The Face of Deception

And to give credence to any plan Logan might have for a smear campaign. He could be lying, dig-ging desperately for a way to get what he wanted.

She had made a deal with him and he had kept his end of it.

Oh, what the hell. She was too tired to make a de-cision now. She would go to bed and hope she would see things more clearly in the morning. It would be the sensible thing to

The window.

She stiffened and inhaled sharply. Imagination. She wouldnt let herself be tricked by her own mind. She was tired and discouraged and prey to her own imagination. She wouldnt let herself be

The window.

She moved slowly across the room to the window and stood looking out into the darkness.

Darkness. Mosquitoes. Bugs. Snakes.

His Italian designer loafers were being ruined by the damp, rotting foliage on the trail, Fiske real-ized with annoyance.

He had never liked the woods. He remembered one time when he was a kid, hed been sent to some fucking camp in Maine and been forced to stay there for two weeks. His parents were always sending him somewhere to get rid of him.

Bastards.

But hed fixed them. Hed made sure the camp would never accept him back after that summer. They hadnt been able to prove anything, but the counselor had known. Oh, yes, he had known. It had shown in the pricks scared face, the way his eyes slid away from him.

That summer had taught him a few lessons hed been able to apply to his chosen vocation. Camping nuts almost always needed reservations for a camping site at a national park, and each reservation was tidily documented by the forest rangers.

There was a glimmer of fire up ahead.

Target.

Approach directly or wait until they were asleep?

Adrenaline was starting to pump through him.

Direct approach. Let them see him, feel it coming.

He ruffled his hair and smeared a streak of dirt on his cheek.

The gray-haired old man was sitting staring into the fire. His wife came out of their tent, and she laughed and said something to him. There was an air of intimacy and affection between them that Fiske found vaguely annoying. But then, he found every-thing about this kill annoying. He didnt like being forced into practicing his skills in the middle of the wilds, and he would make sure the old man and woman realized it.

He paused, drew a deep breath, then burst into the clearing. Thank God. Can you help me? My wife is hurt. We were setting up camp down the road and she fell and broke

I know where theyre camped, Gil said. Im on my way. But Im two hours behind. The ranger said there was another inquiry earlier this evening.

Logans hand tightened on the receiver. Be careful.

Am I stupid? Of course Ill be careful. Particu-larly if its Fiske.

Fiske?

I called my contact in the Treasury Department and the word is that Timwicks been known to use Al-bert Fiske on occasion. Fiske was a hit man for the CIA and a damn good one. He always wanted the toughest jobs, the most prestigious hits. He takes in-ordinate pride in his efficiency and ability to do jobs no one else can do. In the last five years hes severed his ties with the Company and struck out on his own, and hes done very well. He moves fast, knows the system well enough to make it work for him. He paused. And he likes it, Logan. He really likes it.

Shit.

Ill call you back when I find them.

Logan slowly replaced the receiver.

He moves fast.

How fast?

And in what direction?

The house phone on the desk buzzed.

Ms. Duncan left the house three minutes ago, Mark said.

Is she heading for the front gate?

No, shes going up the hill.

Ill be right there.

Logan came into the carriage house a few min-utes later.

Shes at the graveyard, Mark said.

Logan walked over to the bank of monitors. Whats she doing?

Its dark and shes in the shadow of that tree. Shes not doing anything as far as I can tell. Just standing there.

Standing just outside a graveyard in the middle of the night.

Zero in closer.

Mark made an adjustment on the control board and Eves face was suddenly on the screen before him.

It told him nothing. She was looking at the flower-covered graves, her face totally without ex-pression. What had he expected? Strain? Torment?

Pretty weird, huh? Mark asked. What a nutcase.

Damn you, shes not a nut He broke off, as surprised as Mark at the sudden burst of fury. Sorry, but shes not crazy. Shes just carrying around a lot of baggage.

Okay, okay, Mark said. I just thought it was all kind of weird. I wouldnt be trekking up to a grave-yard at night. I guess she He suddenly started to laugh. Shit. Youre right, shes normal as hell.

Eve was looking up into the trees, and the middle finger of her right hand was lifted in an obscene gesture.

Shes giving us the bird. Mark was still chuck-ling. I think I like her, John.

Logan found himself smiling. He liked her too, dammit. He liked her strength and intelligence and resilience. Even her stubbornness and unpre-dictability intrigued him. In other circumstances he would have liked having her for a friendhellip; or even a lover.

Lover. He hadnt realized he was regarding her in a sexual light until that moment. She was attractive, but hed been more aware of her mind and person-ality than her tall, graceful body.

Yeah, sure. Who was he kidding? Hell, sex was al-ways important and, if he was honest with himself, Eves very breakability aroused him.

Which made him pretty much of a scumbag.

So forget it. Concentrate on what was important, the reason hed brought her there.

And why the hell she was still in that damn graveyard.

The warm wind stirred the carnations on the graves and carried the faintest scent to where Eve was standing outside the fence.

She had told Margaret she wasnt a ghoul who hung around graveyards, so why was she there? Why hadnt she gone to bed as shed intended instead of obeying the crazy impulse that had brought her there?

And it was impulse.

To believe something had called her there was insane, and she was not insane. She had fought that fight after Fraser had been executed and she had to be very careful not to let herself go down the path toward madness. It would be so easy. Dreaming of Bonnie at night was permissible, but she mustnt imagine Bonnie was there when she was wide awake.

Besides, Bonnie couldnt be here. She had never been in this place.

Logan had talked of death and graves and her mind had done the rest. No one had called her.

It was only an impulse.

She wasnt surprised to see Logan waiting for her when she entered the house an hour later.

Im tired. I dont want to talk, Logan. She walked past him and started up the stairs.

He smiled. I gathered that from your extremely rude gesture.

You shouldnt have been watching me. I dont like being spied on.

A graveyard isnt the most pleasant place for a stroll. Why there?

What does it matter?

Im curious.

Her hand tightened on the banister. Stop trying to read some significance into everything I say or do. I went there because it was night and I knew the way. I didnt want to get lost.

Thats all?

What did you expect? I was up there having a seance?

Dont bite my head off. I was just curious. I was actually hoping the walk had cleared your head and youd come to a decision about the

It didnt. She started up the stairs again. Ill talk to you in the morning.

Ill be working most of the night, if you come to any

Back off, Logan.

Whatever you say. He added, Since you obvi-ously know Im keeping an eye on you, I thought it only fair to keep you informed about my own whereabouts.

Sure you did. She slammed her bedroom door behind her and headed for the bathroom. A hot shower would get rid of this tension. Then maybe shed go back down to the lab and work on Mandy. She knew she wasnt going to sleep well tonight, and she might as well be productive.

It wasnt as if she were afraid of going to sleep and dreaming of Bonnie. Bonnie was never a threat. How could a loving dream be a danger?

And it had been pure impulse, not Bonnie calling her, that had led her to the graveyard that night.

The two bodies were lying in one sleeping bag, their arms draped around each other in a final embrace. They were naked and their eyes were wide open, staring into each others face with terror.

A long tent stake was driven through both their bodies.

Son of a bitch. Killing them was bad enough, but Gil felt there was something obscene about the way the old couple had been posed. It robbed their death of all dignity.

He looked around the campsite. No footprints. No visible evidence. Fiske had taken time to clean up.

Gil flipped open his phone and called Logan. Too late.

Both of them?

Yeah, nasty. More than nasty. Twisted. What do you want me to do?

Come back. I havent been able to contact Maren. Hes in the desert somewhere. But that may be good. If we cant reach him, I doubt Fiske will be able to. We may have a reprieve.

Dont count on it. He glanced at the two bodies. Fiske isnt going to be twiddling his thumbs.

Im not counting on anything, but theres no way I want you heading for Jordan. I may need you.

Gil went still. The skull?

I cant wait any longer. Everythings moving too fast. Come back.

Im on my way.

Very satisfactory.

Everything neat and hed even been able to add a little whimsy.

Fiske was humming softly to himself as he un-locked his car and got in. He quickly dialed Timwick. Cadros done. Im heading for Jordan on the next plane. Anything else?

Forget Maren for the moment. Go join the sur-veillance team at Barrett House.

Fiske frowned. I dont like surveillance.

Youll do this one. If Logan and the Duncan woman sneeze, I want to know about it and I want you on the spot.

I dont like jumping all over the place until I finish the job. I still have Maren to

We followed Gil Price when he left Barrett House yesterday morning. He went directly to Dora Bentzs apartment.

So? I left it clean.

You dont get the point. He knew about Dora Bentz and that means Logan knows. We cant Timwick drew a deep breath. We need Logan, Price, and the Duncan woman dead.

You said it was too risky.

That was before we were sure Logan was on the right track. Theres no question we can leave them alive now.

At last Timwick was showing some balls. When?

Ill let you know.

Fiske pressed the end button of the phone. Things were definitely looking up. Both the chal-lenge and monetary opportunities were escalating. He started humming again as he opened the glove compartment and took out Timwicks list. He drew a neat line through the second name and below Marens name carefully wrote in block letters John Logan, Gil Price, and Eve Duncan.

Might as well keep things orderly.

He started the car, then grinned as he suddenly realized the song he was still humming.

Making a list, checking it twice.

Gonna find out whos naughty or nice hellip;

EIGHT

"Wake up, Margaret said. For Gods sake, do you even have to sleep with those bones, Eve?

Eve groggily lifted her head. What? She shook her head to clear it of sleep. What time is it?

Margaret was standing in front of the desk. Its almost nine in the morning. John told me you werent going to work anymore last night.

I changed my mind. She looked down at Mandy on the desk in front of her. I fit a few more pieces to the puzzle.

And fell asleep working on it.

I was going to close my eyes for just a minute. Her mouth felt nasty. I guess I was tired. She pushed back her chair. I need to go brush my teeth and shower.

Not until you tell me what a good job I did on this lab.

She smiled. Sorry, its wonderful.

Your enthusiasm is truly astonishing. Margaret sighed. I knew I should have told them to do it in sackcloth and ashes.

I told you it didnt matter. She stood up and moved toward the door. But I appreciate your effort.

John wants to see you. He sent me to find you.

Ill see him after I shower and change.

Could you hurry? Hes been pretty edgy since Gil got back.

Eve turned at the door. Hes back?

Margaret nodded. About an hour and a half ago. Theyre waiting for you in the office.

Waiting for her decision. Waiting to see if shed go along on Logans wild-goose chase.

Kennedy.

My God, in the clear light of day the idea was even more bizarre than it had been the previous night.

And John authorized me to shift that other pay-ment you agreed on to the Adam Fund, Margaret said. I called the bank and you should be able to verify the transfer within another hour.

She hadnt agreed to that other payment. Logan was applying pressure, bribing her without insisting on a return favor. Well, let him give the money. It wouldnt influence her decision and the kids would benefit. I trust you.

Verify, Margaret said. John insists.

Logan could insist until he was blue in the face. Shed do exactly what she wanted to do. Working on Mandy last night had been good for her. She felt much more in control of the situation that morning. Ill see you later, Margaret.

You took enough time. Logan scowled at her as she walked into the study. Weve been waiting.

I had to wash and blow-dry my hair.

And very nice it looks, Gil said from the corner of the room. Worth every minute of the delay.

She smiled at him. I dont believe Logan thinks so.

I dont, Logan said. Its rude to keep people waiting.

It depends on whether you have an appoint-ment or a summons.

Gil chuckled. You shouldnt have sent Margaret, Logan.

Dammit, I didnt want to appear pushy.

Her brow lifted. Oh, yes?

Well, not obviously pushy. Logan gestured to the chair. Sit down, Eve.

She shook her head. This wont take long.

Logan tensed. Look, I dont want you to

Shut up, Logan. Ill do it. Ill go to your damn cornfield to get this skull. Well bring it back here and Ill do the work you want me to do. She gazed di-rectly into his eyes. But we do it right away. I want this over with.

Tonight.

Fine. She started to leave.

Why? Logan asked suddenly. Why are you doing it?

Because youre wrong and the only way I can prove youre wrong is to do the work. I want to be done with it and get back to whats important to me. She added coolly, And, yes, I do want to see you with egg on your face. I want it so much that I might even volunteer to work on Chadbournes reelection campaign.

And thats all?

She carefully kept her face without expression. Dont let him see anything. Dont let him know the panic shed had to overcome last night. Dont give him a weapon to use against her. Thats all. When do we leave?

After midnight. He smiled crookedly. As is proper for such a nefarious enterprise. Well take the limo. Its only about an hours drive from here.

She glanced at Gil. Are you coming too?

I wouldnt miss it. I cant remember the last time I dug up a skull. Particularly one that promises to be this interesting. He winked. Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him, Horatio.

She headed for the door. Actually, that quote is closer to the mark than anything Logans told me. That skull has a hell of a lot better chance of be-longing to Shakespeares Yorick than to Kennedy.

Theyre on the move, Timwick, Fiske said into the phone. Price, Logan, and the Duncan woman. They just drove out the gates.

Be careful. Youll blow everything if they realize youre following them.

No problem. We dont have to get close until theres need. Kenner planted a signal device in the limo when Price was at the Bentz apartment. Well wait until theyre on a deserted road and then over-take them and

No, youll let them get where theyre going be-fore you act.

That may not be the ideal situation. I should

Screw the ideal situation. Youll let them get where theyre going. Do you hear me, Fiske? You let Kenner handle it. Ive given him exact instructions and youll do what he says.

Fiske hung up the phone. Son of a bitch. It was bad enough having to give in to Timwick without knuckling under to Kenner. Hed had a bellyful of the prick in the past twenty-four hours.

I told you I was in charge, Kenner said from the drivers seat. Youre just along for the ride until I give the word. He jerked his head at the two men in the backseat. Just like them.

Fiske gazed straight ahead at the limos taillights in the distance. He drew a deep breath and tried to relax. It would be all right. He would manage to do his job in spite of Kenners interference. Hed kill the three in the limo up ahead and cross their names off the list.

And then hed start his own list with Kenners name at the very top.

The cornfield should have reminded Eve of some-thing as all-American as a state fair but all she could think about was a horror movie shed seen about a group of ghoulish children living in a cornfield.

No children here.

Only death.

And a skull buried beneath the rich brown earth.

Waiting.

She slowly got out of the car. Its there?

Logan nodded.

The field looks well tended. Wheres the farm-house?

About five miles to the north.

Its a big field. I hope Donnelli gave you good directions.

He did. I have them memorized. He got out of the car. I know exactly where its located.

Those directions had better be good. Gil had opened the trunk and was taking out two shovels and a large lantern flashlight. Diggings not my favorite pastime. I spent a summer on a road crew when I was working my way through college, and I swore Id never do it again.

Serves you right. Logan took the lantern and one of the shovels. Never say never. He strode into the cornfield.

Coming? Gil asked Eve as he started after Logan.

She didnt move.

She could smell the earth where death waited.

She could hear the breeze as it rustled through the rows of tall corn.

She felt her chest tighten at the thought of sinking, drowning into that swaying sea of corn.

Eve? Gil was standing at the edge of the field, waiting. John wants you with us.

She moistened her lips. Why?

He shrugged. Ask him.

Its stupid for me even to be here. Im not going to be able to tell anything until I get back to the lab.

Sorry, he wants you there when he digs it up.

Stop arguing. Do it. Get it over with. Get out of this place.

She followed Gil into the cornfield.

Darkness.

She could hear the rustling sound Gil was making ahead of her, but she couldnt see him. She could see nothing but the tall stalks all around her. It was like being buried. Even with a map and directions, how could Logan manage to find anything?

I see a light ahead. Gils voice drifted back to her.

It was more than she could see, but her pace increased.

Get it over with. Get out of here.

She could see the light now. Logan had set the flashlight on the ground and was already digging, his shovel spiking into the earth and tearing at the roots of the cornstalks.

Here? Gil asked.

Logan glanced up at them and nodded. Quick. Its buried pretty deep so the farmer wouldnt dig it up when he was planting. You dont have to be careful. Its supposed to be in a lead-lined box.

Gil started digging.

She wished theyd given her a shovel, she thought after five minutes. Being busy would have been better than standing there, watching. Her tension was growing with every second.

This was stupid. There was probably nothing buried there and they were all behaving like people out of a Stephen King novel.

Ive hit something, Gil said.

Logan glanced at Gil. Hallelujah. He began digging faster.

Eve moved closer to the hole and saw rusted metal through the loosened dirt. Jesushellip;

Why was she feeling so shaken? Just because Donnelli hadnt lied about the location didnt mean the rest of the story was true. There might not even be a skull in the box and the chances of it being Kennedy were out of sight.

Logan was prying open the lock on the box.

Only it wasnt a box, she suddenly realized. It was a coffin.

A babys coffin.

Stop it.

Logan looked at her. What the hell?

Its a coffin. A babyhellip;

I know that. Donnelli was an undertaker. How else do you think he got a lead-lined box?

What if its not a skull?

Logans face hardened. Its the skull. Were wasting time. He broke the lock on the coffin.

She hoped he was right. The idea of a little baby buried out here alone and lost was too heartbreaking to bear.

Logan was throwing open the coffin.

No baby.

Even through the heavy plastic wrapping she could make out the skull.

Jackpot, Logan murmured. He brought the lantern closer. I knew it was

I hear something. Gil had raised his head.

Eve heard it too.

The wind?

Not the wind.

More purposeful. The same sound they had made as they had moved through the cornfield.

And the rustling was heading toward them.

Shit, Logan muttered. He slammed shut the coffin, grabbed it, and jumped to his feet. Lets get out of here.

Eve looked over her shoulder. Nothing. Just that menacing rustling. It could be the farmer, couldnt it?

Its not the farmer. Theres more than one. Logan was already running. Dont lose her, Gil. Well circle back through the field and come out on the road where we parked the car.

Gil grabbed her arm. Hurry.

They shouldnt be talking. Someone would hear them. But that was crazy. What difference did it make? They were making as much noise crashing through the corn as whoever was pursuing them.

Logan was zigzagging through the field and they were following.

Running.

Suffocating darkness.

Rustling.

Her lungs were hurting.

Were they closer?

She couldnt tell. They were making too much noise themselves for her to figure it out.

To the left, someone shouted behind them.

Logan tore through the corn at a right angle.

I think I see something. A different voice.

Oh, God, it sounded as if the man were in the row next to them.

Logan was turning, heading back the way they came.

Gil and Eve were on his heels.

Faster.

Eve was completely disoriented. How could Logan tell where he was going?

Maybe he couldnt. They might run into whoever was pursuing them at any minute. Maybe they should

Logan was turning again. To the left.

And they were out of the field and running toward the road.

The limo.

But over fifty yards away.

And a Mercedes was parked beside it. She couldnt see if there was anyone in it.

She glanced over her shoulder toward the field.

No one.

They were almost at the limo.

And the Mercedes door swung open.

Gil dropped her arm. Get the coffin inside the limo, John. He turned, pulled out his gun, and darted toward the man who was getting out of the Mercedes.

Too late.

A shot.

She watched in horror as Gil fell forward. He struggled to his knees and tried to raise his gun.

Oh, God, the man was pointing his gun at Gil again.

She didnt even realize she was moving until her hand grasped the gun and jerked it aside. The man turned toward her and her hand chopped down on the carotid artery in his neck. He grunted. His eyes glazed over. He was falling.

Ill drive. Get in the backseat with Gil. Logan was dragging Gil the few feet toward the limo. Try to stop the bleeding. Weve got to get out of here. Theyve got to have heard the shot.

Eve held the door for Logan and then dove into the seat beside Gil.

Jesus, he was pale. She tore open his shirt. Some blood, high up on the shoulder. What if he

Theyre coming! Logan shouted as the limo jumped forward.

She glanced out the window and saw three men pouring out of the cornfield.

Gravel flew as the limo tore down the road.

Logan glanced in the rearview mirror. How is he?

Its a shoulder wound. Not much bleeding. Hes conscious again. She glanced out the window once more. Theyve reached the road. Can you go any faster?

Im trying, he said through his teeth. Its like driving a damned yacht.

He had reached the paved road leading to the freeway, but the Mercedes was too fast. Its headlights were only yards behind them.

Then the Mercedes hit the side of the limo.

It was trying to force them off the road into the ditch.

It struck them again.

This time Logan barely managed to keep the car on the road.

Pull ahead, she said. Well be dead in the water if we end up in that ditch.

What do you think Im trying to do?

Thank God, the freeway was just up ahead.

The Mercedes hit the limo again and it spun toward the ditch.

Logan turned the wheel frantically and managed to keep the car from plunging down the incline.

That last hit caused them to skid to the other side of the road. Thats our chance, Eve said. Hit it!

He stomped on the accelerator.

Theyre too close. Logan was looking in the rearview mirror. Theyll catch us before we reach the freeway.

Thehellip; coffin, Gil murmured. Give them

No! Logan said.

Eve looked down at the coffin at her feet.

Give them the

Eve reached for the door handle.

What are you doing? Logan asked.

Shut up, Eve said fiercely. Gils right. They want this damn coffin. Theyre going to get it. Its not worth our lives.

What if they dont stop? Youve given it up for nothing.

I dont give a damn. Gils already been shot over this skull. No one else is going to be hurt. Slow down and keep the car in this lane. No matter what happens.

The car slowed, but it was still a struggle for her to open the door against the force of the wind.

Theyre gaining.

Just keep the car in this lane. She dragged and pushed the coffin toward the door. And as far ahead as you can.

I dont think I

Try. The wind had flung the door open and she shoved the coffin out. It bounced twice and skidded into the other lane.

Now, well see. Eves gaze was fixed on the on-coming Mercedes. Weve just got to hope they Yes.

The Mercedes had gone past the coffin. At first it seemed as if they were going to ignore it and con-tinue the pursuit. But then it slowed, suddenly made a U-turn, and started back.

The freeways just ahead, Logan said. The limo flew down the road and up the ramp to the freeway.

Cars. Trucks. People.

Relief flooded Eve as Logan merged with the traffic. Are we safe now?

No. Logan pulled over to the side of the free-way. Close that door. He turned to Gil. How are you doing?

Just a scratch. Not even bleeding anymore.

Im not sure its safe to stop. Ill call Margaret and have her get you some medical help. Youre sure youre not bleeding? Can you hold on until we get back to Bar-rett House?

Sure. Gils voice was weak. If I survived your driving, I can survive anything.

Thank God, he was well enough to joke, Eve thought with relief.

You couldnt have done any better, Logan said. And for that nasty remark I should dump you out and let you walk.

Ill shut up. He closed his eyes. And since thats so difficult for me, Ill think Ill take a little nap.

Bad idea, Logan said as he pulled back into the traffic. Stay awake. I have to know if you lose con-sciousness.

Sure. Anything to oblige. Ill just rest my eyes.

Logan met Eves gaze in the rearview mirror.

She nodded and his foot pressed harder on the accelerator.

What the hell are you doing? Fiske screeched. Youre losing them.

Shut up, Kenner said. I know what Im doing. The box is more important.

You idiot. Nothings more important. We went to all this trouble and now youre letting them get

Timwick said that if it came to a choice between retrieving what they went after or getting them, we should go for the retrieval.

We can go back for it later. Theyre just trying to divert us.

Do you think that didnt occur to me? I cant take the chance. Its in the middle of the road. It could be damaged or found.

In the middle of the night?

Timwick wants whats in that box.

Fury jolted through Fiske. There was no way they could catch up with Logan now. All because of Timwicks obsession with that damn box.

And Kenner was just like Timwick, so concerned with the small stuff that he couldnt see what was really important. You took one objective at a time and never let yourself be distracted.

Certainly not by a fucking box.

Two men in white uniforms streamed out of Barrett House as soon as Logan stopped the limo. Gil was transferred to a stretcher and whisked inside.

Eve got out of the car. Her knees were so weak, she had to lean against the fender.

You okay? Logan asked.

She nodded.

Ill tell Margaret to get you a cup of coffee, he said over his shoulder as he headed toward the house. I have to make sure Gil is going to be all right.

Dazed, she watched him disappear. Too much had happened in too short a time for her to compre-hend that it was really over. Or even that it had actu-ally happened.

But the crushed side of the limo was mute testimony to that terrifying chase.

And Gil Prices wound was not a figment of her imagination. He could have been killed. They all could have been killed if she hadnt tossed the coffin out of the limo.

Coffee. Margaret was thrusting a mug into her hand. Come into the house and sit down.

In a minute. My legs dont seem to be working right now. She took a sip of the coffee. Hows Gil?

Conscious and flippant as hell. The doctors ready to muzzle him.

The coffee was strong and the caffeine was begin-ning to kick in. How did you get a doctor out here at this time of night?

Money moves mountains. Margaret leaned against the limo. You scared?

Hell, yes. Shouldnt I be? Maybe youre used to people shooting each other, but Im not.

Im scared too. I never thought She drew a shaky breath. I never expected this. I thought I dont know what I thought.

But you still trust Logan enough to keep working for him?

Sure. She straightened. But Im damn well going to ask him for a raise and hazard pay. You ready to go inside now?

Eve nodded.

Hazard pay. Logans generosity was making sense to her now. This wasnt about dead cats and vicious vandalism. This was about murder. They had tried to murder Gil. They might have killed all of them if the limo had ended up in that ditch.

Better? Logan had come down the stairs. You have more color.

Do I? She took another sip of coffee. Hows Gil?

Flesh wound. Braden says hell be okay. He turned to Margaret. We dont want the police report filed yet. Talk Braden into a delay.

Yeah, sure, and let them accuse me of suppressing She sighed and headed for the stairs. Ill take care of it.

Margaret had reached the top before Logan turned back to Eve. We need to talk.

Id say thats an understatement. She moved toward the kitchen. But, right now, I have an empty cup and I need more coffee.

He followed her and dropped down into a chair at the table. Im sorry you were frightened.

Is that supposed to make me feel all warm and fuzzy? Her hand was shaking as she poured the coffee. It doesnt. Right now Im scared, but when I get over it, Im going to be mad as hell.

I know. I cant expect anything else. He paused. You were pretty amazing tonight. You probably saved Gils life. Where did you learn karate?

Joe. After Bonnie was I told you Id never be a victim again. Joe taught me how to take care of myself.

He smiled. And everyone else too, evidently.

Somebody had to help him. You obviously thought more of that damn coffin than of your friend. My God, youre obsessed. Im surprised you agreed to slow down so I could toss that thing out.

His smile faded. Gils been trained to take care of himself too. He had his job. I had mine.

And I have mine. She stared into his eyes. But I never bargained for anyone shooting at me.

I told you theyd try to stop us.

You didnt tell me theyd try to murder us.

No, I guess I didnt.

You know damn well you didnt. Her voice rose with anger. The whole thing was a disaster. You risked your life on a wild-goose chase and dragged me along with you. You almost got me killed, you son of a bitch.

Yes.

And there was no reason for it. I didnt have to be there.

Yes, you did.

What was I supposed to do? Work on the skull in the damn cornfield?

No.

Then, why did

Dr. Bradens leaving. Margaret was at the entryway. I believe things will go smoother if you clap him on the shoulder and see him on his way, John.

Right. Logan stood up. Will you come with me, Eve? Were not finished.

You bet were not. She followed him into the foyer and watched him with the doctor. Smooth as honey. Persuasive as Lucifer. It took only a few min-utes for him to send the man happily on his way.

She stood in the doorway as he escorted the doctor to his car.

Hes good, huh? Margaret murmured.

Too good. Suddenly the rage was gone, re-placed by weariness. What the hell difference did it make? Let him weave all his little webs and plots. None of it concerned her any longer.

Logan waved at the doctor, and then turned back to face her. His gaze narrowed warily. Youre not angry anymore. That could be bad or good.

Or neither. Why should I get upset? Its all water under the bridge. Im going upstairs to pack. Its over and Im out of here.

Its not over.

She stiffened. The hell its not.

Margaret hurriedly said, I think Ill go check on Gil, and left them.

Logans gaze never left Eves face. He repeated, Its not over, Eve.

I agreed to one job and one job only. Even if I werent ready to cut your throat for putting me in the spot you did tonight, that job ended when I tossed that skull out of the limo. If you think Im going to hang around here while you try to retrieve it, youre crazy.

I dont have to try to retrieve it.

Her eyes widened. What the hell do you mean?

Come with me.

What?

You heard me.

He turned and walked away from her.

NINE

The cemetery.

He was already past the wrought iron gate when she caught up with him. He moved purposefully down the row of graves.

She didnt follow. What are you doing?

Retrieving the skull. He stopped before Ran-dolph Barretts grave, lifted the pallet of carnations, and moved it aside. He picked up the shovel that had been hidden beneath it and began to dig. The earth was soft, recently turned, and the task went quickly. Since you called my hand, I have to supply you with a skull.

She stared at him in disbelief. Are you com-pletely crazy? Digging up any old corpse to She inhaled sharply as a sudden thought occurred to her. Good God.

He glanced up at her and answered her unspoken question. Yes, I retrieved the skull from that corn-field two months ago.

And you buried it again here. Thats why you covered all these graves with flowers. You wanted to erase any sign the grave had been disturbed.

He nodded as he kept on digging. Theres an old saying that the best place to hide anything is in plain sight, but I admit Im too anal to just leave it at that. I had Mark install an alarm that would go off if the box is touched, and I had him turn it off when I was in the house just now.

And you must have substituted another skull in that coffin in the cornfield. She glanced at the name on the tombstone. Was it Randolph Barretts?

No, Barretts only temporarily sharing his quar-ters. He died when he was sixty-four. I wanted a younger skull, so I bought one from a medical school in Germany.

Her head was whirling. Wait a minute. Why? Why have you gone to all this trouble?

I knew theyd tumble to what I was doing even-tually and that I might need a diversion. I hoped I wouldnt have to use it. I tried every way I could not to tip my hand, but something must have gone wrong. You hadnt even started the project. Things were moving too fast and I had to throw them off the track.

What do you mean, moving too fast? I dont know what the hell youre talking about.

You dont have to know. Its safer for you if you dont. He threw down his shovel, bent, and picked up the square lead box hed uncovered. All you have to do is the job I paid you for.

I dont have to know? Shock reverberated through her as all the implications of his deception hit home. Why, you son of a bitch.

Maybe. He set the box aside and began shovel-ing the dirt back into the grave. But it doesnt change anything.

It changes everything. Her voice was shaking with anger. You took me out there to that damn cornfield, knowing it was for nothing.

It wasnt for nothing. They knew you were on the job and I needed you there for window dressing to make the trip more convincing.

And almost got me killed.

Sorry. I cut it a little close.

Sorry? Is that all youve got to say? What about Gil Price? He was shot. He was trying to save that skull for you and it wasnt even the right one.

I hate to disappoint you. I know you want to pile all the guilt you can on my shoulders, but Gil knew exactly what he was doing. He arranged for the pur-chase of the skull for me.

He knew? Im the only one who was left in the dark?

Yes. He put the shovel down and drew the pallet of carnations over it and the grave. I wouldnt have let him walk into something like that without warning him.

But you let me walk into it.

You were supposed to be a bystander. Gil was going to participate. I didnt know youd be forced to

Bystander. She was growing more furious by the second. You set me up. I wondered why you wanted me there, but I didnt think it was to use me as bait.

The skull was the bait. As I said, you were there to make it all credible. I needed to make sure that theyd think our trip had enough significance for them to follow us.

You wanted them to chase us. You wanted them to get close enough so there would be a valid excuse for shoving that coffin out the limo.

He nodded. They had to believe that only des-peration would force me to give up the skull. I was planning on being the one to toss out the coffin, but then Gil was hurt and I had to drive.

And Gil told me to do it. Christ, you even ar-gued with me.

I figured it was the quickest way to get you to do it. You were angry enough with me to do anything I didnt want you to do.

And you would have risked letting Gil and me die to fool them.

I was in that car too.

If you want to commit suicide, thats your busi-ness. You had no right to endanger anyone else.

I thought it was the only solution.

Solution? My God, youre so obsessed with your damn politics, you were willing to stage a charade that could have killed all of us.

I needed to buy you some time.

Well, then, you did it for nothing. Her eyes blazed at him. If you think Id touch this job now, youre crazy. Id like to strangle you and bury you here beside Randolph Barrett. She whirled away from him. No, Id like to bury you somewhere no one would ever find you. You deserve it, you callous bastard.

Eve.

She ignored him as she started down the hill.

You have a perfect right to be angry with me, but there are things for you to consider. Will you let me clarify the situation so that you

She continued to ignore him and speeded up her pace. Manipulative son of a bitch. Crazy, conniving bastard.

She met Margaret on the stairs as she headed for her room. Gils asleep. I think

Arrange a car and a flight for me, she said curtly. Im out of here.

Oops. I gather John wasnt very persuasive. She grimaced. Cant say I blame you, but you really can trust John to

Forget it. Make that flight the next one out.

Ill have to check with John.

Get me out of here or Ill walk to Atlanta. She slammed the door of her room, flipped on the light, and moved toward the closet. She dragged her suit-case out, tossed it on the bed, and headed for the bureau.

You do have to listen to me, Logan said quietly from the doorway. I know its difficult to see things clearly when youre this upset, but I cant let you leave until you know what youre facing.

Im not interested in anything you have to say. She threw an armful of underthings into the suitcase. Why should I? Theyd probably be lies. Your credi-bility with me is the pits. You deceived me and you nearly got me killed.

But you werent killed. Getting you killed is the last thing I want.

She went back to the bureau and opened another drawer.

Okay, lets explore the situation. You didnt think what I wanted you to do was dangerous enough to cause anyone serious problems. It seems you were wrong. They wanted the skull enough to kill for it. Therefore, they think its as important as I do.

She dumped the contents of the second drawer into the suitcase. Its not Kennedy.

Then prove it to them. Prove it to both of us.

Screw you. I dont have to prove anything to anyone.

Im afraid you do.

She whirled to face him. The hell I do.

You do if you want to keep alive. He paused. And keep your mother alive.

She stiffened. Are you threatening me?

Me? No way. Im just telling you how it is. The situations escalated to the point where you have only two options. Prove Im right and let me go after the bastards with evidence. Prove me wrong and you can go to the media and get everyone off your back. He looked directly into her eyes. Because the alternative is to have them go after you and put you down. They wont care if Donnellis story is true or not. They wont want to take the chance.

I can get police protection.

That might help for a while. But its not a per-manent solution.

I can have Joe drag your ass in for questioning. I can tell them everything.

And Ill find a way to walk out, smelling like a rose. Thats what lawyers are for. He added soberly, I dont want to fight you, Eve. I want to keep you alive.

Bull. You want exactly what youve wanted from the beginning.

Yes, but one doesnt rule out the other. What happened at your lab was a warning, but what hap-pened tonight showed theyve pulled the gloves off.

Maybe.

Listen, think about it. He studied her face and then shook his head. Im not getting through to you, am I? Okay, I didnt want to tell you, but other wit-nesses are already being eliminated. Three people have been killed in the last few days.

Witnesses?

My God, the case has been riddled with unex-plained deaths since the assassination. You must have read about it. He paused. And now its started again. Thats why I wanted to cause a diversion tonight. I hoped the killing would stop if they had another focus.

Why should I believe you?

I can give you the names and addresses of the victims. You can check with the local police. As God is my witness, Im telling you the truth.

She believed him. She wished she didnt because his words shook her. Theres no reason for anyone to hurt my mother.

Not if they can get at you. If they cant, they might decide to use her as a threat or an example like that cat in your lab.

Blood. Her terror and horror at the first sight of the wreckage surged back. He had probably meant the reminder to do just that, but it wasnt necessary. The memory was vivid and knife-sharp and couldnt be pushed away. You keep saying they. Im tired of walking around in the dark. Who were those men fol-lowing us tonight? Whos doing this?

He didnt answer for a moment. The man whos calling the shots right now is James Timwick. Do you recognize the name?

She shook her head.

Hes very high in the Treasury Department.

And he was there tonight?

No, Im not sure who those men were. They probably dont have any official status. Timwick wouldnt want any direct connection to him. In a con-spiracy like this the fewer people who know, the safer hed be. It would be much easier for him if he could use the full force of the government. But Id bet theyre hired guns.

Hired guns. It sounded like something out of a bad western. And who did that to my lab?

Gil says it could be Albert Fiske. Hes worked for Timwick before.

Fiske. That blood and horror now had a name. I want Joe to know. He can track the bastard down.

Do you really want to involve Quinn before you have proof? Timwick is a heavyweight. With one phone call he could make your friends life very diffi-cult. His voice lowered persuasively, Go for that proof, Eve. Do your job. Youll make things easier for Quinn and safer for yourself.

And do what you want.

Theres a downside to everything. But dont cut off your nose to spite your face hellip; or me. You think Im wrong. Wouldnt proving it punish me for all the problems Ive forced on you?

Attempted murder can hardly be called a problem.

Ive leveled with you. And Ive warned you. Its your decision now.

It always has been.

Then make the right one. He turned to leave. It will take a little time to arrange security to take you home. Ill tell Margaret to make reservations for you on the afternoon flight out of Reagan National.

What if I want to leave now?

He shook his head. Ive made you a target and Im going to protect you as best I can. Ill also double the security surrounding your mother and the house in Atlanta. He looked back at her. Change your mind, Eve. Forget how angry you are at me and do whats best for you and your mother.

The door closed behind him before she could an-swer. Hit and run. Manipulative bastard.

Keep your mother alive.

She tried to smother the panic rising inside her. He had cleverly chosen the words that would strike deepest. She should ignore everything hed said and get the hell out of there. Shed never have come if shed known it could lead to this. Hed deliberately deceived her and embroiled her in a situation that

Slow down. Forget the fact that she wanted to wring Logans neck. The situation existed. Now what could she do about it?

Prove me wrong.

Tempting bait. If she worked hard, in a couple days she could have the proof.

And give in to Logan after all the hell hed put her through?

No way. Not if there was any other path she could take.

Do whats best for you and your mother.

She slowly moved to the window. It was begin-ning to get light. By afternoon she could be on her way home. God, how she wanted to be back where everything was safe and familiar.

But it might no longer be safe there. Just the deci-sion to take Logans job might have destroyed the peace and safety shed so carefully cultivated through the years since Frasers execution. She was being drawn back into that nightmarish quagmire in which shed almost drowned after Bonnie died.

She would not drown. If she survived Bonnies death, she could survive anything.

BARRETT HOUSE

TUESDAY AFTERNOON

Logan was standing in the foyer when she came down the stairs just after one oclock.

A slow smile lit his face. You dont have your suitcase.

Its still packed. Im going to get out of here the minute Im finished. But I decided that doing the job is the best way to cut all ties to this mess. She moved down the hall toward the lab. Wheres the skull?

Youre heading right toward it. The box is on your desk. He followed her. But dont you think youd better get some sleep first?

Ive already slept. I took a shower and a nap after I made my decision to get on with it.

You could have sent me word and relieved my mind.

I have no desire to relieve your mind.

I can see your point. But youre doing the intelli-gent thing.

If I didnt think that, Id be heading for the front door instead of the lab. She gave him a cool glance. And lets be clear. The minute I prove that skull doesnt belong to Kennedy, Im going to call the newspapers and let them know what an ass you are.

Fair enough.

And I wont be held incommunicado. Im calling Mom and Joe every day Im here.

Have I ever tried to stop you? Youre no prisoner. I hope we can work together.

Not likely. She threw open the door of the lab. The lead box occupied the center of the desk, and she moved brusquely toward it. I work alone.

May I ask how long its going to take you?

It depends on the condition of the skull. If its not a jigsaw puzzle, two, maybe three days.

It looked pretty intact to me. He paused. Try to make it two, Eve.

Dont push me, Logan.

I have to push you. I dont know how much time I bought. Timwick wont assume the skull he has is the right one. Hell have it examined by one of your forensic counterparts. Hes bound to find out hes got the wrong one.

According to you, he wouldnt want to take the chance of having the skull identified.

Hed have to. He wouldnt risk tapping DNA or dental records, but hed do this. There are always ways to dispose of people who know too much. So if the sculptors goodhellip; two days?

It depends if he works on a cast of the skull or the skull itself. And if hes willing to push himself.

He wont have to push himself, Timwick will be doing it for him. Whos good enough?

There are only four or five top forensic sculptors in the country.

So I found out when I was searching for one. My attorney had an easy job gathering the shortlist.

She opened the lead box. I wish to hell youd picked someone else.

But youre the best. I had to have the best. Whos second best?

Simon Doprel. He has the touch.

Touch?

She shrugged. You do the measuring and the judgment calls, but when you get down to the final stages of the sculpting, its pretty much instinct. Its as if you feel whats right and wrong. Some of us have it, some dont.

Interesting. He grimaced. And maybe a little eerie.

Dont be stupid, she said coldly. Its a talent, not some kind of paranormal idiocy.

And Doprel has it too?

Yes. She carefully lifted the scorched skull out of the box. Caucasian. Male. Facial bones almost en-tirely intact. A good portion of the back of the skull was missing.

Not very pretty, is he? Logan said.

You wouldnt be pretty either if youd gone through what he did. Donnelli was lucky. The brain could have blown forward instead of backward and then there wouldnt have been any blackmailhellip; or any reconstruction.

The fire caused the brain to explode?

She nodded. It happens almost all the time with fire victims.

He went back to the previous conversation. So Doprel would be a reasonable first choice?

If Timwick could get him. Most of his work is done for the NYPD.

Timwick can get him. He looked at the skull. Two days, Eve. Please.

It will get done when it gets done. Dont worry, Im not going to waste time. I want this over. She moved over to the pedestal and placed the skull in the center. Now, get out of here. Ive got measuring to do and I have to concentrate.

Yes, maam. A few moments later the door closed.

She hadnt taken her eyes away from the skull. Shut Logan out. Dont let anything get in the way. Every measurement had to be exact.

But not yet. First she had to establish a link, just as she usually did. It was probably going to be harder since this was an adult and not a child. She had to re-member that he was also a lost one. She measured dif-ferent parts of the cranium and wrote the numbers down on her pad. Youre not who he says you are, but that doesnt matter. Youre important in your own right, Jimmy.

Jimmy? Where had that come from?

It could be Jimmy Hoffa or some Mafia goon.

Grinning, she remembered the reasons she had told Logan she shouldnt take the job.

But here she was doing it.

And Jimmy was as good a name as any.

Im going to do all kinds of undignified things to you, but its all for a good cause, Jimmy, she mur-mured. Just hang in there with me, okay?

CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND

TUESDAY EVENING

Ive no time for this, Timwick, Simon Doprel said. Youve pulled me away from an important case thats going to trial next month. Find someone else.

Its only a few days. You agreed to do it.

I didnt agree to leave New York and come down here to the country. Your men practically kidnapped me. Why couldnt you bring the skull to me?

It had to be kept confidential. Dont back out now. Finding out if this is the terrorist weve been looking for is more important than a murder case.

Whats the Treasury Department doing chasing terrorists? Simon asked sourly.

We always get involved if the threat concerns the White House. If you need anything, just ask Fiske. Hell be closer than your shadow until you finish the job. Timwick smiled. We want to make you as comfortable as we can while youre with us. He walked out of the room and closed the door.

It was just as well Doprel was so reluctant to do the job, he thought grimly. He would work at top speed, and speed was what they needed.

When Timwick had been told how the skull had been tossed from the limo, hed been immediately suspicious. The retrieval might have been a little too easy. Fear for their lives could have made Logan sacri-fice the skull, but it might also have been a diversion. Why not take out the skull before throwing out the coffin? Panic?

Logan wasnt a man to panic, but hed been driving. Kenner had said it was the woman who had thrown out the coffin. At any rate, they would know soon.

And the surveillance would go on at Barrett House until they did.

Youre awake. Logan came into the room and dropped down in the chair beside Gils bed. How are you feeling?

A hell of a lot better if that doctor hadnt doped me up, Gil growled. My shoulders fine, but Ive got a jumbo headache.

You needed the rest.

Not twelve hours. He struggled to sit up. Whats happening?

Logan leaned forward and adjusted the pillows against the headboard. Eves working on the skull now.

Im surprised. I thought your decision to take her along was a mistake. You could have scared her off.

Or made her mad enough to dig in her heels. It could have gone either way. But I didnt have a choice. I needed to make them think that what we were doing was important. I wasnt expecting them to get that close.

You mean you were hoping they wouldnt. He smiled sardonically. Dont bullshit me. You would have done it anyway.

Probably. He added soberly, That doesnt stop me from being sorry about letting you take the heat.

Thats why I was there. We agreed that Id run interference while you took care of the red herring. Gil made a face. But I was clumsy. I would have been toast if it hadnt been for our bone lady. She was damn good.

Yes, very good. It seems Quinn thought she should know how to protect herself from the Frasers of the world.

Quinn again?

Logan nodded. He always seems to be in the background, doesnt he? He stood up. Im going to go down and take Eve a sandwich. She hasnt left the lab yet.

Im sure shell be grateful youre going to allow her to eat.

Drop the sarcasm.

I wasnt being sarcastic. I meant it. Now that youve got her on the job, I imagine youll crack the whip until you get what you want.

She wouldnt let me. Anything I can get you?

My CD player and discs. He grinned. How thick are these walls? I was thinking about tor-menting you with Loretta Lynns Coal Miners Daughter.

If you do, Ill ask Margaret to come in and play Florence Nightingale.

You wouldnt dare, Im a sick man. His smile disappeared. How much time do you think we have?

Three days maximum. Once they find out theyve got the wrong skull, theyll launch an all-out war. Weve got to be out of here by that time. He headed for the door. So get well and on your feet.

Tomorrow. Ill be up and functioning and back at the carriage house. Im tempted to loll in bed with Loretta and Garth Brooks, but its not worth the chance of Margaret nursing me.

Logan closed the door and went downstairs to the kitchen. Fifteen minutes later he was knocking on the lab door, a ham sandwich and bowl of vegetable soup on a tray in his hand.

No answer.

May I come in?

Go away. Im busy.

I have food. Youve got to stop and eat sometime.

Put it down and Ill get to it later.

Logan hesitated and then set the tray on the table beside the door. Try to make it soon. The soup will get cold.

Christ, he sounded like a nagging wife. How far the mighty had fallen. Its a good thing Margaret wasnt nearby to hear that curt rejection. It would have amused the hell out of her.

TEN

"You didnt eat your dinner. You cant work if you dont eat, Mama.

Eve slowly raised her head from the desk.

Bonnie was sitting on the floor by the door, her arms linked around her knees. And its dumb to fall asleep at your desk when you have a bed to go to.

I was going to close my eyes for only a minute, she said defensively. I have work to do.

I know. Bonnie looked at the skull on the pedestal. Good work.

Good?

I think so. Bonnies forehead was creased in a puzzled frown. Im not sure. I think its important. Thats why I called you up to the cemetery.

You didnt call me. It was an impulse.

Bonnie smiled Was it?

Or maybe all those flowers on the graves stirred some kind of subliminal message. I knew Logan was devious and maybe I suspected he was Stop smiling.

Im sorry. Im actually very proud of you. Its nice to have a mom whos so smart. Wrong, but still very smart. She looked back at the skull. Youre get-ting along pretty well with Jimmy, arent you?

Fair. There are some problems.

Youll solve them. Ill help you.

What?

I always try to help you in whatever you do.

Oh, now youre my guardian angel? And I sup-pose you were looking out for me when I was in that limo the other night.

No, I couldnt do anything. It scared me. I want to be with you but not yet. Its not your time and it would upset the balance.

Bull. If there was any sense or balance in the uni-verse, you would never have been taken from me.

I dont know how it works. Sometimes things go terribly wrong. But I dont want it to go wrong for you too, Mama. Thats why you have to be very careful now.

Im being careful and trying my darnedest to get out of this mess. Thats why Im working on Jimmy.

Yes, Jimmy is important Bonnie sighed I wish he werent. It would be easier. She leaned back against the wall. I can see youre going to push yourself to exhaustion in the next few days. If you wont go to bed, lay your head back down on the desk and go to sleep.

I am asleep.

Of course you are. Sometimes I forget Im only a dream. Well, will you do me a favor and lay your head back down on the desk? Its a little weird sleeping sit-ting upright in that chair.

Youre the one whos weird. She laid her head on her arms on the desk. After a moment she asked in a low voice, Are you leaving now?

Not yet. Ill stay awhile. I like to watch you when youre sleeping. All the kinks and worries kind of flow away. Its nice to see you that way.

Eve could feel the tears burn her eyes even as her lids closed Weird kidhellip;

BARRETT HOUSE

WEDNESDAY MORNING

You didnt eat anything last night. Logan opened the door and strode into the lab carrying a breakfast tray. I hate to have my labor wasted. Im going to stay and watch you polish off this meal.

Eve looked up from the skull. Your concern is touching. She went to the sink and washed her hands. Except I know you just dont want me to keel over and waste time.

Exactly. He settled himself in the visitors chair. So humor me.

The hell I will. She sat down at the desk and took the napkin off the tray. Ill eat because Im hungry and its sensible. Period.

Thats putting me in my place. I dont care as long as you eat. He was studying her face. You look surprisingly rested but your bed hasnt been slept in.

I took a nap here. She drank the glass of orange juice. And stay out of my bedroom, Logan. Youve invaded too many parts of my life as it is.

I feel a sense of responsibility. I want to help.

To speed up the work?

Only partly. Im not a complete bastard.

She took a bite of omelette.

He chuckled. That was a weighted silence. Well, at least youre not openly attacking me. That nap was good for you. I sense a slight mellowing.

Then you sense wrong. I just dont have time to try to analyze your good and bad points. Im busy.

Even thats a concession. His gaze went to the pedestal. I see youve gotten to the voodoo doll stage. Did you name him too?

Jimmy.

Why did He chuckled again as he under-stood. Its not Hoffa, Eve.

Well see. To her surprise, she found herself smiling. After the tension of the hours of work it was good to relax for a few momentshellip; even with Logan. Though I dont think youd be this involved with a labor leader.

Well, lets just say I wouldnt regard resur-recting him of paramount importance. His gaze returned to the pedestal. Interesting. It seems im-possible you can rebuild a face with that little to go on. How do you do it?

What do you care? As long as it gets done.

Im cursed with an inquiring mind. Is that so odd?

She shrugged. I guess not.

What are those little sticks called?

Tissue-depth markers. Theyre usually made of ordinary pencil erasers, the kind you use in a me-chanical pencil. I cut each marker to the proper mea-surement and glue it onto its specific point on the face. There are more than twenty points of the skull for which there are known tissue depths. Facial tissue depth has been found to be fairly consistent in people the same age, race, sex, and weight. There are anthro-pological charts that give a specific measurement for each point. For instance, in a Caucasian male of average weight, the tissue-depth thickness at the mid-philtrum point is

What?

Sorry. I mean the space between the nose and top lip is ten millimeters. The architecture of the bone beneath the tissue determines whether someone has a jutting chin or bulging eyes or what-ever.

And what do you do next?

I take strips of plasticine and apply them between the markers, then build up to all of the tissue-depth points.

It sounds like a connect the dots game.

Sort of, only in three-dimension and its a hell of a lot more difficult. I have to concentrate on the scien-tific elements of building the face, like keeping true to the tissue-depth measurements as I fill in between the plasticine strips and considering where the facial muscles are located and how they affect the contours of the face.

But what about the size of the nose? Old Jimmy doesnt have one.

Thats a toughie. The width and length is determined again by measurements. For a Caucasian like Jimmy, I measure the nasal opening at the widest point and add five millimeters on each side for the nostrils. That gives me the width. The length, or pro-jection, depends on the measurement of the little bone at the base of the nasal opening, called the nasal spine. Its very simple. I multiply the spine measure-ment by three and add the mid-philtrum tissue-depth measurement.

Ah, the dreaded mid-philtrum again.

Do you want to know this or not?

Yes, I always joke when Im faced with some-thing a little out of my depth. He made a face. Honest, I didnt mean it. Go on.

The nasal spine also determines the angle of the nose. It will show me if the nose is turned up, angled down, or very straight. Once youve got the nose, the ears are easier. Theyre usually as long as the nose.

It sounds very precise.

She shrugged. I wish it were. Even with all the formulas and measurements and scientific data about what makes up a nose, theres no way I can be sure Im reconstructing the original nose. Ive just got to do my best and hope I come close.

And the mouth?

Measurements again. The height of the lips is determined by measuring the distance between the top and bottom gum line. The width is generally the distance between the canine teeth, which usually co-incides with the distance between the centers of the eyes. Thickness of the lips comes from the anthropo-logical charts for tissue depth. Like the nose, I have no clues about the unique shape, so I have to use instinct and judgment to She pushed the tray away and stood up. I dont have time to talk anymore. I have to get back to work.

Then I assume Im dismissed again. He rose to his feet and picked up the tray. Would it be all right if I come in and watch you sometime, or would that be invading your space?

Why? Do you think Im really going to make him look like Jimmy Hoffa?

No. But could it happen?

She shook her head. Havent you been listening? The bone structure tells the tale.

What about the smoothing and filling-in process and the judgment calls on the nose and mouth and

Okay, if you have a preconceived idea of iden-tity, it might influence what you do. Thats why I never look at photos until Im finished. During this period I dont allow myself any creativity. Pure sci-ence has to guide the basic foundation for the face. When the technical development is complete, then I can consider the face as a whole and give artistic judg-ment full rein until its finished. If I didnt do it that way, the product would just be a sculpture and not a facial reconstruction. Her lips tightened. You can bet I wouldnt let that happen. Jimmys not going to look like Hoffa unless hes Hoffa. So you dont have to keep an eye on me, Logan.

That wasnt my intention. He grimaced. If I admit Im tense and maybe a little worried, would you please let me come?

Doubts? I thought you were so sure it was Kennedy.

I want to see that skull come to life, Eve, he said simply. I know that I dont deserve any consid-eration, but will you let me?

She hesitated. She was still annoyed and re-sentful. After all he had done, she should tell him to go jump in the lake. On the other hand, a truce might be necessary for getting out of this predicament safely. She lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. I dont care if you dont talk to me. I probably wouldnt know youre in the room. If you open your mouth, youre out.

Not a word. He headed for the door. You wont even know Im here. Ill bring you food and coffee and then curl up in the corner like a docile pussycat.

I dont know any cats that are docile. She moved toward the pedestal and was already closing him out. Just be quiethellip;

CHEVY CHASE

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

You dont seem to be progressing very fast, Doprel, Fiske said. And youre not even working on the skull.

I never work on the skull, Doprel said. Im making a cast and Ill do the work on that.

Does everyone? It seems like a waste of time.

No, but I prefer to do it that way, Doprel said with irritation. Its safer. I dont have to be so careful of the skull.

Timwick wants the work done quickly. This cast is

I work the way I work, Doprel said coldly. I find it goes even faster when I dont have to be cautious.

Timwick doesnt care if the skull is damaged. We dont have time for the cast. He paused. Id think youd want to get this done fast so you can go home.

Its not the way I He hesitated. Screw it. What the hell do I care if the damn thing gets broken? Ill work on the skull. Now leave me alone, Fiske. Youre supposed to bring me meals and get me what I need, not criticize my methods.

Arrogant prick. He was treating Fiske like a lousy servant. Fiske had seen those scientific types before. They thought they were better and smarter than everyone else. Doprel with all his training and brains couldnt do what Fiske did in a million years. He wouldnt have either the cunning or the guts.

But maybe Doprel would learn his mistake be-fore this was over. Timwick said it depended on the results. Fiske smiled. I didnt mean to offend. He started to leave. Let me go make a pot of coffee for you.

BARRETT HOUSE

WEDNESDAY

10:50 P.M.

Done.

Eve stepped back, took off her glasses, and wiped her stinging eyes with the back of her hands. The meticulous work of laying the clay strips was fin-ished, and her eyes were strained badly. She didnt dare do anything else right now; she couldnt risk making a mistake. Shed sit down, rest for an hour or so, and then begin again.

She crossed to the desk, dropped down in the chair, leaned back, and closed her eyes.

Are you okay? Logan asked.

She jumped, and her gaze flew to the far corner of the lab. Jesus, she had forgotten he was in the room. In the past twenty-four hours, he had moved in and out of the lab like a ghost, and she couldnt remember him even speaking to her.

Maybe he had. She had been so absorbed with Jimmy that she didnt remember much of those hours. She vaguely recalled she had called her mother once but had no idea what she had said.

Okay? Logan repeated.

Of course Im okay. I was just resting. I dont have the best vision in the world and my eyes are strained.