“In a way. Guardian,” Maria repeated his words thoughtfully. “Yet you seem to be in charge.” She suddenly smiled. “Maybe we should have asked if you won it in a poker game like you did the Gulfstream.”

“Not exactly. And I didn’t win Rennell, either. I guarantee they’re both more of a burden than a treasure.” He gestured to a tall, powerful man with blunt impassive features who was coming down the path toward the Land Rover. He was dressed in jeans and a blue chambray shirt; a sleek Doberman at his heels looked as powerful and menacing as the man himself. “And here he comes.” Tanner got out of the car and waited for the man to reach him. “Give me a minute and I’ll introduce you. He’ll only be interested in one thing to start out.”

He smiled at Rennell and held out his hand. “You look well. How have you been, Rennell?”

Rennell ignored his hand. “Sandrino?”

Tanner shook his head. “Not yet. I’m working on it.”

“It’s been too long,” he said bluntly. “You said you’d do it. You made a promise.”

“And I’ll keep it.” He reached down and stroked the Doberman at Rennell’s side. “How is Kembro doing?”

“Well enough,” Rennell said curtly. “When will you keep it?”

“Soon.” He nodded at Lara. “I’m working on it right now. So leave me alone, Rennell. I want it as bad as you do.” He gestured. “Maria and Lara. They’re very nice, and you should treat them as Sandrino would wish you to. I’ve brought Mallory and a few other men, too. They should be arriving any minute to do sentry duty. It was necessary.”

“I won’t let them ruin my flowers if they’re clumsy.”

“Mallory knows the rules. I don’t believe you’ll have any trouble.”

“I never have trouble. They might have trouble.” He turned away. “You can tell Mallory he can set them up in the coach house.” He glanced over his shoulder at Lara. “You’ll need the guards for her?”

“Possible. It’s just a precaution. Food?”

“I made a stew after you contacted me. How long will I have to put up with you all?”

“A few days. Mallory and his men will be keeping watch, but I’d like it if you’d also do it. Compared with you, they’ll be blind out here at Sandrino Place. You’re the one who taught me how to see.”

Rennell nodded. “Yes, I did.” He added grudgingly, “And you weren’t terrible. You never bitched when I left you out there in the wilds all night.”

“Because I knew if I did, the next time it would be for two or three nights instead of one,” Tanner said dryly. “You were nothing if not consistent.”