“He’s not. But he’s interesting, and I’ve always thought the tensions and interplay between him and Tanner were worth watching.” He glanced at Maria as she fell into step with him. “So it didn’t surprise me that you might have recognized that, too. I just didn’t realize that you were going to involve me in the exploration.” He wrinkled his nose. “Which might catch me between them.”

“You could have told Tanner.”

He nodded. “But then you would have felt you couldn’t trust me, and Tanner has gone out of his way to show you that you have nothing to fear from us. Tanner and I don’t always operate on the same wavelength, but most of the time we agree on principle.” He smiled. “So I’ll take you to Rennell and see that he doesn’t do anything too traumatic, even if I have to put my scarred, beaten body between the two of you.”

“I wouldn’t let it get that far. I’d save you.” She glanced around her. They’d left the mansion behind and were going through a barricade of bushes. “So where are we going? Tanner said that he and Rennell both have their own private apartments on the grounds. Should I be grateful that these bushes don’t have thorns?”

“Rennell’s place is just around the next bend. Neither Tanner nor Rennell is that far from the central mansion. Tanner could be back there in a couple minutes using the shortcut. He told me he always liked to be close to Sandrino in case he needed him. But Sandrino was almost paranoid about giving everyone privacy. I just didn’t want to run into Tanner with you in tow. It would require…explanations.” They were around the bend now, and Maria saw the glittering windows of a brick one-story structure that looked like a luxurious summerhouse. “There it is. I’m not sure Rennell is inside. He’s probably out back on the target range. I heard shots when I started for the mansion.”

“Then let’s go there and see.” She smiled recklessly as she started on a path leading around the house. “I don’t hear any shots now. Maybe he needs a target to aim at.”

“No, I don’t.” Rennell stepped around the corner of the house. His expression was grim, and there was an automatic weapon in his right hand. “I’ve had a target since you came around the bend.” His glance swung to Mallory. “What’s she doing here, Mallory? Tanner was telling me I should stay away from both the women.”