Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

"I'm heading out," Harlan told Belson curtly as he headed for the cliffs. "Kira Drake is getting close to Taylor and could cause big trouble. And I need to clean up the mess before it becomes terminal. I can't get her to listen to me."

"What a surprise," Belson said. "Do you want company?"

"I think I'd rather deal with her myself. I'll call if I need you."

"Which is what I told you was probably going to happen anyway."

"Because you're so psychic?" Harlan asked sarcastically. Still, he had to admit that Belson had been right: Here Harlan was on this blasted mountain, running after that woman and her dog while she tracked that damn murderer. It was damn fortunate Harlan had made his own maps and plans to go after Taylor from the beginning.

There had always been the possibility that he'd end up on his own, as he always had been where the hunt for Taylor was concerned. Kira Drake had always been just a way to get the police, FBI, and governor to let him participate in the search. At least now he wasn't worried that the media wouldn't be on his side at every turn of the mountain.

But Kira and her dog had done their job, finding Taylor in an area of hundreds of square miles. Although Taylor had become the most wanted man on the globe, the world's investigative agencies still came up short compared with this one woman and her canine companion.

"He's there," Harlan said grimly. "I tracked the woman to within two miles of the property, and she was still heading north. There's nothing else around there. The bastard is the most arrogant son of a bitch on the planet. He's waiting for me. I wouldn't want to disappoint him."

"Don't be conceited. It may not be you he's after right now. Maybe he's actually waiting for Kira Drake, what with all that media coverage. Several news outlets have revealed that it was you who hired her. She's new blood. Taylor would like that. To strike at her would be like striking at you."

Harlan shook his head. "I shot him in the stomach after he killed Colin and blew up the lab. I guarantee he won't forget that. I'll bet he still has some lousy nights from that wound. And he knows I'll never stop now. A mere dog and his tracker buddy wouldn't stand up to that kind of competition." Harlan added mockingly, "Though they might be good enough to give him a reason to prove what a good shot he is." He glanced over his shoulder. "I revealed his crimes to the world, and I've been getting in his way ever since. She doesn't have nearly the appeal I do for him." His teeth were suddenly bared in a tigerish smile. "So follow if you like, but don't expect me to wait around for you. I'm going to go get him." He increased his pace, feeling the adrenaline begin to pump through him. He was impatient. He wanted Taylor with a hunger that had dominated his life since that moment at the lab when he had realized the son of a bitch had blown Colin to kingdom come. The waiting was almost over now, though Taylor's recent ascension to the world's Most Wanted Man had made things more complicated. Harlan didn't want to risk someone else getting their hands on Taylor first. "You can bet I've no desire to see either that tracker dog or Kira Drake get in my way and prevent me from finding Taylor tonight."

ONE HOUR LATER

Where the hell was Donovan? Taylor moved from the back of the ranch house toward the cliff. He'd sighted Kira Drake's slim, athletic figure at least fifteen minutes ago, and he wanted to put the plans he'd made into motion. He'd been anticipating them ever since he'd heard about Harlan's hiring her to track him. At first it had made him angry, but then he'd realized it was only going to make his victory more complete. It would be perfect…

But his phone was ringing now. Donovan. It was about time, Taylor thought in disgust. "Where the hell are you?" he growled. "You were supposed to be here more than an hour ago. Why are you running late?"

"Only a little," Donovan said. "There are too many cops and state troopers bustling around here. I had to find another landing spot. Meet me near the lake. I'll give you time to get there and move in for the pickup. Fifteen minutes should do it." He paused. "Unless you want me to zero in on the woman myself instead of just giving you an assist to get out of there? I could do that for you."

"Do you think I don't know that? Obey my orders," Taylor said. "You're an idiot, Donovan. If I'd wanted anything else, I'd have told you. I want her punished. I have to find the way I can hurt her the most. She's got to realize she can't take orders from Harlan where it concerns me. I won't let him humiliate me like that. She'll learn she can't take his money and think it will buy me. Our relationship is all about pain. Now obey those orders."

"It's still a risk," Donovan said.

"Not if you do exactly what I said. I'll take care of the rest. Move!"

"Okay, okay." Donovan turned the helicopter and veered in the direction of the lake.

Taylor sat back down in the rocking chair and stared out into the darkness. He knew she was out there somewhere. Harlan, as always, was probably so impressed with himself for hiring the famous Kira Drake to hunt him down. But she wouldn't succeed. He had his own plans in place now. Though he had gone through hell avoiding her since she had arrived in Colorado. She knew what she was doing, but now all he had to do was show himself one more time and bring Kira Drake running toward him again…

Come on along, pretty woman. Step into my parlor…

Mack was just ahead. Kira could feel his tension, and she knew the golden retriever could sense her presence. It was true they could almost anticipate each other's movements when they were on the trail, and tonight was no different. Perhaps it was even more intense now that Mack was able to feel her own desire to bring Taylor down. Good heavens, she found she was actually trembling. And all because she had encountered Joseph Taylor on the edge of that porch a few minutes ago. This hunt had obviously become too important to her and thrown her a trifle off base. Not only had she recognized Taylor, he had actually been close to her, sitting in his damn rocking chair, so why hadn't she confronted him? It was only now that she had stopped and paused, her gaze flicking over toward the back of the property. No sign of him. She didn't hear him moving on the porch, either. She listened a little longer anyway. No sound. But he was there. She could feel him, moving quietly. She closed her eyes.

You're out there. Her heart leaped when she realized Taylor was now heading for the ranch house.

Time to go after Mack.

She started to crawl down the hillside toward the lake, where she was sure the circling helicopter would soon touch down. She scoped out the terrain using every skill and instinct she'd learned through the years. She knew these mountains and had spent more than the usual time bringing Mack to razor-sharpness after she'd agreed to go after Taylor. She could feel Mack tense out there in the darkness as he sensed that she was close to making the final move. She closed out everything else around her and concentrated on the final rendezvous with Mack. She'd never admitted to all that bullshit in the tabloids about the so-called magical bond that existed between Mack and her. It would have pleased them too much. They would have gotten all sentimental, and she wouldn't allow the affection that existed between them to be used in that way. It would have cheapened the bond that she cherished, and no one would have understood it anyway. How could they when she really didn't understand it herself? It had always just been… there.

Her pace increased. "Come on, Mack. We've both got a job to do. It's showtime. He's a very bad man. I'm more sure than ever now. Let's take the asshole down."

She frowned as she glanced over her shoulder again, and her lips tightened with determination. "It's just you and me again, and that's the way it should be. Harlan doesn't deserve consideration since we're the ones who actually found Taylor…" Yet despite her words, Kira was experiencing that same uneasiness she'd known at the porch. "Hey, I'm not the only one who's involved in this hunt when Taylor could be a hundred yards away. What's your call, Mack?"

But Mack whimpered with eagerness and was already running toward the lake!

Evidently Mack wasn't having any doubts, Kira thought, ruefully. He was as eager as he always was at the thought of the game ahead. Not the death of Taylor but the game itself. They both wanted to get back to Summer Island where they had spent their lives doing what they should be doing. She should stop questioning herself and Harlan and just rely on the usual tried-and-true methods. She increased her speed.

Are you waiting for me, Taylor? The lake was just ahead of her now. When she'd located what she was almost sure was Taylor's hideout several days ago, it had been deserted, and she'd hidden out in the mountains and waited until she'd actually caught sight of Taylor earlier this evening. She'd scoped the acreage out a few days ago but she never took anything for granted. She'd have to look the property over again before she confronted him tonight if she didn't want any surprises.

There was only one more thing to do. She quickly phoned Jack Harlan. "I just wanted to let you know that Mack and I have located Taylor's cabin and ranch house, and I have no need of your help. I'll let you know when I'm ready to bring him in and hand him over to the local police. You can try to pull strings with them, if you like."

"That's very generous of you to include me," Harlan said sarcastically. "Since I've already deposited a very handsome fee in your bank account."

"I thought I made it clear I don't accept blood money. I'll return it to you."

"I prefer you don't." His voice was suddenly rough. "Don't be a fool. Let me help you. Money is cheap compared with you being able to hold me hostage for a favor owed. I've always found that's more expensive for me in the long run."

"I can see how it could turn out that way for a man of your means. It won't with me," she said flatly. "Back off, Harlan. I hate looking over my shoulder. You've already gotten in my way. You decided to trust me to find Taylor, and I did it. It wasn't easy but I'll be damned if I let you step in to take credit at the last minute. I told you that when you sent your errand boy Belson to nag Sarah. But she seems to think you're worthwhile, so I thought I'd give you fair warning." She hung up with a definite click. "It's okay," she whispered to Mack as she reached out and rubbed his neck. "Though our genius isn't going to like me treating him like that. Tough. We don't care, do we? It's better than having him get in our way." She realized how impatient Mack was becoming. He never wanted strangers interfering between them. It had always been just the two of them from the moment she had begun training him on Summer Island. They were a team. Working together to bring in either the bad guys or the grand prize. No wonder Mack was so impatient. Well, Harlan couldn't have it the way he wanted this time. He had come to her, and Taylor would be handled in such a way that she could keep Mack as well as herself safe. Mack was looking impatiently over his shoulder again, and she waved to him to go ahead. But a moment later, she heard it.

A motor! It was a low throb, and at first, she thought it might be a boat on the dark lake. But soon she realized it had to be the helicopter again. It was much closer now. It seemed Taylor had definitely decided to call in some help to get himself out of this particular fix. It didn't surprise her, though she'd thought he might be too arrogant. But it meant she'd have to move even faster. From the sound of those engines, the pilot was still circling, but he had cut his lights to avoid being seen. A risky move, but she guessed he might be using night-vision goggles. She heard the helicopter rotors getting louder.

Mack gave a low whimper and looked back toward her again. "Soon," she murmured. She gave a hand signal to let him know that he had to wait. He clearly longed to bolt ahead but didn't want to leave her.

The helicopter grew louder.

Kira pointed forward with both hands. "Go! Slow and steady."

Mack knew that signal. Even from several yards ahead, he'd been matching her pace and rhythm. But now he ran toward the lake as she made her way down.

Then Mack stopped. He'd picked something up.

Course correction.

The dog turned back in the direction of the ranch house.

She turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Taylor near the edge of the porch. He'd circled back! "Go, Mack!"

Mack took off at a dead run toward the bottom of the cliff, heading for the ranch house! Kira followed him, letting Mack set the pace. She caught another swift glimpse of Taylor on the porch.

But the next moment Taylor was gone!

Nowhere to be seen.

An instant later, she realized why.

"Stop and freeze where you are, Kira Drake," Taylor said with deadly softness from directly behind her. "Don't make a move except to put your hands up. Particularly don't reach for the .38 revolver you usually keep in your side pocket or anything else lethal that you might decide to use to take me down."

Kira raised her hands.

Taylor smiled. "Did you really think I didn't know you'd tracked me down? I've been looking forward to this. How clumsy of you not to know how good I am. Harlan clearly hired the wrong gun for his hunt this time."

Kira's heart was beating hard. Taylor was clever; she had to give him that. He'd managed to circle back. She'd figure out how later. Now she needed to get out of this trap he'd sprung. "You knew I was there? I thought perhaps you did. You were too cocky. But Harlan had nothing to do with how I intended to capture you or who I was going to turn you over to when I took charge of the operation. We don't agree on many things."

Taylor laughed. "That must have annoyed him."

She took a cautious sidewise glance over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of the metal barrel of the rifle gleaming in the moonlight. How could she get hold of the damn thing? "Not really. He didn't seem worried about you."

Taylor muttered a curse. "You're lying. He should have been very worried. Just as you should be worried right now, bitch!"

Kira gazed cautiously over her shoulder again and then froze as she'd been commanded, but now it was in sheer horror . Because Taylor's rifle was not aimed at her but straight at Mack on the hill above her! The retriever was dangling from a rope tied around his chest. Muzzled, unable to make a sound, he was caught in the blue floodlights now beaming down from the helicopter. He was obviously helplessly blinded by the lights.

No! Dear God, this was Kira's worst nightmare. She had to stop Taylor from firing. She instinctively whirled and launched herself at him, striking him in the chest. Too late! Mack yelped as the bullet hit somewhere in his upper body. Kira watched in horror as he pitched off the hillside to lie at Taylor's feet.

"Bitch!" Taylor swung his rifle and knocked Kira to the ground. Then he kicked her in the ribs.

Kira barely felt the pain. She was too absorbed with gazing at Mack lying on the ground a short distance away. Blood! Was he dead? Please don't let him be dead , Kira prayed.

And that bastard Taylor was laughing at her. "Look at you. I told Donovan that you'd be in agony if I killed that mutt. He couldn't understand why I wanted to rely only on the pain factor as a punishment. He didn't like the idea of just knocking the dog out with a hypodermic gun and then bringing him to me to kill in front of you. He thought it was inefficient." Taylor's expression was filled with malice. "But now he's probably seen the light. You screamed louder than the dog did!"

"You monster," Kira said through set teeth as she got to her knees. "He's a helpless animal. If you haven't killed him, I'll hunt you down and let Mack tear you apart. Or maybe I'll do it myself."

Taylor stopped laughing. "So much venom. Then perhaps I'd better make certain. I told you to put up your hands. Do it now." He pointed his rifle at Mack. "You might have spoiled my shot by lunging at me. I thought I saw him moving just now. Perhaps Donovan needs another demonstration. I've decided to take both of you with us when he lands. I've been hearing rumors about you and how clever you are at finding hidden treasure. I think I'll have you tell me about it. It shouldn't take me too long to persuade you to do that."

"Rumors?" she asked scornfully. "You mean lies. What a fool you are."

"Perhaps. But don't you think this would show how superior I am to him? Perhaps a little expertly applied torture would also be what you both need. Using a dog and a weak woman was poor strategy anyway—it was not worthy of either me or him. But when they see the condition I leave you in after spending a few hours with you tonight, Harlan will definitely learn a few lessons. And the entire world will know that I'm much more intelligent than some bookish scientist who thought he could outsmart me because of all those medals they gave him."

Kira was already desperately planning her next move as he shaded his eyes from the glaring blue lights of the descending helicopter. Maybe she could gain a small advantage if she could use that weakness to get to the gun in her pocket or knock the rifle down and away from Mack. Her only hope was that he might not expect another attack from her: She was still kneeling at his feet, and he probably thought she was helpless and defeated now. "I don't anticipate any problem," she said. "I was told Harlan almost killed you several times in the past. He just hired me as a backup measure. I don't need either him or my dog when I have my own plan in mind. I've been doing this for years, Taylor. I've trained law enforcement agencies all over the world. In return, many of those agencies have also trained me." She added one additional goad: "This poor, weak woman has had to learn how to handle blowhards like you."

He scowled. She was walking a tightrope here, hoping to antagonize him enough to throw him off balance but not enrage him to the point that he would immediately put a bullet in her brain. "You don't think this mountain is crawling with FBI, police, and state troopers right now? You've made yourself a famous man, Taylor. You're the slimeball responsible for the Paris massacre. These mountains are like one hellish fun house." She paused. "But maybe we can make a deal…"

The helicopter was descending rapidly now.

She had to continue distracting him. She wouldn't be able to reach her weapon, but the helicopter lights would soon be upon them, and she could wait for a moment when the glare was shining in his eyes. Maybe then she'd be able to lunge for that rifle and keep him from doing more harm to Mack.

His lips twisted. "That has to be a bluff. You have to be lying. If not, then you're doubly ignorant. You can't play games or get between Harlan and me. You're a dead woman right after I kill this hound. Don't you realize when you've met your—" He flinched as the blue beam of light hit him squarely in the eyes, blinding him!

"Yes!" It was what Kira had been waiting for. She spun around to put the blinding light behind her and then tackled Taylor and knocked the rifle from his grasp. The next instant, she had her .38 revolver in her hand and was struggling with him.

Pain!

Hot agony as a bullet tore into the flesh of her shoulder. Where in the hell had that come from? The helicopter?

Ignore it. Get to his rifle lying on the ground.

She was fighting him desperately now but getting weaker every minute.

"Dammit, stop struggling. I'm trying to stop the bleeding."

Not Taylor. It was Harlan's voice! She recognized it though she'd only heard it on the phone.

"Mack…" Kira gasped. "Help… Mack." If anyone could find a way to save Mack, it would be Harlan with his military background. "You've got to save… my dog. You can't let Mack die…"

"Shut up. I'll give you anything you want if you'll just be quiet and let me stop this blasted bleeding. I'm trying to keep you alive. I'll tend to everyone else later."

"Be careful… Taylor!"

"He's gone. I squeezed off a few shots, and he ran into the woods. I don't think I got him, but both he and the helicopter are gone now."

"Mack… Promise me…"

"I promise, dammit. Be quiet and let me work."

She heard a low whimper and tried to turn her head. "Mack?"

Harlan glared impatiently down at Kira. "Satisfied? Your dog is still alive. I patched him up as best I could. But he's been trying to crawl over to you since I got here and got rid of Taylor and his pilot buddy."

"No." It was painful for her to speak. "Let Mack come… he doesn't understand." And Harlan didn't understand, either. But she had to make him know what to do. "You're going to have to make him better… Make him… right."

"Okay, I promise that, too. I'll give him everything he wants. Now relax and let me try to keep you alive and Taylor from getting his way this time."

"He won't… do it. I won't let him. He hurt… Mack."

"Keep that thought in mind. Now will you calm down and let me help you?"

"Help… Mack." But she could let go now. She'd heard that Harlan never broke his promises, and Mack would be safe…

She slid down into the darkness…