Blind Alley - Iris Johansen [73]
Eve was silent a moment. “You think it will work?”
“I think it has a chance. Jane's hit on a way to use Aldo's obsession. Providing it's presented to him in the right way.”
“And that's your job?”
“I can't think of anyone more qualified.”
“Neither can I,” Jane said. “That's why you're here.”
“It sounds damn chancy to me,” Joe said.
“I don't care what it sounds like,” Jane said. “As long as it gives us a chance to draw Aldo out of the shadows.”
“And exactly what are we going to do once we get the bastard's attention?”
Jane shook her head. “We'll have to play it by ear and work it out. But no matter how difficult it is to find a way to trap him, we're still a step ahead. We'll have the advantage as long as he thinks we have something he wants. He wants Cira and he wants me. He'll be playing on our ball field and there's a chance we can catch him in a mistake if we can make him frantic enough.” She couldn't read Joe's expression, dammit. She added persuasively, “It's what you were trying to do when you were following him to Charlotte and Richmond, wasn't it? Only this will knock him off-balance. It will give us a chance and, in the end, it will be safest for me.”
“Bullshit.”
“Okay, then it will put an end to this nightmare. This standoff with Aldo could last for years if we don't do something.” She turned to Eve. “Help me.”
Eve stared at her and then slowly shook her head. “Don't push me. This whole idea scares the hell out of me. I need time.” She rose to her feet. “Come on, Joe. Let's take a walk by the lake and talk.”
“Eve . . .”
“I said you'll have to wait.” Eve shook her head ruefully. “In some ways you're so grown up, but you still have the impatience of youth. Nothing you say is going to change my mind. Joe and I will set the pace and do what we think is right.” She headed for the door Joe was holding open for her. “We'll let you know.”
Jane's hands clenched into fists as she watched them go down the steps. “Why can't they see it's the right thing to do?” she muttered. “It's so clear to me.”
Trevor smiled. “God, they're right. You are still a kid. I'm profoundly glad for this moment of revelation. I needed it.”
“What?”
“Never mind. It's clear to me, too. It's a good plan and we can keep you safe if we work at it. So they should come around to our way of thinking.” He opened the door. “Let's go out on the porch and wait for them.”
Okay, it's a go,” Joe said when he and Eve came up the steps an hour later. “But you don't do anything, go anywhere, without consulting with us first. It's a team effort or we pull the plug.”
Relief surged through her. “I've no intention of going off on a tangent by myself,” she said. “The whole basis of the plan is that it will take cooperation from all of us.”
“And that's why we're agreeing to do it,” Eve said. “It's the only way we can be sure that you won't strike out on your own.”
“Very perceptive,” Trevor murmured.
“You know I wouldn't want to do that,” Jane said.
“But you're not saying it's not a possibility.” Eve shook her head. “I know you. Do you think I couldn't see it coming?”
“I wouldn't do it willingly.” Jane shrugged. “Anyway, it's a moot point now.” She turned to Trevor. “How do we start?”
“Slowly.” He smiled as Jane gave him a frustrated glance. “Patience is golden.”
“Patience sucks.” She scowled. “And I'm getting sick and tired of everyone thinking that dragging your heels is a sign of maturity.”
He chuckled. “I was waiting for that.” He turned to Joe and Eve. “I'll need some information from both of you. I've put on a pot of coffee. Let's have a powwow.” He opened the door and gestured. “I've had a few thoughts while we've been standing around here waiting for you. I want to get started.” He glanced at Jane. “And maybe I'm a little impatient myself.”
Jane could see that in his expression. Impatient and eager and excited. She could almost forgive him for being patronizing.
Almost.
“How very immature of you.” She sailed ahead of him into the house.
Eve didn't wait for Jane to