The Naked Eye

by Iris Johansen

  “That won’t happen right away. Though I’m not going to stay long.” He took his coffee to the table and sat down. “Right now, I need to drink this and have you tell me why you didn’t call and tell me what was going on with you. I didn’t hear anything until I was hopping the plane out of Luxembourg and got through to my contact in Griffin’s office. And that was damn scanty.”

  “You were having your own problems. You told me so.” She sat down across from him. “How did the hostage situation turn out?”

  “Touchy. Almost lost one.” He shrugged. “But I was able to negotiate my way out with him. I did have to go undercover, as I told you I might. Which is why I didn’t have access to my own phone until I got him out.”

  He looked tired, she thought. His eyes were sunken, and his demeanor had that charged restlessness she had noticed was always present when he’d been stretched too far. “I’m sorry. I’m glad that it worked out.”

  “So am I.” His lips tightened. “Isn’t it nice I was able to concentrate because I didn’t have to worry about you? I was relieved when I finally got my phone back. I thought for once you’d actually done something I’d asked you to do.”

  She frowned. “What?”

  “No wonder you’re puzzled. It never happens, does it?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I drove up to my house feeling confident, even grateful that you’d be there, safe, in a controlled environment I’d created myself. And, lo and behold, who did I find there but Super Sam, the computer man.” He took a swallow of coffee. “Interesting man but not who I expected. I thought I was coming home to you.”

  “I had to find a safe place for him. I left a message for you, but you must have gone undercover already. I meant to call back, but things kept happening.” She shook her head. “But why did you believe I was there?”

  “You had the key app on your phone. I received an apps text when you activated it. I thought you were doing what I asked you to do.” His eyes were glittering in his taut face. “What you should have been doing. My God, when Sam told me what you’d been through, I couldn’t believe you were still out here letting Colby take aim at you.”

  “I was safe here. I changed all the locks. I’m on the alert. Besides, he doesn’t want me yet.”

  “Yeah, Sam said that was the excuse you were using not to stay at my place.”

  “It’s got to be over,” she said unevenly. “I can’t take any more. I have to draw him out.”

  Lynch muttered a curse. “The hell you do.”

  She just looked at him.

  “Look, do it some other way. We’ll talk about it, explore the options, set a trap.”

  “I’m doing everything I can. I just can’t have him go underground because it’s too difficult.”

  “Too difficult to put your severed head on a pole?”

  She smiled faintly. “Something like that.”

  “Stop smiling. It’s not amusing. I can’t take this, Kendra.”

  Her smile vanished. “To hell with you, Lynch. Don’t tell me what you can’t take. Earlier today, I had to see a man who’d been tortured beyond the boundaries of what a person should be able to bear because Colby decided to give his life to me as a gift. I can’t let that happen again.”

  He was silent. Then he reached over and covered her hand on the table with his own. “We can’t let it happen again.”

  Warmth. Comfort. Understanding.

  She could feel her throat tighten. Don’t break down. She had held on tight so far. She couldn’t let go just because Lynch was here, and everything seemed better, safer.

  “Hey, easy.” He released her hand and raised his hand to touch her cheek. “We’ll be okay. We can take care of this together. Talk to me. Tell me what’s happened. Tell me what road we’re taking to get this psychopath.”

  Persuasive, fascinating, coaxing, the Puppetmaster in full force. Only now she thought she could see something deeper, less complex, more sincere. “I’m sure that Sam told you what was happening.”

  “In brief, from his point of view. I want your point of view. I want to watch your face while you tell me.”

  “Whatever.” She shrugged. “Not a pretty story.”

  She began to speak.

  It wasn’t easy, the wounds were too fresh, the memories too horrible. But she got through it without breaking down.

  At least she thought she had.

  “Ugly.” Lynch’s fingers touched a tear that was running down her cheek. “Very ugly.”

  “Yes.” She got up and grabbed a tissue from the box on the counter. “And I can’t let Stokes die for nothing. I have to find a way to keep Colby from abusing anyone like that again.” She dabbed at her cheeks with the tissue. “So there it is. Satisfied?”

  “No. I’m not satisfied.” He leaned back in the chair with his legs stretched out before him. “I wasn’t here.”

  “You couldn’t have done anything.”

  “Wrong. In case you’ve forgotten my reputation, I’m not paid exceptionally well for sitting twiddling my thumbs.” He frowned thoughtfully. “And it seems first on the agenda is locating Colby’s pet computer expert. You say you were going to contact SDPD to help?”

  “It seemed a good idea. Even though the police and the FBI will want to run their own show, and I thought it might be dangerous.”

  “They will, and it would,” Lynch said. “I’ll handle it. I have contacts both in law enforcement and the underbelly of the criminal hierarchy. I’ll tap Zackoff for info on his contacts in the computer field. I’m sure that he has an amazing collection in every category. We should be able to get it done.”

  Kendra felt a rush of relief. “How long will it take?”

  He shook his head. “I’ll work fast, but it will take as long as it takes.” He paused. “But I won’t be stalled by having to worry about you. That would get in my way, and I’m not having it.”

  She stiffened. “I told you that—”

  “You told me you intend to play the sacrificial goat waiting for the tiger. Ain’t gonna happen. We’ll work something else out.”

  “You’re giving me orders.”

  “Would I do that? I’m telling you that your being here and not at my house will cause me to constantly keep an eye on you. Which would result in a slowdown to any attempt to go forward. Is that what you want?”

  “No.” She thought about it. She wasn’t sure that he wasn’t manipulating her, but there was a possibility that it might be true. Lynch was very protective, and she didn’t wish him to have to juggle priorities. “It might be possible.”

  “Good.” He finished his coffee. “Go and dress. Pack up a suitcase and any evidence or info that you have. Then we’ll be out of here.”

  “Right now? There’s no rush at the moment. You go on home. I’ll come in the morning.”

  “It’s morning now—4:22 A.M.” He grinned. “Stop stalling. I’m not leaving until you walk out that door with me.”

  And he wouldn’t do it, either, she thought ruefully. As long as she’d already acceded to the demand, she might as well give in on this point. “Okay, but I’ll follow you. I want my own car.”

  “Of course you do. I’m not trying to keep you prisoner.”

  “I wouldn’t put it past you,” she said dryly. “Just don’t try to put an ankle manacle on me.”

  “Perish the thought.” His gaze traveled down her bare legs to her ankles, then her feet. “But it’s very tempting. You have very sexy ankles, and I’ve always liked to see you barefoot. I can remember when you were staying with me after we found out that Colby might be alive. I always looked forward to seeing you pad around, digging your toes in the carpet—”

  “Weird. If I’d realized you had a foot fetish, I would have been more careful. I’m glad you let me know.”

  He sighed. “Talking nether extremities, I’ve just shot myself in the foot.”

  “Yes. Better than putting a bullet in my friend, Sam.” She headed for the door. “I
’ll be ready to go in fifteen minutes.”

  * * *

  “DOES THAT SUITCASE MEAN WHAT I think it does?” Beth opened the door as Lynch and Kendra approached. She was fully dressed in jeans and shirt though it was only a little before five. She glanced at Lynch. “You’re Adam Lynch? You should have gotten here sooner if you have that kind of clout with her. We’ve been trying to get her to come ever since she brought Sam here.”

  “No clout. I merely appealed to her reason. I assume you’re Beth Avery.” He shook her hand. “Welcome to my home. Or should that be your line?”

  She chuckled. “Sam said you were a trifle annoyed that we’d invaded your space. He had to come upstairs and wake me and tell me about it. It sounds like a priceless encounter. I was sorry I missed it when you had him at gunpoint.”

  “I’m not,” Kendra said as she closed the door. “You would probably have tried to put Lynch down, and that wouldn’t have been wise. He’s no Bubba, either.”

  Beth was gazing appraisingly at Lynch. “I can see that.” She smiled. “It’s lucky that I wasn’t tested. But it might have been interesting. I’ve heard a good deal about you from Kendra, Lynch. And I’ve learned more just by living in your house. I hope you’ll forgive us for intruding.”

  He shrugged. “It’s over. You’re no longer an intruder. You’re now guests. I’m delighted to meet you. Both Zackoff and Kendra shared a few interesting stories regarding your rather unique character.”

  “Unique. Is that a synonym for weird?” Beth didn’t wait for an answer but turned to Kendra. “I’m glad you decided to come. I need someone to help keep Sam in line. Ever since Griffin got his Quantico computer wonder guy to work with Sam, he’s been slaving night and day to try to get a clear line to Colby. Sims is very sharp, and I think it’s becoming a competition thing.”

  “Could be,” Kendra said. “He always has to be best.”

  “It sounds like he needs a distraction.” Lynch turned and headed for the office. “I’ll see what I can do to give it to him.”

  Beth smiled as she watched him disappear into the office. “A powerhouse,” she murmured. “It’s no wonder he was able to whisk you back here.”

  “As he said, he used reason.” She wrinkled her nose. “And the faintest tinge of blackmail.”

  “A powerhouse,” Beth repeated as she started for the stairs. “Come on. I’ll show you to a guest room.” She laughed. “Though you know the house far better than I do. I guess I’ve kind of taken control since I got here.”

  “And I’m glad you have.” Kendra followed her upstairs. “You’ve been a godsend, helping with Sam. It lifted a giant weight off my shoulders.”

  “Then I’m glad I could be here for both of you.” She stopped at a door. “Is this room okay?”

  “It doesn’t matter. They’re all great. Lynch made sure of that.” She opened the door and glanced inside. Spaciousness. Luxury. Taste. “It will be fine.” She turned back to Beth. “He’s going to try to find Northrup for us, Beth.”

  “I figured that might be in the cards.” Beth gave her a hug. “I’ve got a good feeling, Kendra. We’re all together and safe. We have a strong lead and smart, innovative people to follow it. Maybe the dark days are over.”

  “Maybe they are.” Her arms tightened around Beth. Lord, she hoped she was right. Sunlight instead of darkness. Life instead of death. It seemed almost too much for which to hope. But Beth was hoping, and she had to follow her star. She gave her another hug and stepped back. “Just let me unpack and take a shower, then I’ll be downstairs. I didn’t get a chance to even freshen up before I left the condo. Lynch was hovering.”

  “I can see how that would be distracting.” She turned back toward the stairs. “Come on down when you’re ready. I’ll start breakfast in forty minutes…”

  Kendra closed the door and stood there for a moment.

  Maybe the dark days are over.

  Colby was the quintessence of darkness, and where he was, there would always be darkness.

  But Colby was not here now. So shut him out, don’t let him make her weak and apprehensive. If she could not be positive, she could at least look forward and not back.

  And the future was always what you made of it.

  Beth was right. They had all the weapons they needed. They had a chance.

  All they had to do was reach out and take it.

  * * *

  HIS CHAMBER HAD NEVER LOOKED more beautiful.

  Colby thrust his mop into the twenty-gallon cart and stepped back onto the stairs for a better look. The floor and walls were now coated with a thick coat of warm, dark tar, which seemed to capture and absorb all light. The cream-colored embalming table stood in stark relief, almost appearing to float in the void.

  Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

  He’d been working all night in his chamber, preparing it for his grand finale. It would certainly be the last time he’d ever use it, and he envisioned a spectacular end for a place that had served him well for so many years.

  He touched the wall closest to the stairs. The tar there was already hardening and cool to the touch.

  Perfect.

  Just as the rest would be perfect.

  Colby smiled. He had been patient, and now he would have his reward.

  After all these years, it was going to happen.

  All he had to do was reach out and take it.

  CHAPTER 14

  Lynch House

  8:35 A.M.

  “IT’S ABOUT TIME YOU WOKE UP,” Lynch said from the foot of the staircase. “I was about to come up and get you. We have things to do and people to see.”

  “It’s only been two hours,” Kendra said as she came down the stairs. “And I’m glad I slept. It’s not been happening very much lately.”

  “No?” He nodded. “I noticed you were looking a little fragile. You’ve lost a few pounds. Sharing your nights with Colby?”

  “More than I would like.”

  His lips tightened, “More than I would like, too.” His fingers touched the dark circles beneath her eyes. “We’ll take care of that soon. I’m glad you slept. See, you should have been here from the beginning. You must have felt safer.”

  “And you’re always right?” There might have been an element of truth in his words, but she wasn’t about to tell him that his fortress hadn’t been the sole reason she had been able to relax. Lynch was here, and that was security in itself. “What things to do and people to see?”

  “We need to go to the field office and see Griffin. I want to get a complete report on the investigation into Stokes’s abduction and death. They must have facts and possible witness reports by now.”

  Kendra nodded. “Griffin texted me that they thought Stokes was taken at his home. He was going to text me more later.”

  “Then he can tell us in person. As well as anything else that’s come up.” He led her through the living room toward the kitchen. “Coffee, then we’re on our way.”

  “Did you and Sam get together about how to track down Colby’s computer ace?”

  “Sam has a sort of cult following in San Francisco that he’s tapping. Northrup does look promising, but no one’s seen him or heard of him since last November, when a source said he was doing a hacking job for a pharmaceutical company. He obviously likes money, so I put out feelers to a money-laundering operation with contacts all over the U.S. He’s clever, and he would need to get any fees safely out of the country.” He smiled. “Either way, we’ll find him. It’s only a matter of time.”

  “Which we do not have.”

  “Then we’ll find a way of hurrying it along. We’ve only just started the process of—”

  “Hey, wait,” she interrupted as they were passing by the portrait in the living room. “I meant to ask you. What happened to your beautiful bikini babe?”

  He paused and glanced up at Kendra’s portrait. “Maybe I’m becoming discriminating.”

  “Nah.”

  “Or maybe I like the way your po
rtrait makes me think … and remember.”

  She kept her gaze on the portrait. “How very sensitive. What did your gorgeous Ashley say?”

  “She wasn’t pleased, but she understood that she has to be tolerant of other women who are less fortunate than she.”

  “Is that what she said?”

  “No, it was implied. Ashley is easy to read.”

  “When did you buy the portrait?”

  “Two days after we saw it together.” He grimaced. “The bastard held me up.”

  “Then why did you give in?”

  “Warren knew he had me. I wanted it.” He met her eyes. “So I took it.”

  Heat.

  She quickly looked away from him. “Or he took you.”

  “No, that’s not the way it works. In the end, it belongs to me. I can look at it. I can touch it. I can care for it.”

  “Or destroy it.”

  He shook his head. “What a waste that would be. No, I believe you’re here for the long haul.” He took her elbow and nudged her toward the kitchen. “I really don’t think I could do without you…”

  FBI Field Office

  San Diego

  9:50 A.M.

  KENDRA AND LYNCH STEPPED off the FBI field office elevator and walked down the long corridor toward Griffin’s office. Kendra glanced around at the busy personnel and was immediately struck by the sense of urgency compared with her other recent visits.

  Lynch obviously saw it, too. “There’s a psychopath on the loose, and it’s being perceived as partially their fault,” he said quietly. “They know how bad this has made them look. We can use this to get any amount of cooperation we need from them.”

  “Spoken like the true Puppetmaster you are.”

  “Hmm. I really need to stop sharing thoughts like that with you.”

  “Don’t sweat it. I knew when Griffin visited me the day after Stokes was killed that we weren’t going to have a problem with them. If it gets us closer to nailing Colby, play whatever games with them you want. Whatever it takes.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that. Manipulation doesn’t have to be a curse word. It can be just a matter of steering conditions toward a mutually beneficial conclusion.”