“No way.” He added simply, “Truth.” He got to his feet. “And now I think I’ll go back and watch Lara play for a while. I’ve always liked to see the passion of an artist, as well as hear it. Why don’t you go back to your computer and discover more about me? I’ll let you know if you’re right before we get off the plane in Connecticut.”

“I might do that.” She gazed at him consideringly. “See the passion of an artist you admire? Or is that only an excuse? Never mind, maybe you don’t know yet.” She paused. “But since I did so well, I think I deserve you to answer one question for me.”

“Ask it.”

“This fantastic plane. It’s like something from a movie set. I was curious and dug deep to find out how much this plane probably cost. It was enormous. Did that billionaire, Starbarth, give it to you in exchange for a job you did for him?”

He chuckled. “You’re wondering what amount Kaskov might have had to cough up for my services? No, the Gulfstream was the stakes in the last hand of a very enjoyable poker game I played with Starbarth and several others a couple of years ago in Lima, Peru. It wasn’t quite as enjoyable for them as for me, but that’s the luck of the draw. Actually, I don’t use the plane enough to make it worthwhile, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to get rid of it. Satisfied?”

She nodded. “You told me what I needed to know. You’re a gambler. Big time. You’ve dropped a comment now and then, but I couldn’t be sure. Not like Anton or Volkov, but maybe even more dangerous. I don’t like gamblers, and Lara hates them.” She smiled. “Which means I won’t have to worry about you, Tanner.” She turned back to her computer. “That’s a huge relief to me.”

“Is it? I’m so glad.” He smiled back at her as he started down the aisle. “But I should let you know that’s exactly what Starbarth said to me just before I took away his Gulfstream.”

Chapter
6

You can stop now. I’m meekly surrendering. You blew me away.”

It was Tanner, Lara realized vaguely. But didn’t he realize how ridiculous he was being? She couldn’t stop. It wasn’t about that silly challenge. It was the music.

“Now.” Tanner was suddenly beside her, his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll let you come back to it later, but it’s time you had a break. It’s been over six hours. You’ll realize you’re exhausted after you’ve had a chance to lose a little of that adrenaline. You’re not stupid. I’m sure you’ve learned to pace yourself. The music will still be there.”

“I don’t want to—” She stopped as she saw his expression. He didn’t understand. She had to fight him. She wasn’t tired. She could go on and on and on…

“Later. My plane. My rules.” He took her hands off the keyboard. “Get up. Go to the bathroom and then get something to drink before you start yelling at me.” He pulled her to her feet. “I promise I’m not going to toss the keyboard out the plane while you’re gone.”