'But you'll have to experiment, you'll have to find out what's truth and what's not. That's your nature.' She started across the stretch of lawn, then stopped and turned around. 'I've only run into one other healer, but if you need help, call me, and I'll put you in touch with him. I hear he wasn't any happier than you about discovering that talent.' She smiled. 'Good-bye. Next time I come, I promise it will be a social occasion.' She turned and walked rapidly toward the descending helicopter.
'I'm… stunned,' Devon said as she watched her. 'It's plausible, but I'm still having to turn my thinking around.'
'Don't be too quick. I haven't seen any proof.'
And he didn't want it to be true, Devon thought. Who could blame him? The responsibility would be staggering, and there was still too much of the wild, reckless Marrok in him to accept it calmly.
Calm? No way. Not Marrok.
'And this may not be proof either. May I?' She took the envelope from him and opened it. She studied the paper and handed it to him. 'Only a family tree as Bridget said. Very carefully documented for the Munoz branch of a Devanez family. Your name is on it.'
His lips lifted in a crooked smile. 'You mean the bad penny was actually acknowledged at last?'
'Acknowledged? If Bridget is right, you may well be the superstar.'
'Disgusting.' He grimaced. 'I don't want to be a superstar. I want to be left alone.'
'Then ignore everything Bridget told you.' She turned and started walking toward where the dogs were playing. 'Look how beautiful they are. Gracie's coat is shinier than I've ever seen it. She's very happy here.'
'You're changing the subject.'
'Yes. I'm going to start accepting search and rescue missions again next month. Bridget says Gracie gets upset on the missions. May I take Ned?'
'Of course. I may go with you.'
She shook her head. 'You'll be too busy.' She stooped and patted Ned, who had run up to her. 'Because you're not going to be able to ignore what Bridget said. You'll be reaching out, searching, experimenting, just as your Paco did. Bridget says it's your nature, but I think Paco gave it to you as a gift.' She picked up a large twig and threw it with all her strength. Ned took off, and the other dogs raced after him. 'Just as he gave you his dogs. He may have wanted you to save them, but he wanted them to help you, too. He wanted them to give you something he thought you needed.'
Marrok watched the dogs running joyously, muscles flexing, tails pluming in the bright sunlight.
He took Devon's hand. '
She nodded. 'In the very best sense.' Her grasp tightened on his. 'Summer.'
Iris Johansen
