The Golden Barbarian (32 page)

“And her personal life?”

“She’s living with Joe Quinn, a detective with the Atlanta Police Department. They’ve been friends since her daughter was murdered over twelve years ago, but they’ve only been living together for the past two years. She’s recently adopted a twelve-year-old girl, Jane MacGuire, who grew up on the streets just as Duncan had done. They live in a lake cottage outside of Atlanta. Her daughter, Bonnie, is buried on the grounds.”

“You told me the body had never been found.”

“Until last year. New information emerged, and they located the skeleton in the Chattahoochee National Forest. DNA tests confirmed that the skeleton was Bonnie Duncan.”

And Eve Duncan was now at peace, Hebert thought. He knew the value of closure. He could imagine the dark world Eve Duncan had lived in all those years.

“Anything else?” Melton asked. “I’ve got all the details; I can cross the T’s and dot the I’s if you need it.”

So cut-and-dried. Jules was sure Melton would relate
all those details in the same detached way he’d revealed Eve Duncan’s past history. “That won’t be necessary.”

He couldn’t leave this to Melton, he thought wearily. He’d have to work on Eve Duncan’s weaknesses himself.

She’s so mired in domesticity that she can’t see beyond her little lake cottage in Georgia
.

She had a man and a child, and her own personal cross was buried on that property near her home. She was probably very happy. And why not? She had earned her peace.

So the only way to get what he needed was to destroy that peace. And he knew he would do it, just as he did everything that needed doing. Drop everything and get to the airport. He had to get her to leave Atlanta immediately.

But there was one thing he had to do before he left.

“I’m going to Atlanta.”

“I’m glad to see you’re taking action. This had better be solved soon. Remember, you don’t have much time to clear up your mess. Boca Raton is set for October twenty-ninth.”

“You don’t have to remind me. I can take care of both matters.”

“We’ve trusted you for a long time, but the Cabal isn’t too pleased with you after that blunder with Etienne.”

And Melton was even less pleased. He was probably looking over his shoulder and thinking he’d be next. Lily-livered bastard.

“I had to shoot him. It was self-defense.”

“Was it?” Melton paused. “I admit I’ve been wondering if you’re playing a double game.”

“You have no reason to accuse me of that.”

“Well, then, you’d better make sure your mistake has no repercussions.”

“That’s why I’m going to Atlanta. I’ll find a way.”

“See that you do.” Melton hung up.

The threat had been veiled, but Jules couldn’t mistake Melton’s intention to pressure him. He smothered the anger and tried to compose himself. It was the first time in years that any of the Cabal had been in the least critical of him. He had served them faithfully. Wasn’t he entitled to their trust?

Well, they had trusted him with Etienne, and he must make amends for that.

Boca Raton.

It would be all right. Jules had made the advance preparations and the plan was proceeding nicely. He could leave the matter alone while he concentrated on the Duncan project.

Eve Duncan. Hebert leaned back and closed his eyes. He would go soon, but another few moments wouldn’t hurt. You’d think after all these years that he’d become hardened, but it had never happened. Not with the innocents.

Get a grip. He had killed Etienne; anything else would be easy in comparison.

Joe Quinn, Jane MacGuire, and hadn’t Melton mentioned Eve Duncan’s mother? Which one would he have to choose?