But she could do it. She had to do it. Dont think about how frightened shed been. She had done good work tonight. Fiske was hers.

She stepped beneath the hot spray of the shower and let the water run over her. God, she felt dirty. Just being in the same car with that filthy murderer had made her feel contaminated.

But she was a murderer too.

Not like him. She would not see herself in the same light as that beast.

Dont think about him. She closed her eyes and commanded her muscles to relax. This was her mo-ment. Enjoy it. She had very little time to herself. She almost wished she were free like Eve Duncan.

What are you doing now, Eve Duncan? Is it as hard for you as it is for me? She leaned her head against the wall of the shower and whispered, Where are you, Eve?

Fiske would find her. Fiske would kill her and Lisa would be safe. Why was there no comfort in that thought?

Lisa? Kevin was outside the bathroom door.

Dammit, couldnt they let her have one moment alone? Coming. She stepped out of the shower and dried her tears. Christ, what was wrong with her? Fiske must have shaken her more than she could have believed. She slipped on her robe, zipping it up to the chin, then ran a brush through her hair.

Smile. Be warm and sympathetic. Dont let him see, dont let any of them see. She swung open the door and kissed Kevin on the cheek. Now, whats so important that you couldnt wait to tell me?

This isnt a very nice motel. I think there are bugs, Bonnie said

Eve turned over in bed We had to find a place that was unobtrusive. Bugs shouldnt make any difference to you. Youre ectoplasm, remember?

Bonnie smiled Anything that makes a difference to you makes a difference to me. You always hated bugs. She settled herself in the chair next to the bed I remember how you yelled at the exterminator when he didnt do a good job getting rid of the roaches in my room.

That had been the summer before Bonnie had disappeared.

Bonnies smile faded Oh, dear, I didnt mean to re-mind you of anything sad

Did it ever occur to you that your coming to me automatically reminds me of something sad?

Yes, but Im hoping someday youll realize that Im always with you.

Youre not with me.

Why are you trying to hurt yourself ? Just accept me, Mama. She changed the subject. You did a good job on Ben but, then, I knew you would.

So now you knew who it was all the time?

No, I keep telling you that I dont know every-thing. Just sometimes I get a feeling.

Like about the bugs in this crummy motel room? Thats pretty safe.

Bonnie giggled. It is, isnt it?

Eve found herself smiling. It was my first thought when I came into the room.

And you think Im using that? Bonnie clucked re-provingly. How suspicious you are, Mama.

Then tell me something I dont know. Tell me where you are.

Bonnie tucked one leg beneath her. I like Mr. Logan. I wasnt sure at first, but I think hes a good man.

Whoever said ghosts have good judgment.

Bonnie smiled slyly. Progress. Thats the first time you admitted I might not be your imagination.

The judgment of figments of imagination are questionable too.

Well, your judgment is pretty shaky too. You shouldnt be so hard on Joe.

Im not condemning Joe.

Yes, you are. Because of me. But hes a good man too, and he cares about you. Dont push him away.

Im very tired, Bonnie.

And you want me to go away

Never. Never go away. I want you to stop preaching at me.

Okay I just dont want you to be left alone. Her smile faded. Its dangerous for you to be alone now. Im afraid of all the bad things that are coming.

What bad things?

Bonnie shook her head

I can handle them.

You think you can handle anything because of what you went through with me. Maybe you can. But maybe you cant.

And maybe I dont want to handle them, she said wearily. Maybe I just want to let things happen. God, Im so tired of it all.

And Im tired of you mourning me.

Then go away and forget me.

Thats not an option, Mama. The remembering goes on forever, just like the love does. I just want you to be happy again.

Imhellip; content.

Bonnie sighed. Go to sleep. I guess theres no talking to you until youre ready.

Eve closed her eyes. Where are you, baby? she whispered I want to bring you home.

I am home, Mama. Whenever Im with you, Im home.

No, I need you to

Hush, go to sleep. Thats what you need right now.

Dont tell me what I need. What I need is to find out where you are so that I can bring you home. Maybe then I wouldnt have these crazy dreams about you.

Theyre not crazy and youre not crazy. Youre just stubborn.

And youre not?

Sure, Im your daughter. Im entitled. Go on to sleep, and Ill just stay here and keep you company for a while.

So I wont be alone?

Yes, so you wont be alone.

SEVENTEEN

NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER

BETHESDA, MARYLAND

7:45 A.M.

"I am hurrying, Lisa. Scott Marens hand tightened on the phone. For Gods sake, I have to be careful. Youve got media crawling all over this place. Ive switched the teeth X rays, but its not going to be as easy to switch the DNA samples.

But you can do it? Lisa asked. Youve got to do it, Scott.

Ill do it, he said wearily. I told you Id take care of you.

Do you think Im worried only about myself? Its you. I feel so guilty that I let you help me. No one must know.

Its not your fault. I bought into it. He had bought into it over twenty years ago, when Lisa had come to his apartment and theyd become lovers. She hadnt been married to Ben then, and their affair had lasted only a year, but the short duration hadnt mat-tered. Hed loved Lisa since theyd met that first year at Stanford. In spite of the nightmare shed brought into his life, he loved her still. The pattern was set and couldnt be broken. It will be all right.

I know it will. Youve never failed me.

And I never will.

Let me know when its finished. She paused. Im very grateful, Scott. I dont know how to repay you.

I didnt ask to be repaid. But Lisa had made sure that he had benefited after Bens death. Honor, fame, money. But they werent enough. When she left the White House he would see that she came to him as she should have all those years before. She didnt realize that they were bound closer now than they had ever been before.

I dont know what I would have done without you, Scott.

Lisa in bed. Lisa laughing at his jokes. Lisa with tears in her eyes as she told him she was going to marry Ben. Ill let you know when I have news for you.

Good-bye, Scott. She hung up.

Dr. Maren?

He turned around to see a red-haired young man in an orderlys uniform standing in the doorway. Yes? Am I wanted?

Not that I know about. The young man came into the office and closed the door. My name is Gil Price. Id like to talk to you.

BAINBRIDGE

8:40 A.M.

Chris Tellers laboratory was located in a small building on the outskirts of Bainbridge. Its clapboard walls were covered with ivy and it looked more like a Yale fraternity house than a science lab. Even the sign on the lab was so small, Eve would have missed the building entirely if she hadnt been closely fol-lowing Gary.

Teller Laboratories.

This is the home of state-of-the-art science? Logan murmured.

Everything isnt the way it appears on the sur-face. Gary trusts him, so I do too. She parked beside Garys Volvo in the parking lot and waited. When Gary got out of his car and came toward her, she asked, Do you want us to go in with you, Gary?

If you want to blow any chance I have, he said dryly. This may be a small southern town, but they do have television sets and newspapers. Stay here. I may be a while.

She watched him walk briskly into the building. His step was eager, vigoroushellip; young. Ivanhoe going into the fray against the Black Knight, she thought apprehensively.