“Only if you choose to be,” he said softly. “I promised you that a long time ago. But you’re understandably wary of me. I try to keep my word, but I have moments when the control slips.”
Jane had seen moments when that had happened, and it had frightened … and excited her. Neither response was wise to accept or encourage. Which was the reason she tried to keep her distance from Caleb. She had not seen him for almost a year before he had shown up in her apartment yesterday. “Stop this bullshit,” she said curtly. “I don’t want to deal with it right now. The only thing I want to think about is Toby.”
His smile faded. “I’ll back off. I know it’s not the time. I told you I slip occasionally. In spite of Eve’s suspicions about my wicked motives, I actually want to help you and Toby. I like your dog.”
She believed him. However, that didn’t mean that it was the entire truth. Seth Caleb had so many intricate facets to his character that he was like a juggler whose balls in the air could be pure gold or deepest ebony. “And I love him.” She fought to keep her voice steady. “Eve thought your sudden arrival on my doorstep was too convenient. I agree with her.”
“But you didn’t question me.”
“I didn’t care. You said you’d do anything I wanted to help Toby. You’re rich, you don’t care about dodging the law if it suits you, I could trust you if I handled you right. I didn’t have the money to rent a private jet myself.” She added baldly, “I needed you.”
“A circumstance much to be desired.” His tone was light. “So it was important that I continue it.”
“But now I’m going to ask you the question Eve would want me to ask. How did you know about Toby? I haven’t seen you in months.”
“I do hate to lose touch with people I care about.”
“Does that mean you’ve been watching me?”
“In a very safe, distant manner. How could I just walk away from you? You’re a very special woman, Jane. I know you find the thought of a relationship with me a little intimidating.”
“No way. Don’t flatter yourself.”
He smiled faintly. “You do, you know. I’m very encouraged by it. A little uncertainty can be intriguing. Don’t worry; I haven’t been lurking in the shadows. I’ve just been … waiting.” He stopped beside the stretcher where Toby lay and stroked the dog’s golden white muzzle. Toby’s tail wagged, but he didn’t open his eyes. “His spirit is still strong. He’s not going to leave you soon. I’ll get him there in time, Jane.”
“You’d better.” She knelt to stroke Toby. “I’m here, boy,” she said to him softly. “I’m taking you to see Monty and Maggie and some other dogs who may become your friends. You stay with me. Okay?”
Toby whimpered and tried to turn so that she could rub his belly.
“Buckle up, Jane.” Caleb went down the aisle toward the cockpit.
“I will.” Jane laid her cheek on Toby for a brief instant, then slipped into the seat across the aisle and fastened her seat belt. “Trust me, boy. We’ll get through this together.”
* * *
“I DON’T LIKE IT,” JOE SAID flatly when Eve finished speaking. “When will Jane be able to get there?”
“As soon as she can,” Eve said. “How do I know? Jane doesn’t have any idea what’s wrong with Toby or if he can be cured. She’ll let me know.”
Silence. “Maybe I’ll be able to leave after the testimony tomorrow. I could take the night coach out.”
“Not likely. Since when did court cases ever go the way you want them to go? You’ll have to stay for that cross-examination. Stop worrying about me, Joe.”
“I don’t like leaving you alone.”
“I’m fine.”
“Keep your phone by your bed, your gun on the nightstand, and be sure to put the alarm on.”
“The alarm is already on. I can take care of myself. Stop worrying. Now go to bed and get to sleep.”
Another silence. “Maybe you’re right. Logic is on your side. I don’t have any reason to go off the rails.”
“Absolutely right.”
“To hell with being right. I’m going to call and have a patrol car make a couple swings by the cottage tonight and tomorrow.”
“And what would the captain say? Personal business.”
“I’ll pay someone off duty. Stop arguing.”
She chuckled. “You’re impossible.”
“I love you. Don’t go for any strolls. Don’t open the door without knowing who’s on the other side.”
“I have to call FedEx and send Ryan off to Bloomington.”
“Send him with one of the cops I arrange to do a pass by. As soon as I set up who it will be, I’ll call you and leave his name and cell-phone number. And I’ll call you first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Relax, Joe.” She paused. “You’re spooking me. I’ll be careful. When you get back, we’ll laugh about this.”
“Maybe. At the moment, I’m not amused.” He was silent. “Phone me when you hear more about Toby. I love that old guy.”
“Me, too. Jane’s not sure that she believes in miracles, but she’s hoping for one tonight. I’ll call as soon as I hear. I love you, Joe.” She hung up.
Joe was definitely overreacting. As an independent woman, she should feel a little insulted that he was being overprotective.
She was not insulted. When you loved someone, your instinct was to fight and cling to them against all odds … and logic.
And, as Joe said, to hell with being right or logical. Joe’s instincts had been honed in the most extreme classroom in the world when he was with the SEALs. He was not often wrong.
She would put her gun on the nightstand tonight.
Summer Island
10:05 P.M.
“WE HAVE COMPANY.” CALEB was glancing out the window as he left the cockpit. “And they look serious. I don’t think they’re the kindly vets you were expecting.”
“I told you to expect security. But there’s a van pulling up.” Jane frowned at the attractive, dark-haired young woman getting out of the vehicle. “That’s not Sarah Logan.”
“Let’s just hope that she has some authority.” He threw open the door, and the steps emerged. “Stay with Toby. Let me check it out.”
Before she could protest, he was down the steps and crossing the tarmac.
But the dark-haired woman was striding toward the plane and obviously giving orders to the two armed security guards who had gotten out of their jeep.
She pushed by Caleb and ran up the steps. “Jane MacGuire. I’m Dr. Devon Brady. Sarah got an emergency call from her husband right after she talked to you. She had to leave and go back to California. She asked me to take care of Toby.” She turned and yelled at the security men. “Come up and take this stretcher.”
“Wait a minute.” Jane had been expecting Sarah, and this was going too fast. She instinctively stood defensively in front of Toby. “What are your qualifications? How do I know you’re any better than that vet I left in London?”
“I have authority to run this facility. And you don’t know if I’m as good as that vet in London. I don’t know either. But I’m very good, and I care.” She looked Jane in the eye. “And we have a few rabbits in the hat here that they don’t have anywhere else. We might be able to pull one out for your Toby. Let me try. Your friend, Sarah, trusts me. That should count for something.”
“It counts for a hell of a lot.” She reached into her briefcase, pulled out a folder, and handed it to Devon Brady. “Here are his medical records.” She slowly moved from in front of the dog. “Toby’s breathing is shallower than when we left London.” She added unsteadily, “I’m scared, Dr. Brady.”
“Devon. I know you’re scared.” She was gesturing to the two security men who had entered the plane. “Take him to the lab. I’ve set up the tests.” She handed Jane a set of car keys. “I’ll go with your Toby and do an initial exam on the road. You and your pilot can follow in the security jeep.” She pushed by Caleb again as she ran back down the steps. “I’ll see you at the lab.”
“I’m feeling very unimportant and definitely brushed aside,” Caleb said ruefully as he fell into step with Jane as she started toward the jeep. “So much for taking care of the opposition. I take it you trust her?”