“Take my seat, Luke.” Kelly unbuckled her seat belt and jumped out of the helicopter. “I’ve decided not to go.”
Catherine pulled her gaze away from Luke. “Of course you’re going. There’s another seat in back for him.”
“No, I’ve decided I want to stay with Eve for a while.” She smiled. “I’ll see you when you get back to Atlanta. Good-bye, Catherine.” She turned to Luke. “Get going, Luke. You’re keeping everyone waiting.”
“You’re the one who can’t make up your mind.” He jumped on board, and Catherine helped him fasten his belt. His gaze was suddenly searching Kelly’s face. “Or can you?” He was still staring at her intently as the helicopter lifted off the ground.
Kelly waved and stepped back. Her smile faded as the aircraft disappeared over the trees.
“You want to go,” Eve said. “Anyone could see it. Why didn’t you, Kelly?”
“Do you mind me staying with you?”
“Of course not.” She repeated, “Why, Kelly?”
“It’s not my time,” she said simply. “It belongs to Catherine and Luke. I’d get in the way.”
“Catherine would never say that. She cares about you.”
“No, she’d never say it. But I’d interfere with their pattern. Right now, it could go either way. I want to give Catherine the chance to concentrate on Luke so that it will go her way.” She smiled at Joe. “Eve told me once that you taught her karate so that she could take care of herself. I think that would be a very useful thing to study while we’re waiting for Catherine to come back. Would you teach me, Joe?”
Joe’s brows rose. “Karate? It’s certainly different from your usual academic pursuits.”
“I want it to be different. Oh, I’m smart enough, but it didn’t help me when I was with Daddy in that camp. Maybe if I’d known more about defending myself, the pattern wouldn’t have gone in that direction. I don’t want to ever feel that helpless again. Will you help me?”
“I imagine I could teach you a few moves.” He smiled. “There are patterns to karate, too. Some of them can be very intricate.”
Kelly took Eve’s hand and looked back in the direction where the helicopter had disappeared. “Yes, some patterns can be terribly complicated. You just have to try your best and hope.”
Eve’s grasp tightened on Kelly’s. She said gently, “And have a few good friends to help you work through them. Let’s go home, Kelly.”
“It’s your home, Eve,” Kelly said. “I’m like Luke. I don’t really have a home.”
“Yet,” Eve said. “It will come, Kelly.” She led her toward the house. “You just have to find your way there….”
Epilogue
Lake Cottage
Atlanta, Georgia
Three Weeks Later
“Catherine’s coming. She’s at the airport and should be here in about twenty minutes.” Eve hung up the phone and turned to Joe. “It’s about time. Kelly is getting restless.”
“She’s been content enough here,” Joe said. “And we’ve been keeping her busy.”
“Venable’s been keeping her busy,” Eve corrected. “Trying to work out a pattern to track Ali Dabala and his group down.” She went to the window and gazed down at Kelly, strolling by the lake. “But she’s only been marking time waiting for Catherine.”
“Is Catherine bringing Luke?”
Eve nodded. “Though she said she’d been trying to give him space for the last couple weeks. They only stayed in Hong Kong for five days. Luke found it interesting, but she thought it was too frenetic an adjustment for him. She rented a place outside Louisville, Kentucky, with a library that would rival the one at Biltmore House. He dove in and hadn’t surfaced except for meals until she told him that she wanted him to come here.”
“And how is his adjustment?”
“Slow. She’s taking baby steps, letting him call the shots.” She paused. “She gave him a book on psychology and psychiatric sessions. She asked him if he’d like to talk to someone. He looked at her as if she were crazy.”
Joe made a face. “You can’t blame him. I’d probably react the same way.”
“But you don’t have nine years of emotional and physical mistreatment to handle. He needs to talk it out to someone.”
“And he won’t talk to Catherine?”
“She won’t push him. She said that he could have a deep-seated resentment for all she knows. He’s begun to talk to her about things that are happening here and now. That’s enough for her.” She added, “I noticed that he appears only to live in the present. It may be a long time before he does anything else.”
“Living in the present isn’t all that bad,” Joe said quietly as he moved to stand behind her at the window.
He meant that she found it impossible not to live in a past that contained the taking of her Bonnie. He had always told her it might destroy her, and maybe he was right. What she feared most was that it would destroy him.
She turned and buried her face in his shoulder. “No, it could be pretty wonderful.”
His arms went around her. “You’re tense as a board,” he said roughly. “I should have kept my mouth shut. Sometimes things just come out.”
“Because they’re always with you.”
“It will end. It has to end.”
When she brought her Bonnie home. When she found Bonnie’s killer. Right now, that seemed a distant dream.
It would change when she got back on the hunt. Then there was hope. Then there was purpose.
And then there was the chance of losing Joe because of that eternal obsession.
She kissed him. “It will end, Joe.” Her arms tightened around him. “I love you,” she whispered.
“Do you want me to tell you I love you, too?” He kissed her back, hard, with a passion that took her breath away. “That’s never going to go away. Not until the day I die. And maybe afterward. That’s not the issue.” He let her go and turned to the door. “I think I’ll go down to the lake and tell Kelly Catherine is coming. Maybe well have a barbecue this evening.”
He was gone.
She stood watching as he ran down the porch steps to where Kelly was standing. So strong, so confident…Dammit, so good. He deserved more than she was giving, more than she asked of him. That bittersweet moment had come out of nowhere, and its thorns were still tearing at her.
She should be used to those moments now. They came less often now, but they were still there waiting to emerge from the shadows.
So many shadows…
But she didn’t want to think of shadows today. The sun was shining brightly, and even now Catherine was driving up the road toward the cottage.
Eve opened the door and went out onto the porch.
Catherine looked wonderful, she thought, as the woman got out of the car. Sleek and gorgeous, and that terrible tension was gone from her demeanor. She turned to Luke and smiled and said something. So much love, it glowed from her expression.
And Luke smiled back! Just a little smile, but it was definitely a smile.
Eve wanted to cheer.
“I told him that he had to put away his book, or you’d throw him in the lake, Joe,” Catherine said, as she came toward Kelly and Joe. “And he told me that was okay, he liked the water.”
“I was just in a good part.” But Luke stuffed the paperback into the back pocket of his jeans. “Hello, Kelly. Mr. Quinn.”
“Joe,” Joe said. “And if you really want a swim, there are some trunks that might fit you at the cottage. Though I agree skinny-dipping is more fun. You’re looking better than the last time I saw you.”
He did look better, Eve thought. He had put on weight, and his jeans and shirt fit smoothly over that thin, wiry frame. He still appeared alert and guarded, but perhaps that wariness had lessened a little?
Luke was ignoring that last comment. “I’d like to go swimming.”
“Go and see Eve first, Luke,” Kelly said. “Stop thinking about yourself. You’re her guest. Do it.”
/> Eve smothered a laugh. Kelly was starting with him as she had left off. Blunt, honest, no holds barred.
“Don’t tell me what to do.” He looked up at Eve, standing on the porch. “I wanted to see her.”
“I’m flattered.” She was still chuckling as she watched Kelly and Luke walk up the stairs. “Since you didn’t bother to say good-bye.”
“I didn’t think I needed to do it. That didn’t change anything.” He was standing before her. “Sometimes I don’t know things. Catherine is trying to teach me, and I learn a lot from the books, but I make mistakes.” He stared her in the eye, and said gravely, “Hello, Eve, I’m glad to see you.”
“Stiff as a board,” Kelly said.
“Sincere,” Eve said. “Leave him alone, Kelly.” To Luke, she said, “I’m very happy to see you, too. Now go down the hall to the linen closet in the bathroom and see if you can find a swimsuit that will fit you.” He started to go into the house, then stopped as he saw Kelly’s computer and notebook lying on the porch swing. He went over to the swing and looked down at the note pad. “Patterns? Catherine told me about what you do. It’s interesting.”
“Like a book?” Kelly smiled. “But it applies to everyday life, too. It’s real, Luke.”
“Is it?”
“Yes, everything that happens to us causes a pattern to form, turns us into what we’re going to be, what we’re going to do.”
He continued to look down at the notebook. “You’re saying that what happened to me with Rakovac could cause me to keep doing what he—” He violently shook his head. “No, I hate him. That would mean he’s still here. He’s gone. You’re crazy. I won’t believe you.”
“He’s still in your mind,” Kelly said. “Believe what you please. He’s part of your pattern.”
“Kelly,” Eve said warningly.
“They don’t want me to disturb you,” Kelly said. “Eve and Catherine want you treated with kid gloves. You don’t want that, do you, Luke? And I don’t want that for Catherine. I can’t stand the thought of her having to tiptoe around you.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying if you want to get rid of Rakovac and all that baggage forever, you have to trace the pattern from the beginning. From the time you were taken from Catherine. You have to do what I do, look at what happened, then see where it takes you next.” She held his gaze. “I’ll help you chart it, Luke. I’m really good at patterns.”
He stared at her for a moment, then whirled and went into the house.
Eve shook her head. “Why, Kelly?”
“Because it’s my time now.” She shifted her glance from the door to Eve’s face. “Because I like Luke and I love Catherine and I can help them mend. I told you once that I was trying to find a reason, something worthwhile, in this so-called wonderful gift I have.”
“You found Luke. What’s more valuable than that?”
“Maybe to help them find each other?” Kelly shrugged. “I don’t know. I can look at all Luke’s scars without it hurting me too much. Catherine couldn’t do that. I can be the buffer. When you chart a pattern, you have to delve deep, learn everything about what’s causing it. Sound familiar? Sort of like what goes on when you go to a psychiatrist for therapy? Only I’m no psychiatrist, I can only help Luke help himself. It may be enough. It could be that’s the reason Catherine and I came together in the beginning. I just think it’s my time, and this is what I should do.”
Eve reached out and gently touched the curve of Kelly’s cheek. “It’s part of your pattern?”
“Yes.” She smiled unsteadily. “And you’ve been a big part of it, too. I…care about you, Eve. I hope I haven’t been in the way too much.”
“Listen,” Eve said. “You’ve never been in the way. You enriched us.” She kissed her on the cheek. “And your damn pattern had better be intertwining with ours from now on.” She took her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. “Come on. We need to go see Catherine. You’ve spent enough time harassing her son.”
“He’d better get used to it. He gets enough tender loving care from the rest of you. He doesn’t really understand it. Having to argue and fight with me will be good for him.” She followed Eve down the steps. “I guarantee it.”
“He’s been very quiet, Eve.” Catherine’s gaze was on Luke, who had just finishing eating his barbecued steak and was sitting beneath a tree beside the lake. Joe motioned to him from the barbecue pit, and Luke jumped up and went to help. “He hasn’t spoken to Kelly all afternoon.”
“Are you blaming Kelly?”
“For Pete’s sake, no. Kelly did what she thought was right. And I am overprotective. I can’t bear the thought of losing Luke again.” She made a face. “And you can’t even call Kelly’s attitude tough love. She’s just doing what Kelly does.”
“You’re still going to take her with you?”
Catherine gazed at her in astonishment. “Of course I am. I meant what I said to her. Do you think because she and Luke are having differences that I’d change my mind? I love them both. They can work it out for themselves. She told you that she’d be the buffer, but that may end up being my job.” She looked out at the lake, now bathed in a golden twilight sheen. “It’s getting dark. Kelly!” she called to the girl who was sitting at a picnic table a few yards from the barbecue pit. As usual, Kelly was working on her computer, with notebooks scattered around her. “How can you see? Come up here where you can turn on the lights.”
“Just a minute,” Kelly called, her eyes on the computer screen. “I think I’ve found—”
“Eve wants you to come.” Luke was suddenly beside Kelly. “You’re her guest. Do it.”
Eve stiffened. Almost the exact words Kelly had spoken to Luke. What was happening?
Kelly looked at Luke. “You’re right.” She closed down her computer. “I’m coming, Eve.” She started to gather her notebooks.
“I’ll help you.” Luke was stacking the notebooks in a neat pile. He picked them up and started for the porch.
“Wait for me.” Kelly grabbed the computer and ran to keep up with him. “What is this?”
“I’m interested.” He looked straight ahead. “Venable thinks this pattern stuff can help catch Rakovac’s partner? I want to see how you do it. I’ll watch you while you’re working.”
“I don’t like to be watched.”
“I’ll watch you.” He paused as they reached the porch. “You said you had to start at the beginning with me. Is that what you’re doing with Dabala?”
“Yes.” She added quietly, “Watch me. You’ll see. That’s the way it has to be. The beginning, Luke.”
For an instant, pain flickered over his face. Then it was gone. “I’ll watch you. I may…As I said, it will be…interesting.”
They disappeared into the house.
“Bless Kelly,” Catherine said huskily. “I think she’s going to pull it off. I can’t tell you how desperately I wanted to clean all that poison stored up inside out of him.” She reached up and wiped her eyes. “Another victory, Eve. It may take a long time, but we’re going to bring him back to the boy he was.”
“He’s already on his way.” Eve leaned back in the swing. “I’m so glad you brought him so that I could see for myself. How long are you going to stay with us?”
“We’re leaving tonight.” She glanced at the door through which Kelly and Luke had disappeared. “Probably late tonight now. I want Kelly to have her chance at luring Luke into her web.”
“She’ll do it. The process is fascinating, and she knows exactly what she’s doing,” Eve said. “But why not leave in the morning?”
“We’ll discuss it later.” She got to her feet and went to the porch rail. “We’ve done nothing but talk about Luke and Kelly and all my problems. I don’t want to inconvenience you any more than I have to. You’ve done enough for me, Eve.” She paused, her gaze on Joe, standing below them at the barbecue pit. “Let’s talk about you and Joe. Is everything all right between you?”
&n
bsp; “Why do you ask?”
“I just thought I caught some vibes from him today.” Her gaze was still on Joe. “You’re very lucky, you know. He’s pretty fantastic.”
“Yes, he is.” She added, “And I know you think he’s special. You’ve told me.”
“Yes, I’ve always been honest with you. I always will be.” She turned to face her. “I’m no threat to you, Eve.”
“You could be, if you wanted to be. You’re an incredibly magnetic woman, Catherine.” She gazed steadily at her. “But in the end, the threat would come only from Joe. He’s the only one who can hurt me.”
“I’d never hurt you.” Catherine’s voice was passionate. “I’ve never had a friend like you before. At first, I was only concerned about what you could do for me, but that changed. You changed my life. I felt…close to you.”
“And I feel close to you.” Eve smiled. “So stop agonizing about it, Catherine.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
Eve’s smile faded. “Are we still talking about Joe?”
“No. Yes. I guess in a way we are.”
“Speak up. It’s not like you to be inarticulate.”
Catherine turned back to look down at Joe. “Did you finish the reconstruction on Cindy?”
“Of course, she was done a week after I came home. It wasn’t that difficult.” She smiled. “Not after I had a little help from my friends doing the initial prep work.”
“Was she a pretty little girl?”
“Yes.”
“Like your Bonnie?”
A tiny disturbance rippled through Eve. “She didn’t look at all like Bonnie. Why are we talking about Bonnie, Catherine?”
“Because I think Joe is jealous of your obsession with Bonnie. Not of your daughter. Just of your feelings for her. He’d have to be a saint not to feel a little put in the shade by the way you feel. Isn’t that true?”
She didn’t speak for a moment. “Yes. But friend or not, I don’t want to discuss this with you, Catherine.”
“I have to discuss it with you. Do you think I want to do it? I was even thinking of walking away and forgetting about it. But I can’t do that, Eve.”