On the Hunt

“I thought so at the time. You might not appreciate it. It had to do with dogs and the desirability of the male animal in comparison. But then we live entirely different lives. I don’t have a castle with a built-in dungeon to run back to when I need a schedule break.”

“No, you just need to go treasure hunting to replenish your finances.”

“It’s an entirely different way to—” She suddenly broke off in alarm as she caught sight of movement on the ground below them. “What’s that? Don’t land! There shouldn’t be anyone at the clinic at this time of day!”

“Easy,” Harlan said as he covered her hand on the seat. He was gazing down at the large redwood building that occupied the hill overlooking the sea. “That’s the clinic? I think it’s okay.” He took out his notebook and checked directions. “Yes, no problem. I sent Charles Darue to the island last night. He’s just setting up camps with his special guards to look out for your medical and training team. I told him to be on hand when we arrived today.”

Kira drew a deep breath and then said dryly, “You could have told me. I thought we might be in for another invasion.”

“Sorry.” He lifted his shoulder in a half shrug. “I was just interested in watching your response to this island. It obviously means a lot to you. I believed you’d realize that I’d take care of you.”

“Why should I? I never asked you to do that.”

“No, but we agreed that the people you cared about were an entirely different matter. I believe I was supposed to regard them as my duty.”

“Yes, you are. You’re correct, it’s completely different. But that’s not me, Harlan.”

“But I’ve found it’s a hard habit to shake since that night on the cliffs. Who knows? Maybe you remind me of my niece. I’m used to taking care of her.”

“Well, I’m not fifteen,” she said caustically. “Do me a favor. Work on it.”

“Certainly. I’ll concentrate on doing that. But it’s difficult when I find I’m so very curious about you. Every time I turn around, I find something new and different. It’s been like that since you showed up in Colorado.”

“Why?” She shook her head. “Or are you always like this with new people?”

“No, not always. As a scientist, when I’m working, I grow curious when I find a problem I need to solve. With people in social situations it’s different. You might say that you’re unique. I find the need to probe. I’m going to know you, Kira.” He met her eyes. “Though I’ll try not to make it uncomfortable for you.”

She couldn’t look away from those deep green eyes. So much power, so much depth, and he seemed to be searching… He’d used the word “probe,” and she could see that, too. She forced herself to turn and stare back down at the ground. “You won’t make me uncomfortable. I can take anything you throw at me.” She finally managed to look back at him. “And you’ll get to know only as much about me as I let you. Since we’ve agreed to be partners, that might be more than I usually permit.” She lifted her chin and smiled recklessly. “Or it might not. I’ll have to decide if I want to tell you to go to hell and get a new partner.”

Harlan went still. Then he threw back his head and started to laugh. “Do you have any idea where you’re going find anyone even half as accommodating as me?”

“But I don’t know how accommodating you’ll prove to be.” She was trying to keep her lips from twitching, but she couldn’t do it. “All I know is that that was a very arrogant statement, and I couldn’t let it pass.” She pretended to be considering. “As for your replacement… maybe that handsome French captain who was so polite to me at the dungeon?”

“Captain Darue?” He shook his head. “I have other uses for Charles than letting you play games with him.”

“I don’t play games. I’m very serious when I go after something.”

“Or someone?” Harlan asked. “I’ll remember that. It will be an essential part of my research.” He was smiling again. “But I think you were playing games with me just now. You should know that you’re going to have your hands full here.”

“What does that mean?”

“Domino won’t be the only horse joining us here tomorrow. Golden Boy will probably be arriving on the same plane, along with Fiona.”

“What?”

“I feel better keeping Fiona close. And it wouldn’t be fair to keep her from her training regimen.”

Kira thought about this. “The fact that you waited to tell me this is definitely a half-assed power play. But I’m fine with it, as long as it’s okay with Sarah.”

“I think it is. I’ve already left the request on her voicemail. At least she hasn’t said no.”

“Unbelievable. You’ve already—”

Then Kira forgot everything else as she saw a familiar figure walking toward the airstrip from the direction of the pier. “Sarah!” She reached down and rubbed Mack’s back. “There’s Sarah!”

Kira and Mack jumped out of the plane as soon as it landed and ran toward the clinic at top speed.

Kira reached Sarah only a few moments after Mack and hugged her enthusiastically. “It’s so good to see you,” Sarah whispered. “I was so worried when Harlan called me the night he took you to the hospital. Are you okay now?”