I dont give a damn. Gils already been shot over this skull. No one else is going to be hurt. Slow down and keep the car in this lane. No matter what happens.

The car slowed, but it was still a struggle for her to open the door against the force of the wind.

Theyre gaining.

Just keep the car in this lane. She dragged and pushed the coffin toward the door. And as far ahead as you can.

I dont think I

Try. The wind had flung the door open and she shoved the coffin out. It bounced twice and skidded into the other lane.

Now, well see. Eves gaze was fixed on the on-coming Mercedes. Weve just got to hope they Yes.

The Mercedes had gone past the coffin. At first it seemed as if they were going to ignore it and con-tinue the pursuit. But then it slowed, suddenly made a U-turn, and started back.

The freeways just ahead, Logan said. The limo flew down the road and up the ramp to the freeway.

Cars. Trucks. People.

Relief flooded Eve as Logan merged with the traffic. Are we safe now?

No. Logan pulled over to the side of the free-way. Close that door. He turned to Gil. How are you doing?

Just a scratch. Not even bleeding anymore.

Im not sure its safe to stop. Ill call Margaret and have her get you some medical help. Youre sure youre not bleeding? Can you hold on until we get back to Bar-rett House?

Sure. Gils voice was weak. If I survived your driving, I can survive anything.

Thank God, he was well enough to joke, Eve thought with relief.

You couldnt have done any better, Logan said. And for that nasty remark I should dump you out and let you walk.

Ill shut up. He closed his eyes. And since thats so difficult for me, Ill think Ill take a little nap.

Bad idea, Logan said as he pulled back into the traffic. Stay awake. I have to know if you lose con-sciousness.

Sure. Anything to oblige. Ill just rest my eyes.

Logan met Eves gaze in the rearview mirror.

She nodded and his foot pressed harder on the accelerator.

What the hell are you doing? Fiske screeched. Youre losing them.

Shut up, Kenner said. I know what Im doing. The box is more important.

You idiot. Nothings more important. We went to all this trouble and now youre letting them get

Timwick said that if it came to a choice between retrieving what they went after or getting them, we should go for the retrieval.

We can go back for it later. Theyre just trying to divert us.

Do you think that didnt occur to me? I cant take the chance. Its in the middle of the road. It could be damaged or found.

In the middle of the night?

Timwick wants whats in that box.

Fury jolted through Fiske. There was no way they could catch up with Logan now. All because of Timwicks obsession with that damn box.

And Kenner was just like Timwick, so concerned with the small stuff that he couldnt see what was really important. You took one objective at a time and never let yourself be distracted.

Certainly not by a fucking box.

Two men in white uniforms streamed out of Barrett House as soon as Logan stopped the limo. Gil was transferred to a stretcher and whisked inside.

Eve got out of the car. Her knees were so weak, she had to lean against the fender.

You okay? Logan asked.

She nodded.

Ill tell Margaret to get you a cup of coffee, he said over his shoulder as he headed toward the house. I have to make sure Gil is going to be all right.

Dazed, she watched him disappear. Too much had happened in too short a time for her to compre-hend that it was really over. Or even that it had actu-ally happened.

But the crushed side of the limo was mute testimony to that terrifying chase.

And Gil Prices wound was not a figment of her imagination. He could have been killed. They all could have been killed if she hadnt tossed the coffin out of the limo.

Coffee. Margaret was thrusting a mug into her hand. Come into the house and sit down.

In a minute. My legs dont seem to be working right now. She took a sip of the coffee. Hows Gil?

Conscious and flippant as hell. The doctors ready to muzzle him.

The coffee was strong and the caffeine was begin-ning to kick in. How did you get a doctor out here at this time of night?

Money moves mountains. Margaret leaned against the limo. You scared?

Hell, yes. Shouldnt I be? Maybe youre used to people shooting each other, but Im not.

Im scared too. I never thought She drew a shaky breath. I never expected this. I thought I dont know what I thought.

But you still trust Logan enough to keep working for him?

Sure. She straightened. But Im damn well going to ask him for a raise and hazard pay. You ready to go inside now?

Eve nodded.

Hazard pay. Logans generosity was making sense to her now. This wasnt about dead cats and vicious vandalism. This was about murder. They had tried to murder Gil. They might have killed all of them if the limo had ended up in that ditch.

Better? Logan had come down the stairs. You have more color.

Do I? She took another sip of coffee. Hows Gil?

Flesh wound. Braden says hell be okay. He turned to Margaret. We dont want the police report filed yet. Talk Braden into a delay.

Yeah, sure, and let them accuse me of suppressing She sighed and headed for the stairs. Ill take care of it.

Margaret had reached the top before Logan turned back to Eve. We need to talk.

Id say thats an understatement. She moved toward the kitchen. But, right now, I have an empty cup and I need more coffee.

He followed her and dropped down into a chair at the table. Im sorry you were frightened.

Is that supposed to make me feel all warm and fuzzy? Her hand was shaking as she poured the coffee. It doesnt. Right now Im scared, but when I get over it, Im going to be mad as hell.

I know. I cant expect anything else. He paused. You were pretty amazing tonight. You probably saved Gils life. Where did you learn karate?

Joe. After Bonnie was I told you Id never be a victim again. Joe taught me how to take care of myself.

He smiled. And everyone else too, evidently.

Somebody had to help him. You obviously thought more of that damn coffin than of your friend. My God, youre obsessed. Im surprised you agreed to slow down so I could toss that thing out.

His smile faded. Gils been trained to take care of himself too. He had his job. I had mine.

And I have mine. She stared into his eyes. But I never bargained for anyone shooting at me.

I told you theyd try to stop us.

You didnt tell me theyd try to murder us.

No, I guess I didnt.

You know damn well you didnt. Her voice rose with anger. The whole thing was a disaster. You risked your life on a wild-goose chase and dragged me along with you. You almost got me killed, you son of a bitch.

Yes.

And there was no reason for it. I didnt have to be there.

Yes, you did.

What was I supposed to do? Work on the skull in the damn cornfield?

No.

Then, why did

Dr. Bradens leaving. Margaret was at the entryway. I believe things will go smoother if you clap him on the shoulder and see him on his way, John.

Right. Logan stood up. Will you come with me, Eve? Were not finished.

You bet were not. She followed him into the foyer and watched him with the doctor. Smooth as honey. Persuasive as Lucifer. It took only a few min-utes for him to send the man happily on his way.

She stood in the doorway as he escorted the doctor to his car.

Hes good, huh? Margaret murmured.

Too good. Suddenly the rage was gone, re-placed by weariness. What the hell difference did it make? Let him weave all his little webs and plots. None of it concerned her any longer.

Logan waved at the doctor, and then turned back to face her. His gaze narrowed warily. Youre not angry anymore. That could be bad or good.