Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan #23)(57)
“And he did get rid of him and died less than a month later.”
“Evidently, Norwalk didn’t forget him,” Joe said grimly. “He was pissed off, and he had to get rid of evidence. So Phillips had to be eliminated.”
“Connecticut or New York,” Eve murmured. “If his brother was killed in one of those places, why did he feel he had to whisk the remains that far away? Why not pick somewhere closer?”
“Interesting question,” he said. “But first I have to check and see where and when that particular refrigerated coffin was sold. There was a serial number in the funeral-home inventory files that was entered when the coffin arrived. That was separate from the files that Norwalk stole after Phillips was killed.” He got to his feet. “I’m going down to the precinct and see what I can access on the computers. I’ll pick up Michael on the way home.”
“I didn’t want him to leave this morning. You’re sure he’s safe?”
“I arranged for a squad car outside the school totally assigned to Michael. That squad car will be with him every minute unless he’s home with us. And I spoke to the principal and told them that only you or I can pick him up.” He met her eyes. “And I had a talk with Michael on the way to school. I told him bad things were happening, and they mustn’t happen to him or you would be unhappy. I told him it wasn’t the time to try anything new or different, and he had to be careful. He understood.”
Eve was sure he did, but it still made her angry. “He shouldn’t have to understand. What if he’s afraid?”
“He wasn’t afraid, Eve.”
“Well, I am.”
“I could go get him. He just wanted to be at soccer practice today. Their first game is on Saturday. He’s really excited about it.”
And Norwalk was trying to ruin that for her son, too. He would love it that she was so terrorized that she was taking away one of the pleasures of Michael’s childhood. “Just make certain that those men in the squad car know that I’ll murder them if Michael gets so much as a skinned knee while they’re watching him.”
“I’ll pass that along.” He got to his feet. “But it wouldn’t hurt that you keep Cara at home. Norwalk seems very adept at sleight of hand. Making us think he’s going for one target when he means to hit another. Cara could be the immediate target.” He added tightly, “Or you, Eve.”
“I believe I’ll be last on his list. He wants to make me hurt first.”
“I don’t care what you believe,” he said roughly. “The son of a bitch could change at a moment’s notice.”
“Not the venom. He wants me to feel it.” She held up her hand. “I’ll see that Cara stays here. It would be easier if Jock hadn’t gone to see Kaskov. Have you heard from him?”
He shook his head. “But I’m sure I will after I text him this info about the refrigerated coffin. He’s probably busy intimidating Kaskov and company.” He headed for the door. “I’ll call you when I know something.”
She watched the door close behind him.
Dammit, she wanted to be going with him.
She felt helpless and on edge, and the last thing she wanted was to stay here with doors locked against that bastard. She went over to the worktable and took out the FedEx box she used for transport. She could at least pack up Sylvie and get her ready to send back to Forensics.
“Is she on her way?” It was Darcy standing in the hall, her gaze on Sylvie. “I knew you’d have to do it, but I’ll miss her.”
“Too much?” Eve frowned. “I thought from what you said last night that maybe the skull wasn’t as important to—”
“It’s not,” Darcy said quickly. “And I don’t think I need a crutch any longer. Maybe I never did. Do you want me to help you package her?”
She shook her head. “I’m accustomed to doing it. You know that you can request she be returned to you when Forensics finishes all their paperwork? It’s mostly red tape anyway.” She added, “And if you want me to wait, I’ll do it. Say the word.”
She shook her head. “I won’t say that word. I’ll think about the request. Right now, I don’t believe I’ll want to be thinking about that wonderful job you did on Sylvie. I need to focus on something else.”
Eve grimaced. “Then focus on keeping Cara in the house or very close to the property. I promised Joe I’d keep her safe. He’s worried about sleight of hand.”
“Is he?” She smiled bitterly. “Oh, yes, like the time Norwalk confused you all by dangling the possibility that he was going after my totally unimportant self? I can see why Joe might be worried about his doing that again. Don’t worry, Eve. I’ll keep Cara busy here at the cottage.” She turned back toward the bedrooms. “And the first thing I’ll do is remind her that with all the turmoil yesterday, she didn’t get in her practice so she needs to do double today. We’ll go from there.”
“Master stroke,” Eve said. “Very good.”
“You just have to find out what’s important to someone and offer it to them.” She paused. “Or threaten to take it away, depending on the circumstances. You could do the first, I don’t think you’d be comfortable with the second. But with Cara, that wouldn’t be necessary.”