The Face of Deception (34 page)

It wouldnt do any good to give you a sugar-coated pill. Youd only laugh at me. Youve been through pain before. You know theres no quick fix. You just have to ride with it.

Yes, thats the only way to handle it. He paused. But I wouldnt laugh at you, Eve. No way. He took his hand from the wheel and covered her hand that lay on the seat between them. Thankhellip; you.

For what? She tried to smile lightly. Saving myself a trip to Timbuktu?

No, thats still on the agenda if I can work it in. He squeezed her hand and then slowly released it. I believe I envy Quinn.

Why?

Many things. His lips tightened grimly. But its much more desirable for a man to be protector and comforter than the other way around. Crying on your shoulder like this displays a certain lack of strength.

You didnt cry on my shoulder.And no one could ever say Logan lacked strength. You yelled at me and threw my clothes around.

Same thing. Sorry, I lost control. It wont happen again.

She hoped it wouldnt happen again. Her re-sponse to his pain had startled her. It had been an al-most maternal reaction. She had taken him in her arms and had wanted to rock him until the agony dis-appeared. She had wanted to comfort and heal, to hold and caress. His vulnerability had broken through barriers that his strength would never have breached. No problem. Just hang my clothes back up and well call it even.

She looked out the window. The need was over. Shut him out. He was coming too close.

She could feel his gaze on her, but she didnt look at him. She kept her eyes on the sun setting behind the trees.

He didnt speak again until he pulled into the parking space near her motel room. I have to talk to Kessler. When do you expect him back from the lab?

She checked her wristwatch. Seven forty-five. He might be in his room now. I was supposed to go to his room at eight and we were going to order dinner to be delivered. She made a face. Bubba Blues Barbecue. Gary said he could imagine the place probably had a rattlesnake in a glass case, saw-dust on the floor, and a country singer yodelingOh, shit. Her eyes filled with tears. She had been so busy comforting Logan that Gils death had not hit home until that moment. Would she ever listen to a country song again without remembering Gil Price?

Yeah. Logans eyes were glittering. I told him hed love this place. That all they had on the radio was country music like He abruptly opened the door and got out of the car. I have to go to my room and shower and change clothes. He reached in the backseat and pulled out the case. Ill take custody of Ben for a while. Ill meet you in Kesslers room in twenty minutes.

She nodded numbly as she moved toward her door. Gil Price, humor and gentleness and a zestful love of life. All that gone. Death. Creeping close, striking down Gil. Who was next? Logan could have died with Gil.

The other side of a coin.

She went into the room and shook her head as she saw the clothes scattered on the bed. Shed clean up this mess and try to

Screw it.

She was scared and worried and chillingly aware of the shadows drawing near. She hadnt talked to Mom since last night and she needed to make contact. She reached for the telephone in her bag.

No answer.

What the hell?

She dialed the number again.

No answer.

The other side of a coin.

Your position isnt as strong as you think.

Mom.

Her hand was trembling as she dialed Logans room number. I cant reach Mom. Shes not an-swering her phone.

Dont panic. It may be

Dont tell me not to panic. I cant reach her.

It may be nothing. Let me call Pilton and check.

Whats the chance of that hap

Im going to call Pilton, he interrupted. Ill get back to you. He hung up the phone.

Nothing was wrong.

Fiske hadnt found her.

Nothing was wrong.

The phone rang.

She jumped to answer it.

Shes fine, Logan said. I talked to her. She and Margaret were just sitting down to dinner. The bat-tery on her phone was down.

Safe. The relief was so intense, she felt almost sick. Shes okay?

Shes worried about you. Shed like to break my neck. But shes okay.

She couldnt talk for a moment. You know that boat to Timbuktu, Logan?

Yes.

I want my mother on it.

Well work on it right away. Will you go with her?

Hell, yes. Get me out of here. No, Ill see you in Kesslers room in fifteen minutes.

I have a copy of the DNA report, Gary said as soon as he opened the door. Wheres Quinn with those comparison samples?

He should be here soon. She looked beyond him to Logan, who was sitting in the chair across the room. Logan told you about Gil Price?

Gary nodded. Not good.

Very bad. Youve done everything you can, Gary. Youve got the report for us. For Gods sake, will you leave now?

When I finish. When I have Quinns samples.

Thats not good enough. We dont need you any-more. Joe can go to the lab and get

No, Duncan. Garys voice was gentle but firm. I finish what I start.

Thats stupid. Youll end up like Gil Price. She whirled on Logan. Tell him.

Ive tried, Logan said. He wont listen.

Like Gil. Gil wouldnt listen either. She drew a deep breath. But you have to listen. Shes going to Two sides of a coin.

What?

Lisa Chadbourne. She phoned me this after-noon.

Logan sat up straight in his chair. What the hell?

She wanted to make a deal with me for the skull.

Why didnt you tell me she called? Logan asked grimly.

Think about it. Were you in a mood to listen? You wouldnt have been reasonable.

I dont feel reasonable now either. Did she threaten you?

In a way.

What kind of way?

She washellip; sad. What difference does it make? she asked impatiently. I just want Gary and my mother out of this. Okay?

Did she say anything to lead you to believe that she knows anything about Bainbridge or your mother?

Of course she didnt. Shes too smart. Shed never give anything away. She turned to Gary. But you have to

The only thing I have to do is call Bubba Blues Barbecue, Gary said. Do you want ribs or steak?

I want you to leave.

Or maybe a pork sandwich?

Garyhellip;

He reached for the phone and started dialing. Give me your order or youll get the ribs.

She gazed at him helplessly. Dammit. Steak.

Good choice.

Joe Quinn arrived at the door thirty minutes after the delivery man from Bubbas brought the food.

Got it. Joe held up the two black thermal bags. How fast can you get a comparison?

She eagerly turned to Gary. Tonight?

He shrugged. Maybe. Ill call Chris and see if I can persuade him to go back to the lab tonight. He wiped the barbecue off his fingers and reached for the telephone. Get out of here. Its going to take some talking. He worked most of last night for me and hes not going to like this.

Joe opened the door. When youre ready to go, Ill drive you to the lab, Gary.

Gary waved an acknowledging hand.

You okay? Joe asked Eve as they walked out.

As good as can be expected. Gil Price was killed.

Joe glanced at Logan. Your friend?

Logan nodded.

I heard about the press conference. Everythings going to hell, isnt it?

Thats pretty accurate.

What are you planning to do with the DNA evi-dence once you get it?

I have a few friends in Washington who would go to bat as long as the proof is there.

Joe shook his head. Too chancy.

Not with Andrew Bennett in my corner. Hes chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Better than a politician but still risky.

You have a better idea?

The media.

Lisa Chadbournes an expert at manipulating the media.

Maybe, but name me a reporter whos not ready to blow up an entire administration if it sells newspapers.

The storys too bizarre, Eve said. And theyve laid too many obstacles for us to even get near a newspaper.

I could do it.

Eve shook her head.

I know a man with the Atlanta Journal and Con-stitution. Peter Brown. Won a Pulitzer five years ago.

For Gods sake, youd get arrested yourself for harboring criminals, Joe.

Peter will keep his mouth shut.

Maybe, Logan said.

Definitely. He met Logans eyes. Ive already called him and hes interested. Hell, hes salivating. Hes only waiting for the DNA.

Son of a bitch. Without consulting us?

I had to do something while I was spinning my wheels in Richmond. Its better than trusting a politician.

Eve held up her hand. Why dont we wait until we get the results before we start arguing about what to do?

I want this over, Joe said. I want you out of it.

No more than I do, she said wearily. Its getting

Hell do it, Kessler announced as he came out of the room. Hes meeting me at the lab in twenty minutes.

Lets go. Joe moved toward a black Chevrolet a few yards away. How long will this take, Gary?

Six, eight hours.

Pack your bag, Eve.Joe slipped into the drivers seat and started the car. Ill be back as soon as I get the report. Well go pick up your mother and Ill find a safe place for you until we can wrap this up.

Before she could say anything he was pulling out of the lot.

Well, we agree on one thing, Logan mur-mured. We both want you out of here and some-where safe.

The media wasnt a bad idea.

No, its solid. We may go that route. But we need Washington too.

Then why did you argue with him?

He shrugged. Im afraid its becoming a habit. He turned away. Ill go pack and make a few calls to my friends in Washington. I cant let Quinn get ahead of me.

Tellers research lab was dark except for lights shining in one area of the lower floor.

Burning the midnight oil, Fiske thought. The center was supposed to close at six; now, why would anyone be there at one in the morning? Two cars in the parking lot. One Chevrolet with a rental tag.

He had a hunch hed struck pay dirt.

He popped the lid of his trunk and got out of the car. He opened the lid of his electronic equipment case and took out his listening device.

A few minutes later he was back in the drivers seat. He settled himself more comfortably and waited for them to come out of the building.

TWENTY

4:05 A.M.

Eve was waiting at the window when Joe and Gary pulled up into the motel parking lot. Theyre here, she tossed over her shoulder to Logan. She threw open the door. Done?

Done. Gary handed her the briefcase. Millicent Babcocks sample strongly indicated a relation-ship. A brilliant smile lit his face. Chadbournes saliva was a definite match, of course.

Of course. I know that. Eve smiled shakily. Youd be scowling and calling me names if it wasnt.

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?