Blind Alley - Iris Johansen [3]
“But I wanted her to—” She stared blindly at the skull. “She'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.”
“She has friends. She stayed the night at Patty's last week.”
“And how often does that happen?”
“I think she's very well balanced considering her background. You're worrying too much.”
“Maybe 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.”
“No, 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?”
“That's different.”
“Yeah, you had a drug addict for a mother instead of growing up in a dozen foster homes.”
She made a face. “Okay, so we both had it tough when we were kids, but I wanted something better for Jane.”
“But 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?”
“She'd be beautiful.”
“She is beautiful,” Joe said. “And 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.” He poured her a cup of coffee and brought it to her. “So stop trying to force her into the role.”
“As if I could. No one forces Jane to do anything she doesn't want to do.” She sipped the coffee and then grimaced. “You made it strong enough. You really want to keep me awake to finish this skull, don't you?”
“Yes.”
“Why? You're acting out of character. Even Jane noticed it.”
“It's important to the case. Have you named her yet?”
“Of course. She's Ruth. You know I always name them before I work on them. It's more respectful.”
“Just asking.” He moved toward the front door. “I think I hear Toby.”
“And you changed the subject.”
“Yes.” He smiled over his shoulder. “After all these years I need to maintain a little mystery. If I become too predictable, you might get bored with me.”
“No chance.” She looked away from him. “I might have thought I could tell what you'd do next at one time but not anymore.”
“Son of a bitch.”
She looked up to see Joe glaring at her. “Sorry. I shouldn't have said that.”
“No, you damn well shouldn't,” he said roughly. “Even though I know you're thinking it. When are you going to trust me, for God's sake?”
“I trust you.”
“Within limits.”
“Don't yell at me. You set those limits.”
“I lied. I deceived you. But you damn well know I only did it to stop you from hurting.”
“You let me think I buried the bones of my Bonnie instead of another little girl. You did it on purpose.” She met his gaze. “I 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—I love you, Joe, but I can't pretend all the time. If that's not good enough, it's your call.”
“And you know what that call will be.” He drew a deep, ragged breath. “I'll take what I can get. I won't let you go.” He opened the screen door. “Every month, every year we're together is a bonus. We'll get past this. Where's that damn dog?” He went out on the porch and she heard him whistle. “Toby!”
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.
“I've got him.” Toby bounded into the room ahead of Joe, panting and full of joy. “He's been on the hunt. That wolf blood is becoming more predominant. I'm not sure Sarah is right about letting him roam.”
“That's what I told Jane.” Joe was clearly ignoring the tension of the past few minutes and she eagerly followed his lead. “She said she'd stop him if we liked.”
He reached down and stroked Toby's head. “We'll keep an eye on him. Maybe a touch