Countdown - Iris Johansen [124]
“What?”
“Anything. They thought she was safe. She wasn’t safe. She’d never be safe if they didn’t protect her. I turned over a table. I broke a window and went out that way. They had to know someone was there, that she wasn’t safe.”
“It must have worked,” Jane said gently. “She’s still alive, Jock.”
He nodded. “But no one’s really safe from him. He might have given up, but then, he might just be waiting. He’s very patient.”
“Have you been remembering anything else?”
“Yes.”
She drew a deep breath. “We have to talk, Jock. We’ve left you alone as long as we could. It’s time.”
Jock smiled. “Not quite alone. You sent Mario to remind me what my duty is.”
“I told him not to bug you.”
“He didn’t. He’s been very nice. I like him.”
“So do I.”
“But sometimes you don’t have to say anything. I know what he wants. What you all want.”
“And are you going to give it to us?”
He was silent a moment. “I . . . may give it to you.”
Her gaze flew to his face. “You remember where Reilly is?”
He nodded. “It’s coming back to me in bits and pieces.”
“Idaho?”
He nodded.
“Where?”
He didn’t answer.
“Jock.”
He shook his head. “You’ll tell the laird. Or Trevor. Or Mario.”
“They all want to help.”
“I told you the night I came to you that the laird can’t know, that I have to do it myself.”
“Yes, but you didn’t say that you were going to close us all out.”
“I had to get here,” he said simply. “You wouldn’t have brought me if you hadn’t thought I’d tell you if I could.”
She gazed at him in amazement. “So you manipulated us?”
“I had to get here,” he repeated. “I’m very grateful to you for making it happen.”
“Thanks a lot.” She paused. “Then help us. You know what terrible things could happen if we don’t find Reilly and Grozak.”
“Yes.”
Her hands clenched. “Then talk to me.”
“I will.” He stared at her, troubled. “But only to you, Jane. And not now.”
She gazed at him with narrowed eyes. “What are you saying?”
“I won’t tell you. I’ll take you there. And when we’re almost there, I’ll let you call the police or anyone you like. Except the laird.”
“Jock—”
“Only you.”
“And will you wait for the police to get there before you go after Reilly?”
He didn’t answer.
She looked at him in frustration. “Jock, you can’t go after him yourself.”
“Why not? I know how to do it. He taught me.”
“We don’t know how many of his men will be there. For all we know Grozak may be there too.”
“I know how to do it.”
The words were simple but absolutely confident, and they sent a chill down her back. His expression was serene and his eyes were clear and honest as a child’s.
“Look, if you don’t do it right, Reilly will be able to give warning, and we won’t get Grozak.”
“I don’t care about Grozak.”
“I do.”
“So does Mario. But without Reilly, Grozak can’t do anything. You can catch him later.”
“And what if we can’t?”
Jock shook his head.
Lord, he was stubborn. And she couldn’t reason with him, because he saw only one path, one goal. “What would you do if I said no and went back to the chalet and told Trevor and MacDuff what you’ve remembered?”
“If you say no, then I won’t be here when they come to find me.” Jock gazed out at the snowy peaks. “I know about hiding in the mountains. MacDuff might find me, but it would be too late for you.”
“Jock, don’t do this.”
“Only you.”
He meant it. His lips were tight with determination.
She gave in. “Okay.” She asked curtly, “When?”
“Tonight. Dress warmly. We may have to be outside. Can you get the keys to the car?”
“I’ll manage.” She got to her feet. “One in the morning.”
He nodded. “That would be good. And bring a credit card. We’ll need gas and other things.” He stared at her with a troubled frown. “Are you mad at me?”
“Yes. I don’t want to do this. I’m afraid for you.” She added, “And, dammit, I’m afraid for me.”
“Nothing will happen to you. I promise.”
“You can’t make that kind of promise. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“I thought you wanted to go. I could go alone.”
“No, you can’t. I have to take the chance