Shadow Play by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page B

concentration. “I’ve got to fill in the depth for accuracy and then we’ll start to work together…”

 
    CHAPTER
    3
    â€œCoffee.” Joe set her cup on the worktable beside her. “I don’t suppose I can talk you into eating supper?”
    â€œNo.” She took his hand and put it against her cheek. “Thanks. Sorry I’ve been antisocial.”
    â€œThat’s an understatement. You were working when I got up this morning, and you’re still at it this evening.” He kissed her on the forehead. He took a step back and studied the reconstruction. “And if I’m not mistaken, you’re approaching the final stages. That’s remarkable. I’ve never seen you work this fast.”
    She rubbed the back of her aching neck. “It seemed the thing to do.”
    â€œI can see why,” he said quietly. “When were you going to tell me there had been another death out there in California?”
    Her gaze flew to his face. “I wasn’t keeping it from you. I was just so absorbed that I— How did you know?”
    â€œI’ve been keeping an eye on the doings of your Sheriff Nalchek on the Net. His attitude was unusual, and I don’t like unusual when it’s connected to you. Unusual can be trouble.”
    It shouldn’t have surprised her. Joe was always protective, and he hadn’t liked Nalchek’s persistence. “It’s clear he had a right to be concerned.”
    â€œClear to you. Perhaps clear to me. But not so clear to anyone else. Have you ever run across a cold case like this in which the murderer after eight years was still hovering, ready to leap on anyone investigating the crime?”
    â€œNo, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not true.” She paused. “Nalchek had my dossier in that squad car, and he thinks that whoever killed Carstairs took photos of it.”
    Joe went still. “There wasn’t any mention of that on the Net. And it’s something you should have told me.”
    â€œI’m telling you now.” She inclined her head toward the reconstruction. “And that’s an excellent reason why I should get Jenny finished right away.”
    â€œYes.” His gaze was narrowed on her face. “And is that the only reason?”
    â€œNo.” She hadn’t wanted to go into this right now. It was too involved. She needed to get back to Jenny. But she had to be honest with Joe. “Unless I’ve gone wacko, our Jenny is communicating with me.”
    â€œWhat? How?”
    She had to smile. “Only you would accept the fact and just want to know the method.”
    â€œYou have me well trained.” He was still frowning. “I’ve been living with you and your visits from Bonnie all these years. I’ve even had experiences with her. You have a bond with every child on whom you do a reconstruction, but they don’t communicate. The bond just helps you to get an accurate resemblance. Why is this one different?”
    â€œI have no idea.” She held up her hand as he opened his lips to speak. “But she doesn’t want to do me any harm. I know it. She’s just bewildered and lonely. She’s not sure why she’s here.”
    â€œBecause you’re doing her damn reconstruction, and she needs you. Hell, we all need you.”
    â€œShe’s very strong, Joe. I guess I gave you the impression that she’s clinging, but I can feel how strong she is. I don’t believe she would have been able to reach me if she didn’t have that strength.”
    â€œGood for her. I hope she’ll find her home and Nalchek finds her killer. But I want to be sure that you’re not damaged in the process.” He looked down at the reconstruction. “Finish her. Send her on her way.” He turned and headed for the door. “In the meantime, I’ll take a look around the woods and make sure that we don’t have