“Why would he be connected with a hush-hush job like this reconstruction?”

“Search me.” Logan paused. “If you’re that concerned, you could follow her.”

“I told you what happened. Unless I have a damn good reason, she’s not going to want me on the same continent. Maybe not even then.”

“Well, I can’t give you a good reason yet. I’ll keep checking. Maybe you should just give her some time to herself. That would be the smart move.”

“I’m not feeling very smart right now. And I don’t want advice. Do you think I would have called you if I hadn’t known you knew every politician in Washington?”

“No, you’ve never forgiven me for that year I lived with Eve. You should know that’s water under the bridge. We’re just friends now.” Logan paused. “Which appears to be more than I can say for your relationship at the moment.”

“If you’re friends, then find a way to protect her. God knows I can’t do it right now.”

“She may not need protection.”

“I don’t like what was done to that grave. And Capel hasn’t shown up for work for the last four days.”

“I don’t see a connection with Eve’s trip.”

“I don’t, either. I just don’t like it. And I don’t like not being able to make sure there’s no connection.” Joe paused. “Get Galen to go to Baton Rouge, will you?”

“The U.S. government doesn’t exactly approve of Galen.”

“Tough.”

“And Galen is freelance. He takes jobs where he pleases.”

“You’re friends. Use it.”

“An order?”

“Please,” Joe said through gritted teeth. “Send Galen.”

“That’s better. I’ll ask him and call you back.” Joe went back to the window, but Eve was already out of sight. Soon she’d be on that plane for Baton Rouge, traveling far away from him at jet speed.

She couldn’t be any farther away from him than she’d been a few minutes ago in this very room. She couldn’t wait to get away from him. The wall she’d put between them had been almost tangible, and her expression…

Forget the hurt. He couldn’t expect anything else. He should even have anticipated Eve would take this reconstruction job. Whenever she was in pain or lonely, she always submerged herself in her work.

And that’s what he should do. He’d take that tire print down to the precinct and then go see what he could find out about Capel.

Maybe if he kept himself busy enough, he might be able to block out the memory of Eve’s face before she’d walked out the door.

Maybe.

Chapter 3

« ^ »

A BIG, PORTLY MAN IN A DARK BLUE SUIT HURRIED UP TO EVE AS SOON AS SHE GOT

off the plane. “Welcome to Baton Rouge, Ms. Duncan. I’m Paul Tanzer with the mayor’s office. Senator Melton thought you’d be more comfortable with a fellow southerner. He asked me to meet you and make sure you were comfortable. Did you have a good flight?”

“Fine.” It was a lie. It had been a lousy flight. The air had been smooth, but she’d felt hollow and alone and completely depressed every mile of the way. “I thought Senator Melton was going to be here.”

“He’ll be here tomorrow. He has to attend a fundraiser dinner tonight in New York.” Tanzer was guiding her toward his Cadillac in a parking space. “But I’m going to get you settled. Don’t you worry, little lady.” Eve gritted her teeth at that patronizing last sentence. “I’m not worried. I just want to get to work. That’s what I consider settled.”

“Very admirable.” Tanzer helped her into the car. “But I know you’ll want to see a little of Baton Rouge while you’re here. Actually, you’re very lucky the senator picked me to take care of you. I know everything that’s going on in this city. Is this your first visit?”

“Yes. I’m not much of a traveler.”

“Then by all means we must see that you get a taste of Baton Rouge.” Tanzer wasn’t listening to her. “What hotel did you book me into?”

“Senator Melton decided it would be better if you didn’t stay at a hotel. We’ve rented a wonderful plantation house about an hour outside the city. It’s close to the church where you’ll be working. It will be much more pleasant for you to just stroll over the bridge, and I’m sure you’ll like your quarters. The house is very old and elegant. Of course, many things are old here in Baton Rouge. It has a real atmosphere of—”

“Wait.” She tried to slow him down. “I’m going to be working at a church?”

“Well, it used to be one. It’s been shut down for the last ten years. It was built in the 1800s and is pretty decrepit. Our city government can’t decide whether to tear it down or pour money into restoring it, and welcomed Senator Melton’s offer to rent it for awhile. Is there a problem?”

“I don’t care. If I’m on site, then maybe I could start this afternoon.”

“That’s not possible. We’ll have to wait for Senator Melton.” Tanzer beamed. “But I’ll tell him how eager you are to start. He’ll be very impressed with your initiative.”

“I don’t have any desire to impress Senator Melton.” Eve tried to hold onto her patience. After all, the man was just doing his job. “And if you’ll give me his number, I’ll tell him myself.”

“Certainly.” Tanzer wrote a number on one of his cards and handed it to her. “But it may be difficult to get in touch with him. He’s a very busy man. Now, let me point out a few of our local sights to you…”

Tanzer never ran out of either sights or conversation for the next hour. Eve was deeply grateful when he finally nodded at a white-columned house up ahead. “Here we are. I told you it was pleasant. Rather like Tara from Gone with the Wind. Very picturesque, and the bayou winding in front of it is quite lovely. It will be like being in Venice, and our weather isn’t bad at all this time of year.” That’s what Joe had said. Eve quickly blocked the thought. Stop thinking about Joe. Easy to say. Joe was such an integral part of her life that everything reminded her of him.

Tanzer helped her out of the car. “Most of the house is closed, but you have quite a charming apartment. Four bedrooms and a lovely marble bath. There’s even a very well-stocked library. I’ve seen that there are several romance novels there for you.” He knocked on the door. “Marie Letaux is the cook and housekeeper. She’s Cajun, and has a real flair for the local cuisine. She comes highly recommended. We were very lucky to get her.” The door was opened by a small, dark-haired woman in her late thirties. “Good afternoon, Marie. This is Ms. Eve Duncan. I’ve just been telling her what a marvelous housekeeper you are and how well you’re going to take care of her.”

Marie Letaux gave him a cool glance. “I’m Madame Letaux. And she takes care of herself. I take care of the house and cooking.”

For the first time in two days Eve felt a smile tug at her lips as she saw Tanzer blink. “Absolutely right,

Madame Letaux,“ she said. ”I wouldn’t have it any other way.“ The housekeeper looked at her appraisingly and then slowly nodded her head.

“You may call me Marie.”

“Thank you.”

Tanzer forced a smile and turned to Eve. “I’ll just carry your suitcase up to your room. Isn’t this place as great as I told you?”

She glanced around the foyer. A gleaming oak floor led to a staircase that might have come straight from the house in the novel to which Tanzer had compared it.

Fine wood everywhere and delicately painted murals on the walls. “It’s very nice.” The bedroom was even nicer, with its fourteen-foot ceiling and huge four-poster bed. Eve threw her handbag on the satin-covered bed and went out on the wrought-iron balcony facing the bayou.

The view was lovely. The winding waters of the bayou snaked past the house, and cypress and willow trees formed a green veil over the banks. An arched footbridge crossed the murky waters leading to what appeared to be a mossy island. Near the bend of the bayou was a dark looming structure that she—

“Didn’t I say it was picturesque?” Tanzer said, behind her. “Now, how about going out to dinner at a nice seafood restaurant I know, and then I’ll take you for a tour of the city.”