Free The Huntsman by Rafael

the
passing sights, the warm air, the deepening night cocoon her.
    In
the span of three weeks a dull zoologist had gone from watching a hippo give
birth to riding through a foreign city in an exotic land next to a wild man who
hunted and killed tigers. In between she’d joined the CIA who paid for fancy
trips and fancy clothes. All in pursuit of a demonic killer who might be a
genius lunatic. She allowed a slight, self-satisfied smile. Her staid,
predictable life had become operatic drama
    Thank
God for Professor Akiyama. Through all the bizarre absurdity, Janesh McKenzie
emerged as an implacable rock. Next to him she felt at once secure and
invincible. Greg Dawson’s face appeared before her. She shook it away. Perhaps
in time something like contented love might emerge. Dear, sweet Greg would make
a supportive husband and nurturing father. But who would she be? She needed—and
wanted—a man.
    And
yet the one next to her remained a complete stranger. She knew nothing about
him. Could she stand the heartache if he entered a wilderness and never
returned? His grin, his eyes, his hair, his voice. Without so much as brushing
against her, she had to squeeze her thighs to ease the heat surges within. He
made her feel savage. She sank deeper in the seat and cleared her thoughts. The
night enveloped her.
    “Does
tiger hunting pay the bills, Mr. McKenzie?”
    “At
what point do you stop calling me Mr. McKenzie?”
    “The
instant you call me Miranda. But don’t answer a question with a question.”
    Janesh
slowed and pulled head first into a space. A few maneuvers and he killed the
engine. The key came out of the ignition. He turned and grinned at her. “Okay,
Miranda. But it’ll have to wait. We’re here.”
    She
didn’t wait for him to open the door. Nothing jumped out at her as a
restaurant. The building’s windows displayed professional offices but Janesh
stepped onto the sidewalk and headed for its entrance. “Right this way. A short
elevator ride and we’ll be there. Promise. Come.” Startling a few passers-by,
the eager dogs leaped from the jeep and trotted up behind him as he held the
door open.
    The
dogs, placid and calm, sat while Janesh allowed the lobby to clear before
boarding an elevator. “They really are very well behaved.” Miranda exclaimed.
    “Actually,
they’re a gift from my friend, the restaurant’s owner. He too worried about my
forest forays and trained them himself. He’d kill me if I left them
downstairs.”
    “You
used to hunt tigers alone?” He nodded.
    “I
used to be much better at it. They’ve made me a bit lazy.” An astonished
Miranda couldn’t tell if he was putting her on.
    The
elevator opened on the top floor to a short hallway. At its end, a tuxedoed man
looked up from the reception stand. His eyes widened in delight as he rushed
out from behind it.
    “Sri
McKenzie. Mahān Śikārī. It’s
wonderful to see you again.” He shook Janesh’s hand with great enthusiasm and
warmth.
    “Singh, this is Miranda. Miranda this is the very affable, Singh.”
    “Good evening, madame. A distinct pleasure to meet you. Welcome to
Chatur.”
    “Thank you, Singh. I’m very glad to be here.” He turned to Janesh.
    “I’ll tell Chatur. He’ll want to greet you out here.”
     The genial Singh hurried away. Moments later, Chatur strolled
through the entrance. Janesh extended a hand.
    “It’s good to see…” The short man brushed it aside
    “I heard about your latest adventure. I’ll speak to you soon
enough.” Chatur locked his gaze on Miranda. He bowed deeply, took her hand to
kiss. He straightened.
    “Your skin is like ivory, your eyes like emeralds, your hair like
rubies. This uncivilized lout has never brought a woman to my establishment and
now a goddess accompanies him. I am humbled and honored…”
    “Mi, Miranda. My name is Miranda.”
    “I thought nothing could exceed your beauty until I heard your
name. It sings. I am Chatur. Welcome to my