“You might say that,” Lynch said. “It’s certainly been an intriguing experience.”
She was studying his expression. “But you don’t want to talk about it? Is it because it’s top secret?”
He shook his head. “No more secrets, Kendra. It’s just that what you’re asking would require a good deal more time and explanation than we have right now. But I promise I’ll fill you in very soon.”
“How soon?” she asked suspiciously.
He chuckled. “How long is it going to take until you trust me again?”
“I have no idea. It . . . hurt me. We’ll have to wait and see.”
His smile faded. “I promise you’ll know everything by the time you go to bed tonight. Good?”
She nodded. “Of course it depends on what you tell me.”
“Tough. Very tough, Kendra.”
“Don’t talk to me about tough. It hasn’t been an easy day. I’ve gone from thinking you were dead to wondering if you’re the same man I’ve always thought you were. I’m still not sure of anything.”
“I’m sure enough for both of us.” He added gently, “We’re just going through a rough time right now. It will all come together. Why don’t you close your eyes. I’ll wake you right before we land.”
She did close her eyes, but she could still feel him looking at her. “Stop staring at me. I’m right to be angry with you.”
“Probably. But I like to look at you and why should I cheat myself? It’s been a while since we’ve been together. Just let go and get a little rest. It will be good for you. You’ll have a fewadjustments to make once we arrive. But I’ll be there to take care of you.”
“You’re doing it again.”
“Can’t help it.” She could tell he was smiling. “I do try, Kendra.”
But what else had he said? “Adjustments?”
“Isn’t life always an adjustment?”
But was that what he’d meant?
She was too weary to think about it anymore. She’d just take these next several minutes and let the world blur and go away . . .
“Come on. Kendra. Time to wake up. We’ve arrived in Neverland.”
Lynch’s voice. Lynch’s hand on her shoulder. Thank heavens it was Lynch. He was alive! Then her memories returned and her eyes flew open to see his face. Yes, it was definitely Lynch, and his expression was a little quizzical but principally gentle and amused. She had seen that expression so many times before. But not after the anger and mistrust that had preceded it this time. She shook her head to clear it and sat up straighter in the seat to look around. She must have been dozing harder than she thought, because the helicopter was nearly on the ground. “I’m sorry I dropped off. It’s been a difficult day.”
“I can see why you’d think so.” He turned off the engine. “Evidently I was a major part of that difficulty.”
“Yes, you were.” She wasn’t going to deny either her anger or her disappointment. But that wasn’t why she had come here. She got out of the helicopter and gazed around her. “You promised me information. Where is this cabin?”
“Just ahead.” He took her elbow and nudged her toward a large, two-story Craftsman-style house that looked more like a mansion than a cabin. It was set far back in a parklike lawn with such extensive gardens and shrubbery, it wasn’t visible from the road.
“Very nice.” She added, “But I’ve never seen a cabin like this before. Perhaps someone should tell the family so they can do a little downsizing.”
He smiled. “I understand it started out as a cabin, but the owner’s practice and personal situation meant he wanted more privacy. So it’s grown over the years.”
“Lucky for him.”
“Not necessarily. It all depends on what you consider important.”
“Well, I can see this entire area is as gorgeous as a fairy tale. But why did you call it Neverland?”
“Because that’s what it reminded me of when I first came here. It has a certain resemblance to the story that struck me very strongly. And the longer I stayed here and thought about it, the more I noticed the similarity.” He smiled down at her. “You must tell me if you agree with me after you spend a little time and familiarize yourself with everyone.”
