Final Target

Chapter Three

Paris

"You haven't found him yet?" Edward Deschamps asked. "It's been almost eight months. What kind of fool are you, Provlif?"

Provlif's hand tightened on the receiver. He wished it were Deschamps's throat. Patience. The money had been good so far, and no one knew better than he did how deadly Deschamps could be if crossed. "I have a strong lead. He has a connection in Amsterdam. A Jan van der Beck."

"Why didn't you say so?"

"You wanted concrete information. I had to dig very deep to find Jan van der Beck. They used to be partners, but Travis has been on his own for years."

"And what have you found out about Cassie Andreas?"

Silence.

"Nothing?"

"Naturally, we've been concentrating on Travis."

"Dammit, I told you, I need to know where she is."

"You can't be thinking of a second attempt on her? It would be crazy."

"That's none of your concern, Provlif. Your job is to find her."

"It's not as if she's an ordinary kid. The President put a security blanket around everything connected with her. We finally managed to trace her to a clinic in Connecticut, but the President took her from there over a month ago. We're still trying to find out who's treating her now and where she-"

"Where she was a month ago is no help to me. I need to know where she is now."

"I have three men working on it."

"Then hire more."

"I'll need additional cash." He had to walk very carefully, Provlif thought. Deschamps was one of the most coldly brilliant men he'd ever met, but that didn't mean he was always in control. He'd seen him explode on more than one occasion. And the word was out that since he'd become obsessed with finding Travis, Deschamps had become even more volatile.

"You'll get your money," Deschamps said softly.

"I'm leaving at once for Amsterdam."

"No. Get on a plane to Washington and find Cassie Andreas. I'll go to Amsterdam myself and follow up on Jan van der Beck."

"But he may be difficult to-"

"Provlif, you may remember that when I first started in the business, I became very well known for finding people."

Oh, yes, Provlif remembered. Finding them and then ridding the world of them. "I meant no disrespect, Edward."

"Then get on a plane and find that kid."

Lousy son of a bitch.

Deschamps hung up and strode toward the closet. He tossed a suitcase on the bed and began throwing clothes into it.

Prick. The nerve of Provlif to bother him about money. Did he have so little vision?

In spite of Provlif's doubts, the plan was sound and it would still work. But he had to have Cassie Andreas. She was paramount in the scheme of things.

Just as Jan van der Beck was the key to finding Michael Travis.

He slammed the suitcase shut and fastened it. In an hour he'd be on a flight to Amsterdam.

No, wait. First he would go to the room.

Then he would be ready for Amsterdam.

"I want to come home to see you," Melissa said as soon as Jessica picked up the phone the next afternoon. "Is that okay?"

"I thought you were studying for finals."

" I can study at home."

"You always told me that you studied better at your apartment. By the way, how are your roommates?"

"Fine. I decided I wanted a little more privacy, so I moved into an efficiency."

"But I thought you loved living with Wendy and Karen."

"I did. I still see them every day. I guess I'm going through growing pains." She paused. "I want to come home."

"Something's wrong."

"Just because I want to see you? You're my sister, for God's sake. I do like to see that baby face of yours every now and then."

"What's wrong?"

"Can I come or not?"

"I've told you what's going on here. If you come, you won't be able to do anything but study. And I've given Cassie your room."

"That's okay. I'll take the blue room even though it's a disgustingly boring color. Maybe in my spare time I'll paint it orange."

"Don't you dare."

"Just kidding."

"When will you be here?"

" I can't get away before the weekend. That's four days-enough time to get me security clearance with those Secret Service men all over the place." She paused. "They're still there, aren't they?"

Jessica stiffened. "Of course they are."

"That's good."

"You won't think so when they start following you all around the grounds."

"I can live with it. See you Saturday morning."

"Mellie."

"I've got to go now."

"What is it?"

" I just miss you."

Jessica moistened her lips. "Is it the dreams?"

"I'll see you Saturday." She hung up.

Jessica slowly put down the receiver. It was probably okay. Mellie was completely cured now. There was no danger of her falling back.

So stop panicking. Besides, if something was wrong, she could handle it.

Unless it was the dreams.

How the hell would she handle the dreams?

Justice Department

Michael Travis was sitting on the leather couch reading when Andreas walked into the office. "These law books are very dry fare," Travis said. "It's no wonder most lawyers leave something to be desired. Their minds must have atrophied in school."

Andreas crossed to the desk and sat down in the executive chair. "Have a good flight, Travis?"

"Excellent. Thank you." He smiled. "Better than the Concorde. How much did it cost the taxpayers?"

"Not a dime. I made sure the expenses came out of my pocket."

"Very ethical. But only what I'd expect from you.

You're one of those rare, old-fashioned phenomena, a man of honor. But you really could have charged it to the government. Your life is valuable not only to yourself and your family, it's essential to the smooth running of the country."

"I'm fully aware of that. But I didn't have to send Air Force One for you. I could have had Danley bring you by regular means."

"But you didn't want to piss me off even though the demand was unreasonable. You didn't want to start negotiations on the wrong foot."

"Negotiations?" Andreas shook his head. "I don't have to negotiate with you. I can have you charged with accessory to assassinating the President and stick you in prison."

"But you won't do it. As I said, you're an honorable man. You wouldn't punish the man who saved your daughter."

"I would if I thought there was a chance you might be a threat to her in the future. How did you know about the attack?"

"I told you, I have sources."

"Who are they?"

"And have Danley and his men descend on them like a swarm of locusts? Sources have to be protected. It's the way I make my living."

"Among other rather nefarious enterprises, I understand."

"True. I'm big on nefarious enterprises. But we're not discussing anything but my ability to acquire information, are we?" He leaned forward. "You want to know who was behind Vasaro."

"And I'll find out."

"Not from me. Not now. I told you the truth. I didn't know anything about the attack except that it was going to happen."

Andreas studied him. Travis was staring at him boldly and he had spoken with seeming candor. But a man who made his living with his wits would have picked up certain skills and become a master of deception. Yet, dammit, Andreas's instincts were telling him that Travis was telling the truth. Disappointment surged through him.

"You wish I'd lied to you,"Travis said. "Sorry."

"You still could be lying."

"Yes, I'm very good at it." Travis smiled. "But you haven't gotten to where you are in life without relying on your own judgment."

Andreas nodded. "Maybe you didn't know then about the person behind Vasaro, but you could have found out something since that night."

"I've been busy, and it wasn't high on my list of priorities."

"It's high on mine."

"I know. That's why I'm here."

"You're here because I told Danley to rope you in."

Travis smiled.

He was actually pretty tame.

Andreas had thought it an unusual description at the time, and looking at Travis now, it was even more off target. The man was perfectly at ease, but there was an alertness to him, an edge.

"Danley's a smart man," Travis said. "He might have run me down in a week or two. But I decided it would be to both our advantages to hurry things along."

"Why?"

"I needed to exit the scene for a while. You need more information."

"Which you tell me you don't have."

"Yet. That doesn't mean I can't get it if I work at it. It will just take time."

Andreas stiffened. "How much time?"

Travis shrugged. "As long as it takes. I don't see how you can lose. Danley hasn't learned anything yet, has he?"

"And what do you get out of it?"

"Protection. My position at present is a bit precarious. I need to be in a place that has absolute security for a minimum of a month."

"What am I protecting you from?"

"The aftershock of one of my 'nefarious enterprises.' "

"Which one?"

"Do you want me to find out who attacked Vasaro?"

"I could have Danley find out what you've been doing."

"Good luck."

Andreas was silent, thinking. "You do realize if I surround you with men for protection that they would also act as guards. I'd make sure they knew you were under suspicion. I wouldn't think twice about crushing you like a cockroach if I find out that you had anything to do with Vasaro."

"I understand."

"Good."

"You agree?"

"Oh, yes." Andreas smiled. "I know just the place-the gatehouse of an old manor in Virginia, plenty of security. And if any bastards make any move on it, you'd be the first to get your throat cut."

"Really? Now, I wonder why they would attack…" His eyes narrowed. "Cassie. So that's where you've hidden her. I suppose I should be honored you trust me enough to send me there."

"I don't trust you. I don't know what you're up to. But you saved her life and I don't believe you'd harm her. When you handed me Cassie at Vasaro, I had a gut feeling about you. After all she'd gone through, she wasn't afraid of you. You may be a complete son of a bitch, but you risked your neck to protect her. I think you'd do it again." He paused. "And if you are lying to me about anything else, you'll be the-"

"First to get my throat cut," Travis finished. "I'll keep that in mind. When do I go?"

"Tomorrow night. About this time. Danley will find you a hotel for now." Andreas pushed back his chair and stood up." I'll take you when I visit Cassie."

"How is she doing?"

"Bad." His mouth tightened. "So bad that my so-called sense of honor wouldn't stop me from burning those bastards at the stake when I catch up with them. I'll tell Danley you're ready to go."

"Not yet." He took out his telephone. "I have a few calls to make."

"You can make them at the hotel."

He shook his head. "I'm sure this room is thoroughly clean of bugs, and I need that privacy." He smiled. "It's not as if you told me the location where you're taking me. There must be thousands of old houses in Virginia."

"Yes, there are. Who are you going to call?"

"A friend. I don't like the idea of disappearing from view with no one knowing you're responsible. I feel the need for a little insurance."

"But you say I'm such an honorable man."

"I could be mistaken. Tell Danley I won't be more than five minutes."

"Call whomever you please." Andreas started for the door. "I'll make very sure we're not followed tomorrow night, Travis."

"I'd be pretty stupid to try anything like that, wouldn't I?" He started to dial. "Just insurance. Good night, Mr. President."

"Jessica!"

Melissa jerked up in bed, her heart pounding. Her jaw felt sore and she knew she'd been screaming.

Oh, God. Oh, God.

The T-shirt she slept in was soaking wet with sweat, but she was ice cold. She swung her legs to the side of the bed and buried her head in her hands.

As soon as she stopped shaking, she'd phone Jessica and then everything would be fine. No, she couldn't keep running to Jessica. She had to be strong.

Emerald eyes staring at the blood pooling on the floor.

She jumped up, went into the bathroom, and drank a glass of water in four gulps. After wrapping herself up in her terry robe, she turned on all the lights in the apartment, then snuggled down in the worn armchair by the window.

It was going to be all right. She was still cold, but her heartbeat was steadying. She could make it. Only three more nights until she'd be home with Jessica.

Blood pooling on the floor…

Don't scream. Don't scream.

Emerald eyes…

Don't scream.

"Nice house." As they drove through the gates, Travis studied the columned brick building set back from the road. "Shades of Tara."

"What do you know about Tara? "Andreas asked. "From the report Danley gave me on you, you've never spent much time in the U.S."

"My father always considered himself an American even though he chose to live abroad. He found it much easier to conduct business outside this country."

"Smuggling?"

Travis smiled. "Don't be crass. He was a romantic. Until the day he died, he thought of himself as a pirate."

" But you never considered yourself anything but a criminal."

"He chose his 'career' as a young man, he loved the excitement. I grew up with the reality of the underbelly of the game."

"Not the excitement?"

"Oh, yes. After all, I'm my father's son." His gaze was on the manor. "That's where Cassie is? Who's taking care of her?"

"Two nurses and her doctor, Jessica Riley."

"But no progress?"

"Not yet." Andreas turned to look at him. "Do you care?"

"Is that so strange? Let's just say I have a vested interest. I don't like to leave a job half done."

"Stay away from my daughter. I don't want her reminded of anything connected to that night."

"If she had to be reminded, you wouldn't be needing a doctor."

"You heard me." The limousine drew to a stop at the gatehouse. "Stay away from Cassie. I'm going to tell Dr. Riley exactly who you are and what you're doing here. And I'll give her orders that you're not permitted near my daughter."

Travis threw up his hands. "Whatever you say. I'm perfectly content to stay in my own little world." He got out of the limousine. "One last item of business. I know it's tempting to have my calls monitored, but I'd consider that a deal breaker. Besides, I'll be calling only one person. Jan van der Beck in Amsterdam. He'll be my go-between with any and all sources, and if he tells me your people are acting even a little bit intrusive, the deal's off."

"Why are you telling me about van der Beck?"

"You think I'm betraying him." He shook his head. "I'm making sure he's protected."

Andreas was silent a moment. "Your phone won't be tapped."

"Thank you. Then I'll be in touch."

"No, I'll be in touch." Andreas motioned for his driver to go on. "You can bet on it."

Travis watched the car move up the curved driveway. There were lights on in the upper floor of the manor. Cassie's room? Not his business. He turned and opened the door of the gatehouse. As long as he kept away from Cassie and was able to throw Andreas tidbits of information, he'd be permitted to stay here in safety. That was all that was important.

The gatehouse consisted of a living room, kitchen, and bedroom and was comfortably furnished. He spent the first thirty minutes checking for bugs and found five. There were more sophisticated means of surveillance, but they required a truckload of equipment, and he doubted the Secret Service agents would try them once they learned the bugs had been destroyed. The advantage of surveillance lay in the subject not knowing he was being monitored.

He did a final check on the books in the built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace and found two more bugs. He smiled as he realized one had been tucked behind a book by Dr. Jessica Riley, Into the Light. Not very clever. A book written by the owner of Juniper would automatically attract attention.

He sat in a chair, took out his digital phone, and called van der Beck. "I'm settled. Is everything set up?"

"In place."

"Then start negotiations."

"You're safe?"

"Stop being a mother hen, Jan. You're the one who's dealing with the bad guys. I'm surrounded by America's Finest."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?"

"I'm safe, Jan."

"See that you stay that way."

"I'll call you tomorrow." He hung up and leaned back in the chair. Everything was set. He'd done the best he could. Would it be enough?

At least he had Jan doing the negotiations in Amsterdam. He could count the people he trusted on one hand. How long had it been since he'd accepted anyone at face value? Not since he'd been Cassie's age. He hadn't yet learned cynicism or that greed had a dazzling way of blinding a man. During those days when Jan and his father had taken him on their trips to Algiers, life had been full of excitement.

He went over to the window and looked up at the lighted window in the manor. He had a fleeting memory of Cassie's face that night at Vasaro. She'd never accept anything at face value again. She'd been torn away from childhood.

It wasn't his business. She was being cared for by experts, by this Dr. Riley. Just because he was plagued by the nagging feeling of leaving something unfinished was no reason to endanger his position here.

He turned away from the window. He'd take a shower and then hit the sack.

He stopped in the bedroom doorway, went back to the bookcase, and picked up Jessica Riley's book. It didn't mean anything. He often read himself to sleep. Besides, he made a good part of his living dealing in information, and it never hurt to know everything about his situation.

It had nothing to do with Cassie Andreas.