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was expected and not expected of the tourists. She explained the routine and how they should have their luggage ready prior to breakfast each morning.
    “Sonny will see to it that your luggage gets on board each day. Tonight we will stay at the Alvarado Hotel in Albuquerque. The Alvarado is a marvelous hotel created in the manner of a Spanish mission. The thick stuccoed walls keep the rooms cool even in the hottest days of summer.” She smiled and turned to face the tourists a bit more. “Of course, we’re still experiencing very chilly nights, so you’ll be pleased to know that they have steam heat to keep the rooms warm.
    “While you’re there, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful lawns and brick walkways. There are also marvelous verandas upon which you can sit and read. Of course, we’ll only be there for the night.”
    ————
    Duncan endured the tour with great pleasure. He enjoyed listening as Rainy pointed out various land formations and told of the native peoples. He thought she seemed very much at home as a tour guide and wondered if she meant to make this a lifelong career.
    When the group finally arrived at the Alvarado Hotel in Albuquerque, he watched with some amusement as the teenage boys told Rainy how much they’d learned and enjoyed her teaching. Rainy seemed genuinely touched, thanking them each for their special attention and feeding them tidbits of the things to come the following day.
    Duncan didn’t believe the boys to be half so interested in the trip and Rainy’s teachings as they were with Rainy herself.
    “So what are your plans for the night?” Sonny asked Duncan.
    “I suppose the same as yours. Eat supper and get some rest.”
    “We’re heading over to our parents’ house after we get unloaded here. If you’d like to come with us for supper, you’d be more than welcome, and I can bring you back here for the night. We usually just sleep at home.”
    Duncan considered the situation for a moment. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
    “It wouldn’t be an intrusion at all. Our mother is a wonderful cook and always makes plenty. She extends an open invitation to our friends and coworkers, so you wouldn’t be out of place at all.”
    Duncan knew it would be of far more comfort to join the Gordons for a home-cooked meal than to eat alone in the hotel. “I’d like very much to join you,” he finally replied. If nothing else, he told himself, he’d have a great meal and be able to see Rainy in a more intimate setting. Surely if there were any strange or underhanded deeds going on between the brother and sister, they’d be more inclined to let down their guard at home.
    Later that evening, Duncan pushed away from the Gordon table with a groan. “I think I overdid it,” he told Rainy’s mother, Edrea. She was an older version of her daughter, with a winning smile and crystal blue eyes. “It’s just that it’s been a while since I’ve been home. I miss my mother’s cooking very much.”
    “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Mrs. Gordon replied. “Are you sure now that you won’t have another piece of peach pie?”
    “I’d surely burst if I did,” Duncan replied. He watched Rainy move quickly to help her mother clear the table. The meal had been incredible, just as Sonny promised, and the company had been delightful.
    Sonny yawned and stretched. “Duncan, I hate to rush you off, but if you’re ready, I’ll take you back to the hotel. I’m just about to drop from exhaustion.”
    “You’re welcome to stay here with us, Mr. Hartford,” Edrea Gordon said as she picked up an empty bowl.
    “That you are,” Raymond Gordon added.
    Duncan thought for a moment about accepting, then shook his head. If he seemed too eager to stay, Rainy and Sonny might very well become suspicious.
    “I thank you for the invitation, but I think I should go back to the hotel. After all, my things are there and the company has already arranged a room for me.”
    He got to his feet and