Man from Half Moon Bay by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page A

haven’t had any luck as yet.”
    “For a woman of your determination I’m sure it’s only a question of time.” He smiled faintly. “No coffee, then?”
    She hesitated.
    “If I try to persuade you to go, you’re sure toaccuse me of trying to manipulate you. So it’s your decision, Sara.”
    Her decision, not Jordan’s. She felt a sudden explosion of exuberance that almost made her dizzy. “It is, isn’t it?” She jammed her hands in the pockets of her Windbreaker and strolled after him. “And I don’t feel like going home right now.”
    He lifted one dark brow, waiting.
    “And I do feel like going to a coffeehouse.”
    He inclined his head in a mocking bow. “I’m truly honored, milady.” He opened the door of the Mercedes. “I’ll make every attempt to get you home before the witching hour.”
    “How did it go?” Cam asked as soon as Jordan walked into the suite a few minutes after midnight. “Success?”
    Jordan shook his head. “Hope.” He crossed to the telephone on the desk and lifted the receiver. “I figure that’s success enough for the moment.”
    “My, how humble we’re becoming.” Cam’s eyes were twinkling. “Is this the real Jordan Bandor speaking?”
    “Get off my back, brat.” Jordan quickly punched in a number. “I have enough pressure at the moment without you needling me. I promised Sara I’d call off the detectives.”
    Cam gave a low whistle. “And you’re going to do it?”
    “I gave her my word.” Jordan’s grip tightened on the receiver. “And I’ll keep it. I’ll just have tofind a way to keep her safe without surrounding her with bodyguards.”
    “And how will you do that?”
    “Spend as much time with her as possible.” He smiled lopsidedly. “I’d do that anyway.” The phone started to ring at the other end of the line. “And, if I can’t keep a guard on her, I’ll do the next best thing. I’ll set Marambas’s people to watching Kemp in New York. With the police and Marambas’s men both on surveillance, there shouldn’t be any possibility Kemp will slip away from them.” The phone was picked up and Marambas answered. Jordan spoke into the receiver. “Marambas, there’s been a change of plan. Here’s what I want you to do.”
    Two minutes later he replaced the receiver and stood looking down at the phone with a thoughtful frown.
    “Mission accomplished?” Cam asked.
    “What?” Jordan’s tone was abstracted. “Oh, yes, he said he’d get on it right away.” He reached for the receiver again. “It’s still a decent hour in Sedikhan, isn’t it?”
    “Sedikhan?” Cam looked at him in surprise. “I think so. I get turned around after I’ve been in a place for more than a few days. Why are you calling Sedikhan?”
    Jordan didn’t answer. He was already speaking to the international operator.

Three
    “You look tired. Rough flight?”
    Sara’s heart gave a sudden leap as she turned and saw Jordan leaning against the wall beside the door exiting airport customs. He was casually dressed in worn jeans and the sleeves of his cream-colored shirt were rolled up to the elbow. His arms were crossed over his chest and he looked calm, strong, and wonderfully unfrazzled in the hubbub surrounding her. “No more than usual, but Sedikhan is a heck of a long way. I suppose I’ve got jet lag. It was nice of you to come to meet me. I didn’t expect anyone to show up in the middle of the night.” Her gaze narrowed on his face. “I don’t suppose you’d like to tell me how you knew what flight I’d be on? What is there between you and Mac Devlin anyway? You two looked like bosom buddies at his party.”
    “I scarcely know Mac. We do have a few business affiliations.” He picked up her garment bag and overnight case. “It wasn’t he who told me when you’d be coming in. My car is in the parking lot. Can you manage that attaché case?”
    She nodded as she fell into step with him. “How
did
you know? The trip was so hurried, I didn’t