16 Taking Eve

by Iris Johansen

  “What tools?”

  “Kevin had a disk that he’d gotten from the Taliban that proved Tarther had sent in a team of assassins to take out several Pakistan officials who were moving Bin Laden from place to place. The White House was walking a tightrope trying to keep the routes through Pakistan open to Afghanistan, but Tarther didn’t care about anything but getting Bin Laden and stopping the bastards who were hiding him. He would have been kicked out of the service if Washington had found out that he’d risked the delicate balance of power. He wasn’t alone in it, and all his Pakistan and CIA buddies would have come tumbling down with him. As long as I had that disk, no one would touch me.”

  “Blackmail?”

  “Of course. Kevin always said blackmail was just another weapon. I told Tarther that that disk would be sent to three media outlets if anything happened to me. Shall I tell you how careful they were to make sure that I was kept safe and sound? They sent a CIA man named Venable around to see me, and he told me that I was going to be put under the CIA’s version of the witness protection program. That was five years ago. The CIA took good care of me, and I had time to do all the digging I had to do to find out the truth about Kevin’s killing. I made my plans, then I started to move.”

  “In my direction. Why the hell did you do that? I wasn’t involved in all this. Why did you have Blick shoot Jane?” Her gaze shifted to Kevin’s reconstruction across the room. “I can see why you’d want to have him look more normal. You’re obviously obsessed with that gargoyle. But you can’t be insane enough to go to those lengths. Or maybe you can.” Why was she expecting reason or sanity when he was obviously as unbalanced as his precious son? “Why didn’t you go after Tarther or this Zander instead?”

  “All in good time. I had to prepare the way. You had to prepare the way. I had to have Kevin as close to the way he was as I could make him before I confronted those murderers. They had to know that they hadn’t really destroyed what he was. Everything had to be perfect. Besides, Kevin had already punished Tarther. Why do you think he chose his daughter, Dany, to kill? Kevin was involved with that al-Qaeda group General Tarther was targeting. Butchering the little girl was revenge the terrorists understood and approved. All I have to do is administer the final coup de grace.”

  “And Zander?”

  “I’m working on him. He’s more difficult. But I have a good grasp of his character, I think. Once Blick and I found out who Tarther had hired to kill Kevin, I researched Zander until I knew more about him and all his secrets than anyone else on Earth.”

  “Then why not go after him and leave my family alone?”

  “He’s very elusive and difficult to locate. I prefer to have him come to me.”

  “Why would he do that?” She had a sudden thought. “You said he was careful about destroying evidence. Do you think Kevin’s skull is evidence enough to make him uneasy enough to come after it?”

  “How clever you are. It’s definitely a possibility, isn’t it?” His hand dropped away from her throat. “But I believe I’ve told you enough. Aren’t you curious that I decided to confide in you?”

  “No, I knew it would all come out sometime. You want to talk about Kevin. He dominates your every thought. You were able to restrain yourself as long as you thought that you might deceive and soothe me as you did those little girls you lured for your son.” She reached up and rubbed her throat. She could still feel the bruising imprint of his fingers. “But, as you said, it made you angry that I wouldn’t be fooled when you knew how good you were at it.”

  “I am good. Kevin always told me what a talent I had. It’s not as if I made it harder for the little girls. I actually made them feel safe for a little while longer. I tried to do the same for you.”

  “Liar. That’s only your peculiar brand of ego.”

  “That’s not true.” His brow wrinkled in a deep frown. “If you had—” He stopped and shrugged. “If you realized that, then you’re not as clever as I thought. You knew you were taking a giant risk to break into that desk.”

  “I could see you were near the breaking point. I was tired of pretending that I didn’t know that no matter what I did, you would kill me anyway. You will, won’t you?”

  He nodded slowly. “I’m afraid I can’t do anything else.”

  “Then why should I complete that reconstruction?”

  “Jane MacGuire?”

  “That dog won’t hunt. I have to rely on Joe to make sure that Jane is safe. I told him to care for her. I’d trust Joe against your Blick any day.”

  “Then to buy time on the chance that someone will come to save you?” His gaze was narrowed on her face. “I hate to rely on that reason. I’ve noticed you don’t have a healthy fear of death. But you do care about Joe Quinn and Jane MacGuire and their love for you. You wouldn’t want them to suffer when they found you dead.” He tilted his head consideringly. “Perhaps in the same state I found Kevin, with your skull detached and burned beyond recognition.”

  “No, I wouldn’t want them to find me like that.” It would be a memory neither of them would be able to forget for the rest of their lives.

  “I didn’t think you would.” He made a mocking gesture toward Kevin’s reconstruction. “Then by all means continue. He’s waiting.”

  Yes, Kevin was waiting.

  Eve could feel that silent waiting like the pull of a whirlpool drawing her toward him.

  “Do it. I promise that they won’t find you as I did Kevin.” He coaxed softly. “Believe me.”

  She didn’t believe him. He would do whatever he chose to punish everyone connected with Kevin’s death no matter how distant.

  But, as he said, it would buy time. She wasn’t about to let either Doane or Kevin beat her. She was going to live.

  “You’re damn right that’s not going to happen.” She got to her feet and moved across the room. “I’ll finish your damn reconstruction. I admit, I’m curious about Kevin. I’ve never re-created the face of a monster. I want to see if I can do it.”

  She slowly settled herself on her stool in front of the skull.

  Here we are, together again, Kevin.

  But now we’re more on even footing. I know what a cowardly beast you are. I know how you used people, even that slimeball of a father. And you’re so dark and full of fury that you won’t let go even now. I didn’t realize that evil lasted beyond the grave. I hoped with all my heart that it ended when life did.

  Though Bonnie had tried to tell her.

  Bonnie. Her memory was like a cool mountain breeze, lifting the oppression and darkness.

  Fury. Darkness. Nausea.

  She gasped, and a shudder went through her. It felt as if she’d been grabbed and squeezed, her lungs compressed until she couldn’t breathe.

  So you don’t like me to think about Bonnie, you son of a bitch. Why? Because she gives me strength?

  She had a sudden chilling thought. Or is it because our bond gives Bonnie strength?

  He likes little girls. Isn’t it nice that he still has one available?

  Rage tore through her, burning away all weakness.

  No way. You’re nothing, you won’t get near her. Crawl back in your cave, you slug.

  “You’ve been naughty,” Doane said maliciously from his chair. “Kevin punished you, didn’t he? He didn’t like it when you tried to hurt me. He’s very protective. Though I’m sure he approves of your knowing how awesome he can be.”

  “Protective? You poor fool, the only reason he ever tried to protect you was so that he’d have someone to do his bidding. And if that black heart of his has somehow managed to escape hell, you’re still only a means to an end to him.”

  “You lie.” His cheeks flushed. “You’ll see that he cares about me.”

  “How? You mean if I live long enough.”

  “You’ll live long enough. Kevin would like you to see his enemies destroyed.” He leaned back in his chair. “Work. You’re wasting time.”

  That hadn’t been her intention. She
’d just been delaying touching the clay until she braced herself. She reached out, and her hands started moving, molding the clay.

  Tingling. Shortness of breath. Nausea.

  She took a deep breath and forced herself to go on.

  Evidently, Kevin didn’t care how difficult he made it for her. Maybe it was only his father who wanted Kevin’s image re-created. It was a good thing that she’d already decided that this couldn’t go on much longer. She had to escape quickly no matter what the risk. The situation was too volatile. It was dangerous not only for her but all the people she loved. Jane, Joe … and Bonnie. Perhaps Bonnie most of all. Could an eternal soul be lost or destroyed?

  Block it out. Block him out.

  Smooth, carve.

  Stop, measure.

  Show me the way, Kevin. Innocence or wickedness? Were you like your father and able to fool everyone around you? Or did you look like the monster you are?

  CHAPTER

  13

  Leesburg, Virginia

  THE OLD MAN LOOKED MORE frail than he had the last time Venable had seen him, the CIA agent thought as he walked down the path toward the small garden at the rear of the house. He should not have aged this quickly. It had been a steady downhill path since he had been robbed of years and vigor by one tragic blow. Yet there was no question the general was thinner, his shoulders a little more bowed.

  And he looked … tired.

  He glanced up from the strawberry bed he was weeding and stiffened when he saw Venable coming toward him. He sat back on his heels. “Hello, Venable.” He forced a smile. “I won’t say it’s good to see you. Do we have a problem?”

  Venable nodded. “I’m afraid so, General Tarther.”

  The general got slowly to his feet. “And it must be a considerable problem if it rates a personal visit.” He grimaced as he moved toward the striped canvas chair a few feet away. “It’s hell to get old. I hate all the aches and pains.” He sat down. “And it’s even worse when I remember how young and strong I was only yesterday. I do a lot of remembering.” He gestured to the other chair. “Sit down, Venable. Don’t stand there hovering like a vulture.”

  Venable sat down. “I was being respectful.” He smiled. “As is due a general of your caliber and stature. How are you doing, sir?”

  “Health-wise, a few issues. Emotionally, more than a few. I get ambushed more frequently all the time.”

  “Ambushed?”

  “Memories. Things that have been, things that could have been. I find the older I get, the less likely I am to keep a stiff backbone and deny that against those ambushes I’m completely helpless. Very chastening for a military man.” He smiled at Venable. “I’m even admitting them to you, Venable.”

  “You’ve fought your battles, sir. You’ve won a hell of a lot of them. You don’t have to win that battle.”

  “That’s good, because I’m not.” He looked away. “Why are you here? What’s the bad news?”

  “Doane has left the safe house.”

  “And?”

  “He’s abducted a woman, and she may be in danger.”

  “You told me that Doane wasn’t like his son.”

  “I told you as far as I could tell there was a good possibility,” Venable said. “I believe I was wrong. Even if not as bad, he certainly is very dangerous. He killed one of my agents, who was protecting Eve Duncan.”

  “More killing.” Tarther was silent. “If he’s like his son, did he help Kevin Relling kill my Dany?”

  “No, he wasn’t in Europe at that time. We know that for certain. I told you so when we arranged protection for Doane. You wouldn’t have asked me to give Doane protection if there had been any hint that was true.”

  “Things seem to be changing. I had to make sure that had not changed.” His gaze swung back to Venable. “Did you get the disk?”

  It was the question he had known was coming and one he did not want to answer. “No, sir, I did not.”

  “Then we have to assume he will use it. Have you protected my men?”

  “I’m in the process now, sir.” He paused. “My bet is that Doane is going to be occupied in the immediate future and won’t make an attempt to release any information. There’s still an opportunity to get the disk back. But I had to tell you that I’ll have to pull out all the stops when I go after Doane. I can’t have any more lives lost.”

  “I know. But my men’s lives are at stake, too. Why do you think I sent you to shelter that monster’s father? All I wanted to do was forget that he existed and brought Kevin Relling into the world. Instead, I woke every day with the knowledge we had no proof that the apple had not fallen far from the tree. I don’t want it to be for nothing, Venable.”

  “I’ll try to take him alive,” Venable said grimly. “And if I do, I guarantee you’ll have that disk.”

  “Just save my men.”

  “I’ll do everything I can, sir.”

  “I know you will,” Tarther leaned back and wearily closed his eyes. “You’re a good man, Venable.”

  “If I were that good, Doane wouldn’t have slipped away.”

  Tarther’s eyes opened, and he smiled faintly. “Now you’re doing it. Another ambush, Venable. What might have been? That’s the cruelest ambush of all.” His gaze went to the strawberry patch he’d been weeding. “Every year I put in strawberries. My Dany loved strawberries. They would make her mouth red, and she’d rub it against my cheek and laugh. I loved her, Venable.”

  “I know you did, General.”

  “She appeared in my life when I was near the end of my career and cynical and discouraged beyond belief. I never wanted a child. I was going to pay off her mother and send them both away. What would I do with a little girl? I was nearing sixty, and it would be foolish to take on that kind of responsibility. I was a hard-bitten military man who had done his duty all his life and had no wish to be anything else.” He shook his head. “Yet I could see the world around me going to hell, and I couldn’t seem to stop it. The last thing I wanted was for my Dany to come into that world. But when she came, she changed everything.”

  “I understand that children have a habit of doing that.”

  “You don’t have any children do you, Venable?”

  “No, sir. I’ve never seemed to have the time to think about a family.”

  “Take the time. Nothing else is worth thinking about. Not a career, or ideology, or saving the world. I never realized what an empty life I had before Dany. She was a miracle.” He shook his head. “But I didn’t recognize how fragile a miracle could be. I should have spent more time with her. I was always too busy. I thought I’d have more time later. I should have protected her. I never dreamed … but it happened. I thought I’d never forgive myself.” His gaze stayed on the green stems in the rich brown earth. “I pray every day that she’ll forgive me.”

  “I’m sure she has, sir.”

  “How do you know? I don’t.” His lips tightened. “But lately, I’ve felt that maybe she has forgiven me. I’ve felt her close to me. Sometimes, I imagine I hear her laugh. Or maybe it’s not imagination. What do you think, Venable?”

  “I don’t think it matters, General. Not if it’s there for you.”

  “You’re probably right. I feel her most when I come out here to this little patch to garden. I find myself hurrying like a young boy down the path because I know maybe she’s waiting.” He nodded slowly. “And I’m waiting, too. We’re just waiting to be together.”

  Venable cleared his throat. “Then I’ll go and let you get back to your gardening.” He got to his feet. “I’m sorry to bring you bad news, sir. I’ll let you know of any updates.”

  “Do that.” He got up from his chair and moved the few yards to the strawberry patch. “But all I ask is that you protect my men. Find the disk.”

  “I’ll find it, General. Oh, and I wanted you to know I’ve assigned an agent to the house to protect you.”

  The general stopped and looked over his shoulder. “I’d forgotten that I mig
ht be a target. Yes, one thing does lead to another, doesn’t it?” His smile was curiously thoughtful. “Thank you, Venable. And don’t worry about me. I have an idea it’s all going to work out for the best.” He fell to his knees and started to weed again. “Good-bye, my friend.”

  Venable hesitated, watching him. The general had already closed him out, his expression absorbed. There was a patience, a methodical movement, a rhythm, to every motion, as if he was devoting every cell of his body to the simple task.

  But it wasn’t simple at all, Venable realized. He was preparing a gift for his Dany while he waited for her.

  And Venable found it too private a gift to watch the giving. “Good-bye, sir.”

  He turned and left the garden.

  Lake Cottage

  “WHY WOULDN’T YOU LET JANE come along?” Margaret hurried to keep pace with Joe as he strode through the woods. “If I can help, it’s just a matter of concentration on my part. It doesn’t matter how many people are around.”

  “It matters that Jane would be hovering over you, trying to keep me from damaging your delicate sensibilities.”

  “They’re not delicate.” Margaret made a face. “Nothing about me is fragile or delicate. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m sturdy, and I bounce. Though I can see why you’d think Jane would make that judgment. She’s tough, but I seem to have that effect on her.”

  “You saved her Toby. Jane is very careful about giving her affection, but she loves that dog. That probably has something to do with it.” He studied her coolly. “And you’re … disarming.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, most people think that. I think it’s because what you see is what you get.” She grinned. “And do I disarm you, Detective Quinn?”

  “Joe.” He shook his head. “I can’t afford to be disarmed by anyone or anything right now. All I’m concerned about is whether you can produce results. You may prove valuable, or you may be a bust. I have a little time before Venable gets here, and I’m using it to see if you’ll be of any use to Eve. Nothing else matters.”