“I’ve noticed,” MacDuff said. “And you probably prefer that no one be around to get in your way.”

“I’d never interfere with her friends or family. You’re a fool if you think I’d ever want to damage her in that way.”

“Because you’ve gone through that particular hell yourself?” Caleb was silent. “Maybe not. But there are all kinds of other ways you could damage her. For some reason she believes that she wants you. Or perhaps she just wants to save you from yourself.”

“That’s possible. Do you expect me to deny it? But I’ve given up fighting her about it. She’s a bit sensitive right now and I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same.” His voice lowered silkily. “I’d be most displeased.”

“Tough,” MacDuff said. “I’ll keep you informed how things are doing here at the Run. But I promised Jane I’d let her know if you were in any danger. That includes any report from your information guru.”

“Of course. I’ve told you that I’m honest with Jane,” Caleb said, then added, “and I’m grateful for your help, MacDuff.”

“As long as it’s limited to the areas that you specifically designate? Sorry, that won’t happen. You take what you get.” MacDuff broke the connection.

Chapter 4

Chapter
4

The Gallery
MacDuff’s Run
1:45 P.M.

Okay. Give Fiona every chance, Jane thought, bracing herself as she walked down the long hallway. It would really annoy her if MacDuff was right about her being intentionally blind regarding the blasted portrait. She turned all the lights on as soon as she entered the gallery. Then she put the two volumes MacDuff had given her together with her sketch pad on the velvet chair against the wall.

Only then did she turn and directly face the portrait of Fiona MacDuff.

Just look at her for a moment. Jane usually avoided it because of the resemblance MacDuff always called to her attention. The long auburn hair, the hazel eyes, the features that even Jane could see were similar to her own.

But MacDuff had said she wasn’t being fair. So she tried to see what he did in Fiona. What had he said? Bold and excited…Yes, she could see the faint flush on Fiona’s cheeks, the way her eyes shone out from the canvas. A bit adventurous…Jane could see that also in the lift of her chin, the faint curve of her lips.

She hated to admit it, but MacDuff had probably been right.