On The Run by Iris Johansen Page A

him to pack up your and Frankie’s things. You’ll have to grab Charlie’s documents and any mementos. Dillon wouldn’t be able to decide what you’d value. He should be almost finished by now. If you want him to do anything else, just tell him.” He paused. “He’s only obeying orders, Grace. Go easy on him.” He turned away. “I called your neighbor, Rusty Baker, this morning and arranged for him to send two of his hands from his horse farm to take care of your horses and keep this place clean. They’ll start tomorrow.”
    She started to open her lips to speak, but he was already walking away from her.
    He glanced back. “Admit it, that’s what you’d do. That’s what would make Frankie happiest when she knows she has to leave here.”
    It was what Grace would have done, what she’d been considering doing since she’d realized they couldn’t stay. He’d just beaten her to the punch. “Perhaps.”
    He smiled faintly. “You know it. I’ll stick around and talk to you later. Consider what’s best for Frankie. Three million dollars is a lot of money, and there are a lot of money-hungry bastards out there. You need me, Grace.” He strode toward the paddock.
    She didn’t need him, she thought as she went into the house. She didn’t want him in her life. He’d brought her nothing but trouble in the past, and now he’d brought her another tragedy. The CIA would relocate her and protect her. They owed her big-time and they wouldn’t let Marvot kill her.
    Three million dollars.
    But, if there was a leak at Langley that had led those bounty hunters here, then who was to say it wouldn’t happen again?
    If North knew there was a leak, then he’d plug it. She had to—
    “You’re Ms. Archer?” A tall, sandy-haired man was coming down the stairs. “I’m Cam Dillon. Glad to meet you. I packed a pretty wide selection of clothing for you and your daughter. The suitcases are in your room.” He smiled. “But I didn’t know whether to pack your daughter’s teddy bear or the
Star Wars
collection. Or both. Kids’ favorite toys change from year to year. I don’t get to see my son very often, and I’m always behind the eight ball.”
    “You have a son?”
    He nodded. “But I’m divorced. My wife has custody of Bobby.” He looked around the living room. “This is a nice place. Homey. And I bet your daughter loves being around the horses.”
    “Yes, she does.” She started up the steps. “I’ll finish packing her things. She likes the teddy bear, but she doesn’t need to take it. As long as she has her keyboard and books, she’ll be fine.”
    “I can squeeze it in. Her keyboard is already in its case with the suitcases. Anything else I can get from the other rooms in the house?”
    “No, it’s my job. Kilmer shouldn’t have involved you.”
    “I was glad to help.” His smile faded. “I saw the picture of the old man on the piano. I’m sorry we didn’t get here in time. Kilmer was hopping mad. He looked like a nice old guy.”
    “He was more than nice.” She had to steady her voice. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have things to do. I have to get back to my daughter.”
    “Sure. I’ll be outside on the porch if you need me. Just give a call.”
    “You don’t have to stay.”
    “Yes, ma’am, I do. Kilmer’s orders.” He moved toward the door. “And that means I stay.”
    Her lips twisted. “It seems discipline is on the same level as when I was working with him.”
    He grimaced. “He cracks a mean whip. But it’s worth it. It’s a good feeling to know you’re the best.” He headed for the front door. “I’ll put the bags in your car when you finish.”
    It’s a good feeling to know you’re the best.
    That was how she’d felt when she was working with Kilmer. He was tough, painstakingly thorough, and pulled every bit of talent and skill from those who worked for him. Yet his team had shone like diamonds when he’d finished training them. You could always count on the man