Dont tell them youre taking it off campus.
Theyll still kick up a fuss.
Charm them.
Yeah, sure. Then they really will suspect Ive gone around the bend. Ill threaten and blackmail them instead.
Youre right, we wouldnt want you to act out of character.
But youll work your skinny butt off and get your stuff done pronto.
Im not arguing.
Amazing, Kessler murmured. How long to clean up the skull?
An hour, maybe two. I want to be very careful.
Then Ill get your equipment and then run down my assistant and tell him Ill be gone for a couple of days. Kessler moved toward the door. Pack up our presidential friend. Ill be back as soon as possible.
She said quietly, Thanks, Gary. I owe you.
Yes, you do, and Ill make sure you pay me.
You played him very well, Logan said as the door closed behind Kessler.
We understand each other. She glanced at Joe. Will you follow him and make sure hes safe? I didnt want to make an issue of it, but I dont want him running around the campus all by himself.
You said yourself that you didnt think theyd figure out the connection.
I dont want to take any chances. I persuaded him to help us. I feel responsible.
And I feel responsible for you.
Please, Joe.
I dont want to He broke off as he saw her expression. He turned away abruptly. Stay with her, Logan. If you let anything happen to her, Ill break your neck. The door closed behind him with a deci-sive click.
Violence again. She gazed blindly down at the skull.
Are you ready to go? Logan asked.
Not yet. Im going to pack up Ben and then rifle through Garys equipment for something to chip this clay off. She crossed to the table and opened the cabinet. You can contact Margaret and find out when my mother will be safe.
I can phone from here.
I dont want you underfoot. Go outside and do it.
Id like to oblige, but Quinn gave me orders. I really would like to keep my skin intact.
Im giving you orders. Youre not doing any good here. Get out of my way and see that Moms safe or Ill go home and do it myself. Its what I want to do anyway.
He held up his hand in surrender. Im on my way.
He was gone.
She drew a breath of relief. She didnt want any of them around her right now. She was too unsettled and needed to get things back in perspective. Work was the only thing that would do that. The sooner they got to that lab at Kennesaw State, the better shed be.
She found three wood instruments that looked sharp enough to be effective but not too sharp to do crucial damage if her hand slipped. She dropped them in her handbag and then carefully repacked Bens skull in the case. Okay, Ben. Sorry to put you through this, but Ive got to take all that clay off you. Put it on, take it off. All this running around and fussing doesnt seem fair, does it? She fastened the case. But here we go again.
Mrs. Duncan? Open the door. Margaret Wilson.
Sandra studied the plump woman through the peephole and compared her to the photograph in her hand.
Mrs. Duncan?
I heard you. Sandra unlocked the door. Come in.
Margaret shook her head. No, I have the van at the curb. We have to leave now. Are you ready?
As soon as I get my suitcase. She went to the living room and came back with the case. Where are we going?
We cant talk here. Margaret preceded her down the porch steps. Dont worry, youll be safe.
Why cant we talk here. Im not Sandra made the connection. Bugged? You think my house is bugged?
Thats what I was told. Hurry.
Bugged. Sandra locked the front door. What the hell is going on?
I hoped youd know. Margaret moved briskly down the walk. I thought wed compare notes and come up with some answers. Usually, I dont mind traveling blind for John, but Im a little uneasy about all this. She opened the passenger door. Get in. She indicated the short, burly man in the drivers seat. This is Brad Pilton. Hes with Madden Security and hes one of the crew whos been watching over you the past several days. Hes supposed to be our bodyguard.
