Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(35)

“What situation?”

“The situation in which they had to call an ambulance to your suite two nights ago when you were attacked.”

Shock. She drew a deep breath. “And how do you know about that?”

“The same way that I was able to obtain that CD of your concert. I have people in place to make sure that I’m not left in the dark regarding what’s happening to you. You’re my granddaughter, and I would not leave anything that belonged to me unattended.”

People in place? For heaven’s sake, first she had found out about Jock’s agent, Stanton, and now Kaskov was coming up with his own men shadowing her? It was verging on the ridiculous.

Except no one had been able to stop that savage attack in the dark at the residence.

“You’re not speaking,” Kaskov said. “I take it you’re displeased?”

“I’m thinking that it’s a wonder I didn’t stumble over all those ‘helpful’ people who were trying to keep an eye on me,” she said dryly. “And, yes, I’m displeased. I don’t like that you consider me your property.”

“Unfortunate. You’re my only living family member; therefore, it’s natural that I should feel a bit proprietorial. That’s why I decided that you should be removed from a potentially hazardous environment and come to where I can control what happens to you.”

“And do you know why it’s hazardous? Does it have anything to do with you or your enemies?”

“Was that Jock Gavin’s guess? Actually, it’s the answer I’d have chosen, too. He’s very clever, isn’t he? And so very competent. I remember I tried to recruit him at one time.”

“You’re not answering me.”

“No, I had nothing to do with it. At least to my knowledge. I admit there are sometimes blast effects that spread havoc from my actions, but I’ve been careful.” He added, “My enemies? They’re legion. I’m investigating the possibilities now. But there’s been no stirring that I’ve been able to detect. However, sometimes it takes time to see what’s below the surface. That’s why you should come and visit with me while I explore more thoroughly.”

“You may not even be responsible. There’s another possibility.”

“Really? Is that why Jock Gavin boarded a flight for Nice early this morning? Suppose you tell me about it.”

“You’re watching Jock, too?” She felt a surge of panic. “Stay away from him, Kaskov. And keep your men away from him. Don’t go near him.”

“My, my, how fierce you are,” he said, amused. “And it’s my men who should be protected from Gavin. Do you think I haven’t investigated who and what he is?”

“Stay away from him.”

“Then perhaps you’d better tell him to stay away from me,” he murmured. “I haven’t mentioned the fact that he’s been hovering in the background whenever you came to spend time with me. It didn’t disturb me, or I would have made an issue of it.”

“He’s my friend. He worries about me.”

“And you worry about him. I’ve always found that interesting.” He went on before she could reply, “I’m no threat to Gavin at present. I just have to know where he’s going and why. Once I get that information, I’ll confine any surveillance to you. Does that make you feel better?”

“No.”

“It should. I don’t generally make concessions.” He paused. “You won’t come to New Orleans?”

“Not now.” She had a sudden thought. Kaskov clearly had a handle on everything that was happening to her. “Do you know where I am?”

“Of course, I’d hardly trail after Gavin and let you wander around by yourself. I have Oleg Sakov, a very good man, on his way to keep an eye on that lake cottage, until you decide to come here. Though I understand Joe Quinn is a force to be reckoned with, I prefer my own man.”

“Tell this Sakov to get away from here. Keep him away from Joe or anyone else in my family.”

“But they’re not your family,” he said quietly. “I am, Cara.”

“They are my family. Sometimes blood doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t agree. But we won’t argue about it. I promise you won’t know Sakov is even there, and he certainly won’t interact with your Joe Quinn. If you change your mind, let me know, and I’ll send someone to pick you up. Have a nice evening, Cara.” He hung up.

It had not been a threatening call, but that didn’t keep it from being disturbing. And if Jock knew, he would definitely be upset about Kaskov’s interference in her life.

But Kaskov had accepted her refusal, so the situation was pretty much status quo until it changed. However, she’d have to warn Joe that Kaskov had ordered someone to watch his property. He would not be pleased.

But perhaps she would wait until later tonight to tell him.

She was looking at Joe, laughing as he watched Michael concentrating on flipping a burger on the grill. Eve talking quietly to Darcy as she moved around the picnic table, setting it with plates and cutlery. Small tasks, simple tasks, homey tasks, but Cara felt a sudden rush of warmth.

She wanted to be with them, enveloped in that cozy ambience that was almost mesmerizing. In the darkness and fear that seemed to surround her, here was sunlight and comfort and love. She stuffed her phone in her pocket and moved back toward them.