Page 10 of Donovan Blake: Passion

“Shoot, I just heard the dinner gong. I have to go. I’ll see you at midnight. Bye.”

“Yeah, and double check everything. I don’t want any surprises.”.

As Jimmy abruptly ended the call, Donovan glanced at Peter. From the look on his face he was still furious. It was understandable, and as Donovan darted his eyes back to Jane he wondered how she could have done such a terrible thing.

“Donovan, this really is a splendid plan and I’m truly grateful,” Peter said solemnly. “You certainly are the man for the job.”

“Thanks, Peter. Wherever the painting travels the tracker will follow. I just hope the people behind all this will be caught, not just their errand boys.”

“Indeed. But we must go into dinner. Will Phoebe be joining us?”

“Absolutely. She was worn out but I’m sure she’ll be feeling better after her nap…oh, my phone…excuse me,” he added as he glanced at the screen. “It’s Trevor Martin, the bodyguard I told you about.”

“Excellent. Hopefully the news is good. We’ll meet you in the dining room and you can give us the update.”

As Peter and Jane walked away, Donovan answered the call and began striding down the wide hallway to his room.

“Hi, Trevor.”

“Hello, Donovan. I’m sorry I couldn’t ring you sooner, I was helping my sister move, but I’ve been thinking about your offer all day and I’m very keen.”

“Great. When can you get here?”

“I’ll pack right now and arrive in the morning.”

“Do you know where Hawthorne Hall is? It’s hard to see from the main road.”

“Actually, I’ve been there several times. It’s one of the reasons I was so pleased to get your message. I know Lord and Lady Hawthorne. My parents are close friends.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“But, Donovan, I thought that’s why you contacted me. I assumed Lord Hawthorne suggested it.”

“No, and that’s odd. When I mentioned your name he didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, probably because he knows me as John. Trevor is my middle name. There were four chaps named John in my unit so I started using Trevor and it stuck.”

“I see, well that explains it. I was going to tell him more about you over dinner. Should I, or do you want to surprise him.”

“Tell him. He’s never been big on surprises, and after hearing your message about what just happened I doubt he’ll be in the mood. That portrait is one of his most treasured possessions.”

“If all goes well it will soon be back where it belongs. When was the last time you saw Jane?”

“Let’s see… probably eight or nine years ago. She was a total brat, and apparently she hasn’t changed.”

“I guess not. By the way,” Donovan added, walking into his room to find Phoebe looking stunning in an emerald green dress, “do you still spend time at our special club?”

“I certainly do. I’ll never forget what you told me the first night you took me there. Trevor, you’re about to discover the seven wonders of the world, and they have nothing to do with geography. You were so right. I’m still in your debt.”

“I’m glad you’re still enjoying it. I plan to take someone very special there before I leave, but it’s been a couple of years. Has it changed much?”

“Not really, but what used to be the storage attic is now a very cool playroom.”

“That sounds intriguing. I forgot to mention, I won’t be here when you arrive. I’ll be in London for a few days.”

“I wonder how Jane will feel about me being her bodyguard.”

“Fair warning. You won’t be meeting the girl you once knew. Trust me, Jane is a young woman, and she won’t be easy. But I know you’ll find a way to handle her.”

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