Caleb nodded. “But she’s not reached the exit yet. She could still change direction.”
But Jane had the chilling feeling that Harriet was not going to change direction. Whatever had caused her to bolt from the hotel, she had a purpose and a focus.
“She just got off the airport exit,” Caleb said. “She’s committed.”
Committed. It was a frightening word when applied to Harriet’s plans. No longer a holding pattern. She was going forward.”
“She’s not heading for the main terminal.” Trevor’s eyes were on the GPS. “She’s going to the private-and executive-plane area.”
“Which means she could hop on a chartered flight and be off within minutes after she gets there,” Jane said. “We could lose her.”
“Easy,” Trevor said. “This is Chicago. Things seldom happen that fast.”
“Venable better be that fast,” she said grimly. “I don’t know what he can do about tracking her once she leaves, but he’ll have to do it. “Her phone rang. “Venable, I was just going to call you. We just found out that she’s heading for the private area at O’Hare. We’ll be able to zero in on exactly what hangar within a few minutes. Do you have Junot out there yet?”
“No, but he has someone he trusts at the airport who can start the ball rolling until he gets out there. He e-mailed him a photo of Harriet Weber and told him to find her.” She heard him relay the info she’d given him to someone in the background, and then he was back on the phone. “He’s Don Breital. Paul says he’s good.”
“I hope he’s very good. She can’t know she’s being followed.”
“I know, you told me. No panic.” His tone was hard. “Why are you so adamant about that?”
“I told you, she’s in control.” He wasn’t going to be satisfied with that answer, and she didn’t blame him. If she had to use him, then he shouldn’t have to go at this blind. “And we can’t be sure that she doesn’t have the detonator for those nuclear devices.”
“What?”
“She told Doane she knew where it was, and we can’t be certain that she doesn’t have it in her possession. She wouldn’t necessarily tell Doane the truth. We weren’t able to monitor every minute of her time since we’ve been following her. We don’t know what happened when she went to a bank here in town.” She added wearily, “Hell, it’s possible she stopped and picked it up tonight on the way to the airport. Though I don’t believe that could have happened. We were on her tail almost immediately.”
“You believe?” Venable said sarcastically. “You suspected all this, and you didn’t call me?”
“Things were moving very fast, and we had to move with them. Most of it was guesswork, and we were trying to piece it together.”
“And you didn’t trust me.”
“How could I trust you after Colorado? I only realized tonight that I had no choice. I just knew I had to find a way to keep you from moving too fast and cause Harriet and Doane to kill Eve.” She added, “We think we know where those nukes are located. There’s no question that we’ll share that with you.”
“Thank you,” he said sourly.
“But we want something in return. Give us just two hours once we reach Seattle to follow her to where Doane is holding Eve. You can use your super-duper spy gimmicks to monitor her from a distance. Don’t do anything fancy. Don’t scramble F-18s and try to take down her plane. Don’t rush her when she lands and surround her with SWAT teams to do a precision kill and get that detonator. If she has it, she will press the button if she believes she’s losing control. And, if she finds out it’s me following her, she’s arrogant enough to not regard me as any real danger to her. It’s actually safer for you to let us shadow her.” She paused. “Please, Venable, I know Harriet Weber. Everything I’ve told you is the truth. I can understand where your loyalty lies, but just give me two hours.”
He was silent.
“She’s as fanatical as Doane about honoring her Kevin with this nuclear holocaust. Don’t make the mistake of not thinking she’ll do anything she has to do.”
Venable was talking to someone in the background again. “Breital says that a Learjet was chartered late tonight and told it had to be ready for an immediate departure.”
“Harriet’s parking,” Caleb said. “Hangar 23.”
“Hangar 23, Venable,” Jane said. “Is that the Learjet?”
He was gone for a moment. “That’s it. Gassed and ready to go. Breital is trying to find out what flight plan was filed.”
“Providing the pilot follows the plan,” Caleb said. “I’ve been known to fudge a bit.”
“I can get a satellite and radar verification of the progress of any plane in the air once we get a fix on it,” Venable said. “If I decide to let her get in the air.”
“Well, bully for the CIA,” Trevor murmured. “But you can’t keep her from blowing up herself and two very fine cities if she chooses to do it.”
“Yes, he could,” Jane said. “His friends are all for the efficiency of drone strikes. But if she had even a hint that it was coming, she’d press the button.”
“Breital just reported that a woman of Harriet Weber’s description boarded the plane,” Venable said.
“I thought as much,” Caleb said. “The GPS indicates a move across the tarmac.”
Relief flooded Jane at his words. It had been logical that Harriet would not leave Kevin’s box of letters in the car after she’d taken it from the hotel, but it was good to have it confirmed.
The airport exit was just ahead, but they still had no confirmation from Venable.
“Two hours,” Jane pleaded. “Give us a chance, Venable.”
He was silent for a long moment. “Two hours,” he said at last. “No more. And I’m making alternate plans in case there’s a screwup. You wouldn’t like my alternate plans. Junot’s already made arrangements for the plane you requested. He commandeered an executive jet that was ready to fly to Las Vegas. That plane better be a hell of a lot faster than that Learjet because you’ll have to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before Harriet Weber does.”
Jane felt limp with relief. “Thank you, Venable.”
“I won’t say you’re welcome. I’m still mad as hell with you. And I want those nuke locations.” Someone was talking to him again. “Hangar 43. Get there and get there quick. It’s a Gulfstream. Harriet’s Learjet is requesting takeoff from the tower. You’ve got to hope she doesn’t get it right away, or she might be too far ahead for you to make up the time.”
“We’re almost there,” Trevor said.
But Venable was no longer on the line, and Jane could visualize him shaking and moving, cracking orders with whiplike effectiveness. She had no problem with that awesome efficiency as long as it wasn’t leveled against them.
“I’ll give Venable what he needs to know about the nukes as soon as we’re on the plane,” Margaret said quietly. “I’ll have time to go through those security videos and see if I can zero in on a probable location.”
Jane nodded. “Give the security tape to her, Trevor.” She was glad not to have to concentrate on anything at the moment. Her mind was a jumble of fear and hope and desperation.
They pulled into the parking space by Hangar 43, and she jumped out of the car. She could see the Gulfstream, sleek and golden, like a crouching puma under the bright lights.
That plane has to be fast, Venable had said.
Everything was now dependent on their reaching Seattle before Harriet.
“We’ll do it.” Trevor took her hand as he came around the car. He smiled down at her. “Stop worrying. We’ll send Caleb up to the cockpit to take over for the pilot. I’ll bet he has a few tricks to cut some time off the trip.”
“I’d already planned on it. I’ll get us there on time.” Caleb was striding across the tarmac toward the plane. “But you’re not helping by standing around holding hands. Nauseating. Get on the damn plane.”
* * *
HARRIET GAZED OUT THE window of the plane and w
atched a plane take off from the next runway.
The pilot had told her they were fifth in line for takeoff, but she was not impatient. She was on her way. That was all that was important.
It was beginning.
She could feel excitement flush her cheeks.
She reached out and lovingly touched the box of Kevin’s letters she’d set on the seat next to her. She felt as if she could feel that beloved energy tonight. Sitting in this plane, she was remembering the plan she and Kevin had made to go away. The minute the doors of the plane closed, he was going to press in the code to set off the nukes.
But he wasn’t here to do that, she thought sadly.
I’m trying to make sure everything else is all happening just the way you’d want it to happen, Kevin.
But that memory had made her recall something else she’d meant to do on this plane before it left the ground. Of course, she would call James later and tell him she was on her way.
But this other little task was something she had been anticipating.
She reached into her handbag and drew out the cell phone detonator. It was now fully charged and ready for business.
How do you know that old detonator would still work? Cartland had asked.
She felt a little thrill go through her as her forefinger gently rubbed the T key. So much power. Is this how you felt, Kevin?
That last quotation from Robert Service was echoing in her mind from the game she had played with her son, the final quote that would complete the sequence. He had not wanted to risk it in a letter but had called her on the phone. She could still remember the sound of his caressing voice.
You measure out my breath,
Each beat one nearer death …
Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock.
Kevin was so clever. What was a more fitting detonation code for nukes hidden in a clock tower than the ticking of a clock? She slowly pressed in the code, letter by letter, every letter bringing the excitement higher.
TICK-TO
She was tempted to type in just more letter of the code to see if the thrill became more intense.
No, she wasn’t entirely sure that the timing mechanism on the nuke might not grab the code before it was completed. Better to be safe. She reluctantly typed in the alternate code.
For a moment, nothing happened.
She frowned. What the hell was—
Then it came on the screen in bold gold letters.
TESTING. YOU HAVE ACTIVATED THE UNIT.
DO YOU WISH TO CONTINUE WITH COUNTDOWN?
She smiled.
Oh, yes, Cartland. This old detonator definitely works.
Driftwood Cottage
EVE HEARD DOANE’S GUTTURAL cursing on the porch, followed by his heavy footsteps.
Then the door flew open, and he staggered into the cottage.
“Did you miss me?” Doane said. “As you can see, I brought you a present.”
He was bent almost double with the weight of the man he was carrying on his back. She caught a glimpse of the sleek white hair and powerful body.
Zander. It had to be Zander.
She had been hoping against hope that Doane would fail. There had been a chance. Zander was incredibly skilled, and it had seemed impossible that Doane could take him down. But everyone had a nemesis. Evidently, Doane was Zander’s. “Did you kill him?”
“No.” He dumped Zander on the floor beside the couch. “That would have been a defeat. I told you how it was going to be.” He buried his fingers in Zander’s hair and jerked his head back. “He should be waking up anytime now. He was such a fool. All I had to do was wait in the parking lot of the hotel until he came to get in his car. He was out cold in five seconds. I gave the dart a little extra narcotic to make sure that he didn’t cause me any trouble on the way here.”
“Like you gave me a ‘little extra’? Your judgment sucks. You’d better check to make sure that he’s still alive.”
“He’s alive.” He released Zander’s hair and straightened. “I shouldn’t have worried about having to deal with him after I got him in the car.” He nodded at the cuffs on Zander’s wrists and ankles. “He can’t move. He’s helpless.” He added with soft venom, “Helpless. I love the sound of it. Can you hear me, Zander? You murdering son of a bitch, you’re helpless. I’ve won.”
“I hear you.” Zander didn’t open his eyes. “And it appears I’m at a disadvantage, but you’ve not won, Doane.”
Doane reached down and slapped him across the mouth with a force brutal enough to break the skin. “Then fight back, show me.” He slapped him again. “Show me.”
“He doesn’t have to show you anything,” Eve said fiercely. “How brave you are, Doane. Always willing to strike out when it’s only a child or a man who can’t defend himself. Is that what you call winning? Maybe in your twisted—” Her head jerked back as Doane whirled and punched her in the face.
Pain.
“Really, Eve, I don’t need you to defend me.” Zander’s eyes were open, and his gaze was on her face. His own face was without expression. “I wish you’d stop. I’m finding it a little humiliating. This situation is difficult enough for me.” His stare shifted to Doane. “I never dreamed I’d be in this position. You’re not good enough, Doane.”
“Oh, but I am. I got you, didn’t I?” He tilted his head. “And I don’t think you liked it when I hurt our Eve.” He drew back his hand and slapped her. “Perhaps I may entertain myself until it’s time for our grand finale.” He slapped her again. “There are so many ways … Kevin knew them all.”
“By all means, if it amuses you.” Zander’s tone was bored. “But don’t expect me to respond in the way you’d like. I don’t know this woman. Even if I did, it wouldn’t matter to me what you did to her. You keep thinking that because she’s my daughter, it should make a difference. She’s only the product of a one-night stand. I care nothing for her.”
“It will make a difference,” Doane said harshly. “I know the power of kinship. My love for Kevin ruled my life from the moment he was born. You may not think that it will make a difference, but when you see her die, you’ll feel the loss, the emptiness. You killed my son, you bastard. I’ve waited five years, and tonight I’ll kill your daughter.”
“I don’t know her,” Zander repeated. “How can she mean anything to me? There’s nothing you can do to her that would make me suffer.”
Eve could see the mixture of torment and anger in Doane’s expression. “It will matter when I—” He broke off in frustration. He wasn’t sure, Eve realized; his grand revenge was disappearing before his eyes. “I think you’re lying.” He forced a smile. “But I’ll assume there’s some truth to what you’re saying. You’re such a cold bastard that maybe that part of you is frozen, too.” He shrugged. “So let’s let you get to know her. Everyone around her appears besotted by the bitch. Perhaps a few hours alone in her company will rouse all your fatherly feelings.” He turned and headed for the door. “I have a few calls to make. One of them to my dear ex-wife to tell her that she’s to come running if she wants to see you die, Zander.” He looked back over his shoulder. “Don’t think that I won’t come back and check on you occasionally. You won’t get away.”
“How are we supposed to get away?” Eve asked sarcastically. “You have us both hog-tied, dammit.”
“That’s right. But one can’t be too sure.” He smiled. “However, I’ll enjoy sitting out on the porch and looking out over Kevin’s graveyard of driftwood. By the time I come back, I may have chosen the place to bury you. Side by side as is fitting for a father and daughter.”
The door closed behind him.
“Did he hurt you?” Zander asked quietly.
“Of course he hurt me,” Eve said. “What do you think? It’s what Doane does.”
“I know you can handle pain. I meant anything you can’t get over quickly. Bleeding, broken teeth, concussion. Anything we’ll have to deal with?”
She shook her head. “Bruises. One tooth feels a
little loose.” She blinked her left eye. “And I’ll probably have a black eye.” She looked at him. “Your lip is bleeding.”
“I expected worse. You distracted him and took the brunt.”
“Not intentionally,” she said curtly. “I just couldn’t believe you’d been stupid enough to let him catch you. You’re supposed to be so fantastic, and here you are trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey.”
“You’re angry.” He was suddenly smiling. “You mustn’t let Doane hear you castigating me. He’ll give up all hope of my coming to love you like a daughter.”
“An impossibility. Love grows and builds with time and experiences. We don’t have the time, and you never wanted the experiences.”
He was silent, staring at her. “That’s the first time that you actually sounded as if you believe I am your father. You always denied it before.”
“I don’t know what to believe.” She added reluctantly, “But I think perhaps it might be possible. Doane says that I am. He’s crazy and could be mistaken. But you say it, too, and you’re not crazy. At least not in that way.”
“I’m glad you qualified that.” He tilted his head. “But since you don’t trust either one of us, I believe that there may be another reason. Now who do you trust who has had access to you?” He studied her for a long moment. “Your Bonnie?”
She didn’t answer.
He nodded. “Yes, I think Bonnie must have vouched for me.”
“Don’t joke.”
“I know better. Did she say I was her grandfather?”
“No.”
“Then what did she say?”
“She said … if I died, you would feel … loss.”
“Oh, then she agreed with Doane. Angel and devil both coming to the same conclusion.”
“Yes.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“No, she knew I didn’t want to talk about you.”
“Why?”
She looked him in the eye. In this moment, when she didn’t know how many moments were left, she would neither evade nor lie. “It hurt me. I shouldn’t care, but I do. There were times when I was a little girl, that I’d see some other child with their father, and I’d feel … lonely. I wondered why I wasn’t good enough, why I wasn’t wanted. That was before I realized that the fault didn’t lie with me but with the man who had walked away. My mother, Sandra, didn’t really want me either, but she stayed with me, and we made it work.” Her voice was suddenly fierce. “And I would have made it work with you, too, if you’d given me the chance. Family is important. You should have given me a chance.”