study of facial expressions and Ive also studied you. I think Ill be able to tell if you intend to keep your word.
A pause. Youll bring the skull with you?
It will be hidden close by. But I guarantee you wont be able to find it if you decide to set a trap for me.
And what if this is a trap for me?
Take what precautions you like as long as they dont pose a threat to me.
And where do you suggest we meet?
Somewhere near Camp David. It would be easiest for you to go there for the weekend. Particularly since youve supposedly suffered the loss of your friend Scott Maren. Just state Camp David as your destination and have the pilot set down before you reach there.
It seems to be a reasonable plan. What about Logan?
Hes out of it. I took the skull and papers and left him during the night. He told me I was crazy. He thinks youll betray me.
But youre not listening to him?
Im listening. He may be right. Her hand tightened on the phone. I have to do it anyway. You knew I would, didnt you?
A silence on the other end of the line. This meeting isnt a good idea. It would be safer if you drop the skull off where Timwick can pick it up.
Safer for you.
Safer for both of us.
No, I have to see your face when you tell me youre going to find Bonnie. Youve told too many lies. I have to do whatever I can to make sure youre not deceiving me.
Believe me, its not a good idea.
Take it or leave it.
Give me a moment to think about it. Another silence. Very well. Ill meet you. But you can under-stand that Im going to bring Timwick.
No.
Timwick can fly a helicopter and hes Secret Service. That means Ill be able to eliminate both my guard and the pilot without suspicion. Lisa paused. And he has equipment that will be able to tell me if either you or the area is wired. I do have to protect myself.
And whos going to protect me from him?
Ill send Timwick away once Im assured you havent set a trap for me. I wont come without him, Eve.
She gave in. Okay. No one else. If I see any sign of anyone else, I wont meet you.
Fair enough. Now tell me where you want to meet.
Ill call you when youre in the air and near Camp David.
Caution. When do you want me to leave?
Tomorrow. Eight A.M.
Very well. Remember, it takes thirty minutes to reach Camp David from the White House. She paused. If I cant talk you into a drop. It would really be safer for both of us.
I said no.
Then tomorrow. Lisa hung up.
Eve pressed the end button. It was done. Logan had called it a terrible mistake, but shed rolled the dice anyway.
She needed transportation to get to Washington today, and there was one more thing she had to do be-fore she left. She dialed her mother. Hows Joe?
I just finished talking to the hospital. Hes out of intensive care.
Eve closed her eyes as waves of relief washed over her. Hes better? Hes going to live?
He regained consciousness during the night. The doctors are being cautious, but all the signs are promising.
I want to see him.
Dont be crazy. You know thats not possible.
But it didnt stop the desperation she was feeling. Who could guess what was going to happen at Camp David? She needed to see Joe. Okay. I need some help. Will you rent a car for me and pick me up?
What happened to the car Logan had?
Weve parted company. Theyre searching for him harder than they are for me, and theres probably an order to shoot on sight.
Im glad youre not together. I didnt like the idea of the two of you
Mom, I dont have much time. Im in a womens rest room at the Gainesville Recreational Park. Its deserted at this hour, but I cant stay here very long. I hate to ask it of you, but will you pick me up?
