Iris Johansen - Blood Game

She nodded. “He’s been my friend for all the years I’ve been with them. It was difficult for me to get close to anyone during those first years. Eve was easier. She was like me. We’d both grown up on the streets. Joe was different. He was tough, but he’d never experienced what Eve and I had. I guess I was a little jealous of what Eve felt for Joe. I knew how hard it was for her to love anyone. Her whole focus was Bonnie. But she loved Joe and, heaven knows, Joe loved her. I’d watch him looking at her, and it made me feel lonely. I never let either one of them see it because I was grateful to have whatever Eve could share with me.” She shrugged. “But Joe and I both knew that we had to get along, or one of us might lose Eve. It was never spoken, but the thought was always there. Neither one of us could stand the thought, so we gradually began to open to each other. But Joe never pushed me. He was just there whenever I needed him.”

“That’s pretty impressive.”

“He is impressive, in every way.” Her lips tightened. “And we can’t let anything happen to him. There aren’t that many good guys in the world that we can afford to let one of the best go down the tubes.” She looked out at the dawn, which was now a bold and flaming statement. “And if Jelak doesn’t call soon, I’ll go crazy. I’m going to go in the house and see Eve trying not to show how much this is tearing her up.” She got to her feet. “And I’ll want to kill Jelak. If you can think of a way that we can arrange that, I’m ready to listen.”

He murmured. “I assure you I’m working on it…” She opened the screen door. “Work harder.”

EVE’S PHONE DIDN’T RINGuntil after two that afternoon.

She saw Jane and Caleb come to attention on the couch across the room. She braced herself and punched the button.

“Have you been waiting for me?” Jelak asked. “I would have called earlier, but I had a few arrangements to make. You’re very special, and I had to prepare for the final stage of my transformation.”

“You shot Joe.”

“Of course, he had to be punished. He shed my blood. It could have been a terrible inconvenience. But I’ve faith in myself. No one could ever tell me the exact amount of true blood I’d need for my resurrection. Donari could only say my mind would tell me when I was ready. In spite of the slight loss, I still feel very strong. With you, I’ll be ready. I have no doubt of it.”

“I don’t care about your damn blood. Is Joe still alive?”

“Yes, I had no intention of killing him yet. But I would have been able to be more accurate if Nancy Jo’s father hadn’t shown up and gotten in the way. That was completely unexpected. I had to hurry because I was afraid some of his aides might be hovering around him.”

“How badly is Joe hurt?”

“A crease in his temple. Not nearly enough blood spilt to satisfy me after what he took from me. Though pain is nearly as good.”

“I want to talk to him.”

“Presently. We have negotiating to do. A gift for a gift.”

“You’re not going to release Joe no matter what I do.”

“How can you be sure? I’ve had my revenge. He’s not important to me. I’m sure Caleb has told you that he’d be no good to me even to feed. On the other hand, he could give me what I want most in the world.”

“You’re a monster. I can’t trust a monster.”

“But you have no choice.” His voice lowered to persuasive silkiness. “And in the end, wouldn’t the possibility give you an excuse to take what you want?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’ve studied you for years. Your phrasing when you answer questions. Your expressions to given situations. That’s how I knew that you were perfect for the final resurrection.”

“So?”

“You want this. You’re tired of searching for your Bonnie. You want it over. You want your life over. That’s why you’re so perfect for me. There will be joy when you come to me.”

“You’re mad.”

“No, my mind is keen and sharp because I’m so close to the resurrection. In your heart of hearts you know that it’s true. I only have to give you a reason to do it.”

“Give me a reason. I want to talk to Joe.”

He sighed. “Unfortunately, I can’t do that yet. He’s being very stubborn. He won’t talk to you. I’ve hurt him exceedingly, but he said he won’t let himself be used.”

“He’s already dead.”

“You see? I knew you’d think that I was lying. That’s why I’m irritated with Quinn. I didn’t want this delay. I suppose I could send a photo to your phone, but you’d assume it was doctored. No, I have to find a way to convince him he has to talk to you.”

“Yes, you do. I have to hear his voice, and he has to mention something to me that no one but the two of us would know.”

“That should be no trouble. There are so many secrets that exist between a couple with your history. All he’d have to do is mention one episode.” His voice was annoyed. “I did think that pain was the answer. He has amazing endurance. I’ll just have to work out some other way. I have a few ideas.”

“Let him go. You know the entire police force will be hunting for you. Cops look out for their own.”

“It will be too late for Quinn. No, you’re his only hope. Make up your mind to it.” He paused. “Is Caleb there with you?”

“Yes.”

“I thought as much. Tell him I’m not afraid of him any longer. Soon I’ll be able to meet him face-to-face.” He added, “I’m going to hang up now. I have to get busy finding a way to convince Quinn to do as I wish. I think I’ve found the key to him.”

“Don’t hurt him. I won’t do anything you want me to do if I find out you’ve hurt him again.”

“I told you, I’m going down another road. Good-bye, Eve. You’ll hear from me soon.” He hung up.

“He sounded so smug,” Eve said as she pressed the disconnect. “And confident. He’s so damn sure of himself.” She turned to Jane and Caleb. “But I think Joe must be alive. Jelak wouldn’t be going to these lengths if he had nothing with which to bargain. He didn’t even try to bluff.”

Caleb nodded. “He has Quinn. But we have a little time to find him and try to set up a trap before Jelak goes for the jugular.” He grimaced. “That was purely unintentional. I would never be so insensitive.”

“You’d have to be as much a monster as Jelak to be that callous,” Eve said. “And I’d like to know how you think you’re going to use that time Jelak has given us.”

Caleb was heading for the door. “As I told Jane, I’m working on it. I’ll let you know when I do.”

“I’VE TOLD YOU ALL I KNOW,Senator.” Gary Schindler’s lips thinned as he gazed at Norris lying in the hospital bed. “It’s not as if we’re not looking for Joe. He’s a veteran of the department. Hell, I’ve worked with him myself for years. The whole department is using every means we have to locate him.”

“Like you’ve used every means to find Jelak before this,” Norris said curtly. “He’s still out there killing young girls like Nancy Jo. He shot me. He shot Joe Quinn. If there’s a chance that Quinn is still alive, then you go out and find him.”

“Get off my back,” Schindler suddenly said harshly. “I’m doing what I can, and nothing you can say will get me to do anything differently. We’ve all volunteered to work extra shifts to try to get a lead, any lead.” He turned on his heel. “If you want a whipping boy, go call one of those pretty-boy aides in the hall.”

“Detective.”

Schindler looked over his shoulder. “I mean it, Senator.”

Norris nodded. “I know you do.” He leaned wearily back against the pillows. “I’m feeling very ineffectual at the moment, and I’m taking it out on you. I believe in payback, and there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do. Quinn saved my life.”