And what was Cassie searching for?
Together we’ll find it.
She should have asked Cassie what she was trying to find. The chance had slid right past her because it had been such a struggle to leave.
Next time . . .
“May I come in?” Travis asked from the doorway. “If you’re too tired, I’ll go away.”
“I’m tired.” She turned on the lamp. “But I’m probably too charged to sleep, so you might as well come in. Sit down, Travis, and tell me what you want from me.”
He smiled. “Maybe I don’t want anything. Maybe this is purely a social call.” He sat down in the chair beside her bed. “After all, we did share a rather unique experience tonight.”
“You wouldn’t have crept up here after you left Jessica if you’d wanted to socialize.”
“You make me sound like a cat burglar.”
“Have you ever been one?”
He didn’t answer the question. “It’s true Jessica doesn’t know I’m here. I didn’t want to upset her. She’s pretty protective of you.”
“So why are you here?”
“I thought we should get to know each other.” He chuckled as she raised her brows. “No, not in the carnal sense. I have no intention of taking advantage of you when you’re—”
“Rode hard and put away wet?”
“Good God, what a ghastly image.”
“It’s how I feel at the moment. Cassie’s not easy.” She propped a second pillow beneath her head. “Okay, you don’t want to screw me. And I doubt if you’re going to tell me anything about yourself, so the getting-to-know part is aimed at me. Right?”
“Right.”
“Why?”
“We’ve already established how curious I am.”
She could see the curiosity in his face. His expression was alert, searching. “Didn’t you find out enough about me from Jessica’s book?”
“From her point of view. But information can always be slanted.”
“Jessica is intimidatingly honest.”
“We don’t always see things the same way. Didn’t you ever want to give your viewpoint?”
She should probably tell him to go away. She was none of his business. But she suddenly realized she didn’t want him to leave. “ What do you want to know?”
“What do you want to tell me?”
“Look, don’t pull that bull on me. I’m a psych major.”
He laughed. “Sorry. You grew up here at Juniper?”
She nodded. “It’s a great place for a kid to grow up. I was the baby of the family and my parents and Jessica spoiled me rotten. She was my idol and I was a real pain in the ass to her.” She looked away from him. “And then, after the accident, I was an albatross around her neck.”
“I’m not asking you to talk about the accident.”
“But the accident is the dividing line. It’s like looking at before and after pictures. I can talk about the accident. Jessica says it’s good for me to keep it out in the open. I think she’s scared that if I repress it, I’ll explode or something.”
“How old were you?”
“Fourteen. My mother and father and I were driving home from one of his favorite restaurants in Georgetown. I was in the backseat.” She moistened her lips. “A car ran us off the road and down an incline. There was an explosion. I couldn’t get the door open. I knew my father was dead, but my mother was screaming in the front seat. She was on fire. And the smell of burning flesh . . .”
“That’s enough.”
“I finally managed to get out. I opened the passenger door and pulled Mama out and started beating at the fire. But I couldn’t get it out and she was screaming. . . .” She swallowed. “And then she stopped screaming.”
“And then you went away to your forest.”
“Yeah, it seemed the thing to do at the time.” She drew a deep breath. “I was a selfish bitch. I should have been there for Jessica instead of becoming the burden of the century.”
“I’d say you had cause.” His hand tightened around hers. “And I’d bet Jessica agrees.”
She hadn’t realized he had taken her hand. She should move it.
What the hell. She didn’t want to move it. His grasp felt warm and strong and gave her a sense of security. It was odd that a stranger would give her this feeling of safety. “Anyway, when I came back, I tried to get off Jessica’s welfare roll. I went to high school, took special tutoring, and then entered the university.”
“I would have thought you’d travel or just have a good time for a while.”
“I had a good time. I ran, I played tennis, I learned to fly a plane. I made good friends.” She smiled. “I always have a good time. That’s what life’s about on the outside. Enjoying every moment. But Jessica needed to know I was a stable, solid citizen. I can’t tell you how disappointed she is about this Cassie development.” She met his eyes. “So do you think you know me well enough now, Travis?”
He shook his head. “I have an idea I’ve just scratched the surface.” He released her hand and stood up. “But it’s been interesting. I didn’t think you’d be this frank with me.”
“Being enigmatic is too complicated for me. I’ll leave that to you.” She settled back down in bed. “Now turn out the light and let me go to sleep.”
“I’m on my way.” He switched off the lamp and moved toward the door. “Good night, Melissa.”
“ Travis.”
“Yes.”
“Why did you come back up here?”
“Why do you think?”
“You think being father confessor is going to draw us closer together and give me confidence in you?”
“You believe I’m that Machiavellian?”
“If you’d be as frank with me as I was with you, I’d find out.”
“Well, you dismissed one of the most interesting reasons.”
“What?”
“I never said I didn’t want to screw you. I just said it wasn’t my intention.”
She burst out in laughter. “Flatter the lady and dodge the question. Jesus, you are Machiavellian. Get out of here, Travis.”
She was still smiling as he left. He was utterly impossible . . . and much too stimulating. She could feel the blood tingling through her body, and her mind was humming and wide awake. It was entirely possible that he’d come here because he’d wanted to allay her suspicions for some reason.
It was also possible that he’d wanted to open the door to a sexual encounter. His last remark had been provocative as well as amusing, and if she’d responded differently, he might have turned around and come back.
The idea was too intriguing. What kind of lover would Travis be? She shied away from the thought even as she felt her body ready. She’d already promised herself that she wouldn’t worry Jessica, and she wasn’t about to sneak around behind her back.
So concentrate on how safe she’d felt when he’d been holding her hand. That’s a nice, platonic thought. If Travis wanted to be buddies, that was fine. It was sex that disturbed the mind as well as the senses, and she had enough disturbances in her life just then.
Travis quietly let himself out of the manor and went down the porch steps. It had been a fascinating evening, and not the least interesting facet had been the time spent with Melissa Riley. She had thought the visit had been planned, but she was wrong. It had been pure impulse, and he was not an impulsive man.
Curiosity?
Yes, he was curious, and he’d been rewarded more richly than he’d expected. She was probably the most frank, open person he’d ever met.
And her full-bodied laugh had been as sensual as a hand stroking him.
Jan had once said a man should listen to a woman laugh to determine how good she’d be in bed.
Well, he’d probably never know how good Melissa Riley was in bed. Since her sister was so protective, it would be courting trouble to move in that direction.
But some things were worth a good deal of trouble.
Forg
et it. He’d once mentally compared Melissa Riley to a firecracker and he didn’t need to set off any more rockets than he had already. The situation was explosive enough.
8
“Karlstadt says he’ll give you twenty million,” Jan van der Beck said. “Not a dollar more.”
“If he’ll go twenty, he’ll go twenty-five. Keep pushing.”
“You can say that, but Karlstadt doesn’t push easily.”
“Then you’ll earn your thirty percent.”
“His people aren’t above taking me out to the country and trying to squeeze your whereabouts out of me.”
“Isn’t it lucky you don’t know?”
“Lucky for you.”
“What did you find out from Henri Claron?”
“Nothing definite. I’m still working on him.”
“He knows something?”
“Oh, yes. Henri’s not a good actor and he’s a frightened man. Almost as frightened as his wife. She kept looking at me as if I were torturing Henri.”
“If he’s that nervous, I’m surprised he hasn’t been erased.”
“He could have taken out insurance.” He switched subjects. “Karlstadt’s getting very edgy. He’s heard about the Russians, and thinks you may be dealing with them too.”
“A little worry never hurt anyone.”
“Yes, it has, and this time it may be me.”
“I promise I won’t leave you hanging out on a limb.”
“If he goes to twenty-five million, you’d better be prepared to wrap this up in a hurry.”
“Then work on Henri Claron.”
“What does one have to do with the other?”
“Everything. It all has to come together to get me back to Amsterdam. Come on, Jan, you can do it.”
“I’m dealing with Karlstadt. I don’t have time. Maybe I can find someone else to put the squeeze on Henri.” He sighed. “I’ll do my best, Michael.”
“One more thing. Can you do some snooping on the Wind Dancer?”
“What? I will not help you steal that statue, Michael.”
“I don’t want to steal it. I just want to know about security and if it’s going on tour anytime soon.”
“That sounds pretty suspicious to me. Forget it. I have too much on my plate.”
“Well, maybe later.” Travis put away his phone and moved over to stand at the window. Karlstadt wasn’t the only one on edge. He’d never seen Jan this disturbed, and the Dutchman wasn’t one to go off the deep end without cause. Maybe he shouldn’t have mentioned the Wind Dancer. It had just occurred to him that since he had found Cassie at the foot of the statue, it might be an avenue worth exploring. Ordinarily, Jan would have agreed with only a few complaints, but his refusal had been curt. It was obvious that he was very worried.
There was still time though. As long as they were bargaining, Jan was safe. Karlstadt would be dangerous only after the deal was made. At that point Travis would have to move with lightning speed to avoid Karlstadt suspecting a stall.
No lights in Cassie’s room tonight. He’d been there three nights already this week. Jessica had started calling him when the episodes began, and they had been able to cut the last one to under fifteen minutes.
What would happen to Cassie Andreas when he left?
And how the hell would he manage to get away from here if he didn’t get the information about Vasaro from Henri Claron? There was no way Andreas would consider letting him go. He’d made plans before he arrived here, but it was time to refine them.
He didn’t want to leave with Cassie on his conscience. But would he do it if it came down to a choice?
It didn’t have to come to a choice. Find a way to get the kid to come back to normalcy and the problem was solved. Andreas might even be so grateful, he’d forget about finding who led the attack on Vasaro. The best of all possible solutions if—
The phone rang.
“Get here right away,” Jessica said tersely. “It’s started.”
He glanced at the house. He’d been so absorbed, he hadn’t noticed the lights had come on. “Right away.”
“Don’t leave,” Cassie pleaded. “The monsters don’t stay long anymore, Melissa.”
“They wouldn’t show up at all if you’d come back and let Jessica help you.”
“Scared. Nicer here.”
“No, it’s not. It’s wonderful outside. Remember? I’ll show you so many beautiful things.”
“Scared. Beautiful in here. I could show you—but I can’t find it.”
“What can’t you find?”
Cassie’s agitation was growing. “Can’t find it. It’s here but I can’t find it.”
“What?”
“It was supposed to be here.”
Melissa was afraid if she persisted, she’d jar Cassie back into the nightmare state. Could she flow back into the child and find out what she was thinking? It was risky. The last few times it had been easier to separate from her, but she didn’t know what would happen if she gave Cassie what she wanted.
What the hell?
She edged closer, then closer still. She could feel Cassie’s agitation like huge waves.
Closer.
Find.
Find what?
A tongue of thought darted out and touched Melissa.
Oh, God.
“No!” She tore free in panic and spiraled away into the darkness. Get away. Get away. Get away.
“Come back! Lonely . . .”
Melissa’s heart was going to jump out of her chest. Wake up. Get control. Jessica and Travis would come in soon wanting to know if there was anything she could tell them about the episode.
Lie. She had to lie. She couldn’t talk about that horror. Breathe deep and try to calm down. Tell them how well everything had gone. Cassie and she were growing closer even when separated. In time she had hopes of being able to persuade Cassie to come back. They’d be glad to hear that, so glad that maybe they’d mistake her anguish for the usual tiredness.
If not, she’d have to lie.
Travis showed up at the front door of the manor at four the next afternoon. “We need to talk,” he told Jessica. “Where’s Melissa?”
“In her room, studying. What’s wrong?”
“Time’s wasting. We need to find a way to get Cassie well.”
“What do you think we’ve been doing?”
“It’s not moving fast enough.” He went to the bottom of the stairs and yelled, “Melissa!”
“Do you know how little studying she’s been able to get done since she got here?”
“She’s bright enough to make it up. Hell, she’s bright enough to run rings around most of us.” He started up the stairs. “She didn’t hear me. I forgot about those solid oak doors. Come on. We’ll go to her.”
“And do what?” She followed him. “We’re making progress. You heard Mellie last night.”
“Yeah, bubbling with enthusiasm.” He knocked on the door of the blue room. “See how polite I’m being?”
Melissa opened the door. “I’m studying.”
“Later.” He went inside and sat down in a chair. “Will you go get all the stuff you told me Andreas sent with Cassie, Jessica?”
“I’m surprised you couched that as a request. But you forgot to say please.” Jessica left the room.
“Jessica doesn’t like orders.” Melissa sat down on the bed and crossed her legs. “You’re lucky she’s going along with you. What are you up to, Travis?”
“Cassie. We need to do some brainstorming. We’re moving too slow.”
Her gaze narrowed on his face. “What’s happening?”
“Don’t you want Cassie well as soon as possible?”
“What’s happening?”
He smiled. “Let’s just say I can’t wait years for Cassie to come back to us, and you told me I had to stay until she was well.”
“Something’s going on with you.”
“And something’s going on with you. Last night it was clear you were hiding s
omething.”
She stiffened. “Jessica didn’t notice.”
“Because she wants to believe you. Do you want to talk to me about it?”
She didn’t answer.
“Then don’t give me the third degree, Melissa.”
“Here they are.” Jessica carried four photo albums and several notebooks into the room. “But I’ve gone through all of these before.”
“I’ve no intention of covering old ground.” He was flipping through one album. “Tell me what you’ve done with these.”
“Nothing much. I selected certain photographs to show her and test responses.”
“The result?”
“Nothing from any family members. One photograph . . .” She turned the pages until she found the picture. “Cassie and the statue of the Wind Dancer. I thought there was some . . . flicker.”
“I found her with the Wind Dancer at Vasaro. That’s the only photograph she recognized?”
“I don’t know. It’s the only one I sensed. . . .” She shrugged helplessly. “It’s hard to tell.”
“Then you could have been mistaken,” Melissa said. “How could anyone tell what Cassie’s feeling? Was there a muscle response or any change in expression?”
“Maybe. A little. It’s just . . . an impression.”
“But you could have been wrong.” She reached over and turned the page. “What other pictures did you show her?”
Travis flipped the page back. “Let’s stay with the Wind Dancer for a while, shall we?”
Melissa’s lips tightened. “Why? It’s only a statue.”
“But a remarkable piece of art. It’s recognized as one of the most valuable treasures in the world. The Andreas family claims there were historical references that indicate the statue was in the hands of Alexander the Great during his first campaign in Persia, that it once belonged to Charlemagne and was passed down to several famous historical figures through the ages. There are legends that men and nations rose and fell because of the statue’s presence on the scene.”
“ Idiotic.”
“Most legends are.” He smiled. “But that doesn’t stop them from being fascinating, and I’m sure the stories increased the value of the statue. We’re a culture intrigued by fairy tales.”