Текст книги "Your Next Breath "

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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Текущая страница: 18 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

Catherine drew a relieved breath. “Luke’s safe?”

“So it would seem. Now, as I was saying, let’s go take care of that wound.”

“Not now.”

“You’re just going to sit here and wait?”

She nodded grimly. “And hope to hell that Montez was wrong about Santos’s probably being vaporized. I need to know.”

He didn’t argue. He dropped to the ground and pulled her down beside him. “Then we’d better get comfortable. It’s going to take a long time before we can get back into that tomb.”

“You don’t have to stay with me. Dario may need you.”

“I don’t have to do anything. It’s pure choice. And I choose you.” He drew her closer and tucked her head into the hollow of his shoulder. “And you may never admit that you need me, but someday I’ll make you admit that you want me for something other than sex. For some reason that’s becoming important to me. Isn’t that strange?”

“Completely.” Strange and warm and frightening all at the same time. She didn’t want to deal with any of those emotions in connection with Cameron. She didn’t have to do it. Pure choice, as Cameron had said.

But at least she could yield a little of herself to him in this moment of weariness and relief and hope. He had claimed that part of her anyway during these past days of fighting at her side. Would she be able to get it back? She didn’t know. But it would do no harm to relax now and worry about it later.

Maybe. Cameron was always an emotional threat and a danger to her.

That was okay, she could handle it. Right now, he was only giving her comfort and companionship and the knowledge that he would not leave her.

She relaxed back against him, watching the leaping flames devour the tomb down the hill.

And, dammit, she was going to take that gift.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

ONE DAY LATER

“Is Catherine sure? I can’t believe Santos is really dead, Eve.” Jane’s lips twisted. “He’s been hanging over my head like a hangman’s noose for too long.”

“Over all our heads,” Eve said. “Catherine said that she was certain when she called last night. You can ask her yourself. She told me that she was coming here today and that she’d see us.”

“I may do that. It’s hard to believe the nightmare is over. But I have to believe it. I’ve got to go on, I have to move forward.” She was silent a moment, thinking. “I’m going to need my sketchbook, Eve. Will you bring it next time?”

“Sure. But let’s check with the doctor and make sure it’s okay. You get pretty intense when you’re working.” Eve smiled. “Why not just read or watch television?”

“Because I’m going crazy since they cut the drugs.” Jane made a face. “I need to do something constructive. I can’t just lie here and stare mindlessly.”

“You’re never mindless.” But Eve could see that she was terribly restless, and that might be a healthy sign. Jane had always wanted to move, to search for that next adventure, to find the key that had been lost. It had only been after Trevor had died that she seemed to turn her back on that essential part of her character. “I’ll talk to the doctor and see what I can do. Maybe you should wait until Joe and I take you home with us to heal. You’ll have more leisure time.”

She shook her head. “I need to start now. And I’ll only need to be at the lake cottage for a week or so. After that, I’ll go back to London and be out of your hair.”

Eve looked away. “That soon? I kind of like the thought of your hanging around and being in my hair.”

“Me, too.” Jane reached out and covered Eve’s hand, lying on the bed. “That’s why I have to leave. I want it too much. I always want to stay with you and Joe. It’s home. It’s the place I love. If I didn’t force myself, I’d cuddle down forever and be the little girl you found in the streets all those years ago. But that’s your life, that’s Joe’s life. I have to find a life of my own.” Her hand tightened on Eve’s. “I thought for a while I’d found it with Trevor, but that didn’t happen. So I have to go on, don’t I? Like you did when Bonnie died. You didn’t hide. I can’t either. Do you understand that, Eve?”

She nodded jerkily. “Though I really like the idea of all that cuddling down forever with Joe and me. London is too far away.”

“It didn’t stop me from flying back to you at the drop of a hat when you needed me.” Her eyes were glittering with moisture as she smiled unsteadily. “London isn’t home to me. You’re home. Besides, I’ve been thinking about going up to McDuff’s castle in Scotland after I fully recover. You remember McDuff?”

“How can anyone forget him?” she asked dryly. “Lord McDuff, who thinks he runs all the world, or at least Great Britain. Why would you go there?”

She shrugged. “McDuff is always trying to persuade me that I should come and go treasure hunting with him. As I was lying here, it occurred to me that would be the farthest thing from hiding that I could choose. McDuff would never permit it.”

“And neither would I,” Caleb said.

Jane tensed as her gaze flew to the door, where Caleb was leaning against the jamb. “Hello, Caleb. I haven’t seen you lately.”

“I had things to wrap up.” He strolled into the room. “Did you miss me?”

“Let’s say I noticed your absence.”

“Which means you missed me.” He smiled. “But not enough to keep you from trying to supplant me with McDuff. I admit I was surprised when I overheard you talking about him.”

“Eavesdropping.”

“Of course, I’ve never claimed to be honorable.” He turned to Eve. “But I hope you agree that it’s a good idea for Jane to go to McDuff’s castle.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Do you?”

“Yes, I’m all for any change that brings Jane out in the real world.” He smiled. “Particularly since Edinburgh is one of my favorite stomping grounds. And to which destination I’m about to go as soon as I say my good-bye to Jane.”

“You’re leaving?” Eve got to her feet and held out her hand. “Thank you, Caleb. Joe and I owe you.”

“No, you don’t.” Caleb shook her hand. “If anything, I owe you for making that call. It’s been an interesting challenge.”

“So casual.” Eve shook her head. “And so phony. I was here when you nearly went off the deep end when Jane was hovering between life and death.” She took a step closer and gave him a brief hug before she turned and headed for the door. “But I’ll make sure Jane lets me know if you behave yourself if she runs into you in Scotland.”

Caleb chuckled. “Oh, she’ll run into me. But she may not give you a report. She’s very protective of you.”

“Would you two stop talking about me as if I weren’t here?” Jane said.

“I’m gone.” Eve lifted her hand as she left the room. But her smile faded as soon as she closed the door.

And I think, in your heart, you may be gone, too, Jane.

I have to be grateful, she thought. Jane was coming back to them, and it was a stronger, more mature Jane, who was taking charge of her life.

Eve was grateful.

It was just going to take a little while for the ache to go away.

*   *   *

“I gave Eve a bad time when I showed up here that first day.” Caleb turned back to Jane as Eve was lost to view. “I’m lucky that she has a forgiving nature, or she would have tossed me out.”

“Would you have let her?”

He smiled. “No, but she might have found a way. She’s very smart.”

“Yes, she is.” She paused. “And she didn’t argue with me about going to McDuff’s castle. Neither of us needed your approval.”

“I thought I’d give it anyway. I hate to be left out in the cold.”

“And you believed I might change my mind if I thought you approved?”

He chuckled. “That’s too complicated. Why not believe I meant what I said?”

“Did you?”

“Yes.” He moved closer to the bed. “I’m not worried about McDuff. Sometimes I even like him. When he doesn’t get in my way.”

“It’s you that would be in McDuff’s way if you show up at the castle. I don’t intend to invite you, and I don’t believe he would.”

“How rude.” His eyes were gleaming with mischief. “Afraid, Jane?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She paused. “I’m grateful for what you did for me. But there’s nothing easy about our relationship, and I won’t pretend that I want the disturbance you always bring.”

“People change. Sometime you might welcome it.”

She gazed at him incredulously. “Not likely.”

“When you were on those drugs, we were almost compatible. Perhaps you could get a refill.”

He was joking. His expression was alive with amusement.

“You’re in a very good mood,” she said warily.

“Because you’re getting well, and I don’t have to force you to go the way I want you to go.” He reached forward and touched her cheek. “And it may be a long road, but I can see that it will be an interesting journey.” He added softly, “And, oh, when we reach that final destination…”

Darkness. Flame. Electricity.

She stared at him in fascination. Then she pulled her gaze away. “There’s no final destination with you, Caleb.”

“Of course there is.” His hand dropped away from her cheek. “You just don’t understand it’s there yet.” He turned and headed for the door. His step was springy and his voice light. “I’ll see you in Scotland, Jane.”

*   *   *

“Good God, you look terrible.” Eve’s eyes widened when Catherine walked into the waiting room. “You said you were okay when you called me yesterday to tell me that Santos was definitely dead. You didn’t mention he’d used you as a punching bag.” She glanced at Catherine’s bandaged shoulder. “No problem with that wound?”

Catherine shook her head. “I told you, it’s a minor flesh wound.” She gingerly touched the bruises on her cheek and lip. “These hurt more.”

“And you have deep circles under your eyes. You’re exhausted. You shouldn’t have stopped off here. Go home and get some rest.”

“I will.” She reached out and took Eve’s hand. “But that’s not true, I should have stopped off here. You were all in the front lines. Santos targeted you, and you came through for me. Hu Chang made sure everyone else was safe, but you were the center that let me move forward.”

“Bullshit,” Eve said baldly. “It was a team effort. I just rounded up the troops when you called and said that Dorgal was on the way. I handled persuading the doctors and nurses to go along with it. But, basically, we got a plan together and executed it. Joe, Caleb, even Jane, were part of it.”

“How is Jane?”

“Better every day. She’s in her own room now. We had her moved from the isolation area after you called me yesterday. We’ll be able to take her home in a week.” She shook her head. “Which is good and bad. She’s been very much my own while she’s been here in the hospital. It will change once she starts taking back her life.” She added quickly, “Not that I don’t know that’s for the best. I want her to have her independence back. It will just seem … a little empty.”

“I can understand. Luke is only twelve and I’m having issues.” She paused. “I want to see her, Eve.”

“By all means. Caleb is with her now, but I got the impression he wasn’t going to stay long. Besides, she’s getting restless. She’ll be glad to have someone besides us to talk to.” She smiled. “Though she may go into shock when she sees your face.”

Catherine grimaced. “Maybe she’ll think I deserve it after what I put her through.” She held up her hand as Eve frowned. “Okay, no more apologies. I’ll substitute gratitude and just say I owe you more than I can say.” She gave her a hug and held her tight for a moment as she whispered, “This has been a terrible time, but I’ve learned from it, Eve. I thought I was a loner, and I am in many ways. But I didn’t count my blessings, I didn’t realize that the friends who surrounded me were so strong, so unique, that I am never alone.” She hugged her again, then stepped back and turned away. “And that I’ll never let you be alone either. You feel a little lonely or empty, give me a call. I’ll be there for you.”

Eve chuckled. Though she was very touched. “I don’t need you to hold my hand, Catherine. I’ll be fine. I’m just anticipating a little withdrawal syndrome. Go on and see Jane.”

Catherine nodded. “I will.” She took Eve’s hand and turned it palm up. “Right after I give you this. It’s not in nearly as good condition as when you gave it to me.”

Eve looked down at the melted, blackened, gold dog tag chain that Catherine had poured into her hand. Only the LING were left of the letters.

“I didn’t expect it back.”

“It had Jane’s blood on it. I decided I didn’t want him to be able to claim what he did to her even in death.” She touched the chain. “It was in his hand when we found him at the bottom of the spiral staircase. He was burned and in a number of charred pieces, and he must have been clutching the dog tag when the blast hit. I thought I’d let you decide what you wanted done with it.”

“I’ll talk to Joe. He’ll probably want to drop it into the nearest toilet.”

“Good choice.” She started down the hall. “And very Joe-like. I should have known it would have to be a joint decision.”

“Always.” She called after her. “What about Richard Cameron? You didn’t mention him.”

“What about him?” Catherine didn’t look back. “He went on ahead to talk to Hu Chang and make sure that Erin was all right. Then I guess that he’ll be on his way again. I’m sure his precious committee is very impatient to get him back on the job. I was an unwelcome distraction to them.”

“But he was a very good friend to you. You’ve got all this warm and fuzzy viewpoint on friendship now. If he was in trouble, would you come if he needed you?”

Catherine stopped and turned around to face her. “Maybe. If he asked me, which he would probably never do. And friendship isn’t what he—well, maybe it is, but it’s much more complicated than– You’re smiling.”

“Yes, I am. I’m curious about Cameron, so I decided I’d probe a bit.”

“Well, you probed.” She grinned at her. “And the only concrete statement you’ll get from me is concerning you, my friend. Through hell and high water, I’ll always be there for you.”

Eve watched as Catherine turned and continued down the hall.

*   *   *

“I’ll always be there for you. Those are nice words, aren’t they, Mama?”

Bonnie.

Eve turned to see Bonnie curled up in one of the chairs across the waiting room. “Very nice. And the meaning is even nicer, young lady. I could have used having you here for me during the last few days. What good is a ghost if she’s not on the job when you need her?”

Bonnie smiled. “Not much good at all. I’ve told you that I can’t be with you all the time. It doesn’t work that way. I have things I have to do. I’m lucky to be able to be with you at all. It doesn’t usually happen.”

“I know, I know. I just miss you. Sorry to complain. We managed without you. Santos is dead. Jane is getting well.”

Bonnie nodded. “And Trevor is trying to keep busy and stay away from her. It’s hard in the beginning. You want to stay where you know you’re loved instead of sending out the love yourself.”

“Was it hard for you, baby?”

“Oh, yes, but you needed me so badly that I was allowed to come to you and visit.” Her smile deepened. “And it was wonderful, wasn’t it, Mama?”

“Past tense?” She went still. She was sensing something that was making her uneasy. “I don’t like this, Bonnie. Are you trying to tell me something?”

“I think so. I’m a little confused myself. You know I don’t always understand what I’m supposed to do to help you. Most of the time, it’s enough for me to be with you and let the love between us do the work.” She paused. “I think something is going to happen, Mama.”

“Something bad?”

She nodded. “Something bad, and terrible, and scary, and yet there’s a light, too.”

“Well, that’s clear.”

“I just wanted to warn you. Because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to be with you again.”

Eve felt a surge of panic. “No. Why shouldn’t you be able to come? You thought that when we found your body and the man who took you, that you might not be able to come. But it wasn’t true, you still managed to do it.”

“This is different.”

“How?”

Bonnie shrugged helplessly. “I don’t know. It’s just different. Things are going to … change. I don’t know how, but they’re going to change, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop it.”

Eve drew a deep, shaky breath. She said unsteadily, “You’re being most unsatisfactory, and I don’t want to waste my time with you worrying if you can’t tell me what’s happening. So just sit there and we’ll talk about things that make us happy until you have to leave me. Okay?”

“Okay.” Bonnie smiled her warm, luminous smile, which always seemed to light up the world. “I only wanted to make sure that even if someday you can’t see me anymore like this, you’d know that I hadn’t really left you.”

I’ll always be there for you.

Not a coincidence that Bonnie had echoed those words when she had come to Eve today.

“No, not a coincidence,” Bonnie said softly.

“A promise?”

Bonnie nodded. “A promise that will last forever. You’ll remember that, Mama?”

“I’ll remember.” She swallowed to ease the tightness of her throat. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll accept it. I’m not giving you up, baby. We’ve worked this ghost business out to a fine art. So you just go tell all those mysterious entities that think they can keep you from me for no apparent reason that it’s not going to happen.”

“Because you say so.” Bonnie was suddenly chuckling. “Only you, Mama.”

“Why not? I know the love goes both ways, and being with me is probably good for you, too.” She smiled into her eyes. “So I don’t intend to let you go. I don’t care what kind of horror story you’re sensing ahead. We’ll make it through together.” Her smile deepened with all the love she was feeling. “Because I’ll always be there for you, too, Bonnie.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn’t Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing the Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora’s Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On the Run, Countdown, Firestorm, Fatal Tide, Dead Aim, No One to Trust, and more. And with her son Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.

Visit her at www.irisjohansen.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OfficialIrisJohansen. Or sign up for email updates here.

ALSO BY IRIS JOHANSEN

Sight Unseen (with Roy Johansen)

Live to See Tomorrow

Silencing Eve

Hunting Eve

Taking Eve

Sleep No More

Close Your Eyes (with Roy Johansen)

What Doesn’t Kill You

Bonnie

Quinn

Eve

Chasing the Night

Shadow Zone (with Roy Johansen)

Eight Days to Live

Deadlock

Dark Summer

Quicksand

Silent Thunder (with Roy Johansen)

Pandora’s Daughter

Stalemate

An Unexpected Song

Killer Dreams

On the Run

Countdown

Blind Alley

Firestorm

Fatal Tide

Dead Aim

No One to Trust

Body of Lies

Final Target

The Search

The Killing Game

The Face of Deception

And Then You Die

Long After Midnight

The Ugly Duckling

Lion’s Bride

Dark Rider

Midnight Warrior

The Beloved Scoundrel

The Magnificent Rogue

The Tiger Prince

Last Bridge Home

The Golden Barbarian

Reap the Wind

Storm Winds

Wind Dancer

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CONTENTS

Title Page

Copyright Notice

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

About the Author

Also by Iris Johansen

Copyright

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

YOUR NEXT BREATH. Copyright © 2015 by Johansen Publishing LLLP. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.

www.stmartins.com

Cover design by Rob Grom

Cover photographs © Shuhui Yang and Shutterstock

eBooks may be purchased for business or promotional use. For information on bulk purchases, please contact Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department by writing to MacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.

The Library of Congress has cataloged the print edition as follows:

Johansen, Iris.

   Your next breath / Iris Johansen.—1st ed.

           p. cm.

   ISBN 978-1-250-02008-6 (hardcover)

   ISBN 978-1-250-02007-9 (e-book)

 I. Title.

   PS3560.O275Y68 2015

   813'.54—dc23

                                                2014040835

eISBN 9781250020079

First Edition: April 2015