“If it's any consolation, I've had the same feeling. It goes beyond a bunch of guys running around with guns.” He leaned forward with a level gaze in his blue-green eyes. “I'd like you to promise me some- thing when you go back to Skaalshavn.”

“Of course, my boy. Anything you say.”

“Take care, Professor,” Austin said, in a firm manner that left no room for misunderstanding. “Tsike great care.”

NUMA 4 - White Death

17

THE SENSE OF foreboding continued to haunt Austin even after he stepped outside Jorgensen's office building into the bright Danish sunlight. Several times during the cab ride back to the hotel, he found himself glancing through the rear window. He gave up finally and sat back to enjoy the ride. If danger were stalk- ing him, he would never see it with all the traffic.

Austin stopped at the clothing store to pick up his purchases. He carried the neatly tied boxes to his room and called Therri. It was 5:30. “I have a room one floor below yours. I think I can hear you singing in joyful anticipation of our dinner.”

“Then you must have also heard me dancing as well.” “It's amazing how my charm affects women,” Austin said. “I'll meet you in the lobby. We could make believe that we're old lovers encountering each other by chance.”

“You're a surprising romantic, Mr. Austin.”

“I've been called worse things. You'll know me by the red carna- tion in my lapel.”

When the elevator doors opened, Therri stepped out as if she were on stage and immediately caught the attention of every male in the vicinity, including Austin. He couldn't take his eyes off her as she glided across the lobby. Therri's chestnut hair tumbled down to the thin straps other white ankle-length lace dress that clung to her slim waist and thighs.

Her warm smile showed that Therri approved other date as well. She surveyed the European-styled single-breasted jacket of dove gray whose slightly pinched waist emphasized Austin's shoulders like a military uniform. The blue shirt and white silk tie set off his deep tan, coral-colored eyes and pale hair. Pinned to his lapel was a red carna- tion.

She extended her hand, which Austin kissed lightly. “What a lovely surprise,” she said in an upper-class British accent. “I haven't seen you since-”

“Biarritz. Or was it Casablanca?”

Therri put her wrist to her forehead. “Oh, who can say? One place blends with the other over time, don't you agree?”

Austin leaned close to her ear and whispered, “We'll always have Marrakech.”