Relief almost made Eve ill. Were coming in.
Logan had pulled in behind Joes car. Its okay?
Apparently. Joe was scanning the surrounding woods. Maybe. Go in and make sure theyre ready to go. Ill stay out here.
Logan followed Eve toward the porch.
Wait. Joe asked, Wheres the skull, Logan?
Front passenger seat. Keep an eye on it.
Ill do that. Joes gaze never left the woods. Hurry and get everyone into the cars.
He was out there.
Christ, he could almost smell him, Joe thought.
Smell the blood. Smell the hunger.
His nerves were screaming Fiskes presence. It was as if hed been catapulted back into his past of targets and sanctioned killings. Fiske would under-stand that world. He was out there now, primed, ready. To do what?
Throw a stick of dynamite into the cottage?
Launch a sniper attack as they came out on the porch?
If that were true, Joe would be the first target. The sentry was always the first put down.
But Fiske was acting at a disadvantage. His orders would not have been solely assassination.
The skull.
Joe smiled grimly. So lets end it now. Lets make the hunter the hunted.
Are you watching, Fiske?
He took off his jacket, reached into Logans car, and pulled out the leather case containing the skull.
Bait, Fiske.
He deliberately held up the case above his head.
See it?
He started running, zigzagging through the brush toward the woods.
Come and get it, bastard.
Fiskes eyes opened wide in shock.
The son of a bitch was taunting him. And he was doing it with that leather case, which had to contain the skull.
He watched Quinn run across the rough terrain. He knew what he was doing and he was good. Hed be no easy target.
Pleasure and eagerness suddenly surged through him. The Chadbourne bitch had said to get the skull. First priority. Hed had no idea the priority would offer him such an interesting challenge.
He set off in a diagonal path to intercept Quinn.
Margaret, you go in the van with Pilton, Logan said as he came down the steps. Well take Sandra with us.
Im to go back to Sanibel? Margaret asked. When will you contact me?
When its safe, Logan said. Im going to let Quinn set up a meeting with that reporter with the
Wheres Joe? Eve had stopped on the top step.
Hes got to be around here. Logan swiftly scanned the area.
Eves gaze went to the car.
No Joe.
Her heart was beating so hard it hurt. Fiske.
I doubt if Fiske could surprise him, Logan said. Quinns tough.
He surprised Gary.
Quinns not Gary. Hes not a victim. Hed be more likely to Logan strode over to his car. Son of a bitch.
What?
The case. Quinn took the case.
Why? Oh, Jesus, stupid question. She knew why. Joe wanted it over and, as usual, hed taken the matter in his own hands. He thinks Fiske is here.
And Id bet on his instincts, Logan said. He turned to Pilton. You stay here. Im going after him. If Im not back in Where the hell are you going, Eve?
She was running toward the woods. Im not going to let Fiske hurt him. I wont let that happen.
She heard Logan curse. He was following her, running right behind her. What the hell do you think youre going to do? Youre not some kind of commando.
Joes out there because of me, she said fiercely. Do you think Id let him go alone?
And how do you intend
She was no longer paying any attention to him. She had entered the woods and stopped, breathing hard. Dont call him, that would alert Fiske. Then how was she going to find Joe before Fiske found him?
Dont think of that. Walk softly. Look at the shadows.
Logan was beside her. For Gods sake, go back. Ill find him.
Be quiet. Im listening. He has to be
Logan had a gun in his hand.
He followed her gaze. You may be damned glad I have it.
She was glad, she realized with shock. If that gun could save Joe, then she would use it herself. Gary had died because he was helpless.
Joe must not die.
The leaves of the bushes moved gently behind him and Joe darted to the left behind a gnarled tree.
Are you here? he asked softly. Come and get me, Fiske.
The bushes stirred like the breath of a whisper.
You want the skull? Its right here. He slipped deeper into the woods. God, it was all coming back. Hunt, find, kill. The only difference was the light. Most operations took place at night. Take it from me.
Fiske was close. Joe could smell the faintest odor of garlic and toothpaste.
Where was the scent coming from? Right and a little to the rear. Too little. Too close. Move faster.
Distance.
Silence.
Speed.
The scent was weaker now. He had a little time.
Come on, Fiske. Step into my parlor.
Where the hell was the bastard? Fiske wondered in ir-ritation. It was like following a ghost.
He stopped behind some shrubs, listening, his gaze traveling around the circle of trees.
No sound.
Dammit, Quinn had made no sound since ten minutes before.
Over here.
Fiskes gaze flew to the left.
The leather skull case, sitting beneath an oak tree fifty feet away.
A trap.
Did Quinn think he was an idiot? The minute he showed himself, Quinn would put a bullet in him.
But where was Quinn? Fiske scanned the area around the case. Quinns voice had sounded as if it had come from there, but Fiske couldnt be sure.
The faintest movement.
Shrubbery to the left.
Wait. Be sure. Move closer.
If he shot, hed give away his own position.
The leaves were stirring.
He caught a glimpse of pale blue denim.
Then it was gone.
But the bushes were moving.
Quinn was coming nearer.
He moved another step closer. He raised his gun, waiting for the next rustle to the right.
But the next rustle came from the left, far to the left.
He whirled and pointed his gun.
Logan. And the Duncan woman.
His finger tightened on the trigger.
No. The yell came from above him. He looked up and saw that Quinn had catapulted himself from the branches of a tree.
Fiske swiveled and got off a shot even as Quinn landed on him and dropped him to the ground.
Another shot.
Bastard. Quinn had been waiting up there, lining him up for the kill. Christ, Quinn might have won if not for Logan and Duncan.
But he hadnt won. Fiske had won, as he always did. He could feel Quinns warm blood on his chest and the body pinning him was limp.
Another name to cross off his list.
But first he had to get the body off him. Logan was running toward them and Fiske had to free the hand holding his gun.
Why couldnt he move?
Pain. Chest.
Not only Quinns blood, but his own.
The second shot.
He had failed, he had failed, he had failed, he had failed.
Darkness coming. Horror coming.
He screamed.
Fiske was dead when Logan pulled him off Joes body.
Mother of God.
Eve fell to her knees beside Joe. His chesthellip; blood.
Is he alive? Logan asked.
She could see the faintest throbbing in his temple. Yes. Call 911. Quick.
She was barely aware of Logan reaching for his phone and moving away. Her gaze was fixed on Joes face.
Dont you dare die. Do you hear me, Joe? I wont have it. She pulled up his T-shirt. Where was the denim shir
t hed been wearing? she won-dered vaguely. Pressure. You were supposed to apply pressure.
His lids opened. Fiske?
Dead. She placed her hand on his chest above the wound and pressed hard. You shouldnt have done it.
Hadto kill him.
I dont care that you killed him. You shouldnt have risked Who asked you to do that? Youre all the same. Gary and Logan and you. Think you can save Dont close your eyes. Youre not going anywhere.
He tried to smile. Ihellip; hope not.
How is he? Logan was kneeling beside her. He handed her a blue shirt, Joes shirt. Can you use this? I found it over there in the bushes. Quinn must have tossed it there.
She quickly tore the shirt and used a piece of it as a pressure bandage. Did you call 911?
Yes, they should be here soon. We shouldnt be here when they do. I didnt mention this was a shooting, but the medics will notify the police the minute they see Quinn and Fiske.
Get out Joe stopped. Cant help, Eve.
Im not going to leave you. She glared down at him. And you dont have the strength to sock me this time.
Stayhellip; background. Let Piltonhellip; He slumped sideways, unconscious.
God in heaven. She closed her eyes. Hes bad, Logan.
Hes not dead yet. He rose to his feet, turned, and knelt beside Fiske. Im going back to the cottage and tell Pilton to talk to the medics. When we hear the sirens Ill have Margaret come out here and stay with Quinn and get you out of sight. Thats the best course. Logan was going through Fiskes pockets.
Why are you doing that?
Im removing identification. The harder we make it for the authorities to identify Fiske, the longer well have before Lisa Chadbourne finds out she has to replace him. He pulled out keys dan-gling from a National rental car key chain, and a wallet. He glanced at the drivers license and credit cards. Though hes done a pretty good job himself. Roy Smythehellip; He stuffed the wallet in his back pocket. After we leave, Ill have Margaret and Pilton find his rental car and clean it out before they hit the road.
She couldnt think about damage control just then. Im going with Joe to the hospital.
No, well follow him. He held up a hand to stop her protest. Dont argue. Unless you stay in the background, youll be picked up and shoved in jailif youre not shot on sight. He rose to his feet, adding sarcastically, Either way, you wont be able to hang over Quinns bed and offer tea and sympathy.
He saved your life, you son of a bitch, she said.
Who asked him to save my life? Im tired of the great Quinn dispensing He snatched up the skull case and strode back toward the cottage.
What was wrong with him? He had no right to be angry with Joe. He spoke as if he
The wound was bleeding more heavily.
She pressed harder.
Dont you die, Joe.
Joe was taken to the emergency room at Gwin-nett General Hospital, twenty miles from the lake. Logan, Sandra, and Eve followed the ambulance in Logans car.
Ill go in and check on him. Sandra hopped out of the car. Park in the lot somewhere out of sight. Ill come out when I have some news.
I can do
Shut up, Eve, Sandra said firmly. Ive allowed myself to be pushed and prodded and stashed for days. Joes my friend too, and Im worried about him. Besides, he wouldnt thank me if I let you go in and be recognized. She strode quickly through the glass doors of the emergency room.
That seems to be that. Logan drove away and parked between two trucks that obscured any vision of the interior of the Taurus. I guess we wait.
Eve nodded wearily. But I have to do one more thing. She took out her phone and dialed Joes home phone number. Diane, this is Eve. I have to tell you something. Joe is The words stuck in her throat. Get it over with. Joes been hurt.
My God.
Itshellip; bad. Hes at Gwinnett General. Youd better come.
How bad?
I dont know. Hes been shot. Hes in the emer-gency room.
God damn you. Diane slammed down the phone in Eves ear.
She flinched.
Telling bad news is never pleasant, Logan said quietly.
She sounded as if she hates me. She moistened her lips. And who can blame her? Its my fault. I should never have let Joe
Ive never noticed him asking permission. I doubt if you could have stopped him.
I know him. I saw his face before we went into the cottage. I should have realized that he thought something was wrong.
May I point out that you were a little upset?
No. She leaned her head against the window. Hes dying, Logan.
We dont know that.
I know it. She whispered, Ihellip; love him, you know.
He looked away from her. Do you?
Yes. Hes like the father and brother I never had. I dont know what life would be like without Joe. Funny, I never thought about it before. He was just al-ways there and I thought he always would be.
Hes not dead yet.
If Joe died, would he be with Bonnie?
Stop crying, Logan said hoarsely. He pulled her into his arms. Shh, its going to be all right. He was rocking her. Let me help.
He was helping. Comfort and warmth were flowing from him, surrounding her. He couldnt heal the wound, but he was touching her, keeping away the loneliness. For the moment that was enough.
TWENTY ONE
Sandra was frowning when she came back to the car two hours later.
Eve tensed. Joe?
Not good. They dont know if hell make it. Sandra got into the backseat. Theyve operated and taken him to intensive care.
I want to see him.
No chance. Only close family members are allowed.
Its not fair. Hed want me there. I need to She drew a deep breath. It wasnt what she needed but what Joe needed that mattered. Is Diane there?
She got here just as they were wheeling him out of the operating room. Sandra made a face. She was cold as ice to me. Youd think Id shot him.
Its not you. Shes really angry with me. Youre my mother. She probably blames you for bringing me into the world.
I guess so. But I thought she liked me. I had coffee with her only a few weeks ago. I thought she liked both of us.
Shes just upset. Itll be different when Joe gets better. If he got better. If he didnt die. When will they know?
Perhaps tomorrow. Sandra hesitated. But I cant go back in there, Eve. A policeman came into the ICU right before I left. He was checking on Joe.
Of course. Joe was a cop, and cops took care of their own. The hospital would soon be crawling with officers.
Logan was already starting the car. Then weve got to get out of here. Pronto.
And where are we going? Sandra asked.
I told Margaret and Pilton to meet us at that Hardees near Emory where we met Quinn. Logan drove out of the parking lot. Shell take you to Sanibel and then arrange to get you out of the country.
No, Sandra said.
Eve stiffened. Its the only safe thing, Mom. Youve got to do it.
I dont have to do anything. Her lips thinned. And who says its the safest thing? You? Logan? Nei-ther of you has done such a good job of keeping your-self safe, and Joes lying in that hospital. Why should I believe youd do any better at seeing that I dont get killed?
Panic iced through Eve. Mom, please. You have to do as I say.
Bullshit. Sandra looked her in the eye. Ive done everything you and Margaret told me to do. Youve all treated me as if I were some half-wit child. Its finished, Eve.
I want to keep you safe.
I intend to be safe. She turned to Logan. Drive me to the Peachtree Arms Apartments. Its right off Piedmont.
Eve recognized the address. Youre going to Rons place?
You bet I am. Its what Ive wanted to do all along.
Do you really think hell take you in and hide you?
Ill find out, wont I? Or maybe well discuss it and decide I should turn myself in as a material witness to Joes shooting. Ill ask them to put me in jail for
protective custody. Whatever I do, it will be my decision. She looked back at Logan. Drive or let me out of the car.
Logan hesitated and then pressed on the accel-erator. This may be a mistake, Sandra.
If it is, it wont be my first. Hell, Ive made every one in the book at one time or another. She said to Eve, I wont be able to go to the hospital, but Ill call them several times a day and let you know how Joes doing.
Mom, dont take this chance. I could never for-give myself if anything happened to you.
Dont you dare say that. Youre my daughter, not my mother. You take care of yourself, Ill take care of myself. No guilt, dammit. I wont be another Bonnie.
Eves eyes widened.
Oh, shit, dont look at me like that. Sandra leaned forward and squeezed Eves shoulder. Just let me go, Eve. Let her go.
Were not talking about Bonnie.
Oh, yes, shes here every minute of every day. Shes behind your every word and gesture.
Thats not true.
Sandra shook her head. You dont have to forget her to let her go, baby. Just let a little light come into your life. God, its dark where you are.
Imfine. Everything will be okay once this is all over.
Will it?
Mom, I cant take this right now.
Ill be quiet. I know youre hurting. But dont try to run my life, Eve. Its taken me too long to learn how to do it myself.
Piedmont is right ahead, Logan said.
The Arms is around the corner.
What if Rons not home? Eve asked.
I have a key. Sandra smiled. Ive had it since our third date. That I never told you says something about the way you intimidated me, doesnt it?
I never tried to
I know. Logan had stopped before the apart-ment building and Sandra got out of the car and grabbed her suitcase. Ill check every three hours with the hospital. If you dont hear from me, youll know his condition hasnt changed.
Be careful. I hate your taking a chance like this.
And Im relieved that Im doing something on my own. Ive felt like some kind of pawn, moved back and forth by you and Logan and even this Fiske person. Its time I took control.
Stunned, Eve watched her mother walk into the apartment building.
Phoenix rising from the flames? Logan mur-mured.
Shes doing the wrong thing. Im scared to death.
Maybe not. Ron could be a good guy wholl do everything he can to protect her.
Against Lisa Chadbourne? Against Timwick?
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