Silencing Eve

“What are we doing at this damn hotel anyway? We’ve been here for hours. Did you finish your calls?”
    “Yes.”
    “And you told me that the one person that you contacted hasn’t been able to tell you anything about where Doane might be. Shouldn’t we be out asking more questions, trying more of your contacts?”
    “No, one is enough.”
    “Then let’s do something.”
    “You are doing something. You’re acting as my bodyguard. Isn’t that what you said was going to be your mission?”
    “It’s no challenge when we’re holed up in this hotel.” She paused. “You know that Gallo could probably find us if he made the attempt. He was one of the best undercover Special Forces guys either one of us has ever run across.”
    “But he won’t make the attempt because it would upset you, and he wants you to trust him. I considered the possibility of his intrusion but discarded it.”
    “He may change his mind if Joe gets desperate.”
    “You’re the one who is getting desperate. I was detecting a hint of tension while you were speaking to Gallo.”
    “More than a hint.”
    “Yes.” His smile faded. “And it was justified. Because you’re right. Time is running out, Catherine.” He got to his feet and headed for the door that led to the bedroom. “So I’d advise that you gather all your friends and cohorts who are so earnestly trying to find Eve and make magic happen.” His voice was grim. “Because she’s going to need it.”
    *   *   *
    “YOU’RE RESTLESS,” Stang said quietly. “That’s unusual for you, Zander. Well, actually not an unusual state, just unusual for you to show it.”
    “You regard it as a form of weakness?” Zander asked. “A break in the armor?”
    Stang was immediately wary. There was something seething beneath that surface that he didn’t wish to explore. “I didn’t say that. It was just an observation. You know as well as I do that you’re careful not to let anyone see too deeply.” He smiled. “I’ve worked for you for years, and you’re still a mystery to me.”
    “But you always said that you liked it like that. You prefer it,” Zander said mockingly. “It’s safer for you not to get involved. Isn’t that right?”
    “That’s right.” Stang’s gaze narrowed on Zander’s face. “But you’ve wanted me to be involved since Eve Duncan was taken. I still don’t know why, but here I am. I thought for a while it was that you wanted me to be Eve’s advocate. You’re a hard man, Zander, and you won’t let yourself bend. You might have wanted me to strike a balance and give Eve her chance.”
    “Oh, another sign of weakness?”
    “No,” he said quietly. “Humanity.”
    “An even worse insult. I’m not fond of the human race, Stang.”
    “I know.”
    “You know too much about me. Perhaps it’s time I rid myself of you.”
    “Go ahead. There was always that risk when I came to work for you. But it’s been interesting when I wasn’t terrified of you.” He grimaced. “Which wasn’t very often. Most people are frightened of you, Zander.” He nodded toward the door of the sitting room. “Even Catherine. I think she fights it every moment, but the fear is there. She just doesn’t let it stop her from trying to manipulate you. It’s quite fascinating.” He paused, then asked the question that he’d wanted to ask for days. “Was she frightened of you, Zander?”
    Zander didn’t pretend not to understand. “Eve? No, she wasn’t afraid. She wasn’t afraid of me or Doane or anyone in the whole damn world. We sat together in front of that campfire for hours, and there was wariness but no fear. And she’s not afraid now. No matter what he’s done to her, she wouldn’t let fear enter into it.” He stopped, thinking about it. “I’ve always used fear as just another weapon, but lately I’ve not—it’s a weapon that isolates and she wouldn’t let me be isolated.”
    “A very special person?”
    “You’re acting as her advocate again, Stang.”
    “Yes. As you wish me to do.” He tilted his head. “But I’m not sure it’s necessary any longer. Is it?”
    “You’ll have to decide that for yourself.” He turned away from the window. “You seem to be doing a lot of that lately.”
    “May I ask a question?”
    “Why not?”
    “What are we doing in this hotel room when you’re restless, foul-tempered, and obviously wanting to strike out?”
    “That’s what Catherine asked. However, without the personal