It was not Caleb’s priority.
He had to destroy Jelak in the quickest way possible no matter who was in his way.
“IT’S TIME WE LEFT. I’LL need you to walk to the car.” Jelak cut the ropes that bound Joe’s ankles. “I admit I like the idea of returning to Allatoona. It will bring back memories of an interesting kill. Naturally, Nancy Jo Norris wasn’t anywhere near the status of Eve, but she was surprisingly rich in strength for one so young. And she was the first one of my kills they called you in to investigate. You should have some nostalgic feeling for Allatoona too.”
“Nostalgia? I felt disgust that some slimeball would kill a nice kid like that.” Joe flexed his ankles to get the blood circulating. He didn’t have the use of his hands, but he was good with his feet. Watch for the chance, then a roundhouse kick to the belly and another to the throat. “But then I found out that you were a coward and a nutcase and that ‘slimeball’ would have been a supreme compliment.”
Jelak’s lips tightened. “Did I tell you what great pleasure I had inflicting all those wounds on you? I might keep you alive for a while after the resurrection to play with you some more.”
“Resurrection? You actually believe that crap? It’s all been for nothing, Jelak. If you did manage to kill Eve, you’d still be the pitiful gargoyle you’ve been all your life.”
“You lie,” he said through his teeth. “You know nothing. Caleb could tell you. He knows how close I am.” He drew a breath and straightened. “I’m going to go and collect my goblet and my knife. I’m planning on bringing your Eve back here, but you can never tell what can happen. I believe in being prepared.” He suddenly chuckled. “Like our little Girl Scout, Mary Lou. You do realize I’ll go back for her?”
“I considered the possibility.”
“It’s not a possibility.” He grabbed his black Croco case and headed for the door. “I’ll leave you to dwell on that while I go pack my beautiful goblet.”
The moment he went out of the room, Joe got to his feet. Though still bound to the chair, he half hopped to the door. He’d wait to one side and hook his tied hands over Jelak’s neck and twist until—
“You look completely absurd,” Caleb said as he climbed through the window. “You know your chances of taking him out are practically nil tied up like a Thanksgiving turkey.”
Relief poured through him. “Then untie me, dammit.”
“I’m in the process.” Caleb took a knife out of his pocket as he glided across the room. “But cutting you free is more practical. I need you to be out that window in just a few minutes to stop Eve from coming to your rescue.” He was sawing through the ropes as he was speaking. “Damn, you’re cut to pieces. You look like a pincushion. Some of those wounds will need stitches.”
“Do you have a gun?”
“Yes, but I’m not giving it up. I don’t have time to argue. I can sense Jelak, and he’s damn close. He’s probably not reached a stage of sensitivity that will let him sense me with all this interference around us, but I can’t be sure.” He stepped back when Joe was freed. “Go out that window and find Eve.”
“Not when I’m this close. Jelak will be coming through that door any minute.” He added grimly. “And I’m no longer tied like that turkey you mentioned.”
“You’re being troublesome, Quinn.”
“Tough.”
Caleb slipped the gun from his jacket pocket and pointed it at him. “Get out, Quinn. Find Eve before Jelak does. She should be here any minute. I won’t have you in my way.” He met his eyes. “I won’t kill you, but I’ll make sure you won’t be a bother to me. Don’t think I won’t use it.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that.” He hesitated, then ran to the window and slid his legs over the sill. “I’ll find Eve. I’ll make sure she’s safe, then I’ll come back. And I’m not sure who I’ll take out first. Jelak or you.”
EVE NOTICED CALEB’S CAR immediately when she pulled up at St. Francis.
It was parked across from the cathedral.
He had said he wouldn’t wait for her. He must be inside. She hesitated, then swiftly climbed the steps to the massive doors of the entrance. Try to slip inside as quietly as she could if the door was open.
It was open. Was Caleb or Jelak responsible? She wasn’t going to worry about that now.
No one was in the vestibule.
She moved toward the sanctuary, warily looking on either side, peering into the shadows.
No one.
The first thing Eve saw when she entered the sanctuary was the golden goblet.
She inhaled sharply. In the darkness of the huge chamber, the candles on either side of the altar caused the goblet to shimmer. She couldn’t stop staring at it.
She shook her head to clear it. This was no time to be caught up in all the evil that goblet represented. Where was Jelak?
Her grasp tightened on the gun in her hand.
And where was Joe?
“You couldn’t wait to see me?” The muzzle of a revolver was pressed to the middle of her back. “I didn’t expect you. But this is much more convenient than Allatoona. You will have to tell me how you found me. But, first, give me that gun.”
“Why? If I do, you’ll kill me. You’ll kill Joe. Go ahead, shoot me. Then you won’t have your damn final ritual.”
“You’re right. So instead, I’ll shoot your hand, you’ll drop the gun. But then you’ll be wounded and won’t be able
