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.
