Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [44]
“That's good to hear. Your Melis has a malicious sense of humor. She let me in for a watery interlude with the dolphins that outraged my dignity.”
“She's not my Melis, and anyone, human or mammal, who takes you down a peg gets my vote. Call me if you have any problem with Dansk.”
Chapter Nine
“Did everything go well today?” Melis asked Kelby. “You look tense.”
“I'm not tense.”
“Did you arrange for the tanks?”
“Tanks? Oh, yes, I took care of it.” He turned to look at her. “Do you want coffee?”
“Not right now. It's almost sunset. The guys should be coming to say good night.”
“I think I'll make a pot for myself.”
She watched him as he strode into the house. If Kelby wasn't tense, he was definitely edgy. He'd been charged with energy since he'd come back this afternoon. But she didn't know him well. Maybe that was natural for him when he was in high gear.
But it didn't make her uneasy, she realized. She was becoming used to him and there was even a tentative trust emerging.
Her phone lying on the table rang.
She tensed and then slowly answered it.
“Why didn't you call and tell me Lontana had been killed?”
“Kemal?” Relief surged through her. “It's so good to hear your voice.”
“All you have to do is pick up the phone. You're the one who distanced herself. I'm always here for you.”
“I know.” She closed her eyes and could almost see his dark mischievous eyes and that smile that had warmed her heart when she'd thought it would always be cold and barren. “How is Marisa?”
“Wonderful.” He hesitated. “She wants a child.”
“You'd make a wonderful father.”
“True. But it would only make things more difficult for her. I won't have that. We will wait. But that's not why I called you. I only heard today about Lontana. How are you? Do you need me to come?”
“No.”
“I knew that would be your answer. Melis, let me help you.”
“I don't need help. How did you find out about Phil?”
“Did you think I wouldn't keep an eye on both of you? That's not my nature.”
No, his nature was to protect and surround those he cared about with warmth and love. Thank heaven he hadn't found out about Carolyn. “It was difficult at first, but I've adjusted. It would be foolish of you to come to my rescue when I don't need it. But thank you for calling.”
“No thanks are necessary between us. We're two of a kind.” He paused. “Come to San Francisco.”
“I'm fine here.”
“Do you need money?”
“No.”
Kemal sighed. “Don't close me out, Melis. It hurts me.”
And she would never hurt him. “I truly don't need anything, Kemal. Take care of your Marisa. I'm used to being alone. It doesn't bother me.”
“It bothers you. Don't lie to me. We go back too far. You've never learned to open up and let people near you.”
“Except you.”
“I don't count. But your friend Carolyn does. How is she?”
“I haven't seen her for a while,” she said carefully.
“Well, at least try to keep in touch with her.” His tone lightened. “Or come here and let me get to work on you. You've always been one of my unfinished masterpieces.”
“That only makes me more unique. Don't worry about me.”
“Impossible.”
“I'll come to you if I need you. Good-bye, Kemal. Say hello to Marisa for me.”
He was silent a moment. “I always think of you with love. Remember that, Melis.”
“I love you, too, Kemal,” she whispered. She hung up.
Her eyes were stinging as she gazed down at the phone. His voice had brought back so many bitter memories, but she would not have missed that call.
“Melis.”
She looked up to see Kelby standing in the doorway with a coffee carafe and two cups on a tray. She swallowed to ease the tightness of her throat. “You were quick. I think I could use that coffee now.”
“I wasn't quick. I've been standing here for the last five minutes.” He came toward her and set the tray down on the table with a resounding thump. “Archer?”
She shook her head.
“Don't lie to me,” he said roughly. “He tore you up.”
“I'm not lying.” She paused. “It was Kemal, an old friend.”
“Is that why you look like you're going to— Who the