Page 81 of Preying Game

“On what?”

“Computer research.”

“But I don’t know. .” Her voice trailed off. “I guess I do.”

“And here’s a bit of trivia you may like. One of those minor changes.” He flashed a picture onto Jonah’s screen. It was of a red brick Georgian mansion with a portico held up by Doric columns.

She gasped. “That’s his house, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“But it burned down. Is that an old picture?”

“No. Because he died before he could carry out his private hunting fantasy, he never incarcerated anyone there. It’s owned by another family member. She rents it out for wedding parties and other special occasions.”

“Oh Lord. From private prison to weddings.”

“You can go see it later. For now, I’ve made reservations for the two of you at a resort in Western Maryland—Snow Cap Lodge. They have skiing in the winter, but autumn is nice in the mountains, too. You can spend the week relaxing after what you’ve been through. Then come back ready to join our IT team. Or you could go back to teaching English. Your choice.”

“I like the idea of working with you—if I can really be a help.”

“Yes. And you’ll also be good for some field work—based on your recent success.” He added, “Enjoy your well-earned vacation. But, Jonah, do e-mail me a report of today’s activities.”

“Of course.”

“And one more thing.” Frank’s voice turned serious, “No more going back and saving murder victims in the past. It’s too dangerous. Just this little episode shows how the timeline can be changed.”

Jonah and Alice stared at each other. “Yes,” they both answered.

Frank clicked off, leaving Alice and Jonah alone.

He rolled her to her back, and lowered his mouth to hers for a long, lingering kiss.

She clung to him, thinking that this was where their life together really began. For weeks they’d been afraid they would lose each other. Now that fear was over.

Yes, he answered her unspoken thought as he explored the interior of her mouth and slipped his hand under her shirt to cup her breast. At his touch, her nipple beaded.

“Oh Lord,” she moaned. In the next second her eyes flew open. “We’re outside.”

“True. But the camp is gone, and we’re in a nice private grove of trees.”

“Private?”

“Let’s hope so, because I don’t think I have the strength to walk anywhere.”

“Uh huh.”

“Too bad you aren’t wearing a skirt,” he murmured against her mouth as he undid the snap at the top of her pants and thrust his hand inside.

“Do women still wear skirts in this century.”

“A few do. On special occasions.”

She moaned again as he slid his hand downward, into her sex. He watched her face as he stroked her.

You know I’m ready for you.

Uh huh. But I’m enjoying seeing the heat in your eyes.

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