Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(112)

He nodded. “It is sad for me.” He laid his head on her shoulder. “But it will be more sad for everyone else. I’d remind them, wouldn’t I, Mama?”

The only survivor from that terrible tragedy? “Yes, I’m sorry, but that’s true.”

“And families need to remember them all alive and happy. It’s going to be hard for them to go on if they don’t. It’s like what you do with the skulls. They have to believe they’ve come home to them.”

“I guess it’s something like that,” she said huskily. “So is it okay with you if we sign you up in another school?”

He nodded. “But maybe not right away? Is it all right if we go to London to see Jane? I haven’t seen her for a few months, and you said she was busy with her paintings. Maybe I could even go to school there for a little while.”

She looked at him in surprise. “I guess we could. If that’s what you want.”

“That’s what I want. Then we’ll find a great new school here. Maybe I’ll even play soccer again.”

And maybe he wouldn’t. But he’d slip seamlessly into the new regime after giving everyone a chance to forget who he was and start their healing. Her arm tightened around his shoulders. “I think that’s a very good idea. Anything else on your wish list?”

“Just one.” He was silent for a moment. “Remember that last day when Gary came running up and said he wanted to see your face because he’d been told it would make him feel better to know who you were.”

She nodded. “And your dad and I thought it was you who had talked to him.”

He shook his head. “Not me. But I was wondering … Would there have been a reason for Gary’s mom to want you to … help her with him?”

She remembered Gary’s terribly damaged face, which she’d looked at when she’d been searching for Michael. “It’s possible.”

He looked soberly up at her. “Then will you call her right away and ask if you can help? I think maybe that would make Gary and his dad feel better if his mom was happier.”

“I’ll offer,” she said gently. “Almost a week has passed. It may be too late.”

“I don’t think it is. Maybe when real bad things happen, we sometimes get a break.” He leaned back against her, his eyes on Cara. “She’s switched to the Tchaikovsky. I like that better. She says it soars, Mama. What do you think?”

“I think she’s right,” she said unsteadily as she pressed her lips to the top of his head. “I believe there’s definitely some soaring going on, Michael.”





BELLE GRACE


Kaskov was back.

Darcy drew a deep breath as she saw the huge white speedboat pulling up at the dock. It was almost nine at night, and she’d thought he’d be here earlier. But what did she know about what Kaskov did or didn’t do? He was careful to make certain that no one really knew him and made it clear he didn’t appreciate her attempts in that direction. And that was fine with her. Their encounters had been filled with tension, and even danger, and she wanted no more of it. She wanted peace and good times and to be totally in control of her life.

Well, she was almost through with dealing with him, and she wouldn’t have to think about it for much longer. Or would she? Cara’s connection to him would almost assure that she would also have some kind of connection. Because she would never give up her friendship with Cara. But that would be okay, she assured herself. Darcy would see that Kaskov would be a very distant connection.

Worry about it later. Right now, she had to finish what she had on her list and move on. She tidied her hair and swept majestically down the grand staircase. She would miss the feeling of cloning Scarlett O’Hara after she left this—

“Much better,” Kaskov said dryly from the foyer, looking up at her. “I like Eve’s look, but I much prefer you as a blonde.” He looked at her peacock-colored maxi skirt and purple halter top. “Is this all for me? I think I told you I was content with the arrangement I have.”

“Don’t be silly. We both know you’d never seduce any of Cara’s friends. Besides, you find me a little disruptive,” she said as she reached the foyer. “I just wanted to leave a lasting memory on this old house.” She grimaced. “And after trekking in that stinking swamp, I needed to remind myself who I am.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about lasting memories,” he said dryly. “Though I wasn’t sure you’d still be here. Eve said you wanted to stop here and clean up, but I thought you might want to leave before I got back.”

She shook her head. “I had a couple things to finish up with you before I left.” She smiled. “But I’ll get out of your hair as soon as I take care of them.” She swept past him into the parlor. “It may be my last chance since you’ll probably have all your defenses up the next time we get together.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“See. It’s starting already.” She turned to face him. “First, you have to do something about Norwalk.”

His brows rose. “I believe something quite permanent has already been done about Norwalk.”

“And that’s fine. I wish it had been me, but Eve says that maybe it was, and I have to accept that she might—” She broke off. “That’s not what I meant. It was too permanent, too efficient. You have to fix it.”