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Informationen zum Autor Iris Johansen is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including Killer Dreams, On the Run, Countdown, Firestorm, Fatal Tide, Dead Aim, and No One to Trust. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia. Klappentext Eve Duncan, the signature character of #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, thought her past was long buried. Until she finds herself tracking a killer so deceptive he leaves no trace behind-except for his victims. Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has been summoned to Baton Rouge by a high-ranking government official to identify the remains of an unknown murder victim. Eve wants nothing to do with the project. She has finally found peace from her own tragic past, living a quiet life with Atlanta detective Joe Quinn and her adopted daughter, Jane. Then a stunning series of seemingly unrelated events turns Eve's new world upside down. Now, in a special government facility, she takes on the project of identifying the victim's skeleton. But she hasn't even begun when another death occurs. Someone totally ruthless, who can strike anywhere at any time and with seeming immunity, is determined to put a halt to her work, her life, and the lives of those she loves. Eve has stumbled onto a chilling conspiracy. There is only one person who can give her the devastating truth . . . and he's already dead. Sarah Bayou, Louisiana 1:05 a.m. October 4 The flatboat glided slowly through the bayou. Too slowly, Jules Hebert thought tensely. He had deliberately chosen a flatboat rather than a motorboat because it would be less obtrusive at this time of night, but he had not counted on this case of nerves. Keep calm. The church was just up ahead. “It will be fine, Jules,” Etienne called softly as he wielded the oars. “You worry too much.” And his brother, Etienne, didn’t worry enough, Jules thought in despair. Ever since childhood it had been Jules who was the serious one, the one who had to accept the responsibility while Etienne ambled along through life with endearing blitheness. “You arranged for the men to be waiting at the church?” “Of course.” “And you told them nothing?” “Only that they would be paid well for the work. And I parked the motorboat to bring them where you told me to.” “Good.” “It will all go very easily.” Etienne smiled. “I promise you, Jules. Would I let you down?” Not intentionally. The affection between them was too strong. They had been through too much together. “No offense. Just asking, little brother.” Jules stiffened as he saw the dark looming silhouette of the ancient stone church in the faint moonlight as they rounded the corner. It had been deserted for over ten years and exuded dampness and decay. His gaze flew to the sparsely scattered plantation houses on either side of the bayou. No one. No sign of anyone stirring. “I told you,” Etienne said. “Luck is with us. How could it be otherwise? Fortune is always on the side of the right.” That had not been Jules’s experience, but he wouldn’t argue with Etienne. Not tonight. Jules jumped out of the boat as they reached the landing, and the four men Etienne had hired streamed onto the boat. “Be careful with it,” Jules said. “For God’s sake, don’t drop it.” “I’ll help them.” Etienne leaped forward. “Christ, it’s heavy.” He put his massive shoulder beneath one corner. “On the count of three.” With great care they lifted the huge black coffin onto the landing. Lake Cottage Atlanta, Georgia Coffin. Eve Duncan woke with a start, her heart pounding. “What is it?” Joe Quinn asked drowsily. “Something wrong?” “No.” Eve swung her feet to the floor. “I just had a bad dream. I think I’ll get a glass of water.” She moved to the bathroom. “Go back to sleep.” Good heavens, she was act...
