Eve Duncan - 04 - Blind alley by Iris Johansen

Author:Iris Johansen
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Detective and mystery stories, Eve (Fictitious character), Mystery & Detective, Women sculptors, Horror, Duncan, General, Psychological, American, Suspense, Women Sleuths, Thrillers, Facial reconstruction (Anthropology), Fiction, Louisiana
ISBN: 9780553586503
Publisher: Random House Digital, Inc.
Published: 2005-03-29T05:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

You've been watching me all evening. I feel like a bug under a microscope." Eve turned away from the reconstruction on the pedestal before her to look at Jane. "Is something wrong? Are you still upset about that call from Aldo?"

"A little." She made a face. "You can understand it would stick in my mind."

"That goes without saying. It's been worrying me since you told me about it."

"But you'll be able to forget it once you get deep enough into your work. That's a blessing, isn't it?"

"Work is always a great healer." She frowned. "Have you been concerned that you're interfering with my work on this reconstruction?" Jane shook her head. "I was just wondering if you were almost finished."

"Tomorrow. I might have finished tonight if you hadn't decided on dragging me out this afternoon."

"You didn't object."

"And I wouldn't again. Keeping you alive is more important than identifying this poor dead girl."

"What are you calling her?"

"Lucy." Her hands moved over the skull, carefully measuring the space between the eyes. "The Chicago police think she may be a child that's been missing for over fifteen years. Her parents must be going through hell."

"Like you."

Eve didn't deny it. "At least I can give other parents back their children. I suppose that's a form of closure."

"Bull. Very noble but it doesn't keep you from hurting."

"No." Eve smiled faintly. "May I ask why you're so interested in my work tonight?"

"I'm always interested. It's kind of creepy but it's part of you."

"The creepy part."

"You said it." Jane grinned. "I wouldn't dare. So Lucy is winging her way back to Chicago tomorrow?"

"Probably." Eve lifted her brows. "Is it important that she be finished quickly?"

"Maybe. I've been sitting here and thinking...." Her gaze focused musingly on the skull. "How does she ... feel?"

"Touching her face?" She was silent, thinking about it. "Not creepy. I've done it so long that it's difficult to describe."

"Pity?"

"Yes, and anger and sadness." She gently touched Lucy's cheek. "And a deep, deep urgency to bring her home. Home has always been so important to me. There are so many lost ones out there."

"I've heard you say that before. Do you really think that her soul is somewhere wandering around and that she cares about being brought home?"

"I don't know. Maybe. But I do know I care." Eve smoothed the clay at Lucy's forehead. "Now go to bed and let me work or I'll never get her finished."

"Okay." Jane stood up. "I was just curious."

"Jane."

Jane glanced back over her shoulder.

"Why now?" Eve asked. "You've never been this curious about my work before." Jane turned back to face her. "I've never been brought this close to the possibility of my own death before. It's bound to make you wonder what's out there for us."

"Right now, the only thing out there for you is a long and happy life."

"Don't worry. I'm not being gloomy and pessimistic. I don't know why all this came tumbling out of left field. I was sitting here watching you and thinking about something completely different when it occurred to me .

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