Free Fierce Pride by Phoebe Conn Page A

investigated a murder attempt involving a mirror. It’s a clever weapon but relies upon cooperation from the sun for execution.”
    Santos winced. “I wish you hadn’t used that word.”
    The detective rose and pocketed his notebook. “Forgive me. I’ll begin with the protesters. Send me the addresses of your lady friends as soon as you’re able.”
    “I will.”
    “I wish you a swift recovery.” He walked out with a quick, determined step, as though confident he would soon identify the culprit.
    Rafael leaned against the foot of the bed. “Just asking questions may frighten off the man or woman who did this, but it’s going to be impossible to prove who used the mirror unless a credible witness comes forward to identify them.”
    “I’d thought of that, but I have to do something. I can’t just limp around for several months and hope not to be the target of another murder attempt. Do you suppose the arena security will watch the stands more closely during the next corrida ?”
    “I’ll see they do.”
    Santos nodded. For a Gypsy orphan, Rafael spoke with a commanding authority and would undoubtedly be obeyed. “I appreciate your help, even if it’s for Maggie’s benefit.”
    Rafael responded with a sly grin. “We’ll be family, Santos. Someday you may want to help me. Did your detective discover anything interesting about me you didn’t already know?”
    Caught, Santos couldn’t deny it. “No, but he may be more useful this time.”
    Rafael returned to the window. “There is that hope.” But it was a small one.

Chapter Four
    Patricia skipped to catch up with her father. “I can’t wait to meet Maggie’s matador. She was always the serious, sensible one. What could have happened to her?”
    Linda was afraid she knew and hushed her youngest daughter. “Don’t worry. If we don’t like Rafael, your father will promptly convince Maggie to end their engagement.”
    Peter Gunderson looked at his wife askance. “Magdalena is your daughter. You give it a try first.”
    “Oh my God,” Patricia whispered, and her parents turned to see Maggie rushing toward them, her delighted smile wide, but their attention was immediately riveted on her handsome escort. Rafael smiled, but, dressed in his usual black attire, his height and muscular build spoke far louder than his pleasant expression.
    Linda hadn’t expected such an imposing young man as a prospective son-in-law. Hiding her dismay, she drew Maggie into an enveloping hug. Catching herself, she reluctantly stood back to let Peter and Patricia greet her.
    “We haven’t seen her since Christmas,” Peter told Rafael.
    Rafael extended his hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, sir. Will you need help with your luggage? Our chauffeur is waiting with the car.”
    “Wait until you see it,” Maggie interjected. “It’s a Hispano-Suiza.”
    “Really, what year?” Peter asked, clearly impressed.
    “It’s a 1934 Type 68 saloon,” Rafael replied.
    “Even without a fancy suit of lights, you ought to be promoting tourism for Spain,” Patricia responded with a saucy grin.
    Maggie wrapped her arm around Rafael’s. “My sister began flirting with the doctors in the delivery room. I’ll forgive her if you will.”
    “Of course, I’m flattered,” he replied.
    Six feet tall, Peter maintained his trim build with cross-country skiing during Minnesota’s long winters and running in the summers. At forty-eight, his fair hair was still thick and curly, and Linda had always thought him handsome. He was an attorney with a gift for convincing arguments. “Maggie knows I have a thing for cars, but I didn’t mean to be rude. Your engagement came as a surprise, but Maggie has a high opinion of you, and we trust her judgment.”
    Linda tried not to stare at Rafael. Blonde and blue-eyed like her husband and two youngest daughters, she wore her hair in a stylish bob. She relied upon yoga and Pilates to retain her slim figure and graceful flexibility and looked years