles?”
“It’sokay,theydidn’teatanybody,”shesaidquickly.Thensherememberedsomethingshe’d

overheardaboutthemannamedMiguel,whohadtorturedClarisse,havingrunrightintoanestof
crocodilesneartheriver.Odd.“Imean,theydidn’teatanyofourpeople,”sheamended.

“Well,Isupposeifitendswell,itiswell,”heconceded.Helaughed.“Soyou’remarried.Mrs.

Grange.That’swonderful,Peg.Iwishyoucouldhavebeenmarriedhere,though….”

“Notaproblem.I’llgetawhitedressandwe’lldoitagainwhenwegethome,”sheadded.“I

wouldn’tmindachurchwedding.Wehadasimplecivilservice,althoughitwasverynice.The
ministerisabraveman.Hewalkedrightintoahailofbulletstryingtosavethenativepeoplefroma
bunchofSapara’sthugswhoweretryingtorunthemofftheirlandforoilexploration.”

“Say,therewassomethinginthenewsaboutthat,”hesaidquickly.“AboutRitterOilCorporation

pullingoutofexplorationinBarrerabecauseofseriousdisagreementswiththeexisting
government.”

“I’llbettheygoback,now.PresidentMachadowon’tletanyonethreatenthenativetribes.”
“I’llbettheydo,too,”herfatherreplied.“Oilisthebigdealrightnow.Weneeditbadly,ifwe’reto

continueasacivilization.”

“Don’tstart,”sheteased.
“Okay.Haveanicehoneymoonandthenpleasecomebackhomeandcook.I’mtiredofeating

charcoal.”Hepausedagain.“Ineedtofindahouseofmyown….”

“Youarenotmovinganywhere,”Pegsaidfirmly.“We’reafamily.Welivetogether.”
Hechuckled.“Okay.ButmaybeI’lltakeavacationwhenyoutwocomehome.Mr.Pendleton

offeredtosendmeouttoColoradoforsomeranchingmanagementseminar.Saidhe’dputmeupata
five-starhotelandletmeeatwhateverIwanted.Aftercookingformyselfallthistime,it’stempting.”

“Tellhimyou’llgo,”sheadvised.“Youneedsometimeoff.”
“Well,I’llgoafterNewYear ’s,”hesaid.“I’vemissedyou,girl.AndI’vebeenworriedoutofmy

mind.”

“I’mreallysorryaboutthat,”shesaidsoftly.“Really.”
“Iguessitgoeswiththejobwhenyou’reafather.SoMachado’spresidentagain.That’sreallygreat

news.”

“CouldyoucallBarbaraFerguson,doyouthink,andhavehertellRickthathisfatherisnowhead

ofasovereignnationagain?”

“Thatwouldbemypleasure,”hereplied.“Thatgeneralhasbeendownherevisiting,andtakingher

aroundtown.TookhertotheoperainSanAntonio,Iheard.”

“Well!”
“Kindofsad,yourememberthatboywhosefatherjustkilledhimself…theonethatgotGrangein

somuchtrouble?”

Herheartskipped.Shehadvisionsofhimlyinginwaitforthemwhentheywenthome.She’d

forgottenthethreatuntilhow.“Yes,Iremember,”shesaidsolemnly.

“Jumpedofftheroofofaten-storybuildingtwodaysago,”hecontinuedquietly.“Theysaidhewas

highasakiteandtoldhispartyingfriendsthathecouldfly.Thenheofferedtodemonstrate.Pitythat
peopleletdrugsgetsuchaholdonthem.”

PegwasthinkingofClarisseandthedangershe’dbeenin.ThatcouldeasilyhavebeenClarisse.

“It’sverysad,”shesaidaloud.

“Well,I’llletyougo.Iknowthiscall’scostingafortune.Youcomehome.Letmeknowwhenand

I’llmeetyouandWinslowattheSanAntonioairport.Okay?”

“Okay,Dad!”shesaidbrightly.
“Andcongratulations,tobothofyou.Can’tthinkofanybodyintheworldthatI’dratheryou

married.”

“Thanks.”
“I’lltalktoyousoon.”
She’dhadherbathandbrushedherhair.Shestoodatthemirrorandlookedatherselfwithquiet

wonder.Shelookedsodifferent!

Winslowwasjustcomingoutofthebathroom.Hewaswearingsilkboxershortsandnothingelse.

Helookedincrediblysexy,withhishair-coveredchestbare,themusclesinhisarmsandlegs
displayed.Pegjustcaughtherbreath.

Hepursedhislips.“Well,aren’tyouabeautifulsight!”heexclaimed,hiseyessketchingher.“Ilike

thegown.”

Sheshruggedandmanagedasmile,althoughshewasverynervous.“Iliketheboxershorts,”she

said,flushing.“Roomservicebroughtfoodandabottleofwine.Iworemyraincoatuntilheleft.”She
shiftednervously.“Helaughed.”

Hemadeaface.“Lethim.Heprobablyhastospendhisnightswithatelevisionsetinsteadofa

woman.”

Shelaughed.“Iwasjustthinkingthat.Sowehavefoodandwine,andwillithurt?”sheblurtedout

suddenly,flushingagain.

Hiseyebrowsarched.
Sheturnedredderandloweredhereyes.“Sorry,Ijustopenmymouthandwordspourout.”
Hemovedcloser,framingherfaceinhiswarm,gentlehandsandsearchedhergreeneyeswithhis

darkones.“Itmight,”hereplied.“Firsttimesaren’teasy,theysay.ButI’llbeascarefulasIcannotto
hurtyou.”Heshruggeduncomfortably.“It’shardforme,too,Peg.I’veneverdoneit,either.”

“Didn’tyoueverwantto?”sheaskedinawhisper.
“Onceortwice,”heconfessed.“Butneverenoughtotaketherisks.”
“Youmeandiseasesandstuff.”
“ImeanthatIbelievesexandmarriagegohandinhand,”hereplied.“It’sanold-fashioned,out-of-

dateattitude,butIcan’tchange.Iwon’tchange.Theworldmaynotrecognizeanydifferencebetween
rightandwrong,butpeopleoffaithdo.There’sanobility,anidealism,abouttwopeoplekeeping
themselveschasteuntilmarriage,discoveringallthewondersofbeingtogetherforthefirsttime.”He
smiled.“Ithinkit’ssexy,”hesaidinadeep,velvetytone.

Shelaughedsoftly.“Me,too,”shesaid.
Herhandstangledinthesoft,thickhairoverthewarmmusclesofhischest.“Ithinkyou’revery

sexy,too.”

Hetiltedherfaceuptohisandbenttosmoothhissensualmouthoverhersoftlips.“Honeyand

sugar,”hewhisperedashistongueteasedherlips.

Shemovedalittlecloser,warmingtotheslow,easyrhythmofhismouthonhers.Shefeltsafe.

Secure.Loved.Shereachedupandlinkedherarmsaroundhisneckwhilehekissedher.Hebrought
herbodycompletelyagainsthisandshegasped.Itwaslikebeingnude.Therewasonlyawhisper-thin
layerofsilkbetweenherbreastsandhischest,andeventhatwassuddenlyfartoomuch.

Shemadeasoundinherthroatandhereactedtoitatonce.Hishandssmoothedthetinystrapsof

thegownandthesleevesofthepeignoirdownherarms,baringherpretty,hard-tippedbreaststohis
hungryeyes.Aflushrandownhishighcheekbonesashelookedatherwithpurehunger.

Sheshiveredandarchedupalittle.“It’sokay,ifyouwanttotouchthem.Iwantyouto,somuch!”
“Baby,”hewhisperedashisbighandsclosedaroundherwaist,disposingofthesilkygarments,

“youcan’timaginewhatIwanttodotothem.”

Ashespoke,heliftedherclearoffthefloorandburiedhismouthagainstthatsoft,warm,firmly

mountedskin.Shegaspedattheincrediblesurgeofpleasureitbrought,andherhandsdugintothe
backofhishead,coaxinghimtokeepdoingit.

Shefelthimwalktowardthebedroom,butshewastoofargonetocarewhathedid,aslongashe

didn’tstop.

Heslidontothecoverletwithher,onehandgoingurgentlytothewaistbandofhisboxershorts.He

kickedthemoutofthewaywhilehismouthopenedonhersoftbreastandtookitalmostcompletely
inside.Histongueslidoverit,teasingthenipplesothatitwentevenharderandshemoaned,almostin
anguish,andbegantomoveinvoluntarilyagainsthisbody.

Hismouthslidupherthroattocoverherchinandthenherlips,insistentandhungryashenudged

herlegsapartwithhiskneeandsettledbetweentheminstarkintimacy.

Shewantedtoprotestthatshewasn’tsureshewasready,buthismouthwasmakinghercrazy.She

felthimprobeatthesoftnessthathadneverknownaman’stouch.Sheopenedhermouth,buthis
covereditagain,devouringit,whilehishanddidsomethingshockingtothatpartofherthathewas
touching.

Justasshestartedtoprotest,aflashofpleasurethatwasalmostprimevalliftedherhipscompletely

offthebed.Shefollowedhishand,trembling,aching,hereyessuddenlywide-open,lookingstraight
intohisashemovedontoherbodywithintent.

Hepushedintoherandmadearoughsound,shudderingwithhisfirsttasteofintimacy.Hishands

restedbesideherhead,hiseyesprobinghersashisbodyslowlymergedwithhers.

“Oh…my…goodness,”shechokedout,shiveringwitheachslow,firmmovementofhiships.
“It’snotevengoingtobebad,isit?”hewhisperedunsteadily.“Here.Thiswillmakeiteasier,”he

added,whenshegrimacedasthebarrierbegantobreak.Hetouchedheragain,moreconfidentnow,
andwatchedtoseehowherbodyreactedtotheblatantintimacy.Helookeddownather,sawhersoft
bodyopentohim,sawhimselfgoingintoher,slowly,slowly,slowly…!

Heshudderedandgroanedharshly.“Peg,”hebitoff.Hiseyesclosedonawaveofpleasureunlike

anythinghe’deverknown.

Shegasped.“Gosh,you’re…big,”shewhispered,hereyeswideandshocked.
“Yes,baby,and…gettingbigger…bythesecond,”hemurmuredashepushedintoherwitha

rhythmthatwasatonceinsistentandwelcome.“Menswell…whenthey’reexcited.”

“Areyou…excited?”sheaskedbluntly.
“Yes.Yes,baby.Yes!”Hewasmovinghishipsashespoke,shivering.Oneleanhandwentunder

herhipstoliftheruptothehard,deepthrusts.“No,don’tcloseyoureyes,Peg,”hesaidhuskily.“I
wanttowatch.”

Sheflushed.Hewasseeingherinanintimacythatshe’dneversharedwithanyone,anditwasso

starkandearthythatsheknewshe’drememberitallherlife.Thisfirsttime.Thisfirstjoining.

Henudgedherlegsapartevenmoreandmovedroughlybetweenthem,invadinghersoftfleshwith

deep,hardmovementsthatmadehercryoutinastrangehigh-pitchedtone.Butitwasn’tfrompain.
Thepleasurewassokeenthatitalmosthurt.

Hernailsdugintohispowerfularms.Shelookedstraightintohiseyesastherhythmtookonan

urgencythatliftedherhungrilytowardeverythrust.Sheshudderedandshudderedasthetensionbuilt
likeawildthing,untilshethoughtitwouldtearherapart.

Hehesitated,poisedaboveher,hismanhoodsoarousedthatheshookalloverwiththeforceofit.

“Watch,”hewhisperedinadeep,harshtone.“Watchmedoit.”

Andashespoke,heplungedintohersodeeply,sohungrily,thatshefeltthetensionsnapwiththe

forceofatreefalling.

Shecriedout,hervoiceshaking,herbodyshaking,asshefelttheclimaxwashoverherlikeawall

oflava.Heblurredinhereyes,whileshemovedurgentlyunderhim,desperatetokeepthatpleasure,
toholdontoit,toneverletitstop,never,never,never…!

Hearcheddownintoheratlastandcriedoutinabrokenvoiceashisbody,too,surrenderedto

passionandfoundfulfillment.Hethrustdownrhythmically,helplessly,tryingtoprolongthe
unbearablepleasure.Butalltoosoon,itwasgone,andnothingwouldbringitback.Hecollapsedonto
herdampbody,shiveringwithherintheaftermath.

Sheclungtohim.Herlipspressedagainsthiswarmshoulder,feelingthemoistureonit.Shefelt

him,stilldeepinsideherbody,withasenseofwonder.Sothiswashowitwas,amanandawoman,
joining,belongingtoeachother.Shehadn’tdreamedtherewouldbesomuchpleasureinit.

“Sorry,”hewhisperedafteraminute.Hischestroseandfell.“Ilostit,thereattheend.Ididn’thurt

youtoomuch…?”headdedworriedlyasheliftedhishead.

Shepushedbacktheunrulydampblackhairthatfellontohisforehead.“Ididn’tnotice,”shesaid,

andthenlaughedshyly.

Helaughed,too.“Ididn’trealizeitwouldfeellikethat,”heconfessedalittleuncomfortably.

“Readingaboutitanddoingitaredifferentthings.”

“Inoticed.”Shetouchedhismouthwithherfingertips.Hewasbeautifultoher.Sobeautiful.“I

couldn’tbelieveyoureallywantedmeforkeeps.I’mnotevenpretty.AndI’msmall,here.”She
indicatedherpertbreasts.

“Ilikeyousmall,here,”hewhispered,andbenttoopenhismouthandsuckleher.Sheshivered.
Heliftedhishead.Hisbodywasswellingagain.Shefeltit,andreactedtoitwithaslow,deep

rotationofherhips.

Hedrewinalongbreath.“Peg…”
Shediditagain.Shewatchedhimshudder.“Ilikethat,”shewhispered.“Ilikemakingyouhungry.”
“Ican’tstop,ifIstart.”
Shesmiledinanewway,aconfidentway,andthrustherhipsupagainsthis,wheretheywerestill

joined.“Promises,promises…!”

Hismouthcrusheddownoverhers.Itwasalongtime,averylongtime,beforetheyremembered

thecoldcutsoniceinthelivingroom,andtheuntouchedbottleofwine.

***

TheywanderedaroundManausthreedayslater,handinhand,visitingthezoo,andtheIndian
Museum,andspeculatingonwhathadhappenedtoColonelPercyFawcettin1925whenhewentinto
thejunglewithonlyhissonandhisson’sbestfriendinsearchofElDorado.Noneofthepartyof
threewasevertobeseenagain.Booksdealtwithspeculation,butthemysterywasneversolved.

“Perhapsthat’swhyitfascinatespeople,”Pegsaidastheystrolledthroughtheplacewheresomeof

Fawcett’sdispatchesandartworkweredisplayed.“It’sbecausewedon’tknowwhathappenedthat
we’reinterested.”

Henodded.“Itwassadforhisfamily.Hehadadaughterandason,andhiswife,stillliving.Not

knowing,hopingthathemightstillreturn.Itwasn’tmuchofalifeforthem.”

“Irememberreadingthathefelthislife’sworkwouldbeafailureifhedidn’tfindthelostcity.”

ShestoppedandlookedupatGrange.“Buthegavehisjournalstotheworld.Foreightyyears,since
hisyoungestsonfirstpublishedthem,they’vegivenadventureandromancetogenerationsofpeople

aroundtheworld.Armchairadventurerswhocan’tdelveintothejungleandlearnitsmysteries.
Wouldn’tyoucallthatalife’sworkthathadvalue,thatwasworthwhile?”sheadded.“BecauseI
would.Ithinktheinsighthegaveintotheworldhediscoveredisalegacyevenmorepowerfulthan
findingalostcity.”

Hesmiled.“ItseemsourfriendMaddiemayhavedonejustthat,”hetoldher.“Apparentlythose

ruinsshediscoveredaregoingtorewriteAmazonianhistory.She’snotthefirsttofindremnantsofa
highculturehere,either.Thereareseveralotherarchaeologistsdownheredigging,includinga
youngmanfromtheUniversityofFloridawho’swrittenabookabouthisdiscoveries.There’salsoa
femalearchaeologistwho’sadirectdescendantofPresidentTheodoreRoosevelt.Theex-president
spentweeksinthejunglehereandwroteabouthisownexperiencesjustafterhelosthisbidfor
reelection.Fascinatingstuff.I’llhavetolendyousomeofmybooks.”

Shestoodontiptoeandkissedhim.“Wecanreadthemtogether,”shewhispered.“Whenwerunout

ofthingstodoatnight.”

Hepursedhislipsandhisdarkeyestwinkleddownintohers.“Thatmighttakeafewyears.”
“Orafewdecades.”Shelaughedassheturnedbacktotheexhibit.“Thisisahoneymoonwe’ll

enjoytellingourkidsaboutoneday.”

Hewaslookingatherspeculatively.“Iwouldn’tmindkids,whenwe’vehadsometimetogetherto

travelandexplore.”

Shesmiled.“Me,either.Somethingtolookforwardto.”
Henodded.“Yes,itis.”

***

Clarissewentwiththemtotheairport.She’dhadabriefwordwithRourkebeforetheyleftthehotel,
andithadn’tbeenapleasantconversation,fromappearances.Shewalkedawayfromhimwhiteinthe
face,withoutspeaking,andshedidn’tlookback.

SheforcedasmileforGrangeandPeg,though,andwentthroughcustomsandpassportcontrol

withthesmilepinnedtoherface.

***

TheflighttoMiamiwaspleasant,butverylong.Clarisse,Pegnoted,sleptmostoftheway.WhenPeg
andGrangewerereadytomaketheconnectingflighttoSanAntonio,Clarissesaidhergoodbyes.

“I’mgoingbacktoWashingtonnow,”shesaid,“forafewweeks,whileIgetoverthepastones,”

sheaddedwithalaughthatwasn’treallyhumorousatall.“ThenI’mgoingtofindsomething
worthwhiletodo.Somethingthatdoesn’tinvolvecocktailparties.”

“Trytostayoutoftrouble,willyou?”Pegteased.
Clarissesighedandhuggedher.“I’lldomybest.Thanksforeverything,Peg.Ioweyoualot.”
Pegkissedtheotherwoman’scheek.“Youdon’towemeathing.Icanwritemymemoirs,now.I’ll

havesomeextraordinarystoriestotellaboutlifeinthejungle!”

“Indeedyouwill.”SheshookhandswithGrange.She’dtriedtobuyhimabusinessclassticket

home,butGeneralMachadohadtakencareofthat.“Youtakecareofmyfriend.”

Hegrinned.“I’lldothat.Watchyourself.”
Clarissenodded.Shegavethembothalastlookandwalkedawaytobaggageclaim.

***

PegandGrangehadtimeforasnackandacupofcoffeebeforetheirflighttoSanAntoniowas
called.Theystrolledthroughtheairporthandinhand,lookinginstorewindowsandjustenjoying
theirnewrelationship.

***

Theflighthomewasshorterthantheothers,thankGod,butPegwaswiltingwhentheywalkedonto
theconcourse.Herfatherwastherewaitingforthem,lookingworriedanduneasyuntilhespotted
them.

HeburstoutlaughingandhuggedPeg.“Iloveyou.Imissedyou.Ifyoueverdothistomeagain,

I’llhavehimgroundyou.”HepointedtoGrange.

“Nottoworry.”Grangechuckled,embracingtheolderman.“I’llstayhomeforawhile.Shewon’t

haveanyreasontogolookingforme.Thanksforcomingtomeetus,Dad.”

Thewordcameoutsoeasilythatitseemedperfectlynatural.Edshookhishead.“Alwayswanteda

boyofmyown,”hemused,grinning.

“Youcantakemefishing,”Grangepromised.“Butrightnow,Icoulddowithameal.Howabout

you,honey?”heaskedPeg.

“Icouldindeed.I’llcookus…”
“You’llcooknothing,”Edinterrupted.“Barbara’sgoteverythingreadyinthecafé.Themeal’son

her.”

“Well!”Pegexclaimed.“Howniceofher!”
“There’saprice,”Edmurmured.“SheandRickwanttoknowallabouttherevolution,soyou’d

betterbereadytotalk.Rick’swifeisinterested,too.Youknowwhosheworksfor.”

“Yes,wedo,”Grangerepliedwithasmile.“Shehassomegreatconnections.Includingoneofmy

bestfriends,herfather,who’snowheadofthe…well,thatletteragencyIadmiresomuch.”

Theyalllaughed.

***

RickMarquezgreetedthemlikelostfamily.“How’smydad?”washisfirstquestion.

“Thriving,anduptohisearsinbusiness,”Grangereplied.Theyallsatdownaroundatableagainst

thewallwhileBarbaramotionedtooneofhercookstostartbringingoutfood.“Sapara’sgotanice
cellalltohimself.Couldn’thappentoanicerguy,”headded.Heshookhishead.“Amanwho’llorder
awomantorturedwilldoanything.”

“Awoman?”BarbarastaredatPegwithhorror.
“Notme,”Pegsaidquickly.“AphotojournalistwhowaswithusinBarrera.Sherefusedtotell

Sapara’smenanythingsheknewaboutacounterrevolution.Diditsowellthatsheconvincedhim
nothingwasgoingonexceptthatshewaslookingfortwomissingcollegeprofessorsforher
newsmagazine.”

“Whatabravewoman,”Barbarasaid.
“Youdon’tknowthehalfofit,”Pegsaidgrimly.“Herdriverwasshot,thecollegeprofessorshad

beenalmoststarvedduringtheirimprisonment.Shegottheprofessorsoutandfoundawaytoget
backtothelittlenativevillagewhereIwasstaying.Oh,cornonthecob!Myfavorite!Andbarbecue…
IthinkI’vediedandgonetoheaven,”sheexclaimedasfoodwasplacedonthetable.

Barbarachuckled.“Iknowhowmuchyoulikeit.Digin.”
“Thisisreallyniceofyou,”EdLarsoncommented.

“Yes,”Grangeagreed,andPegnoddedassheworkedherwayaroundabutteredearofcorn.
“Ithoughtyou’dbehungry.Besides,hewantedtoknowabouthisdad.”Sheindicatedheradopted

son,RickMarquez,whowashangingoneveryword.

“I’vebeenconcerned,”Ricksaid.
“Everybodyhas,includingmydaughter-in-law.”Barbaranodded.“Shegotcalledintotheofficean

hourago.Somenewhomicide.She’sreallygoodatherjob.”

“Yes,sheis,”Ricksaid,grinning.“NowI’vegotcompetitionandinmyowndepartment!”
“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeacomplainttome,”Pegteased.
“It’snot,”Rickreplied.“She’sgreatcompany.FinallyI’vegotsomebodytogotolunchwith!

WhenI’mnotathome,”hequalified,winkingathismother.

“Onequestion,”Barbaracontinued.“HowintheworlddidyouendupinthejunglesofSouth

America,Peg,dear?”

Peghesitated,withthecorncob,half-finished,inmidairwhileshetriedtothinkofawaytoexplain

hertripwithoutincriminatinghernewfriendClarisse.

“Well,it’slikethis,”Grangerepliedforher.“Iknowthiswomanwhoworksforthewireservices.

She’sindependentlywealthyandsheowedmeafavor.”Heheldupahand.“Iknowitwas
irresponsibleofmetoaskhertobringPegouttoSouthAmerica,andIknowitwasdangerous.But
honesttoGod,ImissedhersomuchIwasaboutnuts!”headded,andwithsuchfervorthatPeg
couldn’tbelievehewasacting.

TherewasapauseintheconversationwhileGrangelookedathisnewwifewitheyesthatalmost

consumedherface.

Edpickeduphiscup,fulloffreshlybrewedcoffee,andlaughed.“IguessIcanunderstandthat.

Sinceitturnedoutwell,andyoucamebackmarried,Idon’thaveanyroomtocomplain.SoIwon’t.”

“Itmusthavebeenfrightening,though,”Barbarasaid.“That’sstilluncivilizedcountry,isn’tit?I

mean,don’tallthepeopleliveingrasshutsinthejungleandhuntandfish…?”

“Barbara,Manausisoneofthemostmoderncitiesonearth,”Pegcommented.“Ithasovera

millionandahalfcitizensandit’sthecenterofthearea’selectronicindustry.Besidesallthat,it’sa
freeport.Cruiseshipscomeuptoitfromtheocean.It’scalledthe‘ParisoftheTropics.’”

Barbaragapedather.“Well,see,youdon’tlearnthatonthenews.”
“No,they’retoobusytellingyoueveryfacetofeverycelebrity’sprivateaffairsandpostingchatter

fromsocialsitestotellyouanythingreallyinformative,”EdLarsonmuttered.

“Hedoesn’twatchtelevision.”Pegindicatedherfather.“Hethinksit’sevil.”
“Actuallyitisevil,”Barbaraagreed.“Everybodyonmyconspiracywebsiteagreesthatthe

mainstreammediamakesupmostofthenewsanyway.Ifyouwanttoknowwhat’sgoingoninthe
world,we’llknowitbeforeitevenflashesonthescreenofanetworktelevisionstation.Forexample,
whenAnakKrakataustartederupting,didyouhearthatonTV?Orwhentheystartedhaving
thousandsofearthquakesonElHierro,thatvolcanointheCanaryIslands,wasthatreporteduntilit
hadbeengoingonforweeks?”

“Conspiracynut,cough,”Ricksaidfacetiously,noddingtowardhismother.
“Iamnotanut.Butthereareconspiracies,”sheinformed.“Askyourfather-in-law.”Shefrowned,

staringatGrange.“Imeanttoask,didyouhearaboutwhathappenedtothesonofthatmanwho
forcedyououtofthemilitary?Hekilledhimselfjustafterhisfather ’ssuicide.”

Grangenodded.“Pegtoldme.Asadbusiness.Verysad.”
“Yes.Drugsruinsomanyyounglives.”
Peg,whohadreasontoknowfromClarisse’sexperience,onlynodded,too.

14

Theweddingwasatownsocialevent.AllofEbScott’screwshowedup,alongwithanumberofother
ex-mercsincludingCashGrierandColbyLaneandhiswife,fromtheRitterOilCorporationin
Houston.

Peg,drippingwhitelacefromacouturesatingown—courtesyofGraciePendleton,whorefusedto

takenoforananswer—walkeddowntheaisleofthelocalPresbyterianchurchtothesoundofthe
weddingmarch,smilingfromeartoearasshejoinedWinslowGrangeatthealtar.

Theministerwho’dknownthembothforyearssmiledbenevolentlyashereadtheserviceand,at

last,pronouncedthemmanandwife.Thistimetherewereringsexchanged.Edhadgivenhisdaughter
aweddingringthathadbelongedtohergrandmother,aprettythingthatwasafamilyheirloom.Itwas
joinedbyasmalldiamondengagementringthatGrangehadinsistedongivingher.He,too,was
wearingaring,asimplewidecircleofgold.Theysharedasecondweddingkiss,muchmorerelaxed
thanthelastoneinajunglecamp,andwalkeddowntheaisletothecongratulationsandlaughterof
theweddingguests.

Therewasareceptionatthechurch’sfellowshiphall,cateredbymanylocalwomen.
ColbyLanewasintroducedtoPeg.He,inturn,introducedhiswife,aprettyblondewomanwho

turnedouttobeaworkingDEAagent.

“Wedidn’tmeantocrashthewedding,butIwantedtothankyoupersonally,”Colbysaid,“formy

boss,EugeneRitter.HehadnoideawhatwasgoingoninBarrera,orthathisprojectwasthreatening
thenativetribes.Hewasoutraged.”

“Iknewhewouldbe,”Pegsaidsimply.“Mr.Ritterhasareputationforfairplay.”
“It’swellearned.”
“NowthatPresidentMachadoisbackinthepresidentialbuilding,”Grangeadded,“he’dlovetotalk

toyouaboutthatoilproject.Thistime,itwillbedoneright,withtheconsentofthenativepeopleand
thegovernment.”

“I’lltellhim,”Colbysaid.Hepursedhislipsandhisdarkeyesflashed.“Rumoristhatyoumay

becomethechiefofstaffofMachado’sarmy.”

Grangedidn’tletahintofexpressionshow.“That’sthetalk.Nothing’sbeendecided,though.”
“Itwouldbeapeachofajob,”Colbycommented.
“Yes.He’sagreatguy,”Grangeagreed.

***

Later,whentheywerealonetogetherintheranchhouse—Edhavingdiscreetlyleftfortheconference
he’dtoldPegaboutonthephone—PegcurledupbesideGrangeinbed.

“Whataboutthatjob?”sheasked.
Hesighed.Hisfingerstangledinhersoftblondhair,twiningitaroundthem.“Idon’tknow,baby.

It’sabigchange.ItwillmeanlivinginBarrerafortheforeseeablefuture.Thehospitalhasgone
downhillwithSapara’sneglect,andmanydoctorsleftthecountryunderhisregime.Itwilltaketime
torebuildallthat.Therearesomedangeroustropicaldiseases.Manyofthemdon’tshowupfor

years,andtheycankillyou.”

Sherolledoveragainsthim,savoringthecleansmellofhispowerfulbodybesideher.“Lifekills

youeventually.”

Helookeddownathersolemnly.“Itwouldbearisk.Especiallyifwehadachild.”
Shesmiledlazily.“Wecanhaveachildwhenwe’reready.Forafewyears,wecouldhelpthe

generalgethiscountrysecureandIcouldfindawaytohelp,maybeintheorphanage.Thereverend
Harveywastellingmehowdesperatetheywereforsomeonetotakechargeofit.Nobodywantsthe
job.”

“You’dgo?”heaskedwithafrown.“You’reahomebody.Youdon’tevenlikegoinguptoSan

Antoniotoeatout.”

Shesmiled.“IthinkI’mlearninghowinterconnectedeverythingis,”shesaid.“Weallbelongtothis

bigfamily.SortoflikeJacobsvilleandComancheWells,butonaglobalscale.Ilikethegeneral.I
knowtherewillberisks,buthe’sgoingtoneedallthehelphecanget.Wedon’twantchildrenright
away,sowecanwaituntilwe’resettledforthemtocomealong.Dadcancomeandvisit.Wecan
comebackandvisithim.It’snotthatfaraway.”

“Youneverceasetoamazeme,baby,”hesaid.
Shesighed.“I’vehadanadventure.It’schangedme,justalittle.Iwouldn’tmindstayinginBarrera

forafewyears.Thenwhenyou’vehadenough,whenyouhavethearmythewayyouthinkitneedsto
be,youcancomehomeandbearancherandI’llbearancher ’swife,ifthat’swhatyouwant.Dadcan
runtheranchwhilewe’regone.He’llmakeitgrow.”

Herolledheroveronthebedandlookeddownintoherrapteyes.“You’vegotalltheanswers

tonight,”hemurmuredwithasoftsmile.

“Well,notquiteall.”Sheshiftedandtuggedawaythetopofhergown,watchingthewayhisdark

eyessettledonherbreastswithachinghunger.“I’mstillworkingonthemysteryoflife.Wanttohelp
mefurthermyeducation…?”

Hismouthopenedonthehardnipple,whilehishandsquicklyremovedallthefabricintheway.

“Thisisonefunwaytolearnthings,”hemurmuredhuskily.“Slideyourlegaroundmine.That’sit!”

Shemoanedasthechangedpositionmadethepleasureevenhotter.Shearcheduptomeetthehard

downwardthrustofhiships.Itwassoeasynow;therewasneveranydiscomfort,onlyadelightthat
seemedtofeedonitself.

“You’rehotinside,”hewhisperedintoherearasheshiftedsuddenlywitharoughmovementofhis

hips.“Soft,andhot!”

“Hungry…too,”shegasped.“Oh,yes,dothat…!Doitagain!”
Hishandslidunderherandheshifted,laughingthroughhispleasureatthemoanthattoreoutof

herarchedthroat.“Inevergettiredofwatchingyou,”hewhispered.“Youneverholdanythingback.
Yougiveandgiveandgive.”

Shewastoobreathlesstoanswerhim.Shearchedupagain,lookingintohiseyesasthepleasure

begantobuildinher,likelittleripplesthatgrewslowly,relentlessly,intoriptides.“Oh,gosh!”shebit
off.

“Itgetsbettereverytime,doesn’tit?Holdontight,”hegroundout.“Tight,baby,tight,tight,

tight…!”

Shefelthishandunderher,guidingherhipsintothehard,rhythmicthrustofhisbodyashedrove

intoher.

“Ican’tbearit,”shesobbed.
“Sogood,”hewhisperedbrokenly.“Sogood,sogood…!”

Hecriedoutasthetensionsuddenlybroke,leavinghimshudderingoverher.Shewrappedherlong

legsaroundhishipsandarcheduptotrytoholdhimthere,keepthepleasure,neverletgoofit.But
alltoosoon,herowntensionsnappedandshecollapsedunderhisweight,holdinghimtoher,
shiveringinthesweetaftermath.

“IfI’dknownhowgooditcouldreallybe,”shewhisperedintohisear,“I’dhaveseducedyouinthe

barnmonthsago!”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Itwouldn’thavebeenthisgood.Notbackthen.Andyouwouldn’thave

likedtotakethatmemoryintooldage.”

Shesmiledintohisthroat.“No.Ireallywouldn’thave.It’ssomuchsweeterlikethis.Myhusband.”
Hehuggedherclose.“Don’teverexpecttohaveanotherone.”
Shegrinnedandbithisshoulder.“Youcan’tbeatperfection,”shesaid,andgavehimawickedgrin.

“Uh,you’renotstoppingalready?”sheaskedwhenheliftedhishead.“Imean,doyoufeelweakor
something?Oldagecreepingup…Oh!”

Hegroundherdownintothemattressandhismouthcoveredhers.“I’llshowyouwho’sold!”He

laughed.

***

Muchlater,theyraidedthekitchenforcheeseandcrackersandcoldmilk.Peggazedacrossthetable
atherhusband,withalltheloveshefeltinhersoftgreeneyes.

“Whatareyoulookingat?”heteaseddeeply.
“Theworld,”shesaidsoftly.“Mywholeworld.”
Hecouldn’tmanageacomeback.Therewasalumpinhisthroat.
“I’vejustrememberedsomething!”sheexclaimed.
Hiseyebrowsarched.
“Christmasisnextweekandwedon’thaveatree!”
“I’llgorightoutandgetusonetomorrow,”hepromised.
“Ihaven’tboughtpresents!”
“Therearestoresopentomorrow,too.”
Shesighed.“WhataChristmasthisisgoingtobe!”sheexclaimed,herbrighteyessinkingintothe

softnessofhis.

Helaughed.“Thebestoneever.”
Shenodded.“Oh,yes.Ican’twait!”shesaidbreathlessly.Andshesmiledwithherwholeheart.

EPILOGUE

“Gosh,Dad,didyoureallyleadanarmyinheretogetthatbloodthirstydictatoroutofoffice?”John
Grangeaskedhisfatherwithwide,darkeyes.

Grangechuckledandruffledthethickdarkhaironhisson’shead.“Idid,”heconfessed.“I’mjust

gladIdon’thavetodoitagain,”headdedwithagentlesmile.

“Itotallyagree,”Peg,hismother,said.Shewentclosetoherhusbandandpressedagainsthimwith

asigh,nuzzlinghisbroadchestwithhercheek.“I’msotired,”shemurmured.“Theseoverseasflights
aregettingharderandharder.”

Grangesmoothedbackherlongblondhairandkissedherforehead.“Forme,too,sugar.”He

sighed.

“Whycan’twejuststayhereallthetime?”Johnwantedtoknow.“Mr.Machado—Imean,President

Machado—wantstotakemewithhimandhiswifetothoseruinsthey’vefinallyfinishedexcavating.
I’mreallykeentogo!”

“Hemadeagreatdecision,appointingMaddieheadofhisstatearchaeologicalservice,”Pegnoted.

“She’sperfectforthejob.”Shesmileddemurely.“Anditkeepsheroutofthedigs,nowthatsheand
Emiliohaveayoungson.”

“RickMarquezwasoverthemoonaboutthatannouncement,”Grangerecalled.“Hesaidhenever

likedbeinganonlychild.Hecomesoverabouttwiceayeartoseetheboy.”

“Iwishhewasmyage.”Johnsighed.“AllIhavetoplaywithlatelyaregirls.”Hemadeaface.
“Inaboutsixyears,youwon’tbecomplainingaboutthat.Besides,myboy,youhavethemost

wonderfulmannersandgirlsalreadyloveyou,”Pegsaid.“Mrs.Catesactuallyphonedmetosayhow
muchsheenjoyedthatbouquetyoubroughtherwhenshewasfeelingbad.Youhaveatenderheart.”

“Takesafterhismom,”Grangesaidwithobviousaffection.
Shemadeaface.“Andhisdad,”shesaidwithatwinkleinhergreeneyes.“ButIpromiseneverto

mentionthatinthehearingofyourdepartmentheads,”sheadded,crossingherheart.“Afterall,it
wouldn’tdotolowertheimageofthechiefofstaffoftheBarreraRepublicanArmy.”

“Bigtitle,lotsofwork,”hesaid.“Backhomearanchthatneedsme.”
“Mydadlooksaftertheranch,alongwithyournewlivestockforeman.”Shefrowned.“Thatman

hassomepersonalityissues.Imean,hecanleadameanbullacrossapasturejustbytalkingtoit.But
hecan’tmanagemorethantwowordswhenhe’stalkingtopeople.”

“He’sLakota,”Grangesaideasily.“Hethinkshehastobestoicandunapproachable.His

grandfathertoldhimthat.”

“Well,he’sstrange,”Pegnoted.“Iguesshe’sgoodatwhathedoes.Hisson,Carson,waswithus

duringtheinvasion,”shetoldJohn.“Hehadawaywithwords,too,”sherecalledwithachuckle.

“He’ssettleddownnow,too,”Grangesaid,shakinghishead.“Therearen’talotofsinglemenleft

inthearmy.EvenO’Bailey’sfinallygettingmarried—tothatlittletechiewhoworksforProfessor
Fitzhughatthelocalcollege.”

“Ihopeshedoesn’tkeepsnakesforpets,”Pegsaid,tongue-in-cheek,rememberingO’Bailey’s

terrorofthem.

“Noworriesthere.”

Peglookedatherwatch.“We’vejustgottimetoeatbeforetheplanecomestotakeustoMedina.

Imaginehavingarealairporttherenow,completewitharunwaythatcanaccommodatebabyjets!”

“Yes,verynice,nowthatMachadoownsone,”hequipped.“Thepeopleweresogratefultobeout

fromunderSapara’srulethattheyvotedtoputonaspecialsalestaxjusttobuyhimone.Buthehadto
promisenevertoleavethecountryformorethanaweekatatime,”headded,recallingthatone
lengthytriphadledtoSapara’scoup.

“Nicethathe’llsendthejettobringtheleaderofhisarmedforceshomeafteratripabroadtosee

hisfather-in-law,”Pegmurmureddryly.

Grangedrewhimselferect.“Thatisnowaytotalktothesupremecommanderofthearmy,”he

saidwithmockindignation.

Shereachedupandkissedhimwarmly.“Sorry,”shepurred.
Hejustlaughed.

***

TheyhadanicemealattheairportconcessionandthenfiledouttoawaitthearrivalofMachado’sjet.
ItlandedpromptlyandthethreeAmericansgotinside.Minuteslater,theywereonthewaytoMedina,
thecapitalofBarrera.Itwasashortflightinajet.

***

Alimousinewaswaitingtotakethemtothepresidentialpalace.Machadohadfeltguiltyaboutliving
init,sinceSaparahadrobbedthepopulacetogetenoughmoneytobuildit.Butthepeoplesaiditwas
veryimpressiveandwouldbegoodfordiplomatsfromWesternnationstosee,becauseitrepresented
thehopesanddreamsoftheBarrerapeopleformodernization.

RitterOilCorporationhadofficeshere.OldmanEugeneRitterhadfundedatrustforthe

indigenouspeople,tohelpsendtheirbrightyoungpeopletocollegeandimproveconditionsfor
them.Theoildiscoverywasdiscreet,andinnowayinterferedwiththecultureandtraditionsofthe
natives.Ritterhadbeengivenaceremonialpositioninonetribe,duetohissensitivityfortheir
customs.

“Barrera’scomealongwayintenyears,”Pegremarkedastheycircledtheairport’slandingstrip.
“Ithasindeed,”Grangereplied.“Thoseenormousoilreserveswillmakeusformidablein

internationaltradecircles.”

“Yes,indeed.Andthediscoveriesinarchaeologyhaveputusonthemap,too.”Sheglancedathim.

“IlovehavingBarreracitizenship,butI’mgladwekeptourAmericancitizenship.Wemaywanttogo
hometoretireoneday.”

Hesmiled.“IknowyoumissTexas,”hebegan.
“Ido,ofcourseIdo,andImissDad,”shesaid.“ButwehaveSkypeonthecomputer,sowecantalk

tohimandseehimonvideoatthesametime.Thatmeansalot.Meanwhile,we’rebothdoing
importantworkhere.YouheadthearmyandIheadoneofthelargercharityorganizations.We’ve
beenapartoftherecoveryeffort.I’mveryproudofthat.”

“Arewestayingforawhile?”Johnaskedwithasigh.“I’mtiredofflying.”
“You?Tiredofflying?Whowantstobeapilotoneday?”Peggasped.
“Well,Idowanttobeapilot,butridingisboring,”hemuttered.
“Don’twishyourlifeaway,”hisfatherremarked.“Enjoyeverysingledayasifitwereyourlast.”
Pegsmiledasshelistenedtothatremark,recallingherfriendClarisseandhowthatobservationfit

her.SheheardfromClarisseonholidays.Shewashappythattheolderwoman,whobeganasan
enemy,hadfoundhappinessafteratormentedyoungerlife.

***

“Andwe’rehere,”Grangesaid,smilingasthelimousinepulledupatthefrontdooroftheimposing
buildingwhereEmilioMachadolivedandworked.

Machadohimselfgreetedthematthedoor,huggingGrangeandkissingPeg’shand.Heruffled

John’sthickdarkhair.

“Youhavegrowneventaller,”heremarked.“Ihopemyyoungestsonwillalsohavemystature.He

isveryshort.”

“He’sfivenow,”Pegsaid,laughing.“He’llstartgrowingupwardsoonenough.”
“Maddiecontinuestoassuremeofthat,”henoted.“Come,sitdownandtellmeallaboutyourtrip.

Didyouseemyoldestson?”

“Wedid,”Grangesaid.HepulledanenvelopeoutofhispocketandhandedittoMachado.“Heand

Gwenthoughtyoumightlikeamorerecentphotoofyourgrandkids.”

Thereweretwoofthem,bothgirls.RickandGwenwerehappytogether,andtheymadegood

parents.GrangeandPegsawthemoftenwhentheyvisitedTexas.

“Theyhavegrownevensincethelastpicture,”Machadosaid,smilingattheimagesofonegirl

withdarkhairlikeRickandonewithblondhairlikeGwen.“Abeautifulfamily.”Heglancedup.“You
mentionedthatGraciePendleton’slittleboyhasaflairforpiano.”

“Indeedhedoes,”Grangereplied.“Theysayhe’sachildprodigy.Iftheyeverhavetimetocome

overhere,youshouldteachhimtoplaytheguitar.”

Machadochuckled.“Thatwouldbeapleasure.Ihavetoolittletimetopracticethesedays.Mylifeis

richandfull.”

“Papa!”
Alittleboy,dressedinjeansandaT-shirt,cameflyingintotheroomwithhisarmsoutstretched.

Machadocaughthiminmidleapandhuggedhim,whirlinghimaround.“Mihijo.”Helaughed.“And
howareyoutoday?”

“I’mlearningPortuguese,”heannounced.“Icansay‘obrigado!’Itmeansthank-you!”
“Verynice.YoushouldtalkwithJohntopracticeit,”Machadosaid,puttingthechilddown.“He

speaksmanylanguages,justlikehisfather.”

“Well,mostlyjustSpanishandPortuguese,”Johnsaidmodestly.“I’mtryingtolearnFarsi,butit’s

realhard.”

“Allthemorereasontoapplyyourselftoyourbooks,”Grangeteased.
“IhaveabookinPortuguese!Canyoureadittome?Please?”theboyaskedJohn.
“Goahead,”Grangesaid,wavinghishand.“We’llberighthere.”
“Okay,Dad.”Johnwentintotheotherroomwiththesmallerchild.
“Maddiewouldhavebeenheretogreetyou,butanimportantmemberoftheEgyptianantiquities

divisionhascometovisit.Hewantedtoseethenewestfinds.Wearebuildingamuseumtohouse
them,”heremindedhisfriend.

“Agrandmuseum,”Pegsaid.“Itwillbringtouristsfromallovertheworld.”
“Wehavecomefar,fromaragtagarmytryingtooverthrowatyrant,”Machadosaid.“Godhas

blessedusall.”

“Yes.”GrangesatdownacrossfromMachadointhesittingroom.“Whichbringstomindasubject

I’vebeenreluctanttopursue.”

Machadocockedhisheadandsmiled.“Icanreadminds,”heteased.“Ihavesomeideawhereyour

thoughtshavetakenyou.”

Grangenodded.HeglancedatPeg.“Shewon’tsayaword,”hecontinued.“ShegoeswhereIgo

andnevercomplains.Butherfatherisgettingolder.Myranchisgrowingbiggerandrequiresmore
oversightthanIcangiveit.”Hehesitated.“GeneralLopezhasworkedwonderswithmodernizing
yourarmedforces,andhe’sbeenmyrightarmsinceItookoverleadershiphere.Buthe’smorethan
earnedtherighttobeyourmilitarycommander.AndIreallywanttogohome.”

“Winslow!”Pegexclaimed.“Youneversaidaword!”
Hesmiledgently.“I’vehadthisonmymindforalongtime,”hereplied.“IloveBarrera,”hetold

Machado.“ButmyheartisstillinTexas.PegandIaregettingoldernow,too,andwe’reboth
homesick.Iwanttogobackhome.Ifyouthinkyoucanspareme.Icanstayonreservestatus,ifthat
suitsyou,andI’dcertainlycomebackifyoueverneededme.”

Machadosatbackinhischair,hisdarkeyessmiling.“Iknowthat.GeneralLopezwillbethe

happiestmanonearthifIgivehimyourposition.Butyoumustallowmetomakeyouanallowance.I
thinkyouAmericanscallitretirement.”

“That’snotnecessary…”Grangebegan.
“Itis,”Machadosaidfirmly.“Withoutyourassistance,Iwouldneverhavebeenabletorecovermy

positionhere.Webothknowthat.”

“Yes,well,itwasyourcannyknowledgeoftunnelsandourabilitytousesurprisethatdidthat,not

anyrealmilitarystrategyofmine,”Grangeinsisted.

“Still,Icouldnothavedoneitalone.Youmusthumorme.”Heleanedforward.“Ifyoufeel

obligatedtome,youmightsendmeashipmentofprimebeefonceinawhile,”headdedwithabig
grin.

“Done,”Grangeassuredhim,smilingback.
“Youmeanit?”Pegaskedherhusband,herheartracing.“We’rereallygoinghome?”
“We’rereallygoing.We’llcomebackandvisitfromtimetotime,though.Ipromise,”hetoldthe

general.“AndwedohaveSkypeonallourcomputers,”headded.“Wecantalkoverthatconnection,
completewithvideo,andwecanwatchyoursongrowup.”

“AsIcanwatchyoursgrowup.”MachadostoodupandembracedGrange.“Ithasbeenanhonorto

haveyouinmygovernment.Iwilltrulymissyou.Allofyou,”headdedwithanodatPeg.

Hekissedherhandandshesmiled.“I’llmissBarrera,”shesaidsoftly.“ButIhavetoadmit,I’llbe

veryhappytogohome.Noplace,nomatterhowwonderful,iseverthesame.I’vemademanyfriends
here.I’velearnedalotaboutSouthAmericaanditsculture,andabouttheworld.Iwouldn’ttake
anythingfortheexperiencesI’vehadhere.”

“IamgladthatyourexperienceofBarreraissomethingyouwishtorecall,”Machadosaidwitha

bigsmile.“SoIwishyoubonvoyageandIhopetohearfromyousoon,whenyouaresettledagainin
Texas.”

“Youcancountonit,”Grangeassuredhim.

***

Backintheirhotelroom,Pegkissedhimandkissedhimandkissedhim.“Whatawonderful
surprise!”sheexclaimed,andkissedhimagain.

Grangechuckledashehuggedherandreturnedthekisses.“You’dneverhavecomplained,butI

knowyoumissyourdadandyourfriends,andhavingyourownspacearoundyou.”

Shenodded.“It’sbeengreatlivinghere.John’slearnedmorethanIhave,”sheadded.“He’llmiss

hisschoolfriends.Buthe’llmakenewonesinComancheWells.”

“Healreadyhasfriendsthere,”Grangeremindedher.“EspeciallyRickMarquez’seldestdaughter,”

hehinted.“Theyplayvideogamestogethereverytimewe’reintown.”

“That’strue,”sheagreed.Shesighed.“I’mveryhappy.”
“I’msoglad.Hey,John,youpackedyet?”hecalledtotheirchild.
Johnpokedhisheadoutthedoor.“Ineverunpacked,”hepointedout.“NowIcanridehorses

wheneverIwant,andlistentoGranddad’sstoriesabouttheolddaysinTexas…wow!”

“Ithoughtyoulovedithere,”Pegremarked.
Johngrimaced.“Ido.ButTexasishome.Youknow?”
Peghuggedhimwhilehefidgeted.“Iknow.”
“Let’sgettotheairport,then,”Grangesaid.“Wecanphoneyourdadtomeetusattheairportwhen

wegetin.”

“Whatasurprisehe’sinfor,”Pegremarked.
TheyphonedEdLarsonfromtheairport.Hedroveintogetthem,lookingworriedashemetthem

intheterminal.

“SomethinggonewronginBarrera?Anybodyhurt?”hewantedtoknowatonce.
Peghuggedhim.“We’vecomehomeforgood.WinslowthinksweneedtoliveinTexasnowand

raiseoursonandgrowourranch.”

Theoldmanbithislowerlip.Hiseyesweresuddenlywatery.Heturnedawayforaminute,hands

deepinhisjeanspockets.“Imaginethat.”

“Imissedyou,”Pegsaidgently.
Heclearedhisthroat.“Missedyou,too.Allofyou.”HemetGrange’seyes.“Bigsacrificeforyou,

though,”hesaidgently.“Noteverymangetstobechiefofthearmedforcesofacountry.”

“Igetapension,andIhavegreatmemories,”Grangesaidwarmly.“ButI’mgladtobehome.

There’snoplacelikeTexas.Notinthewholeworld.”

Edshookhandswithhim,firmly.“I’llsecondthat.Noplaceatall.”Hebrokeintoahugegrin,

huggedGrangeimpulsively,thenPeg,thenswungJohnupinhisarmsandhuggedhim,too.“Icould
danceI’msohappy!”

Peg’seyeswerewatery.Winslowhadsacrificedacareer,anamazingjob,awholecountryjust

becausehiswifewashomesickandwantedtolivenearherfather.Hehadn’tdoneitoutofresignation
orforappearances.He’ddoneitforlove.Shelookedupatherhandsomehusbandwithallher
gratitudeandallherlovethereinhertwinkling,palegreeneyes.Shedidn’thavetosayaword.He
knewhowshefelt.Heknew.

*****

IfyouloveDianaPalmer,don’tmissMIDNIGHTRIDER,acaptivatinghistoricalromancesetinturn-

of-the-centuryTexas.Turnthepageforapreview…comingsoonfromHarlequinHQN!

1

SouthwesternTexas,1900

I

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ALL

THE

WORLD

therewasnothingBernadetteBarronlovedmorethanhergarden,despitethe

asthmathatsometimessentherrunningfromitinthespringmonths.Therewereplentyofflowersin
southwesternTexas,andmanyoccasionstofillherfather ’selaborateVictorianhomewiththem.
ColstonBarronownedatleasthalfofValladolidCounty,whichwasmidwaybetweentheprosperous
cityofSanAntonioandthesmallercityofDelRioontheMexicanborder.

HehaddoneextremelywellforanIrishimmigrantwhogothisstartworkingonbuildingthe

railroads.Now,thirty-threeyearsafterhisarrivalintheUnitedStates,heownedtwo.Hehadmoney
toburn,butlittlefamilytospenditon.

Despitehiswealth,therewasonethingstilllackinginhislife—acceptanceandrespectfromelite

society.HisrudeIrishbrogueandlackofconventionalmannersisolatedhimfromtheprominent
familiesoftheday,asituationhewasdeterminedtochange.AndBernadettewasgoingtobethe
meansofit.

Hisbelovedwife,Eloise,haddiedofaninfectionjustaftergivingbirthtoBernadette.Hiseldest

daughterhaddiedinchildbirth.Hisonlyson,marriedwithasmallchild,livedbackEast,workedasa
fishermanandkeptcontactwithhisfathertoaminimum.Albertwasindisgracebecausehe’dmarried
forlove,refusingthesocialmatchhisfatherhadplannedforhim.OnlyBernadettewasleftathome
now.Herbrothercouldbarelysupporthisownsmallfamily,sorunningtohimwasnotanoption
unlessshewasabletowork,whichwasimpossiblebecauseherhealthwastooprecarioustoallow
hertoholddownajob,suchasteaching.Meanwhile,shehadtocopewithherfather ’sfanaticalsocial
aspirations.

Itwasn’tthatBernadettedidn’twanttomarry,eventually.Shehadherowndreamsofahomeand

family.Butherfatherwantedtochooseherhusband—onthebasisofhissocialprominence.Wealth
alonewouldnotdo.ColstonBarronwasdeterminedtomarryoffBernadettetoamanwithatitleor,
ifhewereanAmerican,toamanofimmensesocialprestige.Hisfirstchoice,aBritishduke,had
beenatotalloss.Theimpoverishednoblemanwaswillingenough.Thenhewasintroducedto
Bernadette,whohadappearedatthefirstmeeting,forreasonsknownonlytoherselfandGod,inher
brother ’statteredjeans,adirtyshirt,withtwoofherteethblackenedwithwaxandherlong,beautiful
platinumhairsmearedwithwhatlookedlikeaxlegrease.Thedukehadleftimmediately,excusing
himselfwiththesuddennewsofanimpendingdeathinthefamily.Althoughhowhecouldhave
knownofitinthisisolatedregionofsouthwestTexas…

AllColston’smadravinghadn’tmadeBernadetterepent.Shewasnot,sheinformedhimsaucily,

marryinganymanforatitle.Herbrotherhadleftsomeofhisoldclothesattheranch,andBernadette
wasn’tabitaversetodressinglikeamadwomananytimeherfatherbroughtamarriageprospect
home.Today,though,shewasoffherguard.Inablue-checkeddresswithherplatinum-blondhairin
itsfamiliarloosebunandhergreeneyessoftwithaffectionfortherosesshewastending,shedidn’t
seemaviragoatall.Nottothemanwatchingherunseenfromhiselegantblackstallion.

Allatonceshefeltasifshewerebeingwatched…scrutinized…byapairoffierce,darkeyes.His

eyes,ofcourse.Amazing,shethought,howshealwaysseemedtosensehim,nomatterhowquietlyhe
cameuponher.

Shegottoherfeetandturned,herhighcheekbonesflushed,herpalegreeneyesglitteringatthe

elegantblack-cladmaninhisworkingclothes—jeansandbootsandchaps,achambrayshirtundera
denimjacket,hisstraightblackhairbarelyvisibleunderawide-brimmedhatthatshadowedhisface
fromthehotsun.

“ShallIcurtsy,yourexcellence?”sheasked,throwingdownthegauntletwithawickedsmile.There

wasalwaysaslightantagonismbetweenthem.

EduardoRodrigoRamirezyCortesgaveheramockingnodofhisheadandasmilefromhisthin,

cruel-lookingmouth.Hewasashandsomeasadarkangel,exceptfortheslashdownonecheek,
allegedlygarneredinaknifefightinhisyouth.Hewasthirty-sixnow,sharp-faced,olive-skinned,
black-eyedanddangerous.

Hisfather,atitledSpanishnobleman,hadbeendeadformanyyears.Hismother,abeautifulblond

SanAntoniosocialite,wasinNewYorkwithhersecondhusband.Eduardohadnomoreinheritedhis
mother ’slooksthanhehadabsorbedherbehaviorandtemperament.HewasinallwaysSpanish.To
theworkersonhisranchhewasElJefe,thepatronorboss.InSpain,hewasElConde,acountwhose
relativescouldbefoundinalltheroyalfamiliesacrossEurope.ToBernadette,hewastheenemy.
Well,sometimeshewas.Shefoughtwithhimtomakesurethathedidn’trealizewhatshereallyfelt
forhim—emotionsthathadbeenharderthesepasttwoyearstoconcealthanever.

“Ifyou’relookingformyfather,he’sbusythinkingofrichSanAntoniofamiliestoinvitetohis

ballamonthfromnextSaturdayevening,”sheinformedhim,silentlyseething.Fromtheshadowhis
brimmadeonhisleanface,theblackglitterofhiseyeswasjustvisible.Helookedherover
insolentlyforsuchagentleman,andthendismissively,asifhefoundnothingtointeresthiminher
slenderbutroundedfigureandsmallbreasts.Hislatewife,sherecalled,althoughatitledSpanishlady
ofhighquality,hadbeennothinglessthanvoluptuous.Bernadettehadtriedtogainweightsothatshe
couldappealtohimmore,butherslenderframerefusedtoaddpoundsdespiteherefforts.

“HehashopesofanalliancewithatitledEuropeanfamily,”Eduardoreplied.“Haveyou?”
“I’drathertakepoison,”shesaidquietly.“I’vealreadysentonepotentialsuitorrunningforthe

border,butmyfatherwon’tgiveup.He’splanningaballtocelebratehislatestrailroadacquisition—
butmorebecausehe’sfoundanothertwoimpoverishedEuropeannoblementothrowatmyfeet.”

Shetookadeepbreathandcoughedhelplesslyuntilshewasabletogetherlungsundercontrol.

Thepollensometimesaffectedher.ShehatedshowingherweaknesstoEduardo.

Hecrossedhisforearmsoverthepommelofhissaddleandleanedforward.“Agardenishardlya

goodplaceforanasthmatic,”hepointedout.

“Ilikeflowers.”Shetookafrilled,embroideredhandkerchieffromherbeltandheldittoher

mouth.Hereyesaboveitweregreenandhostile.“Whydon’tyougohomeandflogyourserfs?”she
retorted.

“Idon’thaveserfs.Onlyloyalworkerswhotendmycattleandwatchovermyhouse.”Herana

handslowlyoveronepowerfulthighwhilehestudiedherwithunusualinterest.“Ithoughtyourfather
hadgivenupthrowingyouateveryavailabletitledman.”

“Hehasn’trunoutofcandidatesyet.”Shesighedandlookedupathimwithmoreofherconcern

showingthansherealized.“Luckyyou,nottobeonthefiringline.”

“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Well,you’retitled,aren’tyou?”
Helaughedsoftly.“Inasense.”

“You’reacount—elconde,”shepersisted.
“Iam.ButyourfatherknowsthatIhavehadnowishtomarrysinceIlostmyson.Andmywife,”he

addedbitterly.

“Well,it’sreassuringthatyoudon’twanttogetmarriedagain,”shesaid.
Sheknewlittleofhistragedyexceptthatforaspaceofdaysafterit,the“iceman”hadbecomea

locallegendforhisrage,whichwasasmajesticashisbloodlines.Grownmenhadhiddenfromhim.
OnoneoccasionBernadettehadencounteredhimwhenhewasdangerouslyintoxicatedandwildly
wavingarevolver….Nooneknewexactlywhathadhappened,exceptthatEduardohadcomehometo
findhisinfantsondead.Hiswifehaddiedsuddenlysoonafterwardofagunshotwoundtothehead.
Noarresthadeverbeenmade,nochargesbrought.Eduardoneverspokeofwhathadhappened,but
inevitablytherewerewhispersthathehadblamedhiswifeforthechild’sdeath,andthathehadkilled
her.Lookingathimnowshecouldalmostbelievehimcapableofmurder.Hewasashardamanas
she’deverknown,andoneshejudgedtobemercilesswhenhehadreasontobecomeangry.Herarely
losthistemperovertly,buthisicymannerwassomehowmorethreateningthanyelling.

Sheherselfhadseenhimshootamanwithcoldnerve,adrunkencowboyintownwho’dcomeat

himwithpistolsblazing.

Eduardohadn’tevenbotheredtoduck.Hestoodinahailofbulletsandcalmlytookaimandfired.

Themanwentdown,woundedbutnotdead,andhewasleftatthedoctor ’soffice.Eduardohadbeen
nickedinthearmandrefusedBernadette’sofferoffirstaid.Suchascratch,he’dsaidcalmly,was
hardlyworthafuss.

Shehadhopedagainsthopethatherfathermightonedayconsidermakingamatchforherwiththis

man.Eduardowastheveryreasonherheartbeat.Justthethoughtofthosehard,coolhandsonher
bareskinmadehertingleallover.Butanalliancebetweenthefamilieshadneverbeendiscussed.Her
fatherhadlookedonlytoEuropeforherprospectivebridegrooms,notclosertohome.

“Youhavenowishtomarry?”heaskedsuddenly.
Thequestioncaughtherunaware.“Ihavebadlungs,”shesaid.“AndI’mnotevenpretty.Myfather

hasmoney,whichmakesmeveryeligible,butonlytofortune-seekers.”Shetwistedafoldofherskirt
unconsciouslyinherslender,prettyhands.“Iwanttobeworthmorethanthat.”

“Youwanttobeloved.”
Shockbroughthereyesup.Howhadheknownthat?Hedidknow.Itwasinhisface.
“Loveisarareandoftendangerousthing,”hecontinuedcarelessly.“Onedoeswelltoavoidit.”
“I’vebeenavoidingitsuccessfullyallmylife,”sheagreedwithsmotheredhumor.
Hiseyesnarrowed.Stillwatchingher,hepulledathinblackcigarfromagold-platedcaseinhis

jacket.Hereplacedthecasedeftly,struckamatchtolightthecigarandthrewthespentmatchintothe
dustwithcarelessgrace.“Allyourlife,”hemurmured.“Twentyyears.Youmusthavebeentenwhen
yourfamilymovedhere,”headdedthoughtfully.“Irememberyourfirstrideonhorseback.”

Shedid,too.Thehorsehadpitchedheroveritsheadintoamudpuddle.Eduardohadfoundher

there,dazed.Ignoringthemudthatcoveredherfrontliberally,he’dtakenherupinthesaddlebefore
himanddeliveredhertoherfather.

Shenoddeduncomfortably.“Youwereforeverfindingmeinembarrassingsituations.”Shedidn’t

evenwanttorememberthelastone….

“HisnamewasCharles,wasn’tit?”heasked,asifhe’dreadhermind,andhesmiledmockingly.
Sheglaredathim.“Itcouldhavehappenedtoanyone!Buggyhorsesdorunaway,youknow!”
“Yes.Butthathorsehadthemarkofawhipclearlyonitsflank.Andthe‘gentleman’inquestionhad

youflatonyourback,strugglinglikealandedfish,andyourdress—”

“Please!”Sheheldahandtoherthroat,horriblyembarrassed.
Hiseyeswenttoherbodicewithasmilethatchilledher.He’dseenmorethanhercorset.Charles

hadroughlyexposedhersmallbreastsfrombeneathherthinmuslinchemise,andEduardohadhada
vividglimpseofthembeforeshestruggledtogetthemcoveredagain.Charleshadbarelyhadtimeto
speakbeforeelcondewasonhim.

Inaveryraredisplayofrage,theusuallycalmandcollectedEduardohadknockedtheyounger

manaroundwithanutterdisregardforhisfamily’sgreatwealthuntilthesonoftheshippingmagnate
wasbleedingandbeggingonhiskneesformercy.He’dheadedfortown,walkingfast,andhehadn’t
beenseenagain.Naturally,Bernadette’sfatherhadbeengivenaverysmoothed-overexplanationfor
Charles’sabsenceandherownruffledstate.He’dacceptedit,evenifhehadn’tbelievedit.Butit
hadn’tstoppedhimfromthrowingtitledmenather.

“Yourfatherisobsessed,”Eduardomurmured,takingapufffromthecigarandlettingitout

angrily.“Heputsyouatrisk.”

“IfI’dhadmypistol,Mr.CharlesRamseywouldhavebeenlyingonthegroundwithabulletin

him!”

Heonlysmiled.Tohisknowledge,Bernadettecouldn’tevenloadagun,muchlessshootone.He

smokedhiscigarinsilenceashestudiedher.“DidyoueverhearfromtheunfortunateCharles
again?”heaskedabruptly.

“Notoneword.”Shesearchedhishard,leanfaceandrememberedgraphicallyhowithadlooked

whenhehitCharles.“Youwerefrightening.”

“Surelynottoyou.”
“You’resocontrolledmostofthetime,”shesaid,underscoringthewordsmostofthetime.
Somethingmovedinhisface,somethingindefinable.“Anymaniscapableofstrongpassion.Even

me.”

Thewayhewaslookingathermadeherheartskip.Unwelcomethoughtscameintohermind,only

tobebanishedimmediately.Theyweretoodisturbingtoentertain.Shelookedawayandasked,“Are
youcomingtotheball?”

“IfI’minvited,”hesaideasily.
Hereyebrowsarched.“Whywouldn’tyoube?You’reoneoftheupperclassthatmyfatherso

envies.”

Hislaughterwascold.“Me?I’mahalf-breed,don’tyouremember?”Heshiftedinthesaddle.“My

grandmothercan’tmakeamatchformeinSpainbecausemywifediedundermysterious
circumstancesandI’mstaringpovertyintheface.Inmyownway,Ihaveasfewopportunitiesfor
marriageasyoudo.”

Shehadn’tthoughtofitthatway.“You’retitled.”
“Ofcourse,”heconceded.“ButonlyinSpain,andIhavenoplanstolivethere.”Hewaslookingat

her,butnowhismindwasworkingontheproblemofbankruptcy,whichwasstaringhimintheface.
Hislatefatherhadmadeafortune,buthisprofligatemotherhadthrownitaway.Shehaddrainedthe
financialresourcesoftheranch,andsincehe’dcomeofageEduardohadbeenhard-pressedtokeep
itsolvent.Onlyhismother ’smarriagetosomeminormillionaireinNewYorkhadstoppedherfrom
bleedingtheranchdry.Shehadforfeitedherinheritancethedaysheremarried,butthedamage
alreadyhadbeendone.

EduardostareddownatBernadetteandwheelsturnedinhismind.Herfatherwasrich.Hewanteda

titledson-in-law.Eduardowasupper-class,despitehismixedancestry.Perhaps…Bernadettesighed
heavily,smotheringanothercough.“Atleastyou’llneverhavetoworryaboutbeingmarriedfor

yourfather ’smoney.”

“Andthisideaofmarryingatitleandarespectednamehasnoappealatallforyou?”heasked

slowly.

“None,”shesaidhonestly.Shegrimaced.“I’msotiredofbeingondisplay,likeabargainthatmy

father ’sofferingforsale,”shesaid,drawinginalong,laboredbreath.Shecoughedsuddenly,aware
ofarenewedtightnessinherchest.Shehadn’trealizedhowlongshe’dbeenamongherflowers,with
theirpotentquantitiesofpollen.“Ihavetogoin,”shesaidasthecoughcameagain.“Theflowers
smellwonderful,buttheybothermylungswhenIspendtoomuchtimewiththem.”

Hescowled.“Thenwhyareyououthere?”
Shecoughedonceagain.“Thehouse…Myfatherhasmenrepaintingtheballroom.Thepaint

bothersme.”

“Thengoinginsidethefrontofthehouseishardlyasolution,isit?”
Shetriedtoclearherthroatenoughtoanswerhim,butthickmucuswasallbutchokingher.
Eduardothrewhiscigardownandswunggracefullyoutofthesaddle.Secondslater,heliftedher

intohisarms.

“Eduardo!”shecried,shockedattheunaccustomedfamiliarity,thestrengthandhardwarmthof

thosearmsaroundher.Shecouldseehiseyesfartooclosely,feelhiswarmbreathathertemple,
touch,ifshewished,thehard,cruelcurveofhisbeautifulmouth….

“Calmarte,”hemurmuredsoftly,searchinghertautface.“Imeanonlytotakeyouinthroughthe

kitchentotheconservatory.Therearenobloomingplantstheretocauseyoudiscomfort.”Heshook
hergently.“Putyourarmsaroundmyneck,Bernadette.Don’tlielikealogagainstme.”

Sheshiveredandobeyedhim,secretlyallbutswooningatthepurejoyofbeingsoclosetohim.He

smelledofleatherandexoticcologne,asecret,intimatesmellthatwasn’tnoticeableatadistance.
Oddly,itdidn’tdisturbherlungsassomescentsdid.

Shelaidhercheekgingerlyagainsthisshoulderandclosedhereyeswithatinysighthatshehoped

hewouldn’thear.Itwasallofheaventobecarriedbyhim.Shehadn’tdreamedofsuchanunexpected
pleasurecomingtoheroutoftheblue.

Hisstrong,hardarmsseemedtocontractforaninstant.Then,alltoosoon,theyreachedthe

kitchen.Heputherdown,openedthedoorandcoaxedherthroughit.Mariawasinthekitchenmaking
achickendishforthemiddaymeal.Sheglancedup,flusteredtoseetheirlandedneighborinsideher
ownkitchen,withhishatrespectfullyinhishand.

“SeñorConde!Whatanhonor!”Mariagasped.
“IamonlyMr.Ramirez,Maria,”hesaidwithanaffectionatesmile.
Shemadeagesture.“Youareelcondetome.Mysoncontinuestopleaseyouwithhiswork,I

hope?”

“Yoursonisamasterwithunbrokenhorses,”hesaidinrarepraise.“Iamfortunatetohavehimat

theranch.”

“Heisequallyfortunatetoserveyou,SeñorConde.”
Obviously,Eduardothought,hewasn’tdestinedtohavemuchluckinpersuadingMariatostop

usinghistitle.

Bernadettetriedtosmile,butthecoughcameback,worsethanever.
“Ay,ay,ay,”Mariasaid,shakingherhead.“Again,itistheflowers,andIfussandfussbutyouwill

notlisten!”

“Strongcoffee,Maria,blackandstrong,”Eduardoinstructed.“Youwillbringittothe

conservatory,yes?AndtheninformSeñorBarronthatIamhere?”

“Butofcourse!Heisinthebarnwithanewfoal,buthewillreturnshortly.”
“ThenIwillfindhimmyself,onceIhavemadeBernadettecomfortable.Iampressedfortime.”He

tookBernadette’sarmandpropelledherdownthelong,tiledhalltoasunnyroomwheregreen
plants,butnofloweringones,grewinprofusionandawatergardenflourishedinitsglassed-in
confines.

Shesatdownwithherfaceinherhands,strugglingtobreathe.
Hemutteredsomethingandkneltbeforeher,hishandscapturinghers.“Breatheslowly,Bernadette.

Slowly.”Hishandspressedhersfirmly.“Trynottopanic.Itwillpass,asitalwaysdoes.”

Shetried,butitwasaneffort.Hertiredeyesmethisandshewassurprisedagainattheconcern

there.Howveryoddthatherenemyseemedattimeslikeherbestfriend.Andhowmuchmoreodd
thatheseemedtoknowexactlywhattodoforherasthma.Shesaiditaloudwithoutthinking.

“Yes,wedofightsometimes,don’twe?”hemurmured,searchingherface.“Butthewoundsalways

heal.”

“Notallofthem.”
Hiseyebrowslifted.
“Yousayharshthingswhenyou’reangry,”sheremindedhim,avertinghereyes.
“AndwhathaveIsaid,mostrecently,thatpiquesyou?”
Sheshiftedrestlessly,unwillingtorecalltheblisteringlectureshe’dreceivedfromhimafterher

unfortunateridewithCharles.

Hetiltedherfacebacktohis.“Tellme.”
“Youcan’tremember?”sheaskedmutinously.
“Isaidthatyouhadnojudgmentaboutmen,”herecalled.“Andthatitwasjustaswellthat…”His

mouthclosedabruptly.

“Iseethatyoudoremember,”shemutteredirritably,avoidinghisdark,unblinkinggaze.
“Bernadette,”hebegansoftly,pressingherhandsmoregently,andchoosinghiswordsvery

carefully,calculatingly,“didn’tyourealizethatthewordsweremorefrustrationthanaccusation?I
barelyarrivedintimetosaveyoufromthatlout,andIwasupset.”

“Itwascruel.”
“Anduntrue,”headded.“Comeon,lookatme.”
Shedid,stillrecalcitrantandresentful.
Heleanedforward,hisbreathwarmonherlipsashespoke.“Isaiditwasjustaswellthatyouhad

moneyasyouhadsofewattributesphysicallywithwhichtotemptaman.”

Shestartedtospeak,buthisglovedfingerpressedhardagainstherlipsandstilledthem.“Thesight

ofyoulikethat,sodisheveled,stirredme,”hesaidveryquietly.“Itisn’tathingthatagentleman
shouldadmit,andIwastakingpainstoconcealwhatIfelt.Ispokeinfrustration.Ididn’tmeantohurt
you.”

Shewashorriblyembarrassednow.“Asifyouropinionofmy…ofmybodymatterstome!”
“Youhavelittleenoughself-esteem,”hecontinued,asifshehadn’tspokenatall.“Itwasunkindof

metodofurtherdamagetoit.”Hebroughtherhandtohismouthandkissedittenderly.“Forgive
me.”

Shetriedtopullherhandaway.“Please…don’tdothat,”shesaidbreathlessly.
Helookedintohereyesandheldthemwithasuddenlyglittery,piercingstare.
“Doesitdisturbyoutofeelmymouthonyourskin,Bernadette?”hechidedverysoftly.
Shewasterriblyuncomfortableanditwasshowing.Thebreathlessnessnowwasasmuch

excitementasasthma,andhisexpressiontoldherthatheknewit.

Histhumbsmoothedoverthebackofherhandinaslow,sensuoustracingthatmadethe

breathlessnessworse.“You’refartooinnocent,”hesaidhuskily.“LikeaSpanishmaidencloistered
withherduenna.Youunderstandyourownfeelingsevenlessthanyouunderstandmine.”

“Idon’tunderstandanything,”shechokedout.
“Irealizethat.”Hisfingersmovedtohermouthandslowly,gently,traceditssoftoutlineina

silencethatthrobbedwithexcitementanddarkpromise.

Itwasthefirstintimatecontactshe’deverhadwithamananditunnervedher.“Eduardo,”she

whispereduncertainly.

Histhumbpressedhardagainstherlips,partingthem.Somethingflashedinhiseyesashefelther

mouthtrembleunderthesuddenroughcaressofhisthumbbruisingtheinsideofherlipsbackagainst
herteeth.

Shegasped,andhemadeasounddeepinhisthroat,somewherebetweenagroanandagrowl.
Thelaceatherthroatwasshakingwildly.Shesawhiseyesgothereandthen,inexplicably,toher

bodice.Hisbreathdrewinsharply.Shelookeddown,curiouseventhroughherexcitement,tosee
whathadbroughtthatsoundfromhislips.

Shesawnothingexceptthesharppointsofhernipplesagainstthefabric,butwhyshouldthat

disturbhim?

Hiseyesmovedbackuptohers.Hisfingerstracedherchinandliftedit.Hiseyesfelltohersoft

mouth.Hemoved,justenoughtobringhimsoclosethatshecouldtastethecoffeescentandcigar
smokeonhismouthasithoverednearhers.

Shehadaholdonhisdarkjacket.Shedidn’trealizehowtightaholditwasuntilshebecameaware

ofthecoolclothinherfingers.

“Bernadette,”hewhisperedinatoneshe’dneverheardhimusebefore.Shewasfrozenintime,in

space.Shewantedhismouthtocomedownandcoverhers.Shewantedtotasteit,asshe’dwantedto
soofteninthepasttwoyears,evenasshefearedthechangethatitwouldbringtotheirturbulent
relationship.Butatthemoment,thebloodwassurgingthroughherveinsandshewashungryfor
somethingshe’dneverknown.Thelackofrestraintmadeherreckless.

Involuntarily,sheleanedclosertohim,herlipsapproachinghisassheforgotallherupbringingin

theheatofsuddendesire.

Hewastemptedashehadn’tbeeninmanyyears.Hewaspainfullytempted.
Suddenly,hemurmuredsomethingviolentinSpanish,somethingshewascertainhe’dneverhave

givenvoicetoifhe’dsuspectedhowfluentshewasinSpanish.She’dnevertoldhimthatshehad
learnedhislanguage,forfearofhimknowingthereason—thatshewantedtospeakitbecauseitwas
hisnativetongue.

Hedrewback,hisexpressioncuriouslytautandodd.Hestaredatherwithnarrowedeyesandshe

flushedatherownforward,outrageousbehavioranddroppedhergazetohisjacketinaflurryof
embarrassment.

Tensionflowedbetweenthemasthesuddensoundofhardshoesontilebrokethepregnantsilence

likepistolshots.Eduardomovedawayfromhertothewindowandgraspedthethickcurtaininhis
leanhandasMariacamethroughtheopendoorwaycarryingasilvertray.

Shewaslookingatit,notattheoccupantsoftheroom,soBernadettehadafewprecioussecondsto

composeherself.Herhandsstillshookbadly,butshemanagedtoclasptheminherlapwhileMaria
putthecupsandsaucersalongwithapitcherofcreamandasugardishonthetableagainstthewall.
Shepouredthickcoffeeintothecupsandthenlaidnapkinsandspoonsbesidethem.Bythetimeshe
broughtthecoffeetoBernadette,theyoungerwomanwaspalebutsmiling.“Thankyou,Maria,”she

saidhoarsely,andtriedtosipthehotcoffee,almostburninghermouthintheprocess.

“Thisdiseaseofthelungsissomethingyoumustbecarefulabout,niña,”Mariasaidfirmly.“You

musttakebettercareofyourself.Isthisnotso,SeñorConde?”

Heturnedfromthewindowandfacedthemwithhisusualcomposure.“Yes,itis,”heagreed,

althoughhisvoicesoundedhuskierthanusual.“Willyoustaywithher,Maria?”headdedcurtly.“I’ll
gofindherfathermyself.There’ssomethingIneedtodiscusswithhim.”

“Doyounotwantyourcoffee?”sheasked,surprised.
“Notatthemoment,graçias.”HebarelyglancedatBernadette.Withacourteousnod,heleftthe

room.

“Whatoddbehavior,”Mariamurmured.
Bernadettedidn’tsayaword.She’dshamedherselfsobadlythatshewonderedifshe’deverbeable

tolookEduardointheeyeagain.Whycouldn’tshehavecontrolledherwildheartbeat,herscantbut
rapidbreathing,whenhewassoclose?Howcouldshehaveleanedsoclosetohim,asifshewere
begginghimtokissher?

Shegroanedaloud,andMariahoveredworriedly.“I’mallright,”sheassuredtheservant.“It’sjust

that…thatthecoffeeishot,”shesaidfinally.

“Thisisso,butitwillhelpyourlungs,”Mariacoaxedwithasmile.
Yes,itwouldhelpthelungs.Strongblackcoffeeoftenstoppedanattackofasthmastone-cold.
Butitwasn’tgoingtodomuchfortherenegadeheartthatwasbeatinglikeadruminherchestor

theshameshe’dbroughtonherselfinamomentofungovernedpassion.

AmazingthatshecouldfeelsuchemotionswithEduardo.Hedidn’tevenwanther.Butifhedidn’t,

thenwhyhadhecomesoclose,spokensoseductively?Itwasthefirsttimesinceshe’dknownhim
thathe’deverbehavedinthatwaywithher.Theyfoughtconstantly.Butthereweretimeswhenhehad
beentenderwithher,concernedforher,asevenherownfatherwasn’t.Butthis,today,wasdifferent.
He’dtreatedherforthefirsttimeasawomanhedesired.Itgaveheranextraordinaryfeelingof
power,ofmaturity.

Sheletherselfdream,foraspaceofseconds,thathefeltthesamehelplessattractionforherthat

shefeltforhim.Onlyadream,butsosweet!

WehopeyouenjoyedCourageous.Withmorethaneightyebooksavailable,therearemanymore

greatbookstoenjoyfromNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorDianaPalmer.Getstartedwiththese

sweepingstoriesfromtheLong,TallTexansseries.

Dangerous

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ISBN:9781459233218

Copyright©2012byDianaPalmer

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