I doubt if Fiske could surprise him, Logan said. Quinns tough.
He surprised Gary.
Quinns not Gary. Hes not a victim. Hed be more likely to Logan strode over to his car. Son of a bitch.
What?
The case. Quinn took the case.
Why? Oh, Jesus, stupid question. She knew why. Joe wanted it over and, as usual, hed taken the matter in his own hands. He thinks Fiske is here.
And Id bet on his instincts, Logan said. He turned to Pilton. You stay here. Im going after him. If Im not back in Where the hell are you going, Eve?
She was running toward the woods. Im not going to let Fiske hurt him. I wont let that happen.
She heard Logan curse. He was following her, running right behind her. What the hell do you think youre going to do? Youre not some kind of commando.
Joes out there because of me, she said fiercely. Do you think Id let him go alone?
And how do you intend
She was no longer paying any attention to him. She had entered the woods and stopped, breathing hard. Dont call him, that would alert Fiske. Then how was she going to find Joe before Fiske found him?
Dont think of that. Walk softly. Look at the shadows.
Logan was beside her. For Gods sake, go back. Ill find him.
Be quiet. Im listening. He has to be
Logan had a gun in his hand.
He followed her gaze. You may be damned glad I have it.
She was glad, she realized with shock. If that gun could save Joe, then she would use it herself. Gary had died because he was helpless.
Joe must not die.
The leaves of the bushes moved gently behind him and Joe darted to the left behind a gnarled tree.
Are you here? he asked softly. Come and get me, Fiske.
The bushes stirred like the breath of a whisper.
You want the skull? Its right here. He slipped deeper into the woods. God, it was all coming back. Hunt, find, kill. The only difference was the light. Most operations took place at night. Take it from me.
Fiske was close. Joe could smell the faintest odor of garlic and toothpaste.
Where was the scent coming from? Right and a little to the rear. Too little. Too close. Move faster.
Distance.
Silence.
Speed.
The scent was weaker now. He had a little time.
Come on, Fiske. Step into my parlor.
Where the hell was the bastard? Fiske wondered in ir-ritation. It was like following a ghost.
He stopped behind some shrubs, listening, his gaze traveling around the circle of trees.
No sound.
Dammit, Quinn had made no sound since ten minutes before.
Over here.
Fiskes gaze flew to the left.
The leather skull case, sitting beneath an oak tree fifty feet away.
A trap.
Did Quinn think he was an idiot? The minute he showed himself, Quinn would put a bullet in him.
But where was Quinn? Fiske scanned the area around the case. Quinns voice had sounded as if it had come from there, but Fiske couldnt be sure.
The faintest movement.
Shrubbery to the left.
Wait. Be sure. Move closer.
If he shot, hed give away his own position.
The leaves were stirring.
He caught a glimpse of pale blue denim.
