The Face of Deception by Iris Johansen

After hed met Eve and gauged her toughness, hed been afraid it would take much longer. He might still be arguing with her if the break-in hadnt made her so angry. Maybe he should thank that bastard Timwick. Authorizing that stupidity had been exactly the wrong thing for him to do. There had been enough violence to anger Eve, but not enough to completely scare her off.

And the incident had warned Logan that Timwick was suspicious and possibly had inside knowledge of his actions. Interesting.

Timwick was smart and didnt often make mis-takes. When he learned that Eve had not been scared off, he would correct the error and up the ante.

And next time he would make sure it wasnt a cat that died.

A block from Eves house Fiske smiled as he pulled the electronic listening piece out of his ear and laid it on the seat beside him. Hed always loved gadgets, and particularly admired this powerful X436 ampli-fier. The concept of hearing through walls was so in-triguing. Actually, in this case, it was through panes of glass, but the feeling of power and control was the same.

That Eve Duncan wanted his head as part of her price for going with Logan was flattering. It showed how well hed done his job. The dead cat had been a masterstroke. Death of pets always hit the nerve. Hed learned that when hed killed the dog that had belonged to his fifth-grade teacher. The bitch had come to school with swollen eyes for a week.

Hed done his job; it wasnt his fault that Timwicks orders had backfired. Fiske had told him he needed a deeper strike, but Timwick had said it was premature, that it might not be needed.

Chicken bastard.

Your front porch light is out, Logan said when Eve opened the door. Do you have a bulb? Ill change it.

I think theres one in the kitchen cabinet. She turned and started down the hall. Funny, I changed it just last week.

The porch light was on when she returned a few minutes later with the new bulb. You got it on.

It was just a little loose. Is your mother here?

Shes in the kitchen. She wrinkled her nose. She took my going away very well. Shes already planning on repainting the lab.

Could I meet her?

Of course. Ill go get

Mr. Logan? Sandra was coming toward them. Im Sandra Duncan. Im so glad youre taking Eve away during this stressful period. She needs a little vacation.

Im afraid it wont be a vacation, but it will defi-nitely be a change. Ill try not to work her too hard. Logan smiled. Shes lucky to have someone like you taking care of her.

Logan had turned on the charm and her mother was melting, Eve noticed.

We take care of each other, Sandra said.

Eve tells me youre going to paint her lab. That break-in was a terrible thing.

Sandra nodded. But the cleaning crew has scrubbed it almost spotless. When she gets back, shell never know anything bad happened there.

Well, I feel guilty taking her away before theyve caught whoever did it. Eve told you that Id arranged for security?

Yes, but Joe will take

Ill feel better adding my bit. If you dont mind, Ill have someone call and check in every night.

I dont mind, but its not necessary. She gave Eve a hug. Dont work too hard. Get some rest.

Youll be okay?

Ill be fine. Im glad to get rid of you. Now maybe Ill be able to invite Ron here for dinner without worrying about you giving him the third degree.

I wouldnt have She grinned. Well, maybe I would have asked him a few questions.

See?

Eve picked up her briefcase. Take care of your-self. Ill call as often as I can.

A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Duncan. Logan shook her hand, then picked up Eves suitcase. Ill take good care of her and bring her back as soon as I can.

That charisma again, flowing out and enveloping Sandra.

Im sure you will. Good-bye, Mr. Logan.

He smiled. John.

She smiled back. John.

She stood at the front door, watching them as they went down the stairs and the front walk. She gave a final wave and closed the door.

What was the purpose of that display? Eve asked.

He opened the car door for