Silencing Eve

profession.” His finger continued to move on the indentation. “It’s an S .” He opened his eyes. “And a dot following the e .”
    “You’re certain?”
    “Stop questioning me.” He was gazing in concentration down at the clay. “You just don’t want to admit I found the treasure. Only this time it may be the grand prize.” He pointed to the WA. “She tried to make it easy for us. WA. The state of Washington.” His index finger once more caressed the misshapen curve. “ Se. What large city would be a likely target in Washington?”
    “Seattle,” Catherine said tensely. “The second city is Seattle.”
    “And that’s where Doane is taking her.” He got a tissue from the bathroom and carefully wrapped the piece of clay. “So why don’t you get on the phone to Venable. Tell him to put everyone on alert for a possible landing in that area of the plane with the registration number we gave him.”
    “I will.” She gazed in bewilderment at the tissue-wrapped clay. “What are you doing with that clay? Do you think we’ll need it again? I thought you were sure that you were right about the destination.”
    “It’s exceptionally rare that I’m wrong.” He put the tissue in his jacket pocket. “But it’s obvious that it took a great effort on Eve’s part to get that message to us. She might like to have it for a souvenir.”
    “I doubt it.” Her gaze narrowed on his face. “And I’m wondering if perhaps you might be the one who wants a souvenir.” She held up her hand as he opened his lips to speak. “You’re right, what am I thinking? Forget I said that. Not you. Not Lee Zander.” She took out her phone and started dialing Venable. “That would speak of a trace of sentimentality, and that would be totally absurd.”
    He smiled and nodded slowly. “Totally.”
    Muncie, Indiana
    HARRIET WEBER’S APARTMENT building was only a two-story brick structure, and her apartment, 1B, was on the first floor.
    And Jane noticed there was a Jeep Cherokee parked directly in front of the entrance that was packed with dozens of boxes, clothes, and even a small TV.
    Not a good sign, Jane thought, stiffening. If that was Harriet’s car, then she was trying to escape to keep Jane or anyone else from asking any more awkward questions. Perhaps it wasn’t Harriet’s vehicle.
    But that question was soon settled. As Jane hurried down the hall, a door opened, and Harriet came out carrying a suitcase.
    She stopped short as she saw Jane. Her expression became suddenly wary. “What are you doing here? I told you that I was through talking to you. I don’t care what you do.”
    “But I care what you do,” Jane said grimly. “I’m not satisfied with your answers. I want to ask a few more questions.” She glanced at the suitcases. “For instance, where are you going?”
    “None of your business. I’m upset, and I felt the need of a few days off work to recover.” Her eyes filled with tears. “It wasn’t easy reliving those horrible years. I would think you’d be more sympathetic.”
    Crocodile tears, Jane thought, intended to make Jane feel guilt. So clever.
    Not this time, Harriet.
    “I’m finding it hard to believe that you didn’t see either your ex-husband or Kevin after the divorce,” Jane said coldly. “From what you said, it was clear that you had great love for your son. How could you resist remaining in contact with him?”
    “I have a conscience.”
    “You’ll forgive me if I doubt that. Letting that monster have free rein to attack and kill children hardly gives credence to your code of conduct.”
    “Think what you like.” She tried to step past her, but Jane moved sideways to intercept. “Get out of my way. Venable has nothing with which to charge me. You’re interfering with a private citizen.”
    “I told you, I don’t care about Venable. I want to know what you know about the movements of your ex-husband during the past years.” She took a step closer to her. “And you will tell me. You bet I’m interfering with you,” she said fiercely. “If you’d have interfered with what Doane and your son were doing, you could have saved lives. You could have prevented Doane from kidnapping Eve. Now tell me what you know.”
    Harriet’s cheeks were suddenly flushed with rage. “If you don’t get out of my way, I’ll make you sorry you were ever born,” she said harshly. “I know how to defend myself. My boy you call a monster taught me what he learned in the