Its safer than taking a plane anyway. Particu-larly out of your home city. He started for the door. Ready?
It would have been too bad if she wasnt ready, she thought ruefully. Logan was on the move and she either had to follow him or be left behind.
And she wasnt about to be left behind.
Why dont you try to get some sleep? Logan said. You worked all last night. I promise I wont land us in a ditch.
I dont want to sleep. Weve been driving a long time. Its almost dark. Arent we almost there?
Another hour or so.
An hour was too long when Eve was this restless. Have you heard from Gil?
Last night. No progress yet. It may take time to approach Maren on a confidential basis. Im sure hes very busy overseeing the work on my corpse.
Thats not funny.
I didnt think so either, but its better if you laugh.
Is it?
Ive always thought so. It keeps you sane.
Then Ill vote for that. She gazed at the tail-lights of Garys car on the road ahead of them. Are you speaking from experience? How close have you come to the edge, Logan?
Close enough.
No. She turned to face him. Dont give me that evasive bull. Its not fair. Tell me. You know everything about me.
I doubt it. Youre a multifaceted woman. It wouldnt surprise me if you had a few secrets.
Tell me.
What do you want to know?
The edge.
Ah, you want to see my scars.
Youve seen mine.
He was silent a moment. I was married once when I was pretty young. It was during the time I lived in Japan. She was Eurasian and the most beau-tiful woman Id ever seen. Her name was Chen Li.
Youre divorced?
She died of leukemia. He smiled crookedly. It wasnt like your loss. No violence. Except on my part. I wanted to tear the world apart when I couldnt find a way to help her. I was a cocky bastard and sure that there wasnt a mountain I couldnt climb. Well, I couldnt climb that one. It took over a year for her to die, and I had to watch it. Is that a deep enough scar for you?
She looked away from him into the darkness. Yes, thats deep enough.
And do you know me better now?
She didnt answer. Did you love her?
Oh, yes. I loved her. He glanced at her. You know, you really shouldnt have asked. You have a soft heart and it would have been easier for you to dislike me if you hadnt seen Im human, like everyone else.
It was true. Understanding always made antago-nism more difficult. His very restraint underscored the pain hed undergone. Ive never doubted you were human.
Maybe. Maybe not. He changed the subject. Tellers lab may not be open when we reach Bain-bridge. Well probably have to check into a motel and wait until tomorrow morning.
Cant we call him or something? Maybe Gary could
Kesslers going to arouse enough suspicion by the pressure hes going to apply on Teller. It would be a little over the top to ask him to stay open until we got there.
No doubt he was right but, dear God, she wanted to move more quickly. You dont understand. It sometimes takes weeks to get a definitive report on a DNA sample. Garys going to ask Teller to do it in a few days. Private labs have the capability to be faster because theyre not as backlogged, but every minute is going to count.
Will some of my filthy lucre help urge him to do a little overtime?
She shook her head. I dont think so. He sounds like a dedicated professional.
He still has to pay the mortgage. Kessler seemed to think Teller might need money.
True. Maybe she was wrong. Money could move the world. She herself had been tempted by the bait he had dangled before her. Let Gary try his way first.
No offense. Just trying to help.
I know you were. Why should I take offense? Theres nothing wrong with money.
He stared at her in surprise.
I just dont like it used as a club.
