The Killing Game ed-2

by Iris Johansen

  “I guess that’s what I’m saying."

  Another silence. "I don’t think you’re stupid very often.”

  “Once is enough."

  "Yeah."

  Christ, she was saying all the wrong things. Jane was feeling guilty enough. "Fay’s death had nothing to do with you, Jane. If there’s someone besides Dom who was responsible, it’s me. Let me try to make sure you don’t get hurt too."

  Minutes passed.

  Go to sleep. She’s not going to answer. "I’ll go with you," Jane said.

  Eve breathed a profound sigh of relief. "Good."

  "Not because I like you. I don’t feel anything for you. I wouldn’t care if he killed you. But I hate him. I hate what he did to Fay. I hate what he wants to do to me. I wish someone would slit his throat."

  "I understand."

  Yes, she understood the hatred and helplessness Jane was feeling as if the emotions were her own.

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  As if Jane were her own.

  She instantly rejected the idea. It was what Dom wanted, the growing closeness and empathy, and she would not let him have it. Keep Jane at a distance. It should be easy. Jane was tough and wanted nothing to do with Eve.

  She hadn’t been very tough with Mike. When she had smiled at him, she had reminded Eve a little of Bonnie. The same luminous, loving quality…

  Crazy.

  Bonnie and Jane were nothing alike. Thank God.

  So stop thinking of either of them. Think instead of how to keep Jane safe in Phoenix.

  And stop letting Dom call all the shots. It was time to go on the hunt. Her phone rang again.

  What the hell?

  "Phoenix?" Mark’s tone was thoughtful. "It is a long way from Atlanta. You might have a better chance of hiding the kid there." Standing outside McDonald’s, Mark looked at Jane, who was inside, seated at a booth eating breakfast.

  "Bull," Eve told him. "There’s no place that’s a long way from anywhere these days. You guys in the media have made sure of that."

  "Technology has a little something to do with it." Mark took a drink of his coffee. "Going to Phoenix is a big risk, isn’t it?"

  "It’s a bigger risk staying here.”

  “What about protection for the kid?”

  “I have an idea what I can do.”

  “But you won’t tell me?" She shook her head.

  "And that means you don’t want me to go with you to Phoenix." She shook her head. "No one knows you’re involved in my taking Jane. You’ve helped me enough."

  "For a reason. I want the story, Eve. You owe it to me."

  "I’ll call you when I’m getting close."

  "And I’m to trust you?"

  "I won’t turn my back on you."

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  He studied her. "I don’t think you will." He shrugged. "Okay, I’ll go back to work. I might run into something that’ll help you. You’ll let me know where you are?"

  "I’ll let you know."

  "How are you going to get there?"

  "I hope you’ll let me borrow your car. I’ll drive it to Birmingham and leave it at the airport."

  “And how will you get on a plane without being recognized? You have to have an ID to go to the bathroom these days."

  "I’ll manage."

  "I could drive you to Phoenix.”

  “You’ve done enough."

  "Just thought I’d give it a shot." He glanced at Jane again. "She’s not going to give you any trouble?"

  "I didn’t say that. She’s wary of everyone, and that includes me. She hasn’t said more than two sentences since we got up this morning. But at least I can reason with her." She held out her hand. "Thanks for everything, Mark."

  He shook it and then dropped his car keys into her palm. "Remember, you owe me. I’m letting you off the hook right now, but I want that story."

  "You’ll get it." She started for the booth where Jane was sitting. "Eve."

  She looked back over her shoulder.

  Mark’s gaze narrowed on her face. "You’re too damn confident this morning." She made a face.

  "I wish I were."

  "You’re in better shape than you were last night.”

  “Things always look brighter in the morning."

  "Not necessarily. I think you have an ace in the hole you’re not telling me about." She waved.

  "Good-bye, Mark. I’ll be in touch."

  He was wrong. She wasn’t at all confident; she was scared and confused. What Mark had seen as confidence was only the faint glimmer of hope.

  But she’d take it.

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  was waiting at the parking lot at the Birmingham airport.

  "You’re an idiot." Logan drew Eve close and kissed her hard. "And Joe’s a criminal idiot to allow you to get into a mess like this."

  "Joe had nothing to do with it." She felt a deep sense of comfort as she stepped back and stared at him. He looked strong and familiar. "He doesn’t know anything about it."

  "You made sure of that to protect that SOB."

  "Let’s not talk about Joe." She gestured for Jane to get out of the car. "Did you bring the ID?"

  He handed her a leather pouch. "Cash, phony birth certificates, two credit cards, and a driver’s license."

  "Is he a crook?" Jane asked.

  Logan glanced at her. "It depends on who you ask.”

  “On the streets they sell phony IDs to anyone who wants one.”

  “I don’t sell, I buy. And you should be glad I was able to buy these at such short notice."

  "This is John Logan, Jane. He’s not a crook, he’s a well-respected businessman.”

  “And he’s the one you said would help us?"

  "We couldn’t board a flight without phony IDs."

  "I’ve arranged a place for you to stay—it’s on the outskirts of Phoenix. Two of my company’s top security people will be there to keep an eye on you." He took Eve’s elbow. "Come on, let’s go."

  "We say good-bye here." She hung back. "I don’t want to be seen with you, Logan."

  "You’re not going to say good-bye to me until we reach Phoenix. I have a private jet waiting.

  That way you won’t have to chance being recognized.”

  “No." She dug in her heels. "I know I agreed to let you help me when you called last night, but I don’t want you to do anything more."

  "Too late." He smiled. "I can handle the heat. Just watch me.”

  “I don’t want to watch you. I don’t want to be responsible for anyone else getting involved in this mess."

  His smile faded. "Listen to me. I’m not backing away when you’re in trouble. You should have The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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  called me instead of letting me hear secondhand from one of my associates in Atlanta."

  "Associates? Are you having me watched, Logan?"

  "Just keeping an eye on the situation." His lips tightened. "I couldn’t be sure what Joe would do to keep you here."

  "Joe’s my friend, and he’s done—"

  "Okay." He held up a hand to stop her. "I’m just glad that you called on me instead of him. Too bad I won’t see him. I’d like to rub his nose in it."

  "He has more to lose than you. He’s a cop and you’re—"

  "Just another philistine tycoon." He pushed her across the lot toward the exit. "With enough money to cover my tracks. So use me, dammit." He glanced at Jane, who had fallen into step with them. "Am I making sense, kid?"

  She studied him. "Yes. Use him, Eve."

  He looked a little surprised. "Very cool.”

  “I don’t use people," Eve said. "Not if I can help it."

  "Why not?" Jane asked. "He wants you to do it. We might need him.”

  “Very clear-thinking child." He tilted his head. "How about participating in my executi
ve training program? I have a lot of employees who—"

  "Is that supposed to make me feel good?" Jane gave him a disgusted glance. "Use him, Eve."

  "The child’s obviously of the opinion I’m not worth anything else," he murmured. "Use me, Eve."

  "I’ll let you take us to Phoenix," Eve said. "After that you get away from me, Logan."

  He swept her toward the exit. "We’ll discuss it in Phoenix."

  TEN

  It was almost dark when Logan drove up to the small red-tiled house near Scottsdale. She could catch just a glimpse of the house through the thick stand of trees and ornate Spanish-style gates.

  Logan got out of the car, pressed a code into the panel by the gates, and the gates swung open.

  He returned to the car. "There are two remotes in a drawer in the hall," he told Eve. "Use them The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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  so you won’t have to get out of the car. There are two security guards in a cottage to the north of the house. Herb Booker and Juan Lopez. They’ll make the rounds regularly, but they won’t bother you unless you press an alarm button."

  "And where are the alarm buttons?"

  "Kitchen, master bath, bedroom, living room beside the phones. You’ll never be farther than a few feet from one."

  "You seem to know the setup pretty well."

  "I use this house when I come here for business. A little security never hurts.”

  “Are you sure he’s not a crook?" Jane asked Eve.

  "Charming," Logan said, amused.

  "I’m sure." Eve got out of the car. "He’s like a politician. They always have to have someone around to protect them."

  "Ouch." Logan unlocked the front door. "Knowing the way you feel about them, I’d rather you think I’m like a crook. Why can’t I convince you that there are honest, stalwart politicians out there?"

  "We’ve always agreed to disagree." She pushed Jane in ahead of her and turned to face Logan.

  "Thank you. Go."

  "There are two extra guest rooms.”

  “Go."

  "I’m going to find the kitchen and make a sandwich." Jane moved down the hall away from them.

  "See, she couldn’t bear to see me cast out. I think she likes me. Smart girl.”

  “Only you could translate indifference into affection." Eve crossed her arms over her chest.

  "Go."

  "She’s not indifferent to me. We’d get along once we got used to each other. She reminds me a little of you when we first met."

  "She’s nothing like me."

  He gave a low whistle. "Evidently, I said the wrong thing.”

  “Go, Logan. Please."

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  He smiled and stroked her cheek with a finger. "I’m going. I’m flattered you care so much about protecting me."

  Joe had not been flattered. Joe had been angry and completely unreasonable, damn him.

  "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

  "I assume there’s a computer and plenty of search software.”

  “Come on, I manufacture computers. The office also has an excellent library."

  "Then, that’s all I need."

  “You’ll find clothes for both of you in the two main bedrooms. I’m not sure Jane’s will fit. She’s kind of small for a ten-year-old."

  "She’s big enough to be a presence."

  "I noticed." He leaned forward and kissed her. "Then I’m on my way. If you need me I’ll be at the Camelback Inn."

  "Dammit, Logan, I meant for you to go back to Monterey."

  "I know you did." He started down the steps. "I’ll leave you this rental car. I’ll go to the cottage and get a lift to the hotel from one of the security guys."

  "You listen to me, Logan. I’ve already taken more than I should from you. I’ll feel guilty as hell if I get you in trouble."

  "Good. Guilt can be useful in the hands of a clever man, and it shows you care about me."

  "There was never any doubt about that, and you know it. After all we’ve been through together, I’d have to be a robot not to care about you."

  He smiled back at her over his shoulder. "That’s what I’m banking on.”

  “Logan."

  He shook his head. "No, Eve. You can keep me from living in the same house with you, but you can’t keep me from being nearby." He winked. "Besides, I’m anticipating the moment when Joe finds out that I’m the one who’s been helping you."

  Before she could answer he’d disappeared around the side of the house. She should probably never have let him help her. Logan didn’t know the meaning of a limited involvement.

  No, that wasn’t really true. He’d been very careful about observing the parameters she’d put on their relationship. He never moved too fast or too far for her. Considering his dominant nature, The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02

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  it must have been very difficult for him, and she valued him all the more for it.

  At least, this time she had won a partial victory. With Logan, that was a major accomplishment.

  She’d worry later about convincing him to leave. For now she had work to do. But first, she needed to call Mom and check on her. She crossed to the foyer table and dialed her mother’s digital number. Sandra answered on the third ring.

  "Everything okay?" Eve asked.

  "Yes and no. Your killer hasn’t shown up, but Ron was ready to strangle Mike himself. I don’t think anyone ever made him take a bath before. He was ready to hit the streets again."

  "Damn."

  "Don’t worry. They worked it out. Ron likes a challenge. He bribed him. He told him he’d bring home dinner from McDonald’s each day he took a bath." Her mother chuckled. "He jumped at it. I think I’m insulted."

  "All kids like McDonald’s."

  "Don’t try to spare my feelings. We both know I’m a lousy cook. How are you?”

  “Fine. I’ll try to call you every other night. If there’s any problem, even a suspicion of one, you call me."

  "I will." Sandra paused. "Joe has no idea where you are or what you’re doing.”

  “I thought it best."

  "He’s wound tight as a wire, Eve. I’ve never seen him that way before.”

  “Don’t tell him anything."

  "He’s our friend. I’d feel better if he were with you. Why can’t I—"

  "No, Mom."

  “Okay." She sighed. "But he’s going to nag the hell out of me.”

  “You’re tough. You can take it."

  "He’s tougher. But he likes me, so he won’t run over me. Are you going to tell me where you are?"

  "Phoenix."

  "And I’m not to tell Joe.”

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  “Please."

  "It’s a mistake."

  "I’ve got to go, Mom. Take care.”

  “You take care."

  Eve slowly hung up. Joe was doing what he did best, hunting. What would his next move—

  "Want a sandwich?" Jane stood behind her. "It’s turkey. I made two.”

  “Thanks." She wasn’t hungry, but the overture was the first Jane had made since she’d agreed to come to Phoenix. "I’d like that." She followed her down the hall toward the kitchen. "I guess we’re on our own as far as food is concerned. I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook."

  "You’ve got to be better than your mother." She hopped up on a stool at the breakfast bar.

  "You might change your mind. I haven’t had much experience.”

  “I can help. I did most of the cooking in one foster home I was in.”

  “Was that at the Carbonis? Mrs. Eisley said you had a rough time with them.”

  “I did okay." Jane finished her sandwich. "You want me to help clean up?”

  “There’s not much to do. I can handle it." She had an idea. "Logan says there’s a good library. I don’t know if there’s anything
that you might want to read, but—"

  "Books?" Her face lit up. "There are books here?"

  "So Logan says."

  Jane quickly covered the flicker of excitement. "I might take a look at them. There’s probably nothing else to do." She got down from the stool, took her plate to the sink, and turned on the water. "Logan likes you. Do you sleep with him?" Eve blinked. For God’s sake, the kid was only ten. Ten but no child, Eve reminded herself. She’d probably been through more in her short life than a woman of thirty. "That’s none of your business."

  Jane shrugged. "He’s doing a lot for us. I just wondered if you have to pay him." Sex for pay.

  Another aspect of life on the streets. Day-to-day contact with prostitutes had been a part of Eve’s childhood, and, of course, Jane had been exposed to the same life. "No, Logan’s my friend. Friends don’t ask to be paid. He’s a good guy." She added with a smile. "And he’s not a crook."

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  “Jane."

  "He didn’t mind. He’s pretty tough. Where’s the library?”

  “I have no idea."

  She started for the door. "I’ll find it."

  "If you don’t mind, take your books to another room after you choose them. I need to work at the computer."

  "Why?"

  "I need to see if I can access back issues of the local newspaper.”

  “Oh, to find that murdered woman?"

  She nodded. "I don’t have a lot to go on. Dom was very careful not to give me too much information. Just that the murder happened five or six months ago, she was a singer, and that her body hasn’t been found. So I’m looking for a disappearance, not a murder."

  "I’ll stay out of your way." Jane vanished down the hall.

  At least she didn’t have to worry about keeping the child amused. It was clear Jane was an avid reader and eager to find the library. As for Eve, she’d grab a shower, change to jeans and a shirt, and hit the computer.

  "You want any coffee?" Jane put the carafe and a cup down on the desk beside Eve. "It’s pretty strong. I don’t know how to make it any other way."

  "That’s fine." Eve leaned back in the chair and rubbed her eyes. "You didn’t have to do this."

  "If I’d had to, I wouldn’t have." Jane curled up in a leather chair across the room. "You’re not finding anything, are you?"