“He will be.” Bennett’s voice was mild, but she did know him well. The thread of violence ran through it. “Reeve’s already started something. It’s going to take time, more time than any of us would like, but he’s going to be stopped. I just hope I can have a hand in it.”

“Keep your hands in your pockets. I don’t want anything to happen to you, either.”

The touch of violence was gone as he grinned at her. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m more interested in women and horses than I am in glory.”

“Just keep it that way.” She rose, dragging her hair back with her hand as she did so. “I should go up and check on the other rehearsal.”

“You’re working too hard, Eve. It’s starting to show.”

“Gallant. Always gallant.”

“You’ve got to stop worrying about Alex.”

“How?”

“All right, so you don’t have to stop worrying about him. Try to trust the fates a bit.” He rose with her, then reached out to toy with her hair. “He’s destined to rule Cordina. I’m not, thank God. Nothing’s going to happen to him.”

“I always believe that when I see him. I have a harder time when I can’t.” She kissed him, then decided it wasn’t enough and hugged him, too. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Play some gin rummy?”

“You already owe me fifty-three dollars from the last time.”

“Who’s counting?”

“I am.” She managed to smile.

He watched her walk down the aisle and back behind the stage. The two guards trailed after her.

* * *

Gabriella and Chris came by and tried to convince her to take the afternoon with them at a seaside café. Her assistant brought her coffee and sugar cookies and clucked her tongue. One of the actors offered his dressing room for a nap and one of the staff from makeup suggested a cream to help with the shadows under her eyes.

Eve was steaming by the time rehearsals were wrapped for the day.

“If one more person, just one more, tells me I should get some rest, I’m punching him right in the mouth,” Eve muttered to herself as she strode down the backstage corridor.

“You won’t hear it from me.”

Her heels skidded a bit as she stopped. Pete was crouched over one of his cases, locking up props. “I thought just about everyone had cleared out.”

“Just about have.” Keys jingled at his waist as he stood. “I’ve got a couple of more things to store. Couldn’t find a box big enough for that vase or whatever it is.”

“Leave it on the set. It’s too ugly for anyone to steal.”

“You said you didn’t want class.”