Fifteen“Miss Manolo left with her equilibrium restored?” Davenport’s query had an edge to it that made Aristide’s hair stand on end.
“Quite happy.” He considered the factor man coolly. “Why do you ask?”
“She was my visitor. I want to make sure she wasn’t upset.”
Aristide rubbed the prickling sensation at the back of his neck.
“And I am nothing if not gallant. The last thing I would wish is to upset Miss Manolo.”
Davenport was even younger than Aristide had gauged on first meeting, but there was a steeliness in the gray eyes framed by gold-rimmed glasses. Although he looked like a mild-mannered clerk, Aristide saw the iron in his soul. He’d be a force to be reckoned with if occasion demanded it.
Aristide rubbed the side of his face, wanting to break the tension and restart the convers
