She could barely hear the words.
What?
Dun-canhellip;
Her heart jumped. Gary?
Another voice. He wanted to say good-bye.
Who is this? she whispered.
Fiske. She wants the skull, Eve.
Where are you?
Back at the motel. I ran our good Dr. Kessler off the road and then persuaded him to come back to his room for a little discussion.
I want to talk to Gary.
Hes not able to talk anymore. She said to tell you it wont be the last. Give her the skull, Eve. He hung up.
Oh, God.
What is it? Joes gaze was fixed on her face.
Her stomach was clenching. She couldnt breathe. Turn around. We have to go back to the motel.
What?
Fiskehellip; and Gary. I know it was Gary.
You cant be sure. It might not be him. It could be a trick.
Dammit, I know it was Gary. He called me Duncan.
Its a trap, Eve.
I dont care. We have to go back. Dear Jesus, that whisper. Turn around, Joe.
The next place I can. Ill put on my emergency lights to signal Logan.
Hurry. She tried to think. She had the briefcase with the DNA reports, but Logan had the skull. If it was a trap, she had to make sure No, stop. I have to give him the briefcase.
They pulled off the highway, and Logan stopped beside them.
Joe got out of the car and shoved the briefcase at him. Were going back to the motel. Kessler called Eve. Its Fiske.
Get in the car with me, Quinn, Logan said. Eve, you wait here.
Screw you. Lets go, Joe.
Joe started the car.
Ill follow you, Logan said.
Dont you dare, Eve said fiercely. She wants the skull. If I have to bargain with it to save Gary, Ill do it. But I wont have any bargaining power if Fiske takes it away from you.
Fiske wont
Joe was already streaking down the highway toward the motel.
She wants the skull, Eve.
Give her the skull.
Gary.
The door of Kesslers room was cracked open, and light streamed through the narrow opening.
Stay here. Joe got out of the car.
Im going to
Dont argue with me. Hey, this is what I do. He drew his gun from his shoulder holster. It will be okay. He pressed against the wall to one side of the door and kicked the door open.
No barrage of shots.
No one barreling through the door.
Nothing.
Joe waited a moment and then crouched low and ran into the room.
She couldnt stand it. She jumped out of the car and ran toward the door.
Joe was suddenly standing in front of her, barring the way. No, Eve.
What do you No. She pushed him aside and ran into the room.
Gary was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, a knife protruding from his throat.
She fell to her knees beside him. Gary.
