Free Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick

investigation.”
    â€œYou are correct, of course. I did not mean to be critical. I was merely trying to gather the facts so that we may form some sort of plan.”
    â€œI have a plan,” she said crisply. “And I think we had best establish one very important fact right now before my investigation proceeds any further. I am in charge of this project, Mr. Roxton. I would appreciate your insights and observations because I respect your intellectual abilities and your extensive experience in finding lost cities and temples and such. However, I will make the decisions. Are we quite clear about that?”
    He looked at her for a long moment, as though she had spoken in another language. She had no clue to his thoughts but she suspected that he was about to tell her he could not possibly assist her on her terms. Well, what had she expected him to say? He was a man who was clearly accustomed to giving orders, not taking them.
    She sat, tense and unaccountably anxious, and waited for him to declare that a truly equal partnership between the two of them would be quite impossible.
    â€œYou respect my intellectual abilities and my extensive experience in finding lost cities and the like?” he said.
    She frowned. “Yes, of course.”
    â€œThen you will admit that I have something useful to contribute to the project.”
    â€œCertainly. That is why I mentioned my plan to you in the first place. What are you getting at, sir?”
    â€œI’m not sure. I think I am trying to accustom myself to the notion of being admired for my intelligence.” He paused. “And my extensive experience in finding lost things.”
    Her patience evaporated. “Well, what the devil did you expect me to admire about your person, sir?”
    He nodded somberly. “Excellent question. What did I expect? I don’t think I can answer that at the moment so let us move on to the terms of our arrangement, Mrs. Kern.”
    For some reason, the word
arrangement
stopped her cold. For the second time in the span of only a few minutes she suspected that he was employing a euphemism to imply an intimate liaison between the two of them—a liaison that most certainly did not exist.
    â€œI’m afraid I’m not following you, sir,” she said.
    She was acutely aware that her voice sounded uncharacteristically breathless. This was ridiculous, she thought. She must not allow him to rattle her in this fashion.
    â€œI cannot guarantee that I will dutifully carry out every order you choose to issue,” he said, “but I can promise that ours will be an association of equals. As for situations in which there is some disagreement involved, we will discuss the issue thoroughly when possible before either of us makes a decision. Will that satisfy you?”
    She pulled herself together with an effort of will. “The phrase
when possible
leaves a great deal of vagueness in the
arrangement
, don’t you think?”
    â€œThere may be situations where I shall be forced to make a decision before I have an opportunity to consult with you. I feel it is only fair that I have some room to maneuver—some freedom to exercise my own intuition and judgment.”
    â€œHmm.” She gave him a cool smile. “And I must have a similar degree of latitude, of course, as I am the one who will be spending a few hours each week in the Fulbrook household. Obviously I will not be able to simply excuse myself for a few moments to consult with you before I take advantage of the odd opportunity that might present itself.”
    His jaw tightened. “Just a moment—”
    She smiled, quite satisfied. “I accept your terms, sir. Now, precisely how do you intend to contribute to my investigation?”
    Slater was no longer looking quite so assured. His eyes were a little tight at the corners.
    â€œI hope to contribute to
our
investigation by taking a close look at the Fulbrook family,” Slater