Leopard 04 - Wild Fire

medicines, and we’re losing the rain forests far too fast. We’re going to lose those resources if we don’t get researchers moving on . . .” She broke off with a small laugh. “I’m sorry. It’s a passion of mine.”
    Harry reached around the chair to open the French doors leading to the garden. She held them open so he could take Alberto through. The garden was enormous, humid and vividly green. Trees shot up, sending umbrellas of greenery shielding them from the night sky. She walked to the bench most visible to the side of the forest where she knew Jeremiah was secreted. He would have them in his sight and she felt a little more at ease, knowing he was there.
    A small man- made stream ran over rocks, winding through the garden to culminate in a series of small waterfalls. Her body tightened just a little at the sound of water, reminding her of the feel of Conner’s body moving inside hers. She took a deep breath and let it out, inhaling the scent of roses and lavender.
    Lacy fronds of various ferns lined the stream, and flowers turned one sloping bank into a riot of color.
    She recognized most of the plants and was amazed at how beautiful the layout was. “Philip has an extraordinary gardener. Look at how everything is placed. It’s beyond beautiful.”

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    Alberto beamed. “I’m glad you approve.”
    She turned her head, astonished. “You? You designed this garden?”
    He inclined his head. “A hobby of mine.”
    “You’re very talented. This is art, Mr. Cortez.”
    Alberto began to laugh and Harry joined him.
    Isabeau grinned at him. “I’m sorry, Harry paid me to say that.”
    Alberto roared with laughter. “You’re very good for this old man, Isabeau. I think I spend far too much time alone. Take a look around and tell me what you think.”
    “You don’t mind?”
    “No, I’ve seen it all, remember? I just want to watch your face when you discover all the various plants. I think you’ll appreciate this place more than any other.”
    Isabeau’s weakness was plants. She couldn’t resist the invitation. Besides, she was curious.
    “The garden encompasses an entire acre. The stream winds through the entire thing, and the terrain is rolling, so I used that to my advantage when I was designing the layout,” he explained. “I wanted everything to be natural but controlled.”
    “Do you have a garden at home like this one?”
    “Not exactly. I didn’t section it off from the rain forest. I just took what we had growing naturally and organized it a little.”
    Harry snorted derisively. “He isn’t telling the exact truth, Miss Isabeau. You’ve never seen anything like it. His garden is much more beautiful than this. Orchids are everywhere. They hang from the trees like chains of flowers winding up and down the trunks. Even the trees and vines are kept shaped . . .”
    Alberto patted Harry’s arm. “I’ve made an enthusiast out of him.”
    “I had no choice,” Harry admitted.
    “He’s my legs,” Alberto said. “Once I was confined to the chair, I thought my gardening days would be over, but Harry found a way for me to keep going.”
    Harry shrugged. “I’m not going to tell him I enjoy it. He’s been wanting me to admit that forever, but I have to have something to hold over him for my raises.”
    Isabeau laughed at his dry tone. “Okay, I’m going to take a look around and see what you’ve done. I’ll bet I can identify most of the plants.”
    “I’ll be interested in discussing medicinal plants with you for my garden,” Alberto said. “But you go now, and we’ll talk when you’ve had a chance to see everything.”
    It was obvious he was proud of the garden and wanted to share it with someone he hoped would appreciate it. Isabeau set out, moving down a well- worn path that took her to the southernmost end of the garden first. It was the most open and she wanted Jeremiah to feel comfortable with her walking around.
    She took her time, taking Alberto at his word. She enjoyed the night sounds. She could hear the pounding music in the distance, but the insects and the flutter of wings were more prominent—and musical—to her. She found the garden soothing, and the farther she walked away from the others, the more safe she felt. Her cat settled and her skin quit itching. There was no longer the scent of intrigue and depravity. Freshly dug dirt, the fragrance of flowers and trees took the