Not even if its a personal matter?

Novaks interest was piqued. It has to be per-sonal, doesnt it?

We dont know. According to your reports, the things he wanted investigated are a mixed bag. Some of them may have been red herrings to throw you off.

Possibly. But you thought enough of them to pay me a princely sum to find out more.

And youll be paid even more generously if you give us something we can use against him. Hes raised too much money for the Republican Party in the last six months and the election is only five months away.

At least you have a Democratic president. Ben Chadbournes popularity numbers are up again this month. You think Logan wants to make sure the Republicans take Congress again? They may do it anyway.

And they may not. We could take it all next time. We need Logan stopped in his tracks.

Sic the IRS on him. Thats always a good way to discredit.

Hes clean.

Novak had suspected he would be. Logan was too smart to fall in that trap. Then I guess you have to rely on me, dont you?

Not necessarily. We do have other sources.

But none as close to him as I am.

I said youd be well paid.

Ive been thinking about the money. I think Id rather trade in favors. Ive been considering running for lieutenant governor.

You know were backing Danford.

But hes not being as helpful to you as I am.

There was a silence. Bring me the information I need and Ill consider it.

Ill work on it. Novak hung up the phone. Nudging Timwick had been easier than hed thought. He must really be worried about the upcoming presi-dential election. Democrat or Republican, all those political insiders were the same. Once they got a taste of power, they became addicted, and the smart man used that addiction to move himself up the ladder to a place on the Seventeen Mile Drive.

He followed a curve in the road, and Logans Spanish palace on the hill was once again in view. Logan wasnt an insider; he was that rare commodity, a true patriot. He was a Republican, but Novak had even heard him praise the Democratic president on that negotiation with Jordan three years earlier.

But patriots were often unpredictable and could be dangerous.

Timwick wanted him brought down and, if he worked it right, Novak could parlay that need to the governors mansion. He had little doubt that what-ever task Logan wanted Eve Duncan to do, it was personal. He had been too secretive and on edge. Se-crets regarding skeletal remains were usually a pretty fair sign of guilt. Murder? Maybe. He had led a pretty rough life during the early days when he was trying to build his empire. It appeared that some-time in Logans checkered past, he had stubbed his toe big-time. He hadnt lied about his admiration for Eve Duncan. Hed always liked tough, take-charge women.

He hoped he wouldnt have to bring her down with Logan. Hell, maybe by bringing Logan down, he might be doing the woman a favor. Logan was plan-ning on aiming that characteristic ruthless intensity on her, and she could be trampled.

He chuckled as he realized how hed rationalized betrayal into gallantry. Damn, he was a good lawyer.

But lawyers served the royalty that lived along this drive, they werent royalty themselves. He had to move up from the station of adviser to the throne.

It would be nice to be king.

TWO

"You look beautiful, Eve said. Where are you going tonight?

Im meeting Ron at Anthonys. He likes the food there. Sandra leaned forward and checked her mas-cara in the hall mirror, then straightened the shoul-ders of her dress. Damn these shoulder pads. They keep shifting around.

Take them out.

We all dont have broad shoulders like you. I need them.

Do you like the food there?

No, its a little too fancy for me. Id rather go to the Cheesecake Factory.

Then tell him.

Next time. Maybe I should like it. Maybe its a learning type thing. She grinned at Eve in the mirror. Youre big on learning new things.

I like Anthonys, but I still like to pig out at Mc-Donalds when Im in the mood. She handed Sandra her jacket. And Id fight anyone who tried to tell me I shouldnt do it.

Ron doesnt tell me She shrugged. I like him. He comes from a nice family in Charlotte. I dont know if hed understand about the way we lived before I just dont know.

I want to meet him.

Next time. Youd give him that cool once-over and Id feel like a high school kid bringing home my first date.

Eve chuckled and gave her a hug. Youre crazy. I just want to make sure hes good enough for you.

See? Sandra headed for the door. Definitely first-date syndrome. Im late. Ill see you later.

Eve went to the window and watched her mother back out of the driveway. She hadnt seen her mother this excited and happy in years.

Not since Bonnie was alive.

Well, there was no use staring wistfully out the window. She was glad her mother had a new ro-mance, but she wouldnt trade places with her. She wouldnt know what to do with a man in her life. She wasnt good at one-night stands, and anything else re-quired a commitment she couldnt afford.