alastair macleod 
The Falcon 

‘Marco noticed her right hand, it was covered in shallow red scars. She followed his gaze. “Sharp talons, ” she laughed, “my glove came off! By the way, I’m Antonietta Cristaldi, I run the place. What can I do for you anyway? She said, as she set down a minute percolator and cups. Marco studied her features. Small dark eyes, black shoulder length hair, a petite, red, pert mouth.“You see, ‘ she said, ‘I’m totally committed to birds and falconry. It’s all I want to do.” She got up and began pacing up and down’