Running Hot

SIXTEEN

Damaris Kemble’s hands curled into fists on the keyboard as she read the e-mail message from the mysterious contractor. She swallowed hard, fighting the rage and frustration that threatened to swamp her.

Job declined. There will be no refund, as it has come to our attention that you misrepresented your references.

“Damn, damn,

damn.”

Somehow the contractor had discovered that she was not the real Winthrup. She had failed Daddy.

The plan had been brilliant in concept, beautifully simple and daring. But it had not worked. Unfortunately, time was running out fast. Eubanks and the others would be together on Maui for only a few days. She shoved herself away from the computer and picked up the phone.

Her call was answered on the first ring.

“The contractor refuses to go through with the job,” she said.

“What went wrong?”

The voice on the other end was reassuringly calm, cool and controlled. Her father’s voice. She relaxed a little at the sound of it.

“The contractor somehow discovered that my credentials were false.”

“You used the correct security codes?”

“Yes, of course. I just rechecked them. They were the codes you provided. But somehow the contractor discovered that I wasn’t the real Winthrup.”

“Interesting. The codes must have been changed quite recently.” There was a pause. “The important thing is that there is no way this can be traced back to either of us. The contractor will assume that someone hacked into the government agency’s computers and stole the codes. He’ll probably notify the agency that they’ve got a security leak. But there’s no reason the contractor or the agency would look twice at J&J or suspect that someone within the Society was involved.”

“You’re sure we’re safe, Daddy?”

“Honey, I’ve been playing this game a long time. I know what I’m doing. What’s done is done. Now we have to concentrate on our next move. All we’ve got is a three-day window. There’s no time to line up another professional contractor. We have no choice but to go with our fallback scenario.”

She slumped in her chair. “I had a feeling you were going to say that. I told you it would be risky.”

“You’re in no danger. I’ll take care of you.”

“You’re the one I’m worried about. If this goes wrong—”

“It won’t.”

His certainty had the effect of steadying her nerves somewhat. She had been so jumpy lately, easily startled and hyperalert. She hadn’t slept well since she had started taking the drug. When she did manage to get to sleep, she was frequently awakened by bizarre nightmares. Daddy had explained that the problems were merely short-term side effects of the drug. He said that once the formula had finished ramping up her crystal working talent, her nerves would calm down.

“Call her,” Daddy said.

“All right.” She paused and lowered her voice. “When can I see you again?”

“We agreed it would be best if we did not have any further contact until after this is over.”

“I know, but it’s been weeks. After all these years of not even knowing you existed, I want as much time together as possible.”

“Soon, honey. For now, my main goal is to protect you. You’re my true heir but we need to allow time for the drug to take effect and bring you into your full powers. I also want to make sure that you’re fully trained before I let you take too many risks. You’re the future of the organization. I can’t put you in harm’s way.”

There was a more formal title for the organization, but it had adopted the name that the Arcane Society had given it.

Nightshade. And she was its future.

“I understand, Daddy.” That’s what fathers did, she thought. They took care of their daughters.

“Don’t worry. Once Eubanks is dead, things will fall into place very quickly. Within a few months we’ll be ready for phase two of the operation. Go make the call.”

“All right. Daddy?”

“Yes, honey?”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She ended the connection, feeling markedly better. She always did after she talked to her father. But she was not looking forward to Plan B. It meant dealing with a killer who was not only a consummate professional but also mentally unbalanced. Her sister.