"See, she couldn't bear to see me cast out. I think she likes me. Smart girl."

"Only you could translate indifference into affection." Eve crossed her arms over her chest. "Go."

"She's not indifferent to me. We'd get along once we got used to each other. She reminds me a little of you when we first met."

"She's nothing like me."

He gave a low whistle. "Evidently, I said the wrong thing."

"Go, Logan. Please."

He smiled and stroked her cheek with a finger. "I'm going. I'm flattered you care so much about protecting me."

Joe had not been flattered. Joe had been angry and completely unreasonable, damn him.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"I assume there's a computer and plenty of search software."

"Come on, I manufacture computers. The office also has an excellent library."

"Then, that's all I need."

"You'll find clothes for both of you in the two main bedrooms. I'm not sure Jane's will fit. She's kind of small for a ten-year-old."

"She's big enough to be a presence."

"I noticed." He leaned forward and kissed her. "Then I'm on my way. If you need me I'll be at the Camelback Inn."

"Dammit, Logan, I meant for you to go back to Monterey."

"I know you did." He started down the steps. "I'll leave you this rental car. I'll go to the cottage and get a lift to the hotel from one of the security guys."

"You listen to me, Logan. I've already taken more than I should from you. I'll feel guilty as hell if I get you in trouble."

"Good. Guilt can be useful in the hands of a clever man, and it shows you care about me."

"There was never any doubt about that, and you know it. After all we've been through together, I'd have to be a robot not to care about you."

He smiled back at her over his shoulder. "That's what I'm banking on."

"Logan."

He shook his head. "No, Eve. You can keep me from living in the same house with you, but you can't keep me from being nearby." He winked. "Besides, I'm anticipating the moment when Joe finds out that I'm the one who's been helping you."

Before she could answer he'd disappeared around the side of the house.

She should probably never have let him help her. Logan didn't know the meaning of a limited involvement.

No, that wasn't really true. He'd been very careful about observing the parameters she'd put on their relationship. He never moved too fast or too far for her. Considering his dominant nature, it must have been very difficult for him, and she valued him all the more for it.

At least, this time she had won a partial victory. With Logan, that was a major accomplishment. She'd worry later about convincing him to leave. For now she had work to do. But first, she needed to call Mom and check on her.

She crossed to the foyer table and dialed her mother's digital number. Sandra answered on the third ring.

"Everything okay?" Eve asked.

"Yes and no. Your killer hasn't shown up, but Ron was ready to strangle Mike himself. I don't think anyone ever made him take a bath before. He was ready to hit the streets again."

"Damn."

"Don't worry. They worked it out. Ron likes a challenge. He bribed him. He told him he'd bring home dinner from McDonald's each day he took a bath." Her mother chuckled. "He jumped at it. I think I'm insulted."

"All kids like McDonald's."

"Don't try to spare my feelings. We both know I'm a lousy cook. How are you?"

"Fine. I'll try to call you every other night. If there's any problem, even a suspicion of one, you call me."

"I will." Sandra paused. "Joe has no idea where you are or what you're doing."

"I thought it best."

"He's wound tight as a wire, Eve. I've never seen him that way before."

"Don't tell him anything."

"He's our friend. I'd feel better if he were with you. Why can't I--"

"No, Mom."

"Okay." She sighed. "But he's going to nag the hell out of me."

"You're tough. You can take it."

"He's tougher. But he likes me, so he won't run over me. Are you going to tell me where you are?"

"Phoenix."

"And I'm not to tell Joe."

"Please."

"It's a mistake."

"I've got to go, Mom. Take care."

"You take care."

Eve slowly hung up. Joe was doing what he did best, hunting. What would his next move--

"Want a sandwich?" Jane stood behind her. "It's turkey. I made two."

"Thanks." She wasn't hungry, but the overture was the first Jane had made since she'd agreed to come to Phoenix. "I'd like that." Eve followed her down the hall toward the kitchen. "I guess we're on our own as far as food is concerned. I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook."