“No.”
“So wary…” He crossed to the desk and drew out his leather folio. He flipped it open. “Read all about them. That’s Eve. The man is Joe Quinn, and the other woman is Jane MacGuire. The queen and her two knights. Only Doane has removed the knights, and she’s alone now.”
Stang was looking at the photos. “But you said she might be dead.”
“Yes, it depends on what Doane wants. Shall I tell you about Doane?”
“No.”
“Perhaps later. It’s enough for you to know that he has the same ambition as you. He wants to kill me, and he thinks he has good reason to do it.”
“I never said I wanted to kill you.”
“No, you didn’t say it, did you? Perhaps you haven’t made up your mind yet.” He shrugged. “I rather enjoy not knowing. It gives life a little zip. However, you notice I always keep you within viewing distance. Tell me, did you love your brother, Sean?”
“Yes, I loved him.” He added, “I was surprised when you let me come to work for you after he died. You must have known it would be dangerous.”
“You were willing to take the risk, how could I resist? Life is boring without the chance of its ending popping up now and then. And, until you decide it’s time, you make me stacks of money and keep me organized.” He smiled. “But now I’ve changed the rules, and I want to see you react. It will be amusing. Since I’m putting you at risk, you might as well know everything about Eve and the situation.”
Stang was silent a moment, studying Zander’s face. “You’re not behaving normally.”
“When have I ever been normal?”
“No, I mean you want to talk about this Eve Duncan. Something about the situation is bothering you.”
Zander’s brows rose. “How perceptive you are. But it doesn’t take much insight to know that I wouldn’t consider moving my entire operation if I weren’t a little concerned.”
“Consider? You told me to set about doing it.”
“I’ve changed my mind.” He hadn’t realized that he was going to say those words until they came out. “Doane isn’t worth my going on the run. I’ll have to take him down sometime. It will be easier if I let him walk into a trap.” He glanced at the mountains looming outside the window. “Such a beautiful trap. So now that’s settled, there’s nothing more to be worried about.”
“I didn’t say worried. I’ve never seen you worried. You’re just … unsettled.” He paused. “And I don’t believe you’d risk having to dispose of me if you weren’t—I don’t think you’re reacting as you usually do.”
“Unsettled.” He repeated the word. “Yes, you may be right. Though I’m not sure I like being referred to in that way. It sounds a bit weak.”
Stang shook his head. “An earthquake is unsettled, so is a volcano.”
Zander threw back his head and laughed. “Now I like that better. A force of nature is much better for my ego.”
Stang looked back at the photo. “Is it because she might be dead?”
“No. Why should I care? I’ve never met her,” Zander said. “I thought you didn’t want to know about her.”
“You want me to know. And at this point, it doesn’t matter any longer. You’ve pulled me in too deep.”
“You think I want to share?” He shook his head. “You’re crazy, Stang.”
“It was just a thought. So who is Eve Duncan?”
“It’s all there in the dossier.”
“No, who is she to you, Zander?”
Who was Eve Duncan to him? It was a question that he had been asking himself of late. He had tried to dismiss it from his consciousness, but it kept recurring like a persistent nightmare.
“Who is she to me?” Zander smiled faintly. “Why, Stang, I don’t really know. Perhaps my nemesis.”
* * *
“DAMMIT, THEY TOLD ME you were awake.”
Jane opened her eyes to see Joe in the chair beside her bed. “Hi, Joe. I am awake. I was just dozing.”
“Good. Then I’m not to blame for waking you. Though I would have done it anyway when I found out that you aren’t on death’s door. I have to know what’s going on.” He reached forward to give her a quick kiss on her forehead. “You scared us, baby. What the hell happened?”
“Didn’t Devon and Margaret tell you?”
“Yes, what they could. Toby and poison and Caleb on the trail…” His lips tightened. “None of it adds up to a reason for shooting you.”