Eye of the Beholder

of the picture, I think we should take precautions."
    "Trask, try to bear in mind that we don't know that Webster Bell is behind any of this."
    "That's beside the point. We're discussing precautions, remember?"
    She sighed. "Okay, okay. What precautions do you suggest?"
    He thought about it. "As far as the days go, a few prudent steps should be sufficient."
    "What steps?"
    "Well make sure you're not alone or isolated for any extended period of time, the way you were yesterday. He's not likely to try anything chancy in broad daylight if there are witnesses."
    Alexa considered that. "A comforting thought, I suppose. But, for the record, I think you're overlooking a really large issue here."
    "Which is?"
    "If you're right about any of this, you're the one who's in danger, not me."
    His spirits lifted. "Worried about me?"
    "Well, yes, now that you mention it, I am."
    "Thanks. I'm touched. Now then, as far as the nights go—"
    She gave him a sharp look. "What about the nights?"
    "There are a couple of ways we could go about this." He kept his voice calm and deliberate. He wanted to make himself sound rational, logical, and reasonable. He did not want her thinking that he'd gone over the edge with his paranoia. "You could stay with me at the hotel."
    "Move into your hotel?" She stared at him. "Are you crazy?"
    "Alexa, be reasonable. Avalon Resorts provides round-the-clock security for all guests. It's discreet but professional. You won't even be aware of it"
    "Forget it." Her chair scraped as she shoved herself back from the table. "I have absolutely no intention of moving into the Avalon Resort & Spa. I want to stay right here in my own home, thank you very much."
    "All right, plan B is to send a member of the Avalon security staff over here in the evenings to keep an eye on things."
    "Now you're talking about providing me with a bodyguard." She folded her arms beneath her breasts. Her shoulders made a stiff, angular line. "I don't like the sound of that either."
    "There is a third alternative," he said as casually as possible.
    She gave him a suspicious look. "If you're about to suggest that I leave town for a while, you can save your breath. I've got a business to run. Besides, I'm not about to walk away from this thing."
    "I know you won't leave town. I'm not even sure that would be a good idea." He made himself sound patient. "What I was about to suggest is that I stay here at night with you."
    She said nothing, just looked at him as if he had suddenly begun to speak in an incomprehensible foreign language.
    "I would, of course, sleep on the couch," he added politely.
    "The couch?"
    "I realize that your neighbors won't understand the situation. Conclusions might be drawn."
    "The neighbors? I don't give a damn about the neighbors. Everyone in town has already concluded that we're involved in a torrid affair." Her jaw tensed. "Even though it was only a one-night stand."
    He looked at her. "I don't know how it was for you, but for me it was definitely a very torrid one-night stand."
    She gaped, clearly bereft of words.
    "Alexa, be reasonable. Given the Dimensions connection and the fact that Guthrie may have bean killed because of it, we have to take your experience today very seriously. If I'm not with you at night, I'm going to lie awake sweating."
    "Why?"
    "I won't be able to sleep because I'll be worrying about your safety."
    "Oh."
    "I need my rest."
    "Uh-huh."
    "It's settled, then," he said. "I'll spend the night here. On the couch."
    "That won't be very convenient for you, will it? All your things are back at the hotel."
    He thought of the small, plastic Avalon Resorts amenities kit he'd stashed in the Jeep's glove compartment before coming here tonight. It included a razor and a condom. Who said he couldn't think positive?
    "I'll get by," he said.

24

    The ringing of the phone brought Alexa out of the first decent night's sleep she'd had in days. She came awake thinking that her alarm had gone off early.
    The phone rang again, shrill and menacing. She glanced at the window and realized it was still dark outside. The numbers on the clock glowed green in the shadows. Two-fifteen A.M.
    "Oh, damn."
    She sat up in bed and stared at the phone as if it were a cobra.
    A shifting of the shadows in the doorway broke the spell. Trask. She was suddenly very glad that she had allowed him to sleep on her couch. The sight of him reassured her in ways she did not want to examine too closely.
    He had taken the time to put on his