Survivor In Death (In Death #20)(52)

“If you need to talk about this further--”

“I'll let you know.” She closed the door on it. “This way. We keep her on monitor. Got a homer on her.”

“No precaution is overdone, in my opinion.”

“On authority figures, I talked with her legal guardians. Linnie Dyson's parents. They're still pretty torn up. I thought if you talked to them it might come easier than having a cop on their doorstep again.”

“I'll do what I can. It would be good for Nixie, certainly, to see them, to talk to them. And it would help them as well.”

Eve paused. She could hear the beeps and bells of machines. They'd left the door to the game room open. “Listen, before you go in. Grabbing up Newman like that. It was ass covering, and a logical step. But it was strutting, too. Daylight, in front of witnesses. Pulling off something that risky, it's going to juice you up. Coolheaded, cold-blooded, organized planners, sure, but you're going to feel the juice.”

“Those who, even routinely, perform in risky professions or situations get the adrenaline kick. It's part of the reason they do what they do.”

“And the more they get out of Newman, the bigger the rush.”

“Yes.”

Eve let out a deep sigh. “She's dead, isn't she? As soon as they determine they've gotten all the information out of her, there's no reason to keep her alive.”

“Unfortunately, I agree. You couldn't have saved her.”

“I could've thought ahead. I could've ordered this protection lockdown sooner on all connected parties. But I didn't.” Restless, she moved her shoulders. “Hindsight doesn't change anything, so I'll think ahead now.”

She gestured toward the room. “They're in there. You can tell by the insanity of noise.”

“You should come in with me. She needs to see you routinely,” Mira continued when Eve instinctively stepped back. “To remember me in connection to you, so that she's comfortable with me. Once she's seen you, you can go.”

“All right. Jeez.”

Nixie was standing on a stool and pushing the buttons for the flippers on a pinball machine. The one, Eve noted, with cops and robbers--Roarke's particular favorite.

Trueheart was cheering her on, and looked about two years older than his charge.

“You got it now, you got it! Blast 'em good, Nix. In pursuit, armed suspects! You rock.”

The tiniest smile tugged at her cheeks, but her eyes were focused, her brow knitted in fierce concentration.

Eve smelled popcorn, and saw a bowl of it on one of the tables. The wall screen was on, volume up to scream, with one of Mavis's videos blaring. Mavis Freestone herself, in little more than a sparkle of paint, cavorted on that screen with what looked to be a number of mostly naked pirates. Black patches weren't just worn over the eye in Mavis's world, Eve observed.

She recognized the song--so to speak. Something about having your heart sunk and your love shipwrecked.

“I'm not sure that video, however entertaining, is appropriate for a girl Nixie's age.”

“Huh?” Eve looked back at Mira. “Oh, well, shit. Am I supposed to turn it off?”

“Never mind.” Mira patted Eve's hand, and waited until Nixie lost the ball.

“I still didn't get high score.”

“Beat the pants off of me,” Trueheart reminded her.

“But I can't beat Roarke. Maybe he cheats.”

“Wouldn't put it past him,” Eve said. “But I've watched him on that thing. You just can't beat him.”

She'd hoped the casual, somewhat cheerful tone would keep Nixie in the game mood. But as soon as the kid stepped down from the stool, she stared at Eve, the question in her gaze clear.

“No.” Eve spoke tersely now. “Not yet. When I get them, you'll be the first to know.”

“Hello, Nixie.” Mira stepped up to the machine. “You may not have gotten high score, but that looks very impressive to me.”

“It's not good enough.”

“When it's the best you can do, it's good enough. But maybe Roarke will play it with you sometime. Maybe he'll show you some of his tricks.”

A spark of interest lit her face. “Do you think?”

“You can ask him and see. Hello, Officer Trueheart.”

“Dr. Mira. Nice to see you.”

“Do you know all the police?” Nixie wanted to know.

“No, not all. But quite a few. I'd like to talk to you again, Nixie, but first I wonder if you could show me how to play that machine. It looks like fun.”

“I guess. If you want.”

“I do. I'll need to turn off the screen first.”

“But it's Mavis. She's the ult.”

“Oh, I think so, too.” Mira smiled at the cool suspicion in Nixie's eyes. “I have quite a few of her discs myself. Did you know Lieutenant Dallas and Mavis are friends? Very good friends.”

“Get back!” Then she bit her lip. “Excuse me, I'm not supposed to sass adults.”

“That's all right. You were just surprised. Eve?”

“Huh?” She'd been wondering why seeing a mostly naked Mavis, and company, on-screen was inappropriate for a kid who'd seen murder up close and personal. “Oh, yeah. Yeah, Mavis and I are pals.”