Helsinki Sunrise by Marion Ueckermann Page A

slowly came to life, and it didn’t look like her weird screensaver. “What’s happening?”
    “Patience, Adam. Not long now and you’ll see I didn’t lie.”
    Adam’s mouth dropped open. Was it possible the curved lines he’d just seen could turn into a picture so lifelike? It was like staring at a photograph. “You’re right. It is an abandoned boat.” Flanked by tall reeds, the dirty white vessel lay toppled over at the edge of a lake. Water filled the inside and moss tinged the sides green. “You made that out of nothing?”
    She nodded.
    “Is this part of the work you have to do this week?”
    “One of three.”
    “What are the others?”
    “A pirate ship and a damsel in distress.”
    “Does the damsel look like you?”
    “Maybe.” Eveliina stroked his hand with her fingers. “Why, do I look in distress?”
    With a grin and a wink, he answered. “Maybe. But don’t worry, help is on the way.”
    “Oh. Are you going to rescue me, Adam Carter?”
    Adam wanted to tell her Jesus was the only one who could save her, but to do so now could be like waving his Lifesaver T-shirt in her face again. He had to work gently with Eveliina’s heart.
    “So, what are they for? The graphics?” Adam found her work fascinating.
    “A 3D movie we’re working on. Pirates of the Ostrobothnian .”
    Now the screensaver made more sense. “Sounds like fun, but hard work.”
    “It is.”
    “You’ve done a great job so far.” Although Adam meant every word, he knew he was stalling. He really wanted to speak of more important things. In answer to his desires, the screen filled with the familiar picture of Blondie. Adam knew the pirate was on his way.
    Eveliina wiggled the mouse again and the abandoned boat appeared. Whoever the man on her screen was, she clearly didn’t want Adam asking about him.
    Which is exactly why he did.
    “Who was that?” Despite trying to sound casual, Adam feared the question screamed jealousy.
    “Who?”
    “The blond man on the screen.”
    “Oh, that’s Joel.”
    So it was Joel. Adam pursed his lips. Screensavers are usually of loved ones—children, parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses. Either that or landscapes. Adam had never heard of anyone using an image of their boss as a screensaver.
    He wanted to ask her more—about the pirates, about Savant—but if he did, Eveliina would know he’d looked at her laptop and think he’d been prying.
    But Adam didn’t have to ask.
    “Every time we start a new project, Joel makes a screensaver that’s compulsory for each employee’s computer.” She shut the laptop. “Always a picture of him that’s obliterated by whatever 3D character happens to be the protagonist of the movie we’re working on. He finishes the screensaver with the name of his company— Savant .”
    “Sounds fun.”
    Eveliina pulled a face. “As amusing as they are, the only person who thinks these screensavers emulate the company’s name is Joel. I’ve tried many times to discourage him, but he’s stubborn. How can I tell him that disgruntled employees delight in seeing him destroyed by Timmy the Field Mouse, The Lemmings of Lapland, or this time by Captain Swashbuckle?”
    “Let me guess, the pirates are coming?” Adam raised his brows.
    She giggled. “Attacking my screen every chance they get.”
    “It’s nice someone cares for your boss. You’re a good person, Eveliina.”
    “Not really.”
    “Why? Are you one of those who on occasion secretly delight in destroying Joel?”
    Eveliina looked away and began tidying up the table.
    Adam turned her around to face him. He spoke cautiously, careful not to offend. “Or do you care because Joel is more than your boss?”
    She pushed past Adam. “It’s getting late. You should probably get the mattress into the sauna.”
    He stopped her, holding her gently on the wrist.
    “Are you in love with Joel?”
    Her answer was swift. “No.”
    Adam believed her. But her response didn’t satisfy. “Are you