“Not much. It’s supposed to be one of the alternatives to using oil and gas to fuel cars. Some of the auto companies have experimented extensively with the cells, but it’s never gotten off the ground. Too expensive.”
“Their energy potential goes far beyond the automotive field. Everything from power plants, to homes, to space stations could be operated by fuel cells. At a fraction of the present cost and no environmental side effects. There’s hardly a person on the planet that wouldn’t benefit if fuel cells became a viable alternative. Scientists are very close to making it a reality. Yet most people have never heard of the technology. Don’t you find that curious?”
“What does this have to do with—” Eve stopped. “You think Bently was funding research to develop a workable fuel cell.”
Jennings nodded. “Simmons was deep in research on the cells. And we’ve been able to follow the money trail to a source in Detroit. Bently was being sold several key components for the development of fuel cells. He wasn’t a fool. He wouldn’t invest that kind of money unless he was pretty sure he was onto something.”
“Why keep it secret?” Eve asked. “If this fuel cell is going to be so beneficial, why not go to the government and persuade them to sink a billion or two into the research?”
“Maybe he wanted a finished product, or maybe he didn’t trust Congress to pass a bill that wouldn’t antagonize every energy lobby in the country,” Joe said.
“Or maybe there really is a Cabal,” Galen said slowly. “Maybe he knew about it and was afraid that they’d put all their power behind an effort to stop him.”
Jennings nodded. “Well, he was stopped cold. Now we need to know what happened, and why it matters to Hebert and Melton.”
She gazed at him in frustration. “And I’m supposed to stay involved in this godawful mess?”
“Please. Four days.” Jennings’s expression was sober. “I’m not going to give you any bullshit about duty. Everyone has to make their own decision about that. But there’s a good chance Bently was killed because he was trying to do something good for all of us. I will tell you that you could make a difference. It’s important.”
“It’s important for me and the people I care about to stay safe.”
“We’ll give you security.” He paused. “Only four days.”
“You don’t have to do this, Eve,” Joe said.
“I know that.” She went over to the window and stared out at the garden. “How safe are we here, Galen?”
“Pretty safe. I made damn sure we weren’t tailed. And, as I said, it will take time to locate us. And neither Quinn nor I is a slouch at this kind of business.”
She turned to Joe. “Are my mother and Jane safe?”
“Of course. I called the department and saw to it last night. There will be squad cars cruising by the condo several times a day, and I’ve asked a detail of several plainclothesmen to keep them under constant surveillance. And I called your mother and told her about the surveillance and not to let Jane go anywhere alone.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “That being said, I don’t like where this is going.”
Neither did Eve. It was difficult enough to fight her desire to finish Victor without Jennings giving her the excuse she needed. She was torn between desperately wanting to be free and clear of all the ugliness connected with this reconstruction and bringing Victor home. She didn’t want to be influenced by Jennings. She should tell him to go to hell.
But wouldn’t it still be hanging over her? As long as Victor remained unfinished, she would be nagged by both her own desire to finish it and the knowledge that Jennings or some other official might appear and try to pressure her into doing it. There was only one way to put an end to it.
She whirled to face Jennings. “Oh, for God’s sake, okay. I’ll do it. But I want it out of my hands the minute it’s done. I want it over.”
“Agreed.” Jennings smiled. “Whew. That’s a relief.” His tone became businesslike. “Is there anything you need? Anything we can do?”
“Just keep my child and my mother safe. And try to be unobtrusive. I don’t want them scared.”
“No problem.”
“There had better not be.”
“And I’ll send agents up here from New Orleans to protect you and—”
“No,” Galen interrupted. “I allowed Quinn to tell you about my little home-away-from-home because you said it would be absolutely confidential. No one else is to know about it. Quinn and I will handle the security here.”
Jennings looked at Eve. “You trust them?”
She nodded.
“Well, if you change your mind, let me know.” Jennings turned to go. “I’ll be in touch. Thank you, Ms. Duncan.”
“Don’t thank me. Just be on my doorstep the second I’ve finished him.”
He smiled. “Let me know and I’ll be here.”
She whirled on Joe the minute the door had closed behind Jennings. “No arguments?”
He shook his head. “I don’t like it, but I know better than to argue with you once you’ve made up your mind. I’ll have to call the department and tell them that there will be some FBI agents showing up on the scene. They’re not going to be happy.”
“Shall I set up Victor and your equipment in the scullery?” Galen asked.
“Yes. Right away. If I have to go back to this blasted reconstruction I’m going to get it done as quickly as I can.”
“Yeah, sure,” Joe said. “Admit it, you’ve gotten a reprieve. You can’t wait to get your hands on Victor again.”
He was right. She could feel a tingling in her hands and the familiar eagerness flowing through her. “That doesn’t mean I won’t get him done quickly.”
“I don’t doubt it. You’ll be working every minute of every day. But then, what’s new?”
“It’s different this time.”
“It’s different every time.” He smiled. “Go ahead. Get to work. I’ll keep the world away.”
“I don’t want you to—”
He was gone.
Chapter 11
“Where’s Eve?” Joe asked Galen when he came downstairs at ten the next morning.
“You missed breakfast,” Galen said. “Actually, your absence made the atmosphere a good deal lighter.”
“I’ve been on the phone with the department. Besides, I couldn’t take another dog and pony show like the one you put on two nights ago.” He repeated, “Where’s Eve?”
“Downstairs, working.” Galen glanced at the portfolio Joe was carrying. “The sketch?”
“Yes. The FBI is going to go through its files and try to send me a photo of Hebert for comparison, but it hasn’t come in yet. This will have to do for now.” Joe was already going down the stairs to the former scullery.
“I’ll go with you.”
Joe didn’t answer. He paused at the bottom of the steps. Eve was working on Victor by the window, the sun shining on her red-brown hair and lighting the absorbed intentness of her expression. How many times had he seen her like that at the cottage. . . .
She glanced up and stiffened.
Dammit. He jerked his gaze away from her and continued down the stairs. “I need your help, Eve.”
“Is this what you call staying in the background, Joe?” Eve asked.
“I spared you my presence at breakfast. I’ll be out of here as soon as I get a confirmation on this. I’ve been checking with the department on a possible criminal record for Hebert.” He moved across the room and slipped the sketch out of the portfolio. “Have you ever seen this man?”
She took the sketch and looked at it. She frowned. “There’s something familiar . . . This is Hebert? Galen, come here.”
“What’s the—” Galen broke off and gave a low whistle. “Rick.”
Eve inhaled sharply. “What?”
“Imagine him with light hair.” Galen pointed at the lean cheeks. “Fuller cheeks. Nice, clean-cut look.”
“The man helping you at the church?” Joe asked.
My God, Galen was right. Eve nodded. “Rick Vadim. Except his hair wasn’t dark. It was light brown, and his cheeks were fuller and sort of . . . rosy.”
“Small?”
“Yes, but he looked very athletic, so you hardly noticed.”
“Disguises are stock-in-trade for men in Hebert’s line of business.” Galen studied the sketch. “And this one would have only required dye for the hair, a little rouge, and some cheek pads.”
“He seemed almost boyish,” Eve said. “And he was very sweet and eager to please.”
“Sweet!” Joe whirled on Galen and said sarcastically, “Sharp. Very sharp, Galen.”
Galen frowned. “My instincts are usually pretty good. I’d swear he didn’t want to hurt her.”
Joe frowned. “But why would he think he had to have a disguise? You’re sure you never saw him?”
“No, I don’t believe I—” Eve stopped. “The man who took me to the hospital. I didn’t really see him. It was dim and I was in and out, but the more I think about it, the more it seems like him.” Her lips tightened. “This is the man who killed Capel and sent me that report?”
Joe nodded. “It’s the composite sketch.”
“Bastard.” She rubbed her temple. “What the hell is happening? If he didn’t hire Marie to poison me, who did?”
“Good question,” Galen murmured. “It seems Hebert wanted very much to keep you alive.”
“Which doesn’t mean a damn thing,” Joe said. “Don’t think he’s your Good Samaritan. Believe me, he’s a sadistic son of a bitch. You should have seen what he did to Capel.”
“No, thank you,” Eve said. “I’m sure he had his reason for keeping me alive: Victor.”
“I’d better notify Jennings we may have a wild card in the pack. And, if Hebert’s in disguise, he’d better know about that, too. Though he’ll probably jettison his Rick Vadim persona since he’ll know we’re suspicious.”
“Jesus, I can’t take this,” Eve said in frustration. “How the hell do you expect me to finish Victor? I don’t want to have to try to figure out whether it was Hebert or one of his cohorts who poisoned me. I don’t want to think about Hebert or Rick or Melton or anyone else. Do you understand? Do whatever you have to do.” She turned back to the pedestal. “Now, both of you get out of here and let me get back to work.”
Joe hesitated, then headed for the stairs.
Galen caught up with him as he reached the foyer. “When you get the photo from the FBI, will you make some copies? I have a few contacts who might be helpful.”
Joe nodded. “You’ll have them within two hours. It might be a good idea. I’m sure your ‘contacts’ have a chance of knowing the bastard intimately.”
“I know it’s hard for you to believe, but I do know a few people who aren’t criminals,” Galen said. “Look at you and me. We’re best buddies, and you’ve never even pulled a heist.”
“You’re not going to yank my chain, Galen.”
“Hmm.” Galen gazed at him speculatively. “That should have irritated you, but you’re pretty calm. I’m afraid Eve’s told you that we didn’t make beautiful music together. Pity, I was having such a great time.”
“You came very close to being slaughtered.”
Galen grinned. “Served you right for mistaking Galahad for old lecherous Lancelot.”
“Galahad?”
“I have references. Of course, some of them are forged.” Galen’s smile faded. “I guess it’s just as well the fun is over. We’re going to need to work together to make sure Eve gets through this intact. Pax?”
Joe stared at him for a moment and then reluctantly repeated, “Pax.”
“Good. Then get me the photos and I’ll get on the fax machine and get to work. Even though I’ve buried the paperwork on this place, it won’t take more than five or six days to unearth it if the search is done by someone with means. Evidently Melton qualifies. But since Eve’s so close to finishing, I doubt if he’ll be willing to wait that long. He’ll look for another way to find us.”
“And I suppose you have an idea what that will be?”
“No, but I’m working on it.” Galen glanced at the sketch. “He knows a lot about you, and he’ll be digging out everything he can about me. So we start on that basis.” His gaze shifted to the door leading down to the scullery. “And the fact that Eve won’t budge again until Victor is finished. Is she always this single-minded?”
“Usually more. She’s been distracted on this one. But she won’t allow that to continue for long.”
“Tough to live with. Is it worth it?”
“It’s worth it.” Joe added deliberately, “When troublemaking assholes don’t get in the way. I’m having enough problems without you causing more.”
Galen chuckled. “I’ll try to restrain myself. Most of the pleasure has gone out of it, anyway.” His smile faded. “The only weak link I can see is Jane and her grandmother, and you seem to have taken precautions there. Are you sure it will be enough?”
“Atlanta police are very good, and they’ll be extra careful since Jane’s mine. They’re going to call me if there’s anything the slightest suspicious.”
“Good, then I reckon you’ve done pretty well so far. But today is another day.” He started up the stairs to the second floor. “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to get to work.”
A final jab, Joe thought, as he watched Galen disappear down the second-floor hall. At least, he hoped it was final. There was no time for personal duels now. Logan had tremendous respect for Galen, but Joe would judge for himself. Galen was tottering perilously on the line between the straight and narrow and the criminal underbelly, and Joe wasn’t comfortable with that. Not when he was around Eve. Yet Galen seemed to know what he was doing. He’d gotten them out of Baton Rouge and provided Eve with this safe house.
And now it was Quinn’s job to keep Eve safe, and he wouldn’t do it by standing here worrying about Sean Galen. He strode toward the library to call Jennings at the FBI and light a fire under him.
FBI Headquarters
Washington, D.C.
“Interesting.” Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Rusk leaned back in his chair and gazed thoughtfully at Jennings. “You think the Cabal actually exists?”
Jennings shrugged. “Considering the other information that’s been trickling in, I’d say there’s a chance. I think we need to dig, and dig deep.”
Rusk nodded. “My ass would be on the line if we didn’t check everything out thoroughly. Take the next flight to Boca Raton.”
“I don’t have lead one.”
“Then look the town over and see what you can come up with. It can’t hurt. Sometimes things jump out at you.”
Jennings nodded. “I have to fly to Atlanta first and set up protection for Duncan’s daughter.”
“Right, I’ll send McMillan to head that team. Get in and get out. Boca Raton may be more important.”
Jennings grimaced. “Eve Duncan doesn’t think so.” Neither did he. Boca Raton probably was going to be a blind alley. “I might be of more use in Atlanta. I’ll be blundering in the dark in Boca Raton.”
“You’re a fine agent, Jennings,” Rusk said. “And you have damn good instincts. I’ve seen you pull some amazing rabbits out of the proverbial hat. I want you in Boca.”
It was no use arguing with Rusk. He was not only the boss; he was usually on target. Though God knows this might be the exception. Jennings turned and headed for the door. “Whatever you say.”
Atlanta
It might have to be the little girl after all, Jules thought sadly.
He watched Jane MacGuire running down the path through Piedmont Park after her puppy. Her grandmother, Sandra Duncan, was helplessly laughing as she ran after them.
The death of the mother might bring Eve Duncan out of hiding, but a threat to a child always had more impact. Particularly in Eve Duncan’s case.
His phone rang.
“We’ve located one of Galen’s contacts in New Orleans,” Melton said when he picked up. “There’s a possibility Galen may have a house near there.”
“How near?”
“He doesn’t know. He says Galen’s a secretive bastard. He thinks within a two-hour drive. I’m working on it. He gave me a solid lead where to start checking paperwork.”
“Then put more people on it. Send teams to every city courthouse within that two-hour radius. I have to know—”
A squad car cruised slowly by.
He hung up and ducked deeper in the shadows of the oak tree where he was standing. It was the third time in the last half hour, and it couldn’t be a coincidence. He had also spotted that gray-haired jogger in the green sweatshirt outside the child’s school. Quinn had called out his old friends at the police department to watch the little girl. It would make Hebert’s task more difficult.
But not impossible.
New Orleans
“May I come in?” Bill Nathan stood hesitantly at the bottom of the scullery steps.
Eve didn’t look up. “No, I’m busy.”
“I’ll only be a minute.”
Eve breathed an exasperated sigh. “What is it?”
“I’ve decided I should help you.”
“What?”
“Well, I’m here, but Galen and Quinn don’t think I’m qualified to help them. The most I’ve been able to get them to let me do is go to the supermarket and buy groceries.” He grimaced. “So I thought I’d stay down here and protect you.”
“Protect me? I don’t need you.”
“You never can tell.” Nathan scowled. “I wouldn’t get in your way.”
“You’d talk to me.”
“I can be quiet.” He paused and then said grudgingly, “Please.”
“Why?” Eve carefully smoothed clay over Victor’s mid-therum area. “You obviously disapprove of my doing the reconstruction.”
“I don’t disapprove. I just think you’re taking a big chance. I went to a lot of trouble to try to save you, and I don’t want my efforts wasted.” His gaze went to Victor. “But I want to know if this is Bently as much as you do.”
“Your news story.”
“I’m not apologizing for that. It’s my job.”
“Did Joe tell you about Jennings’s fuel-cell theory?”
“Yeah. It makes sense.” He paused. “There’s another reason I kept pushing for Bently’s case to remain open months after his disappearance. He was fighting for something I believed in, and it made me mad as hell that the special interest groups had him taken out. Do you know there’s a dead spot in the Gulf of Mexico fifty miles wide, where the Mississippi empties into it? The fertilizer in the river sucks up the oxygen and nothing can live. And do you remember the oil spill in the gulf ten years ago? I covered it for the paper. It made me sick. All the birds and fish that died, smothered by the oil slick. When I was a boy, I used to go fishing in the gulf with my grandfather . . .” He shook his head. “I thought it was a memory that couldn’t be spoiled no matter how long I lived. I was wrong.” He grimaced. “I want my kids to grow up with clean air and clean water and some of the beauty that I knew. Bently wanted that, too, and was fighting for it. It’s not right he ended up like this.”
Eve stared at him in surprise. It seemed beneath that surly façade Nathan had a soft side. It was clear he meant every word he said.
“What are you looking at?” he asked gruffly. “Is it so weird that I don’t want the earth to get any crummier than it is now?”
“No, it’s not weird,” she said gently. “I live on one of the most beautiful lakes you could ever hope to see. I wouldn’t want anything to spoil it, either.”
“Okay, then, we’re kindred spirits.” Nathan plopped down in the easy chair by the fire. “So is it all right if I stay and kind of watch out for you? I’m getting bored as hell waiting around for something to happen. I want to
do
something.”
“I don’t need—” Oh, what the hell. His intentions were good, and he was obviously at loose ends. “If you don’t bother me.”
“I won’t.” He took out a paperback from his back pocket. “You work, I read.” He opened the book. “Forget I’m here.”
“Don’t worry, I will.” Concentrate. Forget about Nathan and Jules and Joe and everything else troubling.
Think only about Victor and the task of bringing him home.
“I brought you coffee and a sandwich.” Galen set the tray on the worktable. He glanced at Nathan, sound asleep in the big chair by the fire. “If I’d known you had company, I’d have brought more food.”
“He’s protecting me.” Eve grinned as she glanced at Nathan. “He was very insistent, but he got bored after about four hours and dropped off. He meant well.”
“Hmm.” Galen poured Eve’s coffee before turning away from Nathan. “How are you coming on Victor?”
“I’d be better if I didn’t keep being interrupted.”