He stiffened. “She’s not afraid of me, Margaret.”
“She’s afraid of something when she’s with you.” She turned at the top of the steps to look down at him. “Maybe it’s part of the mating ritual. What do you think?”
He stared at her coldly, then suddenly smiled. “I think you’re bold as brass, and I’m beginning to like you. That could be very dangerous for one of us.”
“I just tell the truth.” She straightened. “And here’s another truth. I owe Jane a debt, and I’ll pay it. I won’t let what you’re planning on doing with her get in the way.”
“And you still expect me to take you to San Juan?”
“Why not? You don’t like anything easy. The hunt would be boring.”
“What would you do if I told you to get off my plane?”
“Find another way to San Juan.” She tilted her head. “Oh, and I might have to go to … where is it? Georgia later. Can you get me better documents than I have right now?”
“Why should I?”
“Because I can help find Eve Duncan, and that would make Jane happy. Happy with me, happy with you for putting me into a position to help her find Eve.”
“So I’m to break the law because you think I might find you valuable later?”
“Wouldn’t it be a good enough reason for you?” She was studying him, her gaze narrowed. “And you’d enjoy it. You like taking chances.”
Her eyes were fixed on his face, and he found himself caught and held.
Clear eyes. Shrewd eyes. Wise eyes.
What the hell? he thought recklessly.
“You’re damn right I’d enjoy it.” He took the steps two at a time. “But if I’m taking the risk, I’m running the show. You do what I tell you once we land in San Juan. Deal?”
“Of course.” Her cheerful smile lit her face. “I would never argue with an expert, Caleb.”
“How do you know I am?”
“Stalking,” she murmured. “Dodging and hiding are all a part of going after prey. You’d have to be good at it.” She was heading for the cockpit. “This is exciting. I’m a pretty good sailor, but I’ve never had a chance to learn anything about flying. Will you teach me how to take off?”
“No. You’d probably try to steal the plane.”
“I don’t steal. Sometimes I borrow. That’s all right. I’ll watch and try to learn on my own.”
* * *
WHEN JANE WOKE AGAIN, SHE was being wheeled down a white-tiled corridor.
“It’s okay, Jane.” Joe was beside her. “We’re getting you into ER.”
No darkness, no flames. Not that fascinating face that held and touched and drew her, she realized with relief that held an element of regret.
Just Joe. Safety. Strength. Comrade.
Green walls. White coats, teal coats. It had to be the hospital in San Juan. Her head was clearing, thank heavens. “We made a deal. You’ve delivered me, now get the hell out of here. Go to Eve.”
“Shut up, brat.” His smile belied the roughness of the words. “I’m working on it. I tried to reach Venable on the ambulance plane but couldn’t get through. I’ll call again while they’re working on you in there. I’ve arranged to have a plane waiting, and I’ll leave right after they give me a report. Okay?”
“I guess so.” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “It’s going to be all right, Joe.” She tried to keep the desperation from her voice. “She’s got to be okay. She’s so good, Joe. Why would anyone want to hurt her?”
“Why would anyone want to hurt you?” His eyes were glittering. “It can be a nasty world. We both know that, Jane. We just have to make sure that dirt doesn’t touch her.” He released her hand as the nurse bustled toward her. “And you have to get well before you can help me do that. Do what they tell you, Jane.”
“I will. You know I will.” She called as the ER doors swung shut behind her, “Call Venable now, Joe … Let me know what he says.”
* * *
“I’M AT THE LAKE COTTAGE, Quinn,” Venable said flatly as soon as he picked up the call. “She’s not here.” He paused. “There’s one vehicle in the driveway. There’s mud on the tires as if it had been driven. How many should be here?”
“Only one. I left the jeep at the airport.”
“So she had to have had a ride if she went to the airport as she planned.”
“She was planning on driving herself.” He added, “I contacted the policeman I had watching the place. He took a look around the lake and went inside the house. He said that she was nowhere in the vicinity.”