The Face of Deception (25 page)

After thirty minutes Logan asked, “Better?”

“No. Yes.” She stopped beside a tree and leaned her cheek against the trunk. “I don't know, Logan.”

“I want to help you. Dammit, tell me how to help you.”

Make Gary rise from the dead. Tell me Joe's going to get well.

She shook her head.

“Quinn's not the only one who can help you. Let me try.”

She sank down on the ground. “I'll be okay, Logan. I just have to think. I know there's a way to end it, but it has to come clear and I'm not thinking clearly.”

“Are you hungry?”

“No.”

“You should be. You haven't eaten in nearly twenty-four hours.”

Bubba Blue's Barbecue. Gary had ordered food delivered . . .

“You stay here.” He set Ben's case down beside her. “I'll go bring the food to you.”

She watched him stride up the slope. Get a grip, she thought in disgust. She was behaving like a wimp and he was worried about her. The cold calculation of Gary's name on that list had thrown her into a tailspin, and it was taking her a little time to rec—

Her phone was ringing.

Mom?

She dug frantically in her purse for the phone.

“Eve?”

Lisa Chadbourne.

Eve started to shake. “Damn you. Damn you to hell.”

“You gave me no choice. I tried to give you a way out.”

“And then you killed Gary.”

“Fiske killed— No, I won't deny it. I told him I wanted it done.”

“And did you tell him to kill Joe too?”

“No, that wasn't in the immediate plan.”

But she wasn't denying it might be on her agenda. “He's dying.”

“And I assume the dead man who was found with him was Fiske?”

“He tried to kill Joe.”

“Evidently he didn't succeed. I understand Quinn may still live.”

“He'd better.”

“Are you threatening me? I can understand your bitterness, but haven't you realized that you can't win? How many more people have to die, Eve?”

“You don't have Fiske anymore.”

“Timwick will find a substitute. Quinn is very vulnerable now. He's on life support, isn't he?”

A bolt of sheer rage shot through Eve. “Don't you even think about it.”

“I don't want to think about it,” Lisa said wearily. “The idea sickens me, but I
will
have it done, Eve. Just as I had Kessler killed. Just as I'll have everyone you care about killed. You have to give me the skull and that DNA report.”

“Go to hell.”

“Listen to me, Eve. Think about it. Is it worth it?”

“You're saying if I give you the skull that Joe will live?”

“Yes.”

“Liar. Joe wouldn't be safe. My God, you even killed Scott Maren, and he was supposed to be your friend.”

Silence. “That wasn't my decision. I didn't know about it until it had been done. Timwick is in a panic and striking out. I'll see that Quinn's safe. Believe me.”

“I don't believe you.”

“Then, what do you want, Eve? What can I give you?”

“I want you brought down.” She closed her eyes and said the words she'd never thought she'd say to anyone. “I want you dead.”

“I'm afraid that's not one of your choices.”

“That's all I'll ever want.”

“That's not true.” Lisa paused. “I was afraid that Fiske would fail, so I've been sitting here wondering what I could offer you. And then it came to me. So simple. I know what you want even more than you want me crushed down.”

“There isn't anything.”

“Oh, but there is, Eve.”

Eve was still staring down at the phone when Logan came back.

He stopped a few feet away, his gaze narrowed on her face. “Was it your mother? How's Quinn?”

She shook her head. “It was Lisa Chadbourne.”

He stiffened. “And?”

“She wants the skull.”

“So what's new? Is that enough to send you into shock?”

“Yes.” She put the phone back into her handbag. “It's enough.”

“Did she threaten you?”

“She threatened Joe and Mom.”

“Sweet.”

“But I'm not sure she can guarantee their safety even if I make the deal. She said Timwick is in a panic and she lost control of him when he killed Maren. She might lose control of him again.”

“And she might never have lost control and given the order herself.”

“Maybe. I don't know. I can't think right now.”

If I make the deal . . .

The phrasing abruptly hit home to him. “My God, you're actually thinking about it. What the hell did she say to you?”

She didn't answer.

He fell to his knees beside her. “Tell me.”

She shook her head. “My head's messed up. Maybe later.”

“Maybe?”

She changed the subject. “I want you to call the hospital.”

“To check on Quinn? Your mother said she—”

“No, I want you to call the nurses' station. I want you to tell her that you intend to kill Joe.”

“What?”

“I want you to be obscene and ugly and explicit. I want you to tell her how you're going to pretend you're hospital personnel and slip into his room and cut off his life support. Or maybe give him a shot he'd never wake up from. I want you to sound crazy and homicidal.”

He slowly nodded. “They'll report the anonymous call to the cops hanging around the hospital and they'll be on the lookout.”

“I'd do it myself, but a man is usually perceived as more lethal.”

“Perception can be faulty as hell. I'll call right away.” He frowned. “What are you doing?”

She was on her knees, reaching for Ben's case on the ground beside her. “I just want to hold Ben's skull case.”

“Why?”

“I'm not going to run away with it. I just want to have it in my hands.”

He didn't like that any more than he liked the way Eve was acting. “Maybe we should think about leaving here. We need to find somewhere to sleep.”

“Okay, we'll go back to Gainesville later tonight.” She looked away from him and down at the case on her lap. “Make the call.”

Sandra called Eve at eleven that night. “Joe's vital signs have stabilized. He's still critical but it's looking better.”

Hope surged through Eve. “When will they know for sure?”

“I don't know. Tomorrow morning, maybe. How are you?”

“Okay.”

“You don't sound okay.”

“I'm fine, Mom. Are you with Ron?”

“Yes, he's right here. He says he's not going to move two feet from me until this is over. He thinks you should come in and talk to the police. So do I. You've got to get this mess straightened out.”

It sounded so easy, she thought tiredly. Deposit everything in the arms of the police and let them take care of it. “Call me back when you find out more about Joe. Take care of yourself, Mom.”

“Quinn's better?” Logan asked.

She nodded. “But not out of the woods.” She opened the car door. “I'm going to walk down to the pond. You don't have to go with me.”

“In other words, my company's not wanted.” He glanced at Ben's case in her hand. “But evidently our skeletal friend is. You haven't set it down all evening. Are you going to tell me why you're toting that thing around?”

She wasn't sure herself. Maybe she thought it would give her the answer. God, she needed an answer. “I just want it with me.”

“Weird.”

“Yes, haven't you heard? I don't have all my marbles.”

“Crap. You're one of the sanest people I know.”

“But look at the company you keep.” She moved down the moonlit slope. The leather of the case was smooth beneath her touch.

Help me, Ben. I'm lost and I need someone to find me.

Eve had been sitting underneath that tree for over two hours.

And she was hugging that leather case like it was a baby.

He couldn't stand it any longer. Logan got out of the car and stalked down the slope.

“I'm sick of being patient and understanding. You tell me what's happening. Do you hear me? I want to know what the hell Lisa Chadbourne told you.”

She didn't speak for a moment, and then she whispered, “Bonnie.”

“What?”

“She offered me Bonnie. She offered to find Bonnie for me.”

“How could she do that?”

“She said that she'd have the cases reopened, that she'd send an army of police and military to question and search. She said she'd been thinking about it. The search couldn't be obviously for Bonnie. It would look too suspicious for her. They'd choose one of the other children to publicly focus on, but the searchers would have their orders. It would be Bonnie they'd be looking for.”

“My God.”

“She said that they'd spend years if they had to. She promised to bring Bonnie home to me.”

“And all you have to do is give her the skull and the DNA report? It's a trick. She'd never follow through.”

“Just the skull. She said I could leave the country and keep the DNA report until she delivers Bonnie.”

“A pretty weak hold.”

She closed her eyes. “Bonnie.”

“She wouldn't keep her word.”

“Maybe she would.”

“I won't let you do it.”

Her eyes flicked open and she said fiercely, “Listen to me, Logan. If I decide to do this, neither you nor anyone else is going to stop me. I'll run right over you. If anyone can find Bonnie, Lisa Chadbourne has the power to do it. Do you know what that means to me?”

“Yes,” he said harshly. “And so does she. Don't let her use you like this.”

She shook her head. “You don't understand.”

He did understand and he ached for her. Lisa Chadbourne had used the one lure that was irresistible to Eve. “When do you have to let her know?”

“She's going to call me at seven in the morning.”

“It would be a terrible mistake.”

“She said Joe and Mom would be safe, that all the killing would be over. She'll even try to get Timwick to stop looking for you.”

“Fat chance. You'd be crazy to believe her.”

“I believe she doesn't want any more killing. I don't know if she can stop it, but I think she wants it over.”

“When she calls, let me talk to her.”

She shook her head.

“I thought we were in this together.”

“Together? You've already said you'd try to keep me from doing it.”

“Because I know it's a mistake.”

“It's a mistake to leave Bonnie alone out there.”

“Eve, the stakes are too high to let—”

“Shut up, Logan.” Her voice was tight. “Just leave me alone to think. You're not going to convince me. I already know every argument against it.”

But every cell in her mind and body was telling her to do it, Logan thought. He wanted to strangle Lisa Chadbourne.

“Okay, I won't try to persuade you right now. Just think about it.” He rose to his feet. “And remember Kessler and Joe Quinn.”

“I haven't been thinking about anything else.”

“That's not true. I don't believe you can think of anyone but Bonnie. Just weigh—”

She wasn't listening to him anymore. She was looking down at the skull case but he didn't think she was seeing that either.

She was only hearing the siren call that Lisa Chadbourne had sung.

And she was seeing only Bonnie.

TWENTY-TWO

Lisa Chadbourne called at seven on the dot the next morning. “Well?”

Eve drew a deep breath. “I'll do it.”

“I'm glad. Believe me, it's best for everyone.”

“I don't care about everyone. If I did, I wouldn't be dealing with you. Listen to me. I want you to set me and my mother up somewhere out of the country, as you promised. I want you to call off your dogs after Logan and I want you to leave Joe Quinn alone.”

“And you want Bonnie.”

“Oh, yes.” Her voice was shaking. “You have to find her and bring her to me. That's absolutely non-negotiable.”

“I'll find her. I promise you, Eve. I'll arrange for Timwick to pick up the skull and then—”

“No. I don't know if your promise is good enough. I'm taking a big chance. Who's to say you won't go back on your word once you have the skull?”

“You'll still have the DNA records. You know they could cause me a great deal of trouble.”

“Perhaps not enough without the skull.”

“Then, what are you asking?”

“I'm not asking, I'm demanding. I want to see you. I want you to pick up the skull.”

“That's not possible.”

“It's the only way I'll deal.”

“Look, a woman in my position can't move around freely. What you're asking is impossible.”

“Don't lie to me. A woman who can kill her husband and get away with it can find a way to meet me. I'm putting my life on the line and I've got to use what I can to survive. I don't have many weapons, but I'm an artist. I've made a study of facial expressions and I've also studied you. I think I'll be able to tell if you intend to keep your word.”

A pause. “You'll bring the skull with you?”

“It will be hidden close by. But I guarantee you won't be able to find it if you decide to set a trap for me.”

“And what if this is a trap for me?”

“Take what precautions you like as long as they don't pose a threat to me.”

“And where do you suggest we meet?”

“Somewhere near Camp David. It would be easiest for you to go there for the weekend. Particularly since you've supposedly suffered the loss of your friend Scott Maren. Just state Camp David as your destination and have the pilot set down before you reach there.”

“It seems to be a reasonable plan. What about Logan?”

“He's out of it. I took the skull and papers and left him during the night. He told me I was crazy. He thinks you'll betray me.”

“But you're not listening to him?”

“I'm listening. He may be right.” Her hand tightened on the phone. “I have to do it anyway. You knew I would, didn't you?”

A silence on the other end of the line. “This meeting isn't a good idea. It would be safer if you drop the skull off where Timwick can pick it up.”

“Safer for you.”

“Safer for both of us.”

“No, I have to see your face when you tell me you're going to find Bonnie. You've told too many lies. I have to do whatever I can to make sure you're not deceiving me.”

“Believe me, it's not a good idea.”

“Take it or leave it.”

“Give me a moment to think about it.” Another silence. “Very well. I'll meet you. But you can understand that I'm going to bring Timwick.”

“No.”

“Timwick can fly a helicopter and he's Secret Service. That means I'll be able to eliminate both my guard and the pilot without suspicion.” Lisa paused. “And he has equipment that will be able to tell me if either you or the area is wired. I do have to protect myself.”

“And who's going to protect me from him?”

“I'll send Timwick away once I'm assured you haven't set a trap for me. I won't come without him, Eve.”

She gave in. “Okay. No one else. If I see any sign of anyone else, I won't meet you.”

“Fair enough. Now tell me where you want to meet.”

“I'll call you when you're in the air and near Camp David.”

“Caution. When do you want me to leave?”

“Tomorrow. Eight
A
.
M
.”

“Very well. Remember, it takes thirty minutes to reach Camp David from the White House.” She paused. “If I can't talk you into a drop. It would really be safer for both of us.”

“I said no.”

“Then tomorrow.” Lisa hung up.

Eve pressed the end button. It was done. Logan had called it a terrible mistake, but she'd rolled the dice anyway.

She needed transportation to get to Washington today, and there was one more thing she had to do before she left. She dialed her mother. “How's Joe?”

“I just finished talking to the hospital. He's out of intensive care.”

Eve closed her eyes as waves of relief washed over her. “He's better? He's going to live?”

“He regained consciousness during the night. The doctors are being cautious, but all the signs are promising.”

“I want to see him.”

“Don't be crazy. You know that's not possible.”

But it didn't stop the desperation she was feeling. Who could guess what was going to happen at Camp David? She needed to see Joe. “Okay. I need some help. Will you rent a car for me and pick me up?”

“What happened to the car Logan had?”

“We've parted company. They're searching for him harder than they are for me, and there's probably an order to shoot on sight.”

“I'm glad you're not together. I didn't like the idea of the two of you—”

“Mom, I don't have much time. I'm in a women's rest room at the Gainesville Recreational Park. It's deserted at this hour, but I can't stay here very long. I hate to ask it of you, but will you pick me up?”

“I'm on my way.”

Mom was on her way. Eve would drop Sandra off back at the condo and then she would be on her way too. She sat down on the floor, put down her handbag next to Ben's case, and leaned back against the concrete block wall. Breathe deep. Try to relax. She was doing what she had to do.

Tomorrow: eight
A
.
M
.

Tomorrow: eight
A
.
M
.

Lisa stood up and moved over to the window.

Tomorrow she would have Ben's skull and the primary threat would be over.

It could be a trap, but Lisa's gut instinct told her she had played the one card that Eve Duncan couldn't resist. The woman was obsessed with finding her daughter, and Lisa had played on her torment and brought the woman to her knees. She supposed she should feel triumphant.

She didn't feel triumphant.

She wished she'd been able to convince Eve that a meeting wasn't necessary. She had honestly planned on keeping her part of the bargain.

Or had she? she wondered wearily. She'd thought she knew herself, but she'd never dreamed she would do the things she had already done.

She just wished Eve hadn't set up the meeting.

NEAR CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK
THE NEXT DAY
8:20
A.M.

The helicopter was approaching from the north.

Eve made the call.

“I'm in a glade one mile from route 77 by Hunting Creek. Set down in the glade. I'll come to meet you.”

“As soon as we do a sweep of the area and make sure it's secure,” Lisa Chadbourne said. “Timwick likes to be cautious.”

It was Lisa who liked to be cautious, Eve thought. But Eve had been cautious too. She'd made very sure the surrounding area was all clear before she'd made the call.

Hands nervously clenching and unclenching she watched the helicopter circle the clearing.

“One person.” Timwick pointed at the infrared blur on the LCD screen. “The nearest other heat source is at the diner on route 77, three miles away.”

“Electronics?”

Timwick checked another screen. “Nothing in the area anywhere near Duncan.”

“You're sure?”

“Of course I'm sure. It's my ass too.”

Lisa felt a tinge of sadness as she looked at the solitary blur on the screen and realized Eve was down there alone and unprotected. “Then let's go down and see if we can save it, James.”

Lisa Chadbourne was getting out of the helicopter.

Eve had made the deal. She had set the time and place and yet it still seemed bizarre that Lisa was really there.

Eve watched her as she jumped to the ground. She looked just as she had on the videos—beautiful, serene, glowing. Well, what had she expected? Some marks of dissipation or cruelty? Lisa had killed her husband and still appeared the same as in those videos. Why would any other death make a difference?

Gary. Blood. Daggers. The hideous scene in that motel room flashed before Eve's eyes.

It should make a difference. It should.

Don't think about it. Be calm.

She moved toward the helicopter.

Lisa Chadbourne said crisply, “Hello, Eve. James called security at Camp David just now and said we'd landed to check out a light on our control panel. We have ten minutes tops. Either we're back in the air by then or they'll become alarmed and send someone to this area.”

“Ten minutes should be enough time.”

“Don't say anything, Lisa.” Timwick got out of the helicopter and came toward Eve.

She instinctively took a step back.

He was holding an instrument that looked like one of those metal detector wands used at airport security. “Hold out your arms.”

“You said the entire area was clean, James,” Lisa said.

“It doesn't hurt to be careful.” He ran the wand over Eve's body. “Turn around.”

“Don't touch me.”

He went behind her and ran the wand from shoulder to feet. “She's okay. No weapons. No wire.”

“Forgive James,” Lisa said. “He's been extremely nervous lately. It's yours and Logan's fault, I'm afraid. Go away and let us talk, James.”

Timwick started to move toward the trees.

“No,” Eve said sharply. “I notice nobody gave me a chance to go over him with that damn wand. I don't want him out of my sight.” She pointed at a spot beside the helicopter. “Sit down.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I want you sitting with your legs crossed. It would take you longer to attack from that position.”

Timwick's lips thinned. “This is humiliating, Lisa.”

“Do it.” Lisa was smiling faintly. “You're not quite as helpless as I thought, Eve.”

Timwick dropped to the ground and crossed his legs. “Satisfied?”

“No, reach into your jacket and remove your gun. Put the safety on and toss it out of reach.”

“I don't have a gun.”

“Remove your gun,” Eve repeated.

Lisa nodded. “Let's get this over with, James.”

Timwick muttered a curse, pulled out his gun, put on the safety, and tossed his gun across the glade.

Eve turned to Lisa. “Now I'm satisfied.”

“You've used up valuable time.” Lisa glanced at her watch. “Two minutes to be exact.”

“It was worth it. I don't trust him.”

“I suppose you have a right to be suspicious.” She paused. “Now give me Ben's skull, Eve.”

“Not yet.”

“You want me to tell you that you'll get your Bonnie back?” She looked her straight in the eye. “There's no way of being sure, but I'll do everything in my power to find her.” Her voice vibrated with sincerity. “I promise you, Eve.”

Oh, God, she was telling the truth. Bonnie could come home.

“The skull, Eve. I don't have much time. I've papers and money for you in the helicopter and James has arranged a plane to fly you and your mother out of the country. Give me the skull, and James and I will get back in that helicopter and disappear from your life.”

Would there ever be a moment when Lisa Chadbourne wasn't a part of her memory and life?

“The skull.”

“It's over there beneath the trees.” Eve glanced warily at Timwick as she moved toward the edge of the glade. “I'm watching you, Timwick.”

“James isn't going to interfere.” Lisa followed her. “He wants that skull as much as I do.”

“But what about after I give you the skull?”

Lisa didn't answer. Her forehead was creased in a frown. “Where is it? Did you bury it?”

“No.” She stopped and pointed at the leather case, which was half obscured by a bush. “There it is.”

“In plain sight? You said we wouldn't be able to find it.”

“A bluff. Would it have done me any good to bury or hide it? You'd have gotten all kinds of detectors in here.”

“In this case, it seems I overestimated you.” She laughed. “My God, I thought you'd worked out something brilliant.” Her smile faded. “If it is Ben. You threw a ringer at us before.”

Eve shook her head. “It's Ben Chadbourne. Look for yourself.”

Lisa picked up the case. “I hear you do wonderful sculpting work. Will I really be able to see the resemblance?”

“Open it.”

Lisa stared down at the case. “I don't think I want to.”

Eve shrugged. “Whatever you like. But I'm surprised you'd take the chance of not doing it.”

“I can't take a chance.” Lisa braced herself and slowly opened the latches. “Let's see if you're as good as your reput— Dear God.” She reeled back against the tree, staring down at the scorched skull. “What is—”

“Sorry it's not as handsome as you expected. Gary Kessler always liked to work on a clean skull, so he made me break down what I'd done. You remember Gary. You told Fiske to kill him, didn't you?”

Lisa couldn't take her gaze off the skull. She whispered, “Ben?”

“That's what a man looks like when you burn him. All the skin melts away and—”

“Shut up.” Tears were suddenly flowing down Lisa's cheeks.

“And you see the jagged hole in the back of the skull? That's what happened when his brain exploded. When you're in a fire, your brain boils and eventually—”

“Shut up, you bitch.”

“But Gary's death was different. You told Fiske that he had to show me that I had to give you the skull. You told him you wanted him crucified.”

“I didn't tell him that. I just told him he had to shock you into realizing you had to give in. I had to show you. It was your fault. I wanted it all to stop. I told you it would stop if you'd give me Ben's skull, but you wouldn't do it.” She looked down at the skull. “Ben . . .”

“How did you kill him?”

“Scott Maren gave him a shot. It was very quick, very merciful. He didn't suffer.” She drew a deep breath and struggled for control. “Making me look at this skull was very cruel, Eve.”