Hide Away (32 page)

Don't think of the danger and difficulties that he'd face. Just believe in him.

And concentrate on doing her part to keep Cara safe.

*   *   *

Joe's first call after hanging up from Eve was to Burbank at Scotland Yard. “I've just had word that Salazar is on the move, Burbank. See if you can find out what's happening?”

“I already know,” Burbank said. “I've just had an informant tell me. Six men from Maitland's cartel in Liverpool, heading west on Salazar's orders. And not the usual run-of-the mill hired killers. The word is that Salazar requested specialists.”

“What kind of specialists?”

“I don't know yet. I'm still checking.”

Joe didn't like it. “I need to know, Burbank.”

“I'll let you know when I do. I'd give you a destination, but Salazar hasn't told them anything but that he wanted them to rendezvous with him and Franco near Glasgow.”

“Keep me informed.” He paused. “I may send Eve and Cara to you if you can find a safe haven for them. Possible?”

“Possible. I'll ask around.” He hung up.

Okay. Confirmation that Salazar was definitely heading toward the Highlands.

Now he had to get the hell out of here.

He made one more phone call.

Then he left the lake cottage and headed for the airport.

*   *   *

The airport was crowded, but Joe had only carry-on luggage, and he moved effortlessly through security. Then he took the train to the International concourse at Terminal E.

Lomoto, Salazar's man, was at the front of the car.

The tail Toller had assigned him was standing holding on to the iron bar by the sliding doors.

There was a dark amusement at seeing both of them caught on this train with him. If anything would have amused him right now.

He saw the boarding sign above the check-in counter the minute he got off the escalator that led from the train.

Geneva, Switzerland, with continuing service to Rome, Italy.

He checked in at the gate and went over to the window to watch the scurry of activity around the jet on the tarmac below.

His phone rang. Toller.

“Hello, Toller. I've been expecting you.”

“What the hell are you doing, Quinn?”

“I thought I'd take a little trip to Switzerland. Does the agent you have following me ski? It would make it so much more pleasant for him.”

“What are you up to? You know that there will be an agent waiting when you get off the plane in Geneva.”

“And your agent here will make sure I board this plane. I don't doubt that you're handling my departure with efficiency. By the way, what's his name?”

“Dixon.”

“Dixon looks to be a clean-cut young man. Maybe a little too much government-issue. Crew cut, nice suit and tie. Just what I'd expect of you. Much more presentable than that scumbag, Lomoto, who Salazar assigned to me. He's wearing jeans and a red jacket, and I'll bet he's missing the gun he had to give up to get past security.”

“What's happening, Quinn?”

“Probably what you thought would happen. But you'll notice I'm obeying your instructions and not even trying to avoid surveillance. I would have even made an attempt to become more compatible with your agent, Dixon, but I didn't want to make Salazar's hit man jealous. Lomoto is looking a bit uptight at the moment. He's obviously not sure whether to try to take me out here or wait for instructions from Salazar.”

“You could neutralize the threat by coming in and having a talk with me about Cara Castino.”

“Yes, I could do that.” He glanced at the boarding desk. “I believe they're starting to call my flight. It was nice talking to you, Toller.” He hung up.

Time to rid himself of Lomoto.

He moved toward the restroom across the hall from the gates.

Lomoto followed only seconds later.

Good. The restroom was unoccupied except for someone in a stall at the far end.

Joe pressed back against the wall beside the entrance.

Waiting.

Not for long.

Joe saw a blur of jeans and red jacket.

He moved!

His arm encircled Lomoto's neck, and he jerked him into the urinal area. His leg swept out and brought him falling to the floor.

One savage and effective blow to the carotid artery.

Lomoto grunted and collapsed.

Joe caught him and dragged him into the nearest stall. He dumped him on the toilet, locked the door, and listened. The toilet flushed from the stall occupied down the long row. The sound of running water. No sound of anyone else's entering the restroom. Joe stepped on the toilet, and then pulled himself over the locked door and jumped to the floor. He had been lucky, any number of things could have gone wrong. But they hadn't gone wrong, and he had rid himself of Lomoto. Now it was time to rid himself of Toller's man. But this removal would be infinitely more difficult and complex. He straightened his clothes and left the restroom.

Just in time.

Toller's agent had evidently decided not just to monitor but to investigate. He was walking toward the restroom.

Joe smiled and nodded. “Nice of you to be concerned about me. But I wouldn't miss this flight.” Then he moved toward the boarding line.

Toller's agent, Dixon, hesitated, then turned back to watch Joe give his boarding pass to the agent.

Joe hadn't thought that he'd go into the restroom and investigate the sudden absence of Lomoto. Dixon didn't give a damn what happened to Salazar's man, he was only worried about keeping Joe in view.

Joe waved at him as he was given back his boarding pass and headed for the jetway door. Joe knew that he would probably stay there, watching, until the plane took off.

Joe moved slowly down the curving jetway. He'd deliberately waited until almost everyone had boarded before he started. He'd counted on the fact that there would be a last-minute scramble, with the flight attendants scurrying around, finding places for carry-on luggage and serving drinks. It would be the best time to make his move.

“You cut it close,” Rick Stacy growled as Joe rounded the last turn in the jetway. Stacy's face was almost as green as his baggage handler's uniform, and he nervously moistened his lips. “We've got about five minutes before they shut the baggage doors.”

“Then let's get moving.” Joe took the green airline jacket that Stacy handed him and put it on. “That should be enough time.” He pulled on the matching cap. “You set up the car for me?”

“Yes. Hertz.” Stacy opened the jetway door that led down to the tarmac and baggage compartment access. “Just get into the truck and keep low. I'll have you back at the parking lot in ten minutes. When do I get the other half of my money?”

“When I'm sure that you didn't double-cross me. Not that you would, Stacy. I can tell you're a fine, upstanding man.” He moved quickly to the truck, opened the passenger door, and jumped in. He glanced up at the windows at the gate. He was on the other side of the plane, and even if Toller's man was watching, he wouldn't be able to see him. But his bet was that Dixon was still watching the boarding gate to make sure Joe didn't come back.

He heard the cargo doors slam, then Stacy was in the truck beside him.

“Down!” Stacy muttered.

Joe slid down in the seat.

A few minutes later, the truck was cruising by the wire-enclosed airline lot that adjoined the regular passenger parking lot.

“Slow down,” Joe said. “I'll jump out and hide behind those machines until you get back to baggage.”

“My money,” Stacy reminded him.

“I'll wire it into your bank account once I'm sure of you. This is just the first step for all of us, Stacy.”

But a crucial first step, he thought. Once he got safely away from the Atlanta Airport, he'd drive to Birmingham and board a private jet to Edinburgh.

Seven hours at most and he'd be with Eve.

HILLS OF GAELKAR

“I want to talk to Eve Duncan, Salazar,” Natalie said. “What can it hurt? Just give me ten minutes. She has no way of knowing that I'm involved in the kidnapping. To her, I'd just be a grieving mother as I am to everyone else. I might be able to set a trap for her and Cara. Much better than trying to blunder in and take them.”

“Not everyone is fool enough to believe that you're what you pretend to be, Natalie,” Salazar said.

“If they don't, they feel so guilty at being heartless that the effect is the same.” She turned to Franco. “Don't you think it's a good idea?”

“Maybe,” he said cautiously. “I don't know that she would—”

“Never mind.” She waved her hand dismissingly. “You're so afraid of offending Salazar that you wouldn't admit I'm right. I forgive you.” She stared down at the mist-shrouded lake hundreds of feet below them. “But then I believe we do need an example to show those people we're sincere. Perhaps one of those guards we skirted around when we were climbing up this perfectly exhausting mountain?” She smiled at Franco. “Could you do that for me, Franco?”

“If you want me to.” He smiled. “An example … I think you're right.”

“Franco,” Salazar said warningly.

“With your permission … sir.”

Franco was back in line, Salazar thought sourly, but he was clearly dazzled by Natalie and had been since the moment they had met. And Natalie wasn't above using Franco if it suited her purpose. Hell, she wasn't above using the devil himself. “An example might be beneficial. It might shake them up to realize how easily we can reach out and touch them. Go see what you can do.”

“Eve Duncan,” Natalie reminded Salazar softly. “Why not see what I can do, too?”

*   *   *

“Joe is on his way,” Eve said to MacDuff as she hung up the phone. “He just boarded a flight in Birmingham. He wants me out of here and in a safe house by the time he gets here.”

“And what do you want, Eve?”

“I want Cara safe.” She gazed out at the lake. It wasn't only the lake that was misty today. The hills were draped, covered, in a suffocatingly heavy fog that was increasing every minute. “And, yes, I want to be safe, too. It's important right now.” She looked back at him. “Have you found us a place?”

“Possibly. I'm exploring options. There's a flat in the Old Town section of Edinburgh that should be safe.”

“Your men haven't seen anything of Salazar yet?”

“I would have told you.” He added grimly, “Or you would have heard it. I guarantee that no one would get near you without our knowing it. Ned Colin is one of my best men, and I told him to call in at least eight or nine men to patrol those hills. There are four men just guarding the camp.” He turned away. “I've got one more place to check out near London. We should be able to get you on the road within a couple hours.” He frowned. “I hope. The weather forecast says this fog isn't going to lift for hours. If it really socks in, it will be impossible to travel. I'll try to get you moving right away.”

And she wasn't helping anything by standing talking to him, Eve thought. She turned and strode back to her tent, where Cara was waiting.

“Joe's on his way,” she told her. She glanced around the tent. “Everything seems to be packed up and ready. You've been very efficient.”

“There wasn't much to pack. Not like when Elena and I had to move to a different city.” She went to stand by the door and looked out at the heavy fog. “It looks … strange, doesn't it.”

“We're just not used to the entire valley being foggy. Yes, it does look different.”

“Could I go outside for a little while? I won't go far. I thought I'd go sit by the fire. I feel … closed in.”

“Sure. MacDuff says the camp is guarded. Want company?”

She shook her head. “I don't think so.”

Because she was sad and maybe a little scared. Or maybe she wanted to go talk to Jock again. “I'll call you when MacDuff says we have to leave.”

She watched Cara disappear into the fog. She wished MacDuff would make a decision so that they could get out of here. She was as on edge as Cara.

It would be better when Joe got here.

Everything would be better when Joe was here.

He had said six hours. It seemed a lifetime right—

Her cell phone rang.

No ID.

She hesitated. “Hello.”

“Eve Duncan?” A woman's voice, rushed, broken. “Tell me they didn't lie to me again. You're the one who has my daughter?”

Eve stiffened. “This is Eve Duncan. Who are you?”

“Natalie Castino. You have my Cara?”

Shock jarred through Eve. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Just tell me that she's safe. That those horrible men haven't hurt her.” She was sobbing. “They told me that they killed my Jenny but that Cara is still alive. But that she won't be for very long if I don't do what they say. We've got to save her.”

“What men are you talking about?” Eve asked cautiously.

“The people who kidnapped her. I think they have something to do with the leader of one of the rival cartels who hate my husband. But how could they do it? How could they hurt a child?”

The words and tone couldn't have sounded more genuine, Eve thought. If Joe hadn't told her about Natalie's meeting with Salazar, she might have even believed her. What was Natalie trying to do? Play it cautiously. “It's not a question of how, they obviously did kill Jenny. And you obviously have been told that there's a threat to Cara. Suppose you tell me what's happening?”

Natalie drew a shaky breath. “A few days ago, I received a telephone call and was told that my daughter Jenny had been killed and that Cara would also die unless I place four million dollars in an account in the Grand Cayman. My husband thought it was a scam and refused to pay, but my father agreed to transmit the funds if I could get them to prove they had Cara, and she could be safely extracted.” Her voice broke. “He meant he thought they might kill her anyway. They sent me a school picture of her in some kind of choir robe … She looks like me. But she's so big now … My little girl is so big. My father said that photo didn't prove anything except that she'd still been alive sometime this year. He wanted a current photo and to set up a release.” She drew a deep breath. “And then they told me that they didn't have her after all, that you'd stolen her away from them.”