Long After Midnight (33 page)

“So you faked his death.”

“I didn’t have any choice. He didn’t even tell me he was sick until he disappeared one day. Pinebridge was his practicing hospital and he was on his way home and he suddenly didn’t know where he was going. He pulled over to the side of the road. I found him still in the car two days later. He checked himself into another hospital the next week. His chart said he was suffering from cancer. It was a setup. When I got to the hospital, he told me what I had to do. He’d made his plans. He’d even talked to the administrator here at Pinebridge and arranged for care.”

“And they agreed?”

“They loved him. They even made sure most of the staff who took care of him were people he hadn’t worked with and wouldn’t recognize him. Later . . . he was so changed that no one would—You’d have to have known him. He’s like a shell now, and before he was so bright and quick that—”

The doors of the elevator opened and Seth started for the front entrance.

Kate stopped him. “No, there’s a back entrance that faces the woods.”

“You know this place well.”

“I should.” She led him toward the rear entrance. “Even when I couldn’t talk to him anymore, I still came every week to consult with the doctors or just watch him.”

“I can’t see you going along with all this.”

“Neither did my father. So he used pressure. He didn’t believe in suicide, but he could have changed his mind. I didn’t want to take that chance.” She swallowed. “He made me promise to fake the death and then go away and forget him.”

Seth shook his head. “And he believed you?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. I did almost everything he wanted. I faked the death and I set up the money I inherited as a care fund for him. I didn’t tell anyone.”

“But you couldn’t leave him alone here.”

“Don’t you understand? I
loved
him. I couldn’t do it. For the first year I visited him every week. He got worse the second year. He didn’t know me, but he knew there was some reason he should be upset at seeing me.” She blinked back tears. It still hurt. God, it hurt. “He cried. I cut the visits down to once a month.”

Seth’s hand closed on her arm.

“The first year he started to write a book. He was excited, he felt productive. The second year he couldn’t even read what he’d written. Do you know what that did to him? What it did to me?”

“I can imagine.”

“No, you can’t. No one can who hasn’t been there.”

“How did you keep the visits from Phyliss?”

“I lied. I got very good at lying.”

“Jesus, how did you take it? Without anyone to talk to.”

“I promised him no one would ever know. I promised him. . . .”

She stood on the top step and stared out at the woods. A level meadow extended from the building to the edge of the forest. That forest had always looked green and peaceful and inviting. But not now. Ishmaru was there.

“Let me go after him, Kate.”

“I can’t. Ishmaru will kill him. Stay here.”

“Dammit, I can’t stay here.”

“You will,” she said fiercely. “If you don’t, I’ll never forgive you.”

“You won’t have the option if he kills you. Trust me. I can do this.”

She shook her head.

“I’m coming. It’s your choice whether I barge in with you or we have a plan.”

He was determined, she could see with frustration. He would do what he said, and she couldn’t afford to have Ishmaru see her with anyone.

“Good. Give me ten minutes before you go in.” He gazed out at the meadow. “The lights from the hospital make that approach too visible from the woods. I’ll go into them a mile north and try to locate your father.”

“How?”

He smiled crookedly. “I have a great nose, remember? Patients in hospitals have a strong antiseptic smell. His room reeked of it. It should stick out like a flare.”

“Ishmaru will be with my father.”

“Then I’ll take him by surprise, before he can hurt anyone.”

She gazed back at the woods. “Ten minutes.”

He was gone.

She watched him run around the corner of the building. She started down the steps. She had gotten rid of him and it didn’t matter that she had lied. Not if it meant he would live. Ishmaru could kill him in ten minutes. She would not let that happen.

No more deaths, Ishmaru.

It has to end.

But how? The moment she entered the woods, he would be in control and she would be just another victim. She had to discover a way to shake him, dominate him.

Dominate
him
? When he’d been dominating her life since Michael’s death?

He’d terrified her so much she hadn’t been able to function. She was terrified now.

Get rid of the fear.

Find a solution.

Think.

Remember.

Suddenly the answer came to her; sure, swift, clear.

Of course.

Simple.

SEVENTEEN

I
t was Emily.

Her golden hair shone in the moonlight as she walked across the meadow toward him.

Come, Emily, let me send you back to the dark land.

Let me have my reward.

Just a few yards more and into the trees.

He was here.

She could sense him ahead of her in the darkness. Her grip tightened on the gun in her hand. She entered the woods. The leafy darkness enfolded her. “Ishmaru.”

No answer.

She went a little farther until she came to a small glade. She stopped, her gaze searching the trees ringing the open area.

“Ishmaru.”

No answer.

“You wanted me here. Now stop hiding from me.”

“Put down the gun. It’s not a fitting weapon.”

“Where’s Kate’s father?”

“Kate’s father?” There was a silence. “At last you admit you’re Emily?”

“Of course, you always knew it. Where is he?”

“Why do you care, Emily?”

“Kate and I are joined.” The words came with surprising ease. “I have to care about what she cares about. I have to protect what she needs protected.”

“Unfortunate. Such a delicate man. One twist of my hand and I could break his neck. Put down the weapon.”

Was he standing in the darkness with his hand around her father’s neck? She couldn’t take the chance. She laid the gun down on the ground.

“That’s right. Neither of us can claim coup with those clumsy guns.”

Her gaze strained to pierce the veil of trees. “Where’s Kate’s father?”

“I set him free.”

Her heart lurched. Dead? Did he mean he was dead?

“He was in the way.”

She whirled as she saw a flicker of movement to her left.

“You have a good eye.” His voice came from her right. “Yes, I was there. I move quickly, don’t I? I’ve trained myself to run like the wind, and I’m stronger than I was when we fought before, Emily. But you might have brought some shaman gifts when you came back.”

It was a good opening. Make him uncertain. Take control. “I brought many gifts back. Why do you think you weren’t able to kill Kate’s son?”

“It was my choice. I wanted to see her suffer, see you suffer.”

“You may have thought the choice was yours, but it was mine. Since the first time you saw Kate, every thought you’ve had, every act you’ve taken has been guided by me.”

“Liar.”

“Why should I lie? Spirits have no need of lies.”

“Because I have more power,” he said harshly. “You fear me.”

“Did I fear you before? Did I fear you the night you killed me?”

“No, you fought like the bitch you are.” He paused. “You
cut
me.”

“I wasn’t strong enough to kill you then, but I am now. I’ve been waiting a long time to take you with me to the dark land. Do you know who will meet you there?”

“I don’t want to hear this.”

She could hear the fear in his voice. “The guardians.”

He took a long breath. “Ah, you’re very clever. But you can’t make me afraid. I’ve been waiting too long for this. It should be a remarkable encounter.”

“With me in the open and you skulking like a coward in the trees.” Was there a darker shadow beside that pine?

“No, I suppose it is time. I’m coming out.”

“Wait.” She had no weapons and he was stronger. He would have the advantage and she would be helpless. “That’s not how a warrior would do it. They’d stalk and pursue. Or do you think I’d get away from you?”

“I think you want to try.”

Why had she made the suggestion? Run in these woods? She could barely see two feet in front of her. But neither could Ishmaru. “Won’t that make it more enjoyable for you?”

A silence. “Yes, I didn’t get to track you before. It’s such an exquisite pleasure. Yes, run and let me catch you.”

She went still as another thought occurred to her. Hope surged through her. Maybe . . .

“Do I get a head start?”

“I hear the eagerness in your voice. You’re glad the waiting is over, aren’t you?”

“Do I get a head start?” she repeated.

“I’ll count to ten.”

She ran forward and then turned left.

No paths.

Look for a landmark.

All the trees looked alike when you were streaking past them, she thought in despair.

No, that gnarled willow was different.

The willow.

And there was a moss-covered rock to the left.

“You’re making too much noise. You’re making it simple for me,” Ishmaru called from behind her. “But you’re fast, very fast. And you run easily, like a warrior.”

Her heart was beating too hard. She had to keep her breath under control. Pretend this was just another morning run.

Yeah, sure.

Her feet were suddenly wet. Water splashed on her jeans. She was running across a brook.

Another landmark.

“But I’m faster. I’m getting closer. Can you tell?”

Of course she could tell. He sounded as if he were right behind her.

“The little girl was fast. The one who told me you were Emily. I remember how her yellow hair flew behind her. It took me almost five minutes to catch her.”

What little girl? Kate wondered wildly.

“But there never was any doubt. She was the sign. Are you getting tired?”

She was getting tired and his voice sounded as strong and even as when they had started.

And he was closer, much closer.

He would be on her any minute.

Please, I have to run faster. Help me. . . .

She
was
running faster, her breath was easier. She felt suddenly stronger.

Adrenaline? She didn’t know or care. She’d take it.

She pulled ahead of him, one yard, two yards.

She ran on, leaping over logs and shrubs in her path. Her vision was clearer. Her eyes must have adjusted to the darkness.

He was still close but he was panting, she realized with savage pleasure.

“Better hurry,” she taunted over her shoulder. “And don’t look behind you. You don’t think the guardians would let me fight you alone?”

He made a groaning sound deep in his throat.

But using fear as a goad may have been a mistake. His pace increased. He was close behind her again. Too close.

She’d be damned if she’d let him pounce on her as if she were a frightened rabbit.

That branch by the path.

She stopped, scooped it up, and swung it at him as he caught up with her.

He grunted with pain even as he grabbed the branch. “Good. I didn’t expect that.” He jerked the branch away from her. “You’ve drawn blood. My turn.”

His hands closed on her throat.

She kneed him in the groin.

“Ugh.” His hands loosened and she was off again. She darted to the right of the path and then several yards later she crossed the path and started back the way she had come.

He was behind her again.

Run faster. Can’t stop. Not now.

She crossed the brook.

She heard him splashing behind her an instant later.

Keep going. Keep going.

The moss-covered rock.

He was muttering something under his breath.

The gnarled willow tree.

Now she had to go faster. It was time for the sprint.

“No,”
Ishmaru called as he realized her destination. “No, you mustn’t do it.”

The hell she wouldn’t. She was in the clearing.

She dove for the pistol she had laid on the ground. She rolled over.

He was standing right above her.

She pulled the trigger.

She saw him flinch but he still stood.

She pulled the trigger again, and again and again.

Why didn’t he fall?

He was looking at her almost sorrowfully. “Not right.” A thin stream of blood trickled from his mouth. “This . . . is . . . not coup.”

She shot him again.

He fell to the ground. She rose to her knees and looked down at him.

His eyes were open, staring up at her.

“Not coup . . .” He stiffened, his gaze focusing on something beyond her right shoulder. “No, I don’t want—Don’t take—”

He whimpered, terror contorting his features.

“Emily.”

Kate felt the hair stand up on her nape. She sat staring straight ahead. She wouldn’t turn around and look at what Ishmaru had seen. It couldn’t have been Emily. It was his imagination fostered by her own words.

Kate’s words or Emily’s words?

Ishmaru’s eyes were closed now and his muscles lax.

She had to be sure.

She touched the pulse in his throat and then sat back on her heels.

Dead.

Death had always been the enemy for her, but she felt no remorse as she stared at him. She would do it again. If he opened his eyes, she would shoot him as if he were a poisonous snake.

Everything had happened so quickly that it was hard to believe. Ishmaru was dead. The nightmare was over.

No, not really.

Where was her father?

“Kate.”

There was a crashing in the underbrush and Seth burst into the clearing. He skidded to a stop and then walked slowly over to where she knelt beside Ishmaru.

“Dead?”

“Yes.”

He jerked her to her feet and pulled her into his arms. “Damn you.” His voice was unsteady. “Damn you for lying to me. I nearly went crazy when I heard those shots.”

She leaned against him. He felt so good. It was okay to lean now, to take from him. “He was waiting for me. I knew it wouldn’t be a question of having to hunt him out.” She closed her eyes and whispered, “But Daddy wasn’t with him. I think he killed him.”

Seth shook his head. “I found him wandering around in the forest in circles. I caught the scent right away, but he led me away from here.”

Relief surged through her. “Thank God. Where is he?”

“I left him back on the trail when I heard the shots.”

“We have to go get him.”

“In a minute.” His arms tightened around her. “I need this.” An instant later he pushed her away and moved back into the shrubbery.

She followed him but he was moving so swiftly that she fell behind.

He was standing in the trail with her father in his arms when she came upon him.

Alarm tore through her. “Is he hurt?”

“It’s okay. He’s barefoot and his feet are pretty cut up. It’s better if he doesn’t walk.”

“Can you manage?”

“Sure, he doesn’t weigh anything.”

No, he looked thin and fragile as a child in Seth’s arms.

She took a step nearer and laid her hand on his cheek. His eyes were open but he didn’t seem to see her. “Daddy?”

He didn’t reply.

Familiar pain rushed through her. He hadn’t spoken in months. “It’s going to be all right, Daddy. You’re safe now.”

Did he hear her? Did he know what she was saying?

“We’d better get him back to the hospital, Kate,” Seth said gently.

She blinked back stinging tears. “Yes, you’re right. It’s chilly out here.”

She turned and walked ahead of him down the path.

They were out of the trees and crossing the meadow toward the hospital when she heard her father’s voice.

She glanced eagerly over her shoulder, but he wasn’t speaking. He was making a soft, whimpering sound.

“Shh.” Seth crooned to him and half rocked him as he walked. “I’m here. It’s okay.”

Her father seemed to understand. He became still in Seth’s arms.

Peace flowed through her. Seth was here. Everything was okay.

“There you are, Robert.” Charlene pulled the cover over his newly bandaged feet. “You’ll be right as rain in a few days. Better than you deserve for going off with strangers.” She turned to Kate. “I called the police like you told me. There’s a Detective Eblund waiting at the nurses’ station.”

“Thanks, Charlene.”

“No problem.” She left the room.

Seth moved over to the bed beside Kate, his gaze on her father’s face. “Will RU2 help him?”

“That’s what I hoped when I was working with Noah. But I don’t know. I don’t think so. Maybe if we’d started treatment earlier, but there’s been so much damage done already.” She shrugged helplessly. “He’s very fragile now and we don’t know exactly how RU2 is going to act on certain diseases. We need more tests.”

His hand closed comfortingly on her shoulder. “You’ll get them in Amsterdam.”

“God, I hope so.” Her hand covered her father’s. “We’re going to try, Daddy,” she whispered. “Do you remember you told me I couldn’t nail those leaves back on the trees? Well, we’re doing it now and they’re going to grow back strong as can be. You’ll see. You just have to hang on and get stronger.”

“We should go.”

She reluctantly released her father’s hand and stepped back. “I know.” She turned and moved toward the door. “Good-bye, Daddy.”

“Does he hear you?” Seth asked as they moved down the corridor toward the nurses’ station.

“Sometimes I think he does. Sometimes I think he’s just gone away.” She swallowed to ease the tightness in her throat. “I hope he has. I hate the idea of him being held prisoner inside himself. I kind of like the idea of him floating around, being the man he used to be.”

“Then that’s the way you should think of him.”

“I talk to him, you know. Is that crazy? If he’s not back there, then he must be with me. He loved me. I think he still does.”

“Then he has good taste.”

She drew a long, shaky breath. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop this. Sometimes it gets too much.” They were approaching the nurses’ station. “There’s Alan.”

“Are you okay? Do you want me to handle this?”

“Of course not.”

He smiled slowly. “I should have known. Do you mind if I stay while you handle it?”

“No.” She reached out and took his hand. “I want you to stay with me. I want that very much.”

Alan Eblund turned away from the desk as they approached. “You sure know how to cause a ruckus, Kate.”

“Hello, Alan.” She kissed his cheek. “Thanks for everything. I heard you went to bat for me.”

“It was a frame-up. It would never have gotten to court.” He shrugged. “I just punched a few holes in it. But you must have made some pretty powerful people mad.”