Your Next Breath

“And neither would I,” Caleb said.

Jane tensed as her gaze flew to the door, where Caleb was leaning against the jamb. “Hello, Caleb. I haven’t seen you lately.”

“I had things to wrap up.” He strolled into the room. “Did you miss me?”

“Let’s say I noticed your absence.”

“Which means you missed me.” He smiled. “But not enough to keep you from trying to supplant me with McDuff. I admit I was surprised when I overheard you talking about him.”

“Eavesdropping.”

“Of course, I’ve never claimed to be honorable.” He turned to Eve. “But I hope you agree that it’s a good idea for Jane to go to McDuff’s castle.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Do you?”

“Yes, I’m all for any change that brings Jane out in the real world.” He smiled. “Particularly since Edinburgh is one of my favorite stomping grounds. And to which destination I’m about to go as soon as I say my good-bye to Jane.”

“You’re leaving?” Eve got to her feet and held out her hand. “Thank you, Caleb. Joe and I owe you.”

“No, you don’t.” Caleb shook her hand. “If anything, I owe you for making that call. It’s been an interesting challenge.”

“So casual.” Eve shook her head. “And so phony. I was here when you nearly went off the deep end when Jane was hovering between life and death.” She took a step closer and gave him a brief hug before she turned and headed for the door. “But I’ll make sure Jane lets me know if you behave yourself if she runs into you in Scotland.”

Caleb chuckled. “Oh, she’ll run into me. But she may not give you a report. She’s very protective of you.”

“Would you two stop talking about me as if I weren’t here?” Jane said.

“I’m gone.” Eve lifted her hand as she left the room. But her smile faded as soon as she closed the door.

And I think, in your heart, you may be gone, too, Jane.

I have to be grateful, she thought. Jane was coming back to them, and it was a stronger, more mature Jane, who was taking charge of her life.

Eve was grateful.

It was just going to take a little while for the ache to go away.

*   *   *

“I gave Eve a bad time when I showed up here that first day.” Caleb turned back to Jane as Eve was lost to view. “I’m lucky that she has a forgiving nature, or she would have tossed me out.”

“Would you have let her?”

He smiled. “No, but she might have found a way. She’s very smart.”

“Yes, she is.” She paused. “And she didn’t argue with me about going to McDuff’s castle. Neither of us needed your approval.”

“I thought I’d give it anyway. I hate to be left out in the cold.”

“And you believed I might change my mind if I thought you approved?”

He chuckled. “That’s too complicated. Why not believe I meant what I said?”

“Did you?”

“Yes.” He moved closer to the bed. “I’m not worried about McDuff. Sometimes I even like him. When he doesn’t get in my way.”

“It’s you that would be in McDuff’s way if you show up at the castle. I don’t intend to invite you, and I don’t believe he would.”

“How rude.” His eyes were gleaming with mischief. “Afraid, Jane?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She paused. “I’m grateful for what you did for me. But there’s nothing easy about our relationship, and I won’t pretend that I want the disturbance you always bring.”

“People change. Sometime you might welcome it.”

She gazed at him incredulously. “Not likely.”

“When you were on those drugs, we were almost compatible. Perhaps you could get a refill.”

He was joking. His expression was alive with amusement.

“You’re in a very good mood,” she said warily.

“Because you’re getting well, and I don’t have to force you to go the way I want you to go.” He reached forward and touched her cheek. “And it may be a long road, but I can see that it will be an interesting journey.” He added softly, “And, oh, when we reach that final destination…”

Darkness. Flame. Electricity.

She stared at him in fascination. Then she pulled her gaze away. “There’s no final destination with you, Caleb.”

“Of course there is.” His hand dropped away from her cheek. “You just don’t understand it’s there yet.” He turned and headed for the door. His step was springy and his voice light. “I’ll see you in Scotland, Jane.”

*   *   *

“Good God, you look terrible.” Eve’s eyes widened when Catherine walked into the waiting room. “You said you were okay when you called me yesterday to tell me that Santos was definitely dead. You didn’t mention he’d used you as a punching bag.” She glanced at Catherine’s bandaged shoulder. “No problem with that wound?”

Catherine shook her head. “I told you, it’s a minor flesh wound.” She gingerly touched the bruises on her cheek and lip. “These hurt more.”

“And you have deep circles under your eyes. You’re exhausted. You shouldn’t have stopped off here. Go home and get some rest.”

“I will.” She reached out and took Eve’s hand. “But that’s not true, I should have stopped off here. You were all in the front lines. Santos targeted you, and you came through for me. Hu Chang made sure everyone else was safe, but you were the center that let me move forward.”

“Bullshit,” Eve said baldly. “It was a team effort. I just rounded up the troops when you called and said that Dorgal was on the way. I handled persuading the doctors and nurses to go along with it. But, basically, we got a plan together and executed it. Joe, Caleb, even Jane, were part of it.”

“How is Jane?”

“Better every day. She’s in her own room now. We had her moved from the isolation area after you called me yesterday. We’ll be able to take her home in a week.” She shook her head. “Which is good and bad. She’s been very much my own while she’s been here in the hospital. It will change once she starts taking back her life.” She added quickly, “Not that I don’t know that’s for the best. I want her to have her independence back. It will just seem … a little empty.”

“I can understand. Luke is only twelve and I’m having issues.” She paused. “I want to see her, Eve.”

“By all means. Caleb is with her now, but I got the impression he wasn’t going to stay long. Besides, she’s getting restless. She’ll be glad to have someone besides us to talk to.” She smiled. “Though she may go into shock when she sees your face.”

Catherine grimaced. “Maybe she’ll think I deserve it after what I put her through.” She held up her hand as Eve frowned. “Okay, no more apologies. I’ll substitute gratitude and just say I owe you more than I can say.” She gave her a hug and held her tight for a moment as she whispered, “This has been a terrible time, but I’ve learned from it, Eve. I thought I was a loner, and I am in many ways. But I didn’t count my blessings, I didn’t realize that the friends who surrounded me were so strong, so unique, that I am never alone.” She hugged her again, then stepped back and turned away. “And that I’ll never let you be alone either. You feel a little lonely or empty, give me a call. I’ll be there for you.”

Eve chuckled. Though she was very touched. “I don’t need you to hold my hand, Catherine. I’ll be fine. I’m just anticipating a little withdrawal syndrome. Go on and see Jane.”

Catherine nodded. “I will.” She took Eve’s hand and turned it palm up. “Right after I give you this. It’s not in nearly as good condition as when you gave it to me.”

Eve looked down at the melted, blackened, gold dog tag chain that Catherine had poured into her hand. Only the LING were left of the letters.

“I didn’t expect it back.”

“It had Jane’s blood on it. I decided I didn’t want him to be able to claim what he did to her even in death.” She touched the chain. “It was in his hand when we found him at the bottom of the spiral staircase. He was burned and in a number of charred pieces, and he must have been clutching the dog tag when the blast hit. I thought I’d let you decide what you wanted done with it.”