Silencing Eve

you, then got to work.” His smile faded. “If you want to take down Harriet, too, we’ll have to wait until she’s almost here before we bid good-bye to Doane.”
    “She’s almost here now according to Doane.”
    “But she’s not on the doorstep. Timing is everything.”
    “And Catherine may appear and come to our rescue.”
    “Wouldn’t that be delightful? Of course, it would ruin my image, but I might be able to bear that coming from Catherine.” He thought about it. “No, I still couldn’t stand it.”
    “Then there’s no question she’ll do it for sheer punishment’s sake. You should not have knocked her out, Zander.”
    “I do many things I shouldn’t do. I’m sure you’ve heard.”
    “Yes.” It was bizarre sitting here in this equally bizarre and dangerous situation perfectly at ease with him, talking and even smiling. “You do have that reputation.”
    “And I’ll do a few more before this night is over.” He met her eyes. “And I won’t regret one single act. After all, I am a lost soul, Eve.”
    “I don’t know about that. Bonnie says there are second chances.”
    “And, of course, she’s an expert.”
    “She wouldn’t claim to be an expert. She only tells me what she’s learned since she left me.”
    He was silent a moment. “And since she’s my granddaughter and therefore supremely intelligent, I’m inclined to believe her.” His lips twisted. “But only inclined considering her ethereal state. Suppose we change the conversation to a subject on which we both agree.”
    Her brows rose. “And what is that?”
    “Why, Catherine, of course. Tell me all about Catherine. She was a little too uptight to confide in me while she was my so-called bodyguard.”
    “And I won’t break her confidence unless given permission.” She added quietly, “But I will tell you that she has amazing perseverance. She’ll find us, Zander.”
    “Oh, I’m sure she’ll make every attempt. And there’s no doubt she’s pulled Joe Quinn into the search front and center by now.”
    “Joe’s always front and center.”
    “You really do care about him?”
    “With my whole heart.”
    “I can’t say the same. Quinn and I were at odds most of the time we were on the search in Colorado.”
    “That doesn’t surprise me. You’re both alpha males.” She added quietly, “Joe has a tendency to trample down opposition if it gets in his way. He wouldn’t like the idea that he couldn’t control you. And you probably felt the same way about him.”
    “Yes, but I was right.”
    “Right, perhaps. But I’d wager not particularly moral.”
    “And now we’re back to the lost soul.” He smiled. “And our joint wish that Catherine and your Joe are having a successful bonding to find Doane’s graveyard. Hopefully before he manages to put us in it.”
    Seattle
    “DAMMIT, CATHERINE, WHERE THE HELL is that information on Oregon real-estate records?” Joe asked as he strode back into the sitting room. “You said that Langley promised it to you within the hour. I should have known those bureaucrats would drag their feet when they’re most needed.”
    “They’re not bureaucrats. I’ve worked with these agents, and they do their best. Sid is very sharp.” She glared at him. “I hate bureaucrats as much as you do, but you can’t condemn the entire world because you’re hurting, Joe.”
    “I can if what they’re doing is hurting Eve.”
    She dropped the argument because she was almost as impatient as Joe. “Did either of you find that online book about driftwood artistry?”
    “I didn’t,” Gallo said. “Nothing in any of the libraries or sites in Washington State.”
    “You should have looked at Oregon,” Joe said. “I found a reference to a self-published Portland University book that contained photos and descriptions by a Josiah Natlow. One of the descriptions was of several pieces that resembled headstones.”
    Catherine inhaled sharply. “Where?”
    “It didn’t give a location. I’ve tracked down Natlow’s telephone number, and I’ve been calling him for the last ten minutes. No answer,” he said through set teeth. “Get that answer from Langley. We’re running out of time. According to what Jane told us, Harriet Weber should be landing in three hours.”
    “You call Natlow back,” Catherine said. “I’ll get on the line to Langley.”
    “Good.”
    “May I suggest we get on the road,” Gallo said quietly. “Quinn is right, every minute may