Hide Away by Iris Johansen Page B

them steps toward you, I’ll be there.”
    â€œI don’t like it.”
    â€œNeither do I. But it’s how it has to be right now.” He said roughly, “Do you think I like the thought of sending you over there without me? It’s the safest thing for you and Cara. Why do you think that I was asking who was on that hunt? MacDuff was in the 45 Commando of the Royal Marines and won a hell of a lot of medals. He’s something of a folk hero in Scotland. Jock Gavin is young, but he might be the deadliest man I’ve ever met. Caleb is bound to show up, and you know what he is.”
    Yes, she knew. She had seen Seth Caleb in action and still had nightmares about it. “You’ve been thinking about this since last night.”
    â€œI was searching for a way out for you. This is it. It’s the best I can do. It will be like having a Special Forces unit to protect you.”
    â€œAnd who is going to protect you?”
    He didn’t answer directly. “Manez and the Federales want that coalition of cartels broken up. He wants Salazar and Castino dead. He’ll help all he can.”
    â€œIf you ask him. Not if you think he’s going to get in your way.”
    â€œI’ve already started to use him.”
    â€œFor the time being. But you want Salazar and Castino put down regardless if you get the Mexican police to go along with you.”
    He glanced at Cara. “So do you, Eve.”
    â€œI don’t want you dead.”
    â€œNeither do I.” He smiled. “I’ll see that doesn’t happen. I have something very special to live for at the moment.”
    She wasn’t going to be able to talk him out of it, she realized in despair. “I didn’t want Jane involved in this, Joe. She’s just beginning to be able to cope with her life again.”
    â€œWe have no choice. She gave us no choice. I told her all the dangers. I’m calling MacDuff and Jock before I put you on that plane and make sure they’re on board with this.”
    She made a face. “You really meant it when you said that you’re forming a Special Forces unit.”
    â€œIt’s already in place. You have to be safe. Don’t give me a hard time, Eve.”
    â€œWhy not? As usual, it seems like it’s all for me and nothing for you.”
    â€œLook, you have to protect Cara. I have to deal with Salazar. We both have our jobs to do. We can’t do them together.”
    She knew he was right, she just didn’t want him to be right. She drew a shaky breath. “You call me. You keep me informed. I want to know what’s happening to you. Do you hear me?”
    â€œI hear you loud and clear.” He kissed her. “Under the circumstances, I’m not likely to let you run around those hills without my knowing what’s happening.” He turned to Cara. “You take care of her.”
    â€œI will,” she said gravely. “Don’t worry, I know that’s what I have to do.”
    He reached out and gripped her shoulder. “And you might take care of yourself, too. Make it a package deal.” He turned back to Eve. “I rented a jet, and you’ll board it out of the Gainesville Airport.” He checked his watch. “It should be ready for takeoff in an hour. I’ve arranged a rental car to meet us about a mile from here, and I’ll drive there and see you on board.”
    â€œThat’s not necessary. I can get there myself.”
    â€œIt’s necessary. I waited until most of the hubbub about the explosion was over before slipping out of the house and coming here. I don’t believe that Franco is still hanging around but I have to be sure you’re safely away.” He grabbed the backpack he’d set down earlier. “And I’ll call MacDuff and ask him to set up the arrival in an airport where you can be under the radar.”
    â€œIllegal,” Eve translated dryly. “Margaret