contents

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven

Trading Secrets
Jayne Castle
Dell Pub Co (1985)
Rating:
Tags: Romance, Fiction, Regency
Romancettt Fictionttt Regencyttt

A casual fling with Matt August, a former major trained in Central American operations, leads
Sabrina Chase into a web of intrigue and peril when her life and the life of Matt's teenaged son are
threatened by Matt's clandestine activities

Trading Secrets
By

Jayne Castle

Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven

When she boldly picked up a stranger in a posh Acapulco bar, Sabrina Chase meant only to
have a casual fling. She never dreamed the rugged expatriate would appear in Dallas to rekindle
passionate memories she preferred to forget. They were, she discovered, two of a kind. Sabrina
had dropped out of the corporate world, while Matt August seemed to have turned his back on the
military. But Matt was a mystery. An ex-major trained in Central American operations, he was as
evasive about his return to the Caribbean as he was persuasive about leaving his son behind.
Sabrina was concerned about her ability to care for the troubled teenager, but concern turned to
panic in the face of sudden danger. As they fled to a cabin in the wilds of Oregon, Sabrina knew it
would be up to her to save them both, unless Mattwho had shared only part of the truth even as
he claimed all of her heartreturned to find themin time.

Chapter One
Why me? he asked.
Sabrina Chase considered the man seated beside her. Was that question directed at me or the
universe at large?
I learned a long time ago that one seldom gets answers from the universe at large. The question
was directed at you.
Oh hell, she murmured in disgust. Four, maybe five available men in this bar and I had to pick
the existential philosopher in the bunch. She stood up from the oversize rattan lounge chair on which
she had just sat down and paused for a moment to glare down at her companion. Ill have you know I
had to get past three off-duty mariachi-band members, the bartender, and that guy in the cowboy hat at
the end of the bar to get to you. At least you could be gracious.
Hazel eyes regarded her thoughtfully over the rim of the whiskey glass. I guess some men just
dont know when theyre well off.
Or when theyve gotten lucky or an evening. If youll excuse me, Ill see if I can find someone else
whos not so inclined to question his place in the cosmic scheme of things.
He put out a hand and caught hold of her as Sabrina would have turned away. She glanced down in
surprise, aware of a curious roughness on the tips of his fingers as they closed over the soft skin on
the inside of her wrist.
If you knew anything about expatriate, existential philosophers in Acapulco bars youd know we
dont expect answers to our questions, regardless of who we address them to, he stated dryly. Lets
start over again. Please sit down and let me buy you a drink.
This was the moment for a grand gesture of refusal, Sabrina decided. I wouldnt think of infringing
on your time and space.
Is that California talk? He tugged quite gently, but she somehow found herself reseated in the
rattan chair with a force that was not quite gentle.
Ex-California talk, she managed, trying to think of a way out of what was rapidly turning into an
awkward situation. Awkward with a capital A. She was certainly safe enough here in this plush hotel
bar, but she was beginning to realize she might have gotten in over her head when she decided to
approach this particular man.
Ex-California talk? He raised heavy brows in polite inquiry. Have you moved to Mexico?
Dallas, she corrected as the waiter approached. Believe me, the cultural shock has been almost
as great as if Id moved to Mars. Ill get the drinks, she added quickly. Psychologically it seemed
like a way to regain control of the scene. Whiskey?
On the rocks. He released her wrist and lounged back in his chair.
As she hastily ordered the whiskey and a Margarita, Sabrina was aware of the mans brooding
gaze on her tense profile. In the flickering candlelight, which was all that lit the open air terrace bar,

his eyes were hooded and unreadable. His opening question had been a legitimate one, she decided
uneasily. What had made her choose him?
When a woman set out to orchestrate her first wild, no-strings-attached, unabashedly romantic
vacation fling she ought to select a male who showed some outward signs of being the free-wheeling,
no-strings-attached, unabashedly romantic type. The cowboy at the end of the bar would probably
have been a much better bet. She knew an easygoing Texan on vacation when she saw one. Maybe it
would have been smarter to stick with a known quantity first time out. Then again, she already knew
more than she wanted to know about Texans.
The man beside her appeared a little different up close than he had from a distance. What had
looked like an interesting, slightly jaded quality from across the shadowy bar was turning out to be a
somewhat grim reserve.
The intriguing economy of his movements now appeared to be a matter of somber self-discipline
rather than casual masculine grace. It was as if she had first viewed him through a slightly out-offocus lens. Proximity was sharpening the focus, but Sabrina wasnt certain she was still attracted to
the object in view.
This evening wasnt the first time she had seen him. Shed encountered him once earlier in the day,
although he hadnt noticed her. He had been busy at the time ringing up the sale of a paperback in the
small English-language bookshop he ran near Sabrinas hotel. But on that occasion, too, she had only
watched him from a distance. It went to show that first impressions, while lasting, could be
deceptive.
Sabrina hated it when old clichs proved true. People tended to quote clichs as though the
authority behind them were unquestioned. However, that had never been Sabrinas approach. For as
long as she could remember, shed possessed a natural tendency to question authority.
Physically, there were no obvious discrepancies in her quarry, now that she was up close, from
what there had been when she was farther away. In the dim lounge the man was just as blatantly
unhandsome as he had been from a distance. There was a rough irregularity to the bluntly carved lines
of nose and jaw. But the hard, uncompromising features appealed to Sabrina for some distant reason.
Now that she was sitting beside him she could see that his hair was cut too short in a no-nonsense
fashion that was vaguely military. The occasional flare of the candle on the table revealed the
gunmetal-gray that was beginning to appear in the deep-brown pelt. He wore a pair of khaki slacks
and a neatly pressed white shirt instead of the billowing, vividly patterned resort-style shirt almost
every other man in the bar wore. When he lifted his glass to down the last of the whiskey, Sabrina
saw the functional stainless-steel watch on his left arm.
All in all, she decided resentfully, her chosen consort was not quite as she had pictured him from a
distance. Too grave, too restrained, too disciplined, and too unreadable.
I dont suppose you own a guitar? she inquired politely.
His eyes narrowed. Afraid not.
And I get the feeling youre not an artist living down here because of the fantastic Mexican light.
She sighed.
Youre in the market for an artsy-craftsy type? the man asked with mild curiosity.
I thought an artsy-craftsy type might do nicely. A passionate expatriate artist or musician would
have been perfect.

You knew exactly what you were looking for before you wandered in here tonight?
More or less. I think Ive made a mistake, Sabrina mused.
We all do on occasion.
Im really not in the mood for the strong, silent, cryptic type tonight.
Youd prefer someone on the flamboyant, chatty side?
She nodded. Someone charming, amusing, gallant.
He considered that. Yeah, you might have made a mistake. I get the feeling you havent had enough
practice selecting the right type of man out of a barroom crowd.
Its tricky, she explained with mock solemnity. I can see there must be a knack to it.
What made you decide to start practicing tonight?
For the strong, silent type you certainly have a lot of questions.
A hangover from the philosophical side of my nature. He shrugged. Or maybe its just that, as
your intended victim this evening, I cant help being a bit curious.
Its my birthday, she explained succinctly.
Picking up a man for the evening is going to be a birthday present to yourself?
When a woman turns thirty shes entitled to something interesting in the way of gifts. Even if she
has to go out and get them for herself. Sabrina broke off as the waiter returned with the tray of
drinks. Quickly she dug into her purse for her hotel room key. I want to put the drinks on my hotel
bill, she said clearly, flashing the room number to prove she did, indeed, have a hotel bill
established.
The dark-eyed Mexican gave her a disapproving glance and set down the drinks. Then he smiled
politely at the man seated beside the aggressive little gringa.
On your tab, senor?
Latin chauvinist. Sabrina sighed. I said Id get the drinks.
The stranger beside her said something in quick, fluent Spanish to the waiter, who nodded
complacently and moved off.
What was that all about?
I told him to put your Margarita on my tab. Consider it a birthday present. My name is Matt
August, by the way. Just in case I wind up becoming a part of your celebration after all. For the first
time the man smiled. Which brings us back to my first question. Why me?
The bookstore, probably, Sabrina said honestly as she picked up the Margarita and absently
licked salt off the rim. I figured an expatriate American selling books to tourists in Mexico might be
kind of interesting.
Now youre having second thoughts? he asked grimly. His hand moved to close around his glass
and Sabrina caught a brief glimpse of the fine web of small scars that laced his fingertips. She
remembered the way they had produced a strange sensation of roughness on her skin and her frown
intensified.
Only about my selection technique. Im sure theres some man on vacation down here in Acapulco
who wont be as offended as you were when I tried to introduce myself.
Id like to hear the rest of the introduction, Matt August said softly. I didnt even give you a

chance to tell me your name.

Does it matter? She gave him a suspicious, sidelong glance.
Humor me. After all, Im buying you a birthday drink, arent I?
Sabrina Chase, she answered. He really wasnt so bad, she decided. Just a little rough around
the edges. Maybe hed had a bad day. Men, she knew, frequently had bad days and just as
frequently used them as an excuse for rudeness. Something in the male mentality actually believed it
was a valid excuse. Of course, let a woman use it and men were inclined to blame it on her time of
the month.
And is there a Mr. Chase? Matt persisted.
My father and two brothers. Look, if youve got a problem with this, I can just
Sorry, he interrupted shortly. I realize its none of my business. I just wondered if you were
married.
Youre not supposed to probe too deeply in this sort of situation, Sabrina told him seriously. It
ruins something.
You are married.
Its irrelevant. She paused and got hold of her temper. This is pretty damn hopeless, isnt it? Ill
just take my drink and wander off, if you dont mind. Once again she started to get to her feet and
once again his rough fingertips closed around her wrist. Hazel eyes glinted as he studied her
expression.
I apologize for ruining the, uh, romantic aura. Its been a rough day. He broke off as Sabrina
made a small, muffled exclamation. What was that?
Nothing, she assured him brightly. You were saying?
His mouth hardened faintly. I said I apologize. Please sit down and lets try it one more time.
Reluctantly she allowed herself to be reseated. If were going to try this again I insist we do
things my way.
Youre an expert?
Maybe not, but something tells me Ive got more of an idea of how to handle this sort of situation
than you do.
Feminine instinct?
Probably, she agreed spiritedly. Now are you going to relax and let me work it my way, or shall
I go try the Texan?
August shifted his considering gaze to the man at the end of the bar. Hed take you up on your offer
in a minute, wouldnt he?
I havent made any offers. Merely an introduction.
Which is designed to lead to bed.
Only if everything goes the way I want it to go. That last bit took a little courage. She reached for
her Margarita. Damn it, she wasnt going to let him intimidate her or make her feel like a scarlet
woman. She had a right to live her life the way she wanted. Every woman had that right. Especially
on the day she turned thirty.
Matts gaze came back to rest on Sabrinas slightly flushed features. A glimmer of unwilling

appreciation moved in the hazel depths and then disappeared. Watching him, Sabrina was suddenly
certain that Matt August had come to some inner decision.
All right, Sabrina Chase. Well do things your way. What do you want from me?
At the moment only a little intelligent conversation, she informed him stiffly.
Intelligent conversation. If we have to exclude existential philosophy, what does that leave us?
Ive got it. Business. How did you know about the bookshop? I dont recall seeing you in there
today.
Would you have remembered?
Oh, yes. Id have remembered.
The way he said it, Sabrina felt abruptly warmed. She relaxed slightly and tried another sip of the
Margarita. I was browsing in the window and I noticed you behind the counter. You were busy at the
time. I intended to drop in later, but I went swimming instead. Have you been running it very long?
August lifted one shoulder uninterestedly. About two years.
Is it very profitable?
He looked at her. Im not making a fortune, if thats what you want to know. But tourists are
always looking for something trashy to read on the beach. I get by.
I was just curious. I own a small shop, too, in Dallas. She glanced away, wishing she hadnt
pried. As she kept pointing out to Matt, prying was not allowed under the rules of this particular
game. It threatened to jeopardize the illusion.
Books? he surprised her by asking.
She shook her head. Texas souvenirs. You know, little brass cowboy boots, barbecue sauce,
stuffed bulls
Stuffed bulls?
I have a lovely one in the window. I actually would have preferred a stuffed cowboy, but my
assistant thought that would be overkill. My assistant has excellent taste, she added with a small
grin.
I see. Matt looked slightly disconcerted. So your question was one of professional interest? One
businessperson to another?
Sabrina relaxed still further. Well, when you think about it, we do have something in common.
Similar professions, you could say. I sell tacky souvenirs to tourists and you sell trashy novels to
them. At least down here you dont have to mess around with the IRS.
Believe me, he corrected, Mexico has its equivalent.
This was much better, Sabrina decided. As if she were handling a small sailboat in danger of
capsizing at any moment, she carefully maneuvered the conversation around light, impersonal topics,
trying to establish the sort of casual rapport that she thought might be appropriate for a vacation affair.
He was right about her lack of practice in such matters, but she was convinced her instincts would
guide her.
Two drinks later the romantic aura she had sought to create seemed to be firmly in place. Matt was
matching her with a whiskey on the rocks for every Margarita she consumed, and the conversation had
loosened up considerably.
You know, Sabrina remarked seriously at one point, you really can be quite charming when you

try.
Thank you, he said with a formal inclination of his head. I really am trying.
It shows. Do you hang out here a lot? She waved a hand casually to encompass the elegant
tropical bar setting.
Occasionally, when I feel like imbibing a little atmosphere.
Or when you get homesick?
I dont get homesick. Acapulco is home now.
No family? Sabrina pushed, unable to help herself even though the question violated her own
rules on the matter.
Are you asking me if Im married? I thought those sorts of questions were forbidden.
Sabrina licked more salt off her glass. Sorry, she mumbled. I had no right to ask.
But youre curious?
No, she declared. I dont want to know anything that personal.
Yes, you do. I can see it in your eyes. You have very expressive eyes, Sabrina Chase of Dallas.
Matts mouth lifted at the edge. The answer is no. Im not married. Not any longer.
She chewed her lip for a moment and then smiled.
Thanks. The sensation of relief was very real. Much too strong. Whether or not Matt August was
married shouldnt have mattered. Not for her purposes tonight. Im not married, either, she offered
magnanimously.
He let the free information pass as if he no longer cared. Another drink?
She stared doubtfully down at her nearly finished Margarita. Actually, I think Ive had enough. I
had a couple before I came over to introduce myself.
Liquid courage? he mocked softly. I didnt realize I was so unapproachable.
It wasnt you. It would have taken a little courage to go up to any of the others, too. She was
feeling comfortable enough with him now to be honest, Sabrina realized with a sense of shock.
Matt abruptly reached for her hand, turning it palm up on the table. His roughened fingers drew a
random pattern on the sensitive skin of her wrist. Itll probably get easier, you know.
Talking to you?
He shook his head. Approaching strange men in bars. Unless, of course, you decide you dont like
taking the risks after all. He was staring at her palm as if mildly fascinated.
Ah, but Im having excellent luck first time out, arent I? she challenged with deliberate
provocation. Just look at how well were doing. Laughter flared in her eyes. You, she warned,
are falling into my hand like a ripe pineapple.
He winced. Not a plum?
Nope. Pineapple. Rough on the outside but sweet on the inside.
No chance youve misjudged me?
I dont think so. She hesitated. Matt?
Hmmm?
Will you dance with me?

Without a word he got to his feet, tugging her up beside him. He took her willingly enough into his
arms on the floor, but there was a curious stiffness to his movements. Matt danced as if he hadnt done
it often and certainly not recently. The steps he guided her into were simple and almost austere. The
band was a four-piece ensemble playing the standard, torchy lounge music one could have heard in
any hotel bar in the world, but Sabrina could have sworn Matt was counting the beat under his breath.
The realization was somehow endearing.
Deliberately she moved closer, instinctively using her own softness to urge him to unbend. Matts
arms tightened around her, but his body grew more rigid rather than relaxed. Then she felt his mouth
brush her hair.
It was nice hair, Matt decided, inhaling the clean, fresh scent of it. A couple of shades darker than
the whiskey hed had too much of tonight. She wore it in a loose topknot, but he had a hunch that when
it was free it would cascade down around her shoulders.
Not at all like Ginnys. Ginnys hair had been midnight-black and cut in a sleek style that framed
her delicate, classically beautiful features. There was nothing all that beautiful about Sabrina Chase,
he told himself, but there was an interestingly piquant charm to the expressive mouth and the lively,
intelligently aware eyes of smoky green.
So she was thirty and just now starting to wander? Ginny had started earlier. Twenty-five,
probably. Right after Brad had been born. It was as though she had to prove to herself that she was
still a stunningly attractive woman even though shed had a child. Had Ginnys first affair begun this
way? Had she walked up to a strange man in a bar and calmly introduced herself? Had she been tense
and a little unsure of herself the way this woman was? Probably not. Ginny had never been unsure of
herself that he could recall.
But after a few such encounters Sabrina Chase would soon be feeling certain of herself, too. As he
had told her, it would get easier. He was sure that she was married. Why else would she have been so
evasive about the question? What was she going to tell her husband when she returned to Dallas? Or
did he even know she was gone? Perhaps he was out of town.
Matt knew that he himself had spent a lot of time out of town. And Ginny had gotten very good at
lying. Her stories had always been carefully detailed and utterly sincere. Had she told her lovers that
she wasnt married, as Sabrina did? Probably. It made a pleasant fiction when all parties concerned
could pretend that no one else was involved. Women undoubtedly lied about the matter more
frequently. They wouldnt want to scare off potential lovers with uncomfortable images of irate
husbands.
The lifestyle she was choosing was going to be harder on Sabrina than it had been on Ginny. Hell,
Ginny had taken to it like a fish to water, Matt reminded himself grimly. But Sabrina Chase might not
find it so pleasant. There was a softness in the woman he held in his arms that Ginny had never had to
suppress. His ex-wife had always been able to take care of herself.
One thing was for certain. Sabrina was still very new at this game. He could sense the unsureness
beneath the flippant exterior. Perhaps all she needed was a good lesson. Maybe she wouldnt be
turned into another Ginny if she ran into more than she could handle tonight. This was his chance to
play instructor, he told himself with whiskey-induced idealism. His opportunity to change the course
of someone elses life.
Matt August: wise and all-knowing guide to young women at the crossroads.
Christ! What the hell made him think he had a right to do that? So what if Sabrina was married? So

what if she was bent on traveling the same path Ginny had chosen? It was her own business. If he
didnt want to be the first in a series of one-night stands for Sabrina Chase, then he should get out of
the mess now.
But that was going to be easier said than done. Sabrina felt surprisingly good in his arms. He liked
the feel of her small breasts lightly brushing his chest. Apparently she wasnt wearing a bra under her
outrageously gaudy turquoise Mexican dress. The bright pink sash that outlined her narrow waist
emphasized the full flare of her thighs. And she had a fragrant warmth that was making him restless.
Her husband was a fool not to keep her close at hand. The same kind of fool he himself had been with
Ginny.
Damn it to hell. Why was he so worried about the future of one Sabrina Chase, tourist? He sure
hadnt overly concerned himself with the other occasional women who flitted in and out of his life. It
beat him why he should be seriously thinking of playing guardian of the future for Sabrina. Matts
hands tightened on her waist and she flinched in surprise before nestling closer.
He got the feeling he wasnt the smoothest dancer she had ever encountered. Matt paused for a
couple of seconds, mentally reestablishing the count. It wasnt that he couldnt dance. It was just that
he didnt dance all that well after several whiskeys. Matt frowned momentarily to himself as he
realized that he couldnt remember the actual number of drinks hed had that evening. The realization
bothered him. It was a bad sign.
Sabrina smiled as a relieved sense of serenity began to replace her earlier uncertainty. It was going
to be all right. Everything was going to be wonderful. A romantic fantasy come true. She had selected
a man who wasnt really accustomed to picking up women in bars and who was definitely not
accustomed to being picked up himself. Poor Matt seemed a little shy, and that had probably been the
cause of his initial gruffness.
Maybe her instincts had focused on him because she had sensed he wouldnt be too polished or too
smooth. Being new at this sort of thing herself, it was best that she chose someone like Matt. Someone
who was in her lane instead of the fast lane. She had been right to fly down to Acapulco on the spur of
the moment to celebrate this major turning-point in her life.
In a very real sense tonight was going to represent the end of an era for her. The end of a lifelong
caution where relationships were concerned. The end of the anger and fear that had been implanted in
her in California when shed found herself trapped in someone elses nightmare. Tonight was indeed
a celebration of the new beginnings she had been creating for herself in Dallas.
The thought made her shift slightly, seeking the reassuringly solid planes of Augusts chest.
Dreamily she rubbed her cheek on the crisp white cotton of his shirt and allowed her fingers to gently
knead the smooth, firm lines of his back. He felt like a well-muscled stallion beneath her touch. A
little restless, surely hot-blooded, and excitingly strong. Her light laughter was muffled against his
chest.
Now what? Matt inquired huskily.
I was just thinking that Ive always wanted a horse of my own. Thats all. A wonderful, spirited
stallion. She smiled secretly.
The remark threw off his careful footwork. It sounds like some kind of adolescent sexual fantasy.
Sabrinas mouth curved. Perhaps it is.
One you havent outgrown? he asked disapprovingly.

Oh, Ive sublimated.

How?
With an Alfa Romeo GTV-6. If you ever come to Dallas Ill give you a ride in it. Beautiful car. I
love it.
How did you get the car? he asked curtly.
Sabrinas languid amusement faded. I bought it myself. Want to see the pink slip?
That wouldnt prove anything, would it? If someone else bought it for you he would probably
have had it put in your name.
Sabrina hesitated a fraction of a dance beat, enough to ruin the carefully plotted rhythm Matt had
established. Both of them came to an awkward halt in the middle of the floor. And youre thinking of
him and that bothers you.
His mouth tightened. Of whom?
Someone you imagine is waiting for me back in Dallas, perhaps? she suggested gently.
Is there someone?
No.
Oh, hell. Never mind. He pulled her back into the predictable pace of the dance. Dont say
anything else. Just come here and Ill promise to keep my mouth shut, too.
He was worried, Sabrina decided compassionately. He was concerned about her obligation to
another man. It wasnt the first time hed mentioned it. It was none of his business, but she found his
touch of conscience endearing. Part of some male code of ethics, no doubtno poaching on another
mans territory. She sighed. Her fingers slipped along his shoulders as she wordlessly tried to convey
that he was the only one she was thinking of tonight.
Do you want another drink? Matt asked as the music faded. He moved Sabrina off the dance
floor with what seemed suspiciously like a sense of relief. She guessed he wasnt particularly fond of
dancing. It was gracious of him to indulge her.
No. I think Ive had enough. She was feeling pleasantly high, a little nervous but also rather
excited. Would you care to take a walk through the gardens?
He shrugged but his arm closed around her shoulders and he led her out into the heavily landscaped
grounds of the hotel. Moonlight gleamed on the bay, and the lights of a cruise ship anchored in the
harbor sparkled brilliantly; an exotic string of jewels floating on velvet. Matts arm felt warm and
heavy around her and Sabrina leaned languidly against his side. He was hard and strong. The flat
planes of his thigh were unyielding. She wanted to let herself glide over that hardness, feel the thrust
of it against her.
Picturing me in a saddle and bridle?
Never. She laughed. Deliberately Sabrina came to a stop and turned in the circle of his arm.
Their eyes met in the moonlight, and she refused to reconsider her plans. Slowly she lifted her arms to
his shoulders, her fingertips finding the soft hair at the nape of his neck.
Matt?
You want me, dont you? he breathed.
Yes. It was the truth and it was clear in her eyes. Do you want me?

Id be a fool to turn you down, wouldnt I? Oh, yes, Sabrina. I want you. He lowered his head
when she used her fingertips on the juncture of his shoulders. Youre so sure you know what you
want?
Tonight Im very sure, she whispered, parting her lips for his kiss.
It wasnt quite the sort of kiss she had been anticipating. There was no experimental sampling, no
curious, delicate exploration. There was no gentleness. But there was power and a mounting passion
that was infinitely exciting. Sabrina gave herself up to it after the first uncertain seconds, and Matts
arms went solidly around her waist. It didnt last long. She had barely begun to accommodate her lips
to the overwhelming intimacy of his when he broke the caress.
Your room?
So soon? she wondered. Shouldnt they linger a bit in the moonlight? Shouldnt they take a midnight
walk along the beach or something? Whisper soft, provocative words? Voices from nearby drifted
through the shadows and suddenly Sabrina realized why Matt wanted to take her somewhere else.
There was no real privacy here.
Upstairs, she answered, nodding, and allowed him to lead her back inside the hotel.
In the elevator she didnt quite know what to say, and she assumed Matts silence meant he was
just as lost for words. But when she mutely handed him the key to her door, he took it and shoved it
grimly into the lock. She stepped inside ahead of him and he closed the door with a final-sounding
clunk.
Is reality living up to your expectations? he whispered roughly as he caught her chin between
scarred fingers and lifted her face. The only illumination in the room was from the moonlight filtering
in through the open sliding glass doors.
I think so, she whispered with a tremulous smile. Do you really want to be with me, Matt? A
frisson of uncertainty urged her to be sure of his mood and his passion.
Let me show you how much. His hand slid deliberately down her breast to the shocking-pink
sash at her waist. He loosened the fabric quickly, and when it fell to the floor he found the fastening
of the dress. The garment was pulled down over her shoulders and sent to the floor with a quick
movement that made Sabrina step backward anxiously.
Matt?
Come here, Sabrina, he murmured. Let me touch you.
She drew in a long breath and then stepped close again. As soon as his palms fitted themselves to
the curves of her breasts, she relaxed against him. Eyes closed, she leaned her head on his shoulder
and prepared to enjoy the thrilling roughness of the pads of his fingers. They flickered over her
nipples, sending the most excruciatingly delightful shivers through her. Later she would have to ask
him how hed come by such odd little scars. But for the moment Sabrina made a small sound in the
back of her throat. She felt his hands falter for a second, then tremble slightly.
The knowledge that he was both a bit uncertain and yet trembling with his own leashed passion
was deliciously satisfying. Sabrina found the buttons of the carefully pressed and starched white shirt
and began undoing them. Her own fingers were far from steady, she realized vaguely.
Your breasts just fit my hands, Matt whispered wonderingly. You really do want whats going
to happen tonight, dont you? he said, feeling her nipples harden beneath his fingertips.
Oh, yes, Matt. Yes, please Her voice was a choked sigh of excitement and longing. Beneath

his touch her body felt warmed and beautiful. Your hands feel so good. Ive never felt hands like
them before in my life. She pushed off the white shirt, baring his chest to her sight and touch.
Do you like what you see, Sabrina? He caught one of her drifting palms and pushed it firmly
against the cloud of dark chest hair that tapered down to the waistband of his slacks.
I Yes. Matt, youre beautiful, she murmured and then couldnt resist brushing her lips over the
flat, masculine nipples.
And youre soft and vibrant and very, very hot, arent you, honey?
She ignored the faint hard edge of his words. He was aroused, and that was excuse enough for the
roughness she thought she detected. Men werent at their verbal best when their bodies and instincts
were focusing on sex. With gentle invitation in her eyes she lifted her face for his kiss.
His mouth came down on hers abruptly as if he could barely wait for her, and Sabrina tried to
break the contact long enough to urge him not to rush matters. After all, they had all night. Five whole
days, in fact. Hours and hours in which to get to know each other physically and mentally. And it had
been so long for her that Sabrina knew she needed time tonight. Old habits and manners died hard.
Her body had a long way to go before it would be fully aroused. The promise of that potential arousal
was thick in the air around her, though, and she made no protest when Matt lifted her suddenly and
carried her toward the bed.
He set her down on it and stood staring at her moonlit body. Only the triangle of satin and lace at
the joining of her thighs remained in the way of clothing. Matt flattened his hand intimately on her
stomach and then pushed his fingers under the scrap of underwear. His touch was rougher than
Sabrina expected as he stripped the panties down her legs. He straightened again and as his hooded
gaze swept her Sabrina felt a disturbing chill.
What is it, Matt? She suddenly felt very vulnerable.
Nothing. He unfastened the belt at his waist. Then he sat down on the bed and tugged off the lowcut boots he was wearing. They hit the floor with a thud. He rose and unzipped the slacks, stepping
out of them and his briefs.
Sabrina watched him walk three paces to the chair and lay the clothing neatly over the back with
military precision. When he turned to her, she shifted uneasily at the sight of his fiercely aroused
nakedness. Then the leather sheath strapped to his calf caught her eye.
Whats that? she demanded, sitting up and unconsciously wriggling so that she was partially
covered by the sheet. Her sense of vulnerability sharpened abruptly.
What does it look like? he asked mildly. He planted his foot on top of the bed and bent over to
release the clasp of the sheath with a flick of his fingers.
A knife. Sabrina stared at the object in his hand. What kind of bizarre situation had she gotten
herself into? she wondered on an incipient note of hysteria.
Ummm. Noncommittally he slid into bed beside her and she saw him put the sheath down on the
floor.
Do you, uh, always keep it within reach? Even at times like this? It was a relief to have the
weapon out of sight. The casual way he handled it caused her to relax a little.
Especially at times like this. He reached for her, drawing her urgently into his arms, and Sabrina
forgot about the knife as she realized how hard and taut his body was.

Her nails dug into his sleek shoulder as she tried awkwardly to push the heavy weight of his thighs
a short distance away from hers. Perhaps he didnt understand, she thought. Maybe it had been a long
time since hed been with a woman. Whatever the reason for his urgency, she needed to explain that
she herself wasnt quite ready.
Matt, please, lets not rush, she begged throatily. Her eyes shimmered with anticipation even as
her body began to resist the pressure of his. I I need a little time. Its been so long since Never
mind. Lets slow down. I want everything to be perfect tonight. My birthday, remember?
Perfect? he bent his head to find the curve of her throat. I feel fine, honey. Just fine. Believe me,
as far as Im concerned, everythings perfect.
Its just that I dont want, that is, Im not quite ready, she tried to say, only to have the words cut
off as he moved his mouth from her throat to her lips. She felt herself being crushed back into the
pillows as he tangled his heavy leg between her thighs. Then she shivered as his hand slipped down
her breasts to the small curve of her stomach. Sabrinas breath came more quickly as excitement
began to flare again within her.
Youve got a lot to tease a man with, Sabrina, honey. Theres something tantalizing about this soft,
sleek little body. Reminds me of a cat. You wont have any trouble finding men to take you up on your
midnight offers. All youll have to do is walk up to them in a bar the way you did tonight.
Matt, wait, I told you I need time! She was suddenly very conscious of the whiskey on his breath.
Sabrina wondered how many drinks hed had before shed ambled into the bar and found him there.
Honey, theres something you should know about picking up strangers. Theyre not always
inclined to play the part of elegant gentlemen lovers. Why should they? Theyll never see you again.
Why shouldnt they take what they want?
Stop it, Matt, youll ruin everything, she begged, shutting her eyes against the unnatural glitter in
his gaze. Why was he doing this? She had been so sure he was the right man; had been so certain his
gruffness was simply a function of his basically straightforward personality. Normally her instincts
about people were sound. But it was becoming very clear that the romantic interlude she had counted
on was rapidly turning into a disaster.
This is what you wanted, Sabrina. You wanted a man for the night. Well, this is how it works in
real life. Its no moonlit fantasy. Just sex, pure and simple, and its all a strange man in a bar is going
to want from you. Now stop nagging and play your part. Spread your legs, baby, and give me what
youve been promising all evening.
Her eyes slitted open as he used his knee to force apart her thighs. For the first time real panic set
in.
Get off of me, she hissed. Stop it, do you hear me? Get off of me right now!
Why should I? You can hardly call it rape. You told me more than once tonight that you want me.
So take me!
Sabrinas lips opened in shock as she felt his hardness thrusting between her legs. Damn it, no!
She pushed at him frantically.
He shut off the cry of protest by overwhelming her mouth with his plunging tongue. In the next
instant Sabrina knew he would be forcing his way inside her and she would be helpless. Desperately
she snapped her teeth around his tongue and doubled her hands into fists. She slammed at him with all
her might.

Goddamn it, lady, this is what you wanted! he bit out savagely as he hurriedly withdrew from her
mouth. You said you wanted it!
Not like this! Damn you! She raked his sides with her nails. Get away from me! She managed
to twist her body so that she could get her knee free, and when she tried to bring it forcibly up toward
his crotch, Matt seemed to realize she was going to fight to the bitter end.
Damn it to hell, he muttered, fending off her knee. You vicious little! He muttered an
exclamation of disgust and outrage and lifted himself away from her completely. Rolling over onto his
back, he threw one arm over his eyes, and took a deep breath.
Sabrina lay very still for a moment, violently aware of what had almost happened. She fought for
breath and some comprehension of the situation.
You must hate me, she whispered finally, sitting up shakily and sliding off her side of the bed.
What have I ever done to you that you should want to treat me like this? You dont even know me.
No. The single word was a muffled curse. Matt didnt lift his arm from his eyes. His chest still
heaved with the effort he was exerting to regain control of himself. He didnt move as she got to her
feet beside the bed.
She was conscious of an ache in the strained muscles of her inner thighs as she slowly calmed
herself. Awkwardly she found her way to the closet and pulled out the light robe she had brought with
her for the trip. Fingers trembling, she knotted it tightly around her waist and then walked unevenly to
the open window and filled her lungs with deep, steadying breaths.
Oh, Christ, Sabrina. Im sorry. The words were flat, without any inflection.
It took Sabrina a moment to find her own voice. Do you mind telling me why? she asked. Her
eyes remained focused unseeingly on the lights of the cruise ship.
Its a long story. Its got nothing to do with you.
I think thats debatable. Her whole body felt used and he had the nerve to tell her his actions had
nothing to do with her? A slow rage finally began to burn away some of the numbness she had been
feeling since she had arisen from the bed.
Look, lets just write it off to one too many whiskeys, okay?
Too much alcohol? she replied sharply, aware that he was sitting up slowly. She didnt turn
around. Im expected to excuse near rape because youve had too much to drink?
Sabrina, he muttered, its complicated. I cant even explain it all myself tonight. Its late, Ive
had too much to drink, and I
And lets not forget your hard day, she reminded him too sweetly.
Theyre all hard these days, he grunted.
She drew another deep breath. Just tell me one thing. I got the feeling you hated me. But we only
met this evening. Were you confusing me with someone else? Were you so damn drunk you thought I
was another woman?
Hell, no. It was nothing like that. He was on his feet now. She could feel him coming up behind
her, although he made no sound on the cool slate floor.
Sabrina still didnt turn. She didnt want to face him. If you werent confusing me with someone
else, then why? she demanded tightly.
His hands came up to close around her upper arms and he tugged her gently back against him.

Sabrina, Im sorry. I guess I had some notion of doing the guy back in Dallas a favor or something.
Shit, I dont know how to explain it. Ive had too much to drink!
And youve had a tough day! What guy back in Dallas?
Forget it. Things got a little out of hand. I understand youre a bit upset right now, but
Your perception is definitely improving with every second! Who the hell do you think you are?
He turned her gently to face him, his eyes dark and brooding as he gazed down into her stormy
features. Im sorry. Thats all I can say. Come back to bed with me and Ill make you forget what just
happened.
You must be out of your mind! Get out of here. Do you hear me? Get out of here before I call the
house detective or whatever they use here in Mexico!
Easy, he soothed, moving his thumbs in gentling motions on her jaw. Take it easy, honey. This
time will be different. Ill make it good for you; I promise. Ill
Youre not only drunk, youre crazy. And to think youre trying to justify your actions by telling
me youve had one too many whiskeys.
Its more complicated than that, but I dont think I can explain it very clearly tonight, he muttered.
Sabrina, will you please calm down? Youre getting hysterical.
Im getting goddamned furious!
This time well do things right, he promised, trying to pull her back into his arms.
You can say that again! This time Im going to throw you out before you have a chance to play any
more weird games!
Sabrina!
But she had already broken free of his grasp and was rushing across the room to the side of the bed
on which hed lain. Scooping up the leather sheath that hed placed on the floor, she fumbled with the
handle of the knife and then whipped out the sleek blade. Moonlight gleamed on the sharp, savage
length of it. I said get out of here, Matt. Get dressed and get out. Right now.
Put down the knife, Sabrina. This time there was soft command in his tone. Matts voice had
taken on the same cold edge as the steel she was holding.
Im not putting it down until you leave.
Damn it, stop acting hysterical and give me that knife. Imperiously he held out his hand as he
walked deliberately forward.
Ill give you about five seconds to get into your slacks, then Im tossing you out into the hall. If
you want to run through Acapulco stark naked, thats your business.
Sabrina, youre being ridiculous. For Gods sake be careful with that thing, he added quickly as
she raised it menacingly. Its not some rusty pocketknife. Itll cut your hand to ribbons if you dont
watch it.
Think what it will do to some of the more useless portions of your anatomy. Her eyes dropped
scathingly down his chest to his naked thighs.
Oh, shit. I cant believe this. Sabrina, youre out of your head. But Matt reached for his slacks
and yanked them on with more haste than he had planned. He was aware of just how sharp the blade
of the boot knife was, even if she wasnt, and it was distinctly uncomfortable having her wave it
around like that. Christ, if Kirby could see him now, dodging his own weapon, hed probably laugh

himself sick.
Hurry up!
Sabrina, well talk in the morning when youve had a chance to calm down. Matt edged toward
the door, collecting his shirt and shoving his feet into his boots.
I dont ever want to talk to you again.
Honey, we got off to a rocky start, but if you think its going to end here
I dont think its going to end here, she hissed, I know its going to end here. Because Im
putting a stop to it! She motioned aggressively with the knife and Matt found himself moving
respectfully back a pace.
Im leaving but Ill see you in the morning.
Out!
Okay, okay! He opened the door and stepped into the hall, feeling like an idiot having to retreat
before his own knife. Any attempt to take it away from Sabrina was going to enrage her further and
theyd probably both get cut in the process. Give me the knife before I leave, Sabrina. Its not a toy
and its not a tool. Its a weapon, and I dont want you accidentally hurting yourself with it.
You want this damn knife? You can have it!
Before he realized her intention she had raised the blade to shoulder height and hurled it as if it
were a baseball. Matt sucked in his breath as the polished steel blade whipped end over end faster
than the eye could see and landed with a solid thunk in the corridor wall behind him.
Stunned, he turned to stare at the vibrating handle. He was watching it in fascination as she tossed
the knife sheath at his feet. Matt was still staring at the blade when the door to Sabrinas room
slammed shut.
A lucky throw in more ways than one. She must have been standing at just the right distance. A few
feet farther forward or a step backward and the knife would have struck the wall on the flat side and
clattered to the floor.
On the other hand, a foot or so to the right and the thing would have buried itself to the hilt in his
shoulder.
Well, shit.
Gingerly Matt pried the blade free from the wall and picked up the sheath. With a last glance at
Sabrinas locked door he started down the corridor to the elevators.
It really had been a rough day.

Chapter Two
Sabrina went eyeball to eyeball with a small, brilliant-orange fish that had just darted out from the
protection of the reef. She blinked slowly at it through the diving mask, and the nervous creature
flashed back toward the convoluted reef.
Sabrina watched it disappear and considered the proposition that there was no justice in the
universe. The proposition was false, of course. The universe was full of justice: manmade justice.
And it varied from man to man. Perhaps it was some defect intrinsic to the masculine mentality that
made the male of the species so determined to exert his authority. It seemed to Sabrina that she had
spent a good chunk of her life defending herself against authoritarian types. At one time or another
shed done battle with everyone from her father to her schoolteachers, employers, and the IRS. The
world at large had trouble handling an independent person like herself, and men in particular had
trouble with the notion. Last night wasnt the first time shed run afoul of some males embittered
attempt to even his score with life by punishing her.
But the last time it had been tried Sabrina had at least known why she had come under fire. Floating
in the clear tranquil waters this morning, she made another stab at trying to understand what had gone
wrong last night, and failed. It was decidedly disgusting to discover that her normally sound intuition
had fallen short on this occasion. Perhaps she could just blame it on the Margaritas and forget all
about it.
She dismissed that approach when she recalled that August had used his one-too-many whiskeys as
an excuse. Damned if she would lower herself to his level when it came to rationalizing!
No, last night had been a mistake. It wouldnt happen again. Besides, in the end, she had handled a
potentially dangerous encounter intelligently enough to emerge unscathed. Assuming one discounted
the vague muscle ache in her thighs, of course, she added with a mental wince. Matt August was a
strong, toughly built male. The struggle could have ended disastrously. Still, she had handled him.
It was an entirely different situation from the mess in which she had become involved in California.
Shed had no control at all over those events and the memory of how she had let a man cast her in the
role of victim still rankled. In spite of her determination to put it all behind her, stray thoughts of that
devastating experience on the West Coast flickered through her mind.
Talbot Sheffield had been forty-nine, only twenty-three years older than his son Greg, whom
Sabrina had been dating just before everything collapsed around the younger man. One year less than
fifty, his body still astonishingly fit, silver hair thick and eye-catching, the president of his own
computer software firm, Talbot Sheffield was a man at the height of his power and knew it. The
quintessential aggressive, successful businessman. From the moment shed first been introduced to
him, Sabrina had kept her distance. He was exactly the sort of male she preferred to avoid.
His son Greg, on the other hand, displayed absolutely no indication of following in his fathers
footsteps. Easygoing, amiable, and fun-loving described Greg Sheffield. Sabrina had liked him at
once. Her feelings for the man had never gone much deeper than friendly affection, but she had
empathized with him, knowing herself what it was like to grow up with a forceful, domineering

father.
In spite of his casual attitude toward life Greg had had enough perception to foresee the difficulties
that would arise if he chose to work for his father. Instead he had taken a middle-management position
at a computer design company elsewhere in Californias Silicon Valley, and thats where he and
Sabrina had met. She had been a low-level manager in the accounting department. It wasnt Sabrinas
first entry-level management position. She had started out in a number of them at various companies
since graduating from college. But because of an unfortunate tendency to tell higher management what
she thought, she rarely climbed any higher on the corporate ladder. While Greg was not outspoken the
way Sabrina tended to be, they had shared similar views of the corporate environment.
But it wasnt Gregs sandy-brown hair and vivid blue eyes that Sabrina recalled this morning. It
was Talbots already magnificently silvered head and the blue eyes that had burned with a fathers
fury as he faced her in her own office.
You cheap, conniving little bitch, he had flung at her. It should be you the FBI arrested last
night, and you goddamned well know it. Youre the reason Greg did it. If it hadnt been for you
Mr. Sheffield, I had nothing to do with it! I had no idea Greg was even involved in such
activities!
The hell you didnt! You were his mistress. You were the one who made the financial demands on
him; the one who pushed him into doing anything he had to do in order to get the cash to keep you
happy!
Thats insane! White-faced with resentment and the first stirrings of genuine fear, Sabrina had
stood her ground. I can understand how you feel, Mr. Sheffield, but that doesnt give you the right to
blame me for Gregs behavior. I dont know why Greg sold company secrets, and neither do you. But
it certainly wasnt because of me!
Dont hand me that crap about understanding how I feel, you bitch. I watched them arrest my only
son last night! His hand came down in a frustrated fist on her desk. My son! Someday he would
have taken over my firm. He had everything going for him. Only a woman could have pushed him into
doing what he did, and I know damn well youre the woman who did it!
Greg and I have been seeing each other for the past couple of months, but thats the extent of the
relationship, Sabrina had protested angrily. Im not some femme fatale, for Gods sake, Im an
accountant!
Youre sleeping with him. Youre his mistress. Dont you think I know that? Ive seen the two of
you together. Hell, Ive even taken you both out to dinner a few times. I saw how Greg looked at you.
You had him under your spell, didnt you? The poor kid was enthralled!
Greg is twenty-six years old! Hardly a kid.
At twenty-six any male is still a kid, Sheffield had blazed.
Well, Im only twenty-nine. Why dont you make the same ridiculous allowance for me? shed
shot back unwisely.
Sheffield had stepped around the desk and seized her, his hands digging into her upper arms as he
shook her the way a wolf would shake a small cat, as if he wanted to break her neck. Sabrina had
known real fear then.
Women like you are born full-fledged adult piranhas. You have no business seducing kids like
Greg!

I didnt seduce him, Sabrina had managed as he released her. Mr. Sheffield, youre out of your
head with worry, and thats the only reason Im not calling Security. Please get out of here before I
change my mind.
Dont you dare threaten me. Ive seen the new Alfa Romeo. And Ive seen the new condo. I know
how youve been bleeding my son dry these past few months.
I bought the car and the apartment myself! She had tried to tell herself that Talbot Sheffield was a
grieving father. She could accept some of his impotent rage and pain, although it was hard to believe
this was the same suave, sophisticated, charming man who had entertained Greg and herself on
several occasions.
Bullshit. Greg bought them for you. He was trying to please you, Sheffield had rasped.
Thats not true and I can prove it.
Oh, Im sure the papers will all be in your name. You would have made certain of that. After all,
youre an accountant.
Mr. Sheffield, please listen to me, Sabrina had begged, making one last effort to appeal to his
reason.
Hed cut off her words with a vicious backhanded slap across her face. The blow had snapped her
head to one side, leaving her cheek reddened and bruised. Wide-eyed, shed stared up at her
tormentor. Things had gone far enough. Now she would scream.
Im the one you should have picked to seduce, Sabrina. His hands digging into her shoulders, he
shook her. If youd come to me, you would have had a Mercedes instead of the little Alfa Romeo.
The condo would have been in a better part of town, and there would have been jewelry by now if
youd behaved yourself. And I wouldnt have had to sell corporate secrets to the Russians in order to
give it all to you. Whats more, Im a man, not a boy, and I would have kept you under control. You
wouldnt have been able to manipulate me the way you manipulated Greg.
Stunned, Sabrina could only shake her head in mute denial as he disgustedly shoved her away from
him. She stared at him as he turned to stalk toward the door.
I want you out of this job and out of Silicon Valley. In fact, lady, I want you out of California, he
shouted from the doorway.
I dont work for you, she managed. You cant fire me.
Either you quit today or Ill bring this company down on its ass. I can do it, Sabrina. This firm is
strung out to the hilt on borrowed capital. Ill take it over and Ill fire you myself if I have to. Gregs
probably going to prison because of you. Do you think Im going to let you keep this cushy job while
he suffers? Get out of the state, bitch. Believe me, Ill see to it you never work here again. Im going
to let every computer firm in California know you were the real reason behind Gregs deal with the
Russians.
Then, as if the sight of her was too much for him, Talbot Sheffield had slammed out of the office,
leaving a dazed and slightly sick-feeling Sabrina behind.
In the end he hadnt had to make good his threat to ruin Sabrinas firm. Sheffield had simply
planted the suspicion of her in her employers minds, and that was all it took. Working conditions
soon became intolerable. The rumors and speculation were enough to drive anyone away, much less
someone who was rapidly growing disgusted with the whole volatile world of high technology.
Sabrina resigned her job a month later. It wasnt the first job she had left because shed run afoul of

authority, but it was the first one shed actually been forced out of, and the knowledge bit deeply.
Shed sold the condo. Then shed packed the Alfa Romeo and left for the new frontier: Dallas, Texas.
En route to the land they called the Third Coast, Sabrina had faced a few facts. One of them was
that it was time she packed in the attempt to make it in the corporate world. People with her maverick
tendencies needed to be their own bosses. Never again would she let her career and her reputation be
vulnerable to a man like Talbot Sheffield.
The headlines about her involvement had hit during Gregs trial. The FBI hadnt considered her
worth any more than a few questions. She hadnt even been called to testify. But the newspapers had a
field daywith the encouragement of Talbot Sheffield, she had no doubtlabeling her the
expensive mistress who had driven a good man to sell his companys secrets. Getting her to quit
her job, apparently, had not been enough to satisfy Sheffields sense of justice. Sabrina hoped bitterly
that the scandal he had created around her name was sufficient to quench his thirst for retribution. It
would be all he would get from her, shed sworn. And if fortune ever granted her a shot at revenge
she would grab it in a flash.
The headlines and the speculation they had caused had lasted only a couple of weeks and had
interested chiefly just the business world of the West Coast. But that was more than enough time to
reach the staid little town in Oregon where her father and two brothers ran the main bank.
She knew what it had cost their sober, pillars-of-the-community souls to stand behind her, but they
had claimed to believe her side of the story. Nevertheless, Sabrina knew it had shocked all of them
deeply, providing one more damning bit of evidence that she sorely lacked guidance and discipline.
They had all hoped for the best when she had announced her intention of starting over again in
Texas, but their hopes had been dashed. Her new lifestyle was sending cold chills through the
restrained offices of the bank. Sabrinas fierce determination to live by her own rules was terrifying
the three men of the Chase family.
A souvenir shop? Little ashtrays and cowboy hats? her father had raged long distance. Sabrina,
youre an accountant!
Not anymore, Dad. Im a scarlet woman, given to leading young men to their doom, remember?
Nolan and Jeffrey and I know you would never have done such a thing, her father had assured her
quietly. The papers always blow that sort of thing out of all proportion. Frankly, Im just as glad
youve decided to start over in another state, however. It wouldnt have been easy to overcome the
scandal down there in California. Ones business reputation is a precious commodity, easily
damaged.
Sabrina had heard the lecture on several previous occasions and had quickly moved to nip it in the
bud this time. Mines more than damaged, Dad. Its dead and buried. Out here in Texas, though, no
one cares. Want to buy a stuffed armadillo?
This is hardly a joking matter, her father had pointed out grimly.
It certainly wasnt a joking matter for the armadillo, Sabrina had agreed absently, glancing
across the counter at the stiff little creature. Most of them come to a sad end out on the highway.
They dont move fast enough. But at least this one got himself immortalized.
Bennet Chase had made a few more valiant attempts to redirect the focus of the conversation, but
he knew hed lost control of it. Attempts to exert fatherly guidance over his one daughter ended in this
fashion more and more frequently these days. His last really successful effort had been to bulldoze

her into taking accounting courses in college. It had been decidedly downhill from there. Now he had
to face the fact that she had gone off the deep end entirely. Selling stuffed armadillos in Dallas was
probably about as far as a respectable young accountant could fall.
Sabrina knew that her sober, responsible family, all males since her mother had died, feared for
her future. She had fought their natural dominance all her life, but now she had truly slipped out of
their grasp entirely.
What everyone was going to have to realize these days, she vowed as she swam toward the reef,
was that Sabrina Chase was making her own rules now. Men such as Matt August were going to learn
they couldnt use her for a doormat. Actually, when she thought about it, throwing him out of her room
last night had been rather exhilarating. So what if shed misjudged him initially? Shed gotten rid of
him when shed realized her mistake, hadnt she? It would be a while before he tried to victimize
another innocent tourist.
Resolutely Sabrina inhaled through the snorkel and dived deeply to examine the intricacies of the
reef.
Crouched on the rocky outcropping overlooking the beach, August watched the woman in the sleek
black maillot. He had spotted her renting the snorkeling equipment at a shop adjacent to his
bookstore. It had been easy to follow the taxi shed then taken to this cove.
The section of beach she had chosen was virtually empty. A small party of vacationers splashed
about in the water several yards farther along, but no one appeared to be sharing the day with
Sabrina.
Snorkeling alone was not the safest practice, but Matt had a hunch she probably wouldnt welcome
any advice this morning. Especially not from him.
As he watched, she surfaced to clear her tube and mask and then plunged under again. He could
barely see the outline of her body as she held her breath and went to the bottom. The reef she was
exploring was a massive thing stretching for some distance across the open end of the cove. It was a
perfect location for fish watching.
Someday maybe hed bring Brad here. The kid was thirteen this year. It had been a long time since
hed seen his son. Somehow time got away from a man down here in Mexico. Matt had the uneasy
suspicion that priorities were slipping, shifting, and he wasnt quite sure how to keep them in order.
Drinking his whiskey in an expensive hotel bar had been one way of pretending he wasnt losing
ground. Hotels were careful to maintain a pleasant illusion, hed discovered. They knew how to
avoid that seedy touch that could creep so easily into ones surroundings down here. More and more
Matt was aware of having to keep the seediness at bay.
He frowned as he watched Sabrina swim close to the edge of the reef and wondered if she knew
how sharp sections of the underwater barrier were. A careless movement could leave a neat slash
down the length of an arm or leg. Just like a knife wound.
Sabrina would probably also not be too interested in hearing that warning, either. Matts mouth
turned downward sardonically. The image of the knife sizzling past him and burying itself in the
corridor outside her room was one that would haunt him for a long time. Hed argued with women
before, but hed never come quite that close to losing so badly. All in all it was probably the most
interesting thing that had happened to him in months.
No, not quite, he corrected himself. The most interesting event had taken place just before the

knife-throwing scene when hed been about to make love to Sabrina Chase. Perhaps he should
rephrase that; when he had been about to have sex with Sabrina Chase.
That still wasnt right, but somehow, even in his laconically honest mood this morning, Matt was
having a tough time admitting that he had almost tried to rape a woman the previous evening. The part
of him that had once respected the phrase an officer and a gentleman preferred not to have to cope
with the reality of last night.
The realization that hed been a prize ass had hit him during the last few moments of the struggle.
Hed known then that hed thrown away the chance at something good; something unique.
Another brilliant Matt August snafu. Situation normal, all fucked up.
The question that had been hammering at him relentlessly since hed left the hotel flashed into his
head once more. What would it have been like if he hadnt screwed up last night?
Christ, what an idiot hed been. If only shed calmed down a bit there at the end. If she hadnt
gotten hold of the knife, and if her temper hadnt exploded so suddenly, he could have put everything
right. He was certain of it. The next time he held Sabrina Chase in his arms he wouldnt let her go
until hed wiped away the memory of last night.
Idly he gnawed on his lower lip, watching her dart back to the surface for more air. The next time
was going to take some arranging. Sabrina probably had plans never to speak to him again, much less
get close enough for him to get his hands on her.
He watched her slip through the water and remembered with painful clarity how she had slipped
into his hands and out of them again because of his own stupidity. Jesus, shed felt good under him
last night. Like a sensuous little cat, all soft and neatly made, from her delicate breasts to the luscious
curve of her bottom. And those smoky green eyes. Hed remember the changing expressions in those
incredible eyes for a long time.
Hed certainly made life more difficult for himself, Matt thought with an inner groan. Sabrina
wasnt going to have any problem finding another male on whom to practice her approach. Something
told him he hadnt deflected her from her ultimate goal. When she got over her shock and anger she
would probably be hell bent to try her tactics again, if only to prove to herself that she could do it
right. Matt understood that need to prove something to yourself.
Grimly he rose from squatting position and started down the cliff trail. The knife was safely tucked
inside his boot again this morning and the lightweight stone-colored slacks he wore fell neatly over
the top of the leather sheath. Hed picked up his laundry earlier from the little shop that catered to the
few tourists like himself who cared about neatly pressed clothing in a humid climate. The fresh khaki
shirt he had on was still crisp. Another hour or two in the eighty-four-degree temperatures of the early
summer sun and there would be little left of the strict creases, however. Matt accepted the fact
philosophically. He also knew that it was important for some reason to keep up the ritual of having
his laundry professionally done. Such small acts formed links, however tenuous, with the future. They
implied that there was, in fact, a future.
As he came down the side of the cliff and walked out onto the sparkling white, sand, Matt lost sight
of Sabrina. It was possible to see to a considerable depth when one was standing high above the
water, but down on the level the advantage was lost. He scanned the small cove and after a moment
was rewarded by the sight of Sabrina surfacing once more to clear her tube and mask. Apparently she
wasnt a very experienced diver. Another reason why she shouldnt have sought out a lonely place
such as this to go fish watching.

Matt kept an eye on the orange tip of the snorkel as it glided along the surface. Keeping it firmly in
sight, he went to stand in the shade of the cliff. Even a few degrees of coolness were welcome. How
long would Sabrina stay in the water? And what the hell was he going to say when she emerged and
saw him waiting for her?
His first thought was to give her a lecture on the dangers of diving alone, but belated common sense
warned him it might not go over well. He watched the tip of the tube dip below the surface again.
When she finished the dive, shed probably have to surface completely to clear it. Maybe he could
start off the conversation by offering to show her how to clear the tube while keeping her face
underwater.
Damn it, lady, Matt groused, stepping out of the shade to walk toward the water. Come on out.
Youve been in there long enough. I want to talk to you. Down she went again, and he waited
impatiently for the snorkel to reappear.
When it didnt, Matt felt the first prickle of uneasiness. During the time hed been watching her,
hed unconsciously been keeping track of the duration of her dives. They rarely lasted a full minute.
He knew without having to glance down at his watch that shed been under longer than a minute this
trip. Hed done enough diving to know that an inexperienced swimmer could get into trouble quickly
around a large reef. Eyes narrowed against the bright morning light, he moved right to the edge of the
gently lapping waves. Still no sign of the orange-tipped snorkeling tube.
Well, hell. There wasnt time to wait and see if perhaps she had simply worked her way around
to the far side of the reef. Picturing the worst, Matt yanked off his boots and shirt and loped into the
soft, foaming waves.
He headed toward the point where he had last seen the tube, hovering on the surface of the water
and peering down into the crystal depths. Below him small fish darted about in nervous schools and
the ancient encrustations on the reef promised tantalizing mysteries. Some of those mysteries, Matt
knew, could be exceedingly dangerous. There was no sign of an overly adventurous lady diver,
however, and he could see all the way to the sandy bottom.
Forcing himself to deal with the situation in the calm, relentlessly logical fashion that in another
life had been one of his trademarks, Matt began searching the area in a systematic pattern. He had
some time, he told himself as he fought down the anxiety. Shed only been under about three minutes.
The seconds ticked past with an inexorable swiftness that began to lay a foundation for panic. Matt
pushed himself, broadening the search pattern as rapidly as possible. There was no sign of her pale
skin against the dark gloom of the reef. Perhaps she had gone around to the other side. Could she have
slipped around the far end without his noticing? It was possible.
Damn it, hed strangle her if she was cheerfully swimming around on the opposite side while he
frantically hunted for her over here. Matt lifted his head and struck out for the tip of the reef. It would
be too risky trying to swim over the top. There wasnt enough clearance. Hed get his chest shredded
on the sharp, crusty projections.
Kicking furiously, he rounded the corner of the reef and came face to face with Sabrina. She was
calmly clearing her mask. Matt felt his insides grow hot and then cold as relief battled with the
remnants of fear.
So there you are. Not half-drowned by sucking in when you should have blown out. Or caught on
the reef, or stung by something pretty but poisonous.
Sabrina blinked, startled by the unexpected encounter. She pushed the mask up on her head. What

on earth are you doing here? She treaded water as he glowered at her.
I came to talk to you.
You picked an odd location. Or did you think it might be easier to try your hand at rape out here in
the middle of nowhere instead of in a crowded hotel?
He made an obvious effort at controlling himself. Have you had enough swimming for today?
Matt asked with a strained, artificial politeness.
I think so, Sabrina said. She had been about to head back toward shore. Without waiting for him,
she struck out toward the shallower water. What was he doing here? she wondered. And why was she
experiencing this odd combination of wariness and anticipation? The unexpected encounter had
startled her, but damned if she would let him see just how much of a shock it had been. Aware of him
swimming powerfully alongside, Sabrina made her way steadily toward the shore.
Sabrina, what you were doing was stupid, idiotic, and totally lacking in sense. Everyone knows
youre not supposed to go diving alone, Matt growled as they found their footing and straightened to
walk through the water to the sandy beach. A lot of very nasty things can happen along a reef like
that. You know that, dont you?
I certainly do now. Thank you for the diving lesson, she retorted as she pulled off the mask and
snorkel. She shoved the hair out of her eyes and slid him a sidelong glance. He was looking distinctly
annoyed.
What would you have done if youd gotten into trouble out there? he went on grimly as he strode
onto the beach.
I always carry a dime for an emergency phone call.
Apparently he wasnt looking for flippancy by way of response. His hand moved, making her
flinch, but he only closed his rough-tipped fingers lightly around the nape of her neck.
Lady, you just scared the hell out of me. I expect an apology.
Sabrina stared at him. Youre kidding.
I thought youd gone under and werent coming back up, he explained very distinctly.
Oh. For the first time she realized that the irritation in those cool gray eyes was based on
something more than masculine impatience. Had a shock, did you? Well, Im sorry, Matt. I didnt
mean to scare you. It would be easier to apologize, though, if youd stop chewing me out. You sound
like an Army drill sergeant.
Major.
Sabrina tilted her head inquiringly. I beg your pardon?
An Army major. He sighed, bending down to pick up his shirt. Ex.
How ex? Strangely curious, she trailed along be-hind him until she reached the point where she
had left her towel.
I resigned my commission nearly two years ago.
Oh, then that explains it.
Explains what? Lady, if I hadnt made up my mind to talk to you in a civil manner this morning, I
might be inclined to take offense at your tone, he drawled with soft warning.
Sabrina decided to ignore the threatening tone. Considering the fact that she had told herself she

didnt particularly want to see Matt August again, she discovered her curiosity was still running high.
What are you doing here, Matt? Shouldnt you be back at the store and getting ready for another fun
night in Acapulco?
His mouth tightened. What does it look like I was doing? I was following you. He pulled on his
boots. Come on. Ive got another towel in the jeep.
Why?
I keep one handy in case I decide to take an unexpected swim, he returned a little too pleasantly
as he started toward the cliff.
I mean, why were you following me? She found herself trailing him obediently. The knowledge
annoyed her. She wondered why she was doing it and then realized it had to do with the fact that there
was a touch of command in the way he spoke. It was a part of him, she realized; a faint hint of an
innate ability to demand cooperation and obedience from others. Some people were born with it. In
the corporate world they became financially successful. In the military world they could become very
dangerous. It occurred to her that there had probably been a time when men had moved very quickly
in response to Matt Augusts commands.
I wanted to talk to you, he explained evenly as they reached the open jeep parked on the cliff. He
rested one foot against the fender and pulled up the damp cuff of his khaki slacks. I wanted to explain
about last night. Hand me that towel, will you?
Sabrina bit back a sharp response and handed him the towel that was lying folded on the backseat.
She watched as he unbuckled the wet leather sheath and removed the knife. Carefully he wiped the
blade, his brows in an intent, heavy line as he performed the small task.
You show a lot of concern for that thing, Sabrina muttered.
Old habits die hard. Besides, Kirby would have my head if he thought I wasnt taking proper care
of his creation.
Whos Kirby?
The man who made this knife. Hes an artist in his own way. One of the finest craftsmen Ive ever
met. Matt shook his head in disgust. Hed have collapsed laughing if he could have seen me last
night.
Never found yourself on the business end of a knife before? Sabrina taunted coolly.
Sure. But not one of my own.
The calm, flat way he admitted it made Sabrina unexpectedly nervous. She found herself wondering
what happened to the other people in the world who had pulled knives on ex-Major Matt August.
Then she reconsidered the fact that ex-Major August was now running a tourist bookshop in balmy
Acapulco, Mexico. Perhaps he hadnt been all that good at being a major.
Get in and Ill take you back to the hotel. Matt put a hand on the edge of the windshield and
challenged her with a cool glance. We can have a cup of coffee or something.
The cabdriver is returning for me in another hour, she told him, wishing desperately that she
could read the look in Matts shuttered eyes. This was the man who had tried to rape her last night,
she reminded herself. She must be out of her head even to think of climbing into the jeep and
accepting a ride back into town.
If he doesnt find another fare in the meantime. Matt waited.

On the other hand, this was also the man she had intuitively selected out of a crowd last night,
Sabrina told herself. Even in the broad light of day, knowing what she did about him, Sabrinas
instincts still responded sharply to his presence. He was quite sober this morning. If she could handle
him last night when hed had too much to drink, she could handle him this morning. Besides, he was
probably right about the cabdriver.
Please, Sabrina. I want to talk.
Sabrina made her decision. She swung herself lightly up into the passenger side of the jeep without
a word. Matt was in beside her, turning the key in the ignition before she could change her mind.
Im surprised anyone takes a chance on driving in Mexico, Sabrina observed as he guided the
jeep nimbly onto the road toward town. Just being at the scene of an accident is a crime here, isnt
it? Ive heard that Mexican law is based on the Napoleonic Code. Guilty until proven innocent.
Ive got insurance that buys me some protection, and I know who to contact to buy the remainder if
I ever need it, Matt answered with a shrug. Close your eyes if my driving makes you nervous.
I think I can handle it with my eyes open.
I think you can, too. Youre the lady who sublimates with an Alfa Romeo, arent you?
I see you werent too drunk to remember a few details from our scintillating conversation last
night, she said sweetly.
What does it take to knock the sass out of you?
More artillery than youve got to throw into action. She grinned with sudden cheerfulness,
relaxing into her seat, feeling quite sure of herself now.
In that case, he murmured, theres no reason why you should be afraid to have dinner with me
tonight, is there?
She slanted him a speculative glance. You never give up, do you?
Must be the military in me. Seven thirty? Mexicans dine late. Well have a couple of drinks and
Ill try to explain what happened last night.
Theres no need to explain. Believe me, it was very obvious! Dont close your eyes like that, she
added abruptly. Youre supposed to be driving.
Im asking a higher authority for patience.
No point. You said yourself youre not in the military any longer. She chuckled, feeling quite
satisfied with the knowledge that she could hold her own with Matt August.
Dinner, Sabrina?
Are you groveling, Matt?
Im trying.
All right, then. Seven thirty. A public restaurant, not your home, and I want the restaurant located
in town, not five miles out, she stipulated.
Cautious little thing, arent you?
Do you blame me?
Ill pick you up at seven thirty, he said grimly. Life was turning complicated, Matt reflected. For
the past two years everything had been very simple here in Mexico. Maybe too simple. Dealing with
Sabrina was showing him just how accustomed to drifting he had become.

Lifes complications were also, on Sabrinas mind later that evening as she shared a small table
with Matt in another of Acapulcos breeze-cooled terrace bars. Matt had chosen a different hotel this
evening and she wondered if it was because he had not wanted to dredge up recent memories by
taking her back to her own hotel lounge.
The low, ruffled neckline of the summer white dress she wore left Sabrinas throat and shoulders
deliciously bare to the balmy night. The wide skirt was held at the waist by a huge, brassy leather belt
she had found in the local market that afternoon; another garish contribution to her growing collection
of Mexican souvenirs. It took a professional such as herself, shed decided, to truly appreciate the
fine art of totally tasteless souvenirs. Matt, as usual, was dressed in a freshly pressed shirt and
strictly creased trousers. Such uncompromising neatness, even in this climate. The military in him, she
decided.
What are you thinking about, Sabrina? He sipped his whiskey and eyed her intently. You look as
though youre laughing at a very private joke.
She shook her head in quick denial. Only at you. She smiled.
Well, thats a step ahead of having you hurl knives at me, I suppose.
Ever the philosopher, she complained. How did you wind up running a bookstore in Acapulco,
Matt?
How did you wind up in Dallas? he countered.
Thats easy. I got kicked out of California. The humor chilled in her eyes, but he didnt seem to
notice.
I thought California tolerated just about anything and anyone. What did you do that was so weird
they had to kick you out?
If I told you that I seduced an innocent young man and convinced him to sell industrial secrets to
the enemy and that his father later took such offense when the FBI arrested his son that he told me to
get out of the state, would you believe me?
Matt studied her for a full minute. I think youre serious, he finally allowed cautiously.
Well, thats the fathers version of the story. Mines somewhat different.
Meaning you deny seducing the kid into selling secrets?
He wasnt a kid. He was twenty-six at the time.
Matt frowned. He was still a kid.
Funny. Thats what his father said, Sabrina remarked. I wonder at what age men are supposed
to grow up?
How old were you?
Twenty-nine. Fully adult and willing to admit it.
Did he sell the secrets?
She nodded. High-tech computer information. It happens more frequently than anyone wants to
admit. The authorities say that the usual scenario is for a man to get in over his head either with the
IRS or a woman, and the next thing he knows a very nice gentleman with a foreign accent comes along
and offers to help him out of the financial difficulties. The very nice gentleman doesnt say hes
affiliated with the KGB, of course. He usually claims to be from a Western country that basically has
the same interests as the U.S. at heart. And of course the device wont be used for military purposes.

Its just a business deal without going through the usual bothersome government red tape. Somehow
the stuff just happens to wind up in the wrong hands.
The IRS or a woman, hmmm? Matt looked pensive. Where do you fit in?
Well, Ill give you a clue. I wasnt from the IRS, Sabrina shot back bitterly. His father decided I
must be the expensive mistress. The poor boy had to resort to selling out his companys secrets just to
keep me in the opulent style I demanded.
Wheres this poor boy now?
One of those minimum security federal prisons. I doubt hell be there very long. His father can
afford the very best legal talents and probably some not-so-legal talents, too. Look, Matt, this really
isnt one of my favorite topics of conversation.
Were you the kids mistress?
I keep having to remind everyone that the kid was twenty-six years old!
Were you his mistress?
No, damn it, I was not his mistress. We dated occasionally, had some things in common, and that
was the extent of the relationship. Thats also the extent of my explanations on the subject. How did I
let you push me into talking about it, anyway? She couldnt tell if he believed her or not and she told
herself it didnt matter. I think Im the one who asked the original question about mysterious
backgrounds. You owe me some answers now that Ive let you pull my life story out of me.
I didnt get your life story. All I got were a few bare facts. I still dont understand why you left
California.
Lets just say the situation became distinctly uncomfortable. Have you ever had your name
plastered across the newspapers? Had people look at you as if you were some form of lowlife that
had had the nerve to crawl out from under a rock? Have you walked into a room and known that you
were the subject of conversation before you arrived? Been the subject of rumors and speculation?
Had unpleasant names attached to you? Been blamed for a tragedy? Had a career ruined?
Sure.
Sabrina nearly fell off her seat. Recovering rapidly, she gulped at her Margarita and shot her
companion a fiercely accusing glance. Its not funny, Matt.
Do I look like Im laughing?
It was her turn to study him intently. The hazel gaze never wavered from hers as she did so. No,
Sabrina finally said slowly, you dont look as though youre laughing. The ex part of the ex-major
wasnt voluntary?
He lifted one shoulder. If I hadnt resigned I probably would have been court-martialed.
Why? she demanded in a low, tight voice.
A covert mission that didnt stay covert. When the media learned of it, someone had to take the
fall. I was the officer in charge.
Where?
Central America.
I see.
Whats the matter, Sabrina? Isnt the background of a cashiered Army officer romantic enough for

you?
She contemplated the bitterness beneath his grim flippancy. It sounded familiar, and she realized it
was because shed heard it in her own voice often during the past year. You said you resigned.
In my case there wasnt much difference.
If you want my opinion, youre better off out of the military, she declared abruptly. Selling this
weeks bestsellers to tourists is a much more honest way to make a living. Not to mention a much
more honorable way.
The whiskey glass in his hand came down on the table with a controlled crash. Dont lay your
prim little liberal concepts of right and wrong on me, lady. Im not interested in them. You know
nothing about my career or what it meant to me.
I know about that knife you carry, and I can guess about things like covert missions in Central
America, she snapped, suppressing a twinge of alarm at his display of temper. Im not a big fan of
the military mentality.
Its probably not all that much different from the corporate mentality!
Exactly! Sabrina sat back in her chair, crossing her legs with an aloof nonchalance she was far
from feeling. Just between you and me, Im no fan of corporate life, either. The hierarchy is based on
military protocol, and it shows. The men in command give orders as if they did so by divine right. I
can just imagine how much worse it would be in the military, where there arent such things as unions
and boards of directors and stockholders to intervene.
Ill be damned if Im going to sit here and justify my career in the Army, Matt gritted savagely.
Especially since you no longer have one to justify? Like I said, I think youre better off out of it. If
you want my opinion, the kind of skills you perfect running commando missions in Central America
have nothing to recommend them.
Ive already tried to indicate I dont want your opinion. I think youd better shut up, Sabrina,
before we find ourselves at each others throats.
Good idea, especially given the fact that tonight you have the knife, she agreed with saccharine
charm. She could feel the adrenaline racing through her in much the same way it had last night when
she hurled the knife into the wall beside Matts head. It didnt take much intuition to know that Matt
was equally alive with tension. She saw him draw a slow, steadying breath, and then a mask of
control fell into place.
For just a few minutes there, Sabrina acknowledged, she had been able to read the raw expression
in his eyes. Anger, bitterness, a distant pain, and an overall grimness had glittered in the hazel depths.
All of that was gone, concealed now by the familiar hooded gaze. Only the grimness remained.
I didnt intend to spend the evening arguing with you, he said quietly.
I believe you. Her voice was equally quiet.
For a moment they regarded each other in a manner that reminded Sabrina of two circling cats
looking for an opening or a way to back down without losing face.
Viewed very objectively, Sabrina finally offered, I suppose an outside observer might say we
had something in common. Neither one of us appears to have gotten very far in the careers we
originally chose for ourselves. In a way both of us managed to get cashiered.
With that understanding between us, do you think we can get through the rest of the evening in

peace? he wondered.
I think so, she agreed softly. Tell me about the bookstore. I freely admit that my family is
violently opposed to my new career.
Why?
Theyre all bankers. I got a degree in accounting because I was more or less bullied into it. It was
a barely acceptable alternative for someone from a banking family who had made it clear she
definitely was not going to become a banker. Or a bankers wife.
I cant imagine anyone bullying you.
My family consists of my father and two brothers. All of whom are large, brilliant, and eminently
respectable. I am neither large, brilliant, nor particularly respectable. Especially not after that fiasco
in California. But I have finally put my foot down when it comes to living my own life. It took me
long enough, and its been a constant battle. Dad and the Brothers Grim are all very concerned for
me.
Brothers Grim?
Nolan and Jeffrey. I love them both dearly, of course, but they are the spitting image of my father.
Theyre all convinced that things started going wrong because I moved to California. You know how
California is. At first they were all relieved when I moved out of state, but now theyve decided Im
going from bad to worse in Dallas. She gave a short laugh. Maybe theyre right. What about your
family? she continued. I dont imagine they approve of your Acapulco lifestyle, Sabrina went on
thoughtfully.
My father is career military. A retired colonel. Saw action in World War Two and Korea. My
mother is the perfect colonels wife. I try not to inflict myself on them any more than is strictly
necessary. The mess I made out of my last mission was hard on them.
Was there anyone else for whom it was difficult? A wife? Sabrina couldnt stop the question,
although she regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth.
Matt drained the last of his whiskey and contemplated that query. Being an officers wife can be
very difficult, he said neutrally. I was gone a great deal of the time. My career had to come first.
Thats the way it works in the military. Ginny began to feel very frustrated in more ways than one, I
guess. She decided to put a little fun back into her life. And that brings me to the explanations I
wanted to make tonight, Matt concluded roughly.
Sabrina stilled. Last night is somehow tied up with your ex-wife? Im not sure I want to hear this.
You said youd listen.
Im listening.
Matt paused, clearly searching for the words. Ginnys vision of being an officers wife consisted
of dinners at the officers club, glittering receptions and afternoons at the golf course. But my job kept
me away a lot of the time, and when I was home I did a very minimal amount of socializing. I always
considered that side of my career a real chore. Eventually Ginny went looking for the kind of fun and
excitement I wasnt giving her. She spent a lot of time doing what you were planning to do last night.
When you came over to me in that bar, all I could think about was how Id feel if you were my woman
and I was home in Dallas. He broke off. Hell, I told you this was complicated.
Groveling usually is.

He shot her a lethal glance. I guess Id had one too many whiskeys before you approached me, and
then we had a few more drinks. I kept thinking of Ginny, of all the times I was gone and she was out
playing around with anything in pants that caught her eye. Then I imagined her first attempt at
deliberately picking up a man.
Sabrina shivered. You confused me with your ex-wife, didnt you?
No. The two of you are as different as night and day. On one level I could see that. Which is why I
felt I had to, uh, show you that you werent cut out for that kind of life.
Oh, my God. She groaned. Youre going to claim that assault was your way of teaching me a
lesson?
Matt shifted uneasily. I had some notion of showing you that theres nothing romantic or exciting
or special about that kind of encounter.
Did it occur to you at any point that I was old enough to decide that for myself? she asked tightly.
I wasnt thinking about your age. I was thinking about you. The way you are. Something in me
didnt want to see you being changed into someone hard and cold like Ginny.
Amazing how brilliant a mans perception becomes at the bottom of a glass of booze! You realize,
of course, that what you were really doing was punishing me for what your ex-wife did?
Thats not true! He shook his head. Well, hell, maybe it was in some way. But I was thinking of
you, not her. I honestly thought you were married, or at the least seriously involved. I wanted to show
you that youre not cut out for that kind of life. Frankly, she was.
Who the hell do you think you are? she breathed.
He stretched out a hand, closing it firmly over hers. The hazel eyes were dark and insistent.
Honey, Im sorry. Thats all I can say. I never meant it to get out of hand.
She lifted her brows in mocking inquiry. Oh? You didnt mean to actually carry the little lesson
through to the end? You would have stopped before the actual act of rape?
She could have sworn a hint of red stained his cheeks. Matt withdrew his hand from hers. I
thought we agreed on a truce this evening. Youre definitely on the attack.
Ummm. So I am. Cant imagine what provoked me. Well, think of it as an armed truce. What
finally happened to Ginny?
Ill skip over the gory details of my failed marriage. To summarize briefly, Ginny decided
eventually that she had to find herself and she couldnt do it as my wife. She left me officially shortly
before I screwed things up on that job in Central America. Ginny always did have a great sense of
timing. Shes remarried now. A successful executive type. And shes got Brad.
Brad?
My son. Hes thirteen, Matt said shortly.
Sensing depressing vibrations around that topic, Sabrina found herself going on to another. And
the bookstore? How did you get into that?
I started that when I realized I needed money to keep on eating as well as a job to keep me from
spending too much time in these expensive tourist bars. Another drink?
Please. Sabrina waited while he gave the order. Do you ever think of going back to the States?
Maybe. Someday. But I like Mexico, and to tell you the truth, you were right about my former
career not teaching me a lot of useful skills. Me being out of the country makes things easier on my

family, too. Easier for them to pretend the blot on the family escutcheon doesnt exist.
Families have a way of making one aware of ones failings, even when theyre trying to be
supportive. Sabrina lifted her fresh Margarita in salute. Heres to escutcheon blots and those of us
who make them. Think how bored all of our relatives would be without us!
Matt grinned suddenly, the first full-fledged wickedly male smile she had yet witnessed from him,
and Sabrina found herself downing an oversize swallow of the Margarita. There was something very
intriguing about that grin. It was unexpectedly charming, full of unabashedly virile promise and a hint
of sheer male challenge. It made her realize just why she had taken the risk of approaching him in the
bar last night. He drank to her irreverent toast and then he took her in to dinner.
The armed truce survived the elegantly prepared seafood dinner. It survived the Mexican-made,
coffee-based liqueur Matt insisted Sabrina try. It even survived the drive back to Sabrinas hotel.
Things didnt get shaky, in fact, until Matt led Sabrina to her door and she have him her hand in a
pointedly formal gesture of farewell.
Thank you, Matt. All things considered, it was a very pleasant evening.
Sabrina? He stood unmoving, staring down at her outstretched hand.
Were there any further explanations you wanted to make? she asked politely.
No, but I thought we could talk a little more. He looked down into her eyes, his own gaze clearly
reflecting the controlled desire he was feeling.
Good night, Matt.
Sabrina ? His rough fingertips moved delicately across her wrist.
No, she said gently. Absolutely, unequivocally, no.
You dont trust me? he whispered softly.
With my life, perhaps, she smiled whimsically, but not in bed. Chalk it up to the lesson you
taught me last night. Good night. Very firmly she stepped inside the room and shut the door in his
face.
Matt stood there a moment longer and then turned to leave. As he did so his glance fell on the gash
his knife had left in the corridor wall on the previous occasion when he had said good-night to
Sabrina Chase.
Youre improving, August. Things are definitely looking up. Or were they? It was almost simpler
dodging knives than cool, elegant little farewells at the front door. But he had the rest of the week
ahead of him, didnt he? A man had to think positive.
The problem was, Matt explained to himself as he made his way down to the lobby, he wasnt
accustomed to thinking positive. By definition that meant thinking of the future, and that was something
he tended to avoid these days.
He wouldnt mind getting his hands on the man who had caused Sabrina all that trouble out in
California, though. Now, there was a pleasant, positive sort of thought. He smiled to himself in what
he assumed was a pleasant, positive manner and walked toward the hotel lobby doors. The wary
expression on the doormans face made Matt wonder if perhaps the other man wasnt used to seeing
pleasant, positive smiles on the faces of people.

Chapter Three
The short drive back to the small white stucco villa on the cliffs outside of town gave Matt a few
minutes to ponder just how he would approach Sabrina in the morning. By the time he had parked the
jeep in the drive and let himself into the coolly furnished living room, he knew he was far too restless
to go to bed. He wandered over to the small wooden cabinet against the wall and unlocked it with the
key in his pocket.
The cabinet didnt quite blend with the rest of the room, which was done in a style Matt privately
termed Ubiquitous Acapulco Modern: rattan and wicker furniture, sisal matting, a few watercolor
impressions of encounters between bulls and matadors. He had rented the place furnished two years
ago, and other than the dark wooden cabinet, he hadnt worried about inflicting any personal touches
on the white-walled rooms. He wasnt sure he even had a personal touch to impart. Lately his whole
life had begun to feel rented.
He reached inside the cabinet. The tray of throwing knives flashed dully in the light of the overhead
lamp as he removed it. Almost absently he fingered the various designs he had collected. Kirby had
made some of them, probably the best ones, but there were some interesting specimens from other
knife makers, too. Most of them Matt had commissioned himself and were done to his precise
specifications.
Handles of wood and brass and leather were attached to blades made of an equally wide variety of
alloys. There was one of legendary Damascus steel, and Matt let his hand stray first to it. His fingers
curled around the handle with a familiarity that would undoubtedly have disgusted Sabrina.
He spun around, whipping the perfectly balanced knife toward the target at the far end of the room.
It flew in deadly silence, burying itself with a satisfying thunk in the heart of the red circle. A second
later the next knife in the tray had followed the first, burying its steel head alongside the Damascus
blade.
So much for the personal touch, he murmured, reaching for another knife.
Methodically Matt went through the selection of throwing knives, letting the discipline of the action
calm his restlessness. A night in Sabrinas bed would have been a far more effective remedy, he
decided, but a man learned to make do.
The sound of the car in the drive outside came just as he was throwing the next to the last knife. The
knock on the door occurred when the final blade was sinking into the target. Very thoughtfully Matt
walked across the room, removed the knives from the target, and wondered who would be visiting
him at this hour.
The knock came again, but he ignored it while he carefully wiped and replaced the knives. All but
the Damascus steel blade. Keeping that one in his right hand, Matt crossed to the door and opened it.
Well, shit, he said as two years fell away in an instant. Well, shit.
Your vocabulary has grown somewhat limited since we last met, Rafferty Coyne drawled
pleasantly. He glanced at the blade in Matts hand. But I see you make an effort to keep your other
communication skills current. Mind if I come in?

What the hell do you want, Coyne?

You. Oh, dont fret, August. My sexual orientation hasnt undergone any drastic changes.
I wasnt aware you had a sexual orientation.
My, you are in a fine mood. Let me in, August. I want to talk to you. I have something to say which
I think might interest you greatly.
I doubt that. But Matt stepped back impassively and waited for the older man to enter. He didnt
particularly like Rafferty Coyne, but he had no real cause to dislike him. Silently he motioned the
little man to a huge fan-backed rattan chair. He thought it might be amusing to see if Coynes short
stature would make him look and feel like a small boy once he was seated in the oversize chair.
But it didnt. Coyne looked as impressively refined and aristocratic as ever. His five feet, four
inches of height were meticulously turned out in a beige tropical suit. The thinning gray hair was
trimmed with flair and the perceptive fog-gray eyes were as dispassionate as ever. He carried the
same leather briefcase he had been carrying the last time Matt had seen him.
Im impressed, August. Coyne nodded to himself as he glanced around the cool, neat room. You
havent gone to seed yet, have you? I was very much afraid you might be deeply into the tequila by
now.
Im surviving. If you thought youd have to roll me out of the gutter, why did you bother to come
looking for me in the first place?
I took a chance because Im in the unique position of being able to offer you a job. I didnt know if
youd be in any condition to accept it, but I thought Id come and check.
Why? Matt sank down onto a carved wooden chest and stared at his visitor.
Coyne shrugged elegantly. Oh, I suppose because Ive always felt rather badly about what
happened two years ago.
It wasnt your fault.
Perhaps not, but I was involved in the planning phase and
And I screwed things up in the field. Like I said: Not your fault. So why are you here?
Coyne expelled a sad sigh. Such cynicism. I can see that the past two years have embittered you,
August. I wondered if that would happen.
I dont generally go in for extensive analysis sessions at this hour of the night. Say what you have
to say and then say goodbye, Coyne. Matt got to his feet and went to the liquor cabinet. He uncapped
the whiskey bottle while he waited.
I do hope whiskey didnt take the place of the tequila Ive been worrying about, Rafferty Coyne
observed with mild distaste.
I told you, Im surviving. Want some? The offer was hardly a gracious one and Matt knew it. His
guest declined.
You dont like me, do you, August? Coyne was amused.
Nothing personal. Matt swallowed the whiskey. Its just that you bring back some unpleasant
memories. He flexed his hand in an old, unconscious movement, tightening it into a fist and then
deliberately stretching out each finger.
Im here to offer you a job that could well go a long way toward wiping out those memories,
Coyne said softly.

Doing what?
Working for me.
In what capacity?
Im putting together a small team, August. A very specialized team. You have some unique talents
and I want you in on this.
Matt eyed his visitor speculatively. I gather youve advanced a bit through the ranks during the
past two years?
I have. Coynes expression was bland. I have been given considerably more authority than I had
the last time we worked together.
Congratulations.
I think its time you went back to work, August. And this time around you will be given the free
hand and the authority you need to pursue your work properly. You will report only to me.
Matt swirled whiskey around in his glass and smiled down at the amber whirlpool the action
created. For the rest of his life the color of whiskey was going to remind him of Sabrinas hair. Im
afraid Im not available for employment at the moment, Coyne.
Coyne paused. May I ask why not?
Sure. Im not available because I have other things to do. You see, Coyne, I think Im in love.
Matt smiled whimsically and raised his glass in a careless salute to the other man before taking
another swallow of whiskey. Either that or Im horny as hell. Amount to the same thing, doesnt it?
***
On the morning of her third day in Acapulco, Sabrina sat lounging at the poolside bar, sipping a
fruit punch and deciding that Javier Reyes was definitely one of Mexicos national treasures. The man
was blessed with sultry Spanish good looks, all liquid brown eyes, long black lashes, and a
matadors slimness. He had that marvelous Latin quality of being able to make a woman to whom he
was talking believe that she was the only woman in the world. Charming. He also spoke excellent
English, but that was probably because he managed the hotel in which she was staying.
Another punch, senorita? he asked as she siphoned up the last through her straw.
Sounds great. Remember to tell the bartender to leave out the rum, though. Its a bit early in the
morning. Sabrina smiled. She perched on a padded rattan stool, her bare leg swinging idly beneath
the colorful yellow-and-green sundress she wore. Her hair was anchored in its usual casual knot and
held with a huge, carved wooden comb that she had picked up in the local market. It was one of those
ornaments that would look ridiculous outside of Acapulco and therefore made a perfect souvenir.
Tendrils of hair were already fraying lightly around her shoulders. Javier appeared to be mildly
fascinated by those fluttering wisps of hair.
You arent going to swim today? Javier asked, indicating the huge pool that meandered in an
architects version of a jungle stream through the thickly landscaped gardens of the hotel.
I dont think so. At least not this morning. I went snorkeling yesterday.
Perhaps you will try the para-sailing then, hmm? I enjoy it occasionally myself. I would be more
than happy to show you how its done.

Sabrina glanced out over the bay, taking in the sight of the multicolored parachutes with waterskiers dangling beneath them. The skiers became airborne with the aid of fast boats, and once aloft the
parachutes acted as sails. When the ski boats slowed, the chutes gently allowed the airborne skiers to
descend. It was supposedly all very safe, but somehow it didnt look like anything Sabrina wanted to
try that morning.
I think thats something Ill have to work up to, she decided. When Im back in Dallas Ill
practice on a mechanical bull.
Mechanical bull? Javier looked handsomely perplexed.
A little Texas invention which, for sheer creativity, is right up there with putting a set of horns on
a Cadillac, Sabrina explained.
I see.
He didnt, but Sabrina excused him because he was so terribly attractive. I think Im just going to
spend the day relaxing, Javier. This afternoon Ill probably take a taxi to the market and do some
more shopping.
Javier nodded pleasantly. By all means. I will give you the names of the vendors I have found
most reliable.
Youre very helpful.
It is my job, he protested cheerfully, and then broke off as a large shadow fell across Sabrina.
Ah, good morning, Matt. Id ask you to join us in a fruit punch but I imagine you are on your way to
open the bookshop, no?
Dont look so hopeful. Matt took the stool next to Sabrina. I have plenty of time. I put Elena in
charge of the shop. Hello, Sabrina. Isnt it a bit early to be starting in on Manuels rum punches? Just
orange juice for me, Manuel, he added, speaking to the young man behind the bar.
I thought Id be daring. Put a little excitement into my life. Sabrina noisily siphoned up a sip of
punch.
There are more intelligent ways of doing that than drinking rum at ten in the morning.
Yes, sir, Major. Whatever you say, Major. She smiled serenely.
The bartender handed the orange juice across the polished bar and said something rapidly in
Spanish that made Matt grimace and caused Javier to chuckle.
What was all that about? Sabrina demanded of the hotel manager.
Manuel informed Matt that you were drinking the punch without the rum.
Oh, heck, Sabrina complained. I was hoping to hear the rest of the lecture before I let him know
that. She gave Matt her most expectant expression. I dont suppose you would care to carry on,
regardless of the facts, Major?
How about if I just carry you over to the pool and dump you in? he suggested.
What was the matter with him this morning? Perhaps he was still upset about having been sent on
his way the previous night. The thought gave her some degree of satisfaction. Before she could give
him a reply, Javier was stepping in to the rescue.
Im afraid you will only be allowed to throw Senorita Chase into the pool over my collapsed
body, he stated grandly.
Dead, Matt corrected.

Pardon? Javier looked abruptly concerned.

Youre supposed to say over your dead body.
Ridiculous! Javier appealed to Sabrina. Surely you would not ask me to go to such lengths just
to keep this rude beast from dunking you, would you?
Besides, think of his wife and three little kids, Sabrina, Matt put in helpfully. You wouldnt
want to deprive them of a husband and father, would you?
What wife and three little kids? Sabrina turned a severe glare on an innocent-looking Javier.
Did you plan on having them join us when you invited me out to dinner tonight?
Javier occasionally neglects to inform lady tourists of his family, Matt explained.
Sabrina, do not listen to this man. He wants to invite you out to dinner himself. Javier assumed
his most aristocratic air. Do not worry about my wife and children. They accept my business
activities.
Think how happy theyll be tonight when you show up at home for dinner. A real surprise for
them, Sabrina murmured.
You are canceling our date? Javier was deeply hurt.
Now, Javier, you know we hadnt
Matt interrupted Sabrina before she could finish the admonishment. Shes going to have dinner
with me, Javier.
Am I? Sabrina arched her brows in mild astonishment.
Damn right. After what you put me through last night, you owe me. He got to his feet. Lets go.
Where? Sabrina sat firmly on her stool, aware of a conflicting rush of emotions. Had he really
suffered when shed turned him away from her bed last night? Never for the world would she let on
that shed stayed awake for a long while having second thoughts.
Ill take you shopping at the market. I can steer you clear of the stalls run by Javiers relatives.
Come on, Sabrina, I want to talk to you.
Swear youre not going to throw me in the pool? she taunted, setting down the punch mug.
Not right now. Look, Sabrina, will you please come with me? he asked with weary patience. I
really do want to talk to you. In private. Javier, say hello to your wife for me, will you? Matt took
hold of Sabrinas arm and tugged her off the stool.
Certainly, Matt. Take good care of the senorita. Javier smiled charmingly at Sabrina and turned
away to talk to Manuel.
He gave up awfully easily, Sabrina grumbled as she allowed herself to be led away.
He enjoys flirting, but hes actually a fairly loyal husband.
Fairly loyal?
This is Mexico. Matt shrugged. Different customs.
Not so different in some ways, Sabrina said. Mexican men dont have a monopoly on cheating
on their wives.
Unfaithfulness is probably a universal phenomenon, said Matt gruffly. I sure as hell know its a
fact back in the States, and not just on the part of the men. And maybe thats the first thing we should
talk about, Sabrina.

Unfaithfulness? Sabrina slid him a mystified, sidelong glance. He was so intense this morning.
Could he possibly be referring to their nonrelationship?
Preferably an absence of it, Matt said smoothly, his fingers biting a little into her arm. I thought
Id made it clear that Im real big on things like thatall the military virtues.
A regular Boy Scout. Matt, I have news for you. Terms such as faithfulness imply that there is
someone or something to be faithful to. I happen to be on vacation and therefore footloose and fancy
free.
Yes, well, that was the next matter I wanted to discuss, sweetheart. He steered her toward the
waiting jeep.
At the poolside bar Javier Reyes watched his friend Matt depart with the very intriguing little
tourist, his mind pleasantly busy with daydreams that would never come to pass but which were
nonetheless most enjoyable. It was a moment or two before he became aware of the short, dapper
gringo who had taken Sabrinas place on the stool beside him.
A charming young lady, Rafferty Coyne observed as Matt and Sabrina disappeared. Perhaps
you should have hung on to her.
Javier smiled. Easy go, easy come, he misquoted blandly. Are you a guest here at the hotel,
senor? I am Javier Reyes, the manager.
No, no. Im staying next door. I merely dropped in to see if I could find my friend Matt August.
But as you can see, I just missed him. A pity. I shall have to try again later.
It is difficult to compete for a mans attention when there is a woman involved, no? And our
friend August is trying very hard to involve Senorita Chase very completely, I believe. He will have
to work muy rapidamente, however.
Because she will soon be going home? Coyne hazarded, cradling the briefcase on his lap as he
ordered some chilled juice.
They all go home sooner or later, Javier said philosophically. He waved a hand to encompass
the sunning tourists lounging around the pool. Except for the ones like Matt August.
Perhaps he will follow Miss Chase back to wherever she calls home. Coyne sipped the juice
carefully, making certain the bartender hadnt slipped anything alcoholic into it. You couldnt trust
anyone. I think Matt mentioned that she was from Los Angeles.
Dallas, Javier corrected automatically. The senorita is from Dallas, Texas, where they have
electric bulls. A fascinating notion, no? I do not know whether Matt will follow her. I have never
seen him quite like this with a lady tourist. Usually he is morehow do you say? Gallant? Charming?
This one he treats a bit roughly, as if he were not quite certain of her. Or of himself.
She seems to tolerate it, Coyne pointed out.
Senorita Chase is a very intriguing woman. Javier suddenly grinned. It is difficult to tell exactly
what she is thinking when she looks at Matt August. There is caution in her as well as desire.
Coyne frowned again. He didnt care for words like desire. They made him uneasy. Well, time
will tell whether or not August has been smitten by Miss Chase. I think it might be serious, though,
Coyne went on politely. All Ive ever heard him call her is sweetheart. Do you know, I dont think
he even mentioned her first name.
Sabrina. A lovely name, is it not? Well, you must excuse me. My duties call me. Have a most

pleasant afternoon, senor. Javier stepped off the stool and headed toward a blond woman in a pink
bikini who seemed to be having some trouble with her air mattress. Javier was very good at fixing air
mattresses. He considered it a service of the hotel.
Coyne finished his juice and then he took a notepad embossed with his initials and a fine gold pen
out of the slim briefcase on his lap. He wrote SABRINA CHASE, DALLAS, TEXAS, in precis
capital letters. Then he shut the case with a snap. This afternoon he would put Harold on the project
and by tomorrow Coyne would have everything there was available on Miss Sabrina Chase.
If August insisted on pursuing her back to Dallas, Coyne would be prepared. One did not let a
woman stand in the way of important plans. And Coyne had important plans for Matt August.
How long are you going to continue punishing me? Matt took Sabrinas hand as he led her out
onto the beach. Dinner had been a sparring match, during which nothing had been accomplished. He
was feeling annoyed and frustrated and, he privately acknowledged, just a little nervous. She had
refused to talk about anything all day except the wonders of Acapulco and the great bargain shed
gotten on the huge silver necklace shed bought that afternoon and was wearing tonight.
Whenever he had tried to bring the conversation around to a more intimate level, Sabrina
sidestepped the way a matador danced away from the horns of a bull: far enough to avoid being
scathed but close enough to tantalize the poor, maddened beast. Matt groaned at the imagery in his
mind. He must be getting light-headed with frustration.
And it was all so damned unnecessary!
Typical of a man to assume hes being punished just because a woman refuses to go to bed with
him. Sabrina smiled brilliantly, absently fingering her new necklace as she walked beside Matt.
Why dont you look at the whole thing another way? Tell yourself you administered a very
successful lesson to a silly little tourist.
She managed not to wince as his fingers closed more tightly on her wrist.
Did I? Matt demanded softly.
In a way.
For Gods sake, Sabrina, whats that supposed to mean?
It means you taught me to watch out for the strong silent type the next time I check out a bar for
likely prospects. I was definitely in over my head. She kept the words smooth and coolly taunting.
Damned if she would let him know just how true they were. For if she had learned anything in the past
few days, it was that getting involved in an affair with Matt August would be getting into a dangerous
proposition. Her initial instincts had been wrong. Matt August would not make a delightful vacation
affair.
Honey, Ive explained what happened that night, Matt rasped with a trace of his now-familiar
military arrogance. Im not going to go over it again. Youve had an apology. What more do you
want?
Why, nothing, sir. Youve been most gracious. I wouldnt think of imposing further, Major.
You really know how to push a man to the edge, dont you?
She shrugged. When you go into your superior-officer routine, Im afraid I cant resist, she
confessed. Ive always had this problem dealing with authority figures.
I hadnt realized I do it so frequently.

Every time you argue with me I get the feeling Im on the carpet in front of the commanding
officer. It got downright embarrassing this afternoon when you tried to convince me not to buy this
necklace. All those people staring at us!
Obviously struggling for patience, Matt started to walk more swiftly as if he were working out his
irritation in a physical manner. Sabrina felt a sharp pang of remorse. She was pushing him. On the
other hand, he was the one who insisted on hanging around for more abuse. She couldnt quite figure
that one out.
The military was a big part of my life for a long time, Sabrina. I grew up with it. Some of it is
bound to stick.
Take some advice and unstick it.
You, I take it, arent one of those women who love a man in uniform? he shot back grimly.
Im one of those women who think that its the mentality of the men in uniform that has brought the
world to the brink of World War Three.
Lord save me from idiotic little liberals who dont know the first thing about reality. Remind me
to sit you down someday and give you a few facts.
In defense of the military mind? No thanks. I have to suffer through those facts every time I pick
up the paper and find the Pentagon asking for more appropriations. Why in the world are you so
willing to jump to the defense of your old crowd, Matt? The question was suddenly a serious one.
Id have thought you had enough of that bunch after you found your career in shreds.
I ruined my own career by screwing up the job, he told her austerely, his eyes on the rocky cliff
at the far end of the shadowed beach.
And the officer in command bears full responsibility, Sabrina intoned melodramatically. Then
her voice softened. What happened on that last mission?
I blew it. Thats what happened. Took seven good men straight into a trap. Its not something I
discuss, Sabrina.
Not even with a woman youre trying to seduce?
Especially not with a woman Im trying to get into bed! Lady, if you dont learn to watch that
sharp tongue of yours, Im going to teach you to control it.
Sabrina laughed silently up at him, her smoky green eyes full of challenge and self-assurance. I
just love it when you play general, Major. Would you like me to buy you a cute little swagger stick?
He shut his eyes for a second, regaining control of his temper. Is it really that bad?
Well, take that charming lecture you tried to give me this morning on the way to the market. All
that talk of loyalty and fidelity. I had the impression you were reading me an oath that I was going to
be required to memorize and sign! Her voice dropped portentously. I do hereby swear on my honor
as a tourist that I will not mess around with handsome hotel managers while Matt August is trying to
talk me into bed.
You never let me get that far, he exploded. You cut me off before I could explain why it was
important for you to understand how I felt about things like that.
I cut you off because its not at all important for me to understand, Matt, Sabrina said gently. Ill
be going home day after tomorrow, remember?
Without having treated yourself to the vacation affair you planned?

There will be other vacations, she said with assumed carelessness.

Here in Acapulco? he pounced.
Or in the Bahamas or Hawaii. Who knows?
Damn you. He sighed.
Is the conversation beginning to upset you? We could talk about something else, you know.
Upset? Frustrated as hell might be more accurate. Im not quite sure how to deal with you, lady.
You confuse me. You also infuriate me at times. I cant figure out where I am with you. If you really
hated my guts for what almost happened that first night, why continue to spend time with me?
Sabrina winced. Unfortunately, that sounds like a legitimate question. If you want to know the
truth, Ive asked myself the same one occasionally.
Come up with any answers? Matt asked softly.
I think it has something to do with the fact that youre walking evidence of how well I can take
care of myself these days. In the final analysis I managed to handle you that night.
Oh, Christ, he growled feelingly.
Theres more to it than that, of course. Im not going to deny the attraction I feel toward you. If
there were none, I would never have approached you that first night, she went on thoughtfully.
Sabrina, honey
But the bottom line, I suppose, is that I dont trust you in the way I would have to trust you in order
to go to bed with you now.
You said the other night youd trust me with your life!
Oh, yes. She nodded. I would. Its probably the military in you. If I were ever in real trouble I
think Id want you on my side.
But not in your bed? he persisted harshly.
No.
Honey, the way it was the other nightit wouldnt be that way again.
How do you know that for sure? The anger and resentment you feel toward your ex-wife could
easily get in the way again. I wont take her punishment, Matt. Im not about to let some man inflict his
outraged sense of justice on me.
Sabrina, be reasonable.
I am being perfectly reasonable. Im just not giving you the answers youd like to hear. Thats why
I seem unreasonable.
The hell you are.
You know, you and my family have a lot in common. Both in your politics and in your views of
my logic and brainpower. If Dad and my brothers ever get themselves out of their precious bank long
enough to have a real vacation, Ill suggest they come down here and look you up. The four of you can
sit around over Margaritas and discuss my unreasonable, liberal, feminine mentality.
Sabrina, it is unreasonable to say you would trust a man with your life but not in your bed.
Makes perfect sense to me, she informed him calmly.
Damn it, honey. He came to a halt, reaching out to glide his fingers along the line of her jaw and
down her throat to the nape of her neck.

Sabrina felt the familiar, tantalizing roughness and her hand automatically lifted to catch his wrist.
What did you do to your fingers?
He shook his head, vaguely impatient. Nothing.
How did you get these little scars? Sabrina pulled one of his hands from her nape and turned it
palm up. In the darkness she peered at the faint webbing of marks. Delicately she touched them and
immediately found her questing hand enfolded fiercely in his much larger fist.
Its nothing, Sabrina. Just a lot of small accidents over the years.
Accidents with what, for heavens sake?
Knives. It happens when you work a lot with knives. Irritably he carried her fingers up to his
own neck. Sabrina, forget my hands, will you?
She smiled wistfully, making no attempt to pull free. The feel of his broad shoulder was inviting. I
cant forget your hands, Matt. Theyre one of the things I will remember most clearly about you.
Along with your delightfully overbearing military manners, of course.
Ill be goddamned if thats all youre going to remember! His fingers tightened with sensual
roughness on the nape of her neck and he used his thumbs to prod her chin upward.
Sabrina knew the familiar excitement of the physical attraction that flared so easily in her when she
was around Matt. When he held her all of her senses seemed involved. The scent of his body, tangy
now with a trace of sweat, filled her nostrils, and the heat of him seemed to engulf her. Beneath her
fingers the contours of his back invited stroking. When his mouth came down on hers, Sabrina didnt
even try to resist the compelling invasion. As she had told Matt, she would make no attempt to deny
the attraction. It existed.
The kiss was a composite of simmering frustration and the natural aggression that seemed to be an
intrinsic part of Matt August. It occurred to Sabrina that he might not be capable of a tender seduction
or of gentle lovemaking even if he werent trying to punish the woman in his arms. The forceful,
instinctive attempt to master her was too fundamental to be explained away simply by assuming Matt
was in an irritable mood.
Sabrinas mouth surrendered territory rapidly beneath the onslaught of his tongue. She shivered in
reaction to the urgent feel of Matts hand as he slid his palm down the length of her spine and found
the curve of her hip. There his fingers bit deeply into the fullness, forcing her against him. Sabrina
was made to know beyond a doubt that he was already aroused and hungry.
Lady, youre going to drive me out of my mind. I need you, honey. And I swear to God I can make
you need me. Stop fighting me. Let me have you. Let me show you how good it can be between us.
Christ, it felt so good to hold her. Matts head began to spin as he cradled her thighs against his
own. So soft and warm and feminine. He wanted to take her to bed and lose himself in her. And she
wanted him, damn it! Hadnt she admitted as much? Hell, shed picked him out of that bar full of men
the first night. Him!
She shuddered in his arms, and he felt the tremor in the farthest reaches of his body. Exultation
flared in his veins. She did want him, and if he kept control of himself and of her she would ultimately
have to acknowledge that she couldnt deny either of them. He searched his head for the words he
needed to soothe and reassure her.
Sweet Sabrina, dont be nervous. Just relax, honey. Relax and let me hold you. Let me touch you
here and here until youre on fire. He found the sweep of her thigh and then moved his hand up to her

breast. His lips slid damply across the edge of her mouth and found the exquisitely sensitive place at
the base of her throat. She was still wary of him. But she was at the mercy of her own desire, and he
could make that work in his favor.
The sensation of knowing she really did want him and that she was fighting herself more than she
was him sent another wave of excitement through Matt.
Sabrina, honey, its all right this time, he whispered huskily at the curve of her throat. Its all
right. Im going to take you back to the hotel. Upstairs to your room. And Ill do everything just right.
Ill make love to you all night long. His body was blazing now with anticipation. Come with me,
honey. Come to bed with me. And afterward, he vowed, she wouldnt go hunting for good-looking
hotel managers to fill in the time.
No.
The single word was muffled by the neatly pressed white shirt Matt wore, but it was firm. Sabrina
felt the abrupt rigidity in Matts body and knew it was caused by sheer disbelief. Male arrogance was
an incredible thing at times.
Damn it, Sabrina, why not? He crushed her to him with a taut violence that kept her mouth
pressed into his chest. She could barely move.
Because Id hate myself in the morning, Major! It angered her that he held her so shockingly still,
but that anger gave her the determination she badly needed at this point. Matt thought he held her in the
palm of his hand just because he could make her respond to his kiss.
Dont give me that crap!
Oh, I wouldnt hate myself for the sexual side of the experience, assuming, naturally, that you
could manage things right this time, which is one hell of a large assumption
Sabrina, Im warning you
Id hate myself for having broken my own rules, she concluded with all the self-possession she
had. His frustrated confusion made him relax his hold slightly, and Sabrina raised her head. I drew
them up somewhere along the Interstate between California and Texas.
Oh, Jesus.
Rule number one is that I make my own rules. Rule number two is that I live by them. I should
think that, given your obvious dedication to the military style, youd understand something about rules
and codes of conduct.
And any man who gets close to you has to play by your rules, is that it?
Lets just say Im looking for friends and lovers who share a similar code of conduct. I misjudged
you that first night, Matt. I thought you were someone like me; someone who lived life on his own
terms and let others do the same. I was wrong. Like most men, you want to control everything.
I dont believe this! Because of what happened in California, youre going to make every man you
meet jump through a hoop or tell him to get lost?
Just like in the Army. She smiled. But in all honesty California was not the single, traumatic
incident that made me suddenly change my life. It was more the culmination of a lot of things; some
large, some small. Ive been fighting for the right to choose my own lifestyle since the day my family
stuffed me into pink rompers when what I really wanted to wear was a pair of yellow ones. I tried to
please people when I could; made some compromises; tried to maintain a balance between what I

wanted and what everyone else thought I should have. After California I asked myself, Why bother?
Life is short. Im going to live it my way.
And to hell with anyone else, is that it? Matt asked roughly. You let yourself get pushed around
a bit by your family and then that jerk out in California and now youre out to prove it wont happen
again.
Full marks for perception, Matt. As they say in the military, I think youve got the big picture.
She pulled free of his arms, turning to walk slowly back along the beach to the hotel. He followed at
once, stalking alongside her with the restlessness of a male who has played his last card and knows it
isnt a winner.
Sabrina, I cant believe youre going to do this to both of us. He made no attempt now to touch
her, and his eyes were on the lights of the hotel ahead. But forty-eight hours later, when he put her on
the evening flight to Dallas, Matt acknowledged bitterly that she was, indeed, going to do it. He drove
the jeep back toward town as Sabrinas jet climbed into the evening sky, and he wondered how he
was going to get to sleep that night.
The restlessness was heavy in his blood. Something about the dark foliage on either side of the
road reminded him of that last night in that fouled-up backwater country farther south. The moon had
cast the same shadows then; created the same pockets of fathomless darkness in the jungle. He could
remember the gut feeling hed had that night; the deep certainty that everything was wrong.
Hed been right. It had cost him two men and a career to find out just how right. But hed had his
orders. Matts scarred fingers tightened on the jeeps steering wheel. And hed been the kind of
officer who did the job he was paid to do.
It had cost him just about everything he had in terms of willpower and physical ability to get
himself and the five surviving men of his small team back out of that jungle hell after the ambush.
Hed had no choice but to leave the bodies of Jenkins and Symington behind. He was too pragmatic
an officer to risk more lives going back for bodies.
But the guerrillas had gone back for Jenkins and Symington after giving up on finding Matt and the
others. Three days later they had produced the bodies amid a blaze of publicity that had thoroughly
embarrassed the U.S. government and the Army.
Matt pushed aside the memories, his mind going back to Sabrina Chase. She had told him to get rid
of the bits and pieces of the military that still stuck to him. Maybe she hadnt realized those bits and
pieces were keeping him glued together.
Then he thought about Rafferty Coyne and the little mans offer of a job. Matt wondered what good
it would do to prove to himself that he could still handle that kind of work. Would it stave off the
growing sensation that his world was losing a sense of focus? Did he really want to spend the rest of
his life selling blood-and-guts adventure fiction and trashy New York best sellers to tourists who left
suntan-oil marks on the covers?
This damned restlessness. Hed never experienced anything quite like it, not even during the
unpleasant period of adjustment hed made to civilian life two years before.
Sabrina Chase was the one who had done this to him, Matt decided. Until she had appeared in his
life hed been doing a fairly good job of keeping everything under control. Just barely, perhaps, but
under control. Now the immediate future looked as though somehow it didnt belong to him. Rented,
just like his white stucco villa on the hill.

High overhead Sabrina, too, tried to account for an unfamiliar sense of dissatisfaction and
restlessness. Maybe this was what it was like to live by your own rules. Would there be many
instances of wistful regret?
No, she told herself, there wouldnt. For the simple reason that there werent many ex-Major Matt
Augusts running around. She had really picked one hell of a way to celebrate her birthday.
It was all very complicated, but one thing was for certain. She had made the right decision. Matt
August was all wrong for her, even for a vacation affair. He was too military, too conservative, too
autocratic, and too fascinating. She had done the right thing by staying in control of the situation.
Hours later at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport she collected her bags and made her way out to the
parking lot, where the Alfa Romeo waited with a coat of Texas dust on its sleek white surface.
Moments later she sat behind the wheel and loosened the reins. The car plunged forward into the night
as if it were the white stallion of her adolescent fantasies.
Matt would probably have been amused.
He would probably also have found it humorous three days later when the silver paint started
flaking off the necklace he had warned her wasnt really a bargain.

Chapter Four
The phone rang at three in the morning. Calls that demanded a drastic change in your life always
came at that hour of the morning, Matt decided as he lunged blindly across the bed to grab the
receiver. He should have taken the thing off the hook. For some reason he had always assumed that
the idiosyncrasies of the Mexican phone system would protect him from those kinds of calls.
If this is you, Coyne, I can give you my answer right now. Its no. I never say yes to anything at
this hour of the morning.
Matt? This is Ginny. How can you stand to live in a place without a decent phone system? Do you
realize how long Ive been trying to get hold of you? Where have you been?
Matt closed his eyes and dropped back against the crumpled pillow. He considered the question
and decided to answer.
Out.
There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line. Then Ginny drawled in weary disgust,
Same old Matt. Same old answer.
What do you want, Ginny?
Help, she retorted succinctly.
Matt didnt move, but he was suddenly very wide awake. He stared intently at the shadows on the
ceiling. Is Brad all right? he asked tautly.
No, he is not all right. Hes ruining my life, as a matter of fact. Ive had it, Matt. Youre going to
have to do something. Hes your son. Ginny didnt bother to hide the anger. My God, is he your son.
More so every day. I wont let him ruin my marriage. I waited until the end of school, but I cant wait
any longer. Summer vacation starts tomorrow. Youll have to come get him. Maybe a summer spent
with you will let him see that his father is not some comic-book combination of General Patton and
the Lone Ranger.
The summer? Matt sat up slowly, shoving aside the sheet. You want me to take him for the
summer? I thought you always said Id be a bad influence on him.
Youve already influenced him, Ginny muttered with suppressed violence. So much so that I
just cant handle him anymore. Hes causing nothing but trouble between Paul and me, and I simply
wont let him ruin my life. Ive tried to handle it in a normal, civilized fashion. God knows how many
hours Ive spent with school counselors and guidance people. I even tried to get him into group
therapy, but
Therapy!
Yes, therapy! Whats the matter, Matt? Dont you like the fact that your only son is in need of
professional help?
I hardly qualify as professional help, Matt shot back roughly. You always cast me more in the
role of financial help. Remember the house, the cars, the bank account, the cash settlement that wiped

me out? And then there are all those contributions youve received from my parents that are supposed
to go to Brads college fund.
Ginny ignored that. I want you to come and take him, Matt. I want some time away from him
before he drives me crazy. Before he drives Paul crazy.
Unspoken was the rest of the sentence, but Matt could fill it in for himself. The essence of it was
simple: If Paul Martin decided hed had enough of playing father to someone elses difficult kid, he
would leave, taking the security of his oil-based money and his country-club lifestyle with him. Ginny
would probably never forgive Brad if he succeeded in driving off her new husband.
You want me to take him for a whole summer?
Why not? Ginny said grimly. Let him see what his father is really like. Let him see what a
failure you are now. It might be more effective than all the expensive therapy in the world. Come and
get him, Matt. I really cant take any more. She hung up the phone without waiting for an answer.
Slowly Matt replaced the receiver, absorbing the ramifications of the three A.M. call. It changed
everything. He knew that tone in Ginnys voice. She was at the end of her tether and she was
struggling to hold on to the financial and emotional security she had found with Paul Martin. Shed
established her priorities and Brad was now second on the list.
There had been several years during which the boy had ranked higher. Brads birth had brought
with it the vast approval of Matts parents along with a considerable flow of cash from them. At the
time of the divorce Colonel and Mrs. August had made it clear they sided with the mother of their
grandson. And after Matts career disaster their sympathies had grown even more entrenched. Matt
had made little effort to change the status quo. He couldnt even remember the last time hed called
his folks.
Ginnys marriage had apparently realigned everyones priorities, including her own. Brad was
apparently no longer an asset.
Matt sat naked on the edge of the rumpled bed and studied the lights of the cruise ship down in the
harbor. It was a different ship from the one that had been in port the night he had met Sabrina, but it
made him think of her.
A lot of things had made him think of her during the month since she had left.
Getting to his feet, Matt walked over to the window. There was no option. He would have to go to
Houston and collect Brad. Hed seen Ginny when she got close to the edge emotionally. She would
convince herself that her first priority was to protect herself. And maybe she was right.
Coyne wasnt going to be pleased, Matt thought. Hed said hed wait a month for the answer to his
offer of a job, and Matt knew hed fully expected that answer to be in the affirmative. Until this
morning hed had every reason to assume that.
Matt wasnt altogether certain why he had been on the brink of accepting Coynes offer. It had
something to do with priorities, with proving himself. Getting his life back in focus had become
increasingly important since Sabrina Chase, tourist, had gone back to Dallas, Texas. The need to do
so had been eating at him, prodding him, pushing at him. Coynes offer had been dangling out there, a
possible beginning point.
Priorities.
Until three this morning Matt had assumed he would have to work at figuring out if he even had any.
Now he knew he did.

Brad was waiting for him in Houston. Matt moved away from the window, frowning into the
darkness. Brad was his reason for going to Texas. But there was someone else in Texas. Someone
who ran a shop with a stuffed bull in the window. What would Sabrina say if he looked her up before
he headed back to Mexico?
***

Tacky, Alex. Very tacky. Sabrina eyed her assistant with misgivings as he sauntered into work
one minute after nine. Alex Kyle had strong feelings about having to be at work on time. He asserted
his independence by consistently being one minute late. Sabrina accepted his small rebellion because
he was incredibly good at selling brass cowboy-boot paperweights and silver belt buckles. And
because she completely understood his need to assert himself against her power as his boss. Shed
done it often enough with bosses in the past.
You dont like the outfit? Alex contrived to look hurt. He glanced down at the skin-tight leather
jeans, leather vest, and high-heeled cowboy boots he was wearing. A watermelon-colored Westernstyle yoked shirt embroidered with sequins at the cuffs completed the eye-opening ensemble. I only
did it for the sake of business, Sabrina.
Uh huh. She gave him a skeptical glance as she unsealed a forty-pound box labeled GENUINE
INSTANT TEXAS PANHANDLE CHILI. The chili was specially formulated for her shop by a fir
in New Jersey. You did it because you found out the Association of Gay Writers of Western Fiction
is holding its annual convention in the hotel.
Like I said, business. Alex smiled blithely as he removed the white Stetson with the lizard-skin
hatband and sailed it adeptly toward the left horn of the bull in the window. Beneath the hat his hair
was cut with a razor-sharp precision that cost him a small fortune every other week. His carefully
styled mustache was equally perfect.
In fact, Sabrina had often thought, just about every inch of Alex was perfect. He worked out three
times a week at a health spa to maintain that degree of well-molded grace, and he had an eye for
expensive clothes. Alex was good for business. Little old ladies from Indiana thought he was just
about the cutest thing to come down the pike in forty years. Small children thought he was the
embodiment of a television cowboy. Young women fantasized about saving him, and a surprisingly
large number of males dropped in to buy Genuine Texas Panhandle Chili and fantasize, too.
Good Lord, are you wearing that tin necklace again today? Alex demanded, narrowing his
bedroom-dark eyes as he studied the piece of jewelry around Sabrinas neck.
To each his own, Sabrina said, eyeing his sequins. Theres something about this necklace that
appeals to me. Sabrina began stacking packages of chili on a shelf.
I cant imagine what it is. The things turning green. Youd better be careful or it will start eating
away your skin.
At that point Ill throw it in the garbage, she promised.
You must have had one heck of a good time in Acapulco a month ago. Its not normal to be so hung
up on a souvenir. Especially when youre in the business yourself.
Maybe thats the appeal of this thing, Sabrina observed, fingering the necklace briefly.
Professional admiration. The guy who sold it to me was a consummate souvenir salesman. I actually
thought I was getting genuine silver. Isnt that fantastic? Youve got to admire that kind of skill, Alex.

Youve got a point. Any word from Oregon?

Not yet. Cant be long now, though. Nolan skipped his Sunday-evening phone call last night, so I
have hopes that things have gotten serious.
I dont see you as an aunt, Alex mused as he dusted the glass case full of ashtrays embossed with
little oil-well designs.
Well, Im the only one the kids going to get from his fathers side of the family. Actually, I
envision myself as the relative who always sends books for Christmas.
I had one of those, Alex nodded. Aunt Milly. She always sent a classic on my birthday and at
Christmas. I dont think my mother has ever forgiven her for sending Little Women one year.
I thought Id start with Nancy Drew.
Even if the babys a boy?
Especially if the kids a boy.
The phone rang just as Sabrina was crushing the chili carton and stuffing it into the storage room at
the back of the shop.
What do you want to bet thats Nolan? she asked excitedly, grabbing for the phone. Hello? I
knew it was going to be you. Is this the big announcement?
Its a boy! Nolans paternal excitement was audible through his normal bankers reserve.
Healthy and huge. Marys just fine, says to tell you hello. Weve all decided you ought to try it
yourself sometime.
Sabrina ignored the last remark. It was constitutionally impossible for one of the men in her family
to talk to her on any subject without throwing in a word of advice on what she should be doing with
her life. If youre going to name him Nolan Bennet the Second, Ill lodge a severe protest.
Nolan laughed. I wouldnt inflict that on my own kid. James Bennet Chase. How does that
sound?
Like a banker.
She could almost see Nolan nodding, pleased. We thought it had a nice ring.
When is Mary going home from the hospital?
Tomorrow. Which brings me to the next point. When are you coming out to see your new
nephew?
Sabrina hesitated a fraction of an instant. Soon. Sometime this summer, I hope. Deliberately she
kept the answer vague.
Well be expecting you, Nolan said bluntly. Dad is looking forward to having you out for a
visit, too.
Yes, Nolan, Im aware of that.
How about the end of June?
Thats three weeks from now! Sabrina protested.
Texas is terrible in the summer. Youll enjoy getting out of there. Oregon is perfect right now.
You could spend some time at the cabin.
Ill see, Nolan.
After Texas the woods up here are going to look great, Nolan assured her with an older brothers

certainty. Well plan on the end of June.

Ill let you know, Nolan, Sabrina said firmly. I have a business to run, remember?
You have an assistant, Nolan reminded her carelessly. No one in the Chase family had
considered running a souvenir stand exactly a profession. Ergo, it didnt require from others the
respect a profession demanded.
Ill see how it goes. Sabrina realized she was beginning to grit her teeth, and she began to inhale
with the slow, rhythmic breaths shed learned in a quickie meditation class. Are you calling from the
hospital?
Yes.
Good. Put Mary on the line.
A moment later her sister-in-law took the phone, her voice glowing with tired satisfaction. Its
fantastic, Sabrina. You cant possibly imagine what its like until youve had one of your own! Its got
to be the greatest thrill in the world.
You know me, Mary. The original coward.
Nonsense, Mary said breezily. It didnt hurt at all.
Hah! Sabrina said good-naturedly. Thats a myth put around by new mothers who want to con
another woman into going through the same thing.
Trust me. Mary laughed, and handed the phone back to her husband.
Congratulations, Nolan, Sabrina said sincerely.
Thanks, Sabrina. Ill talk to you soon.
I know. Next Sunday night at six. Nolan always called precisely at six on Sunday evenings. Just
before the weekend rates changed. Her father, on the other hand, preferred Saturday mornings. Jeffrey
usually opted for alternate Wednesday nights. All three of them tended to get upset when she didnt
happen to be at home to receive the calls.
Sabrina hung up the phone, still practicing her breathing exercise, and then relaxed. She grinned
across the distance of the shop at an expectant Alex. Find me the biggest, fattest, handsomest stuffed
armadillo we have in stock!
I thought you were going to be the aunt who always sent books.
Ive changed my mind. Im going to be the eccentric relative in the family. Might as well prepare
the kid for the facts of life in the Chase clan.
Boy or girl? Alex started digging through a heap of stuffed armadillos.
I didnt know those armadillos were sexed.
Alex threw her a derisive glance. I meant the kid.
Oh, big, healthy, bouncing baby boy. A little future banker. James Bennet Chase. Doesnt that have
a nice professional ring to it?
I can see it on the chairman of the boards door now. Going out to see the kid?
The summoning has begun, Sabrina replied with a groan. Every Saturday morning, Sunday
evening, and alternate-Wednesday-night phone-call I get from here on will contain another request to
hit the Oregon trail. The thing is, I really would like to see the little future banker. Its just that I know
as soon as I get there Im going to have to defend my own childless, husbandless state.

It gets hard, doesnt it? Alex selected a plump armadillo from the pile and brought it over to the
counter. His beautiful dark eyes held commiseration. How do you think its been for me?
Sabrina grinned. Im sure you could always find yourself a husband if you tried.
Alex threw the armadillo at her just as the front door opened. The first wave of the daily stream of
tourists, visitors, and shoppers had hit the huge, glass-domed mall. Sabrina put aside the armadillo to
be wrapped later and turned around to sell some Lone Star Extra Spicy Barbecue Sauce.
She wondered briefly what it would be like to hold her own small, cuddly baby in her arms. But
the momentary image came and went without eliciting any lasting regrets. Not every woman was cut
out to be a mother, and Sabrina had long ago accepted her own lack of interest in motherhood. It was
a pity her family hadnt accepted it, too. It would make things so much easier. The Chase men were
beginning to panic, she knew. They had started the day she had turned twenty-nine. A month ago when
she had turned thirty, grim determination had set in. The pressure would be on now to get her out to
Oregon. Secretly everyone would be convinced that when she held James Bennet in her arms, her
maternal instincts would finally surge to the fore.
Sabrina knew differently. She was cut out to be an eccentric aunt, not a mother. A baby would not
satisfy the sense of restlessness that had always disturbed her even more acutely since she had
returned from Mexico.
***
The bull in the window was complete in every anatomical detail, Matt noted as he stood outside in
the covered mall gazing into the shop. And the guy behind the counter wearing the tight leather pants
appeared equally anatomically correct. Sabrinas employee? Or more than just an employee? Matt
closed one hand slowly and then opened each finger in a deliberate stretching action that was
supposed to loosen the muscles.
Why do we have to stop here? Brad complained. He had been complaining ever since Matt had
explained that they werent going straight back to Mexico.
Matt turned to glance at his sullen-faced son, meeting hazel eyes that matched his own. He was
getting used to the way the kid dressed. The clothing was straight out of an Army-Navy surplus store,
from the camouflage fatigues to the combat boots. Those boots, Matt knew, must be hotter than hell.
Not that Brad would make any comment to that effect. At thirteen the impression was more important
than personal comfort.
I told you I want to see someone. If youd rather not meet her, youre free to go browse in that
record shop we passed. Ill meet you in half an hour in front of the hamburger place at the other end of
the mall.
He kept his voice calm and steady, refusing to let the boy detect any impatience. Matt didnt know
much about handling kids, but he knew something about commanding men. He figured there were
probably some similarities in approach. If not, he and Brad were going to be in for some rough times
this summer.
Got any quarters? Brad asked with exaggerated weariness.
Why?
Theres an arcade a few doors down. Ill go blow some time there while you try to make it with

the broad.
Matt took one step toward his son. The lady is a friend of mine. You will treat her with respect,
he said very softly. Is that understood?
Brad stared at him resentfully. I dont see why you have to get so freaked about the whole thing.
I asked you if you understood, Matt cut in coldly.
I understand. See you in half an hour, Brad muttered, and turned to stalk down the glass-domed
aisle without waiting for the quarters.
Matt watched him go, not sure he liked the Texas accent his son seemed to have acquired in the
past couple of years. Then he swung around to push open the shop door. TTT, read the sign overhead.
Underneath, the words spelled out what the three capital Ts stood for: TACKY TEXAS
TEMPTATIONS. It figured Sabrina would be up front about the kind of stuff she was selling, Matt
thought wryly. She seemed determined to let the world know exactly where she stood. What worried
him was wondering where he would stand with her.
The guy in the leather pants was busy at the counter, so Matt stood just inside the doorway and
glanced around with a surprisingly strong sense of curiosity. He took in the rows of bumper stickers
advocating various Texas oddities, the ashtrays, manuals on how to talk like a genuine Texan, and
assorted trinkets. He was idly examining a teapot painted with a scene of the Alamo when Sabrina
emerged from a back room.
She didnt see him at first, her attention on a customer who was selecting a package of chili
makings. The first thing Matt realized was that she was wearing the fake silver necklace. It seemed to
be turning green in places.
The rest of her outfit consisted of a pair of designer jeans and a turquoise silk western shirt. The
leather belt at her waist was heavily ornamented with turquoise and silver; real silver, unlike the
necklace. Her hair was in the familiar loose knot on top of her head and her feet were shod in highheeled sandals. She looked a little outrageous, a little eccentric, and totally wonderful.
Matt stood unnoticed in the center of the shop, aware of the sudden, urgent ache in his lower body,
and hoped no one would notice any relationship between his anatomical features and that of the bull
in the window. In that instant Sabrina turned her head and saw him.
The moment she realized he was standing in the middle of her shop the odd sense of restlessness
and unresolved emotions that had been bothering Sabrina since she had returned from Mexico
suddenly flickered into focus.
Matt!
His mouth twisted with faint, sardonic humor. The green in that necklace doesnt quite go with the
color of your shirt.
Automatically her fingers lifted to toy with the edge of the deteriorating piece of jewelry. Her eyes
never left his face. I keep it around as a reminder that I have a long way to go in this business. The
guy who sold this to me could teach me a few things.
How about the guy who tried to keep you from buying it?
He tried to teach me a few things, too. Matt, what on earth are you doing here?
Priorities.
What priorities?

I came to Texas to pick up my son. Ive got him for the summer and, from the looks of things,
maybe a lot longer.
Sabrina tilted her head to one side. Thats a priority, all right. An unexpected change in your
lifestyle?
Very. Its a long story. Will you have dinner with me and the kid tonight?
How long will you be in town?
I dont know. Thats something I have to think about. There are a lot of things Im having to think
about these days. Dinner, Sabrina?
She looked at him and smiled. Why not? We can celebrate another milestone in my life.
His eyes narrowed warily. The last time we did that I managed to turn the occasion into a
disaster. Whats the event this time?
She grinned. I became an aunt today. Where are you staying, Matt?
A motel a few blocks from here. He gave her the name.
Thats not far from my apartment.
Give me the directions and Ill pick you up later, he said urgently.
Obediently she turned to walk across to the glass-topped counter. Picking up a pen and a piece of
paper, she jotted down a small map and handed it to him. She was aware that Matt was
surreptitiously studying Alex as she did so. Alex, on the other hand, was ignoring the newcomer,
concentrating on serving two very handsome young men who had just wandered into the shop. Beside
her she felt Matt studying the transaction taking place at the counter and then relax in some
indiscernible way.
Here you go, she said brightly, handing him the slip of paper.
He took it and stood looking down at her for a silent moment as though he were trying to make up
his mind about something.
Its good to see you again, Sabrina, Matt finally said.
Sabrina sensed a hundred unspoken messages flowing between them, messages she wasnt able to
interpret. Yes. Another heartbeat of silence. And then she gave in to the overwhelming urge to touch
him. Yes, she whispered again, and stood on tiptoe to brush her mouth lightly against his. Its good
to see you again, too, Matt.
He sucked in a fierce breath, hazel eyes gleaming, but he made no move to prolong the small kiss of
greeting. His hand closed too tightly around the scrap of paper with her address on it, crumpling it.
Ill pick you up at six thirty. Ill have Brad with me.
Brad?
The kid.
Ah, yes. The priority that brought you to Texas.
But not the one thats keeping me here in Dallas. He looked down at the crushed paper in his
palm and carefully smoothed it. Well have to go someplace that serves hamburgers. Its all Brad
eats, apparently.
Then why dont we eat at my place? Sabrina heard herself suggest without stopping to think. We
can grill hamburgers outside on the barbecue. Tell Brad to bring a swimsuit. My apartment complex

has a pool.
Matt looked abruptly relieved. Thanks. Well be there at six thirty. He turned and walked out of
the shop without another word. Sabrina stared thoughtfully after him.
Several hours later Sabrina picked up two large packages of potato chips, a great deal of
hamburger, and an enormous quantity of buns. It had been a long time since Nolan and Jeffrey were
thirteen, but shed never forgotten the huge piles of food young teenage boys could pack away. Just as
shed never forgotten the piles of laundry that accumulated in a household filled with men. Shed been
the younger sister but the only female around, and somehow shed wound up doing most of the
laundry. She still retained an innate hatred for hampers and all they represented.
It was when she climbed back into the Alfa Romeo that she finally acknowledged her palms were
damp from something besides the late-afternoon heat and humidity. Sabrina sat for a moment, staring
through the windshield, the sack of groceries on the seat beside her, and thought about unexpected
changes in a persons life. She got the feeling that Matts arrival in Texas to collect his son had not
been scheduled very far in advance. Sabrina knew what it was like to have the world turned upside
down. From what she knew of Matt, this wasnt the first time it had happened to him. She wondered
at the sharp tug of empathy and understanding that went through her.
But the surprising jolt of sympathy didnt account for the dampness of her palms or the quickened
beat of her pulse as she sat contemplating the evening ahead.
It had been a distinct shock to walk out of the storage room and see him standing in the middle of
her shop, amid the tourists and fake Texas chili. She wondered what had ever made her think, even
for a moment, that first night in Mexico, that she could collect him for a souvenir vacation fling.
Something about seeing him here in the real world put Matt August into a whole new perspective.
She was still sitting behind the wheel of the Alfa, gazing out at the smoldering parking lot, when the
two men in blue polyester suits walked up to the car window on her side. One of them knocked.
Startled, Sabrina snapped her head around. The two men were almost twins. Both had dark hair
trimmed to a regulation neatness, icy blue eyes, severe expressions, and both wore blue-and-redstriped ties with their crisp white shirts and their neat blue suits. Very reluctantly Sabrina rolled
down her window.
Miss Chase? My name is Griffin. This is Mr. Shadwell. Wed like to talk to you. The man who
called himself Griffin pulled out a wallet and flipped it open with a smooth, practiced motion.
Sabrinas gaze dropped to the identification card she was being shown. She saw a picture of a man
who looked just like the person in front of her and very similar to the one standing next to him. Then
she saw the impressive, embossed symbol of an eagle. There was a great deal of formal writing on
the card but Sabrina didnt read any farther than the word Federal. Her infuriated eyes swept back up
to Griffin.
Youre from the IRS, arent you? Well, I filed those quarterly reports even though I was not
legally obligated to do so, and I can prove it. Ive about had it with you guys. My accountant says Im
in the clear as far as that 941 form goes, too, and Im sick and tired of sending you certified letters
explaining the situation. This is nothing short of harassment. I happen to be an accountant myself. I
know my rights and I know the procedures youre supposed to follow.
Miss Chase, Griffin began forbiddingly, this has nothing to do with your income taxes.
Shadwell and I want to talk to you about another matter entirely.

Then you can damn well send me a letter telling me exactly what youre going to hound me for this
time and I will turn it over to my accountant. Whats the matter with you people? Dont you realize
that its the small businesses that make capitalism work in this country? Why harass folks like me who
are just trying to make a living? If you want to go after someone, go after some of those monster
conglomerates. Stop picking on me. I know why you do it, of course. You figure its easier to
terrorize a small businessperson such as myself than some big corporation that can afford to fight you
with a lot of legal firepower. But Ive got news for you. You dont scare me in the least.
Miss Chase, we just want to talk to you. Griffin was beginning to appear uneasy. People walking
out of the store carrying their grocery bags were starting to stare.
Talk to my accountant. Sabrina switched on the Alfas ignition and threw the car into gear. She
pushed the accelerator to the floor and tore out of the supermarket parking-lot with a flourish.
The encounter with the government kept her fuming all the way home. It wasnt until she had sliced
the tomatoes, shaped the hamburger patties, and found a bowl for the potato chips that she finally
calmed down. The fact that she had allowed the little scene in the parking lot to upset her so much
was evidence enough of her heightened tension. The current battle with the IRS had been going on for
six months, and she no longer got uptight when they fired their salvos.
Then again, she excused herself, she wasnt used to dealing with them in the flesh. Normally the
encounters took the form of paper missiles launched back and forth. Things must be getting bad if they
were sending real, live agents after her. Shed better call her accountant in the morning.
But the tension in her did not fade as six thirty approached, even though she managed to put the
scene with the IRS men out of her mind. The real source of her restlessness was Matt August, and she
knew it. By the time the rental car pulled into the parking slot in front of her apartment, Sabrina was
almost vibrating with the strange excitement.
She answered the knock on the door to find two sets of hazel eyes on her. The first pair moved over
her with a controlled hunger. The second pair belonged to what appeared to be a miniature
mercenary, and they passed over her with subdued resentment.
Sabrina, this is my son, Brad.
How do you do, Brad? Were you supposed to shake hands with thirteen-year-old kids wearing
combat camouflage? Tentatively Sabrina extended her hand.
The boy ignored her hand and glanced up at his father. I thought shed at least be prettier. I mean,
geez, youve been so freaked about her and we drove all the way from Houston just so you could see
her.
There was an instant of stunned silence. Then Sabrina saw the glitter of cold anger forming in
Matts eyes and she found herself stepping in before he could say anything.
What a charming young man you are, Brad. Perhaps I could have you stuffed and stand you next to
the bull in my shop window. Youd look cute standing there dressed in your GI Joe outfit. Do come
in. Ive got the fire going in the barbecue grill on the back porch. We can all have a drink while we
wait for things to heat up. She smiled very brilliantly up at Matt.
Were not going anywhere until Brad gets around to apologizing for his rudeness.
So much for trying to slide through an awkward situation, Sabrina thought. Now they were all going
to have to stand here while father and son fought the contest of wills.
It wasnt much of a battle. Brad was too vulnerable, too anxious not to alienate his father

completely, Sabrina quickly realized. The sullen boy gave in immediately.

Im sorry, Miss Chase, he said formally.
Theres some soda in the refrigerator, she told him, waving him through to the kitchen. Help
yourself. Brad didnt wait around for a second invitation. He seemed relieved to be out of the room.
Matt sighed as he watched his son depart. Im sorry about that, Sabrina. The kids having some
problems. Thats why Ginny called me up at three in the morning to come get him, I guess.
I suspect his main problem is that hes in the throes of adolescence. Sabrina paused. Come on
in, Matt. The whiskeys in the kitchen.
Thanks, he said in heartfelt tones. I could use some.
Matt?
He paused, glancing back at her. What is it, Sabrina?
I just wondered. Were you freaked about seeing me?
Ill give you the answer to that when you get around to answering the question Ive been wanting
to ask you. Then he followed his son into the kitchen.
Teenage boys, Sabrina belatedly remembered, added a definite complication to life. One couldnt
talk about much in front of them because they were old enough to understand everything that was said.
One couldnt talk to them because they tended to respond in a monosyllabic mode. At least this one
did. Sabrina wondered if her new nephew would be like Brad at thirteen. It was a depressing thought.
Okay if I go watch television now? Brad asked after twenty minutes of stuffing himself with
hamburgers at the patio table. He was already on his feet, glancing at his father for permission.
Dont you want to take a swim? Sabrina asked impulsively. It had been such a hot day and the
evening was still very warm and humid.
Nah. Brads attention was on his father.
Go watch television, Matt agreed.
The two adults sat across from each other in silence, watching the young boy tromp into the airconditioned apartment.
Those boots must be incredibly uncomfortable, Sabrina finally offered as the sliding glass door
closed behind Brad.
Wearing boots like that in this heat is more than uncomfortable. It creates a definite problem. Id
better stop at a drugstore on the way back to the motel and pick up some foot powder.
Sabrinas gaze swung back to him and she smiled. You sound very knowledgeable on the
subject.
Ive worn boots like that in worse heat and humidity than this. Matt leaned back in his webbed
chair, staring at Sabrina. My God, lady, its been a long month. I didnt even realize just how long
until I walked into that shop this afternoon and saw you again.
You havent answered my question, she mused gently, searching his expression. It felt
marvelously, unexpectedly right to have him sitting here on her patio. Were you freaked about seeing
me?
Brads vocabulary leaves something to be desired.
You were, werent you?

Matts mouth twisted in a grin. I wasnt sure what kind of reception Id get, he admitted. I could
never quite figure you out down in Mexico.
And I could never quite figure you out.
I suppose thats why we kept circling each other looking for openings. Matts eyes were steady.
You havent answered my question yet.
You havent asked it.
He hesitated thoughtfully and then said, Ive been wondering for the past month if you really
would have hated yourself in the morning.
Sabrina looked down at the dregs of the wine she had been drinking and spoke the truth. Ive
wondered the same thing myself.
There was another beat of silence and then Matt leaned forward. His hand covered hers and
Sabrina nearly jumped at the remembered sensation caused by his rough-tipped fingers. She looked
up and found his eyes shimmering with intensity.
Reach any conclusions? he asked.
No.
Id like to hang around Dallas until you do, Matt said huskily.
Sabrina stared at him. I thought you were heading straight back to Mexico with Brad.
Brad thinks thats where were going, but Ive got some doubts. Come on, Sabrina, lets take a
walk. He was on his feet, reaching down to pull her up beside him before she could protest.
Why are you thinking twice about taking Brad to Mexico? she asked, falling into step beside him.
His hand stayed linked with hers.
A lot of reasons. One of which is that I may be taking Brad on a permanent basis and I cant see
raising him in Acapulco. Moving back to the States makes for some complications, though.
Such as?
As you pointed out down in Mexico, I dont have a lot of marketable skills. It could take a while
to find a decent job. I had something coming up that I had to put on the back burner when I got the call
about Brad. It would have been good for several thousand up front. Might make a nice cushion while I
hunt around for something more stable.
Sabrina stopped, staring up at him in astonishment. Several thousand? Dollars?
Matt nodded, absently studying the empty, fenced-in terrace around the pool. Yeah. But Ive got
Brad with me now. Id have to figure out a way to He broke off. Whats wrong, Sabrina?
I was just wondering what sort of little something you had coming up that would provide you with
a nest egg of several thousand dollars, she muttered.
Matt smiled bleakly. A job for an old acquaintance of mine.
A job that does capitalize on the few talents you picked up running covert operations in the
military? she challenged softly.
Sabrina, honey, how did we get off on this subject? I havent seen you in over a month. The last
thing I want to do is talk business.
You started the conversation!
Jesus, he complained with a groan. Were arguing and I havent even kissed you hello! Then

he was pulling her fiercely into his arms.

Sabrina sighed against his mouth, the strange tension that had been plaguing her all evening finally
seeking release. Her body leaped into vivid awareness as his hands moved down the length of her
back to the curve of her hips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and parted her lips for his
insistent, hungry kiss. Tonight, after a month of wondering, she still didnt know how she had left
Acapulco without finding out how she would have felt about herself and her rules after making love
with Matt August.
Sabrina, Sabrina, honey, Ive been wanting you. Im just realizing how much. Matt reluctantly
freed her mouth and began to nibble urgently at the line of her throat. He held her close in the
gathering shadows of the summer evening and let her feel the heavy readiness in him.
Sabrina trembled with the focusing excitement she had been aware of all afternoon. This was what
had been making her so restless this past month. Wondering what she could have had with Matt had
been eating at her, making her uneasy and unsatisfied. Now she had a second chance. A chance to find
out what she had missed.
Tomorrow night, Matts voice was low and husky, his fingers flexing luxuriously into the curve
of her buttock. Have dinner with me tomorrow night.
Yes.
Theres a war film Brad wants to see. After dinner well send him to the theater. Well have some
time alone. A couple of hours to talk.
Sabrina heard the hesitation before he filled in the blank with the word talk and she lifted her head
from his shoulder, smiling faintly.
Id like a chance to talk to you again. I think I missed some of those arguments we always had in
Mexico.
The problem in Mexico was that we did too damn much talking! With a muttered exclamation
Matt released her and turned to start back toward the apartment. Wed better get back before Brad
wonders if Ive deserted him. The kids been rejected enough lately.
Youve taken on quite a project in Brad.
Hes my son, Matt said simply. And his mother doesnt want him any longer.
That leaves you.
Yes. That leaves me.
Priorities, Sabrina remarked, thinking about it. She wondered where she fit in Matt Augusts new
set of priorities. And then she wondered where he fit in hers.
Priorities. Rafferty Coyne sat at the desk in his hotel room a few miles away and repeated the
word for the benefit of the two men who stood in front of him. Priorities. We must keep them
straight. You handled the initial contact very badly this afternoon, Griffin. What on earth did you do to
make her think you were from the IRS?
Griffin glanced with barely concealed disgust at the briefcase that was on the desk beside Coyne.
Somehow that leather case represented its owner. Aloof, relentlessly aristocratic, correct in every
detail. The man could be so goddamned prissy at times. It was impossible to imagine dirt ever getting
under those carefully manicured nails, much less blood. Coyne was the planner, the detail expert, the
organizer. He left the fieldwork to others, which meant he left the dirt and the blood to others.

Ive told you, I dont know how she got that idea. Shes probably been in a hassle with them and
its been on her mind. When she saw my ID she just jumped to conclusions.
She took off out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell before we could give her the real cover
story, Shadwell explained with weary patience. He didnt care for Coyne any more than Griffin did,
but that was not unusual. Shadwell didnt know anyone who actually liked Rafferty Coyne.
Coyne looked at Shadwell, his eyes devoid of any emotion. I simply dont see how you could
have lost the opportunity to talk to her.
Griffin stirred with suppressed irritation, stalking over to the window to glower out at the far-flung
lights of Dallas. Youre the one who said that small-business, Chamber-of-Commerce, middle-class
types like her just loved to talk to folks from the government.
Normally they do, Coyne said smoothly. Theyre usually very cooperative with anyone who
flashes a U.S. government ID. Comes from years of seeing tales of the FBI on television, I expect.
Miss Chase didnt exactly appear overly respectful, Griffin said. He turned back to face Coyne.
What now? Do you want us to try again?
Coyne shook his head, considering the matter. Not just yet. Let her assume she had a small brush
with the IRS. It may be just as well now that we know the child is involved. The boy may be more
important in the long run.
What if she checks and finds out the IRS didnt send anyone out to talk to her? Shadwell
ventured.
Coyne favored him with a condescending glance. Everyone is accustomed to the notion of being
unable to deal in a logical, straightforward manner with the IRS. If Miss Chase phones and finds out
they know nothing of any of their agents being sent out to see her, shell simply assume that, as usual,
the tax people are entangled in their own bureaucracy. One hand doesnt know what the other is
doing. Shell be disgusted but shell think it sounds normal.
And August?
Well give him a few days to pay his respects to Miss Chase and see what happens. Its possible
he wont stay long. Their affair in Mexico was brief. A matter of days.
Griffin frowned. You said time was running out.
Coyne nodded, unconcerned. It is. Time is always running out. But were not at a crisis point yet.
What happens if we get to that point? Shadwell demanded.
I will take care of it. In the meantime you will do as you are told. Your failure to do so this
afternoon has not resulted in any major problems, but I do not want to see such actions become a
habit.
Shadwell wisely swallowed his initial response. There was too much money riding on this to risk
telling Coyne to go to hell. Youre sure August will cooperate?
Eventually. One way or another. He cooperated magnificently last time, Coyne reminded
Shadwell.
He didnt exactly realize he was cooperating, Shadwell pointed out.
Poor bastard never knew what hit him, Griffin muttered, turning back to the window. It was
incredible that he got out alive, let alone with five of his men.
Major Augusts survival skills were far more developed than Id expected, Coyne admitted

calmly. Which is one of the reasons I want him on this project.

You also want him because Valdez trusts him and will work with him. Shadwell, glancing at his
partners back, wondered if Griffin was getting hungry. Neither of them had eaten yet this evening.
Coyne tended to forget about details like food when he was working. The man had more sheer
tenacity than just about anyone Shadwell had ever met.
Ramon Valdez is a very cautious man, Coyne agreed. It is one of the reasons he has stayed alive
this long.
August would never deliberately help you set him up, Griffin warned from the window. Even if
you convinced him that it was in the U.S. interest to do so. August operates under his own code. He
and Valdez respect each other.
A rather old-fashioned code in some ways. Im depending on it.
He was depending on more than just Matt Augusts outdated code of honor, Coyne admitted
silently. He was also staking a great deal on the belief that a man in Augusts position would not be
able to resist the chance to prove to himself that he could still handle the kind of job for which he had
been trained.
Coyne considered himself something of a student of human nature. And his studies of Matt August
indicated a man who would ultimately be compelled to accept the chance Coyne was offering: the
chance to wipe out the memory of failure.
But just in case he had misjudged Augusts sense of priorities, Coyne intended to have a little
insurance lined up for emergencies. When August had dropped everything in Mexico to head for
Texas, Coyne had toyed briefly with the notion of making Sabrina Chase the small rabbit he would
pull out of the hat in the event that August became obstinate.
The boy represented a much more interesting and useful alternative.

Chapter Five
So when do we go to Mexico? Brad was sprawled on the bed, idly thumbing through one of his
vast collections of mens action magazines. Two of his three suitcases were filled with them. He
didnt look up as he asked the question but continued to study an ad for a black double-edged
commando dagger.
Matt took his time answering as he knotted his tie carefully in front of the mirror. Im not sure,
Brad. Maybe the first of next week.
Oh, geez! His tone laced with disgust, Brad tossed aside the magazine he had been reading and
picked up another. This one was titled Mercenary Male and the cover art featured a rather viciouslooking brute in battle gear. He had an Uzi machine gun casually cradled in his arm and was clearly
ready to point it in someones direction: for a price. You said wed go to Acapulco as soon as you
looked up the chick. Well, now youve seen her. Cant we go?
Weve got a whole summer ahead of us, Brad. And maybe a lot longer than that, Matt added in
grim silence. He thought of those few minutes of remote, austerely civil conversation with Ginny.
Theres no rush.
There is for me. I hate Texas.
You might not like Mexico any better, Matt observed mildly as he tucked in the tails of the white
long-sleeved shirt hed just gotten back from an overnight laundry service. The service hadnt done as
good a job as his regular place in Acapulco, but Matt didnt feel quite as concerned about it as he
might have been. He was too busy thinking of the evening ahead with Sabrina.
Anythings better than Texas, Brad grumbled. He stopped leafing through the magazine to study
another ad. This one was for a handsome British-style military knife. Have you got one like this,
Dad?
Matt glanced at the dagger in the photo. Yeah, Ive got one. Its kind of a classic. Not very
practical, though.
Why not? Brad studied the picture more closely.
Its fragile. You cant use it for skinning a rabbit, and if you tried to hack up some kindling for a
fire, youd probably snap off the blade.
Brad glowered at him. Its not made for doing chores. Its a commando knife.
Anyone who carries a knife in the field usually winds up using it for practical things like fixing a
meal or a fire, Matt explained mildly.
Brad shook his head very positively. Not this baby, he said reverently. Youd only use this one
on a real raid. See how its all painted black? Even the blade. It wouldnt gleam in the dark. The ad
says its good for the quick, clean kill.
Matt buckled his belt, his eyes bleak with distant memory. Uh huh. Well, let me tell you
something, Brad. That same thin, good-looking blade I told you would probably snap if you used it on

kindling wood will snap just as easily on bone. There is no such thing as a quick, clean kill. Theyre
all messy. Now put down that damn magazine and get dressed.
I am dressed. Brad didnt stir from the bed. He was watching his father intently in the mirror.
Matt saw the questions deep in his sons eyes and moved to forestall them. Dont you have
anything besides Army surplus to wear? Matt knew he sounded irritated. He couldnt help it. He
was. Something about seeing his son poring over those stupid magazines aimed at men who fantasized
about killing irritated him very much.
No. Brad shrugged in response to the question. What do you care what I wear, anyhow? Youre
going out with Sabrina.
Youre having dinner with us.
Ill be glad to eat alone downstairs in the coffee shop, Brad said in his best martyrs tones.
Matt bit back his initial response. You will have dinner with us and then well drop you off at the
theater, he stated.
Is that going to give you enough time?
Enough time for what? Matt shoved his wallet into his pocket and checked for his keys.
To get Sabrina into the sack. How much time does it take, anyway?
Matt swung around in cold rage. Get off that bed and go comb your hair, he bit out with a
controlled savagery that finally succeeded in eliciting a response from his son. He watched Brad
disappear into the bathroom and wondered how it was that his own flesh and blood could provoke
him so quickly.
His mouth tightened as he acknowledged that the reason Brads question had enraged him was
because he had been asking himself the same thing. Two hours wasnt very long. If Sabrina proved
reluctant, two hours wasnt anywhere near enough time. Matt didnt know whether to be ashamed or
disgusted or just resigned. He only knew that tonight was vitally important. The prospect of the
evening alone with Sabrina had been growing in significance all day until his whole body seemed to
be vibrating with expectation.
It was crazy to assume she would go to bed with him after dinner. All she had said last night was
that she might have had some second thoughts about turning him down in Acapulco a month ago.
Having second thoughts was hardly the same as changing her mind.
Even if she had changed her mind, what woman wanted to be rushed into a motel-room bed
knowing she was expected to vacate the premises in two hours? Matt winced as he straightened the
bedspread Brad had mussed. Hed really screwed up in Acapulco. There he could have had all night,
every night, for a week if hed kept his head.
Matt told himself for the hundredth time that day that the last thing he should be trying to do tonight
was rush things with Sabrina. What was the matter with him? He knew better than to push a woman
into bed. They needed to be charmed and coaxed and persuaded. He was furious with himself for
being so impatient. He was nearly forty years old. There was no call for this simmering anticipation.
Matt knew how he should be feeling: casual, cool, sophisticated, politely hopeful, but blas enough
about the outcome of the evening not to care too much if it didnt work.
Instead he felt raw and predatory, impatient and disquieted. If the circumstances had allowed it, he
would have been pacing the motel room. He had known he was missing something important when

Sabrina had left Mexico, but when hed walked into her shop yesterday and seen her again hed
realized that it was more than a question of simply regretting his mishandling of her. He wanted her
with an intensity that he couldnt quite comprehend.
Matt emerged slowly from the bathroom, his hair haphazardly combed. Im ready.
Youd never know it. Matt cursed under his breath, glancing into the bathroom as he led the way
toward the door. Christ, it looks like a war zone in there. He reached out and closed the bathroom
door. There wasnt time to clean the place up now.
Sabrina was waiting for them when they arrived. She looked fresh and cool and casually
sophisticated in a slim dress of yellow cotton that had huge puffy sleeves and a broad white belt. The
only sign of garishness was the rodeo cowboy engraved on the belt buckle. The familiar tendrils of
hair bounced free of the main knot at the back of her head, lightly brushing her bare shoulders. If Brad
hadnt been waiting with affected boredom, Matt knew he would have been unable to resist pulling
Sabrina into his arms for a long, hard kiss. As it was he was all too vividly aware of the tautness in
himself. The predatory hunger was pulsing deep in his body.
Theres a good barbecue place a few blocks from here, Sabrina said chattily as Matt assisted her
into the front seat of the rented Ford.
Barbecue? I was thinking more of a plain steak-and-lobster house, Matt said. Dismaying images
of endless miles of greasy ribs that had to be eaten with the fingers, messy barbecue-sauce-coated
slabs of beef, and heavy biscuits slathered with sticky honey flashed into his head. It took a fair
amount of washing up to get rid of the grease after a meal like that. And the bathroom back at the
motel was a mess. Fish would be nice, he added quickly.
Oh, but Im sure Brad would prefer some good down-home barbecue-style food, wouldnt you,
Brad? She turned in the front seat to smile engagingly at the boy.
I dont care what we have, Brad mumbled, avoiding her eyes.
In that case, Matt began aggressively as he slid behind the wheel, lets find a steak-and-lobster
joint. That should suit everyones taste.
On second thought, I guess barbecue sounds okay, Brad offered thoughtfully.
Its settled, then, Sabrina said brightly.
Matt swallowed his own comment and shoved the key into the Fords ignition.
The meal was everything he had feared: greasy, heavy, sticky. True Texas barbecue. The pile of
used paper napkins beside each plate grew into a mountain and still there was evidence of the food on
everyones mouth, hands, and clothes. Matt was afraid to look down at his tie. It occurred to him that
Brads camouflage shirt had its uses. The smears of sauce didnt show up quite so much as they did
on white shirts and clean ties. Even Sabrina didnt escape the ravages of the food. Toward the end of
the meal Matt saw her dabbing delicately at a drop of grease that had spattered onto her yellow cotton
dress.
She looked up with silent laughter in her eyes as she sensed him watching her. Goes with the
territory. I should have worn jeans. Anyone going back for thirds?
Matt waited, praying Brad had finally had his fill. When the boy reluctantly shook his head and
pushed aside his plate, Matt was relieved. Just as well. The film starts in twenty minutes. Wed
better get going. He reached for the grease-stained check and got to his feet.
At the theater Brad took his time getting out of the car. It seemed to Matt that everything the boy did

this evening was in slow motion.

Enjoy the film, Brad, Sabrina said as the boy slammed the car door.
Brad looked at her, his face set and unreadable. Yeah. You be sure and have a good time, too. See
you in a couple of hours.
Matt heard the faint derision buried in his sons voice and wanted to get out of the car and strangle
him. The kid was walking on thin ice. Two hours, Matt agreed and pulled away from the curb.
Beside him Sabrina sat silently as he drove back toward the motel. He wondered suddenly just
what she was thinking. All evening shed been cheerful, chatty, and friendly, but damned if he could
figure out what was going on inside her head. Matt saw the lights of the motel coming up in the
distance and experienced an abrupt uncertainty.
This was going to be awfully unsubtle, he realized in self-disgust. As soon as he pulled into the
parking lot Sabrina was bound to realize exactly what he had planned. He should be taking her to
someplace cozy and expensive for a drink and perhaps some dancing first.
But there was no time for all the preliminaries. Two lousy hours was all he had.
Matt? she questioned very softly as he piloted the car into the lot.
He didnt look at her as he parked and switched off the engine. Sitting very still in the seat, he
rested his hands on the steering wheel and gazed at the door to number twenty-five. I should take you
somewhere first, shouldnt I? he asked grimly. Buy you a drink. Dance. Talk.
The talking part is probably the most important, she noted quietly.
We can do that here.
In the car?
He turned to look at her shadowed face. In the room.
What do you want to talk about, Matt?
You. Me. Mexico. He gazed at her steadily. Will you come inside and talk to me, Sabrina?
She didnt move for a long moment. Then, All right.
Matt exhaled the breath he hadnt realized hed been holding. Pushing open the car door he climbed
out before she could change her mind. She walked without a word to the door, waiting patiently while
he fumbled a bit with the key.
Two hours. Two short hours and his hands were shaking enough to make the simple task of
inserting the key into the lock a painstaking process. When he reached out to turn on the light, Matt
realized he felt awkward and uncoordinated. His whole body seemed heavy with the weight of his
need.
Sabrina headed straight for the bathroom.
Wait! he got out hurriedly.
She glanced back expectantly. I just want to wash the grease off my hands.
He grimaced. Its a mess. Brad used it last just before we left the room.
Oh. She glanced inside and her mouth curved with a knowing smile. So I see. Gingerly she
stepped over the dirty socks and the towels that had been left lying on the tile floor. Ill manage.
She shut the door behind her.
Matt groaned silently and waited for her to emerge. When she did he went inside and washed his

own hands. A glance in the mirror showed him that there was, indeed, a small smear of grease on his
tie. Annoyed, he yanked at the knot as he walked back into the main room.
Sabrina turned to look at him and he abruptly realized it looked as though he were already starting
to undress. Barbecue sauce, he explained succinctly, jerking the tie off completely and tossing it
down on the dresser.
It gets on everything, doesnt it?
He stood in the center of the room, watching her as she wandered over to stare out the sliding glass
window. Sabrina? He heard the husky demand in his own voice and cursed silently.
What shall we talk about first, Matt?
You.
What about me?
How about whether or not youre going to give me another chance?
How badly do you want one?
Damn it, Sabrina, please dont go coy on me! He was behind her in two swift steps, close enough
now to touch her. He raised a hand and fingered one of the trailing wisps of her hair. I want you. I
cant remember wanting a woman so much. I know I havent set this up very romantically. Not nearly
as well as you set it up that first night in Mexico. Sharing a barbecue dinner with a thirteen-year-old
kid and then bringing you back to a sloppy motel room knowing weve only got a couple of hours is
just about the most uninspired scenario I can imagine. But I couldnt think of any other way to handle
it.
She turned in his arms, looking up at him with a deep, searching gaze that left him feeling poised on
some invisible brink.
You said you wanted to talk, she whispered.
I lied, he muttered. I cant think clearly enough to talk about anything except how much I need
you tonight. His fingers tightened in her hair. Its just been getting worse all day. I know Im rushing
you. I know Im behaving like a rutting fool. But something happened yesterday when I saw you again.
Something important started to fall into place. I have to find out what it is. Does that make any
sense?
Sabrina heard the aching, frustrated need buried in his voice, and it pushed her over the precipice
on which she had been standing. Slowly she wound her arms around his neck and urged his head
down to hers.
Yes, she murmured against his mouth. It makes sense.
He gathered her close with a heavy, shuddering sigh that elicited a response from deep within her.
She wanted this man; had been wanting him on various levels and in various ways since the night she
had first seen him. Shed had a month to wonder if shed made a mistake. Tonight she would find out
for certain.
Sabrina was vaguely aware of Matt reaching out to turn off the lights, but when he guided her to
one of the two double beds in the room she recognized the soft intimacy that resulted from the lack of
artificial illumination. The hum of the air conditioner was the only jarring note she noticed as Matts
hands went to the white leather belt at her waist.
You smell so good. He inhaled deeply, burying his lips in her hair as he undid the belt. I never

could get that scent out of my head.

But I dont wear perfume, she protested with a soft smile.
I know. I hate perfume. The belt fell to the floor and he fumbled for the fastenings of the dress.
God, I feel clumsy tonight. I wanted to be smooth as silk with you this time around. Make it perfect.
Didnt he realize that his unsteadiness was incredibly reassuring and endearing? Sabrina trailed
her fingertips through his hair, massaging the nape of his neck. The play of muscles beneath the skin of
his shoulders enthralled her.
I always think of a wonderful, free-running stallion when I touch you, she marveled. Even that
first night
Dont talk about that first night, he begged hoarsely. I try not to remember that disaster.
The cotton dress slipped to her feet and Sabrina was left standing in only her bra and panties. She
trembled as Matts hands moved over her with aching hunger. Arms still wound around his neck, she
lifted her face for his kiss.
Sabrina, he muttered, and then he was inside her mouth, drinking in the taste of her while he
unfastened the bra.
She felt his palms graze lightly over her breasts before sliding down to her hips to remove the
triangle of lace. When his fingertips traced into the inner curve of her thighs Sabrina moaned softly.
He reacted to the sound, lifting her up into the heat of his lower body. Have mercy, lady. I want you
so badly it hurts! There was no doubt about the aggressive desire permeating his body. Sabrina
could feel the hardness in him, and the sensation stoked her own response. Her own fingers trembling
now, she went to work on the buttons of his shirt, but halfway through the task Matt grew impatient.
Ill do it, he rasped, stepping back to yank at the buttons. A moment later the shirt was on the
floor beside her yellow dress. His low boots and slacks followed.
Youre still wearing a knife, Sabrina said, vaguely startled as her eyes skimmed over his naked
frame. She raised her questioning gaze to meet his gleaming hazel stare. Even here in Texas?
Forget the knife. He undid the leather sheath with a flick of his fingers. An old habit. He didnt
glance down as he laid the weapon on the carpet beside the bed. Matts whole attention was on
Sabrina. Come to bed with me, Sabrina. Ive been waiting so long for you. He reached out to turn
back the covers and then he reached for her.
A whole month? she tried to tease lightly. But he took the question very seriously.
Much longer than that. He pushed her gently into the sheets and came down beside her, his leg
sprawling heavily over her. God, youre soft. He groaned with anticipation and barely controlled
excitement, bending his head to feather the peaks of her breasts with his tongue.
Sabrina ran her palms wonderingly over his back, tracing the line of his spine down to his sleek
flanks. He reacted to her touch, arching his hips. She could feel the thrusting shape of his manhood,
testing and probing against her thighs, waiting for the moment of possession.
But this time, Sabrina realized, Matt was intent on doing it right. This time he held himself fiercely
in check while she relaxed and flowed under his touch. The last remnants of wariness left over from
their first encounter faded into nothingness.
Ah, Matt, please Sabrina gasped as his rough-tipped fingers traced delicate patterns across
her stomach and then sought the sensitive secrets between her thighs. Your hands, she breathed as

he stroked her with tantalizing care, I never forgot your hands.

Youre so warm and so ready for me, he murmured in awe, letting his fingers grow damp with
the evidence of her arousal. This time youre clinging to me as if youll never let go.
She could have told him that was because this time it was right. But Sabrina was unable to get the
words out of her mouth in a coherent fashion, so she tangled her legs with his and lifted herself
against him.
No, Matt ordered harshly, pushing her body back down onto the bed. I wont be able to do this
properly if you torment me like that.
Matt, stop worrying about it, she managed, sliding her fingers between their bodies to find the
throbbing hardness of him. Cant you tell youre doing everything perfectly?
God, honey, I feel like Im going to explode.
She moved her head in a slow negative on the pillow, touching him intimately. No, you feel like a
stallion ready to go over the fence.
He didnt respond verbally. Instead Matt seized her mouth with his own, his restraint clearly gone.
He pushed himself between her legs, whispering fierce encouragement as she wrapped her thighs
around his lean hips.
Sabrina felt him gathering himself and her and then he was moving heavily into her. She cried out,
the sound losing itself in his throat. Her nails sank into the taut skin across his shoulders.
Matt forged deeply into her body, holding her with an almost savage strength. Sabrina clung just as
violently, glorying in the melding of their excitement. She felt him wait for a moment, poised, while
she adjusted to the impact his body had made on hers.
Slowly he began to move within her, his mouth never leaving hers as they found the primitive
rhythm.
Sabrinas sense of time became distorted. She could not have said how long the fiery ride lasted,
but she knew that from the moment it began there was only one possible ending. Everything in her
craved that ending, and she lunged for it with all her strength. Matt, oh, my God, Matt!
Let it happen now, he whispered against her mouth. Let go of everything.
Sabrina felt the spiraling tension within her release itself with shattering suddenness. She was
dimly aware of Matts muffled shout of triumph and satisfaction, knew that she was being crushed
passionately between the bed and the man, and then she and Matt were lying in a limp, damp tangle.
Slowly the reality of the motel room returned. Sabrina was aware of the hum of the air conditioner
first and then she realized that the light streaming through the curtains was from a neon sign across the
street, not the moon.
Its not exactly Acapulco Bay by night, is it? Matt observed wryly as he stirred and reluctantly
moved to the side. He gathered her close, seeking her expression in the darkness. A lousy motel
room with no view and no romance, and we have to be out in less than two hours.
Sabrina smiled faintly, sensing his concern. She stroked the plane of his shoulder. Its all right,
Matt. In fact, it feels perfect.
He stifled a muttered exclamation and brushed his mouth against hers. Are you sure?
Yes.
Thank God. He flopped back against the pillows, pulling her down on his chest. I think I would

have committed hari-kari with my own knife if Id screwed up this time.

Sabrina tried to study his expression. Was it so important?
It was important, all right. It was crucial. He gave her a small, wicked grin, ruffling her already
mussed hair. As long as it was half as good for you as it was for me, I guess Im reasonably
satisfied.
Why? she asked simply. Beneath her breasts she could feel traces of the perspiration on his chest
and the crispness of the hair that tapered to his waist.
I just wanted to get you into bed and find out for certain what was going on between us.
One night in bed is enough to show you?
He stretched luxuriously. More than enough.
What is going on, Matt?
He looked at her, his gaze unexpectedly intent. A future.
Youre so sure?
I know I cant walk away from it. I have to keep moving toward it. Thats as good a definition of a
future as Ive ever had. I want you, Sabrina, and after tonight the wantings just going to get worse.
And I think that even though I didnt do this in the most romantic style, you wanted me tonight and
youll want me again. Am I right?
Youre turning into an egotistical, complacent, sexually aggressive male right in front of my eyes,
she complained in tones of mock despair. What happened to the sweet, pleading man who was
practically down on his knees begging for my favors earlier this evening?
Matts eyes gleamed with very masculine amusement. You granted the favors.
And created a monster in the process?
Its one of lifes paradoxes. Pleading, groveling males turn into egotistical, self-assured bastards
when they know theyve satisfied their women.
Ill keep that in mind for future reference.
He shrugged with massive insouciance. You do that. Its a no-win situation for you, though.
Oh, yeah? Hows that? she challenged, using her teeth lightly on his flat male nipple.
Ouch. Watch it, lady. Ive got bigger teeth than you have. I only meant its a no-win situation
because to reduce me to the groveling, pleading state, youve got to deny yourself. Satisfy yourself
and you automatically put me into the typical, arrogant after-sex syndrome.
Hah, Ill find a way to have my cake and eat it, too.
I expect better minds than yours have worked on the problem, he told her.
Sabrina bit him again. He just grinned at her, the devil looking out of his eyes. Sabrina gave up,
turning serious. What happens now, Matt? When are you going back to Mexico?
Im not. At least not right away.
What are you going to do? She frowned uncertainly.
Ive been thinking about it off and on since I picked up Brad. Im inclined to get an apartment here
in Dallas for the summer. Elena can run the bookstore in Acapulco. I can make a couple of trips down
to check on things. In the meantime Ill start looking for a respectable job here.
Because of Brad?

He hesitated. Partly. Partly because of you. Between the two of you I seem to have to do some
future planning. Its been a while since I had to worry about that kind of thing.
Sabrina listened to the curious sense of surprise in his voice and wondered about the future herself.
What happens if Brads mother decides she wants him back at the end of the summer?
I guess it will depend a lot on what Brad wants. Im not sure whats going on inside his head,
Sabrina. I know he feels rejected. Ginny and he have been at each others throats, apparently, for
several months. Brad doesnt like the guy she married. I gather the feelings mutual. I also get the
feeling that if shes forced to choose between her marriage and Brad, Ginny will take the marriage.
Brad, I think, knows that. Its almost as if hes been trying to force the final confrontation. God knows
why.
Maybe he just cant take the uncertainty.
Matt nodded thoughtfully. Maybe. I can understand that. Better to know the worst than to be kept
wondering whats going to happen. Lord knows what kind of a father Im going to make. I wasnt
much of one during the early years of his life. I was gone half the time and spent the other half doing
battle with Ginny. As far as I can tell hes only interested in some kind of fantasy military world. Ive
been thinking of using that angle to establish some kind of communication with him. As it stands now I
hardly know my son.
You hardly know me, Sabrina pointed out quietly. Youre going to make a decision about
staying in Dallas and finding a job based on two people you dont know very well?
I want a chance to get to know both of you better. Staying in Dallas looks like the best way of
doing that, Matt said simply.
You seem different from the way you were in Mexico. It was true. Seeing a future did that for a
man, Sabrina supposed.
He shifted slightly on the pillow, propping himself up on one elbow to examine her face. Down
there I was worried that an ex-major who had been forced to resign because of general stupidity
might not be romantic enough to hold you. Up here Ive started worrying that a forty-year-old,
unemployed male with a rude, withdrawn kid might not be exciting enough to interest you.
You seem to spend a lot of your time worrying.
Only since I met you.
Reach any conclusions? she asked.
Fortunately for my peace of mind, you gave me a handle on the situation tonight, Matt said softly.
Think you can hold me with sex, hmmm?
You shouldnt have given yourself so completely tonight, honey. You managed to give yourself
away.
The scraping of a key in the lock of the motel-room door cut off any reply Sabrina could have found
to Matts outrageous claim. Startled, she automatically glanced toward the door. The next thing she
knew Matt had left the bed with feral swiftness.
She stared in horror as he scooped up the knife sheath. He was nearly at the door when it swung
open. Matt froze as he saw who the intruder was.
Brad stood on the threshold, staring at the naked man and the naked blade. For an instant utter
silence reigned over a coiled tension that threatened to explode. Sabrina watched in shock as father

and son confronted each other. A part of her realized that Brad was one very lucky young man. If he
had seen the way his father had moved across the room he might have realized how close hed been to
finding the blade at his throat. As it was, she guessed he knew hed had a close encounter with
disaster. Several seconds passed before he took a breath.
Get out, Brad. Go outside and wait by the car. Matt sheathed the knife and walked forward
grimly.
Brads eyes swung accusingly to Sabrina, who sat holding the sheet over her breasts. Even in the
pale glow of light provided by the neon sign she could read the anger and resentment in that gaze that
was so like his fathers.
Sorry I came back too early. Its your own fault, Dad. You should have told me youd need the
whole two hours to do it to her. I asked you how long it would take, remember?
Matt dropped an iron hand on his sons shoulder and shoved him back through the door. I said get
out. He yanked the door shut behind the boy and drew a long, steadying breath. Sabrina knew that he
was controlling both anger and the adrenaline that must have flooded his bloodstream the moment he
realized someone was coming through the door. Slowly he turned to face her.
Im sorry, he said starkly. Goddamn it to hell. Im sorry, Sabrina.
Unsteadily Sabrina edged off the bed, scrabbling on the floor for her underwear. It wasnt just the
natural embarrassment she was feeling that made her movements awkward. She knew she was also
reacting to the vestiges of explosive tension that still ricocheted around the motel room. Hastily she
pulled on her clothing.
Sabrina?
I think youd better take me home, Matt. She saw his right hand, the one that had been holding the
knife, move in a flexing action. Each finger was stretched out before being pulled back into a tight
fist. Then he walked across the room and began pulling on his own clothes.
Im not used to managing my life with a kid around, Matt said gruffly as he stuffed his shirt into
the waistband of his slacks. Ill slaughter him later. He eyed Sabrinas set face warily. Honey, I
never meant for you to be embarrassed like that.
Im sure you didnt. Sabrina shook her head. Im not used to being embarrassed like that, either.
Ill say one thing. An evening with you always holds the element of surprise.
Jesus. Matt closed his eyes in brief disgust. Ill kill him.
No, you wont. Sabrina smiled sardonically. Youll just chew him out. And I think thats
enough. The boys scared to death of me, you know.
Scared of you? Matt appeared shocked.
Sure. He sees me as a threat. Look at it from his point of view. Hes already lost one parent to
another adult. Now he probably thinks hes in danger of losing you.
Matt was startled. Hes not going to lose me.
Better tell him that, Sabrina advised as she fastened her white leather belt and tried
unsuccessfully to straighten her hair. I saw the fear in his eyes, Matt.
Youre an authority on child psychology?
I grew up with two brothers. I remember the way they acted after my mother died, when my father
began to see women friends. They were scared to death. She, on the other hand, would have

welcomed another female into the household. As it was, her father had not remarried, and Sabrina had
been left to battle on alone against the all-male hierarchy.
Matt was watching her with an odd expression. I see.
Explain your plans to him, Matt. Tell him hes the most important part of them. Sabrina turned
toward the door. Let him know Im not a threat.
Matt was beside her, reaching out to grasp her arm before she could open the door. When she
glanced up at him, his eyes were full of a strange anger. Strange because it was directed at her and not
at Brad.
Why are you so sure youre not a threat, Sabrina? Because you dont intend to get seriously
involved with a washed-up ex-military type who, on top of everything else, has a belligerent,
resentful son? You never wanted anything more than a few nights in some hotel room, did you?
Youre the lady who was out to live her own life on her own terms. I have a hunch I dont fit too well
into your long-term plans.
You said that you were only recently getting into long-term planning yourself, she tossed back.
The thought of Brad waiting out by the car was making her increasingly uneasy. She wanted to go
home.
Matt started to say something else and changed his mind. He reached around her to yank open the
door. Brad, who had been leaning against the Fords fender, straightened. His gaze went to Sabrina
and then to his father.
Wait in the room while I take Sabrina home, Matt said coldly. Ill be back in a few minutes.
Take your time, Brad muttered.
Before we leave, you will apologize to Sabrina.
How was I to know she was in bed with you? Brad protested tightly.
We all know you left the theater early in hopes of embarrassing her. Matts tone chilled to the
bone. Well, you succeeded. So you will apologize.
Sabrina shivered under the blanket of ice Matt was laying down. If his voice was affecting her this
way when she wasnt even the intended victim, she could imagine what it was doing to a thirteenyear-old kid whose main goal in life was to hold on to his father.
Sorry, Miss Chase. There was no real apology in the words, only frustrated anger.
Sabrina nodded bleakly. Please, Matt. Lets go.
Ill be back shortly, Matt warned his son, and then he opened the car door for Sabrina. Ten
minutes later, without a word having been spoken for the entire distance of the short trip, the Ford
was pulling into Sabrinas parking lot.
Sabrina had almost convinced herself that she was going to escape unscathed into the relative calm
and safety of her own home when Matt finally broke the silence. He waited until they were at her
front door before pulling her firmly to a halt. When she looked up she found him frowning at her with
savage determination.
I know its not perfect for you. Nothing in life is, Sabrina. But its going to get better.
What is, Matt?
You and me. Us. Its too late for you to back out now. I want you to realize that.
Dont push me, Matt.

I wont. His mouth firmed. At least, I wont any more than I have to in order to keep from losing
you. He bent swiftly and kissed her. Good night, Sabrina. Ill call you in the morning to find out.
Find out what?
The answer to that question weve both been asking for the past month. He opened the door and
pushed her gently inside, and then he was gone.
Sabrina stared after him through the curtain. When the taillights of the Ford had disappeared, she
slowly turned away from the window and headed for her bedroom. She was as curious as Matt about
whether or not she would hate herself in the morning.
Across the street from Sabrinas apartment Griffin turned to Shadwell, who was at the wheel of the
nondescript Buick.
If you ask me, that might be the end of it. A woman like that isnt going to be too thrilled about
finding herself first getting laid in a cheap motel and then having the kid arrive back at the room at
what must have been a somewhat awkward point.
August isnt turning out to be the worlds smoothest lover, is he? Shadwell grinned. Course, its
probably tough trying to make it under his present circumstances. Like you said, she doesnt look like
the type to put up with the situation very long.
A couple of nights will probably be all shell want. Coynes right. The affairs bound to fizzle
soon. August will be on his way back to Mexico by the end of the week.
With the kid, Shadwell pointed out, lighting a cigarette.
Maybe. Maybe not. Would you want to be saddled with that kid?
Nope. You think hell take the boy back to the mother?
Thats sure as hell what Id do. Especially when the kid started getting in the way of my love
life.
We should know in a few days if the situation is going to sort itself out nice and neat. If it doesnt,
Coyne will have other plans.
He needs August, Griffin said quietly. We all need him. Hes the only one Valdez will accept.
Well get him. Shadwell inhaled on the cigarette and put the Buick in gear.
Sabrina was sound asleep the next morning when the phone rang beside her bed. She made a
couple of halfhearted attempts to ignore it and then surrendered to the inevitable.
This had better be important, she muttered into the phone without any preamble. Its not even six
oclock. Ive killed for less.
Its important, Matts voice said quietly. I have to know.
Sabrina opened her eyes and settled back on the pillow to gaze thoughtfully at the ceiling. The
seconds ticked past while she considered the matter in all its varied aspects.
No, she announced finally. I dont hate myself.
Christ, thats a relief. Maybe now I can get some sleep.
Wondering about it kept you awake all night?
Yeah.
I dont believe you. I think youre just an early riser. Youre up early, so you decided to pester
me.

Id like to do a whole lot more than pester you with obscene phone calls at five forty-five A.M.
Good lord. That is an obscene time to call anyone. Wheres Brad?
Still asleep.
Sabrina hesitated uncertainly. Were you very hard on him, Matt?
I tore several large strips off him. And then I took your advice and told him that what was going
on between you and me doesnt have anything to do with him. I tried to explain that his relationship
with me is independent of mine with you.
Do you think he bought it?
I dont know. He didnt say another word for the rest of the evening. Just sat and read his dumb
magazines until it was time to go to bed.
How much longer are you going to keep him in that motel room?
Well start looking for an apartment this afternoon.
Youre serious about staying in Dallas? she asked carefully.
Youre not going to get rid of me this time as easily as you did down in Mexico. Matt spoke with
absolute conviction. Things are different this time.
Sabrina took a deep breath. Then why dont you move in with me until you find your own place?
Ive got an extra room you and Brad can share.
Dead silence greeted the offer. Sabrina realized she was gripping the phone with unnatural force.
In another moment it would probably crumble in her hand. Thats a serious offer? Matt finally
asked in a suspiciously neutral voice.
I think so.
Arrange for a key at your managers office. Brad and I will have dinner waiting for you when you
get home from work. Matt hung up the phone without saying goodbye.
Sabrina sat up in bed, staring at the receiver and wondering if shed gone momentarily crazy.
Trouble, she thought. Im asking for nothing but trouble.
Trouble, thought Rafferty Coyne that afternoon, was exactly what Miss Sabrina Chase was proving
to be. He received the report from Griffin and Shadwell that August had packed up himself and his
son and moved lock, stock, and barrel into Sabrinas apartment.
It looks serious, Griffin offered by way of opinion.
If hes moving in with her, odds are hes going to stay here in Dallas for a while. Shadwell
watched Coyne carefully. What now? Absently he fingered the hilt of the knife he kept strapped
under his arm.
Now we proceed to the next stage, Coyne told them with unflappable calm. Ill handle it
myself.
When Sabrina pulled into her parking lot that afternoon, the first thing she looked for and saw was
the now-familiar rented Ford. It was parked directly in front of her apartment. Matt had taken her up
on the offer.
All day long shed had second thoughts about inviting him and his son into her home. But she hadnt
hated herself this morning, so shed stuck by her decision this evening. Opening the car door, she
stepped out and walked slowly toward the apartment. There was no one inside, although she saw a

large sack of potato chips sitting on the counter. That would probably be the carbohydrate
contribution to tonights dinner, she decided wryly. She couldnt wait to see what the rest of the no
doubt well-balanced meal would look like.
By the time she reached the kitchen she realized her new houseguests were out on the back patio. A
little uncertainly Sabrina opened the screen door and stepped outside.
A knife flew past her head, missing her by no more than a foot. It landed with a thunk in a target that
had been erected at the far end of the patio.
Shit! Matt roared, advancing on Sabrina. Dont ever, ever, walk out here unannounced again
when Im throwing. What the hells the matter with you, lady? Dont you have an ounce of common
sense? She drew back, glaring at him. Brad stood in the background, holding a wide-bladed knife he
had been about to hurl at the target in which his father had just scored a bulls-eye. She swung her
gaze to the boy. Is this the way he yelled at you last night? she inquired interestedly.
Brad looked startled by the question. Then he said slowly, Yeah, something like that. There was a
little more of it, though.
What in the world is going on out here? Sabrina demanded.
Dads teaching me how to throw knives, Brad said with the first genuine enthusiasm she had ever
heard in his voice. Hes good. Really good. You ought to see him in action.
Sabrina stared at first one and then the other. Ive seen your father in action, and Im not at all sure
he should be teaching you the kind of tricks Im afraid he knows, she murmured coldly. Memories of
the way he had come up off the bed and headed for the door, knife in hand, last night flickered through
her brain. Im not sure what sorts of things fathers are supposed to teach their sons, but I have a
feeling this kind of skill is not going to be very useful either in school or in getting a future job, Brad.
Dont let the indignant act fool you, Brad, Matt pulled the knife from the target. The first night I
met Sabrina down in Mexico she wound up throwing a knife at me.
I most certainly did not! I was simply returning it to you, Sabrina sputtered, aware of the red
stain on her cheeks as she told the bold-faced lie. She had been so furious that night that she hadnt
even stopped to think what she was doing.
Matt turned, knife in hand, to laugh at her. Returning it to me! Sabrina Chase. That knife missed me
by no more than a few inches. I wont forget that little scene for as long as I live. Dont you dare stand
there and claim you were merely handing it back to me!
Brad was studying Sabrina with grave interest. Did you really throw a knife at him?
Sabrina lifted her chin, vividly aware of two important elements in the atmosphere here on the
patio.
Number one was that for the first time Brad and his father seemed to be communicating in a fairly
relaxed fashion. The second was that knowing shed had the nerve to hurl a knife at Matt August was
buying her some respect from Brad. Sabrina didnt have the willpower to puncture either of those
fragile new developments. All three of them needed the step forward in communication.
I refuse to discuss the issue further, she declared regally, her hands on her hips while the two
males grinned at her. What I want to know now is, Wheres the dinner I was promised?
Were going to have a drink first, Matt informed her, replacing the throwing knives in a small
tray Brad was holding. Tonight were celebrating.

Are we? Sabrina asked rather gently.

Oh, yes. No doubt about it. I havent had this much to celebrate in a long time. For a moment his
eyes held hers across the patio, and then he turned to his son. Come on, Brad. You get the potato
chips. Ill take care of the drinks.
Right, Dad.
Thoughtfully Sabrina watched the boy dash into the apartment to carry out his fathers orders. It
looks like the two of you have found something in common, she said softly as the screen door
slammed.
Matt closed the knife tray. Im working on it.
It was several hours later that Sabrina finally wandered into her bedroom and opened the closet
door to find her robe. The first thing she saw was a neat, professionally pressed khaki shirt hanging
where her robe usually hung. Below it was a pair of low boots, polished to a dull glow. To one side
hung a pair of slacks that had been creased to perfection.
She was still staring into her closet when the bedroom door opened behind her.
Since youve decided you didnt hate yourself in the morning, Matt said deliberately as he shut
the door and stood watching her, I saw no reason not to put my things in here instead of in Brads
room.
Youre not afraid Ill start throwing knives at you again? she asked with a small smile.
Ill risk it.
Brave man.
He shook his head. No, just one with a lot at stake. He came toward her slowly, the hunger plain
in his eyes.
If the need in him had been simply for sex, Sabrina thought, she could have resisted. If the need in
herself had been simply for sex, she could have resisted. But there was more, much more, that this
man needed and wanted from her. And a growing amount she needed and wanted from him.
So she smiled and went into his arms.

Chapter Six
It occurred to Matt as he carefully set the dials on Sabrinas washing machine that what he was
really cut out for in life was to be a househusband. Maybe he ought to pursue the career with gusto.
He could sign up to sell Mary Kay Cosmetics door to door and start dressing in plastic wrap to greet
Sabrina in the evenings.
Sabrina might like that. She had a connoisseurs appreciation for true tackiness.
Opting for warm wash and cold rinse, Matt stepped back and let the machine go into action. Hed
selected the longest wash cycle on the theory that Brads socks would need it. Things were improving
now that Matt had taken him shopping in the mall where Sabrina had her store. At least the kid had
enough pairs of socks to last for a week. But Brads chief fashion interest still centered on garments
spattered with the colors of alien landscapes. Landscapes that held the promise of violence and death.
It was natural for young boys to be interested in a fantasy world of action and adventure, Matt
reminded himself. He glanced out the window and saw Brad poised on the diving board of the pool
that occupied the center of the apartment-complex grounds. The kid was still lanky and a little
uncoordinated at times, but soon he would start filling out. There was a promise of strength in him,
Matt thought with a sense of satisfaction. And the boy had a natural feel for handling a knife.
Sabrina had made it clear she wasnt at all sure it was proper to be teaching Brad such potentially
lethal skills. But since that afternoon a few weeks ago when shed stepped out onto the patio and
almost become a target, she hadnt said anything more in front of Brad. Matt appreciated that. She
seemed to understand that the knives were the first common ground of interest he had established with
his son.
I suppose youre lucky, shed observed last night in bed. You could have found him wearing a
punk rock hairstyle and a safety pin through his nose.
Or found him tending toward your friend Alexs persuasion, Matt had agreed as he slid into bed
beside her. He was pleasantly aware of just how comfortable it was to climb into bed beside
Sabrina.
There is nothing wrong with Alexs sexual preferences, shed replied with a sniff. And a lot to
be said for his other interests in life.
Matt had levered himself up on one elbow, smiling down at her as he began to coax her nipple out
of its burrow with his free hand. He was getting addicted to the way her body responded to his touch.
What other interests?
Well, for one thing he doesnt throw knives or play with guns. He prefers gallery openings and the
ballet. He appreciates fine wine and French cooking. And I find his fashion advice invaluable.
Ill bet.
Its true!
Leather jeans and rhinestone cowboy shirts? Thats fashion? Matt had grinned complacently.

Sabrinas nipple was taut now under the fine material of her nightgown. He went to work on the peak
of her other breast, savoring the satisfaction he derived from arousing her.
He only wears those things to the shop. Its a joke between us to dress as tacky as the tourists
expect, shed insisted.
Okay, okay, Im not arguing with you about Alex, Matt had soothed, bending his head to brush his
mouth along the base of her throat. As soon as hed realized that Alex had presented no competition
for Sabrina, hed dismissed the other man from his mind. Im sure hes a great guy.
The best. Alex and I have a lot in common, you know.
Matt had slid her an interested sidelong glance. You do? hed inquired politely.
Ummm. Hes fated to become the uncle whos a tad different and Im fated to become the aunt
whos eccentric.
Lets talk about something else besides Alex, Matt had ordered, losing interest in the
conversation in direct ratio to his own increasing arousal.
Sabrina had sighed and reached out to twine her arms around his neck. Just before his mouth had
closed over hers, however, shed asked, Know what I like best about Alex?
What?
Hes the only man Ive ever met who doesnt try to give me orders.
Matt had canceled the rest of the remarks about Alex by crushing Sabrina firmly back into the
pillows.
Remembering the scene in her bedroom now as he finished setting the dials on the washing
machine, Matt smiled with a touch of complacency. Hed felt good these past few days. Better than he
had in a long while. He realized he was beginning to feel focused again. Once upon a time his career
had provided that point of reference, but now it was becoming clear that other factors worked just as
well. Maybe even better, he thought wryly as he opened a cupboard door to check on cereal supplies.
Brad ate a ton of dried cereal in the mornings and Sabrina was turning out to be rather haphazard
about such matters as organized marketing. Matt made a note to add cereal and milk to the shopping
list.
Getting the household organized had occupied him fairly well for the past few weeks, but now that
a routine had been established, Matt knew he was going to have to face the one big, unsettled area of
his changing life.
He was going to have to find a job.
There was a monthly income from the bookshop, of course, but while it was sufficient to maintain
himself in Mexico, things were different in Dallas. Matt had realized that with a shock when hed
paid the motel bill and bought a few groceries. And now he had to maintain not only himself but Brad.
In addition, it was of paramount importance that he be able to at least match Sabrinas income. The
very last thing he could allow was that she foot more than her share of the bills.
Hed never actually lived with a woman other than Ginny, Matt realized. None of the few, fleeting
affairs in which hed been involved had ever gotten to that stage. Living with Ginny had been so
goddamned difficult he hadnt wanted to try it with anyone else.
But things were different now. Life was different. His whole world was different. The only thing
that wasnt different was the need for money. Matt opened the refrigerator and got out a beer. Then he

wandered out onto the patio and flopped down into a lounger to consider his future prospects for a
career.
Bleak was the first word that came to mind. There was always the possibility of working in a
bookstore, he supposed. But there was no way a clerical job such as that would let him hold his own
with Sabrinas apparently healthy income. Perhaps the answer was to open his own bookstore, he
mused.
That last prospect would take capital. He could raise some from the sale of the shop in Mexico, but
it could be months before he found a buyer. If he did get a new store established here in Dallas he
was fairly certain he could make a go of it, because hed learned one vital lesson about the book
business down in Mexico. You gave the customers what they wanted, not what they had been told they
should buy. Matt had no philosophical qualms about stocking a bookstore with sleazy mens
adventure fiction, slushy romances, and novels about neurotic New Yorkers. Hed also learned
another important marketing lesson. You never let the customer know what you really thought of his
selection. He never sneered when he rang up the latest sale of a horror novel, for instance.
Yes, he might be able to make a go of it, but it would take time. Time and capital to invest. He
remembered Rafferty Coynes offer. A month of work and twenty-five thousand in cash.
He was still thinking of Rafferty Coynes offer the following afternoon when he got back from the
supermarket with Brad and found Coyne sitting in an air-conditioned car in front of Sabrinas
apartment.
Coyne nodded at him through the window and then opened the car door. He was alone, Matt saw.
Brad, take the groceries into the kitchen and then go take a swim, okay?
I already went swimming this morning, Brad complained, but he reached into the backseat for a
sack.
Its hot. Take another. I have to talk to someone. It was an order, delivered in the calm,
emotionless tone that even Brad respected.
Oh, all right. Whore you going to talk to? That little guy with the fancy briefcase?
Get going, Brad.
Grumbling, Brad got out of the car. He threw a mildly disgusted glance in Coynes direction and
then carried the groceries into the apartment.
Matt climbed out of the car and let the door shut behind him. He waited, forcing Coyne to cross the
distance between them.
I dont think I care for Texas, Coyne murmured.
Its rather warm, isnt it?
No worse than Mexico.
Ah, but in Acapulco one had that lovely view of the bay and in the evening there was often a
pleasant breeze. Im surprised you left. Im even more surprised that you havent returned.
I had to take care of a few things. Matt folded his arms and leaned back against the Ford.
So I see. A fine-looking young man, your son. Coyne nodded in the direction in which Brad had
disappeared.
How did you find me, Coyne?
With a bit of work. The same way I found you in Mexico. You werent trying to hide. If you had

been, I might not have been successful. At least not this quickly. You have a reputation for being able
to disappear.
Matt tilted his head thoughtfully. I do?
So Ramon Valdez says. Im told you should never have made it out of the jungle that night two
years ago, let alone with your surviving men.
Disappearing in a jungle is much easier than disappearing in Dallas, Texas. Matt straightened
away from the car and started toward the apartment. But now that youve found me, you might as
well come inside. Still recruiting, I see.
Oh, yes. Still recruiting. Valdez wont work with anyone else, Im afraid. And you owe me an
answer, I believe. I expected to hear from you last week.
I got busy.
So it seems. Too busy to listen to a proposal that pays twenty-five thousand dollars? He
followed Matt into the apartment and glanced around with mild interest.
I havent forgotten the deal. Want a beer? Matt headed for the refrigerator, glad to see that Brad
had followed instructions. Through the kitchen window he could see the boy sauntering out to the
pool, dragging a towel behind him. Even as Matt watched, another young teenager appeared from one
of the other apartments, a girl in a very small bikini. Brad appeared to see her at the same time. He
immediately lifted the towel off the ground and slung it nonchalantly around his neck. Thats it, kid.
You gotta be cool to impress the ladies. Just look at how your old man is trying to impress
Sabrina. A drink when she walks in the door and a home-cooked meal every evening. But I dont
think thats going to make up for the fact that I cant pay my half of the rent much longer. Being
broke was definitely not cool.
I dont care for a beer. Have you any fruit juice? Coyne asked politely.
Orange juice.
That will be fine. Have you switched from whiskey to beer?
Everyone drinks beer in Texas. Im trying to acclimate.
I see. Youre planning on staying here, then? Coyne accepted the orange juice as he sat down on
the persimmon-colored sofa. He appeared to be examining the juice closely to be certain it hadnt
been doctored.
Im thinking about it. Matt dropped into the leather seat of a chrome-framed chair and decided
that for all his dapper arrogance, Coyne looked a little drab against Sabrinas brightly colored
furniture. Her bright, modern taste was cheerful, to say the least, and Rafferty Coyne would never in a
million years look cheerful. The tacky postcard collection framed and hanging on the wall behind
Coynes head made the severe, aloof man look even more ridiculous. Sabrinas home seemed
designed to deflate the pompous. Matt wondered if shed achieved the effect deliberately or if it had
just come naturally.
Coyne looked at him. I will tell you quite frankly that I need you on this job, Matt. Valdez wont
work with anyone else. A most untrusting man.
Matt shrugged, sipping the beer. Hes got reason to be. The U.S. government has been known to be
untrustworthy when it comes to dealing with independents such as Valdez.
Its his own fault, Coyne snapped, showing a rare trace of emotion that quickly evaporated. If

he would simply ally himself one hundred percent with us, we would be happy to back him one
hundred percent in return.
But allying himself one hundred percent with us would mean taking orders from the U.S.
government. Valdez has no intention of committing himself so completely. He has a vision of
independence for his little island, Matt pointed out coolly. Outdated, old-fashioned, and basically
quite revolutionary, but there you have it.
His vision makes him tricky to deal with.
Thats probably what England thought about Washington, Jefferson, and the others.
Coyne looked suddenly approving. You really are a patriot, arent you, Major August?
Matt frowned. Im practical.
Yes, they say that about you, too. You make pragmatic decisions in the field. You do what has to
be done. How about here in Dallas, Matt? Are you practical in this environment?
When necessary.
You seem to be setting out on a new course in your life. Coyne indicated the sleek, modern
apartment with a nod of his head. Or is this a temporary arrangement?
Matt took another sip of beer and faced his future. No, its not temporary. Not if I can help it.
Coynes fingers drummed a few beats on the leather briefcase. Will you need money in this new
arrangement? he asked delicately.
Matt took his time answering. Ill need more than twenty-five thousand for this new lifestyle, he
finally said slowly.
Coynes eyes narrowed. You know as well as I do that there are ceilings on what I can pay
outside help.
Ah, yes, budgetary considerations. Matt nodded. I understand your position, Coyne. But Im
afraid the government is going to find me a tad more expensive now than they did when I worked for a
majors salary. He would keep this strictly on a financial level, Matt promised himself. He would
make all his decisions for practical reasons.
Theres more than money involved here, Coyne observed.
Not for me, there isnt.
Your government needs you, Major August.
My government should have considered that possibility when they screwed me two years ago.
What about you, Matt? Dont you need more than money out of this? If you are successful on this
mission, Im sure I will be able to offer others. There is a chance to build a more or less permanent
association between us. A working relationship that could endure for some time.
Until I get killed, for example.
Coyne waited, drinking the last of his orange juice and looking around for somewhere to set the
glass. He chose one of Brads soldier-of-fortune-style magazines that were lying on the black lacquer
coffee table. Coyne pursed his mouth thoughtfully as he gazed down at the cover.
Are any of the ludicrous ads in this magazine offering more than what Im offering? Coyne
demanded.
Matt glanced at Brads magazine. The going rate seems to be in the neighborhood of fifty

thousand. He hoped Coyne would not pick up the thing and glance at the ads. Matt had no idea what
kind of money, if any, was actually being offered to would-be mercenaries these days.
Fifty thousand! The little man looked mortally stricken.
I thought it sounded like a nice, round number.
Thats ridiculous!
Oh, come on, Coyne. We send millions into a country were interested in saving from communism.
All Im asking is fifty grand. You know as well as I do youre more likely to get your moneys worth
out of me than you are by handing it over to one of our so-called friends in that part of the world.
Coyne looked affronted, but he didnt disagree. Forty thousand. That is absolutely as high as I
have been authorized to go on this mission.
You work for a cheap, penny-pinching outfit, Coyne.
We have a duty to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
Matts smile was grim. You may rest assured that any tax dollars I take from you will go to a
worthy cause.
May I assume we have a deal?
Ill let you know tomorrow.
Why not now?
Because now my lady is coming home from a hard days work and I havent even slipped into my
Saran Wrap outfit, let alone chilled her favorite wine. Youll have to excuse me. Duty calls.
Matt got to his feet as, with the usual flourish, Sabrinas Alfa Romeo pulled into one of the parking
spaces in front of the apartment.
Are you sure you havent made up your mind already, Major? Coyne obediently rose and started
toward the door.
I told you. Ill let you know tomorrow. Matt opened the door for Sabrina, who was striding up
the walk, her red leather purse slung over her shoulder. She was wearing white jeans and the fake
silver necklace. She smiled brilliantly when she saw him standing in the doorway, and then she
caught sight of Rafferty Coyne.
Hello, she said politely, surprised to see a stranger in her house. Friend of Matts?
Hes pushing door-to-door cosmetics and hes just leaving, Matt explained.
I see. Sabrina stood aside on the walk as the visitor bustled past her with a distant, polite nod.
She turned to Matt. Youre not buying?
Im considering the offer. Come on inside, Sabrina. Ill get you your wine.
Sabrina followed. Matt had been living with her for only a short time, but she was rapidly learning
to recognize his moods.
I dont think I like him. Placing her purse on the counter, Sabrina sat on a stool to unfasten her
high-heeled sandals. She watched as Matt opened the refrigerator and removed a bottle of very cold
Chenin Blanc. He had lied to Coyne. He was very careful about keeping a bottle of Sabrinas favorite
wine properly chilled.
Dont feel bad. I dont think anyone actually likes Rafferty Coyne.
Who is he? She kicked the shoes under the stool and reached out to take the wine from him. The

evening routine was becoming comfortable and familiar, she realized vaguely. She had been
wondering how long Matt would be content with it.
A man with an offer of a job. Matt popped the top on another can of beer. Ill tell you about it
later.
Which meant in bed so that Brad wouldnt overhear. That bad, huh?
Its a lot of money, Sabrina. And I could use the infusion of capital.
Why is he willing to pay you all that money, and just how much is it, anyway?
Later, Sabrina. Here comes Brad.
Sabrina stifled her impatience as the boy came across the patio and through the back door. Having
a kid in the house definitely hampered communication at times. But she was learning to adjust, and so,
surprisingly, was Brad. They had reached a sort of truce after that afternoon on the patio when she
had interrupted the knife-throwing session. Perhaps because a tentative give-and-take had been
established with his father or perhaps because Brad was slowly beginning to believe that Sabrina
wasnt going to separate him from his parent, he seemed willing to tolerate her presence. Nice of him,
Sabrina sometimes thought, considering it was, after all, her home.
Watching him come through the back door, dripping water on the floor, a towel slung around his
neck, she suddenly realized that he was going to look a lot like his father in another few years. He
would grow into those large hands and feet and outgrow the awkwardness of an adolescent male
body. Idly she wondered if her new nephew would grow up looking like Nolan.
Hi, Brad.
Lo, Sabrina. Bring home the chili you promised?
Ive got it. Genuine Instant Texas Panhandle Chili. Direct to you from New Jersey. Did you think
Id forget?
He shook his head, spattering water like a dog. No, its just that I
For Petes sake, Brad, go back out on the patio until you dry off, Matt ordered mildly.
Okay, okay. Sheesh. What a grouch. But Brad stepped back outside and quickly dried himself. It
didnt take long in the late-afternoon heat.
So why were you worried about the chili? Sabrina called through the screen door.
Well, theres this girl. Shes new here and I was sorta thinking about asking her if she wants to eat
with us. Is that okay?
Sabrina blinked. Sure.
Thanks. Brad sounded almost grateful. Ill go tell her its all set. Be right back. He dashed off
in the direction of a young girl wearing a bikini, who was trying to look terribly unconcerned and
aloof as she sat by the pool.
Christ. Matt shook his head. The kids turning into a fast mover.
Like his father.
Matt eyed her thoughtfully. This has been a little rough on you, hasnt it? Me landing on your
doorstep with a kid in tow.
Its been a change, thats for sure. She grinned, wondering at the seriousness behind his words.
But I think Brad and I are showing a high tolerance level for each other.

How high exactly is your tolerance level, Sabrina? Matt downed a long swallow of beer,
planting himself in the middle of the kitchen floor as if he were getting ready to do battle.
Instantly wary, Sabrina paused before answering. Why do you ask? Planning a little test?
Could you handle him alone, by yourself, for a month?
What? Dumbfounded, she stared at him.
Matt said something under his breath, something aimed at himself. Forget it. Ill talk to you later.
I get the feeling I may not want to hear this fascinating bedtime conversation youre planning. This
has something to do with that little twerp with the briefcase, doesnt it?
Matt peered attentively out through the screen door. Brads coming back. Grinning like a fool. I
guess the girl accepted the hot date. He seemed relieved at the interruption.
Matt, I want some answers.
He sighed. Later.
I had no idea, Sabrina muttered several hours later as she emerged from the bathroom into the
adjoining bedroom, how painful it is to watch young love in bloom. She knotted the sash of her
yellow terrycloth robe and flopped down into a chair. Poor little things, they dont even know how
to make conversation at that age, do they? Or maybe its just that they have trouble making
conversation in front of us adults. She recalled Brads alternating awkwardness and excitement as he
had tried to entertain his young acquaintance over Instant Genuine Texas Panhandle Chili. Cindy
Tyler, also thirteen and equally ill at ease in front of grown-ups, had gone through long stretches of
silence broken by moments of stark politeness as she asked for catsup or potato chips. The two had
found a common bond in a television show after dinner and then Cindy had said she had to go home.
Brad had gallantly walked her back across the lawn that separated the apartment buildings. He had
returned in less than ten minutes.
Dont you remember what it was like? Matt lazily stripped off his shirt and dropped it into the
dirty-clothes hamper he had insisted Sabrina buy.
To tell you the truth, no. My father let me do very little socializing at thirteen. She found it
interesting that Matt had objected to tossing his dirty clothes into a corner of the closet until he had
enough for a wash. Sabrina wasnt sure she liked having a hamper invade her room after all these
years of being free of one, but so far she tolerated it because Matt was doing the laundry. Even when
I was older my social life was severely inhibited by the fact that I was a bankers daughter and I had
two very large, overly protective brothers. My real problem was finding dates who had enough guts
to brave the gauntlet my family insisted on putting each one of them through.
Sheltered, huh? I can understand it. If I had a teenage daughter instead of Brad, I would have been
pacing the floor during the ten minutes he was outside alone tonight.
My father and brothers carried everything to extremes when it came to raising me. I tried to
explain to them that I wasnt exactly a femme fatale at thirteen, but they wouldnt listen. I certainly
didnt look as good as Cindy does in a bikini! I wasnt even allowed to buy a bikini.
Was it really that rough growing up in an all-male household? Matt asked as he stepped inside
the bathroom to brush his teeth. He left the door open.
Why do you think Im living a couple of thousand miles away from my family? she shot back. It
could only be called ironic, she decided, that she was once again the only female in an all-male
household. From where she sat she could see the smoothly muscled planes of Matts bare back as he

bent over the sink. The jeans he was wearing rode low on his hips. Sabrina was half tempted to walk
across the room just to touch him, even though in a few minutes she could have as much of him as she
wanted.
After you got into that mess out in California you werent tempted to run home for aid and
comfort? he asked curiously.
No more than you were after you left the Army after what happened two years ago.
There was silence from the bathroom for a moment. Then Matt said slowly, We do have a few
things in common, dont we?
A few, Sabrina said carefully. She sensed the change in his tone. Which things, precisely, were
you thinking of?
He rinsed his mouth and straightened away from the sink, reaching for a towel. How about
pride? He walked to the threshold of the door and stood looking at her.
Sabrina met his eyes with a level glance of her own. Is this later? she asked calmly.
Looks like it. He came slowly across the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. Feet planted
apart, he rested his elbows on his knees, hands clasped loosely together. There was a cool
implacableness in his expression that warned Sabrina she wasnt going to like later.
Just run through it quick in short, easy sentences, okay? Be succinct.
He nodded once. Okay. I told you Id been offered a job. Rafferty Coyne is the guy making the
offer. One months work. Forty thousand dollars, cash.
Sabrina felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Thats certainly short and easy.
I cant take you or Brad with me. I want you to stay here with him while Im gone.
Succinct. Sabrina closed her eyes and leaned her head back in her chair. What kind of work
pays forty grand a month, Matt?
Government work.
No wonder government pension programs are always under fire. I had no idea Civil Service paid
so well. Maybe I should have skipped the accounting courses after all. She didnt open her eyes, but
Sabrina felt the tension begin to shimmer in the room.
This is a one-shot deal, Sabrina.
Really? Who gets shot?
She could almost hear him gathering his patience. One month, Sabrina. It will all be over in one
month.
Then what? She finally opened her eyes and found him watching her with a heavy, brooding
expression. Every muscle in his sleek back was taut.
Then I come back to Dallas with enough cash to open a bookstore.
And if it takes more than forty thousand to open a bookstore? she inquired politely. Will you go
away for another month?
I can raise the extra by selling the business in Acapulco.
Youve got this all worked out, havent you? she whispered wonderingly.
Ive been thinking about it for a while.
How long? she asked bluntly.

Matt shrugged. Since you left Acapulco.

I see. So your decision to take Mr. Coynes offer of employment really has nothing to do with
raising a quick forty thousand to open a bookstore in Dallas, does it? You had no plans for a
bookstore here when I saw you in Acapulco.
Matt got restlessly to his feet and paced to the door and back. He stopped directly in front of
Sabrina. Things change.
Do they? Or is this the way it was when you were married, Matt? Well, Ginny, Im off. Just be
gone for a month or so this time. A one-shot deal. Take care of Brad, and when I get back everything
will be different.
Sabrina regretted the harsh mockery as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She saw the red
stain of anger on Matts cheekbones a split second before he reached down to grab her by the
shoulders and haul her to her feet.
You know nothing about what it was like when I was married, he bit out savagely. So dont go
making guesses. That was then. This is now. And everythings different now. Everything.
What about that Rafferty Coyne? Is he different? She gasped; his fingers were hurting her.
Rigidly she stood in his grasp, unable to move.
No, hes not different. Hes the same prissy little bureaucrat he always was, but this time hes
having to pay to get his work done.
I dont care how much hes paying, Sabrina burst out passionately. I dont like him. I wouldnt
trust him to go around the block with me, let alone pay me after Id done a job for him!
Youve hardly even met the man!
Ive got good instincts when it comes to men!
The last time you thought you could trust your instincts about a man you nearly got yourself raped
in Acapulco.
Sabrina paled. You ought to know, she managed.
Oh, shit. Matt released her abruptly and stalked back to the bed. Sit down, Sabrina. Weve got
to talk this out.
I cant see that theres much more to be said.
Sit down, damn it!
Sabrina sat. A part of her was astonished that even in a situation like this Matt could command
obedience when he tried. Or maybe she was simply too stunned to stay on her feet. When were you
thinking of leaving on this little jaunt?
As soon as possible. I want to get it over and done with.
And Im to stay here patiently with your son like a good little wife and mother, is that it?
Sabrina
There are a couple of small details wrong with this homey scenario. Im neither a wife nor a
mother, she reminded him coldly. Im just the woman youve been living with for the past couple of
weeks.
Dont you dare try to oversimplify the situation.
Believe me, it hasnt been simple, she shot back. Did you think it was routine for me to live

with a man? To have a boy who doesnt even like me living under my roof? Well, Ive got news for
you, August. Since I escaped my fathers home, I have never played house with anyone, let alone a
man with a son. Its been an adjustment, to say the least.
Then why have you put up with it? Youre the one who suggested Brad and I move in with you,
Matt snapped.
For some insane reason I decided the time had come to bend a few rules. I found myself thinking
of the future and I thought you were doing the same, she admitted sadly.
I am thinking of the future. Our future, Matt said, his voice softening. And Coynes forty grand
would go a long way toward securing that future.
Thats your reasoning now. What was your reasoning back in Acapulco when you were
considering the job? Sabrina challenged. Why were you going to accept his offer then when you
didnt need forty thousand dollars for a bookstore in Dallas?
Matt narrowed his eyes. There were other factors involved besides the money. Ill admit it. But
they dont matter now.
What factors? she demanded.
I just told you, they arent important any longer.
Let me see if I can guess, she hazarded furiously. No one, not even the U.S. government, pays
forty thousand dollars for a one-month job unless that job is going to entail some fairly dirty work.
And youve said yourself the skills you developed in the military were of a limited nature. Therefore
it follows that if Mr. Coyne wants you to work for him now he must need those limited skills. Right so
far?
Sabrina, Matt said wearily, theres no point going into this.
I think there is. Because I think theres more than money involved here. If youd needed money
that badly in Acapulco, you would have been doing something besides selling books. Youd have
been dealing drugs, or something.
For Christs sake!
If you were planning on taking Mr. Coynes little job, then it must have been because you wanted
to prove something to yourself. Maybe you wanted to see if you still had your limited skills. Maybe
you wanted to make up for that last mission somehow, the one you thought youd screwed up. How am
I doing, Matt? Still guessing accurately?
He looked at her for a long moment, hazel eyes unreadable. If Id taken the job while still in
Acapulco, those reasons might have had something to do with my decision. I wont deny it. But they
arent the reasons why Im going to take it now.
Sabrina caught her breath. Then you have definitely decided to accept. This charming
conversation is not a discussion of the matter at all, is it? Youre just letting me know what youve
decided. Youre not asking for my opinion at all, are you?
I seem to be getting it, regardless, he observed roughly.
How did you think Id react to the news? Pack you a light bag and tell you to have fun while I take
care of Brad for you?
Im hardly going off to have fun.
No? Im not so sure about that. Men who play with knives have a peculiar notion of what

constitutes fun.
Sabrina, Im doing this for us.
Youre doing it for yourself. To prove something stupid in order to satisfy your macho ego; to
make a quick forty grand; to find out if youve still got the right stuff.
You dont understand.
Okay, lets find out. You say youre doing this for us. Well, I dont want you to do it. Hows that?
Now you no longer have to do it for us because half of us is opposed to the whole idea. Tell Coyne
to take a hike.
Matt didnt move, just continued to sit on the edge of the bed, giving an excellent imitation of a
rock. Hard, immovable, inflexible. Im not going to tell him that.
Sabrinas fingers trembled. She wrapped them firmly around the arms of the chair in which she sat.
No, I didnt think you would. Because youre not doing this for us. Youre doing it for yourself.
Matt hesitated and then said very carefully, There is one other factor involved that you havent
recognized.
What?
This is a government mission.
So?
So there are reasons why its important. Reasons that have nothing to do with either of us.
Her eyes widened. The hell there are. If theyre paying you forty thousand dollars, then whatever
the government wants you to do must be as illegal and as covert as that last mission they sent you on
two years ago. In case I havent made my views on such matters perfectly clear, I will do so now. I
do not approve of sneaky, clandestine government operations. We have no business fooling around in
other countries in a secret and illegal capacity. Dont try an appeal to my patriotism, Matt August. I
dont consider that kind of work patriotic.
And if I do? he offered quietly.
She lifted her chin. You are, of course, entitled to your own opinions. Dont expect me to back
them.
Im not asking for your approval. Im asking you to take care of Brad while Im gone, Matt said
flatly.
Sabrina held her breath before asking cautiously: If I refuse, will you have to tell Coyne you cant
take the job?
For the first time Matts mouth twisted in the ghost of a smile. I think I detect a little blackmail
coming.
Right at the moment I dont have a lot of scruples. Will it work, Matt? If I refuse to take care of
Brad, are you going to have to refuse the job?
If you refuse to take care of Brad, theres not a lot of incentive for me to take the job. Refusing to
take Brad will be as good as telling me you dont think we have much of a future together.
Thats not true! she denied starkly.
Yes, it is. If you honestly dont understand that I have to hold my own economically in this
arrangement of ours, then you dont understand me very well. Sabrina, let me give you a few

economic facts of life. I make enough off that bookstore in Mexico to get by down there. But its a
whole different ball game up here. I need a job here in Dallas, and what I know about best is running
a bookstore. Opening one will take a large chunk of money. Coynes offering it to me for one lousy
months work. Maybe there are some other reasons involved. Maybe my sense of duty hasnt
atrophied completely and maybe I would, somehow, like to clear the books because of what
happened two years ago. But my main reason for taking the job is to nail down a future for us and the
kid. I know those all sound like chauvinistic, macho, masculine reasons to you, but damn it, Im a
man. My reasoning tends to be based on that fact.
Unfortunately. But there was no longer any real heat in her voice. Sabrina felt the anger and
frustration drain out of her, leaving only a bleak awareness that there was nothing she could do. It was
clear Matts mind had been made up before she even got home from work that afternoon.
I could say your reasoning processes are feminine and narrow-minded, Matt pointed out almost
gently. Sabrina didnt look at him, her gaze on the wall behind his head. Youre going, arent you?
Yes.
And nothing I can say or do will stop you.
You could refuse to take care of Brad, I suppose.
She shook her head listlessly. Youd make other arrangements. Send him back to his mother or to
your parents or something. Youd find a way because youre determined to do that man Coynes dirty
work. To make up for botching that operation two years ago, because of a sense of duty thats
unrealistic, for forty thousand dollars. Youll find a way to go.
Youre forgetting the most important reason, Sabrina, he said harshly.
Because of us? I think thats the least of your reasons. Sabrina got to her feet, hugging herself
with her arms. She moved over to the black lacquer dressing table and absently toyed with the fake
silver necklace lying in a box on top. Brads going to come unglued, you know. Hell be crushed that
youre abandoning him and hell hate me for trying to take a parents place in his life. Im really not
cut out to be a mother, Matt. Im just naturally not the maternal sort. Maybe I did one too many loads
of dirty socks when I was growing up. I dont know. I just know I havent missed raising children and
I have a sneaking suspicion that kids can sense it.
And you havent missed having a husband.
She shook her head. No. On the whole Ive been increasingly satisfied with my life. Except for
that fiasco out in California, Ive been doing pretty well for myself. Im pretty satisfied with who I am
and the life Ive made for myself.
Things change, Sabrina.
Yes, they do, dont they? Who would have thought that Id ever agree to watch some ex-majors
son while said major takes off to earn forty grand doing something that has to be both illegal and
dangerous?
Matt inhaled heavily. Youll do it, then?
I guess so, she agreed dully. God knows why. Getting me to do it is only half the problem,
though. Youll have to convince Brad that youre not abandoning him.
Ill have a talk with him tomorrow.
You do that. She nodded. You do that, Matt. Tell him youre off on one of those wonderfully

exciting mercenary operations that hes always reading about in those magazines of his. Maybe hell
buy that. I wouldnt give him the song and dance about using the forty thousand to set up a bookstore
and establish a future with me, though. I dont think that will go over very well. Brad would be quite
happy going down to Acapulco for the rest of his youth, you know. The thought of settling here in
Dallas with me probably wont excite him very much.
It doesnt seem to excite you very much, either, he said quietly.
Probably because I dont think it will happen. In the dressing-table mirror she saw him surge to
his feet and glide across the room to stand directly behind her.
What do you think will happen, Sabrina?
Well, if youre lucky, maybe youll come back in one piece with the forty thousand. Then,
perhaps, youll amuse yourself setting up the bookstore and pretending youre going to settle down.
And then one day Rafferty Coyne will come knocking on your door again with another offer. Maybe
fifty thousand. Youll ask me to look after Brad for a month or two and off youll go. Eventually
youll either fail to return from a job or youll grow tired of playing house with me in between
operations. Thats one scenario, she ended bitterly.
His hands came down on her shoulders. Theres another possibility entirely, Matt said roughly.
She nodded. True.
He nuzzled her hair. Lets hear you spell out the second scenario.
The second one is that I wise up during the month ahead with Brad and realize Im being a fool to
tolerate the situation. When you get back I hand Brad back to you and kick you both out of the
apartment. I then go back to living my life the way I like it.
His fingers clenched into her flesh with sudden fury as he whipped her around to face him. You
mean go back to looking for pleasant little affairs with pleasant, undemanding men.
Something like that. She refused to cower beneath his tightly reined fury.
Dont threaten me, Sabrina.
Im not threatening you. You asked me what I thought and I told you. I just described the
possibilities I saw.
You skipped the one Im working on, he snapped.
The one where you come back to Dallas with forty grand, set up a bookstore, and we all live
happily ever after? I think thats a very distant possibility, Matt.
You once said youd trust me with your life. You certainly trust me in your bed, he said, with a
note of exasperation in his voice. Why the hell wont you trust me with our future?
Probably because the risks have suddenly become very obvious!
And youre getting real cautious again, arent you? The way you were in Acapulco after that first
night, even though I think you knew how good it would be if you gave me a second chance. But you
denied me that chance even though you had to deny yourself at the same time. You were mistaken then.
Admit theres a good possibility youre mistaken now. Admit I might know exactly what Im doing
and that I might be completely honest about my intentions.
Ive said Ill take care of Brad for you while youre gone. Dont ask anything more of me, Matt.
Dont you dare ask anything more. You havent got the right!
Im not using you as a free baby-sitter, damn it! She refused to answer that, but her doubts on the

subject must have been plain in her eyes.

Goddamn it, Sabrina, if thats the way you feel about it, if thats the amount of trust you have in
me, then forget the whole thing, he exploded. Brad and I will get out of your life tomorrow, I
guarantee it. He let go of her abruptly, whirling around to scoop up a pillow and the quilt off the bed.
A few seconds later he was gone, shutting the door to her bedroom behind him as he disappeared
into the living room. Sabrina sat down shakily, willing herself not to cry. She would not cry because
of Matt August. She utterly refused.
It had all been a mistake. Why did she insist on continuing to make one mistake after another with
Matt? And now it was all so damn complicated.
She had seen the unrelenting determination in him tonight; known before shed even started to argue
that it was all hopeless. Matt was going to take Coynes offer. It was as if he were compelled to do
so. Nothing she could say or do would stop him. Shed known that from the first and yet shed
continued to fight, struggling to salvage the situation.
But she had known from the first there was no possibility of success. Matts intentions had been
clear from the moment hed started talking. Sabrina traipsed over to the closet and found another
blanket. Then she turned out the lights in her room and slipped into bed. Staring into the darkness, she
tried to imagine what was going through Matts head in the other room.
What had it been like for him two years ago, she wondered, when hed returned from that last
mission and found himself disgraced? It must have been similar to what she had experienced in
California when Sheffield publicly blamed his sons espionage activities on her.
In all honesty, Sabrina acknowledged, she had to admit that if she were ever given a chance to
clear her name she would probably leap at it. In her situation she would never be granted that
opportunity. But Matt had found a way to erase some of the tarnish that had clung to his name since
that failed operation two years ago. He had also found a way to make forty grand while doing it.
What right did she have to say he shouldnt take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? If what he was
going to do for Coyne would mitigate some of the bitterness he felt over the loss of his career, maybe
it would all be worth it.
He was an egotistical bastard, she thought grimly; wanting his cake and eating it, too. He expected
to go off on this mission and return to find everything just as he had left it with her. And it was a cinch
she wasnt going to turn into an instant mother figure for Brad. No telling where they would all be
emotionally or psychologically a month from now when Matt got back to Dallas.
If Matt got back to Dallas alive.
That last thought sent a shudder through Sabrina and forced her to face a fear she had been trying to
repress. Nobody paid forty thousand dollars to a man like Matt August and then expected him to do a
little minor consulting work. That kind of money translated into extremely hazardous duty pay. The
fear simmered deep inside her, refusing to stay locked behind closed doors. How had women handled
this aching fear during the past few millennia of intermittent warfare?
It was all so complicated.
Priorities, Sabrina thought. You had to know your own priorities. Sort them out and stick by them
in your own mind or youd drive yourself crazy in life.
Right now her number-one priority was sleeping on the couch in her living room.
With a sigh she got up and went to the door of her bedroom. Briefly she thought about the yellow

terrycloth robe but decided not to worry about it. Brad would be safely asleep in the guest bedroom,
and there was no need to shield herself from Matts gaze. Youd almost think they were married,
Sabrina decided wryly. Theyd certainly fought like an old married couple tonight.
Now it was time to put the battle behind them. She had lost it, anyway.
The living room was in deep shadows. Half blindly she headed toward the sofa. There was no
quilt-covered shape lying on it. Then she saw him dimly silhouetted against the window. As she
watched he raised a glass and took a long swallow of what she guessed was whiskey.
Please come to bed, Matt, she said softly.
He looked at her, eyes gleaming faintly in the darkness. Why?
Because Ive lost the battle. I dont intend to throw away whatever chance I might have of winning
the war.
He moved slightly and then was still. Going to bed with me isnt going to change my mind about
going on that mission, Sabrina.
So hard, she said wistfully. So strong and tough and hard. And so stupid. Thats not the war I
was talking about. I know I cant stop you from going with Coyne.
Then what war are you talking about, Sabrina?
The one in which our future is at stake. The fighting has been temporarily postponed until you
finish Coynes job and come back to Dallas.
Youll be waiting for me?
Ill be waiting.
He set the unfinished whiskey down on a nearby table and reached her in two long strides. Ill be
back for you and Brad. I swear it, he said, pulling her into his arms. And after this I wont be going
away again. But I have to go this time, honey.
She speared her fingers lovingly through his hair, smiling gently. I know, Matt. So come to bed.
He didnt need any more urging. A moment later, as he followed her down into the tangled sheets,
Matt whispered tautly, Im glad you came to get me, sweetheart, but it really wouldnt have made
any difference in the long run.
No? she questioned softly as he buried his lips against her throat.
No. I was on my way back here just as soon as Id finished the whiskey and had a chance to cool
down. Considering everything else Im going through to be with you, did you really think Id spend
even one night on your sofa?

Chapter Seven
Sooner or later, Matt decided, the man ahead of him was going to realize hed lost his quarry and
turn back. When he did, he would find the quarry waiting right behind him. Matt had doubled back ten
minutes ago, gliding through the heavy night-darkened foliage that paralleled the narrow dirt trail.
Now he paced silently along behind the would-be hunter, studying the man he would soon be
questioning.
American. He had to be from the States. He was dressed like a local Buena Ventura farmer in a
pair of flaring trousers, sandals, and a wide-sleeved shirt that fastened with strings instead of buttons.
But he walked like a man whod been raised on city streets and trained according to a manual. Matt
knew that look of military handbook training. Hed had to unlearn a fair amount of it before he had
become effective in the jungles of the Caribbean and South America.
So the guy ahead of him was American and trained. That narrowed the possibilities when it came
to drawing up lists of the mans probable employers.
The moon was rising swiftly now, silvering the dark shadows along the old trail. There was no
point trying for the rendezvous. Valdez wouldnt hang around the shrine more than half an hour and
Matt wouldnt risk leading the asshole in the farmer suit to the meeting place.
Annoyed at having his plans changed by the incompetent ahead of him, Matt closed his fingers
around the worn leather grip of the knife he wore as a sidearm. He liked the feel of it better than he
liked the feel of the bulky .45 he also carried.
Ahead of him the hunter, who hadnt realized he was now the hunted, came to an uncertain halt on a
small rise in the trail. Peering ahead with the limited aid of the moon, he seemed to realize finally that
there was no longer anyone to be followed.
Matt melted into the protective cover of a tall broad-leafed plant and waited. A few seconds later
the man in the farmers outfit gave up and turned back the way he had come. When he was abreast of
the tall plant, Matt moved. He slid out of the darkness, throwing his whole weight into the jolting
blow that sent his victim to the ground. Then he let him feel the tip of the knife.
Youve just made a long trip for nothing, he murmured as the man froze. Whats more, youve
caused me to make a long trip for the same reason. Im upset. I want some answers. And I want them
quickly. Do we understand each other?
August, for Christs sake. Put down the knife. Were on the same side.
Matt pressed the point of the knife a fraction deeper, just short of drawing blood. Not likely. Folks
on my side wouldnt try to trail me when Ive made it very clear I didnt want any backup. Try again.
It was for your own protection! The man gasped. Will you stop playing with that damn knife?
I use knives. I dont play with them. And Ill start using this one if you dont give me some
answers. Who are you working for?
I told you. Im on your side.
Try a name.

The man inhaled and said, Rafferty Coyne.

Try again. Coyne knows I was going out alone tonight. He knew there was to be no one else on
this little jaunt.
Jesus! Will you stop it with the knife already? Ive told you, Im here on Coynes orders. He
didnt want you wandering around Buena Ventura in the middle of the night without some kind of
backup.
How thoughtful, Matt replied, controlling his anger. I guess Ill thank him personally. Lets go.
Just keep walking until you get to the jeep. You can drive us both back to Coynes hotel. He released
his near stranglehold on the man and got to his feet. Just keep moving until I tell you to stop. And
keep in mind that you cant outrun a knife any more than you can a bullet.
Coyne said you were good two years ago. But he thought maybe you might have gotten somewhat,
uh, rusty. Shrugging uncomfortably in an effort to straighten his farmer garb, the man started off back
down the trail to where Matt had left his jeep.
Always a possibility, Matt agreed absently. He kept several steps behind the other man and
considered the ramifications of the present snafu. Why was it that bureaucrats such as Rafferty Coyne
assumed they knew as much about fieldwork as the people they hired to do it? If the joker ahead of
him was telling the truth, and Matt had a feeling he was, then the delay caused by the fun and games on
the trail tonight was strictly unnecessary.
The last thing Matt wanted on this job was unnecessary delays. From the moment three days ago
when hed stepped off the plane into the muggy heat and humidity of Buena Ventura Island, Matt had
realized that everything he really wanted was back in Dallas. Getting off this jungle-covered rock that
Ramon Valdez called home was the prime goal. To do that the job needed to get done.
Preferably without unnecessary delays.
An hour later, when Rafferty Coyne unlocked the door of his hotel room, he found a familiar face
waiting for him in the darkness.
Good Lord, Arthur, what are you doing here? How did you get inside my room and why arent you
out keeping August company as instructed? Then he seemed to notice that Arthurs hands were
strapped behind his back. The man was sitting on the edge of the bed, sullen and disgusted. Whats
the matter with your hands?
Ask him. Arthur nodded angrily toward the shadowy figure seated by the window.
Matt had his booted feet propped up on the table and a glass of whiskey in his hand. He glanced at
Coyne as the small man came through the door. Someday, Coyne, Id like to see whats inside that
briefcase. Then again, I suppose it would spoil the mystique of the dedicated civil servant if I opened
it up and found your lunch.
Coyne glowered at him, setting the briefcase down and walking over to the bed to examine
Arthurs bound hands. All right, August. Cut him free.
Then he does work for you?
Certainly he works for me.
Matt made no move to use his knife on Arthurs bonds. Instead he took a sip of whiskey and met
Coynes irritated gaze with a cool one of his own. If he works for you, Coyne, why was he following
me tonight?

I didnt want you traipsing off to meet Valdez alone.

I thought Id made it clear I didnt want anyone tailing me.
Im the one in charge of this mission, August. It will be done my way.
Then we have a small problem on our hands, dont we?
What is that supposed to mean? Coyne fiddled briefly with the leather strap looped tightly
around Arthurs hands and then gave up. He looked pained.
It means that until this communication problem of ours is ironed out, the operation gets no further
assistance from me, Matt said levelly.
You were a good soldier once, August. You used to know how to take orders as well as give
them.
Im no longer a soldier. And Ive lost the knack of taking brainless orders. I lost it two years ago.
I dont intend to relearn it. I told you I would go to the rendezvous point alone tonight, and I meant it.
Valdez is expecting me to honor our side of the agreement. The rendezvous is just between him and
me. No one else allowed. This gets done my way, Coyne, or it doesnt get done. At least, not by me.
You can find someone else to deal with Valdez.
You know very well the man wont even talk to anyone else. Hes made it very clear that its you
or no one, Coyne grumbled, sitting down on the bed to fix August with a severe, disapproving frown.
The hapless Arthur was ignored completely now.
Matt swirled the whiskey in his glass, sliding his feet off the table. Then youd better make up
your mind, Coyne. If you want me to meet with him and set this thing up, youll have to agree to let me
handle it my way. And for the record, youre only going to get one more chance to do it my way.
Another screw-up like tonight and the whole deals off. Without waiting for a response he got to his
feet and started toward the door.
Hey, what about my hands? Arthur yelped.
Matt paused at the door and glanced back disinterestedly. Maybe Coyne has something useful like
a pair of scissors in his briefcase that you can use.
Coyne got to his feet, his normally bland voice carrying the first traces of genuine urgency. Thats
enough, August. Youre being completely unreasonable about this. For the kind of money Im paying
you, I expect you to take orders!
Then youd better find someone else to do your dirty work. Matts hand closed over the
doorknob.
All right, Coyne snapped. Well do it your way. We dont seem to have a great deal of choice
in the matter. Set up another rendezvous and go alone, if you must. I think its stupid and totally
against the book to operate in this fashion, but if thats the only way youll do it
It is. Matt regarded him sardonically. Stupid is telling Valdez that Im coming alone and then
showing up with a tail. Thats the kind of stupidity that could get me killed or at the very least glitch
the whole situation. Ive promised him an arrangement thats on the level. If I cant deliver, I wont
deliver. Understood?
Coyne drew a deep breath. Youve made yourself very clear, August. What you dont seem to
understand is that you have no need to know all the details of this operation. You are out of line in
your insistence on doing things your way. There are matters involved here about which you have no

knowledge.
Thats exactly what Im beginning to worry about. Im no longer in the Army, Coyne, as youve
noticed. I wont work blind. Matt went out the door, shutting it gently behind him.
Can you find something to cut through these damn straps? Arthur asked, wriggling uselessly.
Theyre starting to cut off my circulation. I dont know why he had to go and tie me up like this. I
told him who I was and that I worked for you.
Im sure he did it for effect, Rafferty Coyne mused, his eyes on the door. To make a point, so to
speak. Just as he did by sneaking you into this room tonight. He has strict orders not to be seen with
me.
Yeah, well hes made it. I wont try to tail him through a jungle at night anytime real soon. Arthur
grunted. Hes good, Coyne. One minute I knew he was ahead of me. The next Id lost him. He just
sort of melted away. When I turned back to find the jeep he popped out of the brush behind me. With a
knife.
I fear our Mr. August may prove a bit more difficult than I had hoped, Coyne said almost to
himself.
Well, he sure intends to protect Valdez. Says if everythings not as stipulated in the contract,
whatever that means, he wont complete it.
I was rather hoping that Augusts military mentality would prevail. I had assumed that he would
still follow orders, even if he didnt approve of them. It appears that he may have grown very
undisciplined during the past couple of years.
I dont know about undisciplined, but I do know hes still pretty lethal with a knife. Can you get
these straps, Mr. Coyne?
Coyne waited a moment longer, thinking things over in silence, and then he walked across the room
to the phone. I wish to make a call to the States, he said into the receiver. Yes, yes, I have
government authorization. Ill hold while you check with Colonel Rivera. There was a lengthy pause
and then the operator asked for the rest of the information. The call is to a Mr. Griffin in Dallas,
Texas. I have the number when youre ready.
It seemed to take forever, but eventually Griffin was on the line, his voice cool and serious as he
greeted Coyne. Hows it going?
Reasonably well, but there are some complications developing, Coyne responded. I believe we
will resort to taking out the insurance we spoke of before I left for Buena Ventura.
How soon?
You may proceed immediately.
What about the woman?
When you have the boy you will send her the message we discussed, Coynes tone was
impatient. Shell then assume the boys mother has him and will cease to worry or make
embarrassing inquiries.
So August is making life difficult? Griffin asked. I was afraid of that.
Everything is under control at this end, Coyne said tightly. Just see to it that you follow orders
at that end.
Yes, Mr. Coyne.

Coyne hung up the phone and turned to Arthur. You may leave now. I dont need you at the
moment.
Uh, what about these straps, Mr. Coyne?
***
Sabrina ripped open the dull-brown envelope with an impatient flourish. I swear, Alex, if the IRS
doesnt leave me alone, Im going to move out of the country. Theyve got absolutely no right to hound
honest citizens like this. Thats the trouble with granting a little authority to people. They go crazy
with it. All power corrupts, or something like that. One more letter from them and Ill She broke
off, staring in amazement at the contents of the form letter. Alex, listen to this, its a letter of apology.
Apology, Alex!
So read it to me. I dont think Ive ever heard of anyone getting a letter of apology from the IRS.
It starts out Dear Taxpayer.
Oh, the personal touch. Alex continued dusting the row of small glass bubbles that contained tiny
replicas of a bronco-busting cowboy. Experimentally he turned one over just to see if the snow inside
still floated down properly. It did.
It goes on to say they admit they made a mistake and that theyre refunding that last penalty
payment I made. Sabrina studied the wording of the letter in detail. A check will be sent to me
promptly under separate cover. She crushed the letter to her bosom and closed her eyes in simulated
ecstasy. Im free, Im free.
They hadnt actually gotten around to imprisoning you yet.
No, but things were getting sticky. They sent a couple of idiots in blue suits after me the other day.
Tried to corner me in a supermarket parking lot, claiming they wanted to ask a few questions. Hah!
You didnt answer them, I trust? Alex went on to dust the oversized reproductions of the badges
once worn by Texas Rangers.
Of course not. I know my rights. It was harassment, pure and simple. Told them to talk to my
accountant.
Did that satisfy them?
I didnt stick around to find out. She stuffed the letter back inside the envelope. Well, at least
theyre out of my hair. Life may be looking up, after all.
You and Brad are coexisting?
Its touch-and-go at times, but I think were going to make it. Sabrina sighed. The rough part
was figuring out what to do with him all day long while Im at work. Those classes I signed him up
for in the mornings are working out all right, though, and hes being very good about having to spend
most of the afternoons here in the mall.
Thats because youre bribing him with an endless supply of quarters for the arcade machines.
Alex grinned.
Im not proud. Ill use whatever works. I figure I can bill his father later.
Brad doesnt mind the classes every morning?
Well, we had a few philosophical differences over exactly which classes he should take,

Sabrina hedged. I suggested flower arranging, modern dance, and painting.

And he chose ?
Karate, wilderness survivalthe basics and principles of bow-and-arrow hunting.
Sounds like a reasonable compromise. Alex chuckled.
Actually, I was thinking of trying to broaden his horizons a bit. The boys too focused on all the
nasty macho-oriented interests. You should see the kind of magazines he reads.
I saw. He was reading some of them while he waited for you yesterday.
Sabrina drummed her fingers on the glass-topped case containing the array of ashtrays. What he
really needs is some exposure to the more civilized side of life, Alex. And he needs a man to guide
him toward those things. If I try, he loses interest immediately on the grounds that whatever I want him
to be exposed to is too feminine. If he went to the ballet with a man, though, he might see that it was
okay to be interested in dance. Or if he went to the art museum with a man, he might understand that
art was a suitable interest for a male. See what I mean?
I see trouble coming. Alex sighed. Youre leading up to something thats not in my job
description.
Alex, this would be an act of friendship, Sabrina admonished. I just happened to remember this
afternoon that youre going to see the ballet tonight and I said to myself
Why not get good old Alex to baby-sit, Alex concluded.
I just think he needs some exposure to other things in life besides knives and karate, Sabrina
insisted stubbornly. Will you take him with you this evening? You know he likes you.
You think hell go when he finds out what the tickets are for?
If you promise him a hamburger first, I think so.
What are you going to do this evening? Alex asked curiously.
Sit home and relax. Do you realize this will be the first time Ill have had the apartment to myself
in ages? Sabrina shook her head. Two weeks with both Matt and Brad and now two weeks alone
with Brad. Im not used to that kind of crowd. I havent had so many men underfoot since I left home.
You seem to be adjusting.
Brad has been better behaved than I expected, Sabrina confessed. To tell you the truth, when
Matt left I thought Brad would come apart. Rejection by another parent and all that, you know. But
hes been very reasonable about the situation. I dont know what Matt told him before he left, but
apparently it was sufficiently reassuring to keep Brad from throwing a fit.
Or sufficiently intimidating, Alex suggested mildly.
Or that. I only know Brad has been practically polite. He even helps out with the chores. I got
used to Matt taking care of the house. It was rather pleasant to come home and find the washing done
and dinner on the stove, Sabrina added wistfully.
Has Brad been filling his fathers shoes?
Not quite. Sabrina grimaced, remembering the way the boys bathroom had looked that morning.
But at least hes not actively sabotaging my apartment out of resentment. Hes very quiet, though.
Doesnt talk much in the evenings. Just buries himself in his mercenary magazines or watches
television. I dont think you could say were exactly buddies.

Im not sure anyone actually gets any further with a kid that age, Alex offered consolingly.
You could be right. Youll take him with you tonight?
God help me if any of my friends see me. Alex groaned.
***
Matt was waiting in the shadow of the old shrine when Valdez appeared in the moonlight. Almost
the same age as Matt, Ramon Valdez had one enormously useful trait for a brave, charismatic, nobleminded revolutionary. He looked the part.
He was, Matt realized wryly, as good-looking as he had been all those years ago when they first
met each other at UCLA. Intense, intelligent dark eyes, a slightly sardonic mouth, thick dark hair, and
a well-toned body. Valdez had never lacked female companionship, and part of his allure, Matt had
always thought, was that women instinctively recognized that the mans devotion to his ideals was
genuine. The knowledge that they could never really compete with those ideals seemed to fascinate a
certain portion of the female populace at the university.
Still smoking those god-awful little cigars, Ramon? Matt asked as he stepped away from the
concealing shadows of the dilapidated shrine.
Valdez grinned around the cheroot. Were somewhat behind the times here. The antismoking
activists havent yet reached Buena Ventura.
And besides, it does sort of go with the image. You look good, Ramon.
Its been a long time, my friend. A long time. Ramon cuffed Matt lightly on the shoulder and
grinned again. I was thinking of taking another trip to Acapulco and indulging myself in all that
lovely decadence you showed me last time.
Uh huh. And were you also going to pick up a few guns to bring home to Buena Ventura again?
Souvenirs, Matt. Thats all they were. Souvenirs. I collect them. Valdez contrived to look mildly
hurt.
I know someone you ought to meet. Shes into souvenirs, too.
She? Ramon cocked one brow interestedly. He was the only human Matt had met who could
actually perform the feat. Is she into my kind of souvenirs?
Matt laughed. Not exactly. Not unless youre now collecting ashtrays with pictures of oil wells
engraved on the bottom.
And does she number you among her souvenirs of Acapulco, Matt?
Matt shook his head. Its a long story. Lets just say shes stuck with me.
Where is she now?
Dallas. Taking care of Brad.
Valdez nodded. Ah, yes. Your son. Someday you must introduce me to him.
Hed like that. Youd wow him. Hes at an impressionable age.
And the lady whos into souvenirs is watching him for you while youre on Buena Ventura,
hmmm? This sounds serious, Matt.
The only reason Im on Buena Ventura is because its serious.

I didnt think you would come, you know, Valdez confided cheerfully, seating himself at the base
of the shrine. When I was first approached I let it be known that I didnt trust anyone from the U.S.
government and would not take the risks that were being suggested. Then a Mr. Rafferty Coyne sent
word that he could produce you to verify that the deal was legitimate. I said I would believe it when I
saw you.
But you didnt expect to see me. Matt dropped down beside Valdez and sat staring thoughtfully
into the jungle across the road. I wasnt sure I was going to get involved until last week.
What happened last week? Something to do with the lady in Dallas?
Lets just say that my life is undergoing a severe change. I need the money Coynes offering.
Valdez nodded, inhaling on his cheroot. I understand completely.
You do?
Sure. The profits off that bookstore in Acapulco arent enough to support a family in Dallas,
right?
It costs a lot of money to live the average American capitalist lifestyle. You know that, Ramon.
It costs a lot of money to run a revolution, too. Valdez frowned thoughtfully. Your Mr. Coynes
offer of several shipments of guns is most tempting. But I dont like the man.
No one does. He doesnt seem to mind, though. Just goes on very dutifully about his bureaucratic
business.
Hes told you what he wants me to do in exchange for the guns?
Yeah. Youre to guarantee an assault on the capital. Have you really got the men and the
organization to pull that off, Ramon?
Valdez lifted one shoulder in a careless shrug. It could be done. With enough weapons and
ammunition. For the past few years we have been a thorn in the side of the Estes government. This
could be the opportunity we need to make a truly decisive move against Estes and his private army. It
is tempting, Matt. Very, very tempting.
If the offer from Coyne is on the level, Matt concluded.
That, my friend, is what your presence is supposed to guarantee, Valdez pointed out coolly.
There was a long silence while Matt thought that one over. At last he said quietly, Do you know
what I like least about the plan, Ramon?
Im listening.
The timing. I dont like the way Coyne is planning to wait until the last minute before he brings the
guns ashore and hands them over to you. He says its because of the huge risks involved. It makes
sense not to have a warehouse full of guns and ammunition sitting around for even a day or two and
risk discovery, I suppose.
Discovery would be very embarrassing because all those weapons will be of U.S. manufacture.
Your government is not exactly fond of Estes, but it has tolerated him because there has been no real
alternative.
Except you.
Valdez chuckled. And I wasnt willing to sell my soul to the U.S. government in return for its
support, regardless of how much fun I had while I attended the University of California. Now here
comes Mr. Rafferty Coyne saying the U.S. is no longer demanding my soul. Only a decisive blow

against Estes. The ways of international politics are very strange, Matt.
I still dont like the timing.
It would be nice to have those guns a few days early so that my men could check them out and
familiarize themselves with them more thoroughly. It would be easier to distribute them, too. Under
Coynes plan we will have to assemble in force the night of the assault, distribute the weapons, and
go immediately against Estes.
The logistics are going to take very precise planning, Matt said. The last time I was involved in
one of Mr. Coynes carefully planned operations I walked into an ambush.
So I heard. Valdez glanced at Matt. There is a saying about that sort of problem, isnt there?
Something about the best-laid plans of mice and men?
Sabrina thinks Coynes a little twerp.
Sabrina being the lady in Dallas? Im inclined to agree with her. Sounds like an excellent judge of
human nature.
I dont like the timing, Ramon.
Neither do I. But I want what Coynes offer will buy me. Valdez laughed around the cheroot.
And I have you here tonight verifying that Mr. Coyne will deliver on his promises, dont I?
Matt was silent for a long moment. Can you get a message off this island? Estes has the phone
system under total control, apparently. I havent even been able to risk calling Sabrina to say hello.
Most of the fishing fleet are sympathizers. Any one of a number of men would take a message.
You want a candygram sent somewhere?
Theres a man I know. A guy who was with me that night two years ago. He left the Army shortly
after that fiasco and went independent.
A mercenary?
So I understand.
Bastards. Men who bloody their hands only for money. Valdez grimaced scornfully.
I thought Id made it clear moneys the reason Im here on Buena Ventura.
Valdez shook his head. No, Matt. For you it would never be just the money. If I didnt know that, I
wouldnt have agreed to meet with you tonight. You will take the money but you would not betray me
in order to get your hands on it. You would not betray yourself, either.
Your basic problem as a revolutionary may be that youre a bit too noble-minded at times, Matt
said dryly. At any rate, this guy thinks he owes me something for getting him back out of the jungle
two years ago. He told me if I ever wanted to collect on the debt I could reach him through a firm
thats based on Flores de Noche Island.
Valdez inclined his head. I could get a message to Flores de Noche. What do you want the
message to say?
Matt mulled over the various questions he could ask Thomas Mayhill after two years, and then he
carefully picked one and repeated it to Valdez.
Valdez got to his feet. The moon was just starting to rise. I will see that the message is delivered.
No problem. He searched Matts face in the dim light. You see? I was right about you.
Hows that? Matt stood up, automatically gazing down the dirt track to make sure it still looked

empty.
You would not be sending such a message if you were only on Buena Ventura to collect a large
sum of money from Rafferty Coyne and take it back to Dallas.
Valdez turned and disappeared into the jungle behind the shrine. Matt waited for a moment, staring
after his old friend, and then he turned and started back toward the jeep.
There was a lot he didnt like about this whole setup, he realized. Maybe Coyne was right. Perhaps
he was questioning things that he wouldnt have questioned in the Army. Perhaps the last two years
had made him more cynical than he had realized.
But he didnt like the timing. He also didnt like the way Coyne had tried to have him followed the
other night. And he didnt like the overall feel of the whole situation. It reminded him too much of the
night hed walked into that ambush in the jungle. Matt hoped Mayhill would still be around and that he
could be reached. And that he might have an answer to the question Valdez was sending.
A lot of ifs.
The jeep was waiting where he had left it. Matt climbed inside and started back toward town. He
wondered what Sabrina was doing at that moment. Memories of their last night together made him
ache. He badly wished he were back in Dallas about to slide comfortably into bed beside Sabrina.
He hoped Brad wasnt making life too difficult for her. The boy had been stunned when Matt had
explained he was leaving for Buena Ventura. It had taken hours to clear some of the fear and bitter
hurt from Brads eyes. But in the end Brad had seemed to believe that his father really did intend to
return. Brad had been uneasy about being left behind with Sabrina, however. Just as uneasy as
Sabrina had been about having to play a maternal role.
So many risks, Matt thought. There was the risk that Sabrina would decide she simply didnt want
to become Brads stepmother. The risk that she would decide Matt wasnt worth waiting for. The risk
that she would give up on the prospect of building a future with one Matt August, washed-up major
and bookstore proprietor.
She had resisted the idea of his going to Buena Ventura right up until the last minute. But she hadnt
withheld herself that last night. Instead she had given him all the warmth and softness and sweet
excitement that was in her. And he had taken it with an urgent aggression that was a translation of his
own fierce determination to make the venture succeed.
What if she changed her mind while he was gone? Matt asked himself grimly as he drove toward
town. He wasnt sure she fully understood how he felt about her. Hell, he wasnt even sure he
understood it himself. The sense of possessiveness was new to him. But he didnt question it. It
existed, and being the pragmatic man he was, Matt accepted it. The only thing he wasnt certain of
was Sabrinas reaction to finding herself belonging to a man. And him belonging to her. She appeared
to have spent a good portion of her life edging away from men who tried to control her. A natural
independent. Shed probably get along famously with Valdez.
Matts fingers flexed around the steering wheel. Absently he stretched them out again and then
gripped the wheel more tightly. It wasnt that he wanted to control Sabrina. He just wanted her.
Totally. Completely. He had never wanted anything or anyone so totally or completely in his life. He
wanted a future, Matt thought. Sabrina and Brad were now his future.
He just wished he didnt feel so damn queasy about the situation here on Buena Ventura. It would
be nice to be back in Sabrinas apartment tomorrow morning, stuffing clothes into a washing machine

and dragging out the vacuum cleaner and knowing there was forty grand in his bank account.
The phone rang in Sabrinas apartment just as she was curling up on the persimmon sofa with a
glass of wine and a good book. She glanced at the clock as she reached over to pick up the receiver.
Its Wednesday night, so this must be Jeffrey, she said brightly.
Right first time. Her brother chuckled. How are things going, Sabrina?
Just peachy. And you? Foreclosed on any widows and orphans lately?
Not since last Sunday. You know we prefer to save foreclosures until Sundays. We like to move
in directly after church.
Your bankers sense of humor could get you in trouble one day. Hows the kid?
Our new nephew is doing great. When are you going to come out and see him?
Get right to the point, why dont you, Jeff? I really dont know when Ill get out there. One of these
days, I imagine, Sabrina said vaguely. Ive got my hands full here at the moment. I told Dad that last
Sunday when he called.
You werent very clear about just what was keeping you busy, apparently. Dad said something
about the IRS?
Theyve been bugging me. Actually sent a couple of guys out to talk to me.
They did? Jeffreys voice abruptly changed to serious concern. About what?
Something about a penalty payment Ive been fighting. Its all over now, though. I got a written
apology from them today.
Sabrina, I cant see the IRS sending two people out to talk to you about a penalty payment.
Harassment. I told them so, too. They backed off. In any event, its all over.
So what else is keeping you so busy you cant come out to see the new addition to the family?
Well, Ive got an addition to my own family. There, stew over that one for a while, she thought.
Astounded silence greeted that remark. What exactly are you talking about, Sabrina?
Im taking care of someones kid for a month.
Who on earth would leave a child with you for a month? Jeffrey demanded.
A friend.
Sabrina, are we talking about a man friend or a woman friend?
A man.
A good friend?
Yes.
Would you mind being a little more forthcoming? Who is this friend?
His name is Matt August. Hes out of the country for a while.
Sabrina Chase, if you do something dumb like getting married without telling Dad first, youll
break his heat and you know it.
To date, Sabrina said quite firmly, no one has discussed marriage.
But this Matt August is important to you?
Sabrina considered that. Unfortunately, yes.

For Gods sake! Why unfortunately? Whats wrong with him?

Whats wrong with him is that he sometimes exhibits a distressing number of male
characteristics.
Jeffrey was confused. Well, if hes a man, then it seems natural he would, doesnt it?
Interestingly enough, he tends to use the same excuse.
Sabrina, are you really serious about this guy?
Serious enough to take care of his kid for a month. You know Im not the maternal type, Jeff.
Most women are maternal once they hold their own babies, Jeffrey told her with outrageous
masculine certainty.
That, pal, is a myth put about by men who like the idea of women being tied to home and hearth.
Well, if youre getting serious about August, youd better trot him out to Oregon.
So you and Dad and Nolan can look him over? An amusing thought. Sabrina laughed. Hes not
exactly a banker, you know.
You said hes out of the country. On business?
Yes, she agreed diplomatically.
Is he with some multi-international? Dad wouldnt object to a corporate type for you.
Hes not exactly a corporate sort of man, Sabrina remarked, thinking about it. But I guess you
could say hes on the cutting edge of his field.
What, precisely, is his field? Jeffrey asked deliberately.
I think he sells used knives or something. Look, Jeff, give my best to everyone and tell them Ill be
out to check over the nephew one of these days. Ive got to run now. My houseguest will be home
soon.
Where is he now?
At the ballet.
Oh.
Thats what he said when I told him he was going. Good for him, though. Good night, Jeff. She
hung up the phone as politely as possible and picked up her wineglass.
Another call from family over and done, Sabrina congratulated herself. It looked like she might
have to make that trip to Oregon one of these days, though. If she didnt she was liable to open the
door some morning and find the Brothers Grim and her father standing on the threshold, demanding to
look at Matt August.
That might be an interesting confrontation, she thought, sipping the wine slowly.
She wondered if Brad was enjoying the ballet with Alex. The boy had definitely not been thrilled
at the idea. He had grumbled and complained and finally agreed only because Alex cajoled him into
it.
If its really dull, well split in the middle and go to an arcade, Alex had promised easily. Or go
find a film.
Brad had eyed him warily. You sure?
Im sure.

Well, all right. Joe Bob Briggs says theres a great slasher flick playing at one of the drive-ins.
You let him read Job Bob Briggs reviews? Alex interposed sternly.
Its tough trying to censor a curious teenage boys reading material, Sabrina answered, groaning.
At least shed gotten Brad to agree to go to something reasonably cultural. She considered that quite a
victory for incipient motherhood.
But he had dragged his feet about getting ready to leave this evening and in the end hes given
Sabrina a very strange look.
What are you going to do while were gone, Sabrina?
Nothing. Read a book, watch some television, why?
Just wondered, Brad mumbled.
Something clicked. Wondered about what, Brad?
Nothing.
Brad, what is it? Why are you worried about what Ill be doing? Im only going to sit here at
home and read.
Nothing.
Brad! shed snapped, thoroughly annoyed.
Hed turned away. I just wondered if you had a date or something.
It all fell into place. A date! Shed moved across the living room, putting her hand on his
shoulder and turning him around to face her. Brad, Im going to spend the evening alone. Im waiting
for your father. I wont be seeing other men while hes gone. Is that very clear?
But hed been left at home with his mother in the past and he must have known that Ginny hadnt
waited alone while she waited for Matt. There was no reason to think Brad would trust Sabrina to be
loyal to his father.
Yeah, sure, its clear. Theres the doorbell. It must be Alex.
Sabrina had realized as she waved the two of them off in Alexs silver Porsche that Brad had left
unconvinced.
His lack of faith made her reconsider her own growing sense of allegiance to Matt August. It was
not something she could sit down and explain to a thirteen-year-old boy. It wasnt something she
could sit down and explain very well to herself, come to that. She only knew that Brad didnt have to
wonder how she would be spending the evening. Nor did his father.
That last thought intrigued her. Was Matt chewing nails wondering if she was being faithful, or had
he convinced himself that she was committed to him and knew it? For that matter, what made her so
certain he wasnt amusing himself down in Buena Ventura?
The answer to that had been clear in his eyes the day he had left. He wasnt down in Buena Ventura
to play games. He was there to bankroll a future. Sabrina thought about the way he had made love to
her that last night. There had been an almost desperate fierceness in the deeply passionate way he had
held her.
They had slept little that night. Instead they had talked; not about Brad or the danger that might be
waiting on Buena Ventura, but about small things that seemed to have no real importance. And then
they had made love again shortly before dawn.

The first night alone after he had left had been more difficult for Sabrina than she would have
guessed. It was, after all, not quite the same thing as having ones mate leave on a casual business
trip. The knowledge that Brad was in the apartment brought a strange sense of comfort.
The sound of Alexs Porsche pulling into the parking lot in front of the apartment brought Sabrina
out of her reverie. Uncurling from the sofa, she went to open the front door.
In stunned amazement she found herself staring at the two apparitions on her doorstep.
My God! she breathed. What on earth happened to you?
Brad grinned at her, his face smudged and dirty, his jacket torn and his clip-on tie twisted. There
were scuff marks on his trousers and his shoes. His hair was in a tangle.
Alex didnt look much better; worse, in fact. His lip seemed to be bleeding and he was definitely
sporting an eye that was darkening rapidly. His expensive clothes, straight from the pages of
Gentlemens Quarterly, were torn and stained.
Lets just say the ballet is no longer the last stand of civilization in Texas, Alex observed.
Sabrina couldnt believe her eyes. Youve been in a fight, havent you?
You should see the other two guys, Sabrina. Alex beat them to a pulp, Brad declared with relish
as he stepped inside the house.
Other two guys? Sabrina said weakly, turning to stare at Alex as she closed the door. What
other two guys?
A couple of redneck cowboys in a pickup truck tried to hassle us as we were walking back to the
car in the parking lot, Alex explained. He walked over to the mirror and checked his appearance.
Ugh. My hairstylist is going to have a fit tomorrow when he sees me. And do you have any idea what
this suit cost me?
Both of you sit down and tell me exactly what happened! Sabrina commanded, coming out of her
shock to take charge of the situation.
It was nothing, Sabrina, Brad said with great nonchalance. His hazel eyes were sparkling. A
couple of turkeys in cowboy hats tried to give Alex here a rough time. Called him names.
So you beat them up? Sabrina demanded.
We didnt beat them up until they got out of the truck and came after us, Alex explained.
Oh, lord!
Ummm. Nasty types.
They called Alex a fag and a queer and a bunch of other stuff. Said I shouldnt be hanging around
him. Brad plopped down on the sofa. When Alex told them to go to hell they jumped us. They didnt
know Alex was a karate expert.
Sabrina looked at her assistant, dumbfounded. I didnt know that, either.
Life is just one surprise after another, Alex said.
Are you both all right?
Well live, Alex mumbled, touching his cut lip.
I cant believe this. Sabrina sighed. I send the two of you off for a civilized evening at the ballet
and look at the way you come back. Are you sure youre both all right? she added worriedly.
Were fine, huh, Alex? Waitll I tell Dad what happened! Brad bounced off the sofa and headed

for his bedroom. Im going to get out of these stupid clothes. Be right back.
Sabrina met Alexs rueful gaze. I just cant believe this.
Be grateful Brad signed up for karate instead of flower arranging.
Did he actually get involved directly in the fight? she gasped.
The two dudes in the pickup seemed to think they had a mission to rescue him from me. Even
though it was pretty dark he wound up landing a few practice blows that helped. Kids thrilled to
death with himself.
Alex, Im so sorry. This is all my fault. I should never have asked you to take him to the ballet
tonight.
Working for you does put variety into my life.
Do you think there will be trouble? Are those two rednecks likely to go to the police? she asked.
Are you kidding? A couple of Texas rednecks admitting to the cops that they got beaten up by
some guy in a mauve suit who was attending the ballet?
Youve got a point. Not likely. A ghost of a smile flickered in Sabrinas eyes.
Sometime later after Alex had cleaned up and taken his leave, Sabrina looked up to find Brad
studying her intently. You really did spend the evening here by yourself, didnt you?
Didnt I tell you that before you left? she asked mildly.
Well, theres only one wineglass and theres only one macaroni-and-cheese TV dinner carton in
the garbage, so I guess you were telling the truth, he admitted.
Quite the little detective, arent you?
Brad hesitated and then said in a small rush, Thanks.
For what?
Nothing.
Sabrina grinned. And thus concludes another scintillating conversation with a thirteen-year-old.
Go to bed, Brad. Its late and youve had a heck of an evening.
The message from Valdez reached Matt at three in the morning. Someday, he decided as he reached
out to pick up the phone beside the bed, he would write a scientific paper on why crisis calls always
came at three A.M.
Hello?
The operation was not a success, a strange voice informed him in Spanish. The patient died.
Matt hung up the phone and lay staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. The message he had asked Valdez
to send to Mayhill through the firm on Flores de Noche had been intercepted.
The prospects of a fast forty thousand were deteriorating rapidly.

Chapter Eight
Love the boots, Alex. Sabrina gazed in stunned admiration as her assistant strolled into the shop
precisely one minute late the next morning.
Shit-kicker boots, Alex explained breezily. After last night I figure Im entitled.
The boots were indeed a work of art, heavily tooled in a flower pattern and done in turquoise and
white with silver tracery.
You look pretty good this morning considering what you went through, Sabrina said, scrutinizing
his handsome features cautiously. I can still see the cut on your lip and the black eye is obvious, but
all in all it gives you a rather dashing appearance.
But, then, youll never be famous for your good taste, Sabrina, he pointed out.
True.
Hows the kid?
I dont think hes going to become a ballet fan for life but hes definitely a fan of yours! You must
have really impressed him last night. Sabrina grinned. I hope there wont be too much more
excitement before Matt gets home, though. I couldnt take it.
Three more weeks?
Thats what he promised.
Brad seemed worried when we left the house last night, Alex murmured, picking up the feather
duster and going to work. It took him a while to relax. I was beginning to think it had all been a
mistake, but he settled down a bit after I fed him.
Sabrinas mouth curved wryly. Brad was afraid to leave me alone.
Because he feels hes supposed to take care of you?
Not exactly. He feels he should chaperone me until his father gets home. Poor boy. He was afraid
I had a hot date planned for last night.
Alex looked at her speculatively. Instead you sat at home with a glass of wine, a mystery novel,
and a macaroni-and-cheese TV dinner.
Sabrinas eyes narrowed in annoyance. Im getting tired of people going through my kitchen
garbage!
I noticed the carton while I was standing at the sink trying to get the parking-lot dirt out of my tie.
Sorry about that. I guess I was a little curious myself
Sabrina glowered at him. Well, now that everyones curiosity has been satisfied, I suggest we let
the subject drop.
Yes, maam, Alex drawled in his best Texas accent. He went back to dusting the small metal
boots. You know, looking at twenty pairs of bronzed cowboy baby shoes reminds me of something.
Bronzed cowboy babies?

Alex shook his head. It was dark in the parking lot last night and everything happened very fast,
but there were a couple of odd things about the clothes those two idiots in the pickup were wearing.
Trust you to notice fashion details even under trying circumstances. Sabrina laughed.
Seriously. They werent wearing boots, for one thing. Have you ever heard of a redneck going out
without his boots?
No boots? What did they have on? Sneakers?
Alex still didnt smile, he seemed to grow more thoughtful. No, they were wearing regular mens
dress shoes. Straight from J. C. Penneys. And I dont recall any flashy buckles on the belts, either.
Big cowboy hats, jeans, plaid western-style shirts, but no boots or fancy belts.
Sabrina tilted her head to one side. Think you would recognize them if you saw them again?
Maybe. Probably not. It all happened very fast, Sabrina. I only noticed the boots because when I
realized things were going to get nasty one of the factors I was worried about was getting kicked. I
wanted to stay clear of their feet. But they didnt use them. The belts Im not absolutely certain about.
I just dont recall any big metal buckles shining in the moonlight. You know how those rednecks love
their boots and buckles. They all like to pretend they just got in off the rodeo circuit.
I sense a certain degree of bigotry going down here.
I was definitely feeling prejudiced last night, Alex admitted.
Sabrina shook her head in mock dismay. Up until last night I thought you were different, Alex.
Civilized, sophisticated, debonair; a true modern gentleman.
I am, he defended, looking crushed. Its not my fault that I am forced by lifes unfair
circumstances to work in this sleazy little souvenir shop. A temporary situation, Im sure.
And what about this business of getting involved in a parking-lot brawl? Sabrina demanded.
Oh, that. He shrugged. Well, what can you expect? Im a man.
Excuses, excuses! Sabrina stepped around the counter and hugged him quickly. But thanks for
protecting Brad last night.
***
Matt sent the message to Valdez via the hotel maid who had carried the others. She was intensely
loyal to the cause, Valdez had said, and could be trusted implicitly. Having set up the rendezvous,
Matt walked down the street to Coynes hotel and went straight up to the little mans room, not
bothering to take any precautions against being seen.
Coynes voice sounded impatient as he called through the door.
Who is it?
August.
The door was yanked open and Coyne stood frowning at him. You know youre not supposed to
just casually walk into the hotel and up to my room. The other night when you sneaked in the back
way with Arthur was risky enough, but this is intolerable.
Intolerable is a good description of the whole situation. Matt stepped around his unwilling host.
I want some answers, Coyne.
About what? Ive answered a number of questions for you already. Far more than you should have

asked. And while the room has been electronically swept for bugs, one can never be absolutely
positive.
Then lets go outside.
Absolutely not!
Let me make my position clear, Coyne, Matt said in a low but clear tone. Im getting nervous.
The last time I felt like this I walked into an ambush. I dont intend to make the same mistake twice.
Youve agreed to the project! Coyne replied abruptly, eyes flaring for an instant with a quickly
suppressed anger.
As long as its conducted my way. Too many things arent going my way, Coyne. There was that
incident with your man the first night and theres the matter of the timing. Matt left out the other
details that were bothering him, such as an intercepted message to Flores de Noche and an instinct
that everything was coming apart at the seams.
We have discussed that, Coyne reminded him. Ive told you why Ive scheduled the shipment
for the same night as the, uh, work to be performed.
I want the shipment brought in next week.
Utterly impossible.
Matt didnt pause. He turned on his heel and walked straight back to the door. Then find yourself
another go-between.
August!
Matt glanced back over his shoulder. Forget it, Coyne. I dont take orders anymore.
Fury swirled in Coynes normally neutral eyes. His mouth pursed tightly and his whole body went
rigid. Oh, yes, you do, Matt August. You most certainly do. That is, if you wish to see your son again
when this project is done.
Matt felt the room grow cold and still in spite of the sweltering humidity. He didnt move while he
assimilated the news. Should have paid attention to my instincts earlier, he thought remotely. Or paid
attention to Sabrinas.
The boy wont be harmed. Not as long as you follow instructions.
Coynes chin lifted challengingly. He wasnt completely calm about all this, Matt thought. He knew
that the blackmail threat might be a personally risky move. But he was certain he could enforce it.
Matt said nothing, waiting. The hand at his side pulled slowly into a tight fist and then stretched
out, finger by finger.
Taking the boy is only a precaution to ensure your cooperation.
And Sabrina? The question was a knife edge of sound.
We didnt want to be bothered dealing with her, too. We left her alone. Shes been told that your
son is safe with his mother.
Matt looked down at his hands and then up to meet Coynes gaze. You know Ill kill you if either
Sabrina or Matt is hurt, dont you?
Come, come, Mr. August, theres no need for threats. The boy will be fine. I only had him picked
up because you were starting to display a certain unwillingness, shall we say, to carry out the agreedupon services. Im paying a great deal of money for your talents. I want my moneys worth.

Wheres Brad?
You surely dont expect me to tell you, do you?
I want to talk to him.
Im afraid thats not possible. There seems to be some trouble with the local phone company. No
long distance calls off the island are going through.
Matt walked over to the phone beside the bed and picked up the receiver. I want to call Dallas,
Texas, he demanded as the hotel operator came on the line.
Not possible, senor, the operator cheerfully replied around a mouthful of gum. Long distance
facilities are not functioning today.
When will they be functioning?
Quien sabe? The shrug of indifference was clear in her voice.
Matt let the receiver drop back into the cradle and then he walked past Coyne to the door.
Where are you going? Coyne snapped.
Out.
Thats not an answer!
Thats what my ex-wife used to say.
Come back here, August. We must talk.
Ill get back to you later, Coyne. Matt shut the door behind him and left the hotel. This time he
did take a few precautions, but not because he was worried about Estess men seeing him and
drawing conclusions. This time he was protecting himself from Coynes men.
When it came right down to it, Matt realized grimly, the most annoying complication in this whole
affair was Coyne. Once again his hand tightened and relaxed. He was conscious of the weight of the
knife hanging on his belt.
En route to the shrine that night Matt drew on every skill and instinct he had to snake certain he
wasnt followed. Valdez was waiting, puffing languidly on one of his endless cheroots. His dark eyes
were alive with curiosity when Matt stepped out of the jungle.
You move like a cat, my friend. I could use you here on Buena Ventura.
Matt shook his head. Believe me, Ramon. Right now Im the last person you need. Im
recommending you pull out of the deal with Coyne. Theres something screwier than hell about it.
Probably a setup.
Valdez received the information in thoughtful silence. A setup, he repeated finally. An
ambush?
Maybe. I dont know whats going to happen. I only know Coynes operating way outside the
book and he was always such a great one for going by the book. Hes got my kid, Ramon. And Im
worried about what he might have had done to Sabrina. Because I dont think she would have let Brad
go easily, not without some proof that he was in safe hands. Its natural for her to question anyone
who tries to tell her what to do. Supposedly shes being told my ex-wife has taken him back. But she
knows the situation between Ginny and Brad. Shed wonder what was going on. God only knows
what Coyne would have had done if she got difficult about giving up Brad.
Youre very sure she would have been, er, difficult?

Matts mouth twisted sardonically as he thought about Sabrina. She can be very difficult under
certain circumstances.
Brad might have been taken when she wasnt around to protect him, Valdez noted.
Possibly. I cant find out a damn thing because theres no long distance working on this rock.
Valdez nodded. Estes has complete control of the lines. He can have all communication not only
monitored but shut off whenever it suits him.
Estes. Matt sat down slowly, considering that. Estes controls the phone service.
Along with everything else.
Estes controls communication on the island and today that system isnt working. This happens to
be a day when Coyne would prefer that it not work.
Valdez slid him a sidelong glance, chewing reflectively on the cheroot. An unfortunate
coincidence?
What do you think?
In our business you learn to be suspicious of unfortunate coincidences, Matt.
Im inclined to agree. Matt sat silently for a few moments longer. Youll call off the operation?
With great regret, Valdez said simply. I guess there will be no shortcuts to victory after all.
How much is this costing you, Matt?
An obscene capitalistic amount, he growled wryly.
A hundred thousand? Valdez hazarded.
Matt turned his head to stare at him. Is that what I should have asked?
Sounds like a nice round number.
Yes, it does, doesnt it? Well, Ill have the satisfaction of knowing Im not sacrificing a hundred
grand on this deal.
One must look on the positive side.
Right now Im going to have to look on the practical side.
You will need a way off the island. I can provide that.
Via the same fisherman who was supposed to be taking my message to Flores de Noche?
Valdez shook his head benignly. The fisherman who betrayed us has suffered a most unhappy,
accident. He is now among his fish. No, this time I will make absolutely certain you are in good
hands. When do you wish to leave?
Matt considered the matter. There is a small chore I must see to first.
Of course, Valdez said politely. Do you want help?
I can handle Coyne. Lets set my departure for three A.M.
Fine. Theres a cove a mile east of the city. A boat will be waiting at three A.M.
Thanks, Ramon. Matt got to his feet.
No, my friend, it is I who should be thanking you. I was right to insist that you be the go-between,
wasnt I? I knew that with you there would always be more than money involved. I knew that when
we were students together. Some things dont change.
And some things do, Matt said, thinking of the future he was fighting to save. Ill be in the cove

at three A.M.
Coyne would be feeling safe now, Matt decided as he drove back to the city. The little man would
be convinced that he had everything under control. Men such as Coyne were accustomed to deluding
themselves into believing that as long as matters were well planned, they were under control.
Bureaucrats seemed to have no notion of just how naturally things could go wrong in the field.
Matt left the jeep behind a rundown shack a few blocks from Coynes hotel. It was almost
midnight. Moving swiftly through the deserted streets, he crossed the parking lot behind the hotel and
leaped lightly up onto the railing around the ground-level balcony. Then he reached for the bars
around the balcony on the next level and hauled himself upward. The realization that the task wasnt
as easy as it would have been a few years ago made him grimace. He was getting too old for this sort
of thing.
Within a few minutes he was standing on the fourth-floor balcony outside Coynes room, breathing
a little more heavily than he would have liked. But at least he was there, Matt told himself. The lock
on the door gave easily under the gentle probing of the length of wire he had extracted from his
pocket. Matt stepped inside. Coyne was asleep on the bed.
Twin shadows blocked the stream of light showing under the hotel door that opened out onto the
corridor. Someone was standing guard outside the room. So Coyne wasnt totally confident about the
situation, Matt decided. It would be interesting to know if the guard was Arthur or one of Estess men.
In the long run it probably didnt matter. He stepped over to the bed.
Coyne awoke with a jerk, opened his mouth to shout, and found a washcloth shoved inside. Then he
felt the knife at his throat. Eyes widening in the darkness, he stared up at Matt.
Were going to finish the conversation we started earlier, Matt said softly. In the bathroom. The
guard outside is going to think youre taking a late-night shower. Tourists do that in these humid
countries, you know. The air conditioners so seldom work properly. Get up.
Coyne obeyed slowly, his eyes never leaving Matts face.
Nice pajamas, Matt whispered, eyeing the red-polka-dotted garments. They suit you. Wait a
second. Coyne halted abruptly as Matt paused in front of the closet. Reaching inside, he found one of
Coynes neckties. This will do. Matt quickly pulled the tie around Coynes mouth, making a plug of
the washcloth. Then he knotted the expensive length of silk behind the other mans head. Now we
need a few sheets of paper and a pen. Lets see if youve got anything useful in this briefcase.
He set the briefcase down on the tile floor of the bathroom and reached out to turn on the shower
full blast. The roar of water made it possible to speak in a more normal tone without being heard by
the guard in the hall. Coyne stood in his bare feet, his eyes half fearful, half infuriated. Matt ignored
him while he opened the briefcase with the thin length of wire.
For a long moment Matt stared at the contents of the leather caseexactly what he had been hoping
to find. Then he picked up the gold-plated pen inside. The stationery in a pocket was engraved.
Shame on you, Coyne. This is definitely not government issue. He pulled down the lid of the
toilet and placed the sheet of paper and the pen on top. Now lets communicate. He lounged against
the sink and motioned with the tip of the knife. Kneel down in front of the john. You can write better
that way.
Coyne hesitated and then flung himself down on his knees. Seizing the pen, he scrawled furiously.
Matt glanced over and read the few words.

I wont get away with this? How trite. Matt laughed. Mr. Coyne, I am getting away with it. Lets
not waste valuable government time on melodrama. Were both practical men. And I think you can
guess what my first questions are going to be. Who picked up Brad and where are they holding him?
Defiantly Coyne shook his head. He reached for the gold pen and wrote quickly. Matt read the
words and sighed. I dont know whatever gave you the idea that I wouldnt stoop to torturing a
government official.
Coyne scribbled hurriedly.
Again Matt read the words with a rueful movement of his head. Code of honor? Coyne, old pal, I
hope youll understand when I explain that I dont subscribe to any code of honor that covers the
treatment of vermin like yourself. Lets get on with the answer game.
Coyne shook his head furiously in mute denial. Matt regarded the razor-sharp edge of the knife.
I think, Matt said calmly, that youd better step into the tub. Things will stay cleaner that way.
Three hours later Matt was waiting in the cove when the small boat without any running lights
purred softly toward shore. Wading out into the shallow sea, Coynes briefcase held over his head,
Matt swung himself on board.
Valdez? I had a hunch youd show up to wish me bon voyage.
Youre my friend, a guest on my island. Sit down. Weve got a long trip ahead of us. Nice night
for a cruise, isnt it? He reached inside the cockpit locker and removed a bottle, ignoring the silent
man who was piloting the craft. He uncorked the bottle and passed it to Matt. I thought you might
need this.
You were right. Matt took a long swallow, passed the bottle back, and leaned back in his seat.
The purr of the engines increased to a muted roar as the man at the helm hit open sea.
You know where the boy is?
A small house in a Dallas suburb.
Youre sure?
Matt gave him a weary look. Very sure. Coynes got two men who stayed behind in Dallas to keep
an eye on Sabrina and Matt. Theyre the ones who were supposed to pick him up on Coynes orders.
Coyne gave the orders two days ago.
Valdez nodded, taking the cheroot out of his mouth long enough to sip his own whiskey. He looked
out toward the darkened horizon. And Rafferty Coyne?
I left him stashed back there at the top of the cove in some brush.
How did you get him out of the hotel?
Took him down the back stairs. All the servants seem to work for your cause, Ramon. The name
Valdez was magic.
There was no one watching?
A guard in the corridor outside the room. I left him unconscious and gagged in Coynes bathtub.
And Mr. Coyne. What sort of condition is he in?
Alive, Matt said dryly. Dont worry. Youll be able to get some use out of him.
I think hell make a nice propaganda exhibition, Valdez said.
Matt shrugged. Use him however you wish. Hes all yours. He wasnt working for the U.S.

government, though.
No?
Matt shook his head firmly. He was working independently. He had a deal with Estes. They were
going to lure you into a suicidal assault on the capital. Your last-minute weapons would have
malfunctioned at a very inappropriate time and Estes and his men would have been waiting for you.
The scenario has a familiar ring, Matt.
I know. Sounds like something that happened to me two years ago. Matt gazed broodingly up at
the clear night sky. The similarity struck me, also. So I asked Coyne a few more questions.
And found out he was the one who set you up that night in the jungle?
Matt nodded silently.
Are you going to do anything about it? Do you want Coyne when Ive finished with him so that you
can persuade him to tell the Army what happened?
Matt thought about Sabrinas washing machine, the beer in her refrigerator, the satisfaction of
having her beside him in bed. Then he thought about Brads youthful awkwardness and the tenuous
link he was just beginning to establish with his son.
No, Matt said quietly. It doesnt matter anymore. He was silent for a moment longer, thinking
about what hed just said, and then he smiled wryly at Ramon Valdez. Im taking a little souvenir of
Buena Ventura home with me. Want to see it? He reached down and opened Coynes briefcase.
Valdez leaned forward and stared wide-eyed inside for a few seconds. Nice pen, he noted
finally.
***
Sabrina, Im going to go see Cindy. The screen door slammed behind Brad as he loped through it
and across the patio.
Dinner in half an hour, Brad. Sabrina watched him go and decided he really wasnt suffering any
ill effects from last nights fracas. And hed certainly established himself in Cindys eyes as a man
who could take care of himself. Brad was playing his brush with danger to the hilt. The real thing,
Sabrina thought, and hed come through it unscathed.
Hardly the way to teach a boy that violent skills were unnecessary and immature in the modern
world.
The ballet had definitely come out a distant second in terms of interest. Brad couldnt even
remember the name of the production. Of course, to be strictly fair, Alex hadnt talked too much about
the performance, either.
Sabrina opened the refrigerator and peered skeptically inside. The head of broccoli shed brought
home from the store stared back. She reached inside and removed it, resisting the urge to see if there
was anything interesting in a box in the cupboard. You werent supposed to feed growing boys food
from boxes or the freezer. They needed fresh, wholesome foods.
It had been easier when Matt was here, Sabrina told herself for the hundredth time. This business
of working all day and then returning home to wash Brads clothes and fix his dinner and worry if he
was getting too friendly with Cindy could be trying. Not to mention sending the kid off to see the

ballet and having him return scuffed and battered!

Somehow Matt had kept things organized while he was here. She wondered if he had found a
decent laundry for his shirts down there on that island. It was disturbing knowing she couldnt even
reach him by telephone. Sabrina decided she didnt approve of Rafferty Coynes notions of secrecy.
But, then, she didnt approve of anything about Coyne. She could only hope that once this mission was
over Matt would be satisfied with the profit and settle down in Dallas.
That last was a big unknown, however, and Sabrina forced herself to acknowledge it as she sliced
and rinsed the broccoli. There was no way of knowing if this one trip for Coyne was really going to
be enough to work out all the two-year-old bitterness and resentment that had been eating at Matt.
Even if he did return with enough money to open the bookstore he claimed he wanted, who was to say
that would satisfy him?
When it came right down to it, she had no way of knowing if Matt really wanted a home. He had his
duty toward his son and he wanted Sabrina, at least on some levels. But would those two factors be
enough to hold him in Dallas?
It was odd to even be thinking in terms of a future with one particular man. Odd and vaguely
threatening. The home she was thinking of creating with Matt wasnt anything like the one she had
envisioned on the rare occasions in the past when the subject had crossed her mind. And this past
year the subject had just about stopped crossing her mind altogether.
She had been happy with her new life in Dallas. She had a reasonably active social life, a business
that required hard work, a beautiful apartment, and most of all a sense of being in control of her
world. Everything had been falling into place quite smoothly this past year, the culmination of thirty
years of growing into full, independent adulthood. She liked herself and she liked her life.
It had occurred to Sabrina years previously that it was probably not necessary to have a man share
that life on a full-time basis. Years of cleaning up after Nolan, Jeffrey, and her father had undoubtedly
been responsible for putting the radical notion in her head. And she was realistic enough about her
own instincts and drives to know that she didnt need children, either. If she had been asked to
describe what she would want in a male if she were to take such a permanent step as marriage,
though, she could have drawn up a list of characteristics.
Those characteristics would have included such traits as intelligence, gentleness, an easygoing
nature, interests that matched her own, an ability to view the relationship from an equal and respectful
standpoint. Most of all, her ideal mate would not exhibit that long list of masculine attributes she had
spent thirty years trying to duck. He would not be arrogant, judgmental, or authoritarian. Nor would
he be oriented toward violence. And he would not be divorced.
Divorced men added a whole set of complications to an already complex situation. Especially
divorced men with children.
Any way you sliced it, Matt August was not an ideal mate. Sabrina stopped cutting up broccoli and
eyed the length of the knife she was using. Then she went back to work, hoping very hard that Matt
was not using his knife while he was down there on that damn island.
The knock on the door came just as she was piling the broccoli into a steamer and considering
toasted cheese sandwiches as an accompaniment. Meal planning for a kid was apparently a learned
skill, Sabrina was telling herself. She hadnt yet mastered the art. With her luck Brad wouldnt even
like broccoli-and-cheese sandwiches. Oh, well, she was hungry enough to eat his share.
Just a minute, she called, wiping her hands on a towel that was draped around the refrigerator

handle. She walked into the living room and automatically glanced through the tiny viewing port in the
door.
Oh, hell, she muttered, and opened the door to the two men who had tried to harass her in the
supermarket parking lot. This does it, she announced before either of them could say a word. This
really cracks the egg. I have been extremely patient and forbearing about this whole thing, but this is
the end. I have a letter of apology from your outfit, you know. A letter that says very clearly that you
folks have been in the wrong and that I am an honest taxpayer, after all. Its not my fault your
superiors are so disorganized they dont know whats going on. Go back and tell your boss to check
the computer. Presumably some record of it will be on file. Sabrina made to close the door.
One large foot clad in a plain brown dress shoe slid over the threshold, forestalling her effort.
Sabrina stared furiously down at the shoe and then found a leather case shoved under her nose. She
had seen that particular ID card once before.
Read it, Miss Chase. We are not from the IRS, Griffin said coolly.
Sabrina studied the unfamiliar name of the agency. Okay, she said quietly, youre not from the
IRS. But I dont recognize this department.
Mr. Shadwell and myself work for Rafferty Coyne. My name is Griffin. Were here about Matt
August.
Sabrina stopped breathing for a few seconds. Matts not here.
Were aware of that, Miss Chase. August has been badly hurt. Weve come to collect his son and
take him to his father. This is an emergency, Miss Chase.
The shock seemed to be numbing her, Sabrina realized. She wasnt screaming or weeping or
fainting. She was simply staring at the two men who had come to deliver the message she had
allowed herself to anticipate only in the middle of the night when she had awakened alone in bed.
The deep fear she had forced herself to repress twenty-three of the twenty-four hours a day was
suddenly hitting her full in the midsection and all she could do was stare at the makeup around
Shadwells eye.
It reminded her of the makeup Alex had worn to disguise his injured eye at work.
Brad isnt here just now. Hes visiting a friend. Please tell me exactly what happened.
We cant do that, Miss Chase. Its a matter of national security.
Dont give me that crap, she retorted with an unnatural calm. She didnt step back from the
doorway. Im not concerned with your security measures. Tell me exactly whats happened to Matt.
Where is he?
In a hospital in Puerto Rico. Hell be transferred to the States as soon as its safe to move him.
Hes been very badly hurt, Miss Chase, Shadwell said gently. Coyne wants us to bring the boy to
him at once.
What about his other relatives? she whispered.
Theyre being notified.
I see. Her mind spinning, Sabrina looked from Shadwells makeup to the plain brown shoes and
belt that could have come straight from J. C. Penneys. Did Matt ask for me? she asked hesitantly.
August hasnt regained consciousness, Miss Chase. He hasnt actually asked for anyone. Rafferty
Coyne is the one who gave orders that the boy should be brought to his side. As Griffin spoke he

replaced the leather ID folder inside his jacket. The movement was vaguely awkward; done with the
left hand. Sabrina had the impression he was normally right-handed. But Griffins right hand stayed
motionless by his side.
Decent of Mr. Coyne, Sabrina said coolly. I suppose hes having Matts parents flown down to
Puerto Rico, too?
Griffin glanced at Shadwell, who nodded. Yes, maam.
Well, youd better come inside and sit down. Ill have to find Brad.
Thank you, Miss Chase.
Its awfully hot, she said. Ill get you a beer while you wait. Its going to take me a few minutes
to dig up Brad. Hes with a frienda girl. You know how that goes. She opened the door and
waved them to the persimmon sofa. This is such a shock, she went on, feeling as dazed as she
sounded.
We understand. Griffin sat down and after a moment Shadwell joined him.
It seemed to Sabrina that both men moved with a strange tension, as if they were physically
uncomfortable. Her heart pounding, she went into the kitchen and pulled two beers out of the
refrigerator. They were part of a six-pack Matt had bought just before hed left.
Oh, God, Matt. What have they done to you? I will kill Rafferty Coyne if hes gotten you badly hurt.
I swear, Ill kill him.
The degree of her own violence shocked her. Taking several deep, therapeutic breaths, a cold beer
in each hand, Sabrina stood alone in the kitchen and tried to think. Instinctively she knew she mustnt
panic. She had to think things through logically. So much was at stake.
First things first. As Matt said, you needed to establish priorities. But the first thought that came
into her head as she tried to clear away her panic was that she couldnt in a million years trust
Rafferty Coyne.
It followed that she couldnt trust two men who claimed to work for him, either.
On the other hand Shadwell and Griffin carried very impressive identification. That embossed
eagle looked quite genuine. She wished she were more familiar with her government agencies. But
bureaucracies bred agencies as prolifically as swamps did mosquitoes. To date her main concern had
been chiefly with the IRS.
Slowly she walked back out into the living room. Shadwell and Griffin certainly looked like
government agents, she decided. Sober, grim, very important-appearing. Blue polyester suits, plain
brown shoes and belts. And lots of ID. She wondered if they were wearing shoulder holsters.
Here, she said, quickly extending the can of beer toward Griffin.
Automatically he started to lift his right hand to take the can and then winced. He took it with his
left hand.
Have you hurt yourself? Sabrina asked curiously.
A touch of bursitis. The humidity down here in Texas sets it off.
Oh. Sabrina made to turn away and then stopped, brow furrowing. What was it you wanted to
see me about the other day in the supermarket parking lot? I mean, Matt hadnt even left the country at
that point. She hoped her tone had struck a naive, trusting note.
We were just doing a routine security check for Coyne. When you didnt cooperate, Coyne said to

forget it. He was fairly certain Matt wouldnt be dating a security risk. Shadwell tried a small smile.
Sabrina didnt return it. Id like to go to Puerto Rico with Brad.
Griffin hesitated. No one but immediate family members are allowed at this point, Miss Chase
and, to tell you the truth, I think it would be uncomfortable for you, anyway. Griffin looked
somewhat embarrassed.
Why?
Because after we collect Brad were to go on to Houston to pick up Virginia Martin. He gave
Sabrina an apologetic smile.
Virginia Martin?
The boys mother. Coyne said to bring her along also. Brad will need her. Its going to be difficult
for him having to see his father lying unconscious in a hospital bed. A boy needs his mother at a time
like that, dont you think?
Is Mrs. Martin expecting you? Sabrina asked tentatively.
Weve told her to be ready to leave as soon as we get to Houston.
Nice trick, Sabrina thought, considering the fact that the last shed heard, Ginny and her new
husband had been on their way to Europe.
Matt, what have you gotten yourself into? she asked silently. Ill go find Brad. Give me a few
minutes, she added pleadingly. I think it would be better if I gave the boy the news myself. This is
going to shake him terribly.
I understand, Griffin said politely, but please remember that time is of the essence.
Yes, of course. Sabrina nodded and hurried out into the kitchen. Once around the corner she
hesitated a few seconds and then picked up her red shoulder bag. Glancing around the kitchen to make
certain she hadnt left anything on the stove, she walked outside through the screen door, letting it
slam loudly behind her.
And then she broke into a run, heading for Cindys familys apartment. It took some severe
pounding to bring anyone to the front door. Apparently Cindys parents were not at home. Good Lord,
she should have made certain they were before allowing Brad to visit, she realized belatedly. There
was no telling what two kids that age would get up to alone in an apartment.
There was so much to learn about this business of being a parent.
But one element of the mothering syndrome seemed to be instinctive, even in Sabrina, who had
assumed for most of her life that shed been born without the maternal drive.
Without any warning the instinct to protect Brad was flashing into sudden, fierce existence. No,
there was more to it than that. It wasnt a generalized instinct, Sabrina acknowledged on some
primitive level of awareness. Instead the adrenaline was rushing through her veins with such violence
because of the particular child involved.
This was Matt Augusts son and she, Sabrina, was committed to Matt August. She had no
alternative but to protect his offspring.
Sabrina! Whats going on? I was coming home in a few minutes Brads complaining tone
broke off abruptly as he opened the front door and saw Sabrinas face. Something wrong?
I dont know. Brad, dont ask any questions. Just come with me. This is really important. It
concerns Matt.

Dad? Brad stared at her in confusion. Behind him Cindy approached, looking rather flushed.
Theyve been necking or something, Sabrina thought with another kind of panic. Matt would kill
her if he came home and found his only son facing a paternity suit. Could thirteen-year-old girls get
pregnant? Yes, Sabrina realized, they could.
Hurry, Brad. We dont have any time to waste.
Brad, whats wrong? Cindy asked curiously.
Nothing. Ill see you later, Cindy. Brads eyes never left Sabrinas. I gotta go now. Let me
know if you find the treasure this time. He shut the door behind him and followed Sabrina down the
steps.
What treasure? Sabrina demanded distractedly.
We were playing a game on Cindys home computer, Brad said carelessly. One where you have
to find the treasure without getting croaked in the process.
Cindy has a computer? Sabrina asked in amazement, relief coursing through her.
Yeah. Her parents bought her one. Its neat. Think Dad would get me one?
Given the alternative possibilities, yes, Sabrina said briskly.
I could tell him I need it for schoolwork, Brad said brightly. Hey, where are we going? Your
apartment is on the other side of the swimming pool.
My car is parked in front of the managers office. I couldnt find a slot in front of my own
apartment because that moron next door took up two spaces for his new pickup truck. Thank God.
Hurrying along beside her, Brad slanted Sabrina a strange glance. So why are we going to your
car?
We are making a getaway, Brad.
From what?
I wish I knew. Sabrina dug out her keys as she ran and had them ready when they reached the
sleek white Alfa Romeo. Just get in and fasten your seatbelt. Ill tell you everything on the way to the
airport.
The airport! Sabrina, what the heck is going on? Whats all this about Dad? As he pelted her
with questions, Brad opened the door on his side of the car and got into the white leather bucket seat.
Sabrina had the car in gear before hed slammed the door. I dont know for certain, but I dont
feel like taking any chances. She wheeled the car out of the parking lot. There are two men back in
my apartment who claim they work for Rafferty Coyne. They flashed some badges in my face, but I
dont trust their story.
Brad considered that. Dad works for Coyne, he finally said hesitantly.
Your father is different, Sabrina informed him with the grand illogic of a woman who is in over
her head with a man and knows it. Even as she spoke the words the irony of them hit her rather
forcibly. Something drastic had changed within her, she thought fleetingly.
Oh.
At any rate, and you have a right to know this, Brad, because I could be all wrong, they told me
that your fathers been hurt.
Brads head snapped around and he stared at Sabrina in utter shock. Dads hurt?

Thats what those two men say. They wanted to take you to see him.
I want to see him! Turn around, Sabrina. Weve gotta go back.
Sabrina took a few steadying breaths, concentrating on finding the freeway entrance. Brad, I think
somethings wrong. I dont know whether or not Matts really been hurt, but I dont think we can trust
those two back in my apartment to tell us the truth. One of thems wearing makeup around what
appears to be a swollen, black eye. The other one cant move his right arm. They look a little like you
and Alex looked after that brawl in the parking lot last night. Whats more, they claim theyve notified
your mother to be ready to leave Houston with you as soon as they arrive.
But Moms in Europe with El Creepo.
El Creepo?
Never mind, Brad muttered.
Well, I want to check, Brad. I want to call your grandparents and see if theyve been told about
your father and I want to call your mothers house in Houston and see who answers.
Because you dont think Dads really been hurt? There was pleading hope in the boys voice.
Your father is very good at taking care of himself, Sabrina said firmly.
There was a long silence as Sabrina swung the Alfa Romeo onto the airport freeway. Brad
appeared to be thinking over the situation.
But why would they say Dads been hurt if he hasnt?
I just dont know, Brad. But these guys are government types, convinced theyre saving the world
and probably willing to stoop to any depths to do it. You cant let people push you around just
because they think they know whats good for you or what you ought to do.
Not even government people?
Especially not government people. Brad, well know more when we reach the airport. I want you
to make the phone calls while I buy the tickets. Have you got your grandparents number?
No. Its at the house in Houston.
Whoever answers the phone in Houston can give it to you, then.
And if Mom answers?
Then I may have to reevaluate my paranoid tendencies, Sabrina said evenly.
Virginia Martin did not answer the phone in Houston. Sabrina turned away from the airline counter,
tickets in hand, to find Brad standing by the bank of pay phones. He looked anxious. As soon as he
saw her coming toward him, she realized that there was a certain amount of relief in his eyes. Relief
and trust. Somehow the boy seemed to be communicating the fact that this was an adult disaster and
therefore an adult could deal with it.
Was anyone at all there? Sabrina asked gently.
Felicia, the maid. She gave me my grandparents number. She said Mom hadnt phoned ahead to
say she was arriving back in Houston unexpectedly. As far as Felicia knows, Mom and El Creepo are
still in Europe.
Lets call your grandparents. Ill do the talking, if you like.
Gratefully, Brad handed the phone over to Sabrina. The call was answered in San Diego by
another maid.

Im sorry, but the Augusts are at their country club. They played golf today and wont be back
until this evening. May I take a message?
Youre sure theyre at the club? Sabrina pressed nervously.
Yes, maam. They just left twenty minutes ago.
I see. Well, thank you very much. There havent been any other, uh, calls for them, have there?
I beg your pardon? the maid said in a frosty tone.
I mean from their son, for instance? Im trying to reach him and I was just wondering if theyve
heard from him recently, Sabrina temporized quickly.
It has been some months since Matthew August has called his parents, the maid informed her
bluntly. That man should be ashamed of himself, if you ask me. No sense of responsibility.
Ill tell him when I see him, Sabrina said briskly, and hung up the phone.
Had the government people contacted them? Brad asked urgently.
No. Neither your mother nor your grandparents seem to have received any messages about Matt.
She frowned thoughtfully, tapping the tickets against the side of the phone.
So what happens now? Brads eyes were wide and serious.
Im going to try to get hold of Alex. Then we leave town, Sabrina said decisively.
But where will we go? To find Dad?
I dont know how to find your father, Brad. Therefore, well have to make sure he can find us,
Sabrina said, trying to sound sure and in control. Her fingers were trembling as she waited for Alex
to answer his phone.
No, I cannot come in early tomorrow, Sabrina, Alex began as soon as he realized who was on
the line. This has got nothing to do with work. Alex, Im at the airport. Im on my way to Oregon
with Brad.
Oregon!
Alex, I have to know something. During that scramble in the parking lot do you think you might
have hit one of the guys in the arm? Hard enough so that it would still be unusable today?
I did a little damage, Sabrina, Alex admitted cautiously. I didnt have much choice.
I know that. For heavens sake, Im not blaming you for that! Its just that one of those men I
thought was from the IRS showed up at my door today with a right arm that wont function. The other
guy is wearing makeup around one eye. They told me some story about Matt getting hurt and lying in a
hospital in Puerto Rico.
Jesus.
My sentiments exactly. Plain brown shoes.
Nerd shoes.
And not cowboy boots.
Not much to go on, Alex warned softly.
I know. But they work for Rafferty Coyne.
I know how you feel about Coyne.
And part of the story they just told me doesnt check out.

Alex groaned. I thought I was working in the simple, tacky souvenir business. Not very impressive
but a stepping-stone to greater things, I assured my mother. I didnt know my boss was going to get in
trouble with the government. I should have been suspicious when the IRS kept pestering you.
These two guys who look like theyve been in a parking-lot brawl dont work for the IRS, I
discovered. Ive never even heard of the name of Coynes agency.
Why would they have come after Brad and me last night?
It probably had nothing to do with you. Its Brad they seem determined to get, Sabrina
whispered, hoping the boy wouldnt overhear. And they might be legitimate, for all I know. God
knows the government works in mysterious ways.
So what now?
Im heading out to Oregon. There would be way too many questions if I arrived at the homestead
with the kid in tow. But my dad has a cabin on the coast. Lots of privacy. No one could possibly
guess Brad and I will be there. Were going to stay there until I can clear up this mess. Ill be
checking in by phone after we get to the cabin.
Have you got the cabins phone number?
No, there is no phone. Ill be calling from a pay phone. But Im going to tell you where the cabin
is just in caseshe broke off uncertainly, aware of Brads nervousnessjust in case Matt should
happen to call the store. Dont tell anyone else where it is, Alex. Regardless of what kind of story
they give you.
Got it. Okay, Ive got a pencil. Give me the details.
Sabrina recited the location as best she could remember, knowing that landmarks might have
changed since she had last visited the cabin. Its the only one at the end of the road above the sea.
Okay, Ill tell him if he calls. But, Sabrina ?
What, Alex?
Are you sure you know what youre doing?
No.
I was afraid of that.
I dont dare go to the authorities. Those two guys have a great act. They could probably convince
anyone I was insane, unpatriotic, or worse.
Youve got a point.
Too bad I wasnt born with the family banker look. Trustworthy, reliable, cooperative. Sabrina
sighed.
But why would they want Brad? Alex persisted.
I dont know, Alex. I just dont know. But I do know that for Matt, Brad is first on the list.
What about you? Where do you fit in to Augusts list?
Good question. Ill call you from Oregon.

Chapter Nine
For Christs sake, Matt, if youll stop yelling at me, Ill explain everything! Alex exploded over
the phone.
Standing in the islands tin-roofed airport lounge, Matt resisted the urge to kick a stray chicken that
was strolling past. He held the phone slightly away from his ear and winced. The connection is
lousy, Alex. Can you run that by me again?
I said Sabrina left for Oregon last night. She called from the airport, Alex repeated. I have the
address of the cabin she took Brad to until she figures out whats going on. What is going on, Matt?
Matt stared at the scene of cheerful confusion that was taking place at the front door of the shack
that served as an airport. She left with Brad? She had Brad with her? Youre sure?
She said that two government types who claimed they worked for Coyne seemed to be trying to
get their hands on him. You know Sabrina. A little paranoid sometimes.
I think the lady has cause, Matt murmured in heartfelt tones. Jesus! I cant believe it. She
actually took Brad and left town? What about the two who tried to pick him up?
Griffin and Shadwell. At least thats what Sabrina said they called themselves. Came on with a
real official line and then told her you were heroically dying in some hospital. They wanted to take
Brad to his critically injured fathers bedside.
And Sabrina didnt buy it?
She didnt know what to believe. Called your parents and your ex-wife. No one seemed to know
about brave Matt August being wounded in the line of duty, Alex said sardonically. And then there
was the malfunctioning right arm.
Okay, Alex, try that one again, Matt ordered with a patience he wasnt feeling. What arm?
Well, I took Brad to the ballet a couple of nights ago
The ballet! My God, whatever made him go to the ballet?
Sabrina thought it would be good for him. I think she had some theory about countering the more
macho influences in his life. At any rate it didnt work because two rednecks hassled us in the parking
lot afterward and I used a little karate on them. Brad got his two cents worth in, also, by the way. In
the clutch that kid has guts. I know I was scared to death, myself. We sent them packing, but the next
day Griffin and Shadwell turned up on Sabrinas doorstep looking like theyd been in a parking-lot
brawl.
Matt inhaled sharply. I owe you one, Alex.
Put in a good word for me when I get my salary review from Sabrina.
So she dashed off to Oregon with Brad.
I think Griffin and Shadwell really blew their case when they told her they worked for Coyne. She
doesnt like that man.

Nobody does, Matt informed him absently. He studied the milling crowd of people and chickens
and tried to think. Give me the directions to that place in Oregon. Ill head straight out there.
Where are you now?
Island hopping, Matt replied. Im trying to get to an island thats big enough to have decent
airline connections. Its going to take a while. Supposedly theres a small charter plane leaving here
in fifteen minutes. If they can get the pilot out of the bar. His hand clenched and relaxed as he forced
back the frustration. Any sign of Griffin and Shadwell since Sabrina left town?
They havent shown up here at the store. Think they might be on her trail?
I dont know what theyll do. Have to assume theyll keep trying to get Brad. Those were the last
instructions from Coyne.
The last instructions? Alex inquired delicately.
Mr. Coyne has gone on to new levels of diplomacy. Listen, does Sabrina have a phone at that
cabin?
No, but she said shell be checking in sometime this morning. She said there was a pay phone she
could use at a local store.
Okay. Tell her Im on my way. Tell her to bolt the doors and sit tight until I get there.
She was nervous about trying to explain everything to the police.
Shes right. Griffin and Shadwell could easily outtalk her, and once they start flashing the
government ID, most local cops would back off. With any luck she shook them off her trail when she
flew to Oregon. Just tell her to stay put and not open the door to anyone until I arrive.
Got it. When should she expect to see you?
Matt gazed disgustedly at the empty runway out in front of the tin shack. Damned if I know. As
soon as I can get there. Just tell her tell her Ill be there, he finished, not knowing how else to say
all the things he wanted to say to Sabrina.
Ill tell her, Alex said calmly.
Ill see you when I get back to Dallas with Sabrina and Brad. Matt replaced the receiver, grimly
grateful that hed finally found a working telephone, and then picked up Coynes briefcase and his
own flight bag. He walked purposefully through the noisy crowd of the airport and out the back door.
The nearest bar was a block down the road. With any luck the pilot hadnt had time for more than a
couple of shots. It was, after all, only ten oclock in the morning.
She and the kid landed at Portland late last night. Rented a car and headed for the coast, Griffin
said, glancing at the notes hed been making while on the telephone.
Did the contact in Portland follow orders?
Sure. What else would a loyal, hardworking government man do when faced with a polite request
from another department? He tailed her to the coast. She and the kid are in a beach cottage. Isolated
and remote.
Sounds simple enough, Shadwell mused, studying the shopping center outside his window. Hed
never seen so many shopping centers in his life as he had in Dallas. Apparently shopping in airconditioned comfort was how most of the locals amused themselves. When they were finished for the
day they piled their Neiman-Marcus packages into their air-conditioned Cadillacs and went home to
their air-conditioned houses. It seemed a somewhat limited lifestyle to Shadwell but, then, what did

he know? Vaguely he felt for the handle of his knife and relaxed when he touched the leather-wrapped
surface. Things were getting messy, and Shadwell got nervous when things got messy.
Ill book us a flight to Portland. Well be there by late this afternoon. Griffin picked up the phone
again.
No rush. We wont want to move until tonight, anyway. Wonder what Coynes going to think when
he tries to check in with us this evening.
Theres no way I can tell him things have gotten this screwed up. I cant get a call through to that
goddamned island.
Maybe its just as well, Shadwell speculated. He doesnt like excuses.
He also doesnt like loose ends. For that matter, neither do I. Weve got to get this under control
before it explodes in our faces.
And if we cant? Shadwell asked reflectively. Then well cut our losses.
Making sure there are no loose ends left dangling, Shadwell concluded.
***
It was not paranoia, Sabrina told herself. It was simply heightened tension that had made her
suspect that every third car on the road behind her had been trying to tail her last night. She lay in bed,
aware of the musty smell of the sheets and blankets shed dug out of the closet. She and Brad had
finally arrived at the cabin at three in the morning. Brad was apparently still asleep in the other
bedroom. The poor kid had been absolutely exhausted.
Sabrina knew shed needed sleep, but other than a couple of hours of dozing shed grabbed on the
jet, she hadnt managed to get any. It was dawn now and shed been lying awake since shed gone to
bed. Might as well get up. She glanced at her Mickey Mouse watch, which she hadnt bothered to
remove. In another couple of hours Alex would be opening the shop in Dallas. Shed call him after
she and Brad had eaten breakfast.
Pushing back the covers, Sabrina picked up her jeans and the shirt she had been wearing last
evening.
She was going to have to do some washing this afternoon. Neither she nor Brad had a change of
clothes.
But the shower worked, and standing under the pounding hot water revived her somewhat. By the
time she emerged, Sabrina was feeling more alert. She strolled out into the kitchen of the old cottage
and rummaged in the cupboards for the packages of instant coffee her father always left behind.
As she heated water she glanced around at the familiar rustic walls, the worn throw rugs, and the
miscellaneous furniture with which the cottage had been furnished. Shed spent a lot of weekends
here when she was younger. Bennet Chase had brought his children to the coast as often as possible.
Looking back now, it struck Sabrina that her father probably hadnt enjoyed those trips nearly as
much as his children did. There were undoubtedly several weekends when he would have preferred
to unwind in the comfort of his own home, after a hard weeks work, rather than get into the car and
make the long drive to the coast with three kids. It couldnt have been easy for a staid banker to keep
track of a bunch of lively children at the beach.
But her father, for all his domineering tendencies, had never made her or his sons feel they were a

burden to him. Bennet Chase had chosen to raise his children alone, and hed done it to the best of his
ability. Sabrina still remembered that day during her twelfth year when he had taken her aside and
tried to explain in a gentle, matter-of-fact manner the changes that were taking place in her body. She
had been acutely embarrassed at the time and had hastened to inform him that the school nurse had
already gone over the matter. Bennet Chase had been greatly relieved. But she had to admire him now
for the way hed been determined to carry out his responsibility.
Sabrina poured the boiling water over the instant coffee and sat down at the round oak table in
front of the window. The cabin didnt get used very often anymore. Jeffrey and Nolan occasionally
occupied it on holidays, but not very frequently. And Bennet Chase was currently dating a widow in
Portland, so he spent most of his weekends there.
Strange how, when shed needed a place to run to, this was the place that had seemed to offer a
haven. This was where she had been allowed to run free. Here she had learned to swim and dig
clams. Here her brothers and father had seemed more relaxed and playful, less inclined to tell her
what to do and how to do it. It was here that shed seen the side of Bennet Chase and the Brothers
Grim that she liked best, Sabrina realized; a more casual, less authoritarian side.
She thought about Matt, who hadnt called his parents in months. For all her attempts to sidestep
her familys efforts to control her, she had never lost contact with them. Sabrina grimaced wryly,
thinking of the regular weekly phone calls. God knew she hadnt lost contact!
Growing up in an all-male household had been a chore, to say the least, but she had survived quite
well, all things considered. And eventually she had established a clearly separate lifestyle. She knew
she had disappointed her father with her change in career and that her brothers disapproved of her
direction in life, but they had never withdrawn their affection or support. That support had remained
unwavering, even when her name was being plastered across the newspapers. She had avoided the
rift that seemed to have developed between Matt and his parents.
Looking back from the comfort of this cottage, it occurred to Sabrina that the only reason she had
avoided the same fate was because her family had refused to let it happen. In spite of scandal,
disapproval, and disappointment, no one had any intention of cutting off the black sheep of the family.
It said a lot for Bennet Chase and the ties hed forged among his children that nothing had
completely severed those bonds.
Sabrina thought about that, seeing her father from a slightly new perspective. Whatever else had
happened, there had never been any hint of rejection; not the kind Brad had suffered and not the kind
Matt had endured. Bennet Chase had accomplished something special in spite of the fact that he was a
sober, domineering, autocratic banker.
He had created a home.
It was odd, Sabrina thought, sipping her coffeeshe hadnt quite realized that until this minute. It
was even stranger, after all these years of sidestepping the various and assorted pressures of her
family, that she suddenly thought it might be satisfying to create a home for someone else. Someone
named Matt August.
She wondered idly if Matt realized how much he needed a home for himself and his son.
Sabrina glanced at her watch. Time to call Alex. Brad? Are you awake?
The answer took the form of a sleepy rumble from the second bedroom, the room that had been
Nolan and Jeffreys.

We have to go call Alex.

Cant I stay here? Brad muttered into the pillow.
Sabrina went to the bedroom door. She didnt want to tell him that she didnt dare let him out of her
sight until shed heard something about his father. Sorry, kid. Up and at em. You can take a nap later
on today.
One of the things Sabrina was learning about adolescent boys was that they seemed to take as much
time in the bathroom as women who were dressing for an evening out on the town. Twenty minutes
later Sabrina was still waiting impatiently for Brad to emerge. When he finally ambled out wearing
the fatigues hed had on yesterday, she gave him a sardonic glance.
Looks like two bathrooms are going to be a minimum for this family.
He looked at her, surprise in his eyes. Yeah? Then he nodded, as if digesting the implications of
the remark. Yeah, I guess that would be a good idea.
Come on, kid, lets go call Alex and see if hes heard anything.
Fifteen minutes later Sabrina was standing in the old phone booth outside the small general store
that was the sole source of the communitys groceries. Her fingers clamped fiercely around the
receiver as Alex came on the line.
Sabrina! Am I glad to hear from you. Hold tight, lady, the cavalrys on its way.
What are you talking about? she demanded, hardly daring to hope.
Just heard from Matt.
Oh, my God, Alex. Hes all right, then? Sabrina sagged against the phone booth and tossed a
weak, reassuring grin at Brad, who was sitting in the car.
Other than the fact that hes doing a bit of unscheduled island-hopping. Hell be there as soon as
possible. The bad news is that he isnt sure when that will be. At any rate, I have instructions to tell
you to bolt the doors and hold the fort until you see the whites of his eyes.
Alex quickly explained what Sabrina had already guessedthat Coynes two men in blue were
indeed after Brad, with the intention of holding the boy as insurance for Matts cooperation.
Hang on, Sabrina. Its all going to be over soon. Remember the Alamo!
Geez, Alex, youre so inspirational. But the relief flowing through her was enough to make her
light-headed.
I try, Alex said modestly. How are you and the kid holding up?
Much better now that Ive talked to you. Take care, Alex, and thanks for everything.
Are we talking a raise here?
Were talking warm gratitude. Dont soil the purity of the moment with talk of money.
It would make my mother happy.
Nothing is going to convince her that youve got a good job. Not as long as there are armadillos
involved. See you soon, Alex.
She hung up the phone and grinned at Brad. Your father is fine. Hes on his way.
Here? The relief in Brads eyes told her just how anxious the boy had been.
Right here. As soon as he can get out of the Caribbean. Come on, lets go buy some cereal and
milk and something for dinner. Who knows? Maybe Matt will be here by then. Wed better buy

enough for three.

But Matt was not there by dinner. Sabrina and Brad ate in a companionable atmosphere,
speculating on what Griffin and Shadwell might be doing and where Matt was at the moment.
You, uh, think you and Dad might stick together when this is all over? Brad finally asked as he
helped Sabrina clear the table.
She knew he was trying to sound casual. Its a possibility. God, how she hoped it was a
possibility. A lot would depend on what Matt wants.
I think he wants to stay with you, Brad said carefully. But
Sabrina held her breath. But what?
Well, I was talking to Cindy and she says people will notice that you and Dad arent, well, uh,
married, Brad blurted.
And that would be embarrassing for Brad, Sabrina realized with startled perception. She slid him a
sidelong glance. I thought you modern kids didnt worry about things like that.
Living togethers okay for some people. But not for you and Dad. Brad concentrated fiercely on
the pot he was drying.
Why not? Sabrina pressed.
Brads shoulders moved uneasily. Its just different for you guys. Thats all.
Wisely Sabrina decided not to pursue the subject. She thought she knew what was going on in his
head. Brad wanted some security. Whereas he had once viewed Sabrina as a threat, he seemed to
have adjusted to her presence in his fathers life. Therefore he had decided that presence should be
formalized.
You know what I think? Sabrina said mildly.
What?
I think you kids have a double standard. You expect adults to live by one set of rules while you
live by another.
Well, you are grown-ups, he pointed out logically.
One of the privileges of being a grown-up is that you can make a lot of your own rules, Brad, she
tried to explain gently.
Well, I guess so. Sabrina noticed that he mulled over the information with a serious expression
on his young, Matt-like features. But Cindy thinks you ought to get married, he insisted stubbornly.
Given that irrefutable argument, Sabrina retired from the fray.
Matt had still not arrived by ten oclock that evening. Brad, exhausted by the limited sleep and the
excitement, finally went to bed, telling Sabrina to wake him when his father arrived.
Sabrina couldnt sleep, even knowing how much she needed the rest by now. She sank into the
depths of the old overstuffed sofa and absently turned the pages of an out-of-date magazine someone
had left behind. The fire she and Brad had built crackled invitingly on the hearth. She ought to go to
bed. No telling when Matt would arrive. Perhaps not until morning.
The light she had been using to read by winked and went out along with every other light in the
house at five minutes after eleven.
Sabrina froze as the sudden darkness descended. Jerking to her feet, she reminded herself that it

was not unheard of to lose electricity this far from a major city. But there had been no storm, which
was usually the case when the lights flickered and disappeared.
She stood tensely in the middle of the small living room, letting her eyes adjust to the faltering light
provided by the fading fire. Her father was an orderly man. He always kept a flashlight in a kitchen
drawer. Taking a grip on her nerves, she walked into the other room and fumbled until she found the
right drawer. Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief when the batteries proved to be still alive. It shouldnt
have surprised her. Her father was the kind of man who paid attention to details. It occurred to
Sabrina that if Matt kept a flashlight around it would always be in working condition.
Swinging the light in an arc around the kitchen, Sabrina double-checked the locks on the windows.
Shed already checked them three times that evening. The violent pounding on the front door nearly
made her drop the flashlight.
Matt! she whispered in overwhelming relief. Eagerly she raced into the living room. Matt, is
that you?
Open the door, Miss Chase. We want the boy.
Sabrina steadied herself, grabbing the arm of the sofa for support. Griffin! Griffin was out there,
and that meant Shadwell was around, too. She said nothing, trying to pull her jangled nerves together.
Open the door or well be forced to break in. You are obstructing government agents, Miss Chase.
A grave federal offense.
Sabrina forced herself to move, stubbing her toe against the leg of the sofa as she bent down to lift
up the corner of the rug. The old board was stubborn at first. It had always been stubborn. Bennet
Chase hadnt wanted anyone discovering the small floor safe underneath by mistake.
Oh, God, it had been so long since shed memorized the combination. Nolans birthday. Was that
the twenty-eighth of August or was that Jeffreys? She always got them mixed up. Her fingers shook
violently as she spun the combination. Nothing happened. It must be November fifteenth. It had to be
one or the other.
On the second try the lock clicked and she wrenched open the heavy steel door. The Smith and
Wesson was still inside, the ammunition lying next to it. Bennet Chase had felt there were certain
skills a man should know, regardless of what he did for a living. And hed had a daughter who had
insisted on learning the things her brothers had been taught. When shed turned sixteen and
antimilitary she had decided that guns were disgustingly macho manifestations, representative of the
kind of arrogant male fantasizing that had gotten the world into so much trouble. Sabrina had
suggested her father get rid of his. Hed smiled vaguely and told her that some kind of protection was
necessary here at this isolated cabin. Shed argued that having a gun around fostered a basically
violent, military mentality. Bennet Chase had explained he was a banker. She had no need to worry.
Shed quoted statistics that proved people who kept guns in the home were far more likely to be
injured by them than they were to actually use them in self-defense. Bennet Chase said he assumed
hed taught her sufficient respect for the weapon that she wasnt likely to get hurt with it.
With unsteady hands Sabrina lifted the .38 out of the safe and loaded it.
You have one more chance, Miss Chase. If you do not open the door this minute, well come in
anyway.
Sabrina drew a deep breath and knelt on the rug, pointing the weapon at the door. I have a gun,
she called out, vaguely astonished that her voice still worked.

Theres no point playing games, Miss Chase. Were here to take the boy. This is government
business.
Screw the government.
A stunned silence greeted that remark. And then a roar sounded outside. Griffin must have seen
some film in which the hero had shot the lock off the door, Sabrina thought hysterically. Unfortunately,
after another shot, the attempt worked.
Sabrina? Brads stunned voice sounded from the hall just as the front door swung open with a
slam. The man who bulled into the room was illuminated by the glare of the flashlight Sabrina had
propped up on a stack of books.
Get down on the floor, Brad. Stay there. She didnt look in his direction. She was focusing
completely on Griffin.
This has gone far enough, lady.
Get out of here.
Why, you little bitch! He raised his hand, his left one, and let her see the gun he was holding. He
didnt see hers in the shadows; probably didnt even believe she had one until Sabrina pulled the
trigger.
The blast roared through the cottage. It was accompanied by a scream of rage and pain as Griffin
spun backward into the night. The door swung slowly shut behind him.
A shocking silence fell on the cottage and then, through sheer force of will, Sabrina managed to get
to her feet. There were things that had to be done.
Quick, Brad, help me get this sofa over there.
Brad got up off the floor, staring at her in the weak firelight. You shot him. He looked dazed.
You shot a government agent.
If that was an official government employee, then the Civil Service had better have another look at
its hiring policies. Give me a hand, Brad. She realized the boy was in shock. Hey, thats the guy
that Alex had to beat up a couple of days ago. Remember? I didnt kill him, you know.
You didnt?
No. I was probably lucky to hit his shoulder. Hopefully the left one, since Alex already took care
of his right one. She heaved against the heavy old sofa. She was shaking, Sabrina realized. She
didnt have any way of knowing whether she might have just killed a man. Griffin might be lying in a
pool of blood just outside the door. The knowledge was sickening. But the notion of letting Griffin
have Brad was unbearable.
Brad finally released himself from his stunned paralysis and came to her assistance. Geez,
Sabrina. What do we do now?
Damned if I know, Sabrina thought wildly. But you werent supposed to say things like that to a kid
who was looking to you for protection. Maternal types were supposed to sound totally in command of
the situation. Aloud she said, Now that weve got the door blocked I think our biggest problem is
going to be the windows. Anyone trying to get through them would have a job on their hands. Lets
close the doors to the bedrooms. If anyone enters through a bedroom window, hell have to open the
door and that will give us some warning.
There was uneasy silence outside the cabin as Sabrina crawled on her hands and knees across the

floor to pull the bedroom doors shut. Brad watched her with wide, anxious eyes.
Maybe we should build a barricade or something, he suggested when she returned to his side.
Good idea. Lets use the table and chairs.
Staying low so that there would be no risk of their shadows showing through the curtains, Sabrina
and Brad laboriously pulled two of the heavy, overstuffed chairs into a barrier. Crouching behind
them, with the wall of the cabin at their backs, they waited. Sabrina set the gun down on the floor
beside her. She wondered again if Griffin was bleeding to death outside the front door.
When do you think Dad will get here? Brad asked quietly.
Soon. Dear God, let it be soon!
What if those two outside realize hes on his way? The boy didnt look at her. He sat crosslegged in the fatigue pants hed pulled on before coming out into the living room.
Your father knows what hes doing, Sabrina assured him firmly.
But if one of those guys ambushes him Brads voice broke faintly and he stopped talking.
Sabrina closed her eyes in silent anguish and then took a grip on her own wild fears. My guess is
that Griffin and Shadwell wont hang around if they realize Matt is on his way. Theyll know the
game is over.
Yeah, maybe theyll try to escape. Maybe theyve already gone, Brad added hopefully. I havent
heard anything for several minutes.
Maybe.
Sabrina was mulling over her own doubts when the second shot split the tense night. She jumped,
her fingers closing instantly around the handle of the Smith and Wesson. But no one tried the door or
came hurtling through a window.
What are they doing now? Brad wondered.
Trying to scare us. All things considered, theyre doing a good job. Sabrina tried a shaky smile,
but it vanished as two more shots sounded.
Maybe theyre just firing wildly at some animal moving around in the dark. They might think its
us trying to escape, Brad suggested.
Thats a thought. Ill bet youre right. Theyre like a couple of hunters who get overexcited and
shoot at anything that moves.
I asked Dad if hed take me hunting when the season starts, Brad said abruptly.
Sabrina slid the boy a sidelong glance. Dont expect me to cook anything you shoot. I dont
approve of hunting.
A brief smile came and went on Brads face. Dad said he had a hunch you wouldnt.
They both fell silent after that. Sabrina tried not to think about the possibility of a dead man outside
the door, and then she tried even harder not to think about where Matt might be at this moment. What
had Alex said? Something about having a tough time getting out of the Caribbean. It could be hours
before he arrived. Would Griffin and Shadwell wait hours for their quarry?
She wished shed had more sleep the night before. It wasnt that she felt sleepy now, heaven knew
the tension was too great for that, but she might have felt steadier if she were better rested.
Then again, maybe no one felt steady in a situation like this.

Sabrina never heard the window in her bedroom being forced nor the bedroom door being opened.
The fire was burning very low by now and there wasnt enough illumination in the room to see well.
It was instinct as much as anything else that made her close her hand once again around the gun.
She didnt question the impulse. In a second she had the weapon locked in her hand as she
crouched behind the chair. Beside her Brad watched her tensely. He said nothing.
It was now or never, Sabrina told herself. She would have to rise to her knees and risk a couple of
shots over the arm of the chair. It was either that or take the chance that someone was creeping up on
her in the darkness.
Moving abruptly so that she wouldnt have a chance to become any more frightened, she lifted her
head and the gun in a single motion. In the fleeting glimpse she had, Sabrina realized a man was
coming through the bedroom door. He dropped to the floor just as she pulled the trigger.
The bullet cleared Matts head by several feet, embedding itself in the bedroom wall.
Dad! Brad struggled upright.
Matt! Oh, my God, Matt! Sabrina tossed the gun down onto the chair and raced across the room.
Throwing herself down onto the floor beside him, she reached out to turn him over.
Matt obediently rolled onto his back and gave her a strange smile. Didnt anyone ever tell you its
dangerous to keep a gun in the house?
Dad, are you all right? Brad was kneeling beside his father, looking stricken.
Im fine. Fortunately, Sabrina usually misses when she aims at me. Matt got to his knees and ran
a hand through his hair. His eyes were on Sabrina. Jesus, lady, you know how to keep a man on his
toes.
Oh, Matt! She flung herself against him, her arms closing fiercely around his waist as he crushed
her to him. Ive been so worried.
She shot Griffin, Brad said with a hint of pride.
That doesnt exactly surprise me, Matt said over the top of her head. But his hands moved along
Sabrinas spine as if to be certain she was real. Souvenir sellers are a hardy bunch. Are you both all
right?
Sabrina nodded against his chest and reluctantly lifted her head. If you dont count the fact that we
seem to be barricaded in a cabin with two armed men outside the door.
Probably only one now, Brad offered helpfully. Griffin must be out of action. Sabrina shot him
in the arm.
Matt looked down at Sabrina. How do you know you got him in the arm? he asked rather
interestedly.
She knew what he was thinking. Nobody aims that carefully when confronting an armed intruder.
You shoot at the widest possible target, and hope to hit something vital. I dont knowat the crucial
moment I had my eyes closed.
In that case I guess Im lucky to have made it in here in one piece.
Yeah, Dad, whats going on? Brad interrupted quickly. How did you get into the bedroom?
Grateful for the interruption because she was still trembling with reaction to the close call Matt had
just had at her hands, Sabrina echoed the question. What the devil is going on, Matt?
Come on, lets get behind those chairs over there. Ill tell you what I can.

Sabrina crawled quickly for the relative safety of the barricade and then huddled against the wall
to make room for the two men. She couldnt believe Matt was here. The sense of relief was
overwhelming. She had a violent urge to grab him, hold him close, and make him promise he would
never again abandon her for any quasi-military adventures. But she had so few rights where Matt
August was concerned.
Matt settled down beside her, his arm going around Sabrinas shoulders as Brad crouched nearby.
Goddamn. Ive been on more planes than I can count in the last eighteen hours. Not to mention an
odd boat or two. Matt leaned his head back against the wall with an ironic grin. Catching up with
you two has been quite a chore. Whatever made you take Brad and run, Sabrina?
I didnt like the story those two tried to hand me. And I detest Coyne. I dont trust any of them an
inch.
Well, Ill have to admit that in this instance, you had a point. I was driving down the road to the
cabin, following Alexs very exact directions, when I realized there was another car parked several
yards from here. It was very plain and very rented. At any rate, when I couldnt see any lights on in
the cabin I decided Id leave my car behind and take a look on foot. Unfortunately, your friends
outside must have heard my car.
The shots we heard a few minutes ago? Griffin and Shadwell were shooting at you? Sabrina
asked, appalled.
They missed. Just as you did. This must be my lucky night. I wanted to check out the situation here
in the cabin before I went after those two jokers. So I came in through the bedroom window, opened
the door, and found myself facing another gun. Life has just been full of little surprises lately.
Hasnt it, though, Sabrina agreed. Any brilliant suggestions about what to do next?
Having seen me, our two friends must realize that Coynes scheme has suffered a snag or two
since they last talked to him. In their position they cant afford to just retire from the field like good
sportsmen. The three of us make an awkward bit of evidence to leave behind.
I was afraid of something like that.
Brad was watching first Sabrina and then Matt. What happens now?
Matt stirred, freeing his arm from Sabrina. He smiled at his son and leaned forward to ruffle
Brads hair. Now I take a little trip back outside and see if I can take care of the details Sabrina
hasnt yet had time to finish.
What are you talking about, Matt? You cant go out there! Shadwell, at least, will be waiting, and
Griffin might still be able to use a gun. Sabrina sat forward hastily, her fingers closing around Matts
arm.
He turned his head to look at her, his eyes calm and sure. We cant sit here and wait them out,
honey. I guarantee you, they arent going to leave voluntarily. In the morning the odds will be on their
side. That is, if they dont decide to set this cabin on fire first and smoke us out. Im surprised they
didnt try that already. Our best bet is to act quickly and make use of the darkness. It evens things out
a bit. Dont look so panicked, honey. This sort of situation is custom-designed to take advantage of
my expertise.
Sabrina searched his eyes for a moment longer and knew he spoke the truth. There really was no
choice. Wordlessly she nodded.
Ill be back as soon as I finish, Matt said quietly. He looked at Brad. You two stay here behind

the chairs and keep the gun. Use it on anything that moves. Ill yell before I come back inside this
time, so there wont be any embarrassing mistakes.
Do that, Sabrina stressed tartly. She was still shivering from the reaction she felt at having
almost shot Matt. But wont you need a gun?
Im armed, Matt assured her gently.
Be careful, Dad. Brad started to put out his hand to touch his father and then withdrew it. His
eyes were eloquent.
Matt touched him briefly on the shoulder. Youre a fine one to talk.
In spite of his anxiety Brad grinned. Bet its a while before Sabrina makes me go to the ballet
again.
Next time well try the museum, Sabrina put in firmly.
Matt slipped back through the bedroom door and out the window he had used earlier to enter the
cabin. A heavy cloud cover canceled most of the moonlight. He dropped to the ground below the
window and faded quickly into the scrubby, windblown shrubs that were scattered around the cabin.
In the distance the crash of a surf being stirred up by the incoming storm covered most other noises.
The cottage was located on a bluff overlooking a small cove. The shots that had been aimed at him
earlier had come from the far side of the house.
There was no telling where Shadwell might be at the moment, but if Sabrina had done enough
damage to Griffin the man might still be lying near the front door. Identifying the location of at least
one of the opposition would be useful. Sliding the knife out of the sheath he had switched from his
thigh to his belt, Matt circled around to the front of the beach cottage. There he crouched behind
boulders that had been tumbled by a careless hand eons ago. There was no body lying conveniently by
the front door.
Which meant, Matt thought broodingly, that he had to proceed on the assumption there were still
two armed men somewhere out here. He might as well start working his way back toward the rented
compact hed spotted on the way in.
It was a long, cautious trip even though the car was less than fifty yards down the sandy road. The
wind was picking up, blowing energetically in off the ocean. It was a fresh, clean smell, not at all
reminiscent of the jungle.
Matt considered that as he wove his way through the tangled foliage. So why did these nights spent
hunting with a knife in his hand always feel the same?
The car Griffin and Shadwell had used was still parked on the side of the road. In order to get
close, Matt realized, he was going to have to expose himself to anyone watching from inside the car.
What he needed was a little diversion. Something simple and elementary.
Reaching down, he picked up a stone at his feet and hurled it with all the strength and accuracy he
had developed for throwing knives. The stone struck the front windshield. Hertz would not be
pleased.
The impact didnt shatter the window, but it put a sizable hole through the glass. If there was
anyone inside, he ought to be somewhat nervous by now, Matt decided.
No one came out firing. Matt edged closer and hurled another rock. Anyone as jumpy as whoever
had shot at him earlier would not be able to resist the urge to retaliate if he was in the car under

attack. The implication being, of course, that the car was empty.
And if the car was empty, why was the back door slightly ajar? Matt asked himself with growing
curiosity. Two people using a four-door car rarely had occasion to open the back door.
The wind howled, blowing more clouds across the moon. Matt decided to take a chance. He
waited a few seconds longer and then flowed across the road, a dark shadow among a thousand other
shadows.
He reached the rear of the car without drawing any reaction. Crouching low, he made his way
around the side to where the back door was partially opened. There was a dark, wet stain on the
white paint of the car door.
Griffin, apparently, had made it back to the car. Matt kicked open the door and waited, staying out
of the line of sight of anyone on the backseat. After a second he risked a glance.
A pair of plain brown dress shoes was the first thing he saw. Griffin was still in them, lying curled
awkwardly on the backseat. He didnt stir as Matt touched his leg. Edging forward, Matt checked the
mans pulse. Still alive but apparently unconscious. It looked as though Sabrina had gotten him in the
shoulder, just as Brad claimed. Griffin had made some attempt at bandaging the wound before he
blacked out and had succeeded far enough at least to avoid bleeding to death. He was not going to be
a problem, Matt told himself, and backed carefully to the rear of the car.
Where the hell had Sabrina learned to handle a gun? Come to that, where the hell had she gotten the
.38 in the first place? There was no doubt that she was prepared to use it on anyone who tried to take
his son from her side.
But, then, Sabrina had never been short on either determination or sheer guts. He remembered that
first night in Acapulco when shed fought him. He felt awed by the fact that she was now protecting
his son so fiercely. Christ! To think he had almost lost her when shed left Acapulco to return to
Dallas.
Slipping back into the brush, Matt started toward the cottage. Shadwell was alone and knew it. He
was undoubtedly very wired at the moment, liable to shoot at anything that moved. It must have been
Shadwell who had fired those wild shots earlier. And it was Shadwell who would realize he couldnt
afford to leave Matt or Sabrina alive now that Coynes plans had been ruined.
Matt kept moving, shifting through the shadows in a manner that was second nature. Gradually he
worked his way back toward the cottage, circling it in concentric rings. Sooner or later he would
come across Shadwell.
It was a slow, painstaking process, but one learned patience in the jungle. Matt kept going,
covering the ground thoroughly. Sooner or later Shadwell would sense he was being stalked and hed
panic.
It happened just as Matt was moving toward the bluff. He was about thirty feet from the cottage
when the powerful flashlight beam flared on. Shadwell had lost his nerve.
The arcing beam sliced overhead as Matt dropped to his knees. Shadwell had stupidly given away
his position, apparently unable to stand any longer the tension of the hunt.
Two shots rang out. Matt stayed low, moving on his belly across the sandy ground. Shadwell was
at the corner of the house, apparently huddled behind a dark shape that resembled a garbage can. He
was cutting the night with huge swaths of light in a desperate effort to pick out his hunter.
Matt made it to the far corner of the house and considered his options. It seemed simplest and most

efficient to go across the roof. Resheathing the knife, he stepped up on the railing, caught the low
overhang of the moderately sloped roof in both hands, and pulled himself upward. Damn it, he really
was getting too old for this sort of thing.
The increasing noise of surf and wind covered the small sounds he made, but even so, Matt
decided, he was making too much noise for the task involved. He was losing itdefinitely time to get
out of this business.
By the time he had crawled across the roof and lay gazing down at the top of Shadwells swiveling
head, Matt was telling himself that Sabrina had had a point when she had told him he was well off out
of the military. He didnt get off on it anymore. All he wanted now was a hot shower and a warm bed
with Sabrina in it.
Promising himself all three, Matt gripped the knife and went over the edge of the roof.
Shadwell managed one more shot, but it was a useless, reflexive act of panic. Matt landed solidly
on the other man, knocking the breath out of him. They both rolled, toppling the garbage can. And then
something glittered in Shadwells fingers.
Goddamn it to hell. Whod have thought the bastard would be carrying a knife? Matt wondered
vaguely as he blocked the slicing blow with his forearm.
The battle was short and vicious, the way most close-in knife fighting usually was. But Matt held
the advantage of surprise and he used it ruthlessly. In seconds Shadwell realized he was
overwhelmed.
Matt sprawled on top of his victim, his knife at Shadwells throat, but Shadwell was spending all
his energy frantically gasping for air. The gun wound up several feet away.
You and your associates have put me to a great deal of trouble, Matt explained with soft
politeness.
A deal, Shadwell hissed as air finally came back into his lungs. We can make a deal.
Ive already made my deal. And Im afraid you dont fit into the big picture. He released
Shadwell and got to his feet. Get up. Just for kicks lets go see if your friend Griffin is still alive.
Twenty minutes later Sabrina watched Matt apply a good portion of the contents of her fathers
well-equipped first-aid kit to the shoulder of the unconscious Griffin. Shadwell lay on the floor,
trussed with clothesline. Brad hovered nearby, morbidly fascinated with the wound in Griffins
shoulder.
But what are we going to do, with them? Sabrina asked.
We could have them stuffed and stand them in your shop window, Matt suggested rather too
cheerfully.
Im serious. As Brad took great pains to point out earlier, I seem to have shot a government agent
and youve got another one tied up like a turkey.
If its any consolation to you, neither of these characters was working with any authorization from
the U.S. government. Coyne had his own show going down on Buena Ventura.
Does that mean the authorities arent going to be so mad at us? Sabrina asked interestedly.
Matt finished applying tape to Griffins bandage and looked up. Since when did you care about
the authorities?
My main goal is to get them out of my private life, Sabrina tossed back grimly. It just occurred

to me that shooting people who carry government ID might not accomplish that task.
Ordinarily it probably wouldnt, Matt agreed, but I think that in this case the people in charge
will be very glad to get us out of their hair. Coyne is going to be a potential source of embarrassment
to a lot of people. Dont worry. As soon as I get Griffin patched up Ill make a few phone calls.
Thats going to take care of all our problems?
Eventually.
Matt, have you ever tried to contact your congressman? In the middle of the night, no less? It will
probably take forever. I could tell you some real horror stories about trying to get hold of even a
minor official in the IRS!
Can I borrow your calling card? he asked innocently.
In the end it took a great many phone calls before Matt got the man he needed out of bed in
Washington, D.C.
Sitting in the car parked by the phone booth with Brad, Sabrina thought about the probable size of
her phone bill. Then she decided it was worth it.
When he finally returned to the car, Matt looked weary but satisfied. He slid into the front seat
beside Sabrina and exhaled heavily.
Everything all set, Dad? Brad hung over the back of the front seat.
All set. A couple of agents are on their way from Portland right now. Theyll collect Griffin and
Shadwell and take them out of our lives.
Theyre just leaving Portland? It will take them almost an hour and a half to get here, Sabrina
mused. That will give us time to get all our stories straight,
Matt noted as he put the car in gear.
What stories? Brad asked, frowning.
Brad, my son, one thing you have to learn about dealing with the authorities of this world. They
dont handle confusion well. The simpler you keep matters, the better they respond.
Your fathers right, Sabrina declared. Just ask me. Im an authority on dealing with authorities.
Dont forget Ive got a genuine, computer-generated letter of apology from the IRS in my possession.
Not many people can say that, she added proudly.

Chapter Ten
The brief summer storm had blown through around dawn. By the time Sabrina awoke there was a
wealth of sunlight pouring through the bedroom window. She stirred under the quilt and experienced a
satisfying sense of awareness when her foot brushed against Matts leg. Yawning, she turned over and
propped herself up to look down at him.
He was sprawled across three quarters of the bed, still asleep. There had been no passionate
homecoming early this morning when the government agents from Portland had finally left, taking
Griffin and Shadwell with them. Matt had reached for Sabrina as shed slid into bed beside him,
folded her close, and promptly gone to sleep. Sabrina hadnt been surprised. Shed closed her eyes
almost instantly and hadnt awakened until a moment ago. They had both been exhausted, but Matt had
been a day longer without sleep. He was making up for it now.
In the peace of the sunlit, tousled bed Sabrina studied the man for whom she had been waiting. He
looked good lying beside her, she decided. There was a sense of comfortable familiarity about him,
as if he belonged in her bed. The questions in her mind this morning revolved around how long he
would be content to stay there.
The only thing she had been sure of last night was that the operation Coyne had planned hadnt
taken place. And that left Matt in the same position he had been in when hed left for Buena Ventura.
It also left her with the same set of problems. Sabrina bit her lip. She really shouldnt wake him up
now to talk.
Matt?
No response.
Matt? Sabrina touched his shoulder.
Ummph? He didnt move.
We have to talk.
Bout what? He still didnt move, his head turned away from her, buried in the pillow. His voice
sounded thick and sluggish from sleep.
About us, she told him determinedly.
Oh, Christ.
There are a few things we need to get clear.
He still didnt move. I dont think Im up to this.
Id like to get some matters settled before Brad wakes up.
This isnt fair, Sabrina, he complained into the pillow, but she saw the sudden tension in his
shoulders and knew he was rapidly coming fully alert. Before I got here last night, I hadnt slept in
almost two days. After I arrived I got shot at; had to climb over a roof in the middle of the night and
deal with government personnel. I deserve a little time to recuperate.

You can have all the time you want after weve finished talking. Ive had a somewhat rough fortyeight hours or so myself.
Damn it, Sabrina, dont you think I know that? He moved finally, flopping over on his back in an
apparently lazy fashion that was belied by the gleaming alertness in his narrowed gaze. And I know
its because of me. I know you wouldnt have had to deal with any of this mess if I hadnt landed on
your doorstep with Brad and literally moved in on you.
She shook her head and gathered her courage in both hands. Im not discussing the past. I want to
talk about the future. I wont go through this again, Matt.
He regarded her for a long moment from behind his lashes. For the life of her Sabrina couldnt
begin to tell what he was thinking.
You think Id ask you to go through something like this a second time? he said finally.
I think that youve still got the same problems you had that made you susceptible to Rafferty
Coynes offer. You still want a fast buck to give you a head start in Dallas and you still havent
resolved your feelings about what happened two years ago. What happens if another Rafferty Coyne
comes along? Are you going to leave Brad and me alone again while you chase off on some hell-bent
adventure? I wont live with a man whos going to be a part-time mercenary, Matt. I let you have this
one venture because I understood some of your motives. Im sorry that it didnt accomplish everything
you wanted it to accomplish, but I wont give you any more chances.
You sound as if youve been preparing this little speech for some time.
Ever since you left, she said simply.
Im getting an ultimatum?
Sabrina drew a deep breath. I suppose you could call it that.
You want marriage? he asked carefully.
Sabrina blinked, surprised. Not particularly. That wouldnt buy me any guarantees, would it?
And you want guarantees?
I want to know that the man Im living with cares enough about me to stick around and do the
washing instead of tearing off to some damn jungle to risk his life for fun and adventure!
Youre really emotional about this, arent you?
Damn right, Im emotional! You said when you got back from this trip we would have a future
together. In your mind Im sure that meant wed have a future if the trip proved successful. Well, it
didnt, and now Im wondering where I stand. What does our future look like to you now, Matt? she
challenged softly.
If I give the wrong answer youre going to send me packing, arent you?
Her fingers were beginning to tremble. Sabrina shoved them under the quilt. If you give the wrong
answer, I will, of course, have to reevaluate the situation.
He laced his hands behind his head. Such a tough little lady, he mocked gently. Ive had my one
chance and now we do things your way, is that it?
She nodded once. Something like that.
Why dont you want marriage?
She lifted one bare shoulder. Its only a formality.

Its more than that, and you know it. You know what I think? I think you want to keep your own
options open even while youre closing down mine.
Sabrina was astonished at the grimness in his tone. Thats not true.
Are you sure, Sabrina? Youve never particularly wanted to start your own family, have you? And
here you are about to inherit a sassy kid and his washed-up father. Not exactly a picture-perfect
family portrait. So youve decided to keep things a step short of formal. That way if it doesnt work
out you can just calmly hand us our suitcases and wave goodbye.
Youre twisting my words, she protested as the heat rose in her cheeks.
Am I?
You sound like youre the one who wants marriage.
I do.
She stared at him, startled. Why? Because you want a home for Brad? A woman in your bed?
Someone to talk to in the evenings?
Thats all part of it, he agreed calmly. So is the fact that I trust you. I came through the door last
night, found you risking your life to protect my son, and wasnt really surprised. Appalled that youd
been placed in that position, yes. But not surprised that youd reacted the way you had. I want you,
Sabrina, and I trust you. I agree to your terms. No more adventuring. In exchange I want a commitment
from you. I want marriage.
This was the last thing she had expected from him, Sabrina realized, and it shook her. I I dont
know, Matt. I dont think theres any need. I dont see what it would accomplish.
Why are you backing off? he demanded softly. Why the hesitation?
Her eyes widened slightly. Im not sure.
His mouth hardened. What arent you sure about? For Christ sake, you just asked meno,
demanded to knowwhere you stand, and Ive told you. What more do you want?
She shook her head, trying to put her qualms into words. I want a stable, lasting relationship with
you. But before I actually took the step of marrying you, Id want something more than just your
promise not to go play mercenary whenever the mood strikes. Id want
What? he pushed between set teeth.
I guess Id want to know that I was important to youthat I came first with you. Or at least a
close second to Brad, she finally said flatly.
He expelled his breath with a sharp hissing sound that wound up in the single word Shit!
Sabrina wished shed kept her mouth shut. This was his first morning home, she should have been
making love to him, holding him close, glorying in his safe return and thanking him for showing up
when he did last night. Instead she had precipitated a stupid confrontation.
Im sorry, Matt. I shouldnt have tried to explain. I wasnt even sure myself until I put it into
words. Its not that I minded looking after Brad. I didnt. And Im glad you trust me. I found myself
trusting you, too, while you were gone, and it was a a good feeling. I believe you when you say
youll stay home now even though you didnt get what you wanted out of this mess on Buena Ventura.
It should be enough . Her voice trailed off. And it is a good enough basis to risk starting a longterm relationship, she finished valiantly.
But not quite good enough for marriage, is that it?

Marriage is different somehow, she explained lamely.

Youre asking the impossible, you know, he said far too calmly. I cant give you what you want.
I can never prove that youre more important to me than anything else in the world. There are too
many other things involved. Brad, for one. And I have a hunch that even though I give you my word to
stay home youre going to wonder if deep down Im satisfied.
I understand, she assured him quickly, wishing she could find a way out of the morass. Its not
your fault. This sort of thing is never clear-cut or simple. Logically I shouldnt have any problem with
the idea of getting married. I mean, its not as if I want my freedom to find someone else.
Are you sure about that? Sure you dont want to keep your options open just in case Mr. Right
walks into your life? He moved, turning on his side and reached out to pull her back down onto the
pillow. It could happen, you know. Some guy who hasnt got any kid that needs a home. Some guy
who doesnt carry a knife in his boot. Some guy who knows what he wants right from the start and
doesnt let you go traipsing off the way I did in Acapulco. Some guy who doesnt foist his kid off on
you while he tries to make a quick buck. Jesus, Sabrina, dont you think I know Ive been blundering
through this relationship from the beginning? Hell, I started it off nearly raping you. And now Im
asking you to marry me. You dont have to explain that youre having a few qualms about making the
situation permanent. But of all the things you could ask of me, youre picking the one that I can never
give you.
She tried to smile, but it was a shaky attempt. Just give me a little time, okay, Matt? The past few
days have been nerve-wracking and Im not sure Im thinking straight yet. Im so glad youre back.
Right now thats really all that matters. She put her arms around his neck and urged his mouth down
to hers.
Matt surrendered to the gentle pressure. The bare length of her felt strong and tight and soft under
him and her mouth was warm and inviting. This was what he had been dreaming of on Buena Ventura
and at last he had it in his grasp. She wanted him, shed let him stay with her, and shed accept his
son. Matt tried to tell himself that it was enough that she would take him pretty much as is. It was
more than he had any right to expect, given the bumbling course of his courtship. If only he could have
come to her unencumbered with problems of a bitter past, a shortage of funds, and a thirteen-year-old
kid. He wasnt exactly a prime catch. She had every reason to withhold part of herself.
Shed given so much, he thought achingly. She could have been killed defending Brad, who had no
real claim on her protection. She would be faithful; Matt was sure of that. His instincts about her that
first night in Acapulco had been accurate.
Matt thought about that first night as his hand slipped down to Sabrinas breast. That was another
situation in which hed severely blotted his copybook. Did she still worry that he might occasionally
confuse her with Ginny? Perhaps that was another factor in her hesitation to commit herself to
marriage.
So many gray areas, he thought desperately. So much he couldnt wipe out or reassure her about.
How could he convince her that even that first night in Acapulco he hadnt actually confused her with
his ex-wife? Nor had he been subconsciously trying to punish Ginny by assaulting Sabrina. Drunk as
he had been, hed simply determined to save the daring little would-be adventuress who had shown
up at his table. Hed told himself hed be doing a good deed by scaring her off the path she had
decided to try.
But looking back, that stupid scene must constitute one more mark against him in her mind.

Actually, Matt decided grimly, it was a wonder she was even willing to let him live with her.
When faced with the qualms and hesitations inherent in a womans view of the universe, there was
only one thing a man could do. Matt pushed the gnawing thoughts out of his head and concentrated
instead on giving Sabrina the one source of satisfaction he knew he could provide. He might not be
able to put her mind at rest about his jumbled motives for wanting marriage, but he sure as hell could
enforce the physical bond between them.
Sabrina sensed the change in Matt as she lay beneath his hardening body. He must be finally
coming fully awake, she thought fleetingly. Or else his mind had been on something else while she
kissed him. But suddenly he was one hundred percent with her.
His lovemaking reminded her a little of the way he had made love the night before hed left for
Buena Ventura. She didnt question it, just accepted the full force of his passion with an eager heart.
One thing was for certain: Matt wanted her. The hunger in him was heavy and deep. She sighed
with growing excitement as his rough-tipped fingers began a teasing pattern on her breasts. His kiss
abruptly turned demanding and she responded willingly, allowing his tongue to explore the moist
hollows behind her teeth.
God, I missed you, Matt moaned, reluctantly dragging his mouth free. He looked down at her in
the morning sunlight, his fist locked in her tousled hair, his hazel eyes gleaming with mounting desire.
All I thought about most of the time was getting back to you.
Im glad. She smiled, running her palms over the contours of his bare shoulders.
He groaned, arched his hips heavily against hers, and then lowered his mouth to her breast. She felt
his legs tangling with her own, sensed the fierce demand of his manhood as it began to probe for her
softness, and she gave herself up to the pleasure of finding pleasure with Matt.
The scarred fingertips passed tantalizingly down her body, over her hips, and around to the insides
of her thighs. She began to cling to him with increasing urgency, wrapping him in a lovers embrace
that was stronger than she knew. And when she was hot, her body flooding with the liquid warmth, he
finally came to her in a sudden rush of strength and need that dominated the small bedroom.
Afterward they lay in an intimate silence. Sabrina felt Matts fingers stroking through her hair with
absent affection as he lay beside her. She stretched languidly, remembering something.
I almost forgot, she murmured. Call your parents.
The hand that had been moving through her hair stopped. Any good reasons why I should? Matt
asked.
The maid says youve ignored them long enough. Sabrina nestled her head against his chest and
toyed with a tuft of hair that came within her range of vision.
When did you talk to the maid?
When I was trying to find out if your parents had been notified of your unfortunate accident on
Buena Ventura. The accident that was supposed to have landed you in a Puerto Rican hospital.
Ah, yes. Griffin and Shadwells fairy tale. So you called my parents home and got the maid,
hmmm? Did she explain to you the fact that Im an embarrassment to my parents? They dont exactly
relish hearing from me.
People change, Matt. I think you should call.
I thought you were the one who was so big on independence, he complained.

I am. But you shouldnt lose touch with your family, and I get the feeling you have.
Matt was quiet for a long moment. I lost touch with a lot of things down in Mexico. Which
explains, I suppose, why I didnt immediately follow you to Dallas.
Sabrina decided not to pursue that. And speaking of families
Ummm?
As long as Im this far, I think Id better take a look at my new nephew.
Does this mean youre going to introduce Brad and me to the Brothers Grim and your father?
Matt asked cautiously.
Worried?
Just practical. Something tells me that whatever doubts youve got about my suitability as a
husband are probably going to be multiplied a thousand times in the minds of three bankers.
Since were not going to bring up the subject of marriage, that problem shouldnt arise, should
it? she argued logically.
On the other hand, Matt thought speculatively, a few strongly voiced objections from the three
people whose advice Sabrina had been rejecting since the age of two might prove helpful. One of the
things he had learned when it came to eliciting obedience was that the indirect methods occasionally
worked best. It was probably half-instinctive in Sabrina now to resist advice and instructions from
her father and brothers. A trait he could definitely work to his advantage.
Hell, Matt said aloud. Did he really want her to agree to marry him just because her father
objected? He must be getting more desperate than he thought.
Whats wrong? Sabrina asked.
Nothing. Ill call my folks. Damn it, he was getting as greedy as Sabrina, Matt decided. He
wanted her to marry him because she had decided he was the right man for her, not because her
familys objections prodded her into it. But a man in his position could not be choosy, Matt reminded
himself.
Sabrinas phone call to her fathers home later that day produced astonishment, complaints about
lack of warning, and the demand that she show up by six that evening.
She arrived on schedule, escorted by Matt and his son. Everyone else had arrived ahead of the outof-town visitors, and dinner, cooked by Jeffreys wife, was in the oven. By seven oclock Sabrina
had admired little James Bennet Chase, reacquainted herself with the fact that she had always liked
her sisters-in-law, and skirted several pointed questions about her relationship with Matt. Sabrina
had an extra glass of wine before seating herself at the dinner table. She knew she was going to need
a little fortification.
Until now things had been going relatively smoothly, but Sabrina knew from experience that a meal
with three bankers could become a test of will. Covertly she surveyed the ring of faces around the
table as Liz, Jeffreys wife, began organizing the serving of her perfect paella.
Bennet Chase, suitably ensconced at the head of the table, was the image of a solid, dependable
banker. His silver hair was thinning rapidly, but that only added to the respectable appearance.
Jeffrey and Nolan, both in their thirties, had inherited the square-jawed, sober mien of their father.
In all honesty, Sabrina had to admit, while the three men had the look of good bankers and could
certainly project the temperament, they were not completely one-sided. She had seen the pleasure in

her fathers eyes before dinner when he exhibited his grandson, and the satisfaction in Nolans face
was genuine. Jeffrey even joked about getting on with the business of starting his own family.
But, then, Sabrina reminded herself, they had always been a family in most senses of the word. It
was natural that her father would be pleased at seeing the next generation started.
Liz and Mary, her sisters-in-law, were both attractive women who dressed well, paid proper
respect to their husbands careers, and thoroughly enjoyed their roles as homemakers. They handled
the business of being bankers wives with aplomb. And there was no doubt that they loved their
husbands.
Liz and Mary had always been friendly to Sabrina, who had responded with affection. But there
had always been a slight distance in her relationship to the other two women, and Sabrina knew it
was caused by her sense of somehow being different. She didnt share their deeply maternal drives.
She would never have been content to play the role of a bankers wife in a small town, and she could
never have handled Jeffreys or Nolans natural male arrogance with such calm acquiescence. But
Sabrina was deeply grateful to both women for having made her brothers happy. For that fact alone
she would always like them enormously.
Brad had been rather quiet since arriving, conscious as only a thirteen-year-old can be of not
making a social error. He eyed the paella with some trepidation, and Sabrina guessed hed never
eaten the spicy seafood-and-rice concoction.
Matt was turning into the unpredictable factor at the table. Sabrina found herself as wary of him as
Brad was of the paella. She didnt quite know what to make of him tonight. Neither did anyone else,
apparently, but they were intent on finding out just where he fit into Sabrinas life. Sabrina listened to
the delicate, probing questions and decided that this was the reason shed rarely brought any of her
few high-school dates home to meet the family. Even if the dates could have endured the gauntlet, it
annoyed her.
How long have you lived in Dallas, Matt? Bennet asked easily, helping himself to the spinach
salad.
Long enough to feel obliged to chip in on the rent. He smirked at Sabrina and she felt her blood
pressure rapidly rise.
Bennet seemed oblivious to the innuendo. And you met Sabrina soon after you arrived?
I met Sabrina down in Mexico. She was on vacation in Acapulco, looking for a few souvenirs.
You know how it is.
Nolan, one eyebrow raised, glanced across the table and met Jeffreys disapproving gaze. And
your work, Matt? Is it in Mexico?
Actually, Im unemployed at the moment. Ill be job-hunting when we return to Dallas.
Whats your field? Nolan inquired blandly.
Books.
You write them?
I sell them.
I see, Nolan nodded rigidly. This recent adventure on, what was it called? Buena Ventura?
Does that represent a, er, secondary career for you?
The family had been given a pared-down version of the story before dinner. They had been

shocked. Knowing what to expect in advance, Sabrina had ordered both Matt and Brad to stick to the
bare outlines of the tale, which excluded her rather active role at the cabin. Instinct had warned her
that if either her brothers or her father reached the conclusion that Matt had put her in danger, they
would go through the roof. For some reason she couldnt quite explain, she wanted her family to like
Matt.
Matt, for perverse reasons known only to himself, was not cooperating. Several times during the
questioning she tried to catch his eye, but he ignored her.
My father was on a special mission down on that island, Brad broke in defensively. Everyone
turned to look at him, and Sabrinas heart went out to the boy. He must have sensed the barely veiled
hostility being directed against Matt.
You work for the government? Bennet Chase asked, frowning at Matt. In addition to selling
books?
No.
The lack of information was clearly driving the three bankers crazy. In the end it was Liz and Mary
who stepped in to redirect the conversation. Thank God for the social skills of bankers wives,
Sabrina thought, reaching for her wineglass.
You three will be staying here tonight? Liz asked politely. We changed the beds. Matt and Brad
can have Nolans old room and you can have your own, Sabrina. Tomorrow well all have to get
together for lunch. How long will you be staying?
Not long, Sabrina said quickly. I have to get back to the store. No paid vacations when you run
your own business, you know.
When do you think you will have had enough of that souvenir stand in Dallas, Sabrina? her father
asked pointedly. Its time you went back to the profession for which you were trained.
I understand Sabrina ran into some trouble pursuing her career in California, Matt interjected
cheerfully. He ignored the hard stares that met the remark. Getting bounced out of the state gives her
something in common with me, you know.
It does? Bennet asked forbiddingly.
Got myself kicked out of the Army a couple of years ago.
I see. Bennet Chases voice was now almost frozen solid. He rose as the meal came to an end.
Perhaps we should continue this discussion in my den while the ladies take care of the dishes.
Sabrina was horrified. I dont think thats necessary, she began heatedly.
But Nolan and Jeffrey were already on their feet. Stay here and talk to Liz and Mary, Jeffrey
advised. You havent been home in quite a while.
There was nothing she could do, and Matt certainly wasnt fighting matters. He walked off to the
den surrounded by the three male Chases without any sign of resistance. Shed seen films in which
brave prisoners of war marched off to the firing squad with that resolute expression on their faces.
She had never liked war movies.
Sabrina turned back to find Liz and Mary watching her with eloquent sympathy. You see why I
dont come home very often? Sabrina asked in disgust.
Liz smiled with sudden assurance. I dont think you have anything to worry about, Sabrina. Matt
looks like he can take care of himself.

Brad stirred uneasily in his chair, clearly at a loss to understand exactly what was going on but
aware that it wasnt altogether pleasant. Sabrina looked at him encouragingly. Why dont you go
watch television in the living room?
Do you want some help with the dishes? he asked doubtfully.
No, thanks, well take care of them, Mary advised gently. The boy fled.
Liz poured some after-dinner coffee and sat back in her chair. What the hell is going on, Sabrina?
I wish I knew.
Did you really pick him up as a souvenir of Acapulco? Mary asked with an engaging grin.
Its a long story. Sabrina sighed.
Well, I for one want to hear every last detail. A cry sounded from a back bedroom. Ooops,
excuse me. That will be James wanting his dinner. Dont start until I get back, okay?
Sabrina watched her sister-in-law hurry off to fetch the complaining baby. When are you and
Jeffrey going to start your family, Liz?
Liz smiled serenely. We already have. She patted her still-slender stomach. But were going to
wait a bit before we make the announcement. We want Nolan and Mary to enjoy their time in the
limelight.
Congratulations, Sabrina said in surprise.
Thank you. And what about you?
What about Sabrina? Mary asked as she returned with the infant. She sat down at the dinner table
and opened her blouse.
I was just asking her when she intended to start a family, Liz explained.
Mary lifted James Bennet to her breast and smiled. It looks to me like shes already got a head
start.
Sabrina considered that. Do you think so? Ive never really thought too much about forming a
family of my own. It seems like Ive spent most of my life trying to put some distance between myself
and the family I was born into. I dont know how you two stand living with Nolan and Jeffrey. I mean,
I love them both, but there are so many times when I would have cheerfully strangled them. Tonight
being a prime example, she observed, wondering what was going on in the den.
There are times when I could strangle Jeffrey, too. Liz grinned. But there are compensations.
You must have discovered a few yourself or you wouldnt be thinking of marrying Matt.
Im not really thinking of marrying him, Sabrina said in surprise. At least not for a while. Not
until until I know for sure that he knows his own mind. She lounged back in her chair. Its all
very confusing.
I dont think Ive ever seen you confused before, Sabrina. Mary chuckled. But maybe thats
because its always simpler and more straightforward to move away from things. When you find
yourself moving toward something, complications arise.
I gather there are some real complications in this situation between you and Matt? Liz pushed
gently.
A few.
Do you love him? This, very casually, from Mary.

For some reason the simple question took Sabrina by surprise. She frowned thoughtfully. Yes,
she said finally. I do.
It figures. Liz sighed melodramatically. Hes unemployed, got himself kicked out of the Army,
has an ex-wife and a kid. You found him on the beach in Acapulco
A bar, Sabrina corrected. I found him in a hotel bar.
Ah, yes. A bar, Liz continued. And he followed you back to Dallas like a stray mongrel?
Sabrina drew in a breath. Not quite. Perhaps if he had
Why did he show up in Dallas, then? Mary demanded.
Actually, he went to Houston to collect Brad for the summer. He was in the neighborhood, so to
speak, so he dropped by.
And stayed, Liz finished.
And stayed until someone offered him a job down on Buena Ventura.
After which he immediately returned, Liz pointed out.
Sort of. I had Brad, you see, and he had to come back for his son.
But youre not sure he came back because of you? Liz murmured perceptively.
I think Im somewhere on his list of things he wants. I guess Im just not sure where. I know Brad
is at the top, which is only right. And I think Matt definitely is through with whiling his life away in
Mexico. I know he wants me and I think he wants a home. But there are other things he wants, too.
Such as? Mary asked.
Well, hes bitter about what happened two years ago when he had to resign his commission.
Going to Buena Ventura was supposed to be a way of working that out of his system. But the job
didnt accomplish that, as far as I can tell. The job also didnt give him the stake he thinks he needs to
stay in Dallas. But I told him I dont want him taking any more offers of work in that, uh, field.
Youve given him an ultimatum? Liz inquired curiously.
I dont want him chasing off on secret missions for the government whenever he gets an offer and
an urge! Sabrina exploded tightly. I want him home where he belongs, doing the laundry and the
grocery shopping.
Liz smiled blandly. You want a family.
Sabrina lifted one shoulder helplessly. I suppose you could say that. At any rate I want Matt.
And Brad?
Brads part of the package. I understand that. I like him and I think hes learned to tolerate me.
But you dont want marriage?
Sabrina hesitated. I just dont know.
I think, Mary said calmly, that youre scared of taking the final step.
No. Im just not sure enough of Matts feelings.
What do you want from him?
Sabrinas mouth curved wryly as her sister-in-law echoed Matts own question. Something he
says he cant give. Proof that Im the most important thing in his life. You must have had that from
Nolan, Mary, or you wouldnt have married him.

Nolan and I started out differently. There wasnt the complication of a child from a previous
marriage or worries about a past that hadnt been cleared up. It was simpler for your brother and me.
But even when it starts out simple it gets complicated in a hurry. Now theres James, here, for
example. And Ive been thinking of going back to work. Nolan has plans for his career that might
make it awkward for me to take a job. Lots of complications.
Marys right, Liz agreed quietly. Even when a relationship starts out in a simple,
straightforward fashion, it doesnt stay that way. You just got hit with all the complications right from
the beginning. You didnt have a chance to absorb them at a slower rate. No wonder youre feeling
confused!
Sabrina turned that over in her mind. Just how confused was she? When the chips were down a lot
of things had appeared very clear. She had known, for example, that she had to give Matt his chance
down on Buena Ventura. She had known, too, that she had to protect his son when the threat
materialized.
And there was no denying the passion in him. Whatever else he felt for her, that much was real.
Furthermore, she trusted him and he said he trusted her.
For Gods sake, Sabrina thought, what more do I want?
The conversation around the table continued along different lines after that. James Bennet went
back to sleep in his mothers arms. Brad wandered in to see if there was any more pie left and Liz
and Sabrina did the dishes.
The men didnt emerge from the den until nearly eleven oclock. The women were seated around
the cleared table when the door opened. The first to appear was Matt. He was cheerfully drunk.
You didnt tell me your Dad and brothers liked good whiskey, honey, he announced in a
pleasantly slurred tone.
Sabrina stared at him. She realized that the last time hed had this much to drink had been that first
night in Acapulco. Warily she got to her feet. Before she could say anything, however, Bennet Chase,
followed by his sons, ambled into the dining room. They appeared to be every bit as intoxicated as
Matt.
What have you four been doing in that den? Liz demanded severely.
Plotting, Jeffrey assured her thickly. Came up with a fantastic idea for getting that guy Sheffield
in California, didnt we? He looked to his companions for support.
Wonderful idea, Nolan enthused. Dont know why we didnt think of it before.
Over a bottle of whiskey? Sabrina clarified archly.
More creative that way, Jeffrey confided.
I see. Sabrina eyed Matt, who was grinning with wicked satisfaction.
Its a brilliant plan, Bennet enthused, smiling fondly at his daughter. And all perfectly legal.
Absolutely, Matt echoed, lounging happily against the wall.
Sabrina shook her head, amusement in her eyes as she regarded the faces of the four smug men.
Im sure the plan is a total stroke of genius, she murmured gently. But theres no need to go ahead
with it.
Matts eyes narrowed. Sure there is. It will be the perfect revenge, Sabrina. Bankers justice and
all that. Get the whole episode out of your system.

Its not in my system. Not anymore. Even as she spoke the words aloud, Sabrina realized they
were the truth. Forget the brilliant plan, men. Ive got more important things to worry about these
days.
For instance? Matt inquired.
Wondering if youre going to get drunk like this and embarrass me frequently after were
married, Sabrina informed him.
Matts mouth opened, but no words came out. He closed it again immediately, his eyes riveted on
Sabrina.
On that note, Liz said firmly, I think we will take our leave. Come along, brilliant banker, lets
get going. She reached into Jeffreys pocket and removed the car keys.
Time we were running along, too, Mary said smoothly. The keys, Nolan?
Sabrinas brother fumbled in his pocket and meekly turned over the car keys. Good night, Sabrina.
See you tomorrow. He sounded disappointed.
Good night, Nolan.
I believe I will retire for the evening myself, Bennet Chase informed everyone grandly, and
walked a little unsteadily, but with great dignity, out of the room.
Within a few minutes Sabrina found herself alone with Matt, who was still staring at her.
Thats what I said to Valdez, he explained thickly.
What did you explain to Valdez? Whos Valdez, anyway? Sabrina was firmly leading Matt
toward her bedroom. It wasnt an easy task, because he was concentrating more on talking to her than
on walking.
Friend of mine. And I told him it didnt matter anymore. Got more important things to worry
about.
What didnt matter? She had him almost through the bedroom door now.
Evening the score; settling things.
When did you realize that? she asked mildly, pushing him gently down on the bed. He watched
intently as she knelt in front of him to untie his shoes.
The night I left Buena Ventura.
Whats wrong with Dad? Brad appeared in the doorway, looking uneasy.
Ive disgraced myself, but Sabrinas going to marry me anyway, Matt said genially. Arent you,
Sabrina?
Your fathers had a little too much to drink, Sabrina told Brad as she tugged at a shoe.
Are you going to marry him?
It looks like it. The shoe came off. Sabrina went to work on the other one.
Waitll I tell Cindy.
Whats Cindy got to do with any of this? Matt asked.
Cindy has a home computer and apparently has some strong notions of propriety among adults.
Sabrina stared down at Matts bare foot, wondering what to do about the knife sheath strapped to his
ankle.
That reminds me, Dad, Brad said quickly, not wanting to miss the opportunity. Do you think we

could talk about getting a home computer for me? It would be useful for schoolwork and stuff.
Matt leaned over, pushed Sabrinas hands aside, and unstrapped the knife sheath. He set it carefully
on the table beside the bed. I have a feeling I should answer that question in the morning.
Believe me, when I explain the alternatives, youll probably think a home computer is the
cheapest investment you can make this summer, Sabrina warned in a low tone.
Well talk about it tomorrow, Matt reiterated. Brad shrugged, pleased with the initial progress.
Okay. You guys going to bed now?
Your father definitely is. Sabrina stood up, her hands on her hips.
I think I will, too.
Dont forget to put on that new shirt we bought today before you come downstairs in the morning,
Sabrina reminded him absently. I dont want you showing up in fatigues at breakfast.
Okay, Brad said again. He started out the door and turned on the threshold. You two definitely
are going to get married?
Definitely, Matt murmured, and collapsed back against the pillows. His eyes closed.
Well, theres no point standing here and yelling at him tonight, Sabrina observed. Guess Ill
save it until morning. Good night, Brad.
Good night, Sabrina. Wonder what Dad talked to your father and your brothers about all evening
in the den?
An interesting question, Sabrina muttered.
Matt awoke at three in the morning, feeling unnaturally alert. It took him a moment to reorient
himself, and then he felt Sabrina beside him and relaxed. He had an incipient headache and was very
much afraid it would be worse by morning. But he could live with that. He could live with just about
anything, he decided. Sabrina was going to marry him.
Matt? Her voice sounded sleepy.
Its okay, honey. Go back to sleep.
As long as youre awake, Ive got a couple of questions, she persevered.
Such as?
What happened after you went into the den? I thought the four of you would end up in a brawl.
Your brothers and your father are men of reason and so am I. Why should we brawl? Besides, we
discovered we all have something in common.
What?
You.
She stirred and levered herself up on her elbow. In the shadows she looked warm and nicely sleeptousled. But, then, Matt reminded himself, she always looked warm and inviting to him. Matt, I want
to know what happened in that den.
He shrugged against the pillows and the movement jolted the baby headache. Not quite what I
expected, if you want to know the truth. I had this great scheme in mind utilizing reverse psychology.
Oh, Lord.
It was a very clever idea, you know. I figured that if I could antagonize your family sufficiently
theyd insist you ditch me. The more they insisted, the more youd refuse to do what they wanted. But

it didnt work out that way. I wound up telling them the details of what happened on Buena Ventura
and how you took care of Brad for me. Then I explained how I felt about you. They understood my
sentiments. They also understood that I didnt intend to let them or anyone else get between you and
me. We talked for a long time and in the end we all understood each other, Matt concluded,
oversimplifying nicely.
Sabrina sounded bewildered. What about the fact that youre unemployed? What about getting
kicked out of the Army? Didnt they get upset about all that?
Matt yawned, remembering the initial tension in the den. Oh, a little. But I convinced them to look
at my positive points.
Which are? Sabrina prompted suspiciously.
Im helpful, thrifty, and loyal.
Youre not going to tell me everything that happened in that den tonight, are you?
You wouldnt understand it all, Sabrina, he said as gently as possible. Just as I dont understand
why I came out and found you agreeing to marry me.
You may have a point, she admitted, snuggling closer. Talking to Liz and Mary helped me get
some things straight in my head. Things Ive known all along but hadnt put in order.
Maybe thats what happened in the den, Matt suggested sardonically. Hed gone into that den
fully intending to pursue his baiting of Nolan, Jeffrey, and Bennet. But he had changed his mind almost
immediately. Somehow it had become infinitely more important to establish his claim on Sabrina in
her familys eyes. The scene in the den could have easily turned into a brawl.
He remembered the moment when hed told the Brothers Grim that if they didnt lay off he would
take Sabrina and leave the house. When hed promised them that she would go with him without an
argument, the light of sweet reason had appeared in Nolans and Jeffreys eyes. Bennet Chase had
gotten the same helpful illumination a few minutes later when Matt had said he would take care of
Sabrina, regardless of who got in his way. After that the whiskey Bennet Chase had dragged out had
helped smooth the way for further conversation. It was toward the end that theyd all hit upon the
brilliant idea of ruining Talbot Sheffield.
Youre sure you dont care anymore about Sheffield?
Im sure. Certain you dont need to prove yourself to the Army?
Im certain. Weve changed since we first met in Acapulco, havent we?
Maybe. Or maybe things have just gotten clearer. They lay in silence for a long time and then
Matt exhaled slowly and rolled over on top of Sabrina. Hell, he growled.
Whats wrong?
It feels like someones going to work inside my head with a sledgehammer.
Youre telling me you dont want to make love because youve got a headache? she asked in
mocking disbelief.
Duty calls, he answered valiantly. Deliberately he insinuated his legs between hers.
Forget it. Ill get you an aspirin. And then Ill massage your head for you. She wriggled out from
under him and slid off the bed.
In the darkness he watched her as she fumbled in her purse for the aspirin. She was wearing one of
his T-shirts, he realized. They had only picked up a few essentials for her and Brad this morning. A

nightgown had not been on the list, apparently. He liked seeing her in the T-shirt. It gave him a
comfortably possessive feeling.
I was right about you that first night in Acapulco, he said suddenly.
Hows that? she asked absently, stepping into the bathroom to run a glass of water.
You werent the type to go roaming around, picking up men in bars. He knew he sounded
complacent. An uncharitable observer might even have labeled him smug.
So Ive heard, she said, coming toward him. But what type am I?
Youre the type to run a tacky souvenir stand, marry a sleazy ex-adventurer, and continue the
ongoing war against the IRS.
It does sound like a well-rounded life.

Chapter Eleven
The first one down to breakfast the next morning, predictably enough, was Brad. He was in an
extremely good-natured mood, sitting at the round kitchen table and watching hungrily while Sabrina
made pancakes.
Wheres Dad? he inquired as he drank orange juice.
Still in bed. Sabrina smiled, remembering Matts utterly still figure.
When are you guys going to get married?
Dont rush us, Brad. This is a big step, you know, Sabrina told him mildly.
I know, Brad said quite seriously. I wasnt sure it was such a good idea at first. Thats why I
was sorta rude in the beginning.
I figured you were a little upset, Sabrina said, flipping pancakes.
Brad hesitated and then said quite carefully, Some people dont exactly like the idea of having
someone elses kid live with them. The fact that he spoke from experience was very plain in his
voice.
Not everybody gets along with everyone else in the world. We probably do okay because I grew
up used to having brothers around.
Nolan and Jeffrey? The explanation intrigued Brad. His hazel eyes brightened. Yeah, that might
explain why youre getting used to having me around.
It was as if he was relieved to have a solid reason for her tolerance so that he wouldnt have to
fear the prospect of having her change her mind, Sabrina realized.
Before Sabrina could respond to the comment, her fathers voice interrupted from the doorway.
Fortunately for you she hasnt forgotten everything she learned while growing up with two brothers,
Brad. I see she can still flip pancakes.
And I still hate doing laundry, Sabrina answered with a grin. All those years of having to keep
track of Nolan and Jeffreys wardrobe took their toll. Luckily Matt doesnt seem to mind that end of
things.
Listen to her, Bennet Chase complained as he sat down at the table. Youd think Id made a
little slave out of the girl. Was it my fault she was the only female?
You chauvinist.
Whats a chauvinist? Brad asked.
Something Im going to make certain you dont turn into, she vowed as she served up the
pancakes. Its going to be one of my missions in life while you go through your impressionable teen
years.
Be careful, Brad, Bennet advised. I think shes serious.

Brad didnt appear to mind. He wolfed down his pancakes and then announced he was going to
explore the neighborhood. Bennet Chase gave his daughter an amused glance as the boy disappeared.
A handful.
But a nice kid, she said lightly.
And I assume he goes with the territory? Bennet said quietly.
Oh, yes. Sabrina smiled. Hes definitely part of the package. Ive discovered that when you
deal with marriage youre dealing with a very large package. I think it would have been simpler and
neater in a lot of ways to continue with plan A.
Im afraid to ask what plan A was.
A series of charming, lighthearted affairs that would last from now until I was in a rest home.
Bennet winced. What changed your mind?
I found a man who needs a home, not an affair. Matt just isnt cut out for a fleeting, superficial
romance. He needs something more solid and secure. Its his nature to do things with a lot of
commitment and intensity. Hes been floundering a bit during the past couple of years because all the
things that had been solid in his life, like his career, had been destroyed. But now hes reestablished
himself. Sabrina sat down to eat a batch of pancakes with her father. Hows your head this
morning?
I thought I was holding up nobly.
I just noticed you were moving rather cautiously.
Havent tied one on like that for years. Cant even remember the last time. Bankers arent
supposed to do that sort of thing, you know. Your future husband may be a bad influence on the
family.
Sabrina poured syrup. I dont know about his influence on your morals, but he seems to have
pulled off a small coup in the den last night.
Bennet grinned unexpectedly. I like him, Sabrina. Hes not at all the kind of man I would have
chosen for you
I know. Hes not the kind I would have chosen for myself. Except that I did choose him, she
corrected herself absently, remembering how shed picked Matt out of the crowd in the hotel lounge
that first night.
But I think I can entrust you to his care, Bennet finished calmly. I had the distinct impression
from the way he handled the three of us in the library last night that hed go to hell and back for you. A
father cant ask for more than that from his daughters future husband. But I think what really
interested me was that after he told us the whole story of these past few days, I knew youd do the
same for him. That really made an impact. My God, Sabrina, I wanted to kill Matt for having put you
in jeopardy. But then I realized how strong the bond must be between the two of you for you to have
gotten into that situation in the first place. In a sense, Im grateful. I was beginning to wonder if youd
ever marry and establish a home of your own. Youve spent so much of your life trying to avoid all
the plans I made for you that I was coming to think youd avoid this one, too. Bennet paused. Did
you really feel that I made a slave of you?
No, of course not, she told him gently. And you made certain Nolan and Jeff had their share of
chores.

I had some notion of trying to teach you housekeeping, Bennet admitted with a sigh. I thought
that it was my duty as your parent to teach you the sort of things women always seem to know. How to
cook and clean and pick up after a man or a child. The kind of things your mother always did when
she was alive.
Sabrina smiled whimsically, barely remembering her mother. Women who wind up raising small
boys alone are always worried about providing them with a proper role model; afraid of feminizing
them, I suppose. I guess its natural that a man who got stuck raising a little girl might have a reverse
set of worries.
Bennet nodded slowly. I sure as hell did worry at times, he admitted fervently. But lately I think
Id begun to worry most of all that Id done something very, very wrong in raising you. Youre thirty
years old and not once have you come anywhere near marriage. You cant imagine how that made me
feel, Sabrina. I know women arent truly happy unless theyre married and have children of their own
and Ive been terrified that Id ruined your life somehow; made you unable to find fulfillment in a
home and family.
Sabrina made a rude noise.
Bennet frowned. Im serious, Sabrina. A lot of men never discover that kind of fulfillment because
theyre too busy with the outside world. The woman naturally inherits the problems and the rewards
of raising the family. But in a sense I was lucky. I was forced to find out for myself just what it means
to make a home. And I I didnt want you to miss the experience because Id somehow turned you
off the whole thing.
To tell you the truth, I had no thought of marriage on my mind when I first met Matt. I wasnt even
sure I wanted to marry him until last night.
What happened last night?
Something clicked. I realized that I knew something about what a home should feel like. I owe that
to you, Dad. I know I was rebellious, obnoxious, and obstinate at times while I was growing up, but I
always knew what a home was supposed to be. And last night I realized that Matt was the man with
whom I wanted to create one. I think he knew that was what he wanted well before I did, even though
he didnt have such a strong notion of what it was supposed to feel like. Hes lost touch with his
parents and he almost lost touch with Brad.
Bennet nodded. In spite of everything weve never lost touch, have we, Sabrina?
No, she said thoughtfully. I was lucky. You did a heck of a job making a home for three kids,
Dad.
Im glad you think so, Bennet said softly. There were times when I was damned worried that I
wouldnt pull it off.
Sabrina looked at her father with new perception. Its scary, isnt it?
Bennet shrugged. Its a commitment. A big one. It has to be the most important thing in a persons
life. But there is a certain kind of satisfaction in it.
Sabrina considered that. Rather like selling two dozen stuffed armadillos in one afternoon, I
imagine.
Trust Sabrina, to put things in their proper perspective. Massaging his temple, Matt sauntered
over to a chair and sank down onto it.
Bennet gazed at him condescendingly. Remind me to give you some tips on holding your whiskey,

my boy. If youre going to join the family, youll have to learn a few of the finer points of socializing
with us.
Id appreciate that, Matt murmured. Sabrina, could you put a couple of aspirin on top of my
pancakes?
Two weeks later Matt stuffed the last bath towel into the washing machine, set the dials, and went
to the refrigerator to get himself a well-deserved beer. He had about an hour before Sabrina got home
from work, he decided. Settling down on the chaise longue on the patio, he took a long, satisfying
swallow from the bottle and noted Brads improving dive. The kid was splashing around the pool
with Cindy at the moment, showing off the diving techniques Matt had taught him during the past
week.
Watching his son, Matt contemplated the cost of a home computer. It had come as something of a
shock, to say the least. When hed left the States, home computers had meant hand-held calculators.
The price of a computer was only one of the unforeseen elements of establishing family life. There
was a letter on the table from his parents saying in a rather austere fashion that they would be out to
meet Sabrina next month. The fact that they were coming had startled Matt. Hed had the distinct
impression two years ago that his parents had more or less written him off. Sabrina was right. People
changed. He decided hed put them up in a hotel, though, not Sabrinas living room. Reestablishing
contact should be done carefully. No sense rushing into things.
Then there was the problem of settling matters with his ex-wife when she got back from Europe.
But Matt wasnt really anticipating any trouble there. Ginny, he felt certain, would be quite amenable
to the idea of sending Brad to live permanently with his father. She had a new life to lead.
No, that potentially disturbing element was under control, Matt reassured himself.
Hed have to figure out how to enroll Brad in school locally. Then hed have to see about selling
the bookstore down in Acapulco. Behind him in the apartment the washing machine churned
cheerfully while Matt ran through his list of satisfyingly mundane matters with which he had to
contend. There was only one small detail left to be cleared up, he decided. And any day now he
expected that one to resolve itself.
Matt was considering another beer when the front doorbell sounded. With a strong feeling of
premonition, he got to his feet and padded barefoot through the kitchen to the living room. It was hot
outside on the patio and he was wearing an open throated khaki shirt and slacks. Hed picked up the
shirt at the cleaners this morning, finally satisfied after having tried four different cleaning
establishments.
Ah, the polyester suits, he murmured, as he opened the door to the two government types. Ive
been expecting you.
The one on the left frowned, fishing out his ID with a casually authorative gesture. Youre
Matthew August?
In the flesh. What can I do for you?
May we come in for a few minutes? Wed like to talk to you. My name is Crawford and this is
Mr. Adams. He nodded briskly at his clone.
Make yourselves at home. Want a beer? Matt gestured expansively toward Sabrinas persimmon
sofa. Try not to track dirt onto the carpet, gentlemen. I just vacuumed it.

Weve been sent by Henderson, the man you apparently wakened in the middle of the night a few
weeks ago. There are some loose ends to be tied up and he asked us to see to it.
Did you want beer or not?
No, thank you, Adams said politely. He sat down beside Crawford and covertly checked to see
that he hadnt dirtied the white carpet.
Okay, Matt muttered, sitting down across from the men, his own beer still in his hand. What do
you want from me?
Crawford cleared his throat. Henderson would like you to go back to Buena Ventura.
Matt looked down at the label on his beer. Why?
Because we are tentatively extending some support to Valdez and his, uh, constituents. Unofficial
at the moment, of course, but Henderson says we dont have much choice.
Because if you dont, youre all due to be severely embarrassed by the unexpected presence of
one Rafferty Coyne on the island, right? Matt smiled too pleasantly.
It has nothing to do with that, Crawford declared staunchly, There has been a reassessment of
relations with the Estes government and a decision has been reached to withdraw support from it.
Valdez is the only other viable focus of power on the island.
Hes come a long way from UCLA, Matt agreed
Adams took over the conversation. Apparently you enjoy Mr. Valdezs confidence. Henderson
would like you to act as liaison for us.
Matt grinned. Not a chance. Give Valdez my best. Tell him when he gets things settled, Ill bring
the wife and kid down to Buenaa Ventura for a vacation. Pour a little filthy capitalist spending-money
into his new economy.
Adams became very severe. You dont seem to understand, Mr. August. Your government is
requesting your assistance.
Im declining. Got other things to do in life. Sure you wont have a beer?
You can contribute greatly to the transition in the power structure on that island, Crawford began
deliberately.
I can contribute absolutely nothing. No ones going to be able to tell Valdez what to do. Not me,
not anyone else. Hes an independent. If you want his cooperation, youd better give him a little
respect. And dont try to manipulate him. He wont go far left if you dont push him into it. Believe
me, his basic political philosophy is fairly democratic. Dont make the mistakes you did with Castro
and youll be fine. Hell make a good ally. Try to push him around and youll lose him.
Were not looking for advice from you, August, were looking or cooperation.
Advice is free. You cant afford my cooperation. He drained the beer.
Come on August, Henderson says youre ex-Army. Excellent record until the screw-up at the end.
A guy who carries out his duty, Adams said.
Ive had a recent change in assignment.
Hendersons not going to like this, Crawford warned ominously.
Henderson knew calling on me was a long shot. Matt shrugged. I told him that night on the
phone that I was out of it. He cant even prove I was ever on Buena Ventura. Coyne had me use a

phony passport.
Henderson and the department are extremely upset about this whole situation. Do you realize how
much cash Coyne drained off over the past two years to finance his operations? There are hundreds of
thousands unaccounted for!
If you folks didnt try to keep so much cash unaccounted for in the first place, you wouldnt run
such a risk of losing it through people like Coyne. If you think Henderson and the department are
concerned, you should ask the average taxpayer what she thinks about that kind of mismanagement.
Henderson told us you might not be very cooperative at first, but he felt certain
Sabrinas key scraped against the lock. Matt got to his feet. Gentlemen, Id like you to meet my
wife, he said. A taxpayer.
Sabrina shifted her huge purse and opened the front door. She came to an immediate halt as she
took in the sight of the two men sitting on her sofa. Matt was smiling blandly as he came forward to
drop a possessive little kiss on her surprised mouth. She glared first at him and then at the two in blue
polyester.
If youre from the IRS Im going to sue on grounds of harassment, she declared. I mean it this
time.
Crawford and Adams got to their feet. We are not from the IRS, Mrs. August. Were here to see
your husband about an entirely unrelated matter.
But youre from the government? she questioned severely. Matt merely watched in amused
silence.
Yes, maam, we are. Crawford seemed to think that should silence her.
Then kindly get out. Now.
You dont understand, Mrs. August. This is a matter of national security. Adams narrowed his
eyes.
I understand perfectly. Now please leave. She stood in the middle of the living room, her hands
on her hips, her eyes full of the determined challenge she was feeling.
Ive been trying to get them to go, honey, Matt apologized. Theyre being difficult.
You people think you can get away with anything, dont you? she accused disgustedly. Well,
Ive got news for you. This is Texas. We dont let people run roughshod over us down here. My
husband is a very busy man and so am I. We dont have time to deal with you.
Were here to offer your husband an excellent, short-term job with the government, Crawford
began smoothly. He was clearly unprepared for the fury that leaped into Sabrinas eyes.
Out! Get out or Ill call the newspapers. Ill call my congressman. Ill call everyone. Ill make
such a fuss that whatever secret plans youve got will be blown sky-high! Is that clear?
Mrs. August, Adams said, beginning to look desperate.
You heard my wife, Matt interposed gently. Better be on your way.
Crawford glanced at him with sudden wariness. There was an edge in Matts voice that seemed to
make an impression.
Henderson will be unhappy.
Henderson knows there wasnt much chance of trying to get me to cooperate. He just thought hed

give it a try. Dont worry. Hes expecting the answer youre going to take back to him. Matt moved
forward and opened the door. Hate to rush you, but Ive got some chores to finish up before I put
dinner on the table. Time to put the clothes in the dryer.
Adams and Crawford looked bewildered, but they found themselves at the door and then out on the
step. There could be a lot of money in this for you, August.
There could be, Matt agreed as he closed the door in their faces.
Sabrina watched him as he turned and started back toward her. Her pulse was pounding too
swiftly, she realized, and it wasnt just from dealing with Crawford and Adams. She eyed Matts
bland expression.
You really told them to get lost before I got here?
I was about to kick them out the door when you arrived home and took over the job for me, he
assured her cheerfully.
She followed him into the kitchen and watched as he removed the clothes from the washer and
stuck them into the dryer. She had reacted from instinct when shed seen the two men seated on her
sofa. Now she was having qualms. Matt, youre sure?
He didnt pretend to misunderstand. Im sure. He set the controls on the dryer and then led her
out onto the patio. En route he pulled another couple of beers out of the refrigerator. Very, very
sure.
She looked up as he pushed her gently into the lounger next to his. But the certainty in his eyes was
clear. Thank God, she murmured. I was scared to death when I walked in the door and saw them.
Matt leaned back and tipped the bottle to his mouth. Believe me now? His mouth crooked
humorously.
Yes.
I love you, you know, Matt said calmly.
Sabrina nodded, tasting the cool beer on her tongue. Yes, I know. Good thing, too, because I love
you. It all seemed very basic, very clear now. It wasnt something that hit you over the head. It was
something that took shape gradually and became an unalterable fact of life.
They drank half the beer in a companionable silence and then Matt said softly, I dont believe I
ever showed you what I brought back from Buena Ventura.
Sabrina blinked. No, I dont believe you did.
Come on into the bedroom and Ill dig it out. A connoisseur such as yourself will no doubt
appreciate it properly. I wanted to wait to unwrap it until I was sure wed seen the last of the
polyester suits. He got to his feet.
Sabrina followed him curiously, watching as he halted at the closet and began to lift dirty clothes
out of the hamper. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over her breasts. A slow smile
curved her mouth as Matt removed Rafferty Coynes elegant briefcase from the bottom of the hamper.
He put it on the bed and opened the gold clasps.
Sabrina gazed at the contents of the briefcase for a long moment.
Nice pen, she finally observed.
The next morning after breakfast Matt went to the bank to deposit the fifty thousand dollars that had
remained in the case after hed split the total with Valdez. Together with the proceeds from the sale of

the bookstore in Acapulco there would be enough to open a new shop here in Dallas. Rafferty
Coynes private slush fund had been easy enough to bring back through customs. No one had
questioned the government ID Matt had carried.
That night in bed Sabrina laughed silently up at him from the pillow.
I think youve lost all respect for authority, she told him.
Not surprising. Considering the company I keep.
Theres hope for you yet, Major, she told him as his mouth came down on hers.