Page 51 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“I’m not sure, but I think our souls touched.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

When Phoebe and Donovan returned to the house, he called Sam and reported the remarkable news.

“I’m going to make sure you have air support on the drive back to Hawthorne Hall,” Sam exclaimed. “I don’t want to take any chances.”

“That’s a good idea. If Alexi mentions anything to Giles Cavendish about keeping the frame, things will south—and fast. When will the van get here?”

“It will arrive at 9 a.m. I’ve been told the driver is one of the best. His name is Derrick.”

“Got it. Thanks, Sam. I’ll call you when we’re heading out.”

When he finished speaking with Sam, he and Phoebe met up with Peter to make sure everything was ready for their meeting with Alexi the following morning. But Donovan noticed he hadn’t seen Trevor or Jane.

“Peter, have you seen or heard from Jane?”

“Ah, yes. She’s taken Trevor on a tour of the grounds beyond the walls surrounding the house. I think they’ve taken a liking to each other, Quite frankly I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve always thought he was a decent sort, and his family are good friends. I think he’ll be good for her.”

“I agree,” Donovan replied, knowing Trevor would soon teach the spoiled young woman a lesson or two. “I just wanted to make sure she hadn’t left.”

“No, and I’m not worried. She’s in excellent hands.”

“I’m sure she is,” Donovan replied knowingly. “Phoebe I’ll meet you in our suite. I have to find the three security guys who are off duty.”

“I believe they’re in their apartment,” Peter offered. “I saw them on their way up the stairs a little while ago.”

“Thanks, Peter. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Heading out the door, he marched to the main staircase and took the steps two at a time. When he knocked and poked his head around the door, he saw all three men relaxing in front of the television. As he entered one of them grabbed the remote and turned it off.

“I need two of you for a simple job tomorrow morning. I’m not anticipating any problems, but if there are any they won’t be a walk in the park. You’ll be posing as odd job men and moving a large picture frame into a van then coming back here. I’ll be with you, and we’ll have air support. As I said, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, but if things go south, I need men who can handle themselves.”

All three jumped to their feet and volunteered.

“Okay, great. Two of you will move the frame and the third can keep watch at the van. Be in front of the house at 9:45 tomorrow morning.”

Relieved they’d been eager to help, he returned to his suite and found Phoebe had already showered and was dressing for dinner.

“There are you,” she exclaimed, hurrying across and giving him a hug. “Is everything set?”

‘Yep. We’ll leave here at ten with three former soldiers for company.”

“That’s reassuring but you seem a bit worried.”

“I’m not worried, but you know as well as I do, with a man like Alexi Koslov nothing can be taken for granted. He has the eyes of an eagle and the instincts of a wild animal I’m starting to think you should stay here.”

“I will not! Besides, he’ll think it’s strange if I’m not with you.”

“Yeah, I realize that, and it’s the only thing that’s stopping me from locking you in this room.”

“Very funny.”

“Hey, I’m not kidding. But you must—”

“I know, I know, do as you say. Of course I will.”

“You’d better. I’m going to take a quick shower then we’ll go down.”

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