He knew about the work done by Chris Tellers research center in Bainbridge.
So now Lisa Chadbourne had a choice of targets.
How did I do? Kevin asked. Was the statement right? Do you think I should have told Douglas to be a little more stern?
You were great, Lisa said patiently. The state-ment to the media was just right. You made yourself seem regretful and Logan appear dangerous enough for us to have a reason to go after him.
Self-defense. He nodded. It should work.
It will work. She handed him the paper shed just printed out. You need to memorize this. I want you to sound completely extemporaneous.
What is it?
The eulogy youre giving for Scott Maren. He glanced over the text. Touching.
A little tearing wouldnt be remiss. He was one of Bens best friends.
And yours. Kevin was staring down at the speech and his next words came haltingly, Wasnt he?
She tensed. She didnt like his tone. Shed become accustomed to taking Kevins willful blindness for granted. Yes, he was my good friend. He did a great deal for mehellip; and for you.
Yes. He didnt look up from the speech. Its strange. The accident, I mean.
He always insisted on driving that little Cor-vette. Everyone told him that he should switch to a bigger car.
No, I mean right now.
What are you trying to say, Kevin? She took the speech away from him. Look at me.
He flushed. Im confused. Everythings hap-pening too fast. First, this business with Logan and now Scott dying.
Do you think I had anything to do with Scotts death? She let tears fill her eyes. How could you? He was our friend. He was helping us.
I didnt say that, he said quickly.
You might just as well have said it.
No, I didnt mean He gazed at her helplessly. Dont cry. You never cry.
Youve never accused me of Do you think Im some kind of monster? You know why Ben died. Do you think Id ever do that again?
With Logan.
To save you. Logan should never have interfered with what youre doing.
He reached out and awkwardly touched her shoulder. Forget it. I didnt mean
I cant forget it. She stepped back and thrust the speech at him. Go on to your office and learn that eulogy. And, while youre at it, decide whether I could have written those words about Scott if Id ever meant harm to him.
I know you didnt I just wondered why it hap-pened.
She turned her back on him and walked over to the window.
She could feel his gaze on her and then heard the sound of the door closing behind him.
Thank God. She didnt think she could have held on another minute. The entire night and morning had been a nightmare.
Damn him. Damn him. Damn him.
Tears were still running down her cheeks as she reached for her phone and dialed Timwick.
Why? she asked hoarsely. Damn you, why?
Maren was a threat. Hes always been a threat. I told you he needed to be eliminated when Logan started probing.
And I told you not to do it. Scott was never a threat. He helped us.
He was a loose thread, Lisa. And Logan was too close to unraveling him. You were too soft to do it, so I did it myself.
She closed her eyes. He would never have betrayed me.
Youre not the only one in this. She could hear the panic in his voice. I couldnt take the chance. He changed the subject. The press conference went well. It gives us the firepower we need. We found the speedboat. But we havent gotten a lead on Price and Logan yet. Ill keep you informed. He hung up.
He had dismissed the killing of Scott as if it were unimportant.
Just another deathhellip;
How many more? she wondered. How much more bloodhellip;
She sank down in her desk chair and covered her eyes.
Oh, God, Scott, forgive me. I never thought I cant seem to stop it now. It goes on and on and I have to go with it.
