Captive, p.11
Captive, page 11
She watched him move across the courtyard. Good angel? she thought in bewildered frustration. He was more like an Irish leprechaun, and the demons he’d spoken about fighting would have been in service to Caleb.
Well, what was wrong with that? Her annoyance was suddenly gone. Caleb was usually alone in his battles. She liked the idea of someone who cared enough about him to watch his back. As far as being guardian to her, she couldn’t afford to reject that, either. Independence was all very well, but she would take all the help she could get.
Because everything had changed during that hour spent in Kilgoray…
* * *
“Kilgoray,” Bohdan repeated when Chiswick called him later that night. “What the hell does this Kilgoray have to do with anything? I thought you were monitoring that earl’s property at MacDuff’s Run. You told me that your team had sighted the woman at the castle earlier today.”
“They did, and it was definitely Jane MacGuire. But somehow she managed to leave the property in a speedboat with one of MacDuff’s men and was taken to a village down the coast.”
“Why?” Bohdan swore viciously. “Did she meet with Caleb there? Did you follow her?”
“Of course I did. But by the time I got the message, she’d left the castle and all we could do was keep watch on her from the yacht. I told you how well MacDuff’s property was guarded. We have to remain out of sight and maintain our distance or have MI6 agents on top of us. I knew that wasn’t what you’d want to happen. They’d get in our way.” He added quickly, “She only stayed a short time at the village and then they were on their way back to the castle. I’m about to take a team to Kilgoray and ask a few casual questions to see if Caleb has been seen there. He’s not someone who is easy to forget.”
“No, he’s not,” Bohdan said curtly. “And he’ll be even more memorable once I get my hands on him. Don’t blow this, Chiswick. If he’s there in the village, find him. If he’s not, comb the area, but try to be subtle, dammit. We don’t want to tip our hands before we can get hold of him. Dealing directly with MI6 and the British aristocracy could be awkward.”
Awkward? Chiswick almost had to laugh. No one was less subtle than the Bohdan he had come to know over the years. He thrived on brutality and power, and his position as second in command to the general had only exaggerated that arrogance. “Naturally, I’ll do as you say. We also got photos of the man who was with the MacGuire woman. If Kilgoray doesn’t pan out, maybe I can deliver him to you. He might be able to give us the information we need about Caleb.”
“Perhaps. But you’ve convinced me Jane MacGuire almost certainly could. Which means I need to know everything about her. Phone, close relatives or friends. Anything I can use to make her come to heel. I want her scared and shivering whenever I come near her.” He added with soft sarcasm, “And if you hadn’t let her slip through your fingers tonight, I would have had her. I wouldn’t have needed anything but a few hours and my own skill to make her give me Caleb. Remember that when you’re searching Kilgoray for him.”
“I’ll remember. But we’re getting closer all the time. Are you on your way?”
“I will be after I hang up. Get back to that village and find Caleb!”
* * *
Caleb called Palik when he was on his way to Palik’s hotel. “Has Bohdan showed up in the city yet?”
“Not at the brothel. But I’ve heard he’s been checking on his drug houses in Milan and Campania. And there was an explosion at a meth house near Maggiano Beach. Probably Bohdan was unhappy with their output. He usually saves the brothels for more personal entertainment. Other than that, he’s been playing his visit here very low-key. He has to know that MI6 is after him for the Tiber murder, and he might be facing a war crimes accusation in the Congo. I think he’s trying to keep his investments here in line until he can go back there and take over the general’s position. Which means he’s been principally occupied with trying to locate you.” He paused. “Why? Restless?”
“I want it over.”
“Jane MacGuire is safe. Did you check with Rodland?”
“She seems pleased enough with him.”
“He’s a good man,” he said. “And he’ll take care of her.”
“So will MacDuff and his Royal Marines,” Caleb said bitterly. “I’ve got the situation covered, haven’t I?”
“Yes, you have.”
“But it doesn’t stop me from imagining Bohdan sitting on the doorstep waiting for a chance to pounce.”
“And that means that we’re not going to wait for that to happen? What are you planning?”
“I need him to come out in the open so that I can target him. I believe Bohdan has too many businesses to take care of. I think we should lighten his load.”
“You don’t think you’re high enough on his kill list?”
“He’s obviously thinking too much about hunting me. Let’s give him something else to think about. I’m pulling into the parking lot of your hotel now. Gather all the info you have on Bohdan and meet me in the bar. Concentrate on his most expensive and profitable assets. We have choices to make.”
* * *
Storage Room
MacDuff’s Run
Two Days Later
“You’re leaving me to check out all those diaries by myself,” Rodland complained. “There’s nothing of interest. I’m sure Fiona was a fascinating young woman, but she definitely wasn’t as well rounded as any modern-day lass. She visits the castle to see Uncle Colin, she goes to chapel, she helps nurse the ill in the village. But she never even says what she’s thinking about any of it. She might as well be a mummy.”
Jane took a drink of water from her bottle. “And you’re bored.”
“You could let me study those historical tomes about those trains that you’ve been devouring for the past few days. You’ve been totally absorbed. They’d be much more my cup of tea, too.”
She shook her head. “Waste of effort. You already know all about trains. You went through hell building that crude one in Kashmir. And you’re the one who told us that Fiona was drawing pictures of railroad tracks.” She smiled. “I’m the one who needs to learn why she was doing it. Sorry she’s not entertaining you. But I’m not giving them up.” When he made a face, she chuckled. Oh, what the hell, he might make fun of her, but they’d become friends and it didn’t matter. “But I’ll share this one of the Reiver car with you.” She handed him the book. “It has some of the later photos of the train as a whole, but there are also several shots of the car when they were first building it back in 1869. Look at the photos of the murals painted on its wall. They’re exceptional. I particularly like the one of the lake in the Highlands.” Her smile deepened. “Although that might be because I’ve seen it before. It’s not too far from MacDuff’s Run.”
“Really?” He looked closer. “Remarkable.”
She nodded, waiting a moment before adding, “Or it might be because I recognized the technique of the artist. Those brushstrokes are almost unmistakable.”
Rodland glanced up at her. “And you’re so excited you obviously want to tell someone about it. What did you find out, Jane?”
“I’m almost sure that the artist was the same one who painted the portrait of Fiona. I won’t know definitely until I find a larger, more detailed photo of that picture. Or the picture itself.”
“If it still exists,” he said gently. “It’s not likely. That was at the time of the American Civil War. A mural that old, from a railcar that might have been scrapped over a hundred years ago?”
“It wasn’t,” Jane said. “I called the railroad and talked to a clerk yesterday afternoon. It’s no longer in use, but the car is considered an antique and is sitting sidelined in one of the company rail yards.”
“Which one?”
“She couldn’t tell me. Not one of the city yards.”
“And the mural?”
She shook her head. “The clerk couldn’t tell me any details about the present furnishings. I’ll have to see for myself. But she went back into the company historical Rolodex and was able to pull out the name of the artist. It was painted by Farrell MacClaren. No other information.”
He was studying her face. “But it could be enough?”
“Maybe. If I can find a connection between MacClaren and Fiona. The painting on the train was of a place in the hills near here. It’s possible that while MacClaren was painting Fiona, they got to know each other. But how well?” She was trying to work it out. “The rail ties. She must have known he was working with the railroad, too. If she didn’t want anyone to know he was communicating with her, there had to be a reason.”
“He was her lover?”
“We don’t even know how old he was. He could have been her father’s age. Maybe he just wanted to help her escape from a bad marriage.”
“I’ll still vote for the lover. If he was older, he would have been more sympathetic to the older generation. He’d have been on her father’s side. The secret messages speak of a young man out for adventure.”
She had to smile. “I believe you’re a romantic.”
“I’m just Irish. Sometimes it’s the same thing. And I deplore the fact that you’re being so practical. It doesn’t bode well for your relationship with Caleb. He’s hard and practical enough for all of us combined. He needs a little softness in his life. I’ll make you a deal. Go for the young lovers. And I’ll help you track down this Farrell MacClaren and get you a dossier on him. I’ve told you how brilliant I am working with computers. I’ve learned a lot about gathering info of all kinds working for Palik. I’ll man the telephones and computers and you’ll have your information. Just don’t make me read any more diaries.”
“So now you’re protecting Caleb’s delicate feelings from me? I don’t think he finds me too harsh.”
“Friendship isn’t only physical, it goes deeper.”
“That’s what your Irish soul tells you?”
“Is it a deal?”
“Okay, it’s a deal. It’s not as if I didn’t want Fiona to have had a great love in her life. I was only remembering what MacDuff told me about how women could be punished back then if they didn’t toe the line. She was as much Jamie’s captive as if she was in prison.” She shook her head. “I won’t let you do all the research work. It might be better if I read the rest of her diaries and journals anyway. You might not catch nuances.”
“I beg your pardon? I’m insulted.”
“Besides, I wanted to take time to go to Jamie MacDuff’s residence that was her actual home and look around there.”
“Didn’t MacDuff tell you the house has been vacant for decades? You don’t expect to find anything?”
“Probably not. I just wanted to see where she lived.”
“Sentiment?”
“Maybe.” She wrinkled her nose as she saw his skeptical look. “Okay, I’ve been living with her one way or another for a long time. And lately she’s become…close to me.”
“I promise I won’t tell MacDuff,” he said, deadpan.
“I’m not going to count on it. I’ve found you have a devilish sense of humor. You blame it on being Irish, but I’d be an idiot if I didn’t realize it originates in a much more fiery region.”
“And when do you intend for us to take this trip? You do know I go with you.”
“I wouldn’t think of violating Palik’s prime directive. We’ll pick up two horses at the main stable tomorrow morning and ride up there.”
“What about MacDuff?”
“What about him? The house is on the property.”
“Horses?”
“You don’t like horses?”
“I didn’t say that. I appreciate them. However, in the past I haven’t been around them enough for them to have the opportunity to appreciate me.”
“I see.” She couldn’t keep her lips from twitching. “I’ll be sure to choose you a horse that will be gentle and smart enough to understand what an honor it is to have your company.” She picked up the diary he’d laid down to look at the Reiver history. “Now go make notes on MacClaren and do your thing. Then give that book back to me. There are all kinds of diagrams and photos of everything connected to the Reiver Railway Company. I want to see if I can make any more sense of these Reiver train yards.”
“What do you have in mind?” he asked warily. “You promised me no more field trips off the property.”
“And I’ll keep my word. I know the border is too far from here. Besides, I’d end up with MacDuff and his men trailing me along with you. I’ll be content with going to visit Jamie MacDuff’s house and saving the Reiver train for when Caleb takes down Bohdan. By that time, you’ll be gone and won’t have to bother with where I go.”
“It’s not too much of a bother.” He smiled slyly. “I’ve begun to feel almost brotherly toward you. You’re a little skittish, but I’ve managed to keep you under control.”
“And if this book wasn’t so fragile, I’d smash it on your arrogant head.”
“Not at all a sisterly response.” He opened the book. “And I thought we were getting along so well. But you’ll forgive me when I hand you Farrell MacClaren on a platter.”
“That’s debatable. Do it, and I’ll give you a decision…or a judgment.” She was still trying not to smile. He was a thorough scamp but having him here had been a relief and distraction. She’d needed that distraction between worrying about Caleb and the ramifications of that trip to Kilgoray. Caleb hadn’t called her since that night, and she’d wanted to strangle him. No, she didn’t, she amended quickly. She just wanted him to safely end this nightmare and come back to her. She’d frantically dived into the study surrounding Fiona and tried to pretend to MacDuff and not let him see what she was feeling. Working with Rodland had given her an excuse that had filled a multitude of purposes.
“Caleb is all right, you know.” Rodland had not looked up from the book. “He’s extraordinary and he knows what he wants. Evidently, he wants you. He’ll never stop.”
“I know that. Most of the time.” She took a drink of her water. “Neither will I. You don’t have to worry about your friend Caleb. I’ll take care of him.” She added wryly, “If I can push aside all the people in my way.”
“That’s good to know.” He glanced up with the smallest smile. “I’ll keep it in mind. Though you can’t possibly be talking about me.” He looked down again. “Now don’t bother me. I’ve got calls to make.”
* * *
Maggiano Lake
Italy
11:50 P.M.
Palik slid down the side of the ditch to where Caleb was waiting. “I hope you know this is beneath my dignity. I have men who do this kind of thing for me these days. I should charge you extra.”
“You will.” Caleb lifted the infrared binoculars to his eyes again. “As soon as you’re certain it will be enough for what you might be forced to go through for this little foray. You wouldn’t want to undercharge me. That would be a disaster.”
“I’m glad you understand.” He gazed out over the water to the opposite bank. “Are you sure this is the target you want?”
“No, that’s why I’m still here. For a meth lab it appears to be getting plenty of business. The warehouse is huge. It may be the right choice.”
“It’s the biggest Bohdan property in Italy and definitely the most profitable. He also sells out of the country to drug dealers in France. What else could you want.”
“I want him to hurt. I want him to go back to the Congo and forget about me for a while until I can set a trap far from MacDuff’s Run.”
“This might not do it.”
“Then I’ll hit him again. Have you set everything up?”
“Except for the time and the final decision. You didn’t seem to be in a hurry.”
“Oh, I’m in a hurry. But the drug house in Campania is still in the running. I just want it to be the right choice. I might be able to make it, if you stop talking and let me concentrate.”
Palik sighed and leaned back. “Either way, it might be my fault for not giving you what you need. Right? I’ll pull this whiskey out of my pocket I brought to soothe me in case you were being difficult. Then I’ll definitely shut up.”
Chapter
8
MacDuff’s Run
Next Day
1:40 P.M.
I don’t know if I approve of this.” MacDuff was frowning as he approached Jane, who was mounting her horse outside the main stables. “It doesn’t make sense. You’re not going to find anything at Jamie’s house.” He glanced at Sean Rodland. “Did you encourage her? You both should stay at the castle.”
“I just obey orders.” Rodland swung onto the back of the chestnut. “And you’re the one who told her you found those first books at Jamie MacDuff’s house, sir. But I’ve looked over the route this morning and it’s clear. I’ll check the house interior before I let her enter. May I suggest you have a few of your men follow us? It would make you feel better. That way you wouldn’t have to totally trust me. After all, I’m a stranger to you.”
And crafty as hell, Jane thought, smothering a smile as she swung onto the bay stallion. But she doubted if MacDuff would fall for it.
He didn’t. “You’re definitely a strange one,” he said. “Do you even know how to ride a horse?”
“Not well, but I tend to get along with both man and beast.” He lowered his eyes as he leaned forward to pat the chestnut’s neck. “Though I occasionally have problems with keeping ahead of women like Jane. But you’ll understand, since you have the same cross to bear.”
“I don’t know what you mean. Jane and I get along splendidly.” He turned to Jane. “You won’t change your mind?”
“I have to see for myself if Fiona left anything else there besides those two books you found and restored. You weren’t looking for anything to do with railroads or paintings at the time.” She waved her hand around to indicate the beauty of the horses, the trees, and the brilliant blue of the sky above them. “Besides, I need to see something other than the four walls I’ve been looking at down in those storage rooms. It’s only five or six miles from the castle. Rodland is right—if it will make you feel better, send someone to escort us.” She made a face. “Only not too close on our heels. I’d feel like Princess Di under siege by paparazzi. And there’s nothing royal about me, thank heavens.”
