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 shirt 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.
