I told you to stay with Eve. Joe Quinn was walking up the steps toward him.
And she told you to stay with Kessler.
Hes right behind me.
And Im a hundred yards from the lab.
Thats a hundred yards too far.
I had phone calls to make and I think she wanted me out of her hair.
She has good taste.
Time to try to bridge the gulf. Youre absolutely right. Shes perfectly right to resent me. So are you. He gazed into Quinns eyes. But dont give me or-ders. Were on the same team and Ill do everything I can, but Ill work with you, not for you, Quinn.
Joes lips twisted. And not against me? Just what did you tell her about me?
What I had to tell her to protect my position. I assure you that it was nothing but the truth.
As defined by John Logan.
Logan nodded. I think you know what I told her. I imagine its what youve been carefully hiding for years.
Damn you.
I believe I was entitled to protect myself. You were becoming a little too lethal. Suppose we come to an agreement. You agree to work with me willingly, if not amicably, and Ill stop bringing up your alter ego to Eve.
Quinn stared at him a moment. Screw you. He passed him and went into the building.
Logan let out the breath he hadnt known he was holding. He had confronted many dangerous men in his time, but Quinn was definitely in a class by him-self. It astonished him that Eve hadnt picked up on it.
Maybe not so strange. To her Quinn was the pro-tector, the man who had saved her and sustained her.
It was difficult to equate a savior with a terminator.
FIFTEEN
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
1:05 a.m.
'Hows it going? Logan squatted beside Eves chair. Have you got a minute?
No, I havent got a minute. It took me forever to jerry-rig this equipment and set it up. She adjusted the TV monitor. And Ive just started.
Margaret called from Lanier. I have the phone number. I thought youd want to talk to your mother.
Why didnt you tell me? Of course I want to talk to her.
Logan dialed the number and handed his phone to Eve.
How are you, Mom?
Tired. Worried about you, Sandra said. Hell, worried about me. Other than that, Im in great shape. When is this going to be over, Eve?
I wish I knew. She changed the subject. Hows the cottage?
Nice. Its on the water. Great view.
But Sandra didnt sound as if she appreciated either the cottage or the view. Who could blame her? Eve had disrupted her life and yanked her away from the pleasant, comfortable niche shed made for her-self. Try to enjoy it and relax. Do you have any books to read?
Margaret brought a few suspense novels, but you know I dont read much. Theres a big TV set. A pause. Do you suppose I could call Ron? I wouldnt tell him where I was.
No, dont do it. Honest, Ill try to have you out of there in a few days.
Okay. Sandras tone was despondent. I guess Im kind of lonely. Ill be fine. You just take care of yourself.
I will. Good night, Mom. Ill call you every day. She handed Logan the phone. Thanks. I feel a little better now.
That was the intention. How is she?
Depressed. She wants her life back. She gazed blindly at the monitor. She deserves a good life. Shes had a hard time and now things are looking up for her. Shes met someone she cares about. Moms al-ways needed people.
And you havent?
She shrugged. I guess Ive never thought about it. There was always too much work to do.
Always?
Not always. Not when Bonnie She turned to look at him. Youre probing again, Logan.
Sorry, Im just wondering what makes you tick. He gazed at the skull on the pedestal. Besides an obsession with our friends who have passed over. Its in-teresting that you dont seem to have made any close friends after your daughter was killed.
Ive been busy.
