The Persuasion

by Iris Johansen

  Her grip tightened on the phone as she finally realized what he was talking about. “Kevin Jelak!”

  “Ah, I thought you’d remember that name. A very bloodthirsty serial killer who came very close to killing your Eve and Joe before Caleb stepped in.”

  “And Jelak was your ‘client’?”

  “As I said, I was just starting out. It took time and contacts to set up each theft, and I needed something on the side to keep me in funds. Dealing with those idiot cult members served to do that as well as anything. Jelak found me useful to run errands to his cult friends in Fiero.”

  “Kevin Jelak was a beast and a murderer. He killed Caleb’s sister as well as several other innocent women. And you’d have to be just as much a beast to take his orders.”

  “I took no orders. I merely used him as he used me. But then as I watched you and thought about it, I suddenly realized why fate had sent me to take that menial job with him. It was really to bring me to you…and to Seth Caleb.” He continued softly, “You with all that talent and skill I worship, and Seth Caleb with an even darker, more powerful talent, who was constantly revolving around you, never quite out of sight. Together I knew the two of you could give me what I want. Can’t you see it?”

  “I can see that you’re a supreme egotist and a madman. You killed two children in that cave at Fiero. You should burn in hell for that alone. Do you think I should be flattered that you chose me for your sick fantasy? Besides being a murderer, you’re a thief and know nothing about art.”

  Silence. “That was another insult. It stings because it comes from you, but I’m being patient because you haven’t realized your place yet. Otherwise I’d have to punish you.” He paused. “Shall I tell you what that place is?” His voice was suddenly intense, full of passion. “Think of the artists of the past, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael. They were nothing in themselves. They would have starved and never reached their potential without their patrons. The popes and noblemen who kept them fed and producing properly were the real creators. And in return it was the duty of the artist to give whatever was required to the patron. Personally, I believe the Medici family were the greatest patrons of their time, but I’ll be far greater.” He paused. “Yes, you should be flattered. Because no one knows you better than I do, and no one appreciates you more. I’ve been watching, studying everything about you since I decided that you were the one who was going to help me reach my own potential.”

  “And what is that?”

  “I’ve told you what I require. To be the supreme patron, with enormous funds and a safe place to live to spend it where no government can touch me.” He paused. “And perhaps you, a superb artist, a beautiful woman, to mentor and enjoy.”

  Shock kept her from speaking for an instant. The sheer egotistical arrogance that he was displaying was incredible. “Then you’ve already failed. There’s no place that will be safe for you now that we know who you are and what you’ve done. And I’m supposed to believe all this nonsense you’re muttering about being my so-called mentor? You’re a liar. You shot at me, you almost killed me. You almost killed Michael. So much for your great plan.”

  “I had no intention of killing you. It was only the time to start teaching you. I only wanted you to feel pain and know it came from me. It’s important you learn I’m the only one who can reward you or cause you agony. That’s what the Medicis had to teach their artists—but look what glorious lives they led. That’s why I was willing to risk you being injured more than I would have liked. I’m glad you survived with only a nasty memory and nothing permanent.”

  “Like a broken neck?”

  “You had a seat belt.”

  “Or Michael dead? That bullet came close to him.”

  “I care nothing for your brother,” he said impatiently. “Just as I cared nothing for those children in the cave. They don’t matter. Why can’t you understand? You had to learn who has the power over you. You’re a significant part of my plan, and if the boy died, it would have only clarified that for you.” He paused. “And I believe I’ve done that, haven’t I? That’s why I called you. I decided that you have to get used to the idea. It will save me time later. I just wanted to touch base and tell you what’s going to happen.”

  “Jane!” She suddenly realized Caleb was now kneeling beside her. His eyes were narrowed fiercely on her face, his expression grim. He held out his hand to take her phone, but she brushed him away.

  “Nothing’s going to happen to me or anyone I care about, Luca,” she said hoarsely. “I don’t believe anything you’ve said. It’s all hogwash. Leave me alone.”

  “But that’s not the plan, Jane. We have to be together or you’ll ruin everything. I can’t permit that. I’ve waited far too long to make it all come together. You have to be with me. Caleb has to be used and then discarded.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. It’s all beginning to come together. Just think about me and your place in life. That’s all you have to do at present. I’ll get back to you.” He cut the connection.

  He was gone. She sat there stunned, staring down at her phone, trying to recover.

  “Luca?” Caleb said grimly. He was swearing softly as he took the phone from her. “Michael suddenly froze and looked across the fire at you. When I saw your face, I knew it had to be bad, but I had no idea you were talking to Luca. Dammit, couldn’t you have let me know?”

  “Be quiet.” She was shaking. “I was in shock. You’re lucky I even remembered to record the call.” She was still in shock. “It was the last thing I expected.” She was trying desperately to keep her voice steady. “His message with those pictures said he was going to contact you later, but it said nothing about me. I thought I was only important enough to be the center of that Playboy spread.”

  “I told you I thought there was more to it than that. You recorded it?” His hand tightened on her phone as he stood up and strode several feet away. “I suppose you don’t want to hear it again right now. Stay here.” He called back across the fire to Lisa, who was staring at them with wide eyes. “Get her a cup of coffee and take care of everything. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “Right.” Lisa scrambled to her feet and was at the coffeepot and grabbing a cup. “Michael, you put away the cards. I believe we’re done for the night.”

  “I do, too.” He was quickly putting the cards in boxes, his worried gaze on Jane. “It’s okay now. He didn’t want to hurt you this time, Jane. He was just so excited he couldn’t wait any longer.”

  Shock on shock. Her eyes flew to his face. “You heard him?”

  He shook his head. “Sort of. More felt him, I guess.” He sat there watching as Lisa gave Jane the cup of coffee. “But it scared me until I found out what he wanted. You did make him angry that one time, but he wanted more to brag and show you how wonderful he was than to hurt you.”

  “Hush, Michael.” Lisa squatted down beside Jane. “Caleb said I was to take care of her and I don’t believe what you’re talking about is going to make her feel any better.” She grinned at Jane. “Though curiosity is killing me, I’ll be noble and not ask questions.” She glanced over her shoulder at Michael. “So we’ll just sit here and let her gather herself together until Caleb comes back. Okay?”

  “Okay,” he said quietly. “But I have to tell Caleb right away, I promised to tell him everything and not try to put stuff in order from now on.”

  “I’m sure that’s important,” Lisa said. “Though he usually tries to get me to do the opposite.” She looked back at Jane. “Drink the coffee. Do you want to get me in trouble?”

  “I wouldn’t think of it.” Jane was beginning to get over that first shock and slowly put together the details of the conversation. Luca was madness. Lisa was real. Michael was real. Caleb was real. If she clung to reality, she’d be able to function again. She lifted the cup to her lips. “In this case Caleb could be right for once. Caffeine might be giving me the jolt I need.”

  “For once?” Caleb repe
ated dryly as he came back toward the fire. “I’m sure that’s difficult for you to admit.” He jerked his thumb toward the tent. “Thanks, Lisa. Will you take Michael up to the tent and stay with him until Jane comes? I need to talk to her.”

  “As long as you realize what a sacrifice you’re asking. I don’t like to be left out of anything.” She turned to Michael. “Come on, kid. They’re insulting both of us, but we’ll get our own back.” As they started up the hill, she added, “At least I will, because I’ll let you tell me everything you felt bound to tell my brother while we’re waiting…”

  Caleb’s gaze was following them. “Michael felt he had to tell me something?”

  Jane nodded. “You said he froze. I thought he actually heard the conversation. Maybe he did, but he said it was more like he felt it.”

  “And that could be even more valuable,” he said quietly.

  “I hate the idea,” she said fiercely. “I don’t want that poison to touch Michael. It’s bad enough that I had to hear that vile son of a bitch. He’s only a little boy.”

  “Who wants to help you. Let him do it.” He paused. “Or he’ll do it by himself.”

  She drew a deep breath. “I know he will. He made that clear to me.” She grimaced. “In the nicest possible way. I just have trouble reconciling the boy with that other Michael that’s tucked inside his head.” She held out her hand for her phone. “And I don’t want him involved with the nastiness that’s Stefano Luca. Arrogant bastard.”

  “Determined bastard.” He was looking into the fire. “Determined. Self-absorbed. Obsessed. Throw in the fact that he’s undoubtedly a psychopath and you have a very ugly customer.” His glance shifted to her face. “And extremely dangerous to you.”

  She shook her head. “Why? I was so upset that nothing was clear to me about what he was saying except that the major threat is still aimed at you.” She looked down into the coffee in her cup. “You’re the one who has to die. That always seems to be the main agenda, doesn’t it? It’s how you live your life.”

  “You really didn’t listen if that’s all you gathered. It appears that I’m not entirely to blame for the nightmare this time,” he said mockingly. “Perhaps I should be insulted that I’m not on center stage. Very damaging to my ego. I’m not the cause, I’m only the impediment that stands in Luca’s way.” He paused. “It’s all about you, Jane.”

  “You’re crazy.” She ran her hand through her hair. “No, he’s crazy. He’s actually been stalking me. When you said that you thought he had been watching me, I believed it had only been for a few days—and that blew my mind. But now he’s saying he’s been practically living in my shadow for years? What kind of creep is he? He was talking about Jelak, and that was the first time I’d even met you. At that time you didn’t give a damn about me or Eve or Joe, all you wanted to do was use us to find Jelak who had killed your sister. Yet Luca was speaking as if we were all marionettes waiting for him to pull the strings. He has to be nuts.”

  Caleb shook his head. “That particular delusion would go right along with everything he said to you. His belief in his own destiny, his search for power, his right to take anything he wanted and not let anything stop him. Why wouldn’t he think that his great destiny had rolled out the red carpet for him? And if he was stalking you, it was probably because he considered you the center that he could work his plans around.”

  Caleb’s words contained a logic that she didn’t want to accept. “It might not be true. He could just be trying to freak me out. Part of the game he’s playing to get at you.”

  “For God’s sake, wake up,” he said harshly. All trace of mockery was gone from his expression as he fell to his knees beside her and grabbed her shoulders. “Listen to me. I’m having enough trouble coming to terms with this.” He gave her a shake. “You’re in this up to your eyebrows, and he has every intention of making you part of his master plan. How he does it will depend on what obstacles we put in his path. That thread of sheer egotism running through everything he said to you scares the hell out of me. He’s not going to accept that he’s to blame for anything. If he’s destined to be this great patron to your artistic genius, then anything you do to stop it is going to infuriate him.”

  “That wouldn’t be reasonable. You can’t know that.”

  “I do know it. I’m a hunter. I listened to him and I know who he is now. I’ve seen it before.” His eyes were blazing. “If anything goes wrong and I don’t handle it right, he might decide that you’ve ruined everything, and he has to eliminate you. He wouldn’t blame himself, he’d blame you, and he wouldn’t let you live.”

  “Let me go.” She was feeling as if she were enveloped in the flames that seemed to surround him. “If you don’t handle it right? You just said it was all about me. Back off, Caleb.”

  His grip tightened for an instant and then he released her. “Sorry.” He sat back on his heels. “But perhaps it’s not quite all about you since Luca knows I’m your lover and wants to kill me. That would give me a vested interest.”

  “That’s crazy, too. He said he saw us at MacDuff’s Run, but there was nothing—”

  “There was something,” he said curtly. “It’s always there and anyone who watched the two of us together as much as he obviously did would know it.”

  “Watched the two of us…” she whispered. “Maybe he wasn’t lying about how long ago it started. He seemed to know everyone in my life. That mention of Eve and Jelak…He said he worked for Jelak. Is that possible?”

  “Maybe. He wasn’t a cult member, because there was no one named Luca among those cult members back then. And I guarantee I took care of all the active members after I killed Jelak. It could be what he said was true—that Jelak and the cult were just underworld contacts because he needed the money. It would explain why Luca would have made a connection with the cult when it definitely wasn’t his main agenda. After Jelak’s death, Luca might have still maintained that connection.” Caleb’s eyes were narrowed thoughtfully. “But he had to have been very smart not to draw attention to himself. And he’s taught himself to be completely unobtrusive or I would have noticed him.” He added through set teeth, “I should have noticed him. If he was watching you over the years, it had to be at a distance or I would have felt him. There’s no way I wouldn’t have been aware of the same presence constantly near you.”

  Jane shook her head. “But it’s not as if you were always there. Luca was wrong. We had our own lives, we only came together fairly recently.”

  “He wasn’t wrong. Just because we weren’t having sex doesn’t mean that I didn’t know where you were, what you were doing, and who you were doing it with.” His lips twisted. “Oh, yes, I was waiting in the shadows for my chance, too, and when you finally decided that maybe you could trust me enough to let me get closer, I went in for the kill.”

  “Don’t talk like that.” She shivered. “You sound as if I was prey you were hunting.”

  He shrugged. “Because that’s how you always thought of me. The Hunter. I knew it even that first time you came to sleep with me. You were trying to overcome it, but I could feel it. But you liked the sex enough to let me keep coming back even if you didn’t trust me to be what you wanted me to be.” He met her eyes. “So in a way I’ve been stalking you far longer than Luca. He’s very perceptive to have read me so accurately.” He got to his feet with one lithe pantherlike movement. “But it won’t do him any good that he’s made you one of his pet projects on his precious list. I’ll still bring him down. It just means that he’s going to be more difficult than I thought. He’s been thinking and plotting for a long time, and he believes he’s ready to make his move. He would never have made that call to you if he wasn’t.” He reached down and pulled her to her feet. “And that means that he’s going to make another move soon to emphasize everything he said tonight. I’ve got to be ready for him. Go on to bed and get some rest. I’ve got to call Palik and then Tovarth at Scotland Yard.” He was swearing softly beneath his breath. “L
uca knows too damn much about us. I’ve hardly broken the surface about what makes that bastard tick yet. The only way I’m going to be able to bring him down is to study and get to know everything about him. That way I can change and twist everything Luca believes he knows to suit myself. I should have been out there myself gathering information instead of depending on anyone else.”

  “Because that’s what you do when you’re on the hunt. That’s how the persuasion works? Find out everything about the prey and then zero in on him,” she said dully as she pulled away from him. “But you couldn’t do that because you promised me that you’d stay and take care of Michael. I tied your hands.”

  “I tied my own hands. You had nothing to do with it. I’ll find out all I need to know. It will just take longer. I’m just pissed off because the focus has changed and I didn’t realize it was entirely on you.”

  “But it’s not entirely on me,” she said unevenly. “Evidently Luca only wants to keep me around to feed his ego and fuck. He wants to kill you. I’d say that tops it.” She added with sudden fierceness, “And I’ll tell you what else tops it. The fact that you actually had very little to do with this. You’ve convinced me that I was the one who caught Luca’s attention and drew his fire. I was like you and MacDuff and thought that I was just a minor chess piece so that someone could get their hands on you. Because that’s the way it’s always been. We all accepted it.” She stabbed her forefinger into his chest. “But that’s not the way it is this time. None of this is your fault. And I’m not going to let anyone kill you just because that nut decided you were in his way. So stop trying to push me aside and send me off to bed, Caleb. I’ll make my own decisions.”