Текст книги "Live to See Tomorrow "

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 22 страниц)

“Even when it means Erin’s being tortured,” she said bitterly.

“Even then.”

“Why is he considered so valuable? What makes him king of their world?”

He shrugged. “Probably the same thing that made the committee choose him as Guardian. They looked all over the world and thought him worthy.”

“Worthy of what? For God’s sake, you talk as if he’s some kind of holy man or something. I guarantee you that Cameron is very, very secular.”

Hu Chang nodded. “Yes, and yields to temptation on occasion. I was referring more to the worthiness of a knight or warrior. He is the Guardian, after all.”

“If he’s a knight, he’s a black knight.”

“You’d have an argument from Erin.”

“He has her brainwashed. She’d obviously sacrifice anything for him.”

“Not for him. Erin is an intelligent woman and not likely to be fooled even by a man as persuasive as Cameron. It would have to be something above and beyond Cameron.”

“But you don’t deny that there’s a possibility he could have brainwashed her. Even at that think tank in Rome I attended, they didn’t have anyone who could do what Cameron can. He’s way beyond anyone that our agencies have discovered.”

“They might have the potential, but Cameron has had that potential honed and exploited by experts. He was in training for years after he was selected.”

“What potential? Just what can Cameron do that he hasn’t shown me?”

“I have no clear idea. I was curious and probed where it was safe. He did not mind talking about some things, others he ignored. He was twenty-six when he was chosen to be trained for Guardian. I know he was taught physical disciplines and control by Tibetan monks. I know that he was schooled in weapons, combat, and several deadly martial arts by world-class experts. Evidently, they concentrated on that aspect of his education. He’s an amazing sniper, he moves as fast as a cheetah on attack, and he’s incredibly strong. When he’s not actually on committee business, he does a full exercise regimen every day. He’s well educated in a variety of fields. He can be excellent company and has a sense of humor that’s sometimes a bit twisted.” He paused. “We seemed to mesh. I … enjoyed our time together.”

“Why not? Your humor is often twisted, too.”

“True. But I assure you that Cameron did not brainwash me during my stay with him. We came to an agreement about any mental interference on his part, and he abided by it. I got the impression that he was a little relieved that I had bound his hands. So many temptations … When you have a talent like Cameron’s, it must be difficult to have to make all the rules yourself regarding restraints.”

As Cameron had done with Catherine before he left. “And what if he breaks the rules?”

He shrugged. “Then one must find a way to punish him. In my case, it was not an issue.” He was silent a moment. “But it made me think about the trust that committee must have had in Cameron to turn him loose without controls. It was evident he was a free agent and had only a few basic rules. I’d seen a few examples of the almost limitless power and wealth that Cameron could tap when he needed something. He was never questioned.”

“Dangerous.” She frowned. “What examples? What the hell does Cameron do?”

“In one case, he arranged the hijacking of a train on which a troop of soldiers was taking a young Indian computer scientist to Beijing. The boy was exceptionally gifted, and the Chinese government wished to ‘honor’ him with a scholarship and the opportunity to work in their program. They had lost track of the fact that the boy did not wish to be so honored. The removal of the boy from those soldiers was handled very adeptly, and Beijing was scrambling to find him and still maintain the humanitarian façade.”

“So what happened to the boy?”

“You’d have to ask Cameron. I know he was not returned to his parents in Calcutta. Though his parents disappeared themselves about three months later. In the interim, they appeared worried and despondent.” He added, “But definitely not overly so. If I were to guess, I’d wager they were settled in another country and situation more to their liking.”

“That could be called kidnapping.”

“By Cameron or Beijing?”

“Both. I hate youngsters’ being used as pawns.”

He smiled. “But perhaps this was a rescue by our black knight.”

“For what purpose?”

“There is intense competition among international companies and countries over technical brainpower. It’s what is moving our world these days. Pity.”

“You think that’s what’s happening here in Tibet? It’s a desolate wilderness. Not a viable battleground for that kind of international espionage. You just said that conglomerate made Cameron into some kind of super Guardian. Why would they waste him on this harsh environment in the Himalayas?”

“He spends time here, but he often travels to other countries. He has teams under his orders in a number of cities around the world. He was in Paris twice when I was with him. I believe he goes where he’s sent.”

“Did he conduct any other raids or similar violent acts while you were there?”

“Not to my precise knowledge.” He was silent a moment. “But there were rumors of the killing of a small-time bandit who was harassing a few of his men in a village in the next province.”

“He ordered it done?”

“I understand he did it himself.”

“But that’s against his rules,” she said sarcastically. “He might have been hurt or killed.”

“Not likely. Cameron kept to the rules. The bandit was shot from a distance of over a thousand yards. I told you that he’s a fantastic marksman.”

“He appears to be fantastic at several of the skills in which Kadmus prides himself.” She thought about it. “If he’s that good, is there any reason he couldn’t have gone after Erin himself?”

“None but the reason he gave to you.”

“Which was bullshit.” She was silent again. “If he’d staged a raid on Daksha, what would have been his chances? Could he have done it?”

“In my humble opinion, I believe that he would have run right over Kadmus’s men.”

“But he didn’t do it.” She jumped to another subject. “And why would Kadmus be so desperate to get his hands on Cameron?”

“You are full of questions. Unfortunately, I am not equally brimming with answers. I can but surmise. Kadmus has been delving into all kinds of enterprises here in Tibet. Not only thievery but blackmail and kidnapping, and he even has a few legitimate investments. It could be that he is feeling threatened in some way.”

She shook her head. “Or more likely that he wants to take over the action. Maybe he thinks if he captures Cameron, it will be a way of doing that.” She thought about it. “But Kadmus doesn’t even know who he’s looking for. He was torturing Erin to give him a name as well as Cameron’s location. That’s damn weird.”

“Yes, but nothing is simple in this matter. I believe Kadmus is searching for a key, and he may think Cameron is that key. In some way, Erin led him to believe that was true. But I was witness to the fact that Cameron makes sure he’s invisible when he wishes. Kadmus may have heard rumors about the Westerner as I did, but no one in these mountains would willingly talk about Cameron.”

“And neither would Erin. Why would she become involved with that kind of industrial or technical espionage? It doesn’t make sense. It would be completely out of character.”

And so was the self-sacrifice and torture Erin had been willing to undergo during those months. It wouldn’t have been worth it to her for any monetary reward. The more Catherine learned, the more bewildered she became. “So Cameron is some kind of big-time security chief who’s not above turning loose his forces whenever he chooses.”

“That may be a fairly accurate description, but he’s definitely much more complicated. I can only tell you what I know and what I guess.” He paused. “Cameron is one of those men who might come along only once or twice in a century. Add in his unusual gifts, and you have a truly extraordinary individual. You will have to make sense of anything else about him yourself. Erin would tell you nothing?”

She shook her head. “She’s protecting Cameron.” She drew a deep breath. “And I’m angry and resentful, and it may be clouding my judgment. Is he worth protecting, Hu Chang?”

He was silent. “I would like to say no. I do not want you involved with him any more than you have to be. And Cameron can protect himself very well.” He slowly nodded his head. “But if the occasion occurs, I believe he may be worthy of Erin or you or even me stepping in to keep him alive.”

“Worthy.” She repeated the word. “Are we back to the black knight again?”

He just looked at her.

“You’re not telling me everything.” Her eyes were narrowed. “Have you run out of things you think are safe for me to know?”

“I’ve told you facts. I’ve told you logical suppositions. If there are other possible explanations that have come to me in the dark of night, then I will keep them to myself.”

“Because you promised Cameron.”

“Because ideas that come to one in the dark of night are best left there until dawn.”

“Stop being cryptic.” She sighed resignedly. “Okay, I’ll work it out for myself.” She wearily rubbed her temple. “But you’re telling me I’ll have to protect Cameron just to protect Erin.”

“It would seem that’s what we will have to do.”

Her gaze went to Luke across the room. “He’s the only one I should be protecting. You shouldn’t have brought him, Hu Chang. I don’t know if I can forgive you.”

“I accepted that possibility when I told him he could come.”

She closed her eyes. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to us. Even if we get out of this alive, I don’t know if Luke and I will—” She opened her eyes and straightened. “Luke and I will be fine. We’ll get through it. And I may forgive you when it’s all over. But if you ever do anything like this again, I’ll murder you.”

He smiled but didn’t answer.

Because he knew that there was no way she could do without him. He was as much a part of her life and being as Luke. One was born of her body and the other of her loneliness and need.

“Smirking is rude.”

“That’s why I never smirk.”

She looked at the door. “I think Cameron should be back by now. It seems as if he’s been gone a long time.”

“Not long at all really.”

“Maybe I should go—” She met his gaze and nodded. “I’ll wait a little longer.”

“That would be wise.” He got to his feet. “And I will go to my patient and make sure she’s doing well. Though it seems impossible that she would not after my expert care.”

Catherine lay down before the stove, her gaze on Luke. He was sleeping deeply, his cheeks flushed, his dark hair mussed. Erin had said he was beautiful, but he was so much more. She had not begun to plumb the depths of her son. Tonight had shown her how far she still had to go.

“I love you, Luke. Don’t give up on me. I won’t give up on you.”

She was still lying there, fifteen minutes later, gazing at Luke, when the front door opened with an icy blast.

She stiffened. Cameron. Of course it was Cameron. But it hadn’t stopped that first surge of panic.

Cameron smiled as he brushed back his parka as he came into the hut. “No problem,” he said softly as he moved toward her. He fell to his knees and held out his hands to the fire. “I was tempted to give you warning while I was coming up the road, but I did make you a promise.”

“Yes, you did. What about Kadmus?”

“He and Brasden are scurrying around on the other road leading from the hot springs. That should give us the time we need.”

“Should?”

“Kadmus is pushing hard. He’ll have his men searching all night. And he may be exploring all his maps and local contacts to see if he can find anyplace you could be hiding. He knows these mountains, and lately he’s been making an effort to know them a hell of a lot better.”

“Why?”

He shrugged but didn’t answer.

“Is it because he knows you’re in these mountains?”

“Perhaps.”

“Why is he so fanatical about you?”

“He’s a madman. Haven’t you noticed?” His lips twisted. “He has a passion to be king of the universe. Evidently, he has an idea that if he could get his hands on me, I could help him.”

“Could you?”

“Possibly. But it wouldn’t come to that.”

“Why not?”

“I’d be allowed to kill him.”

“Allowed?” Her eyes widened. The word opened an entirely new avenue of thought that she didn’t like. “Oh, for God’s sake, you’re playing games with Kadmus.” The anger was searing through her. “That conglomerate you work for is using him in some way. Just like Venable. He could have sent Special Forces to take Kadmus out, but he was ‘useful’ on occasion so it never happened. He didn’t want to lose a valuable contact. That’s what’s happening with you, isn’t it?”

“In a broad sense.”

“Hu Chang says that you could have gone in and gotten Erin out. He said he’d seen you do it before when he was with you. Why didn’t you do it? Oh, yes, you couldn’t risk your valuable hide. But it was more than that, wasn’t it? Your precious committee didn’t want you to offend Kadmus.”

“‘Offend’ is not the word.”

“So you let him torture Erin.”

“Yes, and there’s nothing I can say that would absolve me of that in your eyes.”

“You bet there’s not. Balance a woman like Erin’s suffering against corporate greed? How could you live with yourself?”

“The way I live with all the decisions I make every day,” he said quietly. “And it wasn’t a question of any deals or bribes to keep Kadmus in our pockets. We’ve never had any dealings with Kadmus. It was just a committee decision that I wasn’t able to argue. Under the circumstances, I couldn’t go after Erin.”

“Why not? What stopped you?”

“Unless I went in alone as you did, I’d have no choice but to confront Kadmus.”

“And that wouldn’t be according to committee rules, would it? You might damage yourself.”

“I’m trying to be patient, Catherine.” His words were slow and precise, but his blue eyes were glittering in his taut face. “I’m not accustomed to having to explain myself.”

“Because you think you’re master of all you survey? You and Kadmus have a lot in common.”

“You do manage to make me—” He was silent a moment. “You’re right, I have to think twice about risking myself. It’s a rule. And if I organized a raid, I knew what the result would be.” He paused. “To save Erin, I would have had to kill Kadmus.”

“Good. Then it would all have been over.”

“Not for me. Not for the committee,” he said. “It would have caused a chain reaction that would not have been beneficial.” He shrugged. “Or so the committee decided. I didn’t agree with them. I think we can work around it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“And you’re too angry to care. Actually, there’s only one thing that you should accept and understand. Until I persuade the committee to my way of thinking, I cannot kill Kadmus.”

“But you hoped that I would do it.”

“As you said, it would have all been over.”

“If you believed you were right, you should have done it.”

“I also believe in discipline.”

“Those monks who trained you weren’t necessarily correct.”

His brows lifted. “You and Hu Chang evidently had a talk while I was gone.”

“You knew I’d ask him about you.”

“And that he’d answer as long as it was safe for you. He must have decided that I wouldn’t harm you if I could help it.”

“Was he right?”

His gaze moved slowly from the top of her head, down her face, throat, and breasts. It was unbearably intimate, searingly sexual. “Not unless you ask me to do it.”

Heat.

She shouldn’t be feeling this sudden surge of sexuality. She was angry with him. She didn’t understand half of what he had told her, but she knew she would probably disagree with every word.

None of it mattered.

The heat was there and would not go away.

Tingling.

Swelling breasts.

Breathlessness.

She could feel that same heat flush her cheeks. Why the hell did he have this effect on her? It was pure mindless lust and moments that seemed to strike out of nowhere.

“I won’t ask anything of you. Particularly not S and M.” She steadied her voice. “But what I will ask you is how soon we can get off this mountain. Kadmus isn’t standing still. We shouldn’t either.”

“We’re not standing still. We’re conserving our resources and bandaging our wounds.”

“When?”

“Tashdon, my helicopter pilot, will be arriving here at about eight in the morning. We’ll start down to the plateau at five.” He checked his watch. “Six hours to sleep. You’d better get some rest. The descent isn’t as bad as going up, but it’s still rough.” He glanced at Luke. “He did very well. You’d have been proud of him.”

“I am proud of him.”

He nodded. “I could see you in him. The fire. The stubbornness. I was harder than I needed to be on him. I wanted to see what he was made of.”

“And you found out?”

“Just you. And the backbone and ferocity of a tiger.” His expression was suddenly shadowed. “He reminded me of another young boy I knew once.” He got to his feet. “And now I think I’d better go tell Hu Chang when we’re leaving and see if he has any warnings or threats to impart regarding you. He’s been discreetly restraining himself from glancing at us, but I can feel the disturbance.”

She could feel it, too. Hu Chang was sitting quietly beside Erin, but Catherine could read the body language.

She watched Cameron cross the hut and begin to talk to Hu Chang. Hu Chang did not relax, but there was no antagonism in his demeanor. There was obviously a strong bond that had been forged during that time at the monastery. Two strong men with superb intelligence and skills. It was natural that they would become close.

He reminded me of another young boy I knew once.

What boy? Or had he been talking about himself as a youngster? What had Cameron been like when he was Luke’s age? He must have had a huge number of mental and emotional problems due to that freakish gift. Had there been someone by his side to help him through it?

And why in hell was she worrying about Cameron’s childhood traumas? She had not had a great childhood either. You just had to survive and learn from it. He had clearly fought through the pain as she had done.

She lay back down and cradled her head on her arm as she gazed at Luke again.

Six hours to sleep. Six hours before the running and the danger began again. You shouldn’t be here, baby. No matter what you say, the young should never face that kind of danger. They should only know joy.

But Cameron promised he would keep you safe, Luke. I’ll hold him to it. I’d like to say that I could do it alone, and I’ll try. But there’s no way I’ll turn down help from Cameron or Hu Chang or anyone else who will lend a hand.

You’re going to live through this no matter what I have to do.

CHAPTER

9

“Those passes up there are like a rabbit warren, Kadmus,” Brasden said as he looked down at the map on the hood of the jeep. “There are twice what this map indicates. We could spend a week exploring all of them.”

“We don’t have a week,” Kadmus said curtly. “Have you found any more tracks?”

He shook his head. “No, they disappeared about two miles up the mountain. The roads are almost pure stone from then on.” He added, “But we’ll get them. It may take a little more time.”

“You’d better get them. You let them escape from Daksha. I won’t tolerate any more mistakes.”

He moistened his lips. “We have to consider that this may have been an alternate plan that Ling put together in case she didn’t make the helicopter. Somehow, the CIA must have found out about those hot springs and the connection to this mountain.”

“With no records on any scientific chart or historical document?”

“But the tire tracks indicate that they were met when they reached here. Ling had help.”

“But not necessarily CIA help.”

Brasden frowned. “Who else?”

“Perhaps one of Erin’s close and intimate friends,” Kadmus murmured. He had been considering that possibility since he had reached this hot spring and seen the tire tracks. It had been hell taking that path from the mountaintop down to the hot spring in the bowels of the Earth. Ling and Erin must have known what lay beyond it, or they would never have made the attempt. How had they known? The old lama that he shot had only a sketchy knowledge. To move as fast as Erin and Ling had, they must have had a firm idea of their direction and destination. “And he could be leading us down the garden path. Ling is going to be frantic to move Erin away from here as soon as possible. Where could a helicopter land on this mountain?”

“The best place would be right here beside the hot spring.”

“What’s a possible, not the best, place?”

Brasden looked down at the map. “The road widens four miles up from here, and that would support a landing?” His index finger jabbed at another spot. “Or this plateau on the other side of the mountain. But that wouldn’t be anywhere close to the direction the jeep was going.”

“How do you know? As you said, it’s a rabbit warren up there. It could lead anywhere. How long will it take us to get to that plateau on the other side of the mountain?”

He shook his head. “It’s rough country. Four, five hours, maybe. We’d only be able to take the vehicle part of the way. The rest of the trip would be on foot.”

“Then let’s get started.”

“There’s no proof that they’re going to use that plateau.”

“There was no proof that they’d use that passage down Daksha Mountain, but they did. Sometimes you have to rely on your gut instinct. I think whoever met them here at the spring decided to try to keep us busy and out of his way.”

“The answer could be so much more simple.”

“Only for someone who has no feeling on how to grasp the big picture. I know what I’m doing.” He stared out at the high ridges of the mountain. “And so does he.”

I can feel you out there. Have I at last lured you out of hiding? All those months of toying with Erin, and you wouldn’t make a move. But Ling stirred you up. I should thank the bitch. I may do it after I give her to my men, then tear her breasts off. First things, first.

He turned away and strode around to get into the driver’s seat of the jeep. “Come on. Leave a token force to guard this road but hold off on searching this area for now. We’ll come back here if—”

“You find out you’ve made a mistake,” Brasden finished slyly.

“I’ve not made a mistake,” he said coldly. “The only mistake I may have made is hiring you. It’s up to you to prove I didn’t.” He put the jeep in gear, and the vehicle lurched forward as his foot hit the accelerator. “Get on the phone and start giving orders.”

But Brasden would not even do that with the authority that Kadmus would. Some men were born to rule, and Brasden wasn’t one of them.

Kadmus looked up at the plateau in the far distance. He felt as if he could almost see a shadowy face in that pale, icy mist. Soon, there would be no almost about it. He would be able to confront that son of a bitch who had eluded him for so long. He would bring him to his knees and make him beg to give Kadmus what he wanted.

Perhaps it was meant to be that Erin had been taken from him. Now everything would fall into place, and he would be able to move forward.

Do you hear me? he asked that ephemeral figure in the mist. You’re nothing to me. That priest I killed called you the Guardian. But you’re just an errand boy trying to keep me from my destiny. You think you can whisk those women away from me, then fly away yourself as you’ve done before.

Not this time.

The only difference is that I’ll have two bitches instead of one to play with. And you to watch what I do to them.

Did you give Ling a pretty gold lotus necklace, too? So childish …

And so helpful to me …

*   *   *

“It’s time to leave,” Catherine whispered to Erin. “Do you need me to help you dress?”

Erin shook her head as she sat up. “My shoulder is okay. Just a little sore. Otherwise, I feel … good. Your Hu Chang did a terrific job. What time is it?”

“A little before five. Cameron left a few minutes ago with Hu Chang. I think they’re checking the trail.”

“I’ll be with you in a few minutes.” She threw back the cover. “Go take care of your son.” The rosy light from the stove glowed on Erin’s gold necklace as she put on her bra and T-shirt. “I slept well. I have a good feeling about today.”

Catherine leaned forward and touched the lotus. “You were right, you didn’t lose it. It must have a very strong chain.”

Erin nodded and smiled. “Yes, it’s very strong.” She added, “And so am I. And getting stronger all the time.” She was quickly throwing on the rest of her clothes. “Could I have one of those nutrition bars? I’m hungry.”

“Sorry. We left them on the bank when we went into the hot spring.”

“I have something, Catherine,” Luke said.

She turned to him. “I was just going to wake you.”

“I’ve been awake.” He opened his backpack. “Hu Chang gave me these when we started out.” He pulled out two nutrition bars. “Give them to her.”

“I will.” She smiled. “This is Erin Sullivan, Luke.”

“I know,” Luke said gravely. “How do you do, Ms. Sullivan?”

“Pretty well, thanks to your mother,” Erin said. “I’m very glad to meet you, Luke.” She took a bite of the bar. “Though I didn’t expect to see you here.” She glanced at Catherine. “And I’m sure Catherine didn’t either. She told me she had to get back to you. But it seems you didn’t wait for her.”

“I have to be here for her.” He met Catherine’s eyes. “Don’t I?”

“That’s what you tell me. But it has to go both ways, Luke.”

He shook his head. “You took me away from Rakovac and killed him. You don’t owe me anything.” He got to his feet and stored his sleeping bag in his backpack. “I saw Hu Chang go out with Cameron. May I go find them?”

“As long as you stay within sight.” She held up her hand. “Okay, I’d worry. I’m trying to accept that you—” She shook her head. “Give me a break.”

A faint smile touched his lips. “I won’t go far.” The next moment, he’d left the hut.

Catherine immediately followed him and opened the door.

She couldn’t help it if she was insulting his independence. She wasn’t going to let him go out in the dark with Kadmus somewhere near without knowing he would be able to make contact with Hu Chang.

It was still dark, but it had stopped snowing, and she could see Cameron and Hu Chang standing, talking, fifty yards or so down the road. Luke would reach them within a few minutes.

She shut the door and turned to see Erin watching her.

“He seems to be a nice boy.” Erin turned and was quickly dressing. “But, God, I’m sorry that he’s here. I wasn’t functioning too well when Cameron brought us here last night, but it still came as a shock. I can see that you’re devastated. Who’s responsible for his being here?”

“Hu Chang. Cameron. Luke, himself.” Catherine went across the room and turned off the stove. “And maybe me, too. I can’t sort it all out right now. I just have to concentrate on getting him out of here and on his way to the U.S.”

“If Cameron had any responsibility for bringing him, he’ll make it right.”

“He didn’t exactly bring him, he just didn’t stop him from coming.” She paused. “And he promised that nothing would happen to him.”

“You see? Everything will be all right.” She grabbed her jacket. “Cameron always keeps his promises.”

“I can’t say I have the same degree of confidence in him.”

“And you think I’m a little nuts because I do.”

“I don’t understand it.”

“I did something I wasn’t supposed to do.” Her hand went to the lotus on her necklace. “He did what he could to fix it.” She released the necklace and carefully thrust her arms into the jacket. “And he sent you, didn’t he?”

“So he tells me,” she said. “I suppose you wouldn’t care to say what terrible thing you did that you’d deserve that kind of punishment?”

“It wasn’t terrible, it was careless.” She pulled her parka over her hair. “But the result was the same.” She moved toward the door. “But it’s over now, and I have to get over it, too. It will take a long time, but I’ll do it. I won’t let Kadmus win.”

It wasn’t over, Catherine thought, and Erin was intelligent enough to know it. But she wasn’t going to discourage her any more than she had to by arguing with her. She was glad Erin was managing to keep her spirits up after that hell of a day they’d gone through yesterday. She followed Erin to the door. “No, he won’t win. Let’s get down to that plateau and get out of here.”

*   *   *

“I assume you’re going to tell me what is wrong.” Hu Chang’s gaze was focused on the twisting path leading down to the plateau. “I do not read minds, but you’re not a man to need company on an early-morning stroll.”

“But you’re always entertaining, Hu Chang.” Cameron smiled. “I enjoyed you enormously during your stay with me.”

“What is wrong?” he repeated.

“I got word late last night that Kadmus had virtually abandoned the hot-springs road and was taking his men on the road leading across the mountain.” He paused. “They’re only a few hours away from the plateau now.”

“How close is the helicopter?”

“Too close to Kadmus’s ETA.”

“Can you divert it?”

“Yes, but that would only extend the danger. Our best bet is to get Erin on that helicopter and away from Kadmus.”

“You told me that he would still never give up the search.”

“And he won’t, but it will be a new playing field, and it will give me time to try to persuade the committee that I’m right, and they’re wrong.”

“What are the chances?” Hu Chang asked. “Can you do a little mental manipulation with them?”

“No,” he said curtly. “That wouldn’t be honorable. I made promises when I became Guardian. Besides, they think they’re doing what they should for the good of the organization. They’re all supersmart and claim they have a long-range view. I’m the rebel. I’ll just have to contact a few members who are leaning my way and see what I can do.”

“Catherine will want to know that there’s a threat.”

“I’m sure she will. You tell her. I’m heading out now. I’ll tell the pilot to touch down and pick you all up. I want you on board and away from the mountain in two minutes flat. I don’t think I can manage any more time than that.”

“Time? What—” He stopped as he saw Luke coming toward them from the hut. “Catherine’s going to hate this for him. She would have preferred a smooth, safe exit.”

“I know. I promised her I’d keep him safe.” He smiled and waved at Luke. “And he will be safe as long as you don’t take longer than those two minutes.” He turned and started down the road. “I’ll be in touch.”