Page 40 of Rescuing Sara

“Actually, he sorts of looks like that actor who played Higgins on the originalMagnum PIseries,” Danni whispered as Dempsey bore down on them, his handlebar moustache fairly bristling with anger.

“If Griff were here, he could tell us the actor’s name from memory,” Patrick murmured. Dempsey’s withering gaze could have melted cold butter.

“You can text him later and ask,” Danni hissed. “You’re my protector, try to look the part. He’s almost here, so hush.”

“As I said, what the devil is going on here?” Dempsey’s English accent rang out for all to hear.

“That guy there saved her life!” One of the spectators shouted, pointing at Patrick. “She fell over the railing and–”

“Thank you,” Dempsey snapped and fixed them with a gaze that would make the local prosecuting attorney proud. “And you two would be–?”

“I’m Danielle Blake,” Danni choked out. She leaned her head against Patrick’s chest, wrapped her arms around him and prayed she looked frail and helpless. “And this is–”

“Patrick Danton,” Patrick said, sounding positively possessive. I’m her boyfriend.”

“I leaned too far over the railing and fell,” Danni explained, hoping the tremor in her voice didn’t sound authentically pathetic.

“She’s been upset, sir.” Patrick added. “A friend of hers died recently and we came here in hopes of seeing the trees might make her feel better–”

“And he went to fetch me a cup of tea,” Danni put in. “Tea is so good for that, isn’t it? Knitting up the raveled sleeve of care?”

“Actually, it’ssleepthat does the knitting, but I wouldn’t expect an American to know which play it’s from and who wrote it.” Beneath his moustache, Dempsey’s mouth twitched with contempt. “You’re certain no one hit you or try to push you over?”

“No,” Danni whispered, and she knew from Dempsey’s expression he didn’t believe either of them for a minute.

“Sorry for dropping her tea when I was trying to get to her,” and Danni knew if he weren’t holding her, Patrick would probably chuck Dempsey over the railing just to teach him a lesson.

Dempsey impatiently waved away his gesture. “Not necessary,” he told them. “Try not to lean over any railings in the future, Ms. Blake. You’re quite sure there’s mothing suspicious about this?”

“No, sir.” Patrick said as Danni could feel irritation thrumming through him like a drum. “I’d like to take her home now.”

“Then ‘stand not upon the order of your going but go at once.’” Dempsey’s smile was a smirk, and he inclined his head as he left.

He wasn’t two steps away, when Patrick called, “Mr. Dempsey?”

The little man turned; his expression bored. “Yes?”

“Your quote is from Macbeth,” Patrick said. “Act three, scene two. As for sleep knitting up? Same play, Act two, scene two.” At Dempsey’s astonished expression, Patrick bowed and added, “Shakespeare of course. C’mon Danni before the Bard gets the best of me, and I start my ‘To be or not to be’ routine.”

It wasn’t until they’d reached the Main Hall downstairs that they gave themselves up to laughter. Laughing because it was better than being scared and laughing because they were so pleased with themselves.

“Do you think he believed us?” Patrick gasped.

“Not for a minute,” Danni managed to say. “It really isn’t funny, but–”

“No, it’s not,” Patrick agreed, his laughter subsiding. “Did you get a look at the guy who shoved you?”

Danni shook her head. “He was wearing some kind of rubber mask,” she described. “Like the one Whoopi Goldberg wears inThe Associate.”

“Oh no,” Patrick groaned. “You sound like Griff. Are you a movie buff too?”

“No,” Danni said. “I just happen to remember the mask in that movie.”

And then realizing what had just happened, and what might have happened, her trembling returned, and her knees gave way. Patrick caught her just before she hit the floor.

“C’mon, Danni girl,” he whispered, bringing her upright. “Let’s find your shoes and go home.”

CHAPTER 15

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