Countdown (38 page)

“Except the ship’s log.”

“That was written three years before he tried to feather his nest. He must have left it at his home in Naples. But when I heard it existed, I knew I had to try to get hold of it. I didn’t know what was in it, but I didn’t want to risk it connecting Cira with my family.”

“Why?”

“The gold. It’s mine and it’s going to stay mine. I couldn’t let anyone know that it might not be in Herculaneum. If they knew there was even a chance that it was here, they’d find a way to tear this place apart.”

“And would they find it?”

“Maybe. I haven’t yet.”

“How do you know that it wasn’t found by one of Cira’s descendants and spent?”

“I can’t know for sure. But there have always been tales of a lost treasure in the family. It was vague, more fairy tale than anything else, and I never paid any attention to it. I was too busy coping with the real world.”

“Like Grozak and Reilly.” She gazed at the portrait of Fiona. MacDuff’s kinswoman might have had her share of trials and tribulations, but Jane doubted she’d had to deal with monsters who cared nothing for human life or dignity.

“You’re shivering,” MacDuff said roughly. “It’s cold in here. If you intended to breach Angus’s stronghold, why the devil didn’t you grab a jacket?”

“I didn’t think. I just went for it.”

“What you always do.” He went over to the desk and opened a drawer. “But I can take care of it this time.” He took out a bottle of brandy and poured a small amount in two shot glasses. “I’ve been known to need a wee drop myself when I’ve been working through the night.”

“I’m surprised you admit it.”

“I always admit my faults.” He grinned as he handed her the shot glass. “That way I don’t intimidate anyone by the sheer volume of my talents and accomplishments.”

“And your incredible modesty.” She drank the brandy and made a face as the liquid burned through her. But in a moment she did feel warmer, steadier. “Thank you.”

“More?”

She shook her head. She didn’t know why she’d accepted the liquor to begin with. She wasn’t sure she trusted him, and he’d already told her that he wanted no one to know that his family had any connection with Cira. He was a tough, ruthless bastard, and that might mean she was in danger of violence. Yet here she was sharing brandy with him and feeling very comfortable about it. “It wasn’t really about the cold.”

“I know.” He tossed off his brandy in one swallow. “It’s been a hard time for you. But brandy is a cure-all for more than the chill.” He took her glass and carried it back to the chest. “And it will make you more mellow toward me.”

“The hell it will.”

“A tiny jest.” His eyes were twinkling. “Mellow is not how I’d ever describe you.” He put away the glasses and brandy. “So are you going to tell Trevor that I may be sitting on his pile of gold?”

“You consider it your pile of gold.”

“But Trevor believes in the luck of the draw and finders keepers. So do most of the people who’ll come after it if you let the cat out of the bag.”

“You can keep outsiders away from the castle.”

“But what if it’s not in the castle? I don’t believe it is. I’ve searched for a long time for some trace or clue to where it’s hidden and I know every nook and cranny. Of course, it could be somewhere on the grounds or even buried back in the Highlands where Angus lived before he came here.”

“Or not exist at all.”

He nodded. “But I won’t accept that. Cira wouldn’t want me to give up.”

“Cira died two thousand years ago.”

He shook his head. “She’s here. Can’t you feel it? As long as her family exists, as long as the Run still stands, she’ll live too.” He met her gaze. “I believe you know that.”

She pulled her gaze away from his. “I’ve got to get back to the castle. Trevor will be wondering where I am. I didn’t tell him where I was going.”

“And he probably didn’t question you because he didn’t want to offend your independence. He’s still not sure of you. Though he’d like to be.”

“I’ve no intention of talking to you about Trevor.”

“Because you’re not sure of him either. Sex isn’t everything.” He laughed. “Though it’s a hell of a lot. Is the bond there, Jane? Does he make you feel what Cira wished Pia? What were her words?
Velvet nights and silver mornings
? Do you feel as if you’re the most important person in his life? You need that.”

“You don’t know what I need.”

“Then why do I feel as if I do?”

“Sheer arrogance?” She turned and headed for the door. “Stay out of my business, MacDuff.”

“I can’t do that.” He paused. “Ask me why, Jane.”

“I’m not interested.”

“No, you’re afraid of what I’ll say. I’ll say it anyway. I can’t stay out of your business because it goes against both my nature and my training.”

“Why?”

“Haven’t you guessed?” He added simply, “You’re one of mine.”

She stopped short, rigid with shock. “What?”

“Mine. Turn around and look at Fiona again.”

She slowly turned around but stared at him instead of the portrait. “Fiona?”

“Fiona wed Ewan MacGuire in her twenty-fifth year and moved to the lowlands. She bore him five children and their family lived a prosperous life until the late 1800s, when Fiona’s descendants fell on hard times. Two of the younger sons left their home to seek their fortune, and one of them, Colin MacGuire, boarded a ship for America in 1876. He was never heard from again.”

She was staring at him, stunned. “Coincidence.”

“Look at her portrait, Jane.”

“I don’t have to look at her portrait. You’re crazy. There are thousands of MacGuires in the U.S. I don’t even know who my father was. And I’m sure as hell not one of ‘yours.’”

“You are until proven otherwise.” His lips twitched. “I believe you’re casting aspersions on the House of MacDuff. You’d rather be a bastard than a member of my family.”

“Did you expect me to be honored?”

“No, just tolerant. We’re not such a bad lot, and we do stand by our own.”

“I don’t need anyone to stand by me.” She whirled and headed for the door. “Shove it, MacDuff.”

She heard him burst into laughter as she ran down the hall toward the steps leading back to the stable. She was confused and shocked and . . . angry. The anger took her by surprise, and she couldn’t see any reason for—

Yes, she could. She had been alone all her life and been proud of the independence that isolation had bred. MacDuff’s sudden revelation did not make her feel warm and cozy. It seemed to take something away from her.

Damn him. He’d probably concocted a kinship just to keep the blasted gold in the family, to keep her from talking to Trevor.

And what was she going to do? How much was she going to tell Trevor?

And why was she even considering limiting what she told Trevor?

Of course she’d tell him everything. Except that nonsense about her being related to MacDuff. What Trevor chose to do about pursuing Cira’s gold was his affair, and she wouldn’t make him feel any reluctance because he might be dipping into her family’s treasure trove.

She had no family but Eve and Joe. She certainly didn’t need to invite an arrogant, paternalistic MacDuff into her life right now.

But
paternalistic
wasn’t the right word. MacDuff’s attitude had been—

She wouldn’t think about MacDuff’s attitude. It disturbed her, and she had enough emotional trauma to deal with right now.

She had reached the courtyard and she saw Trevor standing on the front steps.

Velvet nights and silver mornings.

Screw you, MacDuff. The sex was grand and Trevor was a unique man who stimulated her mind as well as her body. That was all she needed or wanted.

Her pace quickened. “I have something to tell you. I found Cira’s letter, and it’s no wonder Mario didn’t want to tell us about what she . . .”

W
hat do you want me to do about it?” Trevor asked quietly when she’d finished.

“The gold? Whatever you want to do about it,” Jane said. “You’ve searched for it for a long time. Your friend Pietro died in that tunnel trying to find it.”

“Some would say that MacDuff deserves the gold since technically it’s his family’s fortune.”

“Yes. And how do you feel?”

“He deserves it if he can find and hold it.”

“He said you’d say something like that.”

“He’s a perceptive man.” He paused. “I won’t go after it if you don’t want me to. It’s only money.”

“Don’t give me that. It’s a damn fortune.” She started up the steps. “And you’ll have to make up your own mind. I’m not going to be responsible for influencing you one way or another. I’m tired to death of being responsible.”

“And I believe I’m getting tired of being irresponsible. Don’t you think we’d make a great match?”

She felt a surge of happiness, followed immediately by wariness. “What are you saying?”

“You know what I’m saying. You’re scared to admit it. Well, I’m way past that point. You’ll have to catch up. How did you feel when you thought I was blown to bits?”

She said slowly, “Terrible. Frightened. Empty.”

“Good. That’s progress.” He took her hand and kissed the palm. “I know I’m rushing. I can’t help it. I’ve got years of experience on you and I know what I want. You’re having to work your way through this. You don’t know whether you can trust what we have.” He smiled. “And it’s my job to show you that this feeling isn’t ever going to go away. Not for me and, I hope to God, not for you. I’m going to dog your footsteps and seduce you at every opportunity until you decide you can’t live without me.” He kissed her palm again. “What are you going to do after you leave here?”

“I’m going home and be with Eve and Joe. I’m going to sketch and rest and forget everything connected to MacDuff’s Run.”

“And am I invited to come along?”

She stood looking at him and felt that wave of wild happiness soar through her again. She gave him a quick, hard kiss and then smiled. “Give me a week. And then, hell yes, you’re invited.”

M
acDuff met them in the courtyard when the helicopter landed two hours later.

“Leaving? I take it you’re terminating your lease, Trevor?”

“I haven’t decided. Don’t hold your breath. I may need a base if I choose to go after the gold. MacDuff’s Run might suit me very well.”

“And it might not.” He smiled faintly. “My place, my people, and I won’t roll out the welcome mat this time. You could find it uncomfortable.” He turned to Jane. “Good-bye. Keep well. I hope to see you soon.”

“You won’t. I’m going home to Eve and Joe.”

“Good. You need it. I’m leaving too. I have to go back to Idaho and find Jock.”

“Venable may beat you to it,” Trevor said as he started to climb the helicopter steps.

MacDuff shook his head. “I only have to get within calling distance and Jock will come to me. The reason I came back here was to pick up Robert Cameron. He served under me in the service, and he’s the best tracker I’ve ever met.”

“Another one of your people?” Jane asked dryly.

“Aye. It comes in handy on occasion.” He started to turn away. “You’ll see.”

“I doubt it. But good luck with Jock.” She started to follow Trevor, who’d disappeared into the helicopter.

MacDuff called after her, “I’ll let you know when I find him.”

“How do you know I won’t call Venable? You’re making me an accessory after the fact.”

He smiled. “You won’t call him. Blood is thicker than water. Jock’s one of yours—cousin.”

“The hell he is. And I’m not your cousin.”

“Aye, you are. I’d be willing to bet my DNA on it. But a very distant cousin.” He winked and tipped his hand to his brow. “Thank God.”

She watched with exasperation and frustration as he strode across the courtyard toward the stable. He looked perfectly assured, arrogant, and at home in this ancient relic of a castle. Old Angus would have had just that cocksure attitude.

“Jane?” Trevor had come back to stand at the door of the helicopter.

She tore her gaze away from that damn Scot and started up the steps. “Coming.”

Y
ou bastard,” Cira said through gritted teeth. “You did this to me.”

“Yes.” Antonio kissed her hand. “Forgive me?”

“No. Yes. Maybe.” She screamed as another pain tore through her. “No!”

“The woman from the village swears that the child will come in minutes. It’s not unusual for a first babe to take this long. Be brave.”

“I am brave. I’ve been trying to give birth to this child for thirty-six hours and you dare to tell me that? When you sit there so smug and comfortable. You don’t know what pain is. Get out of here before I kill you.”

“No, I’ll stay with you until the child is born.” Antonio’s hand tightened around hers. “I promised I’d never leave you again.”

“I could have wished you’d broken that promise before this child was conceived.”

“You mean that?”

“No, I don’t mean that.” Cira bit her lower lip as another pain washed over her. “Are you stupid? I want this child. I just don’t want the pain. There has to be a better way for women to do this.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something later.” His voice was unsteady. “But I’d be grateful if you’d just give birth to this child and have it over.”

He was frightened, she realized dimly. Antonio, who wouldn’t admit to fearing anything, was frightened now. “You think I’m going to die.”

“No, never.”

“That’s right, never. I complain because I have a right to complain and it’s not fair that women have to bear all the children. You should help.”

“I would if I could.”

His voice was a little steadier but still shaky.

“On second thought, I don’t think I could ever lie with you again if I saw you with a swollen belly. You’d look ridiculous. I know I couldn’t bear to look at myself.”

“You were beautiful. You’re always beautiful.”