Sonja looked back, past the jackalberry tree that the new deck had been constructed around, to the dining area beyond. A few of the guests lingered there and she saw Tracey looking at her, and at Stirling. ‘Is it serious?’
‘With Tracey? I think so. We’ve been together for three months. She’s living with me here.’
He thinks so. ‘She’s very pretty.’
‘And young. I know what you’re thinking.’
‘It’s none of my business,’ Sonja said.
‘I know why Steele has offered you to the Americans as a bodyguard,’ he said, changing the subject.
‘Really? Then perhaps you can explain it to me.’
He looked around. ‘You’re a mercenary.’
‘Says who?’
Stirling shrugged. ‘Word gets around. Everyone knows you went off to join the army, but you left after only a year or two. You know how Maun feeds on gossip.
