Page 23 of The Search

“I don’t think that’s the reason.” He said thoughtfully, “You live simply and seem to enjoy it. I offered you any amount you wanted for this job. So it’s not money. Blackmail? Now, what kind of crime could you have committed to put you under Madden’s thumb?”

She stared him directly in the eyes. “I murdered a manipulating bastard who pried into my business.”

He chuckled. “Sorry, I’m cursed with an inquiring mind. You’re an interesting enigma, Sarah. The temptation to solve you is almost irresistible.”

“Because you think you may need another hold on me?”

His smile faded. “No.”

“Bullshit. You’re thinking all the time, weighing advantages and disadvantages, bad moves, good moves. This was a bad move, Logan.”

“It was the only one I had.”

“There are always choices. You chose Monty and me. It may be the worst choice you’ve ever made. Because if anything happens to Monty, I’ll hunt you down and tear you limb from limb.” She finished her coffee in one swallow. “I’ve been sitting here, doing some thinking myself. For some reason you want my willing cooperation to find this Bassett. I don’t know why. Maybe you’re smart enough to realize that working smoothly together as a team will increase the chances of getting him out.”

“Perish the thought that I might dislike using force.”

“That never occurred to me. You’re a user, like Madden. If force was needed, you’d be there with your little hatchet.” Her lips tightened. “Well, I’m tired of being used. It’s not going to happen again. Not by you and not by Madden.”

“Really.”

“You want cooperation, I’ll give you cooperation. I’ll get your man out, but I want a payoff.”

“I told you I’d give you any amount you wanted.”

“I want Madden out of my life.”

He was silent a moment. “I’ve no doubt he’s very unpleasant, but I hope you don’t want me to take a contract out on him. That could be very awkward.”

“What if I said I did?” she asked, curious.

“I’d have to think about it.”

Her eyes widened with shock as she realized he wasn’t ruling out the possibility. “Don’t be stupid. I just want him out of my life with no holds on me.”

“That’s a great relief. You wouldn’t care to confide what hold he has on you?”

She didn’t answer.

“I didn’t think so. You don’t trust me. You’re afraid I’ll just take over the reins from Madden. Did it occur to you that you’ll still run that risk?”

“It occurred to me. That’s part of the deal. I’m free of both of you.”

“Then it seems you trust me more than you do Madden.”

“Eve trusts you. You might keep your word. And once this job is over, you won’t have any other use for me. You can afford to let me go.”

“True. But I can hardly help you if I go at it blind.”

“I’ll tell you when you need to know.”

“And why do you think I can help you?”

“I don’t have the kind of clout I need to get away from him or I’d have done it years ago. Is it a deal?”

Logan slowly nodded. “As long as you give me your best effort, Madden’s out of your life whether we get my man out or not. You have my word on it.”

She felt a flicker of surprise.