The Tycoon's Son. Cindy Kirk
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most were as mesmerized as Trish by the passion in Theo’s voice as he painted a vivid picture of the horses’ struggle to survive.
“While they have faced tremendously adverse conditions in the past, these horses now face even greater challenges. They share this area with many other animals. Years ago, there was enough food and water for all. Now, due to the felling of many trees as well as destructive fires, the horse’s ability to find enough food and water is threatened.”
“What can we do to help?” the distinguished-looking older gentleman next to Trish called out.
“Thank you for asking,” Theo said. “We’ve established a foundation to save these horses. The immediate goal is the provision of self-filling watering facilities and shelter, along with a balanced diet in the winter months.”
Theo didn’t stop there. He went on to talk about more extensive long-range possibilities before mentioning to the group that when they stopped at the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi on the way down, they would have an opportunity to make a donation, if they so desired.
After giving them a few minutes to take pictures, Theo announced it was time to head back to the van. As they started down the mountain path, Trish fell into step beside Theo.
“We’re going to have to stop meeting like this,” she said, keeping her tone deliberately light.
This time Theo couldn’t ignore her. “I didn’t know you were coming on this tour.”
Trish struggled to keep up with his fast clip. Normally she loved hiking, but she’d tripped on a hidden rock on their way up the mountain and her ankle was still sore from the almost fall.
Theo must have noticed her difficulty because he slowed his pace and even reached out a helping hand when she stumbled.
“I guess we’re even then,” she said.
“How’s that?” he asked.
“I didn’t know you were going to be leading this tour.”
He shot her a skeptical glance.
“I didn’t,” Trish said. “When I booked the tour, someone named Basil was listed as the guide.”
“Basil went home sick,” Theo admitted. “I’m filling in for him.”
“You do a nice job,” Trish said. “When you were talking about the hardships the horses face…”
Her voice caught. She wondered if the bay or the gray or the black roan would die this winter. Trish took a moment to compose herself. Ever since she’d been a child she’d loved animals. While her encounters with horses had been few, these proud, well-spirited ponies had found their way into her heart.
She thought of the money Elias Stamos would give, and how it could make the difference in these horses surviving the winter…or not.
While Theo hadn’t been overly friendly, he hadn’t been hostile, either. Maybe now that he’d had time to think, he’d be willing to take the money and give these horses a chance at a better life. She simply had to try again…
“I was wondering if you’d thought more about my offer,” Trish said.
A tiny muscle jumped in his jaw. “No,” he said. “I haven’t.”
It might not have been the most encouraging answer she could have gotten but it gave Trish something to build upon.
“I know,” she said. “There hasn’t been much time. It seemed like I’d barely left the taverna to meet Sal when it was time for the tour to start.”
“Sal?” He stopped and turned to face her.
He stood so close Trish could see the sheen of sweat on his brow and she realized his eyes looked more gold than brown in the light. Her heart did a little flip-flop in her chest.
“Sal?” he repeated.
“My friend.” Trish gestured with her head toward the back of the group. “The blonde.”
“The woman with Larry,” Theo said, his eyes dark and inscrutable.
“Jerry,” Trish said, automatically.
Theo’s gaze remained fixed on hers. “Is he a friend of yours, too?”
Trish frowned. Why were they talking about a salesman from Cincinnati when they had more important things to discuss…like Theo accepting the money so the wild horses could survive.
“Sally and I just met him this afternoon,” Trish said impatiently.
“I didn’t know you were in Corfu with a friend.”
“That’s not important.” Trish wished he’d quit talking and listen to what she had to say.
He started walking again and the road came into view. Time was running out. Dear God, they were almost to the van.
“Theo.” She grabbed his arm. “Please. There’s something I have to say to you.”
He hesitated only a second before stepping off to the side and letting the rest of the group follow the trail to the van.
“You want to apologize.” It was more a statement of fact than a question.
“Apologize?” Trish shook her head, suddenly confused. “No, I want you to reconsider my offer.”
“Offer?” A hardness edged the word.
“The bonus if you sign the agreement.” Trish spoke quickly, sensing a wall was on its way up. When she’d walked away from Theo earlier, she’d told herself she’d done her best. She’d asked. He’d said no. But this was no longer just about her. This was about the ponies. “Think of all the good you could do for these animals with that kind of money.”
He opened his mouth then closed it. Trish felt a surge of hope.
“New watering stations,” she said in her most persuasive tone. “Grain and other feed to last them through the winter.” She leaned close. “Enough money to ensure that no horse will have to die this year.”
A moment of longing crossed his face before his lips firmed. “If I agree to work with Elias Stamos.”
“If you agree to resume doing excursions for Liberty Line,” Trish clarified.
He waved a dismissive hand. “Same thing.”
A puzzle piece clicked into place. “It’s him. He’s the reason you won’t sign. You have something against Elias Stamos.”
She asked only out of curiosity. He’d made it clear he wasn’t going to do the excursions. While that didn’t bode well for her agency’s bottom line, Trish had survived tough times before and she would again.
“I gave you my answer.” Theo’s words were accusatory. “But instead of respecting that decision, you come on this excursion and interrupt my business for the sole purpose of getting me to change my mind.”
The idea was so ridiculous Trish couldn’t help but laugh. “You make it sound as if I’m stalking you.”
She expected him to laugh, too. Or at least crack a smile. But her words were met with a chilling silence. This conversation was going from bad to worse.
“Mr. Catomeris?” An older woman tapped Theo’s shoulder. “Will there be restrooms at our next stop?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Theo answered politely.
The woman looked at Trish. “Miss, your friend said to tell you she’s saving you a seat in the back of the van.”
“Thank you.” Trish smiled, then heaved a sigh of relief when the woman scurried off.
“I should get back to the group,” Theo said, but surprisingly he made no move to leave.
Trish shared his reluctance, knowing this was probably