that would be a good idea. They wanted to know where I got the idea there might have been a computer in the apartment when the man died. And you said? A little birdie told me. The usefulness of being on the embassy staff, eh? Grant scoffed. Let me know what they say. Where are you staying in Dubai? The new Oasis hotel is supposed to be decadent. Heard of it, but we have a change of plans. Oh? 90 Carried Away Were taking a detour to Jerusalem. The King David then? Something about the query didnt sit right with Grant. Maybe. Working? Nick joked. Or praying? A little of both. 91 Cerise DeLand Chapter Nine She pulled the draperies open to view the solemnity of the gray Old City walls, capped by the golden Dome of the Rock and a Russian church tower within the confines of Jerusalem. She had lived in the newer part of this ancient city for two years when she was a teenager and her father was an American envoy. This hotel, small but elegant, didnt exist then. In her travels here since her dads posting, Coco had always stayed near the American Colony compound outside the Old Citys walls. But she knew the city well, its weaving roads, its busses and bustling markets. Its people. But when Grant had changed their reservations from the famous King David Hotel one block away to this one, his action left her wary. Were still so close to the Old City that we can walk in New Gate, he had explained, where the four-lane ring road around the fourteenth-century ramparts assured a visitor of hailing a taxi quickly. And close as they were to the Arab quarter and the souk, theyd easily found the jeweler her mother had often patronized. The wizened old man was thrilled to see Coco and quickly and painlessly pierced her navel, then inserted the solid gold ring with five small diamonds. Afterward, he demanded she and Grant stay and eat a snack of hummus with ripe red tomatoes, freshly baked pita and strong black coffee. Traffic is sparse today, she told Grant as they waited now for her friend to arrive and take them to the east side of town on a day when few taxis were in service. Shabat, he replied, looking up from reading a text message on his cell. Yes. Friday after two oclock begins the Jewish Sabbath and the majority keep to the laws and avoid using cars and modern conveniences. She and Grant had quickly finished their lunch awhile ago because the restaurant was about to close until 92 Carried Away sundown Saturday. For Christians and Muslims, Friday is a day to get around town easily. Thatll make our job easier today. He smiled at her. If Jason ever gets here, she worried. Hes with an international aid organization, so he probably works around-theclock. Still, Jason has always been late for everything. Hmm. He takes after you? Grant teased. She narrowed her eyes at him. Id say you can be replaced, but that is not true. His gaze turned hard as steel. Dont ever try it. Never, she whispered. The house phone rang. Thats probably him now. Grant picked it up, listened to the receptionist and after a minute said, Yes, great. Send him up. Jason Gregory had the tall, slim, pale look of a man who needed a vacation, a tan and a life, and not necessarily in that order. Coco was shocked at how slim her old friend from high school had become. At thirty-three, he appeared a decade older. Gray strands threaded through his sable brown hair. Her first instinct was to call attention to it, but her manners took hold as they hugged each other. You look terrific, kid, Jason told her as his blue eyes sparkled. Though Id say the worry lines dont add a lot. Im going to try to improve that with your help, she told him as she hooked her arm in his. Meet Grant Warwick. The two men shook hands. He owns Warwick Security and we met three years ago in Washington. Grant is helping me, too. 93 Cerise DeLand Coco watched Jason assess the man who was at least two inches taller and weighed twice as much. She had to smile at her old friends unabashed assessment of her lover. Does he
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