The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“I doubt it. She’ll be too busy. She said she’s going to fly out to see Eve Duncan tomorrow.”

“Really? Any reason?”

“She’s restless. The Helen of Troy Museum is completed, and I think she’s bored. She’s used to being on her own since she was a kid trailing after her father in the jungle. She’s always been a wild child, and we’ll just have to find something to keep her interested.” He paused. “But I didn’t like it that you said she seemed upset. I’m glad you called me.”

“Well, I’m not,” he said flatly. “I like Riley and I respect her. I don’t want her to think I’m spying on her. I know that you worry about her when you’re not around, but I’ll learn to deal with it.”

“I’m making the attempt,” Cade said wryly. “We’ll come to terms. But I’ve never had to handle anyone as stubborn as Riley. I need a little more time to convince her that security isn’t all bad.”

“Bullshit,” Kirby said. “I’ve seen you browbeat dictators and lecture the pope. I realize she’s independent and you don’t want to interfere, but either one of your enemies is going to target her, or she’s going to end up walking away from you.”

“That won’t happen,” Cade said grimly. “I’ll work it out. This isn’t easy for her. I grew up with the knowledge that I could be kidnapped or murdered by anyone who hated my grandfather or father. She’s not used to being a target, and she’s not accustomed to having anyone trailing her. But I have a few candidates in mind she might approve of.”

“Yeah, you told me. Wild child. So what do you want to do about this trip?”

“See that she gets on the plane at Heathrow and ask Quinn to meet her at Atlanta Airport. No problem. She’s not unreasonable. I’ll be back in a few days, and we’ll have another talk.”

“As long as I don’t have to be caught in the middle,” Kirby said. “And I’ll see about a little temporary security while she’s at the Lake Cottage.”

“I knew you would,” Cade said. “And thanks for keeping an eye on her, Kirby.”

“I couldn’t do anything else,” he said grimly. “I know what you’d do if anything happened to her. It wouldn’t be pretty. Fix it, Cade.”

“Consider it done.” Cade cut the connection.

CHAPTER 2

ADEN NADIM’S CRUISER

OFF PALANDAN ISLAND

You’re sure you weren’t followed?” Nadim asked. “I don’t want to have to up anchor and move my ship because of your stupidity, Bevan.”

“I wasn’t followed,” Bevan said curtly. Then he pasted a smile on his face. Always keep the customers happy, even bastards like Nadim. “She tried to send someone after me, but I gave him the slip right away. And you’ll find I’m never stupid when money is involved. Ask Gunter, he’ll tell you how valuable I can be to you. Maya thinks I’m just trying to con her into signing a partnership. It wouldn’t be smart to let her know about our arrangement.”

“We don’t have an arrangement yet,” Nadim said coldly. “Gunter told me that you were promising him you could be useful, that you know all the villages, warehouses, and munition centers on the island. True?”

“Absolutely. When I first came to Palandan, I told Maya that I wanted to purchase some of the fruit grown on the island, and she had me taken to the groves. I’ve made several purchases in the last years and developed valuable contacts.” He shrugged. “I wasn’t allowed to go very far inland, but I’ll get there eventually. I can be patient.”

“I can’t,” Nadim said bluntly. “I’ve never learned. I regard it as weakness anyway.”

“Well, that puts me in my place,” Bevan said ruefully. “And since you’re much more successful than I am, I’d be foolish to argue. But we’ll see if you still feel I’m weak when I hand Maya over to you. I understand that you’re still a bit irate with the lady.” He deliberately gazed down at the ugly scar on Nadim’s right hand. “Gunter told me it sometimes bothers you even after all these years. Is it true you’ve put a price on her head with your men?”

Nadim started to swear, his hand slowly clenching. “You think it’s funny? I don’t find anything that bitch does amusing. I’m going to find a way to cut her heart out. That’s the only reason you’re here—to show me what you can do.”

“What do you want me to do?” Bevan asked. “Name it. But be prepared to pay the price. I’m not cheap, Nadim.”

“You’ve already started, if you’ve really been able to find a way to gain access to the interior of the island.” He leaned back in his chair. “I want to know everything about Palandan. Every possible weakness about the island and the people who live there.” He added, “Mainly Maya Fallon and the people who surround her. If you can get me the information I need, you’ll find me very generous.”

This was obviously the opportunity Bevan had been waiting for. “Then we definitely seem to be on the same page.” He reached in his jacket pocket. “I didn’t want to come to you with empty hands, so I brought you a gift.” He handed him a black remote. “It may be small, but I believe you’ll find it provides enormous benefits over time. Earlier this week I planted a bug in Maya’s office. You’ll be able to tap into every transaction she makes.” He smiled as he saw the eagerness with which Nadim was examining the remote. “Ah, I can see you’re beginning to appreciate me.”

“It’s a good start. See if you can follow up.”

“Oh, I will. Anything in particular you’re interested in?”

Nadim’s lips twisted. “Don’t play games. You’ve heard all the rumors about what might and might not be on that island or you wouldn’t be standing here. The only thing you should know is that whatever is there belongs to me. Understood?”

“Yes, I only asked so that I could be on the lookout for anything that might please you.”