Venable was silent. “I sent an agent out here last night, too. I had Tad Dukes looking around the grounds. I can’t get in contact with him.”
Joe cursed low and vehemently. “And why did you have a man out there if, according to you, nothing was supposed to be wrong?”
“You were concerned when you called and left a message. It seemed like a good idea.” He continued quickly, “And I sent Agent Pastori out today and he said there was a FedEx notice on the front door that stated that the driver had been there and was unable to make the pickup.”
“The reconstruction. Eve wouldn’t have left without making arrangements for it to be sent out.”
“Even if she was frantic about Jane?”
“She would have made arrangements. She’s a professional. What else did your agent find? What about Ben? He was supposed to be there.”
“No sign of him.”
There was something in his tone that caused Joe to tense. “Are you lying to me, Venable?”
“Why would I do—Okay, I’m not lying. I’m just omitting.”
“Omitting what?”
“We found traces of blood on the grass on the side of the road about a mile from the cottage.”
He felt sick. “Eve?”
“No, I knew that would be your first question, and I had Pastori run a blood test before the police forensic team got there. B-negative. Eve is A-positive, right?”
“Yes. I don’t know what Ben’s blood type is.”
“We’re checking on it.”
“Damn you. You weren’t going to tell me.”
“I’d have told you. Just a delay until you got here. I thought I’d know more by then.” He added testily, “And there wasn’t much use your making wild guesses and my life miserable.”
“What else is there that you didn’t tell me?”
“Fresh tire tracks in the mud. Truck. We’re trying to identify what kind of truck would use them. Traces of fertilizer and hay embedded in the cavities. Any farmers near you?”
“Several. I don’t know any of them personally. Get on it.”
“We already are. Right now, we’re trying to contact Dukes. I don’t like it. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to reach him.” He paused. “How is Jane?”
“Surviving. She could be worse. I’m in San Juan. She’s in the ER right now.” He said. “That’s all? No Eve. No Ben? Just a few drops of blood?”
“That’s all right now. I’ll try to have something more for you by the time you get here. When will that be?”
“A few hours. Jane made me promise that I’d get out of here soon.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
“And I may have a photo of her shooter. The hangars had video cameras. I need you to process and identify.”
“Of course.”
“And I don’t want any stalling,” Joe said grimly. “I want to know accurately and fast. No hesitation, no sleight of hand. If I think that you’re keeping anything from me, it’s not going to be pretty, Venable.” He paused. “And when I see you at the cottage, you’re going to tell me what’s going on and what game you’ve been playing with us.”
“No game. I’m not always the bad guy. Did it occur to you that I might only be trying to keep you all alive?”
“It occurred to me. It also occurred to me that you could be manipulating us as you’ve done before. It could go either way.”
“But you’re willing to trust me enough to ask me to help you.”
“I’m not asking, I’m telling you. I’d use the devil himself if I thought I could control him. I can control you, Venable. Whatever the nasty business you’re dealing with, you like Eve, and you wouldn’t hurt her if you didn’t have to do it. I’ll be there to make sure that doesn’t become an option.”
“I do like her, Quinn,” he said quietly. “And I’ll do everything I can to help you get her back. I’m happy as hell you managed to snag that video photo.”
“I didn’t snag it. Seth Caleb took it from the camera, and I took it from him.”
“Caleb.” Venable’s tone was thoughtful. “An interesting man. I remember that he always seemed to be showing up when you least expected him.”
“He hasn’t changed.”
“But this time he’s been helpful?”
“Helpful? No, not intentionally. This time he thinks that he can use me.” He added dryly, “As I’m using you. No one is exempt. I’ll see you at the cottage, Venable.” He hung up.