And the Desert Blooms Read Free

admit she’s made a success of herself, in a rather offbeat manner.”
    “She could never have done it any other way. She hears a different drummer.” El Kabbar turned away from the fireplace and strode briskly toward the desk. He dropped down into the massive leather executive chair and tossed the magazine carelessly on the blotter in front of him. “Does Blackwell’s have a branch in the States?”
    “I believe so,” Abernathy said cautiously. “If not, I’m sure they can make arrangements with a suitable counterpart.” He frowned. “But why? We already know where Miss Madchen is located. Since she used a return address it’s obvious she wanted us to know her present whereabouts. It’s not likely she’ll disappear again.”
    “Pandora never does what’s likely. I have no intention of losing her again.” He met Abernathy’s eyes steadily. “Besides, at last I have some work that your very thorough detectives can sink their teeth into. Not only are they going to keep Pandora under surveillance, but they are going to protect her as well. Who knows what kind of weird element she’s surrounded herself with?” For an instant there was a flicker of humor in his eyes. “Though I doubt if anything could be worse than the tiger she was cuddling before she left Sedikhan.”
    “Tiger?” Abernathy asked in bewilderment.
    El Kabbar made an impatient motion with his hand. “Never mind, it’s a long story. Just see that she’s protected. I also want a complete dossier drawn up on her, down to the brand of toothpaste she’s using at present.”
    “How soon do you want it?”
    “Tomorrow afternoon.” He ignored the other man’s stifled exclamation. “Did you say she’s playing in San Francisco day after tomorrow?”
    “According to the list of concert dates in the magazine. It’s the last concert on the tour.”
    “I have some loose ends to tie up here, but I should be able to get away by tomorrow morning. Have your man report to me at the Fairmont tomorrow afternoon at five.”
    “They might not be able to complete a dossier that quickly.”
    “They’ll do it,” El Kabbar said grimly. “They’ve been milking me for the last six years—it’s time they produced. I’m extremely displeased with them.”
    Abernathy swallowed nervously and stood up. “I must get back to the office and make a few telephone calls. Do you have any further instructions?”
    “That’s all.” Then, as Abernathy started for the door, he added, “No, wait. Find a way of contacting Mrs. Zilah Seifert. I believe she and Daniel are cruising in the Caribbean on their yacht
Windsong
.” He smiled sardonically. “Let her know the lost lamb has been found. She has a peculiar fondness for this particular lamb.”
    Abernathy nodded briskly. “I’ll see to it. If there are any problems, I’ll phone you in San Francisco. Good day, Sheikh El Kabbar.” He strode hurriedly toward the door. This time he was allowed to leave and he closed the door behind him with a sigh of relief.
    It was foolish to be nervous around the man after so many years in his service, but the sheikh could be a very intimidating man. Abernathy wouldn’t like to be in the detective’s shoes if he didn’t come through with that dossier on schedule. For that matter, he wouldn’t want to be in Pandora Madchen’s place either. The sheikh’s emotions were exceptionally strong and volatile where she was concerned. Personally, he found it much more comfortable to be ignored by the man except when needed.
    Philip leaned back in the chair, his eyes going compulsively to the magazine he’d thrown so carelessly on the desk. Lord, she was beautiful now. Even in that grotesque wig she shimmered with allure. But then, he had known she would be beautiful eventually because as a child she had possessed an enchanting grace and loveliness. Strange that he hadn’t noticed it more often when she had tagged around after him like an eager little puppy. He supposed he’d