Page 13 of The Search

“I’ll start again. Eve told me that it was you and Monty who found Bonnie. She said the two of you must have gone over every foot of that national park until you discovered where that murderer buried her.”

“We did. But I almost gave up.”

“But you didn’t.”

“Eve’s my friend.”

“Then don’t you think you could forgive my rather unscrupulous methods of bringing the two of you together?”

“No,” she said coldly. “I don’t like being forced to do anything. You’re as bad as Madden. Always trying to manipulate everyone and every situation.”

“I’m not quite as black as you’re painting me. I do have a few virtues.”

She was silent.

“I’m patient. I’m responsible. I can be a good friend. Ask Eve.”

“I’m not interested. Why are you making this futile attempt to convince me you’re a decent human being?” Her eyes narrowed. “You’re up to something.”

“Why should I be—” He shrugged. “Yes, I’m up to something, besides failing to convince you that I’m anything but a son of a bitch. Too bad. It would have made it easier on both of us.”

“Why the hell are you here?”

“I’m here for the same reason you’re here. I wanted to support Eve when she needed her friends.”

“You weren’t her friend. You were her lover and it won’t do you any good to come here and try to lure her away from Joe. She loves him and you’re past history, Logan.”

“I know, but thanks for reminding me. I can see it’s only your dog that has any sensitivity. I’m not here to stir up old embers. Is it too hard to believe that I want only the best for Eve?”

“I don’t have to believe or disbelieve you.” Her pace quickened. “As I said, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter if you—”

“Sarah!”

She turned to see Jane MacGuire running down the hill toward them, her red hair gleaming in the sunlight. The ten-year-old’s expression was pale and strained as she stopped beside Sarah. “Hi, can I walk back with you?”

“Sure. But I thought you’d want to wait for Eve.”

She shook her head. “She doesn’t need me. She has Joe.” She looked straight ahead. “Neither of them wants me there right now.”

Sarah could see a problem looming. “You’re part of Eve’s family. She always wants you with her.”

“Not now. I don’t belong here. It’s Bonnie’s time.” She shifted her glance to Logan. “You knew it. That’s why you took Sarah away.”

Logan nodded. “At least someone appreciates my sensitivity. But Sarah is right. You’re part of the family.”

Jane’s lips tightened. “You’re trying to make me feel better. I don’t need your pity. I know Joe and Eve care about me, but I’m not Bonnie. I’ll never be Bonnie to them. So don’t tell me they want me there when they’re saying good-bye to her. Can’t you see how hard it is for them having me here right now? All they want to think about is Bonnie, but they have to try to make me feel all cozy and wanted because they don’t want to hurt me.”

“Talk to them,” Sarah said gently.

“No.” Jane looked away from them and repeated, “It’s Bonnie’s time.” She changed the subject. “May I go on ahead and take Monty out for a walk?”

“I think that would be a very good idea.”

Sarah frowned, troubled, as she watched Jane run down the path toward the cottage.

“Will Monty go with her?” Logan asked.

She nodded. “He adores her. They got to know each other very well in Phoenix.”