Chapter Twenty-Nine
Penny is trained to observe. She notices the host, Josef Kostan, first. Pale, handsome, quite young although showing signs of aging mostly in the graying hair around his temples and a few wrinkles around the eyes. His smile welcomes her, as if she has known him a long time which is, of course, impossible. But still it is almost hypnotic… and then she sees the large man in the custom made tux towering over Kostan.
"It can't be!" Penny is horrified that her thoughts have become spoken words.
Another man and two women approach. The man is obviously Scots: drop dead gorgeous, dark hair with a full beard also graying. Curious, Penny thinks, it's almost as if the men are trying to look older. The two women are beautiful also. One is an unsmiling but striking brunette, the other a petite blonde with a big, open smile.
The blonde comes up and introduces herself, while putting her arm through Penny's and subtlety guiding her out of the reception area. The others follow, except for Thor who has seen the signal to stay. He has learned his commands well.
"Dr. Lundgren, I'm Beth St. John. This is my husband, Mick, and Josef's wife, Simone. We're so surprised but pleased you could come. However did you hear about our dear friends' weddings?"
