Eve pushed her chair back from the computer and covered her eyes with her shaking hand.
I’ve got you, Dom. I’ve got you.
Her phone rang.
'The caseworker from Atlanta, James Parkinson, and Jane just got into a squad car with two The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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officers and are on their way to the airport,' Joe said. 'I’m following them.”
“I didn’t think they’d leave tonight.'
'I didn’t either. Parkinson was in and out of that welfare house in fifteen minutes. I’ll call you when we get to the airport.'
Eve tried to think. It was logical that the caseworker wanted Jane out of Phoenix now that Eve had been released. But Jane was more vulnerable outside the home and on the road.
A twisted mass of metal at the bottom of the ravine. That couldn’t happen twice. Besides, Joe was watching. But so was Dom.
James Parkinson.
She called Joe back. 'How do you know Parkinson is the social worker?”
“The squad car radioed the pickup back to the precinct, and I heard it on my radio.'
'What does Parkinson look like?'
'He’s black, heavyset, plump face. He would have had to show ID to both welfare administration and the officers in the squad car.'
'IDs are easy to get, and Grunard’s had time to plan.' But she did feel a little better. 'Watch closely, Joe.'
'You know I will.'
'I guess you’re glad to be going home, young lady.' Officer Rivera looked back at Jane over his shoulder.
Jane didn’t answer.
'I have a daughter about your age. She’s on the Softball team.'
Jane gazed through the window, closing out Parkinson and the officers. She hadn’t said a word since she’d gotten into the squad car. Poor kid, Rivera thought. He looked at Parkinson. 'Is she going to be okay?'
Parkinson nodded, his white teeth flashing in his brown face as he smiled. 'Just fine.'
Jane suddenly stiffened, her gaze flying to Parkinson’s face. 'There, honey, don’t be scared.'
Parkinson patted her shoulder.
Jane went rigid and then slumped to one side.
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'What’s wrong with her?' Rivera said. 'Pull over, Ken.”
“Oh, no, don’t do that,' Parkinson said softly. Then he shot Rivera in the head.
Shit.
Joe’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. Something was wrong.
The squad car was weaving in and out of the city streets, even backtracking. What the hell!
The squad car roared over railroad tracks, driving through the signal just as the train approached, leaving Joe stranded on the other side.
He radioed the precinct for backup as he waited for the train to pass. 'I don’t care who comes.
Just get someone, anyone.'
He wasn’t getting through to them. He closed his eyes. 'Okay, if you won’t stop the squad car, come after me. This is Joe Quinn.'
Joe gunned his car as the caboose rattled past. It took Joe ten minutes to locate the squad car again. But he lost it again in the traffic near the stadium. There it was. Two blocks ahead, turning left. He lost it again.
It took five minutes to locate the squad car this time. It was pulled over to the side of a deserted street.
'I have her, Eve.'
Dom.
'You’re lying. She’s on her way to the airport.'
'No, you’ll get a call soon. I just wanted you to know that the game is almost over. It’s time for me to claim the stakes.'
'I don’t believe you.'
'You believe me. I can hear it in your voice.”
“Let me talk to her.'
