Im sorry, its too late for Logan. We had to act publicly to make sure hes no threat to us. You can just fade away, but I cant call off the hunt for Logan. Hes on his own.
And my mother?
You can take her with you. Can we deal?
No.
Why? What else do you want?
I want my life back. I dont want to spend the next fifty years hiding out for something I didnt do. I dont consider that option viable.
Its all I can offer. I cant have you here. Its too dangerous for me. For the first time, Eve could hear an edge of steel to Lisa Chadbournes voice, and something elsepanic. Give me that skull, Eve.
No.
Ill find it anyway. It will just be easier if you give it to me.
Even if you find it youre afraid the truth will come to light in an awkward and public manner. Thats the only reason youre offering me a deal.
God, no. Both the hardness and fear were gone from her voice now. It reflected only weariness and sadness. You refuse?
Ive told you that.
Would it be so bad to let me stay in the White House? Look what Ive done through Kevin. The new bill to save Medicare. Tougher laws on animal and child abuse. Theres a good chance I can get the Na-tional Health Bill passed before the election. Do you know what a miracle that is when we dont control Congress? Her voice hardened with desperation. But Ive only started. Theres so much more that Ive planned for next term. Let me do it, Eve.
And seize immortality for yourself? I dont re-gard murder as a permissible method for pushing bills through Congress.
Please. Reconsider.
No deal.
Silence. Im sorry. I wanted to make it easy for you. No, thats not true. I wanted to make it easier for me. I wanted it to stop. Lisa cleared the thickness from her voice. Youve misjudged your position, Eve. Its not as strong as you think, and there are al-ways two sides of a coin. I hope Ill be able to give you another chance later, but I doubt it. Ill have to move forward. You will remember it was your choice? She hung up.
Eve had thought she had grasped the womans personality and motivations, but she hadnt gone deep enough. She wondered if anyone could go deep enough with Lisa Chadbourne. She had been thinking about her as a ruthless monster like Fraser, but the woman she had just spoken to was very human.
But not vulnerable. She might not be a monster, but her determination would never waver.
Eves hand was shaking as she put down the phone on the table. Christ, she was scared. She had believed she had a slight advantage because she had studied and felt she knew Lisa Chadbourne.
The advantage was gone. Not only did she not know Lisa Chadbourne, but the woman had also been studying her. Lisa Chadbourne also knew Eve.
Two sides of a coin.
Bribery on one side. Death on the other. It couldnt be clearer. She had refused Lisas offer and now she had to face the consequences.
Why the hell couldnt she stop shaking? It was as if Lisa had been in the room with her and
A knock on the door.
Her gaze flew across the room.
Dont answer the door, Logan had said.
Two sides of a coin.
For Gods sake, Lisa Chadbourne wasnt some supernatural being who had transported herself to this motel. Eve rose to her feet and strode to the door. And assassins didnt knock politely.
The second knock wasnt polite though. It was hard, impatient, and demanding.
Who is it?
Logan.
She gave a quick glance through the peephole. Thank God. She unfastened the chain bolt and un-locked the door.
Logan strode into the room. Pack your clothes. Youre getting out of here.
Where have you been?
On my way here. He opened her closet, took out her bag, blazer, and windbreaker and threw them on the bed. I took a taxi to Baltimore-Washington airport, rented a car, and drove here.
Why didnt you call me?
He didnt answer.
