“And so am I,” Caleb said as he caught up with them at the door of the gallery. “Understandable that you made the connection. No hard feelings. Well, maybe a few…” He looked at Jane. “Ready?”
“That’s why I’m here.” She braced herself and entered the gallery.
The blood on the wall was darker than it had seemed in the picture on Caleb’s phone. It was dry now and not dripping around the photo in the center of the cross. Caleb had told her this photo wasn’t the original one he’d shown her in the car. The knowledge should have made it appear less horrific, but somehow it didn’t. Neither did the blood spattered on the wall. It only reminded her of one of those Rorschach inkblots that were supposed to reveal the personality of the observer. She said it out loud. “Rorschach inkblots.”
Caleb nodded. “Maybe. Only an artist would have seen that possibility. But then what’s he trying to say about your personality? Or his own?”
She shook her head. “I’ve no idea. It just occurred to me. He stole Fiona’s portrait. She looks like me. Maybe he thought I was trying to steal her thunder.” She glanced at MacDuff. “Do you have any disgruntled relations running around who might have thought they should have a portion of your august heritage?”
“Not to my knowledge. Until recently all my kith and kin were running the other way because of the taxes on the estate.” MacDuff grimaced. “Just as you were, Jane.”
“Not because of the taxes,” Jane said. “Because I already have a family I love. And anyone with a right to this place would be crazy not to want it.” She added softly, “It’s a magical place, MacDuff.”
“I think so,” he said teasingly. “But it’s good to hear you admit it at last. You’ve been very snooty about your precious American upbringing. And they say we Scots can be arrogant.”
“And so you are.” Jane took a closer look at the photo. “But I don’t think this photo was taken here in Scotland.” She was frowning. “I recognize that lake…I think I did a sketch of it last year.”
“Where?” MacDuff asked.
“Italy. The lake country. I spent several months there.”
And someone else had spent time in that beautiful countryside at the same time, she thought as cold iced through her. Someone with a camera, watching her, aiming, shooting that photo. How close had that murderer been to her? Had he been planning on how he was going to layer that blood onto the photo—
“Stop thinking about it.” Caleb’s hand was on her arm. “Don’t worry. We’ll track him down and find out who took it. You stayed in Mantua, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Of course Caleb knew that. Michael had probably told him, she thought with exasperation. “But I wouldn’t bet on us finding out who took it. Everyone has a camera these days. It’s the world of the iPhone.”
“I will bet on it,” he said. “Because it’s also the world of databases and a zillion high-tech methods to find the answers.” He added grimly, “As well as a few more ancient methods guaranteed to extract information. I’ll get on it right away.”
“It’s good to see you so eager,” MacDuff said silkily. “I wonder why? It’s positively inspirational.”
“Enough,” Caleb said. He turned to Jane. “He just wants to remind you that my family home of Fiero has been located in that section of Italy for centuries. In case you’d forgotten that my sister was kidnapped from Fiero by the cult.”
“I hadn’t forgotten.” Jane glanced at MacDuff. “Caleb and I talked about it before I came here. I’d never forget a tragedy like that. But Caleb had nothing to do with it, just as he has nothing to do with what happened here last night. So back off, MacDuff.”
“Such loyalty.” MacDuff tilted his head. “I’ve heard you can be very persuasive, Caleb. But I felt I should bring it to Jane’s attention that sometimes coincidences are not coincidences.” He took Jane’s hand and smiled down at her. “And let her know I’m keeping my eye on you.”
“I don’t need you to do that.” She pulled her hand away. “I don’t know why you’d even think I did. He saved Eve’s life when she was pregnant with Michael. He even helped when we were searching for Cira’s treasure. There’s no way he’d hurt me.”
“Drop it, Jane,” Caleb said quietly. “He’s only exploring possibilities. He realizes sometimes people change or react differently to situations.” He shrugged. “Or have the skill to fool individuals who are gullible enough to permit it. I believe he’s putting me in the latter category.”
“I’m not putting you anywhere, Caleb. I’m just being cautious with someone I care about.” MacDuff turned back to Jane. “And since you’ve chosen not to see him recently, it occurred to me you must have also found something about him that made you uneasy. As Inspector Tovarth told me earlier, he even manages to make the agents at MI6 take a step back.” He changed the subject. “Are you going to stay the night? Have you had dinner?”
“Only tea.” Her gaze was fixed once more on the blood. “I’m not hungry.” She moved her shoulders, trying to shake off the chill. “And Caleb’s taking me to London tonight to drop me off at my apartment. I’m going to spend some time with Eve and Joe before they go back to Maldara.”
“I’m glad. Seeing Eve is always good for you.” His eyes followed Jane’s to the photograph. “And you need to forget this ugliness for a little while. We’re working on it. I have Scotland Yard and Interpol following up.” He glanced at Caleb. “And perhaps he might even come through for you. We’ll have to see.”
“Yes, we will.” Caleb’s smile was tiger-bright as he headed for the door. “I’ll wait for you at the copter, Jane.”
“Were you trying to irritate him, MacDuff?” She shook her head as Caleb disappeared out the front door. “That wasn’t smart. He was very close to exploding.”
“But he didn’t do it,” MacDuff said cheerfully. “I regard that as an excellent sign. I imagine he was holding on to his temper to please you. Most of the time I’ve noticed he doesn’t give a damn.” He held up his thumb and forefinger. “He’s just this close to being a savage, you know.”
“Wrong.” She could feel the anger spark as she started down the steps. “And I wish you wouldn’t speak of something you know nothing about. How can you expect Caleb to be anything but what you always expect of him? All his life, he’s been told that everyone would be afraid or hate him because he had that blood talent that ran in the Ridondo family. It’s incredible he’s managed to turn out as normal and civilized as he has.” She could see Caleb waiting by the helicopter, legs parted, staring at them with mockery and defiance as they started crossing the courtyard. Then he turned on his heel and headed for the cockpit. “Though I don’t know why I’m arguing,” she said curtly. “He’d probably agree with you.”
“Perhaps because somehow he’s made you feel he’s a victim?”
“Never.” Her eyes were blazing. “Lisa said he wasn’t a victim even when he was a child being punished by his parents because they considered him a monster. He fought them and came out on top. I just don’t want anyone else to be unfair to him.”
“Then I’ll be certain to treat him gently.” MacDuff’s eyes were twinkling. “However, it might bewilder him.” He stopped as they reached the helicopter and he opened the door for her. “Have a good time with Eve and Joe. I’ll let you know if I find out anything about Fiona.” He looked at Caleb. “Take care of her.” He slammed the door and took a step back. The next moment he was striding back toward the house.
“Well, I have my orders,” Caleb said as he reached out to switch on the helicopter. “Naturally, I’ll humbly obey. One must not irritate the earl at any cost. It would be—” His phone rang and he glanced down at the ID. “Michael.” He pressed ACCESS. “You wanted to talk to him. Go ahead and do it. He wants reassurance that all is well with his plans for you. I’m not in the mood to reassure anyone of anything at the moment.”
“I can see that.” She took the phone from him. “Hello, Michael. I’m very upset with you. I had my own agenda s
et up for today and you had no right to interfere by calling Caleb. I told you that you don’t try to control the world to suit yourself. People have lives and wishes of their own.”
Silence. “You’re mad at me.”
“Of course I am.”
“But you’re still going to let him stay with you tonight? You shouldn’t not do that just because you’re mad at me.”
“No, he’s not going to stay with me,” she said curtly. “We’re not even at the encampment right now. So much for your fine, convoluted strategies. We’re just leaving MacDuff’s Run.”
“No,” Michael said sharply. “Caleb shouldn’t have taken you there. I didn’t want that. I thought that he’d stay with you at the dig.”
“Well, things don’t always turn out the way you want them to, Michael. People have the right to make their own choices. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“I know. I’m sorry you’re angry with me. I thought it would be better if you—”
“Listen to me. What part of this aren’t you getting? It’s my choice.”
“I’ll remember.” He added quickly, “But you said you’re leaving MacDuff’s Run right now? Where are you going? How are you getting there?”
“That’s my business, Michael.”
“Please, Jane.”
She probably shouldn’t indulge him, but he sounded troubled, and what he’d done was because he’d been concerned about her. It wouldn’t hurt to put his mind at rest. “Caleb rented a helicopter and we’re flying straight to London. It seemed more convenient than going back to the castle. Caleb’s dropping me off, and I should be at the apartment a little after midnight.” She paused before adding sarcastically, “I hope that meets with your approval.”
“Yes.” His voice sounded abstracted. “And you’re leaving now?”
“As soon as I get off this call.” She should just hang up, but she couldn’t say goodbye to Michael in anger even when she wanted to shake him. “Have you had a good time with your mom and dad today?”
“Yes, we just got back from dinner and I came back to my room to call Caleb. We’re going to play Go. That should be fun.”
“Don’t be too sure. Your dad never lets you win. You have to earn it. It’s always a teaching lesson. That’s how you learn what’s important.”
“Like you’re trying to teach me now?” Michael asked. “But sometimes it gets confusing for me. I’m never sure what’s more important. This time I thought having Caleb there with you was more important. But I’m sorry if I made you mad.”
“Just remember next time. Bye, Michael. I’ll probably see you for breakfast in the morning.”
“Yeah.” His voice was suddenly thoughtful. “What should I tell Mom and Dad about why you’re coming here tonight instead of tomorrow? They’ll want to know if there’s a problem.” He suddenly chuckled. “Besides me.”
“Yes, besides you.” But she wasn’t sure what she wanted him to tell Eve and Joe about what had happened here at MacDuff’s Run. She certainly didn’t want to discuss that ugliness with Michael. Hell, considering how weird he’d been all day about her going to MacDuff’s Run, she wasn’t sure that he hadn’t already been getting vibes about it. “Just tell them I decided to come early. But not to stay up to wait for me.”
“Okay. I’ll just tell them the truth. That you missed us.”
Evidently he thought that her explanation needed embroidering to be acceptable. Well, it was the truth. And she’d decide what else she wanted to say to them later. “I did miss you.” She added, “But I’d miss you more if I didn’t have to worry about keeping you in line.”
“I’ll remember. I didn’t mean to—” He broke off. Then his voice was suddenly rushed, urgent, as he continued, “You should leave there now. Right now. Goodbye, Jane. Tell Caleb I’ll call him.”
He cut the connection.
She handed Caleb his phone. “We have his permission to leave. He said he’d call you. I hope you’ll reinforce what I said to him. I don’t think my lecture did any good.”
He was starting the rotors. “I’m sure we’ll talk about it.”
“How noncommittal can you get? You’ll do exactly what you want to do.” She added in frustration, “Which is also what Michael will probably do.”
He smiled faintly. “But you have a chance that you’ll get what you want. Because, in our own individual ways, we both want to make you happy.”
Before she could answer, all sound was drowned as the helicopter lifted off.
* * *
“Can we leave now?” Davron asked, his eyes fixed nervously on Luca as he lowered the binoculars from his eyes. “They’re taking off now and we shouldn’t even be here. What if someone sees us? We should have left the property after we stole the painting instead of hiding up here in these hills. I don’t know what you were thinking.”
“That this is exactly where we should be,” Luca said coldly. He knew it was only because Davron was frightened that he’d dared to question him. But he was beginning to annoy him, and he wasn’t sure that he might not be better off ridding himself of the fool. He’d brought him into his plans because he had the contacts and security background to make the thefts easy to pull off. But the first stage of his plan had now been accomplished, and he doubted if the squeamish bastard had the balls to be of any value as he moved on. “And I’m thinking that I wanted to see her and how she’d interact with Caleb. What do you think I’ve been waiting for all day? I wanted to see her.”
And Luca had seen her, watched the way she moved, the way she smiled, the way both MacDuff and Caleb reacted to her, the vibrant vitality that was so like the woman in the portrait in the back of the truck. And even though that interaction had been more with MacDuff than Caleb, he was still satisfied. He’d been uneasy for the last weeks. He hadn’t wanted to admit even to himself that all his plans could crash down around him if the situation wasn’t what he’d believed it to be.
But he felt better now. Because he’d seen Seth Caleb’s face when he’d stalked out of that house and gone back to the helicopter. He’d studied him long enough to know that he seldom let his emotions show, but the anger and passion in his expression as he’d left Jane MacGuire only a few minutes ago had been a revelation.
“Was it what you wanted?” Davron asked. “It played out just as you said it would. It brought her here right away and Caleb actually went to get her to make sure of it. That must mean he thought she was valuable. So do you think we can use her?”
Luca didn’t speak as he watched the helicopter lift and bear north over the cliffs. He was mentally replaying that moment when he’d seen Caleb stride across the courtyard, every step generating that bold electricity that was his trademark. And then the tight, shuttered look on his face that had still revealed so much as he’d watched Jane MacGuire coming toward him with MacDuff. “Oh, yes, Davron,” he said as he carefully put his binoculars away. “I believe we can definitely use her.”
Chapter
3
Jane waited until they’d gained altitude and turned south toward London before she spoke again, “MacDuff was upset. He didn’t really mean that he thought you were guilty of doing anything that was—”
“Yes, he did,” Caleb interrupted. “He might not have believed it was true, but he thought it was worth running up the flagpole and seeing if he could stir up a little trouble.” He glanced sideways at her and smiled mockingly. “And he got a very defensive response from you. I was quite touched, if a bit surprised.” He gave a half shrug. “I admit he did manage to push a few buttons with me I’d forgotten were there. MacDuff is very good.”
“He didn’t have to do that.” She was still irritated with MacDuff, but she wanted to forget about those buttons that must have been excruciatingly painful if there was still lingering pain after all these years. “You actually think that you can find out about that photo?”
He nodded. “I’ll get to work on it after I drop you off. I’ll start with calling Dimak Pal
ik, my info agent, and get him busy on the Mantua connection.” He smiled faintly. “Why don’t you curl up and try to nap? You’ve had a rough day, too. It will be a little over three hours to get to the heliport and then another forty minutes to take a taxi to your apartment. As promised, I’ll fly you straight to London and not take any interesting side trips.” He paused. “But you might spend a few minutes trying to decide if you’re going to tell Eve about our visit to MacDuff’s Run. It could have…ramifications.”
Yes, it could, and she didn’t want Eve to have to worry about her when she was back working in Maldara. Eve had enough problems dealing with the politics of a country that had recently gone through a horrendous civil war while still completing the forensic sculpting she’d promised to do there. On the other hand, Jane hated the idea of not telling her the whole truth about anything. Honesty was important. Either way, she would have to make a decision before she arrived in London. She leaned back and closed her eyes. “I have a little time. I’ll think about it…”
* * *
Four hours later Caleb was punching the button of the elevator at her apartment house. “What did you decide?” he asked. “Yes or no.”
“No. Unless Michael has already told them I was at MacDuff’s Run, I guess I’ll just let them assume that I came straight from the dig.” She made a face. “But that’s still almost a lie. I hate to lie.”
“I know you do.” He was gently nudging her down the hall toward her apartment. “And this time I’d almost rather that you did tell them. I’m going to have to go to Italy for at least a few days. I like the idea of Joe Quinn staying here and keeping an eye on you when I’m not around.”
“It doesn’t matter what you like or don’t like. I’d appreciate it if you can tell me about that photo, but I can take care of myself, Caleb. Joe made sure of that from the time he and Eve adopted me.” She looked straight ahead as she unlocked her door. “And I’ve done just fine without you for these last months.”
The Persuasion Page 6