Rennell nodded. “And we both know that someone not familiar with this property would have to use the trees in order to escape. It would be the only way to avoid being torn to pieces by the thornbushes.” He paused. “She must be much more clever than you, Tanner. You never even made an attempt to use them. You just waited for me to hunt you down. I wondered about that the first couple of times.”

“Only the first couple?”

“Before I figured it out. I thought surely you’d use the trees because I knew how much Sandrino respected you. But then I realized that you never wanted to escape; you wanted me to bring you back. It was part of the game you and Sandrino played.”

“Then you were playing it, too,” Tanner said quietly. “Because you’ve never mentioned to me that you knew. Why not?”

“He didn’t want me to know. It was always between the two of you. I had my place in his life, you had yours.”

“Then what’s different now?”

“You promised you’d bring Sandrino back.” He gazed directly into Tanner’s eyes. “You didn’t keep your promise. That changes everything.”

“No, it doesn’t. It just means I need more time.”

“You’re going to use the woman? How? Are we going to trade her for Sandrino?”

“No—well, maybe in a way. But she knows nothing about Sandrino. However, Sergai Kaskov tells me he does, and I have to keep her safe until I get the information I need from him.”

“Kaskov,” Rennell repeated. Then he shook his head. “It all sounds too clumsy and involved to me. And definitely not soon enough. It doesn’t matter if she’s safe. Trade her now and find him.” He paused. “Or I will, Tanner.”

“No, you won’t,” Tanner said softly. “Stay out of it, Rennell. Help me or disappear. Either way, I’m going to find Sandrino, and I’ll use Lara Balkon to do it. But I’m not going to let you get her killed because you’re too impatient and don’t give a damn. We’ve waited this long, and we’ll wait a little longer. Understand?”

“I understand that I might give you a little more time.” His gaze never left Tanner’s. “Or I might not. Until I make up my mind, she won’t leave here. Make sure she knows that. If she goes over that wall, you’re not going to get her back.”

“She’s not going to try to get away,” Tanner said. “I’ll work it out.” He turned and started down the path toward the coach house where Mallory and his crew were unloading equipment in the garages. “But it would help if you’d stay away from both of them until I do. Give me some space.”

“Why should I?” Rennell called after him. “When you didn’t keep your promise.”

*  *  *