On the Hunt

“Why did I know that was going to be your answer?” Harlan asked wryly. “My niece is nothing if not persuasive.” He got into the jeep. “Go ahead and take Domino back to the stables. I’ll follow you.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“It is for me.” He paused. “Look, Kira, I agree to your terms. But I’m going to insist you let me know what you’re planning very soon so that I can make my own arrangements. Other than that and a few other minor disagreements, you’ll find me to be an excellent provider, and I’ll look after everyone you want protected. In short, I’m undoubtedly the best option you could hope for. Can you see that?”

“Within certain limits.” She met his eyes. He was right. He was a very valuable asset, and clearly, he was not going to change his mind. “Whatever.” She pulled on Domino’s reins and whistled for Mack to follow her. “I was ready to go back anyway.”

He suddenly smiled. “How lucky for me.”

But she noticed he didn’t move until she went ahead on Domino. “Yes, it is.” She nudged Domino past the jeep. “I’ll see you back at the manor.”

He shrugged. “Perhaps not. I have quite a few arrangements to make before dawn tomorrow…”

And she suspected she would not have any input into those travel arrangements. But things would change once she reached Summer Island. She would be more in charge and able to run her own life.

And perhaps she’d also be able to do a little work on arrangements to show Harlan how very well she could perform when she was left to her own devices…

“What’s the word?” Taylor asked the minute Donovan appeared on the deck of his cruiser. “Did you get the bitch?”

“No, Kira Drake got away and we didn’t get either her or the niece.” Donovan shrugged. “You knew attacking the castle was going to be a lost cause with all Harlan’s men on watch there. Maybe next time.”

Taylor cursed low and explicitly. “Don’t tell me that. I told you I want her dead.”

“And you’ll get it. Don’t I always come through for you? It wasn’t me who left you in the lurch when we were on the cliffs. Mark Latham was the fool who did that.” He added quickly, “And before you ask me if I took care of him, I did. The poor fellow didn’t make it past the first raid on the castle. What a shame. And I managed to slip the note you gave me into Latham’s pocket before I shot the bastard. Are you pleased with me?”

“I’m pleased. I’d be more pleased if you’d rid me of that bitch.”

“But that would have been awkward. Though I did find out that she’s being taken back to Summer Island by private jet tomorrow. I could set up a trap on the island and maybe bag both the woman and Harlan. Would you like that?”

“On Summer Island? You’d never make it. Harlan will have the damn place packed with his private army after the mess you made of that raid. You can scout around and see what you find. But your chances are practically nil.”

“I might get lucky.”

“Keep a sharp eye out. I want to see where the Drake woman goes next. That might be far more valuable…”

CHAPTER

7

SUMMER ISLAND

NEXT DAY

1:40 P.M.

“You know, I think I like your island,” Harlan said as he started the descent to land his Gulfstream jet. “It’s quite beautiful, and it reminds me a little of Scotland.”

“Why would you think that? It’s nothing like Scotland,” Kira said as she gazed eagerly down at the ground. “Other than it’s definitely wild country. It’s all beautiful Caribbean views and lakes. And gorgeous flowers. But it’s been my home base for a long time and I love it.” She shot him a glance. “And it’s not my island, as you probably know. It belongs to my friend Sarah. She just lets me use it for research and training. I’m surprised you haven’t been here before. John Logan is your friend, isn’t he? He comes here occasionally with Sarah when she visits me.”

He nodded. “Friends and sometimes business partners. We have a lot of common interests taking down poachers and dealing with environmental issues. But we’re both busy men, and I got the impression when he gave Sarah this island as a gift that he didn’t want outsiders. So I politely backed away.” He shrugged. “I could understand their need for privacy.” He studied her expression. “And I imagine you can, too. You spend a good deal of your time by yourself trekking in the wilderness, don’t you?”

She grinned. “I’ve always got Mack.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten what a competition he would prove to be.”

She suddenly laughed out loud. “That reminds me of something Sarah said to me the last time I saw her.”

“Amusing?”