“Well, I’ll be damned.” My frown became a full-blown smirk. “Fate just played right into my hands it seems.”
“I did say you were luckier than most.” He chuckled making me smile in response.
“That makes things a lot easier. We have an opening then?”
“We do.” Hands sliding into his pockets, he neared me. “I believe she’s requested some personal time off. Something about a long-needed vacation.”
My laugh was light. “And I’m certain you had no hand in that.”
“She was most willing, son. After all, it is our school.” He gestured for me to walk with him. “Everything’s been arranged. There’s just one snag.” He hesitated momentarily as we climbed the staircase to the second floor. “I want you to give it a month.”
Surprised, I stopped to look at him. “I don’t understand. The sooner I find Snow the better.”
“I’ve always been frank with you, son, you must trust me on this.” His words baffled me, his face completely unreadable. This was his speciality as I’d come to learn. The more he felt emotionally, the less he showed.
“As you wish, father.” We began walking again, my mind still a whirlwind over his request.
At his bedroom door, I wished him goodnight then he touched my arm. “I’ve always had your best interest at heart, Saint and I will continue to do so until I no longer can, you do understand that, don’t you?”
“Yes, off course,” I replied, my confusion soaring.
“Thank you.”
I stared at his closed door for a few long seconds then shook my head. Raking a slow hand through my hair, I headed toward my room mulling over his words and wondering what was in store for me. Was it something I could handle? Of course, I could. Pausing at the French doors leading onto my bedroom balcony, I stared at the midnight blue sky and uttered a soft laugh. Who was I kidding? I might be a Professor of Archaeology at the Winthrop College of England where surprise discoveries were my forte, high school, however, was a different ball game altogether.
Cupping my neck, I rolled my neck to ease the tension. Whatever the case, it had to be done. This was too important for just anyone to do. I crossed the floor to the bathroom. Even if I desperately wanted to, I could never back out. It wasn’t just about me anymore. Our family history depended on me finding Snow.
San Francisco – Two weeks later
