“That it was an accident. Your taxi was rear-ended, I believe.”

“It was no accident. The truck driver hit us deliberately.”

Melody caught her breath. “What else do you have to tell me?”

“Actually, that’s it. I haven’t had any contact with the agency for four years. I don’t know why anybody would want to eliminate me. I doubt that any of our Russian friends care about me any longer. I don’t want to expose you to any more danger. The one thing I was happy about when I left you was that you would be safe. You were, weren’t you?”

“I didn’t suffer any physical repercussions, if that’s what you mean. Only emotional. I was reassigned. But we were in it together, Drake. We were both professionals. I knew what I was doing.”

“Okay, but this is different. You’re a civilian now.”

Melody turned and looked into his bloodshot eyes with her green ones. When she did that, Drake was sure she could penetrate his brain and his very soul. Slowly her expression changed, and a smile lit up her face.

“To tell you the truth, life has been a bit boring since you left. The year I spent with you was a lot of things, but it was never dull. I don’t know what chance we have of winning the million, but it might be a lovely adventure.”

“Then the first thing we have to do is get me in shape to run.”

Melody’s manner became brisk. “Tell me about your injuries. I assume your nose won’t be a problem, except that it may spoil your pretty-boy looks if it ends up misshapen. That may be a good thing. I won’t be tempted to shag you.”

“I have a few minor cuts, as you can see. Other than that, I have a bruise on my chest…”

Melody began unbuttoning his shirt. When Drake protested, she said, “I’m a certified fitness instructor. Hold still. I’m not going to rape you.”

She pronounced his chest satisfactory. He told her about his back.

“Take off your belt and lie on the bed on your stomach.”