Текст книги "Taking Eve "

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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“I can see you doing that.” Toby was Jane’s beloved pet, half-dog, half-wolf, and totally endearing. Eve had taken care of Toby herself when Jane had been unable to have her dog with her, and she loved him almost as much as Jane did. “Couldn’t you go to another vet?”

“Eldridge is the best. He’s just giving up too easily. I won’t give up. So we practically smuggled Toby out of London to avoid all the red tape and took off.”

“Toby’s not a young dog any longer, Jane,” she said gently. “You’ve had him since you were just a kid yourself.”

“That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have his chance.” Jane paused. “We’re on our way to Summer Island. I’m taking him to Sarah Logan. I just hope he’s alive when I get there.”

“You’re taking him to the island? Did you call Sarah?”

“Yes, she said that she couldn’t promise miracles, but they have some terrific vets and a few extraordinary consultants who might be able to help.” She added, “Miracles. You know me, Eve. I’m not one to trust in miracles, and I had a hard time believing that the experimental research center Sarah and her husband set up on that island could be all that she promised it to be.”

“Sarah always tells the truth.”

“But dogs that are able to heal and extend life to an undetermined span? That’s pretty hard to swallow.”

“Sarah had trouble herself until she saw the effects on her golden retriever, Monty. She said he acts like a five-year-old, and he’s Toby’s father.”

“I don’t care about any sudden rejuvenation. I only want to keep Toby alive and with me for a little while longer. If Sarah’s started a clinic on that island, it’s got to be a great one.”

“And you’re willing to close your eyes to what doesn’t strike you as reasonable and let Toby have his chance.”

“I love him. And Toby’s so full of love. Dogs like him should live forever.” She cleared her throat. “Do you know that Sarah said that they call the dogs that they have on the island the dogs of summer? She said that dogs should always live in the summer of life. Toby is heading toward his winter, but he’s not there yet. Maybe I can hold him back.”

“Maybe you can. Do you need me? I’ll hop on a plane and be there tomorrow.”

“No, we’re just refueling and checking our flight plan. I want to get Toby to the island as soon as possible. The island is only a tiny speck in the middle of the Caribbean, and you’d have to fly private, too.”

“And your point is?”

“That I can handle this myself. With any luck, Toby and I will be at the lake house in no time.”

“I hope so.” She had a sudden thought. “You said we smuggled. Who helped you get Toby out of the country?”

Silence. “Seth Caleb.”

Eve’s hand tightened on the phone. “And?”

“Nothing. No pound of flesh. He just showed up after I’d had the bad news from the vet and offered his services.”

“Just out of the blue. I’m wondering how he so conveniently found out about Toby. Knowing Seth Caleb, that makes me very uneasy.”

“But you’re always uneasy around Caleb. You’ve been that way since the day you met him.”

“And realized he … wasn’t like other people. For God’s sake, Jane. I watched him kill a man by controlling the blood flow to his heart.”

“The medical examiner never confirmed that happened. And Caleb saved Joe, didn’t he?”

“Yes, but he … I don’t like him around you.”

“You’re talking as if he’s some kind of vampire. He’s no such thing. He just has a kind of … talent.”

“And you find him fascinating.”

“So do you.”

“Yes.” She couldn’t deny it. “But it’s like watching a cobra weave back and forth.”

Jane chuckled. “There’s nothing snakelike about Seth. He’s more in the panther line. Yes, if I ever do a sketch of him, I’d make him a black panther.”

“But you’re trusting that panther to take your Toby to safety.” There was no use arguing with her. Eve had watched Seth Caleb’s effect on Jane, and it was both complicated and reckless. Most of the time, Jane realized how dangerous he could be to her and kept him at a distance. In the end, Jane would have to deal with him in her own way.

And if that deal did not turn out happily, Eve would have to go after Caleb and take care of him herself.

“Call me as soon as you reach the island and meet Sarah. I’ll be worried until I know about our Toby.”

“It will be all right.” Jane’s voice had a note of desperation. “It has to be fine. I won’t have it any other way. I’ll bring him to you. Bye, Eve. I love you.” She hung up.

Eve slowly pressed the disconnect. Lord, she wanted to be there with Jane. Toby was very important to her, and this might be a tragic ending for her old friend. Jane had grown up on the streets and in foster homes and had never allowed herself to trust anyone but Eve and Joe. The closest she had come was that zany half-wolf who had bounded into their hearts and lives and stayed there.

Until now.

Maybe it would be okay. Unlike Jane, Eve did believe in miracles. They weren’t always on the horizon, but there was a balance between horror and wonder. Miracles as well as disasters could happen. Sometimes it seemed impossible when you faced the tragedy of little boys like Ryan, but she had to believe because of Bonnie.

Bonnie, who had been taken from her in the most horrible way possible, kidnapped and dying when she was only seven. Yet she had been permitted to come back to comfort Eve and help her through life. Eve had first thought she was a dream, and only after years had she admitted that Bonnie was a spirit and accepted her presence in her life.

Accepted her with joy and gratitude.

Yes, there were miracles in this world.

Maybe Ryan would be someone’s miracle. “I hope so, Ryan.” She turned and picked up her cup of coffee. “I guess there’s no hurry about drinking this. Jane may be a few days. I’ll go out on the porch and sit down and enjoy the sunset.”

But the sun was already down when she went out on the porch. The dusk had fallen, and the lake looked silver-cold.

She shivered and took a sip of coffee.

It didn’t warm her.

She felt suddenly very alone. No Joe. No Jane.

She was being ridiculous. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been alone before. So what if the only entity she had to talk with at the moment was the skull of a dead child?

She turned quickly and went back into the house and slammed the door and locked it. “I’m heading for a long, hot shower, Ryan. Then I’ll come out and pack you in your FedEx box to be picked up tomorrow. Joe should be calling soon, and I’ll have to tell him about poor Toby. I’m sorry Jane won’t get a chance to see you. She’s an artist, and she might have made a wonderful sketch of you that could have led to everyone’s knowing who you are. But we’ll get there anyway…”

CHAPTER

2

San Juan, Puerto Rico

“THE PLANE’S READY.”

Jane turned to see Seth Caleb coming toward her across the tarmac. His silver-threaded dark hair was ruffled by the wind and he was dressed in jeans and a leather flight jacket and he should have looked casual, even unobtrusive. But Caleb never appeared unobtrusive no matter what he wore. He was always high-impact. His high cheekbones and deep-set dark eyes drew the attention and kept it focused. He radiated magnetism and charisma that was impossible to ignore. “Good. Did you check on Toby?”

“Resting quietly.” He glanced at her phone. “How did Eve take the news? She loves Toby, too, doesn’t she?”

“Of course. She would have jumped on the next plane if I’d asked her. I told her to stay home, that I’d bring Toby to her.” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “And that’s what I’ll do. Just get me to that island.”

“Another hour and fifteen minutes,” Caleb said quietly. “But if the security on the island is as strict as you’ve told me, you’d better give Sarah Logan a call and tell her we’re on our way.”

“I will.” She climbed the steps of the Gulfstream jet. “I told Sarah that I’d be coming; I just didn’t tell her who was bringing me.”

His brows lifted. “But you told Eve, I assume? What did she say? Did she ask any questions? I can’t see her being comfortable with my having you in my clutches.”

“Don’t be absurd. I’m not in your clutches.”

“Only if you choose to be,” he said softly. “I promised you that a long time ago. But you’re understandably wary of me. I try to keep my word, but I have moments when the control slips.”

Jane had seen moments when that had happened, and it had frightened … and excited her. Neither response was wise to accept or encourage. Which was the reason she tried to keep her distance from Caleb. She had not seen him for almost a year before he had shown up in her apartment yesterday. “Stop this bullshit,” she said curtly. “I don’t want to deal with it right now. The only thing I want to think about is Toby.”

His smile faded. “I’ll back off. I know it’s not the time. I told you I slip occasionally. In spite of Eve’s suspicions about my wicked motives, I actually want to help you and Toby. I like your dog.”

She believed him. However, that didn’t mean that it was the entire truth. Seth Caleb had so many intricate facets to his character that he was like a juggler whose balls in the air could be pure gold or deepest ebony. “And I love him.” She fought to keep her voice steady. “Eve thought your sudden arrival on my doorstep was too convenient. I agree with her.”

“But you didn’t question me.”

“I didn’t care. You said you’d do anything I wanted to help Toby. You’re rich, you don’t care about dodging the law if it suits you, I could trust you if I handled you right. I didn’t have the money to rent a private jet myself.” She added baldly, “I needed you.”

“A circumstance much to be desired.” His tone was light. “So it was important that I continue it.”

“But now I’m going to ask you the question Eve would want me to ask. How did you know about Toby? I haven’t seen you in months.”

“I do hate to lose touch with people I care about.”

“Does that mean you’ve been watching me?”

“In a very safe, distant manner. How could I just walk away from you? You’re a very special woman, Jane. I know you find the thought of a relationship with me a little intimidating.”

“No way. Don’t flatter yourself.”

He smiled faintly. “You do, you know. I’m very encouraged by it. A little uncertainty can be intriguing. Don’t worry; I haven’t been lurking in the shadows. I’ve just been … waiting.” He stopped beside the stretcher where Toby lay and stroked the dog’s golden white muzzle. Toby’s tail wagged, but he didn’t open his eyes. “His spirit is still strong. He’s not going to leave you soon. I’ll get him there in time, Jane.”

“You’d better.” She knelt to stroke Toby. “I’m here, boy,” she said to him softly. “I’m taking you to see Monty and Maggie and some other dogs who may become your friends. You stay with me. Okay?”

Toby whimpered and tried to turn so that she could rub his belly.

“Buckle up, Jane.” Caleb went down the aisle toward the cockpit.

“I will.” Jane laid her cheek on Toby for a brief instant, then slipped into the seat across the aisle and fastened her seat belt. “Trust me, boy. We’ll get through this together.”

*   *   *

“I DON’T LIKE IT,” JOE SAID flatly when Eve finished speaking. “When will Jane be able to get there?”

“As soon as she can,” Eve said. “How do I know? Jane doesn’t have any idea what’s wrong with Toby or if he can be cured. She’ll let me know.”

Silence. “Maybe I’ll be able to leave after the testimony tomorrow. I could take the night coach out.”

“Not likely. Since when did court cases ever go the way you want them to go? You’ll have to stay for that cross-examination. Stop worrying about me, Joe.”

“I don’t like leaving you alone.”

“I’m fine.”

“Keep your phone by your bed, your gun on the nightstand, and be sure to put the alarm on.”

“The alarm is already on. I can take care of myself. Stop worrying. Now go to bed and get to sleep.”

Another silence. “Maybe you’re right. Logic is on your side. I don’t have any reason to go off the rails.”

“Absolutely right.”

“To hell with being right. I’m going to call and have a patrol car make a couple swings by the cottage tonight and tomorrow.”

“And what would the captain say? Personal business.”

“I’ll pay someone off duty. Stop arguing.”

She chuckled. “You’re impossible.”

“I love you. Don’t go for any strolls. Don’t open the door without knowing who’s on the other side.”

“I have to call FedEx and send Ryan off to Bloomington.”

“Send him with one of the cops I arrange to do a pass by. As soon as I set up who it will be, I’ll call you and leave his name and cell-phone number. And I’ll call you first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Relax, Joe.” She paused. “You’re spooking me. I’ll be careful. When you get back, we’ll laugh about this.”

“Maybe. At the moment, I’m not amused.” He was silent. “Phone me when you hear more about Toby. I love that old guy.”

“Me, too. Jane’s not sure that she believes in miracles, but she’s hoping for one tonight. I’ll call as soon as I hear. I love you, Joe.” She hung up.

Joe was definitely overreacting. As an independent woman, she should feel a little insulted that he was being overprotective.

She was not insulted. When you loved someone, your instinct was to fight and cling to them against all odds … and logic.

And, as Joe said, to hell with being right or logical. Joe’s instincts had been honed in the most extreme classroom in the world when he was with the SEALs. He was not often wrong.

She would put her gun on the nightstand tonight.

Summer Island

10:05 P.M.

“WE HAVE COMPANY.” CALEB was glancing out the window as he left the cockpit. “And they look serious. I don’t think they’re the kindly vets you were expecting.”

“I told you to expect security. But there’s a van pulling up.” Jane frowned at the attractive, dark-haired young woman getting out of the vehicle. “That’s not Sarah Logan.”

“Let’s just hope that she has some authority.” He threw open the door, and the steps emerged. “Stay with Toby. Let me check it out.”

Before she could protest, he was down the steps and crossing the tarmac.

But the dark-haired woman was striding toward the plane and obviously giving orders to the two armed security guards who had gotten out of their jeep.

She pushed by Caleb and ran up the steps. “Jane MacGuire. I’m Dr. Devon Brady. Sarah got an emergency call from her husband right after she talked to you. She had to leave and go back to California. She asked me to take care of Toby.” She turned and yelled at the security men. “Come up and take this stretcher.”

“Wait a minute.” Jane had been expecting Sarah, and this was going too fast. She instinctively stood defensively in front of Toby. “What are your qualifications? How do I know you’re any better than that vet I left in London?”

“I have authority to run this facility. And you don’t know if I’m as good as that vet in London. I don’t know either. But I’m very good, and I care.” She looked Jane in the eye. “And we have a few rabbits in the hat here that they don’t have anywhere else. We might be able to pull one out for your Toby. Let me try. Your friend, Sarah, trusts me. That should count for something.”

“It counts for a hell of a lot.” She reached into her briefcase, pulled out a folder, and handed it to Devon Brady. “Here are his medical records.” She slowly moved from in front of the dog. “Toby’s breathing is shallower than when we left London.” She added unsteadily, “I’m scared, Dr. Brady.”

“Devon. I know you’re scared.” She was gesturing to the two security men who had entered the plane. “Take him to the lab. I’ve set up the tests.” She handed Jane a set of car keys. “I’ll go with your Toby and do an initial exam on the road. You and your pilot can follow in the security jeep.” She pushed by Caleb again as she ran back down the steps. “I’ll see you at the lab.”

“I’m feeling very unimportant and definitely brushed aside,” Caleb said ruefully as he fell into step with Jane as she started toward the jeep. “So much for taking care of the opposition. I take it you trust her?”

“Maybe. I think so. I don’t have much choice. Sarah is very smart, and anyone she hired would have to be exceptional.”

“Really? What do you know about this place?”

“I told you, it’s an experimental facility. It’s already been confirmed by several scientific studies that dogs have certain healing properties. That’s why they permit dogs to be taken to critically ill patients in hospitals. It’s not only psychological, though some critics claim that’s all it is. Well, Sarah became involved with a group that discovered that some dogs have a heightened ability in that area.”

“Why?”

She shrugged. “It’s a mystery. That’s why they started this experimental colony. Sarah says that they have a few theories, but they have to have cast-iron proof.”

“And those theories?”

“I didn’t ask her, and I don’t know if she’d tell me if I did. She’s very protective of her dogs.”

“But you’ve known her for years.”

“And she knows I’ve been skeptical. I have to have proof.” She started the jeep. “It’s my nature.”

“But you’re here now.” He smiled faintly. “An atheist in a foxhole?”

“I’m not an atheist, but I admit this is a terribly deep foxhole.” She blinked away the moisture in her eyes so that she could see the taillights ahead of her. “Did you know that Monty, Toby’s sire, was a search-and-rescue dog? He knew all about foxholes and earthquakes and mudslides. He saved my life once when I was a kid. He was the first dog I ever knew and cared about. Sarah knew I loved him, but he would never have left her. So she gave me his first pup, Toby.”

“A half-wolf? Not exactly a tame animal to give a little girl.”

“Toby has the heart of a golden. He was zany and a little clumsy and easily distracted, so he would never have made a rescue dog.” She cleared her throat. “But so much love. I’ve never known any creature that was so loving. Talk about healing? Just the love he gave could make my sadness and pain go away.” She swallowed. “There’s a building up ahead. That must be the lab.”

“Yes.” Caleb reached out and covered her hand resting on the steering wheel. “It will be all right. We’ll make it all right.”

“We don’t have much to say about it.” She pulled to a stop in front of the rambling one-story building. “Right now it’s up to that vet and God.”

Lake Cottage

Atlanta, Georgia

THUNDER …

It was raining hard, Eve realized as she turned over in bed to look at the clock.

One-forty in the morning.

She had drifted off to sleep about midnight, but it had been a restless slumber. The thunder must have woke her.

Go back to sleep.

She lay there for ten minutes, then sat up and swung her feet to the floor.

Get a glass of water and try again.

She stood at the bedroom window and watched the rain hitting against the windowpane as she drank the water. She always loved the sound of the rain on the roof and the lake. It was wild and yet strangely comforting. Usually, she went out on the porch and sat with the veil of rain surrounding her.

Not tonight.

This was good enough and she—

Headlights speared the darkness.

She tensed.

A car was coming down the lake road.

She set the glass down and stepped closer to the window.

Lightning flashed.

She released the breath she’d been holding.

Foolish. It was the patrol car Joe had set up to cruise by the cottage.

Poor guy, he probably hadn’t counted on driving through this awful rain. She’d have to find out with whom Joe had made the arrangement and make it up to him. But even if it wasn’t necessary, the sight of that patrol car did give her a feeling of comfort.

She went back to the bed and crawled under the covers. Jane must have arrived at the island, but Eve hadn’t heard from her yet. She hoped that was good and not bad for Toby. She remembered how Toby had tried to crawl up on Jane’s bed during a thunderstorm when he was a puppy. How many times had Eve come into Jane’s room to see them curled up together? She had always turned a blind eye. She had just been glad Jane had formed an attachment that could not hurt her and only be healthy. She’d always been so alone …

Get well, Toby. God, don’t let her lose him yet.

*   *   *

SHE HAD GONE BACK TO BED, Doane thought as he took the earphone out of his ear. It was clear Eve Duncan was restless from the movements he had heard in the cottage.

Why not? A woman who dealt with the dead would naturally be highly sensitive.

Do you feel me out here, Eve?

Or are you worried about your Jane? She had talked to Jane MacGuire a few hours ago, and the affection between them was very obvious. Affection and a protective bond that was as clear as sunlight. He had been right to take measures to remove Jane MacGuire.

He had enough problems with trying to avoid that patrol car that was making rounds. He had thought Venable was responsible for that before he’d monitored the call between Joe Quinn and Eve earlier. Of course, Venable could still have done something to trigger Quinn’s concern.

“Difficulties, Kevin,” he whispered. She’s not as alone and fragile as I thought. I expected it to be easier. I planned it so well. Just the way we did when you were alive.

He looked up at the window of Eve’s bedroom. The rain was striking the sheet of glass between them. She didn’t realize how vulnerable she was as she lay in that bed.

Not yet.

Sleep well, Eve. I’ll get back to you.

I have things to do.

*   *   *

JANE STRAIGHTENED AS DEVON BRADY came into the small waiting room at the lab facility. It had been over an hour since the vet had taken Toby into the examination room and told them she’d get back with a report as soon as she could. “Is he okay? What can you do for him?”

“No, he’s not okay,” Devon said gently. “He’s failing. I think you know that’s true.”

“Don’t tell me that. Tell me what you can do for him. I didn’t bring him all this way to have you tell me he’s going to die. What’s wrong with him? With all these instruments and research files, surely you know more than that doctor in London.”

“It could be several things, but it doesn’t fit in any one slot. Respiratory failure, but for what reason? His lungs look fine and so do—” She broke off. “I know you don’t want to hear details and guesses.”

“No, I want you to tell me how you’re going to cure him,” she whispered. “You can find a way, right?”

“Maybe. But first I have to find out what it is we have to cure.”

“Then do it.”

“I intend to make every effort. I’ve called in a consultant to help me, but I had to get your permission.” She checked her watch. “She should be here in another five minutes. I had to call and roust her out of bed.”

“Why didn’t you have her here when we came from the airfield?” Caleb asked.

“I didn’t know I’d need her. I had your vet’s records, and I trust myself in most cases. I thought I’d be able to make a diagnosis.” She shrugged. “And you’re having enough to deal with right now. I didn’t want to upset you unless it was necessary.”

“Why should I be any more upset than I am right now?” Jane asked.

“You didn’t trust me. Margaret is not very professional-appearing. You have to know that she—”

“I hurried as quick as I could. Where is he, Devon?”

Jane turned at the question to see a woman coming in the door. No, not a woman, she looked more like a young girl of not over nineteen or twenty. Her thin body was dressed in jeans and a loose white shirt, and her pale brown hair was shoulder length and glowed under the lights. Everything about her glowed, Jane thought absently. She was tanned a golden brown, with a sprinkling of freckles dusting her nose. Even her bare feet were tanned in the leather thongs.

“He’s in the lab,” Devon said. “I had my assistant take him off the table and lay him on the floor for you.”

“Good. I’ll go right in.” She started for the door. “You should have called me before you—”

“Wait, Margaret,” Devon gestured to Jane. “You have to get permission. This is Jane MacGuire. Margaret Douglas. Margaret’s going to try to help your Toby.”

“What?” Jane stared in disbelief. “This is your consultant? I thought she was a tech.”

“Because I look so young?” Margaret wrinkled her nose. “I’m almost twenty.”

“A great age,” Caleb said.

She gave him a brilliant smile. “Old enough.” She turned back to Jane. “I can’t take much time to try to convince you I can help your Toby. Devon says he’s going downhill.” Her expression was suddenly grave. “So you’ll have to trust me. Will you do that?”

“Why should I?”

“Because I’ll treat your Toby with as much love and care as you give him.” She was holding Jane’s gaze. “And I can sometimes help.”

“Only sometimes? That’s not good enough for me to—”

“Please,” Margaret said softly.

Radiance, warmth, blue eyes glowing with life and gentleness. Jane found she couldn’t look away from that face. She suddenly felt as if she was a part of the light that seemed to envelop the girl. She could feel the anxiety and edginess ebbing away from her.

What the hell.

She said jerkily, “You can go look at Toby, but I don’t want you doing anything without a vet’s okay.”

“I won’t.” She gave that luminous smile again and moved toward the door. “You don’t mind if I have Monty with me, do you? He might help.” She didn’t wait for an answer but raised her voice. “Monty, come.”

Shock. The golden retriever that bounded through the doorway at her call was so familiar to Jane. Familiar, yet not familiar.

Monty acts like a five-year-old now, Sarah had told her.

Jane had not really believed her. Monty was years older than his pup, Toby. She couldn’t imagine that he could be this spry when her Toby was arthritic and slow and had lost that wonderful vim and vigor. Yet here he was, and Jane could swear he looked no older than when she had first seen him all those years ago, when she had been a child of ten.

“Okay if I use him?” Margaret was looking at Jane. “Sometimes, I can’t do it alone.”

“Do what?” Jane instinctively started toward Monty. “Monty? Do you remember me?”

The golden retriever gave a low woof, and his tail wagged, but he turned and trotted toward Margaret.

“He remembers you,” Margaret said quietly. “He’ll greet you later; now he has a job to do.”

Margaret and the golden disappeared into the exam room.

“What the hell is happening?” Jane asked Devon in bewilderment. “Why do you think she can help?”

“Because she’s done it before,” Devon said. “And I have to know what’s wrong with Toby before he can be treated.”

“And she can tell you?”

“Maybe. If Toby knows why he’s sick.”

“If Toby knows…” She stared at her in disbelief. “Are you saying what I think you are?”

“Interesting.” Caleb gave a low whistle. “You’re not going to like this, Jane.” He tilted his head. “A dog whisperer, Dr. Brady? That young girl can talk to dogs?”

“Anyone can talk to dogs.” Devon made a face. “She seems to get answers. And not only dogs; she has an affinity with most animals.”

“Get her away from Toby,” Jane said tightly. “I won’t have his time wasted with someone who thinks she’s a voodoo priestess.”

“Did she really strike you that way?” Devon asked.

“No, she’s appealing as hell, the girl next door, everyone’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean that she can help my Toby.”

“It doesn’t mean that she can’t,” Devon said. “I can see why you’re suspicious. Do you think I wasn’t? When she showed up on the island, my first reaction was to throw her into the ocean. We always knew that the research might attract weirdos and she seemed a prime example.”

“How did she even manage to get on the island with all your security?” Caleb asked. “I can see a plane’s being surrounded as soon as the landing gear hit the ground.”

“She didn’t come by plane. She moored her speedboat on the other side of the island and hiked through the rain forest until she got to the hospital.”

“And where did the speedboat come from?” Caleb asked. “There’s not another island anywhere near here.”

“She said that her friend had a schooner and dropped her off.”

“And who is this friend?”

“She said that he wouldn’t want anyone to know who he was or that he’d gone out of his way to bring her near here.”

“A smuggler?” Caleb was thinking about it. “Or maybe he was—”

“Stop it.” Jane was tired of speculation. “I don’t care who he was. But it should have raised red flags that would keep you from welcoming her here.”

“It did.” Devon shrugged. “But she asked for a chance to work with the dogs, and she convinced me that she could help take care of them.” She held up her hand. “She just took a job as kennel help. She didn’t claim any special abilities.”

“That came later?” Caleb asked.

Devon nodded. “I could tell you the stories, but all you need to know is that Margaret is fairly amazing. She still works with the dogs, but I occasionally call her if I need her.”

“I can’t believe you’d trust her,” Jane said.

“Yes, you can,” Devon said. “Everyone trusts Margaret. You let her go in and look at Toby, didn’t you?”

“But that’s before I—” She headed for the exam-room door. “I’m going to see what she’s doing to him.”

“Go ahead. She won’t mind,” Devon said. “Just let her keep on working with him.”

“I don’t care if she’d mind or—” Jane stopped as she opened the door.

Margaret was on the floor holding Toby in her arms as he was stretched over her lap. Monty was lying quietly beside them, so close he was touching Toby.

She looked up at Jane in the doorway and shook her head. “Not yet. Soon.” She was gently stroking Toby’s neck. “Soon…”

Jane stiffened. What did she mean? Was Toby fading?

“No,” Devon said behind her. “No danger. She’d tell you if it were near.”

Toby’s eyes were open, and he was licking Margaret’s hand.

“Shh, rest.” Margaret was hugging him, holding him closer. “You don’t have to show me.”

Love.

Jane could almost see the love bonding Margaret and Toby together as a visible force.

“Satisfied?” Devon asked quietly.

Jane nodded jerkily and backed out of the room. “How long?”

“She said soon.” Devon strode toward the cabinet across the room. “Coffee?”

Jane shook her head. “I don’t want anything. I just want to know. I’m feeling so damn helpless.”

“Join the club.” She poured coffee into a Styrofoam cup. “It’s my worst nightmare. That’s why I let Margaret talk me into using her the first time she came and asked me to let her try to find out what was making my greyhound sick.”

“And did she do it?”

“Yes.” She sipped the coffee. “But it took two more cases before I stopped telling myself that it was coincidence or luck.” Her lips twisted. “I still use science first; and then whatever works.”