I told her to get you everything you could pos-sibly need.

Well, she did that. She turned to look at him. When can I start to work?

In a day or two. Im waiting for word.

And Im supposed to sit here and twiddle my thumbs?

Would you like me to dig you up one of the Bar-retts to practice on?

No, I want to finish the job and go home.

You gave me two weeks. He turned away. Come on, youre tired. Ill show you to your room.

She was tired. She felt as if a thousand years had passed since she had walked to her lab that morning. She had a sudden pang of homesickness. What was she doing here? She didnt belong in this strange house with a man she didnt trust.

The Adam Fund. It didnt matter whether she be-longed here or not. She had a job and a purpose. She came toward him. I meant what I said. I wont do anything criminal.

I know you meant it.

Which didnt mean he accepted it. She flicked off the overhead light and moved past him into the hall. Are you going to tell me why you brought me here and why I should do what you want me to do?

He smiled. Why, its your patriotic duty.

Bull. Her gaze narrowed on his face. Politics?

Why do you assume that?

Youre known for your activities in public view and behind the scenes.

I suppose I should be relieved that you no longer think Im a mass murderer.

I didnt say that. Im exploring all options. Politics?

Possibly.

A sudden thought occurred to her. My God, are you trying to smear someone?

I dont believe in smear campaigns. Lets say things arent always what they seem, and I believe in bringing the truth to light.

If its to your advantage.

He nodded mockingly. Of course.

I dont want to be part of it.

Youre not part of ithellip; unless Im right. If Im wrong, you go home and we forget you were ever here. He was preceding her up the stairs. What could be more fair?

Maybe his reason didnt involve politics. Maybe it was entirely personal. Well see.

Yes, we will. He opened her door and stood aside. Goodnight,Eve.

Good night. She went inside and closed the door. The room was country comfortable with a canopy bed with a rust and cream quilt, simple pine furniture. The only thing in it that interested her was the telephone on the end table. She sat down on the bed and dialed Joe Quinns number.

Hello, he answered sleepily.

Joe, Eve.

His voice lost all trace of drowsiness. Is every-thing okay?

Fine. Im sorry to wake you, but I just wanted to tell you where I am and give you my phone number here. She rattled off the number printed on the ex-tension. Got it?

Got it. Where the hell are you?

Barrett House. Logans place in Virginia.

And this couldnt wait until morning?

Probably. But I wanted you to know. I feelhellip; disconnected.

You sound uneasy as the devil. You took the job?

Why else would I be here?

And whats scaring you?

Im not scared.

The hell youre not. You havent called me in the middle of the night since Bonnie

Im not afraid. I just wanted you to know. She had a thought. Logan has a driver, Gil Price. He used to be in the Air Force Military Police.

You want me to check him out?

Ihellip; think so.

No problem.

And youll watch out for my mother while Im gone?

Sure, you know I will. Ill ask Diane to go over and have coffee with her tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks, Joe. Go back to sleep.

Yeah, sure. He paused. I dont like this. Be careful, Eve.

Theres nothing to be careful about. Bye.

She hung up the phone and stood. Shed take a shower, wash her hair, and then get to bed. She really shouldnt have woken up Joe, but hearing a familiar voice made her feel better. Everything about this place was low-key and unthreatening, including lik-able Gil Price, but she was still on edge. She couldnt tell how much was authentic and how much had been layered on to disarm her, and she didnt like being so isolated.

But now she had a link to the outside world.

Joe would be her safety net while she was walking this tightrope.

Eve? Diane Quinn rolled over in bed and propped her head on her hand. Is everything all right?

Joe nodded. I think so. I dont know. She took a job that may not be Forget it. Probably nothing to worry about.