Текст книги "The Face of Deception"

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 19 страниц)

Eve was already crawling into the backseat as Piltons van left the parking lot. Ill look through the bags. You drive. She opened the bigger bag first. What did she know about weapons? That she didnt like them, that they frightened her, that to her they represented only violence and horror.

But they hadnt frightened Fiske. He had used these weapons. They wouldnt frighten Lisa Chadbourne. She had ordered their use.

Eve put her forefinger on the barrel of the rifle. The metal was warm, smooth, almost pleasing to the touch. Somehow she had expected it to be cold. Find anything? Logan asked.

Nothing she had wanted to find. Not yet.

I bet there wont be any way to trace those guns to Lisa Chadbourne.

I know. Lisa would leave no trail that could lead back to her. Eves search was probably hopeless.

To lose hope was to admit defeat. Shed be damned if shed lose hope.

She pushed the first bag aside and started on the second. Rental car papers in a green folder, a first-class ticket to Washington on Delta Airlines, an air-line schedule, a few receipts from restaurants, two in Atlanta, one in Bainbridge.

Bainbridge.

Dont think about Bainbridge. Dont think about the motel room where Gary had died.

A folded piece of paper. Another receipt?

She unfolded the paper.

She went rigid.

A list of several names. Some typewritten, some inked in.

Her own name, Logans, Joes, her mothers

And two other names that caused her eyes to widen in shock.

My God.

She forced herself to continue down the list.

Gary Kessler. Neatly crossed off.

She stared down blindly at Garys name.

Just another name on the list.

Gil had said Fiske was obsessed with neatness and efficiency. So kill a man and cross him off the list.

What is it? Logan was looking at her face in the rearview mirror.

A list. Garys name. She folded the paper and stuffed it into her purse. Shed look at it again later and think about it harder. It hurt too much just then. She went through the other papers. Nothing else of interest. Find us a place to stop.

A motel?

No, theyll be looking for us in this area. Shell wonder why she hasnt heard from Fiske and there will be discreet inquiries. Theyll find out about Joe.

Joe.

She quickly shied away from the thought of him. When she remembered Joe in that hospital, she couldnt focus on anything else.

You know we should leave this vicinity.

No, Joe may need me.

Youre not being reasonable. You cant even go to

I dont care. She couldnt leave Joe, not when she didnt know whether he was going to live or die. Just find us a place to stop for a while. I need to think.

Ive already been thinking. I believe we should contact Peter Brown, the reporter on that Atlanta newspaper.

Maybe. She rubbed her aching temple. But hes Joes friend. We really need Joe to

Joe again. They needed Joe. She needed Joe.

The memories came flooding back. Joe stopping by her lab to nag her for working too hard. Joe joking with her, talking quietly and

Just relax, Logan said. We dont have to de-cide anything this minute. Ill drive for a while and see if I can find somewhere unobtrusive to park.

Logan stopped at a McDonalds ten miles south of Gainesville and bought burgers and Cokes to go. He pulled off the highway and drove on a bumpy dirt road for another five miles, then stopped several yards from a large pond.

This should be private enough. Logan turned off the engine. Though theres probably a farm-house over that next hill. Its not easy finding a spot of wilderness in this day and age.

How far are we from the hospital?

Driving fast, forty minutes. He got out of the car, grabbed Bens case, and came around and opened her door. Come on, lets walk down by that pond. I think we both need some exercise.

Anything to release a little of this tension. She picked up her handbag and joined him.

The pond was muddy and the bank slippery. It must have rained recently. The sun was starting to go down, casting glittering bars of light on the waters surface.

After thirty minutes Logan asked, Better?

No. Yes. She stopped beside a tree and leaned her cheek against the trunk. I dont know, Logan.

I want to help you. Dammit, tell me how to help you.

Make Gary rise from the dead. Tell me Joes going to get well.

She shook her head.

Quinns not the only one who can help you. Let me try.

She sank down on the ground. Ill be okay, Logan. I just have to think. I know theres a way to end it, but it has to come clear and Im not thinking clearly.

Are you hungry?

No.

You should be. You havent eaten in nearly twenty-four hours.

Bubba Blues Barbecue. Gary had ordered food deliveredhellip;

You stay here. He set Bens case down beside her. Ill go bring the food to you.

She watched him stride up the slope. Get a grip, she thought in disgust. She was behaving like a wimp and he was worried about her. The cold calculation of Garys name on that list had thrown her into a tail-spin, and it was taking her a little time to rec

Her phone was ringing.

Mom?

She dug frantically in her purse for the phone.

Eve?

Lisa Chadbourne.

Eve started to shake. Damn you. Damn you to hell.

You gave me no choice. I tried to give you a way out.

And then you killed Gary.

Fiske killed No, I wont deny it. I told him I wanted it done.

And did you tell him to kill Joe too?

No, that wasnt in the immediate plan.

But she wasnt denying it might be on her agenda. Hes dying.

And I assume the dead man who was found with him was Fiske?

He tried to kill Joe.

Evidently he didnt succeed. I understand Quinn may still live.

Hed better.

Are you threatening me? I can understand your bitterness, but havent you realized that you cant win? How many more people have to die, Eve?

You dont have Fiske anymore.

Timwick will find a substitute. Quinn is very vulnerable now. Hes on life support, isnt he?

A bolt of sheer rage shot through Eve. Dont you even think about it.

I dont want to think about it, Lisa said wearily. The idea sickens me, but I will have it done, Eve. Just as I had Kessler killed. Just as Ill have everyone you care about killed. You have to give me the skull and that DNA report.

Go to hell.

Listen to me, Eve. Think about it. Is it worth it?

Youre saying if I give you the skull that Joe will live?

Yes.

Liar. Joe wouldnt be safe. My God, you even killed Scott Maren, and he was supposed to be your friend.

Silence. That wasnt my decision. I didnt know about it until it had been done. Timwick is in a panic and striking out. Ill see that Quinns safe. Be-lieve me.

I dont believe you.

Then, what do you want, Eve? What can I give you?

I want you brought down. She closed her eyes and said the words shed never thought shed say to anyone. I want you dead.

Im afraid thats not one of your choices.

Thats all Ill ever want.

Thats not true. Lisa paused. I was afraid that Fiske would fail, so Ive been sitting here won-dering what I could offer you. And then it came to me. So simple. I know what you want even more than you want me crushed down.

There isnt anything.

Oh, but there is, Eve.

Eve was still staring down at the phone when Logan came back.

He stopped a few feet away, his gaze narrowed on her face. Was it your mother? Hows Quinn?

She shook her head. It was Lisa Chadbourne.

He stiffened. And?

She wants the skull.

So whats new? Is that enough to send you into shock?

Yes. She put the phone back into her handbag. Its enough.

Did she threaten you?

She threatened Joe and Mom.

Sweet.

But Im not sure she can guarantee their safety even if I make the deal. She said Timwick is in a panic and she lost control of him when he killed Maren. She might lose control of him again.

And she might never have lost control and given the order herself.

Maybe. I dont know. I cant think right now.

If I make the dealhellip;

The phrasing abruptly hit home to him. My God, youre actually thinking about it. What the hell did she say to you?

She didnt answer.

He fell to his knees beside her. Tell me.

She shook her head. My heads messed up. Maybe later.

Maybe?

She changed the subject. I want you to call the hospital.

To check on Quinn? Your mother said she

No, I want you to call the nurses station. I want you to tell her that you intend to kill Joe.

What?

I want you to be obscene and ugly and explicit. I want you to tell her how youre going to pretend youre hospital personnel and slip into his room and cut off his life support. Or maybe give him a shot hed never wake up from. I want you to sound crazy and homicidal.

He slowly nodded. Theyll report the anony-mous call to the cops hanging around the hospital and theyll be on the lookout.

Id do it myself, but a man is usually perceived as more lethal.

Perception can be faulty as hell. Ill call right away. He frowned. What are you doing?

She was on her knees, reaching for Bens case on the ground beside her. I just want to hold Bens skull case.

Why?

Im not going to run away with it. I just want to have it in my hands.

He didnt like that any more than he liked the way Eve was acting. Maybe we should think about leaving here. We need to find somewhere to sleep.

Okay, well go back to Gainesville later tonight. She looked away from him and down at the case on her lap. Make the call.

Sandra called Eve at eleven that night. Joes vital signs have stabilized. Hes still critical but its looking better.

Hope surged through Eve. When will they know for sure?

I dont know. Tomorrow morning, maybe. How are you?

Okay.

You dont sound okay.

Im fine, Mom. Are you with Ron?

Yes, hes right here. He says hes not going to move two feet from me until this is over. He thinks you should come in and talk to the police. So do I. Youve got to get this mess straightened out.

It sounded so easy, she thought tiredly. Deposit everything in the arms of the police and let them take care of it. Call me back when you find out more about Joe. Take care of yourself, Mom.

Quinns better? Logan asked.

She nodded. But not out of the woods. She opened the car door. Im going to walk down to the pond. You dont have to go with me.

In other words, my companys not wanted. He glanced at Bens case in her hand. But evi-dently our skeletal friend is. You havent set it down all evening. Are you going to tell me why youre toting that thing around?

She wasnt sure herself. Maybe she thought it would give her the answer. God, she needed an an-swer. I just want it with me.

Weird.

Yes, havent you heard? I dont have all my marbles.

Crap. Youre one of the sanest people I know.

But look at the company you keep. She moved down the moonlit slope. The leather of the case was smooth beneath her touch.

Help me, Ben. Im lost and I need someone to find me.

Eve had been sitting underneath that tree for over two hours.

And she was hugging that leather case like it was a baby.

He couldnt stand it any longer. Logan got out of the car and stalked down the slope.

Im sick of being patient and understanding. You tell me whats happening. Do you hear me? I want to know what the hell Lisa Chadbourne told you.

She didnt speak for a moment, and then she whispered, Bonnie.

What?

She offered me Bonnie. She offered to find Bonnie for me.

How could she do that?

She said that shed have the cases reopened, that shed send an army of police and military to question and search. She said shed been thinking about it. The search couldnt be obviously for Bonnie. It would look too suspicious for her. Theyd choose one of the other children to publicly focus on, but the searchers would have their orders. It would be Bonnie theyd be looking for.

My God.

She said that theyd spend years if they had to. She promised to bring Bonnie home to me.

And all you have to do is give her the skull and the DNA report? Its a trick. Shed never follow through.

Just the skull. She said I could leave the country and keep the DNA report until she delivers Bonnie.

A pretty weak hold.

She closed her eyes. Bonnie.

She wouldnt keep her word.

Maybe she would.

I wont let you do it.

Her eyes flicked open and she said fiercely, Listen to me, Logan. If I decide to do this, neither you nor anyone else is going to stop me. Ill run right over you. If anyone can find Bonnie, Lisa Chadbourne has the power to do it. Do you know what that means to me?

Yes, he said harshly. And so does she. Dont let her use you like this.

She shook her head. You dont understand.

He did understand and he ached for her. Lisa Chadbourne had used the one lure that was irre-sistible to Eve. When do you have to let her know?

Shes going to call me at seven in the morning.

It would be a terrible mistake.

She said Joe and Mom would be safe, that all the killing would be over. Shell even try to get Timwick to stop looking for you.

Fat chance. Youd be crazy to believe her.

I believe she doesnt want any more killing. I dont know if she can stop it, but I think she wants it over.

When she calls, let me talk to her.

She shook her head.

I thought we were in this together.

Together? Youve already said youd try to keep me from doing it.

Because I know its a mistake.

Its a mistake to leave Bonnie alone out there.

Eve, the stakes are too high to let

Shut up, Logan. Her voice was tight. Just leave me alone to think. Youre not going to convince me. I already know every argument against it.

But every cell in her mind and body was telling her to do it, Logan thought. He wanted to strangle Lisa Chadbourne.

Okay, I wont try to persuade you right now. Just think about it. He rose to his feet. And remember Kessler and Joe Quinn.

I havent been thinking about anything else.

Thats not true. I dont believe you can think of anyone but Bonnie. Just weigh

She wasnt listening to him anymore. She was looking down at the skull case but he didnt think she was seeing that either.

She was only hearing the siren call that Lisa Chadbourne had sung.

And she was seeing only Bonnie.

TWENTY-TWO

Lisa Chadbourne called at seven on the dot the next morning. Well?

Eve drew a deep breath. Ill do it.

Im glad. Believe me, its best for everyone.

I dont care about everyone. If I did, I wouldnt be dealing with you. Listen to me. I want you to set me and my mother up somewhere out of the country, as you promised. I want you to call off your dogs after Logan and I want you to leave Joe Quinn alone.

And you want Bonnie.

Oh, yes. Her voice was shaking. You have to find her and bring her to me. Thats absolutely non-negotiable.

Ill find her. I promise you, Eve. Ill arrange for Timwick to pick up the skull and then

No. I dont know if your promise is good enough. Im taking a big chance. Whos to say you wont go back on your word once you have the skull?

Youll still have the DNA records. You know they could cause me a great deal of trouble.

Perhaps not enough without the skull.

Then, what are you asking?

Im not asking, Im demanding. I want to see you. I want you to pick up the skull.

Thats not possible.

Its the only way Ill deal.

Look, a woman in my position cant move around freely What youre asking is impossible.

Dont lie to me. A woman who can kill her hus-band and get away with it can find a way to meet me. Im putting my life on the line and Ive got to use what I can to survive. I dont have many weapons, but Im an artist. Ive made a study of facial expressions and Ive also studied you. I think Ill be able to tell if you intend to keep your word.

A pause. Youll bring the skull with you?

It will be hidden close by. But I guarantee you wont be able to find it if you decide to set a trap for me.

And what if this is a trap for me?

Take what precautions you like as long as they dont pose a threat to me.

And where do you suggest we meet?

Somewhere near Camp David. It would be easiest for you to go there for the weekend. Particularly since youve supposedly suffered the loss of your friend Scott Maren. Just state Camp David as your destination and have the pilot set down before you reach there.

It seems to be a reasonable plan. What about Logan?

Hes out of it. I took the skull and papers and left him during the night. He told me I was crazy. He thinks youll betray me.

But youre not listening to him?

Im listening. He may be right. Her hand tightened on the phone. I have to do it anyway. You knew I would, didnt you?

A silence on the other end of the line. This meeting isnt a good idea. It would be safer if you drop the skull off where Timwick can pick it up.

Safer for you.

Safer for both of us.

No, I have to see your face when you tell me youre going to find Bonnie. Youve told too many lies. I have to do whatever I can to make sure youre not deceiving me.

Believe me, its not a good idea.

Take it or leave it.

Give me a moment to think about it. Another silence. Very well. Ill meet you. But you can under-stand that Im going to bring Timwick.

No.

Timwick can fly a helicopter and hes Secret Service. That means Ill be able to eliminate both my guard and the pilot without suspicion. Lisa paused. And he has equipment that will be able to tell me if either you or the area is wired. I do have to protect myself.

And whos going to protect me from him?

Ill send Timwick away once Im assured you havent set a trap for me. I wont come without him, Eve.

She gave in. Okay. No one else. If I see any sign of anyone else, I wont meet you.

Fair enough. Now tell me where you want to meet.

Ill call you when youre in the air and near Camp David.

Caution. When do you want me to leave?

Tomorrow. Eight A.M.

Very well. Remember, it takes thirty minutes to reach Camp David from the White House. She paused. If I cant talk you into a drop. It would really be safer for both of us.

I said no.

Then tomorrow. Lisa hung up.

Eve pressed the end button. It was done. Logan had called it a terrible mistake, but shed rolled the dice anyway.

She needed transportation to get to Washington today, and there was one more thing she had to do be-fore she left. She dialed her mother. Hows Joe?

I just finished talking to the hospital. Hes out of intensive care.

Eve closed her eyes as waves of relief washed over her. Hes better? Hes going to live?

He regained consciousness during the night. The doctors are being cautious, but all the signs are promising.

I want to see him.

Dont be crazy. You know thats not possible.

But it didnt stop the desperation she was feeling. Who could guess what was going to happen at Camp David? She needed to see Joe. Okay. I need some help. Will you rent a car for me and pick me up?

What happened to the car Logan had?

Weve parted company. Theyre searching for him harder than they are for me, and theres probably an order to shoot on sight.

Im glad youre not together. I didnt like the idea of the two of you

Mom, I dont have much time. Im in a womens rest room at the Gainesville Recreational Park. Its deserted at this hour, but I cant stay here very long. I hate to ask it of you, but will you pick me up?

Im on my way.

Mom was on her way. Eve would drop Sandra off back at the condo and then she would be on her way too. She sat down on the floor, put down her handbag next to Bens case, and leaned back against the con-crete block wall. Breathe deep. Try to relax. She was doing what she had to do.

Tomorrow: eight A.M.

Tomorrow: eight A.M.

Lisa stood up and moved over to the window.

Tomorrow she would have Bens skull and the primary threat would be over.

It could be a trap, but Lisas gut instinct told her she had played the one card that Eve Duncan couldnt resist. The woman was obsessed with finding her daughter, and Lisa had played on her torment and brought the woman to her knees. She supposed she should feel triumphant.

She didnt feel triumphant.

She wished shed been able to convince Eve that a meeting wasnt necessary. She had honestly planned on keeping her part of the bargain.

Or had she? she wondered wearily. Shed thought she knew herself, but shed never dreamed she would do the things she had already done.

She just wished Eve hadnt set up the meeting.

NEAR CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK

THE NEXT DAY

8:20 A.M.

The helicopter was approaching from the north.

Eve made the call.

Im in a glade one mile from route 77 by Hunting Creek. Set down in the glade. Ill come to meet you.

As soon as we do a sweep of the area and make sure its secure, Lisa Chadbourne said. Timwick likes to be cautious.

It was Lisa who liked to be cautious, Eve thought. But Eve had been cautious too. Shed made very sure the surrounding area was all clear before shed made the call.

Hands nervously clenching and unclenching she watched the helicopter circle the clearing.

One person. Timwick pointed at the infrared blur on the LCD screen. The nearest other heat source is at the diner on route 77 , three miles away.

Electronics?

Timwick checked another screen. Nothing in the area anywhere near Duncan.

Youre sure?

Of course Im sure. Its my ass too.

Lisa felt a tinge of sadness as she looked at the solitary blur on the screen and realized Eve was down there alone and unprotected. Then lets go down and see if we can save it, James.

Lisa Chadbourne was getting out of the helicopter.

Eve had made the deal. She had set the time and place and yet it still seemed bizarre that Lisa was really there.

Eve watched her as she jumped to the ground. She looked just as she had on the videosbeautiful, serene, glowing. Well, what had she expected? Some marks of dissipation or cruelty? Lisa had killed her husband and still appeared the same as in those videos. Why would any other death make a difference?

Gary. Blood. Daggers. The hideous scene in that motel room flashed before Eves eyes.

It should make a difference. It should.

Dont think about it. Be calm.

She moved toward the helicopter.

Lisa Chadbourne said crisply, Hello, Eve. James called security at Camp David just now and said wed landed to check out a light on our control panel. We have ten minutes tops. Either were back in the air by then or theyll become alarmed and send someone to this area.

Ten minutes should be enough time.

Dont say anything, Lisa. Timwick got out of the helicopter and came toward Eve.

She instinctively took a step back.

He was holding an instrument that looked like one of those metal detector wands used at airport se-curity. Hold out your arms.

You said the entire area was clean, James, Lisa said.

It doesnt hurt to be careful. He ran the wand over Eves body. Turn around.

Dont touch me.

He went behind her and ran the wand from shoulder to feet. Shes okay. No weapons. No wire.

Forgive James, Lisa said. Hes been extremely nervous lately. Its yours and Logans fault, Im afraid. Go away and let us talk, James.

Timwick started to move toward the trees.

No, Eve said sharply. I notice nobody gave me a chance to go over him with that damn wand. I dont want him out of my sight. She pointed at a spot be-side the helicopter. Sit down.

What?

You heard me. I want you sitting with your legs crossed. It would take you longer to attack from that position.

Timwicks lips thinned. This is humiliating, Lisa.

Do it. Lisa was smiling faintly. Youre not quite as helpless as I thought, Eve.

Timwick dropped to the ground and crossed his legs. Satisfied?

No, reach into your jacket and remove your gun. Put the safety on and toss it out of reach.

I dont have a gun.

Remove your gun, Eve repeated.

Lisa nodded. Lets get this over with, James.

Timwick muttered a curse, pulled out his gun, put on the safety, and tossed his gun across the glade.

Eve turned to Lisa. Now Im satisfied.

Youve used up valuable time. Lisa glanced at her watch. Two minutes to be exact.

It was worth it. I dont trust him.

I suppose you have a right to be suspicious. She paused. Now give me Bens skull, Eve.

Not yet.

You want me to tell you that youll get your Bonnie back? She looked her straight in the eye. Theres no way of being sure, but Ill do everything in my power to find her. Her voice vibrated with sin-cerity. I promise you, Eve.

Oh, God, she was telling the truth. Bonnie could come home.

The skull, Eve. I dont have much time. Ive pa-pers and money for you in the helicopter and James has arranged a plane to fly you and your mother out of the country. Give me the skull, and James and I will get back in that helicopter and disappear from your life.

Would there ever be a moment when Lisa Chadbourne wasnt a part of her memory and life?

The skull.

Its over there beneath the trees. Eve glanced warily at Timwick as she moved toward the edge of the glade. Im watching you, Timwick.

James isnt going to interfere. Lisa followed her. He wants that skull as much as I do.

But what about after I give you the skull?

Lisa didnt answer. Her forehead was creased in a frown. Where is it? Did you bury it?

No. She stopped and pointed at the leather case, which was half obscured by a bush. There it is.

In plain sight? You said we wouldnt be able to find it.

A bluff. Would it have done me any good to bury or hide it? Youd have gotten all kinds of detectors in here.

In this case, it seems I overestimated you. She laughed. My God, I thought youd worked out some-thing brilliant. Her smile faded. If it is Ben. You threw a ringer at us before.

Eve shook her head. Its Ben Chadbourne. Look for yourself.

Lisa picked up the case. I hear you do wonderful sculpting work. Will I really be able to see the resem-blance?

Open it.

Lisa stared down at the case. I dont think I want to.

Eve shrugged. Whatever you like. But Im sur-prised youd take the chance of not doing it.

I cant take a chance. Lisa braced herself and slowly opened the latches. Lets see if youre as good as your reput Dear God. She reeled back against the tree, staring down at the scorched skull. What is

Sorry its not as handsome as you expected. Gary Kessler always liked to work on a clean skull, so he made me break down what Id done. You remember Gary. You told Fiske to kill him, didnt you?

Lisa couldnt take her gaze off the skull. She whispered, Ben?

Thats what a man looks like when you burn him. All the skin melts away and

Shut up. Tears were suddenly flowing down Lisas cheeks.

And you see the jagged hole in the back of the skull? Thats what happened when his brain ex-ploded. When youre in a fire, your brain boils and eventually

Shut up, you bitch.

But Garys death was different. You told Fiske that he had to show me that I had to give you the skull. You told him you wanted him crucified.

I didnt tell him that. I just told him he had to shock you into realizing you had to give in. I had to show you. It was your fault. I wanted it all to stop. I told you it would stop if youd give me Bens skull, but you wouldnt do it. She looked down at the skull. Benhellip;

How did you kill him?

Scott Maren gave him a shot. It was very quick, very merciful. He didnt suffer. She drew a deep breath and struggled for control. Making me look at this skull was very cruel, Eve.

Dont talk to me about cruelty. You had Gary and Gil killed. Joe almost died.

Are you satisfied now? Lisa asked. Christ, youre hard. I was actually feeling sorry for you.

You mean because you intended to kill me? Be-cause you never expected to let me leave here?

I told you to arrange a drop. I knew I couldnt let you stay alive if you gave me the opportunity Its my job. She jerkily turned toward Timwick. Were leaving, James. Take care of her.

Timwick slowly rose to his feet. You want me to kill her?

No, I dont want it, but it has to be done. So do it.

Timwick looked at Eve. Then he turned and walked toward the helicopter.

James!

Screw you.

Lisa went rigid. We agreed it had to be done.

He opened the helicopter door. And did we agree that Fiske would take me out too? When was it going to be, Lisa?

I dont know what you mean.

The list. You gave Fiske another list. I saw it. He combined your list and mine. I know his hand-writing.

How could you see something that doesnt exist. She moistened her lips. If there was a list, it certainly didnt come from me. You know he often had his own agenda.

He wouldnt kill the hand that was feeding him. Not unless another one was feeding him too. You thought you didnt need me any longer.

Nothing can be proved. Fiske is dead.

Youd find someone else to put me down.

Youre making a mistake. She started toward the helicopter. Listen to me, James.

Im through listening. Im out of here.

Theyll catch you.

Not if I have a head start. That was part of the deal. Ill call Camp David and tell them were on the way. That should give me enough time. He got into the helicopter. Burn in hell, bitch.

Timwick! She reached for the door. Its a trick. Its a lie. Dont give up all weve worked for. Kevin will appoint you

The helicopter lifted off and Lisa fell to the ground.

Eve watched her struggle to her knees.

Lisa Chadbourne gazed at Eve across the clearing. You did this.

Actually, you did it. Youre the one who told me Timwick was in a panic. A man in a panic will snatch at any straw.

You set me up. There was still a thread of dis-belief in her voice.

It was my plan. But it was Logan who ap-proached Timwick with the list.

But when I suggested bringing Timwick with me, you objected.

I knew youd want to bring Timwick. It was the smart move and youre a very smart woman. If you hadnt suggested it, Timwick would have persuaded you it was the thing to do. She smiled without mirth. But he didnt have to convince you, did he?

All this wont do you any good. I can work around having Timwick She froze. Oh, my God, youre wired, arent you?

Yes.

And you showed me Bens skull to deliberately shake me up.

I hoped it would. Most people find skeletons frightening. Particularly their victims.

Lisa was silent, obviously thinking back over their conversation. Very bad but not completely damning. In court any transcript can be interpreted to mean any

Logan also arranged for three witnesses to hear the transmission. Peter Brown, a reporter on the Atlanta Journal and Constitution , Andrew Ben-nett of the Supreme Court, and Senator Dennis Lathrop. All highly respected men. After we made the decision, Logan got moving. He had almost a full day to convince Timwick that he was your next victim.

Lisa turned pale and suddenly looked twice her age. She sank back on her heels. Howhellip; clever. I told Timwick in the beginning we had to be careful of you. The electronic monitoring was obviously bogus, but I saw the infrared so I assume we have a little time before Logan gets here.