The Persuasion

by Iris Johansen

  “Nowhere. Not much. I was angry. I said it for effect.” She stared balefully at Caleb. “But you could have hurt me.”

  “Not likely. You’re tough.”

  She smiled at him. “Yes, I am.”

  “Good,” Jane said as she started to turn away. “Then if you’re not hurt and I’m obviously in the way, I’ll go back to my tent. I’ll let Caleb fill you in on a few things that might explain why he was a bit upset when he’d lost contact with you.”

  “No, don’t go.” Lisa took a swift step forward. “I didn’t come here to see Caleb. Why would I do that? I didn’t know he was here. As far as I knew, you were still being as ridiculous as you were when I talked to you on the phone. I came to see you.”

  “Why?”

  “I thought I had a good reason.” She glanced warily at Caleb and added quickly, “Just to talk, nothing else. But when I arrived at the airport, I called the castle to see where I could find you out here on the dig. They told me you were in the hospital and wouldn’t be back until later tonight.” She frowned. “I didn’t like that. You were fine when I talked to you.”

  “I’m fine now.”

  “I thought I’d come and see for myself.” Her gaze was on the bandage on Jane’s temple. “I was kind of worried.” She turned to Caleb. “Is she okay?”

  He nodded. “Concussion, but there will be no problems if she doesn’t do anything foolish. The cut was nothing.”

  Lisa breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. Then we should be able to handle it. Those people at the castle were all weird and tense and wouldn’t answer any questions.”

  “I’m handling it, Lisa,” Caleb said.

  “No, I’m here. You might not like the way I showed up, but that’s your problem. Did you know that I spent six months last year getting EMT training at a hospital in Dallas? It was fascinating. I’m actually overqualified to keep an eye on her.” She smiled cheerfully. “So make use of me.”

  “It’s not quite that simple,” he said quietly.

  “No?” She was gazing searchingly at him as her smile faded. “Tell me why not.”

  “I’ll see you later, Lisa,” Jane said as she turned and headed back up the hill. “You might give her a glass of that wine, Caleb. She might be tough, but she could still have a few lingering nightmares hovering over her.”

  “What does she mean?” Lisa turned back to Caleb. “What nightmares?”

  Jane glanced at his face. It was going to be okay. Suddenly all the hardness was gone from his expression as he took Lisa’s arm. There was only the love, the closeness, the boundless compassion and bonding that always existed between them.

  “Not anything you can’t handle.” He picked up the bottle of wine on the ground. “But we’ll pamper Jane and let her think we’ll follow her advice. Sit down and I’ll get you a glass.”

  * * *

  “Could I talk to you, Jane?” Lisa whispered. She was standing at the door of the tent with the glow of the firelight behind her outlining her slender figure. “Caleb said tomorrow, but I can’t wait.” She glanced at Michael still asleep across the tent and lowered her voice even more. “He said you might be asleep by now but I didn’t think so. It’s only been a couple of hours. I’ll try to be quick.”

  Lisa was right: No way had Jane been able to drift off. The scene between Caleb and his sister had been too charged with emotion that Jane found contagious. Jane put a finger to her lips, then got up and moved quickly toward the door. The next moment she was outside the tent and fastening it behind her. “Caleb could have been right. Tomorrow might have been better,” she said as she sat down a few feet away. “It’s been a busy night for all of us.”

  “Caleb is usually right,” Lisa said as she sat down beside her. “And I’m impatient and inconsiderate and you’re just out of the hospital. All that is true, but it doesn’t change the fact that we’ll all sleep better once we talk.” She threw out her hand in disgust to indicate Caleb, who was now sitting beside the fire talking on his phone. “Except him. He’s trained himself to sleep like a rock under any circumstances. After he finishes with that call, he’ll roll over and go right to sleep. I could slap him.”

  “No, you couldn’t,” Jane said flatly. “A couple of hours ago you were attacking me just for hinting that he might not be totally perfect.”

  “That was different.” She made a face. “I can’t help it. It’s instinct. I’m sorry I said you were ridiculous. I’ve been a little upset with you lately.” She shook her head. “No, a lot upset. And I can’t let it happen again. I can’t let Caleb get angry and send me away.” She reached out and took Jane’s hands. “You’ve got to help me.”

  “He’s your brother, Lisa. I have nothing to say about it. Speak up for yourself.”

  “You have everything to say about it. Caleb told me about the blood and the photo and all the rest.” Her hands tightened. “Those monsters are back.” Her voice was shaking. “They killed my sister. And now they’re going to try to kill Caleb. He’s the one they always wanted.” Her face was pinched and pale. “Did you really think that giving me a drink or two would make that particular nightmare go away?”

  “No, I just wanted to remind Caleb that everyone isn’t as resilient as he is.” She added gently, “But there was no need. I could see that he’d tell you everything in the gentlest way possible.”

  “Resilient?” She looked at her incredulously. “Why shouldn’t he have been? He had all the practice in the world. I’ve told you that he went through hell from the day he was born. He just refused to show it. When we were kids, I watched our parents call him a monster and punish him for any little wrong.” Her eyes were blazing. “Bad blood, they’d say. It was no wonder he made everyone around him afraid. Naturally he was blamed for anything that went wrong.” She drew a deep breath and tried to regain control. “And he listened to them, took everything they said and did to him, and just walked away. And then later, when he was older, there were always real monsters out there in the world who wanted to destroy him.” She drew a shaky breath, trying to recover her composure. “But I won’t let anyone else punish him ever again.”

  “I can see how you’d feel like that,” Jane said gently. “But I’ve never seen anyone as strong or clever as Caleb. If he ever was a victim, every trace disappeared a long time ago.” Wise words designed to ease the girl’s pain. Yet Jane had moments when she felt the same fury at injustice that Lisa was feeling. But this was not the time to do anything but soothe and distract. “He can take care of himself. He doesn’t need you, Lisa.”

  “Well, he’s got me.” She was smiling recklessly. “Whether he wants me or not.” She lifted her chin. “And I’ll make him want me. I’ll show him I can be useful. He has no idea all the things I can do these days. Every place I’ve gone, every job I’ve taken, I’ve learned something.”

  “I believe he probably does have a good idea,” Jane said quietly. “Just because he wasn’t with you doesn’t mean that he didn’t keep track. I bet whenever he talked to you on the phone, he ended up knowing exactly what you were doing.”

  “Maybe.” She nodded. “Probably. I always tried to make our conversations interesting for him. Well, then it may be easier for me to convince—” She stopped, frowning. “No, you’ll still be necessary. It wouldn’t be enough.”

  “Necessary?” Jane repeated warily. “What are you talking about?”

  “You have to convince Caleb that I should stay with you and help you.” She held up her hand as Jane opened her lips to protest. “And you can’t let him bring in any of those people he was talking about to stash me away someplace. They’d just get in the way.”

  “And might save your life,” Jane said dryly. “I agree with Caleb that that’s an end much to be desired.”

  “But Caleb doesn’t even believe I’d be a principal target.” She grimaced. “He carefully explained that to assure I’d be safe now, he could tuck me safely away. It seems that the cults have been convinced that I just don’t have what it
takes as far as their needs are concerned. What a blow to my ego. And I did so want to grow fangs or give them all my blood as Maria did.”

  “Not amusing, Lisa.”

  “That wasn’t amusement, it was bitterness. Or perhaps I’m just jealous because I wasn’t even on the list to act as bait for Caleb this time. Caleb said it’s clear that everything they’ve done, the photos, the attacks, are elaborate setups to warn him that you’re the chosen one.” She made a face. “Those ghouls evidently think that sex and whatever else keeps him coming back to you will be the weapon they need to bring him down.” She added fiercely, “And they don’t even realize that you don’t care if they kill him.”

  Jane felt a jolt of shock that turned to outrage. “That’s not true, Lisa. And I won’t allow you to say it. I know you’re in pain, but that’s no excuse.” Then she saw the tears running down Lisa’s cheeks and the anger melted. “Shit.” She pulled her into her arms and held her close. “Maybe a little excuse. But don’t you dare do it again.”

  “I won’t,” Lisa whispered. “I know it was a lie. You don’t want him to die. You just might not do everything I’d do to keep him alive. Maybe no one would. I should have been the one they chose.” She pulled away and wiped her cheeks on the back of her hands. “I told you I was bitter. And I’m acting like an adolescent. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” She swallowed. “I’m scared, Jane.”

  “And that’s the last thing Caleb wanted. That’s why he intends to surround you with Palik and his men—to protect you.”

  “As he has all these years?” She shook her head. “I was sitting there beside the fire listening to him give me all the reasons why I’d be safe from the people who’d killed Maria and wanted to kill him. He was very matter-of-fact and perhaps didn’t realize the picture he was drawing for me. But I’m not a fool. Everything he’s done since I was a child, every sacrifice he’s made, has been to keep me safe and protect me from being associated with him.” She paused. “Did you know that, Jane?”

  “Not until very recently. I’ve never been able to read him.”

  “I knew some of it. But I’ve had trouble understanding some of the things he’s done lately because it hurt me.” She sat up straight. “Okay. Now I have to get down to business and talk you into forgetting I’ve been such a bitch, and into doing the right thing.” She moistened her lips. “And the right thing is letting me stay close to you and your brother until Caleb manages to take down that cult. I have medical training that will help, I can shoot, I do karate. I have an entire range of other skills and talents that you’d find useful.” She paused. “And I have one other talent that you’d find of benefit if I find it necessary to call upon it.”

  “No.” Jane instantly shook her head. “I saw what killing Santara did to you. I thought you were going to fall apart. I was grateful for my life, but I don’t want you to ever have to do it again.”

  “I don’t, either. It did something…strange to me.” She stared her in the eye. “But I would do it to keep you or the boy safe. I have to stay close to you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Caleb will be close to you,” she said simply. “You’re the target, and he’ll be waiting for them to attack you. If I’m there, they won’t get the chance.”

  “All very dangerous reasons, Lisa.”

  “Good reasons. Shall I give you another one?” She took a deep breath. “I saved your life and changed my own forever when I used the blood talent on Santara. I never thought I’d ask you to repay me for what happened that day.” She added softly, “But I have to give you another reason to make Caleb keep me here to take care of you. It’s that important to me.”

  “And it’s important to me that you stay alive,” Jane said curtly. “I’d be crazy to let you take a chance like that. Caleb had the right idea. Go away and have him set up protection for you. Look, I don’t know if Caleb’s right about all this, but I’m sure he’ll arrange enough security for me.”

  Lisa was silent. “You’re saying no.” She shook her head. “You can’t do that. I told you, it’s important.” She got to her feet. “Please change your mind. I don’t want to cause you any trouble. It would be so much easier if you’d help.”

  Jane didn’t like the sound of that. “Easier? How?”

  “If I can’t stay with you, I’ll have to go away and just keep an eye on you and Caleb from a distance. But that wouldn’t be nearly as efficient.” She tilted her head speculatively. “Yet I might be able to bypass you and go straight for those slimebags if I concentrate hard enough.”

  “You’re bluffing. Caleb would never permit it.”

  “You’re right, but he has a major disadvantage. He cares about me. Which means he would never hurt me. And I have a major advantage, I’ll do whatever I have to do.” She smiled. “And I could do this, if I had to, Jane. I’m not an expert hunter like Caleb who’s capable of sending the bad guys straight to hell without batting an eye. But I’ve taken the time to learn how to listen and watch. Margaret Douglas taught me a lot during these last months on how to be animal- and woods-savvy. And I’ve always been people-savvy.” She grimaced. “If I could only keep my mouth shut.”

  “That would be truly amazing and gratifying.” But Jane was glad that Lisa hadn’t kept quiet during these last minutes. She had been perfectly sincere, and what she had said had been fairly terrifying. “But you’re on the wrong track. Think about it.”

  “No, you think about it. I’ve already made up my mind.” She turned away. “Now I’ll let you go back to bed while I go down and bunk beside the fire with Caleb.” She’d started down the slope. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Wait. I’ll get you a blanket.”

  “I won’t need it. I’ve never had trouble regulating my body temperature. Guess it’s just another part of the blood talent. I’ll have to ask Caleb.” She yawned. “Sleep well, Jane.”

  She doubted if she’d do that, Jane thought as she went back into her tent. It had been a disturbing night, and tomorrow probably wouldn’t be any better.

  “Jane…”

  She stopped short, her glance going to Michael’s sleeping bag. It would have been too much to hope for that he would stay asleep. “It’s okay. Go back to sleep.”

  “I am,” he said drowsily. “I just wanted you to know that Lisa always keeps her word…That’s kind of…good.”

  Evidently on some level he had been very much aware of her conversation with Lisa. “Or kind of bad. It works both ways.”

  Michael didn’t answer. He was back asleep.

  But his words had only added to the worry and uncertainty that Jane knew would haunt her tonight.

  * * *

  Two hours later Caleb’s phone vibrated in his pocket.

  Palik.

  He got up from the fire and moved several yards away to answer it.

  “His name is Stefano Luca,” Palik said when Caleb picked up his call. “He’s been renting Villa Silvano north of Fiero Village for the last eight months. He appears to have a good deal of money, but no one knows where it comes from. Rumors are that he has investments in an automobile company in Milan. He doesn’t go into town very often, and when he does it’s usually to the tavern to talk and drink with the natives. The bartender says he’s very quiet, but he’s treated with respect by the others.”

  “You’re certain it’s him?” Caleb asked. “It doesn’t seem logical he’d be this easy to find. He’d realize I’d be hunting him. Setting up only a few miles from the village and that cave where you just found three bodies? Very bold.”

  “I took the photo we got from the security cameras at Mantua and showed it to the bartender at the tavern as well as several of the merchants around the village. Definite ID. I’m on my way now to the villa he rents to check out his staff.” He paused. “And see what else I might run across there.”

  “Take someone with you.”

  “I will. I’ve had my fill of risking my neck for one day. The bodies in that cave were enou
gh to send a chill through me. I’m not like you. Blood has a tendency to turn my stomach. Particularly my own blood.”

  “I’d be interested to see what you’re going to find at that villa, but I don’t think it will be Stefano Luca. I believe that crucifix in the cave might have been the swan song for his introductory prelude. I’d judge he’s ready to strike closer to the main selection now. I wouldn’t be surprised if the residence was closed up.”

  “I’ll still get in and check it out.”

  “Absolutely. And when you do, I want you to find some item of clothing belonging to Luca and send it to me.”

  “Right.” He paused, bracing himself. “You haven’t asked me about Haverty’s report. He hasn’t found your sister yet.”

  “I know. Lisa is here. She evidently decided that she didn’t want an escort.” He added curtly, “Not that the fact that she made it here on her own makes me feel any better about your competence in caring for her.”

  “Well, it makes me feel better.” Palik gave a relieved sigh. “And I guarantee it will make Haverty feel better. Neither one of us wanted to face you. You’ll need me to arrange guards for her?”

  “Eventually. She’s with me now. I’ll let you know. Just concentrate on finding Luca and keep him away from Jane and this castle. Get back to me as soon as you have another report on him.”

  “Will do.” Palik cut the connection.

  Stefano Luca. Caleb had a name now. He slipped his phone in his jacket pocket, his gaze lifting to Jane’s tent on the upper slope. A name and a face for the murdering son of a bitch. But he didn’t know enough yet. If he’d been on his own, it would be no time until he had all the facts. But Luca had halted him in his tracks by his attacks on Jane. Caleb couldn’t leave her exposed to him.

  His gaze shifted across the fire to Lisa. She was sound asleep, and she’d said nothing but a brief good night before she had settled in. But he imagined she’d had plenty to say to Jane when she had gone to see her. She would have been cautious because she didn’t want to displease him, but he’d seen how upset she’d been when he’d told her what had been happening. He knew it would be no time at all until that upset translated into action.