Текст книги "Quinn"

Автор книги: Iris Johansen

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She shook her head. “He’s a monster. He’s killed all those children. He may have killed Bonnie. I can’t let him get away.”

Joe’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. It was the one argument for which he had no response. There would be no persuading her because Bonnie and those other children were the only thing that mattered to Eve. She did not care about the possible danger. It didn’t matter to her.

“What would you do if I said I was going to do it anyway?”

“I’d go away somewhere you couldn’t find me and set up the trap all over again,” she said quietly. “I’d have no choice. I don’t know how long I can stand feeling this helpless before I break. It has to end.”

How could he argue when he was aware of the terrible strain that she was enduring? He had watched her fight it with every bit of her strength and been unable to help her with anything but silent support. Now she had taken the only path she thought she could and still survive. Hell, maybe she was right. Perhaps they were just down to a question of survival.

“Lock the doors and windows.” He turned to McVey. “Show me where you’ve set up the equipment for the trace. I want to check it out. If we’re going to do this, we might as well do it right.”

“It’s in the dining room,” McVey said. “But it should be okay. I had a geek who’s done stuff like this for me before to set it up. I was going to use it in the newsroom, but then Eve called.”

“I’ll still look at it.” He glanced at Eve. “He may not call tonight. It may take some time for him to search out where you are. And this is a private number. They wouldn’t have given it to me if I hadn’t been FBI.”

“He won’t have that much trouble.”

“Why not?”

“I figured that he’d try my house and McVey’s apartment first. He won’t find anything at my house, but I asked McVey to leave a scrawl on a notepad in the office with my name on it and the word ‘Allatoona.’”

“And?”

“There’s a Rolodex on the other side of the desk. It would be natural for him to scan through it. This is the only address and phone number in the Rolodex in Allatoona.”

“You had it all planned.”

“But it all depends on whether he taps McVey’s apartment.” She smiled faintly. “I tried not to be too ‘sloppy.’” She got to her feet. “I’ll go lock those doors.”

They watched her leave the kitchen.

“Smart lady.” McVey looked at Joe. “I expected her to be different. I tried to get an interview with her right after her kid was kidnapped. She was a basket case. She’s changed. She took over from the minute she called me on the phone. She trumped me every time.”

“And you didn’t harass or try to manipulate her? What a surprise.”

“Knock it off, Quinn.” McVey gave him a sour glance. “Look, I’m still pissed about what you did with that damn knife. Sure I’d have tried to manipulate her. But she wasn’t having it. If anyone was manipulated, it was me. And that was fine. I couldn’t be happier. All I want is my story. I’m not going to get in your way as long as you know my priorities. You’re better at this than I am. Take over.”

“I intend to do that.”

McVey’s brows lifted. “Then you’d better watch out for Eve. She may cause you problems.”

He’d had nothing but trouble from Eve since the moment he’d walked into that house on Morningside. Those problems had been escalating lately from hills to mountains. He started down the hall. “I’ll worry about that when I have to. Just show me that equipment.”

*   *   *

HE PHONED SLINDAK TWO HOURS later. “Just thought I’d check in. I’ve located Eve and McVey and I’ve been trying to persuade them to call off this craziness. No luck so far.”

“Do you know McVey has another story running tomorrow? I talked to his editor, and it’s almost as inflammatory as the one today. Is the bastard trying to get her killed?”

“It’s all Eve. I can’t blame McVey this time. Though I’m doing my damnedest. Anything else new?”

“The shoes may have been manufactured either in Buffalo, New York, or Toronto, Canada.”

“You said they were different. Did you find out what was different about them?”

“Heavy rubber content in the soles … and maybe the uppers. I’ll call you back when I contact the manufacturer and find out who would buy a shoe like that.”

“Toronto…” He remembered something McVey had said. “Check the Canadian connection first. McVey said he thought the man on the phone was American, but that he pronounced the word ‘house’ a little oddly. I knew several Canadians when I was in the service, and you’d swear they were raised in the U.S. except for tiny differences in pronunciation.”

“Toronto, first,” Slindak said. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Are you at your hotel?”

“No, I’ll check back in with you.”

A silence. “And you’re not going to tell me where you are?”

“I’m with Eve Duncan. You can make what you like of that. You did before.”

“I’m not about to make any insinuations. I don’t give a damn if you’re going to bed with her any longer. In fact, I hope that’s what you are doing. It’s safer than anything else she might draw you into.” He paused. “You’re putting a lot on the line for her. Is it worth it?”

Strength, exquisite fragility, intelligence, a smile that was a luminous rainbow in the darkness, the feeling that he was complete only when he was with her.

“She’s worth it.” He hung up.

He glanced at the clock on kitchen wall.

Eleven forty.

It’s close to midnight. Do you believe in the witching hour? Many murderers stage their kills based on superstition or the time of day.

He left the kitchen and strode down the hall to the living room. Eve was sitting in an easy chair beside the fireplace. Her back was straight, and her muscles appeared as tight as her expression.

She smiled with an effort. “Well, is everything satisfactory? I haven’t seen you for a couple hours.”

“It’s as good as it can be.” He turned out the overhead lights and dropped down on the couch. “Let’s keep this one off. Now it’s dim but not dark. There’s still light streaming in from the foyer.”

She was silent. “You don’t want us to be targeted from outside.”

“A precaution. I don’t think it would happen. He’s angry, and he’ll prefer a knife to a bullet. If he comes tonight at all. Where’s McVey?”

“In the dining room playing with that equipment again. He appears besotted with gadgets.”

“They can be interesting.” He leaned back in his chair. “I like them, too.”

“You spent enough time with McVey examining it. Will we be able to get a trace?”

“Good chance. It’s hooked up correctly, and it’s fairly sophisticated. Why don’t you lean back and try to relax? You look as if you’re so stiff you’d break if I touched you.”

“I can’t relax.” She made a face. “But you look as if you’re having no problem. This kind of situation doesn’t bother you?”

“It bothers me.” But only because of the danger to Eve. “But I like it. This is why I joined the Bureau. Moments like this are as close to what I felt as a SEAL as I can get.”

“Living on the edge?” She was studying his face. “Yes, I can see that you like it. I’ve never seen you more alive. You’re relaxed, but you look as if you’re ready to jump up and go for the kill.” She smiled faintly. “Aren’t you lucky that I furnished you with a reason to resurrect old times?”

“I’m lucky as long as you stay out of it and let me—”

The phone on the table beside her rang.

McVey was in the room in a heartbeat. “I switched on the machine. Let me take the call.” He picked up the receiver. “McVey.” He listened, then shook his head at Eve. “Thanks, Pauley.” He hung up. “Pauley Williams. He’s in the next apartment and has a key to my place. I asked him to listen for any disturbance and check if he heard anything.” He added quickly as Eve made an exclamation, “I told him to be careful. Don’t worry, Pauley isn’t that self-sacrificing. He wouldn’t go in if he didn’t think it was safe.”

“And did he hear anything?”

McVey nodded. “And he found the lock was broken. I left the desk neat as a pin, and the pad was on the floor and the Rolodex had cards missing from it.” He grinned jubilantly. “I think we’ve got him, Eve.”

“It seems you’re right.” Her hands were clenching the arms of the chair. “When did this Pauley first hear an intruder?”

“About fifty minutes ago. Like I said, he wouldn’t take a risk. He waited to go into the apartment until after he thought he heard the front door close.”

“Less than fifty minutes,” Joe said. “And he has this phone number and address.” He looked at Eve. “Now he only has to choose which one to use.”

“He’ll phone.” She moistened her lips. “I think.”

“Fifty minutes. If you guess wrong, he could be here from that apartment in Dunwoody in another ten minutes.”

“He’d want to be sure.”

“Maybe. Or maybe he’s furious enough to kill anyone here he can get his hands on.”

“Why are you trying to scare me?”

“I want you to get the hell out of here and leave this to me.”

“After all the preparations we’ve made?” McVey interceded. “It’s not going to hurt her to take a phone call, then I could—”

“Be quiet, McVey,” Joe said. “Eve?”

She shook her head.

Joe had known that she’d refuse, but he’d had to make one last attempt. He turned on his heel. “Then get back to the dining room and make sure that we can trace any call, McVey. I’m going to scout around outside and make sure the area is secure.” He unlocked and opened the door. “In case you’re wrong, and he wants immediate and lethal contact.”

CHAPTER

7

JOE RETURNED THIRTY MINUTES later. “No bogeyman is lurking at the moment,” he told Eve. “That doesn’t mean the situation might not change in another five minutes.” He headed toward the room. “I’m going to go to the kitchen and listen on the extension if there’s a call.”

“Okay.”

It was only a breath of sound, and he glanced over his shoulder at her. Then he muttered a curse and turned and strode over to her. He took her face in his two hands and stared fiercely down into her face. “Don’t be afraid. It’s going to be fine. Whatever happens, I’ll make sure you’re safe. I won’t let that son of a bitch touch you. Do you hear me?”

“I hear you,” she whispered. “But there’s no way this can turn out fine. Unless there’s a miracle, and Bonnie is alive and not been thrown into some hole by this monster. I’m not afraid for myself, Joe. I’m afraid of what I’ll find out if we do catch him. That’s terrifying me so much I’m sick to my stomach.”

And there was no way he could take away that fear. All he could do was share her pain and let her know she wasn’t alone. “We’ll get through it together.” He brushed his lips gently across her forehead. “We’ve not done so badly so far.”

She laughed shakily. “When you’re not yelling at me and trying to cut McVey’s throat.”

“That’s only a sign of closeness. I only abuse the people I care about.” He kissed her forehead again and let her go. “If he does call, he’ll try to hurt you. Don’t let him. Assume he’s lying until we find out otherwise.” He turned and walked away from her. “If you want me, just call.”

“Joe.”

He looked over his shoulder.

“I’m not afraid for myself, but I’m afraid for you. Take care of yourself. I don’t have that many friends. I can’t afford to lose you.”

“You don’t have to have that many friends if you have me. I fulfill all needs.” He smiled and walked out of the room.

*   *   *

THE PHONE RANG FORTY MINUTES later.

Joe stiffened, then picked up the phone at the same time as Eve did in the living room.

“Have you been expecting me, Eve?” A deep voice, but it wasn’t smooth, as McVey had described; it was rough with ugliness and fury. “I think you have. I know what you’re doing. I’m not the moron you called me. I suppose the cops are right there recording everything I say. I don’t care what they do. They’re not going to catch me, so it doesn’t matter.”

“They’ll catch you,” Eve said. “You’ve already left so many clues around the crime scenes that the detectives are stumbling over them, Zeus.” She stopped. “And that ridiculous name you’ve given yourself. That’s as stupid as everything else you’ve done. Pretensions of grandeur. You probably picked it because Zeus was supposed to be all-powerful. There’s nothing godlike about a child killer. You’re just a vicious, ludicrous comic-book character, and you don’t even know it.”

“Ask the Bristols if I belong in the comic books,” he hissed. “Ask Linda Cantrell’s mother if she thinks what I did to her little girl is funny.”

“You pick on children because you’re afraid to face anyone else. You’re a coward.”

“And you’re a bitch who doesn’t even know that she’s a dead woman.” He paused. “I’m going to send you to join that red-haired brat that I took from you. But I’m going to make it go even slower with you.”

Silence.

“That got you, didn’t it?” he asked. “Not so brave now. Do you know why I take the kids? Because there’s no greater power to be had than when you kill a man’s child. It’s like throwing a stone into the pond and seeing all the circles that spread and never stop. The death of a kid touches everyone around her.”

“You’re saying that you killed … my Bonnie?”

“She was dead six hours after I took her. I’d tell you how and when, but I’m going to cut this call short. I’ll do that before I cut your heart out. I know you’re probably tracing this call. I’ve got to be gone before the cops get here.” His voice lowered to malignant softness. “I just wanted to tell you that you’re the stupid one to think that you could bring me down, bitch. Look over your shoulder, and I’ll be there. Go to bed, and I may be in the closet waiting for you to sleep. Get in a car, and you’ll never know if I’ve rigged a bomb to blow you to hell and back. If you feel as if someone is watching you, then you’ll be right. I’ll be right behind you until the day I decide to send you to hell.” He hung up.

Joe crashed down the receiver and ran into the dining room, where McVey was looking up from the machine. “Where?”

“2030 Cobb Parkway. It’s a pay phone at a convenience store.”

Joe grabbed a phone and called Slindak.

“You woke me up. Don’t you ever—”

“Send a patrol car to a convenience store at 2030 Cobb Parkway. He’s probably already taken off, but we might be able to get a description.”

“He?” He paused. “Zeus?”

“Yes. Get someone out there fast.” He hung up and turned to McVey. “None of this gets into print. Do you understand?”

“Not unless we get lucky and catch the bastard,” McVey said. “I can wait for the big story.” His eyes were shining with excitement. “But we’re close. I could hardly breathe while Eve was talking to him. She did a good job, didn’t she?”

“He tore her apart,” he said savagely. “Couldn’t you tell?”

He didn’t wait for an answer. He was striding down the hall to the living room.

Eve’s was sitting frozen, her face paper white. “Did we … get a location?”

“Yes, a convenience store on Cobb Parkway.”

“So he could jump in his car and get away. So it was all for nothing.”

“We could get a description.”

She reached up a shaking hand to her forehead. “And there’s something else … I’m having trouble thinking. He hates me. I think he was telling the truth about shadowing me until he finds a way to kill me. We’ve got that advantage.”

The desire to reach out, to comfort, was an ache inside him. But he couldn’t touch her right now. He didn’t have the control, and she would realize the truth.

And that realization would rob her of what little comfort he could give her.

“Some advantage,” he said tersely. “Did it occur to you that your logic is a little twisted?”

She nodded. “I guess it is. It’s all I’ve got.” She looked up at him. “You heard what he said about Bonnie?”

“Yes.”

“I’m trying to remember what you told me. That he’d probably say anything to hurt me. He could be lying.”

“Yes, he could.”

“But what if he’s not?” she whispered. “What if she’s … gone?” She swallowed. “What if he did the same things to her that he did to Janey Bristol? I can’t stand the thought of…” She stopped to steady her voice. “But I don’t know that, and I can’t let him break me and keep me from going after him. I have to hold on, don’t I?”

He nodded. “You have to hold on with all your strength.”

She got to her feet. “Then I can’t just sit here. I want to go to that convenience store and talk to the clerk. I want to know what a monster looks like.”

“Slindak will be taking care of that. And don’t expect Zeus to look like a monster. Most of the serial killers I’ve seen have looked like your next-door neighbor.”

“I still want to go. I need to go.”

He hesitated. “Why not? Stay here a minute and let me look around outside.” He grabbed his flashlight, left the house, made a quick tour of the perimeter, then came back. “Let’s go.”

“I told McVey what we were doing. He wants to stay here and transcribe his notes from the phone call.”

“Good. He’s not invited. I can take only small doses of McVey.” He held the door for her, and his hand cupped her elbow as they walked down the driveway to the car. “And he probably couldn’t resist getting in the way while we’re questioning the clerk.”

“You’re too hard on him. McVey is just doing his job.”

“It surprises me that you defend him considering what a beating you took from the media. He’d probably be after you like a vulture if he—”

“What’s that?” Eve was standing next to the car, staring at the windshield wipers.

Joe froze, his gaze following hers. A piece of paper was folded beneath one windshield wiper. “I don’t know. I didn’t notice it when I came by the car when I was out checking the perimeter. But then I wasn’t looking for it. I was hunting bigger—” Eve was reaching for the piece of paper. “No, let me get it.”

She already had it and was cautiously unfolding it. “Give me some light, Joe.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his flashlight.

She inhaled sharply as the beam illuminated the message on the paper. It was printed in large letters with a black pencil.

Stupid Bitch. Do you think anyone can keep you safe?

“He was here,” she said. “He was outside all the time.”

“He was here. But not all the time. He wasn’t here the last time I checked the perimeter before you got the phone call. I don’t make mistakes like that. But he came very soon after, checked out the house, and decided that he didn’t want to chance an attack on you with me and McVey on the premises. Then he took off for the convenience store to make his call.” He carefully took the paper from her. “I’ll put this in the glove box and give it to Slindak to check for prints and analyze the handwriting.” He shrugged. “If there are any prints. He may be arrogant, but he was very savvy about the trace. He was probably wearing gloves. But he may have screwed up on the note.”

“Yet he was so reckless about leaving evidence at those crime sites.”

“Maybe he’s recognizing that it’s not the same ball game. He’s willing to play, but he knows the rules may be different.” He opened the passenger door and put the note in the glove box. “You’ve taught him that, Eve.”

“Have I?” Eve got into the car. “That supersize ego was one of our best weapons against him. I just hope that he won’t become cautious and take off. That would ruin everything.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Joe said grimly as he started the car. “You’ve seen to it that Zeus is wholeheartedly committed to do at least one more kill before he goes to a different hunting ground.”

*   *   *

TWO PATROL CARS AND SLINDAK’S gray Honda were parked in the lot of the convenience store when Joe arrived.

Slindak strolled over to the car as Joe opened the door. “Pretty much a waste of time. The store manager said someone used the outside phone booth to make a call, but he was busy and only got a quick glimpse of him.”

“Model of his car?”

“He was parked down the street, and the manager didn’t notice the model. You’re sure it was Zeus?”

“I’m sure. Did you dust the phone booth for fingerprints?”

“We’ve taped off the booth, and the forensic team will be here soon.” He glanced at Eve. “Hello, Ms. Duncan. You don’t look too well. Could I have someone see you home?”

“I’m fine.” She got out of the car. “It’s … been a difficult night.”

“I can imagine,” Slindak said dryly. “I’m sorry, but you brought it on yourself.”

“I know that.” She watched another patrol car pull into the parking lot. “Forensics?”

“Yes, and I had them roust a sketch artist we use occasionally out of his bed. Kim isn’t going to be pleased.”

“Artist?” Eve nodded. “I’ve heard that you can sometimes get an accurate facsimile from a description.”

“Sometimes. In this case it’s important that we try to do it right away since the manager said he only got a fleeting glimpse. Memory tends to fade quickly, and we need him fresh.”

“May I go and watch him?”

Slindak shrugged. “Why not?”

“And I sketch a little myself. Could I have a pad and see what I can do?”

“I’ll ask Kim Chen.” He gestured to the small, spare man of Asian descent who had gotten out of the patrol car. “As long as you don’t get in his way, I don’t think he’d object.”

“Thank you. I’ll ask him myself.”

Joe and Slindak watched her walk over to the artist.

“I thought she was close to fainting when you pulled in,” Slindak said. “She bounced back pretty quickly. Is she always like that?”

“When she has a purpose. I’m glad she found one right now.” He was watching the play of intense emotion across Eve’s face as she spoke to Kim Chen. “And I’ll be interested to see what she does with that sketch. I saw a sketch she’d done of her daughter in her house. It was remarkable.”

“It’s not the same thing.”

Joe knew that, but Eve had a talent that he’d never seen in a police artist. “Her sketch came alive. It was as if Bonnie’s personality was leaping from the page. Let’s see if she can do the same thing with a description.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

As Eve and Kim entered the convenience store, Joe turned toward the phone booth. Three techs were already brushing it down for prints. “I have a note that may have Zeus’s prints on it that you may be able to match. He left a calling card on my windshield at the cottage.” He reached into his car and retrieved the note from the glove box. “Or maybe not. He guessed we were tracing the call and setting him up. He may have worn gloves.”

Slindak carefully took the note and handed it to one of the forensic crew. “That close, huh? She must have really pissed him off.”

An understatement. He was trying not to remember the bastard’s words. He nodded curtly and started to cross the lot. “Let’s go down the block where he left his car and see if we have any witnesses.”

*   *   *

EVE WAS COMING OUT of the front entrance when Joe and Slindak came back to the convenience store over an hour later.

“Finished?”

She nodded as she came toward them. “I did the best I could. It was hard. The skill isn’t really in the sketching. It’s the questions that you have to ask the witness. Kim Chen is very good at what he does. And you have to be ready to change every feature as the witness changes their mind. That evidently happens a lot. It’s definitely a work in progress all the way through.”

“But she did very well for a beginner,” Kim Chen said as he came out of the store. He smiled at Eve. “But you should have changed the eyes.”

“Why? The manager said he didn’t see the eyes from the front, so it’s purely a matter of opinion what they looked like. I just went with instinct.”

“But I told you that you’re supposed to go with generic features in that case. You have a greater chance of coming close to a resemblance.”

She shook her head. “It just felt right.”

“‘Felt’?” Kim Chen frowned. “You don’t rely on feelings. You’re not creating, you’re duplicating.”

“You’re probably right. Detective Slindak is lucky he has your sketch to use.”

“It was nice meeting you, Ms. Duncan.” Kim handed the pad to Slindak. “Here’s the best I could do. Not bad. The manager remembered more than he thought.”

“Thanks, Kim. Sorry I had to get you out here in the middle of the night.”

“So am I.” Chen grimaced. “But it’s better than trying to pry a description out of someone after they’ve had a day or two to let it blur.” He waved and strolled toward the patrol car.

Slindak glanced at the sketch. “He’s not a handsome specimen and looks pretty ordinary.” He handed the sketch to Joe. “What do you think? Those cheekbones a little Slavic?”

“Maybe.” Joe studied the sketch. High, broad cheekbones, a wide, full mouth. Dark curly hair, cut close to the head. Ordinary-shaped dark eyes and brows. “Let me see your sketch, Eve.”

“You heard Kim. I injected too much into the eyes in the sketch.” She handed him her pad. “I did okay with the rest, though. I came pretty close.”

Joe gave a low whistle. “I can see what Kim meant.”

The dark eyes looking up at him almost jumped off the sketch. They were large, close-set, and seemed to glitter with ferocity. The brows above them were straight slashes as dark as the eyes they framed.

Slindak was glancing over his shoulder. “Nothing ordinary about that face.”

“He’s not ordinary,” Eve said. “He’s a monster. I don’t care if you tell me monsters seldom look like what they are. I think the soul must reveal itself in some way. This felt right to me.” She turned to Joe. “Use it or not. I don’t care. But I think that I have an idea now what he looks like. I may need it.”

“We’ll use it,” Slindak said. “We’ll use both of them. It may be the only thing useful to come out of this. Joe and I found two witnesses who saw Zeus, but not close enough for a description other than he appeared big and muscular. Neither of them agreed with the other about the car. One said it was a brown Ford, the other a dark blue Honda.”

“Maybe you should get Kim back to draw the car for them,” Eve said dryly.

“Maybe I should. But I don’t think it would do much good.” He turned and walked over to the forensic crew, who had just finished with the phone booth.

“Are you ready to leave?” Joe asked Eve. “I don’t think there’s much more we can learn here.”

She nodded wearily and got into the car. “I guess you’re right. I just wanted to do something that would get us closer. Something concrete.”

“The sketch will help.”

“If that store manager gave us the right information.” Her lips firmed. “But I have to think positive, don’t I? I can’t think we’re just going down a blind alley, or I’ll go crazy.”

“I’m taking you back to my hotel, okay? No Rainbow Inn.”

“No Rainbow Inn.” She leaned her head back against the rest. “Take me home, Joe.”

His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “No way.”

“Take me home.” She looked at him. “You heard him. He’s coming after me. He has to be able to find me.”

“So you’re making it easy for him.”

“No, I’m sure that you’ll make it a challenge,” she said. “You’re not going to let me be there alone.”

“And you’re not arguing with me about it?”

“I tried that, and it didn’t work.” She smiled with an effort. “You just keep on coming.”

“You’re damn right I do.” He paused. “That second newspaper article McVey wrote will be coming out in a few hours from now. It’s going to cause Zeus to blow sky-high again.”

“Then maybe he’ll make his move sooner. Or he’ll get so angry, he’ll make a mistake. Either way, it won’t be bad for us. Nothing will be bad as long as he doesn’t get discouraged and disappear. I figure we can hold him here if he knows I’m there in that house, and all he has to do is worry about how to get to me.”

“We probably can,” Joe said. “But I’m not going to be your only protection, Eve. That’s bullshit after we saw how close he came. I’d like to surround you with an army, but I’ll limit it to pulling in one of Slindak’s men to watch the house.” He held up his hand as she started to speak. “Don’t worry; Zeus will be expecting it. One man will be a challenge, not a deterrent. I just want the extra insurance.”

“You may be right.” She was silent, thinking about it. Then she slowly nodded. “If you promise he won’t interfere. I don’t want him in the way.”

“It would take a lot to discourage Zeus. Having you within his sights will be like putting a steak just outside the cage of a hungry wolf. It will only be a question of time before he finds a way to break out and get it.”

“You’re calling me a piece of meat? Not at all flattering, Joe.”

“I’m not in the mood to be flattering. The only thing I can see good about this is that I’ll be with you in that house.”

She was silent a moment. “That’s the only good thing I can see good about it, too, Joe. You help keep away the darkness.”

Forever. Let me hold the darkness at bay for you. Let me help you find the dawn.

Don’t say it. Keep it on an even keel.

“I’m glad we’re in agreement on something at last. It’s about time. But I’ve decided that it’s your house that’s dark. I think that we’ll paint a couple rooms while I’m staying there.”

She stared at him in bewilderment. “What?”

“It will make the time pass. I thought the living room could use brightening. What color do you think?”

She said blankly, “I have no idea.”

“Maybe a gold-beige?” he suggested. “Think about it while I stop at my hotel and pick up a bag. It shouldn’t take long…”

Two Days Later

“WHAT IS THIS STUFF?” Eve asked as she tentatively tasted the salad. “Exotic. You know I’m just a simple Southern woman with down-home tastes, Joe. Are you trying to educate my palate?”

“It’s not ‘stuff.’” Joe sat down across from her. “I got the recipe from an Indian woman in Bombay. And you’re about as simple as an Einstein equation. Try it. You’ll like it.”

She took another bite. “It’s good. Where did you learn to cook?”

“When I was in the service. I was young, with a tremendous hunger, and food was only part of it. I was all over the world tasting and experiencing everything. The good things I wanted to take home with me.”

“And the bad things?”

He shrugged. “I learned from them, too, then tried to let them go.”

“Not easy.”

“No, but that’s life.” He smiled. “I’m glad you let me loose in your kitchen. Cooking relaxes me.”

“And it bores me. I had to put wholesome meals on the table for Bonnie, but I assure you that they lacked inspiration. And definitely nothing exotic.” She finished the last bite. “I doubt that I would have picked up any exotic recipes even if I’d gone to India. Which I most certainly didn’t. I’ve never been out of Georgia.”

“You’ve missed a lot. I’d like to show you some of the parts of the world I’ve visited. It would be great seeing them through your eyes.”