The Face of Deception Read Online Free Page A

your pri-vacy. He strolled forward and stood beside the door. He smiled. Please?

He was obviously accustomed to instant acquies-cence, and annoyance surged through her again. No.

His smile faded a little. I may have a proposition for you.

I know. Why else would you be here? But Im too busy to take on any more work. You should have phoned first.

I wanted to see you in person. He glanced at the lab. We should go in there and talk.

Why?

It will tell me a few things about you that I need to know.

She stared at him in disbelief. Im not applying for a position with one of your companies, Mr. Logan. I dont have to go through a personnel check. I think its time you left.

Give me ten minutes.

No, I have work to do. Good-bye, Mr. Logan.

John.

Good-bye, Mr. Logan.

He shook his head. Im staying.

She stiffened. The hell you are.

He leaned against the wall. Go on, get to work. Ill stay out here until youre ready to see me.

Dont be ridiculous. Ill probably be working until after midnight.

Then Ill see you after midnight. His manner no longer held even a hint of his previous charm. He was icy cool, tough, and totally determined.

She opened the door. Go away.

After you talk to me. It would be much easier for you to just let me have my way.

I dont like things easy. She closed the door and flicked on the light. She didnt like things easy and she didnt like being coerced by men who thought they owned the world. Okay, she was overreacting. She didnt usually let anyone disturb her composure, and he hadnt done anything but invade her space.

What the hell, her space was very important to her. Let the bastard stay out there all night.

She threw open the door at eleven thirty-five.

Come in, she said curtly. I dont want you out there when my mother comes home. You might scare her. Ten minutes.

Thank you, he said quietly. I appreciate your consideration.

No sarcasm or irony in his tone, but that didnt mean it wasnt there. Its necessity. I was hoping youd give up before this.

I dont give up if I need something. But Im surprised you didnt call your friends at the police department and have them throw me out.

Youre a powerful man. You probably have con-tacts. I didnt want to put them on the spot.

I never blame the messenger. His gaze traveled around the lab. You have a lot of room here. It looks smaller from outside.

It used to be a carriage house before it was a garage. This part of town is pretty old.

Its not what I expected. He took in the rust and beige striped couch, the green plants on the windowsill, and then the framed photos of her mother and Bonnie on the bookshelf across the room. It lookshellip; warm.

I hate cold, sterile labs. Theres no reason why I cant have comfort as well as efficiency. She sat down at her desk. Talk.

Whats that? He moved toward the corner. Two video cameras?

Its necessary for superimposition.

What is Interesting. His attention had been drawn to Mandys skull. This looks like something from a voodoo movie with all those little spears stuck in it.

Im charting it to indicate the different thick-nesses of skin.

Do you have to do that before you

Talk.

He came back and sat down beside the desk. Id like to hire you to identify a skull for me.

She shook her head. Im good, but the only sure ways of identification are dental records and DNA.

Both of those require subjects to match. I cant go that route until Im almost certain.

Why not?

It would cause difficulties.

Is this a child?

Its a man.

And you have no idea who he is?

I have an idea.

But youre not going to tell me?

He shook his head.

Are there any photos of him?

Yes, but I wont show them to you. I want you to start fresh and not construct the face you think is there.

Where were the bones found?

Marylandhellip; I think.

You dont know?

Not yet. He smiled. They havent actually been located yet.

Her eyes widened in surprise. Then what are you doing here?

I need you on the spot. I want you with me. Ill have to move fast when the