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.