She sighed expansively. How do you manage?
Quit being such a reverse snob. Its a nice estate.
Apparently it needs an orchard.
Cherry trees, said Harrison decisively. Acres of little white blossoms followed by plump, purple, Bing cherries.
You could hang a swing from one of the trees.
That would be nice.
And your perfect daughter, in her little white dress and patent leather shoes, could swing back and forth while she watched you play tennis.
Id beat you, he said, putting Julia into the fantasy. Ive had lessons, and I have a longer reach.
You think Im coming all the way to Windsor to play tennis?
Harrison immediately realized what hed done.
Or I could come to Lexington, he offered, to cover up the blunder.
How often do you play?
Once or twice a month.
Ha! Youre on. There was satisfaction in her voice. I play three times a week.
Really? Im up for a match. Care to make it a little interesting?
She leaned up on her elbow. What did you have in mind?
He matched her posture. You win, I build you a gazebo. I win, you name your dog Harrison.
Youd build me a gazebo? As in, cutting boards and hammering nails?
More along the lines of write a check to a carpenter, he said honestly. But, yes, Id build you a gazebo.
She smiled, and he realized in that moment that hed do pretty much anything to make her happy. The realization was both exhilarating and frightening.
Julia struggled against cold, hard terror as they crossed the airport terminal, heading for the security check-in. She was about to present herself to the very people whod been hunting her down. And all she had for protection was a little red book, along with Harrisons assurance that the men with the guns would respect it.
This way, said Harrison, pointing to a short lineup off to one side of the security area designated for diplomats.
She felt like an imposter.
Relax, he murmured.
She nodded, but she could feel the sweat gathering on her palms.
They walked quickly up to the wicket, and Harrison handed the uniformed man both passports.
The guard swiped Harrisons through a machine and pressed a button on his keyboard. He stared at the screen for a moment, pressed another button, stamped the passport and handed it back.
Then he swiped Julias.
His eyes narrowed, and he looked up at her.
He said something to Harrison in Arabic.
Harrison answered and produced their marriage certificate.
The man read the document. He typed something into his keyboard, and she could see the exact second he found her old identity.
He must have pressed some kind of secret alarm, because three more security guards descended on the little kiosk.
He must have pressed some kind of secret alarm, because three more security guards descended on the little kiosk.
Harrison snagged her hand and squeezed. Dont worry, he muttered.
She was past worrying. Shed gone straight to petrified. This was it. They were going to arrest her here and now.
The guards seemed to be arguing amongst themselves.
One of the new guards picked up a phone.
She wanted to ask Harrison what they were saying. But she was too afraid of the answer. All she could do was stand mute and watch four stern-looking Arabs decide her fate.
The guard set down the phone.
He shot a rapid-fire question at Julia.
Harrison answered.
He asked another.
Harrisons expression and stance didnt waver. He provided another answer.
That guard looked at Julias passport.
He read the marriage certificate.
Finally, scowling, he banged the stamp down on her passport and handed everything back to Harrison.
Harrison put an arm firmly around her shoulders and ushered her past the kiosk.
She didnt say a word as they rounded the corner and moved out of sight.
Youre through, said Harrison with a squeeze.
Her legs were shaking, and she didnt think she was capable of forming an actual word.
They turned down a narrow hallway and came to a podium with another guard.
Whats this? she asked hoarsely.
Relax. Were done. This is only to get into the private boarding gates. Were taking my jet.
You have a jet?
I have a jet. He gave his passport to the guard.
The man checked a list, smiled at Harrison, and let them through.
Julia couldnt help looking back over her shoulder.
But nobody was coming after her.
She was out of the UAE.
She was going home.
Chapter Fifteen
Julia had always been intimidated by the Prestons sprawling brick house. But having experienced the palace at Cadair, she now realized Melanies mother, Jenna, had made the large house homey, even intimate with her old-world decorating touches. Where Cadair was cavernous as a museum, the Preston house was filled with cushions, pottery and horse pictures.
As they often did, some of the family members had gathered in the large room behind the west veranda. The outside lights showed a windswept, leaf-strewn deck with light rain falling. But inside it was warm, and the wide-screen television broadcasted a Formula Gold night race out of California.
Julia knew that Melanies grandfather, Hugh Preston, was a friend and fan of racer Demetri Lucas, so the family tried to watch Formula Gold as often as possible.
Mom, Dad, Grandpa? sang Melanie. Look whos home?
Jenna glanced up from where she was chopping vegetables, while Thomas, Jennas husband, and Hugh looked up from the race.
Jennas smile beamed as she dried her hands on a towel and came around the breakfast bar. So wonderful to have you home, Julia.
She gave Julia a quick hug.
And this is Harrison Rochester, Melanie continued with the introductions.
Both men came to their feet to shake hands with Harrison and welcome Julia back.
At the same time, Robbie appeared and joined the conversation.
Jenna muted the race, while Thomas offered Kentucky sipping whiskey all around.
There was plenty of comfortable seating, and Julia ended up on a love seat next to Harrison.
Whats on your hands? asked Melanie as Thomas handed Julia a drink.
Julia momentarily froze.
A Middle Eastern tradition, Harrison put in smoothly. While we were at Khandi Oasis, some of the women wanted to decorate Julias hands.
Its henna, Julia put in. Itll wear off in a couple of weeks.
Its pretty, Jenna offered.
Thank you, said Julia. I like it, too.
She caught Harrisons gaze and had to struggle to keep her features even.
Can you explain what happened to your horse? asked Hugh in his usual booming voice.
Harrison set down his drink on the table beside him. Not yet, he admitted. Ill be back in Dubai in a few days, and I plan to launch an extensive investigation. But I wanted to get Julia out of the country first.
Any problems getting out? asked Melanie.
We were worried sick, said Jenna from where she sat next to Thomas on a longer couch. Imagine, people chasing you like that.
Theyd had to share the fact that both the police and criminals were after Julia, since it could impact on Leopolds Legacys investigation.
It went surprisingly smoothly, said Harrison. Any news here on Leopolds Legacy?
Were struggling with the registry records, said Robbie. A pivotal employee, Ross Ingliss, has suddenly quit, and thats caused increased technical complications.
I assume youll check on other Apollos Ice foals? asked Harrison.
Just as soon as humanly possible, put in Thomas.
Theres the checkered flag, called Hugh, raising his glass to the screen. Not a win, but hes in the top five again.
Melanies oldest brother, Andrew, joined them. Bad news, he said, taking in the crowd of people, then he noticed Harrison.
Harrison came to his feet and held out his hand to Andrew. Harrison Rochester.
Andrew Preston, Andrew returned with a shake. Probably a good thing youre here.
What happened? asked Hugh.
Andrew eased himself into one of the remaining seats. Weve been banned from racing by the International Thoroughbred Racing Federation.
In all countries? asked Melanie.
How can they do that? Robbie demanded.
Julias heart sank. She knew Melanie and Robbie were counting on international races for Something to Talk About. They were planning a trip to their cousins stable in Australia to give the horse an opportunity to race.
Andrew looked to Harrison. The negative publicity surrounding Leopolds Legacy now stretches as far as Dubai.
They know about Millions to Spare? asked Thomas.
I had to disclose it, said Andrew.
Hugh nodded his concurrence. We have done nothing wrong, he declared. We will be exonerated.
But how long will it take? asked Melanie.
It will take as long as it takes, said Jenna, her voice calm and steady. She looked to her husband. Well make it through somehow.
Thomas squeezed her hand, and a look passed between them-one that said they were two people who had weathered storms before and understood each other in a way no one else ever could.
Julia couldnt help glancing at Harrison. Theyd weathered their own storms. And there were things about their time together in Dubai that the world would never discover.
Harrison finished his drink and stood. I should head back into the city, he announced, causing Julias stomach to contract.
Was this it? Was it all over?
How can you say that? asked Jenna, rising from her seat. Dinner will be ready in half an hour.
I dont want to impose, said Harrison.
Julia couldnt take her gaze off him. Was he getting back on his plane tonight? She hadnt thought about that. Shed promised Melanie she would stay a day or two, but shed assumed shed have a chance to say goodbye to Harrison in private.
If he walked out now, all shed get was a handshake and a polite nod along with everyone else.
Its no imposition at all, Jenna insisted.
I thought I should find a hotel room before it got too late, he continued.
Nonsense, said Jenna with a dismissive wave of her hand. You can stay in one of the guest cabins.
Julias in the magnolia cabin, said Melanie. But there are others to choose from. Theyre very comfortable.
Harrison glanced around at the expressions of the other family members. If youre sure, he said.
Of course were sure, said Hugh. Dont know what its like over there in the Middle East, but around here were hospitable.
And I thank you for that, Harrison said to Hugh, while Julia experienced a wave of relief.
Can I get some help setting the table? asked Jenna. Its our cook and housekeepers night off.