Eve gave her a quick hug. “That won’t happen.”
“Of course it won’t.” Darcy broke her silence as she got to her feet. “I don’t have that many friends. I won’t lose you, Cara.” She looked at Eve. “I’m going with you.”
“No.”
“Oh, yes.” Darcy’s smiled sardonically. “Though as usual, I haven’t been given an invitation. Norwalk regards me as unimportant, a nonentity, perhaps just a statement. Do you know, Eve, when we opened that gold box and saw the broken mirror, I thought it was a warning for me? But it wasn’t, he’s through with me. It was to tell you that he was going to kill Michael.” Her lips tightened. “Well, I’m not through with him. I’m not going to let him hurt that little boy as he did Sylvie.”
“I don’t know what you can do,” Eve said quietly.
“I’m very talented and innovative. I’ll find a way to make myself useful. When do we leave?”
She could tell that Darcy would not be dissuaded. Who would have more reason than her to want Norwalk destroyed? “Sometime today.” Eve got to her feet. “Jock and Joe might want some more time here. But regardless, I’ll be in New Orleans by late tonight.”
“I’ll start packing.” Darcy looked over her shoulder. “But I believe it’s time for you to ask Joe to get me that gun we talked about. It could help if innovation doesn’t work.”
Guns, Eve thought as she felt a ripple of shock go through her. Weapons and danger and these two young women who might have to contend with both. All to help her and Michael and rid the world of Rory Norwalk. But it was going to be such a dangerous path. It wasn’t fair to them. What could she do to make it safer? She could think of only one way.
“Eve?” Cara was studying her. “Okay?”
“It will be.” She reached for her phone. “As okay as I can manage right now.”
She dialed quickly. Kaskov answered in three rings.
“I’ve seen the CNN report about the explosions, Eve,” he said quietly. “You have my deepest sympathy regarding your son. I hope you’re not calling because you have some misguided notion that I had anything to do with it.”
“I don’t want your sympathy. I want your help. And I’m going to get it. You probably started most of this, but we’re caught in the middle of it. So I’m going to tell you what’s been happening and what I need you to do. And you will do it, Kaskov.”
* * *
The embers of the fire at Gwinnet Square were still flaring to life occasionally, but the search and recovery teams were at work when Jock and Joe reached the disaster area. So was a police command center, several police officers and plainclothesmen, and two television crews.
“I’ll go check and see if any of the officers who worked that night noticed anyone suspicious,” Joe said. “Cops know pyromaniacs often like to stay and watch their destruction, and someone taking photos should have attracted attention. You go check with the TV crews and see if they noticed any paparazzi ghouls at the scene. Most reporters wouldn’t want to share their big story.”
“Ghouls is right,” Jock said grimly as he gazed at the wreckage of the square. “But whoever took those photos wasn’t focusing on the disaster, he was after the human element. That should have set him apart.” He strode toward the ABC TV truck. “I’ll nudge their memories.”
“Gently,” Joe said.
“As long as it’s quick,” Jock said. “I’m going to have a lead before Cara gets on that plane for New Orleans. I’ll get them to play me their footage from those first few hours after the explosion. I may be able to spot our ghoul myself.” He glanced at Joe. “You persist in thinking that I might go off the rails. Newspeople don’t respond well to violence. I’d tend to get the wrong result. I don’t get wrong results.”
Joe watched Jock as he approached the TV truck, smiling at the young journalist who was gazing speculatively at him.
No, Jock would not get a wrong result this time either. He’d do whatever he needed to do to get the job done. So forget him and go about your own business, Joe thought. He headed toward the Officer in Charge at the Police Command Center.
* * *
“Got him,” Jock said as he strode toward Joe three hours later. He handed his phone to Joe. “Their cameras caught shots of this guy moving in and out of the crowd watching the fire. He wasn’t too concerned about the explosion, he was taking shots of Eve, Cara. Even you, Joe.” His lips tightened. “Norwalk didn’t miss a thing by skipping out when he did. He got everything he could want to satisfy him.”
Joe scanned quickly through the photos. A tall man in a black windbreaker, thirtysomething, dark hair in a crew cut, hooked nose. “I’ll check the Interpol database and see if I can ID him. There wasn’t anyone else who could be a contender?”
Jock shook his head. “Some people were taking photos, but it was all about the disaster for them. Run these and see what you get. In the meantime, I’ll send them to Benoit and see if he can connect them to anyone in Norwalk’s organization in Dublin.” He headed for his car. “And I’d make a bet this particular ghoul headed for New Orleans the minute he’d finished doing his duty for Norwalk here. You might see if you can check the airlines and see if anyone recognizes him.”
“Not likely. With the thousands of people who pass through that airport, faces are just a blur to them.” He held up his hand. “I’ll check it. But I have a better chance with Interpol.” He gazed at that face again. He remembered how agonized Eve had looked last night, and this scum had taken her photo when she’d been at her most vulnerable. “I’ll do anything I can. I want him, Jock.” He got into his car. “I’m going to the precinct and work on this. It may take a little time. But Eve called me, and she’s going to be on a flight leaving in two hours to New Orleans, with Cara and Darcy. She’s not waiting for anything. Who can blame her? She’s going to Michael.” He looked at Jock. “I don’t want them alone there. Not for a minute. I don’t think you do either.”
“Two hours.” Jock turned away and headed for his own car. “They’re not going to be alone. Call Eve and telI her I’ll meet them at the airport.”
CHAPTER
13
Their Delta flight landed in New Orleans at 11:40 P.M.
Jock stopped Cara for a moment while they were waiting for the doors to open. “What the hell is wrong? What did I do? You have barely looked or spoken to me since I met you at the airport.”
She still didn’t look at him. “You haven’t done anything.”
“That’s not good enough. Look, I know you’re traumatized by what happened. We’re all going through hell. Is it something you think I did wrong? I thought you wanted to be with Eve and Joe. It wasn’t because I didn’t feel your pain and was ignoring you.”
“I know that.” The doors were open now, and Cara moved quickly forward after Eve down the jetway. This was so terribly difficult, she thought. But she had promised. And it was a little thing compared to what Eve was going through.
Eve.
Support her.
Protect her.
She moved closer to Eve in that silent support as they moved toward the exit.
Jock glanced at the taxis and shook his head. “I made reservations for you at the Windsor Hotel and reserved a car. Give me a minute, and I’ll bring it around.”
“No.” Eve stepped forward as a black limousine slid to a stop before them. “I believe we have transport.”
Jock went rigid as he saw the driver get out of the car. “Nikolai?” He muttered a curse as his gaze shifted to Eve. “You expected him?”
She nodded. “I expected him. Kaskov prefers not to expose himself unnecessarily.”
“And Nikolai is extremely capable,” Jock said between set teeth. “Kaskov trusts him implicitly.”
“Thank you,” Nikolai said as he opened the passenger door. “It’s good to have the trust of one’s superiors. Are you going to accompany us to the compound? I was told to only pick up the three ladies.”
“Oh, I’ll be going to the compoun
d,” Jock said. “But I’ll pick up my rental car and be right behind you.” He looked at Eve. “I assume this is your choice? No manipulation by Kaskov?”
“My decision. My choice,” Eve said quietly. “Any manipulation was on my part. I knew you wouldn’t like it, so I thought I’d face you and Joe with a fait accompli.” She got into the limousine. “I wasn’t in any shape to face a struggle.” She gestured to Cara and Darcy, who had followed her into the limo. “They were going to come with me no matter what I said. I had to find the best way to protect them.”
“Best way?” He shook his head as his gaze met Cara’s. “Major mistake, Eve.” He turned on his heel and strode toward the rental-car lot.
Nikolai slammed the door and moved around to the driver’s seat.
Eve looked at Cara. “He thinks you betrayed him by not telling him what I was going to do,” she said wearily. “I just didn’t know what else to do. As I told him, I’m rationing strength right now.”
“He’ll get over it,” Cara said. “And if he doesn’t, I’ll face it then. I know he’s been too important to me. I can’t let what he thinks run my life.”
“Hey, Jock isn’t going anywhere.” Darcy smiled and reached for Cara’s hand. “You did what Eve wanted, and he’ll come to terms with it. If he doesn’t, we’ll send him on his way, and I’ll show you how to live life like you’re in the middle of a tornado. Of course, we’d have to change the destruction for sensuality, and add a really sexy rock star to the mix. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a rock star or two. There’s something about their rhythm that translates to—”
“Please don’t.” Eve was smiling. “Let her find her own way, Darcy.”
Darcy grinned. “Only if she lets me come along for the ride.”
“No question,” Cara said. Darcy had managed to lighten the heaviness of the moment for both her and Eve. She was ready to face both Kaskov and Jock now. She squeezed Darcy’s hand, then released it. “You’re here for the long haul, Darcy. I’d have no idea how to handle that rock star.”
* * *
Eve braced herself as Nikolai drove the limousine through the guarded gates of Belle Grace and up the sweeping driveway to the huge, columned mansion. Jock had told them that it was a compound, but the outbuildings were so graceful and well built and that no one would guess the men inhabiting them were criminals. Light was pouring out of the open front door, and she could see Kaskov silhouetted against the brightness. It was one thing to fire orders to Kaskov over the phone, but entirely different to come face-to-face with him. She remembered how intimidating he could be.
But no one was more intimidating than that monster who was holding her son.
Cara sensed that tension and leaned forward. “It will be fine. I’ll stay with you.”
Eve shook her head. “I’m not afraid of Kaskov. I’m just wondering how to handle him.” Nikolai was opening the door and helping her out. “I’ll work it out.”
“Pleasant flight?” Kaskov was coming forward to meet her. “Welcome to Belle Grace.” His voice was deep, silky. “I do hope you’ll enjoy it since you were obviously so eager to come.”
“I don’t believe either one of us is going to enjoy my visit,” Eve said. “All I can hope is that it’s successful. It has to be successful, Kaskov.” She turned to Darcy, who had just gotten out of the car. “Darcy Nichols. Sergai Kaskov, Darcy.”
Darcy smiled. “I’ve heard interesting things about you, Mr. Kaskov.”
He chuckled. “And that’s an interesting way of greeting me.” He looked at her critically. “Fantastic-looking. You may be worthwhile just for decoration.” He turned to Cara and took her hand. “Here you are at last. I told you that you should come early. I’m sorry that it was this tragedy that brought you.”
“I’m sorry, too. I know our coming will turn this place upside down.” She looked him in the eye. “But I’m glad that you’re going to help Eve. Michael is very important to me.”
“I remember. After he was born, you couldn’t be pried away from Eve. I had to wait a long time.” He gestured toward the open door. “Come in. May I offer you all something?”
“We had a snack on the plane,” Eve said as she followed him into the house. “We need rest more than food. None of us have slept much in the last twenty-four hours. If you could get Cara and Darcy settled, I’d appreciate it.”
“Everything is prepared … as ordered.” He turned to Nikolai. “You know what rooms to give them. The first three in the west wing. See that Cara and Miss Nichols are comfortable.” He turned back to Eve. “I’ll give you a glass of wine before you retire for the night if you don’t mind?” He gestured to the lavish parlor. “Our conversation was so hurried when you called this afternoon. I’m sure we’ll both sleep better to have everything clear.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” She waved for Darcy and Cara to follow Nikolai upstairs. Kaskov’s voice was silky smooth, but she could hear the thread of steel running through it. She had expected to meet nothing less. “A glass of wine always makes one more relaxed in difficult situations.”
She followed him into the parlor and watched him as he went to the small cherry bar and poured two glasses of wine from a crystal decanter.
He brought her glass to her. “You look exhausted.” His gaze was studying her face. “Strain. Shadows. Determination. Endurance.” He took a sip of wine. “But no panic. No desperation. I thought you might be desperate since you called and spoke to me as you did.”
“The desperation might come later. I have to keep it at bay right now. It would interfere with my thinking and making decisions. I can’t let that happen.” She lifted her glass. “And I’m sorry if you thought I wasn’t polite to you. That was the last thing I was worried about when I decided I needed your help.” She met his eyes. “Jock says you have an armed camp here, and that’s what I need to protect Cara and Darcy. Under usual circumstances, I’d try my best to keep them away from you and your men. But I can’t do that now. I’m going to have to rely on you to keep that son of a bitch from killing them. He’s going to try. He’s positioning us all for the kill.”
“So you told me. But you’re still here.”
“Because we have to position him for the kill,” she said simply. “It’s the only way I can get my son back.”
“Now that’s an answer I understand.” He smiled. “Particularly said with total ruthlessness and determination. You’re very intimidating at this moment, Eve.”
“He has Michael. No one can stand in my way.” She took another sip of wine and set the glass on the table. “So we find Norwalk, we trap him, we kill him. You know a lot about all of those things, so I’ll accept your help if you’ll give it. If you don’t want to help, then I believe you’ll at least protect Cara.” She tilted her head. “Won’t you?”
He nodded. “If you’ll recall, all of this started because I was protecting Cara from Sean Norwalk. Nothing has changed in that regard. I won’t promise you anything else.”
“I didn’t expect any promises from you. I don’t know if I’d believe them. But you do have some kind of feeling for Cara, and just living in an armed camp will make it safer for Darcy.” She smiled without mirth. “And I’ll use your armed camp. We need a place where we won’t be vulnerable to launched attacks after we find my son. And don’t be too confident about being able to stay out of the fray, Kaskov. You’re the prime target.”
“I never said I wanted to stay out of the fray. I just said that I’d make you no promises. I take care of my own business in my own time.” He finished his wine and smiled. “But by all means, use my place as your own, and I’ll instruct my men that I consider you all family. Amusing…”
“Not at all amusing.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “Now I think I’ll go to bed if you think I’ve been ‘clear’ enough. I’m very tired, and I’ve got to get over it.”
“So that you’ll have strength for the battle to come?” he asked softly. “Yes, that’s what I’d do. We may be mor
e alike than you dream, Eve.”
“We’re nothing alike.” She turned and headed for the grand staircase. “I don’t kill people.”
“Except when it’s important to you. You’ll have no problem at all killing Norwalk to save your son.” He lifted his glass to her. “Good night, Eve. Sleep well.”
“Good night.” She started up the stairs. She would sleep well. She had to rest and gain strength. Kaskov was right, there was a storm brewing and a battle on the horizon and she had to be ready.
I’m here, Michael. I’ll never leave you. Hold on, I’ll come to you …
* * *
Kaskov was sitting in a beige brocade easy chair in the parlor, his eyes closed, listening to Cara’s concert CD when Jock walked into the room. He didn’t open his eyes. “I really wish you’d have the courtesy to announce yourself, Gavin. I know you’re probably annoyed, and there’s a certain amount of power-satisfaction about being able to come and go as you please, but I’m beginning to find it irritating.”
“You’re right, I am annoyed. I didn’t like being caught off guard, and I don’t like anything that’s happening between you and Eve. She thinks it’s safer, but it’s setting up everyone in one place for Norwalk.”
“Then you’ll have to talk to Eve.” Kaskov opened his eyes. “She appears to be running the show. I’m just a poor lackey, doing her bidding.”
“As long as you let her.”
“I can’t help myself. She’s an indomitable force at the moment. A mother with a child in danger. There’s no one more dangerous on the planet.” He smiled. “Refreshing. I’m quite enjoying her.”
“You’ll not enjoy Cara’s reaction, if you do anything to get in Eve’s way. Nor my response, if you make my job harder.”
“Oh, I’m well aware of all the land mines. Why do you think I waited up for you instead of going to bed and have you pay me a visit in the middle of the night again? I knew that you’d want to come and threaten me and so forth. So I put on Cara’s newest CD to soothe me and keep me from being tempted to kill you. It was quite a wonderful concert, wasn’t it?”
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