The Bullet

by Iris Johansen

  Bonnie. Standing beside him, protecting him, smoothing the way. Beloved Bonnie.

  “Very wise advice.” She cleared her throat. “And was it Bonnie who told you that your dad was in trouble?”

  He shook his head. “No, Bonnie wasn’t there after I went to bed last night. It was Dad, and something dark was heading toward him.” His eyes were suddenly haunted. “I didn’t like that darkness. That was why I knew that I had to go to him when I woke up. Then, later in the day, when I felt his pain, it scared me. It hurt so bad, Mom.”

  Her eyes widened in alarm. “You actually felt it?”

  “It only hurt for an instant, then it was dark. But I knew he was still alive,” he added soberly, “And I was glad I was already on my way to him.” His eyes were suddenly glittering fiercely. “And that Svardak man hurt him later, too. Dad knows he likes to hurt him. So he won’t let him see it.”

  “And did you feel that pain, too?” she asked tensely.

  “Only the start. I had to leave him. But we’ve got to stop it.”

  “Yes, we do.” She swept him into her arms and held him close. Nightmare on top of nightmare. How could she have guessed that Joe’s pain would also be Michael’s pain? It was hard to believe that the bond he now felt for Joe was so strong it would bring this additional risk and horror. Would he continue to share Joe’s pain? She had the terrible feeling that he would. “And we will, Michael.” She kissed his forehead, then forced herself to release him. She couldn’t let this new terror overcome her. He was right, she had to stop it before the pain came to either one of them again. Now there was no choice at all about her bringing Michael with her. If Michael might be in danger of suffering any pain, she had to be there for him. “Now tell me how we can find your father. You said you could see what he sees, if you concentrate? Tell me about it. What did you see?”

  “Dad’s wearing handcuffs and tied to a chair. I could see that man’s face when he hurt Dad. I couldn’t stay with Dad when that happened. I tried, but I had to leave.” His lips tightened. “Next time, I’ll be able to do it.”

  Because it was hurting him too much. Eve felt the helpless rage tear through her at the thought. “You did the right thing to leave him. Your dad would tell you that, too. You couldn’t help him. If it happens again, do the very same thing.”

  He gravely shook his head. “I won’t let him be alone with it. It hurt so bad that it surprised me. I didn’t know what to do about it. But I think I learned a little bit. I’ll learn more, and I’ll get better.”

  What could she do with him, she wondered helplessly. He wasn’t going to listen to her. She could only love him, be proud of him, and make any sacrifice necessary to keep him and Joe alive. She tried once more. “Listen, I don’t want this. Please, don’t do it.”

  He looked troubled, but he shook his head.

  She gave it up. “Then we’ll just have to move fast so that lessons won’t be necessary.” She hugged him again. “And if they come, I’ll be there with you.” She got to her feet. “Now let’s get on the road. If we stay here much longer, Cheknof, that guard Kaskov assigned us, will be busting in here trying to rescue us. He insisted on following me because you made him look bad to Kaskov when you flew the coop.”

  “I didn’t mean to do that. He was nice to me.”

  “Actions have consequences.” She looked back at him. “You’re sure that’s all you can tell me?”

  “That’s all I could see about where Dad is now.” He grabbed his flashlight and followed her toward the front entrance. “But remember? I told you last night he was excited when he was standing beside that lake and looking at the woods and that funny house.”

  She looked over her shoulder. “And you believe that was a part of all this?”

  “I think it might have been the beginning,” he said quietly. “I wanted to be with him so much that maybe it happened. I thought it came later, but that minute was so real.”

  “Maybe?”

  He was silent. Then he said firmly, “It did happen. I know he was standing there looking at the house. Let’s go find that lake, Mom.”

  “By all means.” She opened the door. “But there are a lot of lakes in these mountains. You didn’t, by any chance, see a convenient sign or landmark that would help us?”

  “No, but I might remember what Dad was seeing and thinking if I caught sight of it.” He was frowning. “It was different than later, when everything was clear and I actually saw what was happening in that room where he was tied. This was kind of in his head…” He shook his head. “But will it help?”

  “We’ll make it help.” Lord knows they didn’t have any other clues that could lead them to Joe. “We know where your dad was during the last couple days. We’ll just have to find your lake somewhere in that area. We’ll head for the town where Cara and Jock are right now and start from there.” She made a face. “Though we may have problems with convincing Jock that your dad’s giving you directions.”

  “Cara will believe it.”

  “Yes, she will. We’ll let her convince Jock.” She was about to shut the door behind them when she suddenly stopped and looked back into the dark church. “I suppose we should lock this door. I can’t believe they left the church open. It might be a house of worship, but it took a lot of trust.”

  “The front door was locked,” Michael said. “I had to go around to the back to find an open door.”

  She looked down at him as she swung the door shut. “Why go to all that trouble?”

  His gaze rose to the white neon cross over the door. “I’ve been thinking about crosses since Dad has been gone. I don’t know why. I saw that cross, and I thought if I stayed here awhile it might come to me.”

  “And did it?”

  He shook his head. “It’s not a cross from a church … but it’s still important, and it has something to do with Dad.”

  A cross.

  Joe.

  A chill went through her. Not a cross from a church. The only other cross she could think of right now were the ones that marked the graves in cemeteries.

  “I don’t think we’ll worry about crosses right now.” She started quickly down the steps of the church. “You’ve given us quite enough to work on for the time being. When we get on our way, you can start going through your computer and see how many lakes we can find that might resemble the one your dad might have been looking at last night…”

  * * *

  Jock gazed at Cara in disbelief as she pressed the disconnect after talking to Eve. “She’s actually bringing the boy?” He cursed beneath his breath. “What is she thinking? She’ll get him killed.” His lips twisted. “Or she’ll get us killed while we try to protect him.”

  “You heard her. She thinks he might be able to help find Joe.” She was as much in shock as Jock, but she was trying to work her way through it. Eve had not given her the opportunity for more than a token protest before she had cut the connection. “And there’s no way Eve would risk Michael if she could avoid it. It would kill her if anything happened to him.” But it would also kill Eve if anything happened to Joe. The pain surrounding that decision must have been horrendous. “We just have to trust her to know what she’s doing.”

  “He’s a ten-year-old kid,” Jock said. “He won’t help. He’ll get in the way.”

  “He’s Michael,” Cara said. “We both know he’s … different. I’ve been with him from the moment he was born, and I’ve almost become used to expecting the unexpected from him.” She smiled shakily. “Maybe not this unexpected. But I’ll take any help I can get. We’ll just have to make sure there’s no cost to him or Eve.”

  “Or you,” Jock said grimly. “I’m not going to let a wild card like Michael put you in even more danger than you are right now.”

  “We’ve got to find Joe,” she said quietly. “And we’ve not had any luck so far. A wild card is better than no card at all.” She paused. “Because if Svardak still has Joe by that deadline he set, I’ll have to find a way to bargain w
ith him.”

  “No!”

  “You can say no all you please, but it won’t change anything. You know that, Jock. I won’t change my mind.”

  His eyes were glittering down at her. “And I won’t give you up to him.”

  She smiled sadly. “Then try the wild card. No choice. Because that’s what I’m going to do.”

  “Cara…” She could see the myriad of emotions conflicting in his face. Then he suddenly said through bared teeth, “I’ll take your wild card. But you’re wrong; I’m not without other choices. I won’t put all my eggs in one basket.” He was dialing quickly. “Let’s talk to Kaskov.”

  “Why?”

  “Ron Edding. Svardak is trying to gather all his old crew around him. I told Kaskov before that I wanted Ron Edding compliant and ready for me to use if I needed him as bait to draw Svardak. I don’t doubt that Nikolai managed to do it. If your Michael can’t give us a lead on Joe, then we’ll use Edding as Judas goat.”

  “You’re hoping if Edding contacts Svardak, that Svardak will tell him where he’s located?”

  His lips twisted. “Not much hope involved there. He wouldn’t trust him that far. Edding was the last man he hired for his team. All I can expect is that he might arrange to pick him up somewhere near his hideout and check him out. But that might be—”

  “Where the hell are you, Gavin?” Kaskov said as he answered his phone. “I told you to report back to me.”

  “Aye, that’s going to happen,” he said sarcastically. “I’m going to need Edding. Is he ready?”

  “How is Cara?”

  “She’s fine. Is Edding ready?”

  “Of course. Nikolai says he’ll be more than cooperative.”

  “We’re near Ruell Falls. Have Edding make the call to Svardak to tell him he’s made his way this far into the mountains and ask for further directions. Then put him on a helicopter. I want him here by dawn.”

  Silence. “I detect a hint of frustration. Is Cara on the line? I wish to speak to her.”

  “I’m here, Kaskov,” Cara said. “What do you want?”

  He was silent an instant. “I assume Eve has told you that I appear to have failed to protect her and the child as I promised. The child proved … difficult.” His voice sounded oddly stilted. “But I do not break my word. Though it’s not really my fault, I wished to express my regrets. They’re under close observation once more, and it won’t happen again.” Then his tone changed to pure, arrogant Kaskov. “Though you know that because I understand they’re heading in your direction. You will take care of yourself, not them. Do you understand?”

  “We’ll do what we have to do. We’re family. Do you understand? Probably not.” She added wearily, “I’m not blaming you for letting a ten-year-old make your goons look bad. It would amuse me if it wasn’t so terribly frightening.” She drew a shaky breath. “And I’ll take whatever help you can give us to get Joe away from that monster. But don’t tell me that I’m more important than any other member of my family because I can entertain you. It’s not true.”

  “I beg to disagree,” Kaskov said. “My amusement is all-important in the scheme of things. Gavin, I’ll deliver Edding. In exchange, I expect you to make certain Cara lives through this somewhat clumsy plan you’ve concocted. I’ll be in touch if you don’t.” He cut the connection.

  Cara shook her head. “That was a bit unusual. He sounded almost contrite. I guess his nose was out of joint because he’s not accustomed to making mistakes.”

  “Perhaps.” Jock’s tone was noncommittal. “One can never tell what he’s thinking. I prefer not to try unless it’s necessary to ensure survival. At least he gave me what I needed in Edding this time. It will take Eve a few hours to get here. Kaskov will deliver Edding not long after. Now it’s only a question of our waiting for it to all to come together and choosing which path is best.” He was driving off the lay-by where they were parked deeper into the woods. “And for you to get a little rest before it does.” He parked the car and turned it off. “I don’t like all that bullshit you’ve been giving me. I’m hoping I’ll be able to temper it if I can get rid of some of the stress that’s tearing you apart.”

  “You mean that you don’t like the idea of not getting your own way.” But he was right, she was having trouble controlling the tension as the time passed. “I don’t like to argue with you.” She leaned back in her seat, her gaze on the almost total nighttime darkness out the windows. Here in the woods, the overhanging canopy of trees even shut out the stars. “I just have to be honest with you, Jock.”

  “Hush.” He was unbuckling their seat belts and pulling her to him. “Just let it go.”

  She relaxed against him. “But you never let anything go. You just file it away and come at me from a different direction.”

  “I’ll let it go tonight. Promise.”

  And Jock always kept his promises. She was silent as the tension gradually flowed out of her. He felt so good. The golden warmth, the smoky spice scent of him … But she couldn’t quite let it go yet. “You said that we’d choose what path was best. But you’ve already made up your mind. That’s why you called Kaskov.”

  He didn’t speak, his hand was gently smoothing her hair.

  “I don’t want to use Michael either,” she said. “But it’s Eve’s decision, and she must have a reason to risk him.”

  “But now we have Edding,” he said softly. “And I have no problem at all about risking that bastard’s neck. I’m only giving Eve a choice that won’t involve putting her son in danger. I believe that will win the day.”

  “She said that Michael told her he’d go find Joe on his own.”

  “He’s ten years old. I think I can make sure he doesn’t interfere.”

  She raised her head to look at him. “How? You have no idea how stubborn he can be. You can’t risk hurting him. And Eve would never permit you to take that chance.” She paused. “Neither would I.”

  “I’ll handle the problem,” he said impatiently. “And he’s a smart kid, he might listen to reason. I’ll tackle him as soon as they get here. For God’s sake, I’d never hurt him. I like him. I just want to keep Svardak from killing him.” He added, “Or using him to kill you.”

  “I’ll vote for that.” She laid her head back down on his shoulder. “I hope that everything works out for you. But I don’t know if it will. I think we’ll have to wait and see. Michael went to a lot of trouble to end up here in the mountains searching for Joe. Maybe there’s a reason why we should pay attention to what drove him.”

  “Shh. I promised I wasn’t going to talk about this.” He kissed her. “Now try to nap.”

  “Okay.” She closed her eyes. “But I liked what Eve was saying about Michael’s being able to tell where Joe might be because of the bond between them. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all be joined like that? I wish we were able to be—”

  “Very nice.” He pulled her closer. “Maybe we’ll discuss it with Michael when we see him. For now, I’m feeling very close to you right this moment.”

  “But you don’t want to have sex with me?”

  “I imagine that will be an ongoing factor throughout eternity. But you’re new to all the nuances. This isn’t the time. And holding you like this is more than enough at present. Just relax…”

  “I was just curious.” And she was relaxing. It was good being here like this with him, she thought drowsily. In this time of fear, worry, and tension, they were close and strong and together. So close … Maybe someday they’d be even closer, and the bond would be like the ones Michael seemed to be able to weave.

  Maybe someday …

  LAKE KEDROW RANGER STATION

  “How are you, Quinn?”

  Joe opened his eyes to see Svardak standing in the doorway across the room. His muscles tensed. The son of a bitch was smiling, and the feral malice was vicious and clear. “Better than you are,” Joe said bluntly. “You look a little pale. Are you sure that wound in your stomach hasn’t turned septic?”r />
  Svardak’s smile vanished. “Nothing’s wrong with me that can’t be cured by watching that bitch being chopped into pieces. I’ve been taking my antibiotics, and I’ll make it through until I finish with the lot of you.”

  Joe glanced at the darkness beyond the windows. “You must be getting overeager. Are you upping Cara’s deadline? You gave her twenty-four hours.”

  “I didn’t tell her that I wouldn’t entertain myself with you until I called her.” He glided forward. “In fact, I mentioned something of that nature, didn’t I?”

  “I don’t recall.”

  “Let me remind you.” He was next to him and pushing aside the bandage on his shoulder. He made a clucking noise with his tongue. “Oh, dear. So sore and bruised … He rubbed the edges, watching Joe’s face as he ran his nail beneath the puffy flesh. “That stings?” He savagely dug his nail deep into the raw flesh!

  Joe bared his teeth, but he couldn’t stop the groan that tore out of him.

  “Ah, that’s what I wanted.” Svardak spent a full five minutes digging at the wound. But after that first break, Joe was able to keep from giving him the satisfaction he wanted. Svardak finally turned away in frustration and dropped down in the chair across from Joe. “You’re a personal disappointment, but I still have to have an example to show Cara what to expect if she doesn’t cooperate.” He motioned to Abrams, who had entered the room behind him. “Make him hurt, Abrams. Not enough to fatally damage him. Just enough to bring me satisfaction and Cara extreme agony and guilt. Understand?”

  Abrams grinned as he came to stand in front Joe. “No problem. You’ll be satisfied. I know just what you want.” And then his fist buried itself brutally in Joe’s abdomen with full force.

  * * *

  Michael screamed!

  Eve glanced over in alarm at where Michael was curled up in the passenger seat next to her. He was jerking, flinching, his entire body writhing in pain. She had thought he was asleep, but his eyes were wide open, staring in blind agony straight ahead of him.