She punched the button.
“Todd Madden. Welcome back, Sarah.”
Shit. She didn’t need this.
Her hands clenched into fists as she heard Madden’s smooth, faintly mocking tone. “I hear you did a magnificent job. The team earned grateful praise from the Turkish government, not to mention nice coverage by CNN. I think we may have to bring you and Monty up to Washington for a few interviews.”
“The hell you will, you asshole,” she muttered.
“I can almost see your expression. You’re so predictable. Unfortunately, Boyd’s mandatory report to ATF on you mentioned that you disobeyed orders on one occasion. He was obviously trying to protect you, but he had to do his job. Are you becoming unstable, Sarah? You know we can’t permit instability at ATF. And you know the consequences of your expulsion from ATF.” He paused. “But I’m sure you can persuade me that this was just an isolated incident. Come up to Washington for those interviews and we’ll talk about it.”
Slimy bastard.
“Call me and tell me when you’ll arrive. No more than two days, I think. We don’t want to be old news.” He hung up.
She closed her eyes as waves of rage poured through her. Damn him. Damn him.
She drew a deep breath and tried to control herself. Madden would love to know that he had upset her. He preferred cowed obedience and he didn’t like it when she refused to give it to him. He might have the upper hand, but she had let him know what she thought of him any number of times in language that was both abusive and explicit.
Screw him. There wasn’t any question she’d have to go to Washington, but she wouldn’t call him back and she’d take at least a three-day rest before she left the ranch.
She punched the button for the second message.
“It’s Eve, Sarah. We’ve finally got it. It’s confirmed. We’ll wait for you. Please come right away.” Eve hung up.
So much for rest, she thought resignedly. She would never phone Eve to ask her to wait a day or two. Eve had waited too long already. “Looks like we have another plane trip tomorrow, Monty. We have to go see Eve in Atlanta.”
2
“I’m here,” Logan said as soon as Eve picked up the phone. “I’ve checked in at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead.”
“Thanks for coming, Logan. I wasn’t sure you would.”
“I always told you I’d come when you called.” He hesitated before asking, “How’s Quinn?”
“Wonderful. He’s very good to me.”
“That’s no great chore. Who could help it? I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“You could come to the cottage tonight.”
“No, I’m here to support you, not irritate Quinn. Take care of yourself.” He hung up.
She had sounded calm and there was a ring of truth in her words when she spoke about Joe Quinn. It was clear all was going well in that quarter. Was he disappointed? It surprised him that he felt a tinge of regret but no pain. Well, you got over everything in time, and he had never really felt that Eve belonged to him even when they were living together. Their bond had been fragile, and Quinn had no trouble barging in and—
His phone rang.
Margaret?
“Hello, Logan, it’s been a long time.”
Logan’s hand tightened on the receiver. “Hello, Rudzak.”
“You don’t sound surprised to hear from me.”
“Why should I be surprised? I knew it was only a matter of time.”
“You don’t know the meaning of time. Neither did I until I lived in that hell you threw me into. It was like being buried alive. Every minute was a decade. Did you know my hair turned white in that prison? I’m younger than you and I look twenty years older.”
“How do you know how I look?”
“Oh, I’ve kept tabs on you. I saw you once on the street and several times on television in the last two years. You’ve done well for yourself. You’re a very big man.”
“Where’s Bassett?”
“I don’t want to talk about Bassett. I want to talk about you . . . and me. I’ve waited a long time for this moment, and I’m savoring it.”
“I’m not. Talk about Bassett or I’ll hang up.”
“No, you won’t. You’ll stay on the line as long as I want to talk to you because you’re afraid of what will happen to Bassett if you don’t. You haven’t changed. You still have that streak of softness. I’m glad you’re not completely hard. It’s going to make it easier for me.”
“Is Bassett alive?”
“At present. Do you believe me?”
“No, I want to hear his voice.”
“Not now. Bassett is such a small part of what’s between us. Did you know the first thing I did after I got out of prison was visit Chen Li’s grave?”
“This isn’t about Chen Li. This is about Bassett.”
“It’s about Chen Li. Everything is about Chen Li. You allowed her to be buried in that disgustingly simple grave like a thousand others in that cemetery. How could you do that?”
“She was buried with quiet dignity and grace. The way she lived.”
“The way you made her live. She was a queen and you made her common.”
“Don’t talk about her.”
“Why not? What can you do to me that you haven’t done? Am I making you feel guilty? You are guilty.”
“And you’re a crazy son of a bitch.”
“I wasn’t crazy when I went into that prison. If I’m crazy now, it’s because of you. You knew what I did was right and you let me rot in that cell. But I’m not insane, and when this is over I’ll be able to live again. Do you know why I hit that research facility?”
“You knew it was important to me.”
“No, that wasn’t the reason. Think about it. It will come to you. I’ll even help you along. Did you get the scarab?”
“I got it.”
“Good. I thought it was a fitting signature to Santo Camaro. It was the first Egyptian piece I gave to Chen Li. It wasn’t very expensive or important, but she didn’t care. I was able to give her much nicer pieces later.”
“That you stole and murdered to get. Do you think she would have accepted them if she’d known how many people you killed to get those artifacts?”
“But she didn’t know and those people didn’t matter. She was the only one who mattered. She deserves the best. I’ll always give her the best.”
“You’re talking about her as if she’s still alive.”
“She’ll always be alive to me. Every day in that prison she was with me. She kept me sane. I talked to her and told her how much I hated you and how I was going to hurt you.”
“You can’t hurt me, Rudzak.”
“Oh, but I can.” His voice lowered to a silken murmur. “I may be white-haired, but Chen Li would still think I’m handsome. I remember how she would stroke my face and tell me how beautiful I was, how kind and—”
“Shut up.”
Rudzak chuckled. “You see, it’s easy to hurt you. I’ll be calling you again. I’ve gotten a great deal of satisfaction out of this conversation.” He hung up.
Bastard.
Keep calm. The anger pouring through him was counterproductive. Rudzak would enjoy knowing how that jab had pierced his defenses. He did know. Logan had been caught unprepared and let Rudzak see his rage and pain.
You are guilty.
Chen Li.
Don’t think of her. Think of Bassett and the problems Rudzak was causing now.
Don’t think of Chen Li.
Rudzak pressed the disconnect on the phone and looked down at the tiny round box in his other hand. He wiped the raindrops from the lid. It was a lovely thing, studded with ivory and lapis lazuli. He’d been told that it had once belonged to a princess of Egypt, but he’d embroidered the tale for Chen Li when he gave it to her.
“This belonged to Meretaten, the daughter of Nefertiti. She was supposed to be even lovelier and more clever than her mother.”
“I never heard of he
r.” Chen Li held the box up to the window to see the sunlight glitter on the blue stones. “I love it, Martin. Where did you get it?”
“A collector in Cairo.”
“It must have cost the earth.”
“Not so much. I made a good deal.”
She chuckled. “That’s what you always say.”
He smiled. “I told him it was joining the collection of a woman who should have been born a queen in the time of the pharaohs. There were no rules then but the ones they made for themselves.”
A shadow crossed her face. Things had been going so well that he had moved too fast. He pretended to misunderstand the withdrawal. “You were just being polite? You don’t really like it?”
She walked into his arms. “I love it. I always love everything you give me.”
She leaned back and looked up at him. Her eyes were night dark and he could see himself mirrored in them. His reflection was always better, almost godlike when he saw himself in Chen Li’s eyes.
She was gazing at him uncertainly. “Martin?”
Don’t scare her. She was closer to him than ever and there would soon come a moment when she would be his. Just don’t scare her.
He lifted her hand to his lips. “Happy birthday, Chen Li.”
One of her last birthdays.
He could feel warm tears blend with the rain on his cheeks.
“Rudzak.” He turned to see Carl Duggan coming toward him. “I’ve set the timer. We’ve got to be out of here before someone trips it.”
“In a minute. I want to leave Logan a present.” He carefully placed the box behind a boulder where it would be sheltered from the blast. He whispered, “Happy birthday, Chen Li.”
Rest in peace, Bonnie Duncan.
The minister’s words echoed in Sarah’s mind even as the casket was lowered into the grave. It wasn’t only Bonnie who was at peace now, she thought as she looked at Eve Duncan, who stood between Joe Quinn and Eve’s adopted daughter, Jane MacGuire. After all these years of searching for the remains of her child who had been murdered over a decade ago, Eve had brought Bonnie home. The DNA report that had just come through had confirmed these bones were her daughter’s.
Tears were running down Eve’s mother’s face, but Eve was not weeping. Her expression reflected peace, sadness, and completion. She had wept her tears for Bonnie long ago. Her daughter was home now.
But Sarah felt tears sting her own eyes as she tossed the rose in her hand on top of the casket.
Good-bye, Bonnie Duncan.
“I think we should leave the family alone to say their good-byes,” John Logan said in a low voice. “Let’s go back to the cottage and wait for them.”
Sarah hadn’t been aware that he had moved to stand beside her. She instinctively shifted away from him.
Logan shook his head. “I know how you feel about me, but this isn’t the time to burden Eve with it. We’ve got to help her get through this.”
He was right. She hadn’t been pleased when she had seen him drive up to the cottage a few hours before it was time to go to the burial site, but she couldn’t fault his behavior toward Eve and Joe. He had been both sympathetic and supportive. And he was also right about leaving the family alone now. She turned away from the grave and started the short walk around the lake toward the cottage. It was pretty here, she thought. Eve had chosen a lovely spot on a small hill overlooking the lake to bury her daughter.
“Where’s Monty?” Logan asked as he caught up with her.
“I left him in the cottage. Being at the grave site would have upset him.”
“Ah, yes, I’d forgotten what a sensitive canine your Monty is.”
“More sensitive than some people.”
“Ouch.” He grimaced. “I didn’t mean to slam your dog. I’m actually trying to be pleasant.”
“Are you?”
“And evidently not succeeding.”
“Right.”
“I’ll start again. Eve told me that it was you and Monty who found Bonnie. She said the two of you must have gone over every foot of that national park until you discovered where that murderer buried her.”
“We did. But I almost gave up.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Eve’s my friend.”
“Then don’t you think you could forgive my rather unscrupulous methods of bringing the two of you together?”
“No,” she said coldly. “I don’t like being forced to do anything. You’re as bad as Madden. Always trying to manipulate everyone and every situation.”
“I’m not quite as black as you’re painting me. I do have a few virtues.”
She was silent.
“I’m patient. I’m responsible. I can be a good friend. Ask Eve.”
“I’m not interested. Why are you making this futile attempt to convince me you’re a decent human being?” Her eyes narrowed. “You’re up to something.”
“Why should I be—” He shrugged. “Yes, I’m up to something, besides failing to convince you that I’m anything but a son of a bitch. Too bad. It would have made it easier on both of us.”
“Why the hell are you here?”
“I’m here for the same reason you’re here. I wanted to support Eve when she needed her friends.”
“You weren’t her friend. You were her lover and it won’t do you any good to come here and try to lure her away from Joe. She loves him and you’re past history, Logan.”
“I know, but thanks for reminding me. I can see it’s only your dog that has any sensitivity. I’m not here to stir up old embers. Is it too hard to believe that I want only the best for Eve?”
“I don’t have to believe or disbelieve you.” Her pace quickened. “As I said, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter if you—”
“Sarah!”
She turned to see Jane MacGuire running down the hill toward them, her red hair gleaming in the sunlight. The ten-year-old’s expression was pale and strained as she stopped beside Sarah. “Hi, can I walk back with you?”
“Sure. But I thought you’d want to wait for Eve.”
She shook her head. “She doesn’t need me. She has Joe.” She looked straight ahead. “Neither of them wants me there right now.”
Sarah could see a problem looming. “You’re part of Eve’s family. She always wants you with her.”
“Not now. I don’t belong here. It’s Bonnie’s time.” She shifted her glance to Logan. “You knew it. That’s why you took Sarah away.”
Logan nodded. “At least someone appreciates my sensitivity. But Sarah is right. You’re part of the family.”
Jane’s lips tightened. “You’re trying to make me feel better. I don’t need your pity. I know Joe and Eve care about me, but I’m not Bonnie. I’ll never be Bonnie to them. So don’t tell me they want me there when they’re saying good-bye to her. Can’t you see how hard it is for them having me here right now? All they want to think about is Bonnie, but they have to try to make me feel all cozy and wanted because they don’t want to hurt me.”
“Talk to them,” Sarah said gently.
“No.” Jane looked away from them and repeated, “It’s Bonnie’s time.” She changed the subject. “May I go on ahead and take Monty out for a walk?”
“I think that would be a very good idea.”
Sarah frowned, troubled, as she watched Jane run down the path toward the cottage.
“Will Monty go with her?” Logan asked.
She nodded. “He adores her. They got to know each other very well in Phoenix.”
“You like her too. She’s not the easiest kid to get to know.”
“She may look like a kid, but she’s more grown-up than most adults. That’s what happens when you’re raised in foster homes and on the streets.” She nibbled at her lower lip. “She’s right, isn’t she? Having her here is going to be a strain on Eve and Joe.”
“Probably. It seems Jane has good instincts.” He was studying her face. “What are you thinking?”
“None of your business
.” They had reached the porch of the cottage. “Are you leaving now?”
“Not yet. I thought I’d leave for the airport after lunch. You’re on the three o’clock flight, aren’t you?”
“How do you know that?”
“Eve told me on the phone. She said they picked you up at the airport. Could I give you a lift?”
“Joe’s going to drive me.”
“But shouldn’t he stay with Eve? It won’t hurt you to occupy the same car with me. It’s only an hour’s drive.”
It wouldn’t hurt her, but she didn’t want any favors from him.
It was as if he’d read her mind. “I’m not doing you any favors, Sarah. Considering your opinion of me, you should know better.”
No, she could see Logan doing favors for Eve but not for her. Why should he? She didn’t know why he had made the attempt to bridge the gulf between them, but it wasn’t because he regretted what he had done. Logan never looked back after he had made a decision.
“Eve needs Joe right now,” Logan said. “We both know it.”
“And does that sting, Logan?”
“Would you feel sorry for me if it did?”
“Hell, no.”
“I didn’t think so. So do I take you to the airport?”
She shrugged. “Okay. I should leave by one.”
He nodded. “I’ll be ready. But shouldn’t you be there earlier to board Monty in the cargo?”
“Monty always travels in the cabin with me.”
“I thought only small animals or dogs for the blind were permitted in the cabin.”
“He has special ATF clearance.”
He smiled. “And if he didn’t, you’d probably insist on traveling in the baggage with him.”
“You’ve got it.” Sarah opened the front door. “I’m going to start making sandwiches and coffee. There’s Reverend Watson coming down the path. Why don’t you make yourself useful, say something charming and send him on his way?”
“I’m surprised you think I’m capable of being charming.”
Oh, he had never tried it on her, but she had seen him work that charisma. It was probably one of the more potent weapons in his arsenal. “Why should it surprise you?” As she entered the cottage, she glanced at him over her shoulder. “I understand that most of Germany’s population thought Hitler was charming.”