The swimming pool area was stunning, a small azure lake surrounded by white cement with numerous flowers floating in the water. Baskets of flowers decorated the edges of the patio, as palm trees stood guard in the background. Several people swam in the pool, while others basked in the early morning sun on loungers. Two beautiful young women passed them, and Alex noticed them give Nick a smile.

"This place is gorgeous, isn't it," she said to him.

"Yeah, gorgeous. And nice scenery too," Nick said, his head swiveling to ogle the women. "Hey, I'm seeing a lot of women with flowers in their hair."

"Hmm, I didn't notice. So which side were they wearing them?" Alex grinned at the look on his face. "At least now you know which ones you'll be able to go after."

"That'll narrow down your search, Nick," Rachel teased, "to half the women on the island."

"Ha, ha. Well, let's not forget, Alex, that you're wearing one over your right ear, so I could always go after you." He glanced at the younger Dutch man now talking to Derek and lowered his voice. "That is, if Mr. van Dissen doesn't try for you first."

The dark woman colored, glaring at the ex-SEAL. He shrugged. "Hey, did you think we didn't see you with that guy?"

"Derek saw it as well?" She tried to keep her tone casual but her heart quickened. Maybe it would be good for him to see that someone else would be interested in her.

The young Dutchman in question shook the older one's hand. "It was a pleasure, Dr. Rayne, but I must return to the consulate." He walked back toward them. "I hope you all have a wonderful stay here in Bora Bora." He took Alex's hand. "And please call on me if I can be of any assistance."

"Thank you." She watched him as he walked away. Maybe he could show her something of the island... She turned, hearing a loud cough.

"It's only a little bit further," Mr. Martan said to them. "I promise."

"Good," Nick said, lowering his voice as the group continued to walk down a pathway. "It looks like we're leaving civilization. Are we going to live in those trees over there?" He pointed to a large thicket ahead of them. However, they soon rounded a corner on the path, and Alex stared at the incredible sight that was suddenly before her.

"Isn't this lovely..." Rachel softly said beside her.

The sapphire waters of the small lagoon reflected in the bright sunlight. A wooden walkway, with posts and ropes on each side, led away from the beach to thatched bungalows built over the water. Two large baskets of flowers greeted visitors at the entrance to the boardwalk, adding a wonderful fragrance to the air.

"If you'll follow me to your rooms, please." The manager smiled and started down the pathway. They walked for a number of yards until they reached the first group of bungalows. Walking straight ahead, however, they then turned onto a walkway which went off to the right. They passed more bungalows, until they took another turn to the left that brought them out to yet another set of bungalows that faced out to sea.

"Now this first one is Ms. Moreau's room." He slipped the card key into the lock and opened the door.

Alex gasped. "Oh... This is beautiful..." She entered into a small sitting area with a sofa, chair and coffee table. Gazing around the room, she noted that the walls seemed to be made of tan-colored, woven reeds between wooden beams. She was reminded of a hut on a desert island, except for the king-size bed in the back of the room. Attractively paneled, sliding doors separated the two areas. Flowers and a large palm leaf decorated the bed covering, and more flowers and fruit were on the coffee table.

She walked toward the bed. To the right, a balcony extended along the entire side of the room. The vista that lay beyond that was breathtaking. The lagoon and the azure water glistened, and in the distance a mountain rose from another island. A long window in the bedroom looked out upon the scene as well. Overhead, the sun shimmered through the thatched material on the roof, giving the room a golden glow. "This is absolutely beautiful."

"The other rooms are very similar to this one," Mr. Martan said, "except that she has the spectacular view on three sides." He indicated the left side of the room. "Now over here is the bathroom area. You'll note that it's quite spacious. You have a full shower and an oversize tub, and..." he pointed to the floor below, "a view of the lagoon below you."

"Good grief." Rachel giggled as she glanced into the tub. "You can sit in the bath and see the lagoon underneath you."

"Oh, my God. This bathroom is huge!" Alex said as she went into it. A large sink and mirror were opposite the tub, and partially opened windows flanked the vanity mirror. As with the other rooms, sunlight gleamed down from above. "And these countertops..." She gently skimmed her fingertips along its polished, smooth surface.

"There's another view of the lagoon below in the center of the room." He led them back out to the sitting area and removed a rug from the floor. Beneath them, through the glass pane, they could see the sparkling water. "If you should feel like feeding the fish, the coffee table top releases here." Alex and Rachel laughed as he demonstrated.

Nick grinned. "So someone could come along and look up to see your butt."

The manager smiled. "Only if you choose to allow it by removing the rug." Alex bit her lip as her eyes met Derek's. No, she'd better not say anything further on that subject or they might all collapse in laughter.

"Why is this package here?" Alex said instead, poking at the large box on the bed.

"Why don't you peek inside and see?" Derek wore a mischievous smile.

She unsealed the box and pulled out a hat woven from reeds. "It's a Tahitian one, made in the area," the precept told her. Underneath were several bottles of suntan lotion and a large envelope. She fingered the edge of the latter, and she saw a large amount of local currency within it. Her eyes grew wide. "Derek..." Her eyes locked with his, full of questions.

"Wow, do we all get one of these?" Nick asked, gazing over Alex's shoulder.

"I believe there is one in each of your rooms. If you'll follow me, Mrs. Corrigan is in this next one..." Mr. Martan left the room, and Rachel headed out the door with him.

"Alex�" Nick was about to leave when he turned to allow her out first. But she wasn't moving, and neither was Derek. She saw the smile on the young man's face as he left the room and closed the door behind him.

"So you like the room?" Derek asked softly.

She smiled, shaking her head. "Are you kidding? 'Like' doesn't come close. This is gorgeous, Derek." Alex moved out onto the balcony and sensed the man behind her. "This for starters." She indicated the panorama in front of them, then turned to study him. "I'm just curious as to why you're doing this."

"Why?" He moved to stand beside her. "Doing what?" he said, his voice all innocence.

She gave him a steady look. "Oh, I don't know. Flying us to Bora Bora." She picked up the envelope from the package. "Giving us all money to spend."

"Living down here can be quite expensive," he shrugged. She gave him a harder look and was startled when he laughed. "All right, let's simply say it was something I learned at the portal."

"And what would that be?" She moved closer to him, and her voice softened as her hand touched his. "Why haven't you told us what happened at the portal?"

"I will," he said just as quietly. He cleared his throat. "But I'm afraid I can't do it at the moment." He pulled his hand away and headed for the door as she sighed. "I need to make some phone calls. I promise you this, though," he said, turning back to her. "I will tell you tonight after dinner."

"After dinner..."

He nodded. "Meet me tonight at the hotel restaurant. It's called the Tevairoa. I've made reservations for the four of us at 6 o'clock. There's going to be a special Polynesian show. Tell the others, and don't forget to dress for dinner."

Alex watched him leave, musing on what a complex man he was before this change in him. But now� She sighed again and began unpacking her bags.

End part 8