Rogue Diamond by Mary Tate Engels Read Free Book Online Page A

handicaps?"
    Alex studied for a moment. "She's bilingual."
    "Bilingual? She talks?" A frown deepened in Nick's forehead. Everything Alex had said so far could work against their chances of ever finding this child. But he couldn't say that. Alex's blue eyes were already too full of pain. And he was fighting hard to stay objective.
    "She has a good vocabulary for an eighteen month-old child. Jenni's mother spoke Spanish, and I speak both Spanish and English, so it was only natural for Jenni to pick up words from both languages. I told you, she's very bright. Anything else you need to know?"
    "No, that should just about do it for a start."
    "Then let's go."
    "First, I'd like for you to make me a list of everyone who knew Jenni. Especially those who might have a reason for wanting to take her . . . and keep her."
    Alex looked shocked. "Who would want to do something so cruel and heartless?"
    He drew the words out slowly. "Think about this from the oppo si te perspective, Alex. Who would desperately want a child? Someone, per haps, who's lost a child recently; or someone who's lost ano ther loved one and needs the un conditional affection a child can give; or maybe someone who lost a baby at birth." He wondered did he dare add "or someone who wants to make money"?
    "But you're talking about almost everyone I know," Alex nearly wailed.
    Nick leaned closer. "Desperate is the key word, Alex. Someone who's desperate. Who would want a child badly?"
    She si ghed. "Well, I don't know about that. I'll have to think."
    "Go home and make me a list. Think about it. We can meet tomorrow and discuss—"
    "Tomorrow? Why not today? Now! The rain's almost stopped . "
    She was rushing him again. "Give me a chance to investigate this on my own," Nick said slowly. "I'd like to check out a few things and I'll be back in touch. Tomorrow, I promise."
    There was distinct disappointment in her face, but Alex smiled f aintly. "You know, you're sound ing more and more like a private eye. Are you sure that's not your bu si ness?"
    He shrugged and returned the grin. "I've just seen lots of Law and Order reruns. I'll need your phone number."
    Alex scribbled her number on a slip of paper then handed it to him. "Well, I'd better go make that list." Although Alex preferred to si t and talk with the enigmatic Nick Diamond, she stood up and tried to straighten her drenched and rum pled clothes.
    "I'll call soon, Alex." He offered her his hand.
    She took it and smiled warmly. "Thank you . . . Nick. I’m glad you decided to help me.” Her indigo eyes grew soft, and she looked at him frankly. “I've changed my mind about you. You aren't the mercenary Yankee I originally thought you were. Maybe more of hero material."
    Nick laughed off her admiring gaze. "Don't fool yourself, Alex. I'm no hero."
    She gazed at him stubbornly, her eyes defying his remarks. "Oh, yes you are, Nick Diamond. You're th e only one who ’s willing to help. That’s hero material to me. "
    “I’ll try.”
    “You’ll do it. I know you will.”
    Nick stood in the rain, watching her hail a cab. He was so mewhat dumbfounded by her asser tion. It was like a mandate he had to live up to.
    As she got into the cab, he rubbed the scar on his cheek reflectively. Alex Julian was a damned attractive woman, good legs, nice body, beautiful eyes, just the kind of woman who might be sent to seduce him. He wondered if he was risking his hard-earned reputation by agreeing to meet her again. He'd have Jose check he r out. Know ing his wily Mex ican partner, Nick figured Jose would want to shadow her.
     
    As the cab pulled away from the curb, Alex glimpsed the ma sculine and mysterious El Capita n. His damp pea sant clothes clung to his trian gular frame, empha si zing broad, prominent shoulders and narrow hips. After meeting him, she couldn't believe he was as shady a character as the rumors would have her believe. He was even appealing. Not handsome in the clas si cal sense, but strong and powerful and