Night and Day (38 page)

“You think I'm not scared?” he said roughly. “If it makes you feel any better, I'll kill anyone in that opera house who even hints at being a threat to her.”

“It doesn't make me feel any better.” She closed her eyes for an instant. Keep Cara safe. Keep my Michael safe. Maybe the rest of us can take care of ourselves.

Her eyes opened, and she straightened. “We'd better go and get Cara. I hated leaving her alone, but it didn't seem right to have her in the room while we were talking about disposing of Natalie and Kaskov and the others.”

“I was just glad that you didn't leave it to me to be the bad guy again. There may be a lot of that tonight.” He took her elbow and pushed her gently toward the door. “But now we have to move quickly. I want to have you at the opera house and settled by eight when Kaskov arrives.”

“We have over two hours.”

He smiled. “But you and Cara have to dress for the occasion in order not to look out of place. These concerts are very formal. Palik sent gowns up for you and Cara. But I'm not sure his taste will be appropriate for a kid of Cara's age.”

“Formal?” She made a face. “Oh, for goodness sake.”

“A slight disadvantage but better than facing him at his estate that would be bristling with automatic rifles.”

She nodded as she opened the door. “Whatever you say. Let's just get out of here.”

*   *   *

“Very nice.” Jock's gaze ran over Eve in the elegant bronze-silk gown with the square neckline that displayed a simple gold necklace. “Attractive but not too showy. What about Cara?”

“I only caught a glimpse of her before she disappeared into the bathroom, but I think it's not as inappropriate as you thought it might be.” She tucked a small computer and the disc into her brocade evening bag. Then she was quickly running a comb through her hair. “It's sort of ivory, and the neckline isn't low like mine. Maybe Palik has a young girl in his family.”

“I never inquired.” Jock was checking his watch. “But we'll have to get her out of there. It's time we—” He stopped as Cara came out of the bathroom.

“Am I okay?” she asked breathlessly. “I'm sorry I'm late. I'm not used to dresses, and I couldn't get the zipper in the back to fasten.”

Jock didn't speak for a moment, but his expression said it all. “What do you say, Eve? Is she okay?”

Cara looked like a young Juliet, Eve thought. The bateau neckline and empire waist of the ivory-velvet gown that fell to her feet was wonderful on her. Her shiny dark hair was held back by a black, sequined ribbon that matched the sequins on her ballet flats.

“Beautiful,” Eve said. “You look lovely, Cara. It's perfect. It reminds me of—” She inhaled sharply as that memory came flooding back to her.

But Cara had seen the hesitation, and she nodded slowly. “Jenny,” she said softly. “I saw it, too. Jenny wore a long white dress like this the night she died in the forest, the night she saved me.”

“Not quite like that, but similar. She was beautiful, too. But I didn't mean to make you sad by reminding you.”

“You didn't make me sad. When I saw it, I thought it was like a sign that I was doing what I should be doing. It was as if Jenny were standing there behind me and telling me that.” She suddenly giggled. “But I wish she could have helped me with the zipper.”

“You did fine on your own,” Jock said gruffly as he grabbed their black-velvet theater cloaks. “Now let's get you to that opera house and see if all this finery helps to scoot us under the wire and into Kaskov's august presence.”

NASIM FEROZ RESIDENCE

ARBAT, MOSCOW

8:10 P.M.

“Two guards on the perimeter,” Caleb said. “Do you take them out or do I?”

“You're giving me a choice?”

“I thought it would be polite. After all, you have a greater commitment, and there's a certain satisfaction to—”

“I'll take them out.”

“Then I'll go in and get rid of Hassan Mehnar, Feroz's personal bodyguard. If that's all right with you? I'd hate to step on your toes.”

“Fine.” He turned and moved toward the wrought-iron back-garden gate. He was on edge. Sometimes Caleb's mockery grated on him but there was no one that he'd rather have in his corner in a situation like this.

Forget about Caleb.

Concentrate on the man at the gate.

NOVAKO OPERA HOUSE

Crowds of elegantly dressed people milled around the huge lobby of the nineteenth-century opera house.

An enormous crystal chandelier cast a mellow amber glow over the crimson-carpeted grand staircase that dominated the lobby.

The strains of the Mendelssohn violin concerto poured out of speakers on either side of the arched, twenty-foot entrances.

“That's Hans Finster playing tonight.” Cara's eyes were suddenly shining with excitement. “I heard him play on PBS last year. He's only twenty-two, but everyone thinks he's wonderful. You didn't tell me he was the one who—”

“I don't think Jock regarded it as a detail on which he had to focus,” Eve said. “Though, of course, you would, Cara.”

“Straight up the stairs,” Jock murmured. “Kaskov has a huge box with velvet-cushioned seats and privacy curtains. It even has an adjoining lounge, where he's served drinks during intermission. Nothing but the best for him…”

“He probably doesn't even notice all that stuff once the music starts,” Cara said. “It means too much to him.”

“Let's hope he doesn't notice anything but the music tonight,” Jock said grimly. “Because I'm going to furnish a few distractions.” They had reached the top of the staircase, and he nodded toward two gold-leafed doors a few feet away. “That's Kaskov's box.” Then he nudged them toward a huge, jade-colored malachite column several yards from the entrance of the box. “Stay here behind the column. There are enough people around so that Kaskov shouldn't notice you.”

Eve could see that was true. This level was also filled with elegantly dressed patrons, and there were waiters moving among them, serving wine from ornate silver trays. “Very posh.”

“Kaskov could care less. He always goes straight to his box and ignores all of this. I'll come for you as soon as the performance begins, and Kaskov is settled.”

“Where are you going?” Eve asked as she pulled Cara behind the column. “You told me that this place is safer than Kaskov's estate, but a man like him will have bodyguards surrounding him. Some of those guards must have seen Cara while she was staying at the estate. All it would take is one of his men to recognize Cara and drop a word to Kaskov.”

“That's why you're staying away from the box until I'm ready. I guarantee that none of Kaskov's guards will be strolling around the theater once he's ensconced in that box. He'll be their first priority.”

“Where will they be?” Eve asked.

“You want their usual locations?” He shrugged and rattled them off. “According to Palik, one man stands outside the door to prevent attacks from the rear. One is inside in the lounge, waiting for Kaskov to come out during intermission in case he needs something. Kaskov never goes to the downstairs public bar. It's too dangerous for him to be in a crowd. There's a guard who waits by his car in front of the theater and another who acts as his chauffeur.”

“Nikolai,” Cara said. “I think he's been with Kaskov longer than any of his other men. He often uses him as a driver. He sent him to get Natalie and me when she brought me from Gaelkar.”

“Four men,” Eve whispered. “And you're supposed to take care of all four of them before I'll be able to reach Kaskov?”

“I
will
take care of them,” Jock said. “You'll get your chance.” He looked at Cara. “And she'll get her chance. I just hope Quinn will be able to make my efforts totally unnecessary. If I get a call from him that he—” His phone rang. “Palik.” He picked up. “Has he arrived? Same number of guards?” He hung up. “Kaskov is here. He'll be coming in the front entrance in a few minutes. Move a little farther behind that column.”

“Not yet. I want to see him,” Eve said suddenly. “I've never even seen the man, and I'm supposed to persuade him to abandon his daughter to save my life? Could I just get a glimpse of him?”

“A glimpse.” Jock shook his head at Cara. “Not you. Get behind the column. Eve's right, you could be recognized.”

Cara opened her lips and turned and walked toward the column.

“She's keeping her word to you.” Eve moved close to the elaborate gold barricade at the side of the steps but kept discreetly behind a couple who were laughing and drinking as they looked down into the lobby. “Point him out to me.”

“You have thirty seconds,” Jock said. “I can't risk being seen either. Palik said that my photo was being circulated among Kaskov's men after I snatched Cara the last time. He's probably put a price on my head.”

Her gaze flew to his face. “You didn't tell me that.”

“It didn't matter. This had to be done. It just means I have to be careful and move very fast.” His gaze was fastened on the front entrance. “Thirty seconds.”

“I don't have to see him if it means—”

“There he is.”

Eve's gaze flew to where he was nodding.

A tall, powerful man in an elegant black tuxedo moving through the doorway with a man who was also formally dressed on either side of him. They were all heading for the staircase with single-minded purpose.

“Go!” Jock took Eve's arm and moved her away from the staircase toward the malachite column. “No one looked up, so I think we're safe. So what did you think of him?”

“Powerful. Hard. So hard. But he doesn't look anything like Natalie. I don't know what to think of him except that he appeared as if he were made of stone.”

“Maybe he is. You're going to get the opportunity to find out.” He grabbed a wineglass from the tray of a passing waiter and handed it to Eve. “Look like you're enjoying yourself.” They had reached the column, and he moved behind it and gazed down at Cara. “The action is about to start. Change your mind? Eve and I can do this.”

She shook her head. “It has to be me, Jock.” She drew a shaky breath. “But it's kind of scary. This place is so beautiful, and I know the music will be beautiful, too. But it can't matter, can it? I have to close it all out.”

He nodded. “You have to do what you have to do. And, since you think you have a handle on this, I'd do it the way you think you should.” He smiled. “It can't hurt, Cara. I'll see that nothing hurts you.” He turned to Eve. “I'm going to move you both into Kaskov's private lounge just before the intermission. Stay here until then.”

“The guards?”

“They won't be there.” He glanced behind him. “Kaskov has gone into his box. His guard's standing there at the door and looking very grim and efficient. So I'd better leave and mix with the crowd who are starting to head downstairs for their seats.”

“Downstairs?” Eve asked.

“Two of Kaskov's men are down the street by his car.” He reminded her. “They'll be the easiest. Don't move. I need to be able to find you when I'm ready for you.”

The next moment he was gone.

Don't move to watch him leave, Eve told herself. She had to stay here with Cara and take care of her. But it was hard not to make sure that guard outside Kaskov's box hadn't noticed Jock.

There's probably a price on my head.

“You're worried.” Cara's hand slipped into hers. “Me, too. I hate his having to do this. But it's you, and it's Michael.”

Michael.

Eve felt a rush of warmth that didn't stop the fear, but it helped.

We're doing everything we can, Michael. Jock is having to do some things that are hurting him. Bonnie says you're extraordinary, and I think you are. So if you have any kind of clout, it would be nice if you could find a way to help him.

“Yes, it's Michael.” Her hand tightened on Cara's. “And sometimes the innocents of the world are given guardian angels to protect them. We've just got to hope that Jock is given one, too.”

NASIM FEROZ'S RESIDENCE

Joe dragged the man who had guarded the front gate deep into the bushes and quickly covered him with brush.

Good enough.

He'd already disposed of the other guard Kaskov had sent to protect Feroz. Now to head for the library and see if Caleb had disposed of Mehnar, Feroz's personal bodyguard, yet.

It was dark in the library. He warily slipped over the windowsill and stood there in the dark, listening.

“It took you long enough,” Caleb said from the darkness across the room. “I grant you that you had two to take care of, but I—”

“Where's Mehnar?”

“About three feet from you. Unfortunately, he fell down and broke his neck. Don't stumble on him as you come toward me.”

“I'll be sure and watch out.” He moved across the room. “And why am I coming toward you?”

“Because the door in back of me opens to a hall that leads to the lab where Feroz is working. He's there right now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Relatively. Mehnar told me he was there before he fell down and broke his neck.”

“And did you ask Mehnar about the antidote?”

“He didn't know anything about it. He said that he was paid to guard Feroz, not help him in the lab.” He opened the door. “I thought we'd go ask the son of a bitch himself. This time I'm not going to be polite. I really don't like what Feroz did to Eve. Very ugly. You'll have to fight to keep me from doing something equally ugly to him.”

“You don't do anything to him until we know whether he has an antidote other than the one he gave to Natalie.” He strode quickly but silently down the hall. “And, if he doesn't, how long it will take him to create another one. After that, you can do what you want to him while I get to Eve at that opera house.” He stopped a few yards from the laboratory door. “I don't hear anything. Are you sure you didn't—”