with normal problems.
She turned and strode down the hall toward the lab.
Kessler glanced up as she reached him. You okay?
Sure. I just needed some air. How are you doing?
Not good. He looked back down at the molar he was cutting. The poor bastard may be toothless before I get enough for a sample. This is the third one Ive cut into.
Do you need me to help?
And share the credit? She smiled. I promise Ill never tell.
Sure. Ive heard that before. Go away.
Whatever you say. But she didnt move, watching as he carefully cut through the enamel on the tooth. Ive been thinking. After we get the sample, it might be a good idea if you went away for a while. Maybe to your place on the shore.
Ah, are you trying to save my neck, Duncan? Maybe feeling a little stirring of guilt?
Yes.
Good. A little guilt is good for the soul. His gaze was narrowed on the tooth. But dont flatter yourself that Im doing this for you. This job is going to make me a star. Ive always wanted to be the center of at-tention.
Yeah, sure, thats why you work like a demon and live like a hermit.
It takes one to know one. Another fifty years and youll probably be living in your lab, eating cold Dominos pizza.
And lying about wanting to become famous? Admit it, youre just curious.
Partly. He carefully started opening the tooth.
And whats the rest of it?
Did you know I spent my early childhood in Munich during the thirties?
She shook her head, gazing at him in surprise. Youve never talked about it.
No, we talk only about our jobs, dont we? The bones, the deadhellip; He adjusted his glasses on his nose. My mother was Jewish but my father was of good Aryan stock with high government connections. The Nazis put pressure on him to divorce her, but he refused. He owned a small bakery and for two months he had to replace the windows that were broken every day. He held out and still refused. Then one night he didnt come home from the shop and we were told hed been run over by a truck. He lost a leg and spent nine months in a hospital. By the time he was up and about, it was all over. The shop was out of business and the Nazis had begun to round up the Jews. We managed to get to Switzerland and then later to America.
Oh, God, thats terrible, Gary. Im sorry.
I wasnt sorry. I was mad. I watched those sons of bitches striding around the neighborhood, running over everyone who got in their way. Bullies. Taking away everything that made life worth living. God, I hate bullies. He nodded at the skull. And the people who did this are like those damn Nazis, running over the whole damn world. They make me sick. Ill be damned if they get away with it this time.
She swallowed to ease the sudden tightness in her throat. Why, Gary, you sound downright noble.
Hell, yes. Besides, this may be my swan song, and I want it sung loud and clear.
Swan song? Are you planning on retiring?
Maybe. Im past retirement age. Im an old man, Eve.
Eve shook her head. Not you, Gary. He chuckled. Youre right, Im not old. When-ever I look in the mirror, I see the young stud I was at twenty. Maybe a few more wrinkles, but I dont often notice them. Its like that superimposition you do. No matter whats on the top layer, that young man is underneath and I know hes there. Do you suppose every old geezer is as self-deluding as me?
Youre not self-deluding. We all see what we want to see. We all have a vision of ourselves. She tried to smile. And, dammit, youre not old and youre not going to retire. I need you.
True. It takes a benevolent and exceptional man to deal with someone of your headstrong nature and many faults. I may have to stick around just to keep you in Shit. He pushed the tooth aside. Another blank. Go away. Youre bringing me bad luck.
Well, thats a profoundly scientific notion. She turned away. Call me if you need me.
Not likely. He bent over the skull again as she walked away.
Any progress? Logan straightened in his chair across the room.
Not yet.
I saw a cot in the back room. Why dont you try to take a nap?
She shook her head. I need to be here in case he changes his mind about not needing help. She sat down beside him and leaned her head back against the wall. Its my responsibility. I brought him into this.
He seems to be enjoying himself. Logans gaze was fixed on Kessler. In a cerebral way.
Cerebral? Hell, he thinks hes Schwarzkopf or Eliot Ness or Lancelot or some other She drew a deep breath and said fiercely, And youd better see that nothing happens to him, Logan. I should have gone to your man at Duke. All I thought about was who was best for the job. I didnt think about how dangerous this could be for Gary.
As soon as we get the DNA sample and an affi-davit, well whisk him away out of the limelight.
