Perhaps.
Her stomach clenched. And were you tempted, Scott? Just a little?
For Gods sake, Im calling you, arent I? Does that sound like I want to strike a deal?
No, Im sorry. Im scared. I never thought theyd guess it was you. Jesus, it was all falling apart.
No, it wasnt. She just had to think, to make ad-justments. We can work our way out of this. We may be lucky that they thought you might make a deal. They could have gone to the media.
But weve blocked that route for them.
Did you finish substituting the records?
Right after Price left me.
The panic subsided a little. It was going to be all right. She could see her way clear now. Thank God. Then Ill talk to Kevin right away and start the ball rolling. Its going to be fine, Scott.
Is it?
Of course it is. I promise you.
Youve promised me a lot of things, Lisa, he said wearily.
And havent I given you everything I promised? Youve lived the sweet life all these years.
You think I couldnt have done it without you?
I didnt say that, Scott.
He was silent a moment. Sorry.
He sounded odd, and she knew better than to overlook any change in him. The situation was too delicate. Whats wrong?
Price said something else. He told me about three people whod been murdered quite recently and that the murders conveniently erased problems for you. He asked if I wasnt afraid that Id be killed too.
And are you afraid, Scott? After all these years, are you afraid Id hurt you?
Silence. No, I guess not.
Thats not good enough. Dont guess, know.
He didnt say anything.
She closed her eyes. Christ, not now. Dont let him doubt now. Well talk. Ill prove it to you. But now we have to deal with Price as cleanly as possible to save you.
Not to mention you.
All right, save both of us. Go ahead and meet Price. Ill have Timwick there before you.
And?
Well take Price and try to use him as a bargaining tool for the skull. We have to have that skull back.
You think Logan will deal?
Weve got to try. She paused. Trust me, Scott. I wont let Logan take you down. Not after all youve done for me. She hung up.
Her heart was beating too hard. Breathe deeply, steadily. It was only another challenge.
But it was a challenge she shouldnt have had to meet. If Timwick had done his job with Donnelli, no one would ever have suspected Scott and she would not have had to make this decision. Panic was turning to rage. Logan and Duncan were coming too close and she was losing control.
So gain control. She had a way out. Shed call Timwick and tell him the problem.
But first she had to talk to Kevin and guide him on the path he had to take.
Joe called Eve at eight that evening. Ive managed to get a letter Chadbourne wrote to his sister when their mother died a few months before he took office. I dont think theres any doubt that he licked that par-ticular envelope himself.
Great. How did you get it?
You dont want to know. That would make you an accessory. But I havent gotten the sample from Millicent Babcock yet, and I thought that would be the easiest. Im following her and her husband to the country club this evening to see if I can get my hands on a glass. He paused. How are you?
Fine. Gary is going to be able to get the DNA right away.
Good. Another silence. Is Logan taking good care of you?
She avoided answering. He would go ballistic if he knew Logan wasnt here. I take care of myself, Joe.
I should be there. I should have told Logan to come here and follow that Babcock woman around. I didnt trust him to get the job done, but Im spinning my damn wheels.
Youll get it tonight.
Id better or Ill mug the damn woman and get a blood sample instead. Youre not laughing. I was joking, dammit.
