The Search

  He asked her to trust him. Could she? Because of the way she felt about him, or because she truly believed the risk was worthwhile? She had always thought for herself, but she had never been as emotionally involved as she was with Logan.

  When she had come out to speak to him, everything seemed simple. She was filled with rage against Rudzak and determination to find and punish him for the atrocity at Apache Lake. Now an even greater atrocity was looming at Dodsworth and nothing was simple anymore.

  Nothing but the fact that whatever decision she was about to make could be the wrong one.

  “My biscuits and gravy are ruined,” Galen told her when she walked into the cabin an hour later. “And Logan wouldn’t eat either. But out of the kindness of my heart, I’ll make you both a new batch. You’ll have to wait though. Perfection takes time.”

  “I’m not hungry.” She looked at Logan sitting in a chair at the table. “Something’s sticking in my throat.”

  Logan met her gaze. “I don’t doubt it. The question is whether you’ll be able to swallow it.”

  “I’m going to try. I don’t see any other solution.” She crossed her arms across her chest. “I’ll wait awhile before notifying ATF about Dodsworth. But the minute I see any danger to the facility, I’m going to blow the whistle and I won’t let you convince me otherwise.”

  “I didn’t think you would.”

  “And I’m not willing to sit here, twiddling my thumbs, until I hear Rudzak’s blown it to kingdom come. You said you think Rudzak’s ready to move. I want to go to Dodsworth and be there before he decides to set his explosives.”

  “I told you, the target might not be Dodsworth.”

  “But it’s your passion and he knows it. You don’t think he’d pass that up.”

  “No.”

  “And you on site would be another reason for him to zero in on it.”

  “Yes.”

  “And evidently he also wants to target me. Right?”

  “You couldn’t be more right.” His mouth lifted in a crooked smile. “Or more terrifying.”

  “Then the multiple targets should draw him.” She turned to Galen. “You’re sure the security at Dodsworth is unbreakable.”

  Galen nodded. “I’d set up shop there and I value my neck more than I do any of those scientists. Science may save the world, but where would it be without charm and fine cuisine?” He glanced at Logan. “It seems plans are escalating. We were planning on waiting a bit.”

  “I don’t want to wait,” Sarah said. “I want Rudzak now.”

  Logan nodded. “I’d hoped to keep you out of it.”

  “Rudzak doesn’t want to keep me out of it.”

  “Then why give him what he wants? Stay here and be safe.”

  “Makes sense to me,” Galen agreed.

  “When do we go to Dodsworth?” Sarah said.

  Logan sighed. “When Bassett is ready to join the team up there. I think Rudzak will want to eliminate all hope of success for the project with one roll of the dice. He can’t do that if Bassett is left alive.”

  “And you said Bassett will be ready to go within a week?”

  Logan nodded.

  “Good. Then I have plans to make myself.” She went into the bedroom and shut the door.

  “So much for keeping her out of it,” Galen said. “I’ll try to take care of her at Dodsworth, but I can’t promise you anything if she goes off on her own the way she did at Apache Lake. You can’t protect someone if they don’t want to be protected.”

  “I know.”

  “And I detected a coolness in her attitude that may make things more difficult.”

  “Can you blame her? I’m surprised she doesn’t want to cut my throat. I had to tell her about Kai Chi or she would have gone off on her own after Rudzak.”

  “True.” Galen turned back to the stove. “But I’d stop brooding about how she feels and go in there and see what she’s doing. If she says she’s making plans, I don’t think you want any of them to surprise you.” He looked down at the gravy congealing in the frypan. “Pity. The two of you have spoiled everything. It was going to be a masterpiece of a breakfast.”

  “What are you doing?”

  Sarah looked up to see Logan standing in the doorway. “What does it look like?” She threw a load of underwear into the duffel she had set on the bed. “I’m packing. I want to be ready when Bassett is ready.”

  “We won’t have to walk out the door the minute he does.”

  “I know.” She tossed a cardigan and two pairs of jeans into the duffel. “But I’ll go crazy if I don’t do something. You and Rudzak may have all the patience in the world, but I don’t. This isn’t some kind of contest to me.”

  “It’s not to me either. You’re not being fair, Sarah.”

  “Maybe not. Ask me if I care.”

  “You care. That’s the problem. You care too much.” He crossed the room and stood next to her. “It’s playing hell with my plans, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  He was too close. She could feel the heat of his body. She took a step away and went back to the bureau. “I care about those people at Dodsworth. Not about you.”

  “I never meant anything else,” he said quietly. “I know I’m not in your good books right now. It will be different once this is over. I’ll make it different.”

  She didn’t answer.

  “We have to work together, Sarah. You can’t let your feelings get in the way.”

  That was exactly what she was trying to prevent. She had to keep him at a distance. She couldn’t let the way she felt about him cloud her judgment. Not with all those lives in the balance. “I’ll work with you.” She met his gaze across the room. “But don’t expect anything else from me. I can’t give it to you.”

  “You will. As you said, I can be very patient.”

  “By the time this is over, you may have changed your mind.”

  “I won’t change my mind.”

  Her hand closed tightly on the knob of the bureau drawer as he walked out and closed the door behind him. Finish packing. Don’t think about him. Don’t let him be important to you. Even if he seems to care about you now, how long can it last? You’re too different from him.

  And that’s okay. She didn’t want to change. She didn’t want to be anyone but herself. She was a woman who could make decisions and run her own life to suit herself.

  Don’t think about him. Think about Rudzak and how to protect Dodsworth.

  “You want me to come there?” Eve repeated. “Why?”

  “Maggie. She’s much better, but I need someone to take care of her while I’m gone.”

  “I thought it was a joke when you said you needed Jane to nurse your wolf.”

  “It was at the time. But not now. I need your help. Can you come?”

  “Do you have to ask? You came when I needed you; you found my daughter. I’ll be there on the next plane.”

  “Thank you. Will you have your mother take care of Jane and bring Joe?”

  “I’ll see if he can get away. But why should I bring Joe?”

  “I’d feel better. I don’t think there’s any danger for you as long as we’re not here, but I’d like to know Joe is with you.”

  “We? Who’s with you?”

  “Logan.”

  A pause. “Are you going to tell me what’s happening?”

  “As soon as you get here. But bring Joe if you can. Though I probably shouldn’t tell you to do that. He’s going to make you get right back on a plane to Atlanta as soon as I tell him about Rudzak.” She rubbed her temple. “Well, maybe he should. We’ll leave it up to him.”

  “You’re being as clear as mud.”

  “That’s what I’m wading in. I want you to know if you decide not to help me that it’s okay. I’ll understand and you mustn’t feel obligated to—”

  “Shut up. I’ll call you when I find out when my plane will arrive in Phoenix.” Eve hung up.

  Sarah headed for the door to the living r
oom. It was done. Now to find Galen.

  But the living room was empty. “Galen!”

  “Out here,” he called from the back porch. “I’ve just fed Maggie.”

  “I called my friend Eve, and she’s—” Her jaw dropped as she stopped in the doorway. Galen was sitting on the floor close to Maggie and her head was on his thigh. “That’s a good way to lose a body part. One you may treasure highly.”

  “We understand each other.” Galen stroked Maggie’s head. “We talked it over and decided we’re a lot alike. Isn’t that right, Maggie?”

  “How are you alike?”

  “Same background. From the cage, to the wilds. Same instinct for survival.” He winked. “And we’re both so damn smart, it’s enough to stun the senses.”

  “I’ll brace myself against the shock. Will you please shift a few feet away from her? You may understand each other, but I’m the one who brought her home and I’m responsible for any damage she might do.”

  “If it makes you feel better.” He carefully moved his leg from beneath Maggie’s head so he wouldn’t jar her, then continued to stroke her. “You do know that I have to leave this beauty and go to Dodsworth? My job is there now.”

  She nodded. “I called someone to take care of her. Eve Duncan and Joe Quinn are coming today.”

  “Indeed? It’s going to be a bit cozy in this little cabin, isn’t it?”

  “I want to make sure you’re not pulling your men away from here. I want Eve and Joe protected.”

  “I was going to send them to Dodsworth.”

  “Get someone else. Logan has plenty of money.”

  “Money can’t buy training and the skill to—” He grinned. “What am I talking about? Of course it can. Isn’t it lucky that I already have enough men at Dodsworth?”

  “Then why were you giving me a hard time?”

  “I felt obligated to try to get you to stay here. Logan does pay me, and it’s what he wants.”

  “Where is Logan?”

  “Out for a run with Monty. I think he needed to blow off a little steam after he left you.”

  She started to leave, then stopped. “You might call Franklin and tell him that I’m going to leave within the next fifteen minutes and head for Logan’s house in Phoenix.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ll be closer to Bassett and I can wait there until he finishes his work. Logan appears to think he’s important to Rudzak.”

  “You could wait here.”

  “It’s also closer to the airport. I want to pick Eve and Joe up.”

  “Let one of my guys do it.”

  She shook her head. “I want to talk to her and Joe at the airport. They might decide to get right back on a plane.”

  “And if they don’t, you’ll bring them here?”

  “No, I’ll send them. As you pointed out, there’s not much room here.”

  “Logan’s going to be right on your heels.”

  “I’m not trying to run away from him. He can come with me if he likes. I’m going to have to go after him to pick up Monty anyway.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be grateful.”

  He wouldn’t be grateful. He’d be impatient and probably angry that she had taken the initiative.

  Eve set down the phone after making her flight reservations and crossed over to the window to look out at the lake.

  Joe was strolling along the bank with Jane at his side. He was looking down at her, listening intently to something she was saying. It was a bittersweet fact that Jane had grown closer to Joe since Bonnie had been found. But the slight estrangement might be for the best. Eve would overcome the problem with Jane and then they would be a true family.

  Perhaps as soon as she got back from Phoenix the three of them would take a little trip together. In a vacation atmosphere Jane might talk more readily to her and they could get misconceptions ironed out.

  After Phoenix. What was happening to Sarah and why was Logan with her?

  Something bad is coming.

  Her gaze lifted to the hill across the lake. “I hope not, baby. I hope not.”

  14

  Sarah and Logan met Eve at the Phoenix airport that evening. Joe Quinn was not with her.

  Eve held up her hand when Sarah opened her mouth to protest. “Jane is disturbed enough. I didn’t want to take Joe away from her.”

  “Do you have luggage?” Logan asked.

  Eve shook her head as she knelt to pet Monty. “I hoped I wouldn’t need more than my carry-on.” She looked at Sarah. “Will I?”

  “I don’t think so.” Sarah frowned. “I wanted you to bring Joe. Did you tell him—”

  “I told him you needed me to wolf-sit.” She smiled as she rose to her feet. “After all, that’s all I know. Right?” She started for the exit. “He didn’t like the wolf bit, but he would really have been worried if I’d told him you wanted me to have a bodyguard. Joe’s a little protective.”

  Logan snorted. “A little?”

  “Maybe more than a little. That’s not a bad thing.” She glanced at Logan. “You’re pretty protective yourself. I’m surprised you let Sarah get into a mess that—”

  “I had no choice.” Logan took her carry-on. “But she has one right now, and if you can talk her out of going to Dodsworth, I’ll put you both on a plane to Atlanta.”

  “Dodsworth?”

  “I’m not going to Atlanta.” Sarah looked him in the eye. “And it’s a dirty trick to try to use Eve to change my mind.”

  “Not nearly as dirty as what you’re going to find at Dodsworth.”

  Eve said, “It would be nice if you’d let me know what’s going on.”

  “I will.” Logan swung open the door of Sarah’s jeep. “I’m dropping Sarah off at the Phoenix house and I’ll drive you to the cabin. There will be plenty of time to fill you in on the way.”

  “I’ll drive her,” Sarah said. “I brought her here. I should be the one to explain what’s happening.”

  “Too bad. Joe’s not here to ride shotgun, so I take over,” Logan said. “And I want you under lock and key until I get back.” His lips twisted. “You’re the one who wanted to stay on top of Bassett. Maybe you can push him to finish a little faster.”

  “Eve’s more important.”

  “Yes, she is.” He started the jeep. “And I’ll take good care of her. Do you doubt it?”

  Sarah looked from one to the other. She could almost see the bond of memories and experiences that linked them together. She slowly shook her head. “No, you always did take good care of her.”

  “Then trust me to care for her now.”

  Her gaze shifted to Eve. “If you think there’s any hint of danger after Logan tells you about Rudzak, I want you to go home. Don’t stay. Okay?”

  Eve smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m staying clear of trouble these days. Life’s dealt me a very good hand lately. I want to savor every play.”

  But Eve had come when Sarah had asked. “Remember that when Logan tells you about Dodsworth.”

  Fifteen minutes later Sarah stood outside the Phoenix house and watched Logan and Eve drive out the electronic gates. They were chatting casually as old friends . . . or lovers always did. She felt suddenly empty and alone. It was dumb to stand there, looking after them.

  She would call Eve at the cabin and talk with her. Perhaps she’d call Joe too, and tell him what was going on. She’d make that judgment after she talked to Eve.

  Another judgment. She didn’t want to weigh lives and choices. She wasn’t Solomon. She was just a search and rescue operator who tried to do the best she could. How had she gotten roped into—

  “Thank heaven someone else is here to take over baby-sitting.” Margaret marched toward her across the foyer. “I’ve got a thousand things to do, and I’m stuck with Bassett.”

  “Has he been a problem?”

  “I guess not. He just doesn’t know what’s good for him and he won’t listen to me.”

  “I’ll help all I can.”

  “Wel
l, at least a little. Logan placed the responsibility on me and I won’t shirk it.” Her gaze scanned Sarah’s face. “Things not so good with you?”

  Sarah shook her head.

  “Well, then it’s just as well that you’re here. Nothing like regular meals and exercise to keep your nerves in check. I’ll go dig Bassett out of his lab and we’ll all go for a brisk walk around the grounds.”

  “I don’t need—”

  But Margaret was gone. Sarah shook her head resignedly. It seemed she was being established firmly under Margaret’s wing. She should never have admitted anything was wrong.

  Bassett came down the hall a few minutes later. “Hi, I’m glad you came back. It gets kind of lonely here.”

  It was the first time she’d seen him. He had been in his laboratory when Logan and Sarah had dropped off their suitcases. His hair was tousled and there were circles beneath his eyes. Evidently he’d been burning the midnight oil.

  “I don’t see how anyone could be lonely with Margaret around,” she said.

  “She’s a cross between a mother and a dictator. She makes me eat, go for walks, and constantly interrupts my work.”

  “Good for her.”

  “But I could use some company who doesn’t nag me twenty-four hours a day.”

  “Well, you shouldn’t be lonely long. Logan says you’re almost finished and should be heading for Dodsworth soon.”

  He went still. “Logan told you about Dodsworth?” A smile lit his face. “I’m glad. I didn’t like closing you out after you helped me, but it was necessary. Artificial blood is a prime target for industrial espionage and—”

  She held up her hand. “I’ve been over that with Logan. As long as there’s no danger of anyone at Dodsworth being hurt, I’m not going to blow the whistle.”

  His smile faded. “We all knew what we were getting into when we took the job.”

  “You didn’t know about Rudzak.”

  “No, I guess I didn’t, but I’d still hire on to get in on the ground floor of this research.”

  “How close are you to completing your notes?”

  “At least another five days. I’m working as hard as I can, but there are only so many hours in the day.”