Free CA 46.5 Operation Second Honeymoon by Debra Webb Page B

that cut off his path in the street. His entire body shook by the time he reached the cafe.
    The table was empty save for a stylishly stemmed glass of white wine.
    Couldn't have been her. Not possible.
    "Por favor," he said, stopping a passing waiter. "Where is the lady who was at this table a moment ago?"
    "She had an emergency, senor. I am afraid she left. Was she expecting you?"
    Lucas shook his head and thanked the man. He struggled to compose himself before walking away.
    No. It could not have been her.
    He surveyed the street, the people walking leisurely past. His gaze landed on Victoria, standing in the door of the shop obviously looking for him.
    Lucas drew in a deep, ragged breath. Victoria waved to him. He waved back, manufacturing a smile.
    Surely he had only seen someone who merely looked like her. It had been nearly thirty years.... Though the length of time mattered little, Lucas was certain that if he ever actually saw her again, he would know.
    He smiled for his wife and banished thoughts of the past. Nothing and no one was going to ruin this special time.
    Chapter Two
    Mineral de Pozos, August 21, 5:15 p.m.
    Victoria Colby-Camp was amazed by the work Sloan and his friends had accomplished. The massive old church-turned-school was ready for attendance, opening in just one week. As she surveyed the playground she smiled. Bright, welcoming colors adorned the swings and slides and jungle gym. The children would love this escape from the instruction inside.
    "We are truly blessed," confessed Salvadore Hernandez, their guide and one of Sloan's partners in the community work continuing in small villages throughout central Mexico. "Senor Sloan has devoted much time and many resources to helping the children of our country."
    "Sloan is a man of honor," Victoria said proudly. There had been a time when tragedy and loss had left him a hollow shell, but his wife and children had categorically changed that sad fact. As Tasha, Victoria's daughter-in-law, had done for her son, Jim. Love overcame all and would not be conquered.
    She reached for her husband's hand. He had been distracted today. She knew him too well to be mollified by his insistence that he was simply enthralled by their surroundings and the serenity of these past few days. Lucas felt anxious about something and he refused to share. She hoped the trouble wasn't related to Slade Keaton. Keaton was a fixture in Chicago now. Both she and Lucas needed to get used to the idea that as odd as the man was, so far he had done no harm—at least none that could be connected back to him. Time would reveal the truth. It always did. Until then there was little they could do other than follow an adage that had proven beneficial many times: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. A surprise attack was far less likely that way.
    "The necessary teachers are in place, you say?" Lucas asked Salvadore.
    "Absolutely." Salvadore nodded with the same enthusiasm as he did everything else. "Classes begin next week."
    Lucas looked to Victoria, then to their guide. "A few more computers and perhaps a van that could be used as a school bus would be welcome donations, though. And I know just the donor...."
    The delight that lit in Salvadore's eyes brought emotion to Victoria's. She longed to be more involved in work like this. Last night she and Lucas had discussed options for pitching in. It felt good knowing the difference their decision would make. The realization that there was so much more to do in so many places had her pondering another concept. The time to consider retirement was coming. Victoria felt confident that efforts like this would be every bit as fulfilling as her work at the Colby Agency.
    "No question, Senor Camp." Salvadore gestured to the Jeep. "If you and Senora Victoria would like to see our next endeavor, I will gladly provide a tour."
    Lucas looked to Victoria. "Sure, we have no other plans."
    She nodded eagerly to their guide. "Perhaps after the tour