Lucio tried to get comfortable in the chair, which was proving to be a real challenge, since he didn't even feel comfortable in his own skin at that moment.

This one job would be almost enough to pay off his debt to Geographica. He would be in the clear, and could come back and pick up where he left off with Petography. But, of course, he couldn't take the job. He couldn't leave Genevieve and the boys and his business. He did not want to. The idea was preposterous.

They'll give you ten thousand more as a signing bonus if you take the job today.

I cannot take the job today! Lucio said, shaking his head. I cannot take the job at all!

Sydney placed the contract on the glass-topped coffee table. I'm sorryI just thought I heard you turn this down outright.

At the very least I need some time to discuss it with my girlfriend.

Sydney laughed. I've never heard you utter those words, and I'm especially surprised to hear them now.

Lucio frowned.

His agent balanced his elbows on his knees and peered at Lucio like he'd lost his mind. This is Lucky's lucky day, right? When Lucio didn't say anything, Sydney huffed in frustration. Look, I know we've nailed Ilsa Knauss for all that business in China, but she hasn't been charged with anything yet, so you're still on the hook for the cash.

I realize that, Lucio said.

And I know you just started a little side business and you've got a new girl in your life, but if you take this field assignment, you're back in your element. Once you take this job, the whole China debacle will recede into the background and you won't be walking around with ‘bad boy' tattooed on your forehead anymore. This is the break you've been waiting for.

Lucio nodded. I said I needed some time to think it over. He got up to leave.

Sydney stood, as well. Hey, why don't you see if the new girlfriend wants to go along? You'll have to cover her air and hotel, of course, but if she's the adventurous type it might be fun for her.

It was a romantic notiontaking his love to an exotic island paradisebut he doubted Genevieve would appreciate the reality of the flying and crawling insects, dripping humidity, poverty, poisonous plants, and scorching sun. He could set her up at the new Four Seasons in Anahita, but she'd still be left alone while he traipsed through the jungle.

How soon do they need an answer? Lucio asked.

This week.

I'll get back to you. Lucio reached for the doorknob.

I have to say, Piers didn't expect this reaction.

Lucio turned around. Piers? What does he know of this job?

Well, they offered the assignment to him first, but he declined, suggesting they give it to you. We just got the offer yesterday.

Really? Lucio was shocked. Why would Piers turn down such an assignment? He needs the work as much as I do.

Sydney shrugged. I didn't ask. But apparently, he lobbied pretty hard for you. I think he just wants to help.

That is extraordinary, Lucio said, shaking his head. I am surprised, but maybe I shouldn't be. He has always gone out of his way to help me.

Those kinds of friends are one in a million, Lucky.

Indeed. Lucio stood in silence for a moment, letting the situation settle in his brain. Truly, he didn't understand why Piers would do such a thing, and it bothered him. Thank you, Sydney, he said, letting himself out. I'll get back to you soon.

By the time Lucio made it to the underground parking garage where he'd left the car, he knew the reason Piers's intervention was so puzzling: Piers knew all about his feelings for Genevieve. He knew that Lucio was trying to start a relationship with her. So why would Piers be working behind the scenes to get him a job that would send him so far away from her, for such a long time?

Was this jealousy? Was this about Sylvie, somehow?

Lucio turned the key in the ignition, shaking his head at his new level of paranoia. He could not let what happened in China make him doubt everyone in his life. If Lucio allowed that to happen, then Ilsa Knauss would have inflicted a fatal wound.

He picked up his new cell phone and, for the first time, appreciated the convenience. With two clicks of a button, he was ringing Piers's flat.

Buenos dias, mi amigo. Would you mind if I stopped by? he asked.

Piers opened the door to his apartment with a huge grin, his eyes shining with excitement. Lucio immediately saw that Piers assumed he'd come to thank him. It was the happiest he'd seen Piers in months.

Come in! Come in! Piers said. I've been looking at your Web site! What fun you must be having!

Absolutely, Lucio said.

Please, please. Make yourself comfortable. I picked up another bottle of Rioja, thinking we might have something to celebrate. Would you care for a glass?

Lucio laughed. Sure, Piers. That would be nice.

He followed his friend out to the balcony, the spot that had become their private outdoor watering hole.

To new beginnings, Piers said, touching his wine glass to Lucio's.

Salud, Lucio said, taking a sip and leaning back in the chair. He sighed and propped his feet on the iron railing, absently looking out over Green Street four stories below, with its string of Italian restaurants, and on to China Town a few blocks beyond.

So, have you just come from Sydney's? Piers asked, his grin still as wide as when he answered the door.

Yes, Lucio said. It was quite unexpected.

Piers laughed. I thought it would be more fun for you, finding out that way. Do you have any idea how hard it's been for me to keep my mouth shut all these weeks while Nature made their decision? You know how nitpicky Marco LaGuardia is.

He's one of the best photo editors I've ever worked for, Lucio said.

So? Did you sign today?

Ah, Lucio said, setting his glass down on the balcony's concrete floor. I did not sign. I wanted to stop by this afternoon and tell you that I won't be signing at all.

The light left Piers's face. His mouth collapsed and drew in tight. His eyes went flat. But why?

Look, Piers. I appreciate you thinking of me. Lucio touched his friend's trousers, feeling a bony knee beneath the cotton. But the reality is, I do not want to leave. I am happy here. I am not even certain I will accept any more out-of-country field assignments, ever.

Piers cocked his head in surprise, then leaned back in his chair, speechless.

Lucio laughed, a little annoyed by his obtuseness. Piers, just a few weeks ago you were toasting me and Genevieve, wishing us happiness. And then you went right out and tried to have me sent away, halfway across the world?

Piers's mouth fell open. Sent away? Since when does Lucky Montevez see an assignment as a problem? He looked mystified. It pays extremely well, and you need that money. Plus you have a good chance to make the cover, which will put you right back into the game. I do not understand.

Then Lucio saw itPiers truly did not understand. His anger left him. Piers, I wasn't joking when I told you how I felt about Genevieve.

Piers sputtered, then shrugged. I justwell, Lucky, if I may be blunt, it never occurred to me that you were serious when you said that. I mean, when have you ever been committed to a woman? I just assumed He ran a hand over his chin nervously. My God, Lucky, he whispered. None of this is what I intended. I owe you an apology.

He watched as Piers hung his head and shook it back and forth. Lucio gave him a moment to compose himself. He retrieved his wine glass from near his feet and took a couple sips. It is all right, Lucio said.

No! Piers jerked his head up and looked toward Lucio with a pained expression. I am such a poor friend! I did not listen to you. I did not believe you. And now I have caused you grief. He got up from his chair and leaned over the railing.