Page 11 of The Death
“Yes. Will you talk to Eve?”
“I’ll talk to her, but I won’t try to con her into doing this. I’ll advise her against it.”
“I thought you might. But you’ll tell her the entire truth. That’s all I ask of you. We’ll let her make up her own mind.”
“And you’ve probably studied Eve in depth and figured out how to get her to do exactly what you want. I’ve seen you do it before. Cameron says he thinks you’re some kind of witch doctor.”
“I’ll have to tell him that’s very much like the pot calling the kettle black.” Dominic was laughing. “Actually, I’m just a student of human nature trying to get along as best I can and survive this complicated world we live in.”
“And adding an entire collection of puzzle complications yourself.”
“But that’s why Cameron usually keeps me on the other side of the world when we have to find solutions. I like puzzles much better than he does. We all realize that Cameron has some psychic abilities that make puzzles a bit boring for him. You’re the only puzzle he never gets bored with solving.” He added thoughtfully, “Or maybe you’re the only puzzle he can never solve.”
“We’re not talking about me or Cameron,” she said curtly. “We’re discussing Eve.”
“Yet I was sure that it was you who mentioned Cameron first… Oh, well, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be in touch with you after I get back from Boston and let you know if I’ve learned anything.”
“You’re going to Boston to see that artist’s model? She might not have anything to do with Caldwell’s current plans. She could just as well be his mistress, you know.”
“Perhaps. But I somehow doubt it. Hastings wouldn’t have been tempted to talk about a woman Caldwell was sleeping with even under my less-than-subtle questioning… He would have been too frightened. This Masini Zakira appears to be a chieftain and priest in Central Africa. That could prove intriguing, since Hastings mentioned a payoff in gold, and Africa has been known for its gold mines for centuries. I’ve already sent out a team to see what more they can find out about Zakira. In the meantime, I called Rashid and told him I needed him to start initiating a few inquiries about Celine Kelly. I should have a complete report by the time I land in Boston.”
“Ah, Sam Rashid, your favorite bloodhound,” Catherine said. “I should have known that you’d put him on the trail. He’s quite the expert. I’m sure he’ll give you whatever you need about that woman, including her DNA and fingerprints.”
“That sounded a little bitter, Catherine. You’re right, Rashid is an expert at the many tasks I give him, and I’m lucky to have him. Did I tell you that we got together in his home country of Tanzania, where he was heading the ranger unit that practically eliminated poachers in that area? He was sogood, I persuaded him to come work for me, and I’m quite sure the CIA would like nothing better than to hire him or any other of my team members away from me. Isn’t that true?”
“Yes, it’s true.” She was silent a moment, then added wearily, “I’m more than a little bitter, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on Rashid. Most of the time, I like him. I think you know I just don’t like you pulling his strings when it comes to anything that involves Eve. You’re too damn good.”
He chuckled. “Oh, that must have hurt to confess. But you said you were going to talk her out of even becoming interested in taking the Fallon job. What chance would I have?”
“Don’t give me that bullshit. Even if I hadn’t seen you work, Cameron thought you were good enough to trust with his damn Shangri-La theories, and that means you’re dangerous as hell.”
“But never toward you, Catherine. We’re on the same side,” he said gently. “Even if you won’t admit it.”
CHAPTER
3
Catherine sighed in exasperation as she pressedDISCONNECT, but she wasn’t about to put off talking to Eve. She knew she’d only be on edge until she could actually get in touch with her. She dialed the Lake Cottage and put the call on video.
“Catherine?” Eve’s smiling face appeared on the screen. “I was just thinking about you. I received a few pictures of the baby from Jane, and they’re absolutely priceless. You haven’t seen any photos since Jane had the baby so you can’t complain I’m one of those relatives who constantly bombard all their friends with pictures.” She made a face. “And Cira is positively enchanting and we haven’t had a baby around for a long time, so I figure I deserve a few bragging rights. Michael is almost twelve now.”
And Catherine could see that Eve was positively glowing as she spoke about her family. Perhaps those photos would help to give Catherine the opening she needed. But blast it, she didn’t want to break this mood. Eve worked so damn hard that she deserved a little downtime. “And how is Michael?” she asked. “Does he mind playing big brother to Jane’s baby?”
“Nah, he’s crazy about Cira. They’ve seemed to have a kindof bonding since we introduced them to each other. So Jane says. I haven’t seen them together as much as I’d like lately. Jane is still supervising the repairs on the castle in Scotland, and I had to come back and get to work myself.” She was suddenly smiling brilliantly. “But I’ll have all of them here soon for a visit. That will be fantastic.”
“Yes, it will,” Catherine said. “And may I see those photos now?”
“Soon.” Eve’s eyes were narrowed, and her gaze was suddenly searching. “I believe we should discuss what you really called me about first. I think you’ll enjoy it more after you stop worrying about anything else.” She smiled. “And I know I will. What’s going on? Does it have anything to do with that assignment Professor Fallon wanted me to take?”
“Oh, shit,” Catherine said in disgust. “Your son isn’t the only one in the family who’s a little psychic.”
Eve chuckled. “You’re a magnificent CIA agent, and I’d trust you with my life. But deception is not one of your gifts. Not when it’s anyone you care about. For that matter, Professor Fallon wasn’t very good, either. You should both remember that I stare at forensic sculptures that I’ve created every day, and most of the time I can read what’s in front of me. What’s happening with the good professor?”
Catherine sighed. “I don’t know for sure, but you shouldn’t take that job Fallon offered. There’s a very bad actor involved. It’s better if you’re not connected with it at all. I was relieved to hear you didn’t seem tempted to leave the Lake Cottage.”
“Fallon was lying?” Eve frowned. “That’s disappointing. I’ve known him for years, and he’s always been honest with me.”
“No, Fallon may have just been manipulated. He was probably telling the truth as he knew it. Alex Dominic can be very clever, and he convinced Fallon that you’d be better off with him and his team if you decided to take the assignment.” She shrugged. “And that could have been the truth, too. He’s Cameron’s partner, and they don’t make mistakes.”
