{"id":5605,"date":"2026-01-04T01:38:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T01:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/iris-johansen-blind-alley-johansen-iris\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T01:38:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T01:38:11","slug":"iris-johansen-blind-alley-johansen-iris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/iris-johansen-blind-alley-johansen-iris\/","title":{"rendered":"Iris Johansen – Blind Alley – Johansen, Iris"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Book Preview<\/h3>\n
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\nONE<\/span>
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nCalhoun, Georgia<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

J<\/span><\/span>oe watched the body wrapped in a dark green tarp being carefully lifted from the grave by the forensic team.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for coming, Quinn.\u201d Detective Christy Lollack was walking toward him. \u201cI know it’s not your case but I needed you. This is a weird one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s weird about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at her.\u201d She moved toward the stretcher where the corpse had been placed. \u201cThe kids who found her nearly threw up.\u201d<\/p>\n

He followed her and watched as she drew back the tarp.<\/p>\n

There was no face. Only a skull remained. Yet from the neck down the cadaver was only slightly decayed and intact.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears someone didn’t want her identified.\u201d He looked down at her hands. \u201cHe bungled it. He should have taken the hands. We’ll be able to get a fingerprint match right away. DNA will take longer, but that will\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook closer. Her fingertips are burned,\u201d Christy interrupted. \u201cNo prints. Trevor warned me there might not be any.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome Scotland Yard inspector. Mark Trevor. He sent an e-mail to the department after he read about the Dorothy Millbruk case in Birmingham and the captain dumped it in my lap. He stated he sent the same e-mail to most of the cities in the Southeast warning them that the perpetrator might be heading into their jurisdictions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Millbruk . . . It had been a sensational homicide of a prostitute that had taken place four months ago. Joe mentally went over the details he remembered. \u201cThe Millbruk case was no connection. It didn’t have the same MO. The woman was burned to death and left in a trash disposal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she didn’t have a face by the time the fire got through with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo attempt was made to keep the Birmingham police from finding out who she was. They were still able to check prints.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cNot the same killer, Christy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m glad you’re so sure,\u201d she said sarcastically. \u201cBecause I’m not. I don’t like this. What if he didn’t want us to make a connection? What if he peeled her face off to slow us down so that we wouldn’t know he’d moved into the area?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPossible.\u201d His gaze narrowed on her face. \u201cWhat do you want from me, Christy? It’s not like you to ask for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as forensics gets through with her, I want you to take the skull to Eve to find out what that woman looked like. I don’t want to wait until I find out who she is.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the answer he’d expected. It wasn’t the first time he’d been asked to be an intermediary between the department and Eve. She was probably the best forensic sculptor in the world and the captain wasn’t about to ignore a valuable asset. He shook his head. \u201cNo way. She’s backlogged and working her ass off right now. I’m not loading anything else on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to know, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I don’t want her wearing herself out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor God’s sake, do you think I’d ask you to do this if I didn’t think it was urgent? I like Eve. I’ve known her and Jane for almost as long as I’ve known you. I’m scared. It’s necessary, dammit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of some nebulous tip from Scotland Yard? What the hell do they have to do with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo cases in London. One in Liverpool. One in Brighton. They never caught the killer and they believe he moved from the U.K. to the U.S. three years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen they can wait for ID or Eve to get out from under.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christy shook her head. \u201cCome back to my car and I’ll pull up Trevor’s e-mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not going to change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might.\u201d She headed for her car.<\/p>\n

He hesitated and then followed her. She opened her laptop and accessed the e-mail.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere it is. Read it and do what you like.\u201d She turned away. \u201cI’ve got work to finish up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He scanned the letter and report and then flipped to the victim’s page.<\/p>\n

He stiffened with shock. \u201cHoly shit!\u201d<\/p>\n

\nLake Cottage<\/span>
\n

\n Atlanta, Georgia<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe couldn’t breathe.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo!<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe would not die, she thought fiercely. She hadn’t come this far to lie forever in darkness. She was too young. She had too many things to do and see and be.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnother turn and still no light at the end of the tunnel.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nMaybe there was no end.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nMaybe this was the end.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was so hot and there was no air.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe could feel a scream of panic rising in her throat.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDon’t give in. Panic was for cowards and she’d never been a coward.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut dear God, it was hot. She couldn’t bear\u2014<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\u201cJane.\u201d She was being shaken. \u201cFor God’s sake, wake up, baby. It’s only a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not a dream.<\/p>\n

\u201cDammit, wake up. You’re scaring me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve. Mustn’t scare Eve. Maybe it was a dream if she said so. She forced her lids open and looked up into Eve’s worried face.<\/p>\n

The worried frown was replaced by relief. \u201cWhew, that must have been a doozy of a nightmare.\u201d Eve’s hand stroked Jane’s hair back from her face. \u201cYour bedroom door was closed and I still heard you moaning. Okay now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d She moistened her lips. \u201cSorry I bothered you.\u201d Her heartbeat was steadying and the darkness was gone. Maybe it wouldn’t come back. Even if it did, she had to make sure it didn’t disturb Eve. \u201cGo back to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn’t in bed. I was working.\u201d She turned on the bedside lamp and then grimaced as she looked down at her hands. \u201cAnd I didn’t wipe the clay from my hands before I came in here. You probably have bits of it in your hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s okay. I have to wash it in the morning anyway. I want to look good for my driver’s license photo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed resignedly. \u201cI told you yesterday that I’d need you or Joe to take me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot.\u201d She smiled. \u201cMaybe I’m in denial. Getting your first driver’s license is sort of a rite of passage. It could be I don’t want you to be that independent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you do.\u201d She met her gaze. \u201cEver since we’ve been together you’ve made sure that I could take care of myself in every way. You’ve done everything from giving me karate lessons to having Sarah train Toby as a guard dog. So don’t tell me that you don’t want me to be independent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not independent enough to walk away from Joe and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll never do that.\u201d She sat up in bed and gave her a quick, awkward kiss. Even after all these years, loving gestures were difficult for her. \u201cYou’ll have to kick me out. I know when I’ve got it good. So which one of you is going to take me to the Driver’s License Bureau?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably Joe. I have to finish this skull right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s the urgency?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged. \u201cSearch me. Joe brought the skull home from the precinct and asked me to make it top priority. He said it had to do with linking a group of homicides.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jane was silent a moment. \u201cA kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve shook her head. \u201cA woman.\u201d Her eyes narrowed on Jane’s face. \u201cYou thought it might be Bonnie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jane always thought it might be Bonnie, Eve’s daughter who had been murdered when she was seven and whose body had never been found. The tragedy had been the impetus that had made Eve study to become a forensic sculptor to identify murder victims and bring closure to other grieving parents. The search for Bonnie and her passion for her career still dominated her life. She shook her head. \u201cIf you suspected it was Bonnie’s skull you were working on, you wouldn’t have even heard my stupid caterwauling.\u201d She held up her hand as Eve opened her lips. \u201cI know. I know. You don’t love me less than you did Bonnie. It’s just different. I’ve known that all along. From the beginning. She was your child and we’re more . . . friends. And that’s okay with me.\u201d She settled back in bed. \u201cNow, you go back to work and I’ll go back to sleep. Thanks for coming in and waking me. Good night, Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve didn’t answer for a moment. \u201cWhat was your nightmare about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Heat. Panic. Darkness. A night without air or hope. No, there had been hope. . . . <\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t remember. Has Toby come back yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to let him out at night. He’s half wolf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s why I let him roam. Now that he’s grown, he has to have more freedom. He has too much golden retriever to be really dangerous to anything but squirrels. Probably not even them. He caught one once and all he wanted to do was play with it.\u201d She yawned. \u201cSarah said it was okay, but I’ll stop him if you say the word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I guess not. Sarah should know.\u201d Sarah Logan was Eve’s good friend as well as the canine search-and-rescue specialist who had given Toby to Jane. \u201cJust keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will. I’m responsible for him. You know I won’t let you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never have.\u201d She stood up. \u201cAnd we’ll have a little celebration when you come home from getting your license.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jane smiled slyly. \u201cYou going to bake a cake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t be ugly. I’m not that bad a cook. It would serve you right if I did.\u201d She grinned as she headed for the door. \u201cI’ll have Joe stop at Dairy Queen and pick up an ice cream cake on the way home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch more sensible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve glanced at her over her shoulder and her expression became troubled. \u201cMaybe too sensible. I wonder if we’ve made you a little too responsible, Jane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t be silly.\u201d She closed her eyes. \u201cSome people are born responsible. Some people are born to be butterflies. You had nothing to do with it. For Pete’s sake, you’re not even my mother. Good night, Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess I’ve been told,\u201d Eve murmured. Her gaze was caught by a sketch lying on the window seat. It was a picture of Toby sleeping on his bed by the fireplace. \u201cThat’s very good. You’re getting better all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am. I’m not going to be a Rembrandt but genius isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. I’ve always thought being driven by art was for the birds. I want to be in control of any career I choose.\u201d She smiled. \u201cLike you, Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not always in control.\u201d She looked from the sketch to Jane. \u201cAnd I thought you wanted to be a search-and-rescue worker like Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. Maybe not. I guess I’m waiting for a career to choose me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have plenty of time to make up your mind. Although your attitude is a little surprising. You usually know exactly what you’re going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot always.\u201d She smiled impishly. \u201cMaybe it’s my adolescent hormones getting in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve chuckled. \u201cI doubt it. I can’t see you letting anything stand in your way.\u201d She opened the door. \u201cGood night, Jane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don’t work much longer. You’ve been pulling too many late nights in the last couple weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell that to Joe. He really wants this reconstruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s weird. He’s always the one who tries to make you get more rest.\u201d Her lips tightened. \u201cDon’t worry, I’ll tell him. Someone’s got to look out for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve smiled as she opened the door. \u201cI’m not worrying. Not with you in my corner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe’s in your corner, too. But he’s a guy and they’re different. Sometimes things get in the way of their thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery profound observation. You must repeat it to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will. He can take it and he likes me to be up-front with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you’re certainly that,\u201d Eve murmured as she left the room.<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

E<\/span><\/span>ve’s smile faded as she closed the bedroom door behind her. Jane’s remarks had been typical of her; fierce, protective, and far beyond her years. Eve had gone into the room to comfort and Jane had given her comfort instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d Joe was standing in the doorway of their bedroom. \u201cIs Jane okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA nightmare.\u201d Eve moved down the hall toward her studio. \u201cBut she’s not talking about it. She probably thinks nightmares are a sign of weakness and heaven forbid she show any weakness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike someone else I know.\u201d Joe followed her. \u201cWant some coffee? I could use a cup right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cSounds good.\u201d She went back to stand before her pedestal. \u201cCan you go to the Driver’s License Bureau with her tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. I’d planned on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot.\u201d She grimaced. \u201cYou’re a better parent than I am, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ve been working your ass off.\u201d He measured coffee into the coffeemaker. \u201cAnd that’s my fault. Besides, Jane never wanted parents when she came to us. She wasn’t Orphan Annie. Hell, she may have been only ten, but she was as street-smart as a woman of thirty. We’ve done the best we could to give her a good home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I wanted her to\u2014\u201d She stared blindly at the skull. \u201cShe’s seventeen, Joe. Do you know I’ve never heard her talk about going out on a date or to the prom or even a football game? She studies, she plays with Toby, and she sketches. It’s not enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has friends. She stayed the night at Patty’s last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how often does that happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think she’s very well balanced considering her background. You’re worrying too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should have been worrying before this. It’s just that she’s always acted so mature that I forget she’s just a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you didn’t forget. You just recognize that the two of you are as alike as two peas in a pod. How many proms did you go to when you were a teenager?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you had a drug addict for a mother instead of growing up in a dozen foster homes.\u201d<\/p>\n

She made a face. \u201cOkay, so we both had it tough when we were kids, but I wanted something better for Jane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Jane has to want it too. She probably thinks proms are pretty silly. Can you see her in a frilly dress, getting into one of those stretch limos the kids hire these days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe’d be beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is<\/span> beautiful,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd she’s strong and smart and I’d want her behind me if I was ever in a tight corner. But she’s not frilly, Eve.\u201d He poured her a cup of coffee and brought it to her. \u201cSo stop trying to force her into the role.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs if I could. No one forces Jane to do anything she doesn’t want to do.\u201d She sipped the coffee and then grimaced. \u201cYou made it strong enough. You really want to keep me awake to finish this skull, don’t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? You’re acting out of character. Even Jane noticed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s important to the case. Have you named her yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. She’s Ruth. You know I always name them before I work on them. It’s more respectful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust asking.\u201d He moved toward the front door. \u201cI think I hear Toby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you changed the subject.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d He smiled over his shoulder. \u201cAfter all these years I need to maintain a little mystery. If I become too predictable, you might get bored with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo chance.\u201d She looked away from him. \u201cI might have thought I could tell what you’d do next at one time but not anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon of a bitch<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up to see Joe glaring at her. \u201cSorry. I shouldn’t have said that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you damn well shouldn’t,\u201d he said roughly. \u201cEven though I know you’re thinking it. When are you going to trust me, for God’s sake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI trust you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithin limits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t yell at me. You set those limits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI lied. I deceived you. But you damn well know I only did it to stop you from hurting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou let me think I buried the bones of my Bonnie instead of another little girl. You did it on purpose.\u201d She met his gaze. \u201cI told you it would take time for me to forgive that. I try. I try every day. But sometimes it comes back to me and I say\u2014I love you, Joe, but I can’t pretend all the time. If that’s not good enough, it’s your call.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you know what that call will be.\u201d He drew a deep, ragged breath. \u201cI’ll take what I can get. I won’t let you go.\u201d He opened the screen door. \u201cEvery month, every year we’re together is a bonus. We’ll get past this. Where’s that damn dog?\u201d He went out on the porch and she heard him whistle. \u201cToby!\u201d<\/p>\n

He was angry and hurt. If she hadn’t been so tired, she wouldn’t have let those words tumble out. She was usually more careful. When she had decided to stay with Joe, it had been with the intention of making the relationship work. She had known it would be hard, but most worthwhile things weren’t easy. Most of the time life was good, they were good together.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve got him.\u201d Toby bounded into the room ahead of Joe, panting and full of joy. \u201cHe’s been on the hunt. That wolf blood is becoming more predominant. I’m not sure Sarah is right about letting him roam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s what I told Jane.\u201d Joe was clearly ignoring the tension of the past few minutes and she eagerly followed his lead. \u201cShe said she’d stop him if we liked.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached down and stroked Toby’s head. \u201cWe’ll keep an eye on him. Maybe a touch of wolf in any creature isn’t all that bad. I always feel safer when he’s with Jane.\u201d He looked up at Eve. \u201cThat’s probably why Sarah gave him to Jane. She thought you’d feel easier if Jane had protection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Bonnie didn’t.\u201d Eve nodded. \u201cGod help me, I didn’t dream she’d need it. I couldn’t imagine anyone hurting my Bonnie. She was so . . . wonderful that\u2014\u201d She stopped and was silent a moment. Even after all these years the pain and anger were ever present. \u201cBut you know all about the monsters who kill the innocent. You’re a cop. You deal with them every day.\u201d She began to measure the tissue depths again. \u201cIs it another monster who killed this woman, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so. There’s a chance he may have been killing for a long time. Only not in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you going to tell me about her?\u201d She looked at him over her shoulder. \u201cAnd don’t tell me it’s confidential. I’m not buying it. You know damn well you can trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ll talk about it when you finish.\u201d He gestured to Toby. \u201cCome on, boy, I’ll let you in Jane’s room before you start howling to get in. That’s enough to give anyone nightmares.\u201d He started down the hall and then stopped. \u201cYou know, I think she had a nightmare last week. I was up doing paperwork and I heard her . . . panting.\u201d He frowned. \u201cMaybe crying? I don’t know. When I peeked in, she was sleeping quietly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she’s having frequent nightmares, maybe she’s not as well balanced as you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo isn’t frequent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how many could she be having that we know nothing about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll you can do is be there for her if she wants to talk about them. You have nightmares of your own. God knows you don’t want to talk about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes, she’d had her share of nightmares and dreams of Bonnie. The nightmares were gone, but the healing dreams remained, thank God. \u201cI asked her about her nightmare and she said she didn’t remember. I think she did. Maybe she’ll talk to you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not giving her the third degree. If the subject comes up . . .\u201d He shrugged. \u201cBut I don’t think it will. She’s too absorbed in this driving test.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cShe wants to make sure and get a good photo. That’s the first sign of vanity I’ve seen. I was encouraged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. But you’d better be contented with a hint of vanity.\u201d He winked. \u201cBecause you’ll never get frilly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

I<\/span><\/span> got it!\u201d Jane parked the SUV and jumped out of the car and ran up the steps to the porch where Eve was waiting. \u201cIt was a pretty easy test, Eve. They should make it harder. I don’t like the idea of being on the road with kids who could pass that level of\u2014 Get down, Toby.\u201d She hugged his neck and then pushed him down. \u201cBut I got it and the photo isn’t too bad, is it, Joe?\u201d She handed the license to Eve. \u201cAt least, it’s better than my learner’s license. I hated looking as idiotic as one of the Three Stooges. It wasn’t dignified.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that why you were so upset? Why didn’t you tell us? We could have waited until you had another one taken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were in a hurry. It didn’t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve frowned. \u201cAnd you could have gotten this license last year on your sixteenth birthday. You never mentioned wanting to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were snowed under all last year. And Joe was in and out of Macon for months on that homicide case. I decided I’d do it on my seventeenth and then we could all enjoy it. Like I said, it didn’t matter.\u201d She turned to Joe. \u201cThanks for taking me. I’ll pay you back by fixing dinner for you and Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you won’t.\u201d Joe got out of the passenger seat and got a sack of groceries out of the back. \u201cThis is a celebration and you’re the guest of honor. I’ll grill some steaks.\u201d He climbed the steps. \u201cAnd she came out with a perfect score on that \u2018easy’ test, Eve. Cool as a cucumber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn’t expect anything else.\u201d Eve glanced down at the driver’s license. The photo was very good. Jane’s brown eyes were shining from that triangular face that was more fascinating than pretty. Eve had always thought she looked a little like Audrey Hepburn with those winged brows and high cheekbones but Joe couldn’t see it. He said Jane was an original and if she looked like anyone it was Eve. The same red-brown hair color, the same well-shaped mouth, the strong chin. \u201cIt’s a great photo, Jane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I look like I might have a modicum of intelligence. You finished with Ruth yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting close.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s good.\u201d She looked away from Eve as she bent down and patted Toby. \u201cThen don’t worry about stopping to have dinner. I’ll bring you a sandwich. We’ll celebrate some other time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another delay after Jane had waited a year because it hadn’t been \u201cconvenient\u201d for Eve and Joe? \u201cNo, we won’t.\u201d She handed the license back to Jane. \u201cThis is an important occasion. Ruth can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Jane glanced up and a brilliant smile illuminated her face. \u201cYou sure? It’s not as if\u2014it was a pretty easy test.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m sure. I wouldn’t miss it. I’m very proud of you.\u201d Eve turned away. \u201cBut I’ll have to work until supper is ready. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d She turned away. \u201cBut if you change your mind, I’ll understand.\u201d She ran down the steps. \u201cCome on, Toby. Let’s go for a run by the lake.\u201d She glanced over her shoulder. \u201cCall me if you need help, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage.\u201d Joe opened the screen door. \u201cYou and Toby need to get rid of some of that energy. You may not have been nervous, but you’re charged. Don’t come back until you’re more mellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jane laughed but didn’t answer as she streaked down the lake path with Toby at her heels.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe’s happy.\u201d Eve was smiling as she followed Joe into the cottage. \u201cIt’s good to see her like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s not new. It’s not as if she stumbles around with a gloomy puss all the time. She’s usually pretty happy. She lives every minute to the hilt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But this is different. Do you think we should buy her a car?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she wouldn’t take it. She’s already talking about getting a part-time job so that she could earn the money to buy one herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will take forever. Can we give her one for her birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave her a glance. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eve sighed. \u201cThat she’d see right through it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d He started unloading the groceries onto the kitchen counter. \u201cSo the best we can do is try to find her the best-paying part-time job in the area and find ways to get her transport.\u201d He unwrapped the steaks. \u201cNow you’d better get back to work. How close are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be able to finish up tonight. I’ll start the final phase as soon as Jane goes to her room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea.\u201d He picked up the bag of charcoal and carried it out the front door.<\/p>\n

No protests about her overworking. No suggestion that she put off the completion of the job until the next day.<\/p>\n

A tiny frown creased her forehead as she moved across the living room to her studio area. Ruth’s features were blank, waiting for the final smoothing and forming to bring them to life.<\/p>\n

Life.<\/p>\n

She glanced out the window at Joe lighting the charcoal in the stone barbecue pit at the side of the cottage. So many small acts made up life. So many hours, so many experiences. Jane had gone through one of those experiences today. . . . <\/p>\n

But Ruth had been cut off before she’d had a chance to experience more than the beginnings of womanhood. Early twenties, Joe had told her the forensic report was guessing. So young.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m getting close,\u201d she whispered. \u201cJust a little more measuring and we’ll go for it. I’ll bring you home, Ruth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

T<\/span><\/span>he woman was damn heavy.<\/p>\n

His chest was laboring as he carried the tarp-wrapped body up the hill.<\/p>\n

She was too heavy. Too voluptuous. He had known it wasn’t Cira, but she was similar enough that she had to be eliminated.<\/p>\n

He couldn’t take any chances.<\/p>\n

Not with Cira. Never with Cira.<\/p>\n

He grunted as he reached the top of the hill. He dropped the body on the ground and looked down at the sloping bank that dropped into Lake Lanier. The water was deep here and he’d weighted the tarp. She might not be discovered for weeks.<\/p>\n

And if she was found earlier, then it was too bad. It changed nothing but the difficulty.<\/p>\n

He drew a deep breath and then gave a shove that sent the body rolling down the bank. He watched the tarp disappear beneath the water.<\/p>\n

Gone.<\/p>\n

He lifted his head and felt the breeze caress his face. A tingling excitement was coursing through his veins and he felt more alive than he had since that first moment when he had realized what he had to do.<\/p>\n

He was close to her. He could feel<\/span> it.<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

O<\/span><\/span>kay,\u201d Eve murmured as she turned the pedestal to the light. \u201cHere we go, Ruth. Measurements only take us so far. Help me out. I can’t do this alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smooth.<\/p>\n

Start on the cheeks.<\/p>\n

Work fast.<\/p>\n

Don’t think.<\/p>\n

Or think about Ruth.<\/p>\n

Think about bringing her home.<\/p>\n

Do the upper lip.<\/p>\n

Smooth.<\/p>\n

A little less?<\/p>\n

No, leave it alone.<\/p>\n

Smooth.<\/p>\n

Her hands moved swiftly, mindlessly.<\/p>\n

Who are you, Ruth?<\/p>\n

Tell me. Help me.<\/p>\n

The middle area between nose and lip. Shorter?<\/p>\n

Yes.<\/p>\n

Smooth.<\/p>\n

Smooth.<\/p>\n

Smooth.<\/p>\n

It was three hours later when her hands fell away from the skull and she closed her eyes. \u201cIt’s the best I can do,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI hope it’s enough, Ruth. Sometimes it is.\u201d She opened her eyes and stepped back from the pedestal. \u201cWe’ll just have to\u2014My God!<\/span>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven’t finished her,\u201d Joe said from the doorway. He came over to her workbench and took out her eye case. \u201cYou know which ones to give her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took out two glass eyes and handed them to her. \u201cGive her eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

She jammed them into the sockets and whirled on him. \u201cWhat the hell are you doing?\u201d Her voice was shaking. \u201cFor Christ’s sake, why didn’t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe same reason you never let anyone give you photos of your subjects. It might have influenced you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it would have influenced me. What the devil is happening?\u201d Her gaze flew back to the skull. The likeness was remarkable. The face was fuller, more mature, the eyes a little closer together, but the features were very similar. Shockingly, frighteningly similar. \u201cIt’s Jane<\/span>, damn you.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Book Preview ONE Calhoun, Georgia Joe watched the body wrapped in a dark green tarp being carefully lifted from the grave by the forensic team. \u201cThanks for coming, Quinn.\u201d Detective Christy Lollack was walking toward him. \u201cI know it’s not your case but I needed you. This is a weird one.\u201d \u201cWhat’s weird about it?\u201d … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5604,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[383],"class_list":["post-5605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-iris-johansen"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5605"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5605\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}