Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [34]
“Sure. Don't worry about it.”
How could she worry about anything when she couldn't think of anything except that damn golden cage?
Kafas.
Nicholas gave a low whistle as he watched Melis disappear into the house. “Big trouble?”
Kelby nodded. “And the cage is only the tip of a very ugly iceberg.” He turned to Cal. “Take the damn thing and tear it to pieces. Make sure she never sees it again.”
Cal frowned, troubled. “I didn't mean— I didn't think it was anything to worry her.” He took the cage and headed up the pier. “It was . . . pretty.”
“I tried to tell him,” Nicholas said. “Pretty doesn't always cut it. What's the problem?”
“An arms dealer named Hugh Archer who probably killed Lontana and Carolyn Mulan and her secretary. He was here last night outside the net doing a little harassing.”
Nicholas's gaze shifted to the net. “Then he probably has a watch on the island. Want me to take a boat and scout around and see what I can see?”
“That's exactly what I want you to do.”
“I thought you would. May I have breakfast first?”
“I suppose. Melis gave me orders to feed you.”
“Orders? Really?” Nicholas grinned. “I think I may like this island.”
Chapter Seven
Archer's call came at nine that night.
“I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Melis. It must have been very distressing for you. But I did want to make sure that you had the full impact. Did you like the birdcage? It took me quite a long time to spray-paint it. I'm such a perfectionist.”
“It was sadistic and stupid. And I wasn't at all distressed by your cat-and-mouse game.”
“You're lying. You hate waiting. It brings back too many memories. You said that yourself. I believe it was on tape three.”
“I got over it. I got over a lot of the traumas you're salivating over.”
“Actually, you're right. I did find the tapes titillating. I adore little girls. But I believe I'd find you equally exciting now. I'm going to be very disappointed if you give me those research papers too soon.”
“I'm not giving you anything.”
“That's what your friend Carolyn said. Do you want to end up like her?”
“You son of a bitch.”
“No, it wouldn't be like her. I have to fit the punishment to the person. As I said, I'm a perfectionist. I believe you're missing Istanbul. I think I should endeavor to find a place for you. I've never been to the one in Istanbul, but there are other Kafas in the world. Albania, Kuwait, Buenos Aires. I've been a patron of them all.”
“I bet you have.” She had to steady her voice. “It's what I'd expect of you.”
“And I believe I enjoy your particular niche best of all.”
The cage. The golden fretwork. The pounding of the drums.
“You can't speak right now? I can tell this is very difficult for you. Did you know that Dr. Mulan was very concerned about your prognosis? You're too controlled. She was afraid that something would trigger you and you'd become unbalanced. You have such a pleasant life. I'd really hate to see that happen. An insane asylum is a cage too.”
“Are you threatening to send me over the edge?”
“Why, yes. In those sessions you were walking a fine line, you were in the depths of hell. I believe dredging up old memories might send you back there. Periodic calls that bring everything in the past to the present. You don't need that kind of torture.” He chuckled. “Of course, I much prefer to inflict the real thing, but this will be very enjoyable.”
“Listen to me. I'm not going to let you send me around the bend. I'm not going to let you kill me.” She paused. “And Kafas is my past, not my future. Carolyn taught me the difference.”
“We'll see,” Archer said. “I don't think you're as strong as you think you are. There were times when you were too frightened to sleep because you were afraid you'd dream. Did you sleep last night, Melis?”
“Like a rock.”
“That's not the truth. And it's going to get worse. Because I'll be here to remind you of every detail. I'd say a week or so and you'll be ready to crumble. You'll beg