Sarah made another hand gesture and Monty bounded after Jane into the house. 'Thanks for keeping her company,' Eve said.
'I enjoy her.' Sarah was frowning slightly. 'I wish I could— It’s not easy for her.”
“What?'
'I can’t share Monty. She wants him to belong to her, and that can’t happen. It’s not safe for The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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him to have a divided allegiance.' She made a face. 'Besides, we’ve been close too long. It kind of shuts everyone else out.'
'She understands about compromises. She’s made the adjustment.”
“Compromises suck.'
'I’ll second that,' Joe murmured. He headed for the front door. 'I’m going to call Charlie Cather and then go down to the precinct. I’ll see you tonight.'
'Why are you calling Charlie? I thought you said he wouldn’t let us go with him.”
“Another try won’t hurt.'
Sarah’s gaze followed Joe. 'You were gone a long time. I was wondering whether Monty and I should come after you.'
Eve smiled. 'I don’t need protection from Joe.”
“No?'
'Time got away from us.' She tilted her head. 'You don’t like Joe?”
“I didn’t say that. I do like him. He was nice to Monty. I like most people who are nice to Monty.
I just think he’s a powerhouse and you have to be careful not to be run over by people like him.
I’ve had a few experiences with powerhouses myself.'
'For God’s sake, we only had lunch. I won’t be run over.'
Sarah gave her a shrewd look. 'Unless you want it to happen.' She held up a hand as she strode toward the door. 'It’s none of my business. I think I’ll go and see how Jane and Monty are doing.'
Eve slowly followed her into the house. She could hear the sound of Jane’s and Sarah’s laughter in the kitchen. Joe must be in the office making his call.
Joe…
Unless you want it to happen.
Of course she didn’t want it to happen. She wanted everything to go back to the way it was. It was too dangerous to let herself be swayed by the—
The house phone rang.
'There’s a Mr. Grunard at the front gate,' Herb Booker said when she picked up the receiver.
'He said you’re expecting him.'
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'Let him in, Herb.' She felt a ripple of relief as she replaced the phone. The arrival of Mark Grunard brought her mind back to what was important.
She opened the front door as Mark Grunard arrived.
'Well, this is more welcome than I’ve come to expect from you.' Mark got out of the car. 'I anticipated having to storm the gates.'
She smiled. 'I’ve never meant to close you out. I just didn’t have anything important to share with you.'
'I’m a journalist. I can make a story out of a trip to the grocery store.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,' she said dryly. 'Come in and I’ll fill you in on what’s been happening. Off the record.'
'Of course.' He followed her into the living room. 'Where’s Quinn?'
“In the office, I think. He’s going to the precinct later.'
'Yeah, I heard how he finagled that job as liaison. Smart. And very convenient for me.'
She turned to face him. 'I want to cooperate with you, Mark. But I won’t let you put Joe on the spot.'
'Quinn can take care of himself.'
He wasn’t going to listen. Now that he was in the center of things, he was going to push until he got what he wanted. 'I’ve been feeling a little guilty about you, Mark. I don’t like the idea of breaking my word to anyone. But the minute you start making Joe’s job awkward for him is the minute you’ll be out of the loop.' Grunard smiled. 'Now, why would I make Quinn’s job difficult? We’re all after the same thing. I’ll go down to the precinct after I check into a hotel, but I won’t get in Quinn’s way.' He was glancing around the room. 'Nice place. Quinn told me Logan had set you up.'
