“I suppose you're talking about Brad Silver? If you knew him better, you'd realize there's no way he's anyone's sycophant. Silver is a law unto himself.”

“You sent him. You told him about me.”

“Yes. I thought long and hard before I did it, but I decided that it was necessary. He needs you.”

“Bullshit. Call him off, Michael. I don't want him anywhere near me.”

“That may be difficult.” He paused. “You're very upset. What did he do?”

“He's . . . weird.”

“But he's not stupid. He wouldn't have tipped his hand if he hadn't had to do it. Did something happen?”

“I'm not talking to you any longer.” She tried to keep her voice steady. “Just tell Silver to stay away from me.”

“What did he do?”

Blue lake, delphiniums, a child running.

“I think you know what he did. He's like you and Melissa and all those other people you told me about.” She bit hard on her lower lip. “No, he's not like them. He's . . . different.”

“Yes, he is. He's a controller.”

“Controller?” Anger seared through her. “I don't know what the hell you're talking about. Is this one of your stupid mind games? I won't have it, Michael.” Panic followed rage and she whispered, “My God, I didn't even know there were people like him.”

“Shh, I'm sure he never intended to—”

“I don't want to hear it.”

“He frightened you.” Michael sighed. “If you'd let me explain, you'd see that he's not as bad as you think.”

“He's worse. He's a nightmare. Get him out of my life.” She hung up the phone.

Controller. Just the word struck at her sense of independence and individuality. Well, now that she was on guard there would be no chance of a repeat performance if he came on the scene again. Her will was strong enough to make certain that Silver—

Stop thinking about him. She had more important things to worry about than Silver or Michael or any of their wacky friends. She had a life. Get busy. Don't think about him. She dialed Edna's number. It rang six times before she picked up the receiver. “Edna, this is Kerry. If you don't want to talk, just tell me to hang up. But I thought I'd bring Sam over and take care of the kids for you.”

“He's dead, Kerry.” Edna's voice was numb. “I can't seem to take it in.”

“Do you want me to come, Edna?”

“I think so. I haven't told the kids yet. I have to find a way, but what can I say?”

“We'll work it out together. Maybe I could do it.”

“No, it's my job. How can I tell them he's not coming home, Kerry? It's not right. He was such a good man.”

“I'm on my way.” She hung up and got to her feet. It was going to be a hell of a night, but at least she could try to do something to help. She started to fill up Sam's dog-food bowl. There was no telling when she'd be able to feed him if she didn't do it now. “Eat your dinner. You've got a job to do. Charlie's kids are going to need you.”

Kerry Murphy was coming out of the house, trying to keep the unruly black Lab from jerking her down the porch steps. It was the first time Trask had gotten a good look at her. He'd been too far across the hospital parking lot when Silver had taken her to his car, and he had to be careful of the bastard. She was slender, like Helen. But Helen had been brunette, with wonderful dark eyes. This woman had blue eyes and chestnut hair that gleamed deep red under the porch light.

Fire red.

His hands tightened on the steering wheel.

She was getting into Silver's Lexus with the dog. Time was running out. He had to make a decision. Should he kill her now?

She must be of value to Silver if he'd come all this way to see her. He might not be right, but it could be best to remove a weapon before it could be used against him.

No, he knew nothing about Kerry Murphy yet except her name, which he'd gotten from the mailbox. It might not be necessary to waste his time on her. He had to get back to Washington and prepare for the next target. Then he could come back and investigate her more thoroughly. And if she became involved with Silver, then he would take care of her death in the usual manner.

Until then he'd wait and watch.

Michael Travis called Silver when he was on his way to check into a hotel. “Kerry just called me yelling to high heaven. I gather you made contact.”

“Oh, yes. For all the good it did me.”

“What did you do to her?”

“For God's sake, I didn't damage her. What would be the point? I need her.”

“You could do it accidentally. You're not patient, and you're walking on the edge right now.”

“If you're so worried, why didn't you come with me and give her some tender loving care?”

“Because she told me to stay out of her life.”

“That's about what she told me.” Silver pulled into the Marriott parking lot. “She lost a good friend in a fire today.”

“Shit.”

“That's my reaction. I had to escalate my move and now I have to step back and give her breathing room.”

“The President called this afternoon. He wants me to call him back with a report. He wants answers.”

“No more than I do. You can't have it both ways. If I push her, I risk damage.” He paused. “But I'm damn curious about why President Andreas is risking our involvement. If the media found out, they'd tear into him. He's too squeaky clean for them.”

“He considers the situation critical.”

“And he thinks we can help. Why should he believe that? Does he have a reason to think we'd be effective?”

“Are you going back to Washington?”

It was clear Travis wasn't going to answer any questions about Andreas. He was a secretive bastard and never betrayed a confidence. Well, Silver had no right to complain. Travis had kept plenty of his secrets during the past years. “No, I'm sticking around here until I can find a way to bring her into my camp. She's going to be busy for the next few days comforting the bereaved widow. All I can do is keep an eye on her.” He paused. “God, she's powerful, Michael.”

“I told you that she was on her way five years ago. And instead of smothering her talent, she's been using it. Not to any great degree, but she must have honed it.”

“She can find Trask. Dammit, I know she can find him.”

“If he doesn't kill her.”

“I stand corrected. If he doesn't kill her.”

“I'll be very displeased if you let that happen, Silver. I would never have let you have Kerry if you hadn't made me a promise.”

“I'll keep it,” he said curtly. “Get off my back. I'll call you and keep you posted. If you hear anything valuable from Andreas, let me know.” He hung up.

He couldn't blame Michael for doubting him. No one knew better the recklessness of the explosive anger that was driving him. Hell, sometimes he doubted himself. Would he let Kerry Murphy die if it meant getting Trask?

Jesus, he didn't know.

Her brother, Jason, called Kerry as she was leaving Charlie's house to go to the funeral. “How's Edna?”

“As good as she can be. Her sister, Donna, arrived last night from Detroit and that's a help. They're pretty close.”

“And how are you?”

“Sad.” She stiffened. “What do you expect?”

“Don't get uptight. I'm just concerned.”

“I'm fine. Just fine. You keep expecting me to go off the tracks again. It's not going to happen.”

“I know that. But I think you need a few days' R and R.” She heard someone talking in the background and then Jason laughed. “Laura doesn't agree with me. She thinks you should come down and help her finish the gazebo like you promised. She needs you to paint. The fumes make her sick.”

“Tell her I'll drive down tomorrow. Now that Donna is here Edna won't need me. Family is always better.”

“I agree.” He paused. “Dad stopped by last week on his way to Florida. He asked about you.”

“Did he?” She changed the subject. “I have to go. Edna is waiting. I'll see you tomorrow, Jason.”