No. His body was still rigid with tension. How the hell could she break through to him? Shock? She could tell him about Lisa Chadbournes call. Defi-nitely not. That would only reinforce his determina-tion. Give him some more time.
Lisa stared down at the phone.
Pick it up. Make the call. Youve waited too long already.
No deal, Eve Duncan had said.
All right, accept it.
It had to go on.
Do what you have to do.
Lisa picked up the phone.
It was over an hour later and the rays of the sun were casting long shadows when Logan pulled off the highway into a dirt lay-by. Im not going any far-ther. Get it over with.
Will you listen to me? Eve asked.
Im listening.
And stubbornly determined not to hear. Or maybe not stubborn, she thought wearily. Maybe he was afraid to hear.
It was odd to think of confident and decisive Logan as being afraid. Remember what you told me? Do the best you can and then go on? Youre full of hot air, Logan.
So I dont practice what I preach.
Youre not responsible for Gils death. He was a grown man and he made his own decision. You even tried to talk him out of it.
Weve already gone over this.
And youre not responsible for me. Id have to yield you that right, and I wont do that. Im the only one who guides my life. So dont give me that bullshit about putting me on a boat and sending me to Outer Mongolia.
Timbuktu.
Wherever. Im not going anywhere. Ive gone through too much. Ive too much invested in my life to throw it away. Do you understand?
He didnt look at her. I understand.
Then I guess we can go back to the motel.
He started the car. But it doesnt make any dif-ference. I warn you, Ill find a way to get you on that boat.
She shook her head. I get seasick. I remember when we came back on the ferry from Cumberland Island, I was sick as a dog.
Im surprised you noticed.
I didnt understand it either. I felt as if my life had ended and it didnt seem fair that my body was punishing me too.
But Quinn took care of you.
Yes, Joe always takes care of me.
Have you heard from him?
Last night. Hes found a letter thats almost cer-tain to contain Chadbournes saliva, but hes having trouble getting the sample from Millicent Babcock. He was going to follow her and her husband to the country club and try to swipe a drink glass.
Your stalwart policeman is going to steal?
Talking was helping him. The muscles on Logans forearms were a little less rigid.
Thats not like stealing. She decided not to con-fide the fact that Joe had gotten the letter through du-bious means.
Did you ever read Les Miseacute;rables ?
Yes, and I can see Joe stealing bread to feed a hungry child.
He smiled lopsidedly. Your hero.
My friend, she corrected him.
His smile disappeared. Sorry, I dont have the right to criticize Quinn. Ive failed pretty miserably in the friend sweepstakes.
Stop beating yourself up. Your thinking is blurred. When did you last sleep?
He shrugged.
Youll feel better after you have a good nights sleep.
Will I?
She hesitated and then said bluntly. Probably not. But youll be able to think clearer.
