Blind Alley - Iris Johansen [115]
“I saw him this morning before I came to the hospital. He picked up Giulia to return her to the museum.”
“But you didn't finish her.”
“Yes, I did. Last night. I worked all night to complete her. It wasn't that difficult. I'd done all the basic measurements. I only had to do a final.”
Jane smiled as she shook her head. “Only you would decide to do a reconstruction after you were dug out of a cave-in.”
“It was important to me.” Her hand tightened around Jane's. “I wanted this nightmare over. I had to have it over.”
“I understand. Me, too. After I call Sam Drake and give him his scoop, I'll be glad to put an end to all of this. What did she look like? Was she pretty?”
Eve looked away. “Not really pretty. She had a strong, interesting face.”
“And Trevor took her back already?” She paused. “He hasn't been by to see me. Not that I really expected him.”
“I imagine he's trying to stay out of Joe's way.”
“He thinks Joe will arrest him? He saved your life. He probably saved mine, too.”
“It would probably be more comfortable for Joe if he just disappeared. Then he wouldn't have to make a decision.”
“He won't stay around for long. He's got what he wanted.” She added, “But it wouldn't have hurt him to say good-bye.”
“Sometimes it does,” Bartlett said from the doorway. “Take me. I'm feeling very sad to say good-bye to you, Jane.” He came forward and took her hand. “But good friends never say permanent farewells, do they?”
“Are you going back home to London?” Eve asked.
“I'm considering it.” He smiled. “Or I may tag along with Trevor for a while. Life is never boring with him.”
“Where is he going?” Jane asked.
“I have no idea. You'll have to ask him.” He turned to Eve. “Good-bye. Thank you for all your kindness.”
Eve gave him a quick hug. “Take care. Call me if you need anything.” She brushed a kiss on Jane's forehead. “I'll pick you up at two this afternoon.”
“I'll be ready. 'Bye.” Jane watched her leave the room before turning back to Bartlett. “I'm not going to have the chance to ask Trevor anything, am I?”
“You might. Although it would be wiser for him to fade into the sunset.”
“Where is he?”
“He said he was returning that skeleton to the museum in Naples. Then he's taking the six o'clock flight from Naples to Rome. After that, I've no idea.”
“Why are you telling me that, if you believe it's wiser for him not to see me?”
He shrugged. “It's been brought to my attention lately that life is very short and wisdom may not be all that it's cracked up to be. When I was digging through that rubble with Trevor and the rescue crew, trying to get all of you out of that tunnel, I was thinking how sweet life could be and what a shame it was to miss a minute of it.” He turned away and headed for the door. “And that's why I'm probably going with Trevor and not back to my accounting job. I'll stay in touch, Jane.”
She lay there after he left, staring at the soothing seascape on the wall across the room. Everything in this room was bright and soothing, meant to help heal and make everything right. So different from the oppressive darkness of that tunnel. That nightmare time seemed remote and far away.
Can't breathe.
Hot. Smoky.
Night without air.
Would that dream of Cira fade away too?
It would no doubt be better if it did. She had spent far too much time researching and racking her brains to find some logical reason for a totally illogical experience. She should chalk those dreams of Cira up to one of life's mysteries and move on with reality. Yes, that was sensible.
And Mark Trevor should be dismissed with the same logic and practicality. He had been an interesting experience and she had learned something about herself from meeting him. Yet in six months the chances were that she would be on her way to completely forgetting him. She'd be starting her life and not looking back.
It was finished.
Naples was bathed in twilight, bustling, busy, old, yet trying to