Live to See Tomorrow

by Iris Johansen

“He stays here with Celia, where I can surround him with protection. I’ll have Blake assign several of his best men to him.”

  “You may have trouble with that plan. Luke will want to protect Catherine.”

  “He’ll have to forget it. I’ll try to find something for him to do that will be safe. I gave her my word I’d take care of him.”

  “Indeed? Then I’ll gladly leave that task to you. After all, you are the Guardian.” Hu Chang’s tone verged on mockery. “And I assume that the man you have in Nagle’s camp will be able to give us warning when Kadmus intends to attack.”

  “Yes.” He paused. “And also give Kadmus any information I might want him to have.”

  “What information?”

  “I’ll have to see. No plan is foolproof, there’s always ebb and flow. Just when you think every detail is set, something comes along to blow it apart.” He gave one last look at Catherine and turned away. “Tell her I’ll get back to her with any new info.”

  “Or you can let me know. I’m always here for you, Cameron.”

  “Or for Catherine.” Cameron smiled recklessly over his shoulder. “Always for Catherine.” He strode through the hall toward the front door. “But I don’t like to take steps back. I believe next time, I’ll deal with the lady herself.”

  * * *

  “Thursday. Tomorrow night,” Erin repeated the words after Catherine. She shivered. “Tomorrow night, Kadmus will be dead. Tomorrow, I can go back to living a normal life. It doesn’t seem possible.”

  “It’s possible.” She added firmly, “It’s going to happen, Erin. Cameron set it up, and he may be many things that irritate the hell out of me, but, according to Hu Chang, he doesn’t make mistakes. He’s a master manipulator.”

  Erin smiled faintly. “I know. But he never tried to manipulate me, Catherine. You’ve always accused him of being responsible. How can I convince you that he only gave me a choice, a wonderful choice?”

  “That caused you months of imprisonment and torture.” She held up her hand as Erin opened her lips to speak. “I believe you … sometimes. When I’m far away from Cameron and not exposed to all that power and charisma.”

  “You keep struggling against him.” Erin shook her head. “Relax and trust him, Catherine. You’re a good deal alike. You could understand him if you gave him a chance.”

  She only understood the power and the hypnotizing force of both his body and personality. There was no way she could relax or trust Cameron. Yes, they were alike, but there was a secret place within both of them that neither would surrender. “I trust that he’ll get the job done in setting the trap for Kadmus. That’s the only thing that’s important.” She turned and headed for the staircase. “Now I need to shower and change. That son of mine showed no mercy, and I feel like a wrung-out dishrag.”

  “But you enjoyed it,” Erin said quietly. “And so did he. It was nice to watch the two of you.”

  “Yes, I enjoyed it.” She had felt younger than Luke as she had played. “And maybe next time, I’ll be able to take that rascal.”

  “I was so busy laughing at the two of you that I didn’t even notice Cameron talking to Hu Chang.”

  “Neither did I.” She started up the stairs. She couldn’t decide if she was relieved or disappointed that Cameron had not waited and spoken to her.

  Relieved, of course.

  “Catherine.”

  She looked down at Erin still standing in the hall.

  “Trust him,” she urged softly. “I’m not blind. I’ve been trained to watch and listen and draw conclusions. Your relationship will never be the same as mine with Cameron. There’s nothing cerebral or spiritual in what you are together. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t give him what he needs.” She paused. “He’s very much alone, Catherine.”

  “His choice. He’s the Guardian.” She turned and started climbing the steps again. “And I can’t imagine anything worse than giving up my life and career to trail behind him when I don’t even believe in what he’s doing.” She glanced down as she reached the top step. “And you evidently didn’t either. You refused him when he tried to recruit you for Shambhala.”

  “I’m not sure I would now.” Erin smiled. “I’ve been thinking about it. I’m stronger than that day he gave me the choice.”

  “Then you go and keep the arrogant bastard from being lonely.”

  “That wouldn’t be my job. As he explained it, I would have my own duties and rewards.” She turned away. “It sounded … wonderful.”

  Catherine shook her head as she opened the door to the bedroom. She could see how Erin would embrace a life of giving herself to the cause of peace. She was as much a peacemaker as Catherine was a warrior.

  “Catherine.”

  She turned to see Luke standing at his bedroom door. His hair was wet from the shower, and he was smiling. “You did good that last game.”

  “Liar. But I’ll get better. When we get home to Louisville, I’ll start practicing.”

  “It’s not really worth it. What about tennis?”

  “What? I’m just learning badminton.”

  “Sam has been teaching me tennis for the past couple months. I’ll show you what he’s taught me.”

  “Whatever.” She smiled at him. “It will be fun. You’re opening new doors for me, Luke.”

  “I … liked it. I’m glad we came here.” He moved past her and started down the steps. “I’ve got to go down to the library and meet Hu Chang. You’ve been pretty busy. Are you going to be here for dinner?”

  “Yes, but you’ll be so absorbed, you won’t even know I’m here.”

  He didn’t look back. “I’ll know, Catherine.”

  She felt a warmth surge through her as she watched him go down the steps. He had said he was glad they had come here. He was so resilient that he was able to ignore the bad and embrace the good. It was a great gift. She couldn’t say that she was glad. Last night with Cameron had shaken her world, and the looming danger was terrifying.

  But for these few hours with Luke, she had been so happy that all the tension and worry seemed worth it. It had brought them together and even cast a glow on the future.

  So maybe it had been worthwhile coming to Celia’s house. But now she had to concentrate on getting out of this house and doing what she had come to this city to do. It would be—

  Her cell phone rang, and she glanced at the ID. Venable. She punched the access. “No, I haven’t dropped Erin Sullivan, and I’m not going to do it. Have you changed your mind?”

  “No, I’m right, and you’re wrong,” he said. “I called to tell you that your private access information has been breached. It was done by someone who was good and had contacts in the Agency.”

  “Kadmus?”

  “Possibly. Whoever it was wanted your telephone number very badly.”

  “Evidently, I may be about to be contacted,” Catherine said. “I’m flattered. I’ve been pretty much ignored since I snatched Erin. I must have made more of an impression on the bastard than I thought.”

  “Enough to be targeted. Be careful, Catherine.”

  “My phone is blocked. He can’t track me unless I actually pick up. That means I won’t be able to pick up while I’m in this house with the others.” She was thinking quickly, sorting out options. “But he wants contact. I need to give him what he wants. Can you put a tracking device on my phone for the next twenty-four hours so that I can grab his signal?”

  “I’ve already done it.”

  “Thanks, Venable.” She hung up.

  What did Kadmus want from her beside the obvious? Revenge? Information? She was clearly going to find out.

  And what then?

  Go after Kadmus herself? Or stick with Cameron’s plan for tomorrow night? Tomorrow night might be too late. She had an idea that Kadmus was impatient and hungry. Impatient men were prone to mistakes. Cameron has set up his scenario and just assumed she would go along with it. Maybe she would. But she would have to think about it and maybe do
a little reconnoitering of her own.

  Her phone rang. Private number.

  Is that you, Kadmus? Probably. But you can’t have me. Not yet.

  He was as impatient as she’d thought. But if he’d called once, he’d call again.

  Soon.

  And she’d be ready for him.

  CHINATOWN

  CLEMENT STREET

  WEDNESDAY

  9:35 P.M.

  Call me, Kadmus.

  She gazed at her reflection in a shop window that sold Chinese toys. Pretty, genteel toys. Nothing Luke would appreciate. She didn’t look very genteel herself. She had aimed at appearing to be a casual tourist. She wore a loose white blouse, had bound her hair up beneath a colorful scarf, and was wearing large tortoiseshell glasses.

  Call me, Kadmus.

  She’d been moving around Chinatown for the last hour, waiting for a call that had not come. Though she had stayed principally in the alleyways and away from anywhere that she might be recognized. It was irritating that Kadmus had not seen fit to call when she was perfectly placed now.

  Four blocks from the fireworks factory.

  A good sixteen blocks from Celia’s house.

  If Kadmus tapped her phone, he would definitely trace her to this area, and it would be a smooth way to make a connection to the factory if they decided to use Cameron’s plan. It might be assumed she’d come from the factory safe house.

  And the distance to Celia’s house should be safe for everyone there.

  Just call and get this over with, Kadmus.

  Five minutes later, the phone rang.

  Private number.

  Be cool. No eagerness.

  She let it ring three times before she picked up. “Is that you, Kadmus? I hear you’ve been exceptionally inquisitive. I’m flattered you think that I’m worth all the money you must have spent.”

  “I’m only going to talk for a few minutes,” Kadmus said. “I know you probably have a trace, bitch.”

  “And you don’t? Talk, Kadmus.”

  “I want Cameron. You’re going to give him to me.”

  “He’s not mine to give. Find him yourself.”

  “You were with him when you took that scumbag, Jack Sen, from the hospital. What did Cameron promise you to help him? Money? Treasure? Death to your enemies? He’s very good at promises. But don’t bank on his keeping them. I’ve already killed one man he promised to take under his wing.”

  “Did you torture him as you did Erin?”

  “Yes, the fool killed himself rather than betray Cameron.” He paused. “I should have gone another route and tortured his children. But I learn from my mistakes.”

  She tensed. “What are you saying?”

  “You have a son, and you have him with you. You apparently can’t bear to be parted from him. Give me Cameron or I’ll not only kill your boy, I’ll cut him into pieces … very slowly.”

  She drew a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger … and fear. “You bastard. Luke has nothing to do with this.”

  “I really don’t care,” Kadmus said. “I’ll take him, or Erin Sullivan, or your friend, Hu Chang. Anyone who stands in my way. You stand in my way, Ling.”

  “You can’t touch him. You have no idea where he is now.”

  “I’ll find out. I have photos of all of you. I have men searching the city. I’ll find your Luke, then you’ll come begging to trade Cameron. But it might be too late. If I find Cameron first, I won’t have a use for the boy. He’ll be in my way, and I’ll kill him.” He added persuasively, “What do you care about Cameron? Let me have him and keep your son. I’m hanging up now. I’ll call you tomorrow evening. By that time, I should have my sights on you. It might be your last chance to deal.” He hung up.

  Move!

  Three minutes would have been enough for him to get a fix on her location. There would be someone here within a few minutes or less.

  She accessed the tracking device as she started trotting down the street, then ducked into the alley. It gave her a general location somewhere near the park but had not had time to pinpoint the exact location, dammit. She hadn’t really expected to get lucky. She ducked into an alley and ran toward the brightly lit street at the other end. Stay away from Celia’s and keep running until Kadmus’s men gave up the search.

  Run.

  Don’t get near Luke until it was safe.

  Oh, God, when would it be safe for him?

  That bastard, Kadmus. He had meant it when he’d said he’d chop him into pieces. Look what he’d done to Erin.

  Watch.

  Run.

  She darted in and out of alleys and streets for the next ten minutes.

  She finally stopped and drew a deep breath. She’d not seen any signs of pursuit, but that didn’t mean that she was free to go back to the house. Give it another ten minutes.

  “Or fifteen.”

  She whirled to see Cameron walking down the alley toward her.

  She could only see him dimly, but his grim expression was not to be mistaken. She braced herself. “Ten should be enough. I haven’t seen any signs of Kadmus’s men.” She moistened her lips. “And I do have on a disguise.”

  “Not much of one.” He stopped before her. “That scarf only makes you look more exotic.”

  “I considered wearing a wig, but I decided the scarf looked more casual. I think it works.” Why was she standing here talking to him about wigs? she thought impatiently. “Why are you here?”

  “Because you’re here,” he said roughly. “And because you didn’t see fit to tell me that you were playing Kadmus alone.”

  “It was a recent development. I thought it had potential.” She paused. “I don’t have to ask how you knew about it.”

  “It was too dangerous trusting you to be cool and reasonable after last night. I had to know what you were thinking.” He added, “And what you were doing.”

  “And you found out. I’m sure you eavesdropped on my conversation with that bastard.” Her lips twisted. “Am I a threat to you, Cameron? Kadmus wants to use me as one, and he’s determined to find my Achilles’ heel. What do you generally do to threats?”

  “That wouldn’t apply. It’s not the same.”

  “You’d destroy them.”

  “It’s not the same,” he repeated.

  “No? Then what should I do if Kadmus does get his hands on Luke and wants me to hand you over to him?”

  “Do as he said—betray me and save your son.”

  “No!” Her eyes widened in stunned horror. She had not expected that answer. “That’s not acceptable either. You’re the Guardian and supposed to be able to solve all this kind of ugliness. What good are you?”

  “Good enough to take on Kadmus. So betray me and let me do it. But that won’t happen. I promised you that I’d take care of your son.”

  “Kadmus said that your promises aren’t worth a damn.”

  “He lied.”

  “I know,” she whispered. “I think I know, Cameron.”

  “He shook you. He made you afraid,” Cameron said harshly. “I could feel him doing it. I wanted to kill him.”

  “So did I.” She smiled with an effort. “I hate being afraid. I can usually control it. But there’s no rhyme or reason about any threat to Luke. I react instinctively.” She straightened her shoulders. “And I can take care of my own son, Cameron. You go take care of yourself. I was hoping against hope that I might be able to zero in on Kadmus’s location, but that didn’t happen. Which means we’ll have to go along with the plan for tomorrow night.” She started to turn away. “Now I’ll go back to Celia’s. I found a roundabout way to get there when I was wandering around waiting for Kadmus’s call that should be safer.” She looked back at him. “I suppose you were tuned in to that, too?”

  He didn’t answer.

  She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Everything matters.” His hand was on her wrist, whirling her to face him. He tore the scarf from her hair and the glasses from her
face and tossed them on the ground. Then she was in his arms, pressed against his body, his hand cupping the back of her head against his chest. “When it’s between us.”

  Her heart leaped, and she went still. No, don’t touch me. Don’t let it be like last night. She was feeling vulnerable enough right now.

  “Shh.” He was rocking her, his face buried against her temple. “I only want to hold you, help you. Don’t fight me.”

  She couldn’t fight him. He had never been like this with her. He was showing her the same exquisite tenderness she had seen him show Erin that night at the hot springs. It was like being stroked with velvet, and that tenderness was flowing into her and taking out all the pain.

  “If you’d just accept me, I’d never let you be hurt again,” he said thickly.

  Just one more minute, then she’d step away from him. “Oh, yes, that would be just fine,” she said unevenly. “No responsibility for what I do or the safety of my son. All I have to do is act like a robot and permit you to run my life.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “I think it is. It’s like your damn committee, who are trying to bring peace as they perceive it to the world. They do it by stealing brains and talent and cocooning the chosen to wait for the rest of us to destroy ourselves.” She moved away from him. “Only I wouldn’t be chosen, Cameron. I’d rather be in the trenches trying to keep the bombs from falling and the madmen from inheriting the Earth.”

  “So did I at one time.” He didn’t try to touch her again, but she felt as if she could still feel his hands on her, hear his heart beneath her ear. His eyes were glittering, and the tenderness was no longer there. Intensity. Passion. Lust. This was the Cameron of last night, and she could feel her body begin to respond in the same way. He said recklessly, “And screw the committee, I choose you. No one would question me.”

  “I’m sure they wouldn’t. You seem to be all-powerful in their eyes.” She turned away and grabbed her scarf and glasses from the ground where he’d thrown them. “Well, I don’t choose you.”

  He wasn’t following her as she’d thought he might. He stood watching her as she hurried away from him.

  “You will, Catherine,” he called softly. “You will.”