Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

"I heard you were up and about, Kira," Belson said as he strolled across the stable yard toward Fiona and Kira the next morning. He stopped a moment to stroke the mane of Domino, the black stallion Kira was riding. Belson looked up at Fiona. "I heard you got me in big trouble with Harlan, young lady. I don't remember telling you that Kira might have caused him serious bodily harm when he went after her on the cliffs. As I recall, Harlan made the decision himself, as usual."

"I might have exaggerated a little," Fiona said quickly. "But I could see how upset you were, Belson, and so was Harlan. And you know I hate it when Harlan goes after Taylor or one of his men." She shook her head. "Anything could have happened."

"But it didn't," Kira interceded. She stared down at Belson. "And I'm glad you didn't interfere with my dealings with Harlan. I told you from the beginning that's not what I wanted."

"Yes, you did. Though I have to admit that I was right behind Harlan when he became concerned and went after you that night." He shrugged. "There'd be an international incident if anything happened to him. And when you're around him, you have to be prepared for that frequently."

"But I probably won't be around him all that often." Kira was stroking Domino's neck. "I'm just here for the next few days so that I can get a good look at Fiona's beautiful horses. Particularly this lovely boy. They're truly magnificent, aren't they?" She gazed at the sleekness of the chestnut Harlan was mounting beside the fountain in the courtyard. He was handling the spirited horse with effortless skill and appeared every bit as competent as Fiona. Absolutely faultless technique, Kira thought as she watched him ride around the stables and trot over a nearby hill with Mack in tow. She had noticed that Fiona was an amazing horsewoman, but she had expected that when she heard about the Olympic medals. She had not anticipated the care and love Fiona had shown the horses this morning. It had even reminded Kira of a few horse whisperers she had run across during her career. She'd displayed so much affection and persuasiveness, it had been almost mesmerizing. Not only for her horse, Golden Boy, but for all the other horses in the stable. Kira was beginning to look at this teenager in an entirely different way. "But then it appears the entire stable is filled with gorgeous horses," Kira said. "Is it a family affair?"

Belson shook his head. "Not as much as Harlan would like. He tries to get out here if he gets the chance when he's on the property. But he almost always has a lab project he's working on or a conference he has to conduct."

"Or a bloodthirsty Joseph Taylor to go after?" Kira murmured.

"I'd say you were very fortunate he decided to do that, Kira," Belson said. "Just my opinion, of course. By the way, should you really be up and riding today? Harlan noticed that he'd inherited Mack and a message from Fiona saying that he should take care of him for the day while she conducted important business with Kira. I'm supposed to report back to Harlan if you've been cleared by the doctor yet. He wants to be very sure he got the message right."

"Early this morning," she said curtly. "Fiona took care of dragging me to see Dr. Sazar in his quarters before she brought me here to the stables. You can tell Harlan it wasn't my choice. She didn't want me to be distracted by Mack, and she was very determined."

"She usually is. And Harlan didn't mind taking over Mack's care, but he wanted it to be for a valid reason. Now I can assure him that it is, and I do like to spread good tidings." Belson smiled at Fiona. "And I agree that your horses are splendid and well worth our Kira's attention."

"I told her they were." Fiona's eyes were glittering with excitement. "Now go away, Belson, so that we can get in a run on the marsh before breakfast. I'm trying to convince Kira that the black stallion she's riding would make a wonderful first equine subject for Summer Island. I'd let her use my palomino here, but I just can't give Golden Boy up right now. I have plans to take him to the next Olympics."

"I should have known." Belson chuckled. "Good luck to you, Kira." He tipped his hat to her. "I think I'd better go tell Harlan what Fiona is up to now."

"But Harlan would approve," Fiona called impatiently after him. "He gave me these horses. We picked most of them out together!"

"It's still going to be no," Kira told Fiona. "I'm not quite ready for those experiments yet. Look, it's not that I don't like working with horses. I've dealt extensively with them in the past. I just want to make sure I'm ready before I make any mistakes with your property." She was still stroking Domino's neck. The black stallion was absolutely beautiful, with a single white blaze on his forehead. "But he's superb, isn't he?"

Fiona nodded eagerly. "And terribly smart and fast. He can leap over practically any barrier you set before him. Why don't you just stick around and try him for a little while longer? Then I'll let you try a few more of my horses before you go back home to Summer Island."

"That's not practical. I have other work to do with Mack. I can't just start to concentrate on a new species without in-depth research."

"Then work harder. I'll help you."

"Not now, okay? I don't have to tell you how much is going on right now."

"I won't give up," Fiona said. "It's important. You said that Mack saves lives. Maybe these horses can save lives, too. We should at least try to give them their chance. Right?"

"It would seem that we should," Kira admitted. "I'll think about it. But your Harlan might not approve." She held up her hand to halt the protests she could see were coming. "Give me some time to consider the options."

The young girl obviously wasn't happy. But she sighed and shrugged. "Okay, I suppose. I guess that means we go for a run in the marsh after all?"

Kira nodded. "That plan has a much better chance for approval than the one you've been trying to sell me all morning. Unless you can come up with a more compelling way to present it. Show me the way!"

She was laughing as she watched Fiona bolting out of the courtyard on her palomino. Kira raced out over the marsh after her, realizing how intensely exciting it was to let this particular horse have its head. It was almost magical, and she could feel the tempo and the speed with the wind tearing at her hair and face as she followed Fiona.

It was like being with Mack and yet… different. All the joy was still very much there. She bent over Domino's neck as they ran over the green earth. She could feel the soft-hardness of the moist ground and then the rocks scarring the trail all around them as they moved in and out of the trees…

"I told you," Fiona shouted, now behind her. "Isn't it wonderful? Don't you want it to go on forever?"

"Yes, blast it! Your Domino is fantastic." She glanced at her over her shoulder. "But that can't change what I have to do with my own career."

"No, but I bet my horse can change your mind. Did I tell you there are rumors Domino was born in the Egyptian desert? And there were stories that his forebearers were almost always sold to the sons of pharaohs?"

"You know you didn't. What difference does it make? He's just a great horse. You're lucky to have him. Now be quiet and let me enjoy the ride!"

Fiona was chuckling. "Just giving you all the details so that you can appreciate him more."

"Duly noted," Kira said as she nudged Domino to greater speed. "But I'll appreciate him even more if I can make him race a bit faster. I want to see if I can get him to run as fast as Mack does. Then I'll know he's a true champion."

"And you'll consider taking him to Summer Island for training?"

"I didn't say that."

"You'll do it. I know it!"

"Then you know more than I do," Kira said. "And I won't promise to—"

Splat! The tree next to Kira was pierced by a bullet as she turned to look at Fiona!

Another shot! This time it hit the tree next to Fiona.

That was too close. Kira dove sideways and knocked Fiona off her horse to the ground. Then she was dragging her into the brush behind the trees. "Be still!" she whispered. "Don't move!"

More shots spattered the earth in front of the path. Then there came an entire barrage of bullets striking the trees all around them. Kira rolled Fiona into a ditch on the other side of the road and covered her with her body.

"Are either of you hurt?" Harlan was suddenly beside them and jumping off his horse and lifting Kira to her feet. "Fiona?"

"I'm fine." Kira brushed the tousled hair out of her eyes. "And I think Fiona is okay, too. But I knocked her off her horse when I heard the shot." She made a face. "I thought you were bragging how safe it is here at your fine manor house."

"It usually is," Belson said dryly as he pulled up beside them. "Today we had a few intruders. But the military patrol took care of them when they spotted you two out here. They should be under arrest by now."

"And I have a number of questions for them to answer once we have a chance to find out how they got onto the property," Harlan added grimly. "You're sure neither of you is injured?"

"I'm fine," Fiona said as she got to her knees. Then Belson was helping her to her feet. "A little scared maybe, but Kira knocked me off my horse and then into the ditch and that was enough to clear my head." Her smile was a little shaky. "I didn't mean to get her that angry just because I was nagging her."

"Be quiet. That's not funny," Kira said as she checked out Domino's condition. Lucky? One of those bullets might have struck either one of these horses, she realized. "That bullet was close enough to ricochet off the tree right next to you." She turned to Harlan. "You're right to keep someone close to her."

"I'm glad you approve," he said deadpan. "But I wanted her to have your company, not your protection. I believed she was safe here and at the stables. Your presence here on the grounds must have inspired Taylor. I guarantee that it won't happen again." He was getting back on his horse. "Take them back to the manor, Belson. I need to go back and talk to the captain of the guard and do a little investigation about why they weren't safe here today." He whistled for Mack to follow him. Then he was gone.

Kira stood looking after him. "What's he going to do?"

"Nothing very violent." Belson shrugged. "Stop looking so troubled. It might be different if either of you had been hurt. But Harlan won't be going after those bastards with anything too lethal if he doesn't find a reason to do it. He's not a killer like Taylor, who's an entirely different kettle of fish. All bets are off when it comes to him." He frowned thoughtfully. "Though probably some of the men who were firing at you during this raid just now were paid by him. I think I recognized a couple whom the military brought down. Harlan will be checking that out as soon as they're brought to the manor dungeon."

"Dungeon? This place actually has a dungeon?" Kira said; then she dismissed the thought as unimportant. "But I want to see what's going on now. Fiona could have been badly hurt. Those asses certainly tried to do it. I promised I'd look out for her."

"That's up to Harlan now," Belson said. "Look, Kira. There were at least four men in that group shooting at the two of you. Those are dangerous odds. Harlan has plenty of men who can go after them and keep you safe. They're probably only being kept in the castle dungeon until Harlan decides what he wants to do with them."

"Let her go on, Belson," Fiona said impatiently as one of the grooms helped her to mount her palomino. "You know that Harlan will watch out for her. Besides, I want him to see her on Domino. If anyone can persuade her that my horses are worthy of her attention, it will be him. He usually manages to sway anyone the way he wants them to go."

"Don't you ever give up?" Kira asked in exasperation. "For heaven's sake, you've just been shot at. Then I tackled you and rolled you into a ditch. I'd think you'd be a little discouraged."

Fiona shook her head. "That's nothing. I had worse lumps when I first started to ride. I bet you didn't give up when you were first teaching Mack. Domino is just as worthwhile, and I have to make you see it."

Kira shook her head. "Keep a watch on her, Belson. I'll see you both back at the manor." She prodded Domino, and he leaped forward at a run.

The first thing Kira noticed was that Belson had been right about the forest being full of men. Some obviously wore livery or military uniforms and belonged to the manor as employees, but there were others whose rough garb seemed to indicate they were probably Taylor's men, now prisoners as Belson had indicated. All of their expressions appeared to be both grim and very cautious.

And then Kira stiffened as she saw a body lying by the side of the road near a massive round stone building where Harlan was talking to a guard. Blood…

The body was crumpled and there was blood on the man's shirt.

Harlan saw her reaction, and his lips tightened as he strolled toward her. "Good morning again. I told Belson to keep an eye on the two of you. Where the hell is he?"

"With your niece. Fiona is quite safe. She had several other people watching over her, too."

"Exactly my intention. So then why are you here?"

"I wanted to see what was going on. I believe I was shot at today, and so was Fiona. You told me that your manor was safe, and Belson told me the same thing. And yet I'm looking at a body and blood…" She had to swallow. "Quite a bit of blood on that body. Is he dead?"

"Very."

"Did you do it?"

"No. As a matter of fact, it was done by one of Taylor's own men. Though I suppose it could possibly be laid at my door."

She frowned, puzzled. "When you didn't do it?"

Harlan showed her his cell phone screen, which had an image of the dead man's face. "I got a facial recognition hit on him. His name was Mark Latham, and he flew a helicopter in Afghanistan before he went to work for Taylor. There's a good chance he was flying that copter in Colorado. It was an unsuccessful mission, and Taylor doesn't tolerate failure. It's possible he gave another of his men the task of eliminating the pilot who displeased him by sending him on a suicide mission straight to me, here at the castle."

Kira looked back at the dead man. "Your people didn't kill him?"

"Not according to my men." He shrugged. "Either way, I'll accept it. Particularly since the assassin left a note in this asshole's jacket pocket addressed to you."

"Me?"

"Yes, Captain Darue, the head of the guards, has it now. He'll give it to you after they process it." He paused. "Though I'd prefer he didn't."

Her gaze flew to his face. "That bad?"

"Not good. Nothing for you to worry about. You're among friends."

"Am I?" She glanced back at the bloody corpse. "I still need to see that note. Unless…"

He shook his head as he met her eyes. "No, and it's not because I'm afraid that you'll think that I'm guilty as charged. Trust me, I would've been happy to shoot him myself. Isn't that always what you think first?"

"Blood. Death. You? There does seems to be a connection, doesn't there?"

"But there wasn't one on the cliffs that night?"

"No, not that night. You saved Mack." She hesitated. "And me, Harlan."

"Does that mean I'm making progress?" he asked quietly.

"Perhaps." She glanced at the stone wall that formed part of the manor's subterranean level. "That really is a dungeon, isn't it?"

"It really is," Harlan said. "It came with the castle when I bought it. It does become useful on occasion. Many properties are equipped with dungeons here in France. You find the concept a bit medieval?"

"All I know is I didn't like the idea that a fifteen-year-old girl was a victim and you had to stop it. I like her, Harlan. She's a little crazy, but she loves those horses. And it scared me when I had to tackle her to get her off that palomino."

"It scares me whenever I remember that bastard who wants to bring her down," he said. "I can't let it happen. By the way, did I tell you that she's right about how good you and Domino are going to be together? You look fantastic on him."

"Not you, too?" Kira groaned and shook her head. "I've been having enough trouble with her."

"Then I'll back off." Harlan was pushing her toward the dungeon. "Come and sit down in the office and I'll let the police tell you how much they like my staff and appreciate how I include them when I have to organize a particularly difficult search. They really do think I do an okay job, Kira."

"So does everyone in your hemisphere," Kira said with a small smile.

"But not you," Harlan said. "First you look for the blood, and then you make me work very hard so that I can prove my worthiness in your eyes. You're a very difficult woman, Kira."

"Then find someone easier."

"But then there would be no challenge." He opened the door of the dungeon. "Just listen and learn, and then we'll discuss everything of importance."

"I need to talk to Sarah. She's the most important person in my life right now."

"It's already in the works. We'll be seeing Summer Island very soon."

"You don't know that. I haven't made any firm decisions yet."

"I think you have. You've already told me that you're going to go after Taylor. That's all that's necessary."

"Because you believe that he'll be coming after me, too?"

"It's the way he operates," Harlan said. "There are signs that he's already beginning. Can't you tell by what happened today? I'm not going to let you go it alone no matter how stubborn you are."

"My choice," she said. "I can do what has to be done myself. And I want to see that note that was delivered in the helicopter pilot's pocket today. Will you go tell the policeman you keep on hand to give it to me?"

Harlan muttered a curse. "You're a glutton for punishment. Stay here. Sit down. He'll come to you." He turned and strode out of the dungeon.

But the man who came through the door five minutes later was in his late thirties and good looking, with a strong jawline and cheekbones that she could imagine seeing as the subject of a classical French painting. Though frowning, he was obviously trying to be as charming as possible. He bowed gracefully to her. "I'm Captain Charles Darue, and I have something to give you. Though I really disapprove of Harlan's decision to let you see this horror. You're not being very wise to ignore his advice."

She held out her hand, then he reached into a brown manila folder and held out the envelope. "Harlan clearly is only trying to save you from yourself. He's much admired in my department. He's also a personal friend."

"I'm sure he is, and everywhere else in the civilized world. I'd just rather he kept all his zillions of admirers away from me." She was scanning the letter and trying to keep from flinching.

Darue's brows rose. "Zillions?"

"One of his niece's favorite terms."

"Oh, yes." He smiled. "The lovely young girl we're all so fond of. What a great horsewoman. My men and I take good care of her."

"Do you?" She had come to the end of the letter and felt almost numb. "Then by all means continue." She handed the letter back to him. "But I'd be even more careful if I were you."

"Of course. But since the threat was clearly aimed at you, our efforts must also reflect that fact. Don't worry. We'll make certain Taylor won't touch either of you."

"I can't thank you enough." Her hand clenched. She had to get out of here. She felt suffocated. "I'll let Harlan know all the good advice you've given me. I'm sure he'll appreciate it." Then she turned and ran from the dungeon.

She met Harlan as soon as she tore out of the dungeon. "There you are." She grabbed him by the arm and dragged him around to where she'd left Domino tied in the castle's side yard. "Why did you do that? Do you know how it would have made me feel if I'd really thought I was responsible for hurting Fiona?"

Harlan grabbed her wrists and held them tightly. "Why are you so angry? You're the one who insisted on reading the damn letter. I tried to stop you."

She knew that was true, and it only made her feel more guilty. "I thought it was just going to be more of Taylor's same bullshit. I didn't believe he'd aim that poison directly at me . I didn't think about the possibility that if I didn't do something to stop it, I would be considered responsible for any of the crimes Taylor might commit."

"You won't be responsible for anything. It's all Taylor," Harlan said roughly. "You're not thinking straight."

"The hell I'm not." Her voice was shaking. "You might be partially right, but you know what was in that letter."

"I do."

"So do I." She turned away. She'd already memorized what it said.

Kira:

Did you think that I'd allow you to ignore me? You managed to escape with Harlan to his hideout in France but that's only temporary. I'm sending my men to make certain you don't feel too comfortable there with his family and all his many employees. You should be almost well now, and so should that hound you love so much. It won't be long before I'll feel ready to come and get both of you. I can hardly wait. I promised you that I'd show Harlan how I'd make you suffer. If you're reading this letter, he managed to cheat me of that pleasure today. But that time has almost come. If you want to talk terms to me and are ready to share the treasure you've tucked away somewhere off the coast of Egypt, I might be willing to let you live, as long as you turn over Harlan to me. I doubt you would do that, since he rescued both you and that mutt, but do think about it. Either way he dies, and you might as well live as long as you're reasonable. Though I'd be disappointed, because I have very special plans for you. No one close to you is safe… not Harlan, not his charming niece, not your friends at Summer Island. I fully intend to lay that death at your door. It will be my gift specially dedicated to you, bitch. And it will also be my infinite pleasure, Kira.

"I hate him. He's not going to win. I won't let him."

She whirled on Harlan. "And no one is going to kill Fiona. I like her, and Taylor isn't going to dedicate any of his damn kills to me. I won't have it. Do you hear me?"

"You couldn't be more clear. Will you stop shouting at me now? I'm on your side."

"You'd better be. Because Taylor evidently wants me to kill you, too."

"Undoubtedly. It would be a great advantage for him to use you to do that. Anything else?"

She looked away for a moment. "He mentions Summer Island in this note. I'm sorry. He's hitting me where it hurts."

"Taylor excels at that."

She quickly mounted Domino. "I'm going back to the manor and check on Fiona."

"She's quite safe with Belson, Kira. I guarantee it."

"I'd feel better if I was there myself. I shouldn't have let anything else interfere."

"And you're nervous and you want to be sure."

She nodded curtly. "That about covers it. I have some thinking to do. I'm angry and frustrated, and I want to be certain that she's okay and nowhere near Taylor."

He waved his hand and gestured for her to leave. "Then I'll see you in a few hours. Though I assure you that Taylor isn't anywhere nearby. But I agree that you should definitely do some thinking. I don't want you to attack me again without good reason…"

She lightly snapped the reins to push Domino into a fast trot and headed toward the manor.

But she went past the manor and took the first trail toward the forest again.

She had to stay here in the woods and think about what she needed to do and how she might be able to save Sarah from any other attack engineered by Taylor, if that was possible…

What was she thinking? Of course that was possible. She just had to figure it out. Yet the threats had also been specifically aimed at Fiona and Harlan in that latest note. She would just stay here in the dimness and make certain there were no mistakes in her plans. Start with what she had to do and then move forward to keep Taylor at bay…