We can go back for it later. Theyre just trying to divert us.
Do you think that didnt occur to me? I cant take the chance. Its in the middle of the road. It could be damaged or found.
In the middle of the night?
Timwick wants whats in that box.
Fury jolted through Fiske. There was no way they could catch up with Logan now. All because of Timwicks obsession with that damn box.
And Kenner was just like Timwick, so concerned with the small stuff that he couldnt see what was really important. You took one objective at a time and never let yourself be distracted.
Certainly not by a fucking box.
Two men in white uniforms streamed out of Barrett House as soon as Logan stopped the limo. Gil was transferred to a stretcher and whisked inside.
Eve got out of the car. Her knees were so weak, she had to lean against the fender.
You okay? Logan asked.
She nodded.
Ill tell Margaret to get you a cup of coffee, he said over his shoulder as he headed toward the house. I have to make sure Gil is going to be all right.
Dazed, she watched him disappear. Too much had happened in too short a time for her to compre-hend that it was really over. Or even that it had actu-ally happened.
But the crushed side of the limo was mute testimony to that terrifying chase.
And Gil Prices wound was not a figment of her imagination. He could have been killed. They all could have been killed if she hadnt tossed the coffin out of the limo.
Coffee. Margaret was thrusting a mug into her hand. Come into the house and sit down.
In a minute. My legs dont seem to be working right now. She took a sip of the coffee. Hows Gil?
Conscious and flippant as hell. The doctors ready to muzzle him.
The coffee was strong and the caffeine was begin-ning to kick in. How did you get a doctor out here at this time of night?
Money moves mountains. Margaret leaned against the limo. You scared?
Hell, yes. Shouldnt I be? Maybe youre used to people shooting each other, but Im not.
Im scared too. I never thought She drew a shaky breath. I never expected this. I thought I dont know what I thought.
But you still trust Logan enough to keep working for him?
Sure. She straightened. But Im damn well going to ask him for a raise and hazard pay. You ready to go inside now?
Eve nodded.
Hazard pay. Logans generosity was making sense to her now. This wasnt about dead cats and vicious vandalism. This was about murder. They had tried to murder Gil. They might have killed all of them if the limo had ended up in that ditch.
Better? Logan had come down the stairs. You have more color.
Do I? She took another sip of coffee. Hows Gil?
Flesh wound. Braden says hell be okay. He turned to Margaret. We dont want the police report filed yet. Talk Braden into a delay.
Yeah, sure, and let them accuse me of suppressing She sighed and headed for the stairs. Ill take care of it.
Margaret had reached the top before Logan turned back to Eve. We need to talk.
Id say thats an understatement. She moved toward the kitchen. But, right now, I have an empty cup and I need more coffee.
He followed her and dropped down into a chair at the table. Im sorry you were frightened.
Is that supposed to make me feel all warm and fuzzy? Her hand was shaking as she poured the coffee. It doesnt. Right now Im scared, but when I get over it, Im going to be mad as hell.
I know. I cant expect anything else. He paused. You were pretty amazing tonight. You probably saved Gils life. Where did you learn karate?
Joe. After Bonnie was I told you Id never be a victim again. Joe taught me how to take care of myself.
He smiled. And everyone else too, evidently.
Somebody had to help him. You obviously thought more of that damn coffin than of your friend. My God, youre obsessed. Im surprised you agreed to slow down so I could toss that thing out.
His smile faded. Gils been trained to take care of himself too. He had his job. I had mine.
And I have mine. She stared into his eyes. But I never bargained for anyone shooting at me.
I told you theyd try to stop us.
