A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 9



moment jogging toward him.

He spent a pleasant few minutes admiring her long, shapely legs, the smooth, golden tan of her skin, the way her ponytail swished back and forth. Her cheeks were flushed with exertion. Her blood was warm from the run, the smell of it stronger than the faint scent of her perspiration, the ocean, or the salty air.

When she was only a few yards away, she slowed to a walk. He sensed her trepidation at finding herself alone on a deserted stretch of beach at night with a strange man. As far as she knew, he didn't belong here. This part of the beach was private, reserved for the few homes spread out on the cliff above.

As he drew nearer, she stopped walking. He could hear the fierce pounding of her heart as she looked him over, trying to decide whether or not she was in danger.

"Good evening." He offered her a benign smile."Lovely night for a stroll."

"Yes." She slipped her hand into the pocket of her shorts. He saw her hand clench and he wondered what sort of defense she carried in there.A can of Mace, perhaps, or pepper spray. He watched her summon her courage.

"I'm afraid you're trespassing," she said, her tone cool but not unfriendly. "This is a private beach."
'Yes, I know. I have a house nearby."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that. I'm new here myself." He extended his hand. "Dominic St. John."

After a moment's hesitation, she placed her hand in his. "Tracy Warner."

His fingers curled lightly around hers. It was then that he felt it, a sharp jolt of recognition as his essence brushed against hers. A thrill of excitement swept through him. It was she, his soul mate, the woman he had found and lost countless times through the centuries.His beloved one. He had known her in many guises, by many names.

She was staring up at him. It took him a moment to realize he had fallen silent, that he was still holding her hand.

He smiled. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Warner."

"Thank you." She withdrew her hand from his and glanced back the way she had come. "I should go." "May I walk with you?"

He could easily read her thoughts by the expressions that flitted over her face. He was a stranger. It was dark. The beach was deserted. For all she knew, he could be the next Cliffside Strangler.

"Perhaps another time," he suggested, fully aware of her apprehension. She hesitated briefly,then said, "I'd be glad for the company, actually."

"Afraid of the dark, are you?" He asked the question lightly even though he already knew the answer.