Read Online Diamond Legacy by Monica McCabe - Free Book Online Page B

“Only five weeks and there’s so much to see before we go.”
    Letta sat down at the lab computer and began clicking at the keyboard, logging in the day’s carnivore menu selections. “Keep in mind, to go any distance you really should fly. The roads are deplorable.”
    “She’s absolutely right,” Matthew said from the doorway.
    Miranda jumped in surprise and fumbled a scoop of paste, the spoon clattering as it bounced against the stainless steel table. Jason shot her an odd look as Matthew strolled in carrying paper towels, foil, and trash bags.
    “Road maintenance isn’t high on our government’s list of priorities,” he continued as he stashed the supplies into a cupboard. “Have a bush pilot friend who owes me a favor, though. He could show you the Kalahari by air. Just say the word and I’ll arrange it.”
    Now why would he make an offer like that? Such generosity on the heels of his earlier anger was suspect.
    “That’s very kind of you,” Miranda replied, “but our time is limited.”
    “Are you kidding me?” Jason exclaimed over her reversal in attitude. “Didn’t you just say we have a lot to see?”
    She grabbed a paper towel to wipe up her mess and met Matthew’s eyes across the table. Nothing devious in the good humor she saw there, but she didn’t trust him. There was an ulterior motive at work here, and it was keeping her out of his way.
    “We’ve an obligation to Katanga.” She leveled a pointed glare at Matthew. “Until it’s fulfilled, we won’t be thinking about sightseeing.”
    Jason made a choking sound. Letta appeared speculative as she glanced from Matthew to her. And Mikal ignored them all and continued coating the meat with the vitamin paste.
    “Obligation can require sacrifice,” Matthew replied with an agreeable nod. “An unfortunate consequence of duty, don’t you agree, Miss Parrish?”
    She narrowed her eyes, refusing to bite. Instead she joined Mikal and ignored him all together.
    “I assume introductions aren’t necessary?” Letta said perceptively.
    “We’ve bumped into each other once or twice,” Matthew said.
    Big understatement. Her body still tingled from their tight squeeze in the closet. The absurd attraction that sprang to life whenever he drew near complicated everything.
    “A couple of times, eh?” Letta wore a knowing little grin.
    “Roz introduced us.” Matthew shut the cupboard doors and joined them at the table. “Phew, that stuff smells foul. You don’t actually plan on feeding that to anybody, do you?”
    “Carnivore gourmet,” Jason volunteered. “Big cats need vitamins, too.”
    Matthew eyed the coated meat with distaste. “Poor suckers.”
    “They seem to like it well enough.” Jason started on the next tray. “So, are you serious about this scenic flight offer?”
    “I can arrange it,” Matthew replied, in spite of Miranda’s warning look. “Think you can talk her into it?” He thumbed Miranda’s direction.
    “Don’t worry about her,” Jason said with confidence. “She won’t be able to resist a walk on the wild side.”
    “Excuse me, you two.” Miranda leaned forward, fists on the table. “I’m standing right here and fully capable of making up my own mind.”
    “You may as well give up, Miranda.” Letta’s dark eyes danced with merriment. “It’s two against one. Three if there’s room on that plane for me!”
    Miranda faced a losing battle and rising aggravation at the look of triumph on Matthew’s face. “Tell me, Mr. Bennett, we’re strangers to you. Why make so generous an offer?”
    “Because I’m fascinated,” he said with a sly grin. “Never met a zoo dentist before.”
    She frowned and scooped up another round of liver paste. “We’re a boring lot, mostly.”
    “What?” Jason looked at her in confusion. “You’ve always said—”
    “Never mind,” Miranda cut him off and pointed at Mikal who was up to his elbows in raw bloody meat. “That’s our reality. Little glamour