"I thought maybe he was, since this gown isn't mine. I didn't have any of my belongings." Liane looked at the dark-skinned girl more closely. "And you are a smaller size than I am. It must belong to someone else who works here."
"No." The girl giggled. "There is only three of us, and just as I am small, the others are large. I do not think they would have a gown like this one. I believe maybe Bonita left it from one of her visits. She is Senor Valenquez's sister."
"Oh, I see," Liane smiled back at the girl. "That explains it."
"Is there anything else?" The girl asked before stepping aside as the Master of the House came into the room.
"If there is, I will call you," the man said, dismissing the girl. "I couldn't help overhearing your curiosity over the gown. We couldn't have you sleeping in those things you were wearing when they brought you here." He made no attempt to hide his distaste.
Liane made a face. "Thank goodness I didn't have to remain in them another day." She didn't want to explain where they had come from.
"Your things weren't here at the time."
"At the time? I assume that means they are now."
Daniel nodded. "Yes, the boy who brought the message to Mr. Marshal had your bag with him. It is downstairs. If you'd like, I can send for it."
"No . . .not just yet. Though I will need . . ." She wondered if the man knew anything about her. "You see, as grateful as I am to be out of those other things, and to have this gown to wear, I'm afraid I will have to return to my attire as soon as I'm out of bed."
"I can assure you my sister will not mind you borrowing her night dress. She rarely visits here since her marriage."
"You see, as grateful as I am," she again tried to explain. "This is hardly fitting apparel for a nun. I see my companion neglected to mention that I am Sister Mary Catherine."
The man's near-ebony eyes grew wide in amazement. "Ah, then may I ask what you were doing with a man like Mr. Marshal? I mean no offense, but he was obviously . . .not the type of person I would expect a sister of the church to be found associating."
"Isn't it his sort who needs guidance the most?" she countered, not wanting to admit the truth, involving yet another person in the situation.
"You are right," he replied with a smile. "And I will not ask you any more questions."
"Thank you," she replied, then looking around the room again she changed the subject. "Please, I would much prefer we spend our time talking about you."
She learned that Daniel Valenquez was an American citizen by birth, but preferred living in his father's native country. The ranch had belonged to his grandfather and Daniel had taken over several years ago when the man had died.
Liane listened with interest as Daniel told her that his mother and sister still lived in America. And that his father had been killed in an accident while he and Daniel had been on a trip to Peru visiting his grandfather.
After that, Daniel had stayed with the grandfather and the man had taught him everything about running the ranch.
His mother, an American, only came to the ranch occasionally to visit her son. It was his younger sister, Bonita, who would come and stay for months at a time. However, eventually after she married and began raising a family, even her trips stopped.
"You must miss them very much," Liane said sympathetically, thinking of the man living all alone. "They're so far away."
"I have my home here. The people working for me are my family. Everything I have been destined for is here." He laughed showing even white teeth.
"Do not look so sad, Mary Catherine. It will not always be this way. I have some business to tend to. Then I am planning another trip to America to visit my family. At that time we will begin planning their next visit here to my home."
"So you do stay in touch with them?"
"Yes, quite often. I also have some business ventures in the United States which they look after for me."
"Then it must come in handy having them there," Liane said, thinking how rich this man must be to have, what she assumed was a very large ranch, as well as other businesses in the United States. "Do you have businesses in other countries, too?"
"I have talked too long, and have completely forgotten how ill you have been." He got up from the chair by the bed. "I think it is best that I leave you now. Tomorrow, if you feel up to it, I will show you some more of my house. And when you are fully recovered, we can expand the tour to the outside grounds."
"That sounds wonderful." Liane smiled warmly as she watched her host leave the room. She had been so engrossed in their conversation she hadn't noticed how tired she had grown. Now she rolled over, knowing sleep was the best medicine to help her regain her strength. She would need it to continue her search for her brother.
I
"Your home is lovely, Senor Valenquez," Liane said as her host guided her through the rooms of his huge home. She had noted the strong Spanish influence in the low, rambling structure. She noticed the same thing about the dark man, and wondered about his American mother. There was very little about Daniel that would belie his mixed heritage.
They entered his huge library last, and Liane found herself fascinated by all the books and statues lining its walls. "Have you read all these?" she asked as she glanced at a few of the books unable to read the Spanish titles.
"Many of them," he replied simply. "On that wall you will find some written in English, if you would like to do some reading while you are here."
She walked to the wall and noted such names as Hemingway, Mitchner, and Faulkner. "I would love to, except I'm afraid I won't have much time. Now that I'm feeling better, I'll have to be on my way."
Daniel looked surprised. "Certainly not already." He shook his head as he came to stand beside her. "You will have to rest a while longer before you chance the trip."
"No, really I must. I don't want to sound ungrateful for all you've done. But you see, I came to Peru for a reason. I must get on with my plans."
"I had wondered about your reason, but did not want to pry."
"I'm searching for my brother. It's a very long story, but I must get on with my search before . . .before it's too late."
"You speak as though you fear some harm may come to him."
"Possibly. If it hasn't already."
"And the pilot who was with you when you were brought here? How does he fit into this?"
"He's my brother's partner. They have an import export business," she quickly added. She knew that, in essence, it was the truth.
"I see." Daniel frowned. "Yet, I still do not think you are well enough to travel."
"I'm much stronger than you may think." She stood straighter as though to prove the truth of her words. "In fact, I'd feel up to leaving right now, if . . ." She looked down at the burgundy robe she now wore. "I were dressed. You did say you have my bag?"
"Yes." He nodded. "However, I would feel terribly if I allowed you to leave and harm should come to you."
"Please don't. I've been lucky up until now." She thought of Todd's jacket, and remembered the good luck he said it held for him. A frown creased her brow as she wondered what she would now do without him.
"Luck may have nothing to do with it. Do you think it may be wiser to bring in the authorities?"
"No! Please." The tone of her voice matched the desperation in her emerald eyes. "You wouldn't call them, would you? If I thought you would, I'd never have confided in you. I probably shouldn't have anyway. It's just . . .I needed someone to talk to."
"I would not betray your trust in me. Though I am surprised that you . . .a Sister of the Church, would get mixed up in this so deeply."
"I never took a vow to stop loving my brother. But I do like to think I'd go out on a limb for any human in need. Is it possible that you picture a nun as only being able to pray for God's help?"
She forced a smile, hoping she sounded convincing. "I believe God has given us all certain strengths and abilities for a reason. I pray that God helps me use mine to do what is right.
And I feel he is doing that now."
Daniel smiled down at her. "Sister Mary Catherine, you are quite a different person than anyone I have ever encountered. I would not want to be the one to stand in your way. You do have a powerful force on your side."
"Thank you. I hope that means you will help me go back to the city."
"Yes, but it will be against my better judgement." He gave in with a frown.
"In that case, the sooner I have my things, the better."
He laughed and turned toward the door. "I'll go and get your bag right now." He turned back to face her. "Your things have been in the bag for so long, they will most likely need some freshening. Would you like me to have Martina see to it?"
"Would you please? If it's no problem."
"None at all." He smiled. "I'll bring you your bag so you can remove whatever you want to give her before you return upstairs to rest."
She could have laughed at the way he seemed to take for granted she would follow his instructions. Then she wondered again how far this ranch in Tingo Maria was from Lima. It may be a long trip back, rest would be a good idea.
She glanced around the room again, pausing to look at the wall-hanging over the mantle. The embroidery was of a blood red shield with a dark green 'V' down its middle. There was a head of a black horse in its center.
"That is the Valenquez family coat-of-arms," Daniel said as he came into the room and found her staring at the wall-hanging. "It was brought over from Spain when my family arrived here."
"It's beautiful." Liane turned to see the pride in his eyes, then watched them darken before he spoke again.
"Once the Valenquez horses were famed throughout Europe. The story goes that we were noblemen who owned vast lands where we bred our Paso Finos. Then there were wars and upheavals within our country. Our lands were slowly eaten up by the new government."
"My ancestors chose – rather than fight and possibly lose everything they had left – to take the land offered them in the new world – where we are now. We have been here for centuries and this is now our home. But even this . . ." He paused and stared at the coat-of-arms, then slowly returned his near-black eyes to her.
"Forgive me for babbling on like an old man. You have much to do, not the least of which is to rest for your journey. I have arranged for you to be flown back to Lima tomorrow morning. I hope that is soon enough to satisfy you. I would not have agreed to your going that soon, had you not stressed the importance of time."
"Thank you, Senor Valenquez." She smiled, taking the bag as he handed it to her. "Tomorrow will be fine."
"I asked Martina to come for your things," he reminded her.
"Oh yes," she unzipped the bag and reached inside. As she pulled out her sister's habit, a white envelope fell onto the floor. Daniel stooped to retrieve it.
She looked at it, wondering if it could be a note from Todd. As she reached for it, she felt a quiver of anticipation. Maybe he hasn't totally abandoned me after all.
"By your expression I would say you don't know the contents of that letter. Would you like me to leave you while you read it?"
"No . . .no, that isn't necessary." She anxiously tore it open as she spoke. "It's probably just a message from . . ." She stopped when she saw that it was not from Todd Marshal, but instead from the people who were still holding her brother.
"What is it?" Daniel came to her side. "Are you all right? You look faint." He took her over to a chair and watched as she read on.
"I can't . . ." Her eyes clouded as a feeling of total frustration came over her.
"What is it? Has something happened?" Daniel asked with concern.
"I'm sorry." She sighed looking up again at her companion. "Just a change of plans. My original plan has failed. Not that it should surprise me, considering all that's gone wrong already."
"I am not certain I understand," Daniel said. "Are you speaking about your search for your brother?"
"Yes, but please don't ask me to tell you more. You've been kind enough already. I don't want to involve you in my problems."
"It is no trouble . . ." he persisted.
Liane shook her head. "No. This is the first solid thing I've had to go on. I intend to do exactly what this letter says. I will handle this alone." She looked back at the note. "Or at least with whomever the note says will be meeting me in Lima in three days."
"Not for three days?"
"Yes."
"Then I insist you remain here and use as much of that time as possible to recuperate."
"Thank you, Daniel." She forced a smile. "I believe I may take you up on that. It might be best for me to stay out of the city until then."
"I will be delighted to have you here. It will give me time to know you much better. And I will try not to pry into this personal business of yours. But if I do, please understand, it is only out of concern for you."
"Daniel, you must promise me you won't tell a soul any of what I've told you," she said in near-panic. "It's vital that you remain silent."
"I see. Very well." He nodded. "You have my word. I am honor bound to keep that word. You need not fear that I will go to the authorities about your problem. You can trust me."
Liane remembered hearing those very words before. Now, as a sigh escaped her lips, tears stung her eyes. Slowly rising from the chair, she crossed the room. "Please excuse me, Daniel. I believe I do need a little more rest."
"Certainly you do that." He smiled. "You go and get all the rest you will need."
I
Juanita hung up the telephone and faced her companion. A slow smile spread across her lips. "There has been a change in plans."
"That is what I have been trying to tell you," Todd Marshal said as he leaned back in his chair, attempting to impress a calm he didn't feel.
He hadn't liked leaving Mary Catherine alone while she was still so weak. But the message he received had given him little choice.
Before leaving the doctor had assured him she was out of danger. Valenquez had promised to look after her. What more could he hope for?
"I suggest you get as much rest as you can during your flight back to Los Angeles," Juanita interrupted his thoughts. "You will need it."
"And what do you want me to do in L.A.?"
"Get the other plane," Juanita said cooly, pushing a lose strand of auburn hair behind her ear. "Then return here for the rest of your orders."
"I prefer knowing your plans ahead of time."
"You will find out our plans when we are ready for you to find out," Juanita spat. "It would do you good to cooperate if you care about your friends. Have you forgotten we have your partner? And we also know exactly where you left the nun. They both mean a great deal to you, do they not?"
Todd nodded his acquiescence then got up to leave. Yes, they mean very much to me. Too much.
He turned and headed for the door. He had a long trip ahead of him. The sooner he was on the way the better.
CH-12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Daniel Valenquez was the perfect host. When he was not there to escort her himself, he assured her she could freely roam about his home.
For three days Liane was able to spend her time strolling around the lush grounds of the Valenquez estate. She enjoyed the sense of freedom even more knowing that what laid ahead for her probably would be the most difficult undertaking of her life.
She had previously thought the staring role in Martin Sloane's new play as that. But considering the turn of events in her life, the play now seemed almost trivial by comparison.
Though she did not use the opportunity to ride any of the beautiful horses raised on the ranch, she did enjoy watching them. She'd spend hours wondering around the stables and barn, or leaning against the rail of the corral watching the sturdy young ranch hands – rancheros – as she learned they were called, training several superb specimens.
"Such exquisite horses," she commented, one day when Daniel joined her. "What breed did you say they were?"
"Pa
so Fino," Daniel replied with a proud smile.
"Pas-o Feen-o," she pronounced. "I've never heard of them, but they are a truly beautiful breed."
"I am not surprised you haven't heard of them," Daniel explained. "The breed originated in Spain. It took until the early nineteen seventies for your people to discover what fine riding horses they are. Since that time they have grown in popularity because of their smooth ride as well as their beauty. Now we sell many Valenquez horse's in your country."
She made mental a note to tell Jack about the breed. That was, after she found him. With that in mind, she was more determined to do whatever was necessary to locate him.
By the time she returned to Lima, she had fully regained her strength, and in spite of her flagging spirits, she was determined to do whatever possible to secure her brother's safe return.
The note had stated she was to return to the nightclub and wait outside. Someone would meet her there and give her further instructions.
Although it was earlier than her planned time, she stood across the street, watching as people came and left the busy night spot.
She had a feeling of deja vu as she remembered standing in the same place just over a week ago. As on that night, she stood watching as the auburn-haired Juanita came from inside the Conquistador. Juanita's two companions again were not far away. Liane saw them step out of the shadows.
Liane stepped out where she, too, could be seen, but as she did, a taxi drew up in front of her. Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of its lone passenger slowly sliding out from the back seat.
It took all her strength to keep from running to him and throwing her arms around his neck. Still, she couldn't hide the look of relief she felt as he slowly approached her.
"Todd, I . . .I didn't know it would be you," she whispered, as emotions nearly robbed her of her voice.
"They made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Todd told her. "Shall we join our friend?" He motioned to the woman waiting across the street. "I assume she will again be the bearer of our instructions."
"Todd, before we go over, I want to . . .I mean . . ."
Third Half Page 16
