Page 14 of The Death
“Then we’ll all keep an eye on her and Jane and anyone else that you choose. But do me a favor? Skip relying on science and just use your own instincts. You have tried-and-true experience in that area that works just fine.”
Michael was still frowning. “It seemed like a good idea.”
“And it was. All of your ideas are good, and I’m happy you wanted to have this talk.” She smiled. “And I’m also glad you’re having your chats with Cira. Keep on doing it. I’m sure she probably does like being with you. Big brothers always make their sisters feel safe.”
“Don’t worry,” he said soberly. “I’ll take care of her.”
“I know you will.”
“And you too, Mom.” He shook his head. “You’re laughing but it’s not funny. I’m getting old enough to take care of younow. Dad says we all have to take care of each other, but you have to be special because that’s what you are to us.”
“I sincerely thank you,” she said solemnly. “But don’t be so eager to grow up, young man. I told you how I feel about that. And we both know how brilliant and knowledgeable your dad is about most things, but he can get a little sappy sometimes. I like his idea about everyone taking care of each other much better. Suppose we just make a pact about that?”
“Whatever you say, Mom.” Michael was grinning again. “But that’s between you and Dad. He’s always pretty definite whenever he speaks about you. I wouldn’t want to be disrespectful.” Then he winked. “And I think I should tell you that I really agree with him on this particular subject. I don’t see anything at all sappy in his judgment in this case.”
She tried not to let him see how touched she was. “What do you know? You’re just a kid.”
“But you just told me not to be in such a hurry to grow up,” he said softly. “You can’t have it both ways.”
“I can have anything, any way I want it. As long as I have you and your dad to back me up.” She had to change the subject. She was getting too emotional. “But now tell me all about your friends in your classes at school. Do you have a special buddy that you hang out with? And how about the rowing team? Are you strong enough to hold your own with those older boys?”
“You sound very satisfied with yourself, Catherine,” Dominic said quietly when she finished reporting back to him. “Thankyou for making the attempt. I’m sure you did the best you could.”
“No, you aren’t,” Catherine said. “You knew I’d do exactly what I told you I’d do. As it happened, I didn’t have to even try to persuade Eve to change her mind about the Fallon offer. She was intelligent enough to read me before I got the opportunity. You’d appreciate that talent because you have it, too. But this time you didn’t have a chance to get your way, did you? Her family means too much to her, and they’ll be knocking on her door very soon.”
“Then I’m glad for her,” Dominic said. “There was always that possibility. I guess I’ll just have to go down a different road.”
She stiffened. “You don’t appear to be very upset. Why?”
He shrugged. “Because, though I may not be able to follow Eve on a trip up to those mountains to see what Caldwell is up to, he had a reason why he particularly wanted Eve Duncan to create that mask. And since he doesn’t give up easily, maybe he’ll decide to stay close to the Lake Cottage to persuade her to do what he wants himself.”
“‘Persuade’?”
“Don’t start spitting fire at me. Did I mention that I’ll send a team to watch over the house and the occupants?” He smiled. “And of course, you’re such a smart, savvy agent that I’m certain you’ve already planned to keep an eye on Eve and her family yourself. Isn’t that true?”
“Yes.” She was still frowning. “But between Joe Quinn and Seth Caleb, they’re not exactly lacking in powerhouse help.”
“I’ve heard rumors to that effect. But I believe we’ll both feel better with our own people in place. Right? Let me know if you need me for anything.”
“I will.” She added caustically, “But I believe we can survive. You’re off to Boston?”
“Why not?” he asked. “You’ve just robbed me of one of those very valuable names Caldwell had on his list. Maybe the most valuable. Because if Eve was to make the death mask, she would have to be taken to the tomb, and I could follow her. It might wrap this nasty business up a bit faster.” He went on before she could speak. “Though I can see your reasoning. I realize how hard it might be to trust me, but it’s still a loss. Because now I’ll have to see what I can find if I dig hard and deep enough in that revolutionary hotbed, that cradle of liberty, Boston town…”
CHAPTER
4
BOSTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS STUDIO
NEXT DAY
You’ve got a letter on your easel.” Jean Paul was scowling as Celine walked into the studio that evening. “The receptionist brought it by a couple hours ago and asked me to tell you about it when you showed up for your sitting. If it’s another one of those loser artists trying to hire you away from me, you can just tell him to go to hell. I’ve got enough to compete with since you won’t quit that damn hospital job.”
“Poor you.” Celine put down her sketchbook as she reached for the envelope taped to her easel. “And we all know life is only about you and what you need.”
“No, only the most important things.” His eyes were narrowed on the envelope she was opening. “Go ahead and put me out of my misery and then let me know how much more I’ll have to pay to keep you posing for—”
Did you think
