The Face of Deception ed-1

by Iris Johansen

  Good choice.

  Joe Quinn arrived at the door thirty minutes after the delivery man from Bubbas brought the food.

  Got it. Joe held up the two black thermal bags. How fast can you get a comparison?

  She eagerly turned to Gary. Tonight?

  He shrugged. Maybe. Ill call Chris and see if I can persuade him to go back to the lab tonight. He wiped the barbecue off his fingers and reached for the telephone. Get out of here. Its going to take some talking. He worked most of last night for me and hes not going to like this.

  Joe opened the door. When youre ready to go, Ill drive you to the lab, Gary.

  Gary waved an acknowledging hand.

  You okay? Joe asked Eve as they walked out.

  As good as can be expected. Gil Price was killed.

  Joe glanced at Logan. Your friend?

  Logan nodded.

  I heard about the press conference. Everythings going to hell, isnt it?

  Thats pretty accurate.

  What are you planning to do with the DNA evi-dence once you get it?

  I have a few friends in Washington who would go to bat as long as the proof is there.

  Joe shook his head. Too chancy.

  Not with Andrew Bennett in my corner. Hes chief justice of the Supreme Court.

  Better than a politician but still risky.

  You have a better idea?

  The media.

  Lisa Chadbournes an expert at manipulating the media.

  Maybe, but name me a reporter whos not ready to blow up an entire administration if it sells newspapers.

  The storys too bizarre, Eve said. And theyve laid too many obstacles for us to even get near a newspaper.

  I could do it.

  Eve shook her head.

  I know a man with the Atlanta Journal and Con-stitution. Peter Brown. Won a Pulitzer five years ago.

  For Gods sake, youd get arrested yourself for harboring criminals, Joe.

  Peter will keep his mouth shut.

  Maybe, Logan said.

  Definitely. He met Logans eyes. Ive already called him and hes interested. Hell, hes salivating. Hes only waiting for the DNA.

  Son of a bitch. Without consulting us?

  I had to do something while I was spinning my wheels in Richmond. Its better than trusting a politician.

  Eve held up her hand. Why dont we wait until we get the results before we start arguing about what to do?

  I want this over, Joe said. I want you out of it.

  No more than I do, she said wearily. Its getting

  Hell do it, Kessler announced as he came out of the room. Hes meeting me at the lab in twenty minutes.

  Lets go. Joe moved toward a black Chevrolet a few yards away. How long will this take, Gary?

  Six, eight hours.

  Pack your bag, Eve.Joe slipped into the drivers seat and started the car. Ill be back as soon as I get the report. Well go pick up your mother and Ill find a safe place for you until we can wrap this up.

  Before she could say anything he was pulling out of the lot.

  Well, we agree on one thing, Logan mur-mured. We both want you out of here and some-where safe.

  The media wasnt a bad idea.

  No, its solid. We may go that route. But we need Washington too.

  Then why did you argue with him?

  He shrugged. Im afraid its becoming a habit. He turned away. Ill go pack and make a few calls to my friends in Washington. I cant let Quinn get ahead of me.

  Tellers research lab was dark except for lights shining in one area of the lower floor.

  Burning the midnight oil, Fiske thought. The center was supposed to close at six; now, why would anyone be there at one in the morning? Two cars in the parking lot. One Chevrolet with a rental tag.

  He had a hunch hed struck pay dirt.

  He popped the lid of his trunk and got out of the car. He opened the lid of his electronic equipment case and took out his listening device.

  A few minutes later he was back in the drivers seat. He settled himself more comfortably and waited for them to come out of the building.

  TWENTY

  4:05 A.M.

  Eve was waiting at the window when Joe and Gary pulled up into the motel parking lot. Theyre here, she tossed over her shoulder to Logan. She threw open the door. Done?

  Done. Gary handed her the briefcase. Millicent Babcocks sample strongly indicated a relation-ship. A brilliant smile lit his face. Chadbournes saliva was a definite match, of course.

  Of course. I know that. Eve smiled shakily. Youd be scowling and calling me names if it wasnt.

  And rightly so. For wasting my valuable time.

  Ive called and arranged a condo in Fort Lauder-dale for you. Logan gave him a card. Its booked under the name Ray Wallins. Stay there until we call you and let you know its safe.

  Kessler smiled slyly. A luxury condo? With maid service?

  Logan grinned. Maybe. Dont push your luck.

  A man of my skills and intellect deserves luxury. It shouldnt be wasted on philistines like you, Logan.

  Logan handed him an envelope. Cash. It should keep you content for a few months.

  Ah, thats better. Kessler tucked the envelope in his jacket pocket. It will do until the first advance on my best-selling book comes in. He looked at Eve. I may need an assistant, my spelling is atrocious. I might be persuaded to give you a room in my condo if you ask me nicely, Duncan.

  I cant spell either.

  I guess that means no. Oh, well, youd have tried to hog the credit anyway.

  Joe came out of the hotel room carrying Eves bag. Were out of here, Eve. If we start now, we can be at Lanier by nine.

  She nodded, still looking at Gary. Thank you. Youve been wonderful.

  He nodded. Magnificent.

  Youll leave now?

  Ill throw my clothes into my suitcase, put the case in my Volvo, and Im on my way to Fort Lauderdale. Five minutes.

  Well wait.

  Duncan, its not He shrugged. What a stubborn woman. He disappeared into his room and came out a few minutes later. He put his suitcase in his car and turned to face her. Satisfied?

  Yes. She stepped closer and gave him a hug. Thank you, she whispered in his ear.

  Youre really becoming boring, Duncan. Gary got into his car and turned on the engine.

  Are you ready to go? Logan asked Eve. I as-sume youre going with Quinn, since hes done every-thing but toss you in the car. Ill follow you to Lanier.

  Were leaving now. Joe got into the drivers seat. Are you packed?

  Everythings in my car. Logan crossed the parking lot toward the brown Taurus.

  Eve? Joe said.

  She nodded quickly and opened the passenger door. The first obstacle, proof, was overcome. She had the DNA reports in the briefcase in her hand. Gary would be safe and so would her mother when they reached her in a few hours.

  Thank God.

  4:10 A.M.

  Fiske took the listening device out of his ear and dialed Lisa Chadbourne.

  They were staying at the Roadway Stop in Bainbridge, Fiske said. I followed Kessler and Joe Quinn back from the DNA Testing Center. Logan and Duncan are here too. But none of them are staying. Quinn just put Duncans suitcase in his car. Duncan said good-bye to Kessler. Hes not going with them. Kesslers driving out of the parking lot now.

  What about Logan? Lisa Chadbourne asked.

  Hes getting in another car. A brown Taurus.

  Does she have the skull with her?

  How do I know? Shes not going to be carrying a skull under her arm like a purse. I guess she could have stuffed it in her bag. Or maybe Logan has it.

  Or maybe theyve hidden it somewhere. Im not asking for your guesses. You havent seen it?

  The bitch was beginning to annoy him. No way.

  Then dont let them out of your sight. I need that skull.

  Youve told me that. Logans following Quinn out of the parking lot.

  Then go after them, dammit.

  No
problem. I know where theyre going. Theyre heading north to pick up Duncans mother at Lanier.

  Youre sure?

  I just heard Quinn say it.

  A silence. Youre positive you wont lose them.

  I wont lose them.

  Then I have something else for you to do.

  Eves digital phone rang when they were forty miles outside Bainbridge.

  Duncan. Dont

  She could barely hear the words.

  What?

  Dun-canhellip;

  Her heart jumped. Gary?

  Another voice. He wanted to say good-bye.

  Who is this? she whispered.

  Fiske. She wants the skull, Eve.

  Where are you?

  Back at the motel. I ran our good Dr. Kessler off the road and then persuaded him to come back to his room for a little discussion.

  I want to talk to Gary.

  Hes not able to talk anymore. She said to tell you it wont be the last. Give her the skull, Eve. He hung up.

  Oh, God.

  What is it? Joes gaze was fixed on her face.

  Her stomach was clenching. She couldnt breathe. Turn around. We have to go back to the motel.

  What?

  Fiskehellip; and Gary. I know it was Gary.

  You cant be sure. It might not be him. It could be a trick.

  Dammit, I know it was Gary. He called me Duncan.

  Its a trap, Eve.

  I dont care. We have to go back. Dear Jesus, that whisper. Turn around, Joe.

  The next place I can. Ill put on my emergency lights to signal Logan.

  Hurry. She tried to think. She had the briefcase with the DNA reports, but Logan had the skull. If it was a trap, she had to make sure No, stop. I have to give him the briefcase.

  They pulled off the highway, and Logan stopped beside them.

  Joe got out of the car and shoved the briefcase at him. Were going back to the motel. Kessler called Eve. Its Fiske.

  Get in the car with me, Quinn, Logan said. Eve, you wait here.

  Screw you. Lets go, Joe.

  Joe started the car.

  Ill follow you, Logan said.

  Dont you dare, Eve said fiercely. She wants the skull. If I have to bargain with it to save Gary, Ill do it. But I wont have any bargaining power if Fiske takes it away from you.

  Fiske wont

  Joe was already streaking down the highway toward the motel.

  She wants the skull, Eve.

  Give her the skull.

  Gary.

  The door of Kesslers room was cracked open, and light streamed through the narrow opening.

  Stay here. Joe got out of the car.

  Im going to

  Dont argue with me. Hey, this is what I do. He drew his gun from his shoulder holster. It will be okay. He pressed against the wall to one side of the door and kicked the door open.

  No barrage of shots.

  No one barreling through the door.

  Nothing.

  Joe waited a moment and then crouched low and ran into the room.

  She couldnt stand it. She jumped out of the car and ran toward the door.

  Joe was suddenly standing in front of her, barring the way. No, Eve.

  What do you No. She pushed him aside and ran into the room.

  Gary was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, a knife protruding from his throat.

  She fell to her knees beside him. Gary.

  Come on. Joe tried to lift her to her feet, but she shrugged him off. We have to get you out of here.

  We cant leave him. She noticed for the first time the two other knives pinning Garys palms to the floor. Oh, Joe, look what he did to him.

  Its over, Eve. I have to get you out of here.

  Tears were running down her cheeks. He hurt him. He did it on purpose. He wanted me to know he hurt him. She wanted me to know.

  Hes not hurting anymore.

  She was rocking back and forth as pain seared through her. Its not fair. He wanted to fight them. He wanted to

  Eve, look at me.

  She gazed blindly up at Joes face.

  His eyeshellip;

  He reached down and touched her hair with the most exquisite tenderness. Im sorry, he said gently.

  His fist lashed out and struck her chin.

  Darkness.

  Is she hurt? Logan was getting out of his car when Joe carried Eve out of the motel.

  No, get the car door for me.

  Logan opened the passenger door of Joes car. What happened to her? Fiske?

  Me. He put her in the seat and closed the door. She wouldnt leave Kessler.

  Logans gaze flew to the open door. What

  Dead.

  Fiske?

  Not there. Joe went around the car and got into the drivers seat. Get in your car and get out of here. She told you not to come back.

  But it appears Fiske didnt want to bargain after all.

  He wanted to shake her. It wasnt pretty. He reached into the glove compartment and took out a paper towel. Blood. He began to wipe the stains from Eves hands. Lots of blood.

  Shit. Logans gaze was fastened on Eves pale face. What did you do to her?

  I knocked her out. Joe started the car. Kneeling there in Kesslers blood was bad for her. Fiske might as well have been standing over her with another butcher knife.

  A knife?

  I told you it wasnt pretty.

  Shes not going to be pleased that you man-handled her.

  I did what I had to do. Do you have a gun?

  Yes.

  But you didnt tell Eve. Joe smiled sardonically. You knew how shed react. You served me up for bar-becue but you protected your ass. Well, keep that gun handy and stay close behind me. If you get hijacked, I might stop and help you. He backed up the car. If youre lucky.

  Blood.

  Knives.

  Pinned.

  Oh, God, hed crucified Gary.

  She opened her mouth to scream.

  Wake up. She was being shaken. Wake up, Eve.

  Her lids flew open.

  Joe. Joe in the drivers seat next to her. Darkness all around her.

  A dream. It had all been a dream.

  A dreamhellip;

  He shook his head.

  Garyhellip; Tears began to pour down her cheeks. Dead?

  Joe nodded.

  She huddled in the seat, trying to get away from the nightmare. But it came at her. Blood. Gary. Joes hand on her hair. Darkness.

  You hit me, she said dully.

  I had to do it, he said quietly.

  You thought I couldnt stand it.

  Maybe. But I knew I couldnt stand it.

  She wants the skull. The other side of a coinhellip; She didnt even try to bargain. She said she had to move forward. She wanted to show me she had the power to reach out and kill someone close to me.

  That seems to be the picture.

  Gary wasnt even really involved, she said numbly. He was out of it. Fort Lauderdale We shouldnt have let him go alone.

  We thought it was safe. We had no idea Fiske knew we were in Bainbridge.

  She wants the skull, Eve.

  Wheres Logan? she asked.

  A few miles behind us.

  He still has the skull?

  Joe nodded.

  Give her the skull.

  She said to tell you it wont be the last.

  Fear jolted through her. My mother.

  Were on our way to her right now.

  She warned me Gary wouldnt be the only one. How far away are we?

  Another three hours.

  Go faster.

  Easy.

  Dont tell me that. She knows I care about my mother. Its only logical that shed choose Mom as an-other target.

  Or that shed make sure youd think that and draw you to her. It isnt a fact that they know where your mother is.

  We didnt realize that Fiske found out about Bainbridge. Her nails dug into her palms as her hands clenched into fists. But he did. He did.

&nb
sp; Yes.

  And he could be on his way to Lanier now. He could be ahead of us.

  But not necessarily to kill your mother. Its more likely that hed want to get there ahead and set a trap. After all, the skull is the objective.

  She took out her phone. Im going to warn them.

  Fine. Good idea. But dont panic them into run-ning. They could be safer where they are until we get there. Just tell Pilton to be on the alert.

  They could be safer?

  Who the hell knew if anything she did would make them safer with Fiske out there?

  Her hand was shaking as she dialed the number.

  Fiske got back in the car hed parked in the driveway of the deserted cottage. Daylight was breaking in the east and filtering through the mist-shrouded tops of the pine trees.

  He figured he had at least an hours lead. He had scouted the Duncan cottage and it was clear the Duncan woman had been busy on the phone. Lights were burning and he had watched Pilton go back into the cottage and shut the door after reconnoitering the perimeter. They were waiting for him.

  Well, wasnt that what he had wanted? A challenge.

  He dialed Lisa Chadbourne. She warned them.

  But theyre still there?

  I think theyre waiting for her. Pilton came out fifteen minutes ago and threw some bags into the van, but no ones come out since.

  Dont let them leave. She paused. And dont touch them. Not until you get me that skull.

  The mother would be a good goad. Better than Kessler. He paused and then insinuated a goad him-self. Though I handled Kessler exceptionally well. Do you want the details?

  A silence. I told you the results I needed. I dont need the details.

  Squeamish. I kept Kessler alive long enough for him to call her. It wasnt easy with knives in

  I said I dont need to know. Now remember that Eve Duncan can only be pushed so far. Dont foul this up, Fiske.

  Youre beginning to sound like Timwick.

  Another silence. Sorry. Ill leave it in your hands. I know you wont fail me. She hung up the phone.

  That damn skull again, tying his hands, keeping him from doing his job.

  He leaned forward and opened the glove box. He had plenty of time to update his list. With one bold, satisfying stroke, he crossed out Gary Kesslers name.

  8:35 A.M.

  Eve jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped at her mothers cottage.

  Hold it. Joe was beside her, pushing her to one side. I go in first.

  He had gone in first at the motel and found Gary. No. Mom!

  No answer.

  Then Sandra called out, Its okay, Eve. Pilton wont let me come out, but everythings fine.