Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(53)

“No, I believe that we’ll be disturbed in about three minutes, and I want to have my hands free.”

“Because you were compassionate and didn’t kill that guard.”

“Compassion had nothing to do with it. I want you to have a full complement of men when Norwalk goes after you. He’s the enemy … at the moment.”

“Yes, at the moment.” He took a sip of his coffee. “How often during the last three times when Cara was visiting me have you been tempted to breach my walls to show me you could do it?”

Jock didn’t answer.

“But this was different,” Kaskov said softly. “You felt that it wouldn’t cause the ripple of disturbance and make Cara feel you were interfering. And it let me see that the threat was always there.” He tilted his head. “Now why else did you come tonight?”

“To tell you that Norwalk probably had a twin, and it might have had something to do with the targets he chose. You and Eve specifically.” He got to his feet. “And to ask if you had any information you haven’t told Eve yet.”

He shook his head. “Though I assure you I’m being very proactive. And I’m certain you have a few ideas on the matter you’d like to share?”

“Norwalk has to have had something to do with you.”

“I never dealt with him. He never crossed my path.”

“Yet he attacked Cara. That was quite pointed.” He smiled faintly. “Maybe, like me, he wanted to show you that you’re vulnerable. But he went to a great deal of trouble. He wanted you to know he could take her, kill her, and you could do nothing about it.” His smile vanished. “And he was right, he came damn close. Next time, he’ll try to go all the way. But why go to all that trouble just to make a point?” His gaze was narrowed on Kaskov’s face. “Why, Kaskov?”

Kaskov’s face was without expression. He repeated, “I had nothing to do with him.”

“But you might have a hunch?” he murmured. “Something I said triggered something. I believe I might want to stick around while you think about it.”

“Not a good idea,” Kaskov said. “I prefer that your expertise be leveled at protecting my granddaughter. I might let you know once I’ve firmed up—”

“They’re at the end of the hall,” Jock interrupted, his head tilted as he listened. “At least three men trying to be quiet. Probably your Nikolai is with them. What are you going to do?”

“I should ask what you’re going to do.”

“If attacked, I leave the house and the compound. I always have an exit plan. But first, I’d kill Nikolai, then you. My problems would be solved.”

He chuckled. “And very efficiently.” He finished his coffee. “But I prefer a more peaceful solution today. I shall invite you to breakfast, and you’ll discuss the fallacies in my security arrangements with Nikolai. However, I agree that you should let him believe that it was totally my idea.” He was heading for the door and glanced back over his shoulder. “By the way, you should never have been able to breach those defenses without extensive research and time. How did you do it?”

He shrugged. “You invited Cara to New Orleans three months ago. When I was in Moscow on my ‘hunting’ trip, I delved into your possible rentals in New Orleans. There were only two that would have been suitable for your needs. I researched the history of the houses and the architectural plans and studied both of them.”

“Just in case you needed them? You were trained well.”

Jock’s lips twisted. “Oh, yes, exceptionally well.” He moved across the room. “You’ll notice I’m directly behind you. If you change your mind when you open that door, I can break your neck before you take another breath.”

“Not before breakfast.” Kaskov smiled as he threw open the door. “I’m always hungry when I’m forced to wake this early.”





CHAPTER

9



“Can’t sleep?” Eve was standing in the hall gazing at Darcy, who was sitting at Eve’s worktable staring at Sylvie’s reconstruction. “Neither could I.” She tightened the belt of her robe as she came toward Darcy. “I kept thinking about Norwalk and … You know what I was thinking about.” She reached out and touched the cheek of the sculpture with her index finger. “All the time I was working on her I felt as if every stroke I took was taking away the horror he was trying to make of her.”

“And you did it,” Darcy said. “She’s beautiful now.” She leaned back on the stool. “And I was thinking about how Norwalk told you how alone he felt…”

“Because you thought he also had a twin.”

“Yes, and how I’ve been feeling that way, too, for the past few months.” Darcy’s gaze never left Sylvie. “He probably wanted me to feel that way, and I don’t know why. If he does have a twin, he knows about the emptiness. He said Sylvie and I weren’t important, so does he want the whole world to feel that emptiness?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Then I think that he’s going to be disappointed.” She touched the delicate curl of Sylvie’s lower lip. “At least as far as I’m concerned. I’ve noticed for the last couple days that I’m not feeling…” She stopped and moistened her lips. “I don’t feel that emptiness any longer, Eve. I know you probably don’t realize what that means … I’m not sure I do, either. But it’s gone…”