Memory in Death by J. D. Robb Read Free Book Online

had accomplished, on one side of a scale, it still wouldn't outweigh the gift of her.
    As he waited for time to pass, he slid a hand into his pocket, rubbed the button he carried, one that had fallen off her suit jacket the first time he'd met her.
    And as he thought of her, he wondered how soon her mind would clear and snap back. How soon she'd realize why she'd encountered this ghost from her past.
    Once she did, he mused, and closed his hand over the button, she was going to be right pissed.
    Judging the time was right, he walked back to his desk, sat, buzzed his admin.
    "Caro, you can bring her in now."
    "Yes, sir."
    While he waited those last moments, he chained up what was inside him. What wanted the taste of blood and bone.
    She was what he'd expected from his research of her. What in some circles was called a handsome woman—big and bony, her hair freshly done, her face not unattractive and carefully enhanced.
    She wore a purple suit with bright gold buttons and a knee-length skirt. Good, sensible heels. Her scent was strong and rosy.
    He got to his feet, and though he remained in a position of power behind his desk, he offered a polite smile and his hand.
    "Ms. Lombard." Smooth, he thought when her hand was in his. Soft and smooth, but he wouldn't have said weak.
    "I so appreciate you taking a few minutes out of what I know must be a very busy schedule."
    "Not at all. I'm always interested in meeting one of my wife's... connections? Thank you, Caro."
    He knew the brisk tone told his admin not to offer refreshment. She simply inclined her head, backed out. Shut the doors.
    "Please, have a seat."
    "Thank you. Thank you so much." Her voice and her eyes were bright. "I wasn't sure if little Eve—sorry, I still think of her that way— if Eve had mentioned me."
    "Did you think she wouldn't?"
    "Well, you see, I feel terrible, just terrible, about the way I handled things yesterday." She pressed a hand to her heart.
    Her nails, he noted, were long, well manicured, and painted boldly red. There was a ring on her right hand, a thick gold band around a sizable amethyst.
    Matching earrings, he observed, to make a well-put-together if unimaginative ensemble.
    "And how did you handle things yesterday?" he asked her.
    "Well, poorly, I confess. I realized I should have contacted her first, and instead I just jumped in head first, a habit of mine. I'm just too impulsive, especially when my feelings are engaged. Eve had such a hard, hard time back then, and seeing me, out of the blue, no warning at all, it must've taken her right back. I upset her."
    Now she pressed that hand to her lips, and her eyes shimmered. "You have no idea what that poor, sweet child was like when she came to me. Like a little ghost in my house, hardly casting a shadow, and scared of even that just the same."
    "Yes, I imagine so."
    "And I blame myself for not thinking it through first, because I understand now that seeing me again just made her remember those terrible days before she was safe again."
    "So, you've come to see me so I can pass your apologies along. I'm happy to do so. Though I think you've overestimated your impact on my wife."
    He sat back, swiveled the chair lazily. "I believe she was a bit irritated by the unexpected visit. But upset? It isn't the word I'd choose. So, please, rest your mind, Ms. Lombard. I hope you'll enjoy your time in the city, however brief, before you return home."
    It was a dismissal, flat and pleasant. A busy man idly brushing a speck of lint off his jacket pocket.
    He saw it register, saw that quick flick, like a snake's tongue, flash in her eyes.
    And there she is, he thought. There's the viper under the conservative dress and sugary accent.
    "Oh, oh, but I couldn't go back to Texas without seeing my little Eve, without making personal amends, and being sure she's all right."
    "I can assure you, she's fine."
    "And Bobby? Why my Bobby's fretting to see her. He was like a brother to her."
    "Really? How odd then she's