The Face of Deception

True. Maybe she was wrong. Money could move the world. She herself had been tempted by the bait he had dangled before her. Let Gary try his way first.

No offense. Just trying to help.

I know you were. Why should I take offense? Theres nothing wrong with money.

He stared at her in surprise.

I just dont like it used as a club.

But bribery is okay?

In certain cases.

He smiled. Like the Adam Fund?

Hell, yes.

Even when I used it to deceive you?

No, that wasnt right. She looked into his eyes. But I let you do it. Im not stupid. I knew there was something wrong, but I still took the chance. I wasnt like youI wasnt afraid someone was going to make a mistake and blow us all up. I wanted the money. I thought it would help and I was willing to run the risk. If I hadnt gone with you, none of this would have hap-pened. I wouldnt be in trouble and Mom would be safe. She shrugged. Id like to keep blaming you, but we all have to accept responsibility for our own actions.

That wasnt the impression I got, he said dryly. You wanted to cut my throat.

There are moments when I still do. You were wrong. But I was wrong too, and I have to live with it. She gazed out the window. I just dont want anyone else hurt because I was wrong.

Youre being very generous.

Im not generous, she said wearily. But I try to see things clearly. I learned a long time ago that its easy to blame everyone else when it hurts to blame yourself. But in the end you have to face it.

He went still. Bonnie?

We were at a school picnic at a neighborhood park. She wanted to go to the ice cream stand and get a cone. I was talking to her teacher and I let her go alone. There were kids and parents all around and the stand was only a short distance from the picnic table. I thought it was safe. It wasnt safe.

For Gods sake, how could that be your fault? he asked roughly.

I should have gone with her. Fraser killed her but I didnt care for her well enough.

And have you been wearing that hair shirt all these years?

Its hard not to second-guess yourself when you make a mistake as big as that.

He didnt speak for a moment. Why did you tell me?

Why had she told him? She usually avoided talking about that day; the memory was still a hideous raw wound. I dont know. I made you tell me about your wife. Ihellip; think it hurt you. I suppose I thought it was only fair to even the ground.

And you have an obsession about being fair.

I have to try. Sometimes it doesnt work. Some-times I find myself closing my eyes and hiding away in the dark.

Like you did with Quinn?

I didnt hide She was lying. Admit it, she had tried not to see everything about Joes life clearly. The image she had of him was too important to her. Maybe I did. But not usually. Not if I can help it.

I believe you.

She was silent a moment. What about Millicent Babcock? Will she be in danger if they find out Joe got a sample from her?

Harming her wouldnt be much use to them. Chadbourne has an aunt and three first cousins living. It would be pretty obvious if theyre all taken down. Besides, its Ben Chadbournes DNA thats the con-clusive proof. Shes probably safe.

Probably.

Probably her mother was safe. Probably Gary would not be hurt. Probably Millicent Babcock would not be killed.

Probably wasnt good enough.

She leaned her head back on the seat and closed her eyes.

Let it be good enough. No more deaths. Please, no more deaths.

WASHINGTON

11:05 p.m.

Mr. Fiske? Lisa Chadbourne leaned closer to the car window and smiled. May I get in? Its a little public out here.

Fiske glanced around the street and then shrugged. It looks pretty deserted to me.

Thats why I chose it. All the federal offices close at five in this neighborhood. She got in the pas-senger seat and shut the door. But Im sure youll understand that I cant take any chances. Im fairly recognizable these days.

True. The velvet-trimmed hood of her brown cape was pulled forward to shadow her features, but the minute she pushed it back, Fiske instantly recog-nized her. It really is you. I wasnt surehellip;

You were sure enough to hop a plane and come to Washington to meet me.

I was curious, and you said youd make me an offer that would intrigue me. Im always interested in advancing myself.

And you were flattered that I would go over Timwicks head and speak to you directly?

No. The conceited bitch thought he should fall all over himself just because she was the Presidents wife. You dont mean anything more to me than anyone else. I dont need you, you need me. Or you wouldnt be here.

She smiled. Youre right. You have a unique talent and an efficiency I appreciate. I told Timwick the way you handled the problem at Barrett House was admirable. She paused. But, unfortunately, Timwick is not as efficient and hes become nervous and irrational. Hes begun to disappoint me. You do realize that hes merely been channeling orders from me?

Not the President?

Definitely not the President. Hes not involved.

He was disappointed. It would have been a feather in his cap to have done this job for the most important man in the free world. Then I should be charging more money, shouldnt I?

Should you?

If he doesnt know about what youre doing, then hes a potential threat. If he was involved, he could protect me. You cant do shit.

Do you want to be protected, Fiske? I dont think so. Ive read your dossier and I dont believe thats one of your priorities. Youre not a man who relies on anyone but himself.

His gaze narrowed on her face with sudden in-terest. Smart. Money is protection.

Your fees are exorbitant. You probably have enough in a bank in Switzerland to live like a king.

Im worth my fee.

Of course you are. Im just pointing out that you could have retired in safety a long time ago. So why are you risking your neck doing this?

Theres never too much money.

She shook her head. You like it. You like the risk. You like the game. It gives you immense satisfaction, and the harder the game, the greater the risk, the better you like it. You love the idea of doing some-thing no one else can do. She paused. The most dif-ficult thing on earth is getting away with murder, isnt it? Thats the supreme challenge, the most inter-esting game.

Christ. Maybe too smart. Perhaps.

Dont be so wary. We all have our own agendas. I find your philosophy perfectly reasonable, and it happens to coincide perfectly with my needs. Thats why I chose you.

You chose me? Timwick chose me.

Timwick gave me a number of dossiers and he thinks we chose you together. I chose you, Fiske. I knew you were the one I needed. She smiled. And I knew you were the man who needed me.

I dont need anyone.

Of course you do. Im the one who can increase the difficulty of the game. I can give you a challenge that youve never been faced with before. Dont you find that idea exciting?

He didnt answer.

She chuckled. You do. I knew you would. Youre probably sick of working under Timwick. You like bold strokesdecisive, clean thinking. You wont have any problem with waffling from me.

Hed bet he wouldnt. Youre cutting Timwick out of the picture?

Im saying that you go back to Atlanta and check on Kessler. You pay lip service to Timwick, but you obey my orders and answer directly to me.

It would help me decide if I knew what all this is about.

She studied him. No, it wouldnt. You dont care. You think all of our complicated machinations are stupid. Youre just trying for a power hold. You appre-ciate power. Its part of the game.

His lips twisted. You think you know me that well?

She shook her head. But I know you well enough to survive you.

Do you? He put his hands around her throat. Did you ever realize how difficult it would be to kill the first lady and get away with it? Think what a kick it would be for me to show those bastards how stupid they are.

I thought about it. She stared directly into his eyes. But then youd be on the run and the game would be over. What a disappointment. I can stretch out the game for a long time.

His hands tightened until he knew there would be bruising. Hurt her, make her back down.

She didnt flinch. I have a list for you. Her voice was hoarse. Or, rather, an addendum to the list you were given before.

His grasp didnt loosen.

I knew youd like lists. I told Timwick so. Thats why he gave you She drew a deep breath as his hands fell away from her. Thank you. She rubbed her throat. Timwick told you to check out Kessler?

Yes, but he didnt seem to think it was impor-tant. Hes more concerned with Sandra Duncan.

Shes also important. I may have to make a decision about her shortly, but I dont want Kessler overlooked. Unless you reach him immediately, Kessler will be making DNA tests, probably not at the university. Find him. Dont let him have time to get the results.

DNA?

On the skull. You know about the skull.

He smiled. No, you tell me about it. Whats so important about that skull?

You know all youre going to know. Except that I want the skull and youre going to get it for me.

Am I?

I hope you are. Im not Timwick, Ill never take you for granted.

He tilted his head. Now, I wonder who you killed? A lover? A blackmailer?

I need that skull.

Youre an amateur, or you wouldnt be in all this hot water. You should have let an expert handle it.

I realize my mistake. Thats why Im having an expert handle the matter now. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Here. My private digital phone number is on the back. Unless its an emergency, please try not to call me before seven in the evening.

He looked down at the folded paper in his hand. Youre taking a chance. Your fingerprints must be all over Gloves. She was wearing leather gloves. Then I assume its also not handwritten?

Computer, and you wont find any prints on that sheet but your own. My phone is under another name and the paperwork is buried so deep that it would take years to unearth it. She reached for the door handle. Im very efficient too, Fiske. Thats why you and I will work so well together.

Im not saying Im agreeing.

Think about it. She got out of the car. Read the list and think about it.

Wait.

I have to get back. You can understand how dif-ficult it is for me to get away unnoticed.

But you did it. How? he asked, curious.

I explored those possibilities the first week I moved in. I wasnt about to become a prisoner. Its not too difficult.

And youre not going to tell me. He thought about it. There was a rumor about a subterranean tunnel linking the White House to the Treasury De-partment. Supposedly Kennedy used it when he wanted to meet Marilyn Monroe. Is that how

Would I tell you? Youd regard getting into the White House as a plum in your list of accomplish-ments. The difficulty factor might just make killing me too tempting to resist, and I want you focused elsewhere.

Shake the bitch. He suddenly leaned forward. There are at least thirty-five secret agents and over a hundred uniformed guards at the White House at any given time. Its good to know there are ways to avoid them.

Her face was without expression. You have the numbers down pat.

As you say, its a challenging scenario. The possi-bilities have always intrigued me.

But you have to remember that I have Timwick schedule those Secret Service men at times and places that make it easy for me to avoid them. Timwicks not going to help you.

Not even if I tell him that you asked me to meet you tonight?

You wont do that. It would be against your interests.

He was silent a moment. You dont fool me. You were scared like all the rest. I could feel your heart jump under my thumbs. Youre scared now.

I am. Some things are worth being scared about. Call me. She walked away from him and down the street.

Tough woman. Tough and smart and gutsy. A hell of a lot more guts than Timwick.

But maybe she was too smart. She had come very close in her assessment of him, and it made him un-easy. He didnt like the idea of anyone predicting how he would react in any given situation. He wasnt sure he liked the idea of working with a woman.

Read the list.

She had guessed how a man of his temperament would appreciate a list. But why had she thought reading her list would make him favor her?

He unfolded the paper and bent closer to the lights of the dashboard.

He started to laugh.

The phone rang as Lisa was walking into her bedroom.

Okay, Fiske said. He hung up the phone.

A man of quick decision and few words, she thought dryly as she returned her phone to her handbag. Not to mention a certain lethal impulsive-ness for which she had not been prepared. She would have to hide the bruises from Kevin tonight and wear a scarf tomorrow.

Lisa? Kevin called from the bedroom. Where have you been?

Just for a walk in the garden. I needed some air. She hung her cape in the closet and grabbed a bathrobe with a cowl neck. Now I need a hot shower. Ill be in soon, Kevin.

Hurry. I want to talk.

Talk. God, she wished it was only sex. Listening to Kevin ramble and inserting the appropriate praise and encouragement was a strain she didnt need. For a moment, when Fiske had put his hands on her throat, she had thought she was going to die. Han-dling Fiske was going to be very difficult.

But she could do it. She had to do it. Dont think about how frightened shed been. She had done good work tonight. Fiske was hers.

She stepped beneath the hot spray of the shower and let the water run over her. God, she felt dirty. Just being in the same car with that filthy murderer had made her feel contaminated.

But she was a murderer too.

Not like him. She would not see herself in the same light as that beast.

Dont think about him. She closed her eyes and commanded her muscles to relax. This was her mo-ment. Enjoy it. She had very little time to herself. She almost wished she were free like Eve Duncan.

What are you doing now, Eve Duncan? Is it as hard for you as it is for me? She leaned her head against the wall of the shower and whispered, Where are you, Eve?

Fiske would find her. Fiske would kill her and Lisa would be safe. Why was there no comfort in that thought?

Lisa? Kevin was outside the bathroom door.

Dammit, couldnt they let her have one moment alone? Coming. She stepped out of the shower and dried her tears. Christ, what was wrong with her? Fiske must have shaken her more than she could have believed. She slipped on her robe, zipping it up to the chin, then ran a brush through her hair.

Smile. Be warm and sympathetic. Dont let him see, dont let any of them see. She swung open the door and kissed Kevin on the cheek. Now, whats so important that you couldnt wait to tell me?

This isnt a very nice motel. I think there are bugs, Bonnie said

Eve turned over in bed We had to find a place that was unobtrusive. Bugs shouldnt make any difference to you. Youre ectoplasm, remember?

Bonnie smiled Anything that makes a difference to you makes a difference to me. You always hated bugs. She settled herself in the chair next to the bed I remember how you yelled at the exterminator when he didnt do a good job getting rid of the roaches in my room.

That had been the summer before Bonnie had disappeared.

Bonnies smile faded Oh, dear, I didnt mean to re-mind you of anything sad

Did it ever occur to you that your coming to me automatically reminds me of something sad?

Yes, but Im hoping someday youll realize that Im always with you.

Youre not with me.

Why are you trying to hurt yourself ? Just accept me, Mama. She changed the subject. You did a good job on Ben but, then, I knew you would.

So now you knew who it was all the time?

No, I keep telling you that I dont know every-thing. Just sometimes I get a feeling.

Like about the bugs in this crummy motel room? Thats pretty safe.

Bonnie giggled. It is, isnt it?

Eve found herself smiling. It was my first thought when I came into the room.

And you think Im using that? Bonnie clucked re-provingly. How suspicious you are, Mama.

Then tell me something I dont know. Tell me where you are.

Bonnie tucked one leg beneath her. I like Mr. Logan. I wasnt sure at first, but I think hes a good man.

Whoever said ghosts have good judgment.

Bonnie smiled slyly. Progress. Thats the first time you admitted I might not be your imagination.

The judgment of figments of imagination are questionable too.

Well, your judgment is pretty shaky too. You shouldnt be so hard on Joe.

Im not condemning Joe.

Yes, you are. Because of me. But hes a good man too, and he cares about you. Dont push him away.

Im very tired, Bonnie.

And you want me to go away

Never. Never go away. I want you to stop preaching at me.

Okay I just dont want you to be left alone. Her smile faded. Its dangerous for you to be alone now. Im afraid of all the bad things that are coming.

What bad things?

Bonnie shook her head

I can handle them.

You think you can handle anything because of what you went through with me. Maybe you can. But maybe you cant.

And maybe I dont want to handle them, she said wearily. Maybe I just want to let things happen. God, Im so tired of it all.

And Im tired of you mourning me.

Then go away and forget me.

Thats not an option, Mama. The remembering goes on forever, just like the love does. I just want you to be happy again.

Imhellip; content.

Bonnie sighed. Go to sleep. I guess theres no talking to you until youre ready.

Eve closed her eyes. Where are you, baby? she whispered I want to bring you home.

I am home, Mama. Whenever Im with you, Im home.

No, I need you to

Hush, go to sleep. Thats what you need right now.

Dont tell me what I need. What I need is to find out where you are so that I can bring you home. Maybe then I wouldnt have these crazy dreams about you.

Theyre not crazy and youre not crazy. Youre just stubborn.

And youre not?

Sure, Im your daughter. Im entitled. Go on to sleep, and Ill just stay here and keep you company for a while.

So I wont be alone?

Yes, so you wont be alone.

SEVENTEEN

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER

BETHESDA, MARYLAND

7:45 A.M.

"I am hurrying, Lisa. Scott Marens hand tightened on the phone. For Gods sake, I have to be careful. Youve got media crawling all over this place. Ive switched the teeth X rays, but its not going to be as easy to switch the DNA samples.

But you can do it? Lisa asked. Youve got to do it, Scott.

Ill do it, he said wearily. I told you Id take care of you.

Do you think Im worried only about myself? Its you. I feel so guilty that I let you help me. No one must know.

Its not your fault. I bought into it. He had bought into it over twenty years ago, when Lisa had come to his apartment and theyd become lovers. She hadnt been married to Ben then, and their affair had lasted only a year, but the short duration hadnt mat-tered. Hed loved Lisa since theyd met that first year at Stanford. In spite of the nightmare shed brought into his life, he loved her still. The pattern was set and couldnt be broken. It will be all right.

I know it will. Youve never failed me.

And I never will.

Let me know when its finished. She paused. Im very grateful, Scott. I dont know how to repay you.

I didnt ask to be repaid. But Lisa had made sure that he had benefited after Bens death. Honor, fame, money. But they werent enough. When she left the White House he would see that she came to him as she should have all those years before. She didnt realize that they were bound closer now than they had ever been before.

I dont know what I would have done without you, Scott.

Lisa in bed. Lisa laughing at his jokes. Lisa with tears in her eyes as she told him she was going to marry Ben. Ill let you know when I have news for you.

Good-bye, Scott. She hung up.

Dr. Maren?

He turned around to see a red-haired young man in an orderlys uniform standing in the doorway. Yes? Am I wanted?

Not that I know about. The young man came into the office and closed the door. My name is Gil Price. Id like to talk to you.

BAINBRIDGE

8:40 A.M.

Chris Tellers laboratory was located in a small building on the outskirts of Bainbridge. Its clapboard walls were covered with ivy and it looked more like a Yale fraternity house than a science lab. Even the sign on the lab was so small, Eve would have missed the building entirely if she hadnt been closely fol-lowing Gary.

Teller Laboratories.

This is the home of state-of-the-art science? Logan murmured.

Everything isnt the way it appears on the sur-face. Gary trusts him, so I do too. She parked beside Garys Volvo in the parking lot and waited. When Gary got out of his car and came toward her, she asked, Do you want us to go in with you, Gary?

If you want to blow any chance I have, he said dryly. This may be a small southern town, but they do have television sets and newspapers. Stay here. I may be a while.

She watched him walk briskly into the building. His step was eager, vigoroushellip; young. Ivanhoe going into the fray against the Black Knight, she thought apprehensively.

Easy. Logan gently pried her clenched fingers from the steering wheel. Hes not going to face any-thing more than rejection in there.

Right now. We should never have let him come.

I doubt if we could have stopped him. He leaned back in the seat. Whats the process? You said it might take days even if Kessler can persuade him to accelerate. Why does DNA identification take so long?

Its the radioactive probe.

Probe?

She raised a brow. Are you trying to distract me, Logan?

Yes, but I really dont know the process. He shrugged. Except what I learned in the 0.J. Simpson trial. And that courtroom hardly provided a definitive, unbiased course on DNA.

The DNA strand we took from Ben will be dis-solved in a solution of enzymes that target specific points on the strand and cut it into fragments. A small amount of DNA is put in a tray with a special gel, then a current of electricity is sent through the gel. The current pulls the fragments along and arranges them by length and weight.

And where does the probe come in?

The technician transfers the fragments to a nylon membrane and the radioactive probe is applied to it. The probe seeks out and marks specific points on the DNA. X-ray film is placed over it for several days to develop. When thats done, the DNA will ap-pear as dark bands on the X-ray film.

And thats the DNA print?

She nodded. Thats the DNA profile and theres only a one-in-a-million chance that anyone else might have the same profile.

And theres no way of accelerating the probe?

Theres one method Ive been hearing about lately, but its been slow to catch on in the laborato-ries. Its called chemiluminescence. The radioactive probe is replaced by a chemically activated probe that interacts with chemical reagents that then release light in the form of photons.

What are photons?

Particles of light. Whichever area of the X-ray film they strike will be exposed, and the result is the same dark bands of DNA youd see with the ra-dioactive probe method. Most of the big labs have started using chemiluminescence, but I dont know if this small lab has. Gary will tell us. Keep your fingers crossed.

I hoped

I told you it might not be overnight.

Several dayshellip;

Stop repeating that, she said sharply. I know we dont have that much time. Maybe Gary will have good news.

I hope so. He paused. Youre clenching again.

She deliberately loosened her grip on the steering wheel. And youre not helping.

Im trying, he said quietly. Ill do anything I can. Do you want me to go into the lab and send Kessler away? Ill do it. Hell, Im aching to do some-thing, anything. Im tired of standing aside and let-ting everyone else take the risks.

Oh, God, another Ivanhoe. She would never have thought it of Logan. But maybe she should have, con-sidering that year of agonized frustration hed spent with his dying wife. He was not a man who would easily accept or recognize defeat.

Well?

He was trying to hide his eagerness, but it was there. Beneath that cool, tough exterior lay a desire to smash something.

Jesus, men were idiots.

Dont you dare. Ive no desire to end up in jail or some loony bin because youre bored and want to loose all your Neanderthal instincts.

She could see he was disappointed, but he shrugged philosophically. I dont believe Neanderthals were ever bored. Their brains were too undeveloped, their life span too short, and they spent most of their time just keeping alive.

The comparison is close enough to be apt.

He made a face. Ouch. Which part?

He was no Neanderthal. He was smart and charismatic and she was learning that the code guiding his life was as inflexible as the one that guided hers. She looked away from him. You were telling me the truth, werent you? It really wasnt politics. Youre doing this because you think youre saving the world.

Hell, no. Im doing it because Im afraid not to do it. Because theres a chance that the sky could fall and I dont want to look back and know I stood aside and let it happen. He took her chin in his hand and turned her head to look into her eyes. Id feel re-sponsible. Like you, Eve.

Hair shirt? she whispered.

I dont believe in them. You do what you can and then you go on.

His touch was disturbing. His words, the way he thoughthellip; He was disturbing. She turned her head and gazed out the window. Or you learn to live with your hair shirt.

That option is unacceptable, he said harshly. Choosing a career like yours was probably the worst possible thing you could have done. Why didnt someone stop you? Why didnt Quinn keep you on that island until you healed, until the memory dimmed a little?

She looked at him in wonder. He was so wrong. Why couldnt he understand? Because he knew it was the only way Id survive.

Is this surviving? Youre a workaholic, you have no personal life, youre the most driven woman Ive ever met. You need

Back off, Logan.

Why the hell should He drew a deep breath. Okay, Ill drop it. Its none of my business, right?

Right.

Then, dammit, why does it feel like my business?

Youre used to running things.

Yeah, thats it. He pulled his phone out of his pocket. My organizational instincts. When I see waste, I dive in and try to get rid of it. He stabbed savagely at the numbers on the keypad. And, Christ, am I seeing a wasteland in you.

My life isnt a waste. Far from it. Who are you phoning?

Gil.

Now? Why?

Its past time I heard from him. He pressed the send button. And I need a distraction at the mo-ment. Big-time.

So did she, she thought, relieved. The past few minutes had been too intense and upsetting, and her present life was already in such chaos.

Whats happening? Logan said into the phone. Why the hell havent you contacted me, Gil? Yes, I am surly, dammit.

He listened. Dont be stupid. It could be a trap. Marens already killed one man.

Eve stiffened.

Dont do it. He listened again. Yes, shes here. No, I wont let you talk to her. Talk to me.

Eve held out a hand.

He muttered a curse and handed her the phone. Hes an idiot.

I heard that, Gil said. Johns a little testy, isnt he? Thats why I wanted to talk to you. I really dont need to be yelled at in my present state.

What state is that?

Im walking a tight line. Maren is one cool customer.

You spoke to him about the deal?

He denied everything and pretended he didnt know what I was talking about.

Thats a logical reaction. I didnt think it would work.

But I think it did work. I could see I was hitting the bulls-eye. Maren didnt call the hospital security guards. Thats a good sign. I told him to think about it and meet me at a designated place on the Potomac near the C and O canal. Tonight at eleven.

He wont come. Hell talk to Lisa Chadbourne and theyll set a trap for you.

Maybe.

No maybe. Her hand clenched on the tele-phone. You and Logan told me she probably per-suaded him to kill for her. Do you think hes going to believe shed betray him?

Hes a very smart man. Its not easy to fool him. Its hard for me to believe hed let her talk him into killing Chadbourne in the first place. I think I can make him see that he has to cut his losses and get out before hes history.

Dont meet him, Gil.

I have to meet him. If I wrap up Maren, weve got Lisa Chadbourne. Ill let you know how it goes. Gil hung up.

She handed the phone back to Logan. Hes going to do it.

Hes an idiot, Logan said between his teeth.

You said he was a professional and knew what he was doing.

I never said his judgment was infallible. The meeting tonight is a mistake.

She thought it was a mistake too. Unless Lisa Chadbournes hold on Maren had weakened, there was no way hed betray her. And she would never allow that hold to be broken.

Until she broke it herself.

Shes going to be angry.

What?

Lisa Chadbourne. I think she probably regards Maren as her property. Shes going to be angry that were trying to take him away from her.

Its hardly reasonable shed feel possessive of a man she intends to dispose of.

Whos to say shes always reasonable? She has emotions like everyone else. Shes going to be on edge and maybe a little panicky when she finds out were close to Maren. It will be a surprise. She wont have realized wed made that connection.

Gil could be right. Maren might not tell her.

You dont believe that.

He shook his head.

Then what are we going to do?

Youre going to wait here with Kessler. Im going to fly up to Washington and go with Gil to that meeting.

You could be recognized.

Screw it.

Or caught in the same trap.

Ditto. He got out of the car and went around to the drivers side. Ill need the car. Ill drive to Sa-vannah and hop a plane from there. You drive back to the motel with Gary.

She slowly got out, then reached into the back-seat and retrieved Bens case. What about the test results?

You get them. You said it might be days. He slipped behind the wheel. Im no help here anyway.

And Ivanhoe had action to be taken and a castle to be won.

She wanted to hit him.

Phone and let me know what happens. She opened the passenger door of Garys Volvo. Pro-viding youre alive to do it.

Ill be alive. He started the car. Ill be back to-morrow. You should be safe. He frowned. Should isnt good enough. I cant take the chance. Ill call Kessler from the airport and get him to pay one of Tellers security guards to go to the motel and keep watch until I get back.

And what excuse is he going to give Teller?

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

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

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

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

Ill be careful.

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

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

Keep Bens skull with you.

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

Thats not true. Its just that

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

Why the hell are you I thought you liked Gil.

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

He still hesitated.

Good-bye, Logan.

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

Alone.

Its not good for you to be alone, Mama.

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

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

Wheres Logan?

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

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

And the bad news?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Wilson?

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

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

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

As soon as I can.

What the hell do you mean?

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

Where?

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

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

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

I told you to drop it. Go to Lanier.

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

Just stake her out. Ill let you know.

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

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

You realize that you can be replaced, Fiske.

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

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

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

No problem.

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

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

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

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

What kind of deal?

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

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

Perhaps.

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

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

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

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

But weve blocked that route for them.

Did you finish substituting the records?

Right after Price left me.

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

Is it?

Of course it is. I promise you.

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

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

You think I couldnt have done it without you?

I didnt say that, Scott.

He was silent a moment. Sorry.

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

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

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

Silence. No, I guess not.

Thats not good enough. Dont guess, know.

He didnt say anything.

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

Not to mention you.

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

And?

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

You think Logan will deal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great. How did you get it?

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

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

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

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

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

Youll get it tonight.

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

Sorry, nothing seems very funny to me right now.

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

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

Before I left Atlanta.

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

Ill call her.

Now?

Now, dammit. He ended the call.

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

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

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

He dialed his home number and Diane picked up immediately.

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

Where are you, Joe?

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

What case?

Nothing youd be interested in.

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

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

Isnt it?

Yes.

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

You know I cant turn my back on her.

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

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

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

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

He hoped she never found out.

EIGHTEEN

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

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

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

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

A little town outside Mobile.

Deep South.

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

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

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

And if were cut off from the car?

We can always swim.

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

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

Its better than swimming.

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

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

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

And you have a death wish.

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

Logan didnt answer.

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

No?

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

Purely selfish.

Ah, you admit it.

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

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

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

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

Then, where is he?

Were early. I think hell be here.

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

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

Lord, he hoped so.

But where the hell was Maren?

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

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

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

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

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

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

A red traffic light flashed on the cross street ahead.

Symbolic?

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

He braked as he neared the red light.

Nothing.

He pumped frantically.

The Corvette moved toward the intersection.

It was late. Maybe the traffic

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

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

Lisa.

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

I told you I got to him, Gil murmured.

A low throbbing to the south.

Logans heart jumped. The hell you did.

The air.

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

Run for the boat! Keep low.

Gil was already streaking for the speedboat.

The man theyd thought was Maren was running toward them.

A bullet whistled by Logans ear.

Son of a bitch.

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

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

Logan jumped in the boat and turned on the throttle.

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

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

Another spray of bullets, closer.

Too close.

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

Unless they wanted to miss.

Unless they were more valuable alive than dead.

The skull. Jesus, they needed the skull.

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

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

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

Gil was staring at him, his eyes glittering.

Gil?

Why hadnt Logan called?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Never back to her.

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

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

It wasnt John Logan in the fire?

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

And you think an assassination conspiracy is a possibility?

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

And Logan is suspected of instigating this conspiracy?

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

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

Mr. Timwick asked that a check be made.

Then you already suspected that Jamal was at Barrett House.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And burned down the house to hide it.

Correct.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The words struck her like a blow. What?

A truck broadsided his Corvette.

Where? Near where Gil was supposed to meet him?

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

Murder.

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

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

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

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

No, Ill go with you.

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

Ill go, dammit.

What about Logan? Have you heard from him?

No.

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

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

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

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

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

Id feel better going with you.

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

The door closed behind him.

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

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

Where the hell were they?

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

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

Why hasnt she called me?

She called you yesterday.

But she must know Id see What should we do?

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

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

Like what?

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

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

Maybe not. Ron would be careful.

Sandra, no.

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

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

Sandra shook her head.

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

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

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

I knew it.

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

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

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

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

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

Third time lucky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So now Lisa Chadbourne had a choice of targets.

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

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

Self-defense. He nodded. It should work.

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

What is it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

No, I mean right now.

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

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

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

I didnt say that, he said quickly.

You might just as well have said it.

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

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

With Logan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Damn him. Damn him. Damn him.

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

Why? she asked hoarsely. Damn you, why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just another deathhellip;

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

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

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

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

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

She couldnt stand it.

A deal?

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

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

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

Eve Duncan.

NINETEEN

The phone rang.

Logan?

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

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

Eve straightened in shock.

You do know who this is?

Lisa Chadbourne.

You recognize my voice. Good.

How did you get my number?

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

Since you were trying to kill me?

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

I dont control Logan. Nobody does.

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

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

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

Through murder.

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

Why did you call me?

Is Logan there?

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

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

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

Eve?

Im here.

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

I dont want to talk about Fraser.

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

What do you want from me?

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

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

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

And what about Logan?

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

And my mother?

You can take her with you. Can we deal?

No.

Why? What else do you want?

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

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