Hide Away: An Eve Duncan Novel

by Iris Johansen

  “A share of a fortune,” he corrected sourly.

  “It appears as if there might be plenty to share.” She took out her computer and opened it. “You go ahead and GPS this Gaelkar. I’ll see if I can Google any information about MacDuff and this chest of coins …

  * * *

  “Something’s wrong, Jane,” Eve murmured as she watched MacDuff stride toward them down the bank. His expression was more grim than she’d ever seen it. “And I don’t think it has anything to do with that damn mist.”

  “Come to my tent,” MacDuff said curtly as he stopped before them. “Both of you. Right now.”

  “Can you wait until we clean the mud off our shoes and wash our hands?” Eve asked. “We ran into a spot of—”

  “No, right now.” He turned on his heel. “I don’t give a damn about that shit.” The next instant, Eve and Jane were watching him stride down the bank. “I don’t think you’re going to give a damn either, Eve.”

  Eve felt a surge of fear and automatically looked toward Cara. As usual, she was with Jock and appeared perfectly okay. Whatever had happened hadn’t touched her yet. “I don’t like this.”

  She quickly followed Jane around the bank toward the tent area.

  Not Cara.

  Joe?

  Possible. Danger was always possible where Joe was concerned.

  Stop worrying. She’d know in a few minutes.

  But, dear God, MacDuff had looked grim.

  MacDuff still looked grim as they entered his tent. He had poured a shot of whiskey and was lifting the glass to his lips. He glanced at them. “Sorry to be rude. Would you like a drink? I felt the need of one.”

  “Why?” Jane asked as she came toward the desk. “What’s happened, MacDuff?”

  “I’m drinking to an old friend.” He lifted his glass in a half toast. “Who was recently butchered by an acquaintance of yours, Eve.”

  Eve felt a ripple of shock. “What?”

  “Rob MacTavish, my assistant.” He took a drink of whiskey. “MacTavish has been with me for years and my father before me. He was a good man. He was planning on retiring soon. He was training his grandson to take over for him.”

  “What happened, MacDuff?” Jane repeated quietly.

  “I received a call from Sean Donlachen, head of security at MacDuff’s Run. He was abjectly apologetic.” He took another drink. “Because he’d failed in his duty to me. Last night, the courtyard sentry was taken, tortured, and killed. But not before he’d given the alarm code to get into the castle. Early this morning, they found both the sentry and MacTavish. It appeared that MacTavish had received even harsher treatment than the sentry.” His lips were tight. “Because he was a tough, loyal old man, and it must have taken a long time to break him.”

  “I’m so sorry, MacDuff,” Jane said. “It was MacTavish you asked to send me those notes and sketches. Did that have anything to do with it?”

  “No,” Eve said unsteadily. She couldn’t stop shivering. “I don’t believe that what happened had anything to do with Cira’s treasure. It sounds too much like what happened to those pilots in Atlanta. They were tracking you down to find Jane, Cara, and me, MacDuff. Isn’t that what you’re figuring?”

  “That’s what I’m thinking,” MacDuff said. “I’m betting it was that Franco Quinn told me about. And they found a nice old man who knew where I was.” He tossed back his whiskey. “And butchered him.”

  “Do you want Cara and me to leave?” Eve asked. “If we go, even if Salazar and Franco came, they might leave you alone if they see that we aren’t here.”

  “You may have to leave. Since they know where you are, I won’t risk you and the child. But not right away. I have to find a place for you that I consider safe.” His lips twisted. “And by that time, they could be right on top of us.” He turned back to Jane. “But they’ll be coming from the north, over the hills to the lake. It would be the safest route for them. They wouldn’t realize what they’d run into if they try to go through that mist.” He paused. “I don’t want anyone to go near that mist at the north end until I tell you it’s safe.”

  “And when will that be?” Jane asked. “Because I don’t think you’re including yourself in that order, are you?”

  “It occurred to me that it might be more efficient to get rid of the threat after I’m sure that Eve and Cara are safe.” He poured himself another drink. “Picking Franco and Salazar off in that mist would be so much cleaner than having to keep those bastards from hunting Eve and Cara down. I’m sure MacTavish would approve.”

  “They might not even to try to go through that mist,” Eve said. “They might just go over the hills and hit us from the northwest.”

  “Maybe. But then they might decide that they should explore other lucrative goals while they’re at it.” His lips twisted. “And I won’t let Cira’s gold be taken by those sons of bitches who killed MacTavish.”

  “Is that a possibility?” Eve asked.

  “The office was ransacked, and the file with the photos was taken. MacTavish must have told Franco everything concerning the hunt as well as where we are. Hell, he probably told him anything and everything to stop the pain. I even told MacTavish during that last call that I thought I was coming very close to finding Cira’s gold. Yes, I’d say that it’s a possibility Salazar might have an interest.” He added through set teeth, “I almost hope they do. I’d like to repay a little in kind.”

  “I can see how you would,” Eve said. “And I regret what happened to your friend MacTavish, but you can settle scores after I get Cara safe. Right now, I don’t care about Cira’s gold or preserving your estates or the fact that you want revenge.” She turned to leave. “Now I’m going to call Joe and tell him that Salazar probably knows where we are and is moving fast.” She looked over her shoulder. “And if you can find a safe house for Cara, do it. Or I’ll do it myself.”

  She walked out of the tent.

  She stood there for a moment, struggling against the anger and panic coursing through her. Two more deaths as Salazar and Franco moved nearer. Two strangers whom she had never seen had died for her and Cara. How many more would there be before this was over?

  Get a grip. She drew a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. Cara. She had to find Cara. She headed back toward the bank.

  She saw Cara immediately. She was still with Jock, and he was smiling down at her. Was it Eve’s imagination, or was the closeness growing, the bonding between them becoming more firm? A bonding that would probably be broken when she snatched Cara away from Jock, and they went on the run. She felt a pang as she thought how many friendships had been lost when Cara had been forced to run in her short life.

  It couldn’t be helped. Her pace quickened as she hurried toward Cara. Get Cara to her tent, prepare her for what was to come.

  Then make the call to Joe.

  * * *

  “Go ahead. I’ll be there in a few minutes, Eve,” Cara said, trying to smile. She had to be very calm, she told herself. She must not let Eve know how upset she was. She could tell that Eve was already upset herself, and she mustn’t make it harder for her. “It won’t take me long to get ready. Go call Joe.”

  “Cara…” She gazed at her, then at Jock. Then she nodded. “Don’t be too long. MacDuff is going to be working on finding a safe place to take us. I don’t know how much time we’re going to have.” She turned and headed back toward the tent area.

  Cara’s hands knotted into fists as she watched Eve leave. “She wants to give me a chance to say good-bye to you. Isn’t that nice of her? Eve’s always thinking about other people. Did I tell you that she saved my life once? She didn’t even know—”

  “Shut up,” Jock said roughly. He was suddenly beside her, turning her to face him. “Stop pretending. I know what this is doing to you. How many times has it happened before? That’s what Eve is thinking, too. It’s hurting her to make you go on the run again.” He took her shoulders in his hands and looked down into her eyes. “It’s hurting
me. So don’t pretend. It makes me feel lonely.”

  “Does it? Why?”

  “Because I like the way you play the violin.” He smiled. “Because I like the way you smile at me. Because I’ve never had a sister, and you make me think it might be kind of nice to have one. Do I have to have any other reason?”

  “No.” She cleared her throat. “You … make me feel as if I’m not alone either. I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Shh. We can get around that.”

  She shook her head. “You might need me. I think sometimes you have … pain. I should be here.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  He was smiling and so radiant that she wanted to reach up and touch his face. She repeated, “You might need me.”

  He was silent, gazing down at her. “I think I might always need you. But that doesn’t mean we have to be together. Friends stay friends even when they’re far apart.”

  She shook her head. “But then I won’t know when you need me.” But maybe he was trying to say that she was clinging too tight. “You’re right.” She tried to back away from him. “That’s the way you’re friends with Jane. It’s just not my way. I’ll work on being more like Jane.” She moistened her lips. “I’d better go. Eve told me not to—”

  “Hush,” he said. “Jane is fine. Jane is great. But you don’t have to be anyone but yourself. That’s quite enough. Too much sometimes.”

  “Too much?”

  “I’m not going to go into that,” he said. “And do you really think that I’d let you get away from me? That’s not going to happen.”

  “We’re friends?” she whispered. “Really friends?”

  “It couldn’t be any more real,” he said gravely. “And I’m not ever going to let you walk away unless that’s what you want to do. I’ll be closer to you than your Elena, closer than Eve. But you have a long way to go, and we can’t be together all the time. I’ll have to make do without you.”

  “You’re not … joking?”

  “Heaven forbid. Now, run along to Eve. I have to go see MacDuff. I knew MacTavish, too, and MacDuff may need someone to talk to about his old friend.”

  She nodded. “I tried to talk to Eve about Elena, but sometimes the words didn’t come.”

  “And MacDuff may not say anything. In that case, we’ll only have a drink. But he’ll know I’m there, and that can be important, too.” He yanked his thumb toward the tents. “Go. Let me see you safe in your tent before I leave.”

  “It’s only a little way, Jock.” She smiled at him as she turned to leave. “I couldn’t be safer. I’m not worried.”

  “Neither am I. Not as long as I’m watching over you. You don’t ever have to worry about anything happening to you while I’m keeping an eye on you.” He smiled back at her. “You’ll never have to look over your shoulder again. No one will ever hurt you. I’ll always be there for you.”

  He was smiling, but Cara could sense that he could not have been more serious. “I don’t want anyone to have to take care of me. Elena, Eve, Joe, Jane. Now you and MacDuff. Elena always told me I had to take care of myself, and she was right. It’s my turn to take care of people now.”

  “We’ll discuss it later.” He nodded at the tents. “Go see what Joe’s decided for you and Eve. Move.”

  Cara stood there, staring at him.

  He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  “I just wanted to look at you for a minute. Things … happen. I tried to remember what Elena looked like that last morning, and I couldn’t do it.”

  “Cara.” A mixture of expressions chased across his face. “Oh, shit. What can I say to that?” He leaned closer and cupped her face in his hands. “Hey, it’s going to be fine. I promise nothing is going to happen to me or Eve or Jane or … should I go down the list?”

  “You promise?”

  He nodded. “You know it.” He brushed his lips across the bridge of her nose. “Now will you go?”

  “Sure.” She smiled. “Of course, I will.” She turned and flew across the bank toward the tents. She had spoken without thinking. The words had tumbled out. She knew that there was no way that he could guarantee that he or anyone in this camp would live even another day. Her sister, Jenny, had died. Elena had died. Both of them had been young and with their entire lives before them. Death came, but life should be held close to fight him off.

  Maybe by making Jock give her that promise, he would think, remember, when death came too near him.

  * * *

  “Get out of there, Eve,” Joe said harshly. “Now!”

  “We’re packing up. MacDuff is only waiting until he locates a safe house he’ll be satisfied with.”

  “I’ll call Burbank and see if he can find one. He’s with Scotland Yard and should know the area. It’s probably better if you go back to the city anyway. You can get lost there.”

  “I could get lost here. You haven’t seen those mists.”

  “Stay out of those mists. I told you I—”

  “It was just a comment. I’ll go where MacDuff tells me to go. Wherever I can keep Cara safe. I just wanted to call and tell you what had happened.”

  “I’ll call MacDuff myself. And I’ll get back to you as soon as I talk to Burbank.”

  “And then what?” she asked. “This is the explosion you thought would come. It’s not all about me. What’s your next move, Joe?”

  “I think you know. I’ve made some advance plans. I have to get off this phone and get to work. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up.

  She did know, Eve thought, as she hung up. Joe was in battle mode, and he’d be totally ruthless in execution. He had to extricate himself both from Salazar’s tail and Toller’s before he’d come to her, but he’d said soon, and he meant it.

  Don’t think of the danger and difficulties that he’d face. Just believe in him.

  And concentrate on doing her part to keep Cara safe.

  * * *

  Joe’s first call after hanging up from Eve was to Burbank at Scotland Yard. “I’ve just had word that Salazar is on the move, Burbank. See if you can find out what’s happening?”

  “I already know,” Burbank said. “I’ve just had an informant tell me. Six men from Maitland’s cartel in Liverpool, heading west on Salazar’s orders. And not the usual run-of-the mill hired killers. The word is that Salazar requested specialists.”

  “What kind of specialists?”

  “I don’t know yet. I’m still checking.”

  Joe didn’t like it. “I need to know, Burbank.”

  “I’ll let you know when I do. I’d give you a destination, but Salazar hasn’t told them anything but that he wanted them to rendezvous with him and Franco near Glasgow.”

  “Keep me informed.” He paused. “I may send Eve and Cara to you if you can find a safe haven for them. Possible?”

  “Possible. I’ll ask around.” He hung up.

  Okay. Confirmation that Salazar was definitely heading toward the Highlands.

  Now he had to get the hell out of here.

  He made one more phone call.

  Then he left the lake cottage and headed for the airport.

  * * *

  The airport was crowded, but Joe had only carry-on luggage, and he moved effortlessly through security. Then he took the train to the International concourse at Terminal E.

  Lomoto, Salazar’s man, was at the front of the car.

  The tail Toller had assigned him was standing holding on to the iron bar by the sliding doors.

  There was a dark amusement at seeing both of them caught on this train with him. If anything would have amused him right now.

  He saw the boarding sign above the check-in counter the minute he got off the escalator that led from the train.

  Geneva, Switzerland, with continuing service to Rome, Italy.

  He checked in at the gate and went over to the window to watch the scurry of activity around the jet on the tarmac below.

  His phone rang. Toller.

  “Hello,
Toller. I’ve been expecting you.”

  “What the hell are you doing, Quinn?”

  “I thought I’d take a little trip to Switzerland. Does the agent you have following me ski? It would make it so much more pleasant for him.”

  “What are you up to? You know that there will be an agent waiting when you get off the plane in Geneva.”

  “And your agent here will make sure I board this plane. I don’t doubt that you’re handling my departure with efficiency. By the way, what’s his name?”

  “Dixon.”

  “Dixon looks to be a clean-cut young man. Maybe a little too much government-issue. Crew cut, nice suit and tie. Just what I’d expect of you. Much more presentable than that scumbag, Lomoto, who Salazar assigned to me. He’s wearing jeans and a red jacket, and I’ll bet he’s missing the gun he had to give up to get past security.”

  “What’s happening, Quinn?”

  “Probably what you thought would happen. But you’ll notice I’m obeying your instructions and not even trying to avoid surveillance. I would have even made an attempt to become more compatible with your agent, Dixon, but I didn’t want to make Salazar’s hit man jealous. Lomoto is looking a bit uptight at the moment. He’s obviously not sure whether to try to take me out here or wait for instructions from Salazar.”

  “You could neutralize the threat by coming in and having a talk with me about Cara Castino.”

  “Yes, I could do that.” He glanced at the boarding desk. “I believe they’re starting to call my flight. It was nice talking to you, Toller.” He hung up.

  Time to rid himself of Lomoto.

  He moved toward the restroom across the hall from the gates.

  Lomoto followed only seconds later.

  Good. The restroom was unoccupied except for someone in a stall at the far end.

  Joe pressed back against the wall beside the entrance.

  Waiting.

  Not for long.

  Joe saw a blur of jeans and red jacket.

  He moved!

  His arm encircled Lomoto’s neck, and he jerked him into the urinal area. His leg swept out and brought him falling to the floor.

  One savage and effective blow to the carotid artery.

  Lomoto grunted and collapsed.