Free Night and Day by Iris Johansen Page B

Caleb was dressed in jeans, boots, and an olive-colored sweater that were all stained or torn. But he still managed to look totally pulled together and confident. His dark hair, with that single thread of white, was gleaming in the sunlight. She knew he hadn’t slept any more than the rest of them, but he was charged, his dark eyes glittering and restless in that fascinating face. “What would you have done?”
    â€œWhat do you think?” His expression was suddenly mischievous. “Push him in the lake?” He paused. “Suck his blood?”
    He was mocking her, and she wasn’t in the mood. “Stop that. You may have that weird blood thing. But you do not suck blood.”
    â€œHow do you know?”
    â€œCaleb.”
    â€œOkay. You’re right.” His eyes were twinkling as he added, “Not in this century.” When she didn’t smile, he shook his head. “Your sense of humor is definitely lacking today, Jane.” His smile faded. “And I don’t think it’s because you’ve heard anything bad about Cara. But I could be wrong though that seldom happens.”
    â€œNo, Joe hasn’t heard from Palik, Burbank’s contact in Moscow, yet. We’re expecting his call any minute. I hope that if it’s bad news, he doesn’t hear for an hour or so. I want Eve to get a little more sleep.”
    â€œI hear you went to pick her up at the hospital.”
    â€œHow did you hear?”
    He didn’t answer directly. “You know I keep watch over you.”
    It was a lovely sentiment, there was even a song written about it. But there was nothing sentimental about the way Caleb said it. It was hot, dark, and purely sexual.
    â€œNot entirely.” His gaze was on her face, reading her expression. “It’s to my ultimate best interest to keep you safe.”
    She felt the familiar tingle of heat and fought to push it away. She was tired and worried, and he should not be able to stir her like this. But it never seemed to matter when she was around Caleb. The chemistry was too intense. All the more reason to reject it.
    He shook his head. “Stop trying to read something into an innocent comment.” He smiled. “Innocent. Bad choice of words when connected with me. Let’s go back to square one where you’ll feel safer. Why did you go pick Eve up? Was she ill?”
    She was glad for the escape. She was too stressed to deal with him right now. “No, she was just being careful. She was too tired, and she didn’t want to take a chance with the baby.” Caleb was the only one besides Jane and Joe who knew Eve was pregnant, and it was a relief not to have to be careful about talking about it. “The doctor wants her to get lots of rest, and there’s not much chance of that.” She made a face. “Maybe I’ll take her phone and get Joe’s message myself.”
    â€œEve wouldn’t thank you. She’d be pissed off.” His gaze was still on her face. “And when will you get some sleep? You’ve been giving orders and holding down the fort all day.”
    â€œI’ll sleep when we know Cara is safe.” She looked at him. “Like you, Caleb.”
    â€œYou believe I wouldn’t be able to sleep? What a surprise. When you always tell me how heartless I am.”
    â€œNot heartless. You feel a great deal. I just don’t know how you process it.” She changed the subject. “What have you been doing since I saw you this morning?”
    â€œAll kinds of useful and illegal things. Are you sure you want to hear about them?”
    â€œNo, but this concerns Eve and Joe. I have to know what’s going on.”
    â€œYes, that would make a difference.” He smiled. “Quinn and I looked the situation on the hill over, and we decided there was a definite problem concerning body disposal. Since he was off to chase down Natalie Castino, I volunteered to take