Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(84)

Eve watched him leave before turning to Joe. “And it will be a good dinner. He has a Cordon Bleu cook in residence who’s been preparing buffet meals we can eat at our convenience. She specializes in Cajun. Nothing formal. And no one else is in the house. He’s obviously been trying to keep us at a distance from his men … or himself.”

“Surprise.”

“We always knew he was a surprising man. Yet he’s been very cooperative.”

“He’s brilliant, but that only makes him more dangerous,” Joe said grimly. “But I’m relieved that he’s keeping his men away from you. All the snakes around here aren’t in that bayou.” He looked at the grand staircase. “Now suppose you show me where I can leave this suitcase. Jock phoned me right before I landed and told me that we have a trip to make to a Lost Cypress Bayou. I want to get going.”

Eve nodded. “He’s staying at the summerhouse. I’ll call him and tell him to come up here.” She took out her phone. “Our room is the first one to the left at the top of the stairs. I’ll tell Jock we should leave within the next five minutes.”

“We?” He stopped on the stairs to look back at her. “No Eve, Jock and I can handle this. I don’t want you running around where you might be picked off by some sniper, like Manard was. You’re the one who arranged to stay here against both Jock’s and my judgment. Now stay inside these gates, dammit.”

She shook her head. “I came here because it was the only place that I could be sure that I’d satisfy Norwalk’s desire to ‘position’ us for extermination and still have a chance to keep Cara and Darcy safe. That doesn’t mean I can stand to just sit here and do nothing.” She added gently, “You told me once that you were the guardian at the gates. But somehow through no fault of your own those gates were breached, and our boy was stolen. So you’ve got to let me help get him back. I’ve been going crazy all day waiting for Norwalk to call again and give us something else to work on.” She tried to steady her voice. “You’ve got to understand, I don’t matter anymore, Joe. Michael’s the only one who matters.”

“The hell you don’t,” Joe said hoarsely. He drew a deep, harsh breath. “But I do understand that I can’t budge you. Okay, but you’ll do what I say?”

She nodded as she smiled faintly. “I promise I won’t be careless. I have to take care of myself if I’m going to be able to take care of Michael. I don’t think that Norwalk is ready to take me down yet. He wants to see me hurt more.” She turned to go to meet Jock on the driveway. “Besides, I believe you’ll be able to keep an eye on me.”

“Count on it,” he said grimly as he started back up the stairs.

“Oh, I do. There isn’t a minute of my day I don’t count on you, Joe.”

*

Cara really was extraordinary, Darcy thought as she came down the staircase. The music pouring out of the music room was both poignant and intoxicating, singing through the house and making every note Cara’s own. She was always good, but perhaps the emotional trauma she was going through was freeing hidden depths. It was no wonder the critics thought she was a genius. Darcy would have liked to listen to her, but she had no time. She had to take advantage of this time with Eve, Jock, and Joe out of the house.

She went to the couch and retrieved the small pouch she’d tucked beneath the arm cushions where she’d tossed the boxes and packages when she’d come back from the city this afternoon.

She paused a moment, listening to the music as she tried to brace herself. Then she straightened her shoulders and sailed out of the parlor and across the hall.

I hope you’ve mellowed him, Cara. I might need it.

She knocked on the door of the study, but didn’t wait for an answer before she opened it. “I’m sorry to intrude, Mr. Kaskov.” She smiled at him as she swept into the room and shut the door. “I just wanted a word with you.”

“Did you?” His face was expressionless as he leaned back in his chair. “Now I wonder why? Because it is an intrusion, Miss Nichols. I’m sure you realize even after being here for such a short time that I generally don’t see anyone without an invitation. You’re either very bold or very stupid. And your motivation is a mystery.” He looked her up and down. “You could think that I might want a new mistress. You’re exceptionally beautiful, but I’m quite satisfied with my present arrangement.”

“Are you? That’s nice for you.” She moved a few steps closer. “But that’s not why I’m here. I knew this wouldn’t be a good time for you, so I’d better get this over quickly.” She cocked her head, listening to the music pouring out of the speakers around the study. “Your auditory connection to the music room here is wonderful. I thought it would be. You wouldn’t want to miss one note. You offered Cara her space and avoided any awkwardness, but you wouldn’t be cheated.”

He nodded slowly. “True.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “Have I underestimated you?”

“Probably. Most people do. It’s the blond hair and the big blue eyes.” She took another step closer to his desk. “But I’ll get out of here and let you enjoy Cara.” She pulled the pouch from the fold of her skirt. “I just wanted to show you—”