Free Witch's Harvest by Sara Craven Page B

the grave. But there has to be something keeping her here.'
    'I wasn't serious,' Abby said hastily. 'She—she's just so—glamorous.' She plunged for a change of subject. 'What brought you
    to Brazil?'
    'An interest in agriculture, basically.' Link leaned back in his chair, his arms folded behind his head. 'I was doing research into the fungus diseases which attack trees, and I fetched up here eventually. It's a good enough place to be.'
    'I suppose so,' Abby agreed, with a little stifled sigh.
    'You sound as if you need convincing.' He gave her a lazy look. 'I'll have to see what I can do. Next time I go into town I could
    take you with me. Sometimes they show old movies in a tin shack. How do you go for Some Like it Hot dubbed into
    Portuguese?'
    She laughed aloud. 'It sounds wonderful! Thank you very much.'
    ' Não importe . In fact, my pleasure.' He put out his hand, and this time his fingers closed warmly round hers, in contrast to the formality of his earlier greeting. 'Welcome to Riocho Negro, senhora .'
    Abby smiled at him shyly, returning the pressure of his hand. It was oddly comforting to know that here was a potential friend—
    and one, moreover, who could speak her language.
    Vasco's voice said coldly, ' Bom dia , Link. Is there something I can do for you?'
    Abby jumped. She had no idea where he'd come from, but here he was suddenly standing on the veranda steps, hands on hips,
    watching them. He was wearing close-fitting khaki cotton pants, and matching shirt open almost to the waist, and marked with
    patches of sweat.
    Link released Abby's hand unhurriedly and stood up. 'Hi, there,' he said casually. 'I called over to replace that spray we
    borrowed a while back. Luisa thought you might need it.'
    'That was considerate of her,' said Vasco, after a pause. His voice was level, but lacking in cordiality. 'Was that all you wanted?'
    Link moved his shoulders in a negligent shrug. 'Oh, I thought I might congratulate the bridegroom on his good taste.' He smiled.
    'Abigail, eh? A nice old-fashioned name, for a nice old-fashioned girl.' He frowned as if in sudden perplexity. 'Only I seem to
    remember another name being mentioned—now what was it? Della, or something?'
    Abby felt cold. She looked woodenly at the used cups, wondering how many more of these moments she would have to endure.
    Vasco said pleasantly, 'That is the name of Abigail's cousin. It is easy to see how the confusion has arisen.'
    'I guess so,' Link agreed easily. 'So, how about this spray? You want that I should give it to Agnello?'
    Vasco nodded. 'If you will. He is over by the drying sheds.'
    'I'll drive over there, then,' Link started down the steps. He turned and sent them both a slanting smile. 'I guess you two want to be alone to enjoy lunch for two.'
    'Later.' Vasco flexed his shoulders, easing the collar of his shirt away from his neck with a casual hand. 'I'm going to take a
    shower first.' He reached down and pulled Abby up from her chair, smiling into her startled eyes. 'Come and keep me company,
    querida .'
    'Lucky bastard!' Link threw laughingly over his shoulder.
    As Abby moved towards the house, compelled by Vasco's inexorable arm round her waist, she heard the truck drive off. As they
    reached the door she pulled herself free.
    'Will you kindly tell me what's going on?' she demanded angrily.
    'Not here,' Vasco said grimly. 'If you wish to quarrel with me, please wait until we are in the privacy of our room.'
    Abby hung back, nervousness drying her mouth. 'I—I don't want to go to my room,' she said huskily.
    'You would prefer me to carry you?' His dark eyes glinted at her. 'A romantic scene to gladden the servants' hearts, perhaps?'
    'No.' She threw him a mutinous look. 'I can walk.'
    'Walk, then,' he said shortly, and she went ahead of him, her chin tilted defiantly.
    When they were alone, she faced him with a coolness she was far from feeling. 'Is this some kind of game?'
    'How odd,' said Vasco, closing the door behind him. 'I was