"No doubt." Joe got back in the car. "How fast can you process the tests?"

"Couple of days."

"Odds are the blood's the security guard's." He started the car. "Let me know as soon as you can."

"Where is she, Joe?"

"I don't know."

"Kidnapping's a serious offense."

"I know that." He lifted his gaze to meet Spiro's. "And you know why she took her."

"That's not my business. It's the court's. It's my job to catch her."

"Your job is to catch Dom. For God's sake, get your priorities straight."

Spiro smiled faintly. "My priorities are straight. I want Eve because she's my strongest lead to Dom." His gaze narrowed on Joe's face. "Where is she, Joe?"

"I told you, I don't know."

His brows lifted in surprise. "My God, maybe you don't."

"But I'm going to find out." He looked away from Spiro and said stiltedly, "I'd appreciate any information you can give me."

"My, that was hard for you, wasn't it? You must be desperate."

"I have to find her."

"I was wondering why you didn't try to talk your department out of issuing that APB on her. You want her found even if it means she gets tossed in jail."

"You didn't try to stop the APB either. You don't want her running around or hiding someplace where you can't contact her."

Spiro didn't answer.

"Will you tell me if you find out anything?"

"Maybe." Spiro shrugged. "Okay. Not that I have any faith that you'd return the favor."

Joe started the car. "Don't be too sure. Wherever Eve is, Dom is. I might need your help."

Spiro was still standing there as Joe drove off. He looked grimmer and more tired than ever in the harsh headlights. Would he call Joe if he got a lead on Eve? Joe wasn't sure. So don't trust Spiro to tell him.

All right, he had done all he could here.

Now it was time to stop feeling and start thinking.

And then go on the hunt.

"IT DOESN' T MAKE sense," Jane said. "I don't have anything to do with you. Neither did Fay."

"I know."

"I hate it. I hate you."

Eve flinched. She should have expected Jane's reaction. "I don't blame you. But the fact exists that Dom is a danger to you. You have to let me help protect you."

"I don't have to do anything."

"All right, you don't have to do anything. You can run away and maybe Dom won't find you. You can get yourself picked up by welfare and let the police protect you." She paused. "But you told me you don't trust the police."

Jane glared at her.

"Or you can go with me and work with me to keep yourself safe."

"I don't want to go anywhere with you." She was silent a moment. "You're going to Phoenix, aren't you? You're going to do what he wants."

"I don't think I have any choice, do you? He has to be caught, Jane."

"Yes." She lay as stiff as a stick in the bed. "He killed Fay. She never did anything to him and he killed her. I hate him. I hate the son of a bitch."

"So do I. We, at least, have that in common."

"He really thinks I'm your daughter? He's got to be crazy."

"I believe he just wants me to consider you my daughter."

She was silent a moment. "Was Bonnie much like me?"

Eve shook her head. "No. She was younger, softer, dreamier. You're more like what I was when I was growing up."

"I'm nothing like you."

"Have it your way."

"I will."

"But I believe you'll be safe as long as you stay with me. He wants us together. Will you come with me, Jane?"

Jane turned her back on Eve.

Don't push. Let her think. She's smart.

Eve turned out the light. "Let me know in the morning."

No answer.

What would she do if Jane refused to go with her? The question scared her to death.

She would face that possibility when it confronted her.

You bury your head.

And she wouldn't think about Joe or his unfair words. They stung too much.

Joe . . .

"What do you mean? Softer?"

"What?"

"Your daughter."

"I loved her very much. I wanted everything to be sweet and sunny for her. I've been thinking lately that maybe if I'd shown her--Never mind."

"You're saying you were stupid. Like I was about not talking to Fay."

"I guess that's what I'm saying."