On the Hunt

“Because you believe that he’ll be coming after me, too?”

“It’s the way he operates,” Harlan said. “There are signs that he’s already beginning. Can’t you tell by what happened today? I’m not going to let you go it alone no matter how stubborn you are.”

“My choice,” she said. “I can do what has to be done myself. And I want to see that note that was delivered in the helicopter pilot’s pocket today. Will you go tell the policeman you keep on hand to give it to me?”

Harlan muttered a curse. “You’re a glutton for punishment. Stay here. Sit down. He’ll come to you.” He turned and strode out of the dungeon.

But the man who came through the door five minutes later was in his late thirties and good looking, with a strong jawline and cheekbones that she could imagine seeing as the subject of a classical French painting. Though frowning, he was obviously trying to be as charming as possible. He bowed gracefully to her. “I’m Captain Charles Darue, and I have something to give you. Though I really disapprove of Harlan’s decision to let you see this horror. You’re not being very wise to ignore his advice.”

She held out her hand, then he reached into a brown manila folder and held out the envelope. “Harlan clearly is only trying to save you from yourself. He’s much admired in my department. He’s also a personal friend.”

“I’m sure he is, and everywhere else in the civilized world. I’d just rather he kept all his zillions of admirers away from me.” She was scanning the letter and trying to keep from flinching.

Darue’s brows rose. “Zillions?”

“One of his niece’s favorite terms.”

“Oh, yes.” He smiled. “The lovely young girl we’re all so fond of. What a great horsewoman. My men and I take good care of her.”

“Do you?” She had come to the end of the letter and felt almost numb. “Then by all means continue.” She handed the letter back to him. “But I’d be even more careful if I were you.”

“Of course. But since the threat was clearly aimed at you, our efforts must also reflect that fact. Don’t worry. We’ll make certain Taylor won’t touch either of you.”

“I can’t thank you enough.” Her hand clenched. She had to get out of here. She felt suffocated. “I’ll let Harlan know all the good advice you’ve given me. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.” Then she turned and ran from the dungeon.

She met Harlan as soon as she tore out of the dungeon. “There you are.” She grabbed him by the arm and dragged him around to where she’d left Domino tied in the castle’s side yard. “Why did you do that? Do you know how it would have made me feel if I’d really thought I was responsible for hurting Fiona?”

Harlan grabbed her wrists and held them tightly. “Why are you so angry? You’re the one who insisted on reading the damn letter. I tried to stop you.”

She knew that was true, and it only made her feel more guilty. “I thought it was just going to be more of Taylor’s same bullshit. I didn’t believe he’d aim that poison directly at me. I didn’t think about the possibility that if I didn’t do something to stop it, I would be considered responsible for any of the crimes Taylor might commit.”

“You won’t be responsible for anything. It’s all Taylor,” Harlan said roughly. “You’re not thinking straight.”

“The hell I’m not.” Her voice was shaking. “You might be partially right, but you know what was in that letter.”

“I do.”

“So do I.” She turned away. She’d already memorized what it said.

Kira:

Did you think that I’d allow you to ignore me? You managed to escape with Harlan to his hideout in France but that’s only temporary. I’m sending my men to make certain you don’t feel too comfortable there with his family and all his many employees. You should be almost well now, and so should that hound you love so much. It won’t be long before I’ll feel ready to come and get both of you. I can hardly wait. I promised you that I’d show Harlan how I’d make you suffer. If you’re reading this letter, he managed to cheat me of that pleasure today. But that time has almost come. If you want to talk terms to me and are ready to share the treasure you’ve tucked away somewhere off the coast of Egypt, I might be willing to let you live, as long as you turn over Harlan to me. I doubt you would do that, since he rescued both you and that mutt, but do think about it. Either way he dies, and you might as well live as long as you’re reasonable. Though I’d be disappointed, because I have very special plans for you. No one close to you is safe… not Harlan, not his charming niece, not your friends at Summer Island. I fully intend to lay that death at your door. It will be my gift specially dedicated to you, bitch. And it will also be my infinite pleasure, Kira.

“I hate him. He’s not going to win. I won’t let him.”

She whirled on Harlan. “And no one is going to kill Fiona. I like her, and Taylor isn’t going to dedicate any of his damn kills to me. I won’t have it. Do you hear me?”

“You couldn’t be more clear. Will you stop shouting at me now? I’m on your side.”

“You’d better be. Because Taylor evidently wants me to kill you, too.”

“Undoubtedly. It would be a great advantage for him to use you to do that. Anything else?”

She looked away for a moment. “He mentions Summer Island in this note. I’m sorry. He’s hitting me where it hurts.”

“Taylor excels at that.”

She quickly mounted Domino. “I’m going back to the manor and check on Fiona.”