Dangerous to Know Read Free Page A

little foolish that she’d even raised the subject. After all, it wasn’t likely that they’d be in any physical danger. This was the heart of the English countryside, not a war zone. Besides, Jerome was right, the kind of morons who wrote nasty letters or made crank calls didn’t usually translate them into action.
    â€œI don’t think so. A jacket would be good, though, since we might have rain later.” His hand released hers so she could collect her coat from the back of the chair.
    â€œIs your friend’s park open to the public today?” she asked as Jerome started the car.
    â€œIt’s the end of the main season so it opens later today. We’ll have till two o’clock to get the shots we need.”
    She sensed, rather than saw, the quick glance he gave her. Her eyes remained fixed on the road ahead as they left the city limits behind and headed into the open countryside.
    The small interior of Jerome’s car meant that Gemma was unable to put as much distance between them as she would have liked. The sharp clean scent of his cologne teased her nostrils. When he changed gear, his hand brushed against her denim-clad thigh, making her heartbeat skip as she oh-so-casually moved her leg a fraction out of contact.
    * * * *

    Jerome grinned as Gemma blushed and shifted on the car seat.
    â€œYou look a little warm, would you like the roof down?”
    He took her sharp intake of breath as a yes and pressed the button to lower the roof. With the wind tugging at his hair and Gemma at his side, Jerome felt more alive than he had for months. The lectures had been tiring, what with all the mail they had produced and the political arguments that had followed.
    It was good to escape for a while and to get back to doing the things he loved best. He chanced another glance at Gemma. The wind whipped stray tendrils of hair around her face and the pink tint on her cheeks was reflected in the soft full curve of her mouth.
    â€œWhat kind of animals are you going to photograph?” She smoothed some of her flyaway hair down as she turned her head toward him.
    â€œJeff wants shots which will tempt people not just into visiting, but also into sponsoring the animals. He has a lot of native British animals - foxes, badgers, otters, owls, and stoats. A lot of the animals arrive there injured and can’t go back to the wild. Some are there as part of a breeding program.”
    Jerome swung the car off the main road and onto a small country lane.
    â€œI’m looking forward to seeing the otters. Will we be able to handle any of the animals?”
    â€œSome of his animals are pretty tame. I know he has some deer that are on diets because they love the visitors so much.”
    â€œPeople feed them? I didn’t think that was allowed.”
    Jerome laughed. “These two in particular would put Fagin to shame. They learned that humans often have food in their pockets and they look cute, so visitors don’t have the heart to stop the little thieves.”
    He pulled the car to a halt in front of a black and white timbered house. “Here we are.”
    Gemma looked confused as she unclipped her belt. “Where’s the park entrance?”
    â€œThis is Jeff’s house. The public entrance is on the far side of the sanctuary. He has some pens here where he looks after the recent arrivals and any sick animals.”
    As he spoke, the front door of the house opened and Jeff strode out to greet them, his round face wreathed in a smile.
    â€œJerome! Glad you could make it.” He greeted his friend with a hearty handshake.
    Jerome introduced Gemma and watched as she colored in embarrassment when he explained to Jeff that she was there to help with the photographs.
    â€œGreat to meet you. Come through into the kitchen. Marnie, my head keeper, is going to look after you both and help with the animals.”
    Jerome walked behind Gemma as she followed Jeff into the house. He