Read Online Old Lovers Don't Die by Paul G Anderson - Free Book Online Page B

fascinated not only by such an attractive stranger’s flirty complements, but also by a stranger with an interesting occupation and history.
    “One hundred twenty states which include nearly all of Europe and half of the countries in Africa. Most of South America, but not all, have ratified the treaty and therefore accepted our jurisdiction. In actual fact, countries like China and India have been very critical of the court.”
    “And that’s just because they feel that their authority might be usurped?”
    “That and they don’t want international publicity which they have no control over.”
    Christian looked again at Petrea. When she talked, it was with both her eyes and hands. Her hands she used to round out the scenes that she was describing. There was no indiscriminate waving; her hand actions were directed and purposeful. Her hands were such a part of her articulation that it did not surprise him that they were beautifully manicured with nails that matched the pink stripes in her suit. At the end of some sentences, when her hands momentarily hesitated, her eyes would hold his for a second to ensure he understood what she was saying. Everything about her suggested an efficient prosecutor. Her blonde hair was cut short, not too short that it was masculine, but short enough to imply consideration had been given to practicality. High cheekbones suggested some kind of Scandinavian gene and a small straight nose added to the authority that she projected. Christian imagined she must be in her early thirties, ten years older than him.
    “How did you end up then with the ICC?”
    “Well, I finished my law degree in Auckland, and my dad, who owns a big shipping company, wanted me to do a business degree and work for him. Fortunately, I was offered a place in Cambridge reading international law.”
    “And that smile means that you did not get on with your dad?”
    “Let’s just say that my father is driven; he was an only child and an orphan. He immigrated to New Zealand with little in the world and no family. So that when I arrived on the scene, I was his first real biological link. He doted on me, which was only partly because I was very cute, and mostly because for the first time in his life, there was DNA to relate to other than his own. Therefore, letting go for him was extremely difficult. Knowing his history as I did, I didn’t want to hurt him so being offered a place at Cambridge allowed him to feel really proud of me and provided a genuine reason for me to be able to develop as my own person.”
    “The ICC followed on from doing really well at Cambridge?”
    “I did quite well, not a first but an upper second. However, during my time in Cambridge I went to The Hague and just hung out with the prosecutors. I got to know many people and decided that it was an area of law where outcomes were achievable. What impressed me was that the ICC was not just being seen to be a conscience, but a conscience in action. There was a real sense that people would be held accountable for their inhumane actions. I must have impressed someone as that is where I was offered a job.”
    “And being attractive and good-looking would not have been a minus.” Christian said looking at her unblinkingly, surprised at his growing confidence.
    “Well listen to you. And I picked you more for the shy and retiring type. But don’t get me wrong—courage and confidence is an intriguing mix.”
    Christian wondered where the courage and confidence had come from. It was almost as though part of Sophia was with him prompting replies. Although he rationalised that while she might have planted the suggestion of confidence, it was more likely his subconscious decision in the presence of someone who exuded confidence. He found Petrea an intriguing mix of beauty and intelligence, someone who also had control over her destiny.
    “So I’ve talked about me, now here’s the reciprocity. You need to tell me where you are going and why you are going