Текст книги "The Face of Deception"

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 19 страниц)

A little tearing wouldnt be remiss. He was one of Bens best friends.

And yours. Kevin was staring down at the speech and his next words came haltingly, Wasnt he?

She tensed. She didnt like his tone. Shed become accustomed to taking Kevins willful blindness for granted. Yes, he was my good friend. He did a great deal for mehellip; and for you.

Yes. He didnt look up from the speech. Its strange. The accident, I mean.

He always insisted on driving that little Cor-vette. Everyone told him that he should switch to a bigger car.

No, I mean right now.

What are you trying to say, Kevin? She took the speech away from him. Look at me.

He flushed. Im confused. Everythings hap-pening too fast. First, this business with Logan and now Scott dying.

Do you think I had anything to do with Scotts death? She let tears fill her eyes. How could you? He was our friend. He was helping us.

I didnt say that, he said quickly.

You might just as well have said it.

No, I didnt mean He gazed at her helplessly. Dont cry. You never cry.

Youve never accused me of Do you think Im some kind of monster? You know why Ben died. Do you think Id ever do that again?

With Logan.

To save you. Logan should never have interfered with what youre doing.

He reached out and awkwardly touched her shoulder. Forget it. I didnt mean

I cant forget it. She stepped back and thrust the speech at him. Go on to your office and learn that eulogy. And, while youre at it, decide whether I could have written those words about Scott if Id ever meant harm to him.

I know you didnt I just wondered why it hap-pened.

She turned her back on him and walked over to the window.

She could feel his gaze on her and then heard the sound of the door closing behind him.

Thank God. She didnt think she could have held on another minute. The entire night and morning had been a nightmare.

Damn him. Damn him. Damn him.

Tears were still running down her cheeks as she reached for her phone and dialed Timwick.

Why? she asked hoarsely. Damn you, why?

Maren was a threat. Hes always been a threat. I told you he needed to be eliminated when Logan started probing.

And I told you not to do it. Scott was never a threat. He helped us.

He was a loose thread, Lisa. And Logan was too close to unraveling him. You were too soft to do it, so I did it myself.

She closed her eyes. He would never have betrayed me.

Youre not the only one in this. She could hear the panic in his voice. I couldnt take the chance. He changed the subject. The press conference went well. It gives us the firepower we need. We found the speedboat. But we havent gotten a lead on Price and Logan yet. Ill keep you informed. He hung up.

He had dismissed the killing of Scott as if it were unimportant.

Just another deathhellip;

How many more? she wondered. How much more bloodhellip;

She sank down in her desk chair and covered her eyes.

Oh, God, Scott, forgive me. I never thought I cant seem to stop it now. It goes on and on and I have to go with it.

Think. Was there any way out? She had to have the skull. The scenario she had set up gave Timwick the ability to make sure Logan could be killed on sight.

More killing. And after him, Fiskes list would kick in and the deaths would go on.

She couldnt stand it.

A deal?

No, Logan was a stubborn man and would not give up even if sense and practicality told him that he should. Men were always too

But Eve Duncan knew where the skull was and she had no male ego to stop her from thinking clearly. Duncan was a clever woman who would recognize that all their options were gradually disappearing.

Lisa straightened and wiped her eyes. She turned and switched on the computer.

Eve Duncan.

NINETEEN

The phone rang.

Logan?

Eve snatched her phone from the table where shed put it in readiness. Hello.

Hello, Eve. I hope you dont mind my calling you by your given name. Please do the same. I believe events have established a certain intimacy between us.

Eve straightened in shock.

You do know who this is?

Lisa Chadbourne.

You recognize my voice. Good.

How did you get my number?

Ive had it since the first dossier on you was given to me. It didnt seem prudent to contact you under the circumstances.

Since you were trying to kill me?

Please believe I never meant to harm you until you interfered. You should never have accepted Logans offer. She paused. And you should never have permitted Logan to try to persuade Scott to be-tray me.

I dont control Logan. Nobody does.

You should have tried. Youre intelligent and youre strong. All it would have taken was a little ef-fort. Maybe all this could have been She stopped to steady her voice. I didnt mean to get emotional on you. I dont expect you to understand, but its been a bad day for me.

I dont understand. The shock had dissipated a little and the sheer outlandishness of the conversa-tion hit Eve abruptly. And I dont care.

Of course you dont care. She paused. But its necessary that you try to understand. I have to see it through. Its like being on a roller coaster. You cant get off until you reach the end. Ive fought too hard, Ive given up too much. I cant lose all Ive gained.

Through murder.

Silence. I want it to end. Let me find a way to end it, Eve.

Why did you call me?

Is Logan there?

Relief rushed over her. If Lisa didnt know where Logan was, it meant that he and Gil could be safe. Not right now.

Good. Hed get in the way. For a brilliant man, hes not at all reasonable. Youre not like him. You can see the advantages of compromise. She paused. As you did when you begged them not to execute Fraser.

Eves hand tightened on the phone. She hadnt expected her to touch that wound.

Eve?

Im here.

You wanted Fraser to die, but you wanted some-thing else more. You were reasonable enough to deal for what you wanted.

I dont want to talk about Fraser.

I can see why you dont want to remember him. I mentioned him only because you have to be reason-able now.

What do you want from me?

The skull and any other evidence you and Logan have gathered.

And what do I get for handing over those things to you?

The same deal you offered Scott. You disappear and turn up somewhere with enough money to keep you for the rest of your life.

And what about Logan?

Im sorry, its too late for Logan. We had to act publicly to make sure hes no threat to us. You can just fade away, but I cant call off the hunt for Logan. Hes on his own.

And my mother?

You can take her with you. Can we deal?

No.

Why? What else do you want?

I want my life back. I dont want to spend the next fifty years hiding out for something I didnt do. I dont consider that option viable.

Its all I can offer. I cant have you here. Its too dangerous for me. For the first time, Eve could hear an edge of steel to Lisa Chadbournes voice, and something elsepanic. Give me that skull, Eve.

No.

Ill find it anyway. It will just be easier if you give it to me.

Even if you find it youre afraid the truth will come to light in an awkward and public manner. Thats the only reason youre offering me a deal.

God, no. Both the hardness and fear were gone from her voice now. It reflected only weariness and sadness. You refuse?

Ive told you that.

Would it be so bad to let me stay in the White House? Look what Ive done through Kevin. The new bill to save Medicare. Tougher laws on animal and child abuse. Theres a good chance I can get the Na-tional Health Bill passed before the election. Do you know what a miracle that is when we dont control Congress? Her voice hardened with desperation. But Ive only started. Theres so much more that Ive planned for next term. Let me do it, Eve.

And seize immortality for yourself? I dont re-gard murder as a permissible method for pushing bills through Congress.

Please. Reconsider.

No deal.

Silence. Im sorry. I wanted to make it easy for you. No, thats not true. I wanted to make it easier for me. I wanted it to stop. Lisa cleared the thickness from her voice. Youve misjudged your position, Eve. Its not as strong as you think, and there are al-ways two sides of a coin. I hope Ill be able to give you another chance later, but I doubt it. Ill have to move forward. You will remember it was your choice? She hung up.

Eve had thought she had grasped the womans personality and motivations, but she hadnt gone deep enough. She wondered if anyone could go deep enough with Lisa Chadbourne. She had been thinking about her as a ruthless monster like Fraser, but the woman she had just spoken to was very human.

But not vulnerable. She might not be a monster, but her determination would never waver.

Eves hand was shaking as she put down the phone on the table. Christ, she was scared. She had believed she had a slight advantage because she had studied and felt she knew Lisa Chadbourne.

The advantage was gone. Not only did she not know Lisa Chadbourne, but the woman had also been studying her. Lisa Chadbourne also knew Eve.

Two sides of a coin.

Bribery on one side. Death on the other. It couldnt be clearer. She had refused Lisas offer and now she had to face the consequences.

Why the hell couldnt she stop shaking? It was as if Lisa had been in the room with her and

A knock on the door.

Her gaze flew across the room.

Dont answer the door, Logan had said.

Two sides of a coin.

For Gods sake, Lisa Chadbourne wasnt some supernatural being who had transported herself to this motel. Eve rose to her feet and strode to the door. And assassins didnt knock politely.

The second knock wasnt polite though. It was hard, impatient, and demanding.

Who is it?

Logan.

She gave a quick glance through the peephole. Thank God. She unfastened the chain bolt and un-locked the door.

Logan strode into the room. Pack your clothes. Youre getting out of here.

Where have you been?

On my way here. He opened her closet, took out her bag, blazer, and windbreaker and threw them on the bed. I took a taxi to Baltimore-Washington airport, rented a car, and drove here.

Why didnt you call me?

He didnt answer.

Dammit, why didnt you call me? Didnt you know Id be worried?

I didnt want to talk to He unzipped her bag. Will you pack? I want you out of here.

The DNA profile isnt done yet. Gary found out the lab could escalate the process, but Joe hasnt come with the comparison samples and Gary says it wont

I dont give a damn, he said harshly. Youre out of it.

Thats going to be hard to do. Did you hear about Abdul Jamal?

On the radio coming down.

She watched him take an armful of underthings out of the bureau drawer and drop them into the bag. His clothes were rumpled and grass-stained and there was a scratch on his forearm. Im not going anywhere until you talk to me.

Then Ill pack for you and dump you in the car with the rest of the luggage.

Stop mishandling my property and look at me, dammit.

He slowly turned to look at her.

She stiffened when she saw his face. Jesus, she whispered. What happened, Logan?

Gils dead. His movement was jerky uncoordi-nated, as he flung more clothes from a drawer onto the bed. Shot. I dont think they even meant to kill him. They were just firing warning shots. But now hes dead. He threw clothes into the duffel. I left him in a boathouse near the river. Im sure you wont approve, considering how you feel. No home for Gil. I just left him and took off running.

Gil, she repeated numbly.

He was born near Mobile. I think he has a brother. Maybe later we can

Shut up. She grabbed his arms. Shut up, Logan.

He was joking before it happened. He said he was safe because hed taken his bullet for the month. He was wrong. He wasnt safe. He didnt know what hit him. He just

Im sorry. God, Im so sorry. Without thinking she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. His body felt stiff and unrelenting, his muscles locked against her. I know he was your friend.

Thats more than I know. If he was my friend, would I have let him run the risks he did?

You tried to persuade him not to meet with Maren. We both tried. He wouldnt listen.

I could have stopped him. But I knew there was a chance he was right about Maren. I could have knocked him on the head or gone by myself. I didnt have to let him go.

Dear heaven, he was hurting and she couldnt reach him. It wasnt your fault. It was Gils decision. You couldnt know that

Bullshit. He pushed her away. Finish packing. Im getting you out of here.

And where am I supposed to be going?

Anywhere away from here. Ill put you on a boat to Timbuktu.

No. She crossed her arms over her chest. Not now. Youre too upset to be reasonable. We need to talk about this.

Pack. Theres nothing to talk about.

Were going to talk. Lets get out of here. She headed for the door. The emotion in the room was so thick, she felt as if she was suffocating. And, it would be better if she could get him away from that damn packing he was obsessing about. Ive been cooped up in here all day. Take me for a drive.

Im not going

Yes, you are. She grabbed Bens case, threw open the door, and glanced over her shoulder. Which car?

He was silent.

Which car, Logan?

The beige Taurus.

She moved toward the car parked across the lot. He reached it before she did. She waited for him to unlock the door.

His lips curved in a sardonic smile as he reached for Bens case. And everywhere that Eve goes, the skull is sure to follow, he murmured, then put the case in the backseat. But then I told you to never leave it alone, didnt I? Even though it makes you an automatic target.

Do you think Id pay any attention to what you said if I didnt think it was the right thing to do? Not likely, Logan.

As soon as they got into the car, she said, Drive.

Where?

I dont care. She leaned back in the seat. As long as its nowhere you can put me on a boat to Timbuktu.

Im not going to change my mind.

And Im not going to try to argue with you when youve probably been planning this all the way from Washington. Just drive.

He drove. He didnt speak for the next thirty min-utes. May I go back now?

No. His body was still rigid with tension. How the hell could she break through to him? Shock? She could tell him about Lisa Chadbournes call. Defi-nitely not. That would only reinforce his determina-tion. Give him some more time.

Lisa stared down at the phone.

Pick it up. Make the call. Youve waited too long already.

No deal, Eve Duncan had said.

All right, accept it.

It had to go on.

Do what you have to do.

Lisa picked up the phone.

It was over an hour later and the rays of the sun were casting long shadows when Logan pulled off the highway into a dirt lay-by. Im not going any far-ther. Get it over with.

Will you listen to me? Eve asked.

Im listening.

And stubbornly determined not to hear. Or maybe not stubborn, she thought wearily. Maybe he was afraid to hear.

It was odd to think of confident and decisive Logan as being afraid. Remember what you told me? Do the best you can and then go on? Youre full of hot air, Logan.

So I dont practice what I preach.

Youre not responsible for Gils death. He was a grown man and he made his own decision. You even tried to talk him out of it.

Weve already gone over this.

And youre not responsible for me. Id have to yield you that right, and I wont do that. Im the only one who guides my life. So dont give me that bullshit about putting me on a boat and sending me to Outer Mongolia.

Timbuktu.

Wherever. Im not going anywhere. Ive gone through too much. Ive too much invested in my life to throw it away. Do you understand?

He didnt look at her. I understand.

Then I guess we can go back to the motel.

He started the car. But it doesnt make any dif-ference. I warn you, Ill find a way to get you on that boat.

She shook her head. I get seasick. I remember when we came back on the ferry from Cumberland Island, I was sick as a dog.

Im surprised you noticed.

I didnt understand it either. I felt as if my life had ended and it didnt seem fair that my body was punishing me too.

But Quinn took care of you.

Yes, Joe always takes care of me.

Have you heard from him?

Last night. Hes found a letter thats almost cer-tain to contain Chadbournes saliva, but hes having trouble getting the sample from Millicent Babcock. He was going to follow her and her husband to the country club and try to swipe a drink glass.

Your stalwart policeman is going to steal?

Talking was helping him. The muscles on Logans forearms were a little less rigid.

Thats not like stealing. She decided not to con-fide the fact that Joe had gotten the letter through du-bious means.

Did you ever read Les Miseacute;rables ?

Yes, and I can see Joe stealing bread to feed a hungry child.

He smiled lopsidedly. Your hero.

My friend, she corrected him.

His smile disappeared. Sorry, I dont have the right to criticize Quinn. Ive failed pretty miserably in the friend sweepstakes.

Stop beating yourself up. Your thinking is blurred. When did you last sleep?

He shrugged.

Youll feel better after you have a good nights sleep.

Will I?

She hesitated and then said bluntly. Probably not. But youll be able to think clearer.

He smiled faintly. Have I ever mentioned how much I like that brutal honesty of yours?

It wouldnt do any good to give you a sugar-coated pill. Youd only laugh at me. Youve been through pain before. You know theres no quick fix. You just have to ride with it.

Yes, thats the only way to handle it. He paused. But I wouldnt laugh at you, Eve. No way. He took his hand from the wheel and covered her hand that lay on the seat between them. Thankhellip; you.

For what? She tried to smile lightly. Saving myself a trip to Timbuktu?

No, thats still on the agenda if I can work it in. He squeezed her hand and then slowly released it. I believe I envy Quinn.

Why?

Many things. His lips tightened grimly. But its much more desirable for a man to be protector and comforter than the other way around. Crying on your shoulder like this displays a certain lack of strength.

You didnt cry on my shoulder.And no one could ever say Logan lacked strength. You yelled at me and threw my clothes around.

Same thing. Sorry, I lost control. It wont happen again.

She hoped it wouldnt happen again. Her re-sponse to his pain had startled her. It had been an al-most maternal reaction. She had taken him in her arms and had wanted to rock him until the agony dis-appeared. She had wanted to comfort and heal, to hold and caress. His vulnerability had broken through barriers that his strength would never have breached. No problem. Just hang my clothes back up and well call it even.

She looked out the window. The need was over. Shut him out. He was coming too close.

She could feel his gaze on her, but she didnt look at him. She kept her eyes on the sun setting behind the trees.

He didnt speak again until he pulled into the parking space near her motel room. I have to talk to Kessler. When do you expect him back from the lab?

She checked her wristwatch. Seven forty-five. He might be in his room now. I was supposed to go to his room at eight and we were going to order dinner to be delivered. She made a face. Bubba Blues Barbecue. Gary said he could imagine the place probably had a rattlesnake in a glass case, saw-dust on the floor, and a country singer yodelingOh, shit. Her eyes filled with tears. She had been so busy comforting Logan that Gils death had not hit home until that moment. Would she ever listen to a country song again without remembering Gil Price?

Yeah. Logans eyes were glittering. I told him hed love this place. That all they had on the radio was country music like He abruptly opened the door and got out of the car. I have to go to my room and shower and change clothes. He reached in the backseat and pulled out the case. Ill take custody of Ben for a while. Ill meet you in Kesslers room in twenty minutes.

She nodded numbly as she moved toward her door. Gil Price, humor and gentleness and a zestful love of life. All that gone. Death. Creeping close, striking down Gil. Who was next? Logan could have died with Gil.

The other side of a coin.

She went into the room and shook her head as she saw the clothes scattered on the bed. Shed clean up this mess and try to

Screw it.

She was scared and worried and chillingly aware of the shadows drawing near. She hadnt talked to Mom since last night and she needed to make contact. She reached for the telephone in her bag.

No answer.

What the hell?

She dialed the number again.

No answer.

The other side of a coin.

Your position isnt as strong as you think.

Mom.

Her hand was trembling as she dialed Logans room number. I cant reach Mom. Shes not an-swering her phone.

Dont panic. It may be

Dont tell me not to panic. I cant reach her.

It may be nothing. Let me call Pilton and check.

Whats the chance of that hap

Im going to call Pilton, he interrupted. Ill get back to you. He hung up the phone.

Nothing was wrong.

Fiske hadnt found her.

Nothing was wrong.

The phone rang.

She jumped to answer it.

Shes fine, Logan said. I talked to her. She and Margaret were just sitting down to dinner. The bat-tery on her phone was down.

Safe. The relief was so intense, she felt almost sick. Shes okay?

Shes worried about you. Shed like to break my neck. But shes okay.

She couldnt talk for a moment. You know that boat to Timbuktu, Logan?

Yes.

I want my mother on it.

Well work on it right away. Will you go with her?

Hell, yes. Get me out of here. No, Ill see you in Kesslers room in fifteen minutes.

I have a copy of the DNA report, Gary said as soon as he opened the door. Wheres Quinn with those comparison samples?

He should be here soon. She looked beyond him to Logan, who was sitting in the chair across the room. Logan told you about Gil Price?

Gary nodded. Not good.

Very bad. Youve done everything you can, Gary. Youve got the report for us. For Gods sake, will you leave now?

When I finish. When I have Quinns samples.

Thats not good enough. We dont need you any-more. Joe can go to the lab and get

No, Duncan. Garys voice was gentle but firm. I finish what I start.

Thats stupid. Youll end up like Gil Price. She whirled on Logan. Tell him.

Ive tried, Logan said. He wont listen.

Like Gil. Gil wouldnt listen either. She drew a deep breath. But you have to listen. Shes going to Two sides of a coin.

What?

Lisa Chadbourne. She phoned me this after-noon.

Logan sat up straight in his chair. What the hell?

She wanted to make a deal with me for the skull.

Why didnt you tell me she called? Logan asked grimly.

Think about it. Were you in a mood to listen? You wouldnt have been reasonable.

I dont feel reasonable now either. Did she threaten you?

In a way.

What kind of way?

She washellip; sad. What difference does it make? she asked impatiently. I just want Gary and my mother out of this. Okay?

Did she say anything to lead you to believe that she knows anything about Bainbridge or your mother?

Of course she didnt. Shes too smart. Shed never give anything away. She turned to Gary. But you have to

The only thing I have to do is call Bubba Blues Barbecue, Gary said. Do you want ribs or steak?

I want you to leave.

Or maybe a pork sandwich?

Garyhellip;

He reached for the phone and started dialing. Give me your order or youll get the ribs.

She gazed at him helplessly. Dammit. Steak.

Good choice.

Joe Quinn arrived at the door thirty minutes after the delivery man from Bubbas brought the food.

Got it. Joe held up the two black thermal bags. How fast can you get a comparison?

She eagerly turned to Gary. Tonight?

He shrugged. Maybe. Ill call Chris and see if I can persuade him to go back to the lab tonight. He wiped the barbecue off his fingers and reached for the telephone. Get out of here. Its going to take some talking. He worked most of last night for me and hes not going to like this.

Joe opened the door. When youre ready to go, Ill drive you to the lab, Gary.

Gary waved an acknowledging hand.

You okay? Joe asked Eve as they walked out.

As good as can be expected. Gil Price was killed.

Joe glanced at Logan. Your friend?

Logan nodded.

I heard about the press conference. Everythings going to hell, isnt it?

Thats pretty accurate.

What are you planning to do with the DNA evi-dence once you get it?

I have a few friends in Washington who would go to bat as long as the proof is there.

Joe shook his head. Too chancy.

Not with Andrew Bennett in my corner. Hes chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Better than a politician but still risky.

You have a better idea?

The media.

Lisa Chadbournes an expert at manipulating the media.

Maybe, but name me a reporter whos not ready to blow up an entire administration if it sells newspapers.

The storys too bizarre, Eve said. And theyve laid too many obstacles for us to even get near a newspaper.

I could do it.

Eve shook her head.

I know a man with the Atlanta Journal and Con-stitution. Peter Brown. Won a Pulitzer five years ago.

For Gods sake, youd get arrested yourself for harboring criminals, Joe.

Peter will keep his mouth shut.

Maybe, Logan said.

Definitely. He met Logans eyes. Ive already called him and hes interested. Hell, hes salivating. Hes only waiting for the DNA.

Son of a bitch. Without consulting us?

I had to do something while I was spinning my wheels in Richmond. Its better than trusting a politician.

Eve held up her hand. Why dont we wait until we get the results before we start arguing about what to do?

I want this over, Joe said. I want you out of it.

No more than I do, she said wearily. Its getting

Hell do it, Kessler announced as he came out of the room. Hes meeting me at the lab in twenty minutes.

Lets go. Joe moved toward a black Chevrolet a few yards away. How long will this take, Gary?

Six, eight hours.

Pack your bag, Eve.Joe slipped into the drivers seat and started the car. Ill be back as soon as I get the report. Well go pick up your mother and Ill find a safe place for you until we can wrap this up.

Before she could say anything he was pulling out of the lot.

Well, we agree on one thing, Logan mur-mured. We both want you out of here and some-where safe.

The media wasnt a bad idea.

No, its solid. We may go that route. But we need Washington too.

Then why did you argue with him?

He shrugged. Im afraid its becoming a habit. He turned away. Ill go pack and make a few calls to my friends in Washington. I cant let Quinn get ahead of me.

Tellers research lab was dark except for lights shining in one area of the lower floor.

Burning the midnight oil, Fiske thought. The center was supposed to close at six; now, why would anyone be there at one in the morning? Two cars in the parking lot. One Chevrolet with a rental tag.

He had a hunch hed struck pay dirt.

He popped the lid of his trunk and got out of the car. He opened the lid of his electronic equipment case and took out his listening device.

A few minutes later he was back in the drivers seat. He settled himself more comfortably and waited for them to come out of the building.

TWENTY

4:05 A.M.

Eve was waiting at the window when Joe and Gary pulled up into the motel parking lot. Theyre here, she tossed over her shoulder to Logan. She threw open the door. Done?

Done. Gary handed her the briefcase. Millicent Babcocks sample strongly indicated a relation-ship. A brilliant smile lit his face. Chadbournes saliva was a definite match, of course.

Of course. I know that. Eve smiled shakily. Youd be scowling and calling me names if it wasnt.

And rightly so. For wasting my valuable time.

Ive called and arranged a condo in Fort Lauder-dale for you. Logan gave him a card. Its booked under the name Ray Wallins. Stay there until we call you and let you know its safe.

Kessler smiled slyly. A luxury condo? With maid service?

Logan grinned. Maybe. Dont push your luck.

A man of my skills and intellect deserves luxury. It shouldnt be wasted on philistines like you, Logan.

Logan handed him an envelope. Cash. It should keep you content for a few months.

Ah, thats better. Kessler tucked the envelope in his jacket pocket. It will do until the first advance on my best-selling book comes in. He looked at Eve. I may need an assistant, my spelling is atrocious. I might be persuaded to give you a room in my condo if you ask me nicely, Duncan.

I cant spell either.

I guess that means no. Oh, well, youd have tried to hog the credit anyway.

Joe came out of the hotel room carrying Eves bag. Were out of here, Eve. If we start now, we can be at Lanier by nine.

She nodded, still looking at Gary. Thank you. Youve been wonderful.

He nodded. Magnificent.

Youll leave now?

Ill throw my clothes into my suitcase, put the case in my Volvo, and Im on my way to Fort Lauderdale. Five minutes.

Well wait.

Duncan, its not He shrugged. What a stubborn woman. He disappeared into his room and came out a few minutes later. He put his suitcase in his car and turned to face her. Satisfied?

Yes. She stepped closer and gave him a hug. Thank you, she whispered in his ear.

Youre really becoming boring, Duncan. Gary got into his car and turned on the engine.

Are you ready to go? Logan asked Eve. I as-sume youre going with Quinn, since hes done every-thing but toss you in the car. Ill follow you to Lanier.

Were leaving now. Joe got into the drivers seat. Are you packed?

Everythings in my car. Logan crossed the parking lot toward the brown Taurus.

Eve? Joe said.

She nodded quickly and opened the passenger door. The first obstacle, proof, was overcome. She had the DNA reports in the briefcase in her hand. Gary would be safe and so would her mother when they reached her in a few hours.

Thank God.

4:10 A.M.

Fiske took the listening device out of his ear and dialed Lisa Chadbourne.

They were staying at the Roadway Stop in Bainbridge, Fiske said. I followed Kessler and Joe Quinn back from the DNA Testing Center. Logan and Duncan are here too. But none of them are staying. Quinn just put Duncans suitcase in his car. Duncan said good-bye to Kessler. Hes not going with them. Kesslers driving out of the parking lot now.

What about Logan? Lisa Chadbourne asked.

Hes getting in another car. A brown Taurus.

Does she have the skull with her?

How do I know? Shes not going to be carrying a skull under her arm like a purse. I guess she could have stuffed it in her bag. Or maybe Logan has it.

Or maybe theyve hidden it somewhere. Im not asking for your guesses. You havent seen it?