Chasing the Night - Iris Johansen [119]
“Besides your gun, we found this.” Rakovac picked up a dagger from the end table. “Pretty little toy. It was in a holster in your bra underneath your armpit. Were you going to sting me with it, Catherine?”
“I was considering it.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, I imagine you were.”
“Where am I?” she asked again.
“Savrin House,” Czadas said. “Isn’t it a fine place? Rakovac made a present of it for doing him a special favor. I thought it was a great bargain.” He chuckled. “Though that favor ended up lasting nine years. So who got the best of it?”
“You had no problem with taking care of the boy,” Rakovac said.
“Not in the beginning. He was very docile and eager to please. But then he changed. I haven’t had it entirely easy during these past years.” He paused. “You should keep that in mind. You owe me.”
“I paid you,” Rakovac said. “And you took care of those changes with a whip.”
“Only because that was your wish.” He looked at Catherine. “I would have been a wonderful father to the boy if Rakovac hadn’t urged me in another direction. I have a tender soul.”
“You…hurt him.”
“Of course he did,” Rakovac said. “And enjoyed every minute of it. I told you that Luke was not having an easy time of it.” He added softly, “And every time the whip fell, I showed him your photo and told him that all his pain came from you.”
“It did come from me. I should have found a way to kill you before you took him from me.”
“Oh, you must tell him that. It will be confirmation of all my teachings.” He smiled. “And when I kill him, I’ll tell him the same thing. Only I won’t have to show him a photo. I can have him look at the real thing as I pull the trigger.”
Panic was tearing at her. Don’t let him see it. She had to keep a clear head and work out a scenario that would save as many as possible. “Where are Kelly and Eve? Are they still alive?”
“Would I deprive myself of the pleasure of watching you as I rid myself of them? Mikhal, here, took them to the room where we keep the boy when I want him available to me. Well, it’s more of a cell, really.”
Catherine’s heart skipped a beat. “Available?”
“You think I might have sexually abused him? I considered it, but I would have had to force myself. I’ve no liking for little boys.” He smiled. “I prefer women like you, Catherine. Breaking a strong woman is utterly delicious.”
“Like you did Natalie Ladvar?”
“She wasn’t strong, just young and pretty. It was enough at the time.” He glanced at Czadas. “Wasn’t it, Mikhal?”
“She was more trouble than she was worth.” Czadas scowled. “Weak.”
“Then you wouldn’t be interested in Eve or Kelly,” Catherine said quickly. “Neither of them is—”
“You’re trying to protect them,” Rakovac interrupted. “It’s not necessary. I don’t have time for anyone but you, Catherine. Shall I tell you how it’s going to go? I’ll take you up to Luke’s cell and let you meet your son. Then I’ll have Czadas kill Eve Duncan and the girl.”
“No.”
“Yes, but I’ll save the boy for myself. I’ll kill Luke before your eyes. I’ll press the muzzle of the gun to his temple and blow his brains out.”
The muscles of her stomach clenched. “What can I do to change your mind?” she asked shakily. “Tell me. I’ll do anything.”
“Yes, you will. Anything and everything.” He reached out and cupped her breast in his palm. “I’ll take you on the floor where your son lies dead. I’ll use you like a whore in a house I know in Istanbul where they know the art of making a woman beg to be put out of her misery. I’ll show you pain as you’ve never known it.”
“Then do it. You’ll enjoy that, won’t you? Just don’t kill my son. Don’t kill Eve or Kelly.”
He frowned. “Are you still being the sacrificing mother? That’s not all I want from you. Think of yourself. I