“It didn’t frighten me.” She repeated, “Coincidence.” She put her hands on her back and arched it. “And I’ve had enough for right now. I’m going to get some rest.”

His smile disappeared. “I told you that you were going to work until we’re finished. We’re so close. I want it done.”

“Then do it yourself.” She forced herself to glance at the face of the reconstruction. It was not even half-completed yet she felt as if Kevin were there, veiled, ready to slide from beneath the layers of clay. “Have him help you if you think he can. But I warn you that you’re going to have trouble building the nose.”

“I’m not joking. I don’t want to waste any more time. Finish him.”

“After I rest my eyes and sleep for a while.” She got up from the stool. “I’m not afraid of you, Doane. If you want to hurt me or kill me, then do it. I don’t give a damn at the moment. My curiosity is wavering right now, and I’m tired of working on your monster. I’ll deal with him later. I told you, I’m going to rest.”

He frowned, obviously disconcerted. Then he smiled. “Kevin will be disappointed, but he’s waited for a long time. I’m sure he understands. Perhaps next time he’ll be more careful about scaring you.”

“He didn’t scare me. I’m a professional doing my job. Your son is a pitiful remnant I’m trying to put back together. Not anything else, Doane.”

“You protest too much.”

“Whatever.” She turned toward her bedroom. Escape tonight? Or did she need one more dose of the gas as insurance to make it safer? How would she know how much she needed? she thought impatiently. It was all guesswork and depended on how deep Doane slept or how alert he’d be now that he knew that she was definitely an antagonist.

“Wait.”

She didn’t turn around. “I’m not going to work on him any longer, Doane.”

“I’m not going to insist that you do. But I can’t let the time be entirely wasted. Come back here. I have a telephone call I want you to make.”

She turned warily to face him. “Call?”

“I think it’s time you became acquainted with one of the men whom you found so interesting in Kevin’s album. I’m not sure he’ll be equally interested in you, but it will be entertaining to find out.”

“What are you talking about? All I saw in that album were those poor children.”

“That’s right, but as a result of your prying, I told you about Tarther and Zander, didn’t I? Well, it’s almost the same thing.”

“That’s irrational. You’re going to make me talk to that poor child’s father?”

“Oh no, that wouldn’t be at all interesting for me. It’s Zander. You’re going to talk to Zander.”

Her eyes widened. “I have no desire to talk to that murderer. Though killing your son may have been the only decent thing he’s done in his life.” She met his gaze. “Maybe I should talk to him. Perhaps congratulations are in order. But why do you want me to talk to him? If he’s a paid hit man, he’s not going to care that I’m doing this reconstruction. DNA, maybe, but not a reconstruction that could be thrown out in a court of law.”

“I told you that I want everyone connected with Kevin’s death to come together. This seems a good initial opportunity since you’re being uncooperative in other areas.” He was dialing his phone. “Why not humor me? There’s a possibility that you could touch Zander’s heart, and he might come to rescue you. He obviously hates me enough to want to keep me from having anything I want. I’m a loose end, and he detests loose ends.” He chuckled. “Don’t get your hopes up. It’s not likely. You’d be amused, too, if you knew what a coldhearted son of a bitch he is.” His smile faded. “If you could have seen what was left of my beautiful boy in that furnace, even you might be sickened.”

“No more than if I saw a disease-carrying rat destroyed.”

“Ugly. How ugly you are.”

“And how did you get this Zander’s phone number? If he’s as smart as you say, I’d think he would make it very difficult for you.”

“He did, and I had to bounce off a dozen satellites and false numbers to narrow it down. But I had time and patience and Blick to help me.” He tilted his head, waiting as the phone rang. “And I’ve often wondered if he didn’t actually want to have me hunt him down. The bastard would feel like a caged tiger not to be able to go after a target he was salivating to get his teeth into. I’m sure he detests being frustrated.” He tensed. “He’s picking up. I’ll put him on speaker for you.” He spoke into the phone. “Zander, this is Doane.”

“Not Doane, Relling.” Zander’s deep voice was faintly mocking. “Venable gave you that new name and stowed you away for safekeeping, but you’ll always be the same scum as your son to me. No, worse. Because he had the guts to be a megamonster, and you were only a leech hanging on to him. I’ve been waiting for you to call. Or knock on my door. It took you long enough.”

“I was savoring the moment.”

“No, obsession carries one only so far and brainpower has to kick in somewhere. Anyone who could talk himself into carrying the water for a sloppy, self-indulgent executioner like Kevin Relling doesn’t have much upstairs.”

Doane flushed. “You’re trying to make me angry.”

“No, I wouldn’t bother. You’re not important enough. Why are you calling me? My guess is that you’re trying to whip up enough courage to come after me.”

“I have someone who wants to talk to you. I’ll bet that Venable went running to you and told you that I’ve left Colorado. I’ve enlisted the help of someone who is going to help me bring Kevin back to what he was before you sent him into those hellish fires. I thought you should get to know each other.”

Silence. “You’re speaking of Eve Duncan. I’ve no wish to get to know her. She’s nothing to me. You’re nothing to me.”

“I will be.” He thrust his phone at Eve. “Talk to him, Eve. Tell him how well you’re doing with my son’s reconstruction. Tell him that he couldn’t really kill my boy.”

“I’m not going to tell him that,” Eve said coldly as she took the phone. “Your son is dead. Hallelujah and Amen.” She spoke into the phone. “I don’t want to talk to you either, Zander. I abhor murderers, and I don’t know enough about you to know whether you’re any different than the man you killed. Probably not.”

Silence. “There are a few differences. I don’t kill children, and I have much more talent. I’m a professional who relies on business acumen, not emotion. Kevin Relling was ordinary, and I’m superb. Other than that, you’ll have to decide for yourself. Providing Kevin’s father lets you stay alive long enough to make any judgment. You do know he won’t let you live any longer than he has to to accomplish his purpose? Don’t let him tell you anything else. It will be a lie.”

“Do you think I’m stupid? I’m not one of those children Doane lured into Kevin’s trap. I’ve seen evil before, and Doane is evil. I don’t need you to tell me that I shouldn’t trust him. Any more than I should trust you. I’m on my own, and both of you can go to hell.” She thrust the phone back at Doane. “And may you both burn there until it freezes over. I’m going to bed and let you two play your games and spit your poison at each other.”

She heard Doane laugh as he spoke to Zander. “She’s a delight and so talented. I knew you’d appreciate Eve. Kevin and I have gotten very close to her. I can’t wait until you see her work on his reconstruction.” He paused before adding softly, “I want him there in the room when I cut your heart out.”

“Are you finished?” Zander’s voice was without expression. “I believe you’ve accomplished what you set out to do. You wanted to let me know you can reach out and touch me, if only by phone. You wanted to dangle Eve Duncan … as if I’d care. Now you’re just muttering threats. You’re all puffed up and trying to pretend you’re as mean as your son. You’re beginning to bore me.”

“I wouldn’t want to do that. I just want you to know what’s coming and anticipate it. Kevin, Eve, and I will see you soon, Zander.” He hung up and glanced at Eve, who had stopped at her bedroom door. “I’m sure Zander liked you even though you weren’t kind to him. I find it promising that he decided to warn you against me.”