He should be here soon. She looked beyond him to Logan, who was sitting in the chair across the room. Logan told you about Gil Price?

Gary nodded. Not good.

Very bad. Youve done everything you can, Gary. Youve got the report for us. For Gods sake, will you leave now?

When I finish. When I have Quinns samples.

Thats not good enough. We dont need you any-more. Joe can go to the lab and get

No, Duncan. Garys voice was gentle but firm. I finish what I start.

Thats stupid. Youll end up like Gil Price. She whirled on Logan. Tell him.

Ive tried, Logan said. He wont listen.

Like Gil. Gil wouldnt listen either. She drew a deep breath. But you have to listen. Shes going to Two sides of a coin.

What?

Lisa Chadbourne. She phoned me this after-noon.

Logan sat up straight in his chair. What the hell?

She wanted to make a deal with me for the skull.

Why didnt you tell me she called? Logan asked grimly.

Think about it. Were you in a mood to listen? You wouldnt have been reasonable.

I dont feel reasonable now either. Did she threaten you?

In a way.

What kind of way?

She washellip; sad. What difference does it make? she asked impatiently. I just want Gary and my mother out of this. Okay?

Did she say anything to lead you to believe that she knows anything about Bainbridge or your mother?

Of course she didnt. Shes too smart. Shed never give anything away. She turned to Gary. But you have to

The only thing I have to do is call Bubba Blues Barbecue, Gary said. Do you want ribs or steak?

I want you to leave.

Or maybe a pork sandwich?

Garyhellip;

He reached for the phone and started dialing. Give me your order or youll get the ribs.

She gazed at him helplessly. Dammit. Steak.

Good choice.

Joe Quinn arrived at the door thirty minutes after the delivery man from Bubbas brought the food.

Got it. Joe held up the two black thermal bags. How fast can you get a comparison?

She eagerly turned to Gary. Tonight?

He shrugged. Maybe. Ill call Chris and see if I can persuade him to go back to the lab tonight. He wiped the barbecue off his fingers and reached for the telephone. Get out of here. Its going to take some talking. He worked most of last night for me and hes not going to like this.

Joe opened the door. When youre ready to go, Ill drive you to the lab, Gary.

Gary waved an acknowledging hand.

You okay? Joe asked Eve as they walked out.

As good as can be expected. Gil Price was killed.

Joe glanced at Logan. Your friend?

Logan nodded.

I heard about the press conference. Everythings going to hell, isnt it?

Thats pretty accurate.

What are you planning to do with the DNA evi-dence once you get it?

I have a few friends in Washington who would go to bat as long as the proof is there.

Joe shook his head. Too chancy.

Not with Andrew Bennett in my corner. Hes chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Better than a politician but still risky.

You have a better idea?

The media.

Lisa Chadbournes an expert at manipulating the media.

Maybe, but name me a reporter whos not ready to blow up an entire administration if it sells newspapers.

The storys too bizarre, Eve said. And theyve laid too many obstacles for us to even get near a newspaper.

I could do it.

Eve shook her head.

I know a man with the Atlanta Journal and Con-stitution. Peter Brown. Won a Pulitzer five years ago.

For Gods sake, youd get arrested yourself for harboring criminals, Joe.

Peter will keep his mouth shut.

Maybe, Logan said.

Definitely. He met Logans eyes. Ive already called him and hes interested. Hell, hes salivating. Hes only waiting for the DNA.

Son of a bitch. Without consulting us?

I had to do something while I was spinning my wheels in Richmond. Its better than trusting a politician.

Eve held up her hand. Why dont we wait until we get the results before we start arguing about what to do?

I want this over, Joe said. I want you out of it.

No more than I do, she said wearily. Its getting

Hell do it, Kessler announced as he came out of the room. Hes meeting me at the lab in twenty minutes.

Lets go. Joe moved toward a black Chevrolet a few yards away. How long will this take, Gary?

Six, eight hours.

Pack your bag, Eve.Joe slipped into the drivers seat and started the car. Ill be back as soon as I get the report. Well go pick up your mother and Ill find a safe place for you until we can wrap this up.

Before she could say anything he was pulling out of the lot.

Well, we agree on one thing, Logan mur-mured. We both want you out of here and some-where safe.

The media wasnt a bad idea.

No, its solid. We may go that route. But we need Washington too.

Then why did you argue with him?

He shrugged. Im afraid its becoming a habit. He turned away. Ill go pack and make a few calls to my friends in Washington. I cant let Quinn get ahead of me.

Tellers research lab was dark except for lights shining in one area of the lower floor.

Burning the midnight oil, Fiske thought. The center was supposed to close at six; now, why would anyone be there at one in the morning? Two cars in the parking lot. One Chevrolet with a rental tag.

He had a hunch hed struck pay dirt.

He popped the lid of his trunk and got out of the car. He opened the lid of his electronic equipment case and took out his listening device.

A few minutes later he was back in the drivers seat. He settled himself more comfortably and waited for them to come out of the building.

TWENTY

4:05 A.M.

Eve was waiting at the window when Joe and Gary pulled up into the motel parking lot. Theyre here, she tossed over her shoulder to Logan. She threw open the door. Done?

Done. Gary handed her the briefcase. Millicent Babcocks sample strongly indicated a relation-ship. A brilliant smile lit his face. Chadbournes saliva was a definite match, of course.

Of course. I know that. Eve smiled shakily. Youd be scowling and calling me names if it wasnt.

And rightly so. For wasting my valuable time.

Ive called and arranged a condo in Fort Lauder-dale for you. Logan gave him a card. Its booked under the name Ray Wallins. Stay there until we call you and let you know its safe.

Kessler smiled slyly. A luxury condo? With maid service?

Logan grinned. Maybe. Dont push your luck.

A man of my skills and intellect deserves luxury. It shouldnt be wasted on philistines like you, Logan.

Logan handed him an envelope. Cash. It should keep you content for a few months.

Ah, thats better. Kessler tucked the envelope in his jacket pocket. It will do until the first advance on my best-selling book comes in. He looked at Eve. I may need an assistant, my spelling is atrocious. I might be persuaded to give you a room in my condo if you ask me nicely, Duncan.

I cant spell either.

I guess that means no. Oh, well, youd have tried to hog the credit anyway.

Joe came out of the hotel room carrying Eves bag. Were out of here, Eve. If we start now, we can be at Lanier by nine.

She nodded, still looking at Gary. Thank you. Youve been wonderful.

He nodded. Magnificent.

Youll leave now?

Ill throw my clothes into my suitcase, put the case in my Volvo, and Im on my way to Fort Lauderdale. Five minutes.

Well wait.

Duncan, its not He shrugged. What a stubborn woman. He disappeared into his room and came out a few minutes later. He put his suitcase in his car and turned to face her. Satisfied?

Yes. She stepped closer and gave him a hug. Thank you, she whispered in his ear.

Youre really becoming boring, Duncan. Gary got into his car and turned on the engine.