Intimate Knowledge Read Online Free Page B

watching.”
    “Come on around.” Mel lifted a partition of the smooth wooden counter and after throwing a quick look over her shoulder, Jennifer followed Mel around the back.
    “Promise me you’ll call the police if this doesn’t work and that idiot finds you,” Mel insisted as she unbolted the back door.
    It creaked as it opened, showing a direct line into the alley as Saul had guessed. Jennifer hugged Mel in a quick but warm embrace.
    “I swear. I’m not playing the intrepid heroine here, I’m a little embarrassed how freaked out I am to be honest.”
    “Swing by in the next day or two,” Mel said. “Make sure you let me know this has turned out okay.”
    Jennifer promised, then looked carefully around the cobbled street. Taking a deep breath she hurried out, scanning the area with a paranoid intensity she’d have never believed possible earlier. Although she focused on her surroundings, a part of her mind still chewed on the riddle of her best friend and mulled over the possibilities their earlier conversation seemed to have opened up.

Chapter Two
     
     
     
    Jennifer struggled to not pace. She stood on the grass at the edge of the lake next to one of the winding footpaths running through the Gardens near Buckingham Palace. Tourists came even at this hour to see the Royal Mews, the Palace gates and to peer into the well-lit windows of the Queen’s Gallery. She checked her watch for the third time in less than two minutes. How could it possibly creep by so slowly?
    A couple strolled closer, their arms entwined, the woman pointing excitedly to a fork in the path.
    “That’s it, over there,” she said in what sounded like an American accent.
    Jennifer noticed the man held a crumpled tourist map, one the popular hotels kept by the thousand. The couple moved with purpose now, practically ignoring her. Only after they’d passed did her heart rate climb down from the near-apoplectic fit they’d induced.
    She really needed to get a grip of herself. Saul would be there soon. He’d promised her he was already on his way so she couldn’t have gained that much speed on him using the Underground.
    Pulling her beanie down over her ears, she wished for a moment she had a compact or hand mirror. She must look a wreck. Patting her hair, then fiddling with her scarf she kept a close eye on the people who wandered by. Various street lights cast orange and yellow glows along the footpath. The sound of traffic was close, though out of sight in the mammoth gardens.
    Jennifer wrapped her arms around herself and tried to not let her nerves betray her.
    “Jenn!”
    Whirling around, she caught sight of Saul heading towards her. Relief crashed through her, almost strong enough to have her knees wobbling.
    “Saul!” she called out, racing to him.
    He grinned widely, his teeth flashing white against his dark skin. Black eyes seared into her and never had he looked as large, solid or safe as in that moment. Jennifer threw her arms around him, embracing him fiercely, clinging as if she never wanted to let go.
    Saul returned the embrace and they stood melded to each other for a long minute. Warmth seeped through her chest. Jennifer wanted to think her friend imparted the heat from his own body, though she knew it was likely just the adrenaline and overwhelming feeling of security he radiated that heated her. Saul’s arms were strong, thickly muscled and steady as a rock around her body. He lifted her slightly off the ground and she chuckled, tempted to wrap her legs around him and cling like a barnacle.
    “I’ve got you,” he murmured against her hair.
    She tightened her hold and buried her face in the crook of his neck where it met his shoulder.
    “You must be freezing, you’re not dressed for this,” she mumbled next to his soft skin.
    Saul wore thin, black suit trousers and a long-sleeved shirt with a thin red tie. A scarf was tied around his neck, but was too short to be a man’s item. “You stole that scarf from