"Joe had nothing to do with it." She felt a deep sense of comfort as she stepped back and stared at him. He looked dear and strong and familiar. "He doesn't know anything about it."

"You made sure of that to protect the SOB."

"Let's not talk about Joe." She gestured for Jane to get out of the car. "Did you bring the ID?"

He handed her a leather pouch. "Cash, phony birth certificates, two credit cards, and a driver's license."

"Is he a crook?" Jane asked.

Logan glanced at her. "It depends on who you ask."

"On the streets they sell phony IDs to anyone who wants one."

"I don't sell, I buy. And you should be glad I was able to buy these at such short notice."

"This is John Logan, Jane. He's not a crook, he's a well-respected businessman."

"And he's the one you said would help us?"

"We couldn't board a flight without phony IDs."

"I've arranged a place for you to stay--it's on the outskirts of Phoenix. Two of my company's top security people will be there to keep an eye on you." He took Eve's elbow. "Come on, let's go."

"We say good-bye here." She hung back. "I don't want to be seen with you, Logan."

"You're not going to say good-bye to me until we reach Phoenix. I have a private jet waiting. That way you won't have to chance being recognized."

"No." She dug in her heels. "I know I agreed to let you help me when you called last night, but I don't want you to do anything more."

"Too late." He smiled. "I can handle the heat. Just watch me."

"I don't want to watch you. I don't want to be responsible for anyone else getting involved in this mess."

His smile faded. "Listen to me. I'm not backing away when you're in trouble. You should have called me instead of letting me hear secondhand from one of my associates in Atlanta."

"Associates? Are you having me watched, Logan?"

"Just keeping an eye on the situation." His lips tightened. "I couldn't be sure what Joe would do to keep you here."

"Joe's my friend, and he's done--"

"Okay." He held up a hand to stop her. "I'm just glad that you called on me instead of him. Too bad I won't see him. I'd like to rub his nose in it."

"He has more to lose than you. He's a cop and you're--"

"Just another philistine tycoon." Logan pushed her across the lot toward the exit. "With enough money to cover my tracks. So use me, dammit." He glanced at Jane, who had fallen into step with them. "Am I making sense, kid?"

She studied him. "Yes. Use him, Eve."

He looked a little surprised. "Very cool."

"I don't use people," Eve said. "Not if I can help it."

"Why not?" Jane asked. "He wants you to do it. We might need him."

"Very clear-thinking child." He tilted his head. "How about participating in my executive training program? I have a lot of employees who--"

"Is that supposed to make me feel good?" Jane gave him a disgusted glance. "Use him, Eve."

"The child's obviously of the opinion I'm not worth anything else," he murmured. "Use me, Eve."

"I'll let you take us to Phoenix," Eve said. "After that you get away from me, Logan."

"We'll discuss it in Phoenix."

Chapter TEN

It was almost dark when Logan drove up to the small red-tiled house near Scottsdale. She could catch just a glimpse of the house through the thick stand of trees and ornate Spanish-style gates.

Logan got out of the car, pressed a code into the panel by the gates, and the gates swung open. He returned to the car. "There are two remotes in a drawer in the hall," he told Eve. "Use them so you won't have to get out of the car. There are two security guards in a cottage to the north of the house. Herb Booker and Juan Lopez. They'll make the rounds regularly, but they won't bother you unless you press an alarm button."

"And where are the alarm buttons?"

"Kitchen, master bath, bedroom, living room beside the phones. You'll never be farther than a few feet from one."

"You seem to know the setup pretty well."

"I use this house when I come here for business. A little security never hurts."

"Are you sure he's not a crook?" Jane asked Eve.

"Charming," Logan said, amused.

"I'm sure." Eve got out of the car. "He's like a politician. They always have to have someone around to protect them."

"Ouch." Logan unlocked the front door. "Knowing the way you feel about them, I'd rather you think I'm like a crook. Why can't I convince you that there are honest, stalwart politicians out there?"

"We've always agreed to disagree." She pushed Jane in ahead of her and turned to face Logan. "Thank you. Go."

"There are two extra guest rooms."

"Go."

"I'm going to find the kitchen and make a sandwich." Jane moved down the hall away from them.