The Search

  “Thanks for coming, Sarah.” Eve sat down in the porch swing and looked out at the lake. “I know you’re tired. But it meant a lot for me to have you here.”

  “Don’t be silly. I wanted to come.”

  “I think Bonnie would have liked you to be here. After all, you did find her.”

  “We were lucky.”

  “Don’t give me that. You worked your butt off.”

  “That doesn’t always mean that Monty and I find what we’re looking for.” She studied Eve’s face. “Is everything okay with you?”

  “It will be soon. It feels very strange right now.” Her gaze moved to the hill across the lake. “She’s home now. That means everything. Even though she never really left me.”

  Sarah nodded. “Memories can be very precious.”

  “Yes.” She smiled faintly. “But that’s not exactly what I meant.” She changed the subject. “I’m worried about Jane.”

  “I thought you would be.”

  “Most of the time I think she’s happy with us. She knows we love her.” She sighed. “But Jane’s not easy.”

  “The situation’s not easy.” Sarah paused. “How would you feel about Jane spending a few weeks with me at my cabin?”

  Eve didn’t speak for a moment. “Why?”

  “A change will be good for her. She loves Monty and she likes me. I’d take good care of her.”

  “I know you would.” She frowned slightly. “Has she talked to you about Bonnie?”

  “The important question is if she’s spoken to you about her.”

  “Not since you found Bonnie. I tried a couple of times, but she shuts me out. I’ve been hoping that time— I don’t know. It’s hard for me to think right now.”

  “It’s a period of adjustment for all of you. You’ve been obsessed for years with the thought of bringing Bonnie home. I know you’re happy that she’s here now, but it will be—”

  “Jane thinks she’s second best,” Eve interrupted. “I tried to tell her how different— She won’t accept it. She’s not resentful, but I can’t talk her out of it.”

  “With her lousy childhood, it’s possible you may never be able to convince her. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good life together.”

  “Don’t tell me that. I want her to feel special. Everyone should feel special.”

  “Jane is special. She’s tough and independent and smart as a whip. So smart she knows that you’re confused and sad right now and she can’t help you. It hurts her. Send her to me for a while, Eve.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Eve tried to smile. “I never thought I’d have this kind of problem adjusting when I found Bonnie. It’s not that I’m not relieved, it’s just . . .”

  “You’ve lived your life a certain way because Bonnie was lost. Now she’s found.”

  Eve nodded. “It will take a little time, but God, I’m lucky, Sarah. I’ve got Joe. Everything will fall into place as long as I have Joe.” She reached over and took Sarah’s hand. “And friends like you and Logan.”

  “Speaking of Logan, it’s time I left for the airport. Where is he?”

  “He walked down to the lake.”

  “Alone?”

  Eve nodded. “Which is just as well. He and Joe are still not too friendly.”

  Sarah grinned. “Because you’re such a femme fatale.”

  “Yeah, sure.” She straightened her glasses and got to her feet. “Let’s go find Jane and Monty. You’ll have to pry her away from him.”

  “It won’t be so bad if you tell her that she’ll see him soon.”

  “I said I’d think about it.” She made a face. “You’re obstinate as hell, Sarah. What makes you so sure you’re the best thing for Jane right now? If you get a call, you and Monty will be trekking off to some outlandish part of the world. What would you do with her?”

  Sarah shrugged. “We’d make out.”

  Eve shook her head. “For that matter, what would you do if you had a child of your own? Talk about adjustments.”

  “I’d deal with the problem when I had to face it.”

  “Kids are more demanding than dogs.”

  “That’s why I stick to dogs. I’m happy living just as I am. Can you imagine me with a husband and a bunch of kids?”

  “No, not really. But it must be a lonely life.”

  “Why? I have Monty and my friends in the unit.”

  “Who you never see unless you’re on some rescue mission.”

  “It’s enough.”

  “Why is it enough? Why won’t you get close to anyone?”

  She smiled. “Eve, stop trying to make me into some kind of scarred drama queen. I’m not like you. I’ve no dark, brooding past. I’m just a normal woman who happens to be a little more selfish than most people. My life suits me just fine.”

  “And I’m to mind my own business.”

  “Do what you like. But you surprise me. You were once one of the most isolated women on the planet, and you think my lack of social interaction is a problem.”

  “Touché.” Eve smiled. “I guess I just want everyone to be as happy as I’ve been lately.”

  “I’m happy as a clam.” She tilted her head. “You know, I’ve always wondered about that phrase. How does anyone know how happy a clam is? And why should a clam be particularly happy?” She chuckled. “Okay, I’m as happy as Monty when he’s getting his belly rubbed. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

  Fifteen minutes to one. It was almost time to go.

  Logan started back toward the cottage. He could see the shadowy figures of Sarah and Monty silhouetted in the windows. They looked like two fantasy figures on the cover of a novel.

  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 brus
hed 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?”

  “What do you care? It was nothing to you how Madden got me to do what you wanted the last time. All you wanted was results. That’s all you care about now.” She was shaking with anger. “Is that why you came here?”

  “I came here because Eve wanted me to be here. The same reason you came.”

  “But you knew I’d be here. Two birds with one stone.”

  “Yes, I knew you’d be here.”

  “And what do you want me to do? Find another corpse for you?”

  “I don’t think he’s dead.” He smiled crookedly. “I know how you hate using Monty as a cadaver dog. You should be pleased that I’m asking you and Monty to work on rescuing a real live person.”

  “Pleased?”

  “Wrong word. I’m trying to put a tolerable light on a bad situation.”

  “It’s not tolerable.”

  “It will have to be.”

  “Screw you.” She took out her phone and dialed Madden’s number. “What the devil are you doing to me?” she asked as soon as he answered.

  “Now, Sarah, it’s for the best.”

  “Whose best, damn you?”

  “Logan tells me the job is very important and it may not be all that long.”

  “Did it occur to you that Monty and I just came back from a job that wore us down to the bone? We need to rest.”

  “You need to do what I tell you to do. I’m sure Logan will take care of you. Let me know when you’re available again.” He hung up.

  Her hand clenched the phone so tightly, her knuckles turned white. Bastards. They were both bastards.

  “Satisfied?” Logan asked.

  “I’d like to castrate him.” She glared at him. “And you too.”

  He flinched. “I gather he verified what I told you. Now, shall I tell you about the job?”

  She tried to control herself. A long time ago she had accepted the fact that she couldn’t beat Madden. The card he was holding was too high. But, dear God, she hated the idea of being under Logan’s thumb. She wanted to pound someone. No, not someone. Logan.

  Monty whimpered in the backseat and she reached over to stroke him. “It’s okay, boy. It’s okay.”

  “It’s not okay, but you’ll do it,” Logan said. “Right?”

  “Damn you.”

  Monty whimpered again.

  “Shh.”

  “He senses that you’re upset.” Logan smiled. “I remember how close you are. He’s a good dog.”

  “I should have him go for your throat. Do you know how tired he is?”

  “Monty doesn’t impress me as being a very vicious guard dog.”

  “He makes an exception when he thinks I’m in danger.”

  “But you’re not in danger yet.”

  Her gaze flew to his face. “Yet?”

  His smile faded. “There are a few problems with this job, but I’ll try to keep you both safe.”

  “Just what do you want me to do?”

  “I need you and Monty to find one of my employees who has been kidnapped. One of my research facilities in Colombia was attacked and four of my employees killed. Tom Bassett was taken hostage.”

  “Do you know who kidnapped him?”

  “Martin Rudzak. He’s a very nasty fellow.”

  “How nasty?”

  “About as nasty as they get. He dabbles in everything from drug running to terrorism.”

  “Terrorism? Why is he targeting you?”

  “We had a run-in several years ago when I was in Japan. He doesn’t like me very much.”

  “Then he should have kidnapped you.”

  “I’m sure you’d prefer that, but there are reasons why he picked Bassett.”

  “And you’re not going to tell me.”

  “Not at the moment.”

  “I don’t track criminals, Logan.”

  “You work for ATF.”

  “These days my primary job is search and rescue.”

  “You’d be rescuing Bassett.”

  “Just pay the ransom. You’ve got plenty of money.”

  “The percentages are high that after I pay it, Bassett will be killed anyway. I need to find him and get him away.”

  “And how am I supposed to find him? Do you know the specific locality?”

  “Not yet. Somewhere in the jungle near Santo Camaro, Colombia.”

  Her eyes widened. “South America?”

  “Last time I checked.”

  “You want me to go to South America? You want me to wander around the jungle until I find—”

  “I have someone working on pinpointing Rudzak’s location. I’m hoping to have more information by the t
ime we reach Colombia.”

  “And when will that be?”

  “My plane is waiting at the Atlanta airport now.”

  “And you think I’ll hop on the plane and go meekly with you.”

  “Not meekly. Never meekly.”

  She drew a deep breath. “You’re not only risking my neck, you’re risking Monty. If those scumbags see Monty trying to track them, the first thing they’ll do is shoot him.”

  “I’ll be very careful with both of you. I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”

  “And you expect me to trust you?”

  He shook his head. “No, but it doesn’t make it less true.”

  “I’ll never trust you. You’re a user, just like Madden. I’m the one who’ll keep Monty safe. You don’t care about anyone or—” She broke off. Why was she arguing? She knew she didn’t have a choice. He and Madden had backed her into a corner. “How long?”

  “I don’t know.”

  She closed her eyes as the anger and frustration poured through her. “I’ll do the job. I’ll find your man.” Her eyes opened and she added with soft venom, “But then I’ll find a way to get you. And if you get my dog killed, you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

  “I believe you.” He pulled off the freeway into the lane leading to the airport. “You know, even using Madden as a lever, I wasn’t sure you’d go with me. Whatever Madden has on you must be pretty powerful stuff. You wouldn’t care to tell me what it is?”

  “Go to hell, Logan.”

  3

  “It’s been over an hour since we took off,” Logan said. “It would be nice if you said a word or two. Maybe even three.”

  “We’ve said everything that needed to be said and I don’t feel like being nice.”

  “Would you like something to eat?” Logan asked.

  “No.”

  “What about Monty? Do you suppose he might be hungry?”

  “Monty eats only twice a day. I fed him at the cottage.” Sarah curled up in the wide leather chair and stared out the window. “And you don’t have to be concerned about Monty. I always take care of him.”

  “That’s obvious. I just thought I’d play the gracious host and offer.”

  “Offer us food and then put our lives on the line?”