Текст книги "The Face of Deception"

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 19 страниц)

Kesslers been pretty innovative so far. Let him worry about it.

Timwicks probably still camped out at Duke, and itll take time for anyone to track us here. This is definitely off the beaten path as far as forensic labs are concerned.

But she was no longer certain that the Duke di-version had worked. Lisa Chadbourne wouldnt focus totally on Logan; she had too much respect for women.

A security guard parked out front at the motel wont hurt. Be sure and lock your door, Logan said. And call me if you notice anything suspicious. Anything.

Ill be careful.

He hesitated. I have to go, Eve. Gil is my friend and I brought him into this.

She got into the Volvo and put Bens case on the floor. So go. She gave him a cool glance. I dont need you, Logan. Ive never needed you. Ill handle this myself.

Keep Bens skull with you.

Have you ever seen me leave him anywhere? She smiled bitterly. I know whos important in the scheme of things.

Thats not true. Its just that

Go on. She waved her hand dismissingly. Go help Gil. Go do what you have to do.

Why the hell are you I thought you liked Gil.

I do and I want him safe. But she didnt want Logan dead, and the more she thought about Lisa Chadbourne, the more frightened she became. Im not arguing. I know it wouldnt do any good. Good-bye, Logan.

He still hesitated.

Good-bye, Logan.

He muttered an oath beneath his breath and backed out of the parking space. In another minute he was gone.

Alone.

Its not good for you to be alone, Mama.

She was accustomed to being alone. When the door was shut and the world closed out, wasnt every-body alone?

Yet it was strange that she was feeling more alone now than ever before.

Wheres Logan?

She turned and saw Gary had walked up to the car. Winging his way north. Gil Price needed him, Eve said. What did you find out?

Well, theres some bad news and some good news. The good news is that Chris has converted their method over to chemiluminescence. They could work up a DNA profile for me today.

And the bad news?

He said he wont do it. Hes too busy. He held up his hand. I know. I know. You dont have to say it. Hell do it. I just have to be a little more persistent. It wont be today, but I may be able to get the initial profile tomorrow. I just thought Id come out and give you a report. He tossed her his keys and started back toward the lab. Go back to the motel. Ill probably be here until after midnight. Ill take a taxi.

She didnt want to go back to the motel. She wanted to go into the lab and help. She wanted to do something.

Yes, sure, and blow everything Gary was trying to do.

Forget it. Her irrational impulse was only due to the fact that she had nothing to do, sitting there waiting was getting on her nerves. She could al-most sympathize with Gary and Logan, who had seized the opportunity to take action, any action, even if it held an element of recklessness.

What was she thinking? Recklessness had nothing to do with her life. She needed steadiness and serenity. Taking chances was not for her.

She mustnt begin to think about Lisa Chadbourne as if she were some kind of superwoman. Logan was probably right about Gary and her being safe for the time being. Accept it. Relax. After the tension and pace of the last days, she should be glad for a boring few days in Bainbridge.

Ive narrowed the possibility of the safe house at Lanier down to four, Timwick said as soon as Fiske picked up the phone. They were all booked day be-fore yesterday.

By Wilson?

How the hell would I know? Timwick asked sourly. Do you think shed use her real name?

Shed have to make a deposit. That means a credit card.

And whos to say that she doesnt have a phony? Do you think Logan wouldnt have made provisions for that? Got a pen? He rattled off the four ad-dresses. Get on it right away.

As soon as I can.

What the hell do you mean?

You told me to check out Kessler. Im at Emory now and he left on an unexpected trip yesterday morning.

Where?

Ive no idea. Im on my way to talk to his assis-tant and see if I can find out.

The mother is more important. Kessler is just a long shot. Logan will be going to Duke if he wants an expert.

Now that Im here, I might as well check it out.

I told you to drop it. Go to Lanier.

What do you want me to do if I find her?

Just stake her out. Ill let you know.

I told you I dont like stakeouts. Ill find her, but you assign someone else for the donkey work, Timwick.

The silence at the other end of the phone was frigid. The chicken bastard didnt like being told what to do. Well, hed better get used to it. Timwick didnt know it, but the game had changed and the queen was controlling the board.

You realize that you can be replaced, Fiske.

But it would be difficult at this stage of the game. Why not let me do what I do best?

Another silence, colder than the last. Very well, report to me as soon as youve located the women.

Right. Fiske hung up the phone and moved quickly toward the dorm where Kesslers assistant, Bob Spencer, lived. Hed tell Spencer he was an old friend of Kesslers, maybe take him out to dinner and pump him. Even if he didnt know Kesslers location, Fiske might be able to find out the lab where Kessler generally did his tests. Find out where the tests are being done, Lisa Chadbourne had said.

No problem.

He knew ? Lisa murmured. My God, he knew, Scott?

Not for sure. My take is that Logan made an educated guess.

And then sent Price to lay the cards on the table. Why?

Scott didnt answer for a moment. A deal. He wants you more than he wants me, Lisa.

What kind of deal?

Im out of the country, out of the picture, some-where with a new identity, if I furnish evidence against you.

Panic rushed through her and she fought to quell it. She had known Logan was smart and that he might suspect her, but shed hoped he wouldnt make the connection with Scott. Hes lying. Theyd never let you off.

Perhaps.

Her stomach clenched. And were you tempted, Scott? Just a little?

For Gods sake, Im calling you, arent I? Does that sound like I want to strike a deal?

No, Im sorry. Im scared. I never thought theyd guess it was you. Jesus, it was all falling apart.

No, it wasnt. She just had to think, to make ad-justments. We can work our way out of this. We may be lucky that they thought you might make a deal. They could have gone to the media.

But weve blocked that route for them.

Did you finish substituting the records?

Right after Price left me.

The panic subsided a little. It was going to be all right. She could see her way clear now. Thank God. Then Ill talk to Kevin right away and start the ball rolling. Its going to be fine, Scott.

Is it?

Of course it is. I promise you.

Youve promised me a lot of things, Lisa, he said wearily.

And havent I given you everything I promised? Youve lived the sweet life all these years.

You think I couldnt have done it without you?

I didnt say that, Scott.

He was silent a moment. Sorry.

He sounded odd, and she knew better than to overlook any change in him. The situation was too delicate. Whats wrong?

Price said something else. He told me about three people whod been murdered quite recently and that the murders conveniently erased problems for you. He asked if I wasnt afraid that Id be killed too.

And are you afraid, Scott? After all these years, are you afraid Id hurt you?

Silence. No, I guess not.

Thats not good enough. Dont guess, know.

He didnt say anything.

She closed her eyes. Christ, not now. Dont let him doubt now. Well talk. Ill prove it to you. But now we have to deal with Price as cleanly as possible to save you.

Not to mention you.

All right, save both of us. Go ahead and meet Price. Ill have Timwick there before you.

And?

Well take Price and try to use him as a bargaining tool for the skull. We have to have that skull back.

You think Logan will deal?

Weve got to try. She paused. Trust me, Scott. I wont let Logan take you down. Not after all youve done for me. She hung up.

Her heart was beating too hard. Breathe deeply, steadily. It was only another challenge.

But it was a challenge she shouldnt have had to meet. If Timwick had done his job with Donnelli, no one would ever have suspected Scott and she would not have had to make this decision. Panic was turning to rage. Logan and Duncan were coming too close and she was losing control.

So gain control. She had a way out. Shed call Timwick and tell him the problem.

But first she had to talk to Kevin and guide him on the path he had to take.

Joe called Eve at eight that evening. Ive managed to get a letter Chadbourne wrote to his sister when their mother died a few months before he took office. I dont think theres any doubt that he licked that par-ticular envelope himself.

Great. How did you get it?

You dont want to know. That would make you an accessory. But I havent gotten the sample from Millicent Babcock yet, and I thought that would be the easiest. Im following her and her husband to the country club this evening to see if I can get my hands on a glass. He paused. How are you?

Fine. Gary is going to be able to get the DNA right away.

Good. Another silence. Is Logan taking good care of you?

She avoided answering. He would go ballistic if he knew Logan wasnt here. I take care of myself, Joe.

I should be there. I should have told Logan to come here and follow that Babcock woman around. I didnt trust him to get the job done, but Im spinning my damn wheels.

Youll get it tonight.

Id better or Ill mug the damn woman and get a blood sample instead. Youre not laughing. I was joking, dammit.

Sorry, nothing seems very funny to me right now.

Me neither. Ill try to be there tomorrow. Take care of yourself.

Joe. She stopped him before he could hang up. Have you called Diane?

Before I left Atlanta.

Shell be worried about you. Im feeling guilty enough about involving you. I dont want to send her off the deep end too.

Ill call her.

Now?

Now, dammit. He ended the call.

She put the phone back on the table. At least Joe was safe and behaving with his usual protectiveness. Tomorrow hed be here and shed once more feel that sense of homecoming that was always present when she was with Joe.

Now she had only to wait for Logan to call and tell her he and Gil were okay.

Call her, Joe thought. You promised Eve youd call Diane. Now do it.

He dialed his home number and Diane picked up immediately.

Hi, babe, just thought Id check in. How are you doing?

Where are you, Joe?

I told you, out of town on a case. I should be able to wrap it up pretty soon.

What case?

Nothing youd be interested in.

Oh, I think Id be interested. Her tone was hard. Do you think Im stupid, Joe? Im tired of pre-tending Im blind. All this stuff on television. Its Eve, isnt it?

He was silent. He knew she wasnt stupid, but hed hoped shed pretend the problem didnt exist, as she usually did with issues that made her uncomfortable.

Isnt it?

Yes.

Its gone too far, Joe. Her voice was shaking. How long do you think I can put up with this? We have a good life and youre risking everything we have for her. Is she worth it?

You know I cant turn my back on her.

Oh, I know that. Nobody knows it better. I thought I could take it, but she dominates your god-damned life. Just why the hell did you marry me, Joe?

Youre upset. Well talk about this when I come home.

If you come home. If she doesnt get you killed. Diane slammed down the phone.

Jesus, hed made a mess of it. Why had he thought the marriage would work? Hed given her everything he could, everything hed thought she wanted. Hed tried to balance honesty with kindness, but Diane had pride, and no matter how he tried to avoid inflicting pain, it was inevitable. Everything Diane had said was true. She had every right to wonder why he had married her.

He hoped she never found out.

EIGHTEEN

The scent of the damp, mossy riverbank hit Logan as soon as he got out of the car. The smell of earth re-minded him of the cornfield in Maryland.

Not a particularly happy memory, Logan thought. A successful diversion, but he still remembered Eves face when she found out hed used her as bait.

Smells good, doesnt it? Gil breathed deeply as he started to walk toward the river. Reminds me of home.

The area appeared deserted and, at least, Gil had chosen a meeting place with no trees or cover. The gulf? Youre from Mobile, arent you?

A little town outside Mobile.

Deep South.

Where else did you think I learned to love Garth Brooks?

Logans gaze raked the bank. It should be therehellip; God, he wished there were moonlight. But you tell me country is universal.

But every universe has to have a home planet. He glanced at Logan. Relax. Its going to be okay. No one can approach us without us seeing them. If anyone but Maren shows we can take off.

And if were cut off from the car?

We can always swim.

Ive got a better idea. He breathed a sigh of re-lief as the moon came out from behind the clouds and he saw the gleam of stainless steel. I rented a speed-boat and arranged to have it brought downriver and staked out over there.

Gil started to laugh. I knew you would. God, youre anal, John.

Its better than swimming.

Do you think I wouldnt have done it myself if I hadnt known youd provide?

How the hell do I know what youd do? You arranged this damn-fool meeting. Why couldnt you just have him call you?

Because he may need more persuading. Its too easy to hang up a telephone.

And you have a death wish.

I have a death wish? The risk isnt as great for me as for you. Ive already taken one bullet this month. I figure that puts the odds on my side. You should have stayed in Georgia and let me handle it.

Logan didnt answer.

Of course, I realize that you were afraid some-thing might happen to me. Gil gave him a sly glance. Naturally, you didnt want anything to happen to a man of my brilliance and charisma.

No?

And besides, you dont have that many friends who are willing to put up with your lack of appre-ciation for the finer things of life. Yes, I should have known youd hop on a plane for purely selfish reasons.

Purely selfish.

Ah, you admit it.

You bet I do. I couldnt stand another day at Bainbridge. The only thing I could get on the radio was Hank Williams Jr. and that damn song Feed Jake.

Gil chuckled. God, really? Thats got to be my kind of town.

I agree. Ive got an airline ticket in my pocket for you. His lips tightened grimly. If you survive tonight.

Gils smile faded. This is worth the chance, John. I managed to shake Maren. I could see it.

Then, where is he?

Were early. I think hell be here.

Only forty minutes early. But there was no sign of movement on the bank of the canal or the river. If there was a trap, he couldnt see it.

Maybe Gil had succeeded in convincing Maren. It was possible. Perhaps in a hour all this would be over and their work on Bens skull would be of sec-ondary importance.

Lord, he hoped so.

But where the hell was Maren?

The security guard looked up from talking to the clerk at the information desk. Good night, Dr. Maren, he said, smiling. Late night.

Paperwork. Its the bane of my existence. Good night, Paul. He went out the glass doors and headed for his reserved space, where his classic 1957 Corvette was parked. The timing was right. Thirty minutes and hed be at the canal.

He pulled out of the lot and turned left. With any luck, it would be over before he got there. Timwick didnt really need him to act as bait to catch Price.

So why was he going? Was it truly Price who was to be caught in the trap?

The poison Price had injected was eating into him. Lisa. Death.

Stop it. It wasnt true. Price had given him suppo-sition, not proof. Lisa and he were bound together. She knew it as well as he did.

A red traffic light flashed on the cross street ahead.

Symbolic?

It wouldnt hurt to be cautious. He wouldnt go to the meeting with Price. Hed go to his house and wait for Lisa to call him and tell him what had hap-pened. The tension immediately left him with the decision. Hed turn right at the next intersection and in ten minutes hed be home and safe.

He braked as he neared the red light.

Nothing.

He pumped frantically.

The Corvette moved toward the intersection.

It was late. Maybe the traffic

A garbage truck was heading for the inter-section. Huge. Fast Oh, God, it was moving too fast to stop.

The truck hit the drivers side of the Corvette like a tank, driving the small car sideways into the street-light on the corner. It tore through the fiberglass, through flesh and bone and muscle.

Lisa.

The man coming toward them had Marens tall build and he was alone.

I told you I got to him, Gil murmured.

A low throbbing to the south.

Logans heart jumped. The hell you did.

The air.

Why hadnt he thought about the air? Logan thought, even as the brilliant blue lights of the heli-copter speared down at them out of the darkness.

Run for the boat! Keep low.

Gil was already streaking for the speedboat.

The man theyd thought was Maren was running toward them.

A bullet whistled by Logans ear.

Son of a bitch.

Gil was in the boat, untying the line from the stake.

The damn helicopter was almost on top of them, flooding the boat with cold blue light.

Logan jumped in the boat and turned on the throttle.

The water ahead of them was sprayed with bul-lets from above.

Stay low. Logan started zigzagging the boat across the water, trying to avoid the cone of light. If we can make it to that inlet, were home free. Theres a thick tree cover, and there are too many residences for them to keep shooting. Well ditch the boat and

Another spray of bullets, closer.

Too close.

Christ, that beam was like a spotlight. How could they miss?

Unless they wanted to miss.

Unless they were more valuable alive than dead.

The skull. Jesus, they needed the skull.

The speedboat tore into the inlet and was en-gulfed in shadows from the overhanging trees.

Not safe yet. Not as long as they remained in the boat. He pulled the boat close to the bank and cut the motor. He jumped out and grabbed the lead.

He could hear the helicopter overhead. Come on, well go up to the house and see what kind of transport we can

Gil was staring at him, his eyes glittering.

Gil?

Why hadnt Logan called?

Eve rolled over in bed and looked at the illumi-nated face of the alarm clock on the nightstand. It was almost three in the morning. Surely he could have picked up the damn phone and let her know he and Gil were safe.

If they were safe. If the trap hadnt been sprung.

Go to sleep. They were hundreds of miles away. She couldnt help by lying there, staring into the darkness.

And wishing she hadnt been so curt to Logan be-fore hed left.

My God, she was having all these morbid regrets, as if he werent on his way back to her.

Back to her? Back to Ben and the forensic testing, back to their joint purpose.

Never back to her.

Kessler knocked on her door at seven-thirty the next morning. Theres something you should see. He came into the motel room and switched on the televi-sion set. The Presidents press secretary just issued a statement. CNN is repeating it now. When a picture of Kevin Detwil appeared on the screen, Kessler mur-mured, Look at him. Even knowing its not Chadbourne, I still cant

The shot immediately switched to the group of reporters firing questions at Jim Douglas, Chadbournes press secretary.

It wasnt John Logan in the fire?

So Ive been told. The man who burned to death at Barrett House was Abdul Jamal.

And you think an assassination conspiracy is a possibility?

I wish I could say it wasnt. I assure you the President doesnt like the idea of being a target. But since the fire occurred at the time President Chadbourne was invited to visit Barrett House, Mr. Timwick tells me he has to consider the possibility and increase his security.

And Logan is suspected of instigating this conspiracy?

We sincerely hope not. Even though theyre on the opposite ends of the political spectrum, the Presi-dent has always held him in respect. Its his sincere wish that Logan will come forward and explain all this. He paused. Until that time, we must consider Logan a threat to both the President and the country. Jamal was a known terrorist and assassin and the Se-cret Service believes that the Presidents visit to Bar-rett House would have been a disastrous mistake.

We were told the body was almost entirely destroyed. How did you manage to match the DNA to Jamal?

Mr. Timwick asked that a check be made.

Then you already suspected that Jamal was at Barrett House.

When the President goes anywhere, we have to make sure the situation is secure. You all know how fanatically determined Logan has been to see that the President is not elected to a second term. When Mr. Timwick discovered that Mr. Logan may have had contact with Jamal on his last visit to Japan, he asked Bethesda to run a check on Jamal. He held up his hand. No more questions. The President wishes me to assure you that under no circumstances will this threat interfere with his attendance at the funeral of his good friend, nor with the execution of his duties as president. Jim Douglas turned and walked out of the room.

There was a final shot of the President in the Rose Garden, which must have been taken at some other time. He was smiling down at Lisa Chadbourne and she was smiling back with just the right amount of support and concern.

My God. Eve turned off the set and turned to Kessler. How hard are they looking for Logan?

Theyve pulled out all the stops. Hes a prime suspect. Kessler added, And you too.

She crossed her arms over her chest to keep from trembling. Now Im a terrorist as well as a murderer?

Youve been downgraded. Youre just an acces-sory. Logan is the murderer. They believe he had a falling-out with Jamal about the terms of the assassi-nation and killed him.

And burned down the house to hide it.

Correct.

Its completely preposterous. No one could believe a story like that. Logan is a respectable businessman. Why would he become involved with terrorists?

Im not so sure they wont believe it, Gary said slowly. The average person sitting before a televi-sion set has a tendency to accept what the authorities tell him, and people in general have no liking for big business. Havent you heard that the only way to get someone to accept a big lie is to tell some little truths along with it? Youll notice that Douglas stressed two points. Logans political fanaticism, and his visits out of the country. Theyve started with basic provable facts and layered in DNA science and the average Americans fear of foreign terrorists. Its a pretty complete package.

Complete enough to make it impossible for Logan to surface without danger of being shot on sight. She had it all planned. Eve still found it hard to believe. That was why, when that body was found in Barrett House, Detwil issued a statement praising Logan and revealing that hed planned to go there that weekend. We thought she was trying to have Maren switch the DNA to prove the body was Logans. Instead, she was setting this up.

He nodded. Identifying that body as Jamal makes your situation a hell of a lot more difficult.

Difficult. It made it a nightmare. Logan will be a target of every law enforcement body in the country.

Maybe he was already dead. Why hadnt he called her?

No, the media would have picked up on Logans capture or death. She suddenly remembered the press secretarys last words. What funeral? What was he talking about?

Scott Maren. He was killed in an automobile ac-cident last night. They just announced that the fu-neral would be two days from now.

The words struck her like a blow. What?

A truck broadsided his Corvette.

Where? Near where Gil was supposed to meet him?

No, only a few blocks from the hospital. They think something was wrong with his brakes.

Murder.

Gary shook his head. Not as far as the officials are concerned. Theyre investigating, but they think its just an accident. Respected doctor, liked by everyone. No motive.

It was murder. It was too coincidental. Lisa had gotten rid of Maren because shed been afraid hed become a liability. Which meant Maren had told her about Gil approaching him.

They set a trap for Gil. And Logan had walked into the trap with him.

Its possible. But we dont know. We have to wait and see. In the meantime, I think it would be a good idea if you stayed away from the testing lab, Kessler said. Logan would like you to stay here with Tellers security guard.

No, Ill go with you.

To protect me? He made a face. What can you do sitting in a car in the parking lot? I appreciate the effort, but I can care for myself. Besides, its only ten minutes from here. I promise Ill phone if I need you.

Ill go, dammit.

What about Logan? Have you heard from him?

No.

He touched the circles beneath her eyes. And youre worried. Shouldnt you stay here and wait for him? Hes the one who is in danger.

I cant help him. I dont even know where he is.

Hes a bright young man. Hell come back. He turned to leave. I have to get to the lab. Chris prom-ised me those results late today, but he works better with a little subtle browbeating.

She tried to smile. Theres nothing subtle about you, Gary.

Perhaps not, but Im effective. He paused at the door. You stay here. You have no car and I wont let you in my Volvo.

Id feel better going with you.

Since Im in control of the transport, I get my way. Ill see you for dinner. Come to my room at eight. I saw a menu flyer from Bubba Blues Barbecue. He shook his head. What a name. Thank God they de-liver. I have a vision of sawdust on the floor, a rattle-snake in a glass case, and a moaning country singer. I shudder at the chance were taking.

The door closed behind him.

She was shuddering too, but for a different reason. She closed her eyes, but she could still see Lisa Chadbournes face as she looked up at Detwil. The loyal wife protecting her husband in his hour of need.

But it was Logan who was in need. Logan and Gil who were on the run.

Where the hell were they?

Sweet Jesus, Sandra murmured, her gaze on the television screen. Whats happening to her, Margaret?

Nothing. They havent been caught and they wont be. Johns too smart to let that happen. This is just upsetting you. Margaret turned off the set. Hell, its upsetting me too.

Why hasnt she called me?

She called you yesterday.

But she must know Id see What should we do?

What were doing. Sit tight until John gets everything straightened out.

Yeah, sure. She nibbled at her lower lip. Maybe we should do something.

Like what?

I have a friend in the D.A.s office.

No, Margaret said sharply, then she tempered her tone. He couldnt help and hed lead anyone in-terested right to us.

Maybe not. Ron would be careful.

Sandra, no.

I cant just sit here. She looked Margaret in the eye. I know you think Im some kind of lightweight, but Ive been around the block a couple of times. Give me a chance to do something.

I dont think youre a lightweight, Margaret said gently. I think youre smart and kind and under normal conditions youd be taking care of me. These arent normal conditions. Just be patient, okay?

Sandra shook her head.

Okay, then try to get your mind off it. How about a game of blackjack?

Again? You always beat me. You must spend half your time in Las Vegas.

Well hellip; Margaret grinned. One of my brothers is a dealer.

I knew it.

Okay, no blackjack. Ill make the supreme sacri-fice and let you cook me another one of those won-derful meals. You do realize Im going to be a blimp before we get out of here.

Im a lousy cook, and you know it. Stop trying to distract me.

Well, the casserole last night was better than the chili for lunch. Maybe youre getting better.

And maybe cows can fly. She might as well go along with her, Sandra thought resignedly. Margaret could be relentless, and besides, cooking did keep her occupied. She rose to her feet. Ill make a pot roast. But you have to make the salad and do the dishes.

Im just a drudge, Margaret groaned. Okay, lets get at it.

Third time lucky.

Fiske watched the two women bustling around the kitchen. The scent of meat and peppers drifted to him and reminded him he hadnt had breakfast that morning. The smell evidently had attracted Pilton too, because he had come in from the porch and was standing in the kitchen, talking to Margaret Wilson.

Fiske backed away from the window into the shrubbery and set off through the woods. He reached his car, which was parked in the driveway of an empty rental cottage. Now that Sandra Duncan had been located, he could call and pacify Timwick. Then hed contact Lisa Chadbourne and tell her of his progress. Though from what hed seen on the news that morning, shed been a little too busy to worry about Sandra Duncan.

Too bad about Scott Maren. The doctor had been on the list Timwick had given him and he felt a little cheated that the job had been given to someone else.

He opened the glove box, took out the list, and drew a line through Marens name. He couldnt take credit, but he could keep the list accurate.

He had another name to add to the list. He care-fully wrote in the name Joe Quinn. Kesslers assistant had been very helpful last night.

He took out the pictures of Quinn and Kessler that Timwick had faxed him and studied them. Kessler was old and would probably pose no chal-lenge, but Quinn was young, fit, and a cop. He might prove interesting.

He glanced down at the road atlas open on the passenger seat. Kesslers assistant had known nothing about Kesslers recent activities but he knew his pat-tern, his methods, his friends, his modus operandi.

He knew about the work done by Chris Tellers research center in Bainbridge.

So now Lisa Chadbourne had a choice of targets.

How did I do? Kevin asked. Was the statement right? Do you think I should have told Douglas to be a little more stern?

You were great, Lisa said patiently. The state-ment to the media was just right. You made yourself seem regretful and Logan appear dangerous enough for us to have a reason to go after him.

Self-defense. He nodded. It should work.

It will work. She handed him the paper shed just printed out. You need to memorize this. I want you to sound completely extemporaneous.

What is it?

The eulogy youre giving for Scott Maren. He glanced over the text. Touching.