“You lied.”
“Yes, but it worked. I got what I wanted. They don’t understand the complications of our relationship. I brought you to the island, and, therefore, I’m presumably a man to trust.”
“Presumably.”
“But you don’t trust me. You don’t trust any man, do you?” He suddenly looked back and snapped his fingers. “No, there is a man you do trust, and it should comfort you to know that he should be arriving on the island at any moment.”
“Joe?”
He smiled. “You see? You knew exactly whom I was talking about. Tell him I’ll talk to him when I get back.”
“Wait.” She moistened her lips. “You’re going to try to track down that sniper.”
“I’m not going to try. If he’s still on the island, I’m going to get the bastard within the next few hours.” He added coldly, “If he’s found a way off, it may take a little while longer.”
“I’m not asking you to—”
“Be quiet, Jane,” he said softly. “I’ve been thinking about my reward all the time I’ve been sitting here playing the sturdy, solid friend in need. This has a little to do with you but more with what and who I am. I want him.”
Before she could answer, he was gone.
And she was left to remember how savage and violent Caleb could be when he went on the hunt.
Dammit, and she was wounded and too weak to go after him. Yes, Caleb had a primitive and barbaric desire for revenge, but this was really all about her. He wouldn’t even be on the island if she hadn’t asked him to come here.
“He upset you.” Margaret was standing in the doorway, her gaze on Jane’s face. “I told Devon it was taking a chance to let him stay with you. He’s one of the wild ones. Even if he meant well, he is what he is.” She came forward and sat down beside the bed. “What do you want me to do? Go after him and bring him back?”
“No, that’s impossible. You couldn’t do it. I told you about—you don’t know what he is.”
“Yes, I do.” She shrugged. “I told you, he’s one of the wild ones. I know all about them. It’s true I haven’t run across anyone quite like him. It would be hard, but I could bring him back to you if you want him.”
“You don’t know all about Caleb,” Jane said dryly. “I guarantee that you don’t. I didn’t give you more than a hint. There’s no one like him.”
“I can get him.” She was holding Jane’s gaze. “Say the word.”
“So then I’d have two people to worry about?” Jane said in exasperation. “No, I won’t say the word, dammit.”
“Now I’m upsetting you, too.” Margaret suddenly smiled. “You’re ill, we should all leave you alone to heal and deal with everything else ourselves.”
“I’m not ill. I’ve been shot. There’s a difference.”
“Cause and effect.”
“That should affect only me. And perhaps whoever is in charge of law and order on this island. Not Seth Caleb and not you.”
“There’s only a constable and his assistant in the village. Devon will probably tell him about the shooter in case he might be a danger to the locals. But I don’t think he would be a danger to anyone but you, do you?”
“I don’t know,” she said in frustration. “Maybe. Why would I be a target?”
“Caleb may find out … if he doesn’t decide to kill him instead of question him. I only know the shooter was stalking you. He was in the woods outside, and he was at the airfield.”
Margaret had been coolly analytical about Caleb’s potential actions and apparently completely without judgment. “You have no objection to Caleb’s … going that far?”
“Why? It’s his nature. Besides, it’s justice. The man tried to kill you, now he has to pay. I told you I believe in revenge.”
“Yes, you did.” But lying here looking at Margaret, it was difficult for Jane to accept. The young girl was so full of life and that youthful joyousness that it was hard to make the connection. “But this is a little more final than going after the man who poisoned Toby to punish him.”
She shook her head. “Justice is justice.”
“Yet you said that you’d go after Caleb and bring him back.”
“Because I didn’t want you to worry when you’re not well.” Her smile held a hint of mischief. “But I didn’t say I wouldn’t go after that man who shot you myself after I got Caleb back for you.”
“Oh, for God’s sake.”