Free Legend of the Sorcerer by Donna Kauffman Page B

Without looking at his grandson, he turned and spoke as he walked away. “I want to check on a few things at the hothouse. Tell Dilys I’ll be in after an hour or so.”
    “The storm—” Cai broke off.
    Alfred had already moved off and didn’t respond. Cai had been clearly rebuked and dismissed. Jordy made only a token attempt to hide her amused smile.
    With a scowl, he took her elbow and began to move her down the path, but she tugged it away and held her ground.
    Cai frowned. “We really must head back.”
    “You really must not lead me around like a pony,” she replied. “I don’t know where you learned your manners, but it wasn’t from your very gentlemanly grandfather.”
    “I apologize. We still need to hurry,” he said.
    “Listen, if you’re worried about my seeing Alfred again—”
    “Again?”
    So, he hadn’t been eavesdropping. “Yes, again. On Wednesday. He’s going to teach me to grow things and we’re going to discuss my work.” Because he irritated her, she added, “He wants to commission a piece.” She moved closer. “Were you really so worried about my visit with him that you had to cut it short?”
    “It doesn’t have anything to do—”
    “Because I think I understand your concerns about Alfred and I can put your fears to rest. I would never harm him, or embarrass him.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I understand, about his … you know, his spells, or whatever you call them. I understand that his mind slips a little now and then. You know, with all the study he’s done on the man’s life, it’s not all that surprising that his senility would—”
    “He’s not senile,” he said a bit too forcefully. “He’s an eccentric in every definition of the word. Always has been.”
    “And he’s a delightful one.” Seeing Cai’s skeptical look she added, “I know what it’s like. I do. My mother passed away when I was in college. She had cancer, which I know is totally different, but it was debilitating. I was in denial far longer than she was. I’m not sure who helped who more.” She placed her hand on his arm, more reassured than alarmed at that sudden connection they seemed to make. “I won’t hurt him, Cai. I enjoy him and I think he enjoys my company as well.”
    He shifted away from her touch.
    She straightened her shoulders. “I won’t let anything slip about the investigation. I can keep him occupied while you deal with everything else.”
    Cai looked down into her too-green eyes and wondered why her perfectly sensible arguments scared the daylights out of him.
    It was obvious that Alfred was charmed by her. But too much was going on … and little was getting done about it. All he had to show for a full afternoon was a blank computer screen and a headache from trying not to think about her. He should have been thrilled with the chance to work uninterrupted. Instead he’d spent the greater portion of the time staring at the copy of her dragon sketch. Her laughter had found its way to his open window again and again during tea. When they’d finally, mercifully, finished and left for the garden, had he gotten to work? No. He’d stared out the window after them like a moonstruck calf.
    And now she wanted to spend another day here? Hedidn’t think he’d survive it. Hell, this one wasn’t even over yet.
    “We can talk about it on the boat. Come on.”
    “Okay, okay.” She moved past him, tucking her elbow against her side as she passed him. “I know you don’t want me here. I understand.”
    “You don’t understand anything,” he muttered.
    “It’s not like I’m going to be hanging around here all the time, you know,” she went on. “I’m going back home this Sunday.”
    He knew that. There was an undeniable sinking feeling in his chest. Yeah. He knew that. Another good reason to nip this in the bud.
    “I’ll find my own way here and back.”
    “I’ll come and get you.” The offer was made gruffly and totally against his better