“I can see how that would appeal to you,” Maria said as she and Lara followed him down the stairs. She looked around the airport. “Very clean and neat and quiet…and boring.”

“I’m glad you like it.” His lips were twitching. “I take it you didn’t find out anything else about my iniquitous past?”

“You know I didn’t. But I’ll never give up.”

“She won’t, you know,” Lara said absently as she watched Mallory slide the keyboard into the back of a tan Land Rover parked beside a small building across the tarmac. “She’s very stubborn.”

“I realize that. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been thinking about helping her along.” Tanner handed Lara a key ring. “Why don’t you get in the car and guard that keyboard you can’t keep your eyes off? Though I assure you that Mallory made sure it survived the trip from the plane to the Land Rover. I’ve got to go in and check on a few things with Pete Sherman, my airport manager.”

She looked speculatively down at the keys in her palm. “Trusting. I could take the car and go back to my initial plan. What’s to stop me?”

“Good judgment? You’re a stranger in a strange land. No documents? And you know I’d just go after you.” He added, “Plus if you were going to bolt, you’d first do your research and set up a plan. Right?”

“Unless there wasn’t any other way.”

“But there is another way. Try me and see.”

“And where are we supposed to be going?”

“I have a place in the mountains that I’ve used occasionally. It’s beautiful country, and it should be very safe until we find somewhere more permanent for you.” He headed for the office building. “I’ll be right back.”

She watched until he disappeared inside before she started across the tarmac. “Let’s go.”

Maria fell into step with her. “He was very sure of himself.”

“He should have been. He made sense.”

“And he’s beginning to know you very well.” She looked back at the office. “He’s put all the pieces he has together, but he’s still on the alert for any new ones that might drop into his puzzle.”

“But then we’re getting to know him, too.” Lara grinned as she unlocked the Land Rover. “He doesn’t seem to mind answering my questions, and you’re discovering all his deepest, darkest secrets with your computer.”

“I doubt it. But I might learn enough to feel more comfortable. We’ll have to see.” She got into the backseat and opened her laptop. “You enjoy the scenery. I’d rather see if I can find out more about Tanner by connecting him to this place.”