Shaking Off the Dust Read online

  He grabbed me to him and hugged me.

  I hit him in the chest. “Don’t you ever do that again. Don’t you scare me like that.”

  He caught my hands in his. “It’s just a taste of the scares you’ve put me through. Besides, someone drugged me. I don’t do well with medications. I’ve never slept this long. Ever.”

  “Now you know how I feel when you pull your Japanese voodoo on me. Besides, I’m not the culprit. Now get your ass up and dressed. I’m starving.”

  He went into the bathroom and while he took his shower, I dried my hair. The bruises on my face were starting to resolve into the darker yellows and browns. My jaw didn’t hurt at all unless I pressed hard on it. I stopped doing that.

  Takeshi led the way to the kitchen. He bowed to Maria and Eszie and greeted the child in Japanese. “Pardon my intrusion, but I bring this woman to you, who claims she is starving to death.”

  Eszie jumped off her chair, ran over to me and hugged my legs. “Hannah, Papa said you were very tired and he wouldn’t let me wake you.”

  “Eszie, come leave Hannah alone. Can you not see she is a starving person?” Enrique smiled.

  “She does not look starved. She looks…hungry. She looks like she did the other day only less purple.”

  “Do not be impolite. Let Maria feed our guest before you begin to intrude on their good graces.” He put out his arms for her.

  “Food, please, and juice,” I begged.

  We joined Eszie and Enrique at the table as Maria set out pastries, butter and jam. Both the men watched my anticipation and managed not to laugh outright. I ate everything in front of me, but Takeshi did justice to his meal also. When I put down my fork and knife, I thanked Maria profusely and sighed.

  “Enrique, if I had any money at all, I would try to convince Maria to come to my home forever. You’re lucky I’m a poor working girl.”

  Eszie’s chin stuck out, anger flashing in her eyes. “You can not have Senora Maria, she is mine.”

  Maria spoke to her and she burst out crying, running into the older woman’s arms.

  I turned a surprised face to Enrique and he shook his head. “Maria is the one constant in her life. You were complimenting Maria, but you inadvertently hit a sore point. For years I’ve wanted Maria to come to Madrid and run my home there, but she will not go because Eszie so counts on her presence. My ex-wife uses her as a babysitter too often.”

  “I’m sorry to have upset her so much.”

  “Eszie may display the famous Eneas temper to you for a while yet. I’ll talk to her and we’ll meet you in the library when she’s calmed down.”

  I glanced over at Maria, who was consoling a sobbing Eszie, and mouthed, “I’m sorry.”

  We headed out of the kitchen and went straight into the library. I loved this room. Every room was cozy and rich in color and content. I wondered what it would be like to have the kind of money to fix up a home the way you always dreamt of and then let that thought go.

  Takeshi browsed the library while I checked my email. I had several to answer, including one from work requesting me to forward a doctor’s excuse to extend my time off. I’d have to talk to Shimodo about that one.

  Bill wandered in and I explained my predicament. He said he’d make some phone calls. The hospital would have the paperwork by the end of the day. I finished my correspondence. We sat and talked about yesterday and the others.

  “Hector is doing great. Rachel checked up on him today. She is setting up our end of security for the ball on Friday.” Bill looked up as the door opened.

  “Not to worry.” Enrique entered the library with Eszie beside him. “I’ve made arrangements for clothes for you and Dr. Shimodo. You’ll both be wired for sound and my people are quite clever with their stitching.”

  “There’s another problem. I can’t dance a lick. You should know that, Enrique, after I trod on your toes. I was born without a rhythm bone in my body,” I said, agitated.

  “You did well, Hannah. It was a pleasure to dance with you.” Enrique smiled.

  “I will teach you over the next three days, until the ball.” Takeshi was looking at Enrique, and his eyes were not entirely friendly. “My mother taught dance. There are some rooms here large enough to practice. It will be fun and keep us occupied. Enrique must have music we can use. We can begin today.”

  “Can I learn too, Papa? I am old enough and I’ll be very good. A masked ball. How exciting!” Eszie pulled on her father’s hand. “Is it true, Hannah, that you and your boyfriend…” She pointed to Takeshi.

  “Dr. Shimodo, Eszie,” Enrique corrected.

  “Dr. Shimodo, sorry.” She curtsied to him and he bowed back. “That you saved Hector yesterday? That he drowned and you gave him breaths and restarted his heart?”

  “Dr. Shimodo did all the work. He jumped into the raging ice-cold waters and pulled him to safety, then squeezed all the water from his lungs. I just gave breaths. He is a doctor. I am a nurse. It is what we do.” I winked at her.

  “Was it exciting? It sounds very exciting.” Her eyes opened wide.

  I suspected Enrique had not told her the whole story.

  “More like very scary. It would be like if your papa were hurt very badly. You do everything you can to help them, but you pray that God will help them too, and you get them to hospital. For Hector, I prayed.”

  Enrique wouldn’t allow me to minimize. “You both saved his life. He was not breathing. His heart did not beat.”

  I shook my head. “Eszie, Dr. Shimodo was the hero of Hector’s story. He was freezing all day yesterday and that’s why we slept in so late, so he could recover.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Shimodo. Hector is my friend. I am glad he is better now,” Eszie offered graciously.

  Takeshi bowed very formally and replied with something in Japanese.

  “Papa, can Dr. Shimodo and Hannah stay here for a long time?”

  “They are welcome to stay here as long as they like. I would wish they could stay many months, but Hannah has a job and so does the doctor. Perhaps we can coax them to return next year for the spring festival. The gypsies set up tents and there is dancing and magic. We would love to bring you back to visit. It would, of course, be our treat.”

  “It sounds wonderful. I will think about it.” But I knew it would never happen. I’d be lucky to have a long weekend after this. I love my job. I love my job. I liked to keep telling myself that.

  A maid came into the library, carrying a tray. She spoke to Enrique and handed me the bag from our shopping trip. I’d totally forgotten it with yesterday’s excitement. I reached out, but I hadn’t quite got hold of it when she let go. All of the contents fell on the floor.

  I squatted down to pick them up, but a pregnancy-testing kit skittered across the floor until it landed at Enrique’s foot. He reached down and glanced at it and then me.

  “Well now, isn’t this embarrassing?” I turned red.

  Takeshi went to Enrique and took the kit from his hand. A look passed between them, but no word was spoken.

  “Perhaps you’d like some time alone,” Enrique said.

  “Nope, no problem. I will go take these things up to our room. I’ll be back and maybe we can dance. By the way, just curious, but who’s the boss in Madrid, Jack or Rachel?”

  Bill, who had watched everything without saying a word, leaned forward. “We have four days until the ball. Jack has taken a personal interest in the missing children down in New Mexico. He asked the director if he could participate in the questioning. Armed with the testimony of the children, he’s hoping to get some confessions. He’ll return the day of the ball. And to answer your question, I am the boss in Madrid for this investigation.”

  “Oh, one other thing.” I clutched the bag of personal items, but I chose to ignore my embarrassment. “Did the government agree to the demands of Ramirez?”

  “In principle. There are negotiations continuing.” Enrique looked at Eszie who had taken an interest in the computer and didn
’t seem to follow our conversation.

  I took the grocery bag and left. Takeshi trailed behind me. Enrique followed us out of the door, calling my name.

  “Hannah, I think it would be good for us to know if those tests are positive.”

  “Whatever the results, it will not affect how this all plays out. It’s between him and me.” I pointed to Takeshi.

  “I’m sorry. I realize it’s none of my business, but I am growing quite fond of you. I hoped you might tell me.”

  “Now don’t make me feel like I have to announce anything. I’m very fond of you, I don’t believe there’s a chance in hell I’m pregnant, and I have this mad man asking me to be sure.”

  He nodded and went back into the library. I was so frustrated I could barely think. “Could this get any worse?” I muttered. We reached the room and I snatched up a kit. “I’m doing this right now to put an end to this insanity.”

  Takeshi took it from my hand and put another one in place of it. “This one is supposed to be the earliest possible indicator. If it’s negative, you’ll do another test next week, or better yet, have a blood test.”

  “You’re being a jerk about this.” I walked into the bathroom.

  “I’m never a jerk. If these mood swings are all just PMS, I think you need to be on some herbal supplements.” I slammed the door in his face and locked it. “Piss off, Shimodo.”

  He knocked on the door, “You might as well let me sit with you while you wait.”

  I was mad at him, angry that I had been embarrassed in front of the others. “I have a shy bladder. You can kick your heels out there.”

  “Hannah, let me wait with you.”

  “No. I’m mad at you,” I yelled.

  “Why are you mad at me?”

  “Because, I’m embarrassed. Bill and Enrique know too much about our personal life and because you think this is going to say I’m pregnant.”

  “The more reason to let me wait with you.”

  “Nice try.” I sat on the toilet trying to read the directions. I felt like I understood how to read the results and peed on the stick. I sat on the counter and realized I didn’t have my watch on. Damn!

  Opening the door, I walked to him, took his watch off his arm and plopped back down on the toilet with the seat down. Joining me, he leaned on the counter, wisely keeping his mouth shut. Never taking my eyes off the watch, I silently counted down the last ten seconds. I took one look at the stick and walked out.

  I made it as far as the bed and put my face in my hands. What the hell was I going to do now? I was too old, too tired, too set in my ways and too afraid to be pregnant.

  “Hannah, you decide what we do next.” Takeshi sat next to me.

  “Do you want this baby?” But I knew the answer.

  He nodded. “Only if you can do this without harming yourself.”

  “I don’t know what condoms you used that first night, but they are for shit.”

  “I think it was the second night when we didn’t use protection. I can’t help but think everything that has happened since Tom’s memorial service was destined to occur. We made the choices, but the path was set before us a long time ago.”

  “Tell me what I’m supposed to do this moment, this day. Should I stop all my meds? Do I need vitamins? Can you really teach me to dance?”

  “Then you want this?”

  “I deal with what gets put in my life, but I’m tired of having to.”

  “I swear, Hannah, that I will watch over you. If you…if we are careful your health will not ever be in jeopardy. I’ll need to make some phone calls this afternoon when I can reach someone. Don’t take anything until I call a few people. We’ll work this out tonight.” He hugged me.

  “Not a word to anyone else. The FBI and Spanish government don’t need to know our personal business. And wipe that smug expression off your face, like you’re Mister Stud.”

  He laughed, it was a full-throated shout of joy, and kissed me until he stole my breath away.

  We went downstairs to the library. Eszie was on the computer and Bill was on the phone. Enrique, who sat on the couch, stood to greet us again. My bland look was in place.

  “I have asked the staff to set up the ballroom for dancing. Two of the maids have volunteered as dance partners for Bill and I, when Eszie grows tired.”

  Eszie clapped her hands. “I won’t grow tired.”

  “I might,” I mumbled. “I’m not very graceful and I expect that Takeshi’s feet will be sore from the number of times I’ll be stepping on them.”

  The villa had its own ballroom. Chairs and couches lined the walls, but the majority of the huge room was a marble dance floor. The hall was set up with an amazing speaker system and Enrique had them play the first musical number for us to hear. Takeshi pulled me to my feet and began instructions. He was a very good teacher. He held me close, telling me where to put my hands and feet. Being this close to him, it was easy to follow his every move. I was comfortable with the first two dances, though I don’t know how well I would do if anyone else led.

  Takeshi encouraged me to fall against him as we twirled about the room. He was grace in motion. As we stopped, I noticed that Tom and Brodie were trying out the steps. I kept the laugh from my face, because I would have been in their league without my man.

  “Now you must try it with another partner,” Takeshi directed.

  Enrique took his place and Takeshi danced with Eszie. She’d gone from being carried to standing on her father’s feet to learning the steps in easy strides.

  My first instinct was to lean into Enrique as I had with Takeshi, but I was very aware that he was not my lover and I was perhaps being too intimate. As the dance started, he was silent, but he began putting a space between us. Despite the distance, I was able to follow him, though I was busy counting my steps and focused on my feet.

  Enrique looked down at my face of concentration. “Relax, Hannah, you are dancing well, though some partners would enjoy you more than the doctor would like. We will all be available as partners for you.”

  “I’m sorry, Enrique. I didn’t mean to lean on you so much, to get so close.” I frowned.

  “Oh, don’t apologize. I enjoy it very much, but your Dr. Shimodo is displeased by your being in my arms. I would not wish him to become angry. He holds you closely because it is natural for him, but other partners will think it is because you are attracted to them. He now realizes his mistake. I understand this. I recognize you are more interested in the steps.”

  “In other circumstances, I would be attracted. You are handsome, charming and clever. You could be very seductive, I think, and without working very hard at it. I just have a relationship that’s seems more and more like it’s permanent, at least until he wakes from his infatuation.”

  “You are mistaken if you think this is infatuation. I know when a man is in love. He would die for you.”

  “That’s a lovely sentiment, Enrique, but every man in this room would die for me or anybody else in here. I’m surrounded by a mad bunch of heroes. He would sacrifice himself for anyone of us, like you, like Bill, like Mateo or Rachel.”

  “You misunderstood, Hannah. If something happened to you, the biggest part of him would die. He might survive his grief, but I think he would never recover.”

  “Every person in here is a survivor. Look at Bill over there. I believe he will someday walk with a light heart.” I completed a turn. “I think this whole conversation is very depressing.”

  “He has found peace in Bethann’s passing because of your advent.”

  “Enrique, I did nothing but watch them disappear. Now, tell me about this masked ball? Have you gone to it before?”

  “Many times. It has been a charity function for one of the hospitals for the last decade. They use the American holiday as an excuse to dress up and as a prelude to All Saints’ Day. Perhaps that is why Ramirez has chosen this ball to see his sisters into the light.” Enrique paused to watch my reaction. “There is a very formal dinn
er and then the ballroom is opened. The dresses are very brazen, a chance for the richer of Madrid to show off their jewels and ability to dress skimpily. As a man, I’ve always enjoyed the show.”

  “I hope you’re renting my dress. I’d like to cover everything, including my face.”

  He laughed. “Everyone wears masks. It is an exciting moment when they remove them at midnight.”

  “How on earth do you eat with a mask on?”

  “You must be clever and merely cover your eyes. We thought to have you arrive after the meal.” The music ended.

  “Who is your date for the evening? Someone you see?”

  “Someone I do not know, or perhaps a socialite of Madrid. Most people do not know I work for the government. I put in appearances at social gatherings to keep up the outward show as the rich scion of the Eneas family.”

  “That is why you use Mateo as your point man to blend into the background. I bet you know a lot of socialites.” I was impressed.

  “Yes. I must continue to be seen as the indolent rich.”

  I laughed at him and he frowned in a mock offended way. Eszie came up to him, took his hand and stomped her foot.

  “You’ve been talking to Hannah the whole time. It is distracting Dr. Shimodo and me from practicing.”

  “I’m sure you realize, Eszie, that it’s important for Hannah to be comfortable while she dances. Conversation is normal for adults. I suspect someone here is tired. Shall we take a break and meet for dinner?”

  I walked to Takeshi. He was talking to Bill, but turned all of his attention to me as the others left the room. He was very solemn. “You are attracted to Enrique.” It was a statement.

  “Look at my battered face, Shimodo. Nothing here to be envious over,” I said lightly.

  “Should I be?” His face was so serious.

  “I danced the way you taught, don’t get all pissy with me. I already got the proper distance lecture from Enrique.”

  “Yes, I realized my mistake the moment you went into his arms. As always, he is a gentleman first. Perhaps I was jealous seeing you so close to him. I don’t know what to do with how I feel. I’ve not experienced this before. You show a marked fondness for him.”