Page 16 of The Search

Eve shook her head. “For that matter, what would you do if you had a child of your own? Talk about adjustments.”

“I’d deal with the problem when I had to face it.”

“Kids are more demanding than dogs.”

“That’s why I stick to dogs. I’m happy living just as I am. Can you imagine me with a husband and a bunch of kids?”

“No, not really. But it must be a lonely life.”

“Why? I have Monty and my friends in the unit.”

“Who you never see unless you’re on some rescue mission.”

“It’s enough.”

“Why is it enough? Why won’t you get close to anyone?”

She smiled. “Eve, stop trying to make me into some kind of scarred drama queen. I’m not like you. I’ve no dark, brooding past. I’m just a normal woman who happens to be a little more selfish than most people. My life suits me just fine.”

“And I’m to mind my own business.”

“Do what you like. But you surprise me. You were once one of the most isolated women on the planet, and you think my lack of social interaction is a problem.”

“Touché.” Eve smiled. “I guess I just want everyone to be as happy as I’ve been lately.”

“I’m happy as a clam.” She tilted her head. “You know, I’ve always wondered about that phrase. How does anyone know how happy a clam is? And why should a clam be particularly happy?” She chuckled. “Okay, I’m as happy as Monty when he’s getting his belly rubbed. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Fifteen minutes to one. It was almost time to go.

Logan started back toward the cottage. He could see the shadowy figures of Sarah and Monty silhouetted in the windows. They looked like two fantasy figures on the cover of a novel.

But there was nothing fanciful about Sarah Patrick. Damn, she was hardheaded. She would neither forgive nor forget, and she was tying his hands. He had only another hour to find a way to get her help on a voluntary basis; after that he’d have to—

His digital phone rang.

“I’ve heard from Rudzak,” Castleton said. “He wants to deal.”

Logan’s hand tightened on the phone. “Did you talk to Bassett?”

“Not yet. He says that all you have to do is come up with fifty thousand dollars and he’ll let you talk to Bassett. I’m to leave the money at a drop near the research facility.”

“And how much cash to release him?”

“He wants to negotiate that with you personally.”

Logan had expected that. “Have you found out anything more about Rudzak’s location?”

“I told you that you’d have to take care of that. I gave you a lead. Hasn’t your man found Sanchez yet?”

“He’s working on it, but it wouldn’t hurt if he had help.”

“Dammit, I’m doing everything I can on this end. When are you coming?”

“I’m leaving this afternoon.”

“And what do I do about the money?”

“Give it to him. I’ve told Margaret to give you anything you need.”