“Another word for sympathy is pity,” Caleb said softly. “I really wouldn’t use either one when referring to me.”

“Certainly not.” Rodland’s smile vanished. “I’m not that stupid. Let’s talk about how I can help. You did mention that, didn’t you?”

“I believe I did.” He cradled his coffee cup in his two hands. “I want you to call Jane tonight and talk to her. She doesn’t know what’s happening and she’s probably feeling alone and unhappy. She’s very much on edge and I need you to make that go away.”

“I beg your pardon? Shouldn’t that be your job?”

“You’re damn right it should,” he said roughly. “But right now, I can’t do it. She won’t accept anything I can do for her. She might have accepted it from MacDuff, but she believes she hurt him and that blows that. But for some reason she trusts you. So it’s up to you.”

“What am I supposed to say?”

“I don’t care. Anything. Just make her feel better. She’s aching, dammit. I can feel it.”

“Okay.” He took out his phone and started to dial. “I’ll do my best. But you stay out of it, Caleb.”

“Whatever.” He was staring into the fire. “Evidently that’s what she wants anyway. Do it right and I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Chapter 10

Chapter
10

Jane hesitated as she checked the phone ID. Rodland. She was tempted to not answer. There were probably several reasons why she should ignore it. But she wanted to know if his wound was better, and she was feeling very isolated at this moment. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to him for a few moments. She had no doubt that the call was connected to Caleb but that might not be bad. She couldn’t hide from him indefinitely, and going through Rodland might be less painful. Rodland’s relationship with Caleb was complicated but he had always been honest about it. His relationship with her had been equally aboveboard…yet less complicated. Keep it that way.

Decision made.

She answered the call. “Hello, Rodland. How are you?”

“Okay. The gunshot wound was nothing. But the doctor said my head wasn’t as hard as I’ve been told.” He paused. “I was wondering if you were going to answer. You took your time.”

“You probably know why. Are you with Caleb?”

“Yes, and you’re on speaker, but he said that you don’t have to talk to him. He can take a hint. You made it fairly clear. He assigned me to make contact.” He added, “For tonight. Tomorrow all bets are off.”

She stiffened. “How close are you?”