Buddhist temple. Who would know that there would be that many churches in one section of the city?”
“And they’re spread out all over the area,” Eve said in discouragement. “How are we supposed to find the right one in time?”
“Split up,” Caleb said. “And if you see anything suspicious, call me. I’ll come and check it out.”
“Why a church?” Jane asked. “I’d think that he’d veer away from religious doctrines.”
“Jelak wouldn’t care about the religious side of it,” Caleb said. “I’d bet he wants a grand temple to house his resurrection ceremony. So he’s borrowing one of these churches.”
“Borrowing? Churches aren’t usually deserted even when there are no services. I just hope that he didn’t hurt anyone.”
“Don’t count on it.” Caleb headed for the door. “I’ll take the Buddhist temple. Eve, you check out St. Mark’s Cathedral. Jane, Peachtree Baptist. Look for cars in the parking lots. Or any sign of interior lights. Anything different.”
“Right,” Eve said. She was ahead of them as they reached the steps. Panic was racing through her. All those churches and only a couple hours to cover all of them.
And if they ran the time too close, she might not make it to Allatoona to meet Jelak at three. That would be dangerous for Joe.
Hell, everything was dangerous for Joe.
She could only move at top speed and pray.
PRAYERS WEREN’T WORKING, Eve thought in despair over an hour later.
There was no sign of any occupancy at St. Mark’s. No lights. No cars in the parking lot. Not even on the streets surrounding the cathedral.
She called Caleb. “Nothing. What about you?”
“I was able to get into the temple. It’s a splendid building, but Jelak gave it a pass. I just heard from Jane. The Baptist church is empty too.”
“Four more to go.” She checked her watch. “It’s one thirty. It will take at least forty minutes to get to Allatoona.” She started the car. “I’m closest to the Methodist church. I’ll try there. I’ll have to give it up and meet Jelak if that’s a zero too.”
“I’ll call Jane, and we’ll split up the others.” He paused. “Don’t go to Allatoona without me.”
“Jelak will probably have to allow time to get to Allatoona too. There won’t be any way to surprise him if we don’t find the church right away. And I can’t risk Jelak flying off the handle and doing something to Joe to punish me.” She backed out of the parking lot as she glanced at her GPS. “I’ll be on my way to Allatoona unless you call me within the next forty-five minutes and tell me we’ve found him.” She hung up.
She had been so full of excitement and hope when she had realized that Joe had been able to slip in a clue to where he and Jelak were located. It had seemed as if their luck was turning.
Don’t give up. They still had forty-five minutes.
Such a short time, she thought in agony.
Please let the next church be the right one.
As she reached the intersection, her cell phone rang. She tensed. Private number. Jelak?
“Eve Duncan?”
Not Jelak.
“Yes.”
“Ed Norris. I’m sorry to disturb you at this time of night. I guess I woke you.”
“No, I was awake.”
“Because you were worrying about Quinn. I’ve had some sleepless nights myself lately.”
“Yes, I’m very sorry about your daughter.”
“She was a loving child and my best friend.”
“I hear she was a wonderful girl. I don’t have much time. What can I help you with, Senator?”
“I do seem to be rambling, don’t I? I call you up in the middle of the night, and I can’t seem to get to the point. It’s because I’m feeling awkward as hell.” He was silent a moment. “Okay, here it is. I had this dream. It was weird. I kept seeing this picture. Over and over. The same picture.”
“What picture?”
“You’ve got to understand. I’m a realist. I don’t go off the deep end. Maybe I’ve not been quite myself lately but I’m as stable as the Rock of Gibraltar.”
“What are you trying to say, Senator?”
“The picture. I think you’re supposed to know about it.”
“Why?”
“Hell, I don’t know,” he said testily. “But the picture wouldn’t go away, and neither would your name. It kept pounding at me, and it wouldn’t stop. So I’m telling you. And if you tell the media I’m off my rocker, I’ll deny this call and sue you.”
“What was the picture?”
