“It served its purpose.” She shrugged. “Though I admit I don’t like that you’ve been in control of my life since the moment I saw you in that forest. It makes me feel…I don’t like it.”

“So you decided to sting me.”

“I’m sure it didn’t bother you.”

“No, it amused me. Still, quite a change from that moment when you were tearing up with gratitude.”

“I didn’t tear up. I don’t cry. I meant what I said, but it’s all mixed up because I’m afraid that you’ve been lying to me.” She lifted her chin. “And I won’t forgive you if you are. I’ll find a way to punish you.”

“I’m sure you could,” he murmured. “But it’s wise of you to wait until you’re sure, so that you won’t have to exert unnecessary energy if you’re wrong.” His gaze was raking her face. “You look very tired. You were out there in the forest for three nights?”

“I’m not tired.” She kept her back very straight in the seat as she added sarcastically, “How could I be, when you so kindly saw that I was unconscious for the past few hours?”

“I’d bet that you were fighting exhaustion before you took that little nap. I doubt if it did you any good.” He tilted his head. “But you’re not going to admit it, and you’ll resent it if I suggest you stop worrying and relax. You’d probably suspect my wicked motives and be all the more on edge.” He got to his feet. “You never did get that coffee I promised you. I imagine you’ll accept, because the caffeine will keep you alert enough to detect any of my foul plans.” He smiled. “So I’ll make certain that the coffee is very black and strong, and I’ll send it back with Mallory to avoid you having to contend with me for a while.” He was moving down the aisle toward the cockpit. “You’ll have a lot in common with Mallory. He spends a good deal of his time giving me a hard time, too…”

* * *

“Has she calmed down?” Mallory turned in the copilot’s seat and gazed at Tanner as he opened the door. “Nash said her mother was pretty cool after he convinced her that nothing bad was going to happen to Lara. She was principally just confused.”

Tanner nodded at Jordan who was flying the plane before he turned back to Mallory. “Calm?” he repeated thoughtfully. “I don’t think she knows the meaning of the word. She’s like a beautifully balanced dagger ready to strike at the first hint of an attack. And I don’t think it’s because she’s feeling threatened by the situation. I have an idea she’s like that all the time.”

“One can hardly blame her,” Mallory said, “considering how she grew up. The attack must have always been right around the corner.” He snapped his fingers. “But that’s right, you were too busy to read that file Kaskov left for you. That’s okay, you’d probably have found it boring anyway. But it might help you to control her since we have to get her settled.”