Free The Face of Deception by Iris Johansen Page B

pumping me. I dont know anything about anything and I wouldnt tell you if I did.

You wont even tell me if it was Logan who left in the middle of the night?

Sure. Johns still here. I saw him before he disap-peared into his study this morning. It was Gil who left.

Why?

Margaret shrugged. Ask John. She added bluntly, You came here because John made it worth your while. I handled the transfer to the Adam Fund. Hell tell you everything when he thinks its time. Trust him.

I dont have your faith in him. She glanced at the carriage house. Is that where the gates are monitored?

Margaret nodded. Its a pretty elaborate system with video cameras all over the place. Mark Slater does all the monitoring.

I havent met him yet.

He doesnt come up to the house much.

Does Logans house on the West Coast have se-curity like this?

Sure, there are lots of nuts out there. Men in Johns position are prime targets. Her pace quick-ened. I have some work to do. Will you be okay if I leave you alone this afternoon?

Yes. You dont have to baby-sit me, Margaret.

Actually, I enjoyed it. Youre not what I expected from a bone lady.

Bone lady. Thats what Gil had called her. The correct term is forensic sculptor.

Whatever. Like I said, I expected someone very cool and professional. Hence the mistake I made with the lab. Not that Id admit to John that I made a mis-take. I told him it was all his fault because he didnt let me know what I had to contend with. Its not good for him to know that Im not perfect. It would make him feel insecure.

Eve smiled. I cant imagine that.

Everyone has insecure moments, even me. She added gloomily, But only when I stand next to giants like you. It comes from growing up a shrimp with four six-foot brothers. Is your mother tall?

No, only medium height.

Okay, then youre a freak and Ill magnani-mously forgive you. I wont mention it again.

Thank you. I appreciate the

I was wondering where you were. Logan had come out of the house and was walking toward them. Did you have a good night? he asked Eve.

No.

I have those reports to finish, Margaret said quickly. See you later, Eve.

Eve nodded, her gaze on Logan. Dressed in black jeans and sweatshirt, he looked very different from the man she had met that first day. Not only because of the clothes, but because he seemed to have stripped off the sleek image and completely discarded it.

Strange bed?

Partly. Why did Gil Price leave right after we got here last night?

I had an errand for him to run.

At four in the morning?

He nodded. It was a rather urgent errand. He should be back tonight. He paused. I was hoping youd have a day or two to become acclimated to the situation, but we may have to pick up the pace.

Good, I dont need to become acclimated. Just bring me the bones and let me get to work.

We may have to go to them.

She stiffened. What?

You may have to do a cursory examination right after we excavate and determine if its worthwhile to bring the skeleton here. My source could have lied, and the skull might be damaged too badly for a face to be reconstructed.

You want me to be there when you dig it up?

Maybe.

Forget it. Im not a grave robber.

It may be necessary for you to be there. That could be the only

Forget it.

Well talk about it later. It may not be necessary. Did you enjoy the graveyard?

Why does everyone assume I enjoy grave Her gaze narrowed on his face. How did you know I was at the cemetery? She glanced at the carriage house. Of course, your video cameras. I dont like being spied on, Logan.

The cameras scan the grounds continuously. They just happened to catch you and Margaret at the cemetery.

It could be true, but she doubted if anything just happened in Logans life. I liked the fresh flowers.

Well, Im living in the Barretts house. I figured that was the least I could do.

Its your house now.

Is it? The Barretts built the inn, they lived and worked here for over a hundred and sixty years and saw a lot of history troop by. Did you know