Chapter 29
Lodged in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains north of Santa Fe, the resort casitas are scattered inside a canyon with breathtaking views westward that include the Valles Caldera and Jemez Mountains in the far distance. But it is dark now. The stars and planets, not having to compete with city lights, vividly loom above Isabelle Jade's terrace, where Pari Malik has accepted her invitation for a glass of wine. They breathe in the cold evening air under handwoven blankets on their own lounge chairs.
Choosing not to speak about what she learned from Dee, Pari attempts to keep their discussion on the immense charm of northern New Mexico.
"You are eerily quiet," Isabelle observes, during a lull in their conversation.
"This is a wonderful place to think," Pari repli
