Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(92)

“You weren’t even supposed to go after him until this morning. I suppose you got bored and ignored everything we asked?”

“Not exactly bored. That’s not the word I’d use,” he said curtly. “Do you want him at Belle Grace or back at his place.”

“His place. We may want to use his boat if we get the information we need.”

“We’ll get it. I’ll meet you at Ladeau’s.” He cut the connection.





BELLE GRACE


“Did Eve talk to you before she ran out the door?” Darcy asked Cara. “I was on my way down to breakfast when she told me that they were headed out toward that Ladeau’s place again.” She made a face. “I was not invited along, but I thought you might be.”

Cara shook her head as she went to the buffet. “She woke me to give me a kiss, tell me that there might be a breakthrough, and she’d call me later. Then she was gone.” She took eggs and bacon that she didn’t want, and a cup of coffee that she definitely needed. “But any breakthrough is good news. I just hope she calls soon.” She sat down at the table and took a small bite of egg. “And who can blame her for leaving us behind? She’s frantic about Michael, and she’s only accepting Joe and Jock on the front lines. It’s not what I’d like, but I’m not about to give her a hard time.” She made a face. “I think she’s forgotten that I’ve been with Michael since the day that he was born, and I’m also hurting. And that’s okay, she’ll get any support she needs from me.”

“Hey, I’m grateful just to be here,” Darcy said. “As far as I’m concerned, this is the front lines. It’s up to me to get anywhere beyond it.” She smiled. “But I’m working on it.”

“I’m sure you are.” Cara took a drink of her coffee. Cajun strong brew, as usual, but today she needed it. She hadn’t got to sleep for hours after she’d returned from the summerhouse. Not that those hours had been of any benefit. She had been so disturbed and bewildered that she had not been able to think, only feel. And those feelings had caused a whirlwind of emotion. “And at least you were able to help Jock yesterday.” She took another sip of coffee. “And that’s helping Michael. I told you that I envied you.”

“Jock…”

Cara held up her hand. “Drop it. I’m not talking about Jock right now.” She finished her coffee. “We’re here for Michael and for Eve.” She pushed back her chair. “And now I think I’ll try to keep myself busy by practicing until I hear from Eve.”

Darcy gave a low whistle. “Have I missed something? Oh well, I’ll catch up later. You’re obviously a little too on edge for me to go into it now.”

“Excellent decision.” Cara smiled. “Sorry, Darcy, I didn’t mean to be sharp with you.”

“You wouldn’t know how to be sharp. I’ll have to give you lessons.”

“You could be mistaken. I’ve seen signs that I might have potential.” She headed for the music room. “I guess I’m just tired, and want all of this to be over. I thought that caffeine would do its job, but maybe it’s going to take more than that. I’ll let you know when I hear from Eve.”





CHAPTER

16



Eve and Joe were almost to Ladeau’s dock when Eve got the call.

She tensed.

No ID.

Norwalk?

She drew a deep breath. “Hello. Norwalk?”

“I’m so glad that you decided to accept my invitation, Eve,” Norwalk said. “I hope that Kaskov has been making you welcome. I thought that you’d go running in his direction. In fact, I planned on it.”

“Did you? You could have been wrong. There was a good chance I would have distanced myself from him.”

“But I wasn’t wrong.” His voice lowered silkily. “Because I know you, Eve. I may know you better than anyone you’ve ever met. I had months to study you and the people around you, and how you’d react to every situation.”

“Then you know the only thing important to me is to get my son back.” She paused. “Is he still alive?”

“Yes. He’s a little worse for wear because he’s managing to rub me the wrong way. But I’ll get through to him before I send him to join his friends.”

“What can I do to get you to send him back to me?”

“Well, I was thinking I might return him to you in another gold box as I did Sylvie, but I really don’t have time for that kind of elaborate send-off. So I’m content to let you come and see him die. I understand you and your loyal pack have been running around New Orleans trying to find me. I expected that, and it doesn’t worry me. I was very careful. It will all be resolved before you get near me.”

“You said that it’s me that you want. Release Michael, and I’ll come anywhere you say.”

“But that’s not the way I planned it, Eve. I want your son to have the comfort of his mother’s arms before he dies. And perhaps to see the expression on the little bastard’s face when I kill you. It’s such a hard decision who to kill first. I never thought I’d have that conflict until I spent time with your Michael.” He paused. “But I may be able to make a compromise since I’ve arranged for him to have someone else here to comfort him. I’ll have to consider it.”