She looked at him in bewilderment. "Where?"

"Lunch." He nodded at a food cart parked by the playground a few yards ahead. "Galindo's. Herb says they make the best fajitas in Phoenix." He pulled a pair of sunglasses from the glove compartment and reached for a black straw hat from the backseat. "Put these on. You'll look like Madonna incognito."

"You've got to be crazy."

"Just hungry. I thought it would be nice to sit on one of those park benches, eat, and people-watch." He got out of the car. "It's too nice a day to be cooped up inside."

It was a nice day, and she didn't want to quarrel with him. She wanted to relax and try not to think of Logan or Dom. Tomorrow would be soon enough. Tomorrow they might have the photograph.

EVE AND JOE were sitting on a park bench, eating Mexican food, as if they hadn't a care in the world. She was smiling as she leaned toward Quinn and wiped a corner of his mouth.

Her entire attitude was subtly different today, Dom thought.

Hope?

Perhaps. She had found Debby Jordan.

Dom had no objection to hope. He had wanted to drag the search out a little longer, let the tension build and the relationship with Jane MacGuire grow, but he could deal with optimism. The fall was always greater when you'd climbed to the top. Perhaps it was even better that she'd found the woman so soon. Things were going to move fast from now on, and he'd be walking a tightrope. Excitement seared through him at the thought.

But pitting himself against Eve Duncan was more exhilarating still. She was evolving, toughening, changing just as he had changed. It was interesting to observe and know that he was responsible.

So hope was fine.

But there was something else going on with her. . . .

Watch her. Body language almost always told the story. If he studied her, it would come to him. He had begun to know her very well.

It would come to him.

SARAH AND JANE met Eve and Joe in the driveway.

Monty ran toward Eve, wagging his tail, when she opened the car door.

She gently patted his head. "He looks better."

"He is. Thank God." Sarah gestured and Monty ran back to her. "Nice lunch?"

"Very nice. Fajitas and chili," Joe answered. "I think Eve enjoyed it much more than your Monty would have. I was tempted to bring him a doggie bag, but Eve convinced me it wouldn't be wise."

"I would have murdered you. Monty gets gas."

"Have you been running all this time?"

"No, Jane and I had a picnic." She smiled at the little girl. "Jane said she couldn't remember the last time she had a picnic lunch."

Jane shrugged. "No big deal. Just a lot of ants and dirt in the sandwiches."

Sarah shook her head. "You're tough."

"Well, I guess Monty liked the picnic."

"Because you fed your roast beef to him."

"You told him to take it, and he needed it. He hasn't eaten much lately." Jane headed for the front door. "Come on, Monty. I'll give you some water."

Monty didn't move.

Sarah made another hand gesture and Monty bounded after Jane into the house.

"Thanks for keeping her company," Eve said.

"I enjoy her." Sarah was frowning slightly. "I wish I could-- It's not easy for her."

"What?"

"I can't share Monty. She wants him to belong to her, and that can't happen. It's not safe for him to have a divided allegiance." She made a face. "Besides, we've been close too long. It kind of shuts everyone else out."

"She understands about compromises. She's made the adjustment."

"Compromises suck."

"I'll second that," Joe murmured. He headed for the front door. "I'm going to call Charlie Cather and then go down to the precinct. I'll see you tonight."

"Why are you calling Charlie? I thought you said he wouldn't let us go with him."

"Another try won't hurt."

Sarah's gaze followed Joe. "You were gone a long time. I was wondering whether Monty and I should come after you."

Eve smiled. "I don't need protection from Joe."

"No?"

"Time got away from us." She tilted her head. "You don't like Joe?"

"I didn't say that. I do like him. He was nice to Monty. I like most people who are nice to Monty. I just think he's a powerhouse and you have to be careful not to be run over by people like him. I've had a few experiences with powerhouses myself."

"For God's sake, we only had lunch. I won't be run over."

Sarah gave her a shrewd look. "Unless you want it to happen." She held up a hand as she strode toward the door. "It's none of my business. I think I'll go and see how Jane and Monty are doing."

Eve slowly followed her into the house. She could hear the sound of Jane's and Sarah's laughter in the kitchen. Joe must be in the office making his call.

Joe . . .

Unless you want it to happen.

Of course she didn't want it to happen. She wanted everything to go back to the way it was. It was too dangerous to let herself be swayed by the--