Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(48)

“When isn’t there a threat?” He added mockingly, “Yes, by all means make it even more of an armed camp than it is already. I can’t have that madman take me down. It would be a terrible end to my illustrious career.”

“My thought exactly, sir.” Nikolai was smiling faintly. “And we should find this Norwalk and not wait for him to pounce? It would be more efficient to set a trap.”

“Yes, it would.” He turned and pressed the remote button on his stereo. “But that would mean I could lose more than I gained.” The strains of the Tchaikovsky concerto Cara had played at the concert in Connecticut swept through the room. “We’ll do both. Find him, then I’ll make up my mind whether to do it the safe, efficient way or keep my word to Eve Duncan.”





ATLANTA AIRPORT


Jock’s phone rang as he was coming down the jetway.

Joe Quinn.

He waited until he’d reached the gate area before he answered the call. “I just arrived. I should be at the lake cottage in thirty minutes. Is Cara okay?”

“Probably not as well as before Eve told her about the call she received from Norwalk,” Joe said. “We were trying to spare her until we had a handle on what to do, but that usually doesn’t work with Cara.”

“What call?” Jock asked harshly. “And why the hell didn’t you phone me?”

“You were on a plane heading here anyway. We had enough to do without bothering to keep you in the loop. Kaskov’s man, Sakov, was killed today, throat cut. Bloody footprints leading to a car parked near the freeway.” He paused. “And it’s no coincidence that Eve got that call from Norwalk later on the same day. I’m sending you the recording, and you’ll see what I mean. Check it out while you’re on the road here. I want you up to speed by the time you talk to Cara … and Eve. Eve made a few decisions that—” He broke off. “Later. She’ll tell you herself. Just get here, and we’ll talk about possible damage control. The important thing to realize is that Norwalk isn’t hiding in the shadows any longer. He’s on the attack.”

“How can I realize anything until you let me hear that damn call that—” He stopped as his phone buzzed. “Hold on. I’m getting a text.” He punched the button for text access. “It’s from Benoit. I’ll be—” He started to curse. “Son of a bitch!”

“What’s wrong?”

“What could be wrong? Certainly not with your estimation of the current situation,” he said through his teeth. “Yes, Norwalk’s definitely on the move, and taking no prisoners. Benoit just got a report that Raoul Napier was found shot in his hotel room in Nice last night. And this morning, the Pierpont Funeral Home was blown up, taking father and son and any evidence that might remain with them to the Pearly Gates.”

*

He was here!

Cara was waiting on the porch when the headlights of Jock’s rental car speared the darkness of the risers of the steps as he pulled into the driveway. But she couldn’t wait anymore. She ran down the steps as he got out of the driver’s seat.

It seemed forever since she had said good-bye to him at the airport in New York. Just a few days, but too much had taken place in those days. She had been worried and sad and empty inside without—

“Jock!” She threw herself into his arms and held him with all her might. “I’m so glad you’re here. So many bad things … Joe said he told you, but there’s Darcy and Silvie and now Eve … Is it my fault that Eve’s going through all—”

“Shh.” His hand was over her mouth. “None of it is your fault. Norwalk is a crazy son of a bitch who wants to hurt Kaskov by hurting you. It was what I’ve been afraid would happen for years. As for the rest with Eve, I haven’t a clue. But we’ll find out and make it right.” He took his hand away and smiled down at her. “I promise.”

He was making it right just by being here and smiling that smile, she thought. She drew a deep breath. And it was okay that she wanted to touch him. He was touching her with affection and tenderness as he always did. Nothing had really changed. Best friends, she repeated to herself. Best friends forever. She took a step back and smiled at him. “I knew that. I just wanted to hear it from you.” She took his hand and pulled him up the steps to the porch. “Except about Eve. It could be that her taking me in caused Norwalk to target her, but she believes it’s something else.” She made a face. “I hope she’s right. It may be wishful thinking on her part, too. I’m in good company.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Eve wants to see you right away. But I wanted to see you more, so I waited out here until you came roaring up the driveway.” She chuckled. “I knew you wouldn’t be in any mood to give me anything but frowns after she talks to you about Kaskov.”

He stiffened. “Kaskov?”

She nodded. “She told Joe that telling you was her responsibility. But I’d bite the bullet for her if she’d let me. She’s had a really bad time with Darcy after that damn call from Norwalk.” Her lips tightened. “He killed Sylvie for nothing, Jock.”

“Or to make a statement.”

She shook her head. “It sounds like nothing to me. And I don’t need to tell you how it sounded to Darcy. She loved her, Jock.”