The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Jake turned and pulled open the rough wooden door. The air had turned chill, the day blustery and overcast. Flat-bottomed clouds grew thicker by the moment, blocking the sun.
“Have a good day,Tovarich.”
Jake didn’t answer, just rolled up his collar against the wind and walked out the door. All the way back to the barn, he grew more and more uneasy.
The demands the Soviets had made would destroy any possible U.S. win of the Irish Nations’ Cup, but Ireland was just one country among dozens that held the event each year. The United States hosted two.
What was the significance of this particular event? Why had they gone to such lengths?
By the time Jake reached the area where the horses were being groomed, he was more worried than ever. What were they after? What in God’s name were they using him to accomplish?
“There you are.” Maggie walked toward him. He didn’t miss the accusation in her tone. “I’ve been looking all over.”
“I’m sure you have,” he said brusquely, then felt guilty when she touched his cheek.
“I know you’re still upset with me, but—“
Jake pulled her around the corner of the barn out of sight. For a moment he just looked at her. He hadn’t held her since their last night in the country. He wished this whole thing was over.
“I spoke to Popov this morning,” he said. “Whatever they’re planning, they aren’t going to tell me. That means anything could happen. Now, or even in Seoul.”
“Oh, dear Lord, what do they expect you to do?”
“I’m still not sure where I fit in.”
“Remember what I said, Jake. You’re a free man now. Do what they say, and you’ll never be free again.”
Jake didn’t answer. “Daniel’s here. I’m going to contact him, tell him the rest of what’s happened. In the meantime, you’ve got to be careful, Maggie. I wish you’d go back to the States.”
She only shook her head. “Not without you.”
Jake released an exasperated breath. “I love you, dammit. But sometimes, lady, you’re a genuine pain in the ass.”
She smiled up at him. “You be careful, too, Jake.”
“I will. And if you notice anything suspicious, anything that doesn’t look right, let me know.”
She nodded and walked away.
Jake watched her meld into the crowd of people coming and going, turned and walked back to the grooming area. His head came up in surprise when he spotted Clay, obviously feeling fine, smiling and talking to Ellie. Why hadn’t he taken the medication?
“You two are looking chipper this morning,” Jake said with forced lightness, shaking off a feeling of doom.You’ve done your part,he told himself firmly.What happens now rests in the hands of fate.
Clay winked at Ellie. “It’s probably getting such a good night’s sleep.”
Ellie blushed.
“Ulcer not bothering you?” Jake asked.
“Funny thing. I haven’t had a moment’s discomfort since the night Ellie agreed to marry me.”
Despite the circumstances, Jake laughed. Amazing, the way Fate had a will of its own. “Another advantage to finding a good woman.”
“Exactly,” Clay agreed.
Shaking his head, Jake wondered how this would affect the Soviets’ plan. He headed over to where Flex stood next to Sparky while the groom brushed the horse’s shiny chestnut coat.
