Long After Midnight

by Iris Johansen

“Brenden Arms Hotel. Georgetown. He’s registered under the name of Carl Wylie.” The knife in his flesh was not withdrawn. His hands clenched on the steering wheel. “Yes, by all means, go to Lynski, but keep me informed. In the meantime I’ll work on the other lead I have. Okay?”

  Silence. “Okay.”

  The knife wasn’t there anymore. He felt sick with relief and rage. Damn the bastard for making him feel this weak and ineffectual. “But give me a few days to see if I can find out any more information from the phone company. It won’t hurt you to just watch him for a day or so. Will you do me that favor?”

  “Maybe.” Ishmaru was getting out of the car. He stood beneath the harsh lights of the parking garage, staring without expression at Blount. “Don’t lie to me again.”

  “It wasn’t really a lie. I was just waiting to—”

  Ishmaru walked away, ignoring him as if he were a fly he’d just swatted. Rage tore through Blount. He’d have the fucking asshole killed. He’d call his father and tell him to—No, that was his father’s way. Blount knew that you didn’t kill because of anger. You killed because it was smart.

  He took out his handkerchief and dabbed at his bloody neck. How had Ishmaru gotten into the garage anyway? He’d fire that incompetent jerk in Security. He felt a little better at the decision. After all, his power was still intact.

  This was only a setback. He’d regain control. He’d find a way to use Ishmaru to get RU2.

  And then he’d castrate the fucking jerk and have him tossed in Puget Sound.

  * * *

  TEN

  * * *

  I’m scared,” Kate whispered. She thrust the results of the last test at Noah. “You look at it.”

  “Coward.” He drew a deep breath and studied the results.

  “Are you going to stare at it all day? Tell me.”

  “Give me a chance.” He lifted his gaze and smiled. “Bingo.”

  Joy surged through her. She launched herself into his arms, almost knocking him down. “You’re sure? No mistake?”

  “Read it yourself.” He picked her up and swung her in a circle. “We did it!”

  “What if we made a mistake? We should run another test.”

  “You said that the last time. Don’t worry, half the labs in the world will be running tests on our RU2 before they start using it. That’s why the antirejection factor had to be so high.”

  “I know that.” She stepped back and smiled up at him. “And it’s not our RU2, it’s yours.”

  He shook his head. “It’s ours. I told Tony that I wanted the patent papers changed to show both our names on the application.”

  She stared at him, stunned. “I can’t let you do that. I was only in on the project at the end.”

  His brows lifted. “You don’t think you made a major contribution?”

  “You’re darn right I did. I’m proud as the devil of my work, but I didn’t create RU2.”

  “You almost died for it. That should count for something.” He put his hand over her mouth when she opened it to protest. “It’s settled. Tony should have the paperwork completed by now. He gets cranky when I make changes.”

  She turned her lips away from his hand. “I won’t take credit for something I didn’t do. File the patent with my name and I’ll issue a press release stating that you’re just being overly generous to a colleague.” Her smile had an element of malicious mischief. “Then the world really will think you’re Saint Noah. I’m sure you’ll love that.”

  “I can stand it.”

  She went still as she met his gaze. Something was there, something good and sweet and exciting.

  The promise . . .

  His hand gently brushed her cheek. “Kate . . .”

  Yes, this was right, she thought, this was good. Not that primitive sexuality she’d experienced when she was with Seth. This was sensible and had substance.

  He stepped back and smiled. “Not yet. I refuse to seduce you when you’re riding this high. We’ve got all the time in the world now.”

  Yes, they had time. She smiled back at him. “You know you’re adding fuel to my story. Not only Saint Noah but a monk to boot.”

  “Ouch. You wouldn’t do that to me?”

  She felt a slow warmth move through her. “No, I wouldn’t do that,” she said softly.

  He took a step forward and then stopped. He gave a low whistle. “I think I need to throw up a few barriers. Let’s go telephone Seth and the others and share the news. Then I’ll create a dinner for all of you that will make you—”

  The phone rang.

  “Saved by the bell.” He grinned as he moved toward the phone. “Christ, I can’t believe I said that.”

  “Neither can I,” she said dryly. “No one has ever wanted to be saved from me before. I’m hardly some femme fatale.”

  “You come close enough.” He picked up the phone. “Hello.”

  She looked at him inquiringly.

  “Tony,” he mouthed silently.

  Tony Lynski. She felt a ripple of uneasiness. She knew Noah talked to him frequently, but he represented the outside world. The world they would soon have to face again now that RU2 was complete.

  “No, I haven’t changed my mind,” he said into the phone. “Do you have them ready? Okay, I’ll meet you at your hotel tomorrow afternoon.”

  Her eyes widened in shock.

  She watched him hang up the phone. “You’re leaving?”

  “Just for the day. I have papers to sign.”

  “Couldn’t he come here?”

  “He could, but I don’t want even Tony to know where we are.”

  “Because of me?”

  “I promised that you and your family would be safe. I don’t want to take any chances.”

  “Does that mean you’re taking a chance?”

  “For God’s sake, what do you want me to say? I don’t think anything will happen, but it could.”

  “Then stay here. It’s crazy to leave when you don’t have to. I don’t want you to change the damned patent.”

  “It’s not only the patent. I have some other papers to sign too.” He added quietly, “I have to go, Kate.”

  He wouldn’t change his mind, she realized in panic. He was going and she couldn’t stop him. “Then you’re a fool.” She walked away from him.

  “Does this mean you won’t eat my dinner?” He added coaxingly, “It’s going to be world-class.”

  “Screw your dinner. If you won’t be—” He wouldn’t listen to reason from her, but Seth might be able to persuade him. “Okay. Call Seth and tell them to come.”

  “He won’t listen, Kate,” Seth murmured from the doorway at the end of the evening. Phyliss and Joshua were already going down the steps. “I tried. I even offered to go and get the papers for him.”

  “It’s crazy,” she said fiercely. “He doesn’t have to take the risk.”

  “He’d have to take it sometime. We can’t stay here forever.”

  “Then go with him. Protect him. Isn’t that what you’re here for?”

  “No, I’m here to protect Joshua and Phyliss, and while he’s gone, you’re included in the package.” His lips curved in a sardonic smile. “I know you’d rather I put my head in the noose, but Noah won’t oblige.”

  She hadn’t meant that at all. She just didn’t think of danger in connection with Seth. He seemed to be able to handle anything. “I don’t want anyone to go. I merely thought that two would be—”

  “I know,” Seth said lightly. “I’m dispensable. Noah’s not.”

  “No one’s dispensable.” She impulsively put her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Seth. I was upset. I spoke without thinking.”

  “That’s when the truth always surfaces. It’s okay. I know where your priorities are.” He glanced back at the kitchen, where Noah was loading the dishwasher. “I can’t force him to let me help, Kate. I’m not even sure that I should try. He can take care of himself a hell of a lot better than you. He’ll be okay.”

  �
�You can’t promise that.” She shivered. “Ishmaru is out there.”

  “No, I can’t promise a damn thing.” He turned and started down the steps. “Good night. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”

  She had an uneasy feeling that she had hurt him. Maybe not. It was hard to see beyond that tough, mocking persona to the complex man who lay beneath. One minute she felt she knew him very well, and the next he confounded her. Thank heaven Noah was as solid as Seth was mercurial. She was never entirely comfortable with Seth.

  No, that wasn’t true. She had been comfortable with him at times, and he could be as soothing as a summer wind. He was just not . . . steady.

  “Hey, do I get help with these dishes?” Noah called.

  “Sure.” Another opportunity to talk to him, perhaps persuade him. Though God knows hope and time were running out. “I’ll be right there.”

  Noah left at five the next morning.

  Kate watched the glowing red taillights of the jeep until it disappeared around the curve of the road.

  He was gone.

  Her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

  Dammit, why wouldn’t he listen?

  She went inside the cabin. Keep busy, too busy to think. He had promised he’d call when he reached Lynski in Washington so that she’d know he was safe. That was only a matter of hours. She’d make coffee and then go into the lab, check the results again, make several copies of the disks and documentation. By the time she was finished, she should hear from him.

  She was being too negative. Noah wouldn’t have gone if he’d thought it was risky. RU2 was too important to him to jeopardize. Lynski had been in contact with them for weeks, and there had been no threat. Noah said Lynski had taken every precaution when he had reached Washington.

  There was no reason to think Noah would not be safe.

  It was Noah Smith going into the hotel.

  Ishmaru hadn’t been sure when he’d seen him go by in the jeep. Smith had been very careful. He’d circled the block three times before he’d pulled into the hotel parking lot. Even now he was looking from side to side trying to spot any threat. Very smart.

  Not smart enough. Ishmaru’s hands tightened on the steering wheel of the delivery truck he had parked in the alley by the hotel. A rush of excitement was exploding through him. He hated to admit that bastard Blount was right, but here was Smith strolling into the trap and he’d had to stake out Lynski for only a few days.

  And where Smith was, Kate could probably be found.

  The joy that went through him was close to ecstasy.

  Come out, Smith. Go back to her.

  I’ll be right on your heels.

  Noah finished signing the papers and handed the pen back to Tony. “Is that all?”

  “It’s enough,” Tony said. “Too much. It’s a big damn mistake.” He folded the papers and tucked them into his briefcase.

  “But they’re tight?”

  “Iron tight. I’ll put them in a safe-deposit box at First United Bank of Georgetown.”

  “Right away.”

  “As soon as you leave here.”

  “Don’t wait. I have to call Kate and tell her I’m on my way back to the cabin. Go now.”

  “What’s the hurry? I told you there hasn’t been a sign of any surveillance. Why not have a drink with me?”

  “Another time.” He smiled. “Thanks, Tony.”

  “I just did my job. How’s Seth?”

  “At the moment he’s feeling trapped. He’s scared you’ll insist he join your racquet club.”

  “No chance. I’d throw away my racquet and take up glassblowing if he even came near the place.” Tony turned toward the door. “Will you be here when I come back?”

  “No, I have to get back to Kate.”

  “Umm, that’s interesting.” His smile faded. “Here’s another thing you’ll find interesting. Yesterday Longworth introduced a bill to give the government power to regulate genetic research, experimentation, and product control.”

  “Shit.”

  “He slipped it into a package of welfare programs that the president is clamoring for.”

  “How much time do we have?”

  Tony shrugged. “It depends on how much exposure the bill gets and lobbying done for and against it. I’ve notified the big genetic research labs. Maybe they’ll stir things up.”

  “I can’t count on it.”

  “Then you’d better move fast.” He opened the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Noah stood there for a few minutes after the door had closed. Damn straight, he’d better move fast.

  Noah picked up Tony’s digital phone. A minute later Kate answered.

  “I’m coming home,” Noah said.

  “Everything’s all right?”

  “It could be better. Longworth introduced a bill that will stop genetic research in its tracks.”

  “Damn. Well, we’ll have to find a way to handle it.” She paused. “But I was asking about you. Are you safe?”

  “I’m fine. Everything’s finished and I’m on my way home. I should be there by midnight.”

  “Be careful, it’s raining cats and dogs here. You’ll hardly be able to see the highway.”

  “Midnight.”

  “Good.” Her voice was a little throaty as she added, “I might even be persuaded to fix you a snack.”

  “No snack. We never had our own personal celebration. I think it’s time. I’ll bring champagne.”

  There was a silence at the other end of the phone. “Just bring yourself, dammit.”

  She hung up.

  A smile lingered on his lips as he replaced the receiver. Home and Kate and the—

  Pain sliced through his back.

  “Jesus, what’s—”

  Something struck him in the neck.

  He stumbled and fell to the floor. Oh God, the pain . . .

  He instinctively rolled over to face the attacker.

  Ishmaru. Standing there smiling, a bloody knife in his hand. The bastard had stabbed him, he realized through the haze of agony.

  Ishmaru bent and retrieved the gun from Noah’s coat. “Now we’re going to talk. And if you tell me where to find Kate soon, you may not have to suffer long.”

  “Go . . . to hell.”

  Ishmaru sat down beside him. “I was going to follow you, but there’s always a chance of losing someone in traffic. I didn’t want to take that chance. When I saw Lynski leave, I knew it was a sign. It’s much safer to have you tell me where Kate is.”

  He was bleeding, dying.

  All for nothing . . .

  No, RU2 wasn’t nothing.

  Ishmaru’s knife plunged into his right arm.

  He clenched his teeth to keep from screaming.

  “Tell me,” Ishmaru whispered. He pulled the knife out.

  He was going to pass out. No, fight the bastard. . . .

  “Tell me.”

  He lunged upward, hitting Ishmaru in the chin. He fell back, his eyes glazing. My God, the bastard had a glass jaw. Lucky . . .

  He was on his knees, then on his feet. Had to get out of here before Ishmaru—

  Christ, he hurt.

  He staggered toward the open door. He was in the hall. He could see the elevators up ahead. He had to get to the elevators. Had to get to Kate . . . had to get to Seth.

  RU2 . . . Too many people had died. . . . His people.

  RU2 . . .

  He didn’t see Ishmaru in the doorway behind him.

  He didn’t hear the bullet that tore through his heart.

  Ishmaru ran forward, cursing.

  Why didn’t he realize he couldn’t escape? He was Ishmaru, the warrior. The punch had stunned him but only for a few moments. Then he had been forced to end it too quickly. And with a gun, he thought with disgust. No coup.

  The elevator door opened and a hotel maid started to wheel her cart from the cubicle.

  She saw Noah’s body. She saw Ishmaru coming toward her with a gun in his hand.

&nbs
p; She screamed. The next instant the elevator doors closed as she frantically punched the button.

  The bitch would rouse the entire hotel.

  He knelt and rifled through Smith’s pockets. Car keys, wallet, slips of paper. He took them all and stuffed them into his jacket pocket.

  No one expected to die. They almost always left behind clues to their lives. He doubted if Smith was any different.

  He ran toward the exit door at the end of the hall.

  “Where’s Seth? I’ve got to talk to Seth.”

  “Who is this?”

  “Lynski.” A pause. “You’re Kate.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve got to talk to Seth. Give me his number.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Everything’s wrong. Everything in the whole damn world has gone to hell.”

  Panic soared through her. “Where’s Noah? Is he on his way back?”

  “Give me Seth’s number.”

  She rattled off the number. “Dammit, tell me what’s wrong. Is Noah hurt?”

  “Noah’s dead.”

  He hung up the phone.

  The receiver dropped from her hand. It couldn’t be true. She had spoken to Noah only a few hours ago. He had said he was safe. Noah was coming back tonight. They were going to celebrate. The promise was going to become reality.

  The promise . . .

  Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She shouldn’t be crying. It couldn’t be true. Noah couldn’t be dead. All that brilliance and dedication gone.

  And the man himself, strong, kind, caring . . .

  Michael, Benny . . .

  And now Noah?

  No, it was too much. It couldn’t be true. She sank down on the couch and curled up in the fetal position. She would stay here and Seth would come and tell her it was all a mistake.

  Seth would come. . . .

  Ishmaru impatiently tossed Smith’s wallet on the floor of the car.

  Nothing there to help.

  His car keys followed.

  Nothing was left but a stick of gum and a narrow slip of paper.

  A credit card receipt from a gas station. This one was issued by Pine Mountain Gulf. An address and phone number in West Virginia were listed at the top.