And rightly so. For wasting my valuable time.
Ive called and arranged a condo in Fort Lauder-dale for you. Logan gave him a card. Its booked under the name Ray Wallins. Stay there until we call you and let you know its safe.
Kessler smiled slyly. A luxury condo? With maid service?
Logan grinned. Maybe. Dont push your luck.
A man of my skills and intellect deserves luxury. It shouldnt be wasted on philistines like you, Logan.
Logan handed him an envelope. Cash. It should keep you content for a few months.
Ah, thats better. Kessler tucked the envelope in his jacket pocket. It will do until the first advance on my best-selling book comes in. He looked at Eve. I may need an assistant, my spelling is atrocious. I might be persuaded to give you a room in my condo if you ask me nicely, Duncan.
I cant spell either.
I guess that means no. Oh, well, youd have tried to hog the credit anyway.
Joe came out of the hotel room carrying Eves bag. Were out of here, Eve. If we start now, we can be at Lanier by nine.
She nodded, still looking at Gary. Thank you. Youve been wonderful.
He nodded. Magnificent.
Youll leave now?
Ill throw my clothes into my suitcase, put the case in my Volvo, and Im on my way to Fort Lauderdale. Five minutes.
Well wait.
Duncan, its not He shrugged. What a stubborn woman. He disappeared into his room and came out a few minutes later. He put his suitcase in his car and turned to face her. Satisfied?
Yes. She stepped closer and gave him a hug. Thank you, she whispered in his ear.
Youre really becoming boring, Duncan. Gary got into his car and turned on the engine.
Are you ready to go? Logan asked Eve. I as-sume youre going with Quinn, since hes done every-thing but toss you in the car. Ill follow you to Lanier.
Were leaving now. Joe got into the drivers seat. Are you packed?
Everythings in my car. Logan crossed the parking lot toward the brown Taurus.
Eve? Joe said.
She nodded quickly and opened the passenger door. The first obstacle, proof, was overcome. She had the DNA reports in the briefcase in her hand. Gary would be safe and so would her mother when they reached her in a few hours.
Thank God.
4:10 A.M.
Fiske took the listening device out of his ear and dialed Lisa Chadbourne.
They were staying at the Roadway Stop in Bainbridge, Fiske said. I followed Kessler and Joe Quinn back from the DNA Testing Center. Logan and Duncan are here too. But none of them are staying. Quinn just put Duncans suitcase in his car. Duncan said good-bye to Kessler. Hes not going with them. Kesslers driving out of the parking lot now.
What about Logan? Lisa Chadbourne asked.
Hes getting in another car. A brown Taurus.
Does she have the skull with her?
How do I know? Shes not going to be carrying a skull under her arm like a purse. I guess she could have stuffed it in her bag. Or maybe Logan has it.
Or maybe theyve hidden it somewhere. Im not asking for your guesses. You havent seen it?
The bitch was beginning to annoy him. No way.
Then dont let them out of your sight. I need that skull.
Youve told me that. Logans following Quinn out of the parking lot.
Then go after them, dammit.
No problem. I know where theyre going. Theyre heading north to pick up Duncans mother at Lanier.
Youre sure?
I just heard Quinn say it.
A silence. Youre positive you wont lose them.
I wont lose them.
Then I have something else for you to do.
Eves digital phone rang when they were forty miles outside Bainbridge.
Duncan. Dont
She could barely hear the words.
What?
Dun-canhellip;
Her heart jumped. Gary?
Another voice. He wanted to say good-bye.
Who is this? she whispered.
Fiske. She wants the skull, Eve.
Where are you?
Back at the motel. I ran our good Dr. Kessler off the road and then persuaded him to come back to his room for a little discussion.
I want to talk to Gary.
Hes not able to talk anymore. She said to tell you it wont be the last. Give her the skull, Eve. He hung up.
Oh, God.
What is it? Joes gaze was fixed on her face.
Her stomach was clenching. She couldnt breathe. Turn around. We have to go back to the motel.
What?
Fiskehellip; and Gary. I know it was Gary.
You cant be sure. It might not be him. It could be a trick.
Dammit, I know it was Gary. He called me Duncan.
Its a trap, Eve.
I dont care. We have to go back. Dear Jesus, that whisper. Turn around, Joe.
The next place I can. Ill put on my emergency lights to signal Logan.
Hurry. She tried to think. She had the briefcase with the DNA reports, but Logan had the skull. If it was a trap, she had to make sure No, stop. I have to give him the briefcase.
They pulled off the highway, and Logan stopped beside them.
Joe got out of the car and shoved the briefcase at him. Were going back to the motel. Kessler called Eve. Its Fiske.
Get in the car with me, Quinn, Logan said. Eve, you wait here.
Screw you. Lets go, Joe.
Joe started the car.
Ill follow you, Logan said.
Dont you dare, Eve said fiercely. She wants the skull. If I have to bargain with it to save Gary, Ill do it. But I wont have any bargaining power if Fiske takes it away from you.
Fiske wont
Joe was already streaking down the highway toward the motel.
She wants the skull, Eve.
Give her the skull.
Gary.
The door of Kesslers room was cracked open, and light streamed through the narrow opening.
Stay here. Joe got out of the car.
Im going to
Dont argue with me. Hey, this is what I do. He drew his gun from his shoulder holster. It will be okay. He pressed against the wall to one side of the door and kicked the door open.
No barrage of shots.
No one barreling through the door.
Nothing.
Joe waited a moment and then crouched low and ran into the room.
She couldnt stand it. She jumped out of the car and ran toward the door.
Joe was suddenly standing in front of her, barring the way. No, Eve.
What do you No. She pushed him aside and ran into the room.
Gary was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, a knife protruding from his throat.
She fell to her knees beside him. Gary.
Come on. Joe tried to lift her to her feet, but she shrugged him off. We have to get you out of here.
We cant leave him. She noticed for the first time the two other knives pinning Garys palms to the floor. Oh, Joe, look what he did to him.
Its over, Eve. I have to get you out of here.
Tears were running down her cheeks. He hurt him. He did it on purpose. He wanted me to know he hurt him. She wanted me to know.
Hes not hurting anymore.
She was rocking back and forth as pain seared through her. Its not fair. He wanted to fight them. He wanted to
Eve, look at me.
She gazed blindly up at Joes face.
His eyeshellip;
He reached down and touched her hair with the most exquisite tenderness. Im sorry, he said gently.
His fist lashed out and struck her chin.