“I could see you were near the breaking point. I was tired of pretending that I didn’t know that no matter what I did, you would kill me anyway. You will, won’t you?”
He nodded slowly. “I’m afraid I can’t do anything else.”
“Then why should I complete that reconstruction?”
“Jane MacGuire?”
“That dog won’t hunt. I have to rely on Joe to make sure that Jane is safe. I told him to care for her. I’d trust Joe against your Blick any day.”
“Then to buy time on the chance that someone will come to save you?” His gaze was narrowed on her face. “I hate to rely on that reason. I’ve noticed you don’t have a healthy fear of death. But you do care about Joe Quinn and Jane MacGuire and their love for you. You wouldn’t want them to suffer when they found you dead.” He tilted his head consideringly. “Perhaps in the same state I found Kevin, with your skull detached and burned beyond recognition.”
“No, I wouldn’t want them to find me like that.” It would be a memory neither of them would be able to forget for the rest of their lives.
“I didn’t think you would.” He made a mocking gesture toward Kevin’s reconstruction. “Then by all means continue. He’s waiting.”
Yes, Kevin was waiting.
Eve could feel that silent waiting like the pull of a whirlpool drawing her toward him.
“Do it. I promise that they won’t find you as I did Kevin.” He coaxed softly. “Believe me.”
She didn’t believe him. He would do whatever he chose to punish everyone connected with Kevin’s death no matter how distant.
But, as he said, it would buy time. She wasn’t about to let either Doane or Kevin beat her. She was going to live.
“You’re damn right that’s not going to happen.” She got to her feet and moved across the room. “I’ll finish your damn reconstruction. I admit, I’m curious about Kevin. I’ve never re-created the face of a monster. I want to see if I can do it.”
She slowly settled herself on her stool in front of the skull.
Here we are, together again, Kevin.
But now we’re more on even footing. I know what a cowardly beast you are. I know how you used people, even that slimeball of a father. And you’re so dark and full of fury that you won’t let go even now. I didn’t realize that evil lasted beyond the grave. I hoped with all my heart that it ended when life did.
Though Bonnie had tried to tell her.
Bonnie. Her memory was like a cool mountain breeze, lifting the oppression and darkness.
Fury. Darkness. Nausea.
She gasped, and a shudder went through her. It felt as if she’d been grabbed and squeezed, her lungs compressed until she couldn’t breathe.
So you don’t like me to think about Bonnie, you son of a bitch. Why? Because she gives me strength?
She had a sudden chilling thought. Or is it because our bond gives Bonnie strength?
He likes little girls. Isn’t it nice that he still has one available?
Rage tore through her, burning away all weakness.
No way. You’re nothing, you won’t get near her. Crawl back in your cave, you slug.
“You’ve been naughty,” Doane said maliciously from his chair. “Kevin punished you, didn’t he? He didn’t like it when you tried to hurt me. He’s very protective. Though I’m sure he approves of your knowing how awesome he can be.”
“Protective? You poor fool, the only reason he ever tried to protect you was so that he’d have someone to do his bidding. And if that black heart of his has somehow managed to escape hell, you’re still only a means to an end to him.”
“You lie.” His cheeks flushed. “You’ll see that he cares about me.”
“How? You mean if I live long enough.”
“You’ll live long enough. Kevin would like you to see his enemies destroyed.” He leaned back in his chair. “Work. You’re wasting time.”
That hadn’t been her intention. She’d just been delaying touching the clay until she braced herself. She reached out, and her hands started moving, molding the clay.
Tingling. Shortness of breath. Nausea.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to go on.
Evidently, Kevin didn’t care how difficult he made it for her. Maybe it was only his father who wanted Kevin’s image re-created. It was a good thing that she’d already decided that this couldn’t go on much longer. She had to escape quickly no matter what the risk. The situation was too volatile. It was dangerous not only for her but all the people she loved. Jane, Joe … and Bonnie. Perhaps Bonnie most of all. Could an eternal soul be lost or destroyed?