She could feel his gaze on her and expected him to continue to try to persuade her.

Im at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. He paused. I shouldnt tell you this. It compromises my bar-gaining position. But Im a desperate man, Eve. I have to have your help. There isnt anything I wouldnt do to get it. Call me and give me your price. Ill pay it.

When she looked up, he was gone.

What would make a man like Logan that des-perate? If there was any desperation in him before, hed kept it well hidden. Maybe the confession of vulnerability had been a ploy.

Well, she would consider that later. She needed to get back to the house so her mother wouldnt come looking for her here. She picked up the pictures and Mandys box and started for the door. She could try to put the skull back together. Even if she couldnt get a completely accurate structure, it might be enough for computer imaging

Another wave of helpless fury washed over her as she realized that couldnt happen. Joe had told her they had no idea who Mandy could be, so how would they find a photograph? Her only hope had been of building the face and using that face to lead to someone, anyone, who could identify her. That hope had been crushed by the bastard who had deliber-ately smashed the skull to warn her off.

Eve? It was her mother walking toward her down the path. That was the insurance company on the phone. Theyre sending a claims adjuster out right away.

Are they? Evidently Logans Margaret had pre-vailed. Hows Mrs. Dobbins?

Better. Do you think we should get her a little kitten?

Not for a few months. Let her get over the first hurt.

Sandras gaze went to the lab. Im sorry, Eve. All your files and equipment.

Theyll be replaced.

This is such a nice, quiet neighborhood. Things like this never happen here. It kind of makes you scared. She frowned. Do you suppose we should get some kind of security system?

Well talk about it. She opened the kitchen door. Theres coffee, would you like some?

No, I had a cup with Mrs. Dobbins. She paused. I called Ron. He suggested we go out for lunch to get my mind off it. I told him no, of course.

But it was obvious she wanted to go, Eve thought. Why shouldnt she? Shed had a hell of a morning and she wanted comfort. Theres no reason for you not to go. You cant do anything here.

Youre sure?

Im sure. Go call him back.

She still hesitated. He asked you to go along too. You said you wanted to meet him.

Not now. You said the insurance people were coming.

Ill come right back.

Eve set Mandys box down on the kitchen counter. Stay out as long as you like.

Sandra shook her head and said firmly, Two hours. No longer.

She waited until the door shut behind her mother before letting her fixed smile fade. It was stupid and selfish to feel this abandoned. Sandra had done every-thing she could to help. She just didnt realize how alone Eve was feeling.

Stop whining. You are alone. Youve learned to deal with it. Even Sandra was sometimes more of a responsibility than a companion, but that was okay. She wasnt going to start feeling sorry for herself just because some slimeball had tried to scare her.

Fraser.

Why did he keep invading her mind?

Because she felt as helpless and terrified as in those days after he had invaded her life. He had killed her daughter and she had been forced to plead with the authorities not to execute him. She had even gone to see him at the prison and begged him to tell her about Bonnie.

He had smiled that charming smile that had lured twelve children to their death, shook his head, and told her no. The bastard had even refused appeal so the books would be closed and the children would never be found. She had wanted to tear him apart, but she had been trapped, caught by the words he wouldnt say.

But she wasnt helpless now, or powerless. She didnt have to be a victim. She could take action. The knowledge sent a rush of fierce satisfaction through her. Logan could find who destroyed the lab for her.

If she paid his price.

Was she willing to pay it? She hadnt been sure before. She had been going to think rationally and unemotionally about the proposition before she gave him her answer.

Logan was probably banking on the fact that she didnt feel rational or unemotional now. He would take advantage of every weakness she showed him.

Then dont show him weakness. Take what you need and avoid the traps. She could do it. She was as smart as Logan and, as she had told him, she knew how to protect herself.

She was not a victim.

Ill do it, Eve said when Logan picked up the re-ceiver. But on my terms. Half my fee up front and the entire amount going to the Adam Fund deposited in their account before I leave this house.

Done. Ill do it by electronic transfer today.

I want proof that its been done. Ill call the fund headquarters in four hours and make sure theyve re-ceived it.

Fair enough.

And I want my mother and my home protected while Im gone.

Ive told you that youd have security.

You also promised me youd find out who de-stroyed my lab.