Текст книги "Taking Eve "

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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“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.”

Venable was silent. “I sent an agent out here last night, too. I had Tad Dukes looking around the grounds. I can’t get in contact with him.”

Joe cursed low and vehemently. “And why did you have a man out there if, according to you, nothing was supposed to be wrong?”

“You were concerned when you called and left a message. It seemed like a good idea.” He continued quickly, “And I sent Agent Pastori out today and he said there was a FedEx notice on the front door that stated that the driver had been there and was unable to make the pickup.”

“The reconstruction. Eve wouldn’t have left without making arrangements for it to be sent out.”

“Even if she was frantic about Jane?”

“She would have made arrangements. She’s a professional. What else did your agent find? What about Ben? He was supposed to be there.”

“No sign of him.”

There was something in his tone that caused Joe to tense. “Are you lying to me, Venable?”

“Why would I do—Okay, I’m not lying. I’m just omitting.”

“Omitting what?”

“We found traces of blood on the grass on the side of the road about a mile from the cottage.”

He felt sick. “Eve?”

“No, I knew that would be your first question, and I had Pastori run a blood test before the police forensic team got there. B-negative. Eve is A-positive, right?”

“Yes. I don’t know what Ben’s blood type is.”

“We’re checking on it.”

“Damn you. You weren’t going to tell me.”

“I’d have told you. Just a delay until you got here. I thought I’d know more by then.” He added testily, “And there wasn’t much use your making wild guesses and my life miserable.”

“What else is there that you didn’t tell me?”

“Fresh tire tracks in the mud. Truck. We’re trying to identify what kind of truck would use them. Traces of fertilizer and hay embedded in the cavities. Any farmers near you?”

“Several. I don’t know any of them personally. Get on it.”

“We already are. Right now, we’re trying to contact Dukes. I don’t like it. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to reach him.” He paused. “How is Jane?”

“Surviving. She could be worse. I’m in San Juan. She’s in the ER right now.” He said. “That’s all? No Eve. No Ben? Just a few drops of blood?”

“That’s all right now. I’ll try to have something more for you by the time you get here. When will that be?”

“A few hours. Jane made me promise that I’d get out of here soon.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

“And I may have a photo of her shooter. The hangars had video cameras. I need you to process and identify.”

“Of course.”

“And I don’t want any stalling,” Joe said grimly. “I want to know accurately and fast. No hesitation, no sleight of hand. If I think that you’re keeping anything from me, it’s not going to be pretty, Venable.” He paused. “And when I see you at the cottage, you’re going to tell me what’s going on and what game you’ve been playing with us.”

“No game. I’m not always the bad guy. Did it occur to you that I might only be trying to keep you all alive?”

“It occurred to me. It also occurred to me that you could be manipulating us as you’ve done before. It could go either way.”

“But you’re willing to trust me enough to ask me to help you.”

“I’m not asking, I’m telling you. I’d use the devil himself if I thought I could control him. I can control you, Venable. Whatever the nasty business you’re dealing with, you like Eve, and you wouldn’t hurt her if you didn’t have to do it. I’ll be there to make sure that doesn’t become an option.”

“I do like her, Quinn,” he said quietly. “And I’ll do everything I can to help you get her back. I’m happy as hell you managed to snag that video photo.”

“I didn’t snag it. Seth Caleb took it from the camera, and I took it from him.”

“Caleb.” Venable’s tone was thoughtful. “An interesting man. I remember that he always seemed to be showing up when you least expected him.”

“He hasn’t changed.”

“But this time he’s been helpful?”

“Helpful? No, not intentionally. This time he thinks that he can use me.” He added dryly, “As I’m using you. No one is exempt. I’ll see you at the cottage, Venable.” He hung up.

Blood on the grass.

Not Eve’s blood. He had to take comfort in that fact. It might not even be Ben’s blood.

There was no comfort in that stark scenario Venable had painted.

No Eve. No Ben.

Blood.

His palms were suddenly cold with sweat.

Stop thinking about it. Within a few hours, he’d be at the cottage and making his own assessment. Just sit here until Jane got out of ER, then he could start moving.

Blood on the grass.

*   *   *

FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER, they wheeled Jane out of ER and down the corridor.

Her gaze was searching desperately until it fell on Joe standing against the wall. “Venable?” she whispered. “Eve?”

He shook his head. “She wasn’t at the cottage. Neither was Ben.” Don’t tell her about the blood yet. “Venable and his agent are there.” He looked at the dark-skinned intern with S. PEREZ on his name tag who was walking beside the gurney. “Is she okay?”

“No, but she will be.” His white smile flashed. “A few stitches and another pint of blood, and she’s responding beautifully. Give her a few days or so, and she’ll be released.”

“No way,” Jane said flatly. “As soon as I can stand without falling, I’m out of here.”

“Right.” Dr. Perez continued, “As I said, a few days or so.” He turned to Joe. “Now if you’ll leave her for fifteen minutes, we’ll get her settled in her room. You can visit her there.”

“No, he can’t,” she said. “You heard him, I’m on the mend. Now get out of here, Joe.”

“I’m going.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Do what they tell you.”

“Go to hell. You wouldn’t.” She grabbed his arm and held him tight for an instant. “Take care of yourself. Take care of her.”

“I will. I’ll call you and let you know what’s happening.”

“You’d better.” She let him go. “Because you’re not telling me everything now. I can feel it.”

“I don’t know everything, Jane.”

Her eyes closed. “Call me.”

He watched them wheel her into a room at the end of the hall before he turned on his heel and headed for the front entrance.

“How is she?” Caleb entered through the glass doors before Joe reached them. “Pretty well, I take it. Or you wouldn’t be leaving her.”

“Another pint of blood. A few stitches. Okay in a few days,” Joe said briefly. “I thought you’d be here sooner.”

“I had a problem to take care of after I landed at the airport. Where’s Jane now?”

“She’s in the room at the end of the corridor.”

Caleb nodded. “I’ll let her rest a few minutes before I go in to see her. I have a habit of overstimulating her.”

“Is that what you call it?”

He smiled. “Stimulation isn’t bad. It makes you know you’re alive.”

“Or gives you a heart attack.”

“You keep remembering what I did to that murderer that first time I met you and Eve.” He smiled. “I just pumped a little extra blood into his heart. He did deserve it, you know.”

“I know. But I dislike the idea of your being able to do that and no one’s being able to prove that it was cold-blooded murder.”

“Never cold-blooded, Quinn.” He opened the glass door and held it open for Joe. “I don’t know the meaning of the term. It wouldn’t work for me. Be sure to let me know as soon as you can about that photo. You’ve contacted Venable about it?”

“Yes.” He went past Caleb. “We had a comprehensive discussion about using people.”

“It’s a common practice, isn’t it? Even Jane isn’t above doing it for the people or animal she loves. Any news about Eve?”

He shook his head. “And it’s going to be hard to stop Jane from following me.” His lips twisted. “You might try your hand at discouraging her if you want to keep her safe.”

“I’m not sure I do. It might be to my advantage to let her put herself in jeopardy. Danger can be a strong bond.”

“Bastard.”

“I didn’t say I’d let her harm herself. That would be stupid. Good-bye, Quinn. I truly hope you find Eve.” His tone was sincere. “Which makes me very torn about my feelings about how the rest of this is going to play out.” He shrugged. “As you know, I’m not very stable. We’ll have to see which way I jump.”

“And if it’s the wrong way, Jane will trip you and barbecue you over hot coals.” Joe’s tone was grim.

Caleb threw back his head and laughed. “And that would be very stimulating, too. I’m sure you’ll attend the festivities.”

“I’m sure I will, too.” He walked toward the street, not looking back at Caleb, his gaze searching for a taxi.

Dammit, he didn’t like the idea of not leaving Jane in safe hands. Caleb had always been an unknown quantity, and what they did know was vaguely terrifying. But Jane had never been afraid of Caleb, and she was the one who had brought him back into their lives. She was going to have to take care of herself until he found out what had happened to Eve.

After that, he could concentrate on monitoring the actions of Seth Caleb and trying to keep him from harming Jane either physically or emotionally.

Blood on the grass.

He hailed a cab and jumped into the backseat. “Airport.”

*   *   *

CALEB …

Jane’s eyes focused on him sitting in a chair across the hospital room. It was dim in the room, and he was more shadow than substance. It didn’t matter. She could never mistake Caleb for anyone else. The grace, the leanness, the explosive vitality that was present even when held in leash.

“What … are you doing here?” she asked drowsily.

“Being bored. You’re not being very entertaining.” He got to his feet and strolled across the room. “I told Quinn that I didn’t want to unduly stimulate you, but I thought you’d at least be awake part of the time. You’ve been asleep for hours. How do you feel?”

“Like hell.” There was a sharp, nagging pain in her shoulder. But she didn’t feel drugged as she had before. She’d take the pain over that fuzziness anytime. Her senses were sharp and alive. “You don’t have to be here. Go … away.”

“In a few more hours. I’m guarding you. Can’t you tell?”

“No.”

“I arranged for a local security company to send a couple men to watch your room, but until then, you’ve got me.” He was close enough now for her to see his smile. “Aren’t you lucky?”

“Don’t need you.”

“I don’t think that you need watching either. If that sniper really wanted you dead, he’d have tried to do it before you started to leave the island.” He reached out, and his forefinger touched her cheek. “But I can’t be sure, and I’m not going to give you up because of a mistake in judgment.”

“Then be quiet and let me go to sleep.” There was heat beneath that finger on her flesh and she couldn’t decide if that heat was pleasant or hurtful. Perhaps it was both.

But she didn’t want him to take his hand away, she realized.

“You’re hurting.” He rubbed his finger gently over the curve of her cheekbone. “Why don’t you relax, and I’ll make it go away? I can do it, you know.”

She didn’t doubt that he could. She had experienced a little of that weird talent that Caleb seemed to possess. It was all connected with the pulsation of the blood, but that pulsation appeared to control everything from thought processes to sexual responses. “It’s not necessary. If I want to get something for the pain, I’ll call the nurse.”

“But you won’t do that. You’re too spartan.” His thumb touched the corner of her lips. “When I donated blood for you, I was too tense to think about it at the time, but now I’m beginning to appreciate the nuances. I believe I like the idea of having my blood running through your veins. It’s rather provocative. As you know, there are all kinds of weird stories in my family about the power of our blood. It’s interesting that we’ll have a chance to test their truth.”

And Jane was sure that she didn’t like the idea at all of having Caleb’s blood. Those stories were no doubt nonsense, but he could use them to make her feel uneasy. “I don’t need you,” she repeated.

“And you don’t trust me. Not me, not Mark Trevor. No one but Joe Quinn. Actually, it makes me feel better that you didn’t trust Trevor, either. It kind of puts us on an even keel. I’m usually working at a disadvantage on that score.”

“Of course I don’t trust you. I don’t think you want me to trust you. It would shackle you.”

“Wise Jane. You may be right.” He chuckled. “Having you need me would be much more entertaining.” He asked softly, “Shall I make you need me? I can do it, Jane.” He bent forward and his lips touched her own. “Oh, how I’m tempted. But you’re wounded, and you’d hold it against me.”

“You bet I would.”

“First, I’d take away the pain, then I’d make you feel … exceptional. I wouldn’t even touch you, but you’d have a truly incredible experience … and so would I.” She could feel the curve of the smile on his lips as he brushed them back and forth on her own. “Quinn would try to kill me for doing this. Everyone would say what a complete bastard I am to even contemplate victimizing poor Jane. But then we both know that I don’t have the same moral standards as other people.” His tongue outlined her upper lip. “You’re wary of that little talent of mine, but controlling the flow of blood can be fantastically erotic. This doesn’t hurt, does it? You’d push me away if you didn’t like it.”

Why wasn’t she pushing him away?

Because all pain was gone.

Because every gentle, light touch was hypnotically pleasurable.

Because she felt as languid and sexual as an animal in heat.

“Get away from me, Caleb.”

“I don’t think you mean that.” He lifted his head and sighed. “But you might convince yourself you did later.” He straightened. “So I’ll bow to conventional morality and my own belief that it will probably be better if I wait.” He went back to his chair across the room. “It was good touching you at least. I think about it all the time, you know.”

“No, I didn’t know.”

“I believe you did. You choose to ignore it. I don’t mind.” He dropped down in the chair. “Go to sleep. I’ll be here to make sure the pain doesn’t come back.”

She watched him settle in the chair, and he was once more blending into a barely defined outline in the half darkness.

A shadow figure.

She was feeling no pain at all.

But her lips were burning, tingling.

Her breath was short, her pulse rapid.

Heat was pounding through her body.

Her breasts were taut and ready.

He was no shadow.

CHAPTER

7

BUMPING.

Thunder.

The sound of the rain on the metal roof.

Eve sluggishly opened her lids. Heavy. So heavy.

Her entire body felt terribly heavy beneath the coarse red blanket.

She tried to push the blanket aside.

She couldn’t move, she realized with panic.

She tried again, but her body wouldn’t obey the command.

Bumping again …

Why?

Truck. She was on the floor of a truck, wedged between the backseat and the front.

And there was someone in an orange cap and camouflage rain gear driving the truck.

Familiar …

She should remember who he was, but she couldn’t make any connection with her memory any more than she could with her reflexes.

He was speaking, she realized vaguely. But not to her; she could see the gleam of a computer screen through the space between the front seats. The driver was talking to a freckled, red-haired man who was staring defiantly out of that screen.

Skype? She used it sometimes when Joe was out of town. What did it matter what computer program …

Tense—the red-haired man staring out of the screen was tense, maybe even afraid. It was obvious in every line of his expression.

“You’ve failed me, Blick,” the man driving the truck said regretfully. “You’ve failed both of us. You said that I could trust you, that you’d do what I told you. Kevin would be so disappointed in you.”

“No, he wouldn’t, he’d understand.” Blick moistened his lips. “I had to do it. You told me I had to keep her on the island. You said it was important that she didn’t get in your way.”

“I didn’t tell you to shoot her.”

“She was going to leave the island. She was almost at the plane. I didn’t know what else to do, Doane.”

“So you decided to kill her. Stupid, Blick.”

“She’s still on the island, isn’t she? You’ve got your delay. I bought you time, and you’re yelling at me. Kevin would never do that.”

“But how much time and at what price?”

“She’s not dead yet. I didn’t have a clear shot. She may not die. It’s up to you from now on.”

“It’s always been up to me,” Doane said wearily. “And I’ll handle it. But I may still need your help. Are you still on Summer Island?”

“No, I used my speedboat to meet with a fisherman from Grand Cayman who I paid to take me somewhere I can get a plane to Miami.” He paused. “I thought I’d go into hiding for a while. Joe Quinn is a detective, and he’s going to be mad as hell at me for shooting his daughter.”

“No, I need you. Did you ever know Kevin to hide when the heat was on? We’ve got to be as brave as he would be, Blick. I want you to go to that lake cottage in Atlanta and keep an eye on Duncan’s family. I’ll expect you to be there within a day.”

“I’ll try to be there by that time.”

“Don’t try, you’ve done very well except for this error. Do it.”

Silence. “Do you have Eve Duncan?”

“Of course. She’s with me now.”

“And you wouldn’t have her except for me.” His tone was once again defiant. “I did what Kevin would have wanted me to do. He always said that you had to adjust actions to changing circumstances. That’s what I did.”

“Kevin was Kevin. You are you. You should have done what I told you. It wasn’t necessary to shoot her.” He broke the connection.

Summer Island. They had been talking about Jane, Eve thought hazily. Shooting. Danger. Death. Blick had said that Jane was still alive. She had to know if—

She opened her lips and tried again to talk.

Nothing.

Or maybe not.

She must have made a sound of some sort because Doane was looking back at her.

“Good afternoon, Eve.” He smiled, and she remembered that she’d thought he had the kindest expression she had ever seen. That kindness was still there, but she mustn’t trust it. Jane. He had been talking to someone who had deliberately hurt Jane. Evil.

“I’m sorry, you’re trying to speak, but the drug I gave you is very potent. It takes quite a while to wear off. I chose it because it has very few lingering effects, and I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable. You really shouldn’t have stirred until I had you safe, but you clearly have a very strong will. But you’ll go back to sleep soon.”

No, she could feel the drowsiness closing in on her, but she had to fight it. Jane.

“You’re looking at me as if you hate me,” he said gently. “How much did you hear? Now what did we say…”

Jane. Jane. Jane.

“Your adopted daughter. Of course, you’re angry and concerned. I didn’t want your Jane to be hurt. You must have heard me tell Blick that he shouldn’t have done it. I’m very angry with him.” He reached down to touch her hair. “I don’t want anyone hurt. You have to believe me, Eve.” He frowned. “Now how else can I put your mind at rest and reassure you of my good intentions? Oh, the young man in the woods. Ben Hudson.”

Ben, lying on the grass with the bloody gash in his forehead.

“He caught me by surprise, and I had to fight him to protect myself. I would never have purposely hurt him. But I have to have your help, Eve. That’s what this is all about.”

She couldn’t speak, but she closed her eyes in silent rejection.

“I know it looks bad for me, but you’re a kind woman. You’ll understand once I explain it to you.” She could feel his hand gently stroke her hair. “I bundled that boy, Ben, up in the truck and dropped him off in the parking lot of an urgent-care facility outside Atlanta. I’m sure that he’ll be fine.”

Eve wasn’t sure of anything. She could only pray that he was telling the truth about Ben and that the boy wasn’t too badly hurt.

And Jane. She still didn’t know how badly Jane was hurt. Was Joe with her by now? How much time had passed since she had run down that muddy road this morning? She opened her eyes to see if she could tell by the daylight streaming into the truck.

Cloudy. Still storming. No way to tell if it was still morning or afternoon. Everything was dimness and confusion.

She could see Doane’s face above her, smiling almost tenderly, and that was the most bewildering of all.

“It will be fine,” he said softly. “Go back to sleep. I’ll take care of you. That’s why I’m here. So that we can take care of each other.”

She couldn’t do what he said. None of this was right. It didn’t matter that she wanted to trust him, that he seemed to have all the loving kindness of a brother or father she’d never had.

Stay awake. Concentrate. Think about Jane. Think about Ben.

But everything was blurring, and she couldn’t think.

Thunder.

Rain on the metal roof.

Rhythmic. Soothing.

“That’s right. Let go,” Doane said. “We’ll get it all straight when you wake up…”

*   *   *

“HI.” MARGARET SWEPT INTO THE hospital room and plopped down on the chair by Jane’s bed. “How do you feel?” Her eyes narrowed on Jane’s face. “You look much better than you did when you left the island yesterday. You have some color in your cheeks.”

“What are you doing here? I thought you were staying on the island to take care of Toby. Devon said that was probably why you jumped out of the plane at the last minute yesterday.”

Margaret shook her head. “It wasn’t necessary. I knew Devon was going to turn around and go right back to the island after she delivered you to San Juan. Toby was out of danger, and Devon would be there in case of an emergency. I just decided to hop a ride with Caleb.” She reached out for the glass of water on the bedside table and held the straw for Jane. “It was more convenient for me.”

“Caleb is never just a convenience,” Jane said flatly after she took a sip. “And he didn’t mention that he’d brought you when he visited me last night.”

“He said that he’d let me tell you.” She suddenly chuckled. “I don’t think he wanted to share the spotlight. Caleb likes to have your full attention when he’s with you. It has something to do with the stalking.”

“What?”

“Never mind. It’s not important anyway. Caleb and I understand each other.”

“Then that’s something I’ve never been able to say about Caleb,” Jane said dryly. She certainly hadn’t understood what he’d done … and hadn’t done to her in that moment of weakness. She hadn’t understood what she felt either. Gratitude for giving her a pain-free night? Or resentment that he’d disturbed and made her so aware of both his power and presence? “And why was it more convenient for you to come with him?”

She shrugged. “No papers. I knew he wouldn’t care.”

“Why don’t you have papers?”

She grinned. “See, that illustrates my point. Caleb never asked that question.”

“Well, I’m asking. Are you some kind of criminal?”

“It depends on who you ask.” She tilted her head consideringly. “But my opinion is the only one that matters, so no, I’m not a criminal.”

“Margaret, you’re dodging.”

She beamed. “You noticed. I do it well, don’t I?”

“No, you’re lousy at it.”

“Not true. I wouldn’t have been able to persuade Caleb into bringing me to you if I wasn’t good.” Her smile faded. “I’m not going to tell you why I have no papers, Jane. It’s … complicated and kind of a mess. I won’t involve anyone else in it. Maybe someday.”

“For heaven’s sake, you’re only a kid. It can’t be too much of a mess.”

“No?” A shadow flitted across her face, but it vanished in an instant. “Don’t be too sure. I’m talented beyond my years.” She shook her head, and said gently, “Drop it, Jane. I get along fine without stamps and visas.”

“Until someone throws you into jail.”

“That only happened once, and I managed to get out after a week.” She changed the subject. “I called Devon this morning and checked on Toby. He was well enough to put with the other dogs, and Monty won’t leave him. He’s doing fine. I knew he would.” She leaned back in the chair. “Has Joe Quinn called you with any more information about Eve Duncan?”

“Only that he and Venable were going to spend the night searching the woods near the lake, then visit the farms in the area and ask questions.” She leaned back against the pillows. Why couldn’t she get over this damnable weakness? She’d thought she’d be much stronger after a night’s rest. “Still no word on Ben Hudson.”

“But the search is centering on the lake cottage.” Margaret’s tone was thoughtful. “That’s where we should start.”

“We?” Jane shook her head. “I told you that you don’t owe me anything. You’re out of this, Margaret.”

“I don’t intend to intrude. I’ll just sort of … help a little.” She got to her feet. “And I can tell that it’s better if I leave you right now. We’re going to argue, and you’ll get upset. I’ll get back to you as soon as I have something to tell you.” She squeezed Jane’s hand and smiled. “Stop worrying. It’s going to be okay. I know that you’re going to go to your Joe as soon as you can bust out of here. I’m just going ahead to prepare the way for you.”

“You’re going to Atlanta? No, Margaret, I’m not taking you away from your work and Summer Island to do anything that—”

“Shh.” Margaret was heading for the door. “It’s not only for you. I’m very angry at that bastard who poisoned Toby. I’m betting it’s the same person who shot you. It would make sense. I hate people who victimize the helpless.”

“I’m not helpless.”

“No you’re not, but Toby was. For all I know, your Eve is helpless, too.”

Jane shook her head.

“Good, then when we find her, she’ll be able to help.”

Margaret was so positive and upbeat that Jane felt an upsurge of hope. She hadn’t realized until this moment how much she needed that hope. “Eve would not only help, she’d take over.” Then she got back to the subject. “But that doesn’t mean that I’m turning this over to—”

“Just going to prepare the way,” Margaret repeated as she paused at the door. “I’ll be in touch, Jane. You work on getting well.”

Before Jane could speak, Margaret had glided out of the room. She gazed after her in helpless frustration. Yes, “helpless” was the word. She wanted to jump out of bed and go after her. It wasn’t enough that Margaret was going to put herself in danger out of some mistaken sense of obligation to Jane. The girl obviously had baggage that could toss her into a volcano of trouble even if Eve’s situation hadn’t been front and center.

“You’re frowning.” Caleb was standing in the doorway. “Don’t tell me. Margaret?”

“That was an easy enough guess. You must have seen her in the hall.”

He nodded. “And she looked a lot happier than you do. But then, not much seems to bother her.”

She had a sudden memory of that brief, shadowed expression. “I’m not so sure. Why didn’t you tell me you’d brought her from the island?”

“I wasn’t certain that you’d approve.”

She raised her brows.

“Okay, I had to do a little juggling and hunting for her. She needed better credentials. I didn’t want to make you an accessory.”

“But you didn’t mind doing it yourself.”

“She made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“I see.”

He smiled. “No, you don’t. She’s not my type. Much too sunny. She offered to make herself useful to me.”

“Stalking.”

“What?”

“Just something that Margaret said about you.”

“I can imagine.”

“She also said that you didn’t tell me she was here because you wanted to be the center of attention.”

“Possibly.”

His hand on her cheek. His tongue outlining her lip.

He was smiling, but she was relieved that he was obviously not going to pursue the details of that nocturnal visit. She moistened her lips. “She’s talking about going to the lake cottage. I think she’s going to ask you to take her.”

“Do you want me to do it?”

“No, I want her to go back to the island.”

“She won’t do it. She’s on a mission. But I can delay her if I refuse to take her.”

“Then do it. Maybe I’ll be out of here by that time.”

“Of course I did manage to get her a very authentic-looking passport and driver’s license last night after I arrived here.”

“Why?”

“She wanted it, and it seemed a good idea at the time. She might not need me. She might decide to hitch a ride on a cruise ship to Miami. There’s always that possibility. Then you’d lose track of her and what she’s doing. Do you really want that?”

“No, I just want to find Eve without having to worry about anyone else,” she said wearily.

“Then I’ll see what I can do about stalling her.” He smiled. “Now rest. I talked to Dr. Perez and he said you’re doing well and he thinks that he can release you day after tomorrow.”

She shook her head. “He can release me when I can get out of this bed and get dressed.”

“Whatever.” He tucked the sheet around her. “Whenever you call me, I’m at your disposal. Any news from Quinn today?”

“No, I’m going to call him by noon if he doesn’t call me.” She shivered. “They were searching the woods. I suppose it’s good news he hasn’t called me.”

“But you don’t feel as if it’s good news. You feel as if you’re treading water. I can—” His cell phone rang, and he glanced at the screen. His brows rose in surprise. “Your Joe Quinn.”

Jane tensed. “Why would he call you?”

“You’re thinking bad thoughts,” Caleb said. “Relax. I assure you that he wouldn’t call me to cushion bad news for you. He wouldn’t trust my sensitivity.” He turned up the volume before he answered the call. “Caleb.”