Page 5 of Nora
A few seconds later, Markley pushed a door open, and they walked into a second dining area. The decor was somewhere between “budget hotel” and “bed-and-breakfast.” The carpet was thin and industrial, and the empty buffet bar was utilitarian. But scattered around the room were tables—some two-tops and some four- and six-tops—made in the Shaker style. And at the very end of the room was yet another fireplace, lined on either side with built-in bookshelves.
“All meals are served here,” Markley said. “The welcome packet in your room lists the hours of operation. If the group decides to cook, we ask that you inform us twenty-four hours ahead of time so we can let our cooks know.” There wasn’t much else to see in the room, and Markley led her back to the hallway. “The welcome packet also has a map of the facilities, and the trail system should you wish to go for a walk or a run.”
When they reached the lounge area again, Nora rested her hand on the handle of her roller bag. “So, the lounge, kitchen, and mess hall are on the ground floor. What about the living quarters?”
Markley smiled. “Come with me, and bring your bags this time.” Nora nodded and followed her through another set of doors and into a long corridor. “This hall houses all the handlers and their K9s. We know the dogs wouldn’t have a problem on any of the floors, but we figured being on the ground floor was easier for the handlers to just pop outside when their dogs need to relieve themselves.” She paused, then added with a smile, “We’ve also heard from other facilities that have hosted this program that the handlers like to have a good time while they are here. We thought putting them closer to the lounge was the best idea. You and the three trainers, however, are up on the top level.”
“Top level?” The building had three levels; it seemed odd to have the handlers on the ground floor and the trainers and her on the third.
Markley pushed a button on the elevator and smiled again. “Trust me, it’s a better floor. The second is essentially dorm rooms with a few private ones mixed in. The top floor originally hosted official guests, so the rooms are bigger and much nicer. There are also a couple of conference rooms for the trainers to work in and an outdoor patio. It’s a little cold for the patio, but it’s got a nice view, and someone recently brought a fire pit up there, so it can be cozy.”
“And will the trainers be using the entire grounds?” Nora asked as the elevator rose.
Markley shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m just here to make sure you all get situated and have what you need. The trainers are in the second conference room, if you want to ask.” They stepped off the elevator and she pointed to the right. “It’s down there, the third door on the left. Your room is this way,” she said, leading Nora to the left and to the end of the hall. It appeared she had a corner room. Right by the door to the outdoor patio and fire pit. Although there was no fire pit hot enough to induce her to sit outside in the below-freezing temperatures.
“Here you go,” Markley said, using a key card to open the door. Moving aside, she made room for Nora to enter with her luggage. “Your key is on the table. If you lose it, let me know and we can key you a new one. Your welcome packet is on the desk as well. Since it’s only you and the trainers for lunch, we just brought it up a few minutes ago. The participants and the K9s will be arriving later this afternoon, and there will be a welcome dinner tonight at seven for everyone.”
“Thank you,” Nora said, setting her duffel bag down on the bed as she wheeled her suitcase beside the dresser. Markley hadn’t been kidding; the room was far better than she’d expected. It had a four-poster king-size bed, gorgeous built-in bookshelves, and its own window seat. The little nook wasn’t quite as cozy as the one in the lounge, but from up on the top floor, it had a spectacular view.
She looked out the window, scanning the grounds that spread out for acres and acres. “Where are the vet facilities?” Nora asked.
“There’s a portable clinic about a quarter of a mile from here. The original vet requested it be put up at that site, rather than close to the living quarters. It’s closer to the field where a lot of training will be taking place. It’s marked on the map if you want to walk over and check it out,” she answered, pointing to the welcome packet.
“I assume it’s locked?” Nora asked.
Markley nodded. “Key is in your welcome packet,” she said.
Again, Nora nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate the tour.”
The woman smiled. “I know I won’t get to interact with the dogs at all, but we’re looking forward to having you all here just the same. Animals tend to make the days go by better, don’t they?”
Nora smiled back. “I couldn’t agree more. And again, thank you. It’s nearly lunchtime, so I’ll grab a bite and then head out to the clinic.”
Markley nodded, then left, shutting the door behind her. Nora stood by the window until she heard the ding of the elevator taking the staff sergeant down to the ground floor. Then moving to a beautifully carved armoire, she opened it and found exactly what she’d expected—a large safe. She hadn’t brought many weapons, but those she had, she pulled from her duffel and locked away.
Eyeing her roller bag, she decided to leave her unpacking for later. She had a few hours before the participants arrived, but she was anxious to see the clinic. After grabbing the map from her welcome packet, she swiped the key from the desk, then made her way to the conference room. Muffled voices filtered through the closed door as she approached and, not wanting to just barge in, she knocked and waited.
“Come in,” a woman called.
Nora poked her head in, then, seeing the food set up along the side wall closest to her, she stepped inside. “I’m Dr. Nora Amiri, the attending vet,” she said.
An older woman, perhaps in her mid-sixties, stepped forward first. “Ingrid Morven, one of the trainers.” Her blue eyes were pale against the warm tone of her skin, and her cropped gray hair curled around her prominent cheekbones.
“Nice to meet you,” Nora said, taking the woman’s outstretched hand.
“And I’m James Topham,” a man about her age, maybe a few years younger, said as he stepped forward to offer his hand.
After she released James’s hand, an awkward silence filled the room as three sets of eyes turned to the last person. The one who hadn’t introduced himself. Although in truth, he had no need to.
Standing on the other side of a long table, Nora studied Lucian Salvitto. He had the same whiskey-colored eyes as Six, but that’s about the only trait he shared with his cousin. At six foot four, Lucian towered over everyone in the room. His Mediterranean skin was darkened by time in the sun, and his black hair was as curly and as unmanageable as it had been the first day she’d met him. Only now it was sprinkled with just the right amount of gray. He’d been a good-looking young man, and he was striking now. If she painted, he’d be a man she’d want to capture with bold oils.
Well, if he weren’t scowling at her.
“Lucian,” she said with a nod. She didn’t walk over and extend her hand. Nor did she greet him with a kiss on each cheek. His countenance all but screamed at her to stay away, and so she did. Although she didn’t understand why. The last time she’d seen him had been three years earlier. She’d stopped by Rome on her way home from Jordan and joined Six’s parents for a dinner he’d also attended. He’d been quiet, but friendly. Nothing like the man now glaring at her.
“Nora,” he finally said. She held his gaze, then dropped it and turned away. James and Ingrid shared a look. But even if Nora had been inclined to explain Lucian’s attitude toward her, she wouldn’t have been able to.
“I understand there’s lunch?” she asked.
