Epilogue

TWO HARBORS

CATALINA ISLAND

What on earth is happening here?"

Kendra turned to see Olivia standing behind her on the beach, reacting in horror at Harley, who was howling like a coyote near the seals. "What have you done to my dog, Kendra?"

"Not guilty," Kendra said firmly as she gave Olivia a warm hug. "It's all his own fault. I've tried to talk him out of it, but he's not having it. We're sure he thinks he's a seal, or maybe he's just appointed himself as chief seal protector of the beach. He got very upset when Krebb's men were disturbing the seals on that island when they were attacking."

"He's always been extremely protective," Olivia said.

"I know, but this takes it to a whole new level. We're not sure what triggered it, but we're hoping he'll get over it quickly."

"It'll be okay," Olivia said. "It's actually kind of sweet." Harley gave another howl as he saw and recognized Olivia on the beach with them. "I'm sure it's going to be okay."

Kendra nodded. "I am, too. Lynch is at the hotel teleconferencing with a security panel about what happened on the island last week. He promised me he'd be back to take care of Harley as soon as he could possibly arrange it. Though I don't know how he intends to—" She stopped short, staring at Olivia. "Lynch asked you to come and help me," she said. "Of course he did. You're the only one besides him that Harley pays any attention to. He realizes that you have the magic touch." She shook her head. "Lord, I'm sorry he dragged you out here. It's not as if I can't take care of Harley. We all love him, and I wrote and told you how he went after those slimy crooks and saved the day. He was magnificent."

"I'm glad you appreciate him." Olivia grinned. "It reinforces my judgment in bringing him to watch over you when Lynch wasn't doing what I wanted about your protection. But from what you told me, he wasn't too impossible once he arrived on the island."

"You might say that."

"I know you've had your issues with Griffin in the past, but you said he was very impressed with Lynch and how he dealt with things."

"Just your usual Lynch heroics." She made a face. "You know he can't resist."

"Then I suppose I'll have to forgive him for bringing me here to this fantastically beautiful place and trying to save my dog from your mismanagement."

"If you're inclined to do that, feel free." Kendra went back into Olivia's arms and whispered, "I'm so glad to see my best friend that I'll forgive anything. Thank you for every minute you've spent trying to help us during this nightmare, and I'll go back to the drawing board and make sure that I understand all the intricacies of Harley's delicate bonding with those seals. Then we'll go introduce you to the Morgan sisters before we arrange your transport back to the condo."

"You're setting up a complete day for me." Olivia's tone was teasing. "Did it occur to you I might be busy? I meant only to pick up Harley from the island and then go back home."

"I'm sorry." Kendra frowned. "I know how busy you are. Am I being pushy?"

"No, I guess not. Tomorrow is another day." Her smile faded. "But I wanted to tell you that you might have custody of Harley for a couple weeks beginning next month, if that's okay with you."

"Sure. Why? What are you going to do?"

"I have a few medical eye tests in Switzerland to take." Her tone was ultra-casual. "There's a report that there's been a breakthrough at the clinic in Geneva that might be of interest to me."

"Wonderful," Kendra said. "Promising?"

"I have no idea. I hope so. You know that I've been tested before and it's come to nothing. But I'm always hopeful. Miracles do happen." She smiled. "I have a friend who told me that a long time ago."

"Because she wants it so badly for you." She reached out and tightly grasped Olivia's hand. "Is there anything else I can do?"

"Not right now. I know you'll be there for me whenever I need you." She turned back toward Harley. "But right now it's that howling hound who needs me. Let's go get him and take him back to the camp to distract him."

Kendra sighed. "I tried that."

"You have to keep on trying." Olivia was putting the leash on Harley and Kendra noticed with frustration the blasted dog was sitting still, ignoring the seals, and rubbing against her. "Repetition is the key," Olivia said. "Every day. Every way. If it's worth it to you and him, don't stop." She patted Harley as he jumped up and followed her down the beach. She looked back at Kendra. "By the way, that applies to other skills and desires as well."

"I figured it did. You'd never leave me in the lurch like that."

"Absolutely not. Did I tell you how grateful I was that Lynch arranged this little vacation for me in this wonderful place?"

"I believe it was mentioned."

"Just checking… Come, Harley." She stopped again. "When are you going to talk to Lynch again?"

"I have no idea," Kendra said. "We've been talking ever since we left home. We seem to have no problem with conversation. Why?"

"Just wondering. Perhaps you need a more in-depth discussion with him." She was breaking into a run with Harley at her heels. "After all, he's very interesting. I've always liked him, you know. I'll see you back at the camp."

Kendra shook her head as she watched her run toward the campfire in the distance. Olivia's visit had been as complicated as usual, but not nearly as complicated as Kendra's feelings toward Lynch. Which, of course, Olivia had perceived even before Kendra herself.

Lynch. She had been trying to avoid thinking about him, but it was suddenly there before her. No time to think or plan or even have a little time to consider what she wanted to do or say to Lynch. Olivia might have even wanted that confusion to be present until she could have time to talk to her and influence her in the way she wanted her to go.

A magician, indeed…

All Kendra had left to do was to avoid Lynch for the evening, but that shouldn't be difficult. Just stay out of his way. Because of his background, everyone always wanted to talk to him or ask him questions. He was the golden boy of every organization or meeting connected with this attack. He'd already had trouble getting away from Griffin and those White House special advisors.

Yes, all Kendra had to do was avoid the golden boy until it was time to slip away and go to bed. After that she could arrange for a ride back to Avalon with one of the FBI agents on duty… She'd seen Metcalf earlier today before she'd been assigned seal duty. He was always helpful when she needed something. Plenty of time to think and plan when she was back at Avalon…

"No problem at all," Metcalf told her with a broad grin. "But I don't know why you'd want to go back to Avalon when you could spend the night in the encampment. It's fantastic here." His gaze went to where Griffin was having coffee by the fire with several of his agents. "Not only that but it's where the action is. It's not often that lowly agents get to hobnob with officers like Griffin."

"I didn't think of that." She shook her head. "Naturally you'd prefer to stay here and make smart career moves up the ladder. Forget I asked. I'll find another way to get there."

"No, you won't. We wouldn't even be here if you hadn't called us and brought us to the island. I'll be glad to take you. We can have a drink or two and then I'll come back."

"Thank Lynch. It was his idea." She shook her head. "And no drinks. The reason I have to get back is that I've been away from my students too long as it is. You're not the only one who has to worry about climbing that career ladder." She patted his cheek affectionately. "But thanks for the offer. It was very kind of you."

"There you are, Metcalf." Lynch was suddenly beside them. He clapped Metcalf on the shoulder. "I've been looking all over the camp for you. Griffin has been bragging about you and your team to some of his buddies, and they want to meet you. It shouldn't take too long. But you don't want to offend him."

"No, of course not." He gazed anxiously at Kendra.

"Go!"

He waved and started to trot toward the fire. She turned back to Lynch. "You're suddenly being very caring about Griffin's feelings," she said caustically. "Particularly since you've been practically running his department and squeezing him dry of information lately."

"You're exaggerating." He dropped down outside her tent and crossed his legs. "But Griffin does owe me and so he'll welcome Metcalf with open arms because I let him use me." He leaned back against the post and gazed at her. "Though I do admit I've been floating around the camp and might have heard you talking to Metcalf."

"Might?"

"Well. I made a point of it when I saw how you were trying to avoid me. I figured it would save both of us time if I knew what was going on."

"You didn't talk to Olivia?" she asked suspiciously.

He shook his head. "Not after I threw myself on her mercy to get her to come here. My pride will only permit so much."

She made a rude sound.

He threw back his head and laughed. "It's true. You're the only one with whom I don't give a damn about pride. By the way, that kiss you gave Metcalf was very anemic. It made me feel terrific."

"It wasn't meant to have any effect on you at all."

"Then why were you going to run away with him and leave me in the lurch? That could have been very hurtful, if I didn't know you. But I realize you have problems and you have to work things out for yourself."

"Hurtful? With an ego like yours?"

"There you go again. Ego is necessary in certain situations. But I'm tired of this conversation." He got to his feet and pulled her up beside him. "Let's go for a walk and tip our hats to the seals and then you can tell me what barriers you're trying to put in the way of how we feel about each other. I could see it coming since we wrapped this search up and got the sisters back. You've been thinking too much and I haven't had time to concentrate on showing you how good we are together. Not that you should have to be reminded. You're very bright and you were amazing."

"Am I supposed to say thank you?"

"No, you're supposed to relax and let me have my way with you." He tilted his head. "Though a sentence like that should be said by a man with a mustache and a leer and I don't have either."

She suddenly found she was laughing. "You're ridiculous. Say what you mean. We shouldn't really be talking at all at the moment. That's what I intended when I asked Metcalf to take me back to Avalon to think things over. We're not children and we should act like adults."

"Bullshit," Lynch said. "We need to have a good time and care about each other and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," she repeated. "What will you be doing tomorrow, Lynch?" she asked soberly. "You're the golden boy and they're not going to leave you alone. Where will you go next?"

"Not to Spain, unfortunately. I have to finish up this job for the Justice Department that I left when I needed to come to you." He shrugged. "After that, we'll talk about it."

"No, you'll make a decision yourself that I have nothing to do with. That's the sensible way to handle it."

"As I said before, bullshit." He kissed her long and hard. "Golden boy? Screw it. Now let's go back to your tent and make love while we still don't have to deal with Harley. Okay?"

She shouldn't be this impractical. "It's probably the wrong plan but it seems right at the moment." She reached up, brought his head down, and kissed him back. "But we'll have to talk about it soon."

"Soon. That's a very good plan." He stepped behind her and kissed the nape of her neck. Then he took her hand and was leading her back toward the camp. That's right, he'd said it would be better if they could avoid Harley tonight…

Harley!

He felt her resistance and gazed down at her. "Kendra?"

"I can't go right now. I promised Olivia. I have to work some way that we can be sure Harley will be happy while we're taking care of him. I promised I'd do everything I could."

"But right now?"

"Of course." She smiled as she ran down the steps. "And I just had a thought. It's the seals that really make Harley happy. But they have to be safe and enjoy themselves, too. Right?"

"Yes," he said cautiously.

She nodded eagerly. "Olivia has done everything to help us, and it just occurred to me that we have the perfect way to repay her. You have the most gorgeous pool I've ever seen. It's bigger than most aquariums. Wouldn't it be wonderful for them?"

Lynch had a moment of imagining his extremely expensive pool being used as a home for a family of seals to make their own.

"Lynch?" She was looking at him eagerly and smiling. "Is it okay?"

"Oh, what the hell. Why wouldn't it be?" He took her hand again and they ran toward the tent.