"You don't have to tell me that."

"Yes, I do. Because I'm warning, not stating. If I can help, call me, Eve."

"She won't need your help," Joe said.

"You can never tell."

She couldn't stand it. She wouldn't let him leave like this. "Joe, I want to talk to Logan alone."

Joe didn't move.

"Joe."

"Okay." He left the room.

"Why do I feel that he's lurking in the hall?" Logan asked.

"Because he probably is." She tried to smile. "You should take it as a compliment."

"Should I?"

"He realizes how much you mean to me. How much you'll always mean to me."

"But evidently not enough."

"What's enough? It hurts me when you hurt. It makes me happy when you're happy. If you ever need me, I'll be there for you. Isn't that enough?"

"It's a lot. Not as satisfying as what I wanted, but I'll take it." He paused. "Just for my own curiosity, how did Quinn do it?"

"I don't know," she said frankly. "I didn't want it. It makes me uneasy. It's like being caught in some kind of whirlpool. It just happened."

"Nothing 'just happens' with Quinn. He's a major force. I've always known he was waiting in the wings for you."

"I didn't."

"I know. I hoped I'd have you wrapped up before he decided to make a move. I didn't manage to pull it off." He looked at her for several moments and then gave her a quick kiss. "But it was a good year, wasn't it?"

Tears stung her eyes. "The best."

"Not the best, or we wouldn't have reached this point, but pretty damn good." He took her arm and walked with her into the foyer, where Joe was waiting by the stairs. "Hello, Quinn. What a surprise."

"Not." Joe moved closer to Eve.

"You don't have to act as if I'm going to kidnap her. That's not my style." His lips tightened. "Though I'd like to break your neck."

Joe shook his head. "But you won't do it. That's the difference between us. You're tough, but you never reached the point of no return with Eve. I wonder if you ever have with anyone."

Logan took a step forward and said softly, "I'm tempted to prove you wrong."

"Logan," Eve said.

She didn't think he'd listen to her. Then he turned away from Joe and opened the door. "Good-bye, Eve. I'll be around. Don't close me out entirely. Okay?"

"That couldn't happen." They had become too close. She kissed his cheek. "Not ever."

"Remember you said that." The door shut behind him.

Joe gave a low whistle. "I don't like the sound of that. Am I going to have to be friends with him?"

"You don't have to do anything. But he's my friend, dammit. He always will be."

"I was afraid that was what you meant. I'll have to consider the way to--" He stopped. "You're upset. I'll shut up and leave you alone."

"That would be a first."

"You are upset." He scowled. "And I'm jealous as hell."

She used the word he'd once used with her. "Adjust."

He smiled. "I will."

"I've made you no promises, Joe. I still don't think we--"

"Time for me to leave," he interrupted. "You're starting to be introspective, and that could be dangerous. I'm going to the precinct and see about the picture." He paused. "I may not be back tonight. I think you could use some time alone."

She felt a mixture of relief and disappointment. "You don't have to stay away. If I don't want you in my bed, I can always say no."

"I'm trying to display my sensitive side." He leaned forward and kissed her hard and quick. "Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."

She doubted she'd sleep well, she thought as she climbed the stairs. All the way back from Dillard she hadn't been able to forget the sight of that scorched, ruined hilltop. What had made Dom so bitter that he had ravaged the site? He had ripped and killed the earth as he had the bodies of his victims.

And then she'd faced Logan and hurt him. For the second time.

But she had never thought her feelings for Joe would shift and change. If she was smart, she'd close herself away from him, focus solely on her work. She'd never been this unsure and emotional when she was focused on her job. She had purpose and satisfaction knowing she was helping the lost ones.

Yes, that was the smart thing. Think only of work. Close Joe out . . .

"IT WON' T WORK,Mama." Bonnie was sitting in the chair beside her bed. "Joe won't let you do that. Besides, it's too late."

"I can do whatever I wish." Eve propped her head higher on the pillow. "He's interfering with my life."

"So am I, but you don't shut me out."

"You can't shut off your dreams."

Bonnie chuckled. "You always have an answer. The reason you don't shut me out is because you love me."

"Oh, yes," she whispered.