She went out the back door and down the kitchen steps. The honeysuckle was in bloom and the heady scent surrounded her as she walked down the path to the lab. The aroma always seemed stronger at twilight and early morning. Bonnie used to love the honeysuckle and was always picking it off the fence, where the bees constantly buzzed. Eve had been at her wits end trying to stop her before she got stung.

She smiled at the recollection. It had taken her a long time to be able to separate the good memories from the bad. At first she had tried to save herself from pain by closing out all thoughts of Bonnie. Then she had come to understand that that would be forgetting Bonnie and all the joy she had brought into her and Sandras lives. Bonnie deserved more than

Ms. Duncan.

She stiffened, then whirled around.

Im sorry, I didnt mean to frighten you. Im John Logan. I wonder if I could speak to you?

John Logan. If he hadnt introduced himself she would have recognized him from the photo. How could she miss that California tan? she thought sar-donically. And in that gray Armani suit and Gucci loafers, he looked as out of place in her small back-yard as a peacock. You didnt frighten me. You star-tled me.

I rang the doorbell. He smiled as he walked toward her. There was not an ounce of fat on his body, and he exuded confidence and charm. She had never liked charming men; charm could hide too much. I guess you didnt hear me.

No. She had the sudden desire to shake his con-fidence. Do you always trespass, Mr. Logan?

The sarcasm didnt faze him. Only when I really want to see someone. Could we go somewhere and talk? His gaze went to the door of her lab. Thats where you work, isnt it? Id like to see it.

How did you know its where I work?

Not from your friends at the Atlanta P.D. I understand they were very protective of your pri-vacy. He strolled forward and stood beside the door. He smiled. Please?

He was obviously accustomed to instant acquies-cence, and annoyance surged through her again. No.

His smile faded a little. I may have a proposition for you.

I know. Why else would you be here? But Im too busy to take on any more work. You should have phoned first.

I wanted to see you in person. He glanced at the lab. We should go in there and talk.

Why?

It will tell me a few things about you that I need to know.

She stared at him in disbelief. Im not applying for a position with one of your companies, Mr. Logan. I dont have to go through a personnel check. I think its time you left.

Give me ten minutes.

No, I have work to do. Good-bye, Mr. Logan.

John.

Good-bye, Mr. Logan.

He shook his head. Im staying.

She stiffened. The hell you are.

He leaned against the wall. Go on, get to work. Ill stay out here until youre ready to see me.

Dont be ridiculous. Ill probably be working until after midnight.

Then Ill see you after midnight. His manner no longer held even a hint of his previous charm. He was icy cool, tough, and totally determined.

She opened the door. Go away.

After you talk to me. It would be much easier for you to just let me have my way.

I dont like things easy. She closed the door and flicked on the light. She didnt like things easy and she didnt like being coerced by men who thought they owned the world. Okay, she was overreacting. She didnt usually let anyone disturb her composure, and he hadnt done anything but invade her space.

What the hell, her space was very important to her. Let the bastard stay out there all night.

She threw open the door at eleven thirty-five.

Come in, she said curtly. I dont want you out there when my mother comes home. You might scare her. Ten minutes.

Thank you, he said quietly. I appreciate your consideration.

No sarcasm or irony in his tone, but that didnt mean it wasnt there. Its necessity. I was hoping youd give up before this.

I dont give up if I need something. But Im surprised you didnt call your friends at the police department and have them throw me out.

Youre a powerful man. You probably have con-tacts. I didnt want to put them on the spot.

I never blame the messenger. His gaze traveled around the lab. You have a lot of room here. It looks smaller from outside.

It used to be a carriage house before it was a garage. This part of town is pretty old.

Its not what I expected. He took in the rust and beige striped couch, the green plants on the windowsill, and then the framed photos of her mother and Bonnie on the bookshelf across the room. It lookshellip; warm.

I hate cold, sterile labs. Theres no reason why I cant have comfort as well as efficiency. She sat down at her desk. Talk.

Whats that? He moved toward the corner. Two video cameras?

Its necessary for superimposition.

What is Interesting. His attention had been drawn to Mandys skull. This looks like something from a voodoo movie with all those little spears stuck in it.