Countdown

  Her gaze flew to his face. “Eve? Joe?”

  “Bingo. You’d go anywhere, do anything for them.”

  “No one’s going to hurt them,” she said fiercely.

  “Then your best bet is to avoid their involvement entirely. Get the hell away from them and go someplace where you’ll be safe.”

  “And where is that?” she asked sarcastically.

  “With me. I’ll keep you safe and I won’t have to worry about you being a thousand miles away.”

  “I don’t give a damn about your blasted worries. And I’ll keep myself safe. You should never have—” She stopped as her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID. “It’s Joe.”

  “Donnell’s dead,” Joe said when she picked up the call. “And the police want to talk to you.”

  “Dead?” She went rigid. “What are you talking about? He can’t be dead.” She saw Trevor stiffen next to her. “I just saw him a little over an hour ago.”

  “Where?”

  “I let him out of my car on one of the side streets about four miles from here.” She tried to think of the street name. “I don’t remember which one. I wasn’t paying any attention.”

  “Donnell was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Justine Street. There was a witness in one of the houses who saw a light-colored car drive up on the sidewalk and hit him.”

  “No accident.”

  “Not likely. After the driver hit him, he backed over him.”

  “Did the witness get a license number?”

  “No. The kid had had a couple drinks and was feeling no pain. He was lucky to be able to dial the police and report what he’d seen. Where are you? I’ll send Manning to pick you up and get a statement.”

  She still couldn’t believe it. “They killed him. . . .”

  “That’s what you’ve got to convince Manning.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He was killed by a light-colored sedan. You drive a tan Toyota Corolla. Donnell had admitted to you that he was an accessory to Mike’s death. You’d just come back from your friend’s funeral and were understandably upset.”

  “But you called Manning and told him that Donnell was going to turn himself in.”

  “And that you were concerned he’d get off. Do the math, Jane. Isn’t it reasonable that you might have changed your mind and gone back to take justice into your own hands?”

  “No.” She had a sudden memory of that moment when she’d actually thought how much she’d enjoy running the cocky bastard down. “I might have been tempted, but I’m not an idiot.”

  “And we’ll convince them you didn’t do it. It will take a little time, but we’ll do it. I’ll have a lawyer meet you at the station and I’ll be there myself in the next couple hours.”

  “Good God, you actually think they’re going to charge me?”

  “I don’t want to take the chance without being prepared. Where are you now?”

  “I’m still at Donnell’s dorm.”

  “Stay there.” Joe hung up.

  She slowly pressed the disconnect.

  “Donnell’s dead?” Trevor asked.

  “Hit-and-run. Light-colored sedan.” She shook her head. “It’s crazy. Joe thinks they may charge me.”

  “No.” He started the car and pulled away from the curb. “That’s not going to happen.”

  “Where are you going? Joe told me to stay here until Manning—”

  “And I’m sure he had the best of intentions, but there’s no way I’m going to risk them putting you in a cage even temporarily. There are too many ways to get to prisoners.” He pulled even with Bartlett sitting in Jane’s car. “Get out. We’re heading for the airport.”

  “The hell we are,” Jane said. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

  “You’re going to the airport,” Trevor said as Bartlett jumped into the backseat. “After that, it’s up to you. But you might consider that Donnell was murdered to eliminate a possible witness. It will give you some indication of how high the stakes are. Mike Fitzgerald and Paul Donnell are both down and they were only minor players. You, on the other hand, are a prime target. And Eve and Joe may be put on the agenda if you go near them. How are you going to take care of them if you’re locked up?”

  “There’s no certainty that I’ll be locked up. If they examine my car, they won’t find any damage.”

  “But they might impound it for an in-depth test. They may hold you temporarily until you can be cleared. Are you willing to take that chance? Think about it.” His foot pressed the accelerator. “And let me know when we get to the airport.”

  4

  This is the airport?” Jane raised her brows as Trevor pulled off the secondary road outside Boston and stopped beside a large hangar.

  “I didn’t say it was a major airport.” Trevor got out of the car. “But I guarantee it’s a very private airport.”

  “In other words, you’re here illegally.”

  “It was necessary. When I knew I had to come here, it had to be fast and unobserved.”

  “You didn’t have to come. You chose to.”

  “Yes, it’s all about choices.” He stood there looking at her. “Have you made yours?”

  “No.” But she slowly got out of the car. “I don’t think that I’m in any danger of being arrested. I believe you were giving me bull to persuade me to do what you wanted. Manning would probably just take my statement and send me home.”

  “Possibly.”

  “I’ll tell Brenner we’re ready to take off,” Bartlett said as he hopped out of the backseat and smiled at her. “Good-bye, Jane. I hope you won’t decide to abandon us. I’ve missed you.”

  She didn’t answer as she watched him hurry across the tarmac toward the Learjet sitting on the runway. She hadn’t realized until this moment that she had missed Bartlett too. Small, plump, with that beaming smile radiating warmth and a kind of innocent joy in life, he was totally unique. “Did he ever marry again?”

  “No, maybe he decided three was enough.” Trevor smiled. “Or maybe he was waiting for you. He always liked you.”

  “I’d have to stand in line. Every woman has a soft spot for Bartlett. Even Eve.”

  “How is Eve?”

  “Not so good. Dealing with her mother’s grief and her own is pretty tough. Otherwise, she’s just the same.” Jane couldn’t take her gaze from the plane sitting on the runway. Bartlett had disappeared inside and she could dimly make out two figures in the cockpit. “Who’s Brenner? The pilot?”

  “Yes, among other things. He’s an Aussie I brought on board to facilitate a few matters.”

  “He works for you?”

  “God, no. The arrogant bastard works for himself. But in his infinite wisdom he’s decided to let me run the show.”

  “What show?”

  He didn’t answer. “Are you coming with me?”

  “Where?”

  “Aberdeen.”

  “What?” Her eyes widened. “Scotland?”

  He smiled faintly. “You expected Naples?”

  “You said you were on the trail of Cira’s gold. That chest was in a tunnel outside Herculaneum.”

  “We might pay a visit there later. Right now we go to Aberdeen.”

  “Why?”

  “Are you going?”

  “Answer me.”

  He was silent.

  “Damn you. Mike died because you wanted that gold. I deserve to know what’s happening.”

  “But then I might not get what I want from you. And you know what a selfish bastard I am.”

  “In spades. But why should I give you anything you want?”

  “Because you know I want you to stay alive?”

  “I don’t know anything about you anymore. It’s been too long.”

  “True.” He tilted his head, considering. “Then because I can give you something you’ve been searching for?”

  “I don’t want that gold.”

  “No.” He smiled. “But you’d give your eyeteeth for a gla
nce at Precebio’s scrolls in that library we discovered in the tunnel outside his villa. And so you should. They’d really fascinate you.”

  She stiffened. “The scrolls?”

  “Isn’t that why you went back to Herculaneum? You chose not to volunteer for the digs in the city itself. You worked on the outskirts of Herculaneum, in the countryside. Were you disappointed that you never found the tunnel?”

  “Disappointed, not surprised. You told me that after the cave-in you’d camouflaged it so well nobody could find it.” Her tone was abstracted as her gaze narrowed on his face. “You went back and dug your way into that library?”

  He nodded. “And came out with Precebio’s scrolls written about Cira.”

  Excitement seared through her. “All of them?”

  “All of them. I’d read about half before the explosion that caused the cave-in. The rest had to be carefully handled to preserve them from damage before I could have them translated.”

  “But you had it done?”

  He smiled. “I had it done.”

  “What did they say?”

  “Read them yourself.” He turned and headed for the plane. “There are a few surprises. . . .”

  “Are you lying to me?”

  He glanced over his shoulder. “I suppose I deserve your suspicion. As you know, I’m not above lying. It’s all part of the game.”

  “Are you lying?”

  He met her gaze and the mocking smile vanished. “Not to you, Jane. Never to you.” He disappeared into the plane.

  She’s a hard sell.” Bartlett came out of the cockpit as Trevor entered the plane. “Is she coming with us?”

  “Yes, have Brenner start the engines.”

  Bartlett gazed skeptically at Jane still standing beside the car. “She hasn’t moved.”

  “She’s coming.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  He wasn’t sure. There was no way to be certain of anyone as strong-willed as Jane. He’d done his best to persuade her, but his success depended on how well he’d read her. “I made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. She wants Mike Fitzgerald’s killer and she knows I know something about him she doesn’t. And she wants to find out what’s in those scrolls so bad she can taste it. I dangled both in front of her like juicy carrots.”

  “What if you’re wrong? What if she turns and walks away?”

  Trevor’s lips tightened. “Then I go after her, knock her out, and carry her on the plane. Either way she comes.”

  Bartlett gave a low whistle. “I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes when she wakes up.”

  “Me either. But there’s no way I’ll leave her where I can’t protect her. There are too many variables to deal with here now.”

  “Joe Quinn can protect her.”

  “And he’ll try, but Eve always comes first with him. I need Jane to get top priority.”

  Bartlett’s eyes left Jane to gaze curiously at Trevor. “You have a few other items on your plate that are pretty high in priority. I’m surprised you believe that—”

  “Here she comes.” Trevor turned away from the window and headed for the cockpit. “It’s better that she doesn’t see me until we’re airborne. She regards me as something of an irritant, and the balance could swing either way once she steps on the plane. Close the door, make her comfortable, and soothe the hell out of her.”

  “Irritant?” Bartlett murmured. “And I thought I was the only one who could see past that charm to the beast you really are.”

  “Just soothe her.” Trevor closed the door of the cockpit behind him.

  You decided to come. Capital. I’m so glad I don’t have to be alone on such a long trip.” Bartlett beamed as he closed and latched the door behind Jane. “Just sit down and fasten your seat belt. Brenner will be taking off any—”

  “Where’s Trevor?”

  “Up front with Brenner. He said for me to make you comfortable.” His eyes were suddenly twinkling. “And to soothe you. He very much thought you’d need soothing.”

  She did need soothing. She was uneasy and uncertain and not at all sure she was doing the right thing. That damn Trevor had played her to the hilt, using every weapon he knew to get her to do what he wanted. And here she was on a plane bound for Scotland and she hadn’t even told Joe or Eve she was going or why.

  Because she didn’t know why, dammit.

  But she knew that she had to take any opportunity to find out more about Mike’s death.

  And she knew she wanted to see those scrolls. She’d devoted years to trying to find them, and Trevor had them in his hands.

  Perhaps Trevor was even right about the death of Donnell tonight putting her in greater danger.

  And perhaps he wasn’t and was using the circumstances to bend her in the direction he wanted her to go.

  What the hell? She’d find out. But first she had to act like a responsible human being instead of flitting away like a damn butterfly. She took out her phone. “I’m not going anywhere without letting Eve and Joe know.”

  “By all means. That wouldn’t be considerate. I’m sure you still have time before we take off.”

  “We’ll make time.” She dialed Eve. “Did I wake you?”

  “No, Joe called me ten minutes ago. What the devil is happening, Jane?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’m not going to risk getting jailed right now. Tell Joe that I’ll send Manning a statement later.”

  “That’s hardly correct procedure, Jane.”

  “It’s the best I can do.” She paused. “I may be on a trail that could lead me to answers. I have a better chance if I go my own way.”

  “You’re scaring the hell out of me. What are you up to?”

  “Something popped up and I need to look into it.”

  “Not alone, dammit.”

  “I’m not alone.”

  “That’s even worse. I want names, your location, and the reason you’re being so damn cagey.”

  How much to tell her? Eve would be obligated to tell Joe, and Joe was a cop who had a duty to his badge. Okay, tell her enough to cut down her worrying, but no details.

  “I may be able to find out who hired Leonard and where he is.”

  “How?”

  “I believe I know someone who’s familiar with the entire picture.”

  “Jane.”

  “I know. I know. I’m sorry. It must be frustrating to listen to me yammer and pick and choose my words when—”

  “Who are you with?”

  Jane was silent a moment. Oh, what the hell. “Trevor.”

  “Shit.”

  “You should feel better. You know Trevor knows what he’s doing.”

  “He walks a mean tightrope, but that doesn’t mean you’ll survive if you follow him.”

  “I’m not following him. I’m only going to find out—” Cut it short. “I’ll call you again as soon as we get where we’re going. Don’t worry, Eve. I’m not doing anything dumb. I’m being careful.”

  “That word isn’t in Trevor’s vocabulary. I want to talk to him.”

  “He’s busy. I’ll phone you in six or seven hours. I have to go now.” She hung up the phone.

  “I take it she didn’t consider Trevor a suitable escort,” Bartlett said. “I can’t say I really blame her.”

  “Neither can I.” Jane sat down and buckled the seat belt. “Okay, start soothing, Bartlett. First, tell me why you’re still with Trevor.”

  He smiled. “He promised me that he’d get me enough money to retire on a South Seas island.”

  “You’d hate living on an island. You’re much too urban-oriented.”

  He nodded. “It was only an excuse. I like the life I live with Trevor. Being an accountant in London wasn’t very thrilling.”

  “Being a criminal is thrilling?”

  “I’m not a criminal.” He thought about it. “Or perhaps I am, but it doesn’t seem like it. I just trail around with Trevor and do a few things he asks me to do. Of course, that probably makes me an accessory,
but I don’t really do anything bad, as I see it. I don’t hurt anyone.”

  The plane had started down the runway and she had an instant of panic. Calm down. She’d made her decision. “What about this Brenner? I suppose he doesn’t do anything bad either.”

  He smiled. “You’ll have to ask Brenner. He’s an Australian. On the surface he’s not at all lethal. But he doesn’t discuss what he does for Trevor, and I suspect he’s been a very bad boy in his time.”

  “So has Trevor. Like to like.”

  “Perhaps. I understand years ago they were mercenaries together in Colombia.”

  “They were?” Her gaze flew to the door of the cockpit. “Interesting.”

  “I found it revealing. Trevor has difficulties becoming close to people these days, but evidently he was more open when he was younger.”

  “Open?” Jane shook her head. “Not Trevor.”

  “Wrong word?” He thought about it. “No, I believe I’m—”

  “How do you do?” A tall, thirtyish, sandy-haired man stood in the door of the cockpit. “I’m Sam Brenner, and I couldn’t resist the temptation to come back and get a good look at you. Introduce us, Bartlett.”

  “Jane MacGuire,” Bartlett said. “And I’m surprised Trevor decided to let her be exposed to you, Brenner.”

  “I persuaded him that it would be better for her to know the best as well as the worst of the situation. Go up front and keep Trevor company, will you, mate?”

  Bartlett glanced at Jane. “It’s up to you.”

  Jane’s gaze was narrowed on Brenner’s face. He was very tanned and had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. His face was too long, his nose and mouth too big to be handsome, but his brows had an arched curve that was almost Pan-like.

  He smiled, and his Australian accent was even more evident as he asked, “And do I pass inspection?”

  “Not until you tell me who the hell’s flying the plane.”

  He chuckled. “Trevor. He’s not as good a pilot as I am, but he’s adequate, and he wanted to have something to do that would let him avoid you. But I wasn’t about to sit up there and twiddle my thumbs when I could be back here satisfying my curiosity about you.”

  “Curiosity?”