CHAPTER 2 #3
But there was nothing fanciful about Sarah Patrick. Damn, she was hardheaded. She would neither forgive nor forget, and she was tying his hands. He had only another hour to find a way to get her help on a voluntary basis; after that he’d have to—
His digital phone rang.
“I’ve heard from Rudzak,” Castleton said. “He wants to deal.”
Logan’s hand tightened on the phone. “Did you talk to Bassett?”
“Not yet. He says that all you have to do is come up with fifty thousand dollars and he’ll let you talk to Bassett. I’m to leave the money at a drop near the research facility.”
“And how much cash to release him?”
“He wants to negotiate that with you personally.”
Logan had expected that. “Have you found out anything more about Rudzak’s location?”
“I told you that you’d have to take care of that. I gave you a lead. Hasn’t your man found Sanchez yet?”
“He’s working on it, but it wouldn’t hurt if he had help.”
“Dammit, I’m doing everything I can on this end. When are you coming?”
“I’m leaving this afternoon.”
“And what do I do about the money?”
“Give it to him. I’ve told Margaret to give you anything you need.”
“It could be a bluff. Bassett could be dead.”
“Give it to him.”
“What if he doesn’t let you talk to Bassett?”
“We’ll worry about that when it happens.”
Castleton paused. “I gave him your number when he asked me for it. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, you did the right thing. If he wants to talk to me, make it easy. I want to keep on with the dialogue. The more we’re in contact, the better our chance of finding out something.”
“I think he’s killed him, Logan. What if he’s dead?”
“Then Rudzak will be dead too.”
He hung up and shoved the phone into his pocket. He needed to get down to Santo Camaro. He had learned long ago that you played by the rules of the game in progress and this game was shaping up to be very nasty.
His gaze went back to Sarah and Monty waiting on the porch. Too bad. He had no more time. He took out his phone again and quickly dialed a number.
“Take care of yourself.” Logan brushed a kiss on Eve’s forehead before he got into the car. “If you need me for anything, give me a call.”
“I’m fine.” She looked at Sarah, who was sitting in the passenger seat. “I’ll let you know about Jane.”
“I have to fly straight from here to Washington, but that should take only a couple of days. After that I’ll be at the cabin.”
Eve waved and stepped back as Logan started the car.
Sarah turned her head and saw Eve still standing there, watching them as they started down the gravel road.
For a moment she looked very lonely, but then Joe came out of the cottage and stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
No, Eve wasn’t lonely. She had Joe and her mother and Jane.
She would never have to be lonely again unless she wanted to be.
But wasn’t that true of everyone? You made choices, and to be alone was one of them.
What was she thinking? She wasn’t alone. As she had told Eve, she had Monty and a job that fulfilled her. She didn’t want anything or anyone else.
“What did she mean about letting you know about Jane?” Logan asked.
“I may have Jane visit me for a few weeks.”
“When?”
“As soon as possible.”
“No.”
She turned to stare at him. “What?”
“Not now.”
“What the hell are you talking about? Now is when Eve needs my help. The sooner the— Why am I even talking to you about it? It’s none of your business.”
“It’s my business. I need your help. And I need it now.”
The arrogance of the bastard. “Go jump in the lake, Logan.”
“I’ll pay you anything you want. Name your price.”
“You don’t have enough money.”
His lips tightened. “I was afraid you’d say that. Sorry. I can’t let you walk away from this job, Sarah. It’s too important.”
“To you. I don’t give a damn about what you need, Logan.”
“I know. That’s why I called Todd Madden and asked him to arrange for ATF to lend you to me.”
She stared at him, stunned. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“My God, you’re doing it again.”
“I tried to avoid it.” He shrugged. “But I couldn’t get through to you. You’re still holding a grudge.”
“And you wouldn’t? I can’t see you being railroaded and then forgiving and forgetting.”
“I’m not saying I don’t understand, I’m just explaining why I had to call Madden. He told me to tell you to forget about that press conference for the time being. You and Monty belong to me for as long as I need you.”
Her surprise was turning to fury. “The hell we do.”
“Madden assured me you’d do whatever I asked.”
“And what did you promise him?”
“My gratitude. And all the influence that goes with it. Your Senator Madden is very ambitious, isn’t he? Is he eyeing a cabinet post?”
“I can’t believe he canceled the press conference. He likes to see his face in the newspapers too much.”
“Oh, I had to be very persuasive.”
“You son of a bitch.”
“I was worried that you’d turn me down in spite of Madden’s orders, but he said there was no way you’d refuse him.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “He has something on you, doesn’t he? Some kind of hold?”