Killer Dreams (14 page)

“Of course,” Jock said. “And I wouldn’t want to be Devlin if he catches up with him.”

Royd frowned. “I’m not sure I like him stepping into the picture.”

“Too late. MacDuff is involved. He might have stayed in the background if it were only a question of protecting Michael. There’s no chance now that Devlin has killed his people.” Jock followed MacDuff toward the cottage. “You’d better get back to the castle and get that arm tended. Do you need me to call for a car?”

Royd shook his head. “I’ll make it okay.” He turned and started down the path after MacDuff.

Devlin.

Why had Sanborne sent that crazy bastard to the castle? He must have known that there could be a bloodbath.

Or maybe not. Devlin had always been smart enough to make Sanborne believe he was fully in control. During those last weeks after Royd had managed to shake off the effects of REM-4, he had grown to suspect that Devlin was not so much manipulated as manipulating. He liked what he did. He loved the blood and the power of the kill. He could indulge that passion under the protection of Sanborne. REM-4 might have had a minimal effect, but he was a killer by nature.

And now Devlin had been given the chance he needed to free that lust for violence. Michael and Sophie had been the targets, but that hadn’t been enough for him. That family he’d butchered would only whet his appetite. He’d go after the prime objective and never stop.

Damn you, Sanborne.

Voices.

Sophie lifted her head. She had left the casement windows open and the voices were coming from the courtyard below.

She carefully slipped out of bed and went to the window. Below were MacDuff and several men, and trailing behind them was Royd. She felt a rush of relief. She’d been lying here after Michael finally went to sleep worrying and cursing him for not calling back.

She glanced at Michael. He was sound asleep and she’d attached the monitor. She could spare a few moments. She glided toward the door.

A moment later she was running down the staircase and throwing open the front door. “Damn you, Royd. Why the hell did you—” She stopped as she saw the bandage. “What happened?”

“He’s a bit damaged.” It was MacDuff who answered. “You have a medical degree, don’t you? Fix him.” He went past her into the castle.

Royd grimaced. “MacDuff is in an autocratic mood tonight. He’s upset. I may need a few stitches but I can call the local doctor.”

She went down the steps. “How did you get damaged?” Christ, her voice was shaking. “And the local doctor may be better able to help you. This isn’t my specialty.”

“No problem.” He started to pass her. “I’ll take care of it.”

“How did you get wounded?” she repeated.

“Knife.”

“You’re white as a sheet. How much blood did you lose?”

“Not too much.”

She couldn’t take any more. “Christ, I hate macho men who are afraid to admit to a little weakness.” She pushed him toward the steps. “Get inside and let me take a look at it.”

“Right.” He swayed as he mounted the steps. “I never argue with a woman who’s stronger than I am. And at the moment you’re definitely stronger than me. Does that exempt me from the macho label?”

“Maybe.” She followed him and took his elbow. “We’ll have to see how sensibly you—”

He swayed and stumbled against the side of the doorjamb. “Oops.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” She put his good arm around her shoulders and glanced around for help. MacDuff and his men had all disappeared. “I can’t stay down here. I have to get back to Michael. Are you able to make the stairs if I help you?”

“No problem.”

“There is a problem.” She started up the steps. “Admit it.”

“Okay, there’s a problem.” He took the steps slowly. “But nothing I can’t work through.”

“You’d better warn me if you’re going to faint. I don’t want both of us toppling down the stairs.”

“I’ll go by myself. Just drop—”

“I didn’t say I wanted to drop your ass. I said warn me so that I can keep us from falling. I’m not leaving you on your own.”

“That’s not very bright. There’s no use you falling too.”

“Neither of us is going to—” She drew a deep breath. “Though if you insult my intelligence again, I’ll be tempted to dump you and let you bleed to death.”

“I’m not bleeding any longer.”

“Just shut up.” They had reached the landing and she adjusted her grip and started up the second flight of stairs. “There’s such a thing as accepting help gracefully.”

He was silent. Then as they reached the top of the stairs he said, “I never learned how to do that. When I was a kid, I knew that I had to get by on my own. I can’t remember anyone offering help. Then when I joined the service, it was different. I had to be the best.”

“And anyone at the top of the heap couldn’t ask for help?”

“I couldn’t,” he said simply.

Yes, she could see that he wouldn’t be able to lower his guard to that extent. He was too scarred, and that bold, brash demeanor would have repelled anyone who tried to get beyond that tough exterior.

Jesus, she was actually feeling sorry for him. No one could want sympathy less than Royd, but she could empathize with that kid who must have felt terribly alone. No, perhaps not empathize. Her parents had been everything that was loving and understanding when she was growing up. It was only after that terrible day at the lake that she had felt bewildered and alone. Even then she’d had Michael and Dave to ward off that sense of isolation. Yes, it was sympathy she was feeling. But it didn’t lessen the urge to touch him, give him comfort.

“Stop it.” He was glaring at her. “I can see you brewing that maudlin syrup you spread around. I don’t want it. Dish it out somewhere else.”

She gazed at him in exasperation. He was hurt and weak and that didn’t stop him from being as rough and objectionable as usual. “I will. And I don’t blame all your foster parents for not cuddling you. You would probably have bitten them.”

“Probably.” He was smiling. “That’s better. That’s the way I like to see you. But I wouldn’t bite you.” He added, “Unless you want me to.”

Sensuality. One moment she’d wanted to comfort him and the next he’d made her feel that tingling awareness again. With everything that had been going on, she’d thought that her response to him had lessened.

She quickly looked away from him. “You’re incorrigible.” She pushed him down on a velvet-cushioned bench across the hall from Michael’s room. “Stay here. I have to check on Michael. Or you can go next door to my room and wait.”

“I think I’ll stay here.” He leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. “Take your time.”

With his eyes closed he appeared more vulnerable and she could almost forget those rough words. But she mustn’t forget them. Royd was not vulnerable and she must not continue to feel this increasing softness toward him. “Don’t fall asleep and tumble off that bench. I don’t know if I could pick you up.”

He smiled without opening his eyes. “I’d trust you. You’d manage.”

She quietly opened Michael’s door and slipped inside. He was still asleep. She crossed the room to look down at him. He seemed undisturbed, but that could change in a heartbeat. He looked so young and helpless. Vulnerable. Only minutes before she had thought that about Royd and he had sensed and rudely rejected it. Michael was beginning to reject any hint of pity too. He would never be rude to her, but his response had been the same as Royd’s. He was growing up and wanting to shoulder his own burdens.

But he couldn’t do that yet. Not yet. She still had him to love and protect for a little while.

She tucked the blanket over him and moved back to the door and left it cracked open.

Royd’s eyes flicked open. “Okay?”

She nodded.

He struggled to his feet and started down the hall. “Then let’s get this over. I know you want to get back to him.”

“Yes, I do.”

He was unsteady on his feet but she didn’t try to help him. He’d make it and she didn’t want to touch him right now. She followed him and opened the door. “But I’ll leave my door open. I’ll be able to hear him.” She turned on the overhead light and nodded at the chair across the room. “Sit down. I’ll have to run down the stairs and get a first-aid kit, if I can find MacDuff or one of his men.”

“I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding MacDuff. He won’t have gone to bed.” He sank down into the chair. “He had a few matters to take care of.”

“What matters is—” She broke off and headed for the door. “Be ready to talk to me as soon as I get you stitched. Or so help me, I’ll—”

“Unstitch me?”

“I wouldn’t ruin my own work. I’d find another way.”

“Heaven help me,” he murmured.

“Listen for Michael.” She strode out of the room.

“Done.” She stepped back as she finished bandaging Royd’s arm. “It’s nasty. You should probably go in and get a transfusion and have my sutures checked.”

He shook his head.

She shrugged. “It’s your choice.”

“Yes, it is. I heal fast.” He paused. “And I think that things are going to be moving very fast from now on.”

“Why? Talk to me. What happened tonight?”

“Those sheep we almost ran into on the road. It sent up a red flag to Jock and MacDuff. It seems the herdsman who owned the sheep was very reliable and would never have let those sheep wander off. Considering the situation, it bore looking into.”

“And what did you find?”

“One of Sanborne’s men, Devlin.” He nodded at his arm. “In the woods. He took a knife in the shoulder but got away. I still decided to call you and check.”

“And not tell me a damn thing,” she said through her teeth.

“There wasn’t time, and you were comforting your son.”

“Why wasn’t there time?”

He was silent a moment. “We had to go check on the shepherd and his family.”

Sophie studied him. He’d had no problem telling her about the encounter with Devlin, but he didn’t want to discuss this shepherd.

“And?”

“Dead. Ugly dead. The shepherd, his wife, son, and the grandchild, a little girl about seven.”

Shock rippled through her. “What?”

“You heard me. Do you want me to repeat it?”

“Why?” she whispered.

He shrugged. “There’s a possibility the shepherd might have stumbled over Devlin and he killed him to avoid having his cover blown.” His lips tightened. “No, I think Devlin had the opportunity and took it. He’s a bloodthirsty son of a bitch. One little boy wouldn’t have been enough for him. He took the bigger target.”

“And you thought he might have come straight to the castle?”

“Not really. But Devlin has an amazing pain tolerance and I just had to be sure,” he said jerkily. “I had to hear your voice. I had an idea what I was going to find at that croft. I didn’t want to have to think about you when I was looking at Devlin’s work. I knew it was going to bother me.”

Her eyes widened. “Of course it would bother you.”

He shook his head. “It wouldn’t have had any real effect in the months after I left Garwood. It was as if I had calluses instead of emotions. I couldn’t feel anything.” He grimaced. “One of the side effects of REM-4. It lasted a long time.”

“My God.”

He shook his head. “Now you’re all dripping with guilt again. I should have known. To someone like you, that would be almost as terrible as the mind control. If it makes you feel any better, what I saw at that croft tore me up. The little girl…” He stopped and swallowed. “Yeah, I felt a hell of a lot up at that croft.”

“It doesn’t make me feel better.” Her voice was uneven. “I don’t want you to hurt. I didn’t want anyone to hurt. Those poor people…” She drew a deep breath. “No wonder MacDuff was so curt with me. He must be holding me responsible.”

“Maybe. You’ll have to ask him in the morning. I do know that he’s mad as hell and going after Devlin. If I don’t get him first.” He saw her expression and added, “I’m not being sidetracked. I’m not going to have to hunt him down. He’ll be after me. Devlin doesn’t like to be hurt and I buried a knife in his hide. Even if Sanborne pulls him from the job, he’ll be on my tail.”

“Comforting.”

“Yes, it is. It will make it easier.” He struggled to his feet. “Do you know where I’m supposed to sleep in this museum?”

“The room two doors down. I’ll help—” She broke off. “I forgot. Go on by yourself. If you faint in the hall, I’ll step over you when I go down to breakfast in the morning.”

“Just so you don’t step on me.” He moved toward the door. “If you and Michael need me, call.”

“Do you mean if we need ‘help’?”

“Touché.” He stopped at the door. “Do you want to undress me and put me to bed? I’ll let you.”

“No, I do not. You had your chance.”

“Chicken. It’s just as well. I’m not quite myself tonight.”

She watched him slowly leave the room. She was tempted to go after him. He had to be in pain and more defenseless than he pretended. He had been more open to her than ever before, and that had no doubt been instigated by pain and shock. He’d probably been wishing for that deadness of feeling brought on by REM-4 at the croft tonight.

A little side effect, he’d said. Another horror she had to face. How many other side effects had REM-4 visited on those people at Garwood?

One thing at a time. She couldn’t function if she had to tear herself apart worrying about Garwood. She had to go on. She had to protect her son and destroy Sanborne and Boch.

And she had to face MacDuff in the morning and listen to him tell her to take her son and get the hell out of his castle and his life. After this horror to people he cared about, there could be no other outcome. Royd had said he’d been angry and she was the one who’d brought these murderers down on this peaceful countryside.

Confront that tomorrow, she thought wearily, as she headed for the door. For now she’d stay with Michael and make sure his own personal horror didn’t come visiting him again tonight.

13

M
ay I speak to you?”

MacDuff looked up from his desk and rose to his feet. “I don’t have too much time, Ms. Dunston. The magistrate is bringing some men from Scotland Yard here within the hour.”

“I won’t take long.” She came into the library. “We need to talk.”

“Absolutely. I was going to get to you later. How is the boy?”

“Not great. I couldn’t expect that. I only saw him for a few moments before he hit the shower, but he seems a little better than last night. And he didn’t have a night terror last night. I was expecting it.”

“He’s only had one since he’s been here. Maybe he’s outgrowing them.”

She shook her head. “But they’re getting better.”

“Sit down and stop hovering,” MacDuff said. “I’m dead tired, I’ve had a hell of a night, and my blasted politeness will keep me standing until you put me out of my misery. It’s the cross I bear for being raised to rule this heap of stone.”

She dropped into the chair he’d indicated. “It’s a magnificent heap and surprisingly comfortable.”

“I agree. That’s why I’m still fighting to keep it from the National Trust. Coffee?” He didn’t wait for her to answer but poured a cup from the carafe on the desk and handed it to her. “Cream?”

She shook her head. “You’re being very kind to me. I expected you to be angry.”

“I am angry. I’m killing mad.” He leaned back in his chair. “But not at you. I accepted Michael and I’m the one who’s responsible for any consequences. But I expected any flak to be directed at me, not my people. That butchery last night was senseless.”

She shivered. “Yes, it was. Royd said it was terrible. I expected you to hand Michael and me our walking papers.”

“And let that son of a bitch Sanborne think he’s won even the smallest battle? That he can throw his murderers at us and frighten me into sending Michael back for him to use against you?” MacDuff’s eyes were glittering with anger. “I’d keep the two of you safe just to spite him.”

“We may have to leave anyway. The police might pay you a visit if they figure out that I’ve sent Michael here.” Her lips twisted. “They may think I’m crazy enough to harm my own son.”

“I’ll try to stave off Scotland Yard.” He frowned. “But I’m a bit uneasy. I won’t feel comfortable leaving Michael once I’ve left the Run.”

She stiffened. “You’re leaving?”

“Why are you surprised? Devlin killed my people. I can’t let him get away with that.” He frowned. “Don’t worry, I’ll see that the boy is safe.”

“You just said you didn’t feel that you could do that.”

“I said he might not be safe here unless there’s the right person in charge. I’m working on it.”

“You don’t have to work on it. He’s my responsibility. I’m the one who has to make sure no one hurts him.” She got to her feet. “You do what you have to do. I’ll take care of my son.”

“No, you won’t.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “I beg your pardon.”

“I may need you and Royd. You’re neck deep in this mess and you have information and insight that I don’t. I can’t have you worrying about your son and not able to function.”

“Sweet Jesus.” She shook her head. “You’re as bad as Royd.”

“You mean self-serving? Hell, yes. I’d protect the boy anyway, but if keeping you from making a mistake will get me what I want, you can bet I’ll do it.” He waved his hand. “Run along and find Michael and Royd. I have work to do with the magistrate and the inspector from Scotland Yard investigating Dermot’s death. Try to keep out of sight. I don’t want him to know there are strangers here at the Run.”

“Neither do I,” she said dryly. “They’d probably suspect me of those murders too.” She closed the door and moved down the hall. She didn’t know what she had expected of MacDuff, but he had kept surprising her. Arrogant and forceful one moment, charismatic the next. The only thing that she had really learned about him was that he was a man to be reckoned with and she would have to keep on her guard not to be swept away in his wake.

“You’re frowning.”

She looked up to see Jock standing by the front door. He was smiling faintly but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. He looked strained and sad. Why shouldn’t he? she thought with compassion. He’d been up all night keeping vigil with the dead. “Did you just come back?”

He nodded. “I had to stay until the inspector from Scotland Yard came. The local magistrate wasn’t about to let me go.” He made a face. “Even though he was on the phone with MacDuff half the night making him swear to my alibi.”

“You shouldn’t have been the one to stay. With your background, it was logical for—”

“I know. MacDuff didn’t like it either. But Mark Dermot was my friend.” He changed the subject. “Why were you frowning? I saw you coming out of the library.”

“Then you know why I’m upset. Your MacDuff is arrogant as hell. I told him that he was just like Royd.”

“There are certain similarities. They’re both relentless and single-minded. How did MacDuff step on your toes?”

“He as much as told me that he was going to take care of Michael whether I liked it or not because I was too useful to act like a mother.”

He chuckled. “He must have been tired. He’s usually more diplomatic. MacDuff can charm the birds from the trees if he puts his mind to it.”

“Well, he didn’t put his mind to it this morning. He told me to run along and keep out of sight and he’d talk to me later.”

“And are you going to do it?”

“Hell, no.” She sighed wearily. “Yes, I’m going to keep out of sight. I’d be stupid not to do that. I don’t want Scotland Yard breathing down my neck. But I’m not going to let him tell me what to do. I have to make the decisions.” She shook her head. “Though heaven knows I’ve been tossed around like a drunken sailor in a hurricane lately.”

“MacDuff has been very good to Michael, Sophie,” he said quietly.

“I can see that. It’s not every boy who has a Laird to play soccer with. And Michael mentioned something about treasure hunting? Did MacDuff make that up to keep him amused?”

He shrugged. “There are stories. At any rate it kept Michael from being bored. He was a little boy far from home.”

“And I’m grateful. But not enough to let MacDuff run over me.”

“I’ll have a word with him.”

“Do what you like.” She turned and started to climb the stairs. “I’ve got to go check on Royd. He was pretty weak. He shouldn’t have walked back to the castle last night.”

“I offered to call for a car.”

“I’m not blaming anyone. It’s nobody’s fault but his.” She said over her shoulder, “The idiot thinks he should be Superman.”

“You weren’t very tactful,” Jock said to MacDuff as he came into the library. “And Sophie doesn’t take to being told what to do. You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t grab Michael and bolt.”

MacDuff looked up. “I was too upset to be tactful. I had to speak my piece and tell her to make herself scarce until Scotland Yard leaves. Are they on their way?”

“Fifteen minutes behind me. He’s Inspector Mactavish and he’s pleasant enough.” His smile faded. “When he’s not accusing me of butchery. He made me watch when they pulled up the little girl out of the well. I think he wanted to see my reaction.”

MacDuff muttered a curse. “I told you when you said Scotland Yard was on its way that you shouldn’t be the one to stay.”

“Mark was my friend.” He was silent for a moment. “When do we go after Devlin?”

“Soon. I have to clear the decks here.” He added grimly, “And convince Scotland Yard that you haven’t reverted and gone bonkers.”

“She’s not going to wait for you,” Jock said. “Unless you can get Royd to intercede. She’s accepted him.”

“Then I’ll talk to Royd.” He got to his feet. “I’m going out and meet this inspector in the courtyard. I need some air.” He frowned. “And you stay out of his way too. I don’t want him to see any more of you than he already has.”

“Out of sight, out of mind?”

“Whatever.” He strode toward the door. “I just don’t want you in his face.”

“Then I’ll obediently run along and hide with your other fugitives from justice. Any other orders?”

“Obedient? You don’t know the meaning of the word.” He stopped at the door. “Yes, you can do one thing for me.”

“I’m at your service.”

“Call Jane MacGuire and find out where she is and if she’ll be available for a call from me this afternoon.”

“Why not do it yourself?”

“It won’t hurt for you to smooth the way. She’s always liked you and knows you’re no threat to her.”

“No, she never considered me a threat even when I could have been to her. Incredible.” He tilted his head. “And you think she considers you a threat?”

“Possibly. Just call her.”

Michael wasn’t in his room.

What the devil? She’d told him to wait for her.

“He’s okay.”

She turned to see Royd standing in the doorway. “Michael’s waiting for you in my room. I came to check on him and I thought you’d rather he had company. So I had him help me change my bandage. Keeping busy helps.”

“Yes, it does. Thank you.” She studied him. “You look a little pale but better than you did. Did you sleep well?”

“Good enough. Why don’t we go down and try to rustle up some food.”

“Not yet. MacDuff is being paid a visit by an inspector from Scotland Yard. He wants us to keep out of sight until he leaves.”

“Since the alternative spells disaster, we’ll go along with him, won’t we? You’ve already talked to MacDuff?”

She nodded. “You were right. He intends to go after Devlin and he wants to use us to find him. No, that’s not strong enough. He fully intends to use us. And he thinks Michael may not be safe here if he leaves. He’s trying to work out another plan.”

“And that’s upsetting you? Why?”

“I wouldn’t mind anyone trying to keep Michael safe. But yes, it bothers me that MacDuff doesn’t give a damn about how I want that done.”

“I’m sure you’ll change his attitude.” He grimaced. “Just as you changed mine.”

“There’s not much time. I was hoping that I could count on MacDuff for a little longer.” She paused. “Do you think Devlin’s original job was to kill Michael or was it a trap for me?”

“It could have been either or both.”

“Dammit, then how the devil am I going to—”

“There’s something you should know. I got a call from Kelly this morning.”

She tensed. “And?”

“I told him to keep an eye on the ship. It sailed last night.”

“What? But you said they hadn’t stripped the facility yet.”

“Evidently they took everything they needed and left the rest.”

“Blast it, then how—”

“Take it easy. Kelly is on it. He rented a launch and caught up with the ship before it was out of the channel. He’s trying to keep it in sight and his launch out of sight. It’s heading south.”

“And Sanborne?”

He shrugged. “Kelly can only be in one place at a time. But if we can track the ship, the odds are that Sanborne and Boch will rendezvous with it when it arrives at its destination.”

“And if they don’t?”

“Then we’ll worry about going after them then. Or I will. I’m leaving right away to join Kelly, but you don’t have to go along. If you’d rather stay with Michael and—”

“Be quiet. You know I have to go.” And yet she had to protect Michael. “And you told me that you might need me. Why have you suddenly decided that I’m expendable?”

“No one is expendable. I’ve gotten along without you all my life. You could have proved helpful, but you’ll be of no use to me if you’re fretting about your son. So stay away from me.”

“That’s pleasant. You must be the most—” She stopped and stared at his scowling face. “My God, I believe you’re trying to protect me. How bizarre.”

“It’s not bizarre. I said I’d protect you if I could.”

“And then threw me into the fire at every opportunity.”

“I didn’t have to throw you. I only gave you the opportunity. You did it yourself.” He shrugged. “And now it’s no longer an option. You have to do what you have to do.”

“And I will. So just shut up. You don’t do soft and noble well. You’re much more convincing when you’re rude and ruthless.” She went to the window and looked down into the courtyard. “There’s a car parked down there. It must be the inspector. We can’t go down yet.” She turned and rifled through her purse. “So I might as well check the copy of that disk we found at the facility. I’ll play it on my computer. Will you stay with Michael while I’m doing it?”

“I want to see it.”

“I’ll tell you about it. It may be nothing.”

“If it was in that safe, it had to have some value.”

“May I be of some help?” They turned to see Jock standing in the doorway. He glanced from Sophie to Royd. “Do I detect a little friction in the air?”

“Yes, you can help,” Royd said. “Will you go to my room and distract Michael while we do a little research?”

“Sure.” Jock started to turn. “It won’t be long until I can take him down to the Run. He likes it there. The inspector should be almost finished with the Laird. MacDuff is a very important man and even Scotland Yard treats him with a bit of deference.”

“Wait,” Sophie said. “Why did you come?”

“To spread oil on troubled waters. Though not between you and Royd. I talked to MacDuff and he realizes he wasn’t tactful. He does want the best for you and the boy, Sophie. He’s doing everything he can to work something out.”

“So that he’ll be free to go off and kill Devlin.”

He smiled. “Oh, I hope not,” he said gently. “I hope he’ll leave it to me. I have some wonderfully detailed ideas on that score.” He left the room.

She shivered as she stared after him. Beautiful as the dawn and deadly as a pit viper. She wasn’t used to this side of Jock. “Jesus.”

“You didn’t see that little girl in the well,” Royd said quietly.

She nodded jerkily. “It just…surprised me.” She turned and went to her duffel and drew out her computer. “I’ve got to get to work. I can’t leave Michael alone for long when he’s this upset.” She sat down on the bed, flipped open the laptop, and inserted the disk. “Now let’s see what we’ve got.”

“Numbers,” Royd murmured.

“Formulas,” she corrected absently. She stiffened. “REM-4.”