A MAN CALLED BLUE Read Free

at bay."
    "Have you thought about getting a dog?"
    "I would if they could take notes," she said sweetly. "In the meantime, you'll have to do. Any more questions?"
    "Just one. Why none for me? You're putting a lot of trust in Smythe's word and a crumpled note. Somehow I doubt you're a woman with an excess of that commodity."
    "You're right, I'm not. But enough to accept Nolan's recommendation until I can check you out for myself. But before we land at Heathrow, I'll know all I need to know, down to the color of your underwear."
    "Kinky." He leaned back in the seat.
    She gave him an icy glance. "No. Careful."
    "And if my underwear isn't acceptable?" he asked.
    "Then I hope you can swim."
    He smiled. "What, no cab fare home?"
    "Afraid not." She went back to her salad. When he didn't say anything more, she gestured with her chin toward his untouched plate. "You're not eating."
    He pushed it aside. "I'm more of a red meat man myself."
    "In that case, we're done. I have background material on the trip in my briefcase. When I'm finished lunch, I'll have Nance give it to you. Pay particular attention to the Hallam Industries file. It involves a porcelain factory that's for sale. Anjana's interested in buying, if it's a good deal." That said, she turned her attention to her salad.
    Aware of his dismissal, Blue watched her. The lady worked overtime in the control department. He wondered why.
    She raised her eyes and gave him an irritated glance. "You can go now, Blue."
    He stood and looked down at her. "Got a parachute?"
    "Very amusing, but don't push your luck. My patience, like my trust, is limited. It's simple really. Do as you're asked and we'll get along fine."
    He shook his head. "Lady, somehow I doubt that."
    Back in his seat, Blue spent the next few minutes alternately cursing himself and Nolan. Twenty-one days with this woman? Inconceivable! If Nolan had his job after day one, he'd be lucky. Blue wasn't good at taking orders or keeping his mouth shut. And there was something else. Damned if he wasn't attracted to her on some basic level, but he sure as hell didn't like her much.
    * * *
    Simone didn't like him.
    If he weren't a friend of Nolan's, she'd give him that parachute he'd asked for and personally escort him to an open hatch. She felt his eyes on her now. Refusing to take further notice of him, she concentrated on her salad. The minute he shifted his attention to the window, her chest contracted and a quiet breath crossed her lips.
    Blue. What a stupid name! It probably had nothing to do with his being called "bluebell" and everything to do with the color of his eyes, a brilliant, intimidating cobalt. She hated them. Hated the way they probed, questioned without words. Those eyes made it difficult for her to remember what was most likely a special friendship with Nolan. At least he wasn't a talker.
    Nolan talked continuously, but it was comforting chatter; she'd miss it—and him. He was the only person who'd made this past year bearable. They'd planned on playing a little hooky while in London, and she'd been looking forward to it. Now it would be like every other trip—a full-blown workathon. With this her third trip to Europe in six weeks, she was exhausted, permanently jet-lagged. Her nerves were on scream alert and her responses came as much a surprise to her as the people around her, but Josephine said to "get a grip on the European operations" as quickly as possible, and whatever Josephine wanted, Josephine got.
    God, she hoped Nolan was okay. Kelly was checking with the hospital right now. She'd have word soon. Her lips compressed. As for Mr. Insolence back there, she'd put up with him because she needed him. But she'd make sure he knew his place. That's what Josephine would do.
    * * *
    At Heathrow they were through customs in minutes. It was Miss Doucet this, Miss Doucet that; Blue expected a foot-kissing ceremony was next up. He doubted the Queen of England received better treatment. Outside they were met by a