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?
Well, Fiske is out of the picture. Our first lady will have to hire another hit man and that may take a little time. Particularly if she doesnt find out right away that Quinn put him down.
Not enough
You cant do anything about it, Logan said. Your mother has made her choice, Eve. You cant protect her if she wont accept your protection.
She doesnt understand. Gary and Joe She doesnt understand what can happen.
I believe she understands very well. She saw Joe taken away in that ambulance. Shes not stupid.
I didnt say she was stupid.
Then why do you treat her as if she were?
I just want to protect her. I dont want to lose her.
Like you lost Bonnie?
Shut up, Logan.
Ill shut up. Sandra already said it all. He got on the I-85 entrance ramp. But Id think about what she said. Shes a smart lady. I had no idea how smart.
Where are we going?
To meet Margaret and tell her to get out of town. I dont suppose I could persuade you to go with her?
Anger was suddenly replacing fear. And will you go? How about you boarding that boat for Timbuktu, Logan? Why dont you forget about Gil? The words were tumbling out, exploding with fury that was building every second. Why dont you forget about Ben Chadbourne? Just run away and say screw the world.
He pursed his lips in a soundless whistle. You dont have to bite my head off. It was just a sugges-tion. I didnt think youd
It was a lousy suggestion. I wont leave Joe and Mom. Im tired of running and hiding and being afraid. Im tired of people I care about getting hurt and Im tired of feeling helpless. I swore a long time ago Id never be a victim again, and its happening. Shes making it happen. Her voice was shaking with intensity. I wont tolerate it any longer. Do you hear me? Ill never let her
I hear you, Logan said. I get the picture loud and clear, but Im fuzzy about how the hell were going to stop her.
So was Eve. Then she remembered her mothers last words to her, the words that had struck a deep chord and triggered her rage.
Its time I took control.
Lisa Chadbourne had been the one in control, the one on the attack. She had killed Gary. She might have killed Joe.
But her mother was alive. Eve was alive, so was Logan. And they were going to stay alive.
No more deaths, she had prayed.
She wasnt praying now.
She was taking control.
Margaret got out of the van, leaving Pilton in the passenger seat. Hows Quinn?
We dont know, Logan said. Intensive care.
Im sorry, Margaret told Eve. You okay?
Eve nodded.
Hows Sandra? She was pretty fond of him, wasnt she?
Yes. Her eyes were stinging. Change the sub-ject. Dont think about Joe. She wont be going with you. Shes staying here.
Margaret frowned. Do you think thats a good idea?
No, but she does. She wont listen to me.
Perhaps I could talk to
