Caleb muttered a curse. “Well, then we’ll have to have a more in-depth discussion. Because I’m not willing to have anything changed where you’re concerned. If you feel anything between us needs to be adjusted, come to me and I’ll take care of it.” He paused. “And I’m angry as hell this Bohdan mess has come up right now. Because I’ve been thinking lately that there may be something not quite right with you, and I have to find out what’s wrong.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jane said curtly. “I’m not the one who’s on the run from a mercenary who wants to behead me. I might not be happy about it, but you’ve explained the problem and now I’ll go along with what you’ve decided is best to protect MacDuff and his people here.” She hesitated. “But if the situation changes, let me know right away. I’ve loved this place since the day I came here years ago to research Cira and the ancestral line of the MacDuff family. MacDuff and his people have always been good to me. I won’t stay one more minute if it means I put anyone here in danger. Will you promise me that?”

“You know I will.”

“And I want you to call me whenever you get a chance and let me know that no one has managed to separate your head from your body. I’ve always kind of liked them as a matched set.”

“Then I’ll be sure to accommodate you. Maybe you have your share of delicate feelings after all. Or it might just be that artistic temperament.” He added softly, “I promise I’ll finish this up as quickly as I can. Everything is going to be fine.”

“I know that.” Jane cleared her throat. “But maybe after you get through with saving the Congo, we might go visit Eve and Joe at the lake cottage for a week or two. I’ll check with Eve, but I don’t believe anyone there has chopped off anyone’s head in a long time. That sounds pretty good to me.”

“Anywhere you want to go. I’ll contact Bezos and see if there are any seats left on the next rocket.”

“No, the lake cottage is fine. In the meantime, take care of yourself. I won’t lose you, Caleb.”

“Lose me? No, you won’t. Not ever. I’ll touch base with you whenever I have news.” He cut the connection.

Chapter 3

Chapter
3

Jane sat there for a moment, staring down at her phone.

Lose me? No, you won’t. Not ever.

A few words that meant so much.