Blind Alley - Iris Johansen [43]
“Any link to Aldo?”
“Not so far as we can find yet.” Christy paused. “I'm glad you decided to come home, Joe. It's better.”
He went still. “Why is it better?”
“You belong here.”
“And you can't talk? The captain wants to tell me herself? Let me do some guesswork. The captain is withdrawing most or all of the protection they've given Jane. They consider it not necessary since Aldo has clearly moved on. When are they taking the guys off her?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Everyone?”
“They're leaving you, Mac, and Brian.”
“Better than nothing. I was half expecting it.” And Trevor had told Jane that Aldo had planned on it happening. “Thanks for giving me a heads-up, Christy.”
“Like I said, it's better that you came home.”
“I agree.”
“I'll let you know when we find out more from the Italian police about what Trevor was doing in Rome.”
“Do that.” He hung up.
And tomorrow he'd be asking Trevor that same question, he thought grimly.
Where the hell is he?” Joe scowled as his gaze circled the forest surrounding the glade. “He's thirty minutes late.”
“He'll be here,” Jane said. “He promised me.”
“And Trevor's promise probably isn't worth the breath he used to give it.”
“I'm hurt.” Trevor strolled out of the forest. “After all, a man is only as good as his word. At least, that's what all the philosophers say. Personally, I believe that's a narrow—”
“You're late,” Joe said curtly.
“I had to do a little scouting. I was making sure that you hadn't decided that a bird in the hand . . .” He grimaced. “I seem to be full of trite phrases today. Forgive me.” He turned to Eve and Jane. “It wasn't that I didn't trust you, but Quinn is much more ruthless and unpredictable. He's a good deal like me.”
“I'm nothing like you.”
“I beg to disagree.” He smiled. “But then I have the advantage of having made a study of your character. That's why I thought you might be willing to cooperate.” He held up his hand as Joe started to speak. “Oh, Jane told me that you're not going to hand me Aldo's head on a platter. At least, not at present. I'd bet you'll change your mind before this is over. You're very protective of your family.”
“Information,” Joe said.
“I need certain assurances,” Trevor said.
“And I need answers. Talk.”
“I'm not going to be unreasonable. I'd like to have an active role in finding Aldo and park myself at your cottage, but I know you don't want me underfoot. So all I want from you is a promise that you'll let me stay here close to Jane. And that you'll call me if Aldo gets close to her.” His lips tightened. “I'll probably know, but I can't take the chance.”
Joe was silent.
“He's not asking much, Joe,” Jane said quietly. “Less than I expected.”
“I'll make up my own mind. I know where you stand.”
“Where do I stand?” Jane asked. “You tell me. I want to live and I want Aldo. If you think that puts me in anyone's camp but yours, then you're mistaken.”
Joe glanced at Eve.
She shrugged. “It's your job on the line. I'll go along with your decision.”
“Well, that's a first.”
She smiled. “Until I decide it's a wrong decision.”
A little of his grimness disappeared. “That's better. I was afraid you were sick.” He turned back to Trevor. “It's a deal. And if I change my mind for any reason, I'll give you warning. That's all I promise.”
“It's enough,” Trevor said. “I didn't expect much more.”
Eve glanced at Jane. “Ask for the moon and settle for whatever you can get? Is that standard operating procedure with you?”
Trevor grinned. “You never win if you don't go for the high stakes.” He turned to Joe. “Ask your questions.”
“Where is Aldo?”
“I don't know. If I did, I'd be on his trail. If his last victim was in Baltimore, I'd judge that he'll go farther north to hit again. He'll want to seem to establish a pattern that will lead away from Jane.”
“You're so sure that he'll double back? Why?”
Trevor's gaze shifted to Jane. “Because she's perfect,” he said softly. “And he knows it. He's found her.”
“Maybe that's only your opinion. Those other women looked—”
“Found who?” Jane stepped forward