hour under a hot shower.” She slipped the strap of the duffel over her shoulder. “I need it.”
“Give me a minute.” Gideon was closely examining the reconstruction. “You’re selling yourself short. Probably intentionally. I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s superb.”
“Yes, I’m very good. I want to go, Gideon.”
“Hmm.” His index finger was tracing the scar at the corner of Amari’s left eye. “I just wanted to get a closer look at this. Hajif was impressed. I agree.” Then he gave her a slanting glance that held pure mischief. “Magic…”
She ignored him, already on her way toward the door. “Bullshit. Haven’t you ever heard of inspiration? Get me to that hotel.”
She heard him laugh as he followed her from the museum.
* * *
The Soran Hotel was one of the few skyscrapers in Jokan, and it looked like a luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Eve thought. It even had a uniformed doorman who rushed to open her door. “You said it was a decent hotel,” she said to Gideon. “This is several steps up from that. Zahra’s intervention?”
“No, my father had it built when he still thought Zahra’s father could make a difference here in Maldara. Once Zahra took power, she couldn’t bear to give up a quality hotel when she could use it to her advantage. Though it irritates her that I prevented her from nationalizing it and still have major control. She tries to exert her influence whenever she gets the chance.” He walked with Eve into the lobby and handed her a key. “Suite 735. It’s the room I keep on reserve for myself. You’ll find it comfortable. Enjoy your shower. I’ll give you an hour, then have them bring you your meal. I’d guess you haven’t eaten for hours.”
She couldn’t remember when she’d grabbed that bowl of soup yesterday. “No, but I think I’m getting hungry.”
“Then I’ll call Pierre Gaillon, the chef, and get him out of bed. I hired him from the George V in Paris, and he does miracles with coq au vin. You won’t be disappointed.”
“I’m sure I won’t. But I’m not accustomed to gourmet cuisine, Gideon. I’d be satisfied with a sandwich.”
“I wouldn’t. I told you that I’d take care of you.” He walked her to the elevator. “I’m tempted to join you for dinner, but this is the time for you to relax, and I’m much too stimulating.”
“I didn’t notice,” she murmured.
“Of course you did.” He punched the elevator button. “You’re just dedicated to keeping me humble. So I’ll stay here in the lobby and talk to the manager and wait for you to call me and tell me how much you enjoyed that coq au vin. Try to get a nap if you can afterward. Call me if you need me.”
“No nap.” The doors of the elevator opened, and she stepped inside. “And I’ll be ready to go back to Robaku as soon as I’ve eaten. I need to start the next reconstruction. I think I’m going to do one of the six-year-olds. But I’ll call you as soon as I’ve finished that gourmet meal you’re ordering for me.” She said quietly, “Thanks, Gideon. I appreciate your making everything easier for me.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled. “It’s been an interesting few days. If you don’t mind, while I’m waiting around, I’ll give Jill a call and tell her about Amari. She’ll want to know.”
“I don’t mind.” Being able to help Hajif had caused her resentment toward Jill to lessen, she found. There was no doubt that so far her work here had been worthwhile and caused a major difference in Hajif’s and Leta’s lives. “Tell her if she wants to see it, she should visit Hajif’s home.”
“And not get in your way?”
She found herself smiling as the elevator door started to close. “And not get in my way.”
* * *
“I won’t get in her way,” Jill said. “In fact, I’ll wait until the press meeting day after tomorrow to even show up at Robaku. Do I detect a little softening?”
“A little.” He paused. “She’s got a different mind-set. Doing that reconstruction meant something to her. She’s pretty fantastic, you know, Jill. You chose the right person.”
“I’m well aware of that, Gideon. There wasn’t a choice when I realized how amazing she was.”
“But I like her,” Gideon said. “And I’m not cut out for all this secretive bullshit.” He returned to Eve. “And she covered for you with Zahra. But that isn’t because she was fond of you but because she didn’t like Zahra or the