But that would make her actions totally immature, and she wouldn’t do anything that lacked dignity. Her anger and viewpoint were just.
And Lynch should know that, dammit.
She turned and walked toward the Ferrari.
San Quentin Penitentiary
Chapel
8:40 P.M.
“THIS IS VERY GOOD OF YOU, WARDEN.” Colby smiled gently. “I’m grateful that you gave me this last opportunity. I didn’t want my final prayers to be in that cell.” He looked around the chapel. “This seems more … fitting.”
“It was a last request. You’re entitled to it as long as there’s no threat, and it doesn’t interfere.” Salazar gestured to the four guards. “Follow him to the altar but allow him space and privacy for his last prayers.” He turned to Colby. “Do you wish to see the chaplain?”
“Why? I’ve seen him before, but it’s too late now. I die in four hours. He can’t give me absolution. I don’t need a middleman.” He looked at the glowing candles and the crucifix above the altar. “How long before I have to go back to my cell?”
“I can give you thirty minutes.”
“That should be enough time.” He glanced at the guards. “I’ll try not to keep them waiting.” His lips twisted. “Nor you, Warden Salazar. I know this is going to be a big night for you. Is it going to be a full house to watch me die?”
Salazar said without expression, “I understand many people are interested.”
“I can see how they would be. I’m something of a superstar.” He started down the aisle, his gaze fixed on the flickering candles below the crucifix. “Let’s hope I won’t disappoint them with my performance.”
Salazar didn’t answer, and Colby closed him out of his mind. He was nothing. Colby had used him, but he was no longer important. He had to concentrate on the task at hand.
He moved into the second pew back from the altar. It was the same pew he’d occupied every time he’d come to the chapel for the last few days. He’d made sure that everything was exactly the same.
Even the guards were in their same positions in the aisle six pews to the rear.
He knelt and looked up at the crucifix. His lips moved as if in silent prayer.
His hand moved down beneath the pew in front of him.
He closed his eyes.
Let it be there.
He could control almost everything but the guard whom Myatt had bribed to do this job. It annoyed him that he’d had to leave details like this to Myatt. He could make Myatt do anything he wanted him to do, but he couldn’t control his choices when he wasn’t in contact with him.
But this time, evidently, Myatt had chosen well, and the guard was not quite a fool.
The cell phone was here.
He punched the access button, his gaze still on the flickering candles on the altar. “Bless you, my son,” he said mockingly. “You did well.”
“I told you I’d get it done,” Myatt whispered. “I had to do it. I haven’t been in contact with you lately. I had to make sure you knew that I was out here doing everything you told me to do.”
“And have you?”
“Of course. I’ve done practically everything we discussed and agreed is necessary. I’ve not been able to take care of Kendra Michaels yet. But I’ll do it within the next couple days. I may have to use her mother and maybe Michaels’s friend to draw her into the trap.” He added quickly, “But you don’t have to think it won’t happen. I made you a promise.”
“I trust you. Why wouldn’t I after all you’ve done for me?” He trusted no one, but Myatt needed to think they were close in every sense, so that he’d continue with his tasks. “I just had to make sure everything is in place.” He folded his hands in prayer, his head bowed. “I need you to move quickly. I Skyped Kendra Michaels yesterday, and she seemed to think that she’d gather you into her net soon. I told her she was bluffing, but you mustn’t take the chance. Not after all we’ve done to bring her down.”
“All I’ve done,” Myatt said.
“I beg your pardon,” Colby said softly. “Did I hear you correctly?”
“A slip of the tongue,” Myatt said quickly. “You’re brilliant and guided me all along the way. But you have to admit I’ve handled everything cleverly and inserted my own bits to the big picture. One of the kills I committed a few days ago you didn’t even know about. You wouldn’t let me get in touch with you.”
Arrogant bastard, Colby thought with annoyance. “Yes, you’re clever. I wouldn’t have chosen you if I didn’t believe you could do what I wished. But I told you to concentrate on Michaels.”