Malcolm watched the fish for a moment, then turned to the pet shop owner and smiled. "They seem to be fine. Now, if you'll just come with me, I'll make sure you're paid for them. Tanya, I'll be right back. Enjoy the fish."
Tanya nodded. She stood there, fascinated by the flow and glide of the fish.
Several moments later, she heard a trill of unfamiliar sound, and saw a fax machine beside Malcolm's desk. It whirred and began to forcefully eject sheets of paper out a slot and onto the floor. Tanya hurried to pick them up and stack them on Malcolm's desk. The haphazard mass of paper continued to fall. Tanya began to stack them by page number when the open smile of an attractive man pictured on one of the pages caught her attention.
His name was Kevin Edward Matwin. The report had been requested by Mr. Clark. Along with the photo and name, Tanya saw the name of her own mansion, La Mimosa. Intrigued, she glanced through every page.
Kevin Matwin, age forty-two, owned a small publishing company which specialized in books of art. He traveled to London, Paris, and eastern countries to visit art collections. With a great deal of interest, she learned he stayed at the house adjoining her mansion while preparing the new books' drafts.
His private life interested her, as well. Married twice, the women in his life went from attractive to stupendous. His first wife had been an ethereal blond, his second, a beautiful heiress. Other pictures showed him at artistic expositions and the occasional opera premiere. Finally, the report showed his latest girlfriend, Vanessa White, an ex model and the widow of a diplomat.
Hearing Malcolm's voice in the hall, she finished stacking the papers just as he entered the room.
"Tanya, I'm sorry to keep you," he said, distracted. "Here are your papers-your new name, your bank accounts, your credit cards, your tickets-and those for Charles and Edda. Even your new passport." He handed her a large envelope. "Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your stay in Italy." He gave her a quick, brotherly hug. As she left, he sighed in relief. She would be safe for the time being.
He stood before his colorful new friends and watched as they swam in small schools around his tank. Already, they had formed groups. He hoped Tanya and her small group would as well.