“No problem. It will pass any test they can put it through.” He separated the pile and gave one half to Galen. “For Guilliame. I’m sure he’ll want to check the merchandise before tonight.”
“This has got to be worth more than the price he asked, Travis.”
“Just give them to Guilliame and let’s get it over with.” He scooped the rest of the diamonds back in the pouch and stuffed the pouch in his duffel. “But I want a guarantee of those four hours or I’ll cut his heart out.”
“What a true gentleman you are, Travis,” Melissa said.
“I wasn’t gently reared on a southern plantation. I was taught to smooth the way with sugar but always have the knife handy.” He met her gaze. “You should appreciate that. You’re very good with the knife, Melissa.”
“I’m getting better.”
“I believe I’ll get out of here and go about my job,” Galen said. “It’s getting a little too chilly in here for me. I’ll let you know if there’s a problem, Travis.”
“Right.” His gaze never left Melissa. “I have enough problems.”
“That you have.”
“No wonder you haven’t been worried about moving us around Europe like chess pieces,” Melissa said after Galen had left. “Money can open doors, can’t it?”
“The doors of the Museum d’Andreas, at least.”
“What if I tell Jessica that you’re using stolen money to help Cassie?”
“We both know it won’t make any difference to her. She’d find a way to justify spending ill-gotten loot if it saved the kid.” He smiled. “But it would make her worry and feel bad. So you won’t tell her, will you?”
She didn’t answer.
“Nice try, Melissa.” He stood up. “Now I have to get back next door and do a little work. If you need anything, come and get me.”
“Where’s Travis?” Jessica asked when she came into the kitchen ten minutes later.
“Next door.” Melissa forced a smile. “I just made iced tea. Would you like some?”
“Please.”
“How’s Cassie?”
“The same.” She sat at the table and rubbed her temple. “Jesus, I hope this Wind Dancer thing works out.”
“If you have any doubts, you shouldn’t do it.” Melissa put the glass down before Jessica. “We’re making progress. I know it. If you’d let me try to be a little tougher with her, we might even hurry it along.”
“You might know it, but I don’t.” Jessica took a sip. “I may be going along with you, but I still can’t quite believe all this psychic connection stuff. It goes against my every instinct and training.”
“I know it does. That’s the problem.” Melissa suddenly fell to her knees before her sister and buried her head in her lap. “Try to believe me, Jessica.” Her voice was muffled. “I love you and I want only what’s best. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. I took so much away, let me try to give something back.” Her arms tightened around Jessica’s waist. “Let me help you. Listen to me. Please.”
“Mellie?” Jessica lifted Melissa’s chin and looked down at her. She touched her wet cheek. “You’re crying. . . .”
Her lips twisted. “Just goes to show how unstable I am, right?”
“Not right.” She grasped Melissa’s shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. “And you took nothing from me that I wasn’t willing to give. Everyone has a path to follow in life. Don’t you realize that you helped me to find mine? I’ve never regretted one minute of those years I spent with you.”
“I have.”
“Then stop it.” She grimaced. “And for God’s sake, stop crying. You’re choking me up.”
“Sorry.” She laid her head back in Jessica’s lap. “Just answer me one question. If I swear on my love for you that I’m right about the Wind Dancer, that it’s a danger to Cassie, will you believe me?”
Silence.
“Oh, Jesus.”
“I’m too firmly grounded in reality, Mellie. I know you think you’re right, but my mind automatically searches for a reasonable explanation for everything that’s happened. And reason tells me that exposing Cassie to an influence that’s always been benign to her might open a door.”
“It’s a risk, such a terrible risk.”
“A risk worth taking.” She paused. “And I have to take it, Mellie.”
“That’s your final word?”
“Yes. But if you disapprove, you don’t have to go with us.”