Last Bridge Home Read Free Page B

Bureau can be quite ruthlessly effective in their actions.”
    “Are you saying the NIB might have had Mark … killed?”
    “No,” he said quickly. “Mark’s death was entirely natural. The NIB didn’t become active in the investigation until later.”
    “I don’t understand any of this.” She shook her head in an effort to clear it. “Mark wasn’t even interested in politics. He was a professor of English on sabbatical. It doesn’t make sense.”
    “Do you believe me?” he asked quietly.
    Yes, she believed him, she realized. And that was even more incredible than what he had told her. There was no avoiding the naked sincerity in his gaze as he looked at her. “Are you sure?” she whispered.
    “Yes.”
    She was silent for a long time, as she tried to sort reason out of chaos. “Then I believe you. But that doesn’t mean I’ll be in any danger. I’ll just explain I know nothing about Mark’s political activities.”
    He shook his head. “Bardot is a fanatic. He’s been biding his time, but now he’s ready to make his move.”
    “Bardot?”
    “Karl Bardot, NIB.”
    “You appear to be very well informed.” Herexpression was wary. “I don’t suppose it’s possible that you belong to the same organization as Mark did?”
    “Yes.”
    She had expected the answer. “Oh dear, I was afraid you were.”
    “Why afraid?” He frowned. “I told you there was no threat involved. Particularly not to you. All you have to do is come with me, and I’ll see that you’re taken care of.”
    “I can’t do that. This is my home. I don’t even know you.” Her fingers ran distractedly through her nut-brown hair. “You walk in here and tell me I should leave everything that’s dear and familiar to me just because—”
    “Mark told you to trust me.”
    “Not with my baby.” Her tone was suddenly fierce.
    A faint smile touched his lips. “Does that mean you’d trust me if the child wasn’t in volved?”
    “I think so.” Her expression was troubled. “Oh. I don’t know. I believe you mean well, but it’s all so bizarre. If I’m innocent, there can’t be any danger to me. This is America, for goodness’ sake.”
    “You won’t come with me?”
    She shook her head. “You have to be mistaken. I’m sure I’ll be fine once I’ve explained I don’t know anything about all this.”
    “I didn’t think you would, but it was worth a chance.” He set his cup down and pushed his chair away from the table. “You’re tired and hungry. I’ll leave now so that you can have your meal and get some rest.”
    “You’re leaving?” She didn’t know why she experienced a sudden panic.
    “I’ve said what I had to say.” He stood up and shrugged into his coat. “I’d like you to promise me something before I go.”
    “Promise?”
    “I want you to promise me you won’t let Bardot lure you out of the cottage on any pre text, that you won’t get in a car or even go for a walk with him.”
    She felt a cold chill ripple through her. She smiled tremulously. “That won’t be difficult. I probably won’t even meet the man.”
    “Do you promise?”
    “I promise,” she whispered.
    “You look like a big-eyed little girl,” he said softly. “Don’t worry. You’re making it very difficult for me, but I won’t let anything happen to you. That’s what I’m here for.”
    She stood up, suddenly feeling a ridiculous sense of profound relief and well-being. “Are you staying in Albany?”
    He shook his head. “I’ll be around.” He fastened the buttons of his jacket. “I can find my own way out. Don’t see me to the door, it’s toocold outside. The weather report said we should expect snow tomorrow night. That might be interesting.”
    Snow, interesting? What a curious turn of phrase. “You’re obviously not from upstate New York or you wouldn’t find the possibility of a November snowstorm very interesting.” Her expression became wistful. “I’ll be sorry to see the first snow. I love