The Adventurer Read Online Free PDF

his own pleasure-or lack thereof-in seeing his son. Instead, Devon turned his thoughts to Gunda Meineke, the dear housekeeper who’d raised him with a mother’s love. Over the years, they’d always kept in touch. He had, in fact, received a letter from Gunda a few weeks ago but she hadn’t mentioned Crandall’s illness nor had she been the one to call and inform him of his father’s heart attack. Devon assumed that Crandall had forbidden her to do so. Of course, he’d also told Jessica not to call but apparently she’d been less intimidated by her employer’s bluster. Devon admired that. A stifled moan caught his attention as Crandall shifted restlessly in bed, thrusting the shaft of papers aside and wincing as he pushed himself into a more comfortable sitting position. Devon reached out to fluff his father’s pillows, only to have his hands slapped away. “I’m not a damned invalid, ” Crandall growled. Despite the indignant protest, the minute movement caused his breathing to accelerate and small beads of perspiration were dotting his furrowed brow. Straightening, Devon stepped back, conflicted by feelings he dare not express-worry, fear and secret affection for the man who had constantly rejected him. But now he saw fear in his father’s eyes and realized that this powerful, intimidating man was all too human. It was a stunning revelation When Crandall turned away, Devon quietly left the room. In the corridor, he sagged against the wall, shaken to the core by the reminder of his father’s mortality. He hadn’t felt this helpless since the day Tommy Murdock died.
    Chapter Two.
    Jessica sat in the mauve armchair a few feet from a row of public telephones lining the hospital’s plush waiting area. She crossed her ankles, tapped the upholstered armrest with restless fingers and fretted about what had happened between her boss and his estranged son. The strained interaction between the two men hadn’t been completely unexpected, of course, but the source of friction had certainly taken her by surprise. She’d never seen Crandall behave so coldly. His behavior had shocked her to the core. After five years of working with Crandall Monroe, Jessica certainly wasn’t blind to his faults. He was indisputably difficult, perfectionistic and frustratingly hard to please. But he was also compassionate and understanding, a man of unquestioned integrity who would never betray the confidence of a friend. Jessica admired him immensely and trusted him completely. Yet he’d acted as if his son’s presence had been less important than a visit from the postman Jessica was completely baffled by that, and by Devon’s faked indifference, as well. Despite his obvious concern and the fact that he’d just traveled halfway around the world to reach his father’s side, he’d stood there with a blank expression implying that his sudden appearance was nothing more than coincidence. There was something odd going on between the two men, something that transcended whatever problems they’d had during Devon’s last visit. A guilty twinge served as a reminder that Jessica had held Devon solely responsible for those problems. Now she was beginning to wonder if she’d misjudged him. Her silent speculation was interrupted as he emerged from the corridor and glanced around the spacious lobby. Before she could react, he spotted her, ambled over and settled wearily in the closest chair. He wiped his face with his hands. “Did you finish making your telephone calls? ” “Yes. I just had to check in with the office, then let Gunda know that you’d arrived safe and sound. ” When he didn’t respond, Jessica fiddled with the hem of her blocky, hip-length jacket. ” I’m supposed to tell you that she’s preparing Rindsrouladen and Kartoffel.. something. “
    “Kartoffelpuffers. “
    “Ah. Well, whatever they are, you’re having them for dinner. “
    His eyes warmed, just a little. “They’re German potato fritters. “
    “Umm.