Iris Johansen - Always

Dear Reader,

Ive always loved Clancy Donahue. He seems like an old friend because Ive used him as a continuing secondary character in many of the Sedikhan series books. As a security chief it also seemed natural that he flowed into the Clanad series. He was always a strong force to be reckoned with, but he stayed in the background.

As you know, my heroes are usually larger than life and tend to be dashing. Clancy seemed a great contrast to them because he was both mature and steady. Then I took a good look at Clancy and started wondering What was he really like? He was tough, experienced, and hed had to have had a pretty rough life. Maybe that quiet strength hid elements I hadnt seen before.

I started to write and suddenly I discovered Clancy Donahue was definitely larger than life himself. Oh yes, and very dashing. Particularly when faced with his own romantic destiny in Lisa Landon. Throw in suspense, passion, and a hunt for terrorists, and Clancy began to take my breath away.

I hope you enjoy getting to really know him as much as I did.

Iris Johansen

Iris Johansen knows how to win instant fans. Associated Press

Iris Johansen is a powerful writer. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

[Iris Johansen is] one of the romance genres finest treasures. Romantic Times

A master among master storytellers. Affaire de Coeur

Johansen serves up a diverting romance and plot twists worthy of a mystery novel. Publishers Weekly

[Iris] Johansen has a magical quality. Library Journal

[Johansen is] a consummate artist who wields her pen with extraordinary power and grace. Rave Reviews

Iris Johansen is a bestselling author for the best reasonshes a wonderful storyteller. Catherine Coulter

Iris Johansen is incomparable. Tami Hoag

If this book is coverless, it may have been reported to the publisher as unsold or destroyed and neither the author nor the publisher may have received payment for it.

Always is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 1986 by Iris Johansen

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Bantam Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.

B ANTAM B OOKS and the rooster colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

Originally published in paperback in the United States by Bantam Loveswept, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., in 1986.

eISBN: 978-0-553-90815-2

Cover art copyright: Eileen Carey

www.bantamdell.com

v3.1

C LANCY D ONAHUE LEANED back in the plush visitors chair and stretched his long legs out before him. So she arrived four days ago in Paradise Cay, he commented. His eyes narrowed as Len Berthold nodded, then nervously shifted papers on the desk before him. And what the hells wrong with you, Len? Youre acting skittish as the devil.

I am skittish. Berthold grimaced. I dont like being part of one of your games, Clancy. Im an administrator now, out of the line of fire. Id like it just fine if you set your little trap somewhere else.

Too bad, Clancy said, and shrugged. Your safe haven was the most convenient place to put the bait. His indolent position hadnt changed, but he was suddenly exuding a force that was almost tangible. Paradise Cay is one of Sedikhans possessions; this hotel casino is in Paradise Cay. I made you manage here two years ago because youre tough, honest, and obey orders. His voice lowered to a silky murmur. Do I have to tell you what would happen if I found you lacking in any of those qualities?

Len moistened his lips. No, Donahue didnt have to tell him. It was all right there in the expression in those ice-blue eyes. He had known Donahue; security chief and right-hand man to Alex Ben Raschid, reigning head of Sedikhan, for over six years. Personally he had never run across a situation that didnt yield to the power Donahue wielded so effortlessly. But he had heard stories about the security chiefs more direct methods, a number of which were violent and ruthless.

From the time word arrived that Donahue was flying in to handle personally the Landon matter, Len had known his comfortable berth here in Paradise Cay would probably heat up to a far from comfortable temperature. He cleared his throat. It was just a comment, Clancy. You know Ill cooperate fully. Ive obeyed your instructions to the letter. The Landon woman has been singing in the cafe since night before last. He frowned thoughtfully. You know, shes not bad. Shes got He hesitated as if searching for the appropriate word, then shrugged. I dont know. Something.

Im not here to enjoy her singing talents, Clancy said a bit sarcastically. Have you got Galbraith watching her?

Of course; Ive had her under total surveillance since the moment she checked in. Berthold smiled faintly. I havent gotten that soft in the head since I left your service. She hasnt drawn a breath that we havent known about. Baldwin definitely hasnt contacted her yet. Ive also had a man calling the other hotels on the island every evening, and no man of his description has checked in.

Donahue frowned. Youre sure?

Im sure. We circulated copies of that picture you sent, of course. He hasnt shown. Berthold brightened. Maybe hes lost interest in the woman.

No way. Hell show, Clancy said grimly. Wherever Lisa Landon appears, he pops up like a jack-in-the-box. Hes obsessed with her, and obsessions like that dont just lose their hold all of a sudden.

But she divorced him over three years ago, according to what you told me, Berthold said. Maybe hes finally taken the hint that hes not wanted.