Surrender (THE DRAGONFLY CHRONICLES) (11 page)

Breath huffed from Kailin and her arms dropped to her side, still clutching the gown. “What do you suppose I do then?”

Yes!
Finally, the proud, powerful, beautiful woman was ready to listen to him. In the next instant his stomach fell but he ignored it. Of course she should listen to him. It was the plan and everything would work out in the end. She would get her father back and she wouldn’t become a target. He would.

He pulled back slightly, giving her space. “We find the orb and we exchange it for your father’s safe return, just like they ask.”

“What if the Orb of Life is dangerous like my father thinks?”

“Chances are it is just a valuable trinket that some big-time collector is demanding for a large price.” He kept his face casual, his eyes relaxed. He wouldn’t let the US government have it anyway so it didn’t matter what their plans were.

Kailin pursed her lips together. The dawn light cast a soft glow over her smooth skin and long lashes. He could read the indecision in her face, her intelligence weighing his words against her perception of him. And what was that exactly? Did she think he was just the assistant to her father, an amateur treasure hunter? Or did she see more?

“All right,” Kailin said, “I won’t go steal Anthony away from them, even though I certainly could.”

“Certainly,” Jackson said, mollified, “but not without raising interest about what you could do in their hands.”

He caught a faint shiver running through Kailin and his hands clenched. He hated putting the thought in her head, but she must see the danger. There were all types of power in the world. Not just the type that could throw things around and light peacock feathers on fire. The power of manipulation and ransom were just as strong. And the men who held her father knew just how to wield their weapons.

Kailin nodded and laid the gown over a wooden rack. She turned toward the nervous merchant and spoke slowly in English. “I will take the gown and the bags.” She indicated several leather bags on the floor of the shop. She turned to Jackson. “He says he can rent us animals, camels or burros, to take us to our dig.”

“
Jamal
,” Jackson said to the merchant who nodded. He looked to Kailin. “Camels get us there quicker.”

She nodded. “I am finished here.”

Jackson glanced around the small shop. Fabric rolls leaned in one corner. In swift Arabic he asked about gowns.

“I have what I need for the expedition,” Kailin said.

“You need an evening gown for tonight,” Jackson answered. “We were invited to the McGivens.”

Kailin snorted slightly. “I think my invitation went up in smoke. Literally.”

“We’re going.”

She turned to him. “You’re jesting.”

He shook his head and nodded to the merchant who brought forth two nearly made gowns in the British fashion, one orange with red flowers and one green with blue thread shot through in swirling leaf patterns. Jackson nodded to the green and the merchant waved in two young girls who held the dress up to Kailin. She stood still, her eyes wide to match her mouth.

Jackson stared at her. “Every American and Brit was invited. You need to make an appearance. Let it be known how worried you are about your father and how you are going to do what the kidnappers demand if possible.”

“I won’t be allowed across the threshold,” Kailin whispered, her voice numb.

“Doctor McGivens will surely want to see his old friend’s daughter.” Mutiny tightened her classic features. “Look, even if the kidnappers aren’t present, they will hear. It will keep Anthony safer if they know you are going along with their demands.”

The stubborn glint faded from Kailin’s eyes with two blinks. She nodded. “Very well thought out.”

He smiled. “Perhaps I have another use besides crawling on my belly in the dirt and saving the locals from infernos.”

Her eyes narrowed with an attempt at anger, but her lovely pink lips twitched upward at the corners. “Perhaps,” was all she said and turned to the green dress. “It seems I will be a bit longer.”

“I’ll wait,” Jackson said and folded his arms across his chest, his feet spread as if on guard. For with Kailin as a companion, one never knew when and from where the next attack would descend.

****

The sun was halfway to its peak when Kailin placed several notes and coins in the pleased merchant’s hand. He’d made enough that morning to feed his family for months. Kailin smiled at him and nodded to the girls who had trimmed and sewn the lovely material around her frame in rapid, perfect stitches. In less than a morning, they had taken the half-done evening gown and molded it to Kailin’s curves in the latest British fashion. She’d bought satin slippers to match the blue-threaded leaf motif and a blue comb to sit in her hair. The ensemble was actually quite lovely.

She stepped out into the heat of daytime in Luxor and shielded her eyes. Jackson stood, leaning against a wall, writing in a small book. He met her gaze and pushed off with his boot. “Ready to eat?” He slung the leather bags over his shoulder and took her wrapped gown.

“Perhaps we should finish gathering supplies. I wish to leave tomorrow morning,” Kailin said, ignoring her pinched stomach. She’d grabbed only a handful of dates from the lobby on her way out that morning. She hadn’t asked for any refreshment at the merchant’s familiar shop. If it wasn’t offered, it meant they had little to spare.

“I have everything ready.”

“You do?” She raised her eyebrow.

“While you were pinned and stitched behind curtains, I secured from Mr. Hannish three camels, a guide, water, wine, fresh fruits, breads, cheeses, and additional blankets. I already have tents and outdoor survival gear.”

Kailin glanced around meaningfully. “And you carry all this in your pocket?”

He grinned. “The caravan leaves mid-morning tomorrow. They will come to the front of the hotel.”

Kailin rolled her eyes. “It will give the gossip mongers plenty to talk about. What a spectacle,” she murmured.

“The better to be seen.”

“What if they try to steal the orb away from me before I’ve retrieved my father?”

“Ahh…It seems I have another use,” Jackson mused. His large hand sloped down along his polished gun.

“So you can knock them around, but I can’t. Doesn’t seem fair.” Kailin pouted but the teasing in her eyes gave her away. She turned to stare out at the busy streets. Fish mongers called and merchants held up pinches of spices to passersby. Carts rattled along with baskets and pails of milk. Burros and camels jingled with stately tourists in their ridiculous riding outfits perched on their backs. Kailin breathed deeply. Another bustling sky-blue day in Egypt. The very air was infused with tantalizing mystery. But it didn’t hold excitement as it had before. Not with Anthony missing.

Kailin waited on the veranda as Jackson had her packages taken to her room. Tuto had vanished, probably roosting on her balcony. Kailin stifled a yawn. She hadn’t slept well last night, her mind and heart stumbling through the box of Anthony’s personal articles. His field journals were gone, probably taken with him. They would have helped her locate the orb site quicker, but she’d find it. She shivered thinking about the spot she’d blown apart in her terror that night long ago. It was her first memory, recalled from a three-year-old’s frantic plea for escape.

Now she was going back. She had lived in Egypt for a time, with Anthony as he tried incessantly to lure her back underground. The mysteries of the ancient pharaohs inflamed Kailin’s immense curiosity but her severe claustrophobia wouldn’t allow her to return to the tunnels where the real treasures nested. When it was obvious Kailin would not accompany him into the tombs, Anthony allowed her to tour his home in Britain where Kailin fell in love with the ancient ruins scattered above ground across the large island. Especially the ten standing stones in the western Highlands of Scotland that were apparently her origin. Drakkina had only confirmed what Kailin had known. The stones in western Scotland were her home. They drew her with such strength that she’d learned to tie herself to boulders when on expedition near them else sleepwalk through the night to find them.

Her mind drifted to the spirit and her ominous words. End of the world? Soul mate. The last two words tickled sensation down into her stomach. She shook her head. Jackson Black—her soul mate? He was rash, way too casual in his approach to life but then annoyingly stubborn about things. His gaze held truth and in a way she trusted him, but he hid things, tweaked details. She frowned, reminding herself that he hadn’t yet mentioned the pet name by which Anthony referred to her. Her father always called her Cleo after the great Egyptian queen. Kailin’s lips tightened. His charm was lowering her defenses. She should tighten them. Rework the icy fortress that protected her.

“Relax,” Jackson’s voice soothed next to her and she startled. He cupped a warm hand over hers where it clutched like a talon to the rail. “Let’s find some good food and even better wine. Then we can talk about this bizarre spirit or ghost woman that’s following us.”

Kailin’s head snapped in his direction and she extracted her hand from under his. “You’ve seen her again?”

Jackson nodded and leaned against the rail. “She woke me this morning.”

Kailin couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “I was perfectly fine.”

“Yes,” he conceded with a nod. “But like we planned, it’s best not to become an obviously bigger treasure by protecting yourself.” He moved his hand to indicate her magic.

“What did she say to you?” Kailin asked.

“Not much, but let’s find some food and we’ll trade information. I want to know what she has said to you too.”

A squeeze of panic twisted Kailin’s stomach, momentarily numbing her need for food. “I…I’m tired from my early sojourn. I think I’ll rest in my room and have a light fare sent up. There will be plenty of time to trade notes.”

Jackson studied her mask of cool etiquette. He frowned slightly. “I’ll escort you up then.”

“No need,” she said and turned. “I really am fine on my own.” She walked away quickly before he could argue. He didn’t follow. Disappointment swelled heavy in her stomach. She lifted her chin and climbed the steps.
Ridiculous.
Space, she needed to put space between them. Her claustrophobia extended to people as well as tombs. She liked space. Why then did she feel suddenly very lonely?

****

Jackson tied a white silk cravat into a simple, sophisticated knot around his neck. He shrugged into the black evening jacket. His broad shoulders strained slightly against the fit. He hadn’t time to have it properly tailored, but it would do. And even though he’d have been more comfortable in trousers and a duster, tonight required pomp. He set the low crown tophat on his head. The merchant this morning had been quite proud of the cane he’d sold Jackson. Jackson picked it up and yanked on the gold end knob. The blade slid free with a whisper of steel.

“Just in case,” he murmured as the dim light from the gas lamp reflected off the shiny blade. He slipped it home again and grabbed his gloves.

He rapped two quick taps on Kailin’s door. “Just a moment,” she called from within. She was fine. He leaned against the wall and surveyed the empty hall. No one seemed to lurk although he was certain they were being watched. The men who had taken Anthony Whitaker were very powerful, working for a powerful government. They weren’t likely to let his plan run its course without intervention. He’d have to stay close to Kailin at all times. The thought opened up his chest, making it easier to breathe.

The door opened without the sound of a lock turning. Jackson frowned fiercely. “The door should be locked at all…” His scold trailed off as Kailin stepped forward. His breath hitched, cinched somewhere in his chest.
Bloody hell
. She was exquisite.
Mine
, grated through his mind like the unnatural but also unstoppable migration of a mountain.

The low lamps cast a golden glow along her rosy cheeks, her pink, full lips. Her light, silky hair was caught up in a soft weave, a blue comb crowning the glorious stack of curls. Long lashes framed her blue eyes. Jackson’s gaze slid down the soft column of her throat, taking in the modestly high neckline that hugged her assets perfectly. The blue-and-green dress molded to her slender waist to bell out in a full skirt below. The tips of matching slippers peeked from the satin line of ribbon edging the hem. As was the fashion, a modest bustle hitched up in the back. A waterfall of flowers made from the same material cascaded from her waist to the floor. The light swish of silk and some other soft, costly material punctuated the silence of the room as she walked into the hall. With a glance from her, the oil lamps extinguished within the room, leaving only the sconce in the hall to light her face.

Jackson breathed. Kailin smiled, her eyes assessing his attire. Her face transformed into an even more glorious gem with that simple expression.

“You are dressed quite handsomely,” Kailin said and placed her gloved fingers lightly on his arm.

He instantly raised it level and cleared his throat. “And you are…beyond exquisite.” She pinkened slightly but tilted her head, accepting his compliment. Jackson strode them down the corridor. “I will have to touch you all night if a compliment makes you burn.”

“What?” she asked, breathless, her slipper catching on the stairs.

Jackson stifled his chuckle. “You blush so easily. And you will receive compliments all night. I wouldn’t want you to torch Miss McGivens’ house as well as her hat. Since I seem to stop your—”

Kailin flapped her other hand. “Yes, yes, of course.” She frowned with a sideways glance in his direction. He grinned back. “You just have a way of saying things, Mr. Black, that makes you sound…dirty.”

“I thought you liked dirt, Miss Whitaker,” he drawled, just to see another blush warm her cheeks. She huffed in indignation. “Never fear,” he said before she could storm off. “I will contain myself when we are amongst the civilized.”

She snorted. “I’d hardly include some of tonight’s attendees in the realm of civilized.”