Page 119 of The Search

“No, I guess I didn’t, but I’d still hire on to get in on the ground floor of this research.”

“How close are you to completing your notes?”

“At least another five days. I’m working as hard as I can, but there are only so many hours in the day.”

Her gaze narrowed on his face. “And you haven’t spent very many of them sleeping.”

“I told you, it’s my dream. Maybe you can understand now that you know how important the project is.”

“I do understand.” She shook her head. “But you don’t have to kill yourself.”

“I’ll survive. People are dying every day who could live if we meet our goal. It’s worth a little exhaustion.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I try to take a walk every day to work out the kinks and clear my head. Want to come with me?”

“I thought that was Margaret’s job. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

He made a face. “I guess she can come with us. I like to amble and she sets a pace like a Nazi drill sergeant.”

“I’ll come if you can wait until I give Monty some water.”

“I’ll wait. Maybe we’ll even have a real conversation.” He leaned against the doorjamb. “You know, I get a little lonesome with no one to talk to. My wife says I’m way too gregarious for a scientist.” He chuckled. “Which means she thinks I’m a chatterbox. I tell her my work is so solitary that the floodgates just break open when I leave the lab.”

“How is your wife?”

“Fine. I miss her. I call her every day, but it’s not the same. She’s taking our son to the Bahamas for a vacation this week. We went there on our honeymoon. I wish I were going with them. Do you know the scuba diving is fantastic off— I’m babbling, aren’t I?”

“Well, you can babble all you please as soon as I get Monty his water. Neither one of us is a talker, but we’re both good listeners.”

“You say that as if your dog is human.” Then he nodded. “Why not? He’s part of your work and your work is your passion too.”

“He’s more than that. He’s my friend.”

“Lucky Monty,” he said wistfully. “I haven’t had much time for friends. I’ve barely had time to be a decent husband and father.”

“You’re young. You’ve got plenty of time.” She motioned for Monty to precede her into the kitchen, then added grimly, “If you don’t let Logan bulldoze you into another project like this one.”

“Logan never bulldozes me. It’s not his way.”

“Not unless he thinks it’s necessary.” But she knew what he meant. Logan’s usual way was charm and subtle maneuvering, which invariably got him what he wanted. Who should know better than she how powerful that spell could be? She had been caught and was still held fast by Logan.

“You’re still angry with him? I hoped you’d realize what a great guy he is.”

“I’m not angry.” But she wanted to be. It would be so much easier if she didn’t know Logan so well. But she’d seen his vulnerability, his humor and determination. Walking away from him would be difficult. What was she thinking? He would probably be the one to walk away from her. Their sleeping together meant nothing. Even now he was with a woman he’d had a relationship with not even a year ago. Who would be next year’s woman?

“And I do admire him,” she told Bassett. “I just don’t think he’s a hundred percent right a hundred percent of the time.” She followed Monty into the kitchen. “I’ll be back in a minute. I’ll give Monty his drink and then we can get Margaret.”

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d swear you have no conscience, Logan,” Eve said sternly. “You shouldn’t have involved Sarah.”

“You’re preaching to the choir.” Logan parked the car next to the cabin and turned off the ignition. “But it’s too late now. I just have to do what I can to protect her.”

“As long as you can also protect this Dodsworth. I wouldn’t want that responsibility.”

“Neither do I.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “You know I’m no saint, Eve. I’m arrogant and selfish and more bullheaded than any man has a right to be. Years ago I made a mistake and let Rudzak live, and now I have to correct it. Dodsworth is the bait, and I have to run with it.”

“If Sarah lets you.”

“She’ll let me. I’ll make sure that security is so tight, she won’t believe Rudzak has a chance.”

She was silent a moment. “You said that Rudzak would target anyone close to you. Does that include me and my family?”