Captive, p.5
Captive, page 5
“His family had been raiders for centuries. The practice had almost ended by the time Graeme inherited. But evidently, he was very accomplished and had a good many enemies. Practically no friends or respectable connections. And that could be why he might have taken Jamie MacDuff up on his offer of an arranged marriage with Fiona. The MacDuffs did have a certain status even then.”
“Friendless? That might also have put Fiona in a bad position. Besides being forced to marry a husband twice her age.”
“But she wasn’t forced to marry him. She was betrothed, but she disappeared a week before the actual vows.”
“Aha.” Jane grinned. “Now, that was the Fiona who won that ribbon. Good for her.”
“Don’t be so happy about it,” he said quietly. “If she did decide to skip out on Alastair, her father would have been furious. I told you he was a son of a bitch. He wouldn’t have tolerated the humiliation. There are all kinds of ways to rid yourself of a disobedient daughter. Perhaps throw her down a deep well? Poison? She might have even been buried in the dungeon at Jamie’s castle. At any rate, he would have hunted her down. She might not have survived.”
Jane’s smile vanished. “Or she might have. We don’t know, do we? I’ll just have to learn more about her.” She looked down at the second journal MacDuff had given her. “What’s in this one?”
“I don’t know. Less than the first one. No memories to ponder over. Addresses, a few names, something that looks like a trunk. Markings that I’ve never been able to decipher. See if you can.”
“I will.” She finished her tea. “And then I’ll see if I can find out anything more about what she was doing with that damn reiver.” She glanced around the library. “You have hundreds of books in here. You said that you found these two books in the attic at Jamie MacDuff’s residence. What about his libraries? Were there any other journals besides these books?”
“No, but she was evidently a great reader.” He shook his head. “Jamie’s library was purely for show. Fancy covers and not much content. Family history says he was no scholar and never picked up a book. He probably didn’t even know what he had. Jamie preferred hunting and the card tables. I sent a clerk to look the stock over, but he said none of the books in Jamie’s library belonged to Fiona. But evidently, she was a great reader because she told her tutor that she loved Shakespeare and Dickens and poetry.”
“Then where are her books?”
He shrugged. “I have no idea. All I could find were those two in the attic.” He frowned. “Wait. There are supposed to be a few other items belonging to her in a few of the lower storage rooms at the old stable across from the courtyard. We haven’t used that stable for horses since I had the new one built across the lake. But there’s never enough storage on the property so I haven’t gotten around to having the storage rooms cleaned out. Probably nothing of importance is there, or someone would have brought them to the castle when they were searching for her when she disappeared. As I said, I haven’t had time to go through them yet, but feel free to do it yourself.” He added, “Though remember that stable and the lower storage rooms are connected directly to the boat dock down on the shore. I should send someone with you.”
She made a face. “Another guard? Maybe I’ll wait until later.” She got to her feet. “I think I’ll go back to the gallery and take another look at the portrait. You saw something that I didn’t, and I want to know which one of us was right.”
“Good idea. Because I always like to be proved correct. I believe I might have a good chance this time.”
“What? Don’t be cocky, MacDuff.”
“Perish the thought.” He grinned. “It’s just that I could never understand why you weren’t impressed whenever you saw the portrait. You were an artist yourself and you must have been able to appreciate the workmanship. But you appeared to ignore it. And then I thought that perhaps it was because Fiona looked so much like you, and you were struggling not to acknowledge it out of loyalty to Eve and Joe. It could be either one, but maybe you’ll be able to tell me after you get another look at her today.”
“Or maybe I merely got sick and tired of both you and Caleb being so intrigued by her, when you had an entire gallery of fantastic paintings that were probably just as remarkable.”
“Not to either of us. As you know, I had my own reason, and Caleb saw only you when he looked at that portrait of Fiona. You should have been flattered in either case.” He waved his hand. “Go on. I have a few calls to make so I’ll finish my tea and let you have a little time to yourself with Fiona. I’ll join you shortly.”
She stopped at the door to look back at him. “Calls? Caleb?”
“Among others. Any objection? He’ll want to know if I was able to arrange for additional guards for the Run. It’s not as if we’re talking about you behind your back. You’ve made it clear that you don’t want that happening.”
“I don’t really mind the two of you talking about me. It doesn’t matter. In the end, it will be my decision. Caleb realizes that I won’t tolerate any interference unless I approve. Just as long as you promise to let me know what else is happening, and if there’s any danger to Caleb. Can I trust you? Will you do that?”
“Of course I’ll do that.”
“Good.” The library door was closing behind her. “Then by all means, make your calls.”
* * *
“Have you arranged for the additional guards?” was the first question Caleb asked when MacDuff reached him. “You’ll have six or seven MI6 specialists showing up on your doorstep later today. Check their IDs and show them around the property. They should be efficient enough even for you, MacDuff.”
“I prefer my own men. I arranged to bring in some of my old buddies from the Royal Marines,” MacDuff said testily.
“Of course you did,” Caleb murmured. “Because they regard you with fawning worship and admiration. Everyone knows about the chestful of medals you earned in combat. It’s not only in Scotland that you’re a damn folk hero.”
“How can I deny it? I won’t bother. But the Scots always had the intelligence to appreciate one of their favorite sons, and the marines were always there when I needed them.” He added, “Like now. They’ll be here by noon and Fergus says he’s arranged for them before when we’ve had difficulties with politicians and media showing up on the property unexpectedly.”
“I’m not worried about politicians or media,” Caleb said. “Can they shoot, and will they do it?”
“They’re marines,” MacDuff repeated. “Everything has been done that should be done. And if you’re worried about Jane, she’s already informed me that she isn’t going to be wandering all over the property. She’s decided that she’ll be working inside the main castle and in the gallery.” He added, “Though I’m not sure if that’s bad or good. It’s not her usual routine, as you know.”
“Yes, I do know.” Caleb’s voice was clipped. “And I’m not any more certain than you were. She wasn’t…herself when I talked to her last night.”
“It might have had something to do with the beheadings,” MacDuff said sarcastically. “It probably made a difference. Being truthful could be a real downer if you’re having to describe blood and gore.”
“Be quiet, MacDuff. I’m doing the best I can.”
“How good is that? I believe I’m supposed to temper anything I talk about with you when I relay information. Have you heard anything about Bohdan from MI6?”
“Other than I have a fat bounty on my head? Not a thing. Well, except that the Congo is in complete chaos. But I’ve contacted Gamba Mandia myself. He’s head of the Bohdan opposition, and they’ve said that they’ll be ready to take over ruling the country if I can remove Bohdan from the equation.” He added dryly, “Such a small thing. But I’m certain Bohdan will be willing to meet-and-greet with me since I’m exceptionally high on his list.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ve brought my information specialist, Dimak Palik, in from Greece, and he’s gathering all the info he can about Bohdan and his men. Along with any chatter about anyone connected to me from Bohdan’s camp. I’m expecting a callback from him any minute.” He paused. “So far there’s not been any talk about MacDuff’s Run or Jane or you. But that doesn’t mean someone won’t stumble onto something.”
“You and Jane have been very discreet about your relationship. I can count on one hand the number of people who know about you.”
“We’ve never tried to hide it. I usually manage to keep an eye on Jane even when I’m not with her. And I always go to her gallery openings. It’s just that we’re private people.”
“I’ve noticed,” MacDuff said. “And you probably prefer that no one be around to get in your way.”
“I’d never interfere with her friends or family. You’re a fool if you think I’d ever want to damage her in that way.”
“Because you’ve gone through that particular hell yourself?” Caleb was silent. “Maybe not. But there are all kinds of other ways you could damage her. For some reason she believes that she wants you. Or perhaps she just wants to save you from yourself.”
“That’s possible. Do you expect me to deny it? But I’ve given up fighting her about it. She’s a bit sensitive right now and I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same.” His voice lowered silkily. “I’d be most displeased.”
“Tough,” MacDuff said. “I’ll keep you informed how things are doing here at the Run. But I promised Jane I’d let her know if you were in any danger. That includes any report from your information guru.”
“Of course. I’ve told you that I’m honest with Jane,” Caleb said, then added, “and I’m grateful for your help, MacDuff.”
“As long as it’s limited to the areas that you specifically designate? Sorry, that won’t happen. You take what you get.” MacDuff broke the connection.
Chapter
4
The Gallery
MacDuff’s Run
1:45 P.M.
Okay. Give Fiona every chance, Jane thought, bracing herself as she walked down the long hallway. It would really annoy her if MacDuff was right about her being intentionally blind regarding the blasted portrait. She turned all the lights on as soon as she entered the gallery. Then she put the two volumes MacDuff had given her together with her sketch pad on the velvet chair against the wall.
Only then did she turn and directly face the portrait of Fiona MacDuff.
Just look at her for a moment. Jane usually avoided it because of the resemblance MacDuff always called to her attention. The long auburn hair, the hazel eyes, the features that even Jane could see were similar to her own.
But MacDuff had said she wasn’t being fair. So she tried to see what he did in Fiona. What had he said? Bold and excited…Yes, she could see the faint flush on Fiona’s cheeks, the way her eyes shone out from the canvas. A bit adventurous…Jane could see that also in the lift of her chin, the faint curve of her lips.
She hated to admit it, but MacDuff had probably been right.
Okay, maybe I’ve been unfair to you, Fiona. But I don’t want you to think that I believe anything else MacDuff said. No offense. But I’m my own person and I like it that way. From what he just told me about you, I believe you might be able to understand that. Personally, I think your father sounds like an asshole. I’m sorry you had to deal with him. MacDuff thinks that the cards were stacked against you because you were a woman in a man’s world. I hope that’s not true. Just because I don’t want to be related to you doesn’t mean I don’t want what’s best for you.
Of course, whatever had happened to her had occurred back in the late eighteen hundreds and there was nothing that Jane could do about it. That was as infuriating as everything else that was happening around her right now.
She wondered if Jamie MacDuff had been as much a son of a bitch as Jane was suspecting. “Because I really don’t like the idea of him getting away with anything,” she whispered.
“Don’t tell me you’re communing with my Fiona?” MacDuff was chuckling as he strolled into the gallery. “I approve. I told you that you’d have a chance of getting along if you took off the blinders.”
“Nonsense.” Jane turned away from the portrait. “Communing? I was just examining the brushstrokes. They’re quite amazing. You don’t know anything about the artist? Not even if it was a man or a woman?”
He shook his head. “Jamie never told any of the family anything about the artist. I guess they just assumed the artist was male. It would give the portrait more status in their eyes, and Jamie was all into status during that period of his life.”
“You mean when he wasn’t throwing his closest kin down the nearest well?” she asked dryly. “And there are women artists who could achieve this quality of brushstrokes.”
MacDuff nodded. “I didn’t mean to imply you couldn’t have done it. I know you could. I’ve seen you do much more detailed work. I’m just trying to give you the correct perspective.”
“I’m getting very annoyed with that perspective.” She gazed back at the portrait. “It’s a wonder that she was able to win any of those prizes or ribbons when she was being smothered by all that machismo bullshit.”
“Maybe she regarded it as a challenge.” MacDuff’s lips indented in a faint smile. “I know someone who would react like that. But you’re being very defensive of Fiona. Am I to assume that you agree I’ve been right about her?”
“Not entirely. I do agree that I’ve probably been unfair in my assessment of her.” She made a face. “How could I help it when everyone has been pushing her at me? She appears to be an extraordinary woman, and I intend to learn much more about her. But there’s no reason why I should believe she’s any relation to me. I’m still more than content to be Jane MacGuire with parents like Joe and Eve instead of having any connection with a bastard like Jamie MacDuff.” She stared him in the eye. “Understood?”
“Certainly.” He grinned. “I’ve gotten this far. I wouldn’t dare push my luck. It’s much smarter to let you make any other discoveries on your own. Do you have any other questions?”
“Not about Fiona.” She was gathering her books from the chair. “Did you get hold of Caleb?”
“Yes, he’s well, and he’s contacted Dimak Palik—an information specialist—to track down Bohdan. He was supposed to hear from him later today. I told him that you’d want a report if he heard anything.”
She nodded. “I know Palik. He’s always done a good job for Caleb. He’ll probably be able to find him if anyone can.” She gave a half grin. “Of course, I’ve seen Caleb himself hunt down prey that no one else could find.” She shivered as she remembered the first time she had seen Caleb in hunter mode. She had told him she needed answers from a killer stalking them in the forest and she’d been shocked at the ferocity of his smile and the sheer electricity that illuminated his entire body as he’d turned and left her. But it had been nothing compared with the moment when he’d returned later carrying an unconscious victim on his back and tossed the man at her feet. It had been savage and frightening and it had taken her a long time to begin to understand the forces that drove Caleb. And longer still to realize that she couldn’t live without him. “I’m just glad he has help this time.”
MacDuff frowned, his gaze on her expression. “And I can imagine what you probably went through with him. He shouldn’t have taken you with him.”
“I didn’t think so, either, at the time. It scared the hell out of me. But I got over it. Caleb has never tried to hide anything from me that he thought I could take.” She shrugged. “And I’m glad. He’s had to carry too many secrets over the years.” She tilted her head. “He didn’t tell you anything else?”
MacDuff shook his head. “I would have told you.” He glanced at the books she was carrying. “What are you doing this afternoon? Getting to know Fiona?”
“Perhaps later.” She was heading toward the door. “Right now I’m going to go upstairs and place a Skype call to Eve. All this talk about Fiona and everything she probably went through has made me want to tell Eve how much I love her and the rest of my family.” She glanced back at him and deliberately winked. “And that I know how lucky I am to belong to them and not to the MacDuff clan.”
* * *
Dimak Palik called Caleb thirty minutes after he’d hung up from MacDuff. “Bohdan has left the Congo and headed for Rome. Word is that he was searching for a couple of MI6 agents that his men told him were meeting with their chief. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
“I know that I told Jennings not to go to that meeting,” Caleb said grimly. “I told them to hide out and screw the report until I could take out Bohdan. Do you know if the bastard has his hands on them yet?”
“I know that there was an unidentified body found in the Tiber River last night. It was pretty well chopped up, but I’ll check to see if it was one of your MI6.”
“Not mine,” Caleb said. “I wanted to go in alone. But the MI6 chief wanted insurance and sent a team. It’s almost sure to be Jennings in that river.”
“I could have told them to let you do it your way,” Palik said quietly. “Next time I’m available for references. Why did you even agree to do the job?”
“I don’t like the idea of bullies, and I didn’t see why an entire country on the edge of starvation should have to kowtow to Bohdan and his General Rozkor.” He shrugged. “And I hadn’t done anything for MI6 for a long time while I was occupied with doing that favor for Jane’s brother and her parents.”
“Ah, the wonderful Jane MacGuire,” Palik said. “Say no more. How is she?”
“The same. Safe, I think. She’s at MacDuff’s Run and well protected. There’s a good chance that Bohdan won’t even know that she has any connection with me.”
“You think?” Silence. “You never just think when it comes to Jane MacGuire. You know or you find out. Or you have me find out. Which is it?”
“You’ll have one of your men keep an eye on MacDuff’s Run. A very good man. If there’s even a hint of a threat there, I’m to know about it.”
