Come on. Joe tried to lift her to her feet, but she shrugged him off. We have to get you out of here.
We cant leave him. She noticed for the first time the two other knives pinning Garys palms to the floor. Oh, Joe, look what he did to him.
Its over, Eve. I have to get you out of here.
Tears were running down her cheeks. He hurt him. He did it on purpose. He wanted me to know he hurt him. She wanted me to know.
Hes not hurting anymore.
She was rocking back and forth as pain seared through her. Its not fair. He wanted to fight them. He wanted to
Eve, look at me.
She gazed blindly up at Joes face.
His eyeshellip;
He reached down and touched her hair with the most exquisite tenderness. Im sorry, he said gently.
His fist lashed out and struck her chin.
Darkness.
Is she hurt? Logan was getting out of his car when Joe carried Eve out of the motel.
No, get the car door for me.
Logan opened the passenger door of Joes car. What happened to her? Fiske?
Me. He put her in the seat and closed the door. She wouldnt leave Kessler.
Logans gaze flew to the open door. What
Dead.
Fiske?
Not there. Joe went around the car and got into the drivers seat. Get in your car and get out of here. She told you not to come back.
But it appears Fiske didnt want to bargain after all.
He wanted to shake her. It wasnt pretty. He reached into the glove compartment and took out a paper towel. Blood. He began to wipe the stains from Eves hands. Lots of blood.
Shit. Logans gaze was fastened on Eves pale face. What did you do to her?
I knocked her out. Joe started the car. Kneeling there in Kesslers blood was bad for her. Fiske might as well have been standing over her with another butcher knife.
A knife?
I told you it wasnt pretty.
Shes not going to be pleased that you man-handled her.
I did what I had to do. Do you have a gun?
Yes.
But you didnt tell Eve. Joe smiled sardonically. You knew how shed react. You served me up for bar-becue but you protected your ass. Well, keep that gun handy and stay close behind me. If you get hijacked, I might stop and help you. He backed up the car. If youre lucky.
Blood.
Knives.
Pinned.
Oh, God, hed crucified Gary.
She opened her mouth to scream.
Wake up. She was being shaken. Wake up, Eve.
Her lids flew open.
Joe. Joe in the drivers seat next to her. Darkness all around her.
A dream. It had all been a dream.
A dreamhellip;
He shook his head.
Garyhellip; Tears began to pour down her cheeks. Dead?
Joe nodded.
She huddled in the seat, trying to get away from the nightmare. But it came at her. Blood. Gary. Joes hand on her hair. Darkness.
You hit me, she said dully.
