Think. Was there any way out? She had to have the skull. The scenario she had set up gave Timwick the ability to make sure Logan could be killed on sight.
More killing. And after him, Fiskes list would kick in and the deaths would go on.
She couldnt stand it.
A deal?
No, Logan was a stubborn man and would not give up even if sense and practicality told him that he should. Men were always too
But Eve Duncan knew where the skull was and she had no male ego to stop her from thinking clearly. Duncan was a clever woman who would recognize that all their options were gradually disappearing.
Lisa straightened and wiped her eyes. She turned and switched on the computer.
Eve Duncan.
NINETEEN
The phone rang.
Logan?
Eve snatched her phone from the table where shed put it in readiness. Hello.
Hello, Eve. I hope you dont mind my calling you by your given name. Please do the same. I believe events have established a certain intimacy between us.
Eve straightened in shock.
You do know who this is?
Lisa Chadbourne.
You recognize my voice. Good.
How did you get my number?
Ive had it since the first dossier on you was given to me. It didnt seem prudent to contact you under the circumstances.
Since you were trying to kill me?
Please believe I never meant to harm you until you interfered. You should never have accepted Logans offer. She paused. And you should never have permitted Logan to try to persuade Scott to be-tray me.
I dont control Logan. Nobody does.
You should have tried. Youre intelligent and youre strong. All it would have taken was a little ef-fort. Maybe all this could have been She stopped to steady her voice. I didnt mean to get emotional on you. I dont expect you to understand, but its been a bad day for me.
I dont understand. The shock had dissipated a little and the sheer outlandishness of the conversa-tion hit Eve abruptly. And I dont care.
Of course you dont care. She paused. But its necessary that you try to understand. I have to see it through. Its like being on a roller coaster. You cant get off until you reach the end. Ive fought too hard, Ive given up too much. I cant lose all Ive gained.
Through murder.
Silence. I want it to end. Let me find a way to end it, Eve.
Why did you call me?
Is Logan there?
Relief rushed over her. If Lisa didnt know where Logan was, it meant that he and Gil could be safe. Not right now.
Good. Hed get in the way. For a brilliant man, hes not at all reasonable. Youre not like him. You can see the advantages of compromise. She paused. As you did when you begged them not to execute Fraser.
Eves hand tightened on the phone. She hadnt expected her to touch that wound.
Eve?
Im here.
You wanted Fraser to die, but you wanted some-thing else more. You were reasonable enough to deal for what you wanted.
I dont want to talk about Fraser.
I can see why you dont want to remember him. I mentioned him only because you have to be reason-able now.
What do you want from me?
The skull and any other evidence you and Logan have gathered.
And what do I get for handing over those things to you?
The same deal you offered Scott. You disappear and turn up somewhere with enough money to keep you for the rest of your life.
And what about Logan?
