e always smelled of the sea just before a storm. It was the

, " he said as they e

p it long enough to tie back any more." A look of sadness crossed her grandfather's face at her words. She wished she had the power to p

keep things pleasant. Her cousin Therese was never her favorite person and took great delight in the fact Elena left. Therese was m

door behind them and settled into her favorite chair. Her heart was beating as fast as a rabbit hiding f

day, " he said. Elena's ey

see you, "

e smiled. Naming her store with the family name she did partially for herself, partially to irk Therese and mainly because she knew it would be a sig

elt a warm glow of pride, which she tried, without success to tell h

ame amusement in her voice. "I

You seem to be d

things have been picking up now th

od rest them both. I could never make anything but a mess of it. It is good that you inhe

ween them. The unacknowledged elephant in the room had just reared its head. Deciding th

visit, " She started. "I th

rrent drama." He leaned forward and his eyes met hers. She realized that he was no longer her grandfa

arefully. He nodded, realizi

vy to." Elena swallowed, surprised to find the words stung. Such a se

her tone neutral. She saw a flash of pain in

Guild. This does allow us some freedom in discussion." Elena nodded although privately she had to admit that not

you are well aware this matter would be between him and the head of his family and not a public concern. Howe

w where those carrying the bloodline were. That they lost Ian meant he was very careful or had substan

ters were not generally viewed as subtle. Unless it became a matter of public importance, why he left the guild would be no one's business but his and his blood,

his information to our attention and assures you that you are in no danger of reprisal at this time." Ele

is matter. The entire Council would like to question you first-hand. Obviously, there is too much danger involved for the entire Council to appear here, so transpor

ain was working fast. "And

, " he r

is the beginning of

tions." Elena sighed and r

ill I need

should prove

e arrangements." She stood up. "Please make yourself comfortable, " she t

bag from the floor of her closet. Susan usually managed the store when Elena left on buying trips and she fervently hoped she was up for a three-day stint. Elena tossed a few of her clean clot

l in. Elena promised to leave instructions at the counter before she left town then quickly

one of the few personal photos she kept out. She didn't have to see it to know it showed her and her Grandfather on the deck of his ship, the

ng set?"

e." He nodded and pulled out his cell phone. He flipped it open an

find Marcus filling the doorframe with his bulk. Marcus had been her grandfather's muscular shadow for all of Elena's memory. She had not exp

t appear to anyone watching that you are go

the corridor. No doubt he already found the back staircase. She shook her head realiz

ur store, " her grand

. Elena wondered when exactly her life had catapulted itself into a spy movie. 'Ju