Gary wasnt even really involved, she said numbly. He was out of it. Fort Lauderdale We shouldnt have let him go alone.

We thought it was safe. We had no idea Fiske knew we were in Bainbridge.

She wants the skull, Eve.

Wheres Logan? she asked.

A few miles behind us.

He still has the skull?

Joe nodded.

Give her the skull.

She said to tell you it wont be the last.

Fear jolted through her. My mother.

Were on our way to her right now.

She warned me Gary wouldnt be the only one. How far away are we?

Another three hours.

Go faster.

Easy.

Dont tell me that. She knows I care about my mother. Its only logical that shed choose Mom as an-other target.

Or that shed make sure youd think that and draw you to her. It isnt a fact that they know where your mother is.

We didnt realize that Fiske found out about Bainbridge. Her nails dug into her palms as her hands clenched into fists. But he did. He did.

Yes.

And he could be on his way to Lanier now. He could be ahead of us.

But not necessarily to kill your mother. Its more likely that hed want to get there ahead and set a trap. After all, the skull is the objective.

She took out her phone. Im going to warn them.

Fine. Good idea. But dont panic them into run-ning. They could be safer where they are until we get there. Just tell Pilton to be on the alert.

They could be safer?

Who the hell knew if anything she did would make them safer with Fiske out there?

Her hand was shaking as she dialed the number.

Fiske got back in the car hed parked in the driveway of the deserted cottage. Daylight was breaking in the east and filtering through the mist-shrouded tops of the pine trees.

He figured he had at least an hours lead. He had scouted the Duncan cottage and it was clear the Duncan woman had been busy on the phone. Lights were burning and he had watched Pilton go back into the cottage and shut the door after reconnoitering the perimeter. They were waiting for him.

Well, wasnt that what he had wanted? A challenge.

He dialed Lisa Chadbourne. She warned them.

But theyre still there?

I think theyre waiting for her. Pilton came out fifteen minutes ago and threw some bags into the van, but no ones come out since.

Dont let them leave. She paused. And dont touch them. Not until you get me that skull.

The mother would be a good goad. Better than Kessler. He paused and then insinuated a goad him-self. Though I handled Kessler exceptionally well. Do you want the details?

A silence. I told you the results I needed. I dont need the details.

Squeamish. I kept Kessler alive long enough for him to call her. It wasnt easy with knives in

I said I dont need to know. Now remember that Eve Duncan can only be pushed so far. Dont foul this up, Fiske.

Youre beginning to sound like Timwick.

Another silence. Sorry. Ill leave it in your hands. I know you wont fail me. She hung up the phone.

That damn skull again, tying his hands, keeping him from doing his job.

He leaned forward and opened the glove box. He had plenty of time to update his list. With one bold, satisfying stroke, he crossed out Gary Kesslers name.

8:35 A.M.

Eve jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped at her mothers cottage.

Hold it. Joe was beside her, pushing her to one side. I go in first.

He had gone in first at the motel and found Gary. No. Mom!

No answer.

Then Sandra called out, Its okay, Eve. Pilton wont let me come out, but everythings fine.

Relief almost made Eve ill. Were coming in.

Logan had pulled in behind Joes car. Its okay?

Apparently. Joe was scanning the surrounding woods. Maybe. Go in and make sure theyre ready to go. Ill stay out here.

Logan followed Eve toward the porch.

Wait. Joe asked, Wheres the skull, Logan?

Front passenger seat. Keep an eye on it.

Ill do that. Joes gaze never left the woods. Hurry and get everyone into the cars.

He was out there.

Christ, he could almost smell him, Joe thought.

Smell the blood. Smell the hunger.

His nerves were screaming Fiskes presence. It was as if hed been catapulted back into his past of targets and sanctioned killings. Fiske would under-stand that world. He was out there now, primed, ready. To do what?

Throw a stick of dynamite into the cottage?

Launch a sniper attack as they came out on the porch?

If that were true, Joe would be the first target. The sentry was always the first put down.

But Fiske was acting at a disadvantage. His orders would not have been solely assassination.

The skull.

Joe smiled grimly. So lets end it now. Lets make the hunter the hunted.

Are you watching, Fiske?

He took off his jacket, reached into Logans car, and pulled out the leather case containing the skull.

Bait, Fiske.

He deliberately held up the case above his head.

See it?

He started running, zigzagging through the brush toward the woods.

Come and get it, bastard.

Fiskes eyes opened wide in shock.

The son of a bitch was taunting him. And he was doing it with that leather case, which had to contain the skull.

He watched Quinn run across the rough terrain. He knew what he was doing and he was good. Hed be no easy target.

Pleasure and eagerness suddenly surged through him. The Chadbourne bitch had said to get the skull. First priority. Hed had no idea the priority would offer him such an interesting challenge.

He set off in a diagonal path to intercept Quinn.

Margaret, you go in the van with Pilton, Logan said as he came down the steps. Well take Sandra with us.

Im to go back to Sanibel? Margaret asked. When will you contact me?

When its safe, Logan said. Im going to let Quinn set up a meeting with that reporter with the

Wheres Joe? Eve had stopped on the top step.

Hes got to be around here. Logan swiftly scanned the area.

Eves gaze went to the car.

No Joe.

Her heart was beating so hard it hurt. Fiske.

I doubt if Fiske could surprise him, Logan said. Quinns tough.

He surprised Gary.

Quinns not Gary. Hes not a victim. Hed be more likely to Logan strode over to his car. Son of a bitch.

What?

The case. Quinn took the case.

Why? Oh, Jesus, stupid question. She knew why. Joe wanted it over and, as usual, hed taken the matter in his own hands. He thinks Fiske is here.

And Id bet on his instincts, Logan said. He turned to Pilton. You stay here. Im going after him. If Im not back in Where the hell are you going, Eve?

She was running toward the woods. Im not going to let Fiske hurt him. I wont let that happen.

She heard Logan curse. He was following her, running right behind her. What the hell do you think youre going to do? Youre not some kind of commando.

Joes out there because of me, she said fiercely. Do you think Id let him go alone?

And how do you intend

She was no longer paying any attention to him. She had entered the woods and stopped, breathing hard. Dont call him, that would alert Fiske. Then how was she going to find Joe before Fiske found him?

Dont think of that. Walk softly. Look at the shadows.

Logan was beside her. For Gods sake, go back. Ill find him.

Be quiet. Im listening. He has to be

Logan had a gun in his hand.

He followed her gaze. You may be damned glad I have it.

She was glad, she realized with shock. If that gun could save Joe, then she would use it herself. Gary had died because he was helpless.

Joe must not die.

The leaves of the bushes moved gently behind him and Joe darted to the left behind a gnarled tree.

Are you here? he asked softly. Come and get me, Fiske.

The bushes stirred like the breath of a whisper.