“The Knights Templar believed that Ethiopia was the secret resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, the holy relic having been spirited out of Jerusalem by Menelik.”
“Menelik?”
“Yes, Solomon’s illegitimate son by the Queen of Sheba. There are several passages in Wolfram’s Parsifal that intimate as much. The stuff of legends, eh?”
“As I understand it, the Ethiopian highlands are quite lovely.” She wondered if she should wish him luck with his life now or wait until the taxi pulled up to take him to the airport. “And, of course, it would make an interesting topic. You know, for your next book.”
“My thoughts exactly. Although . . .” One side of his mouth quirked; the man was clearly amused by something. “I will have need of a photographer. You wouldn’t happen to know anyone who would be interested in the assignment?”
“Well, now that you mention it, I do know a photographer who’s currently available. Would this be, you know, a strictly professional relationship or . . . ?” She very purposefully crossed her legs at the knee, her robe gaping open to reveal a bare leg well-toned from Pilates.
Caedmon openly stared, proving what she already knew—that under the English veneer lurked a man of deep passions.
“You do know that I’ve always been fascinated by valiant women.”
“A valiant woman and an adventuresome man. We make quite the pair, don’t we?”
“Quite.” Then, his jaw tightening, Caedmon figuratively locked horns with her. “And given your valiant behavior with that green laser light, you should be bent over and given a thorough whacking. You came damned close to getting yourself killed.”
“Funny, but you don’t strike me as an S-and-M type of guy.”
“Just find me a man who doesn’t enjoy being spanked by a beautiful woman.”
Edie burst out laughing, having to slap a hand over her mouth to keep a mouthful of tea from spewing onto the bistro table.
Balancing his elbows on his thighs, Caedmon leaned toward her. “What is it that you want from your life, Edie?”
The question, unexpected and to the point, surprised her. “Well, like most people, I want security, happiness, a sense of belonging.”
“I can give those to you.”
“Are you sure? I mean, we sorta got flung together.”
Blue eyes twinkling, Caedmon grinned. “I am quite certain.”
Hearing that, Edie decided to dive in, as well. “Since we’re on the subject, I suppose the time has come for me to confess that I’m absolutely crazy about you. You’re intelligent, witty, well mannered, and considerate. Everything a woman could possibly want in a man.”
“Might I point out that you didn’t include handsome in your litany of attributes.”
“I was saving the best for last.” Edie raised her teacup. Holding it aloft, she clinked rims with him. “Here’s to finding the Ark.”
“And if not the Ark, then the secret of the Knights Templar.”
“And if not the secret of the Templars, then—” She pointedly glanced at the oversized bed in the middle of their hotel suite.
Caedmon also glanced at the bed, its coverlet invitingly turned down. Getting up from the table, he placed a hand on her elbow, urging her to her feet.
“Let the adventure begin.”
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Vatican City, 1978: On September 29, the world awakens to news of the shocking, sudden death of Pope John Paul I, elected only thirty-three days earlier.
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