On the Hunt

“Regard it how you like. It will be what it will be.” She spread her napkin on her lap. “And what I choose it to be.” She looked at him across the table. “But I do wish to tell you that I appreciate how you saved Mack. I’ll never forget it.”

He smiled ruefully. “Even though my niece has been a bit… troublesome?”

She shrugged. “She must care a great deal for you if she was ready to attack me when she thought that I might have caused you to be injured. And she let me know how sorry she was when she realized how much those letters hurt me.”

“She’s a good girl… most of the time.” He added affectionately, “She’s had only me around for most of her life. Her mother died in a car accident when she was just a baby. And she’s gone through a good deal since her father, Colin, was murdered by Taylor. I’m probably not the best substitute she could have, but I do my best. And if she said she’ll make it up to you, it will happen.”

“If you tell her that’s what you want?”

“Maybe. But she’d do it anyway. She’s only fifteen, but you’ll find she can be amazingly mature if her emotions aren’t actively involved. She’s a great equestrian, and I’ve supplied her with a number of horses she adores. She won two medals at the Olympics last year, and I was very proud. Either way, I always know where she’s coming from.” He put sliced turkey roulade on Kira’s plate before adding some Parmesan-roasted vegetables and handing it to her. “Understanding can move mountains. That’s what we need to get us through this, Kira.”

She didn’t answer, just began to eat her dinner.

“Kira?” He was staring curiously at her. “What the devil are you thinking? Sometimes I can’t make you out.”

She looked back at him. What was she thinking? That he was complicated, and she didn’t know quite what to do or where to go with him. That now that he was smiling, he was everything intelligent and powerful that spoke of intensity and appeal. But she couldn’t let him see the effect he was having on her. She lifted her chin defiantly. “I was thinking that you’re used to getting what you want from almost everyone.”

He nodded. “Frequently. But it’s principally because I work very hard to go after it. And I’m always willing to make certain that my partners aren’t cheated and get what they want as well.” His voice lowered. “You’ll find that out, Kira.”

“Will I? You might be right. We’ll have to see.” She changed the subject. “This is a very good meal, by the way.”

“I’ll tell the cook. She’ll be pleased.”

“But you should realize that I’m not accustomed to meals like this. I usually eat very simply.” She added, “I’m used to getting what I want, too, and I don’t cheat. But that doesn’t matter. Because I also work hard, and I’ve found good things usually just come to me if I do.”

“I don’t doubt it.” He was grinning. “I watched you go after what you wanted in the mountains. You’re quite incredible. One of the best trackers I’ve ever seen. Now finish your meal and we’ll go have a glass of wine and talk. Okay?”

She shook her head. “I’ve had enough. And I’m still not certain I don’t want to just walk out of here.”

“Let’s see… how could I make you want to stay? Tell me and I’ll give it to you. I believe there’s one thing I’ve got on my side.” He got to his feet, took her hand, and led her to the chair beside the fireplace. “You want to keep yourself and your friends safe. I’ve already promised that. Do you think I’d betray you?”

She stared at him a moment and then shook her head. “You promised to help Mack, and you did it. Fiona said you saved me, too.” Kira made a face. “She was angry with me for not worshipping humbly at your feet.”

“Humbly?” He threw back his head and laughed. “She would have been amused if she’d heard some of our conversations. Nothing humble about you, Kira.”

“Nor you.” She sipped her wine and reached over to pet Mack, who had just come into the room. “And I admit I don’t like feeling as if I owe you some kind of debt. It pisses me off.”

“How ungenerous of you.” He tilted his head. “Though I’d be glad to let you repay me any way you’d like.”

“Ugh.” She wrinkled her nose. “It would be even worse with it hanging over me.”

His lips were twitching. “I thought so. Then name your terms. I’m sure you’ll be able to tell me how I can best please you. Since you appear to be averse to letting me murder that son of a bitch.” He snapped his fingers. “Though you sounded more promising when you were talking about throwing him into prison without a key. I admit that encouraged me.”

“I don’t like murder.”

“Nor do I,” Harlan said. “That’s why I’ve been hunting Taylor down all these years.” He waved his hand. “But I believe that the problem is going to solve itself. Not as satisfying, and not to my liking, but I suppose I can’t have everything.”

She was frowning. “What are you saying?”

“That Taylor is going to take it out of our hands,” he said simply. “I don’t believe anyone is going to take the option away from him no matter what we do. I’ve never seen more violent and poisonous thoughts than in his letters. If I felt that way, what must you have gone through reading them?”

“Sick to my stomach.”

He nodded. “That was obvious. Anyone who helps me becomes an immediate enemy of his, and for that I’m sorry. That makes your safety my responsibility. But his threats come with a definite advantage for us.”

“Advantage?”

“I guarantee he’ll try to make every one of those promises he made come true. All we have to do is sit and wait for him.”