“When you get your own way.” She glanced at Rodland and then did a double take. He was possibly the most alive and intense individual she had ever seen. Lean and muscular, blue eyes, dark hair, cut close to keep from curling, and a lazy smile that was both warm and appealing. In spite of her irritation, she found herself smiling back. “You’re Sean Rodland? What did you do to MacDuff? I won’t have you being rude to him.”

Rodland shook his head. “I wouldn’t think of being rude to His Lordship, Ms. MacGuire.” He had a decided Irish accent. “He must have misunderstood.” He added solemnly, “But I had my orders, and I don’t deviate. I thought it only fair to advise him so that he could make adjustments.”

“I could make adjustments,” MacDuff repeated. “Did you hear that? I was generously telling him what role I might be able to give him in protecting the Run, and he wasn’t having any of it.”

“I have my orders,” Rodland repeated quietly. “Naturally I’ll be glad to help out if it doesn’t get in the way, but it can’t interfere.”

“Did it occur to you that I’m the one who gives the orders here?” MacDuff asked. “And no one makes a move without them. What would you do then?”

“Find a way,” he said gently. “I’m very good at that. And I want you to know I’d do it with all courtesy, sir.”

“What a relief,” MacDuff said sarcastically. “I’d hate the idea that you’d be rude as well as—” He abruptly stopped in exasperation. Then he started to laugh. “I think I’ve decided on the dungeon, Jane.”

“You might ask what his orders are first.” Jane was gazing at Rodland appraisingly. She was beginning to get an idea. “And he wasn’t really rude to you. Occasionally it’s good for you to have someone who won’t kowtow to you.”

“I beg your pardon?” He turned back to Rodland. “So okay, what were your orders?”

“To take care of Jane MacGuire,” Rodland replied. “Nothing must happen to her while she’s on my watch.” He smiled at Jane. “And it won’t. I guarantee it. But I can’t have my attention drawn anywhere else or I’ll hear from Palik. He gave me strict orders that I was to obey no one but her.” He made a face. “Which is most unusual for Palik. But he was on edge, and I owe him big time. I wasn’t about to argue.”

“Except with me,” MacDuff said sourly. “And I evidently don’t count if Seth Caleb is on the scene. I take it Palik’s nerves were due to Caleb?”

“I wouldn’t know, sir,” Rodland said. “I suppose it could be considering that Caleb is a valuable client. But Palik doesn’t confide in me.”