You deal with it, Logan. She got into the car. Three days. Then Im going home and see Joe and Mom.
TWENTY-THREE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
'Its a madhouse. Eve turned away from the lace-curtained window. There must be hundreds of re-porters out there. Why the hell dont they go bother someone else?
Were a big story, Logan said. Bigger than O.J. Bigger than Whitewater. Bigger than Clintons pecca-dilloes. Get used to it.
I dont want to get used to it. She was prowling back and forth across the senators library like a rest-less tiger. Its been five days. I need to get home. I need to see Joe.
You told me your mom said Joe was getting better every day.
But they wont let me talk to him.
Why not?
How the hell do I know? Im not there. She stopped before his chair, hands clenched. Im cooped up here in thishellip; this place. I cant go out without getting mobbed. We couldnt even go to Gils or Garys funerals. And its not going to stop, is it?
Logan shook his head. I tried to tell you. The minute Detwil broke down and confessed, it trig-gered a frenzy.
And they had been in the center of that frenzy, Eve thought. Theyd been kept virtual prisoners in the senators house, watching the explosion of events on television. Kevin Detwil confesses, Chet Mobry sworn in as president, Lisa Chadbourne imprisoned.
Its going to go on and on, she said. Its like living in a fishbowl. How will I work? How will I live? I cant stand it.
The media will lose interest eventually. After the court case is over, well be yesterdays news.
That may take years. I think I may strangle you, Logan.
No, you wont. He smiled. Then you wouldnt have anyone to share your misery with. Company is important at a time like this.
I dont want your company. I want Mom and Joe.
The minute you go home to them, theyll be tar-gets too. They wont be able to move without a camera fixed on them. They wont have a life either. Do you think your mothers relationship with her new beau will withstand that kind of stress? What about Joe Quinn? How will the Atlanta P.D. react to a detective who cant take two steps without being on TV? How about his marriage? Will his wife like
Shut up, Logan.
Im trying to give it to you straight. Youre the one who told me always to be honest with you.
You knew it would be like this.
I didnt think of the media repercussions. I sup-pose I should have considered them, but I just wanted her brought down. That seemed the only important thing.
He was telling the truth. She wished he werent. She was so frustrated, she needed to blame someone, anyone.
He added quietly, And I believe in the end that was the only thing important to you too.
Yes. She went back to the window. But it shouldnt be like this. We brought her down and now were drowning with her.
I wont let you drown. He was suddenly standing behind her, his hands lightly resting on her shoulders. Not if you let me help you, Eve.
Can you give me my life back?
I intend to do that. It just may take a while. He was massaging the taut muscles in her shoulders. He bent and whispered in her ear, Youre too tense. I be-lieve you need a vacation.
I need to work.
Maybe we can combine the two. Did you know I have a house on an island just south of Tahiti? Its very secluded besides having excellent security. I go there when I need to escape for one reason or another.
What are you saying?
Im saying that you need to escape, and so do I. It would take a very enterprising reporter to follow us that far. He added roughly, And look at you. Youve been through hell and Im to blame for most of it. Let me try to make amends. You need to rest and heal. Its boring as the devil on the island. Nothing to do but walk on the beach, read, and listen to music.
It didnt sound boring. It sounded like salvation. She slowly turned to look at him. I could work?
He made a face. I should have known that was coming. Ill have a lab built for you. Margaret will do it right this time.
Will they let us go?
The judicial powers that be? I dont anticipate any problem as long as they know where we are and that we arent going to disappear permanently. The last thing they want are leaks or testimony compro-mised by the media.
When could we leave?
