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telling him the truth about that name?
    “Niki,” Edward said softly, only to have her instantly turn.
    “Why did you do that?” Her voice had turned sharp.
    “To see if it was truly your name.”
    Niki sighed, her eyes lowering.
    “I know this must seem very curious and odd to you, Mr Steele, but I beg your indulgence in this matter. I ask that you not give me away. I promise you that all I hold dear depends on it.”
    Edward continued to watch her. She was either the finest actor in the world or speaking the truth. Edward could not find it in his heart to deny her.
    “Unless I am asked to do something that goes against my beliefs, I shall go along with this and help where I am able.”
    Relief was written all over her when she said, “Thank you,” and turned to the window again.
    Their food arrived shortly after. Both were hungry and enjoyed the meal, but each was busy with myriad thoughts: Edward speculating on the whole affair and Niki asking herself what she would do if she did not reach her destination before Christmas.

    “Over there is a small bakery.” Edward pointed. “They make marvelous breads and pastries.”
    “You talk as though you’ve been here often,” Niki commented, carrying herself through the streets of Lisbon as though she owned the city. She had gone upstairs to check on Rosario and Denley before leaving, but now she was on a walk with Edward, strolling as though she had nothing the least bit troublesome on her mind.
    “Just one other time,” Edward told her and then fell silent, not because he was out of things to say but because he rather hoped she would talk a little.
    Edward remained quiet for the next 20 minutes, but Niki said nothing more. Some of Lisbon’s architecture was lovely, and Edward watched her take notice, but she didn’t comment or even look in his direction as they walked.
    She also seemed content to let him lead the way. He took them in a circle that allowed them to enjoy many of the sights but still managed to land them back at the inn.
    Once inside, Edward followed Niki back to the room. He listened while she asked about Denley and then dismissed Rosario. When he glanced over to find Denley’s eyes open, he went to him.
    “How are you, Denley?”
    “A woman was here,” he managed quietly.
    “The innkeeper’s daughter. A good woman.”
    “Osborne?”
    “Right behind me.”
    Edward watched the man’s eyes go to Niki.
    “Are you all right, sir?”
    “Yes,” Niki said quietly, and added, “worried about you.”
    “I’m so thirsty.”
    Edward didn’t move out of the way so Niki could reach him but went ahead and gave Denley something to drink. The ill man lay back, his eyes on the two of them, and knew that something had gone on. Alarm rose within him, but he had no strength to act.
    For as long as he could keep his eyes open, the servant watched Edward’s face, silently begging him to be a man of honor. His thoughts were still tormenting him when he fell back to sleep.

    Niki surrendered her vigilance and went to sleep in the chair by the bed. Edward had gone across the hall and returned with his Bible, only to find no answer to his knock. When he quietly entered, he found both Denley and Niki asleep. Something told him this was highly unusual for this woman and that he would startle her if he woke her suddenly. Moving as quietly as he could manage, Edward took the other chair and opened his Bible. He’d been reading for 20 minutes when he heard Niki stir.
    “What are you reading?” she asked, coming instantly awake and seemingly aware of everything around her.
    “My Bible.”
    In an unconscious move, Niki sat up a little straighter.
    “Which book?”
    “Isaiah.”
    “What does it say?”
    This surprised Edward, but he answered.
    “I’m in chapter 66. Some of the word pictures are incredible.”
    “What, for instance?’
    “The first verse says that heaven is God’s home and the earth is His footstool.”
    “Do you think that’s meant