Dark Tribute--An Eve Duncan Novel

by Iris Johansen

  “I’m not doing well. Let’s face it. I might be dying.”

  Another silence. “You can’t die. Mom needs you. I need you.”

  “Yeah, I keep forgetting about that. This fever…”

  “You mustn’t forget that, Dad. Not ever. Maybe the fever will go away for a little while. I’ll concentrate and try to help…”

  * * *

  “We’re almost there, Svardak,” Abrams said into his phone. “No sign of anyone following.” He glanced at Cara lying on the backseat. “She’s been docile as a lamb the entire trip. Though I might have had something to do with it. I told her how eager you’ve been to see her again. Do you want to talk to her?”

  “By all means. I want to tell her myself.”

  Abrams turned on the speaker and handed the phone to Lacher in the passenger seat. “Hold it and let Svardak welcome her.”

  Lacher grinned and turned around to extended the phone to within a couple feet of Cara in the backseat.

  “Hello, Cara,” Svardak said mockingly. “It appears that Kaskov doesn’t have any family feeling for you at all. I wasn’t sure that he’d actually go through with it.”

  “Neither was I,” Cara said. “I actually thought he might help me. I didn’t have anyone else.”

  “Kaskov has never cared for anyone but himself. Anna could have told you how he hunted her down. How he hunted my father and brother. He was never like us. He doesn’t know the meaning of family.”

  “And you do? I guess you’re right, you nearly crippled him because of your ‘family’ feeling. Maybe you taught him not to feel anything for anyone. So here I am.”

  “And I’m so happy you are.” His voice lowered to soft malice. “I was looking forward to killing you where I could watch you join your friend Marian Napier, but Joe Quinn is much better. He’s very sick, and just a few minutes ago, I kept hearing him mutter in his sleep. I can do so much with a helpless man that will wrench that soft heart of yours. I can hardly wait.”

  She felt sick. “I’ve already told you that you never really won anything from Marian. And Joe is so strong and good that he’s way beyond what you’ll ever be.”

  “We shall see. I’ve been thinking about crucifixion. You must tell me your view on it when I see you in the next several minutes. I can hardly wait. I believe I’ll go out on the porch to wait so I’ll be the first person you’ll see when I welcome you home.” He cut the connection.

  Lacher was laughing as he handed the phone back to Abrams. “You can’t say he’s not imaginative. Have you ever seen a crucifixion, Abrams?”

  “No, but I hope he was talking about the bitch and not Quinn.” He glanced over his shoulder at Cara. “I’d be glad to help.”

  “Several minutes,” Cara said. “We’re that close?”

  “The turn off the main road is about five miles ahead,” Abrams said. “Nervous?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t care that the admission brought him pleasure. He could take that any way he wanted. She was nervous, and she was desperately trying to wrap her mind around the coming scenario. Abrams in the driver’s seat. Lacher in the passenger seat. The other two guards in the truck bed. Any way she looked at it, there was probably going to be a collision with one of those tall trees that lined the road if she used that rope on Abrams or Lacher.

  Hell yes, she was nervous.

  * * *

  Jock wiped the blood off his knife on a shrub beside the trail. Then he rolled the body of the guard he’d just taken out down the incline, where he wouldn’t be readily seen.

  Not that it would likely matter. He’d been the last of the men guarding the woods bordering the lake. Jock had taken out the others with no trouble, and it wasn’t likely that anyone from the station would be checking on them in the next fifteen or twenty minutes.

  And Cara would have arrived by that time.

  Don’t think about her now. It would disturb his concentration, and he couldn’t allow that to happen.

  And don’t take anything for granted. Climb up to the ridge and see if he could see Abrams’s headlights before he went to meet Eve and Cheknof. He turned and started trotting up the slope.

  His phone vibrated before he reached the top of the ridge.

  He went still as he saw the ID. He punched the access. “Why are you calling, Kaskov? I already know that you delivered her to Abrams.” He had to ask it. “Was she … okay the last time you saw her?”

  “As good as could be expected. No, better, she’s extraordinary. It must be my blood. I’d like to expound on that theory, but I don’t have time.” His voice became brusque. “She should be arriving at that exit off the main road in about fifteen minutes according to the GPS I had Nikolai install in Abrams’s truck while they were gathered around her congratulating themselves. I thought you’d appreciate advance notice. We’ll be seeing Abrams’s headlights before that.”

  He stiffened. “We? Did you decide to bring Nikolai and your band of goons to help her? It’s a little late. You could get both her and Joe killed if anyone makes a false step.”

  “I’m not a fool, Gavin. Don’t insult me. I’m well aware how delicately this has to be handled. Cara made it clear that Quinn must not be harmed. Which puts me in a difficult and awkward situation. If I brought in Nikolai or any other of my men, it would be too obvious.” He paused. “But I found I couldn’t bear that Svardak might get the better of me. So I decided that I’d come and finish up the matter myself and, at least, make certain that you don’t get Cara killed.”

  “How?”

  “I have no idea. Because of the circumstances, Cara is having to play this all by ear. I could only furnish her with an interesting and lethal weapon. However, with my invaluable help, that could make all the difference. We both know how brilliant I am. It shouldn’t be that difficult.”

  “You’re here at the station?”

  “And moving around the property…” He added softly, “As you are. I’ve counted five of Svardak’s men that you’ve taken out so far. There are probably more since you’re so good at what you do. I just thought it time that I tell you that I’m here in case you get tired of the blood and gore and offer you my possible assistance.”

  “On your terms,” Jock said curtly.

  “Of course. Otherwise, we handle this on our own. Which I’d prefer anyway.”

  “I’ll let you know if I need you.” Jock cut the connection. He started back up the slope, then stopped. If Kaskov said fifteen minutes, then it would be an accurate time frame. He turned around and started back down the slope. No matter how arrogant Kaskov could be, he was every bit as brilliant and skilled as he claimed. Jock could rely on that about him, and in a life-or-death situation like this, he’d take whatever he could get.

  He pulled out his phone and started to dial Eve to tell her to come and meet him.

  It was time.

  * * *

  “I saw the truck headlights on my way here.” Jock appeared from the brush beside the tree line where Eve and Cheknof were waiting near the ranger station. “Abrams should be hitting that exit road in a few minutes. Get ready.”

  “I don’t need to be told that,” Cheknof said. “You’re Gavin? I’ve heard of you. You should be the one going with me instead of this woman. Kaskov would like it better.”

  “Tough. Wrong thing to say at the moment. I don’t take orders from Kaskov.” He gave him an icy glance. “And you’ll hear a lot more about me if you don’t do your job and get Eve and Joe out of there.” He glanced at Eve. “Trouble?”

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” She glanced at the two guards in front of the house, then at the Remington 700 rifle Jock was carrying. “You don’t think Cara’s going to be able to cause a distraction? You’re going to shoot out the tires?”

  “I’m going to be prepared to do it. I’ll give Cara her chance. But I just monitored a call from Abrams to Svardak.” His glance went back to the road. “They were very sure Cara was completely helpless.”

  And that call must h
ave been hell for Jock to listen to, Eve thought. The thought of it was scaring her, too.

  Joe. Concentrate on Joe.

  Her glance flew to the front porch of the station. In minutes, she’d be with Joe. In minutes, she’d be able to get him out of there.

  Pray God, she’d be able to get him out of there alive.

  She tensed as she saw Svardak strolling out on the deck of the front porch.

  Her glance flew to Jock’s face.

  “Still okay,” he whispered. “The arrogant bastard said he wanted to welcome her home. He’s playing mind games with her.” His hand tightened on the Remington. “One way or another, you’ll be able to get Joe away from him, Eve. We’ll just have to give Cara her chance to distract the son of a bitch first.”

  * * *

  The headlights were spearing the road ahead, and Cara could see that there was a drainage ditch on both sides of the road. The woods seemed deeper, thicker along this stretch. In the distance, she could see the lights of a building glowing in the darkness.

  Where Svardak was waiting for her.

  It was time to try the ropes.

  And she had to trust Kaskov that they would even work.

  She shifted her bare palm coated with the liquid to touch the rope binding her wrists.

  No hiss. No burning sensation. Just a stretching, loosening …

  Maybe not loose enough …

  Stop doubting.

  She moved her hand to the ropes around her body. It took an instant longer, but they loosened. She couldn’t touch the ones at her ankles yet. She wanted to wait until Abrams exited the main road, when the truck slowed down to a crawl to make the turn. How long had it taken her to loosen those ropes? Longer than she had thought. She was feeling the truck slow as Abrams put on the brakes to make the turn onto the exit.

  Use the rope as a garrote, Kaskov had said.

  What did she know about garrotes? But the ropes that had bound her wrists were the logical ones for the purpose.

  She took the rope with both hands. The rope felt hotter than when she’d taken it off, as if it had been storing energy.

  Imagination?

  Then Abrams began to make his turn.

  And Cara swung her legs to the floor and sat up! The next instant she’d looped the rope around Abrams’s neck and pulled it tight!

  He screamed! “What the hell are you—”

  His throat smelled like burnt flesh, and he frantically lifted his hands from the wheel and tried to tear off the rope.

  Lacher was gazing at him with mouth open.

  “Get her!” Abrams shouted, his eyes bulging. “Kill her!”

  The truck bounced down in the ditch and careened toward an oak tree.

  Cara let loose of the rope and covered her face with her arms.

  Crash!

  CHAPTER

  18

  “Holy shit!” Jock watched the truck hit the tree and the smoke and fire ignite beneath the hood. “What the hell did she do? That’s not a distraction. That could be suicide.” He was already on the move. “Go! Inside, Eve.”

  “Right.” Eve knew they’d never get a better chance. She had seen Svardak run down the steps and start toward the wreckage at the side of the road. The scene was complete chaos. The brilliant headlights lit the oak tree it had smashed against. Someone was lying on the horn, and it was blaring raucously. The two guards were leaving the station and running toward the wreckage. Svardak was shouting and cursing at the driver as he saw someone crawling from the front seat. “Come on, Cheknof.” She was up the steps to the porch in seconds. Then she was pushing the glass door with its Red Cross emblem.

  Joe!

  She inhaled sharply as she saw him. Dear God, he looked ill.

  Cheknof was pushing her aside. “Is he dead? No, he’s not dead. Kaskov won’t be upset unless he’s dead. We still have to get him out.”

  She was sick to death of hearing about Kaskov at this moment, which was all about Joe. She wished Michael hadn’t seen fit to press that particular button. But now wasn’t the time to do anything about it. “Yes, we do.” She ran to the examining table. “You cut the ropes. I’ll get the cuffs.” She bent over Joe and pulled the wire she’d brought out of her pocket. She worked the wire back and forth in the cuffs. Her hands were shaking.

  Hot. Oh, God, his skin is so hot.

  She snapped off the cuffs.

  “Eve…”

  Her gaze flew to Joe’s face.

  His eyes were open. “You shouldn’t … be here.”

  “Yes, I should.”

  He shook his head. “Have to … get you out.” He was trying to sit up. “Told Michael … shouldn’t be anywhere near here. Let’s go…”

  “Right.” She put her arm around his waist. “Cheknof will help. Lean on him.”

  Cheknof was already half lifting him from the exam table. “You’re worse than useless,” he told Eve. “Gavin should have come. Now we have to move faster, or he might die. He’ll probably die anyway. I’d leave him, but Kaskov wouldn’t be pleased.” He was dragging Joe across the room. “If I decide to do it, you’ll tell Kaskov it’s not my fault?”

  “I won’t have to tell him. Joe’s not going to die.” She took out her gun and pointed it at him. “And you’re not going to leave him. If you try, I’ll blow your head off, and Kaskov will give me a medal. But you’re right, we do have to move fast.” She slipped the gun back in her pocket. The warning might be enough. Cheknof was looking at her with distinct wariness. He was very familiar with violence, he just hadn’t realized he could expect it from her. But she had to make certain she could do this alone if he caused problems. She looked up at Joe’s face as she helped him toward the outer door. His eyes were open, and they were fixed on her. “Walk, Joe,” she whispered. “Help us. This Cheknof is completely obnoxious, and he’s driving me crazy. I’m not going to let him be right about this.”

  He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving her face. For an instant the faintest smile indented his lips. “Ob … noxious … Eve?” He staggered forward.

  Yes!

  Then they were outside and moving down the steps. The truck horn was still blaring and she did not know how long they’d been inside. Not long. Svardak and the guards were still milling around the wreckage. She shot a quick glance to try to see where Cara had gone. Where was she, she wondered in agony. Not in the truck. Had she run into the woods? Svardak must think so since he was running in that direction.

  She had to let it go. Not her job. Let Jock handle it. She had her hands full with getting Joe away from here. She didn’t know how long she had before Jock would blow that C-4. She tore her eyes away from the wreck and tightened her hold around Joe’s waist.

  Another four yards, and they’d get to the tree line.

  Two yards.

  One.

  The ranger station blew, sending glass and wood into the sky!

  Eve staggered and had to struggle to keep herself from falling.

  Then they were in the woods, the black smoke from the blast hiding them from view.

  If they’d not already been seen.

  * * *

  Her head was bleeding, Cara realized dazedly. She pushed herself off the floor, where she’d been flung by the impact.

  That horn blaring … It was driving her crazy.

  The ropes around her ankles. She had to get them off …

  Easy … Just like the others had been …

  She was sore, but there didn’t seem to be any broken bones.

  A groan from the front seat!

  She froze. Abrams?

  Her gaze flew to the driver’s seat.

  She nearly threw up.

  That groan hadn’t been from Abrams.

  His throat and neck were almost burned through, and the rope was still sizzling, eating the flesh and muscle.

  Another groan.

  It was Lacher. He was half out of the passenger seat and fell to the ground as she watched.

  It jarred her into mot
ion.

  Svardak …

  She had to get out of here, too.

  The next moment she had thrown open the back door and was tumbling out onto the oil-wet ground. She lifted her head and saw that Abrams’s three guards, who had been riding in the truck bed, had been thrown out during the collision. They looked dazed but were slowly sitting up, one man already on his knees. Down the road, she saw more men running toward the truck from the ranger station.

  And behind them she saw someone else.

  Svardak!

  Run.

  She rolled over and bent to jerk off the rope still wound around her ankle.

  Heat.

  She could still smell Abrams’s seared flesh. Her hand instinctively started to open to drop the rope.

  Svardak.

  A weapon.

  Her hand tightened on the rope.

  She turned and ran into the woods.

  * * *

  “Dad!”

  Michael jumped up and ran toward Eve, Joe, and Cheknof as they staggered out of the trees toward the bank of the lake.

  “No, Michael. Get in the boat.” Eve shook her head as they came closer. “He’s really sick. It’s a wonder he’s still on his feet. But he’s getting weaker all the time. We have to get him out of here and over to the other bank. We don’t know what effect that explosion will trigger with those goons of Svardak’s. They could be searching the forest for the people who did it right now.”

  But Michael was standing before Joe, his gaze on his face. “Not yet.” There was such a look of glowing love as he looked up at him that Eve remembered that golden moment at the lake cottage when she’d watched them working on the Jeep together. Then he wrapped his arms around Joe for just an instant. “You did good.” His voice was muffled against Joe’s shirt. “You got her out and took care of her. But it’s not over. Now we have to make sure she’s safe, and she won’t be safe unless you are. Just a little longer, Dad. You have to get across the lake and hold on until the doctors get to you.” He took a step back, and Eve saw his eyes were glittering with moisture. “Do you hear me? You know I’m right. You have to do it.”