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He shrugged. “I have no idea. All I could find were those two in the attic.” He frowned. “Wait. There are supposed to be a few other items belonging to her in a few of the lower storage rooms at the old stable across from the courtyard. We haven’t used that stable for horses since I had the new one built across the lake. But there’s never enough storage on the property so I haven’t gotten around to having the storage rooms cleaned out. Probably nothing of importance is there, or someone would have brought them to the castle when they were searching for her when she disappeared. As I said, I haven’t had time to go through them yet, but feel free to do it yourself.” He added, “Though remember that stable and the lower storage rooms are connected directly to the boat dock down on the shore. I should send someone with you.”
She made a face. “Another guard? Maybe I’ll wait until later.” She got to her feet. “I think I’ll go back to the gallery and take another look at the portrait. You saw something that I didn’t, and I want to know which one of us was right.”
“Good idea. Because I always like to be proved correct. I believe I might have a good chance this time.”
“What? Don’t be cocky, MacDuff.”
“Perish the thought.” He grinned. “It’s just that I could never understand why you weren’t impressed whenever you saw the portrait. You were an artist yourself and you must have been able to appreciate the workmanship. But you appeared to ignore it. And then I thought that perhaps it was because Fiona looked so much like you, and you were struggling not to acknowledge it out of loyalty to Eve and Joe. It could be either one, but maybe you’ll be able to tell me after you get another look at her today.”
“Or maybe I merely got sick and tired of both you and Caleb being so intrigued by her, when you had an entire gallery of fantastic paintings that were probably just as remarkable.”
“Not to either of us. As you know, I had my own reason, and Caleb saw only you when he looked at that portrait of Fiona. You should have been flattered in either case.” He waved his hand. “Go on. I have a few calls to make so I’ll finish my tea and let you have a little time to yourself with Fiona. I’ll join you shortly.”
She stopped at the door to look back at him. “Calls? Caleb?”
“Among others. Any objection? He’ll want to know if I was able to arrange for additional guards for the Run. It’s not as if we’re talking about you behind your back. You’ve made it clear that you don’t want that happening.”
“I don’t really mind the two of you talking about me. It doesn’t matter. In the end, it will be my decision. Caleb realizes that I won’t tolerate any interference unless I approve. Just as long as you promise to let me know what else is happening, and if there’s any danger to Caleb. Can I trust you? Will you do that?”
“Of course I’ll do that.”
“Good.” The library door was closing behind her. “Then by all means, make your calls.”
***
“Have you arranged for the additional guards?” was the first question Caleb asked when MacDuff reached him. “You’ll have six or seven MI6 specialists showing up on your doorstep later today. Check their IDs and show them around the property. They should be efficient enough even for you, MacDuff.”
“I prefer my own men. I arranged to bring in some of my old buddies from the Royal Marines,” MacDuff said testily.
“Of course you did,” Caleb murmured. “Because they regard you with fawning worship and admiration. Everyone knows about the chestful of medals you earned in combat. It’s not only in Scotland that you’re a damn folk hero.”
“How can I deny it? I won’t bother. But the Scots always had the intelligence to appreciate one of their favorite sons, and the marines were always there when I needed them.” He added, “Like now. They’ll be here by noon and Fergus says he’s arranged for them before when we’ve had difficulties with politicians and media showing up on the property unexpectedly.”
“I’m not worried about politicians or media,” Caleb said. “Can they shoot, and will they do it?”
“They’re marines,” MacDuff repeated. “Everything has been done that should be done. And if you’re worried about Jane, she’s already informed me that she isn’t going to be wandering all over the property. She’s decided that she’ll be working inside the main castle and in the gallery.” He added, “Though I’m not sure if that’s bad or good. It’s not her usual routine, as you know.”
“Yes, I do know.” Caleb’s voice was clipped. “And I’m not any more certain than you were. She wasn’t…herself when I talked to her last night.”
“It might have had something to do with the beheadings,” MacDuff said sarcastically. “It probably made a difference. Being truthful could be a real downer if you’re having to describe blood and gore.”
“Be quiet, MacDuff. I’m doing the best I can.”
“How good is that? I believe I’m supposed to temper anything I talk about with you when I relay information. Have you heard anything about Bohdan from MI6?”
“Other than I have a fat bounty on my head? Not a thing. Well, except that the Congo is in complete chaos. But I’ve contacted Gamba Mandia myself. He’s head of the Bohdan opposition, and they’ve said that they’ll be ready to take over ruling the country if I can remove Bohdan from the equation.” He added dryly, “Such a small thing. But I’m certain Bohdan will be willing to meet-and-greet with me since I’m exceptionally high on his list.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ve brought my information specialist, Dimak Palik, in from Greece, and he’s gathering all the info he can about Bohdan and his men. Along with any chatter about anyone connected to me from Bohdan’s camp. I’m expecting a callback from him any minute.” He paused. “So far there’s not been any talk about MacDuff’s Run or Jane or you. But that doesn’t mean someone won’t stumble onto something.”
“You and Jane have been very discreet about your relationship. I can count on one hand the number of people who know about you.”
“We’ve never tried to hide it. I usually manage to keep an eye on Jane even when I’m not with her. And I always go to her gallery openings. It’s just that we’re private people.”
“I’ve noticed,” MacDuff said. “And you probably prefer that no one be around to get in your way.”
“I’d never interfere with her friends or family. You’re a fool if you think I’d ever want to damage her in that way.”
