“Give me a break. I’m no angel. But I do have a few scruples.”

“As long as they don’t get in the way of your Pulitzer.”

“You’re laughing, but I meant it. You have to have a goal, and I’m aiming at the big prize.” He sat forward, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “And I’m on my way. How would I know that first story on the hunters would get me an interview with the killer himself? It was fate.”

“No, it was your byline on a story that stroked the monster’s ego,” Joe said dryly.

“Whatever. It happened, and next time he calls, I’ll have a tape recorder and—”

“You think he’ll call you again?”

“Why not? I listened. I figure he wanted an audience, and I gave him what he wanted.” He grimaced. “Though it made me want to puke.”

“But anything for the Pulitzer.”

“Well, I did try to ask him questions, but he ran right over me. But that could be good. I didn’t make him mad, and that could mean he’ll call me again. Lots of reporters have formed relationships, even friendships, with killers.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. He called CNN, too. I don’t think you’re that special to him.”

McVey’s face fell with disappointment. “I can hope. In the meantime, I can milk the story for all it’s worth. Would you like to comment? I don’t have an FBI quote.”

“I’d like a few comments from you.”

“Exchange?”

It would be easier than using force or threats. Joe nodded. “Did he say anything different to you than what he told Ellen Bristol?”

McVey shook his head. “Not from what I can tell from what Slindak told me. He made a big thing about calling himself Zeus. I think he wanted to make sure I had that for the story. Maybe like the Zodiac Killer or something. All the rest of the details were vague except about the murder itself. He was very explicit about that.”

“Would you recognize the voice if you heard it again? Was it distinctive?”

“I’d recognize it. It was deep and smooth.”

“No accents?”

He shook his head. “Hard to tell. Not Southern. Just … American.”

“Well, that helps,” Joe said sarcastically.

“Sorry, I’m no elocution expert. I even tried to concentrate while he was talking because I knew it would be important, but I couldn’t tell anything.” He stopped. “There was one thing. House.”

“What?”

“He mentioned watching the Bristol house. He said the word a couple times. House. Only it didn’t sound quite the same as we say it.”

“What was the difference?”

He shook his head. “It’s hard … It was almost the same.”

“You’re sure he was American?”

He nodded. “Everything was the same except for that one word.”

“What kind of emotion? What was he feeling?”

McVey thought about it. “Excitement. Eagerness. Pride. He was speaking quickly, with energy.”

“Did he mention any other children?”

“No, not specifically.” His eyes suddenly narrowed. “You were with Eve Duncan at the Bristol place. Has she been contacted?”

“No.”

“Pity. She’s interesting. All the other parents are steady, ordinary couples. Boring. A young woman who has an illegitimate child sparks the imagination. Why was she at the Bristols’?”

“You’ll have to ask her.”

“I can’t. I tried, but she wasn’t at her house. Did you hide her away?”

“Now why would I do that? Surely you and your colleagues wouldn’t bother a grieving woman. You do have some scruples.”

“I’ll find her,” McVey said softly. “It’s the story of a lifetime, and she’s part of it. I don’t know what chapter she’s in, but I’ll find out.”

“Leave her alone, McVey. You don’t want to deal with me.”

McVey studied him. “No, but I’ll do it. It would be worth it.” He paused and picked up his pencil. “Now, what’s my quote?”

“The FBI is aiding the investigation of the ATLPD and offering the full services of the Bureau. We’re making progress and hope to have a break in the case soon.”

“Got it.” McVey looked up. “Anything else?”

“Yes.” Joe turned and started down the aisle toward the door. “Go screw yourself.”

*   *   *

“THAT’S ALL?” Eve asked, disappointed.

“It’s more than we had before,” he said. “We’ll have to work with it. But I think you’d better stay away from your house for a few days more. McVey is going to be persistent. He’s a very ambitious man, and he’s got his teeth into this story.”

“I’m not going into hiding. I can’t afford it, and it makes me angry. I’m going home tomorrow.”

He shrugged. “I tried. I didn’t think I’d succeed.” He nodded at the box he’d brought into the motel room and set on the coffee table. “There are the reports. I suppose you’re going to tackle them again?”

“Yes, I’m going to look at Janey Bristol. Did you receive the dental-record confirmation?”

“Yes, it came in right before I stopped to pick up your mother. I’m afraid I failed in my mission. She wouldn’t come with me.”

“I know. She said if she couldn’t spend the night at home that she’d go to stay with Pastor Nambrey and his wife. They are always inviting her,” she said. “It was definitely Janey Bristol?”

“Yes.”

“Poor little girl.” She shook her head. “Do you know I just felt a rush of relief? I’m like George Bristol. I wanted it to be anyone but Bonnie. He said he was terrible. I guess we’re all ruthless when it comes to protecting our children.” She paused. “If I still have a daughter to protect.” She went on haltingly, “But I was thinking about what you said about that skull being hard to ID unless you knew where to find the dental records. What if you didn’t have any idea who that victim was? She might be lost forever, maybe buried by the county in a nameless grave with her parents never knowing. It breaks my heart to think about it. There are a lot of victims like that, aren’t there, Joe?”

He nodded. “Too many.”

“It breaks my heart,” she repeated. “What if it were—” She drew a deep breath and gestured to the boxes. “Thank you for bringing these.”

“That sounds like a dismissal.”

“You don’t want to go over these records again. Things are moving for you. You have things to do.”

“And you don’t want me to be here.”

She met his gaze. “No, I don’t. I have some thinking to do, and I want to be alone to do it. I don’t want to be soothed or protected. I’ve been leaning on you too much.”

“I haven’t noticed.”

“And I don’t want to look at you and know that you’re wondering how I’ll survive when I find out my Bonnie is dead.” She added jerkily, “You’ve been very kind, but I need a break from you, Joe. Get out of my life for a while.”

He hadn’t realized he was that transparent to her. But Eve was intelligent and more savvy about people than anyone he had run across. Even upset as she had been today, she had managed to pick up on all the signals he had not wanted her to see. Damage control was clearly necessary. “What about throwing me out after dinner? You have to eat, and I’d bet this place doesn’t have room service.”

She smiled faintly. “I’ve been rude as hell, and you still try to take care of me.”

“It’s beginning to be a habit. I like it. I never had a cat or a puppy when I was kid. I was always envious of the kids on TV who had animals. You’re supplying a need.”

Her smile widened. “You’re nuts. I refuse to be a substitute for Lassie.”

“Dinner?”

Her smile faded. “No, I meant it. I need to be alone and think. What happened today may … it could open a door.”

“What door?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I have to think about it.” She added pointedly, “Without you to question me while I’m doing it.”

She was determined. Okay, back off before she tossed him out on a permanent basis. “No problem.” He turned away. “If I hear anything that might interest you, I’ll be in touch. Call me if you need me.”

“Thanks, Joe.”

“You’re welcome.” He smiled at her over his shoulder. “But I’ll stop at that pizza restaurant across the street and ask them to deliver a pizza and a drink to you in about an hour.”