Echoes in Death (In Death #44)(31)

“He wore a condom, and makeup,” Eve said, keeping her tone even. “He used a novelty light that flashed the colors. All of it to confuse you, frighten you, and to set a kind of stage for himself.”

Doubt, fear, hope, all ran across Daphne’s face. “You’re sure? You’re positive.”

“I am.”

“You caught him?”

“Not yet, but I have some lines, some leads, and finding him is my focus. It’s my top priority.”

“Dr. Nobel says you’re the best. That they wrote a book about you, made a vid.”

Eve sent Del a sidelong look, got an easy shrug. “I wanted Daphne to know there’s no way this bastard’s getting through you, and me, the cop on the door, the kick-ass nurses on the floor. No way he can get to her.”

“You got that right.”

“He pretended to be the devil,” Daphne said, as if to herself. “But he … Do I have to go back to the house? When I have to leave here, do I have to go back there?”

“No,” Del began, but Eve touched a hand to his shoulder as she kept her eyes on Daphne’s.

“Actually, it would help if, when you’re released, you would go through the house with me. It would help if I knew what he took with him.”

“Do I have to stay there? I don’t want to stay there.”

“You don’t have to stay there. Just a walk-through, with me, with cops right there with you.”

“But not today.”

“Not today. I’m supposed to tell you Jacko and Gula are thinking about you. He wants to send you soup.”

“He’s so nice. You had to tell him what happened.”

“I did. And Carmine Rizzo, he and his crew asked how you were doing. You have people who care. If you want visitors—”

“No. Not yet,” Daphne interrupted, pulling at the sheets. “Not like this. Please, not yet.”

“Okay. Whenever you want, I can clear it.”

Daphne’s hands relaxed again. “Lucy and John came. They’re doctors.”

“I know.”

“They were at the party. You had to tell them, too, and they came. They brought those flowers. They’re so cheerful and bright. But they didn’t stay long because I … I just can’t.”

“They seemed like pretty good doctors to me,” Eve commented. “They understand you’re not up for long visits yet. Have you seen Dr. Mira?”

“She was very kind. I was nervous because … But Dr. Nobel said she was kind and a good person for me to talk to.”

“She’s the best. She’s in the book and vid, too.”

Daphne smiled a little. “It’s hard to talk to so many people, but she was easier. And you and Dr. Nobel, it’s not as hard to talk to you.”

“Good.” Eve hesitated, stepped a little closer. “Maybe it’s not as hard because you know we’re on your side. If there’s anyone else you want me to contact, you want to visit—”

“No, please. No one. No one else.”

“That’s fine. I’m going to be checking on you on and off, and if you remember anything more, or even think you do, you can contact me. Anytime. Day or night. You want me to tell Jacko to send the soup?”

“It would be nice.”

“You got it.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Del rose. “I’ll be right back.”

He went out with Eve, took a few steps away from the door. “She has anxiety attacks if she tries to remember any more, any real details. And every time she sleeps without aid, she has nightmares. Right now she trusts me, so I can calm her down.”

“Mira will help there.”

“I know it. Physically, she’s healing well. Emotionally, it’s going to be a longer road.”

He glanced back at the door, toyed with the stethoscope hanging out of his pocket. “She won’t give me permission to contact her family. Her parents were killed when she was a kid, but she was raised by friends of theirs, grew up with their daughter like a sister.”

“I know. I’m a cop.”

“But she won’t budge on that. She could use family, but my hands are tied.”

Eve lifted her eyebrows. “And you’re implying mine aren’t.”

“I’m just saying that maybe, during the course of your investigation, you’d have reason to contact them.”

“Actually, it’s on my list. I’d prefer that she give the nod, but I’ve got some questions.”

“Sooner the better. That’s my medical and personal opinion. She’ll have to be released in a couple days, even if I postpone it. She shouldn’t be alone.”

“I’ll feel out the family, get a gauge.”

“Great. Now, speaking as a medical professional, I advise you to go home, get some sleep. You look like hell.”

“Good advice. Bill me,” Eve said and walked away to take it.





7

Eve started her drive on auto to do a quick search of Olsen’s and Tredway’s files for a mention of the caterer. If she stayed on auto, she’d likely nod off, then end up sleeping in the car parked outside the house.

She’d rather be in bed.