Countdown - Iris Johansen [23]
“Just soothe her.” Trevor closed the door of the cockpit behind him.
You decided to come. Capital. I’m so glad I don’t have to be alone on such a long trip.” Bartlett beamed as he closed and latched the door behind Jane. “Just sit down and fasten your seat belt. Brenner will be taking off any—”
“Where’s Trevor?”
“Up front with Brenner. He said for me to make you comfortable.” His eyes were suddenly twinkling. “And to soothe you. He very much thought you’d need soothing.”
She did need soothing. She was uneasy and uncertain and not at all sure she was doing the right thing. That damn Trevor had played her to the hilt, using every weapon he knew to get her to do what he wanted. And here she was on a plane bound for Scotland and she hadn’t even told Joe or Eve she was going or why.
Because she didn’t know why, dammit.
But she knew that she had to take any opportunity to find out more about Mike’s death.
And she knew she wanted to see those scrolls. She’d devoted years to trying to find them, and Trevor had them in his hands.
Perhaps Trevor was even right about the death of Donnell tonight putting her in greater danger.
And perhaps he wasn’t and was using the circumstances to bend her in the direction he wanted her to go.
What the hell? She’d find out. But first she had to act like a responsible human being instead of flitting away like a damn butterfly. She took out her phone. “I’m not going anywhere without letting Eve and Joe know.”
“By all means. That wouldn’t be considerate. I’m sure you still have time before we take off.”
“We’ll make time.” She dialed Eve. “Did I wake you?”
“No, Joe called me ten minutes ago. What the devil is happening, Jane?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m not going to risk getting jailed right now. Tell Joe that I’ll send Manning a statement later.”
“That’s hardly correct procedure, Jane.”
“It’s the best I can do.” She paused. “I may be on a trail that could lead me to answers. I have a better chance if I go my own way.”
“You’re scaring the hell out of me. What are you up to?”
“Something popped up and I need to look into it.”
“Not alone, dammit.”
“I’m not alone.”
“That’s even worse. I want names, your location, and the reason you’re being so damn cagey.”
How much to tell her? Eve would be obligated to tell Joe, and Joe was a cop who had a duty to his badge. Okay, tell her enough to cut down her worrying, but no details.
“I may be able to find out who hired Leonard and where he is.”
“How?”
“I believe I know someone who’s familiar with the entire picture.”
“Jane.”
“I know. I know. I’m sorry. It must be frustrating to listen to me yammer and pick and choose my words when—”
“Who are you with?”
Jane was silent a moment. Oh, what the hell. “Trevor.”
“Shit.”
“You should feel better. You know Trevor knows what he’s doing.”
“He walks a mean tightrope, but that doesn’t mean you’ll survive if you follow him.”
“I’m not following him. I’m only going to find out—” Cut it short. “I’ll call you again as soon as we get where we’re going. Don’t worry, Eve. I’m not doing anything dumb. I’m being careful.”
“That word isn’t in Trevor’s vocabulary. I want to talk to him.”
“He’s busy. I’ll phone you in six or seven hours. I have to go now.” She hung up the phone.
“I take it she didn’t consider Trevor a suitable escort,” Bartlett said. “I can’t say I really blame her.”
“Neither can I.” Jane sat down and buckled the seat belt. “Okay, start soothing, Bartlett. First, tell me why you’re still with Trevor.”
He smiled. “He promised me that he’d get me enough money to retire on a South Seas island.”
“You’d hate living on an island. You’re much too urban-oriented.”
He nodded. “It was only an excuse. I like the life I live with Trevor. Being an accountant in London wasn’t very thrilling.”
“Being a criminal is thrilling?”
“I’m not a criminal.” He thought about it. “Or perhaps I am, but it doesn’t seem like it. I just trail around with Trevor and do a few things he asks me to do. Of course, that probably makes me an accessory, but I don’t really do anything bad, as I see it. I don’t hurt anyone.