Blind Alley - Iris Johansen [76]
He lifted his hand to his brow in a salute. “Aye, aye. I hear you loud and clear.”
“And you call me and tell me what's happening.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled. “Every night. I promise.”
“You'd better keep it.”
“I will.” He was walking quickly down the path. “I'd miss the sound of your voice berating me. . . .”
Am I going with you?” Bartlett asked as he watched Trevor throw his suitcase in the rental car. “I don't speak Italian but I've found that doesn't make much difference if you want to communicate. I've always been able to make myself understood.”
“I'm sure you have.” Trevor got into the driver's seat. “No, you're not going. If I find I can't do without you, I'll give you a call. But I need you here to keep an eye on Jane.”
“Quinn will do that.”
“But he won't call me and report anything that looks suspicious. He'll try to take care of it himself.”
Bartlett thought about it. “That's true. Maybe you do need me here.” He sighed. “But it would be much more exciting to go with you. I have to admit life is much more interesting with you around.”
“And how many times have you told me how happy you'll be to get rid of me and have your uneventful, comfortable life back?”
“Perhaps I've been corrupted. Oh, dear, I hope not.” Bartlett took a step back as Trevor started the car. “I'll take this period to contemplate and evaluate your effect on me. In the meantime you can be sure that Jane will be as safe as I can make her. Take care.”
“You take care.” Trevor paused. “Don't do anything foolish. If you see anything suspicious, call Quinn.”
“Certainly. See and report. I'm far too valuable to be sacrificed.” He turned back to the cottage. “And so are you. It would behoove you to be cautious.”
“Behoove? Good Lord, what a dated word.”
“I'm dated. It's part of my charm. And I'll thank you not to make fun of me.”
“I wouldn't think of it.” He pressed on the accelerator and moved down the road. “Your army of female fans would come after me with machetes.”
FOURTEEN
It's not here,” Jane muttered, her gaze glued to La Nazione on the computer screen. “Not a word.”
“It's only been two days,” Eve said. “I'm not sure what breaking into a secure Web site entails but I'd think it would take longer than that.”
“Then why hasn't he called and told us he was having trouble? He said the prep work would only take three weeks.”
“Tentatively. I believe you're the one who carved it in stone.”
She made a face. “I did, didn't I? I just wanted to push him a little.”
“I'd judge he didn't need any nudging. He was running on all cylinders when he left here.”
“Just so he didn't slow down without a—here it is!” She leaned forward, her body tense with excitement. “Just a tiny article at the bottom of page five.”
“Where?” Eve came across the room and looked over her shoulder. “It's only four lines.”
“It's just right. Enough to attract Aldo's attention and curiosity and not enough to be blatant.” Jane exited the Florence site and went to the Rome newspaper. “If he'd put anything else in, it would have been suspicious.”
“I'm sure he'd appreciate your approval.”
“He wouldn't give a damn.” Jane was scanning the articles. “But he is clever, isn't he? This must have been very difficult. . . . Here it is.” She smiled. “It's got an AP byline to make it seem it was picked up from the Florence newspaper.” She switched to the London Times site. After ten minutes she shook her head in disappointment. “Nothing.”
“Give him a break. Two out of three isn't bad.”
“I guess.” She leaned back on the couch. “At least he's making progress. Did you get through to Ted Carpenter?”
“He's in Guyana. I left a message yesterday. He hasn't called me back yet. I'll try again later.” She shook her head as Jane started to speak. “Later,” she repeated. “I'm handling this, Jane.”
“Sorry. I didn't mean to step on your toes.” Her lips twisted. “My problem is that I'm not being allowed to handle anything myself. It makes me crazy and tends to make me want to reach out and grab.” She got up and moved out onto the porch