Chasing the Night - Iris Johansen [56]
“And?”
He grinned. “And it’s not often I can feel superior around you. A man must do whatever he can to keep his ego intact.” He looked beyond her to Dorsey Hodges. “Are you slipping? That landing wasn’t all that smooth.”
Dorsey said between set teeth, “If you’d arrange to bring us into a decent airport, I might be able to—”
“He’s right, Kelsov.” Catherine stepped into the conversation. “Stop baiting him.” She turned to Eve and Joe. “Joe Quinn, Eve Duncan. I told you about them. This is Alex Kelsov.”
“Delighted. I was a little uneasy until I did a little checking, but I think I can tolerate you.” Kelsov gave them another brilliant smile as he inclined his head. “If you don’t get in my way.”
“I’m not sure that we can tolerate you,” Joe said. “But there are always solutions if we can’t.”
“Oh, yes,” Dorsey said, half-beneath his breath.
Kelsov’s smile didn’t waver, but his expression became thoughtful. “That is true. There are always solutions.” He turned back to Catherine. “Do I take you to my farmhouse or do we have a destination?”
“The farmhouse. We should have word soon.”
“Is this farmhouse safe?” Joe asked.
“Of course,” Kelsov said. “I don’t make mistakes like that. I know Rakovac has his people crawling from beneath every rock.”
Catherine turned to Dorsey. “Stay nearby. I’ll let you know when I need you.”
“Anytime.” He turned toward the plane. “Good luck, Catherine.”
“She has me,” Kelsov said as he strolled toward the car. “Luck isn’t necessary.”
“It’s not that kind of game?” Catherine asked. “I think that I’ll take any kind of luck I can get.” She waved at Dorsey as he climbed the steps. “Thank you, Dorsey.”
He shook his head. “After what you did for me, I’m still way behind.” He smiled and disappeared into the plane.
Catherine turned toward Eve. “Kelsov isn’t usually this abrasive. He and Dorsey rub each other the wrong way.”
And Eve had an idea that conflict swirled around Catherine. And, why not? She was an extraordinary woman who was also stunningly attractive. Even with no encouragement from her, it would be natural for them to gravitate toward her. Even Joe had noticed how beautiful Catherine was.
Lucy Liu combined with Angelina Jolie.
“I can see how they’d be a little antagonistic. They seem to be direct opposites.”
“You’re right. Dorsey is smooth and civilized. Kelsov is rough-diamond flamboyant.” Catherine shrugged. “But they work well together when they have to. That’s all that’s important.”
“Come. Don’t dawdle,” Kelsov called to them from the driver’s seat. “I’ve called ahead to Natalie, and dinner will be waiting for us. Catherine, sit up here with me and tell me how we’re going to cut Rakovac’s throat.”
“I told you on the phone, Luke comes first.” She got into the passenger seat. “One move from you that puts Luke in danger, and I’ll cut your throat.”
“My gentle dove.” Kelsov threw back his head and laughed. “How I’ve missed you.”
“Interesting,” Joe said in a low voice as he opened the door to the backseat for Eve. “Rather like Kate and Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew.”
“I’d lay odds there’s no taming going on.” Eve got into the car and pulled her computer out of her case. “I’ve got to check my e-mail. The institute should have answered me by now.”
“Institute?” Kelsov asked as he started the car. “From what I read about you, I thought you worked alone. Brilliant forensic sculptor closeted away doing her magic.”
“It’s not magic.”
“Sometimes it is,” Catherine said quietly. “Skill can do magic. So can dedication.”
“Then you should have enough magic to be able to hurl lightning bolts, Catherine,” Kelsov said. “I’ve never known anyone with more dedication.”
“I have.” Catherine glanced over her shoulder and met Eve’s gaze. “Perhaps not more, but just as much.” Her gaze shifted to Kelsov. “And what about you, Kelsov? I wouldn’t be able to use you if you weren’t obsessed with Rakovac. I can’t see you risking your neck just to help me find Luke.”
“I might.” He smiled. “Though that wasn’t my attitude in the beginning. All I could think about