Page 11 of Magnificent Folly

  "She'll like it. She'll feel more at home than she ever has in her life," Andrew said gently. "And, given time with her, I can build a mind barrier that will lessen the danger of the shock factor."

  "You're sure?"

  "I'm sure."

  Several minutes passed before Lily spoke again. "What about her music?"

  "She can perform in Marasef, if she likes, but I think you'll find she's leaning more toward com­position. We have excellent teachers in the com­pound."

  "Compound?"

  The Clanad lives in a compound outside Marasef."

  "Oh." She grimaced. "It sounds like a military stockade."

  Andrew shook his head. "It's very pleasant. I have a house you can use until you're given one of your own. It's located onty a few miles from my mother and stepfather's home. I think you'll like my mother. She and Jon are in Marasef right now, but shell probably rush back to meet Cassie."

  "She's Cassie's grandmother," Lily said softly. "Cassie has a grandmother. I never thought ..." She trailed off.

  "Is It me?" Andrew asked. "If I'm the reason you're holding back, then tell me and let me see if I can work it out."

  "You seduced me."

  "I did."

  "Did you ... It wasn't telepathy?"

  "Lord, no! I'd never go under against your will."

  A tiny smile tugged at her lips. "I think you must have done that the night Cassie was kid­napped. How else would you have known what happened, when I was unconscious and couldn't tell you?"

  To her surprise, Andrew flushed. "That was an emergency. We had to know what was wrong. Ill never do it again without permission."

  "So the seduction wasn't paranormal." She made a face. "I suppose I was looking for an excuse. I don't like admitting to weakness and stupidity."

  "You have an excuse, if you'd only admit it."

  "That I care for you?" She gazed squarely at him. "I don't know what I feel for you any longer, Andrew. It's as if IVe been on an emotional roller-coaster ride for the past twenty-four hours. IVe been angry, hurt, worried, afraid."

  "But now the roller-coaster cars have come back to the starting gate." Andrew smiled. "And you can sit still and analyze what's happened to you. If youVe gone through all this and still don't hate me, don't you think that's a good sign?"

  "Maybe." She shook her head wearily. "I just don't know."

  "But you'll let yourself find out?"

  She stood up and started toward the bedroom

  where Cassie was sleeping. "Well see what hap­pens when we get to Sedikhan."

  Andrew went still. "You're going?"

  Lily nodded as she opened the door. "Cassie and I will try it. If we don't like It, you'll have to find another solution. Okay?"

  "Okay." Relief and exhilaration turned Andrew's tone buoyant. "You will like it, Lily."

  She frowned over her shoulder. "None of this voodoo stuff. Promise?"

  "Promise." Andrew's eyes were twinkling as he said gravely, "Absolutely no hocus pocus."

  "Ill wake Cassie and start to pack. When do we leave?"

  'The Clanad Is sending another Lear Jet to the airport tonight. It's due to arrive here about seven."

  She glanced back over her shoulder. "What would you have done if I'd refused to go?"

  Andrew hesitated, his smile fading. "Convinced you. One way or the other, you would have had to go. It's not safe for you here."

  She had already decided that was the course he would have chosen, and she appreciated the hon­esty of his answer. "Then you'd have had your hands damn full." she said lightly. "It's lucky for both our sakes that I agreed. Isn't it?"

  The door of the bedroom shut firmly behind her.

  "And I thought a compound sounded military?" Lily asked incredulously, her gaze traveling from the emerald-and-white marble tile of the foyer, to

  the amber-and-crystal chandelier, to the grace­ful black marble fountain in the adjoining sun-room, where Cassie was playfully running her fingers through a flow of sparkling water. "All the houses IVe seen look like mini-palaces, and the parks are botanical gardens."

  "We live here," Andrew said simply. "The com­pound is our home. We have very clever landscape artists and architects, and we work out trades in service In our particular specialties." "Is there a piano?" Cassie asked. Andrew nodded. "In the music room. Ill have Muggins take you to see It." He pressed a button on the wall beside the light switch. "But don't get too engrossed. Muggins will have a fit if you miss lunch." "Who's Muggins?" Lily asked. Andrew grimaced. "Mrs. Muggins was a birth­day gift from my sister, Mariana, last year. She thought I needed looking after, and came up with Muggins. You mustn't let her bully you. If she goes too far just tell her to knock it off."

  "I hope I can discourage Mrs. Muggins without being that rude," Lily said, shocked. "Why should I—"

  "Ah, there you are, Mr. Andrew." A melodious female voice with a thick Irish brogue suddenly boomed from the room to the right of the foyer. "You're looking tired again. Are you sure youVe been getting your proper rest? Sure, and the min­ute you're out of my sight you're into mischief again." Mrs. Muggins glided into view. "Oh, you've brought company. What a treat."

  Cassie started to laugh, and clapped her hands in delight.

  Lily could only stare at Mrs. Muggins in blank astonishment.

  "Now, don't be rude, lad." Mrs. Muggins glided forward. "Introduce me to your guests."

  Andrew sighed. "Lily and Cassie Deslin. This is Mrs. Muggins, my housekeeper. Muggins, the ladies will be staying here for an indefinite time. I want you to take very good care of them."

  "And do I need you to tell me that? They'll be as tenderly cared for as wee babes In their mothers' arms. Now, go wash up. I have lunch all ready."

  "Presently. Right now I want you to take Cassie to the music room and show her the piano."

  "The lass is musical? Come with me, Cassie, darlin." Mrs. Muggins moved across the foyer in the direction of the French windows at the end of the hall, "Well take a short cut across the terrace. Perhaps you'll play me a little tune."

  Cassie trailed after the housekeeper, her gaze fixed in fascination on the mop of wild red curls affixed to Mrs. Muggins's round head. "What? Oh, sure I will."

  "What about 'Galway Bay'?" Mrs. Muggins's head swiveled to look back at Andrew. 'You rest up, now. Ill be back In a minute, Mr. Andrew."

  Andrew's lips twisted ruefully. "I'm sure you will, Muggins."

  "She's ... a robot." Lily's whisper was dazed as she watched Mrs. Muggins's metal five-digit hand deftly open the French door. She was indisput­ably a stainless-steel robot, five feet in height,

  whose metal body and gleaming round shape still managed, in some impossible fashion, to look plump and motherly. The features on the round face were intricately carved to appear amazingly lifelike, and Lily would have sworn the round blue eyes flickered with expression. "Good Heavens, she's incredible."

  "She's also a terrible nag," Andrew said in disgust.

  "Only to those parties who need it," Mrs. Mug­gins retorted serenely as she rolled aside to allow Cassie to precede her. "As you do, Mr. Andrew." The robot glided after Cassie, closing the French door behind them.

  "I don't believe it." Lily gazed blankly at the closed door. "I feel as if I've stepped onto the set of a Star Wars movie. I didn't think robots as so­phisticated as that one existed yet."

  "They didn't until my dear sister turned her hand to robotics." Andrew scowled. "I told Marl-ana she only created Mrs. Muggins to be the bane of my existence. The damn thing nags me to death."

  "Then why don't you give her back to your sister?"

  Andrew's scowl vanished, and he smiled sheep­ishly. "I guess I like her. Muggins kind of grows on you."

  'Tour sister must be a positive genius," Lily said. "Does she Intend to patent the prototype?"

  Andrew shook his head. "There are too many difficulties right now. It would revolutionize ro­botics and cast a glaring spotlight on the inven­tor. The Clanad can't affo
rd the publicity."

  "What a shame. It must be very frustrating for her."

  "Mariana doesn't mind. She's too busy working on Mr. Muggins."

  "I hesitate to ask what Mr. Muggins does."

  "He's a gardener and a handyman." Andrew grinned. "Mariana's hoping to incorporate chauf-feuring, but she tells me the judgment skills in­volved In driving are a nightmare."

  "I'd like to meet her."

  "You win. She's a curious imp. She won't be able to resist popping in to meet you and Cassie." Andrew's grin faded. "IVe told everyone else to leave you alone for a few days to let you both become accustomed to your surroundings. I know it must seem very alien to you here."

  "Well, I admit I don't run into motherly robots like Mrs. Muggins every day back home."

  He nodded. "IVe asked Quenby to select and send over a new wardrobe for you and Cassie. It should be delivered this afternoon."

  "You're being very kind."

  He shook his head. "I'm being very selfish. I want you to be happy here."

  His gaze met hers, and Lily felt suddenly breath­less. Sensuality. Where had it come from? Out of nowhere the sexual magnetism that had first drawn her to Andrew had come back in full strength. With an effort she pulled her gaze away. 'You've certainty supplied the right ingredients."

  "I tried. There's a darkroom, with several pro­fessional cameras, in one of the outbuildings."

  "A darkroom?" Her eyes widened in surprise. "Are you a photographer too?"

  He shook his head. "But when I had the house built I decided I'd provide for any eventuality. I knew you'd need one if you ever came here." He smiled. "You see, some sand castles aren't washed away, Lily. You're here in my house."

  Lily felt her throat tighten with tears. Blast him, how was he able to do this to her? She knew the answer. The man was romantic, idealistic, and completely appealing. Dear heaven, she mustn't let him move her like that. "Well, I thank you for this particular sand castle. I promise 111 make good use of it."

  "That's all I ask." He turned toward the door. "If you need anything, ask Muggins, and she'll either find it or phone and have it delivered."

  "You're leaving?" Lily tried to hide the disap­pointment surging through her. "But this is your home. It's not right that I put you out."

  "I want you to be comfortable," Andrew said softly. "You have adjustments to make, and I'm selfish enough to try to distract you if I'm in the same house."

  She moistened her lips with her tongue. "It's a big house. We might never run into each other."

  "But I'd see that we did." He smiled with frank sexuality. "And we might start a new roller-coaster ride before you were recovered from the old one. I can give you a day or so." He inclined his head. "With the greatest reluctance."

  "Where will you stay?" Her voice sounded breath­less even to her own ears.

  "With Mariana. She has a place near the hospi­tal, and I have some work that may need doing there."

  "What kind of work?"

  He shrugged. "Therapy." He opened the door. "Take care of yourself. Ill be in touch."

  "Andrew," she called impulsively.

  He stopped and looked at her inquiringly.

  "I don't want..." She halted and started again. "I'm really quite adaptable. I'm not going to need a few days to settle in. Could you come back tomorrow and show me around the compound?"

  A slow smile lit his face. "You mean it?"

  She nodded, feeling suddenly light as air.

  "You bet I will. Tomorrow at ten?"

  "At ten."

  The door closed behind him.

  She shouldn't have called him back, she told herself. He had been willing to give her time, and she should have taken it and followed her usual course of caution and practicality. They were mov­ing toward each other too quickly. She had been far too impulsive.

  Still, a tiny smile cui .sd her lips and her stride had a decided spring as she crossed the foyer to follow Mrs. Muggins and Cassie to the music room.

  Gunner rose immediately to his feet as Andrew strode into the hospital waiting room. "I thought you'd be running over here the moment you were free," he said grimly. "I'm not letting you see him, Andrew."

  "You can't stop me," Andrew said. "This Is my territory, not yours. How Is Kalom? Have they been able to reach him?"

  Gunner shook his head. "They've been trying since the plane arrived here this morning. No response."

  Andrew muttered a curse beneath his breath. "What the hell is the matter with him? IVe never seen anyone so—" He stopped abruptly.

  "So what?" Gunner asked. "Twisted? You for­get I'm the one who locked him. I know what I saw there, and it was ugly as hell."

  Andrew carefully guarded both his expression and his mind. Gunner evidently didn't realize Kalom s mind was more than ugly. The glimpse Andrew had taken had revealed a cesspool of rage and ferocity, of stored-up malice that was almost overpowering. "I can handle Kalom. I'm used to it."

  Gunner snorted skeptically.

  He knew as well as Andrew it was impossible to become accustomed to something that changed and evolved from moment to moment. The hu­man mind reflected all facets of life, the beautiful as well as the ugly, but never remained the same.

  "Who's working on him?" Andrew asked.

  "The best. Debron and Braily. If they can't bring him out, no one can."

  Andrew smiled and shook his head. "You know better. I'm the best, Gunner. I can go deeper."

  "Stay out of it." Gunner's blue eyes held the chill of a Nordic winter. "He's not worth it. I won't have you risking yourself."

  "What would you do? Lock me?"

  "No. but I could kill Kalom."

  Andrew stiffened. "You wouldn't do that."

  'Try me." Gunner smiled with cold ferocity. "I have the option, and your life is a hell of a lot more valuable than his. Let the team do its work, and stay out of it. It shouldn't take more than a few days to break through."

  Andrew studied him. "I think you're bluffing."

  "Then call my bluff. Walk into that therapy room and you'll find a dead man."

  Andrew hesitated. "Ill make a deal with you. Ill give them four days. After that. 111 go in."

  "No deal."

  "Ill go In," Andrew repeated softly. "And 111 stay, no matter what you do. Do you want ine to be there when he dies, Gunner?"

  Gunner met Andrew's hard stare and then turned away with barely restrained violence. "Dam­mit, you know he'd take you with him!" He pushed through the double doors leading to the therapy room. "But he's not going to get the chance. I'm going to tell Debron and Braily they have to break the lock or 111 skin them alive."

  Eight

  'lt's incredible Lily looked at the Chinese bridge arching over the rushing torrent of water, the rugged stones, the pines on the banks. "This park looks as if it's been transplanted from a national forest in Oregon, and yet your compound is set squarely in the middle of a desert. How could it be?"

  "I told you we have some very talented people." Andrew opened the door of the car and helped her Into the passenger seat. "They like to experiment. In fact, sometimes they go a little overboard. The council had to pass an ordinance demanding to see every plan before it was initiated, or the com­pound would be a terrible mishmash."

  "I can't imagine that. It's perfectly beautiful." She glanced back at the park. "Different but defi­nitely gorgeous."

  Andrew smiled. "I'm glad you like us." He slammed the door and came around to the driv­er's side and got into the car.

  "What's not to like?" The compound had obvi­ously been built for ease of living, and its beauty was serene. The people she had met that day bad the casual friendly attitude prevalent In mat-town America. No, that wasn't quite true. Carnal perhaps, but there was no rocking-chair ambi­ence about any of the compound's citizens. They seemed to possess a zestful, cheerful vitality that engendered an eager response in Lily.

  Andrew started the car, gazing straight ahead as he asked in a low voice, "You don
't think we're a bunch of freaks?"

  "No." She thought about it. "Do you know it never occurred to me one time today that anyone I was meeting was in the least unusual? They were just nice, friendly people."

  A delighted smile lit Andrew's face. "That's ex­actly what we are. We just have a different set of problems to face than most people."

  Her eyes twinkled. "Kidnappings, foreign agents, viole—"

  "That doesn't happen all the time," Andrew said, interrupting quickly. "Most of the time we live very peaceful lives here in Sedikhan."

  "But you obviously don't always stay in Sedikhan," she said dryly. "For instance, what were you doing at Franklin University nine years ago? You said something about therapy."

  Andrew nodded. "Henry needed help with a pa­tient he couldn't reach, and sent out an SOS." "Is Henry a member of the Clanad?" "No, but he believes in what we're doing." "I'm not sure I do."

  Andrew stiffened and glanced sideways at her. "Why not?"

  This artificial insemination bottlers me. I gather you don't tell the mother shell have a telepathic surprise package a few years down the road. What if she doesn't want a headache like that?" "We do tell them." Lily's gaze flew to his face. "What?" 'They're told the donor has evidenced certain psychic abilities that might be inherited." He shrugged. "But most of them were skeptical." "I wasn't told anything like that." "I know." Andrew's hands tightened on the steer­ing wheel. "I was afraid you'd reject me. I per­suaded Henry not to give you the usual information. I know It was a dirty trick, but—" He stopoed, looking at her in astonishment. Lily was laughing. "You're not angry?"

  "I suppose I should be. The deck was obviously stacked against me from the beginning." She opened the car door. "Do you know what I would have done if Henry had told me? I would have laughed in his face, just like those other women. I wanted a baby. As long as Henry could assure me of mental stability, I wouldn't have cared if you'd claimed you could bend spoons at twenty paces." She got out of the car and glanced back. "By the way, can you?"

  He shook his head. "Not my cup of tea." He got out of the driver's seat and shut the door. "Gun­ner probably could, but I don't think he'd waste his time."

  Lily started up the curving path to the front door. "Did Henry have many rejections after he told the women about the possibilities?"