I had to do it, he said quietly.
You thought I couldnt stand it.
Maybe. But I knew I couldnt stand it.
She wants the skull. The other side of a coinhellip; She didnt even try to bargain. She said she had to move forward. She wanted to show me she had the power to reach out and kill someone close to me.
That seems to be the picture.
Gary wasnt even really involved, she said numbly. He was out of it. Fort Lauderdale We shouldnt have let him go alone.
We thought it was safe. We had no idea Fiske knew we were in Bainbridge.
She wants the skull, Eve.
Wheres Logan? she asked.
A few miles behind us.
He still has the skull?
Joe nodded.
Give her the skull.
She said to tell you it wont be the last.
Fear jolted through her. My mother.
Were on our way to her right now.
She warned me Gary wouldnt be the only one. How far away are we?
Another three hours.
Go faster.
Easy.
Dont tell me that. She knows I care about my mother. Its only logical that shed choose Mom as an-other target.
Or that shed make sure youd think that and draw you to her. It isnt a fact that they know where your mother is.
We didnt realize that Fiske found out about Bainbridge. Her nails dug into her palms as her hands clenched into fists. But he did. He did.
Yes.
And he could be on his way to Lanier now. He could be ahead of us.
But not necessarily to kill your mother. Its more likely that hed want to get there ahead and set a trap. After all, the skull is the objective.
She took out her phone. Im going to warn them.
Fine. Good idea. But dont panic them into run-ning. They could be safer where they are until we get there. Just tell Pilton to be on the alert.
They could be safer?
Who the hell knew if anything she did would make them safer with Fiske out there?
Her hand was shaking as she dialed the number.
Fiske got back in the car hed parked in the driveway of the deserted cottage. Daylight was breaking in the east and filtering through the mist-shrouded tops of the pine trees.
He figured he had at least an hours lead. He had scouted the Duncan cottage and it was clear the Duncan woman had been busy on the phone. Lights were burning and he had watched Pilton go back into the cottage and shut the door after reconnoitering the perimeter. They were waiting for him.
Well, wasnt that what he had wanted? A challenge.
He dialed Lisa Chadbourne. She warned them.
But theyre still there?
I think theyre waiting for her. Pilton came out fifteen minutes ago and threw some bags into the van, but no ones come out since.
Dont let them leave. She paused. And dont touch them. Not until you get me that skull.
The mother would be a good goad. Better than Kessler. He paused and then insinuated a goad him-self. Though I handled Kessler exceptionally well. Do you want the details?
A silence. I told you the results I needed. I dont need the details.
Squeamish. I kept Kessler alive long enough for him to call her. It wasnt easy with knives in
I said I dont need to know. Now remember that Eve Duncan can only be pushed so far. Dont foul this up, Fiske.
Youre beginning to sound like Timwick.
