Long After Midnight

by Iris Johansen

  “I’ll have to work on it.”

  “Work fast.” She closed her eyes. God, she’d sounded like a bitch and Seth had been wonderful. “I’m sorry. I know you’ll do the best you can. I’m just so afraid that—”

  “You need some sleep.” Seth turned away. “No one’s leaving the hospital. I’ll arrange to get you and Phyliss a room here. Rimilon will be on guard in the hall.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll stay with Joshua.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’ll do it.”

  “He’ll need you more later.”

  “Are you crazy? I’ve been without him for weeks and he’s sick.”

  He held up his hands in surrender. “Okay, I’ll come with you.”

  “It’s not necessary. He’ll be sleeping.”

  “Maybe not. But I’d kind of like to stay anyway.”

  Seth couldn’t persuade Kate to leave Joshua until nearly dawn and then only because she decided she had to go to the lab and check to see why Joshua’s latest blood results hadn’t come back.

  “Why don’t you take time to shower and change? I won’t leave him,” Seth said.

  “Maybe.”

  She wouldn’t do it, Seth thought as the door swung closed. She’d been hanging over Joshua all night, and she’d be back here as soon as it was possible.

  He could use a shower himself, he thought wearily as he leaned back in his chair. It had been a hell of a twenty-four hours.

  “Seth.” Joshua’s eyes were open. He whispered, “I blew it, didn’t I?”

  “It’s like being shot from ambush. Not your fault.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  “No problem. We’ll get through it.”

  Joshua frowned. “Really?”

  Seth smiled. “Really.”

  “I’ll be ready to go back real soon.”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary. The danger has lessened. How would you like to stay at the same hotel with your mom and me? Maybe in the suite next door.”

  He smiled eagerly. “Could I?”

  “You’re still not going to be able to go out, but at least you’ll be aboveground.”

  He yawned. “And I could see Mom?”

  “Every day.”

  “Good.” He closed his eyes. “I missed her.”

  Seth could see he was about to drift off. “She missed you.”

  “Will Grandma be . . .”

  He was asleep. Seth sat back in the chair. Funny. He could see a lot of himself in the kid. Nah, he had never been as steady as Joshua. That was all Kate. Or maybe it was all Joshua. Seth had always believed that people were born with their own special souls. If that was true, Joshua was lucky. He’d drawn a winner.

  He should go and tell Kate that Joshua had woken up.

  No, this was one of the good times. He’d sit here for a little while with Joshua and enjoy it.

  “Mr. Drakin?”

  Seth looked up to see a dark, heavyset young man smiling at him from the doorway with Rimilon hovering behind him. “I’m William Blount. May I have a word with you?”

  “I’m busy.”

  Blount glanced at Joshua. “He’s sleeping. I won’t take more than a minute of your time.”

  “Who are you?”

  “At present I’m employed by Raymond Ogden.”

  Seth stared at him for a minute and then rose to his feet. “Ten minutes. In the hall, right outside.”

  “As you wish.” His smile widened. “Though I’m no threat to either you or the boy. What do you think I am? A monster?”

  “There seem to be quite a few wandering around.”

  Blount glanced at Rimilon. “Can we dispense with this gentleman? I need a bit of privacy.”

  Seth nodded at Rimilon and the man moved to his former position a few yards down the hall.

  “Thank you,” Blount said.

  Seth closed the door and leaned back against it. “What do you do for Ogden?”

  “Oh, this and that. My title is personal assistant. I assure you I’m in his deepest confidence.”

  Seth waited.

  “You’re still afraid that I mean you harm.” Blount shook his head. “Will it put you more at ease to know that Ogden knows nothing about your whereabouts at this time? My man reported only to me.”

  “How did you find us?”

  “A bug. We were right behind you when you landed in that field. We landed a few miles away and arrived just in time to see you take off again without our little device. A huge disappointment. But your friend Rimilon obligingly left a few hours later, and we followed him here. You mustn’t be angry with him. I have good people and we were very careful.”

  More careful than Rimilon, Seth thought, trying to control his rage. Even if Blount’s men were experts, Rimilon should have made sure he wasn’t followed. He didn’t usually make mistakes like this, and Seth would make goddamn sure he didn’t make another even if he had to break the bastard’s neck. “And you didn’t report any of this to Ogden?”

  “Ogden and I are not in agreement on a number of things.”

  “Such as?”

  “He wants to destroy RU2.”

  “And you don’t?”

  “Why should anyone destroy a goose that could lay a golden egg? Do you know how many people would be willing to pay a fortune to be treated with RU2? Illness falls on rich and poor alike. Fortunately, the rich can pay handsomely to be saved from the grim reaper.”

  “And what do you want from me?”

  “You now own RU2. What if we opened a large clinic in Switzerland? We’re talking about billions.”

  “Are we?”

  “I’ve investigated your background thoroughly. This fruitless battle to get RU2 accepted must be very distasteful. That kind of commitment isn’t for you. You like to move around. Now all you have to do is supply the RU2 and leave the rest to me. You don’t even have to show up at the clinic.”

  “I could hire a business manager for that. Why do I need you?”

  “We both know that once the success of RU2 is demonstrated, it will be impossible to keep samples from being stolen. It could be a more lucrative black market than cocaine. You need a powerful organization to discourage such thievery.”

  “And you have such an organization?”

  “My father is Marco Giandello.”

  Seth masked his sudden flare of interest. “And he’s committed to the plan?”

  “I’ve discussed it with him in depth. It’s not exactly his field of preference, but he’s willing to back me. We’re a close family.”

  “So I’ve heard,” Seth said dryly.

  “Don’t misunderstand me. My father would be far in the background. This would be a legitimate enterprise.” He paused. “Are you interested?”

  “I could hardly help but be interested. What about Ogden?”

  “I’ll part company with Ogden as soon as it’s convenient for us. It’s not a bad thing to be in his confidence.”

  “Can you get him to call off Ishmaru?”

  “I’m afraid Ishmaru is out of his control. He’s become obsessed. Pity.”

  “More than a pity. I find him . . . inconvenient. I want him out.”

  “I can arrange that.”

  “Tell me where he is and I’ll arrange it.”

  He shook his head. “Ishmaru still has his uses.” His smile became smug. “But I’ve been able to sidetrack him. I made a deal.”

  “Was part of the deal telling him where we are?”

  “Oh yes, but he won’t bother you. He wants Kate Denby.” He frowned. “Or maybe the boy. I’m not sure.”

  Seth reined in his fury at the casual statement. “That’s reassuring.”

  “And he’s promised that within a few days he’ll be on a plane out of Washington.”

  “Going where?”

  “I can’t share all my secrets. Let’s just say removing Ishmaru is my gesture of goodwill. Will you think about my proposal?”

  Seth slowly
nodded.

  A flicker of excitement showed in Blount’s expression. “I knew a man of your character would see the advantages.”

  “You mean lack of character, don’t you?” Seth shrugged. “I’m making no promises. Let me think about it. Where can I get in touch with you?”

  Blount quickly handed him a card. “It’s my private line in Ogden’s office.”

  “This isn’t a Seattle number.”

  “No, Ogden rented a house in Virginia. He wanted to be near Washington during this crucial time.”

  Seth thrust the card in his jeans pocket and opened Joshua’s door. “Until I make my decision, I trust that there will be no more incidents like the Noah Smith death?”

  “That was Ishmaru. Though Ogden wasn’t displeased until he found that Smith’s death did him no real good. He doesn’t want any martyrs now that you’re all in the public eye. It would focus too much attention.”

  “And what do you want?”

  “I want my clinic in Switzerland. Would I cut off my nose to spite my face?”

  “I had to be sure.” He smiled. “I believe I’ll be in touch, Mr. Blount.”

  “I’ll look forward to it.” He turned and moved down the corridor toward the bank of elevators.

  Seth’s smile lasted only until the elevator doors closed. “Son of a bitch.” He wheeled and turned to Rimilon, who was down the corridor, leaning against the wall. “Stay here. Don’t let anyone in to see the boy.”

  “No one? What about the nurses or—”

  “No one,” Seth tossed back over his shoulder as he ran down the hall. Kate. Ishmaru knew where they were. He could be in the hospital right now. Watching. Stalking.

  Kate had gone to the lab. Where the hell was the lab?

  Kate wasn’t in the lab. She was standing at the nurses’ station, talking to the head nurse.

  She turned as Seth approached. “Is he awake? I’ve just been—”

  “Ishmaru knows we’re here.”

  She felt the blood drain from her face. “How do you know?”

  “I’ll tell you later. I don’t want you wandering about the hospital. Come back to Joshua’s room.”

  “Where else do you think I’d go?” She pushed past him and hurried down the corridor. A hospital was such a public place. People came and went. . . . Were there windows in Joshua’s room? Oh God, she couldn’t remember. One window. No fire escape.

  Rimilon smiled as he saw her. “Don’t worry, he’s fine, Dr. Denby. I just took a peek.”

  She must look as terrified as she felt.

  Joshua was sleeping.

  Or was he?

  She went limp with relief as she saw the steady lift and fall of his chest.

  “Stay here,” Seth said in a low voice behind her. “I want to alert Security and then try to find—”

  The phone on Joshua’s bedside table rang.

  She went rigid.

  “Christ.” Seth started toward the phone.

  “No.” She was there before him, picking up the receiver.

  “How sick is he, Emily?”

  Fear lanced through her. “Damn you, leave my son alone.”

  “Did my little joke at Migellin’s amuse you? The cowlick was hard. Do you know I had to spend three days at that elementary school to get a perfect match? It was close, wasn’t it?”

  “Leave . . . him . . . alone.”

  “Oh, I intend to leave him alone . . . for now. I wanted you to suffer and I’ve accomplished my purpose. I think our battle will be much more enjoyable if you know while I’m killing you that you can’t prevent your son from dying. It will increase both your pain and your will to live. No, you first, then him. I never meant it any other way.” He paused. “But there has to be another coup before our battle. Someone who will mean something to you. I’ve gone to too much trouble.”

  “Then come and get me.”

  “Not before I’ve planned everything perfectly. You took away the guardians, but if I destroy you, I’ll still be able to keep the dreams away. I know you’re helping them to get through to me.”

  “You’re insane.”

  “So insane I’ve managed to have you dance to my tune. It was pleasant, but now it’s time for the coup. Guess who I’ve chosen?”

  He hung up the phone.

  “What did he say?” Seth asked.

  “He wants a coup, but he doesn’t want it to be Joshua.” She moistened her lips. “He said it’s not time. He told me to guess who—” Her gaze flew to his face. She whispered, “Oh God, Phyliss.”

  “Shit.” He ran out the door.

  She followed at a dead run.

  Phyliss was alone, sleeping, unable to defend herself.

  They’d been so afraid of the threat to Joshua that they’d forgotten how unpredictable Ishmaru could be.

  Let it not be too late, she prayed. Not Phyliss . . .

  They turned the corner. Two rooms down.

  Seth burst through the doorway and turned on the light. “Phyliss!”

  Phyliss opened her eyes and yawned. “Time to get up? How’s Joshua?”

  Kate’s heart was beating so hard that she could hardly get her breath to speak. “Fine.”

  “Good. I’ll take my turn at watching him as soon as I have my shower.” She frowned as she sat up and swung her legs to the floor. “Why are you staring at me, Seth?”

  He cleared his throat. “I was just thinking how wonderful you look.”

  “Bull. No woman my age looks good in the morning. You know, it’s a good thing this is a hospital. Because you’re really sick.” The bathroom door closed behind her.

  Seth shook his head. “Damn, I was afraid. I couldn’t think—” He stopped as he saw Kate reach over to the other side of Phyliss’s pillow.

  A piece of notepaper lay mere inches from where Phyliss’s head had rested.

  Not her either. Not yet. Guess again, Emily.

  Seth turned away from the waiting room coffee machine, handed Kate a cup, then sat down in the chair opposite her. “How do you feel?”

  “How do you think I feel?” She shivered and quickly took a sip of hot coffee. She couldn’t seem to rid herself of the chill. “I was scared to death.”

  “So was I.”

  “How did you know that Ishmaru was here?”

  “I had a visitor.” He related the details of Blount’s visit. A smile lit his face as he ended with “Good, huh?”

  She felt a sinking sensation at Seth’s excitement. “No, damn you. You’re not going to do it.”

  The smile faded from his face. “I meant the fact that Blount may have been telling the truth about Ishmaru being out of the picture for a while, not Blount’s clinic. I told you I’d stay with you on RU2.”

  “I know you did but—”

  “But you thought I’d deal with the people who murdered Noah because it would mean shucking responsibility.” His hand tightened on his cup. “For God’s sake, don’t you know me better than that?”

  “Sometimes it’s hard to read you.” But she could read him well enough to realize that she had hurt him.

  “They say no one knows you better than the one you sleep with.” He added bitterly, “Maybe I should look deeper into my motives. Could be I’m worse than I thought.”

  “Stop it.” She couldn’t stand his pain. She reached out and covered his hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it. It was stupid.”

  “It was stupid.” He took his hand away. “But if you thought it, you should say it. It’s no surprise. I’ve known how you’ve felt.”

  “I spoke without thinking. I’ve been through hell tonight. And how am I supposed to forget that you threw a fit when you found out you’d inherited RU2?”

  “We’ve been working and sleeping together. I’d have thought you’d remember that too.” He tilted his head. “But maybe you don’t want to remember. Do you find me threatening, Kate?”

  “Threatening? I don’t find you—”

  He waved his hand impatiently. “Forg
et it. I didn’t mean to make you defensive. It’s not important. Anyway, I think Blount was telling the truth about Ishmaru. He thinks he’s got him bottled up. But Ishmaru is too erratic; we’ll still have to be careful.”

  He had changed the subject and she was relieved. He’d made her feel guilty and unsettled and a little afraid.

  Afraid?

  She asked quickly, “What about Blount? Can he be a danger?”

  Seth nodded. “He’s no judge of character, but I’m sure he’s more cunning than Ogden and just as dirty. He’s also got his dear old dad to pull into the play.” He shrugged. “But I’ve stalled him for the time being. Like you, he thinks he’s made me an offer I can’t refuse.”

  It was a barbed dig and it hurt. Everything he said to her today seemed to hurt. “How long do you think we have before Blount becomes suspicious?”

  “A week is reasonable. Maybe two if I can push it.” He looked up. “But I saw a few possibilities in Blount’s setup.”

  “What possibilities?”

  “You wouldn’t approve. I think I’ll keep them to myself until I see how playing the game your way will go.”

  “We’re doing very well. Senator Migellin has been wonderful.”

  “Yes, I’d say the chances are fifty-fifty now.”

  “No more than that?”

  “When we started, I’d have said more like twenty-eighty.”

  “Well, I think we’re doing better than fifty-fifty. I think we’re winning.” She met his gaze. “We’re going to win, Seth.”

  He smiled. “Because you won’t have it any other way.”

  “You’re damn right.”

  “I’m going back to Joshua.” He finished his coffee. “We’re taking Joshua and Phyliss back to Washington with us.”

  Joy surged through her. “Is it safe?”

  “As safe as anywhere now. This area’s no longer secure, but there’s a chance we may have a reprieve from Ishmaru.” He stood up. “We’ll make it safe. I’ll put them in the suite next door and install Rimilon in the same suite with them.”

  She made a face. “Phyliss will love that.”

  “She’ll love it if it protects Joshua. Rimilon can be unobtrusive when he tries.” His lips tightened. “He’ll try hard. He wants very much to please me right now.”