It could be a mistake. Sajan was confused, and she hadn’t been able to clarify anything in the short time she’d had to work with him.
But the image she’d gotten from him was definitely Nalchek. The power, the tiger ferocity, the sleekness.
“Margaret.” More impatient now.
Trust her own instincts? Or Sajan’s jumbled memory?
In the end, she always had to trust herself. If she was wrong, she was now prepared to deal with it.
“Here!” She stepped out of the trees. “It’s about time you got here.” She strolled toward him. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Then you should have told me where to find you. I guess that didn’t occur to you.” He was frowning. “The officer I had watching you told me you were still in your room at the hotel. It took a little while to determine you’d given him the slip.”
“And you came immediately here.”
“I told Eve that this was where you’d probably be.” He shrugged. “But there was a chance that I might be wrong since she’d asked you to bring her suitcase.”
“No problem. Eve travels light.” She nodded down at the small flight bag she was carrying. “And Joe Quinn evidently never unpacked his luggage when he got here. It’s probably still in his rental car.”
“Are you going to tell me why you slipped away from my officer? If you’d insisted, he would have brought you back here.”
“Not necessary. I met a college professor in the coffee shop, and he offered to give me a lift.”
“That’s no answer.”
“It’s all you’ll get from me.” Then she shook her head. “That was rude. I’m a little on edge.” More than a little, she thought. As usual, she was experiencing a multitude of emotions at being this close to him. Nalchek was all power and keen intelligence, and she was drawn to both. And now there was added the chilling uncertainty of what she’d learned tonight. Forget it. She’d made a choice. She’d chosen to trust herself … and Nalchek. Deal with the consequences. Which meant dealing with Nalchek. She met his eyes. “I don’t like to be watched. I’m sure your officer is very courteous and only doing his job, but he made me uneasy. I won’t permit anyone to be able to put his hand on me at any given time.”
“Why?”
She smiled. “My nature? Or something more devious? I’m sure you’re busily trying to find out.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Why? Because you’re a police officer, and you don’t trust me or what I am?” She nodded. “That would be reasonable … if one looked only on the surface.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
She hesitated. Back off, or respond as she usually did. Backing off would be more suspicious. Nalchek was very sharp. “Because you’re not what you appear to be, either.”
“You’re wrong, I’m exactly what I appear to be. My public record is open for anyone to read. I couldn’t have been elected to this office if I were hiding a shady past.”
“Really? Everyone hides something. At least, everyone interesting. Animals are different. They’re much simpler. Except felines.”
His gaze narrowed on her face. “I don’t believe we’ll change species in this particular conversation. Just what do you think I’m hiding?”
Probe a little. “I don’t know. Not your military career, you were a hero. Not during your college days. You were too intelligent to get involved with drugs or all that nonsense.”
“Then do you think I’m a crooked cop?”
She slowly shook her head. “I don’t think so. That would be an opportunity for corruption, but you grew up with a father who had strict values and believed in the law. That would have rubbed off. I’d bet you’re well thought of by your officers as well as the people who elected you.”
“Then it appears you’re running out of scenarios for me to indulge in my wicked nature,” he said mockingly. “Where did you find out all this about me?”
“The Internet. And I have a few friends who have buddies in high places. Not to mention those who wallow in low places.” She stopped as she reached his car. “I don’t have your advantage with access to all those databases and stuff.”
“They haven’t done me much good … yet.”
“But you’re still hopeful. I like that about you, Nalchek. Hope is a wonderful thing.”
He opened the car door. “So we’ve both drawn a blank.”
“Not me.” She got into the car. “When I become confused about direction, all I do is go back to the beginning.”
“And where is that?”
She looked out the window at the forest. “Back there. Whatever you’re hiding is back there.”
He got into the driver’s seat but didn’t turn on the ignition.
Had she gone too far?
He looked straight ahead. “I’d like to know how you made a guess like that.”
She could feel his tension. Very dangerous moment. She should be afraid. But she wasn’t: excitement, anticipation, curiosity—no fear. Did that mean that he was no threat?
No. The threat was there, but it didn’t mean that she couldn’t handle it.
“How do you think?” she said lightly. “My friends aren’t only the two-legged variety. But that shouldn’t worry you since you have a healthy skepticism for any connection I have with them. And how could Sajan possibly tell me anything that might hurt you?”
“Skepticism doesn’t preclude curiosity.” He still hadn’t started the car. “Why don’t you want to tell me what you think I’m hiding?”
“Because you’re very intense. If I struck too close to home, you might have to make a decision.”
“And as long as I don’t know, I can just coast along and not worry?” He shook his head, and said roughly, “Margaret, you’re a fool. You can’t be that naïve. You shouldn’t have said anything at all if you thought I was a possible threat. Instead, you put yourself in a vulnerable position, then decide to tell me that I might have reason to remove you.”
“I’m always vulnerable,” she said simply. “Though I’ve been trying to correct that lately. But I have to work with what I have. I have intelligence and instincts and judgment. I never let myself get in a situation that my judgment says I can’t get out of. Of course, there are triggers that can change everything.”
“Like an unexpected decision that might cause an explosion.”
“Or might not. I like to avoid having to worry about it.” She looked him in the eye. “May we go now?”
“Nervous?”
He mustn’t go down that path. Nervousness was too close to fear. And fear could be looked upon with suspicion. Red herring. Distraction. “A little, but it’s more excitement, I think. It’s just that Eve said that she had to get back to the hospital and wanted to see me.”
He didn’t move. “Excitement?”
“You know. Sex.” She smiled. “I feel very sexual whenever I’m around you. They call it chemistry, but I’ve always thought of sex as basic and primitive.”
“I … see.”
“Oh, did I make you feel awkward? It’s not as if I’m making a move on you. I know I’m not your type.”
“Oh, do you? Dark, leggy, and sophisticated. Isn’t that what you said?”
She nodded. “That’s right, and anyway, the sex urge isn’t always reciprocal regardless of appeal. And the initial excitement can vanish as quickly as it comes.”
“Stop talking about sex.”
“Of course. I only wanted to explain that—”
“You only wanted to throw me a curve and take control,” he said bluntly. “Because you thought that it was a safe ploy. It’s not safe.” His voice lowered, and the words came fast and hard. “And you don’t have any idea what kind of women I like to screw. You do appeal to me. And if you weren’t such a weird nutcase, I’d have had you in the backseat, tearing your clothes off, and coming into you three minutes ago.”
“Really?” She cleared her throat. She hadn’t expected that response, and she suddenly
felt out of her depth. “Then I guess it’s lucky that I am that weird. You’d be having all kinds of second thoughts that would—”
“Shut up.” His hands were on her breasts, kneading, pulling, stroking.
Heat.
Tingling electricity.
Fullness.
She couldn’t breathe.
She couldn’t move.
His mouth was on her throat, his tongue moved down to the hollow of her breasts. Her shirt was suddenly open, and his mouth was on her nipple.
She arched up to him with a low cry.
“Yes.” His teeth were pulling, his mouth …
She instinctively moved closer, offering more.
He froze.
“Nalchek…”
He took a deep breath, then he pushed her away. “Keep away from me.”
“I don’t want to keep—”
“I don’t care what you want.” He leaned over the steering wheel. “I care what I want. And it’s not to screw some kid who wants a quick thrill and a little experimentation. For God’s sake, the first time I saw you, I thought you were a teenager.”
“I’m … twenty-one.” She was trying to get her breath. “And I’m sure that you’ve done your share of experimentation. Though that wasn’t what I meant—” She stopped. “And you were right, I only intended to take you off guard. I could see that you only thought of me as a kid, and I believed it was a safe way to distract you.” She steadied her voice. “It kind of … blew up.”
“You bet it did,” he said grimly. “You had me so hot that I wasn’t going to stop.”
“But you did.” Her fingers were shaking as she buttoned her shirt. “And now the best thing is clearly to forget it happened.”
“Is it?” He was watching her fingers on the buttons. “Why? Didn’t you say I excited you?” He made a violent dismissive gesture. “Forget I said that. But it’s not that easy. I came close to raping you.”
“No, you didn’t.” She looked away from him. “You wouldn’t have done that. I know about rape.”
He went still. “Do you?”
“See? You’re getting all protective. You wouldn’t have used force.”
“When did it happen?”
“When I was twelve. It was when I was hiding in the woods from my father. Two hunters found me and decided to have a little fun.”
Nalchek cursed.
She shook her head. “It’s over. It took a long time to get over it, but I was lucky that I was in the best place in the world to learn that rape sometimes happens, but so does survival. It was all around me. It’s all part of nature. You just have to turn your back on the pain and accept the joy.” She tucked her shirt in her jeans. “Now I think you should take me to Eve.”
He sat looking at her. “Yeah.”
Then he turned on the ignition. “Did you know their names?”
“The men who raped me? Yes, it seemed important at the time.”
“Who were they?”
She shook her head. “It’s not important now.”
“I want their names.”
“What are you going to do? Arrest them?”
“Maybe.”
She shook her head. “After all this time? More pain than gain.”
“I don’t agree.” His foot pressed the accelerator as he reached the highway. “Let me put it in a way you’ll understand. In nature, there’s rape, there’s survival, but you left out one other important element.”
“What’s that?”
“Revenge.”
* * *
“Here she is,” Nalchek said when Eve opened the door to her hotel room. He nudged Margaret into the room. “Though what you want with her, I don’t know. She’s big-time trouble.”
“Problems?” Eve asked as her gaze shifted between the two of them. Nalchek was obviously tense and … something more explosive. Margaret was more subdued than usual. “You were longer than I thought you’d be.”
“My fault.” Margaret smiled. “I wanted to spend a little more time in the woods before he picked me up. I didn’t tell his officer, and it led to … disturbance.”
“Yes, it did.” He met her gaze. “And it could have been worse … or better. Don’t play games with me again, Margaret.”
“I won’t.” She smiled as she lifted her chin. “I learn from my mistakes. Do you, Nalchek?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t repeat them. It depends if it’s worth it. I asked you a question, then allowed you to sidle out of answering. Next time, you will answer, Margaret.”
“What’s going on, Nalchek?” Eve asked.
His gaze shifted back to her. “I’m not sure, but I’d bet that you’ll know before I do.” He turned to leave. “I’ll call you after the story comes out tomorrow. If you need me, you have my number.”
Eve nodded and watched the door close behind him.
She turned to Margaret. “Did I detect friction?”
“Among other things.” She handed Eve her carry-on bag. “I know you wanted to change before you went to the hospital.”
Eve nodded. “I only had one change of clothes, and I ruined those when Joe was wounded.”
“How is Joe?”
“He’ll be back in action within a few days.” She headed for the bathroom. “And that might be too soon. I’ll be right out. There’s one of those beverage servers on the dresser. Help yourself.”
“I will. Maybe some tea. I could use a little caffeine.”
“You don’t look it. You look … charged.”
“Appearances can be deceiving,” Margaret said.
But she didn’t think that was true in this case, Eve thought. Margaret’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkling. Whatever had gone on between her and Nalchek, it didn’t require the aid of stimulants.
Eve quickly changed clothes and washed her face and hands before she went back into her room. Margaret was sitting curled up on the couch, cradling a cup of tea in two hands.
She looked up and smiled. “I love the scent of Earl Grey. I got used to drinking it while I was on the island.”
“It does smell wonderful.” She folded her arms across her chest. “But I don’t have time to discuss tea, Margaret. I have to get back to the hospital. I’ve been gone most of the day.”
“Go on. You’re in a hurry. I’ll curl up here and see you in the morning.”
“No, I’ve arranged a room for you. Your key is on the coffee table.” She took her handbag from the coffee table. “But I do have time to have you tell me if there’s something I should know about why Nalchek is so pissed off at you. Does it concern Walsh?”
“Sort of … in a roundabout way.”
“I’ve discovered that’s not unusual with you.”
“Yes.” She took a sip of her tea. “But then what can you expect?” Her expression was suddenly sober. “Well, it’s not really about Walsh. At least, only on the outer edges.”
“Margaret.”
“Nalchek is hiding something.” She shook her head. “I think it’s bad. Though I can’t be sure. Sajan was pretty confused. He kept comparing Nalchek to the other one.”
“What other one?”
“The one at the little girl’s grave,” she said simply. “Sajan thought that he was like him. Angry. Violent.”
“Walsh.”
“Yes, it must have been him. But I don’t know how true it was. As I said, Sajan was confused, and he’s not a reliable witness.” She grimaced. “And that damn coyote was pretty angry, too. He didn’t know why he was supposed to be there, but he didn’t like it.”
“You said that before.”
“He kept repeating it. Sajan is definitely not a stoic.”
“Are coyotes supposed to be?”
“No, but I got tired of the whining.”
Eve’s gaze narrowed on Margaret’s face. “You’re talking a lot about this coyote and waltzing around Nalchek. Is it because you think that your furry friend may be all bullshit?”
“It could be.” S
he was silent a moment. “I hope it is. But Nalchek can be angry. And I think he can be dangerous. He showed that side to me tonight.”
Eve stiffened. “He hurt you?”
“No.” She was suddenly grinning. “He called my bluff. But it was still a revelation.” She waved a hand to shoo Eve out of the room. “Go see your Joe. Nothing happened to me tonight. I wish I could say I learned something more to tell you, but that wouldn’t be true. I only found out more questions to ask.”
“And I certainly can’t confront Nalchek with an accusation that he might be in cahoots with Walsh on the testimony of a coyote,” she said dryly. “Particularly since you don’t have a good deal of faith in it.”
“I did when Sajan was thinking about it,” she said slowly. “He believed it, Eve. He made me believe it.”
“But you don’t now?”
“Like him, I’m confused.” She finished her tea. “But I think you can’t rule out anything.”
“I’m not about to do that.” She opened the door. “I won’t be back tonight. Don’t stay here. Go to your own room and lock the door. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You’re afraid Walsh will come after you.”
“Yes, I made him very angry, which means I’m an automatic target. Besides the fact that he’s afraid I’m going to find out too much about Jenny. Yes, he’ll come. But maybe not before he goes after that child in Carmel. She may be first on his agenda. He’s been looking for her for a long time.”
“And you’re going to try to find her first?”
She smiled. “With a little help from my friends. I can’t have Joe know where I’m going, but I might need help in canvassing the areas in Carmel. That’s why I wanted Nalchek to bring you here. I hope that the news story tomorrow will give me a lead, but if it doesn’t, we’ll be heading there anyway.”
“Without Nalchek?”
“I’m not going to invite him along. Though he did help at Tahoe, I’m just not going to put my faith in him.” She smiled. “Someone told me not to rule out anything.”
CALIFORNIA PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTER
The lights were out in Joe’s room and he’d already been given his medication.
“Where have you been all my life?” Joe’s voice was a little slurred. “In particular the last eight hours of it.”