Maggie had also learned a few lessons in self-defense from her Irish-American private-investigator grandfather before he died, and those would serve her well. But right now she thanked goodness for Abuela Lupe. Her Mexican curandera grandmother had located this dangerous-looking man in her crystals and then told Maggie where and when to find him.
All that Maggie knew so far was that his name was Colin and he was the key to solving all of her problems.
He took her by the arm and dragged her closer. I expect an explanationnow, he demanded in his clipped English accent. Whats all this nonsense?
His touch sent heat scorching through her body. She couldnt
remember a time that shed had such a spontaneous, emotional response to a man. Well, not since the idiocy of an ill-advised engagement during her college years. If shed had a mind to start that kind of thing again, this intense man, with his quiet British accent, his tailored slacks and expensive black leather jacket, would not be her choice of fiancé.
Can weumsit down? To talk. Looking around, she found that the only chair had papers stacked on the seat.
He scooped up the papers and moved them to the bed. Sit, then. Folding his hands behind his back in military style, Colin began to pace up and down the tiny room.
What or who could be so important, Maggie Ryan, he said with an arrogant half smile, that you sought me out througha He shot his hand in the air as if lost for words. What? How did you find me? A magic spell?
He didnt know how close to the truth that was.
Maggie sat on the shaky chair with its one leg shorter than the others and stared up at him. Ive come all the way from south Texas to find answers about a lost child. Its the most important thing in the world. Im trying to locate relatives for the orphaned baby girl in my custody. Its vital that
Why me? Why come looking for me?
Instead of answering she threw a question back at him. You dont live in this room, do you? This cant be your home.
It was a good guess, since her grandmother had been so specific about her arriving at this place at just the right time. Besides, this man didnt look as if he belonged in a dump like this one.
She sucked up a breath and took a chance. Why are you here?
Colins whole body seemed to jerk at her question. The smile disappeared and the dangerous man returned. She could see the change in those glacial eyes.
Bloody hell, Colin thought. She knows something and shes just playing games.
He swept closer, loomed over her, grabbed a handful of her hair. With a swift jerk, he tugged her head back, exposing the exquisite, smooth column of her neck.
You havent answered my question. Stop playing around. What do you know about my brother? Tell me quick, love, or Ill break that pretty neck of yours.
Maggie blinked. Let go of my hair. She said it in a steady voice, though he could feel her trembling.
Without warning, a heated tingle traveled from her silky hair into his fingers and right up his arm. He released her involuntarily and rubbed his hands together to quiet the electric jolt hed experienced.
Your brother? she asked, acting as if nothing happened when he released her. Im not sure. I meanwhats your brothers name?
Outside the filthy window, winter storm clouds covered the moon. Colins heart clouded over, too, with a gut instinct about what this eccentric beauty would say. For months now, hed been feeling that the worst had happened. But he needed to hear the words.
His name is John Fairfax, Colin managed to say in a strangled voice. And if you know anything about his whereabouts, you had better speak up.
She looked thoughtful. That could be it, I guess. The mans name was John. But the last name was Sheridan. She paused. Whats your full name?
Suddenly furious with her for answering questions with more questions, he growled, Sir Colin Fairfax, Baron Derwent. Also referred to recently as Major Colin Fairfax of the Third Royal Tank Regiment, Her Majestys British Army, retired. Look, skip over any other questions that may pop into that lovely head of yours and get to the point. What do you know of John?
Suddenly weary, Colin turned his back on her and began pacing again. She had used the past tense. He knew what that implied. His younger brother, the one he had lost track of several years ago due to his own misplaced arrogance and indifference, was very likely dead.
Maggie heard the hoarse but heartfelt words and began to experience Colins growing misery herself, by way of empathic sympathy. I have to start with the story of the baby.
Looking up into his bleak eyes as he strode by, she wished she wasnt so sure about the facts. Thats how I got involved in the first place. I live near the border, and about six months ago a couple and their two-month-old daughter were involved in a terrible car crash on our side of the river. The couple died on impact, but the baby in the backseat survived.
Sighing, she continued. The sheriff asked me to take the child into my home, as our isolated county doesnt have any local child welfare services. My neighbor, who runs a day-care center, helps me out when needed. Maggie swallowed hard, wishing she could be wrong but knowing full well she wasnt, and went on. Im a trained private investigator, so Ive been looking into the deceaseds