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called me instead of letting me hear secondhand from one of my associates in Atlanta."
"Associates? Are you having me watched, Logan?"
"Just keeping an eye on the situation." His lips tightened. "I couldn’t be sure what Joe would do to keep you here."
"Joe’s my friend, and he’s done—"
"Okay." He held up a hand to stop her. "I’m just glad that you called on me instead of him. Too bad I won’t see him. I’d like to rub his nose in it."
"He has more to lose than you. He’s a cop and you’re—"
"Just another philistine tycoon." He pushed her across the lot toward the exit. "With enough money to cover my tracks. So use me, dammit." He glanced at Jane, who had fallen into step with them. "Am I making sense, kid?"
She studied him. "Yes. Use him, Eve."
He looked a little surprised. "Very cool.”
“I don’t use people," Eve said. "Not if I can help it."
"Why not?" Jane asked. "He wants you to do it. We might need him.”
“Very clear-thinking child." He tilted his head. "How about participating in my executive training program? I have a lot of employees who—"
"Is that supposed to make me feel good?" Jane gave him a disgusted glance. "Use him, Eve."
"The child’s obviously of the opinion I’m not worth anything else," he murmured. "Use me, Eve."
"I’ll let you take us to Phoenix," Eve said. "After that you get away from me, Logan."
He swept her toward the exit. "We’ll discuss it in Phoenix."
TEN
It was almost dark when Logan drove up to the small red-tiled house near Scottsdale. She could catch just a glimpse of the house through the thick stand of trees and ornate Spanish-style gates.
Logan got out of the car, pressed a code into the panel by the gates, and the gates swung open.
He returned to the car. "There are two remotes in a drawer in the hall," he told Eve. "Use them The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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so you won’t have to get out of the car. There are two security guards in a cottage to the north of the house. Herb Booker and Juan Lopez. They’ll make the rounds regularly, but they won’t bother you unless you press an alarm button."
"And where are the alarm buttons?"
"Kitchen, master bath, bedroom, living room beside the phones. You’ll never be farther than a few feet from one."
"You seem to know the setup pretty well."
"I use this house when I come here for business. A little security never hurts.”
“Are you sure he’s not a crook?" Jane asked Eve.
"Charming," Logan said, amused.
"I’m sure." Eve got out of the car. "He’s like a politician. They always have to have someone around to protect them."
"Ouch." Logan unlocked the front door. "Knowing the way you feel about them, I’d rather you think I’m like a crook. Why can’t I convince you that there are honest, stalwart politicians out there?"
"We’ve always agreed to disagree." She pushed Jane in ahead of her and turned to face Logan.
"Thank you. Go."
"There are two extra guest rooms.”
“Go."
"I’m going to find the kitchen and make a sandwich." Jane moved down the hall away from them.
"See, she couldn’t bear to see me cast out. I think she likes me. Smart girl.”
“Only you could translate indifference into affection." Eve crossed her arms over her chest.
"Go."
"She’s not indifferent to me. We’d get along once we got used to each other. She reminds me a little of you when we first met."
"She’s nothing like me."
He gave a low whistle. "Evidently, I said the wrong thing.”
“Go, Logan. Please."
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He smiled and stroked her cheek with a finger. "I’m going. I’m flattered you care so much about protecting me."
Joe had not been flattered. Joe had been angry and completely unreasonable, damn him.
"Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"I assume there’s a computer and plenty of search software.”
“Come on, I manufacture computers. The office also has an excellent library."
"Then, that’s all I need."
“You’ll find clothes for both of you in the two main bedrooms. I’m not sure Jane’s will fit. She’s kind of small for a ten-year-old."
"She’s big enough to be a presence."
"I noticed." He leaned forward and kissed her. "Then I’m on my way. If you need me I’ll be at the Camelback Inn."
"Dammit, Logan, I meant for you to go back to Monterey."
"I know you did." He started down the steps. "I’ll leave you this rental car. I’ll go to the cottage and get a lift to the hotel from one of the security guys."
"You listen to me, Logan. I’ve already taken more than I should from you. I’ll feel guilty as hell if I get you in trouble."
"Good. Guilt can be useful in the hands of a clever man, and it shows you care about me."
"There was never any doubt about that, and you know it. After all we’ve been through together, I’d have to be a robot not to care about you."
He smiled back at her over his shoulder. "That’s what I’m banking on.”
“Logan."
He shook his head. "No, Eve. You can keep me from living in the same house with you, but you can’t keep me from being nearby." He winked. "Besides, I’m anticipating the moment when Joe finds out that I’m the one who’s been helping you."
Before she could answer he’d disappeared around the side of the house. She should probably never have let him help her. Logan didn’t know the meaning of a limited involvement.
No, that wasn’t really true. He’d been very careful about observing the parameters she’d put on their relationship. He never moved too fast or too far for her. Considering his dominant nature, The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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it must have been very difficult for him, and she valued him all the more for it.
At least, this time she had won a partial victory. With Logan, that was a major accomplishment.
She’d worry later about convincing him to leave. For now she had work to do. But first, she needed to call Mom and check on her. She crossed to the foyer table and dialed her mother’s digital number. Sandra answered on the third ring.
"Everything okay?" Eve asked.
"Yes and no. Your killer hasn’t shown up, but Ron was ready to strangle Mike himself. I don’t think anyone ever made him take a bath before. He was ready to hit the streets again."
"Damn."
"Don’t worry. They worked it out. Ron likes a challenge. He bribed him. He told him he’d bring home dinner from McDonald’s each day he took a bath." Her mother chuckled. "He jumped at it. I think I’m insulted."
"All kids like McDonald’s."
"Don’t try to spare my feelings. We both know I’m a lousy cook. How are you?”
“Fine. I’ll try to call you every other night. If there’s any problem, even a suspicion of one, you call me."
"I will." Sandra paused. "Joe has no idea where you are or what you’re doing.”
“I thought it best."
"He’s wound tight as a wire, Eve. I’ve never seen him that way before.”
“Don’t tell him anything."
"He’s our friend. I’d feel better if he were with you. Why can’t I—"
"No, Mom."
“Okay." She sighed. "But he’s going to nag the hell out of me.”
“You’re tough. You can take it."
"He’s tougher. But he likes me, so he won’t run over me. Are you going to tell me where you are?"
"Phoenix."
"And I’m not to tell Joe.”
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“Please."
"It’s a mistake."