They drove around the historic district’s crooked streets looking at the Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe Plaza, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the San Miguel Chapel. They stopped at Canyon Road, home to a slew of art galleries selling renowned artwork from famed artists and cultural treasures like hand-woven Navajo rugs and Southwestern wood carvings, where they admired the craftsmanship and dined on traditional New Mexico red and green chile enchiladas. Adam found himself falling in love with New Mexico.
Once they had fully exhausted themselves, Maddie excused herself and made a secretive phone call. When she returned, she was ready to head out. Again, she insisted on driving as they headed toward the outskirts of the city. Again, she gave Adam no hints about where they were going.
It was clear that Maddie knew exactly where she was going because she didn’t use GPS. About fifteen minutes later they pulled up to a gated community. Maddie retrieved a plastic card from her purse, placed it on the scanner, and the gate slowly opened.
Maddie said, “This is the premier gated golf community in Santa Fe.”
Adam was enamored with the views of sunlit meadows and graceful piñon pines under a canopy of clear blue skies with the mountains as a backdrop.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “I’m assuming someone you know lives here.”
“You’ll see soon enough.”
They drove a little farther until Adam saw a golf course and an adobe sign that displayed the New Mexico sun symbol and the words “The Club at Las Campanas.” It seemed so ironic to him to see so much lush green grass there in the high desert.
Maddie said, “Maybe we’ll stop there later to check it out.”
“That’d be great. Where are we going now?”
“Patience. Patience. We’re almost there.”
They passed several rather large homes that looked to Adam like pieces of functional art. They melded with the landscape so as to not detract from the natural beauty. He found himself wondering how much it would cost to live in one.
At last, Maddie pulled into a driveway and parked the car. The house looked larger and more contemporary than Sancha and Mel’s, but still had some of the same Southwestern characteristics. She sat staring at the house for a few moments. Adam watched her face. She seemed to be deep in thought or remembering. Finally, she blinked a few times and said, “We’re here. Let’s go inside.”
As they approached the immaculately landscaped entryway, a stout, middle-aged, well-dressed man with male-pattern baldness opened the door before they even knocked. He spoke in what Adam thought was a rather formal British accent.
“Madeline. So good to see you. Do come in.”
Maddie gave him a loose hug and said, “Ian, it’s so good to see you too.”
She did seem genuinely glad to see him, but it wasn’t as heartfelt as it had been with Sancha and Mel. Adam sensed that she wasn’t as close to him since she hadn’t mentioned him before.
A woman, who looked to be around the same age as Ian, with severe short, angled brown hair and strong facial features, walked up behind him and said in an equally British accent, “Well, look who we have here. It’s so nice to see you, dear.” The woman hugged Maddie.
Maddie said, “Adam, I’d like you to meet Ian and Helen.”
Adam shook their hands politely and said, “Pleasure to meet you both. Your home is amazing.”
Ian and Helen exchanged quizzical looks and then looked at Maddie.
Ian said, “Oh, I assumed you had already told him.”
Told me what?
Maddie gave him her best dazzling smile and said, “Adam, this isn’t Ian and Helen’s house. It’s mine.”
Chapter 39
At that point in their relationship, Adam didn’t think anything Maddie said or did could shock him, but he was genuinely surprised.
Wide-eyed, he said, “Is this where you and James lived?”
Ian and Helen exchanged quizzical glances again.
Maddie shook her head and said, “No. I bought this house after James.”
She gave Adam a look that made him think maybe she didn’t want him talking about James or Refined Transcendent Power in front of those present.
She continued, “Ian and Helen are the caretakers of my home. They live here full time and take care of the house and grounds.”
“We love it here,” said Helen. “What a rare treat for Ms. Madeline to join us. Well, let’s not just stand here, please do come inside.”
Ian and Helen helped them carry in their luggage. Adam’s mouth started watering as the smell of meat cooking wafted around him.
“Whatever you’re cooking smells delicious,” he said.
“Please tell me it’s my favorite,” said Maddie.
“How’d you guess, dear?” said Helen. “You know we always make stew and dumplings when you visit.”
“It’s been so long,” said Maddie. “I’ve almost forgotten what it tastes like. Adam, have you ever had it?”
“No, I don’t believe I have. I’m game for anything.”
“Why don’t you two drop off your belongings in the bedroom and get comfortable while dinner is cooking,” said Ian. “Perhaps you can meet us in the sitting room for a gin and tonic in a half hour or so.”
“Absolutely,” said Maddie. “That will give me just enough time to show Adam around.”
Ian nodded and said, “Ms. Madeline, you left your car parked out front. Would you mind if I move it into the garage?”
Maddie tilted her head slightly, and said, “No, I don’t mind. Why?”
“It’s only a precaution. Some new neighbors moved into the house up the street. We did the standard checks and have no reason to believe they are affiliated with the KTP, but I’d rather not draw any attention with an unfamiliar car parked out front.”
So Ian and Helen did know about the KTP.
Slightly annoyed, Maddie said, “Ian, why didn’t you mention this to me?”
“I didn’t want to raise a false alarm and scare you. Like I said, we haven’t found any connections to the KTP.”
Helen chimed in, “They just moved in a few weeks ago,
