“Oh, I’m in a hurry. But the drug house in Campania is still in the running. I just want it to be the right choice. I might be able to make it, if you stop talking and let me concentrate.”

Palik sighed and leaned back. “Either way, it might be my fault for not giving you what you need. Right? I’ll pull this whiskey out of my pocket I brought to soothe me in case you were being difficult. Then I’ll definitely shut up.”

Chapter 8

Chapter
8

MacDuff’s Run
Next Day
1:40 P.M.

I don’t know if I approve of this.” MacDuff was frowning as he approached Jane, who was mounting her horse outside the main stables. “It doesn’t make sense. You’re not going to find anything at Jamie’s house.” He glanced at Sean Rodland. “Did you encourage her? You both should stay at the castle.”

“I just obey orders.” Rodland swung onto the back of the chestnut. “And you’re the one who told her you found those first books at Jamie MacDuff’s house, sir. But I’ve looked over the route this morning and it’s clear. I’ll check the house interior before I let her enter. May I suggest you have a few of your men follow us? It would make you feel better. That way you wouldn’t have to totally trust me. After all, I’m a stranger to you.”

And crafty as hell, Jane thought, smothering a smile as she swung onto the bay stallion. But she doubted if MacDuff would fall for it.

He didn’t. “You’re definitely a strange one,” he said. “Do you even know how to ride a horse?”

“Not well, but I tend to get along with both man and beast.” He lowered his eyes as he leaned forward to pat the chestnut’s neck. “Though I occasionally have problems with keeping ahead of women like Jane. But you’ll understand, since you have the same cross to bear.”

“I don’t know what you mean. Jane and I get along splendidly.” He turned to Jane. “You won’t change your mind?”

“I have to see for myself if Fiona left anything else there besides those two books you found and restored. You weren’t looking for anything to do with railroads or paintings at the time.” She waved her hand around to indicate the beauty of the horses, the trees, and the brilliant blue of the sky above them. “Besides, I need to see something other than the four walls I’ve been looking at down in those storage rooms. It’s only five or six miles from the castle. Rodland is right—if it will make you feel better, send someone to escort us.” She made a face. “Only not too close on our heels. I’d feel like Princess Di under siege by paparazzi. And there’s nothing royal about me, thank heavens.”