“Of course I’d agonize over it. Are you an idiot?” She wanted to hit him. “Sasha is family to me. You had no right to do anything concerning her without letting me know.”

Gilroy chuckled. “I think I’ll go finish my beer somewhere else, Korgan. Much as I’d like to stay and watch her take you down, I’m feeling a little sorry for you since I let myself become involved.” He turned to Alisa, suddenly no longer smiling. “But he was right to give her anything he could so that she wouldn’t feel that helpless again. I saw a little of what she was going through tonight, and I wanted to blow Masenak and every one of his goons to kingdom come.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Korgan as he started down the hill. “And though I hate not to charge you my usual exorbitant fee, anything that I can do to get her out of that hellhole is on me.” He added grimly, “So let’s get moving.” He disappeared into his tent.

Alisa’s eyes widened and her gaze flew to Korgan. “Did he tell you what happened with Sasha tonight?”

He shook his head. “Only that she probably has more guts and stamina than anyone he’d ever run across.” His lips tightened. “But that last offer he made says it all, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” Her teeth sank into her lower lip. “Since the kidnapping Sasha won’t talk to me about anything that’s happening to her most of the time. She’s afraid I’ll worry too much and get upset over something I can’t change.” Her lips twisted. “Isn’t that funny? She’s worrying about me. That’s why Margaret usually contacts her. Sasha will talk to her, and we find out more.”

“Not funny at all,” he said quietly. “She obviously loves you and wants to take care of you. Perfectly natural when you feel the same way about her. She might be a kid, but she evidently doesn’t consider herself one.”

“No, how could she? All her life she’s been used, first by her father, and then the owner of that circus. Now she’s struggling not to be used by Masenak. I only bought her a short reprieve when I managed to send her to St. Eldon’s.”

“Five years isn’t that short. Not if she was as happy there as you say.” He paused. “Are you going to forgive me for not clueing you in about sending her the jammer?”

“No, you should have told me. You can’t just try to run my life as if it was one of your corporations. Not if it concerns Sasha. You will not do that again.” She added coldly, “I’ll accept anything that you do to me because I owe you and have no choice, but even then, I deserve respect. Do you understand?”