Night and Day Read Free Page B

Castino. He’d not been pleased that Joe and Eve had taken Cara, Castino’s other daughter, and hidden her away from both the Mexican and U.S. governments. So displeased that he’d threatened to toss Joe into jail for interfering with an international immigration case if he got in the way of his investigation. He would definitely consider Joe’s leaving the U.S. and rushing here to help Eve and Cara as getting in his way.
    â€œWe don’t have time to make excuses or try to talk him out of anything.” Eve added with frustration, “And, dammit, we can’t have him chasing after us.”
    â€œAnd what do you suggest?” Joe asked. “He’s not a bad guy, just a hard-ass. I’d really prefer not to shoot him.”
    â€œNo choice. You go and try to stop Natalie.” She turned on her heel and started back down the slope. “I’m not going to let him grill Jane when she doesn’t have any idea what’s happening. I’ll try to delay him myself. Hurry. Get out of sight and on the road.”
    He started up the slope. “I may get to Liverpool too late, you know.”
    â€œAnd you might not. Call me, Joe.”
    He didn’t answer.
    When she looked back, he was gone.
    And Toller was heading toward Jane, who was still standing by the campfire.
    Eve increased her pace as she glanced over her shoulder.
    No sign of Joe. Good.
    Jane was always careful and discreet, but Eve hadn’t mentioned Joe’s trouble with Toller to her. Still, there was no way Jane would say anything, and in a few minutes, Eve would be there.
    And hopefully Joe would be halfway to that helicopter he’d parked several miles away.
    She wanted to be with him. She wanted to be there when he tried to stop Natalie. As she had told Joe, she knew her. If Natalie panicked, Eve might be able to talk to her, deal with her.
    And keep Cara safe.
    But she had made the right decision, she realized reluctantly. Toller was far more likely to be antagonistic and interfere with Joe than with her.
    And Joe could fly the helicopter.
    Trust Joe.
    And pray he got there in time.
    *   *   *
    â€œHere you are, Eve.” Jane smiled and turned to her as Eve reached her. “I was just telling this gentleman I had no idea where you’d disappeared. He was looking for either you or Joe.” She gestured. “Agent Jason Toller with the Justice Department.”
    â€œWell, here I am,” Eve said. “And I’m sure Joe is somewhere about.”
    â€œExactly where, Ms. Duncan?” Toller asked.
    â€œI saw him down by the lake several minutes ago,” Jane said quickly. “I think it’s something to do with our Cara, Eve.”
    â€œ Our Cara?” Toller repeated sourly. “You do know, Ms. MacGuire, that Cara Castino has been held illegally by Joe Quinn and Eve Duncan and that your knowledge makes you an accomplice?”
    â€œShe knows no such thing,” Eve said bluntly. “Jane only knows that Cara is going to live with Joe and me on a trial basis before we commit to adopting her. I brought her on this trip to the Highlands so that Cara could get to know Jane. I’m sure you’re aware that Jane is my adopted daughter.”
    â€œYes, I’m aware of everything about Ms. MacGuire,” Toller said curtly. “Including the fact that she’s friends with John MacDuff, Lord of MacDuff’s Run, who organized a hunt for a lost family treasure that included her and a few other intimate friends of the earl. Let’s see, they were Jock Gavin and a Seth Caleb … It’s very convenient that you suddenly felt the urge for a family reunion and joined them. Particularly since the hunt was to take place in the wilds of the Highlands.” He looked at the surrounding rugged hills that plunged down to the large crystal blue lake. “A very good hiding place, wouldn’t you say? I might have to have a talk with