Page 7 of The Search

“Whatever.” She paused. “She doesn’t deserve to be pulled into this thing with Bassett.”

“Bassett didn’t deserve what happened to him either.”

“He made a commitment and a choice.”

“She can always tell me no.”

“You won’t let her. It means too much to you.”

“Then why are you trying to argue me out of it?”

“I don’t know. Yes, I do. Did I mention that Sarah Patrick was one of those rescue workers at Oklahoma City? Maybe this is my try at giving her my firstborn child.”

“She doesn’t need it. She has her dog.”

“And you’re not going to listen to me.”

“I’m listening. I wouldn’t dare do anything else.”

“Bull. I’m not asking you to give her a medal. Just give her an out.”

“Where is she now?”

“On her way home from Barat. She’s been there five days. Earthquake.”

“I’ve not been totally in my own world, Margaret. I heard about the earthquake before I left Monterey.”

“But it didn’t rock you like the news about Bassett. So what do I do? Do you want me to phone her? Set up a meeting?”

“She’d tell you to go to hell. Since I’m a true gentleman and want to spare you that indignity, I’ll take care of it myself.”

“You’re afraid I’ll bond with her and we’d gang up on you.”

“You guessed it.”

“Okay, then where can I reach you? Are you flying direct to Phoenix?”

“No, I’m going to Atlanta.”

Silence. “Eve?”

“Who else?”

“Oh.”

“I believe I have you speechless. What an accomplishment. I’ll take pity on you. No, I’m not going in sentimental pursuit of a lost love. Eve and I are friends now.”

“Heaven forbid anyone would mistake you for being sentimental. You don’t have to explain to me about—”

“No, but you’d die of curiosity and then I’d have to break in a new personal assistant. Such a bore.”

“I’m not nosy. Anyone would be curious,” she said tartly. “After all, you spent a year with her. I thought you might—”

“You can reach me in Atlanta at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead.”

“If you’re not going directly to see Sarah Patrick, I’ll keep tabs on her.”

“That’s not necessary. I’ll see her in Atlanta.”