The Killing Game

NINE

The man’s throat had been slashed.

"Son of a bitch."

Joe looked up to see Barbara Eisley standing a few feet away. She took a step closer and looked down at the body that had been rolled into the bushes bordering the house. "The security guard?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Why shouldn’t I be here? You wake me up in the middle of the night and tell me that you’re coming out here to disturb my people and you expect me to just go back to sleep?" She glanced back at the halfway house in which every light was blazing. "This is my responsibility. Where’s Jane MacGuire?"

"I don’t know."

"The house mother says she’s not in her room. The guard’s dead. Could she be dead too?"

"She could be." When Eisley flinched, he added, "But I don’t believe so. There was a knotted The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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sheet hanging from her window."

"So she climbed down— and dropped right into a murderer’s hands.”

“Maybe not."

Eisley’s gaze raked his face. "Eve Duncan." She swore beneath her breath. "I told her to stay away from the kid."

"And she told you Jane was in danger. You wouldn’t listen. You’d better pray Eve got to her before the man who killed your security guard did." He rose to his feet. "Don’t let anyone touch anything or track around this area before the forensics team get here."

"Where are you going?”

“To find Jane MacGuire."

"If Eve Duncan took her, it’s kidnapping." She paused. "But since there are mitigating circumstances, if she returns the child within twenty-four hours, I might persuade the department not to press charges."

"I’ll convey your generous offer to her. Providing she ever makes contact with me."

"You have to know where she is. That child has to be found." There was a hint of panic in her voice. "You’re friends, aren’t you?"

"I thought we were."

He could feel her gaze on him as he walked toward his car at the curb. You’re friends, aren’t you?

Friends. Through all the years he’d forced himself to accept that relationship, and now she was edging away from it.

At the worst possible time.

Screw friendship. Screw hope. I don’t give a damn.

Just call and let me know that bastard hasn’t gotten to you.

Mark parked the car in front of the Peachtree apartment building. "Who lives here?"

"My mother and her fiancé," Eve answered. "She’s the only one I could think of who’d be willing to take care of Mike."

Jane looked up at the thirteen-story high-rise. "Your mother?" she said doubtfully. "She managed to raise me. I believe she can be trusted with Mike.” The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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“Maybe."

Eve sighed with exasperation. Not only would she have to persuade Sandra to help, but her mother also had to win Jane’s seal of approval.

"He’ll be safe here, Jane. The building has security, and my friend, Joe, arranged additional protection for my mother. He’ll be fed and protected. What else can you ask for?"

Jane didn’t answer as she headed for the front entrance with Mike trailing at her heels.

Eve looked at Mark. "Coming?"

"I don’t think so. It’s after one in the morning. I’d much rather face our serial killer than wake your mother and her boyfriend from a sound sleep and try to convince them to be instant parents. I’ll wait here."

"Coward."

He smiled. "Yep."

She started after the children. She wasn’t eager to face the task at hand either. She scarcely knew Ron. She’d met him only once before she’d left for Tahiti. He’d seemed pleasant, smart, and genuinely devoted to her mother. But he owed Eve nothing.

Then, she would tackle him first. Even though she hated imposing on Sandra, she didn’t doubt her mother would help. She just didn’t want to do anything that would mess up a relationship her mother obviously treasured. She’d ask her mother to take the kids into the kitchen and fix them something to eat, then explain the situation to Ron and appeal for his help.

"No," Ron said flatly. "I won’t have Sandra involved in any illegal activities. Take the kids to the police."

"I can’t do that. I told you —" Eve stopped and drew a deep breath. "I’m not asking you to accept Jane. That might put you both in danger. But Dom has no interest in Mike, or he would have killed him when he had the chance. I just need someone to take care of him until I can work my way through this mess."

"He’s a runaway. There are serious repercussions for not returning him to his parents."

"For God’s sake, according to Jane he’s been on the street for days and no one’s reported him missing. Do you think his parents care?"

"It’s against the law."

And who should know better than a lawyer! "I need help, Ron.”

“I can see you do, but Sandra is my concern. I’d like to help, but I can’t afford to let her—"

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"We’ll do it." Her mother stood in the doorway. "Stop being a protective ass, Ron."

He turned to face her. "How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough." She came toward them. "Do you think Eve would have come here if she’d had any other choice?"

"Let me take care of this, Sandra."

She shook her head. "That little boy is scared. We’re not going to toss him back to his parents, and I’m not going to send Eve away when she needs me. I did that too many times when she was a kid." She paused. "But she’s not your daughter. I can take Mike back to my own house."

He scowled. "The hell you will."

"Believe it." Her tone was quiet but firm. "We’ve been very happy, but there’s more to my life than just you, Ron."

"Harboring a runaway is illegal, and I won’t have you—"

"Did I ever tell you how many times Eve ran away when I was on crack?" She looked at Eve. "He doesn’t mean to be hard. He’s just never been there."

"I don’t want to mess up anything for you, Mom."

"If taking a kid in from the cold can mess up what Ron and I have, then it’s not worth keeping."

She turned back to Ron. "Is it?"

He stared at her for a moment, and then he gave a faint smile. "Damn you, Sandra." He shrugged. "Okay, you win. We tell the neighbors he’s my brother’s kid visiting from Charlotte."

Relief surged through Eve. "Thank you."

Sandra shook her head. "You’re so stubborn about standing alone and not letting anyone help you. It’s nice to be able to do something for you."

Eve warily glanced at Ron.

"It’s okay. I don’t like it, but it’s okay." He slipped his arm around Sandra’s waist. "But you stay away from her until this bastard is behind bars. Do you hear me? I won’t have Sandra in danger."

"I didn’t intend anything else. Keep your digital phone on, Mom. I’ll call periodically to make sure everything’s okay." She stood up. "Now I’ll go and find Jane and get out of here."

"I’m ready." Jane stood in the doorway. "Mike’s having another pancake, Mrs. Duncan. You’d better stop him or he’ll have a bellyache tonight."

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"Another? Good heavens, he’s already had six." Sandra hurried toward the kitchen.

Jane came forward. "We should leave now. I’ve explained things to Mike, but he may make a fuss if he starts thinking about me leaving." She looked at Ron. "You take good care of him. He may be scared of you at first. His father is big like you."

"I’ll take care of him."

She studied him. "You don’t want to do it." She turned to Eve. "Maybe we shouldn’t—"

"I said I’ll take care of him," Ron said testily. "I don’t have to like it. I promised and I’ll do it."

Jane was still frowning.

Christ, she had to get her out of there. "Come on, Jane." She pushed her toward the front door.

"They’ll be better off alone."

"I’m not sure that—"

Eve pulled her out into the hall and closed the door. "He’ll be fine. Mom will take care of him."

"She doesn’t cook very well. The pancakes were runny."

"Cooking isn’t one of her talents. But she’s a good person. You’d like her if you got to know her."

"I do like her. She’s sort of like… Fay.”

“And Fay was very protective, wasn’t she?”

“Yes." Another silence. "That man.”

“He’s a nice guy. He won’t hurt Mike.”

“I don’t like him."

Eve had liked him a lot better the first time she’d met him. But, no one was perfect, and she should be glad he was protective of Sandra. "He’s worried about my mother. Do you think I’d leave him if I wasn’t certain?"

Jane stared at her with a frown and finally shook her head. "I guess not. Where are we going?"

“Someplace out of town where we can find a motel and get some sleep. I’m tired, aren’t you?"

"Yes."

Eve could see Jane was exhausted. Her face was pinched and pale with strain and yet she had The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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doggedly held on until Mike was settled.

She was silent until they got into the elevator. "Why?" she whispered. "Why is it happening?"

"I’ll tell you, but not now. Trust me.”

“Why should I?"

What could she say? After what Jane had gone through in the last twenty-four hours, why should she trust anyone? "I don’t know. I’m not sure if I’d trust anyone either. I guess because I’m your best bet."

"That’s not saying much."

Frustration made Eve speak sharply. "Well, it’s all you’ll get from me. It’s all I can give you."

"You don’t have to get nasty."

"Yes, I do. I feel nasty. I’m mad as hell and I don’t need—" She bit her lower lip. "Sorry. Things are piling up on me."

Jane was silent until they reached the front entrance of the apartment building. "It’s okay. I’d rather you be nasty and honest. I hate those soppy caseworkers who ooze all over me."

As a child, Eve had hated them too, but as an adult she felt bound to defend them. "They want only to do their—" Oh, what the devil. She was too tired for hypocrisy. "I promise I’ll never ooze." She opened the back door of the car. "Jump in. We have to get out of here."

Mark looked over his shoulder at them. "I see we’ve lost one of our orphans.”

“Mom will take care of him."

"So where to now?"

"Away from here. Fast. One of the first things the police will do to find me is talk to Mom.

We’re lucky we got here before they did. Go somewhere outside the city. A motel."

"Any preference?"

She shoot her head. "Somewhere safe.”

“Safe from Dom or safe from Joe Quinn?"

Joe.

Mark’s narrowed gaze met hers in the rearview mirror. "Joe will find you, Eve." She knew he would. It was only a matter of time. So she had to take advantage of that time. "I’ll deal with The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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Joe later."

He gave a low whistle. "Better you than me."

How could Mark not understand the risk to Joe’s career if he helped Eve now? She needed to call Joe at least one more time. She had to tell him about the scrawl on the cardboard box and the bone. Perhaps Dom had left some scrap of evidence.

He had made no detectable mistakes so far.

But wasn’t he showing signs of recklessness? Mere hours after killing Fay Sugarton, he risked discovery by planting that bone only blocks from the crime scene.

Maybe he wasn’t invulnerable. Maybe this time he’d left a clue to his identity. So call Joe, take the flak, and tell him.

Mark Grunard drove them to a Motel 6 near Elijay, Georgia. He arranged for a single room for himself and a double for Eve and Jane.

"As you ordered." He handed Eve a key. "I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks, Mark."

"For what? I’d like to say I’m doing everything to save the kid, but I’m really interested only in the story."

"Thanks anyway."

She pushed Jane into the room and locked the door. "Bathroom. Wash up." Jesus, it was cold.

She turned up the thermostat. "You can sleep in your underclothes tonight. I’ll get you something else to wear tomorrow."

Jane yawned. "Okay."

She called Joe’s digital number as soon as she was sure Jane was asleep in the twin bed next to her.

"Joe?"

"Where the hell are you?"

"I’m fine. And I have Jane MacGuire. She’s safe."

"I’ve been hunting all over the city for you. Sandra wouldn’t tell me a damn thing."

"Are the police bothering her?”

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“Of course they are. What do you think?”

“Help her, Joe."

"As much as I can. She’s not the one they want. Where are you?" She didn’t answer the question. "I just called to tell you there may be usable evidence in the alley off Luther Street.

Dom left a message in blood on a cardboard box and a child’s finger bone on the ground."

"Whose bone?"

Bonnie.

Close it out. Don’t think about Bonnie.

"I don’t know. And I don’t know who the blood belongs to either.”

“I do. The security guard at the welfare house you busted her out of.”

“Christ." She shivered as she realized Dom might have already been preparing to go after Jane.

"How long has he been dead?"

"We don’t know yet. It was cold tonight. Time of death can be hard to determine when the body’s been exposed to low temperatures. The last time anyone saw him was about eight-fifteen."

So his death could have occurred in the early evening, hours before she appeared on the scene.

The eerie feeling she’d had as she had stood beneath Jane’s window could have been imagination.

"Which makes you both a kidnapper and a suspect in a murder," Joe said. "Murder?"

"You were at the scene. Though I don’t believe anyone’s going to seriously believe you’re a murderer."

"That’s comforting."

"But you’ll be considered at least a material witness, and you’ll be wanted for questioning. And then there’s the kidnapping. There’s an APB on you.”

“You know why I had to get Jane out of there. Dom told me if I didn’t, he’d go in after her."

"I thought as much." His voice was without expression. "It would have been nice if you’d called me and talked it over."

God, he was angry. "I had to do it myself."

"Did you? If I recall, I’m involved up to my neck. Why did you decide to cross me off your list?"

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"You know why. I had to get Jane away even if I broke the law. You’re a cop, Joe.”

“You think that would have stopped me from helping! I’d have done it for you, dammit."

"I know." She swallowed to ease the tightness of her throat. "I couldn’t allow it.”

“You couldn’t allow—" He had to stop to temper his tone. "Who the hell gave you the right to make my decisions for me?"

"I took the right."

"And you shut me out.”

“I shut you out. Stay out, Joe."

"Oh, no. I’ve let you sweep me into the background too many times. I can take that but I won’t have you walk away from me."

"I wouldn’t be a good friend to you if I let you—"

"Screw friendship." His voice was hoarse with barely contained violence. "I’m sick to death of it.

Just as I’m sick of standing on the sidelines and having you treat me like some old hound that needs nothing more than an occasional pat on the head."

Shock surged through her. "Joe.”

“It’s happened too often, Eve.”

“The hell it has."

"The hell it hasn’t. You’re not even aware of it. You block everything out, and what you don’t block out, you interpret to suit yourself. You’ll hang up the phone tonight and you won’t look beyond what you want to see."

In an uneven voice, she said, "I’ve never taken you for granted, and I’ve never treated you as anything but my very dear friend."

"Then why didn’t you tell me? Why don’t you tell me where you are?" He took a deep breath and then his voice lowered persuasively. "Last chance. Let me come to you now. Afterward I’ll step back. I’ll let your bury your head and not—"

"I can’t. You can’t help me. Not this time."

He didn’t speak for a moment, and she could sense his emotions seething in that silence. "Your choice. You know, I’m almost relieved. But I’ll find you. I’m not going to let you close me out, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let that son of a bitch kill you."

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"I don’t want you to look for me. If you call me, I’ll hang up. Do you understand?"

"I’ll find you." He hung up.

She was shaking as she punched the off button. Joe was one of the bedrocks of her life, and she felt as if that rock had exploded beneath her feet. She had seen him angry before, but this was different. He had attacked her. He had said terrible, false things. She had never taken him for granted. She didn’t know what life would be like without Joe. Why couldn’t he understand she was doing only what was best for him?

Smother the hurt. Go to sleep. Try to forget.

She turned off the light on the nightstand. I’ll find you.

His words had sounded like a threat. The intimidating Joe she had spoken to tonight was the tough cop, the ex-SEAL. Relentless, unswerving, deadly.

Nonsense. Joe would never threaten her. Joe was closer than a brother, more protective than a father.

You treat me like a hound that needs nothing more than an occasional pat on the head. She couldn’t think of Joe. She didn’t need any more turmoil in her life.

You block everything out.

She’d block out Joe for now and she’d be damned if she’d feel guilty. She closed her eyes, ignoring the stinging behind her lids. Go to sleep. Tomorrow she would find a way to make sure Jane was safe from Dom. That was much more urgent than Joe’s hurt feelings and lack of understanding. That could be solved later. It was Jane who was important now.

I’m sick of standing on the sidelines.

God, it wasn’t that she thought Joe was less import—

Don’t think of him. The message beneath those words was as disturbing as a volcano ready to erupt. She’d always known it was there but had chosen not to see it. And she couldn’t permit herself to see it now.

She turned over, willing herself to go to sleep. I’ll find you…

Her phone rang in the middle of the night, rousing her from sleep.

Joe? She wouldn’t answer. She couldn’t face any more arguments or— It rang again.

Dammit, she had to answer or risk Jane being woken up. She kept her voice to a whisper.

"Hello."

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"Did you go to the alley off Luther Street?" Dom.

"Yes."

"Then you must have our sweet Jane. I thought she’d insist on going to help her little friend.

She appears very fond of him. It’s the kind of thing you would have done as a child, isn’t it? Did I mention how much alike you are?"

"You killed the security guard."

"Just helping you a little. He would have gotten in your way. How did you get her out? The drainpipe? I had considered it, but—"

"Why are you calling?"

"I like to hear your voice. Do you realize how full of tension and emotion you are? I can hear every nuance of it. It’s very exciting."

"I’m hanging up."

"Then I guess I’d better get down to the business of guiding you in the direction I want you to go. It’s too dangerous for either of us to remain in Atlanta. They could arrest you for kidnapping, and that would spoil everything. You wouldn’t be able to bond with Jane and I’d have to slit her throat. I’m sure you’d surround her with protection, so it would be a very difficult kill."

Her hand tightened on the phone. "If I were arrested, you would have no reason to kill Jane.

Your little scenario would be spoiled."

"But I gave my word," he said gently. "I always keep my word. So you have to be careful not to get caught, don’t you? That’s why I want you to leave Atlanta."

"Are you afraid I might find you if I stayed?"

"On the contrary, I like raising your hopes. The idea of you searching for me is wonderfully stimulating. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this much excitement. I was always so concerned about making the kill perfect and undetectable, I never realized I needed a certain amount of interaction."

"You won’t get it if I’m hiding away somewhere."

"I don’t want you to hide away. I just want you out of Atlanta. I think it’s time for you to take a trip to Phoenix."

"What?"

"I’ve always liked Phoenix."

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“I know. You’ve killed there.”

“You know that?"

"The FBI already has a fix on two murders you committed there years ago. So you’re not as clever as you thought. We’ll get you, Dom."

"Not from those kills. You won’t find any evidence. I was very careful, and time will have erased what I didn’t. It’s only lately that I may have been bored enough to make a mistake. You have a small chance of catching me if you find a fresh kill."

"What are you talking about?"

"I think it fitting that you find the woman who brought us together. She wasn’t very interesting, but that kill made me finally realize that there was something very wrong and eventually led me to you. She showed me the light, and then I showed her the light."

"In Phoenix?"

"Ah, you’re beginning to sound eager.”

“What was her name?"

"I don’t remember. It didn’t matter.”

“When?"

"Five or six months ago perhaps. I can’t remember. There was an earlier kill who gave me a hint of my problem, but she was the one who lit the way. It’s important that the way be lighted for us, isn’t it? Find her, Eve, and you may find me."

"Tell me where she is."

"You know better than that. You have to work for it." He paused. "She had a lovely voice, I understand. A soprano."

"She was a singer?"

"Go to Phoenix. Take Jane with you. Cling to her, nurture her… mother her. Did you find the bone?"

"Damn you."

He laughed. "You may have the complete set soon, and I’ll have to start again. Doesn’t Jane have an interesting bone structure?"

Don’t lose your temper. He wanted to flay her with words so he would get a response. "Scatter The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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all the bones you please. They’re not Bonnie’s."

"You did that very well. I could almost believe you meant it. Go to Phoenix, Eve.”

“You bastard, why should I do anything you want me to do?”

“Phoenix. That’s my last word on the subject." He hung up.

The last word. How many last words had the son of a bitch heard over the years? How many screams, how many pleas?

Had the woman in Phoenix pleaded with him before he killed her? "It was him, wasn’t it?" Jane asked out of the darkness. Oh, shit.

"The man who killed Fay? Why did he call you?”

“It’s a long story, Jane."

"I heard you say he wanted to kill me. Why? I didn’t do anything to him. Neither did Fay."

"I told you he wasn’t sane."

"But why does he want to kill me?" Jane’s tone was fierce. "You tell me, Eve." Eve hesitated.

How much could she explain without terrifying the poor kid? "Tell me."

Forget trying to be kind and soothing. Jane needed to know the threat and where it was coming from. If she’d made Bonnie more knowledgeable about the beasts out there, maybe she’d still be alive.

“Okay." She turned on the light. "I’ll tell you, Jane."

"He didn’t write with his finger," Spiro told Joe, who waited by his car in the entrance to the alley. "That would have been too lucky. We found a stick with blood on one end behind the box. We’ll probably find wood particles in the blood on the box. We’ll examine the stick for fiber, since he probably wore gloves. What the hell was he doing here anyway?"

"I’ve no idea." Joe’s gaze remained fastened on the four agents who were still swarming about the cardboard box. "Eve didn’t confide in me. She just told me about the box and the bone."

"She must have been pretty shook up."

"No doubt." Joe got back in the car. "How fast can you process the tests?”

“Couple of days."

"Odds are the blood’s the security guard’s." He started the car. "Let me know as soon as you can."

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"Where is she, Joe?”

“I don’t know."

"Kidnapping’s a serious offense."

"I know that." He lifted his gaze to meet Spiro’s. "And you know why she took her."

"That’s not my business. It’s the court’s. It’s my job to catch her.”

“Your job is to catch Dom. For God’s sake, get your priorities straight." Spiro smiled faintly. "My priorities are straight. I want Eve because she’s my strongest lead to Dom." His gaze narrowed on Joe’s face. "Where is she, Joe?"

"I told you, I don’t know."

His brows lifted in surprise. "My God, maybe you don’t."

"But I’m going to find out." He looked away from Spiro and said stiltedly, "I’d appreciate any information you can give me."

"My, that was hard for you, wasn’t it? You must be desperate.”

“I have to find her."

"I was wondering why you didn’t try to talk your department out of issuing that APB on her. You want her found even if it means she gets tossed in jail.”

“You didn’t try to stop the APB either. You don’t want her running around or hiding someplace where you can’t contact her."

Spiro didn’t answer.

"Will you tell me if you find out anything?"

"Maybe." Spiro shrugged. "Okay. Not that I have any faith that you’d return the favor."

Joe started the car. "Don’t be too sure. Wherever Eve is, Dom is. I might need your help."

Spiro was still standing there as Joe drove off. He looked grimmer and more tired than ever in the harsh headlights. Would he call Joe if he got a lead on Eve? Joe wasn’t sure. So don’t trust Spiro to tell him.

All right, he had done all he could here. Now it was time to stop feeling and start thinking. And then go on the hunt.

"It doesn’t make sense," Jane said. "I don’t have anything to do with you. Neither did Fay."

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"I know."

“I hate it. I hate you."

Eve flinched. She should have expected Jane’s reaction. "I don’t blame you. But the fact exists that Dom is a danger to you. You have to let me help protect you."

"I don’t have to do anything."

"All right, you don’t have to do anything. You can run away and maybe Dom won’t find you. You can get yourself picked up by welfare and let the police protect you." She paused. "But you told me you don’t trust the police."

Jane glared at her.

"Or you can go with me and work with me to keep yourself safe.”

“I don’t want to go anywhere with you." She was silent a moment. "You’re going to Phoenix, aren’t you? You’re going to do what he wants."

"I don’t think I have any choice, do you? He has to be caught, Jane.”

“Yes." She lay as stiff as a stick in the bed. "He killed Fay. She never did anything to him and he killed her. I hate him. I hate the son of a bitch."

"So do I. We, at least, have that in common."

"He really thinks I’m your daughter? He’s got to be crazy.”

“I believe he just wants me to consider you my daughter." She was silent a moment. "Was Bonnie much like me?"

Eve shook her head. "No. She was younger, softer, dreamier. You’re more like what I was when I was growing up."

"I’m nothing like you."

"Have it your way.”

“I will."

"But I believe you’ll be safe as long as you stay with me. He wants us together. Will you come with me, Jane?"

Jane turned her back on Eve.

Don’t push. Let her think. She’s smart.

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Eve turned out the light. "Let me know in the morning." No answer.

What would she do if Jane refused to go with her? The question scared her to death.

She would face that possibility when it confronted her. You bury your head.

And she wouldn’t think about Joe or his unfair words. They stung too much.

Joe…

"What do you mean? Softer?”

“What?"

"Your daughter."

"I loved her very much. I wanted everything to be sweet and sunny for her. I’ve been thinking lately that maybe if I’d shown her— Never mind."

"You’re saying you were stupid. Like I was about not talking to Fay.”

“I guess that’s what I’m saying."

Another silence. "I don’t think you’re stupid very often.”

“Once is enough."

"Yeah."

Christ, she was saying all the wrong things. Jane was feeling guilty enough. "Fay’s death had nothing to do with you, Jane. If there’s someone besides Dom who was responsible, it’s me. Let me try to make sure you don’t get hurt too."

Minutes passed.

Go to sleep. She’s not going to answer. "I’ll go with you," Jane said.

Eve breathed a profound sigh of relief. "Good."

"Not because I like you. I don’t feel anything for you. I wouldn’t care if he killed you. But I hate him. I hate what he did to Fay. I hate what he wants to do to me. I wish someone would slit his throat."

"I understand."

Yes, she understood the hatred and helplessness Jane was feeling as if the emotions were her own.

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As if Jane were her own.

She instantly rejected the idea. It was what Dom wanted, the growing closeness and empathy, and she would not let him have it. Keep Jane at a distance. It should be easy. Jane was tough and wanted nothing to do with Eve.

She hadn’t been very tough with Mike. When she had smiled at him, she had reminded Eve a little of Bonnie. The same luminous, loving quality…

Crazy.

Bonnie and Jane were nothing alike. Thank God.

So stop thinking of either of them. Think instead of how to keep Jane safe in Phoenix.

And stop letting Dom call all the shots. It was time to go on the hunt. Her phone rang again.

What the hell?

"Phoenix?" Mark’s tone was thoughtful. "It is a long way from Atlanta. You might have a better chance of hiding the kid there." Standing outside McDonald’s, Mark looked at Jane, who was inside, seated at a booth eating breakfast.

"Bull," Eve told him. "There’s no place that’s a long way from anywhere these days. You guys in the media have made sure of that."

"Technology has a little something to do with it." Mark took a drink of his coffee. "Going to Phoenix is a big risk, isn’t it?"

"It’s a bigger risk staying here.”

“What about protection for the kid?”

“I have an idea what I can do.”

“But you won’t tell me?" She shook her head.

"And that means you don’t want me to go with you to Phoenix." She shook her head. "No one knows you’re involved in my taking Jane. You’ve helped me enough."

"For a reason. I want the story, Eve. You owe it to me."

"I’ll call you when I’m getting close."

"And I’m to trust you?"

"I won’t turn my back on you."

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He studied her. "I don’t think you will." He shrugged. "Okay, I’ll go back to work. I might run into something that’ll help you. You’ll let me know where you are?"

"I’ll let you know."

"How are you going to get there?"

"I hope you’ll let me borrow your car. I’ll drive it to Birmingham and leave it at the airport."

“And how will you get on a plane without being recognized? You have to have an ID to go to the bathroom these days."

"I’ll manage."

"I could drive you to Phoenix.”

“You’ve done enough."

"Just thought I’d give it a shot." He glanced at Jane again. "She’s not going to give you any trouble?"

"I didn’t say that. She’s wary of everyone, and that includes me. She hasn’t said more than two sentences since we got up this morning. But at least I can reason with her." She held out her hand. "Thanks for everything, Mark."

He shook it and then dropped his car keys into her palm. "Remember, you owe me. I’m letting you off the hook right now, but I want that story."

"You’ll get it." She started for the booth where Jane was sitting. "Eve."

She looked back over her shoulder.

Mark’s gaze narrowed on her face. "You’re too damn confident this morning." She made a face.

"I wish I were."

"You’re in better shape than you were last night.”

“Things always look brighter in the morning."

"Not necessarily. I think you have an ace in the hole you’re not telling me about." She waved.

"Good-bye, Mark. I’ll be in touch."

He was wrong. She wasn’t at all confident; she was scared and confused. What Mark had seen as confidence was only the faint glimmer of hope.

But she’d take it.

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was waiting at the parking lot at the Birmingham airport.

"You’re an idiot." Logan drew Eve close and kissed her hard. "And Joe’s a criminal idiot to allow you to get into a mess like this."

"Joe had nothing to do with it." She felt a deep sense of comfort as she stepped back and stared at him. He looked strong and familiar. "He doesn’t know anything about it."

"You made sure of that to protect that SOB."

"Let’s not talk about Joe." She gestured for Jane to get out of the car. "Did you bring the ID?"

He handed her a leather pouch. "Cash, phony birth certificates, two credit cards, and a driver’s license."

"Is he a crook?" Jane asked.

Logan glanced at her. "It depends on who you ask.”

“On the streets they sell phony IDs to anyone who wants one.”

“I don’t sell, I buy. And you should be glad I was able to buy these at such short notice."

"This is John Logan, Jane. He’s not a crook, he’s a well-respected businessman.”

“And he’s the one you said would help us?"

"We couldn’t board a flight without phony IDs."

"I’ve arranged a place for you to stay—it’s on the outskirts of Phoenix. Two of my company’s top security people will be there to keep an eye on you." He took Eve’s elbow. "Come on, let’s go."

"We say good-bye here." She hung back. "I don’t want to be seen with you, Logan."

"You’re not going to say good-bye to me until we reach Phoenix. I have a private jet waiting.

That way you won’t have to chance being recognized.”

“No." She dug in her heels. "I know I agreed to let you help me when you called last night, but I don’t want you to do anything more."

"Too late." He smiled. "I can handle the heat. Just watch me.”

“I don’t want to watch you. I don’t want to be responsible for anyone else getting involved in this mess."

His smile faded. "Listen to me. I’m not backing away when you’re in trouble. You should have The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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called me instead of letting me hear secondhand from one of my associates in Atlanta."

"Associates? Are you having me watched, Logan?"

"Just keeping an eye on the situation." His lips tightened. "I couldn’t be sure what Joe would do to keep you here."

"Joe’s my friend, and he’s done—"

"Okay." He held up a hand to stop her. "I’m just glad that you called on me instead of him. Too bad I won’t see him. I’d like to rub his nose in it."

"He has more to lose than you. He’s a cop and you’re—"

"Just another philistine tycoon." He pushed her across the lot toward the exit. "With enough money to cover my tracks. So use me, dammit." He glanced at Jane, who had fallen into step with them. "Am I making sense, kid?"

She studied him. "Yes. Use him, Eve."

He looked a little surprised. "Very cool.”

“I don’t use people," Eve said. "Not if I can help it."

"Why not?" Jane asked. "He wants you to do it. We might need him.”

“Very clear-thinking child." He tilted his head. "How about participating in my executive training program? I have a lot of employees who—"

"Is that supposed to make me feel good?" Jane gave him a disgusted glance. "Use him, Eve."

"The child’s obviously of the opinion I’m not worth anything else," he murmured. "Use me, Eve."

"I’ll let you take us to Phoenix," Eve said. "After that you get away from me, Logan."

He swept her toward the exit. "We’ll discuss it in Phoenix."