Two: The

lips as he replayed the events of earlier that day. It was hard to believe it had actually happened.

s he picked up the card Elizabeth had handed him.

fresh cup of coffee balanced upon the tray in her hands. Her eyes always seemed to be on alert

n the glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Long enough had she been around Si

with the liquid in his cup while leaning back in his chair with an air of relishing something in his

ble. "Oh? Do I need to brace myself for something strange?" She

ad in disbelief. "I didn't expect it myself.

at? You? Married? To a stran

s. I was just about my own business down on the street when, out of a corner s

rst out laughing. "She prop

urse, I tried to back away, but she wouldn't hear of it. She was in a. state,

. "That's insane! I mean, who does that? Yo

wasn't laughing. She wasn't joking. Desperate, but in the way that you would think: This woman is eithe

hter from her eyes. "So, what happened next?

. In fact, she was downright convincing. I couldn't help but admire her courage, even if it was totally misplaced." He paused, his fingers

e kind of intrigued. You going to track her down?

to hear more about her. She had guts, Karin. And something more-something below the surface. There's just no w

at the change in Simeon's demeanor. "You'

id, matter-of-fact. "This woman-she's different. I want to understan

sn't a whim with Simeon on its way out.

ng you can about her. Use this." He handed her the card, which read Elizabeth Hastings, Marketing Director, Hastings and Co. "F

"I'll get right on it. You're right, there's something strange about this. B

osal, but because there's something about her-something I haven't figured out yet. I want to know what

down. And don't worry, I won't let you down. You'r

steady, his gaze unwavering. "

r Tha

ing the office. It was a call she had be

ng, her voice ringing with an

nd said, deadpan. "I've got all tha

, raising an eyebrow. "You d

pany, good education, well-placed. But that is not all there is to her. She's had a pretty bad time lately-her relationship ended on a pretty bad note, and it seems like she'

got enough now. Time to put things into motio

posted," Simeon