Ive called and arranged a condo in Fort Lauder-dale for you. Logan gave him a card. Its booked under the name Ray Wallins. Stay there until we call you and let you know its safe.
Kessler smiled slyly. A luxury condo? With maid service?
Logan grinned. Maybe. Dont push your luck.
A man of my skills and intellect deserves luxury. It shouldnt be wasted on philistines like you, Logan.
Logan handed him an envelope. Cash. It should keep you content for a few months.
Ah, thats better. Kessler tucked the envelope in his jacket pocket. It will do until the first advance on my best- selling book comes in. He looked at Eve. I may need an assistant, my spelling is atrocious. I might be persuaded to give you a room in my condo if you ask me nicely, Duncan.
I cant spell either.
I guess that means no. Oh, well, youd have tried to hog the credit anyway.
Joe came out of the hotel room carrying Eves bag. Were out of here, Eve. If we start now, we can be at Lanier by nine.
She nodded, still looking at Gary. Thank you. Youve been wonderful.
He nodded. Magnificent.
Youll leave now?
Ill throw my clothes into my suitcase, put the case in my Volvo, and Im on my way to Fort Lauderdale. Five minutes.
Well wait.
Duncan, its not He shrugged. What a stubborn woman. He disappeared into his room and came out a few minutes later. He put his suitcase in his car and turned to face her. Satisfied?
Yes. She stepped closer and gave him a hug. Thank you, she whispered in his ear.
Youre really becoming boring, Duncan. Gary got into his car and turned on the engine.
Are you ready to go? Logan asked Eve. I as-sume youre going with Quinn, since hes done every-thing but toss you in the car. Ill follow you to Lanier.
Were leaving now. Joe got into the drivers seat. Are you packed?
Everythings in my car. Logan crossed the parking lot toward the brown Taurus.
Eve? Joe said.
She nodded quickly and opened the passenger door. The first obstacle, proof, was overcome. She had the DNA reports in the briefcase in her hand. Gary would be safe and so would her mother when they reached her in a few hours.
Thank God.
4:10 A.M.
Fiske took the listening device out of his ear and dialed Lisa Chadbourne.
They were staying at the Roadway Stop in Bainbridge, Fiske said. I followed Kessler and Joe Quinn back from the DNA Testing Center. Logan and Duncan are here too. But none of them are staying. Quinn just put Duncans suitcase in his car. Duncan said good-bye to Kessler. Hes not going with them. Kesslers driving out of the parking lot now.
What about Logan? Lisa Chadbourne asked.
Hes getting in another car. A brown Taurus.
Does she have the skull with her?
How do I know? Shes not going to be carrying a skull under her arm like a purse. I guess she could have stuffed it in her bag. Or maybe Logan has it.
Or maybe theyve hidden it somewhere. Im not asking for your guesses. You havent seen it?
The bitch was beginning to annoy him. No way.
Then dont let them out of your sight. I need that skull.
Youve told me that. Logans following Quinn out of the parking lot.
Then go after them, dammit.
No problem. I know where theyre going. Theyre heading north to pick up Duncans mother at Lanier.
Youre sure?
I just heard Quinn say it.
A silence. Youre positive you wont lose them.
I wont lose them.
Then I have something else for you to do.
Eves digital phone rang when they were forty miles outside Bainbridge.
Duncan. Dont
