AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How could I help it? Talk about cons.”
“But it might be something to build on. Which one did you think had the most substance?”
He thought about it. “The Johnston Drakeman scam had the most research behind it. Some of the details were amazing.”
“That’s what I thought, too.”
“Cira?” Caleb asked. “Am I missing something?”
“Not really.” She reached over on the bed, picked up her tablet computer, and typed in a keyword. “Or maybe you are. When we were looking through the history books from MacDuff’s library, we found a story in which this Drakeman swore that a part of Cira’s treasure was hidden in the area. There was even a map with instructions. It included landmarks. A waterfall, limestone cliffs, an ancient cemetery. Several others I can’t remember.” Jane swiped her screen until she pulled up a hand-drawn image. “Here. The instructions are very detailed, with the starting point at the end of the railroad branch line.”
Caleb looked at the drawing. “Interesting.”
“But that’s all it is. The archivist checked it out, and none of the landmarks on the map match up with what’s actually in the area. It’s a total fabrication. He did some further research and found that this map was offered up by a local laborer to his landlord as payment for his back rent. He was probably buying time so that he wouldn’t get evicted.” She looked speculatively at Caleb. “But what if Bohdan believed we were on the verge of finding this?”
Caleb nodded. “If we could make him believe it, it would definitely be a good lure.”
“Back off,” Rodland said flatly. “Let me do more research and see if I can find someone who would be a better fit for our purpose. And it’s going to depend on who you choose as Judas whether he can sell a specific story.”
“Sorry, Rodland,” Jane said. “By all means, research.”
“Thank you. May I go back to sleep now?”
“If you insist.”
“I insist. Good night, Jane.”
“Good night, Rodland.” After she pressedDISCONNECT, she turned to Caleb. “He’s really amazing with computers and research. I’ve never seen anyone who could do as well, even among some of the heads of tech companies I’ve worked with. He may get us answers.”
“He learned from Palik.” He was staring thoughtfully at her. “But you gave him something to work with.” He grinned. “Along with a little sting of the whip to goad him along.”
“I wasn’t doing that, I was just being persistent. He understands that.” She gestured at the files scattered on the bed. “Do you want to read those two files that I chose? We should really make a selection right away so that Palik can get to work on bringing them over to the dark side.”
“Only it’s just the opposite.” He smiled. “He’s on the dark side now and we’re trying to save his soul.”
“Whatever. Do you want to read them?”
“I’m interested in your choices.” He leaned back in his chair. “But it’s been a tiring day. I’d prefer that you read both of them to me, if you don’t mind. Then we can discuss why you’re set on one above the other.”
“Are you putting me on the spot?”
“Perish the thought. As I said, it’s not been a good day. I wanted to bring Campbell back to you. I like the sound of your voice and it would be good to hear it for a little while longer until you kick me out.”
And he’d been wounded, and he could be feeling it more than he’d allowed her to see. “Have it your way.” She pulled the first text in front of her. “But it’s pretty boring details. This guy is the one I think might be best. Burton Adams. Born in London but he’s a world traveler, he’s been involved in some very shady deals involving banks and mortgage companies with Bohdan. Most of them took place in Africa and Greece and seem to entail the use of the almighty con. He must be smart because Bohdan requests him for quite a few jobs. He doesn’t have anything to do with any other of his dirty military slaughters. He’s slick and crooked but he seems to stay away from that kind of wholesale nastiness.” She tapped another file. “I can’t say the same for William Hanks. Bohdan uses him to do white-collar thievery, too. But he also gives him occasional jobs with his armies that are beyond the pale.”
“Faint praise,” Caleb said. “It seems you’re going to hire Mr. Adams?”
“I am? You’re leaving it up to me?”
“Why not? I’ve always trusted your judgment. I’ll get on it right away. I’ve already told Palik that he’ll hear from us tonight. I’ll give him a call after I leave here. The only caveat would depend on whether Palik discovers anything that would cause us to doubt his con abilities when dealing with Bohdan. Agreed?”
She nodded slowly. “Agreed.” Her brow arched. “Giving me this responsibility wouldn’t be a ploy to keep me from what you might deem interference? It won’t work.”
“I’m not naive enough to believe it would,” he said quietly. “You know me well enough to realize I’d never have gone to Kilgoray if I’d seen any other way out. I’m trying to find a path to get us through this, Jane.”
He was telling her the truth. He was always so strong and contained. Yet he was sitting there in that chair across the room, and she was suddenly aware of a weariness, perhaps even discouragement, that he rarely let her see. She couldn’tstandit. “Then stop working so hard at it,” she said jerkily. “Do you think I’m blaming you because Campbell died? I know that you did everything you could to save him. What happened wasn’t even your fault. Bohdan is a monster.” The words were spilling out. “But as usual, you think that you should have been able to perform some kind of magic and everything would have been fine. Well, it didn’t happen, and the reason I’m so upset is that you didn’t give me the opportunity to be there to help. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
“Evidently too many to count.”
