Читать книгу Deadline Yemen (The Elizabeth Darcy Series) - Peggy Hanson - Страница 22

CHAPTER 18

“A cat…seems to have a curious ability to find some place to rest which will put it on display in a pleasing fashion.”

John D. MacDonald

Alex Metzger smoothed her green silk caftan around voluptuous hips, lit another cigarette, and looked in the mirror. Having failed for years to trim the curves by diet, she now emphasized them and thought of herself as a living Titian. Dark hair, green eyes, lots of drama. Yes, voluptuous was the word.

The wait staff in the elegant Taj Sheba Hotel acknowledged Alex’s beauty and importance, albeit with the respectful discretion which she demanded and Indians are so good at. She preferred the Indian staff at the Taj to the Yemeni staff in local hotels. Outspoken and direct herself, Alex found Yemenis disconcerting. They always said just what they thought.

Or told you nothing at all. Which was just as infuriating.

Of course, Alex often told people nothing at all. She talked about her jewelry-making business, for which she bought old pieces and copied them to sell. On the other business matter, she wasn’t clear what was being asked. Maybe she would participate; maybe not. Could she learn something at the party Tom was having? Gossip can be such a useful thing!

It was strange seeing Elizabeth here again. The war weeks had been intense but not very personal. Although getting shot at together can be bonding. Did Scuds count, though? Alex wasn’t sure. Scuds were impersonal and random.

What was not random was Alex’s real purpose in coming to Sana’a this time. She had something private and personal to clear up. And something else to start. A new identity. Maybe. Whatever its outcome, this trip was to be a game-changer for Alexandra Metzger.