I heard about the press conference. Everythings going to hell, isnt it?
Thats pretty accurate.
What are you planning to do with the DNA evi-dence once you get it?
I have a few friends in Washington who would go to bat as long as the proof is there.
Joe shook his head. Too chancy.
Not with Andrew Bennett in my corner. Hes chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Better than a politician but still risky.
You have a better idea?
The media.
Lisa Chadbournes an expert at manipulating the media.
Maybe, but name me a reporter whos not ready to blow up an entire administration if it sells newspapers.
The storys too bizarre, Eve said. And theyve laid too many obstacles for us to even get near a newspaper.
I could do it.
Eve shook her head.
I know a man with the Atlanta Journal and Con-stitution. Peter Brown. Won a Pulitzer five years ago.
For Gods sake, youd get arrested yourself for harboring criminals, Joe.
Peter will keep his mouth shut.
Maybe, Logan said.
Definitely. He met Logans eyes. Ive already called him and hes interested. Hell, hes salivating. Hes only waiting for the DNA.
Son of a bitch. Without consulting us?
I had to do something while I was spinning my wheels in Richmond. Its better than trusting a politician.
Eve held up her hand. Why dont we wait until we get the results before we start arguing about what to do?
I want this over, Joe said. I want you out of it.
No more than I do, she said wearily. Its getting
Hell do it, Kessler announced as he came out of the room. Hes meeting me at the lab in twenty minutes.
Lets go. Joe moved toward a black Chevrolet a few yards away. How long will this take, Gary?
Six, eight hours.
Pack your bag, Eve.Joe slipped into the drivers seat and started the car. Ill be back as soon as I get the report. Well go pick up your mother and Ill find a safe place for you until we can wrap this up.
Before she could say anything he was pulling out of the lot.
Well, we agree on one thing, Logan mur-mured. We both want you out of here and some-where safe.
The media wasnt a bad idea.
No, its solid. We may go that route. But we need Washington too.
Then why did you argue with him?
He shrugged. Im afraid its becoming a habit. He turned away. Ill go pack and make a few calls to my friends in Washington. I cant let Quinn get ahead of me.
Tellers research lab was dark except for lights shining in one area of the lower floor.
Burning the midnight oil, Fiske thought. The center was supposed to close at six; now, why would anyone be there at one in the morning? Two cars in the parking lot. One Chevrolet with a rental tag.
He had a hunch hed struck pay dirt.
He popped the lid of his trunk and got out of the car. He opened the lid of his electronic equipment case and took out his listening device.
A few minutes later he was back in the drivers seat. He settled himself more comfortably and waited for them to come out of the building.
TWENTY
4:05 A.M.
Eve was waiting at the window when Joe and Gary pulled up into the motel parking lot. Theyre here, she tossed over her shoulder to Logan. She threw open the door. Done?
Done. Gary handed her the briefcase. Millicent Babcocks sample strongly indicated a relation-ship. A brilliant smile lit his face. Chadbournes saliva was a definite match, of course.
Of course. I know that. Eve smiled shakily. Youd be scowling and calling me names if it wasnt.
And rightly so. For wasting my valuable time.
