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hundred-watt smile and took Miranda’s hand. “How’s Drew?”
    “Not quite so fine—but busy.” She lifted a brow when Elise squeezed her hand.
    “I’m sorry.”
    “It’s none of my business.”
    “I’m still sorry.” She released Miranda’s hand and turned to Elizabeth. “Will you head the tour, or shall I?”
    “I don’t need a tour,” Miranda said before her mother could speak. “I need a lab coat, a microscope, a computer. I’ll want to take photos, and X rays, of course.”
    “There you are.” John Carter loped his way over. Miranda’s lab manager looked endearingly rumpled in the midst of ruthless efficiency and style. His tie with silly grinning cows grazing was already askew. He’d snagged the pocket of his lab coat on something so that it flapped from loose threads. There was a nick on his chin where he’d cut himself shaving, a thumb-sized stub of a pencil behind his ear, and smudges on the lenses of his glasses.
    He made Miranda feel cozily at home.
    “You okay?” He patted her arm in three bouncing strokes, then: “How’s the knee? Andrew told me the guy who mugged you tossed you around.”
    “Tossed you around?” Elise looked over quickly. “We didn’t know you were hurt.”
    “Just shaken up. It’s all right. I’m fine.”
    “He held a knife to her throat,” Carter announced.
    “A knife.” Elise put a hand to her own throat. “That’s horrible. It’s—”
    “It’s all right,” Miranda said again. “He just wanted money.” She turned, meeting her mother’s eyes. “And I think he’s cost us enough valuable time.”
    For a moment Elizabeth said nothing. There was challenge in Miranda’s gaze, and she decided the time for sympathy had passed.
    “Then I’ll let Elise set you up. Your ID and security cards are in here.” Elizabeth handed Miranda an envelope. “Elise should be able to handle any of your questions or needs. Or you can contact me.” She glanced at the slim watch on her wrist. “I have another meeting shortly, so I’ll let you get started. I hope to have a preliminary report by end of day.”
    “You will,” Miranda murmured as her mother walked away.
    “She doesn’t waste time.” With another smile, Elise gestured. “I’m so sorry you had to go through such a terrible ordeal, but the work here should help you keep it off your mind. I have an office set up for you. The Fiesole Bronze is a top priority. You’re authorized to pick your team from any of the A security staff.”
    “Miranda!” There was a wealth of pleasure in the word, and it was delivered with the heavy and exotic tones of Italy. Miranda felt herself smiling even before she turned and had her hands taken and lavishly kissed.
    “Giovanni. You don’t change.” Indeed, the chemistry technician was as outrageously handsome as Miranda remembered. Dark and sleek, with eyes like melted chocolate and a smile that radiated charm. He stood an inch or so below her and still managed to make her feel feminine and tiny. He wore his glossy black hair in a ponytail—an affectation Elizabeth permitted only because besides being beautiful to look at, Giovanni Beredonno was a genius.
    “But you change, bella donna . You’re even more lovely. But what is this about being hurt?” He fluttered his fingers over her face.
    “It’s nothing, just a memory.”
    “Do you want me to go break someone in half for you?” He kissed her gently, one cheek, then the other.
    “Can I get back to you on that?”
    “Giovanni, Miranda has work.”
    “Yes, yes.” He brushed off Elise’s stiff and disapproving words with a careless gesture—another reason for Miranda to smile. “I know all about it. A big project, very hush-hush.” He wiggled his expressive eyebrows. “When the direttrice sends to America for an expert, it is no small thing. So, bellissima, can you use me?”
    “You’re first on my list.”
    He tucked her hand through his arm, ignoring the tightening of Elise’s lips. “When