Iris Johansen - Blind Alley

“I'm flattered he thinks you'd care, but he had his reasons to kill me before you came on the scene.”

“He had no reason to kill Eve or Joe.”

“Aldo's phone call actually changed nothing, Jane. He made a few threats and tried to panic you.”

“He did panic me.” But the terror was beginning to ebb and she could think again. “And he enjoyed it. He caught me off guard and I let him see how much he could hurt me.”

“Okay, but you didn't blow it completely. Right? You didn't set him up, but he's going to call again?”

“He said he was.” She added bitterly, “He enjoyed it so much that he probably won't want to wait to do it again.”

“Then you can see that this call basically changed nothing.”

“You're wrong. I didn't realize to what extent I was risking Eve and Joe. I do now. And I made it worse for them by letting Aldo know how much they meant to me.” Her lips tightened. “And that makes everything different. We've got to keep Eve and Joe safe.”

“We'll do our best.”

“That's not good enough.” She stood up. “You were right to treat me like an idiot schoolgirl. I should have been able to fool him, turn him in another direction. But I didn't. I was so scared that I couldn't think fast enough. I'm not waiting around for him to come after Eve.”

“Eve won't be down in the tunnel with us and she'll have protection here at the villa.”

She whirled on him. “And what if he kills me? Do you guarantee that he won't get past her security and slice her to ribbons? He's not going to hurt Eve. He's not even going to get close to her,” she said fiercely. “Do you have any idea how much I care about her?”

“I think I do,” he said gently.

“Then you should know that I'll never let that piece of filth within a mile of her. So if you want Aldo, you'd better make me a promise. No matter what happens, you're going to keep Eve and Joe from being hurt. I don't care if Aldo gets away. I don't care if you think I'm in danger. Nothing happens to them.”

“That's a difficult promise to make but I'll do my best.”

“ Promise me.”

“I promise.” His smile was twisted. “And I guess I should feel fortunate you don't care enough about me to demand the same promise about my safety.”

“You can take care of yourself. You weren't pulled into this like Eve and Joe. Besides, it's all about Aldo with you.”

“Of course. What else? It's all about Aldo.”

What's wrong with her?” Bartlett asked as he met Trevor at the French doors. “She looked like she'd run into Godzilla.”

“Close. She got a phone call from Aldo.”

Bartlett's eyes widened. “Indeed.”

Trevor nodded jerkily. “And he scared the hell out of her.”

“That doesn't really compute,” Bartlett said. “Jane doesn't scare easily.”

“She does when it concerns Eve and Joe Quinn. Evidently Aldo's threats were specific and very ugly.”

“I see.” Bartlett nodded gravely. “Yes, that would tip her over the edge. She's very wary of most people but Eve and Joe are her entire world.”

“She made me promise to keep them safe. How the hell am I going to do that in a situation like this?”

“I'm sure you'll find a way. Ever since we met, you've been juggling ideas and possibilities and twisting events to suit yourself. It's automatic with you.” He smiled. “I find it quite exhausting to watch since my mind doesn't have that capability. But whatever you decide I'm going to have a part in it. I notice that I've been left out in the cold in all this planning that's going on. It hurts my feelings.” He added quietly, “I won't get in your way but I'm tired of hovering on the edge. I have to help.”

“I told you that you were to stay here and protect Eve.”

“Quinn's arranged security for her that's much more qualified than I am.”

“According to Jane, she can't have too much.”

“I'm going with you.”

“Bartlett, I don't need you to—” He stopped and shrugged. “Come ahead. Why shouldn't I risk your neck, too? I'm putting everyone else on the chopping block.”

“Dear me, you are having guilty twinges, aren't you? May I point out that I'm a grown man with free choice? And you told me that it was Jane who concocted the plan to use herself as bait.”

“But I gave her the rope to stake herself out for him.” He turned on his heel. “Oh, what the hell. Why should a bastard like me give a damn? Do what you like.”

The red velvet cloth lay on the rocky floor waiting in the darkness.

Waiting for her.

The beam of Aldo's flashlight played over the gleaming marble bases, the photography lights and battery, and then beyond them to the tunnels leading off the vomitorium. He was tempted to go and explore but there was no telling what traps the bitch had laid for him. It was bad enough she'd managed to find this tunnel of which he had no prior knowledge. It had come as a complete surprise to him when he'd seen them carry the coffin down an unexpected turn. He'd followed them to the ladder leading to the Via Spagnola before he'd doubled back. It was only after he'd phoned Jane MacGuire later that day that he'd come back down and started to reconnoiter in depth.

And then he'd found this cloth, red as blood, living blood.

Waiting for the coffin. Waiting for her.

I've got you, bitch.

Did you think that you could find a place in this city where you'd be safe from me? There were ways to find out what he needed without risking being caught in her trap.

He bent down and touched the velvet with his fingertips and a thrill went through him.

Soft. Smooth. Cold.

Like the flesh of a dead woman.

You're almost finished.”

Eve glanced at the doorway of the study where Joe stood watching her. She nodded. “Close. I started the final molding.”

“And you're eager as hell. You've been working full steam ahead.” He walked over to the pedestal to stand beside her. “Why? We're setting the pace. Aldo's not going to be moving until we do.”

“I want to be done with it. It feels strange making this skull with Jane's features. It's almost like a betrayal.” She smoothed the clay at the temple. “I'm glad I'll be able to make it up to Giulia later.”

“Maybe if she knew she'd be glad that she was helping to save Jane.” Joe smiled. “I should have known you'd become involved with her.”

“She's interesting. The museum said she was working-class, possibly a laborer. I wonder what her life was like.” She tilted her head. “And I wonder what she really looks like. . . .”

“You'll know soon.”

She nodded. “You bet I will. As soon as this is over. This is so weird. . . .” She brushed the hair back from her forehead. “First, that reconstruction of Caroline Halliburton and now this one. Both Jane. Do you know, Jane was talking about how things seem to go in circles.”

“You've got clay on your face.” He took his handkerchief and carefully wiped her forehead. “How many times have I done this over the years?”

“I'm sure enough to qualify for the Guinness Book of Records. Since my profession isn't the most popular one in the world.” She smiled. “And you're very good at it.”

“My pleasure.” His finger gently touched her upper lip. “Always. Taking care of you fills me with— It warms me.”

“I know.” Her smile faded. “And that's why you're trying to keep me away from that tunnel.”

“I am keeping you away.” His lips brushed her nose. “You've done your part. Now let me do mine.”

“I didn't argue when you were all talking details because I knew it wouldn't do any good.” She slid her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. “But if you think I'm going to let you go down there without me, you're crazy.”