“I resent that, MacDuff. It only would have been stupid if I hadn’t managed to catch the bastard. And how did I know if and when the immediate danger was over? The only immediate threat I could see was the man who had shot Rodland, and it seemed smart to take him out of the equation.” She walked across the room toward him. “And yes, I’m sorry you were worried, but I was busy, and I told you as soon as I could.” She reached out and grasped his hands in hers. Her voice was shaking as she looked up and met his eyes. “And I can’t tell you how sorry I am for my part in what happened here. It broke my heart.”

“Good God, you’re ready to burst into tears. That’s not like you at all.” He glanced over his shoulder at Caleb. “She’s embarrassing me. Can’t you do something?”

Caleb shook his head. “She can be like that sometimes. I tried my best. But you’ll have to deal with it.”

“No, he won’t.” Jane gave MacDuff a quick hug. “I won’t put him through it. It just had to be said.” She released him and took a step back. “But you will have to deal with the fact that I won’t let you go through this without me. I realize you can handle what happened here with your hands tied behind your back, but I can’t. You’ll have to let me help…after we take care of Bohdan.”

“That sounds reasonable.” His voice was gruff. “Now is all this emotional nonsense over? I wanted to tell you that you should move back into the castle. It will be repaired, and it’s now even better guarded, and you won’t have to worry about another attack.”

“I’m not worried,” she said. “There won’t be another attack unless we want it to happen.” Her lips tightened. “And it will never be here again. From now on we’re the ones who will be going on the assault.”

“We?” He glanced at Caleb again. “I’m not sure I like the way that sounds.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” he said dryly. “But I’d advise you not to go into it in-depth. You have enough problems right now.”

“When did I ever take advice from you?” MacDuff asked. “Occasionally, it’s true you can be useful, but everyone knows I’m much wiser. After Jane and I have a discussion, I’m sure she’ll agree with me.” He smiled down at Jane. “Now, where shall we go to have our talk? Could I get you a cup of tea?”