Kendra finally put a gentle hand out to stop the boy. “It’s time for you to go, Justin. Your mama is outside waiting.”
He ignored her, still pounding the keys. She held out her hand and took the stick. He started to fight her, then was still, staring up into her face. “Pretty?”
She nodded. “Very pretty, Justin. Beautiful. Next time, it will be even more beautiful because while you’re at home, you’ll hear the sound and the notes in your mind. Then when we get together, you’ll let me hear them, too.” Her finger reached out and traced the outline of his mouth. “A smile can be beautiful, too. It can be like a song that goes on and on and echoes inside you and around you. Maybe you’ll let me hear that song, too?”
His intent expression didn’t change.
She smiled. “No?” She took his hand. “Think about it.” She put his fingers on her lips. “I’ll give you my song. Here it is. I’ll be waiting for you to give me yours.”
He didn’t move, his gaze on her face. Then he jerked away and ran toward the door across the room.
Kendra stayed by the xylophone. “Good-bye, Justin. I’ll see you in two days.”
He stopped at the door and looked back at her. Then he was suddenly running back to her.
Kendra smiled as he stopped before her. “Yes?”
He reached out a tentative finger and slowly traced the outline of her smile. “Pretty … song…” Then he whirled and was running back to the door and out of the studio.
The smile remained for an instant while her gaze lingered on the door. Then it faded as she stood up and began to tidy the studio. “You might as well come in, Quinn. You’re on the clock. I have another student in thirty minutes, and I won’t keep her waiting.”
Kendra’s tone was completely different from the way she had spoken to the little boy. It was crisp, cool, and there was a distinct edge. Her demeanor had the same coolness, and that warm, affectionate magnetism that had been present when she’d been interacting with little Justin had disappeared.
Joe wasn’t wrong. Kendra was, indeed, one tough lady.
“You heard her,” Joe murmured as he got to his feet and headed to the door that led from the booth to Kendra’s main studio. “We’re on the clock. Let’s get moving.”
Eve followed him into the studio. “By all means.”
“Hello, Quinn.” Kendra looked beyond him to Eve. “Who is she? My appointment was with you.”
“But the job that we’re asking you to do is for her. Eve Duncan, Dr. Kendra Michaels.”
“I’m very glad to meet you,” Eve said. “Joe seems to think that you can help us. I’d be very grateful if you’d try.”
“No, it’s not going to happen,” Kendra said. “Quinn knew the answer before he even brought you here. In our last encounter, he backed me into a corner and manipulated me to get what he wanted. In the end, it was for a good cause, but it’s not going to happen again.”
“You haven’t heard what we want,” Eve said. “And if Joe manipulated you, he had good reason.” She met her gaze. “You must have thought the same thing, or you wouldn’t have allowed it to happen. Joe said you’re tough, but you weren’t tough enough to let a serial killer be free to kill and kill again. I watched you with that little boy, and I don’t think that you’re as hard as you’re pretending. Joe seems to believe you can do what we need, but I have my doubts. It all sounds pretty bizarre. Now listen, and I’ll tell you the situation and what we want from you.”
Kendra held Eve’s gaze for an instant, then she glanced at her watch. “You have twenty minutes. I’ll hear you out but I’m sure my answer won’t change. I’m incredibly busy with my work.”
She wasn’t budging, Eve thought with frustration. “In the end, that’s your decision.” She briefly and concisely outlined Sandra’s story and what they’d found out about the hospital and Beth’s mental impairment and the Avery connection.
Kendra looked at Eve without expression after she’d fallen silent. “That’s everything?”
“Yes.” Eve wasn’t about to bring up the dreams she’d had about Beth running for her life. It would just be another reason for Kendra to refuse. “And it should be enough for you.”
“It’s enough for me to see why you’re so concerned. But you don’t really have much to go on.” She glanced at Joe. “You’re not talking much. I’m surprised you’re leaving it all up to her.”
He smiled at Eve. “She can handle it.”
“Can she?” Her glance shifted back to Eve. “The answer is still no. Sorry.”
Eve felt a rush of irritation mixed with pure anger at the woman’s stubbornness. “Why not, dammit? Listen, we just want you to go with us to the hospital and take a look around. If Joe is right about you, you could be a big help up there, especially if we can manage to see her room. No big deal. It shouldn’t take you long just to try.”
“It would be a day away from my students, and that can seem a lifetime to some of these kids. I’m near a breakthrough with two of them. Justin’s very close.” She added fiercely, “Do you know that he hasn’t smiled or cried in three years? He’s been locked in an emotional vacuum. I’m not going to let him take a step back just because you want me to play your game.”
“Your game,” Joe corrected. “You set the rules, Kendra. Most of the time, I can’t even see through your hijinks to where you’re going.”
“It’s not hijinks. It’s just observation,” Kendra said impatiently. “And I don’t have time for it. I have a passion in life, and it’s the work I do here. I never wanted to play at being a detective. That’s your passion in life, Quinn, not mine.”
Eve was getting impatient. “Joe, this is ridiculous. I refuse to beg her to do something I don’t even have faith she can do. Is she really worth it?”
Joe nodded. “She’s worth it.”
She was silent a moment before turning back to Kendra. “Okay, then you’ve got to do it.”
Kendra’s brows rose. “Really? And how are you going to ensure that?”
“You’ll do it because you have no choice. Everyone responds to their own personal drummer. You may be as tough as Joe says you are, but you did what was right about helping him track down that killer because he struck the right note. You couldn’t stand the thought of helpless children being possible victims. And you have a career that enables you to protect helpless children from their own disabilities.”
“And your point is?”
“You can’t resist fighting for those who are young or helpless, it’s part of your DNA.”
“Interesting analysis. But Beth Avery is no child and may not even be a victim.”
“But what if she is a victim?” She took a step closer to Kendra, and her voice vibrated with intensity. “Yes, you’re drawn to children, but I believe that fighting for Beth Avery may be just as appealing to you. Because if she was kept prisoner all those years, it would be a hideous crime. Can you imagine it? Joe told me that you went a little wild after you gained your sight. Tell me, did it seem like getting out of prison not to be blind any longer?”
She didn’t speak for a moment. “You’re very good, Eve Duncan. While I was blind I tried to do everything, hone every sense, so that it wouldn’t be a prison. I didn’t realize I hadn’t succeeded until that surgeon took off my bandages.”
“Beth Avery has been in that hospital since she was seventeen. The drugs she was given didn’t allow her to even try to keep it from being a prison. Don’t you think she should have someone just check to see if she deserves to be in that place? Joe thinks something shady is going on. That surgeon set you free. You could help us do the same for Beth Avery, dammit.”
Kendra shook her head. “I don’t want to do this.”
Eve could see the beginning of a crack in her resistance. “I can understand that you have priorities. We can work it out.”
Kendra was silent for a long moment. “What exactly do you want from me?”
“As Eve said, we want you to go there with us,” Joe s
aid quickly. “To see the hospital, her room, and the staff. We want your impressions.”
Kendra’s expression didn’t change, Eve noticed. Was she actually considering it?
“In the meantime, we’ll also be looking for a way to access the computer medical records on Beth Avery. We want to see if she had a reason to run away from that hospital. We want to verify that the patient they’ve produced that they claim is Beth Avery is a ringer. We want to know everything we can find out about her in the quickest amount of time.”
“You’re not going to find all that in her medical records.”
“Exactly,” Joe said. “That’s why we need you.”
Kendra smiled, and, for the first time, Eve glimpsed the faintest hint of the warmth she had shown her student. But only a flash; and then it was gone. “I’m glad I impressed you on our last case, Quinn, but I’m not a miracle worker. I can’t see what’s not there.”
“If you tell me there’s nothing, then I’ll believe there’s nothing. But I’ll only believe it if you give it a shot and tell me that.”
She was silent. “It better not take long. I don’t have time to waste on this.”
“You’ll do it?” Eve asked.
“I didn’t say that. I’ll consider it. I’ll let you know.” She turned away. “Now please get out of here. I have to study my notes on my next patient.”
“You need to let us know soon,” Eve said. “There may not be much time to—”
“If you’re pushing me for an immediate answer, then it’s no,” Kendra said sharply. “I said I’d think about it, which is more consideration than I give 90 percent of the people who want me to leave my work to help out on their cases. I’m more aware of time constraints than you are. I have an appointment with Justin day after tomorrow that I’ve got to keep. I’m not even sure going to that hospital isn’t a complete waste of time.”
“And I’m not sure that bringing you in to help isn’t a complete waste of time,” Eve said with equal sharpness. “You’ll have to show me. But if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right. Stop dithering.” She turned toward the door. “Come on, Joe.”
“I don’t dither.” Kendra’s hands were clenched at her sides. “And I’m never a waste of time. Show you? Where the hell do you get the nerve to demand that I perform like some Vegas acrobat?”
“I didn’t demand anything,” Eve said as she opened the door. “I just displayed some good old American skepticism. Call us when you get around to making up your mind.”
“Wait.” Kendra was glaring at Eve. “If that was your attempt to goad me, don’t bother. Hardly a day goes by that some detective or federal agent doesn’t interrupt my workday to beg for my help, then insult me by saying I probably couldn’t have helped them anyway. As if that will somehow make me desperate to prove myself.” Kendra leaned against the table. “But you … You’ve annoyed me just enough so that I’m going to get the last word even though it’s quite clear to me that’s something you’re not accustomed to.” She paused. “Just as it’s clear to me you two are sleeping together.”
Eve tried not to let the surprise register on her face.
Kendra crossed her arms across her chest. “Although I don’t believe you slept together last night. You were in Atlanta, weren’t you, Eve? You flew here this morning, but Quinn wasn’t with you. I’m guessing he picked you up at the airport just a short while ago. Don’t you live together?”
“We do, but I’ve been here in California for a couple days,” Joe said.
“Ah, that explains it. You’re a little out of your element on this case, aren’t you, Eve? You’re much more accustomed to talking to the dead. Or, I suppose, letting the dead talk to you.”
Eve inhaled sharply. How in hell … The dead? Bonnie? Was she talking about Bonnie? Her gaze flew to Joe’s face. “You told her about—”
He was shaking his head and mouthing a silent “no.”
“You’re a forensic sculptor,” Kendra said. “With your help, the dead tell you all their secrets, don’t they?”
Eve let out the breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding. Not Bonnie. But Kendra’s meaning was only a little less startling than the alternative.
“I’ve always admired people who can do that,” Kendra said. “You must be very talented.”
“Right back at you,” Eve said, trying not to sound as dazed as she felt. “Are you sure you’re not psychic?”
“Positive.” Kendra turned away. “Now leave me alone. I’ll let you know what I decide. I still have your cell number, Quinn. Or would you prefer I call you at the Docket Cove Hotel?”
Eve turned to Joe. “Is that where we’re staying?”
Joe nodded. “But I didn’t tell her. And there are at least five hotels between there and here.”
“More like a dozen,” Kendra said.
Eve didn’t move and slowly shook her head. “I’m not leaving until you tell me how you knew all that.” She thought about it. “You probably found out Joe was coming, and you researched us or asked around. Is that it?”
Kendra smiled. “I value my time a lot more than that, Eve. Until you walked through that door, I wasn’t even aware that you existed. But I did know Quinn, and I remembered that he was always somewhat guarded with his personal space. Especially with women. He always kept his face a good six to eight inches farther away from women than he did with men.”
“What?” Joe said. “Seriously?”
“I’m sure you’re not even aware you do it. I don’t think you’re afraid of women, but subconsciously you may be wary of leading them on. A handsome man like you, it’s probably happened a time or two. But with Eve, I saw you crash through every barrier I ever saw you set for yourself. And instead of backing away slightly, as most colleagues or even friends tend to do, Eve leaned forward. Even though the two of you haven’t so much as touched hands since you’ve been here, it’s pretty obvious what’s going on between you.”
“How do you know we weren’t together last night?” Eve asked.
“You’re not going to like this.”
“How?”
“Because I’m afraid that you smell, Eve.”
Eve’s eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”
“Have you ever stepped onto an airplane and breathed in that awful stale odor of recycled air?”
Eve nodded. “Of course.”
“That’s how you smell to me right now. A lot of that air actually comes through the engines, then is recycled throughout the cabin. Depending on the aircraft, it can sometimes smell like a mixture of jet fuel and bad breath.”
“And that’s how I smell?” She grimaced. “How very unpleasant.”
“Don’t worry, you won’t offend anyone. It’s so faint that no one but me would even be aware of it. But Quinn has no trace of that odor.”
“Go on. What else?”
Kendra pointed down at Eve’s shoes. “There’s the slightest trace of red Georgia earth on the sides of your shoes and spattering the cuff of your pant leg. It could have come from Tennessee or Alabama, I suppose, but knowing that Quinn is from Georgia, it wasn’t much of a stretch to think you’d also come from there. The earth is still fairly fresh, not too dry or cracked, suggesting it was just put there this morning. Quinn’s shoes, though, are spotless. And unless he’s in a crime scene, I know for a fact that he’s not too careful where he walks. He strides through the world as if he owns it. Even before I caught a whiff of your scent, I figured he came from someplace else this morning.”
“Impressive,” Eve murmured.
“What else? Oh, yes, your profession.” Kendra walked over to Eve, took her hands, and spread her palms open. “You have faint stains on both of your hands. Dye from a polymer-based sculpting clay.”
“How do you know I’m not a rising star of the art world?”
Kendra studied Eve’s hands for a moment longer with an intensity that was vaguely unsettling to Eve. She was a private person, and she didn’t like feeling this transparent t
o another individual. What else was this woman going to find out about her? Yet she couldn’t deny that the revelations were totally fascinating. And so was Kendra Michaels.
“At first glance, I considered the possibility,” Kendra said. “But I rejected it when I saw that you almost exclusively use flesh-colored clay. That fact tilts the scales quite a bit. But I also noticed the tiny callused nubs, on each hand near the tips of your thumb and forefinger. Too small for pen, stylus, or almost any other tool. But just the right size and placement for those spherical-headed spacer pins you’d use in facial reconstruction. I once worked a case with a forensic sculptor here in San Diego whose hands looked very similar, Patrick Chicoin.”
“I’ve met him,” Eve said. “He’s very good.”
“So I’ve been told.” Kendra dropped Eve’s hands and her gaze slid away from her. “That’s all. We’re done.”
Eve stiffened. “No, we’re not. There’s something else besides calluses and clay stains, isn’t there?”
Kendra raised her gaze to Eve’s face. “Yes, sometimes you have to go beyond the purely physical evidence. There’s a darkness inside you that’s visible for anyone to see. It all fits together.” She shrugged. “I didn’t expect you to be perceptive enough to catch that particular nuance. No offense. You asked.”
“Yes, I did.” Eve smiled with an effort. “And I beg to differ. I don’t believe I’m that transparent to everyone. You’re fairly incredible.” She turned to Joe. “You were right.”
“Of course I was.”
“My student will be here any minute,” Kendra said. “I’ve wasted enough time. Will you just leave me to my work?”
Eve turned back to Kendra. “Okay, we’re going. But there’s no way I’ll leave you alone now. You’re amazing, and you can be useful.”
“If I change my mind—and I don’t think I will—I know where to find you.”
“Yes, you do,” Joe said. “How did you know about the Docket Cove Hotel? I stayed there last night, but I know I didn’t tell you.”
Kendra walked across her studio and opened the door for them. “It’s the only hotel in the area that insists on giving their guests those long brass door keys. Some of my clients have stayed there. I’m sure the hotel thinks those keys are more charming than plastic keycards, but they’re much less secure.” She pointed to Joe’s pants pocket. “The key is clipped on your rental-car key ring, which I saw you put away as you walked in here.”