Evidently he didnt succeed. I understand Quinn may still live.
Hed better.
Are you threatening me? I can understand your bitterness, but havent you realized that you cant win? How many more people have to die, Eve?
You dont have Fiske anymore.
Timwick will find a substitute. Quinn is very vulnerable now. Hes on life support, isnt he?
A bolt of sheer rage shot through Eve. Dont you even think about it.
I dont want to think about it, Lisa said wearily. The idea sickens me, but I will have it done, Eve. Just as I had Kessler killed. Just as Ill have everyone you care about killed. You have to give me the skull and that DNA report.
Go to hell.
Listen to me, Eve. Think about it. Is it worth it?
Youre saying if I give you the skull that Joe will live?
Yes.
Liar. Joe wouldnt be safe. My God, you even killed Scott Maren, and he was supposed to be your friend.
Silence. That wasnt my decision. I didnt know about it until it had been done. Timwick is in a panic and striking out. Ill see that Quinns safe. Be-lieve me.
I dont believe you.
Then, what do you want, Eve? What can I give you?
I want you brought down. She closed her eyes and said the words shed never thought shed say to anyone. I want you dead.
Im afraid thats not one of your choices.
Thats all Ill ever want.
Thats not true. Lisa paused. I was afraid that Fiske would fail, so Ive been sitting here won-dering what I could offer you. And then it came to me. So simple. I know what you want even more than you want me crushed down.
There isnt anything.
Oh, but there is, Eve.
Eve was still staring down at the phone when Logan came back.
He stopped a few feet away, his gaze narrowed on her face. Was it your mother? Hows Quinn?
She shook her head. It was Lisa Chadbourne.
He stiffened. And?
She wants the skull.
So whats new? Is that enough to send you into shock?
Yes. She put the phone back into her handbag. Its enough.
Did she threaten you?
She threatened Joe and Mom.
Sweet.
But Im not sure she can guarantee their safety even if I make the deal. She said Timwick is in a panic and she lost control of him when he killed Maren. She might lose control of him again.
And she might never have lost control and given the order herself.
Maybe. I dont know. I cant think right now.
If I make the dealhellip;
The phrasing abruptly hit home to him. My God, youre actually thinking about it. What the hell did she say to you?
She didnt answer.
He fell to his knees beside her. Tell me.
She shook her head. My heads messed up. Maybe later.
Maybe?
She changed the subject. I want you to call the hospital.
To check on Quinn? Your mother said she
No, I want you to call the nurses station. I want you to tell her that you intend to kill Joe.
What?
I want you to be obscene and ugly and explicit. I want you to tell her how youre going to pretend youre hospital
