Chapter 23“Well. How’s that for a huff and puff?” Talya said aloud, looking in puzzlement at the closed door. She went to the bar, poured herself a cognac, and carried the soothing drink to the terrace where she sat in one of the lounge chairs. The wind had not abated. If anything, it was getting stronger. She saw some clouds gather on the horizon. Very much in the same way, clouds were gathering at the rim of her thoughts. She watched the birds dancing overhead and soon began drawing a picture in her mind.
Suddenly, a loud knock at the door brought her back from her conjuring thoughts. It sounded more like a banging. That sort of thing doesn’t get Talya out of her seat usually, quite to the contrary in fact. She remained seated and sipped her cognac. The banging became louder. She leisur
