Chapter One

He was usually a much more observant man. He had noticed when she sat at the table next to his, but she had kept her head down, reading papers she took from a large brown portfolio. If it hadn’t been for the American tourists, he might have passed the time at the café without fully seeing her.

“Gem! Gem! Why it is you!” the taller of the two men said excitedly.

Wyatt sharpened his focus on the young woman. Gem. Perhaps! However, it was a common nickname.

Gem looked up, shading her eyes with her hand to locate the voice in the bright morning sunlight beyond the café’s canopy. As she lowered her hand, Wyatt realized the true meaning of the phrase ‘blind luck’. He hadn’t known where to begin searching for her. She travelled quite often, James had said; she could be anywhere in the world.

Wyatt saw the extraordinary deep violet eyes fringed with sooty black lashes; the luminous skin caressed by the pale green, tailored silk blouse; the crème coloured ballerina length silk skirt rustling in the breeze, revealing lovely legs. A dab of powder, a hint of lipstick; no other cosmetics were needed for this natural beauty. Her pale blonde hair, artfully woven in an intricate braid extended well past her shoulders; tendrils, tousling in the early August breeze, framed her sun-kissed cheeks.

Breathtaking! Nature had bestowed its finest artistry to her, exquisite beauty, lacking nothing - except a soul.

He had studied the photos hour after hour. He saw her in his nightmares. It was indeed her.

Gem groaned inwardly as she looked blankly at the handsome young couple.

“Hello,” she said tentatively, forcing a bright smile.

Wyatt continued to obs