Biding His Thyme: 4 Read Online Free Page B

bombs. The robes weren’t so shit-hot
though. It was gonna take a while to get used to the breeze flapping around his
legs.
    “Brother Jake, do you think you’ll be happy
here?” Brother Rick asked. He was a slim man with short brown hair. Jake didn’t
think he’d hit six foot, but he had a presence about him. Sly intelligence
lurked in his brown eyes.
    Luke Morgan had described him as
charismatic with a side of sleaze. Got it in one. The man’s smile edged up
until he flashed a mouthful of white teeth, yet it didn’t reach his eyes. This
was a professional smile, one to inspire confidence, yet Jake wasn’t stupid
enough to fall for the tactic. An Oscar-worthy performance. That’s what Brother
Rick would receive in exchange for his fake smile and phony interest.
    “From what you’ve told me I believe I’ll
settle in here very well. Of course there’s a place in the South Island that
might also suit. I believe you said I could stay here for a week or two while I
make up my mind?”
    “Of course,” Brother Rick said, his
pleasant expression never faltering, although the brisk note in his voice told
Jake he’d pissed off the younger man. “What made you return to New Zealand?”
    “I caught a bug in India, had a bad run of
dysentery.” Jake made an affected motion with his hand. “My illness brought on
a bout of homesickness, and I decided it was time to return to New Zealand.
I’ve been back a month now, staying with a friend in Auckland. It’s taken me a
while to recover.” Aware it was best to keep it simple, Jake stopping talking.
    “Why here?”
    Ah, the man was still wary. “My preference
is a quiet life in the country. I enjoy working with herbs. I understand you
have a shop in the town where you sell soaps and other stuff.” Jake prattled as
he’d never prattled before. Nikolai and Louie, his army mates would have
laughed themselves silly if they’d heard him. “Perhaps I could employ my
talents in that direction, if you require my help there, of course.”
    “What duties did you carry out at the
ashram in India?”
    “I helped look after the guests who came to
the yoga retreat. I arranged meals and cleaned the guest rooms.”
    “I see.”
    Jake doubted the smug bastard saw a thing,
which was perfect.
    “You’re welcome to stay here while you’re
making up your mind. They will make space for you in the single men’s quarters.
We will, of course, have to charge you for the length of your stay.”
    “Of course.” Jake kept his expression
impassive, but he knew a man out for a buck when he saw one. “I don’t expect to
stay for free while I’m making up my mind. I’m willing to work at whatever
chores you decide to set me. I have to say, I’m very impressed with the setup
you have here.”
    Brother Rick inclined his head with the
hauteur of an aristocrat. “As it happens, Bitter Thyme, the woman who makes the
soaps needs to increase her production. She would welcome an extra pair of
hands.” His mouth curled up in a secret smile, which made an alarm fire to life
in Jake. He was pretty sure the Thyme woman was the one who wanted out of the
cult.
    If Brother Rick was on to her, Jake needed
to tread warily. No prob. After navigating a minefield this would be no sweat.
He’d be out of here, lying on a beach with a beer and a babe by next weekend.
    “I daresay I can take on other chores if I
don’t enjoy the work?” He lifted his brows in query.
    “We encourage our people to help out where
they wish. You’re welcome to help with the livestock or in the gardens as you
choose.”
    “Thank you,” Jake said. “Is there someone
available to give me a tour or is it all right to wander around the compound on
my own?”
    “You’re free to explore, but I’m sure
everyone will be eager to show you around or answer questions if you ask.”
    “Thanks again,” Jake said. “You’ve made me
feel very welcome.”
    A bell rang in the distance, the tinny
sound echoing through the