Surrender (THE DRAGONFLY CHRONICLES) (13 page)

Jackson choked slightly but sobered. “You have my permission, Miss Whitaker.” He looked at Moghadam. “Make sure you return her to my side the moment the dance is concluded. Miss Whitaker must not tire herself out as we have a grand expedition planned.”

Just the opening she’d need without sounding like she had an agenda. Kailin kept her smirk to herself as the man escorted her to the center of the floor. He stood as tall as Jackson so he was nearly a head above the others. His strong hand found her waist quickly as a waltz started. He led her in the basic step easily, his eyes turned down to study her.

“You are leading an expedition here in Egypt?” he began.

“Yes, in order to save my father.” Hadn’t he heard about Anthony’s abduction?

“Aye, an unfortunate incident. I am sorry,” he said though his words seemed stilted like he was thinking about something else. “So you are leading an expedition to find him?”

She smiled slightly. “Not exactly. The kidnappers want a certain treasure that my father was close to finding. I will discover it and exchange it for him.”

Moghadam frowned, a darkness in his eyes that sent a chill down Kailin’s back. “Why have you find it, why not find it themselves?”

Kailin swallowed and applied the arrogant mask. “I assume they have tried, but they cannot.”

“And you can?”

“Certainly.”

He continued the steps with smooth grace though his face paused before breaking into a toothy grin. “You are…as confident as people say.”

She had to smile at that. “Is that what they say? Confident?”

He returned her sly smile. “The most slandered people are the most interesting ones.” He tipped his head slightly, reminding her of a hawk zeroing in on a mouse. “Ice queen was mentioned. Much rivaled for her beauty. Arresting, starkly intelligent, disconcerting.”

“Thank you, I think,” she bantered back, stomping down the old discomfort of being studied and judged.

He bowed his head. “Just like the beautiful queen Cleopatra.” She glanced upward, his dark eyes meeting hers and her breath hitched. Cleopatra? Cleo? Did he know Anthony?

The music ended yet he continued to hold her in the circle of his arms. “Perhaps you could use a guide, a Marc Anthony, strong and sure with an army at his service to help you in your quest.”

“The job’s already taken,” Jackson said beside her and Kailin inhaled, blinking. The spell was broken. She almost shook her head as if she’d been hypnotized by some carnival magician.

Moghadam dropped his arms and stepped back. Kailin felt Jackson’s arm under hers. Moghadam laughed. “I see no army, Mr. Black.”

“Numbers do not equal strength, Mr. Moghadam.”

“Dr. Moghadam,” he corrected stiffly.

Jackson turned to Kailin. “I think it’s time to retire. I wouldn’t have you exhausted before our big hunt.”

“When do you leave?” Moghadam asked.

“In three days’ time,” Kailin murmured. “Good evening, Doctor.”

Jackson walked evenly beside her, not in front or behind, out of the dancing room toward the foyer. “Jackson!” A high-pitched call came across the expanse of the packed room. They stopped together, heads turning just like the rest of the room. What lady yelled across a ballroom filled with social snobs? Against the back wall a young woman sat with what looked like a chaperone waving her hand toward them.

The girl looked delicate sitting amongst ruffles of violet, still shy of full womanhood. Her face was sweet, innocent and wide-eyed, her smile pure with joy at seeing Jackson. Kailin’s stomach, already wound tight, twisted painfully.
Ridiculous reaction
. Of course Jackson should know other women in Luxor if he indeed spent time here as he insinuated. She should be happy that someone seemed to know him. It added some credibility to his story of working here. Yet happiness seemed a dim prospect at the moment.

Jackson took a step toward the radiant girl-woman but didn’t surrender Kailin’s hand. When she didn’t step with him, he stopped and turned. “Kailin, I need to greet Cassy. I didn’t know she would be attending.” He frowned. “She shouldn’t be attending.”

“I’ll wait here,” Kailin said and tried extricating her hand but he wouldn’t let go.

“Remember the curtains,” he joked, meeting her frown with a grin. “Come. Meet Cassy.”

Kailin took large steps so as not to look like he was pulling her along, which of course he was. Good God, the man was taking her to meet a lovely little woman who was obviously on very close terms with him if she risked ridicule in order to flag him down. The closer they walked the more brilliant the sweet smile beamed. The guardian whispered something in her ear and the woman folded her flapping hands in her lap.

“Oh Jackson, I thought it was you, but Mrs. Pierce wouldn’t leave my side to fetch you.” The young woman’s smile turned to Kailin but she didn’t stand. “Hello.”

Jackson finally released Kailin’s hand and leaned in to kiss the woman on the cheek. He kept bent forward talking in soft tones. When he stood she was blushing. So, Kailin thought, she wasn’t the only one he made blush. Ah, but could the girl torch the drapes? Doubtful.

Just when Kailin thought she’d turn away, Jackson grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. The woman still didn’t rise, but looked up expectantly.

“Cassandra, this is Doctor Kailin Whitaker, with whom I’m going on expedition. Dr. Whitaker, please meet Cassandra Black, my little sister.”

Cassandra leaned forward and clasped Kailin’s other hand. “So pleased to meet you. Jackson mentioned you on his last visit and I’ve read several of your papers.”

Sister? The title ricocheted around inside Kailin’s head like a moth stirred up by a lamp. She paused for only a second before regaining her practiced smile. “So nice to finally meet you too,” Kailin said and watched the blush return. “I’m glad you two were able to see one another again before we head out.”

“Oh yes,” Cassandra said and gave Jackson a little frown. “You don’t come around enough. Poor Mrs. Pierce has to entertain me all day.”

The middle-aged lady beside her patted her shoulder affectionately. “Since you are with her, Mr. Black,” Mrs. Pierce said. “I will fetch us some punch and confections.”

“Oh yes, thank you, Mrs. Pierce.” Cassandra smiled enthusiastically. “I especially like anything iced in chocolate.”

Mrs. Pierce chuckled. “How could I forget?”

A lively tune was struck in the adjoining room they just quit and Cassandra glanced at it and sighed.

“Why don’t you two have a dance,” Kailin suggested. Surely she could sit in the corner eating chocolate for the girl who obviously wanted to take a turn.

The girl’s face froze and then another blush took it over as she smoothed her dress over her knees. “I’m afraid my dancing days are over.” It was then that Kailin realized the wheelchair under the layers of gown. “Walking these days is difficult enough. I don’t think even Jackson could carry me through a whole dance.” She smiled though her eyes looked sad. “But I heartily enjoy the music. That’s why I forced Mrs. Pierce to bring me when we received the invitation.”

Cassandra looked sternly at Jackson. “So don’t reprimand her for taking me out. She bundled me in blankets to the point of smothering me and refuses to leave my side. In fact, make her use the privy before we leave else she’ll be uncomfortable the whole night.”

Cassandra hadn’t paused once during the whole explanation. Kailin stared as Jackson kissed the top of his sister’s head. It was clear that he loved her. Kailin’s chest tightened and a sting scratched behind her eyes. This girl didn’t look for pity or whine for attention. She simply wanted to hear the music and enjoy her fragile life.

“When we return,” Kailin said softly, then cleared her throat. “We will bring music to your home and Jackson will dance with you until he can no longer stand.”

The girl giggled. Kailin didn’t look at Jackson but she felt his stare. Cassandra leaned back in her chair, suddenly looking tired, yet the smile remained around her delicate lips. She really was beautiful and now that she looked, Kailin could spot the similarities between brother and sister. Thick hair framed fine features. And she had Jackson’s intriguing gray-blue eyes. Although hers were completely open, without suspicion, caution, or speculation. But she also looked a bit too fragile, too lean, as if sickness indeed plagued her.

Mrs. Pierce returned with a plate of cookies and a footman carrying a tray of punch. They each took one and sipped. After two chocolate-dipped shortbreads, Cassandra looked more revived.

“Dr. Whitaker?”

“Kailin, please.”

“Only if I am Cassy to you.” Kailin smiled and nodded. “Good then, Kailin, tell me about the soaring stones you are studying, the great monoliths of the western Highlands. I have read your last three papers debating their purpose and origins. Do you still believe they were used for some type of ghastly ritual? Because I think there could be other possibilities.”

Kailin blinked several times and heard Jackson chuckle beside her. “Cassy may be quite…fluffy on the outside, but her mind is quicker than most.”

“Fluffy?” Cassy flounced the skirts around her still legs. “Well yes, I suppose I do like ruffles.”

Kailin breathed long and took the seat beside the girl. “I had first thought the circle was used for rituals because I found several nicks in the stone slab at the center of the stones, as if it were used as a sacrificial table. However.” Kailin thought of Drakkina’s words that the place had once been Kailin’s home. “Now I’m not certain. Perhaps it was a table, used in a household.”

Cassy’s eyes grew rounder. “So domestic. But human history has been peppered by so much violence. Even the
Holy Bible
talks of sacrifice. Your new theory would be revolutionary.”

“What if the stones were magical wards,” Kailin conjectured. “Set to protect a small house in the center.”

“Like a magical fence.” Cassy nodded. “The diameter of the stones leaves adequate room for a dwelling.”

Kailin smiled. The girl was quite clever and had a remarkable memory if she remembered the dimensions from the paper. Sweet and smart and enjoyable to be with. Kailin continued to debate the pros and cons of her recent theory with Cassy until Mrs. Pierce came back from the privy.

“Miss Cassandra,” her chaperone said. “It is getting late. We should retire to the warmth of your home.” She glanced at Jackson. “Perhaps your brother could help us find our conveyance.”

“Certainly,” Jackson said. “You and Kailin can continue your theories after our expedition.”

“Perhaps one day you can journey to the stones to see them in person,” Kailin offered. “They really are astounding when you stand silently in their mighty presence.”

Cassy smiled politely and nodded, but Kailin spotted the hopelessness in her eyes. Determination had propelled Kailin through most of her life and she wasn’t giving up on Cassy without giving it a try. She squeezed the girl’s hand. “We’ll figure something out,” she whispered by her ear and stood.

Jackson offered Kailin his arm and preceded Mrs. Pierce pushing the wheelchair through the throng. The crowd parted easily for him, allowing the wheeled chair easy access. As they neared the foyer, the crowd thinned out and Jackson slowed to walk next to Cassy.

“Leaving so soon?” Samantha crooned, a Champagne glass in her hand. She tilted it precariously. Several of the ladies near the glittering fountains tittered. Kailin wasn’t sure if their snickers were for Samantha or her or Cassy.

“Oh well, you weren’t much of a socialite,” Samantha continued. She turned to the delicate waspish faces. “Kailin always preferred to roll in the dirt with the men rather than keep clean like a
normal
lady.” She shrugged her slender shoulders. “Perhaps it has to do with never having a mother.” Samantha turned back to her, triumph in her overly open eyes. “Pity.” Apparently Samantha was punishing her for the peacock hat incident the other night. But bringing up her lack of mother for revenge’s sake was beyond malicious.

Kailin’s blood boiled. While Mrs. McGivens lived, Samantha had flaunted her mother before Kailin. The shrewish girl had continually referred to Kailin as abnormal, had always pouted in pity for her. Kailin had continually turned the other cheek, not wanting to cause more trouble. However, in front of everyone at the soiree, in front of Jackson and her new friend, she couldn’t just turn away in silence. What type of an example would that be for Cassy who must suffer snide remarks at her infirmity?

Kailin stood tall. “Everyone has a mother, Samantha,” she replied like a slight ripple on a glassy lake of calm. “You were fortunate to know yours.” By now the room had hushed as people strained to hear Kailin’s peaceful words. “Honor her memory, Samantha”—Kailin’s gaze dropped to the slanted glass of Champagne in Samantha’s gloved hand—“instead of washing it away with spirits.”

Kailin turned, her gaze even but blind to her audience as Jackson chuckled. “She’s about ready to burst,” he whispered near Kailin’s ear. The brush of his breath did strange things to her pulse. But Samantha’s voice shattered the giddiness.

“What would you know about honor?” Samantha seethed. “Your only associates are dirty natives, tomb robbers, and cripples who take invitations far too literally.”

Kailin rooted to the marble floor, shock making movement impossible. Mrs. Pierce tsked beneath her breath and patted Cassy’s shoulder. Jackson cursed, his hand moving toward the gun Kailin had seen at his hip under his jacket. Exactly what he would do with a Remington to defend her and his sister at a soirée, she hadn’t the slightest idea. There was no time to see because just then three unfortunate things happened at once. Samantha laughed evilly, Kailin saw Cassy wipe away an escaped tear, and Jackson let go of her hand.

Chapter Seven

Geysers, three of them, shot up from the Champagne fountains, straight to the twenty-foot ostentatious ceiling. Samantha screamed as even the Champagne in her glass shot up, spraying into her face with force enough to blast up her perfectly pinched nose. Her lady friends behind her suffered the same fate. They coughed, sneezed, and gagged, mopping at their faces. Glass shattered as they all dropped their now-empty flutes.