“I feel like I might have gotten in between the two of you,” Grant finally said. “I just want you to know that was never my intention.”

“I never thought it was,” answered Frankel. “In fact, I feel like I’d done that to the two of you.”

“I know you were just trying to help.”

“And look how that turned out.” Frankel offered up a slightly sad smile.

The soon-to-be-former Scotland Yard commander nodded again.

“Rachel’s a smart girl, John. She’ll figure it all out. It just might take a bit.”

“I’m willing to wait,” said Frankel.

It was Grant’s turn to smile.

“Remember the other day, at that bloody party I had to suffer through, when I asked you what your intentions were?”

“I do.”

“Well, what you just said is what a father longs to hear.”

“I just hope it isn’t too late.”

“I’ll tell you this, John. I’ve watched the two of you together over these past few days.”

“I’m sure you have.”

“And I’ve never seen Rachel look at anyone the way she looks at you.”

“Thank you for that,” said Frankel. “Whatever ends up happening, Austin, I hope you’ll get in touch when you come to New York to see her.”

“Without question.” They shook hands again. “Fly safely, John. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

He could tell that promise filled Frankel with more than a modicum of hope as he left the office and headed for Heathrow. Grant found himself buoyed by the notion as well.

He returned to his bloody lists.

It was an hour later when his cell phone rang and he was pleased to see that it was Everett.

“How’s it going over there?” Grant asked.

“Just giving Rachel the ten-schilling tour of Zermatt,” answered his brother.

“Lucky girl.”

“The city’s grown since you were last here—how old were you—seven?”

“Whatever age I was in that picture you just gave me for Christmas,” said Grant. “How is she doing?”

“That’s why I phoned.”

Grant felt that immediate punch one gets in the gut when they get a call about their child—no matter the age—but then realized his brother had just said they were touring the Swiss city.

But he was still unable to keep the alarm out of his voice. “Everything okay?”

“Yes, yes, of course—sorry,” said Everett, obviously sensing Grant’s concern. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Thank god.”

“She’s just down in the dumps.”

Grant couldn’t tell if he felt good or bad about hearing that.

“What can I do?”

“I was thinking you should hop over here and join us like we planned.”

“Seriously?”

“I think she’d be pleasantly surprised,” suggested Everett.

“I got the distinct impression Rachel needed some time alone.”

“She’s with me, Austin—how alone is that?”

“You make a good point there.”