“Well, there’s evidently an entire art world that embraces your values,” MacDuff said. “I had to take out a loan to pay for that landscape I bought at your last gallery exhibit.”

“Bullshit.” Jane grinned. “Poor MacDuff. Remember, I was the one who went with you to the Royal Bank of Scotland when you deposited that family treasure. I believe you can afford to buy a few of my humble offerings.”

“Perhaps.” He watched her take the cup of tea the housekeeper served her. “But keeping it to a few is the problem. Every time you come for a visit you paint several ‘offerings’ that I want to buy.” He made a face. “And sometimes you won’t let me buy them. Not fair, Jane.”

“Very fair,” Jane said. “I’ve always loved MacDuff’s Run. I have a right to keep the ones that I have a particular fondness for.”

“And MacDuff’s Run has always loved you,” MacDuff said. “Did I tell you that Caleb tried to buy the portrait of Fiona again before he flew out after dropping you here? He never gives up.”

“Why should that surprise you? It’s always been difficult for Caleb to keep from taking whatever he wants. It’s just been a matter of selection.” Jane took a sip of her tea. “He’s Seth Caleb and even MI6 comes knocking on his door when he lets them know he’s available.”

“Do I detect a little bitterness?” MacDuff’s gaze narrowed on her face. “Was there some reason he brought you here rather than taking you to his house near Sky Island?”

“No bitterness. He felt safer about leaving me here with you.” She smiled crookedly. “Because he knew he’d have someone to blame if anything happened to me. As evidenced by your totally unreasonable response to poor Fergus today.”

MacDuff frowned. “Fergus should have known where you were. I gave him his orders when you walked through that door this time.”

“As dictated by you and Caleb.” She nibbled on a bun. “I told you, I didn’t want to have company today. I’ve put up with having your very efficient employees trailing me around since I got here. I’ll try to keep doing it until it’s time for me to leave. But don’t push it, MacDuff. I always enjoy being here with you, but I won’t feel like a prisoner.”

“Tell that to Caleb,” MacDuff said bluntly. “You know that he has enemies galore who would like nothing better than to bring you down. Caleb has a target on his back whenever he’s given an assignment. He’s a unique weapon, and if they can’t get to him, you’ll do fine. It’s happened before, it could happen again.”

“I can take care of myself. What with Joe, Eve, and Caleb, I’m very well trained. You know that, MacDuff.”

“Then why did he send you to me?”